US08749942B2
Dielectric protective cover for a lightning arrester with an early streamer emission device, wherein the lightening arrester includes an active portion for connection to the early streamer emission device for promoting a triggering of an upward leader from the active portion, a down conductor for connection to ground, and a dielectric portion for mounting the active portion on the down conductor, the active portion being separated from the down conductor by an air space formed as a spark gap through which lightning current will pass from the active portion to the down conductor, the protective cover comprising: a first portion for fastening to the active portion; and a second portion for fastening to the down conductor, wherein the protective cover protects dielectric properties of the spark gap against degradation in an environment of the spark gap, while leaving the active portion exposed to the environment.
US08749940B2
An electronic component has an integrated protective device which responds in the event of a thermal overload and interrupts a current flow through the component. The protective device has an electrical terminal which may be brought under spring pretension by intrinsic resilience and assumes a mounting position in the pretensioned state and a current interrupting position in the untensioned state.
US08749938B2
Provided is a fault current limiter, the limiter including a detector detecting an inflow of a fault current and transmitting a turn-on signal to a first switch and transmitting a turn-off signal to a power semiconductor element, the power semiconductor element changed to an OFF state by the turn-off signal, the first switch forming a current limiting circuit by being switched to an ON state by the turn-on signal, and a resistance element blocking the fault current, wherein the series connection between the resistance element and the first switch is connected in parallel to the power semiconductor element.
US08749937B2
Provided is a display device which enables the automatic return of a power source circuit after the power source circuit is protected from an overcurrent, at low cost. The display device includes: an output transistor having a base to which a drive voltage signal is inputted and outputting a drive voltage from an emitter; a first transistor being turned on when an overcurrent flows into the output transistor; and a second transistor being turned on and turning off the output transistor when the first transistor is turned on, the first and second transistors are repeatedly turned on and off so as to make the output transistor intermittently operate within an overcurrent operation period, and the first and second transistors are turned off and the output transistor automatically returns to a normal operation when an operation period is shifted from the overcurrent operation period to a normal operation period.
US08749934B2
In a photovoltaic system including a plurality of strings, each includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules exclusively connected in series, bus lines to which the strings are connected in parallel, and a converter for feeding electric energy from the bus lines into a power grid. A system voltage drop between the bus lines can be adjusted by a controller of the converter, and a current sensor is provided for each string that at least determines whether a reverse current flows to the string and reports to the controller of the converter whether a reverse current flows to the string, and the controller of the converter reduces the system voltage present between the bus lines to stop the reverse current.
US08749922B2
A tape movement constraint for a tape drive system, comprises a tiltable tape roller bearing having a grooved surface adapted to contact and engage a surface of the tape as the roller barrel rotates, and an actuator adapted to pivot the roller bearing surface when the actuator is actuated, to control the lateral position of a tape. In operation, in one embodiment, a roller barrel of the tiltable roller bearing is biased in a first position on a pivot axis, using magnetic attraction between a movable magnet and a return path structure of magnetically permeable material. The roller barrel is pivoted on the pivot axis by conducting current through a fixed coil to generate a magnetic field which is conducted by the return path structure to interact with the magnetic field of the magnet. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08749920B1
A magnetic recording device includes a slider having an air bearing surface (ABS), a leading side, and a trailing side and a head residing on the slider. The head has a first magnetic transducer and a first heater for heating an area proximal to the first magnetic transducer. A first shield (S1) comprising a first material is on the leading side of the first magnetic transducer and a second shield (S2) comprising the first material is on the trailing side of the first magnetic transducer. A first pole (P1) comprising the first material is on the trailing side of the second shield (S2), and the first pole (P1) is between 0.6 micron and 2.0 micron thick; and the second shield (S2) is less than 0.6 micron thick. A hard disk drive includes the magnetic recording device.
US08749918B2
The present invention generally relates to a magnetic recording system that utilizes perpendicular exchange spring media and ring heads. The write field of ring heads does not experience a strong loss as compared to pole heads because the pole can be kept long in the direction perpendicular to the recording medium and thus does not result in unfavorable write field scaling.
US08749915B2
A motor unit for use in a disk drive apparatus includes a motor portion, a housing member including a through hole defined therein, and a circuit board. The motor portion includes a rotating portion, a base portion, and a stator fixed to the base portion. The circuit board is arranged to extend from an outside of the motor portion to an inside of the stator through a gap defined between the stator and the base portion. The circuit board includes a connection portion arranged radially inward of the stator. A plurality of lead wires of the stator is connected to the connection portion.
US08749913B2
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for facilitating relatively simple installation and/or removal of magazines in context of modules of a data storage system. For example, it may be desirable to fill a magazine with data storage cartridges and to install the full magazine into the data storage system. Embodiments use staged structural features to sequentially guide and align the magazine into a desired position in a data storage system. The structural features are designed to facilitate relatively simple installation while providing sufficiently accurate and secure positioning.
US08749911B1
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated radially over a disk, wherein the head comprises a read element separated from a write element by a reader/writer gap. A disk-locked clock synchronized to a rotation of the disk comprises a plurality of clock cycles, and the reader/writer gap spans a first number of the clock cycles comprising a first integer of the clock cycles plus a fraction of one of the clock cycles. A reference clock cycle of the disk-locked clock is determined, and a write operation is delayed relative to the reference clock cycle by a write delay comprising a second number of clock cycles comprising a second integer of the clock cycles plus the fraction of one of the clock cycles. A sync mark is written on the disk after the write delay, and the sync mark is read to estimate the first number of clock cycles.
US08749895B2
A lens control apparatus having a zoom lens includes first and second operation members that give a zoom instruction for moving the zoom lens, and a controller that changes a zoom stop position to a first pattern according to the operation of the first operation member, and changes the zoom stop position to a second pattern, which has an interval wider than that in the first pattern, according to the operation of the second operation member.
US08749886B2
A beamsplitter that includes a first prism including an input face, an output face and an oblique face and a second prism including an output face and an oblique face, the oblique face of the second prism being coupled to the oblique face of the first prism. A polarizing coating is sandwiched between the oblique face of the first prism and the oblique face of the second prism, and a linear polarizer coupled to at least one of the output face of the first prism and the output face of the second prism.
US08749878B2
An apparatus including a semiconductor optical amplifier configured to amplify an input optical signal, and a controller configured to supply preheat current to the semiconductor optical amplifier when the input optical signal is not input to the semiconductor optical amplifier.
US08749873B2
A motor vehicle part having at least one portion visible from the outside of the part, characterized in that the portion is at least partly covered with an electronic ink suitable for forming a pattern on the portion. A method is also disclosed for manufacturing such a part and a method for manufacturing a subassembly incorporating this part. Another embodiment relates to a set of parts, a marking assembly, an optical unit and a vehicle comprising such a part.
US08749870B2
A window assembly comprises a plurality of dynamic electrochromic zones formed on a single transparent substrate in which at least two electrochromic zones are independently controllable. In one exemplary embodiment, the window assembly comprises an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU), and at least one transparent substrate comprises a lite. In another exemplary embodiment, the IGU comprises at least two lites in which at least one lite comprises a plurality of independently controllable dynamic zones.
US08749863B2
A plastic article is formable by using a metal die having a cavity to accommodate melted resin therein at a given pressure. The plastic article includes a transfer face to which is transferred a face shape of the metal die, a projection disposed at least one face other than the transfer face, an incomplete transfer face having a concave shape disposed at the same face on which the projection is disposed, formed by an incomplete transfer of a face shape of the cavity of the metal die, and an incomplete transfer face having a convex shape disposed at least one face other than the transfer face.
US08749851B2
An image processing apparatus comprises a first screen processing unit which applies screen processing to image data using a first threshold matrix; a second screen processing unit which applies screen processing to the image data using a second threshold matrix different from the first threshold matrix; an edge detection unit which detects an edge portion of an object included in the image data; and an output unit which selects and outputs image data obtained by a logical OR operation between image data obtained by the first screen processing unit and image data obtained by the second screen processing unit for a pixel detected by the edge detection unit as an edge portion, and selects and outputs the image data obtained by the first screen processing unit for a pixel other than the edge portion.
US08749849B2
A correction apparatus includes an operating section that operates for forming an image having a predetermined density, a calculating section that calculates a first correction amount that is used when a value of the predetermined density is to be corrected, and a correction section that corrects the predetermined density value in such a manner that the correction is performed by using the first correction amount when first identification information corresponding to an image that has been processed by the operating section before the correction performed by the correction section and second identification information corresponding to an image that is to be processed by the operating section after the correction performed by the correction section do not satisfy a predetermined condition, whereas the correction is performed by using a second correction amount that is smaller than the first correction amount, when the first and second identification information satisfy the predetermined condition.
US08749848B2
A method of halftoning a continuous-tone image includes the step of expressing a transition tone intensity by a maximum population density of halftone dots equal in size and having a transition dot size. Expressing tone intensities darker than the transition tone intensity includes increasing dot sizes beyond the transition dot size of the maximum population. Expressing tone intensities lighter than the transition tone intensity includes using a population density lesser than the maximum population density, and each relatively darker tone includes a relatively smaller dot size and a relatively larger population density than each relatively lighter tone.
US08749846B2
An image reading device includes a first reader member that receives light from a medium to read an image recorded on a surface thereof; a second reader member that separates the light from the medium and reads a color of the recorded image based on the separated light; a deriving unit that derives associating information that associates a first read result with a second read result based on the first read result and the second read result, the first read result being obtained by the first reader member, the second read result being obtained by the second reader member; and a measuring unit that measures the color of the image on the medium for performing color calibration by reading the medium by using the first reader member so as to determine a color corresponding to the second read result based on the first read result and the associating information.
US08749840B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an image processing unit acquiring image data, performing image processing, and generating color image data for respective colors; plural toner image forming units each forming and developing an electrostatic latent image on the basis of the color image data, and forming a color toner image; and a toner image holding member moving while holding each color toner image. Each electrostatic latent image has pixel rows arranged in a slow scan direction, with pixels aligned in a fast scan direction. The image processing unit performs, on the color image data, image processing to add or delete the pixel rows for a position of the electrostatic latent image in the slow scan direction. The number of the pixel rows corresponds to the amount of change in a moving velocity of the toner image holding member when each color toner image formed at the position is held.
US08749838B2
An image forming apparatus includes a writing unit including an image data generation unit that produces image data; a main-sub image magnification processing unit that performs image magnification processing in a main-scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction; a clock generation unit that changes a writing clock period; a correction map that retains image magnification information corresponding to a deformation of a recording medium caused by application of heat and pressure from a fixing unit; and a light-emitting device that irradiates the photosensitive element with light. The writing unit slightly changes the writing clock period so as to enlarge or shrink a formed pixel in the main-scanning direction and perform enlargement or shrinkage in the sub-scanning direction, and thus cancel an image deformation caused by the deformation of the recording medium and correct a change in an image magnification in the main-scanning direction.
US08749835B2
An image processing apparatus sets a variable-magnification ratio of image data, discriminates whether or not the set variable-magnification ratio is larger than a predetermined threshold value, and decides a memory size of a memory device for storing the image data in accordance with a discrimination result in the discriminating. The Apparatus stores the image data of an amount corresponding to the decided memory size into the memory device, and executes a variable-magnification process to the image data stored in the memory device by using the set variable-magnification ratio.
US08749829B2
An image forming system configured to execute RIP processing for print data not subjected to the RIP processing so as to produce image data, and to form an image based on the image data, includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses which are coupled in tandem, and each of which is assigned to form an image on one of regions of an recording sheet, wherein the plurality of image forming apparatuses include first and second image forming apparatuses, the first image forming apparatus is configured to execute the RIP processing for the print data so as to produce the image data, and the second image forming apparatus is configured to supply the image data produced by the RIP processing in the first image forming apparatus to each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses in synchronization with a timing of image formation in each of plurality of image forming apparatuses.
US08749806B2
An image processing apparatus includes a plurality of functioning units each having a reception functioning unit, a control receiving unit and a controlling unit. Each of the reception functioning unit and the control receiving unit has a high power state and a low power state as an operational state, respectively. In a case that the control receiving unit is in the high power state, the controlling unit transits the operational state of the functioning unit from the high power state to the low power state when a first set time elapses after an execution of a processing is terminated. In another case that the control receiving unit is in the low power state, the controlling unit transits the operational state of the functioning unit from the high power state to the low power state when a second set time elapses after the execution of the processing is terminated.
US08749805B2
A method of allowing a packet in a network image forming apparatus includes setting user account information corresponding to the plurality of network interfaces, determining allowability of a received packet by using information included in the received packet and the set user account information, and when the received packet is allowable, performing an operation corresponding to the received packet. Accordingly, in an image forming apparatus installing a plurality of network interfaces, not only allowability of each interface to each user but also a type of protocol provided to each user can be setup. Consequently, an environment that can use an interface in various forms according to each user can be provided.
US08749797B1
A system is disclosed for remotely determining 6 degree of freedom of an object. Four or more radiating beacons are placed on an object, the beacons each simultaneously radiating a synchronized repeating code, the code being different for each beacon. A position sensor, such as a quadrant detector, receives the light signals from the beacons, and correlates the received beacon signals against the same signal sequences produced in the receiver. With orientation of the beacons on the object being known, and orientation of the quadrant detector, or receiver, being known, roll, pitch, yaw, and X, Y and Z position in a coordinate space of the object can be determined.
US08749779B2
A spectrometer including a source emitting an electromagnetic radiation, a selection device configured for selecting a monochromatic radiation based on the electromagnetic radiation, a focusing device configured for defining a focusing point associated with a wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source and configured for displacing the focusing point with respect to an input of the selection device, a vessel containing a sample intended to receive the monochromatic radiation, and an analyzer of a radiation transmitted or emitted by the sample.
US08749775B2
A method and apparatus is used for inspection of devices to detect processing faults on semiconductor wafers. The method includes illuminating a strip of a die along a scan path with a moving measurement spot. The method further includes detecting scattered radiation to obtain an angle-resolved spectrum, and comparing the scattering data with a library of reference spectra. Based on the comparison, the method includes determining the presence of a fault of the die at the strip. The illumination and detection are performed along the scan path across a region, such that the scattering data is spatially integrated over the region.
US08749774B2
Provided are an integrating sphere photometer and a measuring method of the same. The integrating sphere photometer includes a plurality of photodetectors, an integrating sphere having through-holes formed to correspond to the photodetectors, baffles disposed inside the integrating sphere in front of the photodetectors to be spaced apart from the photodetectors, a photometer disposed at a through-hole, and an adjustment unit adjusting output signals of the photodetectors to have the same output signal with respect to light illuminated from a point-like standard light source disposed at a center region in the integrating sphere.
US08749772B2
An optical wavelength monitor photodiode integrated on a wafer and/or an optical device and coupled to optical components thereof provides wavelength measurement. The optical wavelength monitor includes a photodiode configured to output a signal that is representative of a wavelength of the light. An additional photodiode may be included in the optical wavelength monitor, each photodiode differing from the other in operating characteristics. The monitor may be used in testing the optical device while in wafer form and when the optical device has been cleaved from the wafer at the bar level. Testing/monitoring of the optical device may also be performed during use, for example, to control the wavelength of a laser such as a tunable laser.
US08749769B2
A method and system for determining stress associated with a communication device, e.g., an optical fiber, and associated structures are disclosed. An exemplary method includes transmitting an initiated signal through a communication device, and comparing a reflected signal reflected by the communication device with the initiated signal. The method may further include determining a stress associated with the device from at least the comparison of the initiated signal and the reflected signal.
US08749741B2
A liquid crystal display device including a first substrate, a first alignment film formed over the first substrate, a second substrate, a second alignment film formed over the second substrate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first alignment film and the second alignment film, and a projecting portion formed over the second substrate. The first and second alignment films are both made of a photo-decomposition-type material. A film thickness “d2” of the second alignment film over the projecting portion and a film thickness “d1” of a portion of the first alignment film facing the projecting portion satisfy a formula (1) and a formula (2): 0 nm
US08749738B2
The present invention discloses a liquid crystal panel and a manufacturing method thereof, and a liquid crystal display; the manufacturing method of the liquid crystal panel comprises the following steps: conducting materials are mixed into black matrix coating materials and black matrix deposition is conducted. In the present invention, because the conducting materials are mixed into the black matrix coating materials, the black matrix can conduct electricity and therefore, the liquid crystal panel can conduct static electricity by the conductivity of the black matrix to protect the liquid crystal panel and assemblies on the liquid crystal panel; the reliability of the liquid crystal panel is increased, because of the conductivity of the black matrix, the liquid crystal panel does not need additional conducting design (i.e. a layer of electrodes does not need to be deposited on the color film substrate of the liquid crystal panel), a deposition technology is omitted, production efficiency is increased and the production cost of the liquid crystal panel is economized.
US08749737B2
Techniques are provided for controlling the colors of reflected light out of a display surface in a display device, such that display discoloration (e.g., green tinting) may be reduced, particularly when the display is operating in bright ambient environments. In one embodiment, a display device may include a color filter black mask layer having an arrangement of red, green, and blue color filter areas, where the red and/or blue color filter areas are substantially greater than the green color filter area. In some embodiments, the display device may include red and blue color filter pigment resin areas which may be disposed over the reflective areas to increase the overall amount of red and blue light that will be generated by reflected light to result in a total light reflection that is substantially neutral in color.
US08749736B2
Discussed are a color filter using a surface plasmon, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device and a method for fabricating the same, capable of enhancing a transmittance rate of an LC panel, by forming a transmissive pattern having a plurality of sub-wavelength holes having a period at a metal layer so that light of a specific wavelength can be selectively transmitted, and capable of simplifying the entire processed.
US08749734B2
Unevenness due to the influence of a mesh when a sealing material for bonding a TFT substrate and a counter substrate together is formed on the counter substrate by screen printing is prevented. Light shielding films are extended in the horizontal direction and arranged in the vertical direction. Red color filters, blue color filters, and green color filters are extended in the vertical direction at predetermined intervals. The blue color filters are extended also in the horizontal direction so as to cover the light shielding films. In a cross section along the red color filter and the green color filter, the level of a portion above the light shielding film is higher compared with that of the other portion by the thicknesses of the blue color filter and the light shielding film. In screen printing, since the high portion serves as a stopper for the mesh, the occurrence of unevenness due to the mesh can be prevented.
US08749719B2
The present invention is directed to display technologies. More specifically, various embodiments of the present invention provide projection display systems where one or more laser diodes are used as light source for illustrating images. In one set of embodiments, the present invention provides projector systems that utilize blue and/or green laser fabricated using gallium nitride containing material. In another set of embodiments, the present invention provides projection systems having digital lighting processing engines illuminated by blue and/or green laser devices. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a 3D display system. There are other embodiments as well.
US08749716B2
Methods and apparatus for dynamic volume punch through in a home entertainment system that includes a client device that receives programming signals coupled to an audio/video amplifier, and a television coupled to the audio/video amplifier. A remote control that communicates over a radio frequency interface with the client device “punches through” volume adjustment commands from a user to either the audio/video amplifier or to the television depending on the power state of the audio/video amplifier. The remote control receives the information indicating this power state from the client device that detects the power state of the audio/video amplifier through a bidirectional bus in a cable interface, for example, HDMI-CEC bus. The volume is “punched through” to the audio/video amplifier or to the television over a second communication link, for example an infrared optical interface.
US08749703B2
A motion judder cancellation system may convert a source frame rate to an output frame rate. A repetition pattern within a sequence of source frames may be determined. Temporal position for output frames within a sequence may be based on a source frame position and a source frame interval fraction. An image blend mode such as motion vector interpolation may be determined for each output frame. Temporal position and/or image blend mode may be modified. Accordingly, motion judder and/or visible interpolation artifacts may be modified. Output frames may be generated based on the determined or modified image blend mode and/or the determined or modified temporal position of output frames. The output frames may be spaced temporally at even intervals or spacing. Frame rate may be increased and one or more repeated frames within a sequence of frames may be inserted. Generation of output frames may be programmed.
US08749699B2
A video processing method includes: dividing a currently processed frame into a top field and a bottom field, and performing field exposure on the top field and the bottom field respectively to acquire an exposed top field and an exposed bottom field, where a field exposure time length of the top field and that of the bottom field are different; processing the exposed top field and the exposed bottom field by using a de-interlacing technique to acquire two reconstructed exposed frames; and performing image enhancement processing on the two reconstructed exposed frames to acquire an image of the currently processed frame.
US08749697B2
An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor having multiple segmental pixels each including multiple photoelectric conversion units arranged two-dimensionally for receiving light beams that have passed through different pupil regions, the photoelectric conversion units being divided for each segmental pixel in a first or second pupil-division direction for addition reading; a determination unit configured to determine an edge direction of an image for each divided area of the image sensor; a decision unit configured to, based on the determined edge direction, decide for each divided area either the first or second pupil-division direction; a reading control unit configured to perform addition reading of the segmental pixels by dividing the photoelectric conversion units in the first or second pupil-division direction decided, and to control the image sensor such that pairs of image signals are outputted; and a focus adjusting unit configured to carry out phase difference focus adjustments.
US08749696B2
An image pickup element has a plurality of pixels which are arranged two-dimensionally. The plurality of pixels form at least two pixel sets having a first pixel set and a second pixel set. An exit pupil is assumed, and four divided areas which are separated by two straight lines which are mutually orthogonal in a plane which is orthogonal to an optical axis thereof, are set in the exit pupil. Pixels in the first pixel set are arranged to receive a light beam from a first pupil area for which, a center of gravity of area is in one of the four divided areas. For the optical axis, a center of gravity of area of a second pupil area is in a divided area which is symmetrical to a divided area in which the center of gravity of the first pupil area lies. Pixels in the second pixel set are arranged to receive a light beam having a center of gravity of area in the second pupil area. A signal from the first pixel set and a signal from the second pixel set are compared in at least one of directions of the two straight lines, and defocus information is acquired.
