US08384866B2
The present invention is directed to a VA-mode liquid crystal display panel wherein, by radiating light such as ultraviolet rays to a first alignment film, main chains in molecules of the alignment film are arranged to form a first slow axis. By also radiating the light to a second alignment film, a second slow axis is formed. The first slow axis and the second slow axis are arranged to cross each other. When an electric field is applied to a liquid crystal layer, liquid crystal molecules tilt in the direction which crosses the extending direction of projections formed on a substrate. The projections are formed such that the direction along which the liquid crystal molecules tilt and a first slow axis or a second slow axis differ from each other.
US08384865B2
A liquid crystal display is provided that includes first and second panels facing each other, an alignment layer disposed on at least one of the first and second panels, a fixing member disposed on the surface of the alignment layer to fix the alignment structure of the alignment layer, and liquid crystal materials disposed between the first and second panels. The liquid crystal materials include liquid crystal molecules that have a pre-tilt angle and are disposed on the alignment layer.
US08384863B2
A liquid crystal display screen includes a first electrode plate, a first alignment layer, a liquid crystal layer, a second alignment layer, and a second electrode plate opposite to the first electrode plate. The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer are respectively disposed on the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and face the liquid crystal layer. The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer respectively include a plurality of parallel first grooves and second grooves perpendicular to the first grooves formed thereon facing the liquid crystal layer. Furthermore, the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer respectively include a plurality of parallel and spaced carbon nanotube structures.
US08384859B2
Disclosed are a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, and a method for fabricating the same. The LCD device comprises a lower substrate, gate lines and data lines crossing each other on the lower substrate and defining pixel regions, thin film transistors (TFTs) formed at intersections between the gate lines and the data lines, protrusions disposed on the gate lines in a crossing manner, an upper substrate disposed to face the lower substrate, a first column spacer formed on the upper substrate and corresponding to the protrusion disposed on the lower substrate, a second column spacer disposed on the upper substrate with a distance from the lower substrate, and corresponding to a non-pixel region of the lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer filled in a space between the lower substrate and the upper substrate.
US08384858B2
A backlight source has a spectral distribution such that luminances of red and green light are stronger than luminance of blue light. A color filter includes a blue coloring layer that can best transmit a blue light, a red coloring layer that can best transmit a red light, a green coloring layer that can best transmit a green light, and a porous layer in which penetration holes are formed so as to penetrate therethrough in its thickness direction. The blue coloring layer is formed so as to be thicker than the red and green coloring layers. A liquid crystal layer is formed so as to be thinner in a portion facing the blue coloring layer than a portion facing the red and green coloring layers. The porous layer is formed from the same material and to have the same thickness as the blue coloring layer.
US08384854B2
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a backlight unit, a second polarization layer, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the backlight unit and the second polarization layer, a first polarization layer disposed between the backlight unit and the liquid crystal layer. In an embodiment, a surface of the first polarization layer facing the backlight unit includes a reflective surface and a surface of the first polarization layer facing the backlight unit includes an absorbent surface. In another embodiment, the first polarization layer includes grids, which include a metal, and absorbing members, which include dielectric materials. In another embodiment, the first polarization layer includes grids, each of which includes a first component including a dielectric material and a second component including a metal.
US08384847B2
A prism sheet, capable of enhancing wet-out ability in a whole back light unit while maintaining center brightness, transmittance and haze in good condition, is disclosed. The prism sheet includes a base film made of a transparent material and having a flat first surface, and a light refracting part including a plurality of unit prisms unitarily formed with the base film on a second surface of the base film, opposite to the flat first surface. The unit prisms have a predetermined shape of a cross section, and are arranged with orientation. When an angle formed between a ridge of the unit prism of the light refracting part and a normal line of the flat first surface is defined as θn, θn and θn+1 have different values from each other, and n is an integer more than 2. An LCD back light unit using the above prism sheet is also disclosed.
US08384845B2
The side surface of the light guide plate includes an incident surface which faces the light source unit in an opposed manner, and a fixing surface which is directed in the left-and-right direction orthogonal to the top-and-bottom direction which is the direction along which the light source unit and the incident surface each other in an opposed manner. An engaging portion which is engageable with a lower frame is formed on the fixing surface or an edge portion which forms the fixing surface. The engaging portion is configured to allow a change of a distance between the incident surface and the lower frame due to expansion or shrinkage of the light guide plate while restricting the movement of the light guide plate in the top-and-bottom direction.
US08384842B2
A display device which narrows a width of a frame thereof is provided. A display device includes a first substrate on which a plurality of switching elements is formed, a second substrate which is arranged to face the first substrate in an opposed manner, and a frame which is mounted on an outer peripheral portion of the first substrate by way of an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer and the frame each have an opening at a position corresponding to the plurality of switching elements formed on the first substrate, and an inner peripheral surface of the opening of the frame and an inner peripheral surface of the opening of the adhesive layer are made coplanar with each other.
US08384836B2
A liquid crystal display device having thin film transistors which can alleviate the required alignment accuracy of a semiconductor film while suppressing the generation of an optical leak current is provided. The liquid crystal display device includes: a transparent substrate; gate electrodes which are stacked above the transparent substrate; source electrodes and drain electrodes which are stacked above the gate electrodes; and semiconductor films each of which is stacked above the gate electrode and controls an electric current between the source electrode and the drain electrode based on an electric field generated by the gate electrode, wherein the semiconductor film is formed into a planar shape, and includes a first region which overlaps with the gate electrode in plane and a second region which does not overlap with the gate electrode in plane, and the source electrode and the drain electrode are not connected to the semiconductor film in the second region, and are connected to the semiconductor film in the first region.
US08384833B2
According to one embodiment, a television includes a housing includes a light-transmitting portion, a control part provided on an inner surface of the housing, a first light-emitting diode provided on the inner surface of the housing and configured to emit light towards the light-transmitting portion as controlled by the control part and a wiring provided on the inner surface of the housing and configured to connect the control part and the first light-emitting diode to each other.
US08384829B2
A display apparatus includes: a display panel that includes display elements having a current-driven light-emitting portion, in which the display elements are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix in a first direction and a second direction, and that displays an image on the basis of a video signal; and a luminance correcting unit that corrects the luminance of the display elements when displaying an image on the display panel by correcting a gradation value of an input signal and outputting the corrected input signal as the video signal. The luminance correcting unit includes a reference operating time calculator, an accumulated reference operating time storage, a reference curve storage, a gradation correction value holder, and a video signal generator.
US08384827B2
A system and method for characterizing the relative offset in time between audio and video signals and enables the receiver of the audio and video signals to resynchronize the audio and video signals. Signal characterization data is dynamically captured and encoded into frames of video and audio data that is output by a television origination facility. The signal characterization data is extracted by the receiver and signal characterization data is captured for the received frames. The extracted signal characterization data is compared with the captured signal characterization data to compute the relative offset in time between the video and one or more audio signals for a frame. The receiver may then resynchronize the video and audio signals using the computed relative offset.
US08384824B2
A compact and lightweight display device having an image pickup function and a two-way communication system which can shoot an image of a user as an object and display an image at the same time without degrading image quality by disposing a semi-transmitting mirror or the like which blocks an image on the display screen (display plane). The display device having the image pickup function includes a display panel capable of transmitting visible light at least and arranging display elements which can be controlled by voltage or current, and an image pickup device disposed around the display panel. The image pickup device is input with data of an image of a user or the like by a reflector, or equipped with a fiberscope bundling optical fibers.
US08384821B2
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an autofocus method that includes moving a focus lens according to an image signal generated from an image of a subject formed by an imaging optical system with a focus lens, obtaining a focus contrast of each of multiple image signals generated in a case of moving a position of the focus lens; and determining a moving direction of the focus lens according to the multiple obtained focus contrasts in response to a focus instruction.
US08384817B2
A solid-state imager includes a photoelectric conversion region for photoelectrically converting a light beam received on a light receiving surface thereof into a signal charge and a waveguide path for guiding the light beam to the light receiving surface. The waveguide path includes a plurality of waveguide members, each waveguide member guiding a light beam incident on a light incident surface thereof to a light output surface thereof. The plurality of waveguide members are laminated on the light receiving surface. A first waveguide member closest to the light receiving surface from among the plurality of waveguide members faces the light receiving surface and is smaller in area than a light incident surface of a second waveguide member farthest from the light receiving surface from among the plurality of waveguide members.
US08384815B2
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device for performing photoelectric conversion to convert light from an object into an electrical signal; a phase difference detection section for receiving the light from the object to the imaging device while the imaging device receives the light, and performing phase difference detection; a focus lens group for adjusting a focus position; a focus lens position detection section for detecting a position of a focus lens; and a control section for calculating an object distance based on an output of the focus lens position detection section and an output of the phase difference detection section and automatically selecting one of a plurality of shooting modes according to the calculated object distance.
US08384814B2
A CMOS imager is integrated on a single substrate along with logic and support circuitry for decoding and processing optical information received by the CMOS imager. Integrating a CMOS imager and peripheral circuitry allows for a single chip image sensing device.
US08384806B2
A black level control apparatus and method, particularly for a high-speed video camera (8). The apparatus (10,100) comprises an image signal channel (30,130) for receiving an image signal having a black level from an image sensing device (22,122); a black level sensing device (24,124) for generating a black level signal; a black level signal channel (40,140), independent from the image signal channel, for receiving the black level signal from the black level sensing device; a black level controller (60,160) for receiving an input signal based on the black level signal, measuring a difference between the input signal and a reference signal, generating a control signal based on the difference, outputting the control signal to the image signal channel to adjust the black level of the image signal, and feeding the control signal to the black level signal channel, such that the input signal is based on the black level signal and the control signal.
US08384803B2
This invention relates to a system and method for creating an omni-focused image. Specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for electronically amalgamating images using real-time distance information to create an omni-focused image. The system of the invention comprises one or more video cameras aimed at a scene each generating a video output focused at a different distance, a distance mapping camera providing distance information for one or more objects in the scene, and a pixel selection utility wherein the pixel selection utility uses the distance information to select pixels from the video outputs to be used to generate a video display. The system is then operable to focus and amalgamate the video outputs to produce one image with multiple focal points or an omni-focused image.
US08384794B2
An image sensing device is configured as follows. Namely, the device includes a recording unit configured to record correspondence data formed by making an action state of the object and voice information recorded prior to the shooting to correspond to each other, a voice determination unit configured to determine whether the voice acquired by a voice acquisition unit contains the voice information which forms the correspondence data, an action state determination unit configured to, when the voice acquired by the voice acquisition unit contains the voice information which forms the correspondence data, determine whether the action state of the object that corresponds to the voice information and an actual action state of the object match each other, and a control unit configured to, when the action state of the object that corresponds to the voice information and the actual action state of the object match each other, control shooting processing.
US08384790B2
A video sequence is enhanced by selecting a reference video frame and at least one auxiliary video frame from the video sequence. The information from the reference frame and the auxiliary frame are combined based on measurements of the displacement of objects between the reference frame and each of the auxiliary video frames. Video and multimedia presentations are then generated using the enhanced video frame combining information from the reference video frame and the at least one auxiliary video frame.
US08384767B2
A stereoscopic camera includes first and second image pickup units, having respectively first and second optical axes, for photographing an object to form two image frames. Two angle adjusters make angle adjustment of the optical axes. An object detector detects a human face as a principal object in the two image frames. An arithmetic processor obtains a shift amount of the face between two image frames, and determines an axial correction angle according to the shift amount for the angle adjustment in consideration of the face. A checker checks whether the angle adjustment should be made for both optical axes or for one thereof. A controller operates at least one of the two angle adjusters according to the axial correction angle and in response to information from the checker, for positioning the face equally between the two image frames optically by adjusting the first and/or second optical axis.
US08384765B2
A transmitter is provided. When a three-dimensional image signal including a two-dimensional image signal and depth information of the two-dimensional image signal is transmitted to a receiver using a two signal transmission lines, the three-dimensional image signal including the two-dimensional image signal and the depth information of the two-dimensional image signal is input. Also, signal separation of the two-dimensional image signal is performed. In addition, one signal-separated part of the two-dimensional image signal is transmitted to a first signal transmission line and the other signal-separated part of the two-dimensional image signal is combined with the depth information and then transmitted to a second signal transmission line.
US08384749B2
A thermal head has a support substrate that has a concave portion having an opening portion formed in a surface of the support substrate, and an upper substrate bonded to the surface of the support substrate in a stacked state to close the opening portion. The upper substrate has an external dimension which is smaller than an external dimension of the support substrate and is slightly larger than an external dimension of the opening portion for closing the opening portion. A heating resistor is formed on a surface of the upper substrate in a position opposed to the concave portion of the support substrate. The thermal head is high in durability and reliability with increased printing efficiency as well as increased manufacturing yields.
US08384744B2
There is provided an information processing apparatus including: a display panel for displaying a plurality of objects; an area region detection unit for detecting an operation body positioned on the display panel, and detecting an area region of the display panel corresponding to the operation body; a contacting object detection unit for detecting one or a plurality of objects contacting the area region detected by the area region detection unit; and an object selection unit for setting part of or all of the objects detected by the contacting object detection unit to a selected state.
US08384736B1
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating a batch clip state stored in clip state machine (CSM) associated with a batch of vertices. Per-vertex clip state is generated for each vertex in the batch of vertices based on the position of each vertex relative to each clip plane. For a given vertex, per-vertex clip state indicates whether the vertex is inside or outside each of the one or more clip planes. The per-vertex clip states of all the vertices in the batch of vertices are coalesced into a batch clip state by determining whether each vertex in the batch of vertices is inside every clip plane, each vertex is outside at least one clip plane or neither. The batch clip state is stored in the CSM associated with the thread group that processes the batch of vertices that can be accessed by further stages of the graphics pipeline.
US08384735B2
Specification is received regarding which structure identifying information, each corresponding to an anatomical structure, is specified as display target structure identifying information to be displayed with a display target image when displaying the display target image, in which the positions of each pixel correspond to positions within an original image. The position of the anatomical structure identified by the structure identifying information is specified, based on structure information, in which structure identifying information that identifies anatomical structures and structure position information that represents the positions of the anatomical structures within the original image are correlated, and the correspondence of positions between the original image and the display target image. The display target structure identifying information is displayed with the display target image such that a user can recognize that the anatomical structure identified by the display target structure identifying information is displayed at the specified position.
US08384731B2
A color transformation method includes following steps. First, a color signal is received. Then, a saturation calculation step is performed to generate a saturation value of the color signal, and a hue-angle-weighting calculation step is performed to generate a first hue-angle weighting of the color signal corresponding to a first LUT and a second hue-angle weighting of the color signal corresponding to a second LUT. Next, a color calculation step is performed to transform the color signal into a first color output signal according to the saturation value and the first hue-angle weighting and to transform the color signal to a second color output signal according to the saturation value and the second hue-angle weighting.
US08384718B2
A system enables a user viewing a plurality of graphical objects rendered on a display screen of a mobile device to manipulate the renderings of each graphical object for purposes of selecting a first of the graphical objects. The system comprises the display screen and a facial proximity system determining the distance of the mobile device from the face of the user. A graphical user interface control system drives a rendering of the graphical objects on the display screen. Further, upon receiving an indication of a change in distance between the mobile device and the face of the user and, upon determining that the distance between the mobile device and the face of the user has changed, the graphical user interface control system modifies at least one of the size of the rendering of the graphical objects and the perspective of the rendering of the graphical objects on the display screen.
US08384715B2
Views of parametric surfaces are rendered. A set of parametric surface patches representing a parametric surface being rendered is projected onto a scene, producing a set of view-projected surface patches. Each view-projected surface patch is identified for either culling, subdivision or rendering. For patches which are identified for subdivision, the patches are recursively subdivided into sub-patches until for each sub-patch a prescribed screen-space projection of the sub-patch satisfies a prescribed screen-space error metric. Once the error metric is satisfied, the sub-patch is identified for rendering. Patches and sub-patches which have been identified for rendering are prepared and rendered.
US08384708B2
An apparatus and method for driving a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) device are disclosed. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel in which a plurality of subpixels arranged on each horizontal line are commonly connected to at least one adjacent data line, and on at least one horizontal line basis, a plurality of subpixels are connected to at least one adjacent data line through Thin Film Transistors (TFTs) of the subpixels from a same direction with respect to the at least one adjacent data line, a data driver for driving a plurality of data lines, a gate driver for driving a plurality of gate lines, and a timing controller for arranging externally received image data according to arrangement of subpixel columns commonly connected to each data line, providing the arranged image data to the data driver, and controlling driving timings of the gate driver and the data driver.
US08384702B2
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of thin film transistors of a single channel formed on an insulating substrate, and a buffer circuit including an outputting stage; a first inputting stage; a second inputting stage; a seventh thin film transistor; and an eighth thin film transistor.
US08384697B2
A stylus device is adapted for use with a capacitive touch panel, and includes a main body having a handle portion, and a transparent touch portion connected to the handle portion, adapted to be placed on the capacitive touch panel and having a flat touch surface. A transparent conductive membrane is formed on the touch portion and the handle portion, and covers the touch surface of the touch portion so that the transparent conductive membrane connects electrically a user's hand when the handle portion of the main body is held by the user's hand.
US08384692B2
A menu selection apparatus and method using a pointing means are disclosed. The menu selection apparatus includes a display unit for displaying a menu; a position change detector for detecting a change in a pointing-position of the pointing means; a control unit for outputting a menu selection control signal on the basis of a pointing-position change detected by the position change detector; and a pointer movement processor for updating, according to a menu selection control signal from the control unit, a virtual location of a pointer in units of menu items in a current menu screen. As a result, the precision of the pointer's movement for the purpose of menu navigation can be enhanced for user convenience.
US08384686B1
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method for generating a keypad layout. The method may include determining a frequency distribution of characters for a text sample and generating character groupings using the frequency distribution. The method may further comprise assigning the character groupings to keys on the keypad so that characters that appear most frequently in the text sample can be selected with a single keystroke.
US08384683B2
The present invention relates to a handheld computerized device with a bit mapped display screen on the front panel, and a touchpad installed on the back panel. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and graphical user interface that enable the user to see the user's finger position and motion from behind the device superimposed upon a virtual keyboard layout on the front panel. This allows the user to use a touchpad keypad on the back of the device to input keystrokes and mouse actions, and these will be reflected on the display screen on the front of the handheld computerized device as “virtual fingers” or equivalent.
US08384677B2
A method of determining input at a touch-sensitive input surface of a portable electronic device includes detecting a touch event at the touch-sensitive input surface, sampling touch attributes during the touch event, determining an actual touch location and determining at least one shift in touch location based on the touch attributes sampled during the touch event, and determining an input based on the actual touch location and the direction of shift of the touch location.
US08384672B2
The present embodiments provide systems and methods for use in remote controlling devices including consumer electronic devices. Some embodiments provide a remote control system that comprises a processor, a touch screen display coupled with and receiving display control signals from the display driver such that the touch screen display displays one of a plurality of control views with a fixed number of function buttons displayed in each of the plurality of control views, and a wireless transmitter coupled with the processor that wirelessly transmits function signals in response to a detection of a selection of one of the function buttons.
US08384670B1
A non-keyboard computer peripheral device represents itself to a host computer as having a keyboard function in addition to representing its actual function. Keyboard status signals are generated by the host computer in response to a user pressing different keys on an actual keyboard. The peripheral device uses the keyboard status signals to identify different peripheral device operations selected by the user. In one example, a radio receiving device represents itself to the host computer as including the keyboard function. Pressing a button on the receiving device causes the receiving device to send a sequence of keystroke commands to the host computer that cause the host computer to initiate software applications and to display operating instructions to a user. A series of further binding operations are then executed in accordance with the displayed operating instructions.
US08384666B2
An input device having a manipulation member is disclosed. The input device has an absolute input mode and a relative input. In the absolute input mode, the input device determines a coordinate of a pointed point on a window of a display unit based on a coordinate of the manipulation member. In the relative input mode, the input device determines the pointed point on the window in a relative manner based on a two-dimensional displacement of the manipulation member with respect to a reference position, which is set when an input mode is switched into the relative input mode. When the manipulation member receives a load that causes the manipulation member to move beyond a predetermined range, the input device generates and applies a force corresponding to the load to the manipulation member.
US08384660B2
A display system displays a received image on a display device based on image information transmitted from at least one image supply device via a network. An image generating unit generates a segmented image segmented into plural individual areas, the segmented image contains an individual connection image representing connection information for the image supply device to connect to the display device in an area correlated to one individual area of the plural individual areas. A determining unit determines whether connection is permitted or not based on the connection request information. When connection to the image supply device is permitted by the determining unit, the image generating unit generates the segmented image containing the received image based on the image information from the image supply device in the individual area.
US08384655B2
An LED driving circuit includes a control logic circuit, a dimming circuit and a counter. The control logic circuit is electrically coupled to an enable pin for receiving an input signal, and asserts an internal enable signal for activating the LED driving circuit. The dimming circuit is electrically coupled to the enable pin and outputs a control signal for controlling current flowing into at least one load connected to the LED driving circuit. The counter identifies the input signal based on a clock signal and asserts a detection signal for informing the control logic circuit of de-asserting the internal enable signal to de-activate the LED driving circuit when identifying the input signal as the enable signal being de-asserted for a predetermined period of the clock signal. A method of controlling an LED driving circuit is also disclosed herein.
US08384653B2
A system and method for improving the saturation of a red-green-blue-white (RGBW) image signal, the system including: an image signal classification unit to classify a frame of an image signal into an image classification unit using an image classification parameter based on a luminance and a saturation of the frame; a backlight luminance controller to increase a backlight luminance with respect to the frame if the image classification unit thereof is a saturation improvement target; and a W sub-pixel controller to decrease a luminance of a W sub-pixel of the frame according to an amount of increase in the backlight luminance.
US08384642B2
A driving device that outputs signals of different polarities from plural output terminals includes: a first power source wire that connects power terminals of some of plural first output circuits each outputting a signal of one polarity and power terminals of some of plural second output circuits each outputting a signal of the other polarity; and a second power source wire that connects power terminals of the rest of the plural first output circuits and power terminals of the rest of the plural second output circuits, the second power source wire being different from the first power source wire.
US08384637B2
A charge sharing style wide viewing liquid crystal display to which fast driving pre-charging technology may be applied to is disclosed. A charge sharing style wide viewing liquid crystal display is provided such that charge sharing is carried out between a liquid crystal capacitor and a charge sharing capacitor that correspond to the nth gate line when the mth (m≧n+2) gate line is turned on.
US08384634B2
Visual artifacts in a display are reduced by moving, to the extent possible, display driver components to the display surface itself, thereby shortening conductor distances and reducing the parasitic effects caused by parasitic resistance of the conductors between the display power supply and the display, and between the stabilizing capacitors and the display. To avoid interference with the device housing, low-profile driver components, including either or both of stabilizing capacitors and power supply terminals, can be provided and bonded to the surface of the display side of the outer layer of the display. Alternatively, the stabilizing capacitors can be formed on the display side in the same way that, e.g., in an LCD display, the transparent electrodes for controlling the liquid crystals are formed.
US08384619B2
When switching a motion blur pointer image to a normal pointer image, an intermediate pointer image is displayed between the motion blur pointer image and the normal pointer image. The intermediate pointer image is a rectangle, and coordinates of vertexes of the rectangle are composed of coordinates of vertexes of the motion blur pointer image and the next normal pointer image.
US08384617B2
Systems and methods for selecting an action associated with a power state transition of a head-mounted display (HMD) in the form of eyeglasses are disclosed. A signal may be received from a sensor on a nose bridge of the eyeglasses indicating if the HMD is in use. Based on the received signal, a first powers state for the HMD may be determined. Responsive to the determined first power state, an action associated with a power state transition of the HMD from an existing power state to the first power state may be selected. The action may be selected from among a plurality of actions associated with a plurality of state transitions. Also, the action may be a sequence of functions performed by the HMD including modifying an operating state of a primary processing component of the HMD and a detector of the HMD configured to image an environment.
US08384612B2
A transceiver, including a multi-layer printed circuit board including a layer that serves as a first ground plane, and an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio signals, a second ground plane, and at least one ground contact for connecting the first ground plane and the second ground plane, wherein the first ground plane is too short for the antenna to resonate at a desired frequency, but the first and second ground planes, when connected, provide a combined ground plane sufficient for the antenna to resonate at the desired frequency.
US08384608B2
Technology is described for a slot antenna. The slot antenna can include a substrate having a metal layer on a first side of the substrate. A feed line can be located on a second side of the substrate. A first polygon shaped slot can be formed in the metal layer of a first side of the substrate. A second polygon shaped slot can also be formed in the metal layer of the first side of the substrate. The second polygon shaped slot can be recessed within a perimeter of the first polygon shaped slot and the second polygon shaped slot and first polygon shaped slot share a common side. Examples of the first and second polygon shapes may include square or diamond shapes.
US08384607B2
The present invention relates to an antenna system comprising on a substrate, at least a first and a second printed radiating elements, each supplied by a feed line, with, between the two radiating elements, at least one transmission line comprising a first extremity and a second extremity. The first and the second extremities of the transmission line are respectively coupled to the first and the second radiating elements according to a coupling function with a ratio 1:b, b>1 and a phase φ, linked to the physical difference between the radiating elements, the length of the transmission line bringing a phase difference θ such that θ compensates for φ.The invention applies to antennas compatible with WIFI.
US08384606B2
An antenna device includes: an antenna element that transmits or receives wireless signals in a predetermined first frequency band and in a second frequency band higher in frequency than the first frequency band; a feeding terminal portion; a first bandwidth adjustment circuit that includes a first capacitor for widening a bandwidth of the first frequency band to a predetermined bandwidth, the capacitance of the first capacitor being set at a predetermined value in accordance with the predetermined bandwidth; and a second bandwidth adjustment circuit that includes second and third capacitors and a first inductor for widening a bandwidth of the first frequency band to the predetermined bandwidth, the capacitance of each of the second and third capacitors and the inductance of the first inductor being respectively set at predetermined values in accordance with the predetermined bandwidth.
US08384600B2
An antenna is presented having a flared structure wherein charge is induced from one portion of the structure to another. The flared structure may be a V-shaped or other shaped element. The antenna includes at least one parasitic element to increase the gain of the antenna and extend the radiation pattern generated by the antenna in a given direction.
US08384590B2
The present invention relates to a system, and a method for time synchronization with low power consumption and high accuracy. The system comprises a plurality of devices for time synchronization. Each device comprises a GPS receiver, a microprocessor, and an oscillator. The microprocessor generates a drift per second according to the difference between the PPS signal and the clock signal, and calibrates the clock signal constantly according to drift per second. The GPS receiver is turned off when the drift per second is obtained, and then is turned on after a pre-determined time period for updating the drift per second.
US08384578B2
An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter circuit arranged for receiving an analog input signal and for outputting a digital representation of said analog input signal is described. The A/D converter circuit includes: a first converter stage configured for receiving the analog input signal and for generating a first set of conversion bits, a first completion signal and a residual analog output signal representing the difference between the analog input signal and a signal represented by said first set of conversion bits, a second converter stage comprising a clock generation circuit arranged for receiving the first completion signal and for generating a clock signal, a plurality of comparators each being configured for receiving the residual analog output signal and a common reference voltage, said plurality of comparators arranged for being activated by the clock signal and for outputting a plurality of comparator decisions, a digital processing stage configured for receiving the plurality of comparator decisions and for generating a second set of conversion bits, means for generating the digital representation of the analog input signal by combining the first and second set of conversion bits.
US08384574B2
A delta-sigma modulator is disclosed which has a filter comprising a filter input, two LC resonators (LC1-1, LC1-2), and two switches (CBT/CGT). An input of each one of the two switches is connected to the filter input and a corresponding output of each one of the two switches is connected to a corresponding one of said LC resonators. Each one of the two switches is individually controllable for selectively connecting the corresponding one of the LC resonators with the filter input. The invention also relates to a method for changing the mode of operation of a delta-sigma modulator.
US08384570B2
A method is presented for converting the sine/cosine signals from an optical encoder into a high-resolution position signal for use by a position control system while eliminating common noise and error sources. The improved noise performance resulting from the alias-free demodulation of encoder signals improves precision and reduces power consumption in precision motion control applications. The adaptive compensation of harmonic distortion eliminates errors related to offset, gain and quadrature of the encoder channels. The interpolator is able to process encoder signals at extremely high resolution without the speed limitation of prior art encoder interpolators.
US08384567B2
An encoding apparatus that converts m-bit data words into n-bit code words, where m and n are both integers and satisfy an expression 2n≧2m×2, includes a first conversion table in which 2m m-bit data words are associated with 2m n-bit code words selected from 2n n-bit code words, a second conversion table in which the 2m m-bit data words are associated with 2m n-bit code words that have been selected from the 2n n-bit code words and that do not overlap with the 2m n-bit code words in the first conversion table, and an encoder configured to select and output an n-bit code word with which an m-bit data word that has been input is associated in the first conversion table or an n-bit code word with which the m-bit data word that has been input is associated in the second conversion table, the selected and output n-bit code word having a smaller number of symbols “1”.
US08384564B2
A method and system for adding traffic gadgets to a traffic report is disclosed. A traffic gadget is a dynamic object defined by a relatively small code module that is separate from the main traffic report application code. A programmer develops the traffic gadget's visual functionality and specifies the type of data that the traffic gadget can receive. An artist configures the visible appearance of the traffic gadget for a specific end-user application. The end-user may then select a traffic gadget and add the selected traffic gadget to a visual traffic report. The user may also select data to control the functionality of the traffic gadget during the traffic report.
US08384545B2
An automatic data collection system tracks articles by providing a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles are stored. Respective data carriers, such as RFID tags, attached to each article respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting unique data identified with each article. Where the frequency of the EM field coupled to the enclosure differs from the natural resonance frequency of the enclosure, the placement of a probe to couple energy to the enclosure is selected to have the reflected phase of the EM energy from walls equal at the probe location thereby producing a robust EM field to activate and/or detect data carriers.