US08749694B2
A super-resolved demosaicing technique for rendering focused plenoptic camera data performs simultaneous super-resolution and demosaicing. The technique renders a high-resolution output image from a plurality of separate microimages in an input image at a specified depth of focus. For each point on an image plane of the output image, the technique determines a line of projection through the microimages in optical phase space according to the current point and angle of projection determined from the depth of focus. For each microimage, the technique applies a kernel centered at a position on the current microimage intersected by the line of projection to accumulate, from pixels at each microimage covered by the kernel at the respective position, values for each color channel weighted according to the kernel. A value for a pixel at the current point in the output image is computed from the accumulated values for the color channels.
US08749690B2
A user interface includes a tactile interface on a client device that allows users to interact with social networking system content in a manner that is optimized for touch screens and mobile devices. The tactile interface allows users to efficiently navigate the social networking system data as well as to capture new content for upload to the social networking system. New content may be captured in a way that allows the user to preview the content in-context.
US08749689B2
An image capturing apparatus has a plurality of predetermined temperatures to be compared with the temperature of an image sensor. Every time a detected temperature of the image sensor exceeds one of the plurality of temperatures, a different predetermined indication corresponding to the predetermined temperature is displayed on a display device together with an image signal output from the image sensor, thereby giving a warning to the user.
US08749687B2
A method of capturing an image of a subject jumping performed by an apparatus for processing digital images with a first and a second display is disclosed. The method includes displaying a notification for the subject to jump on the second display unit; and capturing the image of the subject jumping after the displaying of the notification has indicated that the subject should jump. An apparatus for capturing an image of a subject jumping, the apparatus including a first display unit disposed on a rear of the apparatus; a second display unit disposed on a front of the apparatus; and a digital signal processor configured to display a notification for the subject to jump on the second display unit, and configured to capture the image of the subject jumping after the display of the notification to jump has ended.
US08749686B2
In various embodiments, image sensors include photosensitive pixels, associated vertical CCDs, sense nodes each accepting charge from one or more of the vertical CCDs, and readout circuitry accepting signals from the sense nodes.
US08749682B2
An image sensor has a pixel array and an input circuit. The input circuit includes a first input, a second input and two coupling capacitors. The first input receives an analog signal from a pixel of the pixel array which has a first level during a first calibration period and a second level during a second read period. The second input receives a reference ramp signal. A comparator circuit compares the ramp signal and the analog signal. The analog signal and the ramp signal are constantly read onto the coupling capacitors during both the first calibration period and the second read period. The ramp circuit begins providing the ramp signal during the second read period so as to determine the change in magnitude of the analog signal between the first calibration period and the second read period, the ramp circuit also begins providing the ramp signal during the first calibration period so as to compensate for any delay in the ramp circuit providing the ramp signal during the second read period.
US08749671B2
A video disk player includes (i) a disk reading section for reading out video data, a program, synchronization timing information from an optical disk; (ii) a clock for generating a clock signal; (iii) a decoder for converting, in accordance with the clock signal, the video data into decompressed video data for reproduction output; (iv) a video reproducing section including a synchronization control section for transmitting, in accordance with the clock signal, a synchronization control signal to the program executing section at a timing specified by a field timing contained in the synchronization timing information, and (v) a program executing section for executing a program in accordance with the synchronization control signal received from the synchronization control section. This makes it possible to efficiently execute the program in synchronization with reproduction of AV data or the like.
US08749670B1
A digital camera and an image sensor readout method with black level calibration are disclosed. In a readout circuit of the digital camera, a black reference for black level calibration and an analog-to-digital conversion reference voltage for analog-to-digital conversion are generated from reference voltages provided by one voltage ladder. Device-to-device variations of sensor characteristics are considered when selecting the reference voltage for generating the black reference, and, a gain between the selected reference voltage and the black reference varies with a gain of a programmable gain amplifier coupled after a compensator. The compensator subtracts the black reference from a sensed signal that the readout circuit receives from an image sensor of the digital camera.
US08749662B2
A system and method for correcting image data. Embodiments of the present invention provide calibration and image correction to overcome various lens effects including lens shading and lens imperfections. In one embodiment, the correction of image data is performed via utilization of a spline surface (e.g., Bezier surface). The use of spline surfaces facilitates efficient hardware implementation. The image correction may be performed on a per channel and illumination type basis. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for determine a spline surface to be used for calibrating an image signal processor to be used in correcting image data.
US08749659B2
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a process for causing a computer to execute a method including the steps of acquiring optical transfer function information corresponding to an image pickup condition of a picked-up image (S102), generating a restoration image using correction optical transfer function information that is obtained by correcting the optical transfer function information using a correction value (S106-S108), and setting a settable range of the correction value based on an inverse characteristic of the optical transfer function information (S103, S104).
US08749654B2
An image is input on a frame unit basis, the input image is sequentially reduced, and an object is detected from the input image and the reduced image at a frame rate according to a reduction ratio of the reduced image to the input image, thereby decreasing an amount of calculations necessary to detect the object from the image.
US08749653B2
A digital image processor and a method, specifically, an apparatus for blurring a background of an image in a digital image processor is provided wherein an image is photographed with a flash being on and off when a shutter input signal is received once, the background of the image is blurred through comparison between an image prior to the shutter input signal being received and an image during which a flash is activated, and then a subject of the image with a flash being off is combined with the blurred background. A processor blurs an image generated by a brightness difference between a first image generated before a shutter input signal is received and a second image generated with the flash being on after the shutter input signal is received and combining a third image generated by turning off the flash after the shutter input signal, to the blurred image.
US08749650B2
Embodiments of the invention compensate for the movement of a meeting capture device during a live meeting when performing speaker indexing of a recorded meeting. In one example, a first position of a capture device is determined. A second position of the capture device is determined after the capture device has been moved from the first position to the second position. The movement data associated with movement of the capture device from the first position to the second position is determined. The movement data is outputted and used in speaker indexing of the recorded meeting.
US08749643B2
Disclosed herein are a suspension wire for compensating for hand vibration and an image photographing device having the same. The suspension wire for compensating for hand vibration, which is mounted between an optical unit and a housing so as to have a length thereof in an optical axis direction to float and support the optical unit within the housing, includes: a wire body having both ends thereof each fixed to the optical unit and the housing; and a deformation buffer formed in the wire body to allow the wire body to flexibly receive impact force when external impact is applied to the wire body, thereby preventing permanent deformation or fracture of the wire body.
US08749637B2
An image recognition device includes: an image sensor that captures an image via an image forming optical system and outputs image information repeatedly; a detector that detects differences between reference image information related to a reference image and a plurality of sets of partial information included in the image information; a recognition circuit that includes a microprocessor and recognizes a set of partial information, for which a smallest difference value among a plurality of differences detected in correspondence to the plurality of sets of partial information is calculated, as information matching the reference image information if the smallest value is smaller than a threshold value; and a controller that includes a microprocessor and sets the threshold value in correspondence to a color indicated in the reference image information.
US08749636B2
A multi-band aperture filter for optically coupling to a focal plane array (FPA) of a camera includes a substrate, and a first spectral coating on a first surface of the substrate that passes both a first longer and a second shorter wavelength band. A second spectral coating that passes the longer wavelength band and blocks the shorter wavelength band is on an outer annulus region, but not on an inner region on the first surface or a second surface of the substrate. The second spectral coating provides a larger aperture area for the longer wavelength band as compared to an aperture area for the shorter wavelength band to passively realize different F-numbers for the bands to provide substantially matched beam spot sizes on the detector array for the longer wavelength band and the shorter wavelength band, such as a long-wave infrared (LWIR) band and a mid-wave IR (MWIR) band.
US08749632B2
An image display system makes a range of a region around a vehicle to be shown in a composite image as a subject image in a case where an auxiliary lighting system emits auxiliary light, smaller than that in a case where the auxiliary lighting system does not emit auxiliary light. As a result, an image display system can reduce the number of times when a user has to watch the subject image of an object in a region not illuminated by the auxiliary lighting system.
US08749631B2
A vehicle detecting system includes image taking means for taking an image of the surroundings of a subject vehicle, vehicle detecting means for detecting a vehicle from the taken image, and lateral-position detecting means for detecting a lateral position of the vehicle in the taken image. The lateral-position detecting means vertically divides, into a plurality of sections, a region set in a portion of the taken image in which an image of the vehicle is included or is presumed to be included. The lateral-position detecting means calculates average brightnesses of pixels belonging to pixel columns vertically extending in the sections and having a width corresponding to one pixel or a plurality of number of pixels. The lateral-position detecting means calculates differences in average brightness between pixel columns adjacent in a lateral direction, and detects the lateral position of the vehicle on the basis of absolute values of the differences.
US08749630B2
A method for automatic localization of objects in a mask. The method includes building a dictionary of atoms, wherein each atom models the presence of one object at one location and iteratively determining the atom of said dictionary which is best correlated with said mask, until ending criteria are met. The invention system concerns also automatically detects objects in a mask. At least one fixed camera is provided for acquiring video frames. A computation device is used for calibrating at least one fixed camera for extracting foreground silhouettes in each acquired video frames for discretizing said ground plane into a non-regular grid of potential location points for constructing a dictionary of atoms, and, for finding objects location points with the previous method. And a propagating device is provided to propagate the result in at least one fixed camera view.
US08749627B2
A method and apparatus for acquiring digital microscope images is disclosed, in which a plurality of magnified images of a specimen are captured for tiling together to provide an overall composite image of the specimen. In accordance with the described method, the specimen is moved relative to an imaging system comprising a microscope and camera in a predetermined path while the plurality of magnified images are captured. In a preferred embodiment, the specimen, contained on a slide, is mounted on a movable microscope stage, and is moved beneath the microscope in the predetermined path. The velocity of the movement of the stage and the shutter speed of the camera is computer controlled to capture overlapping, clear images.
US08749621B2
A three-dimensional (3D) display device creating 3D illusions or effects within a contained space or volume. The device includes a front sidewall providing a viewing window to an interior of the display device. The device includes a transparent rear projection screen with a front surface facing the viewing window that is spaced apart a distance from the front sidewall. A media source projects a two dimensional (2D) image onto a back surface of the projection screen in a direction that is oblique to the front sidewall. The projection screen is positioned such that the front surface is angled away from the front sidewall, whereby the front surface is oblique to the viewing window. A leading edge of the projection screen is proximate to the front sidewall and a trailing edge of the projection screen is distal to the front sidewall with the front surface angled away from the front sidewall.
US08749619B2
In illustrative implementations of this invention, multi-path analysis of transient illumination is used to reconstruct scene geometry, even of objects that are occluded from the camera. An ultrafast camera system is used. It comprises a photo-sensor (e.g., accurate in the picosecond range), a pulsed illumination source (e.g. a femtosecond laser) and a processor. The camera emits a very brief light pulse that strikes a surface and bounces. Depending on the path taken, part of the light may return to the camera after one, two, three or more bounces. The photo-sensor captures the returning light bounces in a three-dimensional time image I(x,y,t) for each pixel. The camera takes different angular samples from the same viewpoint, recording a five-dimensional STIR (Space Time Impulse Response). A processor analyzes onset information in the STIR to estimate pairwise distances between patches in the scene, and then employs isometric embedding to estimate patch coordinates.
US08749611B2
A video conference system built in an internet protocol (IP) network is provided. The system has: a multimedia capturing unit configured to photograph and output a first video signal; a DECT telephone configured to receive sounds and output a first audio signal; and a video conference terminal apparatus, including: an audio processing unit is an audio codec; a video processing unit is an video codec; and a network processing unit for transmitting a first network packet consisting of first audio/video streams generated by the audio/video processing units to the IP network, wherein the network processing unit receives a second network packet consisting of second audio/video streams from the IP network, wherein the second audio/video streams are decoded by the audio/video processing units, respectively, to generate second audio/video signals, which are displayed on the DECT telephone and a display apparatus, respectively.
US08749609B2
An apparatus, system and method for implementing a video call between a first caller and a second caller are provided. The apparatus includes: an image sensor which captures an image of the first caller; a display which displays an image of the second caller; a microphone which captures an audio input by the first caller; a speaker which outputs an audio input by the second caller; a detector which is configured to determine a location of the first caller; and a controller which controls the detector to determine the location of the first caller as corresponding to an original location, wherein in response to the first caller changing a location from the original location to a new location, the controller controls the detector to determine the location of the first caller as being the new location, and controls the microphone to adjust a configuration of the microphone based on the new location of the first caller.
US08749608B2
A method for arranging an agent of a call center includes: receiving a video call request sent by a user, and determining an agent capable of providing a service for the user according to the video call request; calculating video quality of the agent capable of providing a service for the user, and obtaining a requirement of the user corresponding to the video call request; if the calculated video quality of the agent meets the requirement of the user, allocating the agent with the video quality meeting the requirement of the user to the user; otherwise, putting the user into a queue for queuing.
US08749606B2
An optical scanning device includes an optical element, an optical base, a height positioning boss, and a bonding portion. The optical element is positioned on the optical base. The height positioning boss is provided in at least one of the optical element and the optical base and positions the optical element with respect to vertical orientation. The bonding portion is provided in at least one of the optical element and the optical base. A longitudinally central portion of the optical element is bonded to the bonding portion.
US08749604B2
A printing system comprising two thermal printheads and an apparatus for smoothing a side of thermal media which may be compromised by an aggressive drive roller design. The smoothing apparatus in one embodiment is a heater which optionally comprises a heated roller for contacting and smoothing the receiver media.
US08749602B2
A method of manufacturing a thermal head, comprising the steps of: bonding a support substrate and an upper substrate, which have a flat shape, together in a laminated state, the support substrate and the upper substrate having opposed surfaces, at least one of which includes a concave portion; thinning the upper substrate bonded onto the support substrate; a measurement step of measuring a thickness of the thinned upper substrate; determining a target resistance value of a heating resistor from the following expression based on the measured thickness of the upper substrate; and forming the heating resistor having the target resistance value at a position opposed to the concave portion, Rh=R0×(1+(D1+D0)/(D0+K)) where Rh represents the target resistance value; R0, a design resistance value; D1, the thickness of the upper substrate; D0, a design thickness of the upper substrate; and K, a heating efficiency coefficient.
US08749600B2
A printing device includes a developer for developing a latent image with toner particles; an imaging plate comprising a plurality of pixel plates; and a plurality of voltage generators connected respectively to the pixel plates. The voltage generators positively bias selected pixel plates to form a latent image that is developed with toner from the developer.Another printing device includes a developer for developing a latent image with toner particles; an imaging plate comprising a plurality of pixel plates for selectively receiving toner particles from the developer; a plurality of voltage generators for biasing respective to pixel plates; and a background grid in the imaging plate for preventing toner particles from being deposited in areas between the pixel plates, wherein the background grid is connected to a voltage generator for applying a range of biases, positive and negative to the background grid. A method of electrophotographic printing in which toner particles are moved electrostatically from a developer to develop a latent image includes positively biasing selected pixel plates of a plurality of pixel plates of an imaging plate to form the latent image; and developing the latent image with the toner particles from the developer.
US08749585B2
Digital maps can be composed of a series of image tiles that are selected based on the context of the map to be presented. Independently hosted tiles can comprise additional details that can be added to the map. A manifest can be created that describes the layers of map details composed of such independently hosted tiles. Externally referable mechanisms can, based on the manifest and map context, select tiles, from among the independently hosted tiles, that correspond to map tiles being displayed to a user. Subsequently, the mechanisms can instruct a browser, as specified in the manifest, to combine the map tiles and the independently hosted tiles to generate a more detailed map. Alternatively, customized mechanisms can generate map detail tiles in real-time, based on an exported map context. Also, controls instantiated by the browser can render three-dimensional images based on the combined map tiles.
US08749579B2
An image display method comprises: color coding a second image respective to an intensity spectrum with a portion or portions of the intensity spectrum set to be transparent to generate a color coded second image; combining a first image and the color coded second image to generate a fused image; and displaying the fused image. An image display system comprises: an image generating module configured to generate an image by color coding an input image in accordance with a colormap assigning colors to intensities of an intensity spectrum; a colormap modifying module configured to select a portion of the intensity spectrum to be transparent; and a display configured to display the generated image.
US08749575B2
A display controller is configured for creating a translucency effect for a target image area of a source image containing image data expressed in a first color model. The display controller has a first color model converter adapted for color model transformation of the image data from the first color model to a second color model based upon a first predefined set of transformation coefficients, as well as a second color model converter adapted for color model transformation of the image data from the first color model to the second color model based upon a second predefined set of transformation coefficients. The display controller is controllable to produce a destination image by selecting transformed image data from the second color model converter for the target image area and by selecting transformed image data from the first color model converter for other image area(s) of the source image than the target image area.
US08749574B2
A method and apparatus for color matching during compositing. In one embodiment of the invention, a set of one or more un-color matched pixels are stored and associated with a first color profile. A fragment program is generated based on the first color profile and a second color profile associated with a display. During compositing of the set of un-color matched pixels, the fragment program is applied to the set of un-color matched pixels to match colors of those pixels with the display. The color matched pixels are written to the display. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08749556B2
Systems and methods are described for performing spatial and temporal compression of deformable mesh based representations of 3D character motion allowing the visualization of high-resolution 3D character animations in real time. In a number of embodiments, the deformable mesh based representation of the 3D character motion is used to automatically generate an interconnected graph based representation of the same 3D character motion. The interconnected graph based representation can include an interconnected graph that is used to drive mesh clusters during the rendering of a 3D character animation. The interconnected graph based representation provides spatial compression of the deformable mesh based representation, and further compression can be achieved by applying temporal compression processes to the time-varying behavior of the mesh clusters. Even greater compression can be achieved by eliminating redundant data from the file format containing the interconnected graph based representation of the 3D character motion that would otherwise be repeatedly provided to a game engine during rendering, and by applying loss-less data compression to the data of the file itself.
US08749555B2
A processing method of interfacing a 3D image and a camera image is provided. In the processing method, a specific image pattern defined by a user is recognized, the recognized pattern is traced within an image, and a camera image and a 3D image are interfaced based on the tracing result. A 3D object is animated and rendered using a 3D graphic engine. The rendered image of the 3D object and the camera image are integrated and displayed.
US08749554B2
A method graphically displays attributes associated with virtual images. A set of attributes associated with each virtual image in a plurality of virtual images is analyzed. At least one graph including a plurality of nodes is generated. Each node in the plurality of nodes represents one virtual image in the plurality of virtual images. Each node is graphically displayed with at least one visual indicator. The at least one visual indicator represents at least one attribute in the set of attributes associated with the virtual image represented by the node.
US08749545B2
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods visualizing space debris events. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for visualizing positional probability of objects in space. The method includes receiving initial conditions of the objects, determining projected positions of the objects based, at least in part, on the initial conditions, determining a plurality of 2-dimensional (2D) boundaries around the projected positions; and assembling the plurality of 2D boundaries into a 3-dimensional (3D) representation of the positional probability of objects in space.
US08749544B2
A navigation system for navigating a three-dimensional (3D) scene that includes a model or object with which a user can interact. The system accommodates and helps both novice and advanced users. To do this, the system provides a set of GUI tracking menus for different navigation tasks where each navigation tool has action tools associated with the navigation task. The action tools are arranged in rings with the most used tools on an outside.
US08749543B2
A computer implemented method for deforming a 3D polygon mesh using non-linear and linear constraints. The method includes creating a coarse control 3D polygon mesh that completely encapsulates the 3D polygon mesh to be deformed, projecting the deformation energy of the 3D polygon mesh and the constraints of the 3D polygon mesh to the vertices, or subspace, of the coarse control 3D polygon mesh, and determining the resulting deformed 3D polygon mesh by iteratively determining the deformation energy of the subspace. The constraints may be either linear or non-linear constraints, for example, a Laplacian constraint, a position constraint, a projection constraint, a skeleton constraint, or a volume constraint.
US08749531B2
A method and electronic device for receiving input and outputting characters based on sound stroke patterns are described. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method for receiving input on an electronic device, comprising: detecting sounds generated by characters written on a writing surface; identifying strokes defining the characters from the detected sounds in accordance with a number of predefined sound signatures, wherein each character written on the writing surface is defined by a stroke sequence comprising at least one stroke; determining at least one character which matches the at least one stroke in each stroke sequence; and outputting a string comprising the at least one character which matches the at least one stroke in each stroke sequence.
US08749528B2
A display panel of an organic EL display device includes a photo-detection section that detects reflected light when a screen is touched by a finger or the like. The photo-detection section includes a photodiode that receives the reflected light, and an output amplifier that outputs an output voltage corresponding to the amount of the received light. If an a-Si diode is used for such a photodiode, a sufficiently large signal difference between the bright state and the dark state can be achieved. Also, if a p-Si amplifier is used for the output amplifier, the output voltage becomes the saturation voltage at the time of read-out. This allows the p-Si amplifier to directly output the large difference detected by the a-Si diode as a large difference in the output voltage.
US08749526B2
The present invention provides a click detection method for an optical system including the steps of: acquiring an image frame and calculating a quality parameter thereof; in an initial state, maintaining the initial state when the quality parameter is smaller than or equal to a first threshold while transferring to a first touch state and counting a count value when the quality parameter is larger than the first threshold; and in the first touch state, maintaining the first touch state when the quality parameter is larger than or equal to a second threshold while identifying the count value when the quality parameter is smaller than the second threshold and identifying a single click and transferring to the initial state if the count value is within a first predetermined range. The present invention further provides an optical system.
US08749523B2
The present disclosure addresses methods and apparatus facilitating capacitive sensing using a conductive surface, and facilitating the sensing of proximity to the conductive surface. The sensed proximity will often be that of a user, but can be another source of a reference voltage potential. In some examples, the described systems are capable of sensing capacitance (including parasitic capacitance) in a circuit that includes the outer conductive surface, and where that outer conductive surface is at a floating electrical potential. In some systems, the systems can be switched between two operating modes, a first mode in which the system will sense proximity to the conductive surface, and a second mode in which the system will use a capacitance measurement to sense contact with the conductive surface.