US08384537B1
The vehicle interior security apparatus ensures the security of living beings within the confines of an auto or other enclosure in which they might reside or temporarily reside. The apparatus importantly provides for automatic emergency alert as well as manually triggered emergency alert. The apparatus can therefore safely guard even animals, babies, and others unable to fend for themselves. The apparatus provides for power generation so that existing power, such as that of a vehicle, need not be fully relied upon. The solar grid can power the apparatus and can also recharge existing electrical systems as well as operate the apparatus. The apparatus provides multiple components for audio, visual, and airwave warnings.
US08384535B2
A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of notifying drivers of the fluid level. Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and generates driver status signals. A fluid level sensing device is operable to generate a fluid level signal indicative of the fluid level. A controller is coupled to the fluid level sensing device and the key ignition device. The controller determines whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver in response to the driver status signals. The controller notifies the primary or secondary driver of the fluid level in response to the fluid level signal. The controller selectively controls the operation of notifying the primary or the secondary driver based on whether the driver is the primary or secondary driver.
US08384532B2
A substantially transparent windscreen head up display includes one of light emitting particles or microstructures over a predefined region of the windscreen permitting luminescent display while permitting vision through the windscreen. A method to represent graphical images upon a transparent windscreen head up display of a vehicle describing transit of the vehicle with respect to a lane of travel includes monitoring informational inputs describing an operational environment of the vehicle. Monitoring these informational inputs includes monitoring a desired lane of travel, and monitoring a current position of the vehicle. The method further includes determining a relationship of the desired lane of travel to the current position of the vehicle, determining a graphic describing the relationship of the desired lane of travel to the current position of the vehicle, and displaying the graphic describing the relationship of the desired lane of travel to the current position of the vehicle upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display.
US08384511B2
A photoreceptor device includes a photoreceptor unit, a detector, an amount-of-light controller, and a correcting unit. The photoreceptor unit includes one or more photoelectric converter elements, and converts received light into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal. The detector detects an illuminance of ambient light received by the photoreceptor unit, on the basis of the electric signal. The amount-of-light controller controls an amount of light incident on the photoreceptor unit. The correcting unit corrects the illuminance of ambient light detected by the detector, on the basis of the electric signal output from the photoreceptor unit when the photoreceptor unit is shielded from light.
US08384497B2
A piezoelectric resonator structure, comprising: (i) a substrate, (ii) an acoustic mirror, (iii) a first electrode, (iv) a piezoelectric layer, and (v) a second electrode, wherein each of the substrate, the acoustic mirror, the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode has a top surface and a bottom surface, a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion, and a body portion defined therebetween, wherein the overlapped area of body portions of the substrate, the acoustic mirror, the first electrode, the piezoelectric layer and the second electrode is defined as an active area A. A plurality of air gaps and interference structures is formed at the first end portion of the piezoelectric layer and the second electrode, and the second end portion of the piezoelectric layer and the second electrode to enhance the performance of the piezoelectric resonator.
US08384496B2
A band-stop filter is proposed which is constructed on a multilayered substrate and consists of a parallel circuit comprising a bandpass filter and a high-pass filter. The two filters are at least partly realized in the form of LC-elements integrated into the substrate. Further circuit components can be arranged as discrete components on the substrate. In the filter branch having the bandpass filter, an electroacoustic resonator is arranged in a transverse branch to ground. By means of the filter, a wide stop band is obtained, while the passband or passbands can comprise a plurality of radio bands.
US08384488B2
This disclosure relates to an all digital phase-lock loop (ADPLL). The ADPLL determines an error generated by a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) which is operated using a tuning word, stores information related to the error, and compensates for the error based on the stored information.
US08384483B2
A distributed power converter is for use with an RF power amplifier and includes a primary converter connected to an input voltage and configured to provide an unregulated DC intermediate voltage that is galvanically isolated from the input voltage. Additionally, the distributed power converter also includes a secondary regulator connected galvanically to the unregulated DC intermediate voltage and configured to generate a regulated DC supply voltage for at least a portion of the RF power amplifier. In another aspect, a method of operating a distributed power converter is for use with an RF power amplifier and includes providing an unregulated DC intermediate voltage that is galvanically isolated from an input voltage and generating a regulated DC supply voltage for at least a portion of the RF power amplifier that is galvanically connected to the unregulated DC intermediate voltage.
US08384476B2
Exemplary embodiments of the invention includes an amplifier and a processor that adapts a baseline or previous model of the input-output signal characteristic of the amplifier using metrics of the system, including peak power, peak voltage, average power, root mean square (RMS) voltage, samples of the output signal of the amplifier, or environmental metrics such as temperature, power supply voltage, signal frequency, etc. In particular, the system comprises an amplifier; a device to measure a metric of the system; a processor to generate a present model of the input-output signal characteristic of the amplifier based on the system metric; and a predistortion device to predistort the input signal for the amplifier based on the present amplifier model.
US08384473B2
A voltage output device capable of preventing an increase in circuit scale includes an offset compensation function and is suitably applicable to a drive circuit for display devices. The voltage output device includes an operational amplifier having an inverting input terminal and a non-inverting input terminal. Resistance values of a load resistor on the inverting input side and a load resistor on the non-inverting input side are maintained when the output voltage of the amplifier has changed while sequentially varying either one or both of the resistance values of the load resistor on the inverting input side and the load resistor on the non-inverting input side in a state that the inverting input terminal and the non-inverting input terminal are connected. The voltage output device is configured to output the output voltage of the amplifier with the inverting input terminal not connected to the non-inverting input terminal.
US08384467B1
An apparatus includes a charge pump array including multiple charge pump cells. The charge pump array is configurable into a first arrangement of the charge pump cells coupled in series or a second arrangement of the charge pump cells coupled in parallel. The apparatus can include reconfiguration circuitry configured to select the first arrangement of the charge pump cells or the second arrangement of the charge pump cells. The charge pump array is configured to alter a voltage level of a signal based, at least in part, on the selected arrangement of the charge pump cells.
US08384465B2
An amplitude-stabilized second-order predistortion circuit includes a main cell having a differential input for receiving a differential input voltage, a differential output for providing a differential output voltage, and a load control input for receiving a load control voltage; a replica cell having a differential input for receiving a differential level of peak input voltage, a differential peak output voltage, and a load control input; and a control circuit coupled to the differential output of the replica cell and driving the load control inputs of the main cell and the replica cell. The main cell and the replica cell are multiplier cells each having a variable load. The control circuit includes a first amplifier for generating a single-ended peak signal and a second amplifier for generating the load control voltage from the difference between the replica cell single-ended peak output signal and a single-ended peak reference signal.
US08384440B2
The high resolution capture (HRCAP) of this invention enables time stamping of input signals with very high resolution without requiring high frequency sampling. This invention uses a capture delay line to time stamp an input edge signal as a fraction of the input signal sampling frequency. The capture delay line includes a first input receiving a synchronized signal and a second input receiving the input signal. These inputs propagate toward one another within a sequence of bit circuits. The meeting location within the sequence of bit circuits indicates a time of the input signal transition at a resolution greater than possible via the sampling frequency clock.
US08384432B2
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of core chips and an interface chip stacked together. Each of the core chips and the interface chip includes plural through silicon vias that penetrate a semiconductor substrate and a bidirectional buffer circuit that drives the through silicon vias. The interface chip also includes a logic-level holding circuit that holds a logic level of the through silicon vias. The bidirectional buffer circuit includes an input buffer and an output buffer. The driving capability of a first inverter of the logic-level holding circuit is smaller than the driving capability of the output buffer of the bidirectional buffer circuit.
US08384425B2
This invention provides a semiconductor device structure formed on a conventional semiconductor-on-insulator (SeOI) substrate and including an array of patterns, each pattern being formed by at least one field-effect transistor, each FET transistor having, in the thin film, a source region, a drain region, a channel region, and a front control gate region formed above the channel region. The provided device further includes at least one FET transistor having a pattern including a back control gate region formed in the base substrate beneath the channel region, the back gate region being capable of being biased in order to shift the threshold voltage of the transistor to simulate a modification in the channel width of the transistor or to force the transistor to remain off or on whatever the voltage applied on its front control gate. This invention also provides methods of operating such semiconductor device structures.
US08384407B2
A test pad structure may include a plurality of test pads and a plurality of connection leads. A plurality of the test pads may be sequentially arranged from a wiring pattern on a substrate and arranged in rows parallel with one another. The plurality of the test pads may include a first group of test pads having at least one pad arranged in a first row and a second group of test pads having at least two pads. A plurality of the connection leads may extend from end portions of the wiring pattern to be connected to the plurality of test pads. A plurality of the connection leads may include at least one inner lead passing between the at least two pads of the second group of the test pads arranged in a second row closest to the first group of the test pads. The at least one inner lead may be connected to at least one pad of the at least two pads of the second group of the test pads arranged in a third row next to the second row.
US08384400B2
A capacitance measurement circuit includes an operation amplifier; a reference capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a first input terminal of the operation amplifier and a second terminal selectively coupled to a first or second reference voltage; a sensor capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a second input terminal of the operation amplifier and a second terminal selectively coupled to the first or second reference voltage; an approximation unit having an output terminal and an input terminal coupled to an output terminal of the operation amplifier; a conversion unit having an output terminal and an input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the approximation unit; and a coupling capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the first or second input terminal of the operation amplifier and a second terminal coupled to the output terminal of the conversion unit.
US08384386B2
A system and method are presented that facilitate imaging of the joints of the upper and lower extremities including, for example, the hip and shoulder as well as sections of the spine, among others. One embodiment of the invention includes a short bore cylindrical magnet with an imaging volume smaller than that of a comparable whole body system, an articulated table that allows placement of the joint to be imaged in the center of the magnet homogeneous volume while maintaining a high degree of patient comfort and openness. The gradient and RF coils may be positioned above and below the patient instead of 360 degrees surrounding the patient. A smaller RF and gradient coil is made feasible because of the reduced imaging volume.
US08384379B2
A method is disclosed for the non-destructive determination of the pore size distribution and the distribution of fluid flow velocities using NMR spin echo signal measurements. In one embodiment, the invention involves simultaneously injecting acoustic energy (208), generating a magnetic field having a gradient, and injecting radio-frequency electromagnetic energy (206) into a subsurface region, using for example an NMR tool and a well logging tool having an acoustic transmitter placed in a wellbore (202). The spin echo signal generated in the subsurface region is measured (210) by the NMR tool for at least two values (212) of the magnetic field gradient. A relationship is provided by which the pore fluid velocity distribution may be calculated (214) from the inverse Fourier transform of the spin echo data. The pore size distribution may then be calculated from the pore fluid velocity distribution.
US08384375B2
A non-contact position sensor includes a magnet, magnetoresistive elements arranged on a line extending in a predetermined direction on a pole surface of the magnet with predetermined intervals, and an object made of magnetic material displaceable in the predetermined direction. The magnetoresistive elements are connected serially between a power supply and a ground. A first magnetoresistive element is connected to the second magnetoresistive element at a first node. A second magnetoresistive element is connected to a third magnetoresistive element at a second node. The object includes a projection and a shaft connected to the projection. The projection can face the first to third magnetoresistive elements. The shaft is located away from the pole surface by a distance longer than a distance between the projection and the pole surface of the magnet.
US08384373B2
Disclosed herein is an AC line signal detection device including: a semiconductor integrated circuit; and a conversion section adapted to rectify an AC line signal and convert the rectified signal to an input signal to be fed to the semiconductor integrated circuit, wherein the semiconductor integrated circuit includes a monitoring section adapted to divide the AC line signal into a plurality of voltage ranges with at least one reference voltage proportional to the amplitude of the AC line signal to monitor within which voltage range the AC line signal falls; a measuring section adapted to measure a duration for which the AC line signal remains in each of the voltage ranges; and a determination section adapted to determine, based on the monitoring result of the monitoring section and the measurement result of the measuring section, whether the duration for which the AC line signal remains in each of the voltage ranges exceeds a set time which can be set in advance to make a pass/fail determination on the AC line signal.
US08384366B2
System and method for providing stable control for power systems. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for providing one or more control signals for a power system. The apparatus includes an input terminal for receiving an electrical energy, which can be characterized by a first input voltage. The apparatus includes a control component that is configured to generate a first control signal based on at least information associated with the first input voltage. The apparatus additionally includes an output terminal for sending the first control signal. Moreover, the apparatus includes a timing component that is coupled to the control component. The control component is configured to process at least information associated with a first value of the first input voltage at a first time and a first reference voltage and to generate a second control signal.
US08384352B2
In the related art, the measurement error due to the internal resistance of the battery is not considered in the battery balance method, such that the battery balance is not accurate, or the battery balance process is frequently started and stopped. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, detecting battery voltage and balancing battery voltage are performed in different time, such that the difference of charge current/discharge current among the batteries due to the battery voltage balance process do not affect the battery voltage detecting.
US08384351B2
A battery system includes a battery unit in which battery arms are connected in parallel, and a charge/discharge control device that controls charge/discharge of the battery unit. Each of the battery arms includes: a battery composed of one or more battery cells connected in series; a switch connected in series to the battery; and a battery monitoring device that, in a case of having detected abnormality of the battery, opens the switch to thereby isolate the battery arm including the abnormal battery, and sends a switch opening signal indicating that the switch has been opened to the charge/discharge control device. The charge/discharge control device performs a control to reduce a charge/discharge current or charge/discharge power of the battery unit when the switch opening signal is sent from the battery monitoring device of the battery unit to the charge/discharge control device.
US08384348B2
A touch-switchable USB charging receptacle includes a rectifying and transforming circuit connected to a public power supply for converting AC power into DC power and supplying the latter to DC devices, such as mobile phones, MP3 players, video games, personal digital assistants, etc.; a power supply connector and an illuminating indicator module electrically connected to the rectifying and transforming circuit to obtain power supply; an integrally formed cover plate isolating the rectifying and transforming circuit, the power supply connector and the illuminating indicator module from external environment; and a touch switch located behind the cover plate and electrically connected to the rectifying and transforming circuit for controlling a power supply state of the latter. The illuminating indicator module emits indicating light, which is visible via a light-pervious indicator provided on the cover plate. Therefore, the cover plate is not only water-retardant but also capable of indicating a power supply state.
US08384344B1
A charging system and method for the batteries of a vehicle. A charging station is mounted in a fixed position where the vehicle is parked. A support extends upwardly. The support is selectively movable between a fully elevated position and a lower position. The support is biased into its fully elevated position. Two electrical contacts are mounted to the support. The electrical contacts are connected to wires that lead to an external power source. Two receiving contacts are mounted to the vehicle. The receiving contacts are positioned to automatically make direct electrical contact with the power supply contacts of the charging station as the vehicle is parked at the fixed position of the charging station.
US08384342B2
The present invention provides a fuel cell system including a fuel cell configured to cause reactant gas to be electrochemically reacted to generate electrical power when the reactant gas is supplied to the fuel cell, power consuming equipment such as a reactant gas supply apparatus and a heating device operable to consume electrical power generated by the fuel cell, and a controller for controlling operation of the fuel cell system. During a warm-up operation, the controller causes the reactant gas supply apparatus to start a flow of the reactant gas and to increase the flow of the reactant gas over time, such that the reactant gas supply device starts to consume power and consumes increased power over time. After starting the flow of the reactant gas, the controller causes the heating device to start heating the coolant such that the heating device consumes power.
US08384341B2
A micro electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) device INCLUDES a MEMS substrate and at least one MEMS structure on the MEMS substrate. In addition, there is at least one battery cell on the MEMS substrate coupled to the at least one MEMS structure. The at least one battery cell includes a support fin extending vertically upward from the MEMS substrate and a first electrode layer on the support fin. In addition, there is an electrolyte layer on the cathode layer, and a second electrode layer on the electrolyte layer. The support fin may have a height greater than a width. The first electrode layer may have a processing temperature associated therewith that exceeds a stability temperature associated with the second electrode layer.
US08384337B2
A conveyor system includes an electric motor to move a conveyor. A voltage determining device is coupled to an alternating-electricity source that supplies alternating electricity to the conveyor system. A power supply appliance supplies power between the electric motor and the alternating-electricity source. The power supply appliance includes an inverter and an inverter control. The inverter includes a rectifying bridge and a motor bridge. The rectifying bridge input is coupled to the alternating-electricity source and the rectifying bridge output is coupled to the motor bridge input. The motor bridge output is coupled to the electric motor. The inverter control is coupled between the voltage determining device and the motor bridge. The inverter control is responsive to frequency and phase of the determined voltage of the alternating-electricity source to adjust the frequency and phase of the motor bridge output voltage such that the motor bridge output voltage is made to be essentially constant.
US08384334B2
A first terminal of a protection element of a control unit is connected to a wire between a motor and a switching element, and a second terminal is directly connected to a ground-side wire shared by a controller and the switching element. The protection element has a normal-condition-OFF-type switch including a movable contact and a fixed contact. When an overheating caused by the switching element attains a predetermined temperature or higher, the movable contact and the fixed contact are closed to short-circuit the first terminal and the second terminal, and an electric current is branched to the protection element side to reduce an electric current flowing into the switching element, and the control unit is shifted to a temperature range safe from the overheating caused by the switching element without stopping a cooling system.
US08384330B2
The invention relates to a method of managing a steering control for a steerable portion of an aircraft undercarriage, the method comprising implementing servo-control to servo-control an electromechanical steering actuator on an angular position setpoint, wherein, according to the invention, the servo-control implements a control relationship H∞ type, the position and speed information being delivered by means of a fieldbus of deterministic type to a computer that implements the servo-control.
US08384322B2
Provided is a motor control device including a voltage specifying unit which generates a specified voltage signal indicating a target value of an applied voltage to a motor on the basis of a specified current signal indicating a target value of supplied current to the motor, so as to control the motor in accordance with the specified voltage signal. An update unit is further provided, which sequentially updates a specified field current signal that is a field current component of the specified current signal to be given to the voltage specifying unit on the basis of difference information between a value of the specified voltage signal and a limit voltage value defined as an upper limit value of the applied voltage. The update unit includes a low pass filter. The specified field current signal after the update is generated on the basis of a signal obtained by passing the specified field current signal before the update through the low pass filter and the difference information. Otherwise, the specified field current signal after the update is generated on the basis of a signal obtained by passing an intermediate signal derived from the specified field current signal before the update and the difference information through the low pass filter.
US08384318B2
A system and method are provided for controlling the speed of a motor driving a load that is electrically connected to a generator driven by an engine, through use of a first control feedback loop configured to control the rotor flux of the motor by controlling the field excitation of the generator, and a second control feedback loop configured to control the speed of the motor by controlling the throttle position of the engine.
US08384316B2
The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.
US08384314B2
An electromagnetic wave having a phase velocity and an amplitude is provided by an electromagnetic wave source to a traveling wave linear accelerator. The traveling wave linear accelerator generates a first output of electrons having a first energy by accelerating an electron beam using the electromagnetic wave. The first output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a first beam of x-rays. The electromagnetic wave can be modified by adjusting its amplitude and the phase velocity. The traveling wave linear accelerator then generates a second output of electrons having a second energy by accelerating an electron beam using the modified electromagnetic wave. The second output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a second beam of x-rays. A frequency controller can monitor the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave from the input to the output ends of the accelerator and can correct the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave based on the measured phase shift.
US08384299B1
A solid state light engine includes a bridge rectifier having a rectified output. At least one light emitting diode (LED) is connected to the bridge rectifier, the at least one LED including a die portion, a layer of phosphor free resin positioned upon the die portion, and a plurality of phosphor particles adhered to the layer of phosphor free resin. A pair of AC power input terminals are electrically connected to the input of the bridge rectifier for use in coupling the bridge rectifier to an AC power source. A pair of DC power input terminals are connected to the rectified output of the bridge rectifier for use in coupling the bridge rectifier to a circuit productive of a DC voltage at the pair of DC power terminals. The layer of phosphor free resin includes a polymeric resin.
US08384292B2
Methods of protecting an electrical device, such as a ballast, from damage due to an inrush current, and devices incorporating such methods, are disclosed. A loss of input power received by the ballast is detected. In response, the ballast is entered into a standby mode. The ballast is able to remain in the standby mode for a standby period of time. The input power is monitored during the standby period of time to measure a start time. Measurement of the start time is triggered by the ballast receiving input power again. The ballast is entered into an active mode when the measured start time exceeds a protection time. The protection time corresponds to an amount of time needed for an inrush current to dissipate following input power again being received by the ballast, protecting the ballast from possible damage due to the inrush current.
US08384285B2
The present invention relates to a phosphor represented by the following general formula (I), comprising: a composite oxide containing a divalent and trivalent metal elements as a host crystal; and at least Ce as an activator element in said host crystal, wherein the phosphor has a maximum emission peak in a wavelength range of from 485 nm to 555 nm in the emission spectrum at room temperature: M1aM2bM3cOd (I) wherein M1 represents an activator element containing at least Ce; M2 represents a divalent metal element; M3 represents a trivalent metal element; a is a number within a range of 0.0001≦a≦0.2; b is a number within a range of 0.8≦b≦1.2; c is a number within a range of 1.6≦c≦2.4; and d is a number within a range of 3.2≦d≦4.8. Further, a light emitting device comprising said phosphor and a display and a lighting system having said light emitting device as a light source are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a phosphor which can be easily produced and can provide a light emitting device having a high color rendering, a light emitting device comprising the phosphor, and a display and a lighting system comprising the light emitting device as a light source can be provided.
US08384283B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting element with high light emission efficiency. It is another object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting element with a long lifetime. A light-emitting device is provided, which includes a light-emitting layer, a first layer, and a second layer between first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first layer is provided between the light-emitting layer and the first electrode, the second layer is provided between the light-emitting layer and the second electrode, the first layer is a layer for controlling the hole transport, the second layer is a layer for controlling the electron transport, and a light emission from the light-emitting layer is obtained when voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode so that potential of the first electrode is higher than potential of the second electrode.
US08384272B2
A small and highly reliable acoustic wave device and a method for production of the same will be provided. The acoustic wave device has a piezoelectric substrate 1; a SAW element 2 on one main surface of the piezoelectric substrate 1; an outside connection-use conductor 3 formed on the one main surface of the piezoelectric substrate 1 and electrically connected to the SAW element 2; a columnar electrode 10 on the outside connection-use conductor 3; and a protective cover 6 defining inner walls of a vibration space 7 for vibration of the SAW element 2 and planarly surrounding a side surface of the columnar electrode 10.
US08384271B2
A multilayer electroactive polymer actuator and a method of manufacturing the same. The multilayer electroactive polymer actuator is divided into an actuating area and a non-actuating area. A plurality of driving electrodes, each formed on a side of the respective polymer layer to correspond to the actuating area. A plurality of extension electrodes connected to the driving electrodes and a common electrode for vertically connecting the extension electrodes are formed to correspond to the non-actuating area. A via hole is formed through the plurality of non-actuating layers and has a diameter which increases in a stepwise manner upwards. The common electrode is formed in the via hole. The driving electrode includes an alloy of aluminum and copper. The extension electrode is formed of material having a small reactivity with respect to laser as compared to the reactivity of the polymer layer.
US08384262B2
A motor rotor includes an annular body and a plurality of magnetic bodies installed on an inner lateral surface of the annular body in an irregular manner, to prevent a rotating motor from generating a cogging effect, disperse the frequency of the cogging torque, and reduce the amplitude. Accordingly, noises generated while the motor is operating are reduced, the periodicity of a cogging torque is changed, and cogging torque is reduced.
US08384257B2
A brushless motor includes an external stator where a magnetic circuit is electrically formed by winding electric wires around an iron core; a bus bar bundling the electric wires and forming an external input terminal; and an internal rotor formed by integrating a permanent magnet and rotatably supported through a bearing with respect to the external stator, wherein an insulation plate is held on one end of the external stator and attached thereto a magnetic pole sensor detecting a magnetic pole of the permanent magnet.
US08384248B2
A power control apparatus includes an input terminal and an output terminal for an AC signal; a DC removing capacitor connected between the input terminal and the output terminal; and a variable capacitor that is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal and whose capacitance can be changed by a control signal. One of a current and a voltage of the AC signal is controlled by changing the capacitance of the variable capacitor using the control signal, and dielectrics that form a serially connected row of capacitors composed of the DC removing capacitor and the variable capacitor are configured so as to be integrally laminated, and the control signal is applied across a dielectric that forms the variable capacitor and the AC signal is applied across the dielectrics that form the row of capacitors.
US08384238B2
A unitized wiring portion (wiring unit) has a hard pipe member, a wire provided in the pipe member, and outside wiring connectors connected at each end of the wire. A plurality of wiring units are prepared in advance, wherein wiring units are divided into multiple groups having different length of wires and so on. The wiring units are arranged in a structure (e.g. a vehicle body) and the outside wiring connectors are connected to each other to form a wiring network. The wiring units are fixed to frame and/or reinforcing members to thereby increase mechanical strength of the structure.
US08384233B2
Direct driven wind turbine includes a tower, a nacelle, a rotor blade, a radial flux generator with a stator and a rotor, wherein the lamination package of the generator is essential for the transfer of the torque in axial direction. By introducing this additional function to the lamination package, the generator can be provided without additional torque transferring housing. Preferably, the lamination package obtains this additional function by pressing together the laminations between the front plate and end plate by tensile bolts. This gives sufficient strength to transport the torque in axial direction through the laminations to the mounting points of the generator. Preferably, the laminations include cooling fins. Due to these measures the cooling of the generator improves and active cooling may become superfluous or the power can be increased. The housing of the laminations is an expensive, heavy and labor intensive part which is no longer required due to the invention.
US08384232B2
An apparatus includes an electric generator having a stator and a rotor. A turbine is coupled to an end of the rotor to rotate at the same speed as the rotor. The turbine may rotate in response to expansion of a working fluid flowing from an inlet side to an outlet side of the turbine. The apparatus also includes a housing assembly with an inwardly oriented shroud, which is located at close proximity to the turbine. The proximity of the shroud to the turbine establishes the pressure ratio of the turbine, allowing the system to operate without seals. Magnetic bearings and position sensors are used to maintain the distance between the shroud and the wheel. In certain implementations, the positioning of the turbine can be controlled to optimize machine performance.
US08384229B2
A semiconductor device permitting the reduction of cost is disclosed. In a semiconductor package wherein electrode pads of a semiconductor chip and corresponding inner leads are electrically coupled with each other through a plurality of bonding wires, sensing wires (second and fourth bonding wires) are made thinner than other bonding wires (first and third bonding wires) coupled to inner leads same as those with the sensing wires coupled thereto, thereby reducing the cost of gold wires to attain the reduction in cost of the semiconductor package.
US08384226B2
A device fabricated on a chip is disclosed. The device generally includes (A) a first pattern and a second pattern both created in an intermediate conductive layer of the chip, (B) at least one via created in an insulating layer above the intermediate conductive layer and (C) a first bump created in a top conductive layer above the insulating layer. The first pattern generally establishes a first of a plurality of plates of a first capacitor. The via may be aligned with the second pattern. The first bump may (i) be located directly above the first plate, (ii) establish a second of the plates of the first capacitor, (iii) be suitable for flip-chip bonding, (iv) connect to the second pattern through the via such that both of the plates of the first capacitor are accessible in the intermediate conductive layer. The first pattern and the second pattern may be shaped as interlocking combs.
US08384216B2
A manufacturing method of a package structure is provided. A metal substrate is provided. The metal substrate has a first surface where a first seed layer is formed. A patterned insulating layer is formed on the first seed layer and exposes a portion of the first seed layer. A patterned circuit layer is formed on the exposed portion of the first seed layer and covers a portion of the patterned insulating layer. A chip-bonding process is performed to electrically connect a chip to the patterned circuit layer. An encapsulant encapsulating the chip and the patterned circuit layer and covering a portion of the pattered insulating layer is formed. The metal substrate and the first seed layer are removed to expose a bottom surface of the patterned insulating layer and a lower surface of the patterned circuit layer. Solder balls are formed on the lower surface of the patterned circuit layer.
US08384213B2
A semiconductor device with a package size close to its chip size is, apart from a stress absorbing layer, such as to effectively absorb thermal stresses. A semiconductor device (150) has a semiconductor chip provided with electrodes (158), a resin layer (152) forming a stress relieving layer provided on the semiconductor chip, wiring (154) formed from the electrodes (158) to over the resin layer (152), and solder balls (157) formed on the wiring (154) over the resin layer (152); the resin layer (152) is formed so as to have a depression (152a) in the surface, and the wiring (154) is formed so as to pass over the depression (152a).
US08384211B2
A semiconductor apparatus includes a first stacked body including a first radiator plate, a first insulating layer, a first conductive layer and a first semiconductor element in this order; a second stacked body including a second radiator plate, a second insulating layer, a second conductive layer and a second semiconductor element in this order and configured to be made of a semiconductor material different from that of the first semiconductor element; and a connecting part configured to electrically connect the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the first stacked body and the second stacked body are thermally insulated.
US08384210B1
A thermal interface material for use in manufacturing a semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component. The thermal interface material includes a metallic element in combination with either antimony or tin. Suitable metallic elements include gallium or indium. The concentration of antimony or tin is about 2 percent or less by weight of the thermal interface material. A semiconductor chip is mounted to a support substrate and the thermal interface material is disposed on the semiconductor chip. A lid or a heatsink is coupled to the semiconductor chip via the thermal interface material.
US08384202B2
Provided is a package structure of a semiconductor device, capable of further reducing a planar size. The semiconductor device comprises a first package 2 embedding a first element 1, and a second package 4 stacked on and fixed to the first package while internally housing a second element 3. The first package 2 includes a lead frame 5 and a metallization wiring 6. The metallization wiring 6 is formed by resin-molding the first package 2 using a transfer lead frame having the metallization wiring 6 arranged on a base substrate, and, after the resin molding, removing the base substrate to leave the metallization wiring 6 on a removing surface of a molded resin in a transferred manner, while allowing a peripheral region of the metallization wiring 6 to be exposed on the side of and in flush relation with the removing surface of the molded resin so as to serve as an external terminal 6a. The first element 1 is mounted on the external terminal 6a of the metallization wiring 6in at least partially overlapped relation therewith, through an insulator layer 8, and electrically connected to the lead frame 5 and the metallization wiring 6.
US08384198B2
According to one embodiment, a resistance change memory includes a first interconnect extending in a first direction, a second interconnect extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and a cell unit which is provided between the first interconnect and the second interconnect. The cell unit includes a non-ohmic element and a memory element. The non-ohmic element includes a first silicon layer of an n-conductivity type and a conducting layer in contact with a first face of the first silicon layer. The memory element stores data according to a reversible change of a resistance state. The first silicon layer includes a first element and a second element as donor.
US08384190B2
An integrated circuit that includes a logic region, a buffer region, and a ferroelectric capacitor region that contains ferroelectric capacitors. The integrated circuit also includes a hydrogen diffusion barrier film that overlies ferroelectric capacitors and also overlies a buffer region located between a ferroelectric capacitor region and a logic region. However, the hydrogen diffusion barrier film is removed from a portion of the logic region. Moreover, a method for forming a hydrogen barrier layer that overlies ferroelectric capacitors and a buffer region but is removed from a portion of the logic region.
US08384189B2
The present invention extends the above referenced continuation-in-part application by in addition creating high quality electrical components, such as inductors, capacitors or resistors, on a layer of passivation or on the surface of a thick layer of polymer. In addition, the process of the invention provides a method for mounting discrete electrical components at a significant distance removed from the underlying silicon surface.
US08384171B2
The invention relates to a writable magnetic element comprising a stack of layers presenting a write magnetic layer, wherein the stack has a central layer of at least one magnetic material presenting magnetization having a magnetization direction that is parallel to the plane of the central layer, which layer is sandwiched between first and second outer layers of non-magnetic materials, the first outer layer comprising a first non-magnetic material and the second outer layer comprising a second non-magnetic material that is different from the first non-magnetic material, at least the second non-magnetic material being electrically conductive, and wherein it includes a device to cause a write current to pass through the second outer layer and the central layer in a current flow direction parallel to the plane of the central layer at an angle α lying in the range 90°±60°, in particular 90°±30°, and more particularly 90°±15° relative to said magnetization direction in order to generate an effective magnetic field in the central layer, the current being applied either in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first, in order to orient the magnetization direction in a first magnetization direction or in a second magnetization direction opposite to the first.
US08384164B1
An interconnect structure includes a substrate, a first diffusion region within the substrate, a plurality of first lines on the substrate and the first diffusion region, a first enclosure coupled to an end of the plurality of first lines, and a first contact within the first enclosure. The interconnect structure further includes a second diffusion region within the substrate, a plurality of second lines on the substrate and the second diffusion region, a second enclosure coupled to an end of the plurality of second lines, and a second contact within the second enclosure. A spacing can be present between the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines. The plurality of first lines, the first contact, the plurality of second lines, and the second contact are trimmed, but the first enclosure, the second enclosure, and the spacing are not trimmed.
US08384160B2
To provide a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same capable of suppressing, when a plurality of MIS transistors having different absolute values of threshold voltage is used, the reduction of the drive current of a MIS transistor having a greater absolute value of threshold voltage. The threshold voltage of a second nMIS transistor is greater than the threshold voltage of a first nMIS transistor and the sum of the concentration of lanthanum atom and the concentration of magnesium atom in a second nMIS high-k film included in the second nMIS transistor is lower than the sum of the concentration of lanthanum atom and the concentration of magnesium atom in a first nMIS high-k film included in the first nMIS transistor.
US08384143B2
This semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a plurality of cylindrical lower electrodes aligned densely in a memory array region; a plate-like support which is contacted on the side surface of the cylindrical lower electrodes, and links to support the plurality of the cylindrical lower electrodes; a pore portion provided in the plate-like support; a dielectric film covering the entire surface of the cylindrical lower electrodes and the plate-like support in which the pore portion is formed; and an upper electrode formed on the surface of the dielectric film, wherein the boundary length of the part on the side surface of the cylindrical lower electrode which is exposed on the pore portion is shorter than the boundary length of the part on the side surface of the cylindrical lower electrode which is not exposed on the pore portion.
US08384142B2
Methods for fabricating a non-planar transistor. Fin field effect transistors (finFETs) are often built around a fin (e.g., a tall, thin semiconductive member). During manufacturing, a fin may encounter various mechanical stresses, e.g., inertial forces during movement of the substrate and fluid forces during cleaning steps. If the forces on the fin are too large, the fin may fracture and possibly render a transistor inoperative. Supporting one side of a fin before forming the second side of a fin creates stability in the fin structure, thereby counteracting many of the mechanical stresses incurred during manufacturing.
US08384141B2
Provided is a semiconductor device having a vertical channel transistor and method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor device includes first and second field effect transistors, wherein a channel region of the first field effect transistor serves as source/drain electrodes of the second field effect transistor, and a channel region of the second field effect transistor serves as source/drain electrodes of the first field effect transistor.
US08384129B2
High electron mobility transistors and fabrication processes are presented in which a barrier material layer of uniform thickness is provided for threshold voltage control under an enhanced channel charge inducing material layer (ECCIML) in source and drain regions with the ECCIML layer removed in the gate region.
US08384122B1
Several embodiments of a tunneling transistor are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tunneling transistor includes a semiconductor substrate, a source region formed in the semiconductor substrate, a drain region formed in the semiconductor substrate, a gate stack including a metallic gate electrode and a gate dielectric, and a tunneling junction that is substantially parallel to an interface between the metallic gate electrode and the gate dielectric. As a result of the tunneling junction that is substantially parallel with the interface between the metallic gate electrode and the gate dielectric, an on-current of the tunneling transistor is substantially improved as compared to that of a conventional tunneling transistor. In another embodiment, a tunneling transistor includes a heterostructure that reduces a turn-on voltage of the tunneling transistor.
US08384119B2
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element, a base, and a transparent layer. The base has an upper side portion including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a mounting region of the light emitting element, and has a first porosity. The second portion surrounds the first portion, includes a plurality of transparent particles, and has a second porosity larger than the first porosity. The light transmitting layer encapsulates the light emitting element, and is attached to the first portion in a state where the transparent layer is apart from the second portion.
US08384117B2
Provided are a light emitting device package and a lighting system comprising the same. The light emitting device package comprises a package body having a trench, a metal layer within the trench, and a light emitting device over the metal layer.
US08384108B2
A light emitting device package is provided. The light emitting device package comprises a package body comprising a first cavity, and a second cavity connected to the first cavity; a first lead electrode, at least a portion of which is disposed within the second cavity; a second lead electrode, at least a portion of which is disposed within the first cavity; a light emitting device disposed within the second cavity; a first wire disposed within the second cavity, the first wire electrically connecting the light emitting device to the first lead electrode; and a second wire electrically connecting the light emitting device to the second lead electrode.
US08384103B2
In an embodiment, the invention provides a light source comprising a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor chips, a plurality of electrical leads and an encapsulant. The plurality of electrical leads is connected to the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor chips. The encapsulant completely encases the plurality of semiconductor chips. The encapsulant partially encases the plurality of electrical leads.
US08384100B2
There is provided an InGaAlN light-emitting device and a manufacturing method thereof. The light emitting device includes a conductive substrate having a main surface and a back surface, a metal bonding layer formed on the main surface of the substrate, a light reflecting layer formed on the bonding layer, a semiconductor multilayer structure including at least a p-type and an n-type InGaAlN layer disposed on the reflecting layer, the p-type InGaAlN layer directly contacting the reflecting layer, and ohmic electrodes disposed on said n-type InGaAlN layer and on the back surface of the conductive substrate, respectively.
US08384095B2
Disclosed are an organic light emitting display device with improved yield and processing efficiency, which includes an interlayer capable of being separated into a hydrophilic region and a hydrophobic region on top of a hole injection layer in an organic light emitting device and a plurality of layers including a light emitting layer and which is fabricated without using a shadow mask, as well as a method for manufacturing the same. The manufacturing method includes preparing a substrate having a plurality of pixel regions defined in a matrix form, arranging an anode in each of the pixel regions, forming a hole injection layer on the anode by the solution process, forming an interlayer with hydrophobic properties on the hole injection layer by a solution process, selectively UV irradiating the interlayer to define a hydrophilic region on the interlayer, forming a light emitting layer on the interlayer by the solution process, and arranging a cathode on the substrate having the light emitting layer.
US08384094B2
A light emitting device includes a first conductive type semiconductor layer, a second conductive type semiconductor layer, and an active layer between the first conductive type semiconductor layer and the second conductive type semiconductor layer; and a plurality of polarizers, wherein a distance between a polarizer and an adjacent polarizer along a first direction is different from the polarizer and an adjacent polarizer in a second direction.
US08384090B2
A high quality single crystal wafer of SiC is disclosed having a diameter of at least about 3 inches and a 1c screw dislocation density of less than about 2000 cm−2.
US08384089B2
A nitride semiconductor device including: a substrate; a nitride semiconductor layer formed on the substrate and having a heterojunction interface; and a recess portion formed on the nitride semiconductor layer, wherein the nitride semiconductor layer includes: a carrier transit layer, which has a composition represented by the formula: Alx1Inx2Ga1−x1−x2N, (0≦x1≦1, 0≦x2≦1, 0≦(x1+x2)≦1); and a carrier supply layer including: a first layer formed on the carrier transit layer, said first layer having a composition represented by the formula: AlyGa1−yN, (0
US08384086B2
A method of crystallizing an amorphous semiconductor film, the method comprising the steps of: forming a gate electrode on a transparent insulating substrate; forming a gate insulating film on the transparent insulating substrate and on an upper part of the gate electrode; forming an amorphous semiconductor film on the gate insulating film; forming a light-transmissive insulating film on the amorphous semiconductor film; forming a metal film having an opening on the light-transmissive insulating film; irradiating laser light onto both a region of the light-transmissive insulating film exposed by the opening and the metal film, which is used as a mask for shielding the laser light; and performing laser annealing to make the laser light to be absorbed through the light-transmissive insulating film into a region of the amorphous semiconductor film exposed by the opening, so that the amorphous semiconductor film is heated and converted to a crystalline semiconductor film.
US08384079B2
An object is to provide a semiconductor device having a structure in which parasitic capacitance between wirings can be efficiently reduced. In a bottom gate thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor layer, an oxide insulating layer used as a channel protection layer is formed above and in contact with part of the oxide semiconductor layer overlapping with a gate electrode layer, and at the same time an oxide insulating layer covering a peripheral portion (including a side surface) of the stacked oxide semiconductor layer is formed. Further, a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer are formed in a manner such that they do not overlap with the channel protection layer. Thus, a structure in which an insulating layer over the source electrode layer and the drain electrode layer is in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer is provided.
US08384078B2
An organic light emitting display device and a method for manufacturing the same. The organic light emitting display device includes: an insulating layer formed on a substrate; a resistance layer of oxide semiconductor formed on the insulating layer; a wiring layer connected to both side portions of the resistance layer; an organic layer formed on the upper portion including the resistance layer and the wiring layer; and a capping layer formed on the organic layer to be overlapped with the resistance layer.
US08384077B2
A field effect transistor which includes, on a substrate, at least a semiconductor layer, a passivation layer for the semiconductor layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a gate insulating film and a gate electrode, the source electrode and the drain electrode being connected through the semiconductor layer, the gate insulating film being present between the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer, the passivation layer being at least on one surface side of the semiconductor layer, and the semiconductor layer including a composite oxide which comprises In (indium), Zn (zinc) and Ga (gallium) in the following atomic ratios (1) to (3): In/(In+Zn)=0.2 to 0.8 (1) In/(In+Ga)=0.59 to 0.99 (2) Zn/(Ga+Zn)=0.29 to 0.99 (3).
US08384073B2
A system for displaying images is provided. The system includes a full-color organic electroluminescent device having an anode. A first emitting layer and a second emitting layer are sequentially disposed on the anode. A cathode is disposed on the second emitting layer. The first and second emitting layers include, respectively, a first dopant and a second dopant, wherein the energy gap of the first dopant is different from that of the second dopant.
US08384069B2
A semiconductor structure includes a support and at least one block provided on the support. The block includes a stack including alternating layers based on a first semiconductor material and layers based on a second semiconductor material different from the first material, the layers presenting greater dimensions than layers such that the stack has a lateral tooth profile and a plurality of spacers filling the spaces formed by the tooth profile, the spacers being made of a third material different from the first material such that each of the lateral faces of the block presents alternating lateral bands based on the first material and alternating lateral bands based on the third material. At least one of the lateral faces of the block is partially coated with a material promoting the growth of nanotubes or nanowires, the catalyst material exclusively coating the lateral bands based on the first material or exclusively coating the lateral bands based on the third material.
US08384056B2
A phase change random access memory includes a semiconductor substrate, a switching device pattern formed on the semiconductor substrate, a bottom electrode contact pattern formed on the switching device pattern, a phase change layer pattern formed on the bottom electrode contact pattern, and an insulating layer disposed at a portion of an contact surface between the bottom electrode contact pattern and the phase change layer pattern.
US08384055B2
An output circuit includes a bias circuit that operates when a power supply voltage equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage is applied, a differential amplifier circuit that outputs signals according to input differential signals upon receiving a bias current or bias voltage generated when the bias circuit is operated, an output stage circuit that receives differential signals according to an output from the differential amplifier circuit and outputs output signals according to the differential signals, the output stage circuit having fewer number of stages of elements connected in series than the bias circuit, and a pull-down circuit that forcibly sets a level of one of the differential signals received by the output stage circuit to a ground voltage to fix the level of the output signals output from the output stage circuit when the bias current or the bias voltage generated by the bias circuit is not supplied.
US08384053B2
The invention comprises a charged particle beam extraction method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. The system uses a radio-frequency (RF) cavity system to induce betatron oscillation of a charged particle stream. Sufficient amplitude modulation of the charged particle stream causes the charged particle stream to hit a material, such as a foil. The foil decreases the energy of the charged particle stream, which decreases a radius of curvature of the charged particle stream in the synchrotron sufficiently to allow a physical separation of the reduced energy charged particle stream from the original charged particle stream. The physically separated charged particle stream is then removed from the system by use of an applied field and deflector.
US08384048B2
The invention provides a method for patterning a resist coated substrate carried on a stage, where the patterning utilizes a charged particle beam. The method comprises the steps of: moving the stage at a nominally constant velocity in a first direction; while the stage is moving, deflecting the charged particle beam in the first direction to compensate for the movement of the stage, the deflecting including: (a) compensating for an average velocity of the stage; and (b) separately compensating for the difference between an instantaneous position of the stage and a calculated position based on the average velocity. The separately compensating step uses a bandwidth of less than 10 MHz. The invention also provides a deflector control circuit for implementing the separate compensation functions.
US08384046B2
Lesions caused by insects feeding on plants are associated with the generation of regions of blue-green fluorescence in such as the cotton boll carpel wall and in the lint region. The present disclosure now provides methods and devices to rapidly and non-invasively detect and measure the insect-related fluorescence and relate the fluorescence generated to the likelihood of insect damage in a crop. In particular, the methods are related to stink bug damage in the cotton plant, but are also suitable for the detection of insect-related damage of any plant. The methods of detecting insect-induced damage in a target plant tissue may comprise exposing a target plant or a fragment thereof, to an ultraviolet or violet light; and detecting an ultraviolet light-induced fluorescence from the target plant or the fragment thereof, thereby indicating the presence of insect-related plant damage. Further provided are devices configured for the identification of insect-induced damage in a plant or a fragment thereof, comprising: a source of an ultraviolet or violet light, at least one light detector; an electronic system for converting an output electrical signal to a measurement of the intensity of fluorescent light detected by the detector; and an output system to convert the measurement of the intensity of the fluorescent light to an indicator for indicating that a target plant or fragment thereof has insect-induced damage.
US08384044B2
It is an objection of the present invention to provide a fluorescence reading apparatus in view of the influence of fluorescence derived from a fluorescence substance that is not involved with an interaction between a probe substance and a target substance.The above-mentioned problem is solved by a fluorescence reading apparatus 12 comprising an incidence angle adjusting means 10 for adjusting an incidence angle when light from a light source 7 is incident on a substrate 2; and a controller 11 that controls an amount of the incidence angle adjusted by the incidence angle adjusting means 10 and also comprises a means for receiving information on the incidence angle and information on the fluorescence intensities or fluorescence images at a plurality of incidence angles and obtaining the penetration depths of the evanescent fields with respect to the plurality of incidence angles from the information on the incidence angles; and a means for obtaining information on the fluorescence intensities in the obtained plurality of penetration depths.
US08384043B2
A plasmon filter may include an element supportive of plasmon energy and having a plurality of openings through which a material may pass. A system includes a fluid filter supportive of evanescent energy, an evanescent field generator, a sensor, and/or other components. A corresponding method may include generating plasmons on the filter and exposing a material to the plasmon energy.
US08384036B2
Determining the position of a radioactive source in a PET system. Detecting a scatter coincidence event characterized by a full-energy photon detected at a first detector and partial-energy photon at a second detector. Measuring the arrival time difference between the partial energy photon and the full energy photon. Measuring the energy of the partial-energy photon. Determining a scattering point as a function of the position of the first detector, the position of the second detector, the energy of the partial-energy photon, the energy of an unscattered photon, the mass of a scattering electron, and the speed of light. Determining the position of a radioactive PET source along a line between the scatter point and the first detector as a function of the distance between scatter point and the first detector, the distance between scatter point and the second detector, and the measured time difference.
US08384033B2
There is described a method for determining a quantitative parameter of a compound in an analysis sample, comprising: providing a scattering medium in physical contact with the analysis sample, the scattering medium having at least one layer, an index of refraction of the scattering medium being superior to an index of refraction of the analysis sample; propagating, in the scattering medium, an incident beam of light having a wavelength substantially corresponding to an absorption wavelength of the compound such that an evanescent wave is generated at an interface between the scattering medium and the analysis sample; taking n intensity measurements of a reflected beam of light for the analysis sample, n being superior to one; and determining the quantitative parameter of the compound using the n intensity measurements for the analysis sample.
US08384031B2
In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor integrated circuit (IC). The at least one integrated photodetector that is adapted to sense light, and an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is coupled to the at least one integrated photodetector, and is adapted to convert an output signal of one or more of the at least one integrated photodetector to one or more digital signals. The sensor integrated circuit (IC) further includes an integrated controller that is adapted to facilitate operation of the sensor integrated circuit (IC).
US08384028B2
During a halt period of time when the introduction of ions is temporarily discontinued to change an objective ion to be selected by a first mass separator in the previous stage, a pulsed voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the ions remaining in a collision cell (4) is applied to an entrance lens electrode (42) and exit lens electrode (44). The ions are pulled by the DC electric field created by this voltage, to be neutralized and removed by colliding with the lens electrodes (42, 44). Thus, the residual ions, which may cause a crosstalk, can be quickly removed from the inner space of the collision cell (4) without contaminating an ion guide (5) to which a radio-frequency is applied. Since no radio-frequency voltage is applied to the lens electrodes (42, 44), the circuit for applying the pulsed voltage can have a simple configuration. Thus, the cost increase is suppressed.
US08384020B2
A system and method for sub-micron analysis of a chemical composition of a specimen are described. The method includes providing a specimen for evaluation and a thermal desorption probe, thermally desorbing an analyte from a target site of said specimen using the thermally active tip to form a gaseous analyte, ionizing the gaseous analyte to form an ionized analyte, and analyzing a chemical composition of the ionized analyte. The thermally desorbing step can include heating said thermally active tip to above 200° C., and positioning the target site and the thermally active tip such that the heating step forms the gaseous analyte. The thermal desorption probe can include a thermally active tip extending from a cantilever body and an apex of the thermally active tip can have a radius of 250 nm or less.
US08384017B2
Methods and related systems are described for use for making subterranean nuclear measurements. The system can include a plurality of elongated scintillator members each generating optical signals in response to ionizing radiation. Optical detector units can be optically coupled to at least one end of each elongated scintillator member so as to detect optical signals from each elongated scintillator member. The system can be suitable for permanent or semi-permanent deployment downhole. For example, the system can operate for more than six months in a subterranean deployment measuring cosmic radiation. The system can be suited to monitor density changes in subterranean regions of interest, for example, density changes brought about by steam injection as part of a steam assisted gravity drainage operation.
US08384007B2
An imaging device including a plurality of photo-sensitive elements suitable for imaging small objects less than 500 nm in size. Each of the photo-sentive elements forms a passive pixel which comprises at least one nanowire structured photodetector and a switch transistor. The nanowire structured photodetector is configured to receive the photons and store the photo generated charges and behave as a waveguide. The switch transistor is formed either in the substrate or at the same body of the nanowire and is configured to allow photo-genereated charges in the nanowire to accumulate when off and to drain from the nanowire when on. The pixel array is configured to allow high resolution imaging by arranging in a penny round pattern.
US08383993B2
Temperature control device of electric heater using thermo-sensitive resin and safety device thereof
A temperature control device is disclosed that includes a heating wire being connected to an alternating current power source though a SCR, a sensing wire being disposed parallel to the heating wire, a thermo-sensitive resin insulating the heating wire and the sensing wire from each other and changing its impedance according to a change in temperature, and a temperature sensing unit outputting a temperature control signal to turn the SCR on or off according to a change in electric current flowing through the thermo-sensitive resin, in which the SCR is turned on or off by a sensing unit diode. The heating wire is heated by a heating current that flows in a heating cycle only, in which a forward voltage is formed in the SCR, and the sensing wire conducts a sensing current that flows in a sensing cycle only, in which a reverse voltage is formed in the SCR.
US08383986B2
An arc start control method in robot welding includes the steps of shorting a welding wire with a base metal, retracting a welding torch by a welding robot for taking the welding wire off the base metal to generate an initial arc, retracting the welding torch to a predetermined position with maintaining the initial arc maintained while applying an initial arc current smaller than a steady welding current during this initial arc period, and starting to feed the welding wire steadily and to supply the steady welding current so as to make a transition from the initial arc to a steady arc as well as starting to move the welding torch along a welding line. During a re-shorting prevention period which starts from a beginning of the initial arc period, a re-shorting prevention current which is larger than the initial arc current is applied in order to prevent re-shortening between the wire tip and the base metal right after the initial arc was generated. Thereafter, the initial arc current is applied.
US08383979B2
A part-holding device in a method for repairing a blade of a monobloc bladed disc of a turbo-machine, through electron-beam welding of a patch onto the blade along a junction plane is disclosed. The device includes a disc supporting device which supports the disc and an adjustable holding device which holds the blade and the patch. The adjustable holding device includes a platen which supports the adjustable holding device, arranged such that the space located above the junction plane allows for an electron beam to pass. The relative positions of the blade and the patch are set using the adjustable holding device that is supported by the platen, while leaving some space allowing for an electron beam to pass. Such a device is simple and reliable.
US08383976B2
A switch at least comprises a housing, an electrical member, a terminal and a connecting contact. The housing defining a cavity that includes two opposite sidewalls, and a pair of fixing grooves each defined by said sidewall and an extension wall spaced from said sidewall. The electrical member having a pair of leads disposed within said cavity. The terminal retained in the housing and having a contact portion abutting against said sidewall. The connecting contact retainably disposed within each said groove, and the connecting contact has a plate base abutting against said extension wall, a fixing portion attached onto an upper end of the plate base for clamping each said lead of the electrical member, and an spring portion reversely extending from an opposite bottom end of the plate base and designed to mechanically and electrically engage the contact portion of the second terminal.
US08383971B2
An illuminated keyboard includes keys; a base plate; an LED circuit board on the base plate and comprising a first circuitry and LEDs; a spacer plate on the LED circuit board and comprising units each corresponding to the key, each unit including two first groove connectors, two second groove connectors, and at least one opening each for receiving the LED; an optically transmissive film circuit board on the spacer plate and comprising a second circuitry, switch contacts, and holes, the first or second groove connector passing through the hole; and a rubber plate on the film circuit board and comprising resilient domes each disposed between the key and the switch contact, the dome having a recessed top for retaining the key, a bottom stem, and through holes grouped as groups each around the dome. The first or second groove connectors are adapted to pass through the holes.
US08383966B2
A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches, a plurality of single-piece keycaps and plurality of actuators which activate the dome switches. Each single-piece keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions identifying a number of keyboard characters which are separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. Each actuator has a first side which is engaged by one of the character-representing portions of the single-piece keycap and a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion.
US08383945B2
A dead end connector member including a shaft section and a clevis section. The shaft section includes a ridge section, wherein the ridge section is sized and shaped to have an outer sleeve compressed thereon to connect the outer sleeve to the shaft section. The clevis section has a front end connected to the shaft section. The clevis section includes two spaced legs forming an eyebolt receiving gap between the legs. Each leg comprises a pin hole adapted to receive a fastener to rotatably connected the dead end connector to an eyebolt of another member. The clevis section includes a tab at a rear end of the clevis section. The tab extends at least partially across the gap to form a rotation limiter adapted to contact one side of the eyebolt and limit rotation of the dead end connector member relative to the eyebolt in only one direction.
US08383935B1
An adapter for a wellhead, the well having a casing and a submersible electric pump mounted within the casing, the casing having an upper end and an upwardly opening bore, the adapter including a base plate having forward and rearward ends, the base plate's rearward end being fitted for mounting over the casing's upper end and having a bore opening aperture therethrough, the base plate's forward end being forwardly oblongated and having a wire passage aperture therethrough; an annular case retaining flange having forward and rearward ends, the annular case retaining flange being fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the base plate; a switch box having a ceiling, a floor, a left wall, a right wall, and a rear wall, the ceiling incorporating the base plate's forward end and the rear wall incorporating the annular case retaining flange's forward end.
US08383932B2
A compound for an organic photoelectric device, represented by the following Chemical Formula 1:
US08383931B2
The present invention relates to substrates coated with films comprising compounds of general formula (I) below: and also to the process for manufacturing them and to their use as anode interface layer in electronic devices. The present invention also relates to organic electroluminescent diodes (OLED), polymeric electroluminescent diodes (PLED), organic field-effect transistors (OFET) and organic solar cells (OSC) comprising a substrate according to the invention, to specific organic solar cells and to the process for manufacturing them.Compounds of formula (I) as such also form part of the invention.
US08383915B1
A novel maize variety designated X8F926 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8F926 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8F926 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8F926, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8F926. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8F926.
US08383905B1
A novel maize variety designated X08A147 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08A147 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A147 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A147, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A147. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A147.
US08383901B2
Methods are provided for altering plant characteristics by introducing into plants, isolated nucleic acid molecules that can be used to produce transgenic plants characterized by altered oil levels within the seed. Also provided are isolated nucleic acids that encode AP2 domain transcription factor proteins and fragments thereof, vectors capable of expressing such nucleic acid molecules, host cells containing such vectors, and polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids.
US08383899B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB17V11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB17V11, cells from soybean variety XB17V11, plants of soybean XB17V11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB17V11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB17V11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB17V11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB17V11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB17V11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB17V11 are further provided.
US08383898B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1023788. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1023788. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1023788 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1023788 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08383889B2
Various embodiments are directed to transgenic plants, including transgenic tobacco plants and derivative seeds, genetically modified to impede the transport of Cadmium (Cd) from the root system to aerial portions of transgenic plants by reducing the expression levels of HMA-related transporters. Various embodiments are directed to transgenic tobacco plants genetically modified to stably express a RNAi construct encoding RNAi polynucleotides that enable the degradation of endogenous NtHMA RNA variants. Reduced expression of NtHMA transporters in transgenic plants results in substantially reduced content of Cadmium (Cd) in the leaf lamina. Various consumable products that are substantially free or substantially reduced in Cd content can be produced by incorporating leaves derived from transgenic tobacco plants modified to reduce the expression of NtHMA transporters.
US08383876B2
An absorbent article comprises a number of visual fullness indicating areas arranged in a distinct pattern. The pattern has an overall shape that is triangular or trapezoidal.
US08383873B2
Disclosed is a process for preparing terminal 1,1-disubstituted alkenes and is to compounds prepared therewith.
US08383872B2
The disclosed invention relates to a process for conducting a multiphase reaction in a microchannel. The process comprises: forming a multiphase reaction mixture comprising a first reactant and a second reactant; the first reactant comprising at least one liquid; the second reactant comprising at least one gas, at least one liquid, or a combination of at least one gas and at least one liquid; the first reactant forming a continuous phase in the multiphase reaction mixture; the second reactant forming gas bubbles and/or liquid droplets dispersed in the continuous phase; and reacting the first reactant with the second reactant in a process microchannel in the presence of at least one catalyst to form at least one product.
US08383870B2
A process of energy production is disclosed. The process includes integrating three or more energy production technologies such that a first byproduct of a first energy production technology is applied to a second energy production technology and a second byproduct of the second energy production technology is applied to a third energy production technology. The process also includes operating the integrated energy production technologies to produce energy such that at least a portion of the first byproduct is utilized in an operation of the second energy production technology and a portion of the second byproduct is utilized in an operation of the third energy production technology.
US08383867B2
Disclosed is a method for producing fluorinated organic compounds, including hydrofluoropropenes, which preferably comprises converting at least one compound of formula (I): CF3CFnCHmXa-m (I) to at least one compound of formula (II) CF3CZCHZ (II). where each X is independently Cl, F, I or Br; each Z is independently H or F; n is 1 or 2; m is 1, 2 or 3, provided that when n is 1, m is 1 or 2; a is 2 or 3, and a-m≧0. Certain embodiments include the step of reacting fluorinated C2 olefin, such as tetrafluoroethylene, with a Cl addition agent under conditions effective to produce a compound of formula (I).
US08383865B2
The present invention is directed to a compound represented by Structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The variables for Structural Formula (I) are defined herein. Also described is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of Structural Formula (I) and its therapeutic use.
US08383860B2
The present invention reacts ethylenediamine with one or more additional ethyleneamines in the presence of a transamination catalyst to provide a different, preferably more desirable product mix of one or more ethyleneamines.
US08383849B2
Classes of liquid aminosilanes have been found which allow for the production of silicon carbo-nitride films of the general formula SixCyNz. These aminosilanes, in contrast, to some of the precursors employed heretofore, are liquid at room temperature and pressure allowing for convenient handling. In addition, the invention relates to a process for producing such films.The classes of compounds are generally represented by the formulas: and mixtures thereof, wherein R and R1 in the formulas represent aliphatic groups typically having from 2 to about 10 carbon atoms, e.g., alkyl, cycloalkyl with R and R1 in formula A also being combinable into a cyclic group, and R2 representing a single bond, (CH2)n, a ring, or SiH2.