US08749521B2
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device having touch sensors embedded therein. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal layer interposed between upper and lower substrates, pixels, each of which includes pixel and common electrodes applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer, a pixel thin film transistor to drive the pixel electrode, and a common thin film transistor to drive the common electrode, touch sensors, each of which forms a sensing capacitor between an object and the common electrode, sensor power lines, readout lines, and sensor gate lines. Each touch sensor includes the common electrode, a first sensor thin film transistor charging the common electrode with the sensing driving voltage in response to control of the previous sensor gate line, and a second sensor thin film transistor outputting the sensing signal to the readout line in response to control of the current sensor gate line.
US08749509B2
A touch pad with a simple structure to enable an electronic device to be manufactured more slimly and with low manufacturing costs. The touch pad includes a cover having a plurality of function icons a cover frame to support the cover, the cover frame including a plurality of light guide hollows, and a board, which is engaged with the cover frame and includes touch sensors and luminous elements to illuminate the function icons mounted thereon, the touch sensors and luminous elements being respectively mounted at positions on the board corresponding to the plurality of function icons.
US08749494B1
A device with a touch screen offset pointer is provided. The device includes a processor; a touch screen, and a navigator engine. When executed by the processor, the navigator engine detects a first touch input at a first location on the touch screen, determines a first offset for a pointer to overlay on content displayed by the touch screen, and displays the pointer on the touch screen at the first offset from the first location. The navigator engine also detects a second touch input at a second location on the touch screen, determines a second offset for the pointer, and displays the pointer on the touch screen at the second offset from the second location.
US08749492B2
A display device equipped with a touch panel may include a device chassis provided with an opening section, a display panel having a display surface disposed accessible through the opening section, a touch panel disposed on the display surface of the display panel and capable at least of selecting a function displayed on the display surface in response to a pressing operation on the touch panel, and a surface sheet for covering the touch panel on the opposite side to the display panel, and closing the opening section to form a substantially the same surface with the device chassis, wherein a reinforcing area for improving resistivity against pressing force applied from the outside may be provided in a predetermined range of the surface sheet.
US08749483B2
A control device for an image display includes at least two reference points, a modulation unit and a remote controller. The modulation unit modulates the light of a predetermined spectrum generated by the reference points with a brightness variation cycle. The modulation unit controls the reference points to emit the light with a first brightness within a first period of the brightness variation cycle and to emit the light with a second brightness within a second period of the brightness variation cycle, wherein the first brightness and the second brightness are not zero gray level. The remote controller captures the light of the predetermined spectrum with a sampling cycle and demodulates an image variation of the reference points with respect to the remote controller. The present invention further provides a control method for an image display.
US08749477B2
An electrophoretic display device driving method includes: applying a first voltage between a first electrode and a common electrode to display a highest or lowest gray scale at a first pixel, subsequently applying a second voltage between a second electrode and the common electrode to display an intermediate gray scale at a second pixel, and subsequently applying a third voltage between a third electrode and the common electrode to display the other of the highest and lowest gray scale at a third pixel; then, with each electrode in a high-impedance state, applying a first auxiliary voltage between one of the first and third electrodes and the common electrode; and thereafter, applying a second auxiliary voltage between the other of the first and third electrode and the common electrode, the second electrode is in the high-impedance state while the auxiliary voltages are applied to the first and third electrodes.
US08749476B2
A electrophoretic display device is provided, which includes: a thin film transistor array panel including a substrate, gate and data lines formed on the substrate and crossing each other, switching thin film transistors electrically connected to the gate and data lines, a photo sensor formed on the substrate, and pixel electrodes electrically connected to the switching thin film transistors; a common electrode panel facing the thin film transistor array panel and having a common electrode; and a display layer disposed between the thin film transistor array panel and the common electrode panel. The display layer includes micro capsules containing negative and positive pigment particles.
US08749473B2
The present invention causes noise in a low-luminance portion to become less prominent when a backlight is divided into a plurality of regions and the luminance of the backlight is controlled in accordance with a video signal corresponding to each of the regions. An area active control portion (2) divides a video signal into a plurality of regions and outputs a first feature amount for every region. An LED control portion (3) determines a first luminance for each of the divided regions of an LED backlight (5) in accordance with the first feature amount of every region. Within a range where the total value of an LED drive current is no greater than a predetermined allowable current value, a magnification constant is uniformly multiplied by the first luminance to determine a second luminance. The second luminance and a threshold value are compared, and, only with respect to those regions where the second luminance is lower than the threshold value, the second luminance is again lowered to make a third luminance. The third luminance and also the second luminance of the regions where the second luminance has not been lowered are used to control the LED light emission in each of the divided regions.
US08749467B2
A liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal panel that displays images using a plurality of pixels each including red, green and blue sub-pixels; a gate driving portion that supplies a gate signal to the liquid crystal panel; a data driving portion that supplies a data signal to the liquid crystal panel; and a timing control portion that compares difference of gray level between image signals corresponding to the red, green and blue sub-pixels with a first threshold value and compares difference of gray level between the image signals corresponding to the red, green and blue sub-pixels of neighboring pixels of the plurality of pixels in order to judge type of the image signals, and drives the data driving portion in different methods according to the type of the image signals.
US08749466B2
A mono domain vertical alignment type liquid crystal display apparatus to be multiplex driven is provided whose display uniformity at a large pretilt angle (near 90°) is improved. Waveform A is applied to a liquid crystal cell of a mono domain vertical alignment type, the waveform A having a duty not lower than 4 and a frame frequency of f. The frame frequency f is determined from a pretilt angle θp, and is a frequency not lower than 60 Hz at a pretilt angle of 88.5°≦θp<89.6° or a frequency not lower than [120×(θp−89.6)+60] Hz at a pretilt angle of 89.6°≦θp≦89.9°.
US08749462B2
A DC-DC converter and an organic light emitting display comprising: a voltage generator receiving an input voltage through an input terminal to selectively generate a first voltage and a second voltage, outputting the first voltage and the second voltage through first and second output terminals, a capacitor coupled to the output terminal; and a switch unit discharging voltage stored in the capacitor according to the control signal.
US08749457B2
A method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescence display includes preparing a substrate including pixels. The pixels each include a drive transistor and a capacitor. The capacitor of a subject pixel is caused to hold a voltage which corresponds to a threshold voltage of the drive transistor, and the voltage is read. A first signal voltage is obtained by adding a first correction parameter of the subject pixel to a second signal voltage corresponding to a single gradation level belonging to an intermediate gradation region or a high gradation region of representative voltage-luminance characteristics. The first signal voltage is applied to the driver of the subject pixel, and a luminance emitted by the subject pixel is measured. A second correction parameter with which the luminance emitted by the subject pixel becomes a standard luminance is calculated.
US08749455B2
In an active matrix EL display device, pixels which are suitable for a constant current drive are structured. The pixel includes a first switch which has one end connected to a source signal line and the other end connected to a current-voltage conversion element, a second switch which has one end connected to the current-voltage conversion element and the other end connected to a voltage holding capacitor and to a voltage-current conversion element, and a pixel electrode connected to the current-voltage conversion element and to the voltage-current conversion element.
US08749453B2
A first capacitor obtains a gate-source voltage of a first transistor in accordance with a programming current flowing through the first transistor, and a second capacitor obtains a threshold voltage of a second transistor. Then, the electric charges held in the first capacitor and the second capacitor are capacitively coupled. By using the voltage obtained with the capacitively coupling as a gate-source voltage of the first transistor, constant current in accordance with the programming current can be supplied to a light emitting element.
US08749448B2
A multiband antenna in a wireless communication device includes a main antenna, a first parasitic portion, a second parasitic portion, a first switch, and a second switch, the first switch is used to control functioning of the first parasitic portion. The second switch is used to control functioning of the second parasitic portion. Therefore, the main antenna can resonate alone or in combination with the functioning first parasitic portion and/or the functioning second parasitic portion, the multiband antenna has different operating frequency bands and different operating SAR.
US08749441B2
Described is a simultaneous transmit and receive antenna system having a ring array of transmit antenna elements and a receive antenna element disposed on an axis that is perpendicular to and passing through the center of the ring array. Alternatively, the ring array includes receive elements and a transmit antenna element is disposed on the axis perpendicular to the ring array. Opposite antenna elements in the ring array differ in phase by 180° so that a radiation pattern null occurs at the antenna element at the center of the ring array. Also included are at least one ground plane and an electrically-conductive cylinder disposed on the perpendicular axis inside the ring array to provide a high degree of isolation between the transmit and receive antenna elements. The system may be configured for wireless communications, for example, according to WIFI IEEE standard 802.11 or WIMAX IEEE standard 802.16.
US08749427B2
A method of controlling power consumption in an electronic device may include selecting between an on mode of the electronic device in which first circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a first operation, an off/standby mode in which second circuitry of the electronic device is configured to perform a second operation, and a sleep/vacation mode in which the second circuitry is controlled to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation. An electronic device may include: first circuitry configured to perform a first operation when the electronic device is in an on mode; second circuitry configured to perform a second operation when in an off/standby mode; and a circuitry controller configured to control the second circuitry to at least one of reduce a frequency of and suspend performance of the second operation when in a sleep/vacation mode.
US08749423B2
An analog to digital converting device includes a first digital conversion (ADC) circuit configured to convert an inputted analog signal into a first digital signal, a first multiplying digital to analog converting (MDAC) circuit configured to amplify a difference between a first converted signal and the inputted analog signal, a second ADC circuit configured to convert an output of the first MDAC circuit into a second digital signal, a second MDAC circuit configured to amplify difference between a second converted signal converted from the second digital signal and the output of the first MDAC circuit, a third ADC circuit configured to convert an output of the second MDAC circuit into a third digital signal, and a common amplifying circuit shared by the first and the second MDAC circuits, wherein the common amplifying circuit consumes current based on which MDAC circuit the common amplifying circuit operates with.
US08749419B2
An analog-to-digital-converter includes an input signal connector, an output signal port, two or more sub-ADCs, and a digital signal processing block. The result from each sub-ADC is used by the digital signal processing block to output data with increased performance.
US08749417B2
A method of configuring an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) includes configuring the ADC to operate in one of a low-pass filter mode and a band-pass filter mode according to a value of a control signal. In at least one embodiment, the method further includes configuring an integrator gain of the ADC and a feed-forward gain of the ADC based on selection of one of a low-intermediate frequency (LIF) mode and a zero-intermediate frequency (ZIF) mode.
US08749415B2
An analog-to-digital converter includes a modulation unit and a digital signal generation unit. The modulation unit is disposed corresponding to at least one column line, and sequentially perform delta-sigma modulation on an analog input signal and at least one residue voltage to generate digital bit stream signals. The analog input signal is input through the at least one column line. The at least one residue voltage is generated by performing the delta-sigma modulation on the analog input signal. The digital signal generation unit generates a digital signal corresponding to the analog input signal based on the digital bit stream signals.
US08749405B2
An object of the invention is also a navigation system having an input device for the input of an input scale value, having a display device for displaying road map information according to a selected display scale value and having a processor device, wherein the number of enterable input scale values is larger than the number of the selectable display scale values.
US08749403B2
A parking meter receives data indicative of a remote payment being completed and displays an amount of time purchased by the remote payment for a parking session. The parking meter determines an amount of time remaining in the parking session and powers down at least a portion of a meter communication subsystem subsequent to receiving the data indicative of the remote payment being completed. The parking meter wakes up the powered down portion of the communication subsystem upon determining that the amount of time remaining is below a threshold time, and can receive an indication of additional time being paid for remotely, and can update the displayed time remaining to reflect the additional time.
US08749401B2
A vehicle support system for supporting a man in safely crossing a road without crosswalks installed is provided. The vehicle support system includes a man-detecting unit detecting a man, a subject-vehicle-position detecting unit detecting a position of a vehicle, a man-position/waiting-score calculating unit determining the detected man to be a potential-crossing-man who may cross the road, calculating an absolute position of the potential-crossing-man, measuring waiting time of the potential-crossing-man to cross the road, calculating a waiting score, and storing the result in a man-position/waiting-score storing unit, a stopping-vehicle determining unit determining whether or not the vehicle should be stopped based on the position and the waiting score of the potential-crossing-man, a travelling controller stopping the vehicle when the vehicle should be stopped, and a pedestrian-crossing-signal display unit displaying information indicating whether or not crossing the road is safe based on an instruction of the stopping-vehicle determining unit.
US08749390B2
The invention concerns an RFID/NFC antenna circuit. An antenna (L) is formed by at least three turns (S), the antenna having a first end terminal (D) and a second end terminal (E), two access terminals (1, 2) to connect a charge, a tuning capacitance (C1, ZZ) for tuning at a prescribed tuning frequency, an intermediate tap (A) connected to the antenna (L) and distinct from terminals (D, E), a first connector (CON1A) connecting the intermediate tap (A) to terminal (1), a second connector (CON2E) connecting end terminal (E) to the capacitance terminal (C1E). A third connector (CON31, CON32) connects the capacitance terminal (C1X) and the second access terminal (2) respectively to a first point (P1) of the antenna (L) and to a second point (P2) of the antenna (L) connected to the first point of the antenna (L) at least one turn (S) of the antenna (L).
US08749389B2
A medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes an RFID reader for receiving information from at least one RFID transponder. The medical device also includes a memory for storing a database and at least one processor for processing information. Also, a remote controller for a medical device is disclosed. The remote controller includes an information receiver for receiving information related to food. The infusion device also includes a memory for storing a database and at least one processor for processing information. A method for use in a medical device is also disclosed. The method includes receiving information from an RFID transponder related to food. Also, the processing the information by comparing the information to a database is included in the method. The method also includes determining the acceptability of the food and providing information related to acceptability to the user.
US08749387B2
A merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an item of merchandise having a movable or removable cover includes a sensor configured to be attached to the cover. The sensor may include a magnet assembly that produces a magnetic field defining a predetermined minimum strength when the sensor is attached to the cover and the cover is closed on the item of merchandise. A transducer detects the presence of the magnetic field, or alternatively, changes in the strength of the magnetic field and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field, for example an output voltage. The transducer communicates the electrical signal to electronics that activate an alarm if the strength of the magnetic field is less than a predetermined minimum strength or greater than a predetermined maximum strength.
US08749378B2
A system and method for searching physical objects is described and claimed. The system may include one or more tags, each tag being disposed on one associated object; one or more substations, each substation arranged for communication with tags located within a range around each substation; and one or more base stations, each base station arranged for communication with substations located within a range around each base station. An interrogation engine may reside in each base station for interrogating, in response to a search query, the substations within the range around each base station, to determine whether a search object of the search query is within the range around the respective substations.
US08749367B2
A vehicular driver assistance system includes an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a windshield of the vehicle. The attachment element includes a mirror mounting element and an interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head and a mirror support. The mirror support includes a mirror mount that is configured to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly to the mirror mounting element. A structure is attached at the vehicle windshield local to the attachment element and the structure accommodates a forward facing camera and, with the structure attached at the vehicle windshield, the forward facing camera views through the vehicle windshield. The forward facing camera may include a component of at least one of (i) an automatic headlamp control system, (ii) a collision avoidance system, (iii) a windshield fogging detection system and (iv) a rain sensing system.
US08749356B2
An automated system and associated method for storing medical items comprises a medication cabinet having at least one refrigerated drawer having a thermo-electric cooling (TEC) device and a non-refrigerated drawer. The refrigerated drawer design is such that cooling gradients throughout the drawer are minimized. Faraday cages are provided about each drawer to support separate RFID readers to monitor the medical items in each drawer. An automatic RFID data detection system determines the temperature requirements of medical items in the refrigerated drawer and controls the TEC device to maintain the required temperature. A temperature logging system for the refrigerated drawer is provided. A separate RFID reader determines if a temperature-controlled item has been placed in a non-refrigerated drawer and if so, an alert is provided.
US08749352B2
A method for coded data transmission between a base station (10) and at least one transponder (20) within a wireless data transmission system (1), the method comprising the steps of: —providing a set of symbols (S1 . . . S2n) for encoding data (DD), wherein the set of symbols (S1 . . . S2n) is divided into at least two sub-sets (SS1, SS2), and wherein each symbol (S1 . . . S2n) of the complete set is assigned to one of said at least two sub-sets (SS1, SS2); —encoding said data (DD) using symbols (S1 . . . S2n) of said at least two sub-sets (SS1, SS2), wherein at least one encoded symbol (S1 . . . S2n) comprises several bits; —transmitting each encoded symbol (S1 . . . S2n) within a symbol duration (SD) of an encoded data signal (DS) between said base station (10) and at least one transponder (20), wherein the sub-set (SS1, SS2) assigned to each encoded symbol (S1 . . . S2n) is indicated by a value of at least one bit (LB) of each encoded symbol (S1 . . . S2n); —identifying the value of said at least one bit (LB) of the transmitted encoded symbols within the encoded data signal (DS); —determining the sub-set (SS1, SS2) assigned to each encoded symbol (S1 . . . S2n) depending on the identified value of said at least one bit (LB); and —decoding each encoded symbol (S1 . . . S2n) according to the determined sub-set (SS1, SS2).
US08749350B2
A method of processing vehicle crash data includes the steps of receiving vehicle data obtained at a vehicle during a vehicle crash, determining the identity of the vehicle, estimating the severity of the vehicle crash using the determined vehicle identity and the received vehicle data, and providing the estimated severity to an emergency responder.
US08749329B2
A circuit interrupter has a first contact, a second contact, and a trip arm which moves the second contact between a closed position where the second contact is touching the first contact and an open position in which the second contact is spaced apart from the first contact. A first trip mechanism has a first solenoid, a first overcurrent sensor, and a first arm. A second trip mechanism has a second solenoid, a second overcurrent sensor, and a second arm. The first trip mechanism activates the first arm after a first threshold amount of time which actuates the trip arm when the first overcurrent sensor detects a first threshold level. The second trip mechanism activates the second arm after a second threshold amount of time which actuates the trip arm when the second overcurrent sensor detects a second threshold level, the second threshold level being different than the first.
US08749327B2
A circuit interrupter trip apparatus operably connected to an operating mechanism of a circuit interrupter includes a sensor and a switch operably connected and responsive to the sensor. The switch is positioned such that the sensor changes the operating state of the switch in response to detection of a predetermined electrical condition, such as an electrical fault. A controller is operably connected to the switch and is configured to activate the operating mechanism in response to a change in the operating state of the switch.
US08749313B2
An electronic device has two oscillators, for example a first highly accurate crystal oscillator and a second less accurate low power oscillator. In a normal mode of operation, time is counted based on an output from the crystal oscillator, but in a low power mode of operation, time is counted based on an output from the less accurate oscillator. During the low power mode of operation, a calibration process is performed repeatedly. During a first calibration time period the second oscillator is calibrated against the first oscillator to obtain a first calibration result, and a recalibration is performed during a second calibration time period to obtain a second calibration result. A correction factor is determined from the first and second calibration results, and the correction factor is applied when subsequently counting time based on the output from the second oscillator.
US08749305B2
The embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include a power amplifier having a low power mode amplifier, a medium power mode amplifier, and a high power mode amplifier in communication with a radio frequency (RF) output load. The exemplary embodiments of the power amplifier permit a wireless device to select the most power efficient means to transmit an RF signal based upon the desired output power level.
US08749303B2
Circuits and methods for over-current protection of pulse-width modulation systems such as switch mode class D audio systems, DC-to-DC converters, or switch mode power supplies have been disclosed. Over-current protection has been achieved by introducing supply-scalable pulses to bring the modulation index of PWM pulses to a safe level. Additionally to the over-current protection a recovery circuit and method to be applied right after an over-current situation has been disclosed.
US08749297B2
Switch circuits are disclosed, for providing a single-ended and a differentially switched high-voltage output signals by switching a high supply voltage in response to at least one logic-level control signal. The switch that provides the single-ended switched high-voltage output signal includes a chain of at least three serially coupled field effect transistors (FETs). The chain receives the high supply voltage and switches it to output the high-voltage output signal. The switch that provides the differentially switched high-voltage output signal includes two differentially coupled chains, each having at least three serially coupled FETs. The chains receive the high supply voltage and switch it to output the differential high-voltage output signal. A control/bias circuit provides a control voltage to at least one of the FETs in the chains, responsive to the control signal.
US08749260B2
Provided is a test wafer unit that tests a plurality of devices under test formed on a wafer under test, the test wafer unit comprising a plurality of test circuits that are formed on the same semiconductor wafer, where a plurality of types of the test circuits having different functions are provided for each device under test; and a selecting section that selects which type of test circuit is electrically connected to each pad of a device under test. Therefore, the test wafer unit can select the test circuit corresponding to testing content to be performed and connect this test circuit to the device under test to perform testing on a variety of devices under test or to perform a variety of tests on a device under test.
US08749255B2
An electronic device test apparatus which can optimize throughput and costs is provided.An electronic device test apparatus 1 comprises: a test cell cluster 10 having cell groups 11A to 11H each of which has a plurality of test cells 20; and a conveyor apparatus 30 supplying test carriers to a plurality of the test cells 20, and each of the test cell 20 has: contactors 215; a flow path 221 connected to a vacuum pump 25 and reducing pressure in a recess 211 of a pocket 21 so as to bring external terminals 73 and the contactors 215 into contact; and a test circuit for running a test on an electronic circuit formed into a die 90.
US08749253B2
A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical and thermal conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A luminescent mounting extends about the contact to provide, in response to the control signal, a color indication of the identified gem type.
US08749252B2
There are disclosed a method and an equipment for monitoring current drained by a grounding electrode in an electric impedance tomography system. The grounding electrode and a set of electrodes may be simultaneously applied to a patient in an electric impedance tomography apparatus. The equipment may be configured to convert current into a voltage signal and amplify, demodulate, and filter the voltage signal in order to recover its almost continuous component. The equipment may further be configured to compare the value of the continuous component with limit/threshold values proportional to an intensity of an excitation current applied to the set of electrodes. In addition to detecting the disconnection of the grounding electrode, the comparison may also detect the disconnection of one or more tomography electrodes, as well as unbalance in the currents injected through the electrodes and the contact of the patient with voltage sources or conductive bodies.