US08383847B2
The present invention provides a process for the enrichment of methyl ricinoleate from castor oil methyl esters by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) in presence of refined vegetable oils using an aqueous polar solvent. The invention provides an extraction of methyl ricinoleate by a non-destructive extraction method with good yields (75 to 90%) and purity (95 to 99%). The method consists of mixing castor oil methyl esters in a refined normal vegetable oil (feed) in a suitable proportion and selective extraction of methyl ricinoleate in a non-destructive manner by liquid-liquid extraction using a polar aqueous solvent, followed by de-solventization and drying of the solute to get enriched methyl ricinoleate fraction with good yields. The non-hydroxy fatty acid methyl esters of castor oil methyl esters are retained in the vegetable oil and can be used for the preparation of biodiesel or oelochemicals or reused in the process for the enrichment of methyl ricinoleate after removal of non-hydroxy fatty acid either by distillation under reduced pressure or further by liquid-liquid extraction using pure solvent.
US08383846B2
A method of preparing a composition of alcohol esters of linear monocarboxylic acids with 6 to 26 carbon atoms from a vegetable or animal oil, neutral or acid, virgin or recycled, with monoalcohols having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, in the presence of a catalyst combining at least a solid solution of ZnxAl2O(3+x) type, wherein x ranges between 0 and 1 (end points excluded), and free ZnO present between 7 and 30 mass %, allows to directly obtain, in one or more stages, an ester that can be used as fuel and a pure glycerin.
US08383843B2
Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a coumarin compound of formula (F), in which R1, R2, and R3 are independently H, C1˜C7 alkoxy, C1˜C7 alkyl, phenoxy, benzyloxy, or a halogen atom; R4 is an alkyl group; and Ar is an optionally substituted aryl group, the method including: treating a chromene compound having the following formula (E) with an acid in the presence of water. A chromene compound of formula (E) and a method for preparing the chromene compound of formula (E) are also disclosed.
US08383835B2
Process for the synthesis of a cyclic diester of an alpha-hydroxyacid, comprising the following steps: an alkalino-earth salt of the corresponding alpha-hydroxyacid is mixed with said alpha-hydroxyacid and water; the mixture is treated by evaporation-crystallization, so that a hydrate of the alkalino-earth salt of the linear dimer of the corresponding alpha-hydroxyacid precipitates; the hydrated salt is dehydrated to give the corresponding anhydrous salt; and the anhydrous salt is pyrolyzed, releasing the cyclic diester of the corresponding alpha-hydroxyacid and leaving the alkalino-earth hydroxide as solid residue.
US08383833B2
The present application relates to a method for producing an optically active α-amino acid derivative, comprising steps of reacting an α-haloester derivative represented by the general formula (1): of which alcohol part of the ester group is an optically active alcohol derivative, with an amine compound; then deprotecting the obtained compound; further carrying out an ester exchange reaction. According to the present invention method, it is possible to easily produce an optically active α-amino acid ester derivative which is useful as an intermediate for drugs with high selectivity.
US08383826B2
Derivatives of 1-phenyl-2-pyridinyl alkyl alcohols are useful as inhibitors of the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme.
US08383820B2
Novel substituted benzamide based inhibitors, their use in therapy, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, the use of said compounds in the manufacture of medicaments, and therapeutic methods comprising the administration of said compounds are described. The present compounds modulate the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) and are accordingly useful in the treatment of diseases in which such a modulation is beneficial, such as the metabolic syndrome.
US08383819B2
The present invention provides a compound useful as a synthetic intermediate for an anti-HIV agent having an integrase inhibitory activity, and a production method thereof, and a production method of an anti-HIV agent using the synthetic intermediate. Specifically, for example, a compound represented by the formula (2′): wherein R is a fluorine atom or a methoxy group, and R400 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C4 alkyl group, or a salt thereof, and a production method thereof, and a production method of an anti-HIV agent using the synthetic intermediate.
US08383815B2
The present disclosure generally relates to catalytic methods for producing opioid derivatives. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the preparation of hydrocodone, hydromorphone, or a derivative thereof, by means of a conversion or an isomerization of codeine, morphine, or a derivative thereof, respectively, using a heterogeneous ruthenium metal catalyst.
US08383814B2
The present disclosure relates to a series of substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine carboxamides of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, m, n and p are as described herein. More specifically, the compounds of this invention are modulators of H3 receptors and are, therefore, useful as pharmaceutical agents, especially in the treatment and/or prevention of a variety of diseases modulated by H3 receptors including diseases associated with the central nervous system. Additionally, methods of preparation of substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine carboxamides and intermediates therefore are disclosed.
US08383811B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of crystalline non-hygroscopic form H1 of efavirenz, and pharmaceutical compositions containing it. In accordance with the present invention efavirenz was dissolved in acetone at 25° C.-30° C., the solution was slowly added to water at 0° C.-5° C., the separated solid was filtered, washed with mixture of acetone and water and dried at 25° C.-35° C. under below 65% relative humidity for 18 hours to give crystalline non-hygroscopic efavirenz form H1.
US08383802B2
The invention relates to factor D inhibitors, which bind to factor D and block the functional activity of factor D in complement activation. The inhibitors include antibody molecules, as well as homologues, analogues and modified or derived forms thereof, including immunoglobulin fragments like Fab, F(ab′)2 and Fv, small molecules, including peptides, oligonucleotides, peptidomimetics and organic compounds. A monoclonal antibody which bound to factor D and blocked its ability to activate complement was generated and designated 166-32. The hybridoma producing this antibody was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, under Accession Number HB-12476.
US08383800B2
Isolated polynucleotides comprising an MKI67 mini-promoter are provided. The mini-promoter may be operably linked to an expressible sequence, e.g. reporter genes, genes encoding a polypeptide of interest, regulatory RNA sequences such as miRNA, siRNA, anti-sense RNA, etc., and the like. In some embodiments a cell comprising a stable integrant of an expression vector is provided, which may be integrated in the genome of the cell. The mini-promoter may also be provided in a vector, for example in combination with an expressible sequence. The polynucleotides find use in a method of expressing a sequence of interest, e.g. for identifying or labeling cells, monitoring or tracking the expression of cells, etc.
US08383788B2
A nucleotide molecule encoding a protein encoded by a Fos regulated gene or a fragment thereof, wherein said protein or fragment thereof is encoded by any one of the nucleotide sequences shown in FIG. 1 or 2 or a fragment thereof, including allelic variants and species variants of the nucleotide sequences.
US08383783B2
This invention is directed to methods for removing, preferably simultaneously and in one step, multiple impurities form crude culture samples, and, in particular, the removal of media components, protein, nucleic acids, lipids, and lipopolysaccharides to ultralow levels. Preferably the purification process comprises: (1) binding of the target substance containing one or more contaminants to a chromatography matrix; (2) washing the bound target substance with one or more buffers containing a synergistic combination of a lyotropic agent or organic solvent, a detergent, and a salt component; and (3) desorbing the target substance from the chromatography matrix, so that the eluate contains ultra low levels of contaminants. The reduction of impurities that can be achieved is preferably 91-99.9% as compared to the amount of impurities in the target substance before purification. The invention is also directed to the targets products that have been so purified.
US08383778B2
The present invention encompasses IL-1α binding proteins. Specifically, the invention relates to antibodies that are chimeric, CDR grafted and humanized antibodies. Antibodies of the invention have high affinity for IL-1α and neutralize IL-1α activity. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Method of making and method of using the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting IL-1α and for inhibiting IL-1α activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which IL-1α activity is detrimental.
US08383776B2
The invention relates to a method for purifying a factor XIII polypeptide from a biological material, the method comprising subjecting the material to sequential chromatography on an anion-exchange matrix and a hydrophobic interaction matrix.
US08383775B2
Antibodies that bind to polypeptides and peptides comprising the sequence of zalpha11 Ligand as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 are described. The antibodies may bind the full length sequence of 162 amino acid residues or a fragment thereof, including a mature polypeptide of 131 amino acid residues and smaller polypeptide and peptide sequences. The antibodies may include antibodies that are polyclonal, monoclonal, murine, humanized or neutralizing. Methods for producing the antibodies are also described.
US08383767B2
A protein carrier containing an antigen presenting cell binding domain and a cysteine-rich domain. Also described herein is an immunoconjugate containing the protein carrier with an antigen conjugated to multiple cysteine residues in the cysteine-rich domain, and an immune composition containing the immunoconjugate and an adjuvant, as well as their uses in eliciting immune responses.
US08383766B2
The specificity of binding of a zinc finger to a triplet or quadruplet nucleotide target subsite depends upon the location of the zinc finger in a multifinger protein and, hence, upon the location of its target subsite within a larger target sequence. The present disclosure provides zinc finger amino acid sequences for recognition of triplet target subsites having the nucleotide G in the 5′-most position of the subsite, that have been optimized with respect to the location of the subsite within the target site. Accordingly, the disclosure provides finger position-specific amino acid sequences for the recognition of GNN target subsites. This allows the construction of multi-finger zinc finger proteins with improved affinity and specificity for their target sequences, as well as enhanced biological activity.
US08383747B2
A method for producing a water absorbent resin by (i) polymerizing a monomer including an unsaturated monomer containing a carboxyl group, in the presence of an internal cross-linking agent (A) having two or more radical polymerizable unsaturated groups and in the presence of a non-polymeric internal cross-linking agent (B) having two or more functional groups each allowing formation of an ester bond or an amide bond by reacting with a carboxyl group, while crushing a cross-linked polymer hydrogel; and (ii) drying the cross-linked polymer hydrogel of step (i), wherein: an amount of the internal cross-linking agent (A) is 0.01 mol % or more and 0.2 mol % or less relative to an amount of the unsaturated monomer containing a carboxyl group, and a molar ratio (B)/(A) of the internal cross-linking agent (A) and the non-polymeric internal cross-linking agent (B) is 0.01 or more and 1.8 or less.
US08383740B1
The invention is an improved apparatus for continuously stirring polymer particles in reactive gas-filled polymerization reactors incorporating contiguous paddle stations on a coaxial drive shaft wherein the drive shaft is driven by a hydraulic motor.
US08383736B2
The present invention is directed to a method for preparation of polyolefins containing exo-olefin chain ends. The method involves quenching a cationic quasi-living polyolefin polymer system with a nitrogen-containing five-membered aromatic ring having at least two hydrocarbyl substituent compounds attached to the ring.
US08383723B2
A method for forming a heat sealable coating on a substrate, wherein the substrate is formed from at least one oriented polymer is shown. The method includes depositing an aqueous polymer dispersion on the substrate, wherein the aqueous polymer dispersion includes (A) at least one thermoplastic resin; (B) at least one dispersing agent; and (C) water; wherein the dispersion has a pH of less than 12, and drying the dispersion to form a first layer.
US08383721B2
The compositions comprise an acid functional monomer or acid-functional copolymer (or conjugate base thereof), and an imidazole compound (or conjugate acid thereof).
US08383699B2
A flexographic and/or rotogravure printing ink used on non-woven substrates contains polyurethane resin, solvent, and colorant.
US08383695B2
The present invention relates to a phenoxy resin for an optical material obtained by subjecting at least one selected from specific difunctional epoxy resins and at least one selected from specific difunctional phenols to polyaddition reaction, wherein a film comprising the above phenoxy resin has a refractive index of 1.580 or less at 25° C. and a wavelength of 830 nm, a resin composition for an optical material containing the above phenoxy resin, a resin film for an optical material comprising the above resin composition and an optical waveguide produced by using the above resin composition and/or the above resin film. The present invention can provide a phenoxy resin for an optical material which is excellent in a heat resistance and a transparency and which has a low refractive index, a resin composition for an optical material containing the above phenoxy resin, a resin film for an optical material comprising the above resin composition and an optical waveguide produced by using the above resin composition and/or the above resin film.
US08383691B2
This invention improves prior methods of making cobalt-molybdenum-sulfide catalysts for alcohol production from syngas. In one aspect, improved methods are provided for making preferred cobalt-molybdenum-sulfide compositions. In another aspect, processes utilizing these catalysts for producing at least one C1-C4 alcohol, such as ethanol, from syngas are described.
US08383687B2
The invention provides a method and a composition for enhancing the dissolution and bioavailable properties of propofol (2, 6 diisopropyl phenol) for use as an intravenously administered anesthetic in mammals. The method produces a self-microemulsifiable emulsion base composition that is utilized in the production of a water-based microemulsion preparation. In a preferred two (2) component base composition, the base composition consists of: a surfactant, containing polyethylene glycol; and liquid propofol. The microemulsion is prepared by mixing the base composition with a carrier liquid, which results in the formation of a microemulsion containing concentrations of propofol of up to about 4% by weight of propofol to the volume of the microemulsion. In a four (4) component base composition, the base composition consists of: a surfactant, containing polyethylene glycol; liquid propofol; a water-immiscible solvent; and ethanol. The microemulsion is prepared by mixing the base composition with a carrier liquid, which results in the formation of a microemulsion containing concentrations of propofol of up to about 10% by weight of propofol to the volume of the microemulsion.
US08383686B2
Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants are disclosed. The dimethicone surfactants are PEG-8 to PEG-12 linear dimethicone surfactants and in particular PEG-10 linear dimethicone surfactant. The compositions are useful as antimicrobial products and in particular handcare or skincare products.
US08383680B2
A method is provided for the prevention and treatment of patients having impaired gastro-intestinal tract function. The method comprises the steps of administering to a patient requiring same free amino acids including about 9.0% to about 17.0% glutamic acid.
US08383675B2
A phospholipid extract from a marine or aquatic biomass possesses therapeutic properties. The phospholipid extract comprises a variety of phospholipids, fatty acid, metals and a novel flavonoid.
US08383673B2
The invention relates to nitridoosmium complexes and methods of using these compounds as treatments for cancer.
US08383671B1
This invention is directed to methods of treating solid tumor cancers, particularly refractory cancers by administration of a drug capable of inhibiting mTOR and/or inhibiting an efflux pump and/or inhibiting HIF-1α and VEGF, the drug in particular being selected from the group consisting of sirolimus, everolimus, zotarolimus, tacrolimus, iolimus A9, deforolimus, AP23572, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, pimecrolimus, novolimus, 40-O-(3-hydroxypropyl), 40-O-[2-(2-hydroxy)ethoxy]ethyl-rapamycin and 40-O-tetrazolylrapamycin, the drug being administered along with a chemotherapeutic agent and/or radiation therapy.
US08383662B2
Bicyclic heteroaryl compounds of formula (I) shown below are disclosed. Each variable in formula (I) is defined in the specification. Also disclosed is treatment of cancer with these compounds.
US08383647B2
The present invention provides a compound having a melanin-concentrating hormone receptor antagonistic action and low toxicity, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of obesity and the like.The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof.
US08383643B2
Heteroaromatic compounds of structural formula (I) are selective inhibitors of stearoyl-coenzyme A delta-9 desaturase (SCD1) relative to other known stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturases. The compounds of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of conditions related to abnormal lipid synthesis and metabolism, including cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis; obesity; diabetes; neurological disease; metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance; and liver steatosis.
US08383642B2
A compound of the formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as well as a pharmaceutical composition, and a method for treating diabetes.
US08383634B2
Provided herein are Heteroaryl Compounds having the following structure: wherein R1, R3, R4, L, X, Y, A and B are as defined herein, compositions comprising an effective amount of a Heteroaryl Compound and methods for treating or preventing cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological conditions, metabolic conditions and conditions treatable or preventable by inhibition of a kinase pathway comprising administering an effective amount of a Heteroaryl Compound to a patient in need thereof.
US08383631B2
Provided are a novel 1,6-disubstituted-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridin-7-one compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt compound thereof, a method for preparing the compound, and an anticancer pharmaceutical composition including the compound as an effective ingredient.
US08383628B2
Methods of treating an SCD-mediated disease or condition in a mammal, preferably a human, are disclosed, wherein the methods comprise administering to a mammal in need thereof a compound of formula (I): wherein W, V, x, y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R7a, R8, R8a, R9, R9a, R10 and R10a are defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) are also disclosed.
US08383626B2
There is provided a method of promoting neurogenesis by administering a therapeutic amount of a nitric oxide donor compound to a patient in need of neurogenesis promotion. Also provided is a compound for providing neurogenesis having an effective amount of a nitric oxide donor sufficient to promote neurogenesis. A nitric oxide compound for promoting neurogenesis is also provided. Further, a method of augmenting the production of brain cells and facilitating cellular structural and receptor changes by administering an effective amount of a nitric oxide donor compound to a site in need of augmentation is provided. There is provided a method of increasing both neurological and cognitive function by administering an effective amount of a nitric oxide donor compound to a patient.
US08383610B2
Crystalline forms, including salts and polymorphs, of a compound useful in the treatment of tetracycline compound-responsive states are provided herein. The crystalline compounds are useful for the treatment or prevention of conditions and disorders such as bacterial infections and neoplasms, as well as other known applications for tetracycline compounds in general.
US08383608B2
Novel compounds are disclosed that have a Formula represented by the following: wherein X, R1, R2a, R2b, R2c, R3a R3b, R4a, R4b, R4c, and m1 are as described herein. The compounds may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions, and may be used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, cachexia, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, a decline in libido and/or sexual dysfunction.
US08383606B2
SAE-CD compositions are provided, along with methods of making and using the same. The SAE-CD compositions comprise a sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin having an absorption of less than 0.5 A.U. due to a drug-degrading agent, as determined by UV/vis spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 245 nm to 270 nm for an aqueous solution containing 300 mg of the SAE-CD composition per mL of solution in a cell having a 1 cm path length.
US08383590B2
The present invention provides peptides having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19, 22, 30, 34, 344, 358, 41, 44, 46, 48, 78, 376, 379, 80, 100, 101, 110, 111, 387, 112, 394, 114, 116, 117, 121, 395, 133, 135, 137, 426, 143, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 153, 154, 156, 160, 161, 162, 163, 166, 174, 178, 186, 194, 196, 202, 210, 213, 214, 217, 223, 227, 228, 233, 254, 271, 272 or 288, as well as peptides having the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several (e.g., up to 5) amino acids are substituted, deleted, or added, provided the peptides possess cytotoxic T cell inducibility. The present invention also provides drugs for treating or preventing a disease associated with over-expression of the CDH3, EPHA4, ECT2, HIG2, INHBB, KIF20A, KNTC2, TTK and/or URLC10, e.g. cancers containing as an active ingredient one or more of these peptides. The peptides of the present invention find further utility as vaccines.
US08383586B2
Methods and compositions for treating soft tissue defects are provided. The composition, which is injectable directly into the tissue adjacent to the defect, comprises a fibrosis inducing factor in a carrier. The method includes preparing the composition comprising a fibrosis inducing factor in a carrier and delivering the composition into the tissue adjacent to the defect. Alternatively, a carrier matrix may be disposed in or near the defect, a pump capable of delivering an effective amount of a fibrosis inducing factor may be provided, and the pump is fluidly connected to the carrier matrix.
US08383585B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for determining cardiodiabetes status in a subject. The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating a subject experiencing cardiodiabetes.
US08383583B2
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I, II, or III, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the present invention.
US08383575B2
A complex comprising barnase bound with high affinity to barstar, and comprising a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent bound to barnase and/or barstar.
US08383570B2
The invention includes a GRAS preservative system including sodium bisulfate and a combination of specific organic acids that act in a synergistic capacity. The preservative further has the benefit of a higher melting point of approximately 110° or higher making it particularly suited for solid wash applications. According to the invention it has surprisingly been found that a combination of sodium bisulfate, sorbic acid, and benzoic acid produced better preservative properties than other organic acid combinations or each acid by itself.
US08383562B2
In one aspect of the present invention, a marine system oil composition is provided for lubrication of mechanical components in marine engines, for example, two-stroke, cross-head marine diesel engines and methods/additives for using the marine system oil composition in the same. In one aspect of the present invention, a marine system oil composition is provided that has salt of a carboxylate-containing detergent comprising at least one alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic carboxylic acid, wherein at least 50 mole % of, the alkyl groups are C20 or greater.
US08383560B2
Enhanced oil recovery method consisting in continuously dissolving, in the injection water, a stable invert emulsion of acrylamide (co)polymer containing at least one inverting agent, and a water soluble polymer, whereby: in a first step, the emulsion is prediluted in a first static mixer to a (co)polymer concentration of at least 5 g/l, the difference of pressure between the mixer outlet and inlet being at least 2 bar, in a second step, the suspension from the first mixer is diluted in a second static mixer to a concentration corresponding to the injection concentration of the water in the well of between 500 and 3000 ppm, the difference of pressure between the mixer outlet and inlet being at least 1 bar.
US08383558B2
Sealant compositions comprising an alkali swellable latex and a pH increasing material and methods of using the same to service a wellbore are provided. In one embodiment, the sealant composition can be used in a wellbore and includes an alkali swellable latex and a pH increasing material. The sealant composition can have a pH of from about 7 to about 14. In other embodiments, the pH increasing material includes a base-producing material. The base-producing material can include alkali and alkali earth metal carbonates, alkali and alkali earth metal bicarbonates, alkali and alkali earth metal hydroxides, alkali and alkali earth metal oxides, alkali and alkali earth metal phosphates, alkali and alkali earth metal hydrogen phosphates, alkali and alkaline earth metal sulphides, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of silicates, alkali and alkaline earth metal salts of aluminates, water soluble or water dispersible organic amines, polymeric amine, amino alcohols, or combinations thereof.
US08383552B1
The present invention provides a method of making a high temperature superconductor having a doped, nanoparticulate pinning structure. The method includes providing a nanoparticulate pinning material, providing a cuprate material, doping the nanoparticulate pinning material with a dopant to form a doped nanoparticulate material, depositing a layer of the cuprate material on a substrate, and depositing a layer of the doped nanoparticulate material on the layer of cuprate material. The invention also provides a high temperature superconductor (HTS) having a doped, nanoparticulate pinning structure including a plurality of layers of a cuprate material and a plurality of layers of a doped nanoparticulate pinning material. At least one layer of the doped nanoparticulate pinning material is stacked between two layers of the cuprate material.
US08383548B2
The present invention is directed to a composition comprising i) a microencapsulated pesticide, ii) a dispersant selected from the group consisting of a lignin, b) a lignosulfonate salt and c) a lignosulfonate salt combined with the sodium salt of substituted naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde polymer, iii) a salt selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride, sodium nitrate and calcium chloride, and iv) a non-encapsulated pesticide. The present invention is also directed to methods of making and using the compositions of the present invention.
US08383546B2
A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet, having on a support: at least one heat insulation layer and at least one receptor layer containing a vinyl chloride-series latex copolymer in this order, in which at least one intermediate layer is provided between the heat insulation layer and the receptor layer, the total dry film thickness of the receptor layer and the intermediate layer is 2.5 to 4.0 μm, and the intermediate layer contains 90 mass % or more of a polymer having a glass transition temperature of 30° C. or higher.
US08383542B2
A composition comprising a polymerization modifier for the copolymerization of at least one olefin monomer and 1-octene and a polymerization process using the polymerization modifier.
US08383541B2
Provided are a solid titanium catalyst component for ethylene polymerization which can polymerize ethylene at a high activity and which can provide an ethylene polymer having an excellent particle property, an ethylene polymerization catalyst and an ethylene polymerization method in which the catalyst is used. The solid titanium catalyst component (I) for ethylene polymerization according to the present invention is obtained by bringing a liquid magnesium compound (A) including a magnesium compound, an electron donor (a) having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and an electron donor (b) having 6 to 30 carbon atoms into contact with a liquid titanium compound (C) under the presence of an electron donor (B) and includes titanium, magnesium and a halogen. The ethylene polymerization catalyst of the present invention includes the component (I) and an organic metal compound catalyst component (II). Further, the ethylene polymerization method of the present invention is a method for polymerizing ethylene under the presence of the catalyst.
US08383536B2
A dielectric ceramic which is capable of achieving a laminated ceramic capacitor with high reliability, in particular, favorable lifetime characteristics in a load test, even when a dielectric ceramic layer is reduced in thickness contains one of (Ba,R)(Ti,Mn)O3 and (Ba,Ca,R)(Ti,Mn)O3 (R being La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and/or Y) as a main component, and M (M being Fe, Co, V, W, Cr, Mo, Cu, Al, and/or Mg) and Si as accessory components. The area of a region in which M is present is 10% or less on average of a cross section of each main component grain.
US08383531B2
A glass flake of the present invention has a composition that includes, in terms of mass %, 59≦SiO2<65, 8≦Al2O3≦15, 47<(SiO2—Al2O3)≦57, 1≦MgO≦5, 20≦CaO≦30, 0<(Li2O+Na2O+K2O)<2, and 0≦TiO2≦5 and that is substantially free from B2O3, F, ZnO, BaO, SrO, and ZrO2.
US08383529B2
Disclosed is a cellulose nonwoven fabric containing cellulose fibers having a maximum fiber diameter of not more than 1500 nm and a crystallinity determined by solid state NMR techniques of not less than 60%. The porosity of the cellulose nonwoven fabric is not less than 40% and not more than 99%.
US08383528B2
A method is described for reducing the afterflame of a flammable, meltable material. A textile composite is described comprising an outer textile comprising a flammable, meltable material, and a heat reactive material comprising a polymer resin-expandable graphite mixture.
US08383527B2
An antimicrobial composite which comprises a first, liquid-permeable layer which is substantially completely bonded to a second liquid-absorbing layer. The first layer comprises a coating of at least one antimicrobial metal as such on the side which is bonded to the second layer. Substantially no antimicrobial metal in elemental form is present on exterior surfaces of the composite.
US08383522B2
There is provided a micro pattern forming method including forming a thin film on a substrate; forming a film serving as a mask when processing the thin film; processing the film serving as a mask into a pattern including lines having a preset pitch; trimming the pattern including the lines; and forming an oxide film on the pattern including the lines and on the thin film by alternately supplying a source gas and an activated oxygen species. Here, the process of trimming the pattern and the process of forming an oxide film are consecutively performed in a film forming apparatus configured to form the oxide film.
US08383521B2
A substrate processing method processes a substrate including a processing target film, an organic film provided on the processing target film and having a plurality of line-shaped portions having fine width, and a hard film covering the line-shaped portions and the processing target film exposed between the line-shaped portions. The method includes a first etching step of etching a part of the hard film to expose the organic film and portions of the processing target film between the line-shaped portions; an ashing step of selectively removing the exposed organic film; and a second etching step of etching a part of the remaining hard film.
US08383513B2
Rapid thermal annealing methods and systems for annealing patterned substrates with minimal pattern effect on substrate temperature non-uniformity are provided. The rapid thermal annealing system includes a front-side heating source and a backside heating source. The backside heating source of the rapid thermal annealing system supplies a dominant amount of heat to bring the substrate temperature to the peak annealing temperature. The front-side heating source contributes to heat up the environment near the front-side of the substrate to a temperature lower than about 100° C. to about 200° C. less than the peak annealing temperature. The asymmetric front-side and backside heating for rapid thermal annealing reduce or eliminate pattern effect and improve WIW and WID device performance uniformity.
US08383504B2
An integrated circuit and a method of formation provide a contact area formed at an angled end of at least one linearly extending conductive line. In an embodiment, conductive lines with contact landing pads are formed by patterning lines in a mask material, cutting at least one of the material lines to form an angle relative to the extending direction of the material lines, forming extensions from the angled end faces of the mask material, and patterning an underlying conductor by etching using said material lines and extension as a mask. In another embodiment, at least one conductive line is cut at an angle relative to the extending direction of the conductive line to produce an angled end face, and an electrical contact landing pad is formed in contact with the angled end face.
US08383503B2
Methods for forming semiconductor structures using selectively-formed sidewall spacers are provided. One method comprises forming a first structure and a second structure. The second structure has a height that is greater than the first structure's height. A first sidewall spacer-forming material is deposited overlying the first structure and the second structure. A second sidewall spacer-forming material is deposited overlying the first sidewall spacer-forming material. A composite spacer is formed about the second structure, the composite spacer comprising the first sidewall spacer-forming material and the second sidewall spacer-forming material. The second sidewall spacer-forming material is removed from the first structure and the first sidewall spacer-forming material is removed from the first structure.
US08383498B2
The present invention provides a method (80) for manufacturing a semiconductor tip. The method comprises obtaining (81) a substrate provided with a layer of tip material, providing (82) a doping profile in the layer of tip material, the doping profile comprising a tapered-shaped region of a first dopant concentration, undoped or lightly doped, e.g. having a dopant concentration of 1017 cm−3 or lower, surrounded by a region of a second dopant concentration, highly doped, e.g. having a dopant concentration above 1017 cm−3, the first dopant concentration being lower than the second dopant concentration, and isotropically etching (83) the layer of tip material by using an etch chemistry for which the etch rate of tip material with the second dopant concentration is substantially higher than the etch rate of the tip material with the first dopant concentration.
US08383497B2
A method for manufacturing a sensor having pixels on a substrate, each pixel including a photoelectric converter, a charge-voltage converter, and a gate for forming a channel for transferring charges in the photoelectric converter to the charge-voltage converter, comprises a step of implanting ions into target regions of the substrate, where the photoelectric converters are to be formed, wherein the step is performed N times, and in each of the steps, the ions are implanted along a direction with an inclined angle with respect to a normal to the substrate surface, the target regions where the ions are implanted are different in each step, and for each step, a mask is formed on the substrate, having an opening for every N pixels, a plurality of the openings periodically arranged in a direction along an intersection line between the surface and a plane determined by the normal and the direction.
US08383494B2
Disclosed is a method for forming a buffer layer for growing gallium nitride single crystals on a sapphire substrate using hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE), wherein the buffer layer is formed in the form of a doped vertical gallium nitride (GaN) single crystal film with a nanoporosity of 0.10 to 0.15 μm on the sapphire substrate by reacting HCl and NH3 as a Group III/V mix gas.The nanoporous buffer layer interposed on the interface between the sapphire substrate and gallium nitride reduces tensile stress generated by the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between gallium nitride and the sapphire substrate, enables growth of the gallium nitride layer to a thickness of 1 micrometer (μm) to several millimeters (mm) without causing cracks, and reduces the lattice constant difference to improve crystallinity.