US08749246B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for determining a maximum leakage current in unearthed power supply networks with a plurality of conductors. The method comprises the steps of: feeding of a measurement signal UP with a measurement frequency fPuls into a conductor arrangement, setting the measurement frequency fPuls, measuring a line-to-line voltage UL-E for each conductor, determining a maximum occurring line-to-line voltage UL-Emax from the measured line-to-line voltages UL-E, determining a voltage UZe across a measurement resistance RM for calculating a leakage impedance ZE, calculating the leakage impedance ZE, and calculating a maximum leakage current THC. The device comprises a signal generator for feeding in the UP with the fPuls, a network coupling circuit between the signal generator and the conductor arrangement, a voltage measuring circuit for measuring the UL-E, and an impedance measuring circuit for determining the Ze by means of the determining of the UZe.
US08749236B2
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and method uses an MRI gantry having a static magnet structure, controllable gradient magnet structures and at least one radio frequency (RF) coil for transmitting and receiving RF signals to and from an imaging volume. Control circuits are configured to control gradient magnetic fields generated by the gradient magnet structures, to transmit/receive RF signals to and from the at least one RF coil and to process RF signals received during a diagnostic MRI scan to produce displayable images of structures located within the imaging volume. The control circuits are configured to include a preparatory fat decoupling RF pulse as part of a patient ROI (region of interest) shimming sequence effected prior to a fat suppression type of diagnostic MRI data acquisition scan sequence.
US08749233B2
Method and magnetic resonance system for combining signals acquired from different acquisition coils
In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for combining MR signals that were acquired with different acquisition coils from a region of an examination subject at least two MR signals that are based on MR signals acquired with at least two different acquisition coils are provided to a processor. Due to the spatially differing arrangement of the respective acquisition coils, the at least two MR signals image the region of the examination subject with different sensitivity profiles. The provided MR signals are combined, such that unwanted MR signal portions are suppressed, to form a combined MR signal with the suppression of unwanted MR signal portions being implemented by MR signal portions that were acquired with an acquisition coil that detects the unwanted MR signal portions with increased sensitivity in comparison to other acquisition coils being weighted less in the combined MR signal than other MR signal portions.
US08749226B2
An instrument transformer for measuring properties of electricity in a power line is provided. The instrument transformer includes a cover section releasably secured to a base section. The cover section includes a first core segment encapsulated in a first encasement formed from a polymer resin. The base section includes a second core segment with a low voltage winding mounted thereto and a voltage transformer, all of which are encapsulated in a second encasement formed from a polymer resin. When the cover section and the base section are secured together, the first core segment adjoins the second core segment, thereby forming a current transformer having a core formed from the first and second core segments. A method for making the instrument transformer includes the connection of the cover section to the base section to form a passage through which a high voltage conductor may extend.
US08749222B2
A cascode current sensor includes a main MOSFET and a sense MOSFET. The drain terminal of the main MOSFET is connected to a power device whose current is to be monitored, and the source and gate terminals of the main MOSFET are connected to the source and gate terminals, respectively, of the sense MOSFET. The drain voltages of the main and sense MOSFETs are equalized, in one embodiment by using a variable current source and negative feedback. The gate width of the main MOSFET is typically larger than the gate width of the sense MOSFET. Using the size ratio of the gate widths, the current in the main MOSFET is measured by sensing the magnitude of the current in the sense MOSFET. Inserting the relatively large MOSFET in the power circuit minimizes power loss.
US08749218B2
A control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention for a DC-DC converter which has an input, an output and a series connection of a differentiator, a comparator unit, and an integrator. The series connection is coupled in between the input and the output. The comparator unit has an inverting amplifier.
US08749215B2
Traditionally, buck-boost switching regulators with bridge topologies have been avoided due to their inability to seamlessly transition between buck mode and boost mode. Here, however, a buck-boost switching regulator with a bridge topology has been provided, which has an improved controller. Namely, a processor (such as a digital signals processor or DSP) provides digital control for the bridge that reduces ripple current or variations in the inductor current by adjusting phase relationships between corresponding buck and boost switches in a bridge or buck-boost mode.
US08749212B2
An example on time control circuit for use in a power factor correction (PFC) controller includes an amplifier, an integrator, and a comparator. The amplifier generates an error signal that is representative of a difference between a feedback signal and a reference value. The integrator integrates a current sense signal that is representative of a current through the power switch to generate an integrator output signal. A gain of the integrator is varied in response to a voltage sense signal that is representative of a value of an input voltage of the PFC converter. The comparator generates a switch power off signal to terminate the on time of the power switch in response to comparing the integrator output signal with the error signal.
US08749211B2
A high voltage power supply is provided. The high voltage power supply includes a soft-start circuit unit which outputs a natural voltage that decreases exponentially as time elapses and converts the natural voltage into a forced voltage having a predetermined scale if an enable signal is applied, a controller which compares the natural voltage output from the soft-start circuit unit with a reference voltage and outputs a control signal, and a converting unit which delays outputting a final voltage during a first predetermined time period and outputs the final voltage, which gradually increases as time elapses according to the control signal.
US08749206B2
A circuit includes a first half bridge including a first controllable semiconductor switch and a first diode. The first controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between a first constant supply potential and a center tap of the first half bridge. The first diode is coupled between the center tap and a constant reference potential. A second half bridge includes a second diode and a second controllable semiconductor switch. The second diode is coupled between a second constant potential higher than the first potential and a center tap of the second half bridge. The second controllable semiconductor switch is coupled between the center tap and the constant reference potential. Driver circuitry controls the conducting state of the first and the second semiconductor switch thus controlling the current flow through a field connectable between the center taps.
US08749200B2
A charging device includes a base part a movable part connected by a connection part. The base part includes a sliding rail that defines a first position and a second position. The charging device further includes a sliding element, which includes a sliding end and a fixed end. The sliding end is placed into the sliding rail and capable of sliding along the sliding rail. The fixed end is fixed to the connection part. When the sliding end is positioned in the first position of the sliding rail, the charging device is closed. When the sliding end slides along the sliding rail to the second position of the sliding rail, the base part and the movable part is slid away to open the charging device.
US08749192B2
An electric motor comprising a stator having two coil sets arranged to produce a magnetic field of the motor, each coil set comprising a plurality of coil sub-sets; and two control devices, wherein the first control device is coupled to the plurality of coil sub-sets for the first coil set and the second control device is coupled to the plurality of coil sub-sets for the second coil set and each control device is arranged to control current in the respective plurality of coil sub-sets to generate a magnetic field in each coil sub-set to have a substantially different magnetic phase to the other one or more coil sub-sets in the respective coil set; and wherein the first control device and the second control device are mounted adjacent to the stator.
US08749189B2
Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector n space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and method for their use are also provided.
US08749182B2
An actuator system having an actuator with an auxiliary switch. Make and break connection positions of the auxiliary switch relative to a rotative position of an output shaft coupling may be adjusted electronically according to an adjustment signal. The adjustment signal may be conveyed to the actuator from a computer or controller via a two-wire polarity insensitive bus. The adjustment signal may instead be provided an auxiliary potentiometer.
US08749175B2
A system and method for driving one or more LEDs by regulating their brightness by controlling the LEDs' average current or voltage. The system includes a switching power converter and an integrated digital regulator with at least one of electrical, thermal, and optical feedbacks. The regulator is constructed as a PI or PID controller for continuous mode of operation of the power converter. Current is provided through an inductor and a power switch during an on time of the power switch. The ampseconds of the inductor are measured at an off time and compared with a periodic ramp signal. A set reference signal is also compared with the periodic ramp signal. Based on the comparisons between the ramp signal, the measured ampseconds, and the reference signal, a control signal is generated to regulate the peak current through the power switch.
US08749169B2
An LED device with voltage-limiting unit and voltage-equalizing and current-limiting resistances includes an LED connected in parallel with a voltage-limiting unit, and a current-limiting resistance connected in series between the LED and the voltage-limiting unit. Two ends of each LED are connected in parallel with a voltage-equalizing resistance for forming a light-emitting unit, so that a light-emitting unit set can be structured through connecting two or more than two of the mentioned light-emitting units in series or in series-parallel in the same polarity. With the two ends of each LED being connected in parallel with the voltage-equalizing resistance, the end voltage of each light-emitting unit can be evenly stabilized; and the current-limiting resistance connected in series between the connection joints of the LED and the voltage-limiting unit for limiting the shunt current passing through the voltage-limiting unit.
US08749164B2
An illuminating apparatus is disclosed. The illuminating apparatus includes a detecting unit, an illuminating unit, and a control unit. The illuminating unit includes multiple illuminating sets and a switching unit for adjusting a connection relationship among the illuminating sets. The detecting unit is for detecting an inputted power supply received by the illuminating unit while the control unit is coupled to the detecting unit and the switching unit. The control unit based on a detected inputted power supply controls the switching unit according to a predetermined setting parameter, so as to ensure a conducting voltage of the illuminating unit to vary according to a variation in the inputted power supply.
US08749159B2
An illumination system includes a master power supply providing power to several illumination modules. The master power supply is constructed and arranged to generate high-frequency and low-voltage electrical power provided to a primary wire forming a current loop. Each illumination module includes an electromagnetic coupling element and several light sources. The electromagnetic coupling element includes a magnetic core arranged to receive the current loop in a removable arrangement, and a secondary wire wound around the magnetic core to enable inductive coupling. The secondary wire is connected to provide current to the light sources that may be arranged in the illumination module as a DC load or an AC load.
US08749156B2
An electric lighting driver circuit for driving an illuminating unit to emit light includes a flyback converting unit for converting a DC input voltage to a low ripple DC voltage, and a half-bridge converting unit electrically connected to the flyback converting unit, for converting the low ripple DC voltage to a low frequency, rectangular wave output voltage to drive the illuminating unit to emit light. The flyback converting unit includes a dual-output winding transformer connected to the half-bridge converting unit. The dual-output winding transformer includes a first winding at a primary side of the dual-output winding transformer and a second winding and a third winding at a secondary side of the dual-output winding transformer. The third winding converts leakage inductance attributed to the first winding and the second winding to electrical energy that is provided to the half-bridge converting unit.
US08749146B2
Methods and systems herein provide for determining lighting contributions of light fixtures to an environment. In one embodiment, a system includes a light sensor and a controller. The light sensor generates light level data based on measured light levels. The controller determines a nominal light level based on the light level data, and identifies an optical burst pattern in the light level data generated by a light fixture. The controller then determines a lighting contribution of the light fixture based on the optical burst pattern and the nominal light level.
US08749138B2
The present invention is to provide a novel ultraviolet irradiation metal halide lamp which can produce more intense light of ultraviolet region with a wavelength near 365 [nm]. This lamp is a metal halide lamp to produce mainly light of ultraviolet region. In order to produce light with a high spectrum in ultraviolet region, particularly, light of a wavelength of 350 to 380 [nm], at least mercury (Hg) and an iron are sealed into this lamp together with a rare gas. The sealed iron into the lamp is supplied by iron iodide (FeI2) and iron bromide (FeBr2) as iron halide (FeX2) and metal iron (Fe). When a quantity of materials sealed into the lamp is expressed such that A represents a quantity of metal iron sealed into the lamp, B represents a quantity of iron iodide sealed into the lamp and C represents a quantity of iron bromide sealed into the lamp, respectively, the quantity A of the metal iron falls within the range of 0.5(B+C)≦A≦10.0(B+C) [mol/cm3], the quantity (B+C) of the iron halide falls within the range of 1.0×10−7≦(B+C)≦4.5×10−7 [mol/cm3] and a ratio {C/(B+C)} of the iron iodide (FeBr2) in the iron halide (FeX2) falls within the range of {C/(B+C)}=5 to 70%.
US08749137B2
A lighting device includes a base, a light emitting component operable to generate light, and a light control component cooperating with the base to enclose the light emitting component. The light control component includes a light transmissive body that has a datum point, a main axis passing through the datum point, a light incident surface that is axis symmetrical relative to the main axis, and a light exit surface that is axis symmetrical relative to the main axis. The light incident surface includes a plurality of annular incident surface portions that form a Fresnel lens configuration and that are concentric with respect to the main axis.
US08749132B2
An organic light emitting device (“OLED”) including a substrate; a plurality of polymer beads disposed on a substrate; a light emitting layer covering the plurality of polymer beads and having an embossed structure; and a cathode disposed on the light emitting layer.
US08749121B2
A piezoelectric power generating device is provided which is capable of extracting a large amount of power without an increase in device size, even when applied with vibration of low frequency or weak external force, and which is easy to manufacture.The piezoelectric power generating device includes a piezoelectric power generating plate including a piezoelectric plate having a polarized regions that are different in polarization direction, and a support member attached to the piezoelectric power generating plate. Further, the piezoelectric power generating plate includes a fixed portion fixed to the support member, a free end displaced relative to the fixed portion when an external forced, such as a vibration forced, is applied, and a cutout located between the fixed portion and the free end.
US08749118B2
A vibrating actuator assembly includes a diaphragm, at least one vibrator at the diaphragm and that vibrates when an electric signal is applied thereto, a vibration shaft having one end connected to the diaphragm, a rotor on an outer side of the vibration shaft to contact an outer surface of the vibration shaft and that moves by vibration of the vibration shaft, and an elastic presser at another end of the vibration shaft and that elastically presses the rotor toward the diaphragm.
US08749116B2
Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions.
US08749098B2
An apparatus for removing harmonic noise from a power transmission line transmitting electricity at a primary frequency includes a filter and a controller coupled to the sensor and to an actuator-generator. The filter separates electricity at a harmonic of a primary frequency from the electrical signal transmitted by the power transmission line. The controller is configured to modulate consumption of electricity from the power transmission line. The consumption is controlled by electrical actuation of the actuator-generator, such that the electrical actuation of the actuator-generator causes consumption of electricity from the power transmission line at a harmonic of the primary frequency. The actuator-generator is coupled to an elastically deformable component, such that electrical actuation of the actuator-generator generates tension in the elastically deformable component.
US08749096B2
An antistatic switch connected between a micro control unit and a power supply of an electronic device includes six terminals. A first terminal is left vacant and a third terminal is connected to the power supply. A second terminal is public access terminal connected to the micro control unit and selectively connected to the first terminal or the second terminal. The fourth terminal, the fifth terminal, and the sixth terminal are all grounded to remove the static electricity flowing to the electronic device.
US08749088B2
The invention discloses devices and methods for allowing access to higher altitude winds for the purpose of electricity generation. A plurality of zeppelins is placed at altitudes in excess of one kilometer, with winds passing through hollow cavities that include wind turbines as well as electrical generators. The zeppelins may be moved from a first height to a second height in order to make most efficient use of prevailing winds at higher altitudes.
US08749085B2
Provided is a gas turbine control device that is used in a generating facility including a gas turbine and a generator for generating power when at least rotational power of the gas turbine is transmitted, the gas turbine control device including a first control section for obtaining a first fuel control command for causing generator output to follow a generator output set value decided based on a demand load, where the first control section has a feedback control section (60), and the feedback control section (60) includes a subtraction section (62) for calculating a deviation of the generator output with respect to the generator output set value, a PI control section (64) provided in a later stage of control than the subtraction section (62), and a peak suppression section (66) for suppressing a peak in amplitude characteristics of the generator or a utility grid including the generator.
US08749073B2
A wiring board includes a structure in which a plurality of wiring layers are stacked with insulating layers interposed therebetween, a plurality of pads for mounting an electronic component, the pads being formed on an outermost insulating layer on one surface side of the structure and exposed to the surface of the outermost insulating layer, and a recessed portion formed at a place corresponding to a mounting area for the electronic component. The recessed portion is formed in the outermost insulating layer at an area between the pads to which electrode terminals of the electronic component to be mounted are to be connected, respectively.
US08749061B2
It is an object of the present invention to prevent an influence of voltage drop due to wiring resistance, trouble in writing of a signal into a pixel, and trouble in gray scales, and provide a display device with higher definition, represented by an EL display device and a liquid crystal display device.In the present invention, a wiring including Cu is provided as an electrode or a wiring used for the display device represented by the EL display device and the liquid crystal display device. Besides, sputtering is performed with a mask to form the wiring including Cu. With such structure, it is possible to reduce the voltage drop and a deadened signal.
US08749052B2
An electric device with an insulating substrate consisting of an insulating layer and at least one metallization on a surface side of the insulating layer, the metallization being structured and having an electric component on the metallization. The metallization has a layer thickness that is stepped and is greater in an area adjoining the component.
US08749051B2
A semiconductor device which provides a small and simple design with efficient cooling. A first electrically conducting cooling element is in contact with first electrodes of semiconductor elements for forwarding a heat load from the semiconductor elements and for electrically connecting the first electrodes of the semiconductor elements to an external apparatus. A second electrically conducting cooling element is in contact with second electrodes of the semiconductor elements for forwarding a heat load from the semiconductor elements and for electrically connecting the second electrodes of the semiconductor elements to an external apparatus. The semiconductor device includes an interface which is electrically connected to gates of the semiconductor elements for external control of respective states of the semiconductor elements.
US08749045B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus comprising a substrate layer, a metal ring structure disposed on the substrate layer, the metal ring structure having an opening defined therein, and a solder mask layer coupled to (i) the metal ring structure and (ii) the substrate layer through the opening defined in the metal ring structure, the solder mask layer having a solder mask opening defined therein, wherein an edge of solder mask material defining the solder mask opening overlaps a portion of the opening defined in the metal ring structure. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US08749031B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor device body and an insulating adhesive layer. The semiconductor device body is formed with a square plate shape and has an element portion provided on a first major surface. The insulating adhesive layer is provided to cover a second major surface of the semiconductor device body and one or two of four side faces of the semiconductor device body.
US08749019B2
A region-divided substrate includes: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface and having a plurality of partial regions, which are divided by a plurality of trenches, wherein each trench penetrates the substrate from the first surface to the second surface; a conductive layer having an electrical conductivity higher than the substrate and disposed on a sidewall of one of the plurality of partial regions from the first surface to the second surface; and an insulator embedded in each trench.
US08749018B2
An integrated semiconductor device is provided. The integrated semiconductor device has a first semiconductor region of a second conductivity type, a second semiconductor region of a first conductivity type forming a pn-junction with the first semiconductor region, a non-monocrystalline semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type arranged on the second semiconductor region, a first well and at least one second well of the first conductivity type arranged on the non-monocrystalline semiconductor layer and an insulating structure insulating the first well from the at least one second well and the non-monocrystalline semiconductor layer. Further, a method for forming a semiconductor device is provided.
US08749017B2
Aspects of the invention are related to a semiconductor device including a first conductivity type n-type drift layer, a second conductivity type VLD region which is formed on a chip inner circumferential side of a termination structure region provided on one principal surface of the n-type drift layer and which is higher in concentration than the n-type drift layer, and a second conductivity type first clip layer which is formed on a chip outer circumferential side of the VLD region so as to be separated from the VLD region and which is higher in concentration than the n-type drift layer. The invention can also include a first conductivity type channel stopper layer which is formed on a chip outer circumferential side of the first clip layer so as to be separated from the first clip layer and which is higher in concentration than the n-type drift layer.
US08749016B2
A high-voltage metal-oxide-semiconductor (HVMOS) device may include a source, a drain, a gate positioned proximate to the source, a drift region disposed substantially between the drain and a region of the gate and the source, and a self shielding region disposed proximate to the drain. A corresponding method is also provided.
US08749010B2
According to one embodiment, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate, a detecting section, an interconnection, a contact plug and a support beam. The detecting section is provided above the substrate and includes an infrared absorbing section and a thermoelectric converting section. The interconnection is provided on an interconnection region of the substrate and is configured to read the electrical signal. The contact plug is extends from the interconnection toward a connecting layer provided in the interconnection region. The contact plug is electrically connected to the interconnection and the connecting layer. The support beam includes a support beam interconnection and supports the detecting section above the substrate. The support beam interconnection transmits the electrical signal from the thermoelectric converting section to the interconnection.
US08749002B2
A structure and method for air cavity packaging, the structure comprises a carrier having plural die pads and leads, plural dies, plural wires, plural walls, and a lid. The dies are mounted on the die pads. The wires electrically connect the dies to the leads. The plural walls are disposed on the carrier and form plural cavities in a way that each cavity contains at least one die pad and plural leads, and each wall is provided with at least one air vent for exhausting air to the outside. The lid is attached on the plural walls via an adhesive agent to seal the plural air cavities, so that the plural connected air cavity packages are formed.
US08748998B2
A sensor module includes a substrate system which has multiple substrates situated one on top of the other and connected in each case via a wafer bond connection. The substrate system includes at least one first sensor substrate and at least one second sensor substrate, the first sensor substrate having a first sensor structure and the second sensor substrate having a second sensor structure. The first and second sensor structures are designed for detecting different characteristics. At least the first sensor structure includes a micromechanical functional structure. Moreover, a method for manufacturing such a sensor module is disclosed.
US08748992B2
MOS transistors including SiON gate dielectric with enhanced nitrogen concentration at its sidewalls
A method of forming an integrated circuit (IC) having at least one MOS device includes forming a SiON gate dielectric layer on a silicon surface. A gate electrode layer is deposited on the SiON gate layer and then patterning forms a gate stack. Exposed gate dielectric sidewalls are revealed by the patterning. A supplemental silicon oxide layer is formed on the exposed SiON sidewalls followed by nitriding. After nitriding, a post nitridation annealing (PNA) forms an annealed N-enhanced SiON gate dielectric layer including N-enhanced SiON sidewalls, wherein along lines of constant thickness a N concentration at the N-enhanced SiON sidewalls is ≧ the N concentration in a bulk of the annealed N-enhanced SiON gate layer −2 atomic %. A source and drain region on opposing sides of the gate stack are formed to define a channel region under the gate stack.
US08748991B2
A high-k metal gate stack and structures for CMOS devices and a method for forming the devices. The gate stack includes a high-k dielectric having a high dielectric constant greater than approximately 3.9, a germanium (Ge) material layer interfacing with the high-k dielectric, and a conductive electrode layer disposed above the high-k dielectric or the Ge material layer. The gate stack optimizes a shift of the flatband voltage or the threshold voltage to obtain high performance in p-FET devices.
US08748988B2
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor substrate, a field insulating film disposed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, a base insulating film disposed on a surface of the field insulating film, and a resistor disposed on the base insulating film. The resistor is formed of a polycrystalline silicon film and has a resistance region and electrode lead-out regions disposed at both ends of the resistance region. A portion of the base insulating film below the resistance region projects with respect to portions of the base insulating film below the electrode lead-out regions so that a height difference occurs therebetween. The resistance region has a thickness thinner than that of each of the electrode lead-out regions.
US08748979B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor device whose breakdown voltage is made high by controlling local concentration of an electric field. A source region faces a second plane, one of side faces of a groove part, and a part thereof extends in a direction in parallel to a nodal line of first and second planes. A drift region faces a third plane being the other side face of the groove part opposite to the second plane with a part thereof extending in a direction parallel to the nodal line of the first plane and the third plane, and is formed at a lower concentration than the source region. The drain region is provided so as to be placed on the other side of the drift region opposite to the groove part and so as to touch the drift region, and is formed at a higher concentration than the drift region.
US08748974B2
A power semiconductor device has a semiconductor body which includes an active area and a peripheral area which both define a horizontal main surface of the semiconductor body. The semiconductor body further includes an n-type semiconductor layer, a pn junction and at least one trench. The n-type semiconductor layer is embedded in the semiconductor body and extends to the main surface in the peripheral area. The pn junction is arranged between the n-type semiconductor layer and the main surface in the active area. The at least one trench extends in the peripheral area from the main surface into the n-type semiconductor layer and includes a dielectric layer with fixed negative charges. In the vertical direction, the dielectric layer is arranged both below and above the pn junction. The dielectric layer with fixed negative charges typically has a negative net charge. Further, a method for forming a semiconductor device is provided.
US08748973B2
A super junction transistor includes a drain substrate, an epitaxial layer, wherein the epitaxial layer is disposed on the drain substrate, a plurality of gate structure units embedded on the surface of the epitaxial layer, a plurality of trenches disposed in the epitaxial layer between the drain substrate and the gate structure units, a buffer layer in direct contact with the inner surface of the trenches, a plurality of body diffusion regions with a first conductivity type adjacent to the outer surface of the trenches, wherein there is at least a PN junction on the interface between the body diffusion region and the epitaxial layer, and a doped source region, wherein the doped source region is disposed in the epitaxial layer and is adjacent to the gate structure unit.
US08748961B2
The embodiment provides a buried bit line process and scheme. The buried bit line is disposed in a trench formed in a substrate. The buried bit line includes a diffusion region formed in a portion of the substrate adjacent the trench. A blocking layer is formed on a portion sidewall of the trench. A conductive plug is formed in the trench, covering sidewalls of the diffusion region and the blocking layer.
US08748959B2
A semiconductor memory device is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cells arranged in an array of rows and columns. Each memory cell may include a first region connected to a source line extending in a first orientation. Each memory cell may also include a second region connected to a bit line extending a second orientation. Each memory cell may further include a body region spaced apart from and capacitively coupled to a word line, wherein the body region is electrically floating and disposed between the first region and the second region. The semiconductor device may also include a first barrier wall extending in the first orientation and a second barrier wall extending in the second orientation and intersecting with the first barrier wall to form a trench region configured to accommodate each of the plurality of memory cells.
US08748950B2
A reconfigurable device includes a first insulating layer, a second insulating layer, and a nanoscale quasi one- or zero-dimensional electron gas region disposed at an interface between the first and second insulating layers. The device is reconfigurable by applying an external electrical field to the electron gas, thereby changing the conductivity of the electron gas region. A method for forming and erasing nanoscale-conducting structures employs tools, such as the tip of a conducting atomic force microscope (AFM), to form local electric fields. The method allows both isolated and continuous conducting features to be formed with a length well below 5 nm.
US08748945B2
Image sensors are provided. The image sensors may include first and second stacked impurity regions having different conductivity types. The image sensors may also include a floating diffusion region in the first impurity region. The image sensors may further include a transfer gate electrode surrounding the floating diffusion region in the first impurity region. Also, the transfer gate electrode and the floating diffusion region may overlap the second impurity region.
US08748943B2
A semiconductor device and a method of forming a structure in a target substrate for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method comprises the step of providing a masking layer on the target substrate and providing a stair-like profile in the masking layer such that the height of a step of the stair-like profile is smaller than the thickness of the masking layer. Further, the method comprises the step of performing anisotropic etching of the masking layer and the target substrate simultaneously such that a structure having a stair-like profile is formed in the target substrate. The semiconductor device comprises a target substrate including a first region made of a first type of semiconductor material and a second region made of a second type of semiconductor material.
US08748940B1
Semiconductor device stacks and devices made there from having Ge-rich device layers. A Ge-rich device layer is disposed above a substrate, with a p-type doped Ge etch suppression layer (e.g., p-type SiGe) disposed there between to suppress etch of the Ge-rich device layer during removal of a sacrificial semiconductor layer richer in Si than the device layer. Rates of dissolution of Ge in wet etchants, such as aqueous hydroxide chemistries, may be dramatically decreased with the introduction of a buried p-type doped semiconductor layer into a semiconductor film stack, improving selectivity of etchant to the Ge-rich device layers.
US08748939B2
The transistor includes an underlying layer 301 formed on a substrate 300, and a first layer (including an operation layer 302) made of a nitride semiconductor formed on the underlying layer 301. The underlying layer 301 is a multilayered structure including a plurality of stacked nitride semiconductor layers. The underlying layer 301 includes a transition-metal-containing layer containing at least one of cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, osmium, rhodium, or iridium which is a transition metal.
US08748926B2
A chip package includes: a substrate having a first and a second surfaces; a device region formed in or disposed on the substrate; a dielectric layer disposed on the first surface; at least one conducting pad disposed in the dielectric layer and electrically connected to the device region; a planar layer disposed on the dielectric layer, wherein a vertical distance between upper surfaces of the planar layer and the conducting pad is larger than about 2 μm; a transparent substrate disposed on the first surface; a first spacer layer disposed between the transparent substrate and the planar layer; and a second spacer layer disposed between the transparent substrate and the substrate and extending into an opening of the dielectric layer to contact with the conducting pad, wherein there is substantially no gap between the second spacer layer and the conducting pad.
US08748925B2
A plate including a substrate, a metal reflection layer and an oxidation protection layer is provided. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The metal reflection layer is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The oxidation protection layer covers the metal reflection layer. The metal reflection layer is disposed between the oxidation protection layer and the first surface of the substrate. At least one light emitting diode chip is adapted to eutectic bonding on the plate.
US08748924B2
A method includes forming a light absorbing layer, and forming a foundation layer before forming a lens portion such that the foundation layer covers a region where the lens portion is to be formed, wherein the foundation layer is in contact with the light absorbing layer and the lens portion once the lens portion is formed.
US08748913B2
An LED module includes a base, a circuit layer formed on the base and multiple LEDs each having an LED die connecting to the circuit layer. The circuit layer includes multiple connecting sections. Each connecting section includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part electrically insulating and spaced from each other. Each LED includes an electrode layer having a first section and a second section electrically insulated from the first section and respectively electrically connecting the first and second connecting parts of a corresponding connecting section. The LED die is electrically connected to the second section. A transparent electrically conductive layer is formed on the LED die and electrically connects the LED die to the first section of the electrode layer. An electrically insulating layer is located between the LED die and surrounding the LED die except where the transparent electrically conductive layer connects.
US08748911B2
Light emitting systems are disclosed. The light emitting system emits an output light that has a first color. The light emitting system includes a first electroluminescent device that emits light at a first wavelength in response to a first signal. The first wavelength is substantially independent of the first signal. The intensity of the emitted first wavelength light is substantially proportional to the first signal. The light emitting system further includes a first luminescent element that includes a second electroluminescent device and a first light converting layer. The second electroluminescent device emits light at a second wavelength in response to a second signal. The first light converting layer includes a semiconductor potential well and converts at least a portion of light at the second wavelength to light at a third wavelength that is longer than the second wavelength. The light emitting system combines light at the first wavelength with light at the third wavelength to form the output light at the first color. When one of the first and second signals changes from about 50% of a maximum rating of the signal to about 100% of the maximum rating, but the ratio of the first signal to the second signal remains substantially unchanged, the first color of the output light remains substantially unchanged.
US08748907B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an input lead, a light emitting element, an output lead, a light receiving element and a resin molded body. The input lead includes an input inner lead portion, an input outer lead portion and a first silver layer. The light emitting element is provided on the first silver layer. The output lead includes an output inner lead portion, an output outer lead portion and a second silver layer. The second silver layer includes an upper surface portion and a side surface portion. The light receiving element is provided on the second silver layer and is capable of receiving light. The output lead includes a cutting surface extending from the side surface portion of the second silver layer to the side surface of the output inner lead portion. The resin molded body covers the cutting surface.
US08748901B1
This silicon carbide semiconductor element includes: a body region of a second conductivity type which is located on a drift layer of a first conductivity type; an impurity region of the first conductivity type which is located on the body region; a trench which runs through the body region and the impurity region to reach the drift layer; a gate insulating film which is arranged on surfaces of the trench; and a gate electrode which is arranged on the gate insulating film. The surfaces of the trench include a first side surface and a second side surface which is opposed to the first side surface. The concentration of a dopant of the second conductivity type is higher at least locally in a portion of the body region which is located beside the first side surface than in another portion of the body region which is located beside the second side surface.
US08748886B2
A transistor which is formed using an oxide semiconductor layer and has electric characteristics needed for the intended use, and a semiconductor device including the transistor are provided. The transistor is formed using an oxide semiconductor stack including at least a first oxide semiconductor layer in contact with a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer and a second oxide semiconductor layer which is provided over the first oxide semiconductor layer and has an energy gap different from that of the first oxide semiconductor layer. There is no limitation on the stacking order of the first oxide semiconductor layer and the second oxide semiconductor layer as long as their energy gaps are different from each other.
US08748882B2
A thin film transistor is provided. The thin film transistor includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating film, and an oxide semiconductor film, wherein at least a portion of the gate electrode includes a metal oxide. An electric device and a display device that include the thin film transistor are also provided in addition to a manufacture method.
US08748876B2
A light-emitting element, a light-emitting module, a light-emitting panel, or a light-emitting device in which loss due to electrical resistance is reduced is provided. The present invention focuses on a surface of an electrode containing a metal and on a layer containing a light-emitting organic compound. The layer containing a light-emitting organic compound is provided between one electrode including a first metal, whose surface is provided with a conductive inclusion, and the other electrode.
US08748873B2
A thin film transistor has a dual semiconducting layer comprising two semiconducting sublayers. The first sublayer comprises a polythiophene and carbon nanotubes. The second sublayer comprises the polythiophene and has no carbon nanotubes. Devices comprises the dual semiconducting layer exhibit high mobility.
US08748871B2
A three-dimensional integrated circuit includes a semiconductor device, an insulator formed on the semiconductor device, an interconnect formed in the insulator, and a graphene device formed on the insulator.
US08748867B2
Provided are a light emitting device, a method of fabricating the light emitting device, a light emitting device package, and a lighting system. The light emitting device comprises a substrate, a first semiconductor layer containing indium (In) over the substrate, and a light emitting structure over the first semiconductor layer. A dislocation mode is disposed on a top surface of the first semiconductor layer.
US08748866B2
A nitride semiconductor light emitting device includes first and second type nitride semiconductor layers. An active layer is disposed between the first and second type nitride semiconductor layers. A current spreading layer is disposed between the second type nitride semiconductor layer and the active layer. The current spreading layer includes first nitride thin films and second nitride thin films which are alternately laminated. The first nitride thin films have band gaps larger than those of the second nitride thin films. A first plurality of first nitride thin films are positioned at outer first and second sides of the current spreading layer. The first plurality of first nitride thin films have a thickness greater than that of a second plurality of first nitride thin films positioned between the first plurality of first nitride thin films.
US08748865B2
Disclosed are a light emitting device, a method of manufacturing the light emitting device, a light emitting device package and a lighting system. The light emitting device includes a first conductive semiconductor layer; an active layer including a quantum well and a quantum barrier and disposed on the first conductive semiconductor layer; and a second conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer. The active layer includes a first quantum well adjacent to the second conductive semiconductor layer, a second quantum well adjacent to the first quantum well, and a first quantum barrier between the first quantum well and the second quantum well. A recombination rate of electron-hole in the second quantum well is higher than the recombination rate of the electron-hole in the first quantum well, and the first quantum well has an energy level higher than the energy level of the second quantum well.
US08748863B2
A light emitting device may include a light emitting structure that includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer and an active layer between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, wherein the active layer includes a light emitting layer adjacent to the second semiconductor layer and that includes a well layer and a barrier layer and a super-lattice layer between the light emitting layer and the first semiconductor layer, the super-lattice layer including at least six pairs of a first layer and a second layer, wherein a composition of the first layer includes indium (In) and the second layer includes indium (In), and the composition of the first layer is different from the composition of the second layer.
US08748860B2
A semiconductor memory device and a fabrication method thereof capable of improving electric contact characteristic between an access device and a lower electrode are provided. The semiconductor memory device includes an access device formed in a pillar shape on a semiconductor substrate, a first conductive layer formed over the access device, a protection layer formed on an edge of the first conductive layer to a predetermined thickness, and a lower electrode connected to the first conductive layer.
US08748859B2
An integrated circuit including vertically oriented diode structures between conductors and methods of fabricating the same are provided. Two-terminal devices such as passive element memory cells can include a diode steering element in series with an antifuse and/or other state change element. The devices are formed using pillar structures at the intersections of upper and lower sets of conductors. The height of the pillar structures are reduced by forming part of the diode for each pillar in a rail stack with one of the conductors. A diode in one embodiment can include a first diode component of a first conductivity type and a second diode component of a second conductivity type. A portion of one of the diode components is divided into first and second portions with one on the portions being formed in the rail stack where it is shared with other diodes formed using pillars at the rail stack.
US08748858B2
A processing device includes a control section adapted to perform emission control of first and second light source sections based on a light reception result of a light receiving section adapted to receive a reflected light beam caused by an object reflecting irradiation light beams from the first and second light source sections, and a determination section adapted to determine a positional relationship of the object with respect to the first and second light source sections based on emission current control information for performing the emission control. The determination section determines the positional relationship of the object based on first period emission current control information as the emission current control information in a first period in which no object exists in the detection area and second period emission current control information as the emission current control information in a second period in which the object exists in the detection area.
US08748851B2
An aging apparatus including a pulse laser, a beam expansion assembly, and a platform configured to carry an object is provided. The pulse laser transmits a first beam to the beam expansion assembly. The beam expansion assembly expands the first beam to a second beam and projects the second beam onto the object.
US08748849B2
A scintillator panel which is capable of obtaining a radiation image exhibiting enhanced luminance and sharpness and achieving improved storage stability is disclosed, comprising on a support a base layer and a phosphor layer provided sequentially in this order, wherein the phosphor layer comprises (columnar) phosphor crystals formed of a phosphor parent compound and an activator by a process of vapor phase deposition and the base layer comprises crystals formed of the phosphor parent compound and an activator, and a relative density of the base layer is lower than a relative density of the phosphor layer and a relative content of an activator of the base layer is lower than a relative content of an activator of the phosphor layer.
US08748846B2
A method for identifying a presence of a nitro (NO)-bearing compound suspected of being included in a sample includes photodissociating a sample into one or more fragments that include a NO molecule, where the NO molecule has an electron in a first-vibrational excited state of an electronic ground state. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is applied including directing UV light from a UV laser source at the sample to induce fluorescent light. An emission wavelength of 270 nm to 274 nm from fluorescent light received is used to identify a presence of the NO-bearing compound in the sample.
US08748842B2
Provided is an electrostatic lens array, including multiple substrates arranged with intervals, each of the multiple substrates having an aperture for passing a charged particle beam, in which: in a travelling direction of the charged particle beam, a peripheral contour line formed by any one of surfaces of the multiple substrates other than an upper surface of a most upstream substrate and a lower surface of a most downstream substrate has a protruding portion protruding from a peripheral contour line of one of the upper surface of the most upstream substrate and the lower surface of the most downstream substrate; and a position of the protruding portion is defined by a position regulating member, whereby parallelism is adjustable so that a surface including the protruding portion is parallel to a surface to be irradiated with the charged particle beam after passing through the aperture.
US08748836B2
A portable radiographic imaging device including: a radiation detection panel including optoelectric conversion elements that convert irradiated radiation into an electrical signal; a signal processing substrate performing predetermined signal processing on the input electrical signal; a holding base provided between the radiation detection panel and the signal processing substrate and holding the signal processing substrate; a flexible substrate including a flexed portion, with one end of the flexible substrate being connected to the radiation detection panel and the other end of the flexible substrate being connected to the signal processing substrate; a casing in which the radiation detection panel, the signal processing substrate, the holding base and the flexible substrate are installed; and a contact avoidance portion formed at at least one of the signal processing substrate, the holding base or the casing such that contact of with the flexible substrate is avoided, is provided.
US08748835B2
An x-ray detector includes a plurality of photosensitive pixels each including a first photodiode generating an electric signal corresponding to an x-ray, and a first switching device turned on by a gate signal and outputting the electric signal from the photodiode through a data line, and a plurality of dummy pixels each including a second photodiode generating an electric signal corresponding to an x-ray, and a second switching device maintaining a turned-off state regardless of a gate signal and blocking the electric signal from being output from the second photodiode to the data line.
US08748830B2
A radiation sensor can include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can include a first scintillation material to produce first light in response to receiving a first targeted radiation, and the second layer can include a second scintillation material to produce second light in response to receiving a second targeted radiation. The first scintillation material can be different from the second scintillation material, and the first targeted radiation can be different from the second targeted radiation. The first layer can be configured to receive and transmit the second light. In an embodiment, the radiation sensor can be part of a radiation detection system that includes a photosensor that can produce an electronic pulse in response to the first and second lights. A method of detecting radiation can include using the radiation detection system to distinguish different radiations by differences in pulse shape.
US08748829B2
An ultraviolet curing system separates the source of ultraviolet radiation and the controller, allowing an operator to stand at a relatively great distance away from the ultraviolet radiation when applied. The apparatus includes a base unit and a source of intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation coupled to the base unit by way of a pivoting arm. A controller, disposed remotely from the base unit, allows an operator to activate the source of UV radiation at a distance of at least several feet away from the source. The preferred embodiment allows an operator to control the UV radiation at a distance of 10 to 100 feet or more using a wired or wireless interconnection between the controller and the base unit. A detachable infrared lamp may be optionally disposed along side the UV source.
US08748822B1
Terahertz spectroscopy methods that are fast and have excellent spectral resolution and that do not require background correction of the instrument response without sample are disclosed. In one instance, the methods include phase coherent chirp pulse generation and phase coherent detection.
US08748815B2
A method and system for detecting or reviewing defective contacts on a semiconductor device are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the method and system comprise providing a positive charge sufficient enough to turn on a gate of an associated MOS device and scanning an area of interest within the MOS device with a primary electron beam of proper landing energy to generate image. The method and system include analyzing the signal of contacts and identify the open contacts. In a second embodiment, the method and system comprises pre-scanning or irradiating the wafer surface defect with an accessory beam, a plurality of times, to achieve positive charged/sufficient to turn on the gate on the associated MOS devices of the wafer; and scanning the at least a portion of the device circuits with a primary electron beam of proper landing energy to generate images wafer or area of interest. The method and system include analyzing the signal and/or image of contacts and identify the open contacts.
US08748811B2
A mass analysis of a sample having a known mass-to-charge ratio is carried out by performing a scan at a first-stage quadrupole over a predetermined mass range, under the condition that a collision induced dissociation gas is introduced into a collision cell and a voltage applied to a third-stage quadrupole is set so that no substantial mass separation occurs in this quadrupole. Various product ions originating from a precursor ion selected by the first-stage quadrupole arrive at and are detected by a detector without being mass separated. Accordingly, based on the detection data, a data processor can obtain a relationship between the voltage applied to the first-stage quadrupole and the mass-to-charge ratio of the selected ions, with a time delay in the collision cell reflected in that relationship. This relationship is stored in a calibration data memory, to be utilized in a neutral loss scan measurement or the like.
US08748799B2
An image sensor comprising a substrate and one or more of pixels thereon. The pixels have subpixels therein comprising nanowires sensitive to light of different color. The nanowires are functional to covert light of the colors they are sensitive to into electrical signals.
US08748797B1
A method is provided for demultiplexing optical signals. A first photodiode accepts first optical signals in a first range of wavelengths with second optical signals in a second range of wavelengths greater than the first range. First electrical signals are generated in the first photodiode in response to the first optical signals. A second photodiode accepts the second optical signals, and generates second electrical signals in response to the second optical signals. The first photodiode substantially absorbs photons associated with the first optical signal, and substantially passes photons associated with the second optical signals. In one aspect, the first photodiode has a first coefficient of absorption associated with the first range of wavelengths and the second photodiode has a second coefficient of absorption and a half value layer (HVL) associated with the second range of wavelengths. The first photodiode has thickness less than the HVL of the second photodiode.
US08748795B2
When using a CCD sensor as a photo-detector in a device for inspecting foreign matters and defects, it has a problem of causing electric noise while converting the signal charge, produced inside by photoelectric conversion, into voltage and reading it. Therefore, the weak detected signal obtained by detecting reflected and scattered light from small foreign matters and defects is buried in the electric noise, which has been an obstacle in detecting small foreign matters and defects. In order to solve the above problem, according to the present invention, an electron multiplying CCD sensor is used as a photo-detector. The electron multiplying CCD sensor is capable of enlarging signals brought about by inputted light relatively to the electric noise by multiplying the electrons produced through photoelectric conversion and reading them. Accordingly, compared to a conventional CCD sensor, it can detect weaker light and, therefore, smaller foreign matters and defects.