US08383491B2
A step of forming an insulating film over a semiconductor substrate and forming an embrittled region in the semiconductor substrate by irradiating the semiconductor substrate with accelerated ions through the insulating film; a step of disposing a surface of the semiconductor substrate and a surface of a base substrate opposite to each other and bonding the surface of the insulating film to the surface of the base substrate; a step of forming a semiconductor layer over the base substrate with the insulating film interposed therebetween by causing separation along the embrittled region by performing heat treatment after the surface of the insulating film and the surface of the base substrate are bonded to each other; a step of performing etching treatment on the semiconductor layer; a step of irradiating the semiconductor layer subjected to the etching treatment with a laser beam; and a step of irradiating the semiconductor layer irradiated with the laser beam with plasma.
US08383483B2
The present invention relates to complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits that each contains at least a first and a second gate stacks. The first gate stack is located over a first device region (e.g., an n-FET device region) in a semiconductor substrate and comprises at least, from bottom to top, a gate dielectric layer, a metallic gate conductor, and a silicon-containing gate conductor. The second gate stack is located over a second device region (e.g., a p-FET device region) in the semiconductor substrate and comprises at least, from bottom to top, a gate dielectric layer and a silicon-containing gate conductor. The first and second gate stacks can be formed over the semiconductor substrate in an integrated manner by various methods of the present invention.
US08383480B1
A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes following steps. A substrate structure is provided. The substrate structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a first oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) layer, and a second ONO layer. The semiconductor substrate has first and second surfaces opposite to each other. The first ONO layer includes a first oxide layer, a first nitride layer and a second oxide layer formed on the first surface in sequence. The second ONO layer includes a third oxide layer, a second nitride layer and a fourth oxide layer formed on the second surface in sequence. A nitride mask layer is formed on the first ONO layer. The fourth oxide layer is removed. The second nitride layer and the nitride mask layer are removed. The second oxide layer and the third oxide layer are removed. A fifth oxide layer is formed on the first nitride layer.
US08383475B2
A method of forming a device is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate prepared with a cell area separated by other active areas by isolation regions. First and second gates of first and second transistors in the cell area are formed. The first gate includes first and second sub-gates separated by a first intergate dielectric layer. The second gate includes a second sub-gate surrounding a first sub-gate. The first and second sub-gates of the second gate are separated by a second intergate dielectric layer. First and second junctions of the first and second transistors are formed. The method also includes forming a first gate terminal coupled to the second sub-gate of the first transistor and a second gate terminal coupled to at least the first sub-gate of the second transistor.
US08383474B2
A device and method for inducing stress in a semiconductor layer includes providing a substrate having a dielectric layer formed between a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer. A removable buried layer is provided on or in the second semiconductor layer. A gate structure with side spacers is formed on the first semiconductor layer. Recesses are formed down to the removable buried layer in areas for source and drain regions. The removable buried layer is etched away to form an undercut below the dielectric layer below the gate structure. A stressor layer is formed in the undercut, and source and drain regions are formed.
US08383468B2
A method of forming a display device including source/drain electrodes on a substrate, a pixel electrode, an insulating partition wall layer, a channel-region semiconductor layer. Source/drain electrodes of a thin-film transistor are formed on the substrate, while a pixel electrode is connected to the source/drain electrodes. The insulating partition wall layer is formed on the substrate, where the partition wall layer has a first opening extending to between the source electrode and the drain electrode. Furthermore, a channel-region semiconductor layer is formed by depositing a semiconductor layer over the partition wall layer. The channel-region semiconductor layer is on the bottom of the first opening to be separate from a upper part of the partition wall layer.
US08383466B2
A substrate comprising a thin-film-transistor (TFT) region, a pixel region, a gate-line region and a data-line region is provided. A transparent conductive layer and a first metal layer are orderly formed on the substrate. A conductive stack layer is formed within each of the TFT/pixel/gate-line regions and the end of the data-line region. Next, a first insulating layer and a semiconductor layer are orderly formed, and a patterned first insulating layer and a patterned semiconductor layer are formed above the conductive stack layer within the TFT region. Then, a second metal layer and a first photoresist layer are respectively formed. Afterwards, the second and the first metal layers are patterned by using the first photoresist layer as a photomask. Finally, the first photoresist layer is reflowed by heat, and part of the reflowed first photoresist layer covers a channel formed within the TFT region.
US08383459B2
Methods are disclosed to process a thermal interface material to achieve easy pick and placement of the thermal interface material without lowering thermal performance of a completed semiconductor package. One method involves applying a non-adhesive layer on one or more surfaces of the thermal interface material, interfacing the thermal interface material with one or more components to interface the non-adhesive layer therebetween, and applying heat to alter the non-adhesive layer to increase thermal contact between the thermal interface material and the interfacing component(s).
US08383455B2
An electronic device can include an organic active layer and an electrode. In one aspect, the electrode can further include a first layer that is conductive, and a second layer that is conductive. The second layer can include a defect extending at least partly through a thickness of the second conductive layer. The electrode can also include a third layer lying within and substantially filling the defect, wherein each of the second and third layers includes a same metallic element.In another aspect, a process for forming an electronic device can include forming an organic active layer and forming a first layer that is conductive and is part of an electrode. The process can also include forming a second layer and exposing the second layer to a first plasma to form a first compound from the second layer.
US08383448B2
A method of fabricating an MOS device is provided. First, gates and source/drain regions of transistors are formed on a substrate. A photodiode doped region and a floating node doped region are formed in the substrate. Thereafter, a spacer stacked layer including a bottom layer, an inter-layer and a top layer is formed to cover each gate of the transistors. Afterwards, a first mask layer having an opening exposing at least the photodiode doped region is formed on the substrate, and then the top layer exposed by the opening is removed. Next, the first mask layer is removed, and then a second mask layer is formed on a region correspondingly exposed by the opening. A portion of the top layer and the inter-layer exposed by the second mask layer is removed to form spacers on sidewalls of the gates.
US08383441B2
Methods for manufacturing micromachined devices and the devices obtained are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a structural layer comprising an amorphous semiconductor material, forming a shielding layer on a first portion of the structural layer and leaving exposed a second portion of the structural layer, and annealing the second portion using a first fluence. The method further comprises removing the shielding layer, and annealing the first portion and the second portion using a second fluence that is less than half the first fluence. In an embodiment, the device comprises a substrate layer, an underlying layer formed on the substrate layer, and a sacrificial layer formed on only a portion of the underlying layer. The device further comprises a structural layer that is in contact with the underlying layer and comprises a first region annealed using a first fluence and a second region annealed using a second fluence.
US08383434B2
A method for manufacturing a thin film transistor having high electric characteristics with high productivity. In the method for forming a channel region of a dual-gate thin film transistor including a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode which faces the first gate electrode with the channel region provided therebetween, a first microcrystalline semiconductor film is formed under a first condition for forming a microcrystalline semiconductor film in which a space between crystal grains is filled with an amorphous semiconductor, and a second microcrystalline semiconductor film is formed over the first microcrystalline semiconductor film under a second condition for promoting crystal growth.
US08383420B2
A method for the equilibration of enriched isotope species and natural isotope species prior to mass spectrometric analysis using solid phase and/or microwave isotope ratio equilibration and measurement.
US08383415B2
A composition comprising a hydrogel particle and a fluorophore; wherein said composition produces an enhanced fluorescent signal when excited by an energy source capable of exciting the fluorophore.
US08383406B2
A method for stimulating the proliferation of differentiated cells belonging to the chondrogenic lineage, includes the step of culturing the differentiated cells in a culture medium comprising glycylglycine in an amount sufficient to stimulate the proliferation of the cells.
US08383397B2
A cell culture system for the production of cells and cell derived products includes a reusable instrumentation base device incorporating hardware to support cell culture growth. A disposable cultureware module including a cell growth chamber is removably attachable to the instrumentation base device. The base device includes microprocessor control and a pump for circulating cell culture medium through the cell growth chamber. The cultureware module is removably attached to the instrumentation base device. Cells are introduced into the cell growth chamber and a source of medium is fluidly attached to the cultureware module. Operating parameters are programmed into the microprocessor control. The pump is operated to circulate the medium through the cell growth chamber to grow cells or cell products therein. The grown cells or cell products are harvested from the cell growth chamber and the cultureware module is then disposed.
US08383389B2
An improved hydroxynitrile lyase characterized by having a mutation of substitution of at least one amino acid residue in the amino acid sequence of a wild-type hydroxynitrile lyase with another amino acid and by its hydroxynitrile lyase activity per transformant being higher than the hydroxynitrile lyase activity per transformant into which the wild-type hydroxynitrile lyase gene is introduced; and a method for producing a hydroxynitrile lyase, comprising expressing the improved hydroxynitrile lyase in a host and recovering the improved hydroxynitrile lyase from the resultant culture.
US08383379B2
The present invention relates to a copolymer comprising 4-hydroxybutyrate monomer unit and lactate monomer unit, a copolymer 4-hydroxybutyrate monomer unit, lactate monomer unit and 3-hydroxyalkanoate, or their preparing method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a copolymer comprising lactate monomer; 4-hydroxybutyrate monomer; and optionally 3-hydroxyalkanoate, wherein the method comprises culturing a cell or plant comprising the gene of enzyme converting lactate and 3-hydroxyalkanoate into lactyl-CoA and 3-hydroxyalkanoyl-CoA, respectively, phosphotransbutylase gene, butyrate kinase gene and polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase gene together, and the copolymer made by the method. The copolymer of the present invention is a biodegradable polymer being able to be usefully used instead of conventional synthetic plastic, and the copolymer can be used for medical use.
US08383378B2
Systems and methods are provided for patterning biological and non-biological material at specific sites on a plate, as well as growing three dimensional structures. Preferred embodiments comprise a plate with regions that will trap gas, usually in the form of bubbles, when the plate is submerged in liquid. Other embodiment of the present invention include a method for placing materials on the plate at pre-determined locations through the use of trapped gas to prevent materials from collecting at unwanted regions. The plate has great utility for plating cells and tissues at specific sites, such as on an array. The disclosed method can also be used to coat the surface of a plate with coatings at specific locations for patterned coating applications and to build up materials to produce three dimensional structures, including micro-mechanical structures—where the structures may be formed from living or non-living material, tissue or non-tissue, organic or inorganic, and the like.
US08383369B2
Methods, devices, and systems for performing intermittent detection during analytical reactions are provided. Such methods facilitate collection of reaction data from disparate reaction times. Further, such methods are useful for reducing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction at a given reaction time. In preferred embodiments, the reaction mixture is subjected to at least one illuminated and non-illuminated period and allowed to proceed such that the time in which the reaction mixture is illuminated is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period.
US08383364B2
Provided is an rtTA and single chain rtTA variants and uses thereof for inducible expression of a nucleic acid of interest. Nucleic acid molecules comprising an improved rtTA and/or sc rtTA sequence according to the invention are also provided, as well as vectors, replicons and cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules.
US08383361B2
A polymer matrix that may coated on an electrode is created by co-crosslinking (1) an adduct of a polyaniline formed by templated oxidative polymerization on a polymer acid; (2) a water-soluble crosslinker; and (3) a redox enzyme. The polymer matrix may be hydrated, and the absorbed water may make it permeable to, for example, glucose. The polyaniline may be polyaniline itself or a substituted polyaniline; the water-soluble crosslinker may be poly(ethylene glycol)diglycidyl ether, and the redox enzyme may be glucose oxidase. The polymer matrix may be produced by co-crosslinking (1) an adduct of an electrically conductive polymer and a polymer acid; (2) a water-soluble crosslinker; and (3) a redox enzyme in a single step at an about neutral pH, curing by drying. After hydration, the crosslinked polymer matrix may form a 3-dimensional glucose-permeable bioelectrocatalyst, catalyzing the electrooxidation of glucose.
US08383360B2
The present invention provides diagnostic methods for determining the risk of developing an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a fetus or child by detecting in a biological sample from the mother antibodies that bind to one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), guanine deaminase (GDA), collapsin response mediator protein 1 (CRMP1), stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), alpha subunit of the barbed-end actin binding protein Cap Z (CAPZA2), Y Box Binding Protein 1 (YBX1), eukaryotic translation and elongation factor 1A1 (EEF1A1), microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT), dihydropyrimidinase-like protein 2 (DPYSL2), dynamin 1-like protein (DNM1L), radixin (RDX), moesin (MSN), and ezrin (EZR). The invention further provides methods of preventing or reducing the risk of a fetus or child developing an ASD by administering to the mother an agent that blocks the binding of maternal antibodies to the one or more fetal biomarkers listed above or by removing from the mother antibodies that bind to the one or more fetal biomarkers.
US08383347B1
Changes in adaptive immune system were identified and correlated as a predictor of Aβ40 and Aβ42 and AD progression. T-cell, B-cell, TCR and BCR profiles were used to correlate clinical progression of AD. The CDR3 region was spectratyped, showing the clonality of the CDR3 region. This intrafamily gene fragment length profile was compared to age-matched controls, thereby indicating the existence of a neurodegenerative disease. The novel method is useful in diagnosing neurodegenerative disease, like Parkinson's disease, HIV-associated Dementia, or Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, this permits the clinical identification of patients at a very early stage of AD and/or monitoring the potential benefits of disease modifying therapeutics.
US08383345B2
The invention provides methods for preparing DNA sequencing libraries for assembling short read sequencing data into longer contiguous sequences and providing for genome assembly, full length cDNA sequencing, metagenomics, and the analysis of repetitive sequences of assembled genomes. The methods generally comprise incorporating adaptor or vector sequences into at least one member of a target fragment library, amplifying the population of target fragment library members to produce a plurality of copies of amplified DNA molecules, fragmenting the plurality of amplified DNA molecules, incorporating additional adaptor sequences, and amplifying a region of at least one of the plurality of amplified DNA molecules. At least one resulting amplicon comprises a sequence identical to or complementary to at least a portion of a sequence tag and a sequence identical to or complementary to a portion of a target fragment library member.
US08383338B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the enrichment of target nucleic acids in a microarray system. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for uniform enrichment of target nucleic acid molecules in a microarray format. The present invention also provides for intentionally non-uniform enrichment among target nucleic acid molecules.
US08383336B2
A room temperature stable and minimal aggregate liquid formulation comprises an oligonucleotide comprising Seq ID No. 1: or comprising a variant oligonucleotide in which no more than 3 non-sequential bases are different from Seq. ID NO. 1 and an aqueous carrier comprising a aggregation-preventing compound selected from the group consisting of mono and disaccharides and/or sugar alcohols.
US08383330B2
A belt-like work (11) provided with a photosensitive layer is conveyed in a work conveying direction F at a work conveying speed V. An illuminating section (30) illuminates a photomask (29) in an exposure period T synchronized with the work conveying speed V. The photomask (29) is disposed at a proximity gap from the belt-like work (11). Mask patterns (33) on the photomask (29) are exposed on the belt-like work (11) to form periodic patterns thereon.
US08383325B2
A lithographic method includes providing particles in dry form on a substrate, or on material provided on the substrate, irradiating one or more of the particles with a dose of radiation, the dose of radiation being sufficient to ensure that at least one particle of the one or more particles is bonded to the substrate, or to the material provided on the substrate, and removing particles from the substrate, or from material provided on the substrate, that have not been bonded to the substrate, or to the material provided on the substrate.
US08383323B2
A system and method for selective imaging through dual photoresist layers. The system and method includes coating a surface of the wafer with a first resist and baking the wafer to sufficiently drive out solvents in the first resist. The first resist is exposed to a first radiation source and exposing an edge of the wafer having the first resist disposed thereon to the first radiation source. The method further includes hard baking the first resist to the wafer and coating the first resist with a second resist. The method also includes baking the wafer to sufficiently drive out solvents in the second resist and exposing the second resist to a second radiation source. The method also includes exposing select portions of the edge of the wafer having the second resist disposed thereon to the second radiation source and hard baking the second resist to the wafer.
US08383317B2
Disclosed herein are methods of making a negative pattern of carbon nanotubes or a polymerized carbon nanotube composite having an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) by modifying the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes with polymerizable functional groups such as oxirane and anhydride groups and subjecting the surface-modified carbon nanotubes either to a photolithography process or to a heatcuring process. By virtue of the present invention, desired patterns of carbon nanotubes can be easily made on the surfaces of various substrates, and polymerized carbon nanotube composites improved in hardening properties can be made without additional polymers.
US08383308B2
A positively chargeable two-component developer, including at least a toner and a carrier, wherein the toner contains a binder resin, a colorant, a wax, and a charge control agent, the binder resin contains at least a polyester resin and an addition polymerization resin grafted with a polyolefin, the wax and the addition polymerization resin grafted with a polyolefin are contained at a wax:addition polymerization resin grafted with a polyolefin ratio of from about 40:60 to about 80:20, and the carrier is a magnetic powder having a coating layer containing a methyl-containing silicone resin.
US08383306B2
The present disclosure provides an electrographic toner and methods for preparing an electrographic toner. In particular, the present disclosure provides an electrophotographic toner comprising a latex, a colorant and a releasing agent. The electrophotographic toner may further comprise zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and silicon (Si). The [Zn]/[Fe] ratio may be in the range of about 5.0×10−2 to about 2.0. The [Si]/[Fe] ratio may be in the range of about 5.0×10−4 to about 5.0×10−2. [Zn], [Fe] and [Si] denote the intensities of Zn, Fe and Si, respectively, as measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.
US08383300B2
An exposure mask for forming a G-type active region with a double patterning technology includes a bar shaped first light-blocking pattern to define an I-type active region, and an island shaped second light-blocking pattern to define a bit line contact region. The first light-blocking pattern and the second light-blocking pattern are arranged alternately.
US08383299B2
A double patterning mask set includes a first mask having a first set of via patterns, and a second mask having a second set of via patterns. The first set of via patterns includes at least two via patterns arranged along a diagonal direction, each of the at least two via patterns has at least a truncated corner. The first set of via patterns and the second set of via patterns are interlacedly arranged along a horizontal direction and a vertical direction.
US08383297B2
Provided are a pellicle for lithography which can prevent a haze from being generated on a photomask even if a short wave length laser such as an ArF excimer laser is used for a long period of time, and a method for producing a pellicle film to be attached to the pellicle for lithography. The pellicle 1 for lithography is comprised of a frame-like pellicle frame 4 having one open frame on one side of the pellicle frame and another open frame on another side of the pellicle frame; and a laser beam transmissive pellicle film 2 for lithography, which is attached to the one side of the pellicle frame. The another open frame is capable of attaching to a photomask 10 and the pellicle film has a venting hole 7 having a hole size through which a gas molecule 15 can pass but not a foreign particle 16.
US08383294B2
We propose a method of detecting the presence of certain chemical and biochemical substances by virtue of the fact that they are, or have attached to them, either a dye molecule which acts as a photosensitizer for a holographic recording process, or another essential molecular component of the holographic recording material such as a monomer or a free radical generator. A recording material used in the process utilizes a photopolymer system consisting of a monomer and a crosslinking monomer, a free radical generator, a photosensitizer and, additionally, a polymeric binder when dry formulations are required and specifically lacks the substance to be detected. Subsequent holographic exposure records an interference pattern only where the complementary substance is present. Applications are broad ranging. Examples in diagnostics, printing, security, and environmental monitoring are given.
US08383293B2
An electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications includes a catalyst support and a noble metal or noble metal-based alloy catalyst supported upon the catalyst support. The catalyst support characteristically includes a Group IV-VI transition metal silicide with or without the mixing of carbon. A fuel cell incorporating the electrocatalyst into the anode and/or cathode is disclosed. Such fuel cell exhibit improved cycling and operating performance.
US08383290B2
A passive fuel cell assembly, in which there is neither air pump, nor fuel pump, is comprised of a plurality of bi-cell units. Each bi-cell unit includes a first cell and a second cell, and each cell includes an electrode of a first polarity and an electrode of a second polarity, with an ion permeable membrane disposed therebetween. The bi-cell unit further includes a fuel container which comprises a housing defining a fuel chamber having a first and second open surface. The first and second cells are disposed on opposite sides so that electrodes of each cell having the first polarity are disposed in fluid contact with the fuel chamber. The assembly further includes an oxidizer supply member disposed between adjacent pairs of bi-cell units. The oxidizer supply member includes an oxidizer chamber having four sides to take in air, and having first and second open surfaces. The oxidizer supply member is disposed so that electrodes of the second polarity of adjacent bi-cell units are in fluid contact with the chamber of the oxidizer supply member. The various bi-cell units may be electrically interconnected in mixed series parallel relationship to obtain long operational life. The fuel cell bi-cell assembly may be configured to operate in conjunction with a liquid fuel such as an alcohol, and using air as an oxidizer.
US08383277B2
The standard permeation amount of an impurity substance, that is, the permeation amount per unit area of the impurity substance under a standard concentration is calculated from the gas pressures in the gas channels, the impedance, and the fuel cell temperature. The permeation index of the impurity substance at each of locations in the anode-side gas channel is calculated on the basis of the previously calculated value of the concentration distribution of the impurity substance. Then, on the basis of the standard permeation amount and the permeation index, the permeation amounts of the impurity substance at the locations in the anode-side gas channel are calculated. On the basis of a total of the permeation amounts, the amount of the impurity substance accumulated in the anode-side gas channel is calculated. Furthermore, the distribution of existence rate of the impurity substance in the anode-side gas channel is calculated on the basis of the gas pressure in the anode-side gas channel and the electric current value.
US08383270B2
A subject for the invention is to provide a positive-electrode material, which has high capacity and high output and is inhibited from suffering a decrease in output with repetitions of charge and use. The invention provides a positive-electrode material for lithium secondary battery, which comprises a secondary particle of a lithium/transition metal composite oxide containing boron and/or bismuth, and wherein the atomic ratio of the sum of boron and bismuth to the sum of the metallic elements other than lithium, boron, and bismuth in a surface part of the secondary particle is from 5 times to 70 times the atomic ratio in the whole secondary particle.
US08383268B2
A lithium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a thin film solid electrolyte including lithium ion conductive inorganic substance. The thin film solid electrolyte has thickness of 20 μm or below and is formed directly on an electrode material or materials for the positive electrode and/or the negative electrode. The thin film solid electrolyte has lithium ion conductivity of 10−5Scm−1 or over and contains lithium ion conductive inorganic substance powder in an amount of 40 weight % or over in a polymer medium. The average particle diameter of the inorganic substance powder is 0.5 μm or below. According to a method for manufacturing the lithium ion secondary battery, the thin film solid electrolyte is formed by coating the lithium ion conductive inorganic substance directly on the electrode material or materials for the positive electrode and/or the negative electrode.
US08383267B2
A secondary battery having high cycle characteristics is provided. The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte. In the anode, an anode active material layer containing silicon, carbon, and oxygen as an anode active material is provided on an anode current collector. In the anode active material, a content of carbon is from 0.2 atomic % to 10 atomic % both inclusive, and a content of oxygen is from 0.5 atomic % to 40 atomic % both inclusive. A ratio from 0.1% to 17.29% both inclusive of the silicon contained in the anode active material exists as Si—C bond.
US08383256B1
A battery has a battery case with a hole, and a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) safety valve mounted to the battery case over the hole. The MEMS safety valve includes a silicon diaphragm and a silicon electrode layer with a movable electrode mounted above the diaphragm, a stationary electrode around the movable electrode, and one or more links electrically connecting the movable and the stationary electrodes. The stationary electrode, the links, and the movable electrode form part of an electrical path between one or more battery cells and a battery terminal. The links break to open the electrical path when the pressure in the battery case pushes the diaphragm and the links past a first limit. The diaphragm breaks to release fluid from the battery case when the pressure pushes the diaphragm past a second limit. The first limit may be smaller, larger, or the same as the second limit.
US08383247B2
A lightweight composite article with controlled biodegradation includes a fibrous substrate and one or more additives applied to the fibrous substrate to control the rate of biodegradation of the composite article. The composite article has a weight of less than about 57 grams per square meter, and a biodegradation within a range of from about 30 days to about 150 days. In some embodiments, the additives include one or more of water repellent, antimicrobial agent and biodegradable binder.
US08383241B2
Plasticizer-containing films based on polyvinyl acetal containing a UV absorbers of the oxanilide type of formula (1) exhibit high UVA transmission while also exhibiting low UVB transmission, with reduced tendency to yellow.
US08383229B2
A protective pad to be employed by a person engaged in athletic activity utilizes to protect the user's hands formed from a very thin rectangular piece of rubber having a thickness of approximately 0.032 inch. On the top side of the protective pad are located treads upraised from the top surface of the pad. The treads are evenly spaced and approximately ½ inch apart and have triangular cross sections. The bottom side of the protective, which is the side placed against the grip portion of the piece of athletic equipment, is generally flat and has a tacky surface. The user wraps the protective pad around the grip portion of the piece of athletic equipment with the bottom tacky side of the pad adjacent to the grip.
US08383225B2
A vacuum insulation element, which consists of a multi-layer configuration of at least two molded plates, that can be subjected to a vacuum, wherein the molded plates in each case have a surrounding edge region which in each case form a sealing surface, wherein the sealing surfaces of the molded plates are hermetically bonded together in the assembled state thus forming a sealing frame, such that a cavity between the, at least two, molded plates is sealed in a manner that is vacuum-tight, and the structure of the, at least two, molded plates distributes the atmospheric pressure which is applied to the multi-layer configuration when subjected to a vacuum such that the specified structure remains stable, wherein the molded plates have numerous molded structural elements in the shape of projections and depressions which face in opposite directions from the molded plates and the projections, or respectively, depressions which face the other plate respectively rest against each other thereby forming a grid of support points when subjected to a vacuum, and the projections, or respectively, depressions which face away from the other plate respectively form numerous cavity cells which can be subjected to a vacuum between the support points, wherein the cavity cells are connected in such a manner that they communicate with one another, and as a whole, form the cavity.
US08383224B2
A table pad assembly having at least one table pad end section that extends beyond the longitudinal edge of a table top. In addition to the table pad end section, the assembly includes at least two brackets each having a female attaching portion and a base portion, at least one spline having a first opening and a second opening, at least a set of legs, and an adjustable foot on each leg.
US08383223B2
A product made of tissue for sanitary or domestic use is aimed in particular at products in rolls such as rolls of bathroom tissue (or sanitary paper) and similar rolls. A roll of fibrous cellulosic product includes a rolled strip of sheets of tissue separated by perforated or pre-cut lines, the individual plies of each sheet being bonded over a peripheral surface area of between 4% and 60% of the total surface area of each sheet.
US08383214B2
A composite article comprises a substrate having at least a substrate surface and a graded-composition coating disposed on a substrate surface. The composition of the coating material varies substantially continuously across its thickness. The coating reduces the transmission rates of oxygen, water vapor, and other chemical species through the substrate such that the composite article can be used effectively as a diffusion barrier to protect chemically sensitive devices or materials. An organic light-emitting device incorporates such a composite article to provide an extended life thereto.
US08383213B1
A decoration device for attaching to a windshield wiper featuring a generally flexible elongated strip; a cloth component disposed on a top surface of the strip, the cloth component resembles a tail of an animal, the animal includes a cat, a dog, a lion, a rhinoceros, a snake, a tiger, an elephant, a zebra, a wolf, a dingo, a kangaroo, or the like; and at least one clip disposed on a bottom surface of the strip, the clip is configured to wrap around a portion of the arm of the windshield wiper, the clip comprises a screw clamp for tightening the clip around the portion of the arm of the windshield wiper.
US08383207B2
A tire dressing system includes an imaging device that captures an image of a vehicle tire or portion thereof and at least one application device that applies tire dressing to the tire based on the captured image. The system determines one or more tire parameters based on the captured image. The tire dressing system configures the at least one application device based on the tire parameter(s) such that the application device substantially restricts application of tire dressing to within the boundaries of the tire sidewalls. By determining the tire parameters, the tire dressing system may apply the tire dressing to the tire sidewalls while reducing or minimizing application of tire dressing to the body or rims of the vehicle.
US08383204B2
A method of applying to a clean metal surface an aqueous solution comprised of a small percentage of organofunctional siloxane oligomers. The organofunctional siloxane oligomers used in this method include silsesquioxanes. The organofunctional siloxane oligomers are applied to a metal surface prior to the application of a topcoat and function to inhibit corrosion of the metal surface.
US08383202B2
The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing oxidation or contamination during a circuit printing operation. The circuit printing operation can be directed to OLED-type printing. In an exemplary embodiment, the printing process is conducted at a load-locked printer housing having one or more of chambers. Each chamber is partitioned from the other chambers by physical gates or fluidic curtains. A controller coordinates transportation of a substrate through the system and purges the system by timely opening appropriate gates. The controller may also control the printing operation by energizing the print-head at a time when the substrate is positioned substantially thereunder.
US08383195B2
In a production method for a laminated electronic component, a ceramic base body is formed by stacking a plurality of ceramic layers, and internal electrodes are formed in the ceramic base body. Lead-out portions of the internal electrodes are exposed from side surfaces of the ceramic base body. Belt-shaped external terminal electrodes are formed on the side surfaces by plating so as to be electrically connected to the exposed portions of the internal electrodes. The distance from an end surface to an external terminal electrode closest to the end surface in the ceramic base body is measured. When the measured distance does not correspond to a predetermined reference value, the ceramic base body is removed as being defective.
US08383192B2
There is provided a process for forming a contained second layer over a first layer, including the steps: forming the first layer having a first surface energy; treating the first layer with a reactive surface-active composition to form a treated first layer having a second surface energy which is lower than the first surface energy; exposing the treated first layer with radiation; and forming the second layer. There is also provided an organic electronic device made by the process.
US08383185B2
Protein-containing suspensions such as milk that are preserved by a UHT treatment, show age gelation. This age gelation can be reduced by inclusion of an emulsifier with an HLB value below 16.
US08383184B2
The invention concerns a method for hygienically and automatically producing from a beverage dispensing device a frothed whitened beverage in a receptacle comprising upon the actuation of a command on the device the following operations controlled by a control unit of said device: —a. metering and delivering a pre-warming volume of heated water in a receptacle for prewarming a whitening food component already contained in the receptacle and forming a warmed liquid in said receptacle, —b. metering and delivering a frothing volume of heated water in the form of at least a pressurized jet directed toward the receptacle for frothing the warmed liquid, —c. producing and delivering in the receptacle a liquid mixture made of a second food component and a metered mixing volume of water. The invention also concerns a device for implementing said method.
US08383170B2
Provided, among other things, is a method of treating or ameliorating an indication of mucosal or adjacent tissue comprising periodically applying to mucosa at or adjacent to disease affected tissue a rinse comprising: an effective amount of appropriate composition of herbal bioactive comprising active(s) of one or more of Sambucus nigra, Centella asiatica or Echinacea purpurea; an antimicrobially effective amount of a quaternary ammonium surfactant; and optionally a polymer or mixture of polymers effective to coat said tissue and entrap said extract(s).
US08383164B2
The present invention provides an antiviral composition and system for using the same, wherein the antiviral composition includes between about 0.1 to about 0.3 wt % of antimicrobial agent such as benzalkoniumchloride, between about 0.1 to about 1 wt % of chlorinated phenol compound, such as parachlorometaxylenol, between about 0.1 to about 3 wt % of hydrogen peroxide, and at least about 60 wt % aqueous solvent.
US08383153B2
Disclosed is a temperature- and pH-sensitive hydrogel composed of a poly(amidoamine) oligomer only. The hydrogel is prepared in a simple manner and is readily released from the body. Further disclosed are a method for preparing the hydrogel and a drug carrier using the hydrogel.
US08383152B2
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical dosage form, preferably with controlled release of a pharmacologically active compound (A) contained therein, the pharmaceutical dosage form very preferably being tamper-resistant and most preferably having a breaking strength B1 of at least 500 N in direction of extension E1 and having a breaking strength B2 of less than 500 N in direction of extension E2.
US08383146B2
A process for the preparation of a composition intended for the oral administration of active principles with unacceptable taste, which comprises from about 15% to about 30% of organoleptically unpleasant active ingredient (principle) that is mixed with from about 60% to about 80% of an ester of glycerol or of a fatty acid, to which a wax is optionally added and to which a surfactant is added, and in that it is prepared by a spray-cooling process which can produce a particle size of less than 350 μm.
US08383144B2
A method mixes a first component, a second component, and a buffer material. The first component includes an electrophilic polymer material comprising poly(ethylene glycol) having a functionality of at least three. The second component includes a nucleophilic material comprising a natural or synthetic protein at a concentration of about 25% or less that, when mixed with the first component within a reaction pH range, cross-links with the first component to form a non-liquid, three-dimensional barrier. The buffer material includes tris-hydroxymethylaminomethane having a pH within the reaction pH range. The method applies the mixture to adhere to a tissue region.
US08383132B2
Immunogenic compositions comprising recombinant intracellular pathogens that have been transformed to express recombinant immunogenic antigens of the same or other intracellular pathogens and immunostimulatory molecules are provided. Exemplary immunogenic compositions include, but are not limited to, recombinant BCG expressing Mycobacteria major extracellular proteins and immunostimulatory molecules.
US08383125B2
The present invention provides improved antimicrobial compositions comprising peptide fragments of tammar wallaby milk proteins and analogs and derivatives thereof exemplified by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID Nos: 1-40 and uses therefor in the treatment of a range of infections by bacteria and fungi. The antimicrobial compositions are particularly useful for broad spectrum applications, especially for the treatment of bacterial infections.
US08383121B2
Monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins that bind specifically to the envelope glycoprotein of H5 subtypes or neuraminidase glycoprotein of N1 subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) are provided. The monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins are useful for the detection of H5 and N1 subtypes of AIV, including H5N1 subtypes and provide means for the diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of dangerous viral infections.
US08383110B2
The invention relates to modulation of fungal morphology between yeast-to-hyphal growth transition by controlling muramyl-L-alanine concentration and uses thereof.
US08383109B2
The present invention relates to optimized Fc variants, methods for their generation, and antibodies and Fc fusions comprising optimized Fc variants.
US08383102B2
Lysostaphin is a bacteriocin secreted by S. simulans to kill S. aureus, and has been shown to also be a potent antimicrobial for many antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus. By adding a ˜13 amino acid protein transduction domain (PTD) from the HIV-TAT protein to lysostaphin to form lysostaphin-PTD, both extracellular and intracellular forms of S. aureus and MRSA are killed in all (multiple) cell types examined.
US08383096B2
A human cell line, which lacks major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) antigens and major histocompatibility class II (MHC-II) antigens and which has been modified to comprise and express (i) a nucleotide sequence encoding an immunomodulator and (ii) a nucleotide sequence encoding a viral antigen, and a method of inducing or stimulating an immune response in a human to a viral-associated disease or cancer comprising administering to the human (i) the aforementioned human cell line in an amount sufficient to induce or stimulate an immune response to the viral associated disease or cancer, (ii) a human cell line, which lacks MHC-I and MHC-11 antigens and which has been modified to comprise and express a nucleotide sequence encoding an immunomodulator, and a human cell line, which lacks MHC-I and MHC-II antigens and which has been modified to comprise and express a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen of EBV, simultaneously or sequentially in either order, by the same or different routes, in amounts sufficient to induce or stimulate an immune response to the viral-associated disease or cancer, or (iii) an immunomodulator and a human cell line, which lacks MHC-I and MHC-II antigens and which has been modified to comprise and express a nucleotide sequence encoding an antigen of EBV, simultaneously or sequentially in either order, by the same or different routes, in amounts sufficient to induce or stimulate an immune response to the viral associated disease or cancer.
US08383095B2
The present disclosure relates to the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. More specifically, methods, compositions and kits for improving engraftment of stem cell transplants by administering myeloid progenitor cells are provided.
US08383084B2
Methods for enhancing destruction and killing of bacterial spores via phagocytosis, where phagocytosis of bacterial spores is enhanced by using a glycoconjugate. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of modifying a surface of a bacterial spore to increase adherence to a phagocyte; and ingesting the adherence-increased spore with the phagocyte, thereby destructing and killing the spore by blocking spore-induced phagocyte cell death, while increasing phagocyte activation level and production of antimicrobial and cytocidal agents such as NO and inflammatory cytokines. The adherence of spore to a phagocyte is increased after the surface thereof is coated with a glycoconjugate to form a glycoconjugate-coated spores. The glycoconjugate-coated spores also increase ingestion of the spores by phagocytes and facilitate phagosome-lysosome fusion, which in turn results in destruction and killing of bacterial spores via phagocytosis. The method enhances adherence, ingestion, destruction and killing of bacterial spores via phagocytes, which otherwise may be resistant to phagocytosis.
US08383079B2
A crystalline molecular sieve comprises at least [AlO4] and [PO4] tetrahedral units and comprising a first framework structure defining a first set of uniformly distributed pores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 0.3 to less than 2 nanometers and further comprising a second framework structure defining a second set of uniformly distributed pores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from 2 to 50 nanometers. The first framework structure is preferably of the CHA framework type.
US08383074B2
A process for simultaneously desulfurizing and denitrating the flue gas with seawater includes the following steps: 1) catalytically scrubbing the flue gas containing SO2 and NOx with the seawater to obtain purified flue gas and acidic seawater, optionally adding a certain quantity of iron ions into the seawater or applying magnetic field during scrubbing; 2) adding seawater into the acidic seawater while blowing air in so as to restore the quality of the acidic seawater up to the environmental standards. Also a device used in the process is provided.
US08383072B2
A process for the separation of carbon dioxide from gas mixtures is disclosed in which a metal oxide sorbent, which is used to capture and release carbon dioxide, is recycled. The process incorporates the regeneration of the carbon dioxide capture capacity of the metal oxide to maintain a high capture capacity over many cycles. The regeneration involves hydrating the metal oxide and then heating the resulting metal hydroxide under a gas atmosphere that is effective to suppress the dehydration of the hydroxide so that dehydration occurs at an elevated temperature. The regeneration may also be used independently from the carbon dioxide separation process to produce, from a metal hydroxide, a metal oxide having an enhanced resistance to attrition and fragmentation.
US08383070B2
A method of recovering rhenium (Re) and other metals from Re-bearing materials in the form of ammonium perrhenate having at least the step of adding Re-bearing materials into a leaching slurry. Additionally, the method has the step of adjusting the pH of the slurry to obtain Re in soluble form in a metal salt solution and insoluble residues; filtering the metal salt solution to remove the insoluble residues; selectively precipitating Re from the metal salt solution; filtering the Re precipitate from the metal salt solution to obtain a Re filtercake; and formulating and drying the Re filtercake to obtain a Re sulfide product. The method further has the step of combining the Re sulfide product with a Molybdenum (Mo) concentrate containing Re to obtain a Mo/Re concentrate; roasting the Mo/Re concentrate to obtain Mo oxide product and a flue gas containing Re; and treating the flue gas containing Re to obtain ammonium perrhenate.
US08383067B2
A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue support formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. A resilient cellular material is coupled to the tissue support and is configured to engage and retain tissue in place during processing and embedding. The resilient cellular material is also capable of successful sectioning in the microtome and porous to allow infiltration of the solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue, and of embedding material used to embed the tissue while the tissue is retained by the resilient cellular material.
US08383064B2
A test module for performing a genetic diagnostic assay, the test module having an outer casing dimensioned for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for a biological sample containing target nucleic acid sequences, an array of chambers containing probes for hybridization with the target nucleic acid sequences to form probe-target hybrids, a flow-path extending from the inlet to the probes, and, a reagent reservoir containing a reagent for addition to the sample in the flow-path upstream of the probes, wherein, each of the chambers contains less than 270 picograms of probe and the reagent reservoir has a volume less than 1000,000,000 cubic microns.
US08383054B2
Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.
US08383051B2
The present invention provides a compact riser separation system for Fluid Catalytic Cracking reactors possessing an external riser system wherein the riser enters the reactor from outside the reactor vessel.
US08383048B2
Methods and devices for detecting a concentration of one or more element in hydrocarbon and/or natural gas in a oil and gas field application. The device including a microstructure having a low thermal mass suspended within a channel, the microstructure includes a supporting layer and a insulating layer; a controllable thermal device in communication with the supporting layer of the microstructure, wherein the controllable thermal device is controllably heated to one or more release temperature of the one or more element; a sensing layer arranged on the insulating layer to absorb molecules of the one or more element from hydrocarbon and/or natural gas; a detecting and measuring resistance device in communication with the sensing layer for measuring the resistance changes caused by absorption of molecules of the one or more element onto the sensing layer at a first temperature and a second temperature, and storing the data on a processor.
US08383040B2
An analytical test tape instrument includes an exchangeable test tape unit which comprises a test tape provided with a plurality of test elements to which body fluid can be applied. The test tape instrument also includes a tape drive that can be coupled with the test tape unit to wind the test tape so that the test elements can be successively made available at an application site. The tape drive has a direct current motor and a reduction gear unit arranged between the direct current motor and the test tape unit.
US08383037B2
A system and method for implementing embedded electronics in environments where radiation or extreme temperatures are used is disclosed. Embedded electronics are affixed to various components of a pharmaceutical system, thereby enabling the customer to download pertinent information about the component, such as lot number, date of manufacturer, test parameters, etc. Additionally, these electronics allow an array of functions and features to be implemented, such as integrity tests and diagnostics. The electronics in the pharmaceutical components utilize a technology that is not as susceptible to radiation and extreme temperatures as traditional electronics.
US08383035B2
A system and method of removing odors by adsorbing steam vapor and exhausting the odors by generating a forcible flow is provided. The system may include a rotatable drum for receiving items to be deodorized, a steam generator for supplying steam to the drum, and a passage for generating a forcible flow through the drum. The method may include adsorbing steam generated by the steam generator by the items to be deodorized, and exhausting the adsorbed steam using the forcible flow through the drum.
US08383031B2
A cementitious product and method of modifying the properties of a low or medium density FRC product by providing a predetermined pore size distribution. The pore size distribution is obtained such that in critical zones of the distribution, the pore volume is substantially equivalent to or less than the pore volume in a respective critical zone of a conventional high density FRC product. The resultant material provides improved properties over conventional medium density FRC products, in particular improved freeze/thaw durability and/or improved workability.
US08383030B2
Apparatus and method for making a plurality of different types of suture packages employ a mold with first and second opposing mold parts partially defining a mold cavity, at least one of the opposing mold parts has an opening therein communicating with the mold cavity. An insert is removeably inserted into the opening, to complete the mold cavity in a form suitable for molding a first type of suture package. An alternative insert is interchangeable with the first insert for completing the mold cavity in a form suitable for molding a second type of suture package. To make different suture packages, the mold is initially configured and used with one of the inserts to thereby make one type of suture package. The first insert is then replaced with the second, changing the mold cavity to form another type of suture package.
US08383029B2
A carrier plate for supporting electronic components during processing includes hexagonally-arranged holes for supporting the components. Walls of the holes comprise a gripping resilient material. The hexagonal arrangement provides a strong carrier that improves production yield through an increase in per batch processing and improved locational accuracy over conventional carriers.
US08383027B2
A method of fabricating a template (14) for a concave array mold (30) having a plurality of recesses of a high aspect ratio includes arranging a plurality of needles (10) in a mutually separated state and fixing the plurality of the arranged needles (10). This method allows a template for a concave array mold having a high aspect ratio structure to be easily and inexpensively fabricated. Further, the thus fabricated template can be used to easily and inexpensively fabricate a concave array mold. Furthermore, a needle array sheet can be fabricated by injecting and fixing a resin solution into the concave array mold (30) and separating the cured resin solution from the concave array mold (30).
US08383021B1
Materials and methods of synthesizing mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine materials, which can be synthesized in the presence of aqueous radioactive iodine species found in caustic solutions (e.g. NaOH or KOH). This technology provides a one-step process for both iodine sequestration and storage from nuclear fuel cycles. It results in materials that will be durable for repository conditions much like those found in Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and estimated for Yucca Mountain (YMP). By controlled reactant concentrations, optimized compositions of these mixed-layered bismuth oxy-iodine inorganic materials are produced that have both a high iodine weight percentage and a low solubility in groundwater environments.
US08383017B2
The present invention is directed to a thick film conductive composition comprising: (a) electrically conductive silver powder; (b) zinc-containing additive; (c) glass frit wherein said glass frit is lead-free; dispersed in (d) organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the composition above wherein said composition has been fired to remove the organic vehicle and sinter said glass particles. Still further, the invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device from a structural element composed of a semiconductor having a p-n junction and an insulating film formed on a main surface of the semiconductor comprising the steps of (a) applying onto said insulating film the thick film composition detailed above; and (b) firing said semiconductor, insulating film and thick film composition to form an electrode. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a semiconductor device formed by the method detailed above and a semiconductor device formed from the thick film conductive composition detailed above.
US08383016B2
Conductive fine particles have core particle surfaces coated with a metal-plated coating film layer containing nickel and phosphorus and a multilayer conductive layer comprising a palladium layer as the outer surface. The phosphorus content in region A of the metal-plated coating film layer, at a distance of no greater than 20% of the thickness of the entire metal-plated coating film layer from the surface of the core particle, is 7-15 wt % of the entire region A. The phosphorus content in region B of the metal-plated coating film layer, at a distance of no greater than 10% of the thickness of the entire metal-plated coating film layer from the surface of the metal-plated coating film layer on the palladium layer side, is 0.1-3 wt % of the entire region B, and the phosphorus content of the entire metal-plated coating film layer is 7 wt % or greater.
US08383014B2
A metal nanoparticle composition for the fabrication of conductive features. The metal nanoparticle composition advantageously has a low viscosity permitting deposition of the composition by direct-write tools. The metal nanoparticle composition advantageously also has a low conversion temperature, permitting its deposition and conversion to an electrical feature on polymeric substrates.
US08383013B2
Disclosed herein is a photosensitive paste composition for a plasma display panel (PDP) electrode capable of minimizing edge curl, i.e., a phenomenon in which the edge of an electrode pattern portion is curled during baking and thus improving withstand voltage. The photosensitive paste composition comprises 40 to 55% by weight of a conductive powder, 5 to 15% by weight of an inorganic binder, 35 to 55% by weight of an organic vehicle, and the remaining percentage by weight of a solvent, wherein the inorganic binder is present in an amount of 15 to 35 parts by weight, with respect to 100 parts by weight of the conductive powder. Further disclosed are a plasma display panel (PDP) electrode fabricated using the composition, and a plasma display panel (PDP) comprising the electrode.
US08383012B2
An electric article, particularly an electric cable or an accessory thereof, such as a cable joint or a cable termination, includes at least one element made from a semiconductive polymeric material, wherein the at least one element is obtained by crosslinking a semiconductive polymeric composition including: (a) at least one elastomeric polymer; (b) a filler mixture including: (i) at least one first carbon black having a dibutyl phthalate (DBP) absorption number of from 250 to 600 ml/100 g; (ii) at least one second carbon black, different from the first one, having a dibutyl phthalate (DBP) absorption number of from 80 to 250 ml/100 g; and (c) at least one graphite having a specific surface area, measured according to the BET method, not higher than 20 m2/g.
US08383009B2
There is provided an electrically conductive polymer composition. The composition includes an electrically conductive polymer and a partially-fluorinated acid polymer. At least 50% of acid protons on the partially-fluorinated acid polymer are replaced with cations. The cations can be inorganic cations, organic cations, and combinations thereof.
US08382999B2
Radial distribution of etch rate is controlled by controlling the respective duty cycles of pulsed VHF source power applied to the ceiling and pulsed HF or MF bias power on the workpiece. Net average electrical charging of the workpiece is controlled by providing an electronegative process gas and controlling the voltage of a positive DC pulse on the workpiece applied during pulse off times of the pulsed VHF source power.
US08382986B2
A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.
US08382973B2
A method and apparatus for controlling a multi-gas sensor, including an NOX sensor section and an ammonia sensor section. The NOX sensor section includes a first pumping cell adapted to pump oxygen into or out of a gas under measurement introduced into a first measurement chamber, and a second pumping cell communicating with the first measurement chamber and configured such that a second pumping current Ip2 corresponds to an NOX concentration of the gas under measurement. Oxygen concentration is calculated on the basis of a first pumping current flowing through the first pumping cell, and a corrected ammonia concentration is calculated on the basis of the oxygen concentration and the ammonia concentration output of the ammonia sensor section.
US08382959B2
This invention relates to improvements to a transportable hydrocarbon-recovery unit. More particularly, this invention relates to an integral hydrocarbon-recovery unit that comprises a first evaporation system and a condensation system. The actual first evaporation system comprises means for supplying the material to be extracted that includes means for controlling supply, means for conveying said material, treatment-chamber means including internal cleaning means, means for heating the material, means for increasing the heat-transfer area, means for removing excess material, including means for increasing hermeticity, and means for conveying the extracted vapors towards the condensation system. The purpose of the invention is to provide a unit for extracting hydrocarbons and other contaminants from impregnated material at the same time as providing, over a shorter time period and with greater effectiveness, the recovery process.
US08382958B2
Apparatus and a process are described for compressing superheated steam into porous coal batches in chambers, and, after a time interval, expanding this steam out of the chambers, and repeating this steam cycle of compression followed by expansion. Thusly heated by the steam, volatile matter separates from the solid coke portion of the coal and separate volatile matter and coke products can be produced from coal or biomass fuels. These volatile matter liquids and tars can be used as fuel components in slurry fuels, for internal combustion engines used in our surface transportation industries. These solid coke products can be used as boiler fuel in steam electric plants. In this way our large domestic reserves of coal can be used as a fuel source, not only for electric power generation, but also for our surface transportation needs.
US08382957B2
A method of recovering an organic decomposition product from an organic source may include: a) causing an inert gas to flow through the reduction zone from a reduction inlet to a reduction outlet in such a way that pressure in the reduction zone is maintained above ambient pressure of a local environment for the material recovery system and b) applying electromagnetic wave energy to the organic source in the reduction zone via a bifurcated waveguide assembly in the substantial absence of oxygen to produce at least one gaseous organic decomposition product in the reduction zone that is exhausted from the reduction zone along with the inert gas through the reduction outlet. A material recovery system may include a housing with an inert gas inlet, a reduction zone, and a reduction outlet, an inert gas supply, an electromagnetic wave generator, a bifurcated waveguide assembly, and a controller.
US08382955B2
A method for operating a sheet-forming unit of a papermaking machine. At least one fibrous material suspension is fed to a headbox and is conducted in a plurality of turbulence-generating channels to form sub-flows, and fed to a nozzle. From the nozzle, the at least one fibrous material suspension is in the form of a free jet into the forming unit to define an impingement line. In a final fluidization region of an individual turbulence-generating channel a pressure loss (Δp) of ≧50 mbar is generated within the fibrous material suspension before inlet thereof into the nozzle, and the fibrous material suspension is guided from the final fluidization region as far as the impingement line in such a way that the dwell time of the suspension in the region defined by the final fluidization region as far as the impingement line ranges from >30 ms to ≦300 ms.
US08382947B2
The present invention relates to a process for applying optical brightening agent (OBA) to a sheet of paper or paperboard substrate. The process comprises the step of spraying an aqueous composition comprising an optical brightening agent onto at least one surface of a sized paperboard substrate to form a treated paperboard substrate. The treated paperboard substrate includes a layer of OBA on at least one surface of the paper or paperboard substrate in which the brightness of the treated paper or paperboard substrate is greater than the sized paper or paperboard substrate before treating thereof.
US08382929B2
An adhesive composition comprising as principal components, a polymerizable component, an ambient temperature radical polymerization catalyst system and a photoinitiator. The adhesive may optionally comprise an adhesion promoter, a toughener, an epoxy, and a filler material. Further, a two-part reactive adhesive comprising, a first part comprising, (i) at least one free radical-polymerizable monomer, (ii) at least one reducing agent, and (iii) a photoinitiator, and a second part comprising an oxidizing agent that is reactive at ambient temperature with the reducing agent to produce free radicals that are capable of initiating and propagating free radical polymerization.
US08382927B1
A method is provided for reinforcing medical balloons in order to withstand high internal pressures without excessive dilation of the reinforced balloon. The method calls for the use of a tubular reinforcement sleeve and a device designed for holding the balloon, stretching the reinforcement sleeve, application of yarn wrappings around the reinforcement sleeve, application of adhesive and curing the adhesive.
US08382926B2
A method with which a textile sheet having good mechanical properties in respect to relatively high values regarding tear propagation resistance can be produced. The textile sheets are used in areas that require relatively high tear propagation resistance. The textile sheets also have relatively high peak tensile values and/or elongation at break values. The method for the production of a tear propagation-resistant textile sheet comprises providing a starting textile sheet made of yarns, fibers or filaments formed of at least two elementary filaments and having an arrangement in cross-section like orange segments or pie slices with the segments or slices made of different polymers, and exposing the starting textile sheet to a compressing heat treatment, wherein the polymer segments are permeated and a substantially non-adhesive bond is achieved between the polymer segments. The textile sheet may comprise nonwoven materials having a specific tear propagation resistance of equal to or greater than 0.4 N per g/m2 (according to Zungen method, ASTM D 2261).
US08382917B2
Shape-setting methods for fabricating devices made of single crystal shape memory alloys. In particular the methods described may be used to fabricate dental arches of single-crystal shape memory alloys. The methods include drawing a single crystal of a shape memory alloy from a melt of the alloy. This is followed by heating, forming, and quenching the crystal sufficiently rapid to limit the formation of alloy precipitates to an amount which retains hyperelastic composition and properties of the crystal.
US08382916B2
The present invention aims at providing a method for production of a steel product which surely retains scale during cooling, storage, and transportation and permits scale to scale off easily at the time of mechanical descaling and pickling that precede the secondary fabrication. The steel product is produced by heating and hot rolling a steel billet and spraying the hot-rolled steel product with steam and/or water mist having a particle diameter no larger than 100 μm, for surface oxidation.
US08382915B2
The present invention is a concrete mixer drum cleaner system. The system has a multi-axis spray head mounted to a lance. One of the spray head's axes of rotation is coaxial with the lance. An operator uses the lance to position the spray cleaner head within the interior of a concrete mixer drum.
US08382914B2
A dishwasher is provided with a washing container for receiving items to be washed by the dishwasher, a circulatory pump for circulating a rinsing liquid into contact with items received in the washing container, and a comminution device for comminuting rinsing residue. The comminution device and the circulatory pump are operatively interconnected in a manner such that the comminution device is at least temporarily driven by the circulatory pump. As a result, the comminution device can be driven in a simple and efficient manner, enabling the dishwasher to be produced at low cost and also increasing the reliable operability and easy maintenance thereof.
US08382903B2
A vaporizer for generating a process gas from a liquid material includes a container defining a process space of the vaporizer, and an injector having a spray port configured to spray the liquid material in an atomized state downward in the container. A lower block is disposed below the spray port inside the container such that a run-up space for the atomized liquid material is defined between the spray port and the lower block, and an annular space continuous to the run-up space is defined between an inner surface of the container and the lower block. First and second heaters are respectively provided to the container and the lower block, and configured to heat the atomized liquid material flowing through the annular space to generate the process gas. A gas delivery passage is connected to the container to output the process gas from the annular space.
US08382902B2
Apparatus and method for vapor deposition of a uniform thickness thin film of lubricant on at least one surface of a disk-shaped substrate. The invention has particular utility in depositing thin films of polymeric lubricants onto disc-shaped substrates in the manufacture of magnetic and MO recording media.
US08382899B2
Previously a number of techniques have been used in order to form single crystal or pre-determined crystallography components and articles. Each one of these techniques has its own particular problems, including susceptibility to error. By utilization of a bi-crystal experiment to determine melt-back length LM and by consideration of the ingress distance d from potential initiation nucleation points on a perimeter of a seed crystal, it is possible to determine a maximum ingress length d. By ensuring that the maximum ingress length d is less than or equal to a seed crystal diameter R, it is possible to project locus from potential nucleation points C1, C2 in terms of potential radii for stray grain propagation. As the seed crystal will have a known crystalline orientation, it will be possible to consider two divergent growth curves of the crystal in terms of the stray grains propagating from the point C1, C2. In such circumstances, a connector channel can be provided with a radius r=R/4 in an area between the periphery of the seed and the locus of the stray grain maximum ingress distances d. In situations where it is found d exceeds the crystal radius R, it will be understood that the actual crystal diameter R used may be increased or adjustment made with regard to the melt-back length LM in order to alter the maximum ingress distance d.
US08382898B2
The present invention is related to the field of semiconductor processing equipment and methods and provides, in particular, methods for the sustained, high-volume production of Group III-V compound semiconductor material suitable for fabrication of optic and electronic components, for use as substrates for epitaxial deposition, for wafers and so forth. In preferred embodiments, these methods are optimized for producing Group III-N (nitrogen) compound semiconductor wafers and specifically for producing GaN wafers. Specifically, the method includes reacting an amount of a gaseous Group III precursor as one reactant with an amount of a gaseous Group V component as another reactant in a reaction chamber under conditions sufficient to provide sustained high volume manufacture of the semiconductor material on one or more substrates, with the gaseous Group III precursor continuously provided at a mass flow of 50 g Group III element/hour for at least 48 hours.
US08382889B1
A modified starch-based adhesive including a starch-based adhesive and an additive, the additive including a dendron, a sugar unit bound to the dendron, and an antimicrobial agent bound to the dendron and, a method of synthesizing the additive including providing a dendron, binding a linker molecule to the dendron, binding a sugar unit to the linker molecule, and binding an antimicrobial agent to the linker molecule.
US08382888B2
One embodiment of the present invention is a composition for use in making edible biodegradable containers comprising water, pregelatinized and native starch, a first protein or natural polymeric compound, natural fibers, a wax emulsion, a mold release agent, a flavoring agent, and a coloring agent, wherein the composing consisting essentially of food grade materials.
US08382881B2
The invention provides a method for removing mercury from a liquid or gas hydrocarbon stream, mixtures thereof, including mixtures of liquid streams with a solid carbonaceous substance, by contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a composition comprising silver and a support material, wherein the composition as measured by ammonia chemisorption has a surface acidity in the range of 0.1-10.0 μmole of irreversible NH3/g of the composition.
US08382879B2
A copper smelting method includes: supplying an oxygen-enriched gas, a solvent, and a copper concentrate into a furnace, while not supplying a coke material; and supplying pig iron to slag that is generated in the furnace.
US08382878B2
A process comprising: (a) preparing a reaction mixture comprising a silver salt, the reducing agent comprising a hydrazine compound, a thermally removable stabilizer, and an optional solvent, to form a plurality of silver-containing nanoparticles with molecules of the stabilizer on the surface of the silver-containing nanoparticles, wherein the reaction mixture generates an acid; and (b) removing the acid to produce the silver-containing nanoparticles substantially free of acid.
US08382874B2
There is provided herein an air filter that includes one or more foldable extension flaps that can be folded and secured against the frame to provided an extend thickness dimension for the frame of the air filter, which allows the same filter to be used in either a smaller or larger filter slot within an HVAC system.
US08382872B2
A dust collection device for a sanding tool includes a paper bag having a sidewall with an inner surface and a coupler attached to the bag. A sleeve having an outer surface, a sleeve sidewall, a first end, a second end, and at least one gap at either the first end or the second end is positioned within the bag. The sleeve's first end is positioned adjacent the coupler to direct incoming air towards the sleeve and the sleeve is positioned within the bag such that a bypass volume is present between the outer surface and the inner surface.
US08382863B2
Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, and methods of making the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including as gasification and combustion fuels.
US08382862B2
Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, methods of making the fuel feed stocks, methods of producing energy from the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles and contain a sorbent. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including as gasification and combustion fuels. In addition, one or more sorbents can be added to the feed stocks in order to reduce the amount of a variety of pollutants present in traditional fuel and feed stocks, including, but not limited, sulfur and chlorine. Further, these feed stocks with added sorbent can mitigate corrosion, improve fuel conversion, extend power generating plant lifetime, reduce ash slagging, and reduced operating temperature.