US08748791B2
An image sensor includes a band gap reference unit configured to provide a reference voltage having a predetermined voltage level, a storage unit configured to store the reference voltage, a switch configured to selectively connect the storage unit to the band gap reference unit, and a ramp signal generation unit configured to receive an input voltage corresponding to the reference voltage stored in the storage unit and generate a ramp signal.
US08748788B2
A beam power source transmits a signal indicating power availability, receives a request for power in response, and beams power in response to the request.
US08748776B2
A welding-type device has wireless communications to transmit wireless signals comprising at least identification information. The information may be transmitted either automatically or in response to request signals. Such a welding-type device may be configured to communicate with other welding-type devices, a monitoring device, or both. A wireless communication system has at least one welding-type device, at least one wireless communication assembly, and at least one monitoring device and is capable of assisting a user in preventing theft of welding-type devices.
US08748765B2
A contact point member comprises contact point pieces extending from both ends of a base portion and a gripping portion extending from the center of the base portion. The base portion is placed on an upper surface of a holding portion in a base member and is inserted between a main wall of a surrounding wall and stoppers on the holding portion for positioning. After a front end of the base portion is pressed and inserted under a presser portion provided in the main wall, when the gripping portion is pressed on the holding portion, an engagement piece formed in the rear end of the gripping portion is engaged to a corner hole formed in a projection of the holding portion, thus preventing the falling-down of the contact point member. The mounting operation of the contact point member is easily completed simply by pressing down the gripping portion.
US08748762B2
An electrical switch including: a body; a mass element; a spring element attached at one end to the body and at another end, at least indirectly, to the mass element; and an inclined surface upon which the mass element moves from a resting position to an all-fire position. The inclined surface being inclined with respect to a firing setback acceleration. When the body experiences the firing setback acceleration, the mass element travels at least across the inclined surface against a force of the spring element to contact an electrical contact and close a circuit.
US08748761B2
The invention relates to an electric switch for a rear door or tailgate of an automobile, including: an electric subassembly (6) comprising a microswitch (7), and a mechanical subassembly (8) comprising a means for activating said microswitch (7), characterised in that said electric (6) and mechanical (8) subassemblies comprise an assembly means which engages to attach said subassemblies (6, 8) to one another and said electric switch (1) also comprises a seal (15) moulded over a joining area between said mechanical (8) and electric (6) subassemblies. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an electric switch for a rear door or tailgate of an automobile such as previously described.
US08748757B2
A bushing including a bottom contact, and a tubular conductor, having a lower part having an end in electrical and mechanical contact with the bottom contact, and a draw rod arrangement, inside the conductor, arranged to exert sufficient contact pressure between the bottom contact and the conductor, and the draw rod arrangement includes a member in mechanical contact with the conductor and draw rod having a second end, fixedly connected to the bottom contact, and a first end in connection to the member and clamping means, the clamping means is adapted to apply a force, urging the member in the direction of the bottom contact to generate sufficient contact pressure between the bottom contact and the conductor. The member of the draw rod arrangement is arranged to apply the force to the lower part of the conductor.
US08748755B2
An electronic component includes: a substrate; a functional portion provided on the substrate; an interconnection line provided on the substrate and electrically connected to the functional portion; a metal wall provided on the substrate so as to surround the functional portion and the interconnection line; and a seal portion that contacts the metal wall and covers the functional portion and the interconnection line so as to define a cavity above the functional portion, the seal portion being made of liquid crystal polymer.
US08748748B2
Systems and methods for securing and electrically grounding objects or payloads are provided herein. Clamp assemblies and the manufacture of clamp assemblies in accordance with the present technology can provide reliable and redundant electrical grounding and secure cushioned fastening. In one embodiment, an electrically grounding cushioned clamp assembly includes an elastomer cushion with a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. The clamp assembly can include an engaging surface configured to engage a payload and an electrically conductive comb strip disposed at least partially in the longitudinal opening. Portions of the comb strip can be exposed adjacent to the engaging surface to contact the payload and provide a plurality of electrical grounding paths.
US08748747B2
An arrangement with at least one superconductive cable (1) is indicated which is arranged in a cryostat (KR) serving for guiding a cooling agent, wherein the cryostat (KR) includes at least one thermally insulated metal pipe. To the outside of the cryostat (KR) is applied an electrically well conductive material that is composed of at least two strands (6, 7) which are wound one around the other with oppositely pitched direction around the cryostat (KR). The strands are connected fixedly and immovably to the cryostat (KR) at fixed points (8) mounted longitudinally spaced along an axial length of said cryostat.
US08748742B1
A kit and method for preventing theft of wires interconnected within a pull box includes a steel cover plate having a downwardly protruding cup which has a central perforation in its base that receives the upstanding shank of a J-bolt anchored in concrete poured into a bore made in the floor of a pit holding the pull box. A template plate inserted into the open upper end of the pullbox has a central hole which receives the shank of the J-bolt while the concrete is hardening to maintain the pull box centered on the J-bolt, removed after the concrete has hardened, and replaced by the cover plate which is secured in place by tightening an oval external cross-section security nut onto the upper surface of the cup base plate using a novel socket wrench.
US08748737B2
A concentrator photovoltaic device includes: an optical concentrator; a solar battery cell; a homogenizer; a sealant; and a light transmission preventing layer. The homogenizer has a trapezoidal shape in which a sectional area at the optical concentrator side is larger than a sectional area at the solar battery cell side, a relationship of nh>nf>nt is satisfied among a refractive index nh of the homogenizer, a refractive index nf of the sealant, and a refractive index nt of the light transmission preventing layer, a thickness (H) of the light transmission preventing layer is equal to or larger than 0.1 mm and equal to or smaller than 1.2 mm, and a relationship of 0.5≦b/a<1.0 is satisfied between a height (b) of the light transmission preventing layer and a height (a) of the sealant at a position where the light transmission preventing layer is formed.
US08748727B2
One example embodiment includes a PV module comprising a conductive backsheet, a non-conductive layer disposed on the conductive backsheet, a plurality of PV cells arranged in rows and collectively generating a first power output characterized by a first voltage, and a power conversion device. Each of the rows can include two or more PV cells. The PV cells within each row can be connected to each other in parallel. The rows can be connected in series. A top row can be connected to the conductive backsheet. The power conversion device can be redundantly connected to a bottom row and to the conductive backsheet to form a complete circuit. The power conversion device can convert the first power output to a second power output characterized by a second voltage that is larger than the first voltage. The power conversion device can also maintain peak power of the PV cells.
US08748726B2
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of thermoelectric materials, which embodiments may have improved figure of merit. In one exemplary embodiment, a thermoelectric material generally includes bismuth telluride nanoparticles, which may be undoped or doped with at least one or more of silver, antimony, tin, and/or a combination thereof. The bismuth telluride nanoparticles may be dispersed in a matrix material comprising particulate bismuth telluride. Methods for making undoped and doped bismuth telluride nanoparticles are also disclosed, which may include a solvothermal method for making bismuth telluride nanoparticles having a size ranging from 1 to 200 nanometers.
US08748724B1
Inventive methods and apparatuses for causing one or more effects to be generated based on analysis of an audio signal are disclosed. The apparatuses may be electrically coupled to an audio signal, may analyze the audio signal to determine if a control cue is present in the audio signal, and direct the effects generated by one or more effect generating devices if a control cue is present.
US08748721B2
A cam assembly includes a wheel member fixed to a shaft and a cam member removably attached to the wheel member. By attaching the cam member to the wheel member while arranging the cam member in a first orientation, a first cam shape is given to the cam assembly. Moreover, by attaching the cam member to the wheel member while vertically inverting the cam member to set the cam member in a second orientation, a second cam shape different from the first cam shape is given to the cam assembly.
US08748720B2
The moveable double slide assembly of the comprises a backslide which is connected to the double slide with a link that allows free floatation of the backslide rather than a fixed connection, and thus, the double slide experiences less resistance during travel of the moveable portion.
US08748716B1
A novel maize variety designated X13C727 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 X13C727 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13C727 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13C727, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13C727. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13C727.
US08748714B1
A novel maize variety designated X03C208 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 X03C208 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03C208 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03C208, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03C208. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03C208.
US08748710B1
A novel maize variety designated 38V31 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 maize variety 38V31 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 38V31 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 38V31, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 38V31. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 38V31.
US08748708B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026552. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026552. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026552 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026552 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08748706B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1025957. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1025957. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1025957 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1025957 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08748701B2
Inbred broccoli lines, designated BRM50-3906 are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred broccoli lines BRM50-3906, to the plants of inbred broccoli lines BRM50-3906, and to methods for producing a broccoli plant produced by crossing the inbred line BRM50-3906 with itself or another broccoli line. The invention further relates to hybrid broccoli seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line BRM50-3906 with another broccoli line.
US08748700B2
The subject invention relates in part to the control of AAD-1 monocot volunteers in fields planted with dicot crops such as soybeans or cotton. According to some embodiments of the subject invention, cyclohexanedione herbicides are selected as being an effective tool for controlling AAD-1 volunteers, as AAD genes do not impart tolerance to this class of graminicide chemistry. In addition, imidazolinone-class herbicides can be used in some preferred embodiments for selective control of conventional or herbicide-tolerant varieties of volunteer corn. AAD-1 corn comprising Event DAS-40278-9 is used in some particularly preferred embodiments.
US08748699B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing various yield-related traits by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a TFL1 Like (Terminal Flower Like 1) polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a TFL1 Like polypeptide, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants. The invention also provided hitherto unknown TFL1-Like encoding nucleic acids, and constructs comprising the same, useful in performing the methods of the invention.
US08748690B2
An absorbent article, such as a diaper, panty diaper, sanitary napkin or incontinence device includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core enclosed between the liquid-permeable topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes acidic fluff pulp having a pH of 5.5 or less and an organic zinc salt, in particular zinc ricinoleate. The combination of organic zinc salt and acidic fluff pulp exerts a synergetic effect in the suppression of ammonia.
US08748684B2
A method of crystallizing a crystalline molecular sieve having a pore size in the range of from about 2 to about 19 Å, said method comprising the steps of (a) providing a mixture comprising at least one source of ions of tetravalent element (Y), at least one hydroxide source (OH), and water, said mixture having a solid-content in the range of from about 15 wt. % to about 50 wt. %; and (b) treating said mixture to form the desired crystalline molecular sieve with stirring at crystallization conditions sufficient to obtain a weight hourly throughput from about 0.005 to about 1 hr−1, wherein said crystallization conditions comprise a temperature in the range of from about 200° C. to about 500° C. and a crystallization time less than 100 hr.
US08748673B2
Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing an esterification product, such as ethyl acetate. The processes comprise esterifying acetic acid and an alcohol such as ethanol to produce an esterification product. The esterification product is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising ethyl acetate, ethanol, and at least one alcohol having at least 4 carbon atoms. The ethanol is recovered with a reduced amount of the alcohol having at least 4 carbon atoms.
US08748667B2
The instant invention provides for novel cationic lipids that can be used in combination with other lipid components such as cholesterol and PEG-lipids to form lipid nanoparticles with oligonucleotides. It is an object of the instant invention to provide a cationic lipid scaffold that demonstrates enhanced efficacy along with lower liver toxicity as a result of lower lipid levels in the liver. The present invention employs low molecular weight cationic lipids with one short lipid chain to enhance the efficiency and tolerability of in vivo delivery of siRNA.
US08748665B2
The invention relates to a process for obtaining at least one aromatic amine from a liquid mixture comprising water and the at least one aromatic amine by extracting with at least one nitroaromatic in an extraction column (1) to form an essentially water- comprising raffinate stream and an extract stream comprising the at least one nitroaromatic and the aromatic amine. The extraction column (1) is divided by a dividing wall (3) into two regions (5, 7), and, in the case of an amount of liquid for separation which is less than a minimum cross sectional loading of the entire extraction column (1), the liquid mixture to be separated is fed only to one of the regions (5, 7) of the extraction column (1) divided by the dividing wall (3). The invention further relates to a process for preparing an aromatic amine and to an apparatus for separating a liquid mixture comprising water and at least one aromatic amine by extracting with at least one nitroaromatic, comprising an extraction column (1).
US08748663B2
Use of compounds of molecular formula (I) as curing activators of mixes having a cross-linkable unsaturated-chain polymer base: ([R1R2R3NR5(NR4R6R7)n](n+1)+)y(n+1)Xy− (I); where: X is an anionic atom or group; R1, R2 and R3, which may be the same or different, are each CmH2m+1, where m ranges between 1 and 3, or CH2CHCH2 or CHCHCH3; R4, R6 and R7, which may be the same or different, are each CH2CHCH2 or CHCHCH3; n is 0 or 1; y is 1 when n is 1; y is 1 or 2 when n is 0; R5 is an aliphatic group C15-C22 when n is 0; and is an aliphatic group C8-C16 when n is 1; when n is 0, at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R5 comprises a double bond.
US08748661B2
The present invention relates to novel polyamino polyketide antibiotics, methods of their production as well as methods of using these antibiotics, for example, for inhibition or removal of biofilm formation or for treating bacterial infection with these antibiotics.
US08748653B2
Disclosed is a purification method of reducing and removing fluoride ions contained in an optically active α-fluorocarboxylic acid ester represented by formula [1] [in the formula, R1 represents a C1-6 alkyl group, R2 represents a C1-4 alkyl group, and * represents an asymmetric carbon], the purification method of the optically active α-fluorocarboxylic acid ester being characterized by that a distillation is conducted in the presence of an organic base. By this method, it is possible to greatly reduce the concentration of fluoride ion traces contained in the optically active α-fluorocarboxylic acid ester by a relatively easy operation. Of the organic base, a tertiary amine is preferable, and above all tri-n-butylamine is particularly preferable.
US08748646B2
The present application relates to molecules comprising one or more beta-hydroxyamine moieties, for example, aminosilicones and compositions such as consumer products comprising such molecules, as well as processes for making and using such molecules and such compositions. The aforementioned process is safer, more efficient and thus more economical. Thus, the aforementioned moleculers may be more widely used.
US08748638B2
Alcohols are catalytically oxidized to aldehydes, in particular to benzaldehyde and diformylfuran, which are useful as intermediates for a multiplicity of purposes. The invention also relates to the polymerization of the dialdehyde and to the decarbonylation of the dialdehyde to furan.
US08748635B2
A method for alkylation of an anhydrosugar compound in which a dialkyl carbonate is reacted with an anhydrosugar compound in the presence of a solid phase basic catalyst. A typical anhydrosugar compound is anhydrosugar alcohol, a dianhydromonoether and mixtures thereof. The reaction step uses zeolyte as the solid phase basic catalyst. The zeolite catalyst is typically a zeolite having ammonium groups. The reaction is carried out at a temperature below 240° C. and the reaction time is 2 hours or less.
US08748631B2
Methods of making saxagliptin, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof and intermediates thereof.
US08748630B2
Disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 1 comprising contacting a compound of Formula 2 with at least one compound of Formula 3 in the presence of a solvent comprising one or more organic solvents selected from ethers and nitriles and a catalytically effective amount of a palladium complex comprising at least one tertiary phosphine ligand of Formula 4 wherein R1 is NHR3 or OR4; R2 is CH3 or Cl; R3 is H, alkyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopropylmethyl or methylcyclopropyl; R4 is H or C1-C4 alkyl; M1 is an alkali metal; and R5, R6 and R7 are defined in the disclosure; provided that when R2 is Cl, then X is Br. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a compound of Formula 5 wherein R14, R15, R16 and Z are as defined in the disclosure using a compound of Formula 1 characterized by preparing the compound of Formula 1 by the aforedescribed method.
US08748625B2
The present invention relates to crystalline forms of 3-[5-(2-fluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid, pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms comprising the crystalline forms, methods of making the crystalline forms and methods for their use for the treatment, prevention or management of diseases ameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay.
US08748623B2
There is disclosed pyridine-and pyrimidinecarboxamide compounds useful as pharmaceutical agents, synthesis processes, and pharmaceutical compositions which include pyridine-and pyrimidinecarboxamides compounds. More specifically, there is disclosed a genus of CXCR2 inhibitor compounds that are useful for treating a variety of inflammatory and neoplastic disorders.
US08748618B2
This invention describes the development of targeted small molecule inhibitors of the inv(16) fusion, the causative agent in ˜12% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The inv(16) fusion results in expression of the CBFβ-SMMHC fusion protein in the blood cells of afflicted patients. The present invention provides compounds which inhibit the function of both CBFβ and the CBFβ-SMMHC fusion. These compounds block the growth of an inv(16) leukemia cell line as well as increase its apoptosis, while showing minimal effects against non inv(16) cell lines. As a mechanism to develop inhibitors with selectivity for the CBFβ-SMMHC fusion protein, the present invention further provides dimeric derivatives of these compounds which show both increased potency as well selectivity for CBFβ-SMMHC. These compounds show potent inhibition of an inv(16) leukemia cell line with minimal effects on non inv(16) cell lines. Analysis of the pharmacokinetics of the developed compounds has made it possible to improve the lifetime of the compound in the plasma of mice to a level commensurate with long-term treatment.
US08748614B2
The invention relates to 6-substituted isoquinoline and isochinolone derivatives of the formula (I) useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases associated with Rho-kinase and/or Rho-kinase mediated phosphorylation of myosin light chain phosphatase, and compositions containing such compounds.
US08748612B2
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.
US08748611B2
Processes for preparing morphinan-6-one products with low levels of alpha beta-unsaturated compounds
The present invention generally relates to processes for preparing highly pure morphinan-6-one products. The processes involve reducing the concentration of α,β-unsaturated ketone compounds present as impurities in morphinan 6 one products or reaction mixtures including morphinan 6 one compounds by treatment with a sulfur-containing compound.
US08748606B2
The present invention provides 4,6-diaminopyrimidine compounds useful as kinase inhibitors, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US08748600B2
The present invention relates to triazine compounds having sodium channel blocking properties, and to use of the compounds for preparation of medicaments for treatment of associated disorders. The triazine compounds are of formula (I) wherein: R1 is hydrogen or a substituent group; R2 is amino or a substituent group; N* is amino when R1 is hydrogen or ═NH when R1 is a substituent group; R3 and R4 are both carbocyclic, heterocyclic or alkyl groups and may be same or different; and R5 is hydrogen, alkyl or a cyclic aryl group, with the proviso that: when R3 and R4 are both alkyl they are linked to form a cycloalkyl group, and R5 is a cyclic aromatic group; and when R3 and R4 are both carbocyclic or heterocyclic groups, R5 is hydrogen or an alkyl group; or a salt thereof.
US08748592B1
The present invention relates to an siRNA inhibiting expression of the OTUB1 protein and a composition for preventing or treating cancer containing same as an active ingredient. In accordance with the present invention, cancer cell growth can be remarkably inhibited by inhibiting OTUB1 expression using the siRNA of the present invention.
US08748588B2
Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal proteins from an algal biomass or algal culture are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins. These proteins can be used as renewable sources of proteins for animal feedstocks and human food. Further, lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08748581B2
The present invention relates to amino acid sequences that are directed against/and or that can specifically bind Interleukin-6 Receptor (IL-6R) with improved affinity and/or avidity, and/or that have an improved efficacy and/or potency, and which are capable of (partially, or preferably totally) blocking the IL-6/IL-6R interaction and/or inhibit signalization through IL-6, IL-6R and/or the IL-6/IL-6R complex. The invention further relates to compounds or constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise or essentially consist of one or more such amino acid sequences. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such amino acid sequences and polypeptides, to methods for preparing such amino acid sequences and polypeptides, to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such amino acid sequences or polypeptides, to compositions, and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions, that comprise such amino acid sequences, polypeptides, nucleic acids and/or host cells, and to uses of such amino acid sequences or polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells and/or compositions, in particular for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
US08748567B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for delivering agents to target cells or tissues, for example nerve cells and other cells in the central nervous system. The compositions and methods are useful for delivering agents across the blood-brain barrier. The present invention also provides methods of using the compositions provided by the present invention to deliver agents, for example therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurologically related disorders.
US08748565B2
This invention relates to peptides having antiviral properties. The antiviral peptides comprise membrane transiting peptides, and active fragments and derivatives of such peptides. The antiviral peptides exhibit activity against a broad spectrum of viruses, including enveloped and nonenveloped viruses, and are used in pharmaceutical compositions to prevent and/or treat viral infections.
US08748558B2
Methods for producing biocompatible compositions are provided. The biocompatible compositions include an aliphatic polyester macromer produced without the use of solvents or catalysts. The resulting aliphatic polyester macromer may be reacted with a polyisocyanate to form an end-capped aliphatic polyester macromer which, in turn, may be reacted with a polyol to produce a polyurethane. The polyurethane, in turn, may be reacted with a second polyisocyanate to produce an isocyanate-functional polyurethane. The compositions prepared by the methods of the present disclosure may be used as adhesives or sealants for medical/surgical uses.
US08748545B2
The present invention relates to the manufacture of bioresourced polymer-grade acrylic acid from glycerol. The polymer grade acrylic acid produced has limited content of certain impurities harmful to polymerization processes, such as, total aldehydes, protoanemonin, maleic anhydride and nonphenolic polymerization inhibitors. The invention also relates to the use of the bioresourced acrylic acid obtained for manufacture of superabsorbents or for manufacture of polymers or copolymers using amide or ester derivatives of the bioresourced acrylic acid.
US08748538B2
Graft copolymers of hydrophobic polymers and hydrophilic polymers, a method for their preparation, and their use in membranes for medical treatments such as hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration, in membranes for water purification, and in membranes for bioprocessing.