US08382857B2
The present invention relates to a process for dyeing leather with at least one dye F which has at least one alkaline-activable group of the formula A; where - - - - denotes the bond to the rest of the dye molecule; X is halogen, C1-C4-alkyl or C1-C4-alkoxy, k is 0, 1, 2 or 3, n is 0 or 1 and B is a CH═CH2 group or a CH2—CH2-Q group, where Q is an alkaline-detachable group, which comprises treating the leather with an aqueous float comprising at least one dye F at a pH of not less than 8, generally in the region of 8 to 11.
US08382849B2
The invention concerns monolithic foam sleeves that comprises titanium or titanium alloy foam having a porosity of 50 to 85% and possesses a proximal surface, a distal end, an interior wall that defines an interior channel and extends from the proximal surface to the distal end; and a terraced outer surface that tapers such that said sleeve is widest at the proximal surface and most narrow at the distal end.
US08382838B2
An intervertebral implant including a central axis, a bottom cover plate and a top cover plate, which are respectively provided with an exterior surface that extends transversal to the central axis, and a central part.
US08382837B2
A cement-directing structure for use in cement-injection bone therapy includes a collapsible, self-restoring braided structure with regions of differential permeability to the bone cement. The regions of differential permeability may be provided by areas where the braided mesh density is greater or lesser than surrounding areas and/or by means of a baffle. After the structure is placed in a void within a bony structure, cement is injected into the interior of the structure then oozes out in preferred directions according to the locations of the regions of differential permeability.
US08382820B2
An expandable stent comprised of a plurality of helical segments is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stent is generally cylindrical in shape having a cylindrical axis, and comprises a first and second set of helical segments. The helical segments in the first set are substantially parallel and have a first pitch forming a first helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. The helical segments in the second set are also generally parallel to each other and form a second pitch that differs from the first pitch, thereby forming a second helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. In an alternative embodiment, the stent comprises one set of helical segments and a plurality of circumferential elements that are joined together by the helical segments to form a plurality of cylindrical elements which are joined together to form a stent body. The stent may also have endzones.
US08382818B2
A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The circumferential link can comprise a catheter securement portion and a frond engagement portion.
US08382811B2
A pedicle screw assembly, including: a bone screw having a head portion and a thread portion, wherein the thread portion includes an axial shaft and a triple lead thread disposed about the axial shaft; and a rod retention member selectively coupled to the head portion of the bone screw. Optionally, the triple lead thread includes leads that originate at different points along the axial shaft. Optionally, the triple lead thread includes leads that terminate at different points along the axial shaft. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a first tapering portion proximate a tip of the axial shaft. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a second tapering portion proximate the tip of the axial shaft. Preferably, the second tapering portion tapers more steeply than the first tapering portion. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a reduced diameter portion proximate the head portion. Optionally, the axial shaft includes one or more tapering portions proximate the head portion.
US08382809B2
A lock screw assembly for use with a pedicle screw assembly comprises a lock screw and an upper saddle. The lock screw includes a fastening tool engaging structure at a first end portion thereof and an upper saddle receiving structure at a second end portion thereof. The upper saddle is engaged with the upper saddle receiving structure of the lock screw in a manner allowing the upper saddle to rotate about a centerline axis of the lock screw. A plurality of intersecting spine rod receiving channels extend through a spine rod engaging portion of the upper saddle in a manner such that an outwardly-extending spine rod engaging structure is provided between adjacent ones of the spine rod receiving channels. Upper and lower surfaces of each spine rod engaging structure are acutely angled with respect to each other and wherein a channel edge defined between the surfaces is sharply pointed.
US08382808B2
A bone screw has a screw head and a threaded shank. An axial bore into which a plurality of radial bores set at a distance from each other open, extends through the threaded shaft. The axial bore is open at the screw head side end, and the radial bores are also open at the radially outer end. The axial bore is closed in an axial direction in the area of the end of the screw shank that lies opposite the screw head.
US08382803B2
A transition connector of a vertebral stabilization system for connecting a rigid rod and a flexible member to provide regions of rigid support and regions of dynamic support along a region of the spinal column is disclosed. A rigid rod may form one portion of the transition connector and a tubular member configured to receive a flexible member may form another portion of the transition connector. The tubular member may be configured to be secured to an end portion of the flexible member.
US08382801B2
Spinous process implants and associated methods are shown and described. In one aspect, the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects, methods for treating spine disease are provided.
US08382798B2
An apparatus for sealing a puncture through a vessel wall including an elongate tubular body, a balloon carried by the body, an outer tubular member carried over the tubular body, and a sealant carried by the tubular body adjacent the balloon. Retracting the outer tubular member exposes the sealant.
US08382787B2
The present invention provides a medical balloon having enlarged radii, which may be disposed on a dilation catheter. The enlarged radii balloon may reduce the trauma experienced by a patient both during the procedure and when the catheter is removed from the patient. The enlarged radii may provide the deflated balloon with smoother transitions and less mechanical rigidity at the balloon transitions.
US08382778B2
There are disclosed various embodiments of surgical tacks for use in surgical procedures. The tacks generally include a head and a barrel portion extending distally from the head. Preferably the head and the barrel portion define a throughbore for receipt of a drive instrument. A thread on the head is provided to engage threads in the installation tool. A tissue thread is provided on the barrel portion to engage tissue. Distal and proximal surfaces of the tissue thread may be oriented at various angles relative to the barrel portion. There is also disclosed an insertion instrument to insert one or more tacks as well as a method of use. There is further disclosed a model device for use in explaining the operation of the instrument.
US08382776B2
Medical devices, systems and related methods for delivering a plurality of tissue anchors. The medical devices generally comprise a needle and an over-the-needle suture lock, employed via inner and outer sheaths. The medical systems include a plurality of tissue anchors and at least one biodegradable or resorbable spacer member positioned between adjacent tissue anchors in conjunction with the medical devices.
US08382771B2
An expandable medical wire can be used to entrain biological or foreign material during a medical procedure, such as lithotripsy. The wire also can be used to remove the material safely from the body. Generally, the wire includes a sleeve and a core, where the sleeve, the core, or both include a portion or portions that can be deployed to form an expanded coiled configuration. The expanded coiled configuration can be collapsed to facilitate positioning the wire within an anatomical lumen. In addition, the wire can be used as a conventional guide wire or as a self-anchoring guide wire.
US08382767B2
An insertion tool for placing a spinal implant in an intervertebral space includes a handle assembly, a jaw assembly having first and second jaw members movable with respect to each other, and a holding member adapted to hold and release an implant in response to a manipulation of the handle assembly. The holding member is configured to move longitudinally with respect to the jaw assembly upon manipulation of the handle assembly.
US08382763B2
A detachable cutting tool capture for a cutting block provides a guide surface to convert an open surface block into a slotted block for plying a surgical cutting tool along the surfaces of the guide during a surgical procedure such as a bone resection with a blade. A magnetized catch provides a convenient device for securing the capture and the block together. A triangular cam on the detachable capture in conjunction with a “v” groove in a magnetized lever of the catch permits a pin of the catch to be selectively retracted from or extended into an aperture of the block when the lever is rotated so that when the pin extends, it serves to secure the combined apparatus for cutting. Mating surfaces of the block and capture provide additional structure for supporting the capture with the block to secure them from relative movement.
US08382760B2
The invention concerns an intramedullary nail to be inserted into a fractured long bone, for example a femur, comprising: a rod (2) extending between a proximal part (3) and a distal part (4); a tubular sleeve (5) into which said rod (2) is inserted coaxially; at least a first pair of expansion means (12) located in the distal part (4) of said rod (2), said expansion means (12) being made of a shape-memory material in order to assume a first configuration of rest in which they are disposed inside recesses in the lateral wall of the nail (1), and a second configuration of use in which said means (12) are located projecting from the lateral wall of the nail (1); slots (55) are present on the tubular sleeve (5) in correspondence with the shape-memory means (12) to allow for the fastening onto the bone when the means assume said second configuration of use; where said rod (2) comprises in correspondence with the proximal end (3) a transversal channel (6) for the passage of a stop screw (S), said tubular sleeve (5) comprising a pair of opposite apertures (7a, 7b) placed in alignment with said channel (6); and where the distal part (4) of the rod (2) does not have any through-channel for a screw.
US08382757B1
A bone fixator for securing a first bone portion in a position relative to second bone portion is disclosed, including at least two clamping assemblies each for receiving at least one bone pin and a main body disposed between the clamping assemblies. The main body includes at least one joint for orienting the clamping assemblies with respect to each other. The at least one joint may permit pivoting or rotation. Some joints permit the articulation of several components to be simultaneously and releasably lockable.
US08382750B2
A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with a memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including data pertaining to a control curve varying over time and being representative of one or more electrical parameters associated with the microwave antenna. Points along the control curve correspond to a value of the electrical parameters and the ablation zone control module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold value of the electrical parameter(s) is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.
US08382747B2
A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system may include controller that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.
US08382744B2
A method and device for flapless, intrastromal keratomileusis for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, i.e., for vision correction by corneal reshaping without creating a flap. Ultra-short laser pulses are used to create a temporary micro-channel extending to an end point located within the cornea. A second series of ultra-short laser pulses are then delivered to photo-ablate material in the vicinity of the micro-channel end-point. The photo-ablated material may exit through the micro-channel used to deliver the laser pulses, or via a separate micro-channel. With the micro-channel oriented substantially normal to the optical axis of the cornea, and by continuing to supply the ultra-short laser pulses in the appropriate number while moving the point of ablation along the micro-channel, the photo-ablation of the intrastromal tissue may continue in a controlled fashion and the cornea reshaped in a predetermined manner without creating a flap.
US08382742B2
A surgical instrument is provided having proximal and distal end sections and a central section extending therebetween. An hollow outer shaft extends from the proximal to the distal end section. A drive element is rotatably mounted in the outer shaft and a tool is coupled to the drive element at the distal end section. The drive element comprises a flexible section arranged between the proximal and distal end sections which consists of a plurality of ring segments each of which has a first and a second end region. The first end region comprises projections which protrude in the axial direction and the second end region comprises recesses for accommodating the projections. The ring segments intermesh in an articulated manner by means of the projections and recesses. The outer shaft comprises an articulation zone which connects the distal end section and the central section together in an articulated manner.
US08382739B2
Composite medical devices, such as catheters, or the like. In at least some embodiments, composite medical devices, and/or shafts for use therein, that can include a more flexible inner portion and a less flexible outer portion. In some embodiments, the composite elongate shaft can be constructed by forming a metallic outer portion including a first metallic material about a metallic inner portion including a second metallic material different from the first material. The second metallic material can be more flexible than the first metallic material. A segment of the metallic outer portion can then be removed from the composite shaft to expose a segment of the metallic inner portion. As portions of the outer portion are removed, and/or portions of the inner portion are exposed, certain characteristics along the length of the shaft can be achieved. For example, portions of the shaft can be rendered more flexible by the removal of the outer portion to expose the inner portion. Additionally, portions of the shaft can be maintained and/or rendered less flexible, or stiffer, by allowing the outer portion to remain thereon. As such, the composite elongate shaft can provide a shaft for a medical device that can include desired characteristics, such as flexibility, torqueability, or the like, along different portions of the shaft.
US08382737B2
Disclosed is a dispensing system a dispenser having a first chamber containing a first material and a second chamber containing a second material. The dispenser is configured to selectively retract one of the chambers at least partially within the other to transition the dispenser between an extended position and a compact position. The first chamber includes an open top end that is, before use, covered with a first breakable membrane. A breaker ring, at least initially covered with a second breakable membrane, is configured to break the breakable membranes when the dispenser is transitioned between an extended position and a compact position. In the compact position, with the membranes broken, the first material and second material are free to form a mixture that can be dispensed via an opening in the dispenser's openable tip.
US08382731B2
Provided is a device for treatment of wounds using reduced pressure, which includes a pump, a gas barrier cover, a first compressible material which expands after compression, and a second material capable of absorbing wound fluids several times its own weight. The first and second materials are arranged inside the cover and form a reservoir connected to the pump. The device also includes an inlet for connecting the reservoir with a wound, a wound pad to be arranged in the wound cavity, and a sealing covering the wound and the wound pad. A third material with high liquid spreading capability is arranged around at least a major part of the first material, and the second material is in the form of at least one layer arranged outside the third material and separated from the first material by the third material.
US08382726B2
A method for suspending colorant in a subconjunctival space of a human eye, including steps of accessing the subconjunctival space, injecting colorant into the subconjunctival space, suspending colorant in the subconjunctival space, spreading the colorant into a desired pattern, and closing access to the subconjunctival space. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be suspensions or stains.
US08382724B2
An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature. In one embodiment, an identification feature is included on a molded insert that is incorporated into the access port so as to be visible after implantation via x-ray imaging technology.
US08382719B2
A device for selectively protecting a needle includes an adapter holding the needle and a guard engaging the adapter for relative movement therebetween. Further, the device includes a means for guiding movement between the adapter and the guard. Structurally, the guiding means includes a “V” shaped slot in the guard and a radially-extending boss on the adapter. The boss is received in the slot to limit relative movement between the guard and the adapter. Specifically, in a first position of the device, the boss is in a first leg of the slot and the needle partially extends beyond the guard. In a second position, the boss is held at the apex of the slot and the needle fully extends beyond the guard. In a third position, the boss is in the second leg of the slot and the needle is retracted into the guard to protect the needle.
US08382718B2
Needle assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needle assemblies having a tip protector with a plurality of wall surfaces for preventing contact with the needle tip from a side. Aspects of the tip protectors discussed herein include a first protector body having an arm for blocking a needle tip surrounded by a second protector body having a plurality of wall surfaces.
US08382709B2
A catheter assembly comprising a first polymer, a second polymer and a first weld region. The first polymer forms a balloon having a first waist. The second polymer forms a catheter shaft. The first waist is positioned about a portion of the catheter shaft thereby forming the first weld region. The first weld region comprises a first weld and a second weld which engage the first waist to the catheter shaft. The first weld has a first longitudinal position and the second weld has a second longitudinal position, where the first longitudinal position is different from the second longitudinal position.
US08382707B2
A trocar cannula assembly can have a retention mechanism for advanced fixation. The retention mechanism can include a first, or distal balloon, and a second or proximal balloon to retain the position of the trocar cannula assembly with respect to a body wall of a patient. An inlet can be fluidly coupled to the retention mechanism via a fluid conduit so that the balloons can be selectively inflated and deflated. The retention mechanism can be coupled to the cannula, forming an integrated cannula assembly, or the retention mechanism can be removably attached to the cannula. Where the retention mechanism is removably attached to the cannula, it can include a double layer inflatable member with an outer layer including the first and second balloons, and an inner layer for retaining the cannula.
US08382703B1
The piezoelectric dual-syringe insulin pump includes a single piezoelectric motor configured to pump insulin. The pump is controlled by a single controller. The pump uses two insulin reservoirs (in the form of two syringes), one of which is filled with a rapid-acting insulin, the other reservoir being filled with slow-acting insulin (providing the basal function). Both syringes are alternately actuated by a single PZT linear motor (particularly, a squiggle motor), depending upon polarity of the voltage applied to the motor, and feed into a common infusion line to the patient. The device includes an LCD display, audio alarm, controller, keypad, USB port, and a micro-energy harvesting circuit for recharging an on-board battery.
US08382699B2
Devices and methods for securing a catheter within a heart. In at least one embodiment of an apparatus for securing a catheter within a heart, the apparatus comprises a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one lumen defined therethrough, the catheter defining at least one aperture positioned therethrough at or near the distal end of the catheter, at least one balloon coupled to the catheter and positioned externally to the catheter, and a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the conduit coupled to the at least one balloon, wherein when the catheter is positioned within an aperture in an atrial wall and when the at least one balloon is positioned at or near the aperture in the atrial wall, inflation of the at least one balloon causes the catheter to be held in place at the atrial wall.
US08382695B1
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for treating congestive heart failure that restores kidney renal functions by artificial perfusion of at least one kidney. In one aspect, a catheter inserted into the aorta of the patient has an outlet port that supplies the patient's blood obtained from a patient's aorta into an adjoining renal artery of the patient to perfuse the kidney. The catheter comprises a rotor housed inside a portion of the catheter to supply the blood to the kidney at a desired pressure. The restoration of kidney function assists the heart by removing excess fluid, urine and toxin from the patient, and by normalizing the patient's renin-angiotensin system and other neurohormonal substances.
US08382692B1
A spine and neck support device adapted to support the anatomical structures in the cervical and upper thoracic spine when the user's neck is in flexion. A cushion conforms about the user's anatomical neck structures and rests on the upper chest of the user. The cushion has a chin support area that avoids contacting the user's chin when the user's head is in a neutral position and contacts the user's chin when the user's neck is in flexion. When the user's neck is flexed and the user's chin contacts the chin support area, the cushion unloads and supports the user's neck. At least one and preferably two straps are attached to the cushion and secure it to the user. The top is sloped downwards from back to front to maximize the user's downward field of vision. A groove in the posterior surface of the cushion accommodates the user's trachea/esophagus.
US08382687B2
A method for determining the biological age of the companion animal. A companion animal ambulates from a first region to a second region of a pressure detection unit and the footfall data is utilized in the determination of the biological age of the companion animal.
US08382682B2
A tissue penetration device includes a penetrating member driver, a cartridge, and a plurality of penetrating members integrated with the cartridge. Each of a penetrating member is coupled to the penetrating member driver when advanced along a path into a tissue target. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, skin penetrating performance or a skin penetrating setting.
US08382681B2
An arrangement comprises a housing containing one or more components configured for at least one of body fluid sampling and analysis. The arrangement includes a housing containing one or more components configured for at least one of body fluid sampling and analysis, and a body attachment element. The housing and the body attachment element are connected by a quick-release mechanism configured to facilitate removal of the housing from the body attachment element.
US08382670B2
An ultrasonic diagnosis system and strain distribution display method utilizing an ultrasonic probe for performing transmission/reception of ultrasonic signals to/from a subject, a storage arrangement for storing the properties of signals detected with the ultrasonic probe, a correlation computer for calculating a correlation coefficient between the properties with and without pressure applied to the subject, and a phase difference between the received signals with and without application of pressure, based upon the properties stored in the storage arrangement with and without pressure applied to the subject, a computer for calculating a displacement of each measurement point, and a strain distribution of tissue of the subject due to application of pressure, based upon the correlation coefficient and phase difference calculated by the correlation computer, and a display for displaying the strain distribution.
US08382669B2
A living tissue region determining unit of a gain correction data generating section determines a diagnostic living tissue region on the basis of an S/N and a dispersion value of ultrasound data collected from each of a plurality of slice sections in a gain correction scan mode intended for the generation of gain correction data for volume data. A gain correction map generating unit applies a least squares method to the average value of the ultrasound data in a plurality of regions set by dividing the living tissue region into predetermined sizes, thereby generating two-dimensional gain correction maps. Then, an interpolating processing unit interpolates, in a slice direction, the gain correction map generated for each of the plurality of slice sections, and generates three-dimensional gain correction data corresponding to each voxel of the volume data.
US08382667B2
A method, comprising receiving at least one of a signal relating to a first cardiac activity and a signal relating to a first body movement from a patient; triggering at least one of a test of the patient's responsiveness, awareness, a second cardiac activity, a second body movement, a spectral analysis test of the second cardiac activity, and a spectral analysis test of the second body movement, based on at least one of the signal relating to the first cardiac activity and the signal relating to the first body movement; determining an occurrence of an epileptic event based at least in part on said one or more triggered tests; and performing a further action in response to said determination of said occurrence of said epileptic event. Further methods allow classification of epileptic events. Apparatus and systems capable of implementing the method.
US08382665B1
An endotracheal tube placement system and method is provided including a placement-assistive handle, an oral anchor, a mechanized advancer, a video system, an endotracheal tube lock, an endotracheal tube manipulator, and an endotracheal tube stabilizer. The endotracheal tube is slipped over the endotracheal tube manipulator and is secured by the endotracheal tube lock. The placement-assistive handle houses the power supply, provides a foundation for attachment of other elements of the invention, and provides control of the tube placement. Attached to the handle is the mechanized advancer, which propels the endotracheal tube lock, endotracheal tube manipulator, and the endotracheal tube forward. The oral anchor comprises a bite block and mouth rest, and is attached to the ET supportive sheath-like ET stabilizer. The integrated video system comprises a video camera, a light source, and an LCD screen held by a swivel base.
US08382663B2
Gel materials, and surgical devices containing gel materials, having reduced tackiness while retaining low durometer, high tear strength, high elongation, high compliance, and resistance to compression are described.
US08382660B2
An endoscope system includes: an endoscope having an insertion section extending from an operation section operated by an operator into a human body, and an operation channel having a first end section having an opening at a distal end of the insertion section and a second end section passing through the insertion section and having an opening at the operation section; a tissue-collecting apparatus connected to a connecting pipeway branching from a branch section formed to the second end section in the operation channel, and capable of seizing tissue retracted into the operation channel; an aspirator for producing suction force for suctioning the tissue into the operation channel; and a suction pipeway connecting the tissue-collecting apparatus to the aspirator. The tissue-collecting apparatus has: a tissue-collecting case having a first chamber connected to the connecting pipeway, a second chamber connected to the suction pipeway, and a communication path provided to lateral walls of the first chamber and the second chamber and causing the first chamber to communicate with the second chamber; and a tissue-collecting filter detachably enclosed in the first chamber.
US08382657B1
The invention relates to test equipment for rigid endoscopes, but also for flexible endoscopes and video endoscopes. The equipment includes an enclosure having a cover hingedly coupled to a base, an optical test target coupled to the cover, an endoscope support stand pivotably coupled to the enclosure and a bed contained within the base including a plurality of indentations shaped for receiving individual pieces of endoscope testing equipment. The testing equipment can include magnification loupes, light post adapters, battery powered light sources, cleansing tissues and a ruler. A support bracket is coupled between the cover and the endoscope support stand wherein the endoscope support stand is pivotably coupled to the support bracket.
US08382650B2
Systems and methods that facilitate visualization and identification of lumens of a multi-lumen brachytherapy device are disclosed. In one embodiment, visualization and identification can be attained by modifying a feature of at least one of the lumens relative to the other lumens. The feature may include a marking on the lumen, a diameter of the lumen or a composition of the lumen. In an additional embodiment, for brachytherapy devices in which multiple lumens are coupled to a distal end point such as a rigid connection member, visualization and identification of the lumens can be attained by modifying a feature of the rigid connection member. It will be readily appreciated that visualization and identification can be further enhanced through a combination of two or more of the techniques described herein.
US08382649B2
A method and apparatus deliver consecutive foil leaves for use by a hair stylist during the course of a hair styling procedure. Each leaf is of a selected length severed from a supply of foil of indeterminate length, with a unitary tab folded along a fold line extending across the leaf, adjacent a leading edge of the leaf. The foil preferably is drawn from a roll of foil and is advanced along a feed path to a delivery station, and a cutter and folder are moved across the feed path to sever the leaf from the indeterminate length of foil and establish the tab adjacent the leading edge of the leaf. In the preferred arrangement, the cutter and the folder are moved simultaneously along respective arcuate paths by pivotal movement about a common pivotal axis.
US08382645B2
A method of exercising a human body, the method comprising: providing a sliding element having a body portion adapted for receiving a limb of the human body, and a sliding surface adapted to slide on a exercise floor; placing the sliding element on an exercise floor and placing the human body limb on the body portion; and performing an exercise routine including sliding the sliding element by moving the human body limb. The exercise routine includes routines performed with the human body in a standing position; routines performed with the human body in a prone position; routines performed with the human body in a supine position; and routines performed with the human body in a side-lying position. The invention also includes an exercise device for exercising a human body, the device comprising: a sliding disc having a body portion adapted for receiving a limb of the human body; and a sliding surface adapted to slide on an exercise floor.
US08382639B2
A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of solenoids and valves in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.
US08382628B2
A power transmitting assembly having a differential case and a differential gearset that is received in an interior chamber in the differential case. The power transmitting assembly is configured to provide improved lubrication into an interior of the differential case.
US08382619B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a ball (1), especially a soccer ball, comprising the steps: a) Producing a flat, level base material (2), constructed in at least two layers (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) which comprises a cover layer (3) and at least one material layer (4, 5, 6, 7) below said cover layer; b) Cutting out panels (8) of the desired shape from the base material (2); c) Applying the panels (8) to a carrier body (9), especially to a ball bladder. In order to provide a more uniform hardness to the ball across the extend of the circumference, the invention proposes that before, during or after step b) at least the edge region (10) of the panel (8) is heated and a reforming of the edge area (10) takes place, such that the side of the panel (8) which is covered by the cover layer (3) takes on a convex shape (11) in the edges area (10). Furthermore, the invention relates to a ball.
US08382618B2
A protective cover for covering an inflatable ball body includes: a flexible surrounding wall capable of forming a receiving space that is substantially ball-shaped and that is adapted to receive a ball, the surrounding wall having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface being adapted to contact intimately an external surface of the ball when the ball is in an inflated operative state, the surrounding wall having at least one first opening extending through the inner and outer surfaces, the first opening having a size sufficient for access of the ball when the ball is deflated.
US08382617B2
An arrow hunting broadhead has a main body fabricated from high-strength steel, and multiple laminar carbon steel blades which install within the main body. The main body has a manually sharpenable chisel point tip with multiple razor-sharp apices. The main body is equipped with multiple slots, each of which is continuous with one of the apices of the tip and includes a forward-facing recess at the front end of each slot. A laminar carbon steel blade is inserted into each slot and locked in place by a tab on the front of the blade, which fits into the forward-facing recess, and a notch at the rear of the blade, which engages an annular retainer ring that slips over a rear portion of the main body. Each blade forms an extension of its associated apex, with each apex and its associated blade forming a generally straight line.
US08382609B2
A golf club head has a hollow structure comprising a main body member and a face member. The face member is made of an unidirectionally rolled plate of a titanium alloy having alpha phase crystals. The rolled direction of the unidirectionally rolled plate is inclined at an angle θ1 of not more than 30 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. The face member is provided on the rear face with a ribbed part having its longitudinal direction inclined at an angle θ2 of not more than 30 degrees with respect to the vertical direction. A method for manufacturing the golf club head comprises a step of preparing the face member which comprises the steps of: preparing the unidirectionally rolled plate; cutting out a blank for the face member from the unidirectionally rolled plate; and forming the ribbed part on the cutout blank by machining.
US08382596B2
A rotary flexible shaft for coupling between driving and driven member having female couplings has ends of noncircular cross-section. A strand of compressible material such as flocked yarn is helically wrapped around each end so as to leave spaces between turns which expose portions of the lateral surfaces of the ends. A coating of a silicone adhesive or other elastomer, or of a highly ductile material such as polytetrafluoroethylene, covers and is adherent to the strands and the exposed portions of the lateral surfaces of the shaft ends. Instead of a strand, the compressible material may constitute spaced ridges, islands, and/or protuberances adhering to the shaft ends.
US08382592B1
A system, computer-readable storage medium including instructions, and a computer-implemented method for obtaining votes for participants in a television program are described, in which code for a game is transmitted to a computer system, where the game includes an in-game voting module that allows a player of the game to cast votes for participants in a television program. At least one vote for at least one participant in the television program is received from the in-game voting module. A database including vote counts for the participants in the television program is updated based on the at least one vote for the at least one participant.
US08382589B2
A framework is disclosed for associating visual elements of a computer game with musical scores of a computer game. In one embodiment, a visual element is moved in a virtual environment of the computer game, in response to user input. Playback of a musical score may be altered based on movement of the visual element. A visual effect in the scene may also be generated, based on the altered playback of the musical score.
US08382588B2
The present invention is directed to a computer network system that allows a user to register for games of chances throughout the country and in accordance with national, state and local laws and ordinances. This system analyzes the geographical location and residency information of a user in relation to the geographical access and participation areas permitted, excluded, and restricted for a game of chance as governed by jurisdictional laws, statutes, rules, and regulations. If the user is not located within a permitted area or falls within an excluded or restricted area, the user will not be allowed to access or participate in the game of chance. The ability of the system to limit participation by geographical location is based on user input, data, and variable analysis, and the comparison between the areas where games of chance are permitted, excluded, restricted, and user location and residency, filters data to determine user accessibility to a game of chance, listings, and advertising. The methods and apparatus of this system have applications on the Internet for raffles as well as other conventional games of chance.
US08382584B2
A computerized management system and methods including accounting, auditing, and correcting systems and processes are disclosed for use with game and/or gaming devices, systems, and methods enable users to remotely monitor, control, and modify financial data, reports, and information related to game and/or gaming machines and apparatuses of different classes, for example Class II and Class III gaming machines and table games, and different facilities, such as Class III gaming establishments, bingo establishments, and lottery establishments.
US08382573B2
A gaming system of the present invention includes: an input device which starts a base game awarding a payout according to a given winning; a data storage device storing special game condition data which defines, within a given value range, a plurality of sub ranges respectively allotted to special game conditions or “No Special Game” meaning no special game is run, each of the special game conditions being associated with an average payout different from those associated with the other conditions. In the system, a random number is sampled based on an input from the input device. A base game is run using the random number, and a payout according to a resulted winning is awarded. One of the sub ranges each allotted to one of the special game conditions or “No Special Game” is selected, based on a given condition with reference to the random number and the special game condition data. When the selected sub range is allotted to a special game condition, the special game is run under that special game condition and a payout is awarded.
US08382572B2
A gaming system and method including providing a community or group bonus event to a plurality of players at a plurality of gaming devices. For each of the players determined as eligible to participate in a triggered group bonus event, the gaming system determines that player's relative probability of winning a group bonus event award in the triggered bonus event. In one such embodiment, each player's relative probability of winning the group bonus event award is based on that player's wagering history, such as any amounts wagered by that player, the frequency of placing such wagers and/or frequency of not placing any wagers.
US08382564B2
An air vent with a damper for redirecting air flow within the air vent is provided. The air vent can include a housing that has an air inlet end and an air outlet end. In addition, the air vent has the damper within the housing, the damper having a generally flat surface and being movable between a closed position and an open position. At least one fin can be rigidly attached to and extend from the damper, for the purpose of redirecting air flow through the housing when the damper is in the open position. In some instances, a plurality of fins can extend from the damper, with at least one fin extending from an air inlet side of the damper and at least one fin extending from an air outlet side of the damper. The fins can extend from the generally flat surface of the damper at an angle between 15 and 165 degrees and in some instances extend in a generally normal direction from the damper flat surface. The orientation of the at least one fin relative to the housing affords for redirection of air flow coming through the air inlet end such that it is in alignment with the air outlet end.
US08382562B1
A knife for deboning rib meat from ribs includes a plurality of spaced apart blades arranged in side by side relation, each blade having forward end, a rearward end and a sharp bottom edge, a deboning head transversely interconnecting the blades and which includes a sharp bottom edge, wherein a sharp grooved surface interconnects a forward end of both blades and the deboning head and a handle connected to the rearward end of the blades. The sharp grooved surface is contoured to a rib of predetermined animal.
US08382548B2
A toy building block set includes multiple polyhedron blocks of different lengths removably attachable together. Each block includes at least a top and four side walls. At least one connector extends from the top and includes opposing interior and exterior surfaces. A recessed area is provided at the bottom of each block. Engagement projections or depressions are provided on the connector and the remaining engagement structure are provided in the recessed area of each block where they might fully or partially engage or not engage with structures on the connector. The mechanical interference engagements and resulting engagement forces provided between any two of the blocks are less than three and even less than two times the number of engagements and resulting engagement forces provided by a mated pair of the smallest polyhedron blocks of the set.
US08382545B2
A novel display device with higher reliability having a structure of blocking moisture and oxygen, which deteriorate the characteristics of the display device, from penetrating through a sealing region and a method of manufacturing thereof is provided. According to the present invention, a display device and a method of manufacturing the same comprising: a display portion formed by aligning a light-emitting element using an organic light-emitting material between a pair of substrate, wherein the display portion is formed on an insulating layer formed on any one of the substrates, the pair of substrates is bonded to each other with a sealing material formed over the insulating layer while surrounding a periphery of the display portion, at least one layer of the insulating layer is made of an organic resin material, the periphery has a first region and a second region, the insulating layer in the first region has an opening covered with a protective film, the sealing material is formed in contact with the opening and the protective film, an outer edge portion of the insulating layer in the second region is covered with the protective film or the sealing material.
US08382538B1
A hydraulic thruster for vessel. The hydraulic thruster is intended for incorporation into a modular vessel thruster system, and is easily installed onto, and removed from, a vessel having such system. A housing is tiltably attached to a bracket, which in turn is removably mounted to a vessel. A cylinder is rigidly attached to the housing, and a tube is extensibly and rotatably disposed within the cylinder. A thrust means is disposed at a lower end of the tube. The instant thruster incorporates positive redundant down-tilt stop means, increased extension/retraction range, reduced shipping size, and means for securely and removably attaching the thruster to a vehicle deck.
US08382533B2
An electrical terminal having at least one open end that is configured to receive a connector in an electrically conducting manner. The open end portion of the connector may be configured with differently sized and/or shaped portions to facilitate receipt of connector, such as to receive the connector in a manner that limits misalignment and/or receipt of bent or crooked connectors.
US08382528B2
The present disclosure relates to a jack assembly including a jack mount having a front side and a rear side. A jack of the assembly is adapted to be slidably mounted in a jack receiving region of the jack mount. The jack assembly also includes a plurality of cross-connect contacts, and a rear interface assembly. The rear interface assembly includes a dielectric cover piece and a plurality of rear connectors that project outward from the dielectric cover piece.
US08382522B2
A substrate is disclosed that is configured to receive an electrical component. The substrate comprises a plurality of first vias and a plurality of second vias. The plurality of first vias is arranges in the substrate in a matrix of rows and columns and is configured to provide mounting of the electric component, each first via associated with one of its closest neighbor first via to form a pair. The plurality of second vias is capable of being electrically commoned to one another and is positioned amongst the plurality of first vias such that there is at least one second via positioned directly between each first via and any of the closest non-pair first via neighbors.
US08382517B2
A connector having a sealing member is provided, wherein the sealing member prevents environmental elements, such as rainwater from entering the connector. Furthermore, a sealing member placed on the inner surface of a post forming a barrier against moisture and other contaminants proximate the second end of the post is also provided.
US08382515B2
A patch panel includes a frame, a faceplate mountable to the frame, and at least one modular jack mountable into a rear side of the faceplate. The frame has a top flange, a bottom flange, and a plurality of faceplate opening, and the faceplate is mountable within the top flange and the bottom flange, and has a plurality of mounting openings. Each mounting opening has at least one modular jack retention latch protruding within the mounting opening.
US08382514B1
A faceplate is configured for covering a wall opening providing access to electrical signal cables. The faceplate itself has an opening leading into the wall opening, and a pair of mounting holes above and below the opening. A cover housing is formed to secure an electrical device within a cavity thereof. The faceplate and cover housing are adapted to provide for the latter being removably secured to the front of the faceplate, after the electrical device is connected to at least one of the signal cables. The cover housing is configured to permit a user to connect a signal cable to the electrical device, and signal cables from the wall opening thereto.
US08382512B2
A body housing supports a plurality of terminals, and an end of a flat cable that includes a conductor-exposed portion is disposed in the body housing. The cover housing is attached to the body housing, and holds the plurality of terminals and a plurality of conductors so as to be sandwiched between the body housing and the cover housing. The terminals are provided with a raised portion that is formed such that a portion of the terminals protrudes, and the plurality of terminals and the plurality of conductors in the conductor-exposed portion are respectively welded together by performing resistance welding with the terminals and the conductors abutting against each other via the raised portion. This enables welding to be performed with a small current with regard to resistance welding of the plurality of terminals of the flat cable connector and the plurality of conductors of the flat cable, thus reducing power consumption during welding, and can also achieve stable welding quality.
US08382510B2
An electrical connector assembly for an electronic device. The electrical connector assembly having an electrical connector and a signal indicator. The electrical connector having at least two communication interfaces utilizing different communication standards. The signal indicator is secured along one side of the electrical connector, wherein the signal indicator emits different colors of light corresponding to a function of one of the at least two communication interfaces.
US08382507B2
An electrical connection device includes a first connector and a second connector capable of being mechanically and electrically connected to the first connector. A lock mechanism can lock the connection between the first and second connectors. The first connector has a cover capable of covering a connecting region between the first and second connectors. The second connector has an unlock device operable to unlock the lock mechanism. The unlock device is positioned not to interact with the cover when the first and second connectors are connected to each other.
US08382506B2
A small, low-profile plug connector for use with electronic devices provides a latching member with a pair of hooks that engage mating holes in a guide frame, and which can be easily delatched from the guide frame or opposing connector or housing. The hooks lock the plug connector into engagement with the frame or housing, but are readily released by way of a simple ramp and lobe mechanism in the plug connector. The ramp and lobe mechanism converts horizontal movement of a pull tab-like actuator into vertical movement of a latching member such that the hooks are lifted upward and disengaged from the guide frame or housing.
US08382505B2
The present invention provides an arc-preventing apparatus for separate cord-type hair dryer to prevent from being damaged by an arc which is occurred when a male connector formed at one end of a separate-type power source cord is disconnected to a female connector installed in a main body of the hair dryer under a load condition. The arc-preventing apparatus is installed in a power contact unit of the hair dryer, and the male and the female connector are fixed or released by an on/off switch of the hair dryer. The arc-preventing apparatus comprises a stopper formed in one side of the female connector which is installed in the power contact unit of the main body, and protruded or retracted by a first elastic body; a rod inserted into a rotation shaft formed in the side opposite to the stopper, and rotates by a predetermined angles along a second elastic body and a guide groove, as the on/off switch is moved down; and a male connector having a first and a second stopping groove which are coupled to a stopping protrusion formed in one end of the rod and the stopper, respectively.
US08382495B1
The present invention relates to a portable electronic device, which includes a housing having a receiving space therein, a core element received in the receiving space and having a plug at a front end thereof and a track adjacent to a rear end thereof, and a cam pivotally connected to the housing at a position adjacent to a first end thereof. When the first end of the cam is turned (e.g., by the user) in a certain direction, a second end of the cam is moved toward a plug opening of the housing. As a result, a pin at a second end of the cam presses against the track and thereby pushes the core element and extends the plug out of the housing through the plug opening. Due to the simple structure, the portable electronic device can be rapidly produced by an automated assembly process.
US08382491B2
An electrical connector for mounting on a circuit board includes a longitudinal base and a plurality of contacts received therein. The longitudinal base includes a mating face, an assembling face opposite to the mating face for confronting with an edge of the circuit board. Each contact includes a contacting portion exploding to the mating face and a spring tail extending out of the assembling face for elastically pressing against the circuit board in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A retention pad is secured to the housing and comprises a pressing end for elastically pressing against the circuit board to balance prepressure of the spring tails to the circuit board.
US08382481B2
The present disclosure is directed to a method for automatically adapting the problem shooting steps to the user's skill level.
US08382477B2
The present invention uses an anatomically shaped bone graft contouring abutment in place of a conventional healing abutment to control the bone graft for optimal height. The extraction site aesthetics, in the form of enhanced gingival growth, are facilitated by the optimal bone graft placement.
US08382475B2
A method and a device for the simplified inspection of the compatibility of the positions of bore bushings in a drilling template with respect to the positions in a predetermined plan in a computer model. The position parameters are detected by a measuring device which is arranged at distance from the bore bushings. The position parameters are transferred to a measurement plane on a reference seat. The drilling template is held to the reference seat at at least one of a predetermined orientation or a predetermined distance from the measurement plane.
US08382458B2
A high-pressure fuel pump is comprises of: a plunger which slidably fits to a cylinder and reciprocates for pressurizing and discharging a fuel taken in a pressurizing chamber; an inlet valve device for taking in a fuel into the pressurizing chamber; an outlet valve device for discharging the pressurized fuel from the pressurizing chamber; and a communicating pass which comprises a hole or a groove formed in the cylinder, and communicates between a pressurized fuel area and a gap between the cylinder and the plunger.
US08382456B2
A pump can have a housing defining therein an inner chamber of fixed volume. An inlet through the housing can provide communication to the inner chamber and an outlet through the housing can provide communication to the inner chamber. A pumping mechanism can be positioned in the inner chamber. A resiliently, compressible member can accommodate a portion of the fixed volume of the inner chamber.
US08382454B2
A check valve capable of improving the tightness between a sphere and a valve seat and suppressing the sinking is provided, so as to provide a liquid chromatography infusion pump enabling a high precision infusion even if in a low flow rate region. On a surface, contacted with the sphere, on the valve seat 10 of the check valve, a rim 10r is disposed around a through hole 10h in the center of the valve seat 10. The rim 10r is formed as a boundary between a concave spherical surface of a diameter Φ1 and a concave spherical surface of a diameter Φ2 disposed as concentric circles with the through hole 10h. When the sphere of a diameter ΦB abuts against the valve seat 10, the sphere 15 abuts against the valve seat 10 at the annular rim 10r in a line contact according to a relation of Φ1>ΦB>Φ2.
US08382447B2
An infusion pump uses an improved shuttle mechanism to more reliably pump liquids in low volumes for medical and other purposes. The improved shuttle uses linear translation and wider, symmetric jaws to grasp infusate tubing and pump liquid infusate through the tubing. Adjustment of the linear motion allows a user to also adjust a pumping volume of the infusion pump. Other shuttles with wider jaws may also pump infusate using a rotary motion. In addition, more than one shuttle, such as two or three shuttles, may be used to approximate continuous pumping. A series of several smaller linear shuttles with sequential actuation may be used as a linear peristaltic pump for general peristaltic pump applications.
US08382444B2
Systems and methods for monitoring operation of a pump, including verifying operation or actions of a pump, are disclosed. A baseline profile for one or more parameters of a pump may be established. An operating profile may then be created by recording one or more values for the same set of parameters during subsequent operation of the pump. The values of the baseline profile and the operating profile may then be compared at one or more points or sets of points. If the operating profile differs from the baseline profile by more than a certain tolerance an alarm may be sent or another action taken, for example the pumping system may shut down, etc.
US08382433B2
A method is provided for producing a blade, by casting, for a gas turbine. The blade includes an elongate airfoil which extends in a blade longitudinal direction, merges into a blade root at the lower end, has a shroud segment at the blade tip and is pervaded by a single cooling air channel running in the blade longitudinal direction from the blade root to the blade tip. The method includes, during the casting of the blade, the blade material being fed exclusively from the blade root into the mold provided therefor, and the cooling air channel is formed during the casting of the blade by using a single core body, which is provided, at the blade tip, with a local casting cross section increasing element.
US08382431B1
A turbine rotor blade an open cavity and a series of vortex chambers formed along the pressure and suction side walls to form a cooling air path from the leading edge, along the pressure side wall toward the trailing edge, and then from the trailing edge along the suction side wall to be discharged at the leading edge region on the suction side wall as film cooling air. The vortex chambers and feed slots connected adjacent vortex chambers are enclosed with a thin thermal skin to form a thin airfoil wall.
US08382428B2
A centrifugal water pump for use in a diesel engine cooling system provides an improved water pump construction including multiple features which combine to provide increased operating life for the supporting and wearing components of the pump. The improvements include one or more of: a water seal system is provided having a stationary seal and a rotating seal made of silicon carbide with at least one of the seals having embedded lubricant; an o-ring added to the stationary seal ensures that pressurized water does not get past the stationary seal; metallic bearing seals and covers to prevent leeching of the lubricant from the bearing; optimized spring force on the rotating seal; tapered shaft impeller interface to minimize torsional stresses on these components from the keyway design of the prior art; and the housing engine oil inlet is removed to prevent the direct flow of hot, dirty, and contaminated oil from damaging the water pump bearings.
US08382422B2
A fluid flow machine has a main flow path 2 which is confined by a hub 3 and a casing 1 and in which at least one row of blades 5 is arranged. A gap 11 is provided on at least one blade row 5 between a blade end and a main flow path confinement, with the blade end and the main flow path confinement performing a rotary movement relative to each other. At least one reversing duct 7 is provided in the area of the blade leading edge in the main flow path confinement at a discrete circumferential position. The reversing duct 7 connects two openings 12, 13 arranged on the main flow path confinement.
US08382418B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring an object from a lower accessible position to a higher storage position, which is particularly useful on vehicles. The present invention also relates to a method of transferring an object from a lower accessible position to a higher storage position.
US08382415B1
A rapid-engaging, positive locking machine screw mechanism comprises a screw having a head and a body wherein the body includes male threads formed thereon wherein the threaded body has at least one longitudinal segment devoid of threads. A work piece defines a hole having female threads formed therein for receiving the screw and further defines in a portion of the hole, at least one longitudinally extending segment devoid of female threads. The longitudinal screw segment devoid of male threads and the longitudinal hole segment devoid of female threads are arranged such that the screw body is longitudinally received in the hole without engagement of the male screw threads with the female work piece threads. The rapid-engaging, positive locking thread configuration can be applied to a variety of mechanical interfaces. Additionally, thread locking configurations, such as a boos-depression interface, a notch and ridge, etc. can be incorporated to secure the male and female threads.
US08382413B2
A conductive sleeved fastener assembly includes an electrically-conductive fastener having a fastener head and a fastener shank extending from the fastener head and an electrically-conductive fastener sleeve receiving the fastener shank of the fastener and a fastener sleeve flange provided on the fastener sleeve and disposed in direct contact with the fastener head of the fastener. A method of preparing a conductive sleeved fastener for use is also disclosed.
US08382403B2
A throwaway drill, an insert provided on the throwaway drill, and a cutting method using the same. The throwaway drill has a throwaway drill holder including an inner edge insert pocket having a seat, formed on a central axis side of a tip end of a drill main body, and an outer edge insert pocket having a seat, formed on the outer peripheral side of the tip end; an inner edge insert fixed to the seat of the inner edge insert pocket; and an outer edge insert fixed to the seat of the outer edge insert pocket. When viewed from the tip end side of the drill main body, the inner cutting edge of the inner edge insert includes: a first inner cutting edge provided on the central axis side of the drill main body, being parallel to at least part of the outer cutting edge of the outer edge insert; and a second inner cutting edge provided on the outer peripheral side of the drill main body, being inclined to the seat of the inner edge insert pocket in a direction toward the outer peripheral side, with respect to the first inner cutting edge.
US08382402B2
A drilling apparatus capable of having a minimal axial length to permit its use within limited confines. The drilling apparatus includes a housing with a housing bore and a first housing end, a spindle rotatably supported within the housing bore, bearing elements within the housing bore and surrounding the spindle to rotatably support the spindle within the housing, and a drive unit for rotating the spindle. The spindle is configured to secure a shank of a drill bit at a first end thereof exposed at the first housing end, and the drive unit is transversely offset from an axis of rotation of the spindle.
US08382390B2
A quick assembling structure of leg for table or chair, wherein connecting rods are provided with female formations respectively, and a coupling member having assembly cavities being provided into which the connecting rods can be inserted such that the ends of the connecting rods are pressed against the snap fasteners pivotally mounted in the assembly cavities, and that male blocks provided at the outside of the snap fasteners are engaged with the female formations provided on the connecting rods so as to firmly assemble the connecting rods and the coupling member together. When the connecting rods and the coupling member are to be detached, merely upwardly pull the connecting rods off from the coupling member to release the engagement between them so as to achieve quick assembly and disassembly.
US08382388B2
A thermal printer includes a first thermal head which is so provided as to be brought into contact with one side of a paper, a second thermal head which is so provided as to be brought into contact with the other side of the paper, and a controller. The first thermal head energizes a plurality of heater elements to print dot image data on one side of the paper. The second thermal head energizes a plurality of heater elements to print dot image data on the other side of the paper. The controller is configured to shift the energization times between the first thermal head and second thermal head.
US08382387B1
A system and method for providing a surveillance camera platform, and house supporting devices in a streetlight housing is disclosed. The device and method uses a cobra head, clamshell style streetlight housings with a lens between the housing sections to increase the volume of the housing. The system uses a lens for capturing image with the camera systems. The camera systems include data transmittal and receiving devices that allow the receipt of data to control the camera systems and the transmission of any necessary image and other data collected with systems contained within the housing. The lens is camouflaged by using a color that matches the rest of the housing. LEDs and reflector are used to provide the lighting function of the streetlight and to further provide space wile reducing heat within the housing. An internal fan is contemplated to further cool the system.
US08382382B2
A fiber optic adapter is disclosed. The fiber optic adapter includes a main body configured to receive a first fiber optic connector through a first end and a second fiber optic connector through a second end for mating with the first fiber optic connector. The adapter includes a ferrule alignment structure located within an axial cavity of the main body, the ferrule alignment structure including a sleeve mount and a ferrule sleeve, the sleeve mount including an axial bore and at least one latching hook extending from a center portion of the sleeve mount toward the first end of the main body and at least one latching hook extending from the center portion toward the second end of the main body, the latching hooks configured to flex for releasably latching the first and second fiber optic connectors to the fiber optic adapter. The sleeve mount and the main body of the fiber optic adapter are unitarily molded as a single piece and the ferrule sleeve is separately placed within the axial bore of the sleeve mount.
US08382380B2
Tapered rollers are retained between outer and inner rings by a retainer to be circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The inner ring has a raceway on its outer surface and includes small and large-diameter flanges at the small- and large-diameter ends of the raceway, respectively. The retainer includes two annular portions and crossbars extending between the annular portions. Its radially inner surface is located radially inwardly of the pitch cone of the tapered rollers to increase the thickness of the crossbars and the axial thickness of the small-diameter annular portion. The conical surface defined by the outer surfaces of the crossbars has an inclination angle that is greater than the central angle of the bearing to increase the volume of the crossbars. The rigidity of the retainer is thus increased.
US08382377B2
A wheel speed detecting apparatus incorporating a wheel speed detecting apparatus has an inner ring axially secured on a wheel hub. A protecting cover, with a substantially dish-shaped configuration, is press-formed from a non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel sheet. The cover includes a cylindrical fitting portion adapted to be fit onto the outer member. A disc-shaped shielding portion extends radially inward from the fitting portion. A bottom portion extends from the shielding portion, via an inclined portion, to close the inner side end of the inner member. The protecting cover is positioned to abut against a stepped portion formed on the end face or the inner circumference of the outer member.
US08382374B2
A sealing member for a rolling device is applied to a rolling device with inner and outer members and a plurality of rolling members between so the rolling members can roll to allow relative rotational or linear movement of the outer member with respect to the inner member. The sealing member includes an inner and outer lip parts that press the inner and outer members, respectively. The outer lip part is less rigid than the inner lip part. The sealing member may have a substantially circular shape and surround the inner member. Alternatively, the sealing member may have a substantially plate-like shape and extend in a direction of relative movement of the outer member with respect to the inner member. The sealing member for a rolling device configured as described above and a rolling device provided with the sealing member can be adequately used even in a hostile environment.
US08382370B2
An improved thermocouple assembly for providing a temperature measurement is provided. The thermocouple assembly includes a sheath having a measuring tip, a support member received within the sheath, and first and second wires disposed within the support member. An end of each of the first and second wires are fused together to form a thermocouple junction therebetween. A recessed region is formed in a distal end of the support member, and the thermocouple junction is fixedly located at the base of the recessed region such that the recessed region maintains the thermocouple junction in a substantially fixed position relative to the measuring tip of the sheath.
US08382363B1
A device and related method for mixing a powdered component and a liquid component with minimal user interaction are described. A powdered component and a liquid component are separately fed into a mixing chamber. The powdered component may be released into the liquid component by removing a barrier. Alternatively, the two components are drawn into the mixing chamber from respective sources by a vacuum. The mixture is sonicated at precise vibrational frequencies to control the physical properties of the final blended content. A piston-like device is used to remove the blended content from the mixing chamber.
US08382362B2
An improved method of making hot mix asphalt, without adding virgin asphalt concrete oil, includes several steps: adding gravel to a container; and heating and rotating the gravel in the container to a suitable temperature for creating the hot asphalt mix. While heated gravel rotates in the container, processed shingles, having a predetermined %/w of AC oil (20%/w on average), are added to a mixing auger along with at least 1 to 2 parts of rejuvenating oil per 100 parts of the processed shingles. The processed shingles and rejuvenating oil are mixed together for about 10 to 20 seconds in the mixing auger creating a slurry of rejuvenated shingles. The slurry of rejuvenated shingles from the mixer auger are then released into the heated and rotating gravel in the container, forming hot mix asphalt with a total oil content of between about 4%/w to 8%/w of the hot mix asphalt, advantageously without adding virgin asphalt concrete oil.
US08382356B2
A backlight module includes a light guide plate having a light input surface, a light source adjacent to the light input surface of the light guide plate, and a frame unit receiving the light guide plate and the light source. The frame unit includes a back plate and a light reflective layer. The back plate defines a plurality of openings, and the light reflective layer covers the back plate and fills the openings. A method for manufacturing the backlight module is also provided.
US08382352B2
Disclosed is a projector-type headlight that can include a light emitting device, a reflector having a reflection surface to reflect a light from the light emitting device forward, a projector lens to project the reflected light from the reflection surface forward, the projector lens being a resin molding, and a shade to form a light distribution pattern having a light-dark border line by blocking a part of the reflected light heading from the reflection surface to the projector lens. A gate trace can be formed in a circumference portion of the projector lens. The gate trace can be provided lower than a horizontal surface on which a light axis of the projector lens passes through, and at the same time can be provided in a state of being shifted either leftward or rightward from a vertical surface on which the light axis of the projector lens passes through.
US08382341B2
A luminaire mounting assembly comprises a mounting bracket having at least one keyed aperture, the mounting bracket having one of a slider assembly and at least one tab, a fixture housing having the other of a slider assembly and the at least one tab, the slider assembly movable between a first fixture position and a second fixture position, the slider assembly having a fixed element, a plunger movable relative to the fixed element, the plunger biased toward a first plunger position and engaging the at least one tab, the plunger movable to a second plunger position to pass the at least one tab.
US08382340B2
A lighting apparatus is shown and described. In one aspect, the lighting apparatus includes a lighting component and a mounting structure. The lighting component can include a light source, a plate, and a frame. The light source can include one or more lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes. The lighting component can be releasably secured to the mounting structure.
US08382338B2
A light-emitting diode (LED) lens for covering a LED light source includes a lens body made of a transparent material. The lens body has a light-exit surface and a light-entrance portion. The light-exit surface is configured along the longitudinal direction into a pair of convex surface areas and a concave surface area interconnecting the convex surface areas. The concave surface area has minimum dimensions smaller than maximum dimensions of each of the convex surface areas along first and second transverse directions. The light-entrance portion is adapted for receiving the LED light source, and has a light-incident surface. The light-incident surface has a pair of end portions opposite to each other along the longitudinal direction and extending inclinedly away from the light-exit surface and away from each other.
US08382328B2
A lighting device includes an optical lens, a scattering layer mounted on an outer surface of the optical lens, and a lighting module mounted on the optical lens and emitting a plurality light beams which are reflected and/or refracted by the optical lens and are reflected and/or refracted by the scattering layer. Thus, the light beams of the lighting module are initially reflected and/or refracted by the optical lens and are then reflected and/or refracted by the scattering layer so that the light beams of the lighting module are distributed in a two-stage manner by the optical lens and the scattering layer and are scattered and diverged in different angles and directions evenly and smoothly so as to provide a fully developed lighting effect, thereby enhancing the lighting efficiency of the lighting device.
US08382321B2
Embodiments provide an illumination apparatus including: an adapter that converts alternating power into driving power; and a light emitting device that is detachably and electrically connected to the adapter and that emits light according to the driving power provided from the adapter.
US08382317B1
A hazard warning light assembly includes a panel that has a top side and a bottom side. A receiver mount is attached to and extends upwardly from the top side. A stake has a top end, a bottom end and a perimeter wall extending between the top and bottom ends. The bottom end is pointed to allow the bottom end to be extendable into a ground surface. The receiver mount has a size and shape configured to receive the bottom end and support the stake in a vertical orientation. A plurality of primary light emitters is mounted to the stake. The primary light emitters are selectively turned on to emit light. A primary actuator is electrically coupled to the primary light emitters to turn the primary light emitters on or off.
US08382311B2
Rechargeable flashlight and battery assembly for single-handed intermittent and continuous operation
A rechargeable flashlight is also provided. The flashlight includes a housing having a battery compartment and a light source adjacent a first end of the housing. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides power for the flashlight. A controller circuit serially connected with the battery is operable to control the flow of electricity to and from the battery. Specifically, the controller circuit is operable to disconnect the lithium-ion battery cell from the light source in response to the charge in the lithium-ion battery depleting below a pre-determined lower threshold. The control circuit is further operable to disconnect the lithium-ion battery cell from electrical connection with the first charging contact when the lithium-ion battery is connected with a battery charger and the charge in the lithium-ion battery reaches a pre-determined upper threshold.
US08382301B2
An optical arrangement, e.g. a projection exposure apparatus (1) for EUV lithography, includes: a housing (2) enclosing an interior space (15); at least one, preferably reflective optical element (4-10, 12, 14.1-14.6) arranged in the housing (2); at least one vacuum generating unit (3) for the interior space (15) of the housing (2); and at least one vacuum housing (18, 18.1-18.10) arranged in the interior space (15) and enclosing at least the optical surface (17, 17.1, 17.2) of the optical element (4-10, 12, 14.1-14.5). A contamination reduction unit is associated with the vacuum housing (18.1-18.10) and reduces the partial pressure of contaminating substances, in particular of water and/or hydrocarbons, at least in close proximity to the optical surface (17, 17.1, 17.2) in relation to the partial pressure of the contaminating substances in the interior space (15).
US08382298B2
A camera lens cap includes radially movable latch members carried on an endwall of the cap and apparatus having exposed user engageable surfaces. The latch members are movable between the first latching position and a second unlatched position relative to an adapter which has a camera lens attachment feature. An interior groove formed in the adapter and engageable by the latch members when the latch members are disposed in the first latching position to affix the lens cap on the adapter and the camera lens.
US08382295B1
A electronic device that includes an optical assembly containing a projector, an imager, or both is described. The optical assembly may be disposed in an accessory such as a cover for the electronic device, or the electronic device itself. The optical assembly may be attached by a flexible connector or articulated arm that, when extended, positions the optical assembly generally above a plane of an electronic display of the device. The optical assembly may project images onto the electronic display, portions of the cover, or other surfaces. An imager in the optical assembly detects user gestures or other visual inputs to initiate commands on the electronic device.
US08382287B2
A method and apparatus for calibrating a color temperature of a projector that creates a light of a desired color by mixing primary lights. The method includes setting target values for the mixed light, measuring color coordinate values for the primary lights, calculating the target brightness values for the primary lights using the target values and the measured color coordinate values, and calibrating the output of the primary lights output from the projector based on the calculated target brightness values.
US08382285B2
In a device or a method for determining the direction of vision of an eye, a starting point or a final point of a light beam reflected by a part of the eye and detected by a detector system, or of a light beam projected by a projection system onto or into the eye two-dimensionally, describes a pattern of a scanning movement in the eye. The inventive method uses a displacement device that guides the center of the pattern of movement into the pupil or macula center of the eye, and a determination device that uses the pattern of movement of the scanning movement to determine the pupil center or macula center.
US08382283B2
A method for providing a spectacle ophthalmic lens to a wearer, the method comprising: measuring the higher order aberrations in at least an eye of the wearer; calculating a design of the spectacle ophthalmic lens or selecting a design in a spectacle ophthalmic lens design data base by adapting the management of residual astigmatism based on the measure of higher order aberrations in the eye of the wearer.
US08382278B2
A handheld inkjet printer is disclosed. The printer has a housing, a printhead fixedly mounted in the housing, and a capping device mounted external to the housing. The capping device has an arm, a capping leg extending transversely from the arm and an elastomeric pad affixed to the capping leg and in capping engagement with the printhead. The arm has a resilient portion deformable towards the housing upon receipt of a force. The housing defines a fulcrum with the arm and the leg being positioned on opposite sides of the fulcrum. Deformation of the arm towards the housing causes displacement of the capping leg, which in turn causes the elastomeric pad to move out of capping engagement with the printhead.