US08748537B2
The present invention relates to a crosslinked lignin comprising a lignin structure having methylene or ethylene linking groups therein crosslinking between phenyl ring carbon atoms, wherein said crosslinked lignin is crosslinked to an extent that it has a number-average molecular weight of at least 10,000 g/mol, is melt-processible, and has either a glass transition temperature of at least 100° C., or is substantially soluble in a polar organic solvent or aqueous alkaline solution. Thermoplastic copolymers containing the crosslinked lignin are also described. Methods for producing the crosslinked lignin and thermoplastic copolymers are also described.
US08748532B2
There is provided a flexible, low temperature, filled composite material composition and method of synthesizing the composite material composition. The composite material composition has a segmented copolymer elastomer having an α,ω-(alpha, omega)-dihydroxy terminated polysiloxane species, a diisocyanate species, and an amine or hydroxy terminated chain extender. The composite material composition further has a solid particulate filler. The composite material composition has a high flexibility at a temperature of down to about −100 degrees Celsius, has a percent elongation of greater than about 100%, and has a tensile strength of greater than about 5 MPa (megapascals).
US08748520B2
A polycarbonate resin composition comprising a compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein each of R1a, R1b, R1c, R1d and R1e independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent provided that OH is excluded, at least one of the substituents represents a substituent having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more, and the substituents may be combined each other to form a ring; and each of R1g, R1h, R1i, R1j, R1k, R1m, R1n and R1p independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and the substituents may be combined each other to form a ring.
US08748499B2
A stable dispersion of insoluble collagen is provided by a microfluidization process. The dispersions of insoluble collagen protein remain in stable suspension under long term storage conditions, with minimal or no settling or precipitation. More specifically the invention provides a stable dispersion of insoluble collagen comprising collagen particles wherein 50% by volume of said particles are less than 30 micrometers in width. These dispersions provide collagen in an aqueous form, which enables ease of incorporation into food and beverages and ease of administration to people or other mammals in need of collagen.
US08748494B2
The invention relates to a method for increasing the therapeutic efficacy of curcuminoids and analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for increasing the therapeutic efficacy of systemically administered formulations that contain curcuminoids and the equivalent therapeutics thereof. The method is characterized in that together with the administration of the formulation the patient is irradiated with visible, and optionally ultraviolet, radiation during a treatment. The invention also relates to phototherapy devices that emit visible radiation over a surface area greater than 0.2 m2 with an irradiance of more than 2 mW/cm2, the devices being suitable for use in the treatment of proliferative diseases, particularly moderate-to-severe psoriasis or tumor processes.
US08748489B2
This invention relates to a solid pharmaceutical composition that include a regulating agent of digestive and/or intestinal motility which has an agonist effect on peripheral μ, δ and κ opiate receptors; and an antiflatulent for the treatment and regulation of intestinal motility and flatulence in mammals. More in particularly, the pharmaceutical composition includes: (a) at least a regulating agent of intestinal motility such as trimebutine; (b) at least an antiflatulent such as simethicone; (c) at least a flowability promoter; (d) one or more lubricant; (e) at least an extender/diluent; (f) at least a disintegrant; and, (g) at least a binder.
US08748488B2
Administration of Oxybutynin directly to a patient's lungs for treating urinary incontinence, respiratory disease or IBD.
US08748485B2
Provided is a levodopa prodrug that overcomes the problems attributed to the blood kinetics of levodopa such as large number of doses and the incidence of side effects due to frequent dosing. (2S)-2-Amino-3-(3,4-bis((2-(benzoyloxy)-2-methylpropanoyl)oxy)phenyl)propanoic acid, a salt thereof, or a solvate thereof is a levodopa prodrug, and provides a flat blood concentration-time profile of levodopa through oral administration, and therefore is useful as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for Parkinson's disease and/or Parkinson's syndrome that overcomes the problems associated with pharmaceutical preparations of levodopa.
US08748476B2
The invention provides the use of darifenacin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for the reduction of urgency in patients suffering from overactive bladder.
US08748459B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, where; R1 is C1-C6 alkyl, substituted C1-C6 alkyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, substituted C3-C7 cycloalkyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl-C1-C3 alkyl, substituted C3-C7 cycloalkyl-C1-C3 alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocycle, or substituted heterocycle; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl-C1-C3 alkyl, or a group of formula II R3 is hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl; R4 is hydrogen, halo, or C1-C3 alkyl; R5 is hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl; R6 is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl; and n is an integer from 1 to 6 inclusively. The compounds of the present invention are useful for activating 5-HTlF receptors, inhibiting neuronal protein extravasation, and for the treatment or prevention of migraine in a mammal. The present invention also relates to a process for the synthesis of intermediates in the synthesis of compounds of Formula I.
US08748457B2
The present invention is related to novel 2-Amino-2-[8-(dimethyl carbamoyl)-8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl]-exo-ethanoyl derivatives of the general formula (A), their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods of making of the above compounds, and their use as Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) Inhibitors, which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases particularly Type II diabetes, other complications related to diabetes and other pathogenic conditions in which DPP IV enzyme is involved.
US08748453B2
The present invention is directed to novel quinolines and quniazolines, their derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and hydrates thereof which are useful for the treatment of protein kinases mediated diseases and conditions. The compounds of this invention have a general Formula (I) wherein R1 to R11 and X are defined herein.
US08748449B2
Polyols stabilize polymorphous form of rifaximin, in particular the β form. When polyols having at least two hydroxy groups are added to rifaximin powder, polymorph β is stable and remains stable in time independently from the environment humidity.In this invention a method to prepare formulations constituted by pure and stable polymorphous forms able to give a pharmaceutical product is described.
US08748444B2
Disclosed are compounds represented by Formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, enantiomers or diastereomers thereof. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, enantiomers or diastereomers thereof and methods of inhibiting 11 β-HSD1 activity comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt, enantiomer or diastereomer thereof. Values for the variables of Formula (I) are defined herein.
US08748440B2
Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for modulating the activity of nuclear receptors are provided. In particular, quinazolinones are provided for modulating the activity of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and/or orphan nuclear receptors.
US08748425B2
Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising brimondine and timolol for topical ophthalmic delivery and a method of treatment comprising administering said composition when indicated for glaucoma and associated conditions such as elevated intraocular pressure in the eyes of humans.
US08748424B2
The present invention relates to substituted triazole compounds and compositions comprising substituted triazole compounds. The invention further relates to the use of a substituted triazole compound of the invention, or a composition comprising such a compound in the preparation of a medicament for preventing or treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, in a subject in need thereof.
US08748404B2
A pro-inflammatory T cell response is specifically suppressed by the injection into a recipient of DNA encoding an autoantigen associated with autoimmune disease. The recipient may be further treating by co-vaccination with a DNA encoding a Th2 cytokine, particularly encoding IL4. In response to the vaccination, the proliferation of autoantigen-reactive T cells and the secretion of Th1 cytokines, including IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-15, are reduced.
US08748399B2
An acid-cleavable peptide linker comprising aspartic acid and proline residues is disclosed. The acid-cleavable peptide linker provides an altered sensitivity to acid-hydrolytic release of peptides of interest from fusion peptides of the formula PEP1-L-PEP2. The inventive linker, L, is described in various embodiments, each of which provides substantially more rapid acid-release of peptides of interest than does a single aspartic acid-proline pair. In an additional aspect, a method of increasing the stability of an acid cleavable linkage to acid hydrolysis is also provided.
US08748396B2
Lyophilized pulmonary surfactants having an increased specific surface area and porosity are described. A method of making lyophilized pulmonary surfactants is described.
US08748391B2
The present invention relates to methods of treating dry eye using β-turn peptidomimetic cyclic compounds or derivatives thereof. The β-turn peptidomimetic cyclic compounds can be used alone, in combination and/or in conjunction with one or more other compounds, molecules or drugs that treat dry eye.
US08748382B2
The present invention provides a storage-stable composition containing a parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and methods of using a PTHrP and the PTHrP compositions described herein to treat osteoporosis, to increase bone mass or to increase bone quality. The composition is storage stable, in sterile form, and in general may be stored at room temperature for at least several weeks to allow convenient parenteral administration to human patients.
US08748378B2
The present invention provides methods for the treatment, and pharmaceuticals for use in the treatment, of mammalian subjects in, or at risk of, acute renal failure, or subject to, or at risk of, inflammation, neutrophil-mediated cell damage, and apoptosis resulting from tissue damage or injury. The methods involve the administration of certain proteins of the osteogenic protein/bone morphogenetic protein (OP/BMP) family within the TGF-β superfamily of proteins.
US08748376B2
Stable pharmaceutical composition comprising insulinotropic peptide.
US08748372B2
The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a TRIM-cyclophilin A fusion sequence encoding a TRIMcyp fusion protein which is active as an anti-viral agent, and in particular an anti-HIV-1 agent. The invention provides for a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having both TRIM activity and cyclophilin activity. The invention provides for an isolated polynucleotide encoding a TRIM-cyclophilin fusion protein, or variants thereof retaining the TRIM and cyclophilin activities. The invention provides for compositions thereof, antibodies that specifically bind thereto, and vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid or polypeptide. In addition, the invention provides for methods for treating or preventing viral infection, or reducing viral load in a subject comprising administering the nucleic acid, polypeptide, vector, or composition to the subject in an amount effective to treat or prevent the viral infection.
US08748366B2
A process for the preparation of a spray-dried powder containing at least one glycine-N,N-diacetic acid compound of a formula MOOC—CHR—N(CH2COOM)2, where R is a C1-12-alkyl and M is an alkali metal, the process including: preparing an aqueous solution containing the glycine-N,N-diacetic acid compound; concurrently passing the aqueous solution and air into a spray-drying apparatus; atomizing the aqueous solution by feeding the aqueous solution onto a rotating disk or by compressing the aqueous solution with a pump to a pressure of ≧20 bar absolute, to obtain fine liquid droplets; and drying the droplets, to obtain the spray-dried powder, where a temperature gradient between the aqueous solution and the air is in a range from 70 to 350° C., and a content of the glycine-N,N-diacetic acid compound in the aqueous solution is ≧84% by weight, based on a total weight of the dry mass.
US08748356B2
Methods useful for human adapting non-human monoclonal antibodies are disclosed. The methods select candidate human antibody framework sequences from a database of human germline genes or human sequences with somatic mutations.
US08748354B2
A method of sample analysis is provided. In certain cases, the method comprises: a) cross-linking the contents of a cell using a heat stable crosslinking agent to produce cross-linked ribonucleotide complexes; b) fragmenting the cross-linked ribonucleotide complexes to produce complexes comprising protein, RNA fragments and, optionally, genomic DNA fragments; c) contacting the complexes with a plurality of non-overlapping oligonucleotides comprise an affinity tag and that are complementary to a specific target RNA of the cell under high stringency conditions that include high temperature; d) isolating complexes that contain the oligonucleotides using the affinity tag to produce isolated complexes; e) enzymatically releasing the protein, RNA fragments and/or the genomic DNA fragments from the isolated complexes to produce a released component, without reversing the crosslinking; and f) analyzing the released component.
US08748353B2
The present invention discloses novel methods for the generation, expression and screening of diverse collections of binding proteins such as antibodies or fragments thereof in vertebrate host cells in vitro, for the identification and isolation of ligand- or antigen-specific binding proteins. The methods disclosed herein allow the expression of diverse collections of binding proteins from at least one vector construct, which optionally can give rise to collections of diverse binding proteins upon transfer and expression into vertebrate host cells in situ.
US08748349B2
A superconducting article includes a substrate having a biaxially textured surface. A biaxially textured buffer layer, which can be a cap layer, is supported by the substrate. The buffer layer includes a double perovskite of the formula A2B′B″O6, where A is rare earth or alkaline earth metal and B′ and B″ are different transition metal cations. A biaxially textured superconductor layer is deposited so as to be supported by the buffer layer. A method of making a superconducting article is also disclosed.
US08748345B2
A method of improving turfgrass quality involves applying onto the turfgrass an effective amount of a composition which has been dissolved or dispersed in water, wherein the composition contains between 0.11 and 0.14 parts by weight of a phthalocyanine compound, preferably Pigment Green 7, per one part by weight of monoalkyl esters of phosphorous acid or salts thereof, preferably fosetyl aluminum or salts thereof.
US08748337B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a multi-metals/activated carbon composite, more particularly to a method for preparing a multi-metals/activated carbon composite, which is prepared by electrochemical electroplating of an alloy plate comprising at least two metals and activated carbons fixed on a conductive support under a predetermined condition. The multi-metals/activated carbon composite prepared in accordance with the present invention has improved adhesion force and specific surface area than those of a conventional composite obtained by continuously plating activated carbons, in which metal salts are impregnated, or metals and good reactivity due to the introduction of pure metals. Since the composition and content of metals can be controlled accurately, the multi-metals/activated carbon composite is useful as an active material for filters for removing gaseous or liquid pollutants, secondary cells, fuel cells, capacitors, hydrogen storage electrodes, etc.
US08748334B2
This invention provides a process for producing an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, comprising a first support step of producing metallic fine particles having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 1.5 nm provided at regulated particle intervals on an electroconductive carbon carrier, and a second support step of growing a metal identical to or dissimilar to the metal using the metallic fine particles as a nucleus. In the first support step, the metallic fine particles are supported by an immersion method. The above constitution can provide an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which has a high level of percentage support, has a high level of dispersibility, and has improved methanol oxidation activity per weight of the catalyst. Further, when treatment in an atmosphere containing hydrogen is carried out at a low temperature below 100° C., the methanol oxidation activity per active surface area can be improved without lowering the active area.
US08748309B2
Integrated circuits with improved gate uniformity and methods for fabricating such integrated circuits are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes providing a structure including a first region and a second region and a structure surface formed by the first region and the second region. The first region is formed by a first material and the second region is formed by a second material. In the method, the structure surface is exposed to a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) and an irradiated layer is formed in the structure in both the first region and the second region. The irradiated layer is etched to form a recess.
US08748307B2
A method for processing a wafer in accordance with various embodiments may include: forming a passivation over the wafer; forming a protection layer over at least a surface of the passivation facing away from the wafer, wherein the protection layer includes a material that is selectively etchable to a material of the passivation; forming a mask layer over at least a surface of the protection layer facing away from the wafer, wherein the mask layer includes a material that is selectively etchable to the material of the protection layer; etching the wafer using the mask layer as a mask; selectively etching the material of the mask layer to remove the mask layer from the protection layer, after etching the wafer; and selectively etching the material of the protection layer to remove the protection layer from the passivation, after selectively etching the material of the mask layer.
US08748302B2
In a replacement gate approach, the dielectric material for laterally encapsulating the gate electrode structures may be provided in the form of a first interlayer dielectric material having superior gap filling capabilities and a second interlayer dielectric material that provides high etch resistivity and robustness during a planarization process. In this manner, undue material erosion upon replacing the placeholder material may be avoided, which results in reduced yield loss and superior device uniformity.
US08748283B2
Methods of forming capacitors and semiconductor devices including a rutile titanium dioxide material
Methods of forming a capacitor including forming at least one aperture in a support material, forming a titanium nitride material within the at least one aperture, forming a ruthenium material within the at least one aperture over the titanium nitride material, and forming a first conductive material over the ruthenium material within the at least one aperture. The support material may then be removed and the titanium nitride material may be oxidized to form a titanium dioxide material. A second conductive material may then be formed over an outer surface of the titanium dioxide material.
US08748281B2
When forming sophisticated high-k metal gate electrode structures, the removal of a dielectric cap material may be accomplished with superior process uniformity by using a silicon dioxide material. In other illustrative embodiments, an enhanced spacer regime may be applied, thereby also providing superior implantation conditions for forming drain and source extension regions and drain and source regions.
US08748276B2
A through portion is formed on a semiconductor substrate. Into the semiconductor substrate, a first ion implantation is performed via the through portion. The through portion is at least partially removed in the thickness direction from a region of at least a portion of the through portion when viewed in a plan view. A second ion implantation is performed into the semiconductor substrate at the region of at least the portion thereof. An implantation energy for the first ion implantation is equal to an implantation energy for the second ion implantation.
US08748266B2
In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a MISFET of trench gate structure, a trench is formed from a major surface of a semiconductor layer of first conductivity type which serves as a drain region, in a depth direction of the direction of the semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film including a thermal oxide film and a deposited film is formed over the internal surface of the trench, and after a gate electrode has been formed in the trench, impurities are introduced into the semiconductor substrate of first conductivity type to form a semiconductor region of second conductivity type which serves as a channel forming region, and impurities are introduced into the semiconductor region of second conductivity type to form the semiconductor region of first conductivity type which serves as a source region.
US08748251B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor may include providing a substrate having first and second regions defined therein, forming an interlayer dielectric layer including first and second trenches formed in the first and second regions, respectively, and conformally forming a gate dielectric layer along a top surface of the interlayer dielectric layer, side and bottom surfaces of the first trench and side, and bottom surfaces of the second trench. An etch stop dielectric layer may be formed on the gate dielectric layer, a first metal layer may be formed to fill the first and second trenches, and the first metal layer in the first region may be removed using the etch stop dielectric layer as an etch stopper.
US08748249B2
A vertical structure non-volatile memory device in which a gate dielectric layer is prevented from protruding toward a substrate; a resistance of a ground selection line (GSL) electrode is reduced so that the non-volatile memory device is highly integrated and has improved reliability, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes: sequentially forming a polysilicon layer and an insulating layer on a silicon substrate; forming a gate dielectric layer and a channel layer through the polysilicon layer and the insulating layer, the gate dielectric layer and the channel layer extending in a direction perpendicular to the silicon substrate; forming an opening for exposing the silicon substrate, through the insulating layer and the polysilicon layer; removing the polysilicon layer exposed through the opening, by using a halogen-containing reaction gas at a predetermined temperature; and filling a metallic layer in the space formed by removing the polysilicon layer.
US08748246B2
A transistor includes a semiconductor substrate includes having a gate hardmask over the gate electrode layer during the formation of transistor source/drain regions. An independent work function adjustment process implants Group IIIa series dopants into a gate polysilicon layer of a PMOS transistor and implants lanthanide series dopants into a gate polysilicon layer of a NMOS transistor.
US08748243B2
A manufacturing method is provided which achieves an SOI substrate with a large area and can improve productivity of manufacture of a display device using the SOI substrate. A plurality of single-crystalline semiconductor layers are bonded to a substrate having an insulating surface, and a circuit including a transistor is formed using the single-crystalline semiconductor layers, so that a display device is manufactured. Single-crystalline semiconductor layers separated from a single-crystalline semiconductor substrate are applied to the plurality of single-crystalline semiconductor layers. Each of the single-crystalline semiconductor layers has a size corresponding to one display panel (panel size).
US08748236B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes irradiating light to an effective region of a semiconductor substrate. A wavelength of the light is a wavelength adapted so that light absorptance of the semiconductor substrate increases if an intensity of the light increases. The light is irradiated so that a focus point of the light is made within the semiconductor substrate in the irradiating.
US08748235B2
In an embodiment of the invention, a non-volatile anti-fuse memory cell is disclosed. The memory cell consists of a programmable n-channel diode-connectable transistor. The poly-silicon gate of the transistor has two portions. One portion is doped more highly than a second portion. The transistor also has a source with two portions where one portion of the source is doped more highly than a second portion. The portion of the gate that is physically closer to the source is more lightly doped than the other portion of the poly-silicon gate. The portion of the source that is physically closer to the lightly doped portion of the poly-silicone gate is lightly doped with respect to the other portion of the source. When the transistor is programmed, a rupture in the insulator will most likely occur in the portion of the poly-silicone gate that is heavily doped.
US08748234B2
A method for making the same is disclosed. First, a first substrate and a second substrate are provided. The first substrate includes a release film attached to a carrier. The second substrate includes a copper film covered with a solder mask. Second, the solder masked is patterned. Next, the release film and the patterned solder mask are pressed together so that the first substrate is attached to the second substrate. Then, the copper film is patterned to form a first pattern and a second pattern. The first pattern is in direct contact with the release film and the second pattern is in direct contact with the patterned solder mask. Later, a passivation is formed to cover the first pattern and the second pattern to form a circuit board structure. Afterwards, a package is formed on the carrier to form a packaging structure.
US08748232B2
Semiconductor devices are described that include a via that extends only partially through the substrate. Through-substrate vias (TSV) furnish electrical interconnectivity to electronic components formed in the substrates. In implementations, the semiconductor devices are fabricated by first bonding a semiconductor wafer to a carrier wafer with an adhesive material. The semiconductor wafer includes an etch stop disposed within the wafer (e.g., between a first surface a second surface of the wafer). One or more vias are formed through the wafer. The vias extend from the second surface to the etch stop.
US08748223B2
An object is to provide an oxide semiconductor having stable electric characteristics and a semiconductor device including the oxide semiconductor. A manufacturing method of a semiconductor film by a sputtering method includes the steps of holding a substrate in a treatment chamber which is kept in a reduced-pressure state; heating the substrate at lower than 400° C.; introducing a sputtering gas from which hydrogen and moisture are removed in the state where remaining moisture in the treatment chamber is removed; and forming an oxide semiconductor film over the substrate with use of a metal oxide which is provided in the treatment chamber as a target. When the oxide semiconductor film is formed, remaining moisture in a reaction atmosphere is removed; thus, the concentration of hydrogen and the concentration of hydride in the oxide semiconductor film can be reduced. Thus, the oxide semiconductor film can be stabilized.
US08748222B2
A method for manufacturing oxide thin film transistors includes steps of: forming a gate, a drain electrode, a source electrode, and an oxide semiconductor layer respectively. The oxide semiconductor layer is formed on the gate electrode; the drain electrode and the source electrode are formed at two opposite sides of the oxide semiconductor layer. The method further includes a step of depositing a dielectric layer of silicon oxide, and a reacting gas for depositing the silicon oxide includes silane and nitrous oxide. A flow rate of nitrous oxide is in a range from 10 to 200 standard cubic centimeters per minute (SCCM). Oxide thin film transistors manufactured by above method has advantages of low leakage, high mobility, and other integrated circuit member can be directly formed on the thin film transistor array substrate of a display device.
US08748220B2
A method includes combining organic semiconductor molecules and plasticizer molecules to form over a substrate a solid organic semiconductor channel. The channel may comprise at least about 50% by weight of the plasticizer molecules.
US08748218B2
A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type, a plurality of first electrodes each including a first electrode layer connected to the emitter layer and a second electrode layer positioned on the first electrode layer, at least one first current collector connected to the plurality of first electrodes, and a second electrode connected to the substrate. The emitter layer forms a p-n junction along with the substrate. The first electrode layer has a first width and the second electrode layer has a second width less than the first width of the first electrode layer.
US08748206B2
Systems and methods for a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a first double chip that includes a first base layer; a first device layer bonded to the first base layer, the first device layer comprising a first set of MEMS devices; and a first top layer bonded to the first device layer, wherein the first set of MEMS devices is hermetically isolated. The system also comprises a second double chip that includes a second base layer; a second device layer bonded to the second base layer, the second device layer comprising a second set of MEMS devices; and a second top layer bonded to the second device layer, wherein the second set of MEMS devices is hermetically isolated, wherein a first top surface of the first top layer is bonded to a second top surface of the second top layer.
US08748203B2
A method of making a LED includes steps of providing a substrate having an epitaxial growth surface. A buffer layer and an intrinsic semiconductor layer are grown thereon in that order. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the intrinsic semiconductor layer. A first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer are grown in that order on the intrinsic semiconductor layer, the first semiconductor layer covering the carbon nanotube layer. A first electrode is applied to a surface of the second semiconductor layer and the substrate, the buffer layer, and the intrinsic semiconductor layer are removed to expose the carbon nanotube layer. A second electrode is applied to make electrical connections with the carbon nanotube layer.
US08748202B2
A method of fabricating a substrate free light emitting diode (LED), includes arranging LED dies on a tape to form an LED wafer assembly, molding an encapsulation structure over at least one of the LED dies on a first side of the LED wafer assembly, removing the tape, forming a dielectric layer on a second side of the LED wafer assembly, forming an oversized contact region on the dielectric layer to form a virtual LED wafer assembly, and singulating the virtual LED wafer assembly into predetermined regions including at least one LED. The tape can be a carrier tape or a saw tape. Several LED dies can also be electrically coupled before the virtual LED wafer assembly is singulated into predetermined regions including at the electrically coupled LED dies.
US08748197B2
A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure is provided over a device wherein the MTJ comprises a tunnel barrier layer between a free layer and a pinned layer; and a top and bottom electrode inside the MTJ structure. A hard mask layer is formed on the top electrode. The hard mask layer, top electrode, free layer, tunnel barrier layer, and pinned layer are patterned to define the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structures. A first dielectric layer is deposited over the MTJ structures and planarized to expose the top electrode. Thereafter, the top electrode and free layer are patterned. A second dielectric layer is deposited over the MTJ structures and planarized to expose the top electrode. A third dielectric layer is deposited over the MTJ structures and a metal line contact is formed through the third dielectric layer to the top electrode to complete fabrication of the magnetic device.
US08748193B2
This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for desorption and ionization of analytes for the purpose of subsequent scientific analysis by such methods, for example, as mass spectrometry or biosensors. More specifically, this invention relates to the field of mass spectrometry, especially to the type of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometry used to analyze macromolecules, such as proteins or biomolecules. Most specifically, this invention relates to the sample probe geometry, sample probe composition, and sample probe surface chemistries that enable the selective capture and desorption of analytes, including intact macromolecules, directly from the probe surface into the gas (vapor) phase without added chemical matrix.
US08748190B2
The present invention provides methods for detecting urushiol-bearing plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention is a method of detecting a urushiol-bearing plant, the method comprising: dispensing a urushiol marking composition on a surface of the urushiol-bearing plant; then detecting a visual change on the urushiol-bearing plant caused by the reaction of the urushiol marking composition with the urushiol borne by the urushiol-bearing plant.
US08748188B2
Chlorine dioxide solutions are stabilized and prepared for storage, transportation, and testing. Each solution is separated into two samples. Chlorine dioxide is removed from one sample and then each sample is stabilized and prepared such that each sample contains only oxidized and/or reduced forms of chlorine dioxide. The stable samples may be stored, transported, and tested for chlorine dioxide. The samples are tested for the oxidized and/or reduced forms of chlorine dioxide by known methods, and mass balance equations are used to determine the concentration of chlorine dioxide in the original sample before stabilization and preparation.
US08748177B2
We have discovered that p63 inhibition results in increased cellular proliferation. We have also performed a screen for agents capable of increasing cellular proliferation, (e.g., of stem cells such as skin-derived precursors (SKPs)). The invention therefore invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing proliferation of cells, using compounds that decrease p63 expression or activity or using the compounds described herein. The invention also features methods of using these compounds for increasing hair growth, improving skin health, or promoting skin repair in a subject.
US08748171B2
The present invention provides cell populations that are enriched for mesendoderm and mesoderm, and cell populations that are enriched for endoderm. The cell populations of the invention are useful for generating cells for cell replacement therapy.
US08748164B2
A warm perfusion system that has the ability to support a tissue or organ at a near normal metabolic rate provides the mechanism not only for restored oxidative metabolism of the organ but for the delivery of cells, cell-based therapeutics, and growth and differentiation factors to a damaged tissue or organ. Subsequent to delivery of therapeutic cells, such as stem cells or progenitor cells, to the damaged organ, the cells can be prompted to grow, multiply and differentiate, thereby restoring damaged tissue.
US08748161B2
The subject invention relates to novel methods for treating microbial biomass and uses thereof. In particular, this invention provides methods for production of lipids using hydrophobic ionic liquid solutions, and subsequent uses of biomass components in food, biofuels, and as chemical precursors. Further, this invention provides methods for recovering the ionic liquids using an antisolvent, thus enabling subsequent reuse of the ionic liquids.
US08748158B2
Designed to afford a novel microorganism promoting gastric juice secretion and having platelet increasing activity, and to afford a pharmaceutical agent composed of a product secreted by the novel microorganism. The novel microorganism, international deposit number: NITE BP-295, belongs to the species Bacillus pumilus, and is characterized by taking either form of coccus and bacillus, and makes figure-eight movement. The novel microorganism of the present invention is the novel microorganism having the gene represented by SEQ ID No: 1, and an object of the present invention is to afford the microorganism and a gastric juice secretion-promoting composition composed of the product secreted by the novel microorganism.
US08748156B2
The present invention relates to animal protein-free cell culture media comprising polyamines and a plant- and/or yeast-derived hydrolysate. The invention also relates to animal protein-free culturing processes, wherein cells can be cultivated, propagated and passaged without adding supplementary animal proteins in the culture medium. These processes are useful in cultivating cells, such as recombinant cells or cells infected with a virus, and for producing biological products by cell culture processes.
US08748154B2
The present invention relates to a Sphingomonas sp. MD2 strain (KCTC 11845BP), a composition including the strain for decomposing methane or odor-producing compounds, a biocover or biofilter including the composition, a method for decomposing methane or odor-producing compounds using the composition, a system for decomposing methane or odor-producing compounds using the biocover or biofilter, and the use of the strain for decomposing methane or odor-producing compounds. According to the present invention, methane and odor can be effectively removed concurrently, and thus the cost required for the separate treatment of methane and odor can be reduced, and methane and odor-producing compounds in landfills or the like can be effectively decomposed.
US08748146B2
Aspects of the invention provide engineered endonucleases that are characterized by both a long recognition sequence and specific cleavage outside of the recognition site. Engineered endonucleases of the invention are useful for manipulating long pieces of DNA.
US08748145B2
The present invention relates to novel mutants of PQQ s-GDH containing an amino acid substitution in position 428 of the protein sequence of the wild type PQQ s-GDH of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (SEQ.ID. NO:2). The invention also relates to the use of said PQQ s-GDH mutants for the development of glucose electrodes of interest in the assay of glucose, in particular of blood glucose in diabetic subjects, and for implementing biofuel cells that utilize glucose as fuel.
US08748143B2
The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.
US08748142B2
Materials for culturing cardiovascular tissues wherein a sponge made of a bioabsorbable material is reinforced with a reinforcement made of a bioabsorbable material.
US08748141B2
The present invention relates to methods for producing high levels of alcohol during fermentation of plant material, and to the high alcohol beer produced. The method can include fractionating the plant material. The present invention also relates to methods for producing high protein distiller's dried grain from fermentation of plant material, and to the high protein distiller's dried grain produced. The method can include drying a co-product by ring drying, flash drying, or fluid bed drying. The present invention further relates to reduced stack emissions from drying distillation products from the production of ethanol.
US08748140B2
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods related to the fermentation of xylose. Host cells having recombinant polynucleotides encoding one or more of aldose reductases, xylitol dehydrogenases, and xylulokinase are provided herein. Host cells having reduced expression of PHO13 are also provided herein. Also provided herein are uses of host cells provided herein, and methods relating to the use of xylose-containing materials.
US08748139B2
DNA constructs and genetically engineered microbial strains constructed using these DNA constructs, which produce a nuclease enzyme with specificity for DNA and/or RNA, are provided. These strains secrete nuclease into the periplasm or growth medium in an amount effective to enhance productivity and/or recovery of polymer, and are particularly suited for use in high cell density fermentation processes. These constructs are useful for modifying microbial strains to improve production and recovery processes for polymers such as intracellular proteins, such as enzymes, growth factors, and cytokines; for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates; and for producing extracellular polysaccharides, such as xanthan gum, alginates, gellan gum, zooglan, hyaluronic acid and microbial cellulose.
US08748138B2
A method or process for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in biomass. The process entails feeding an organic carbon containing substrate to biomass enriched in PHA accumulating bacteria. Particularly the process entails intermittently supplying the substrate to the biomass at least three separate times over a selected period. The object of the process is to produce PHA having a relatively high molecular weight, at least 400,000 g/mole. By controlling the frequency at which the substrate is supplied to the biomass and by feeding a sufficient amount of the substrate to the biomass, the method or process produces the PHA having the relatively high molecular weight.
US08748135B2
α-1,4-galactosyltransferase (CgtD) polypeptides, nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides, including a polypeptide from Campylobacter jejuni strain LIO87 have been isolated and characterized. A method of producing a galactosylated saccharide comprising contacting an acceptor saccharide containing a terminal galactose, a donor substrate comprising a galactose moiety and one of the CgtD polypeptides is described.
US08748127B2
The invention relates to a truncated L1 protein of the Human Papillomavirus Type 6, a virus-like particle consisting of the protein, a vaccine comprising said virus-like particle, and the use of the vaccine in the prevention of condyloma acuminatum or HPV infections.
US08748125B2
The present invention relates to non-steroidal ligands for use in nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system, and a method to modulate exogenous gene expression in which an ecdysone receptor complex comprising: a DNA binding domain; a ligand binding domain; a transactivation domain; and a ligand is contacted with a DNA construct comprising: the exogenous gene and a response element; wherein the exogenous gene is under the control of the response element and binding of the DNA binding domain to the response element in the presence of the ligand results in activation or suppression of the gene.
US08748124B2
Disclosed are novel microbial compositions and biodegradation processes to treat marine animal or marine animal by-products to produce solid, liquid and lipid fractions that contain useful compounds.
US08748121B2
The invention relates to biomarkers of oxidative stress and their use. Specifically, the invention relates to thiadiazabicyclo-4-oxo-2(E)-nonenal-Glutathione adduct as a biomarker of oxidative stress and its diagnostic use.
US08748118B2
The present invention is directed to the field of cancer diagnosis, specifically to the diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC) and prostate cancer (CaP). More specifically, the invention provides simple, non-invasive urinary tests characterized by high sensitivity and specificity, wherein urinary levels of heat shock proteins and anti-inflammatory cytokines are used as biomarkers.
US08748117B2
Probe 1 for detection and quantification of nitric oxide, which comprises two subunits 21 and 22 of soluble guanylate cyclase 2 and cGMP-visualization probes 3 respectively connected with each subunit, wherein the cGMP-visualization probe generates signal upon recognizing guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophospate.
US08748116B2
This invention pertains to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that can be used to diagnose and/or treat cardiovascular conditions including cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and heart failure.
US08748110B2
Methods of treating a subject having a cardiovascular disease, selecting a therapy for a subject having a cardiovascular disease, identifying a subject having a cardiovascular disease that will benefit or not benefit from exercise therapy, determining whether a subject having a cardiovascular disease should begin, continue, not begin, discontinue, or avoid exercise therapy, determining whether a subject having a cardiovascular disease should continue, discontinue, or avoid exercise therapy, reducing the risk of an adverse outcome (e.g., death) in a subject having a cardiovascular disease, and predicting the efficacy of exercise therapy in a subject having a cardiovascular disease. These methods include determining a level of soluble ST2 in a subject.
US08748107B2
The present invention provides antibodies which bind to CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and which do not induce significant apoptosis of CXCR4 expressing cells. Also provided are inter alia immunoconjugates and compositions comprising such antibodies and methods and uses involving such antibodies, particularly in the medical and diagnostic fields.
US08748106B2
This application is based, inter alia, on the discovery of a binding interaction between the Hn-33 hemagglutinin polypeptide of the type A Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin complex and synaptosomal proteins, including synaptotagmin II (Syt II). Methods of screening for compounds that modulate, e.g., increase or decrease, this interaction are provided. Also provided are compositions and methods for targeting compounds to neuronal and cancer cells by coupling the compounds to Hn-33 or biologically active Hn-33 variants.
US08748105B2
The invention relates to the field of candidate drug testing and drug development. A method is provided for providing a compound composed of at least one molecule attached via at least two linkages to a molecular scaffold, the method comprising providing a scaffold comprising at least a first and a second reactive group; providing at least one molecule capable of reacting with the at least first and second reactive group; contacting the scaffold with at least one molecule to form at least two linkages between the scaffold and the at least one molecule in a coupling reaction, wherein the formation of a linkage accelerates the formation of a consecutive linkage, preferably wherein the coupling reaction is performed in solution, more preferably in an aqueous solution. Furthermore, a method is provided for selecting a candidate drug compound comprising providing a library of compounds according to the invention and determining the binding of a target molecule to the compounds.
US08748104B1
The invention provides aptamers capable of binding to the skeletal Troponin I protein useful as diagnostics of skeletal muscle damage in which the skeletal Troponin I protein has been implicated.
US08748101B2
Methods, compositions, and devices are disclosed which use microRNA to detect, predict, treat, and monitor physiological conditions such as disease or injury. microRNA are isolated and their differential expression is measured to provide diagnostic information. This information may then be utilized for evaluation and/or treatment purposes.
US08748085B2
Systems and methods directed to the use 1002F to build microdevices and biomedical devices. Through the addition of a photosensitizing agent, Epon epoxy resin 1002F can be linked in the presence of UV light, making it useful as a photoresist or as a micropatternable structural material. One embodiment comprises combining 1002F monomer resin with a solvent and a photoinitiator, placing the monomer solution on a surface, exposing the monomer solution to UV light through a mask to initiate linking, and stripping the unlinked polymer away. In another embodiment, 3-D structures are built using two or more layers of sensitized monomer films, each having different sensitivity to light, and the use of a mask containing opaque and semi-opaque regions.
US08748078B2
A cyclic compound represented by formula (1): wherein L, R1, R′, and m are as defined in the specification. The cyclic compound of formula (1) is highly soluble to a safety solvent, highly sensitive, and capable of forming resist patterns with good profile. Therefore, the cyclic compound is useful as a component of a radiation-sensitive composition.
US08748077B2
To provide a resist pattern improving material, containing: water; and benzalkonium chloride represented by the following general formula (1): where n is an integer of 8 to 18.
US08748076B2
There is disclosed a resist composition comprising at least: (A) a polymer containing one or more repeating units having a structure shown by the following general formula (1) and/or (2), an alkaline-solubility of the polymer being increased by an acid, (B) a photo acid generator generating, with responding to a high energy beam, a sulfonic acid shown by the following general formula (3), and (C) an onium sulfonate shown by the following general formula (4). There can be a resist composition showing not only excellent LWR and pattern profile but also extremely good performance in pattern-fall resistance, and to provide a patterning process using the same.
US08748063B2
Methods and structures for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography are disclosed. A method includes determining a phase error correction for a defect in an EUV mask, determining an amplitude error correction for the EUV mask based on both the defect in the EUV mask and the phase error correction, and modifying the EUV mask with the determined phase error correction and the determined amplitude error correction.
US08748059B2
A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.
US08748050B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable fuel cell power source including an expandable enclosure, a first reactant contained within the enclosure, one or more fuel cells and a fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells. The enclosure may also include an opening to insert a second reactant. When the first reactant is contacted with the second reactant a fuel is generated for use with one or more of the fuel cells. The volume of the portable fuel cell power source in a collapsed state may be smaller than the volume of the amount of first reactant and second reactant needed to substantially consume the first reactant in a fuel generation reaction.
US08748043B2
Disclosed is an electrochemical cell comprising a lithium anode and a sulfur-containing cathode and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The cell exhibits high utilization of the electroactive sulfur-containing material of the cathode and a high charge-discharge efficiency.
US08748042B2
A cathode active material capable of increasing a capacity and improving high temperature characteristics or cycle characteristics, a method of manufacturing it, a cathode using the cathode active material, and a battery using the cathode active material are provided. In a cathode active material contained in a cathode, a coating layer is provided on at least part of complex oxide particle containing at least lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co). The coating layer is an oxide which contains lithium (Li) and at least one of nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn).
US08748040B2
A negative electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery, which includes a composition including Si in an amount of from 30% to 65% by mass of the negative electrode active material, includes a two phase matrix structure including an Sn—Cu based alloy matrix including an Sn content of 50% by mass or more of the Sn—Cu based alloy matrix, Si crystallites dispersed in the Sn—Cu based alloy matrix, and an Si—X based alloy crystallized so as to at least partially cover the Si crystallites, in which X is at least one element selected from Fe, Ni, and Co, and is added in an amount of 1% by mass or more of the negative electrode active material.
US08748032B2
Provided is a cable-type secondary battery including an anode current collector having a horizontal cross section of a predetermined shape and extending longitudinally, an anode active material pattern layer having anode active material patterns spaced away at a predetermined interval on the anode current collector, an electrolyte layer surrounding the anode active material pattern layer and serving as an ion channel, a cathode active material pattern layer having cathode active material patterns spaced away at a predetermined interval on the electrolyte layer at locations corresponding to those of the anode active material patterns, and a cathode current collector surrounding the cathode active material pattern layer.The cable-type secondary battery having the active material patterns has excellent flexibility to prevent the active material from falling off from the active material layer.
US08748018B2
A patterned perpendicular magnetic recording medium, such as a disk for use in hard disk drives, has a flux channeling layer (FCL) located below the recording layer (RL) in each of the discrete data islands. The disk includes a substrate, a soft underlayer (SUL) of soft magnetically permeable material on the substrate, and a nonmagnetic exchange break layer (EBL) on the SUL. A nonmagnetic separation layer (SL) is located between the FCL and the RL in the islands. The FCL has an anisotropy field substantially lower than the anisotropy field of the RL, and a magnetization equal to or higher than the magnetization of the RL. The FCL is saturated at a much lower field than the RL and thus channels the magnetic flux from the write head through the island positions. The dipolar fields from the RL above the FCL polarize the magnetization of the FCL parallel to the magnetization direction of the RL in the absence of an external field, to thereby enhance the readback signal.
US08748015B2
An indenofluorenedione derivative having a specific structure, which is useful as a material for organic electroluminescence devices because the derivative is excellent in heat resistance and can be vapor-deposited on a substrate at moderate temperature. An organic electroluminescence device including an anode, a cathode, and an organic thin layer between the anode and the cathode, which contains the material for organic electroluminescence devices in the organic thin layer, is driven at a low driving voltage and has a long lifetime.
US08748014B2
The present invention relates to a compound having a substituted anthracene ring structure and a pyridoindole ring structure, which is represented by the following general formula (1) or the following general formula (2); and an organic electroluminescent device having a pair of electrodes and at least one organic layer interposed therebetween, in which the compound having a substituted anthracene ring structure and a pyridoindole ring structure, which is represented by the following general formula (1) or the following general formula (2), is used as a constituent material of the aforementioned at least one organic layer.
US08748006B2
The invention relates to a slide bearing composite material having at least one carrier layer and a sintered bearing metal layer. The sintered bearing metal layer is designed in at least one layer region as a gradient layer.
US08748003B2
A gas barrier laminate comprising a substrate having thereon at least a gas barrier layer and a polymer layer, wherein at least one polymer layer is provided adjacent to at least one gas barrier layer; and an average carbon content of the polymer layer at a contact interface between the gas barrier layer is lower than an average carbon content in the polymer layer.
US08748002B2
A tempered glass of the present invention includes, as a glass composition, in terms of mass %, 45 to 75% of SiO2, 0 to 30% of Al2O3, and 0 to 30% of Li2O+Na2O+K2O and has a β-OH value of 0.3 to 1/mm.
US08748001B2
Modified zirconia fine particles which are stable in an acidic region as well as in an alkaline region, and which may be readily adjusted in refractive index in a predetermined range are disclosed. Also disclosed is a substrate with a hard coat film excellent in adhesiveness with the substrate, abrasion resistance, scratch strength, pencil hardness and the like without interference fringes and a coating solution which may form the hard coat film. The substrate with a hard coat film is composed of composite oxide particles formed on at least one surface of the substrate and a matrix component, wherein the composite oxide particles are composite oxide particles having a core-shell structure composed of a core formed from zirconium oxide and a shell formed from antimony pentoxide and/or silica.
US08747995B2
A pyramidal geotextile fabric comprising two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile. A method of stabilizing soil and reinforcing vegetation comprises the steps of placing a three-dimensional, high-profile woven fabric into soil, wherein the fabric comprises two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile; securing the fabric to the ground; and, distributing soil and seed onto the fabric such that the section of ground is quickly revegetated and thereby protected from further erosion.
US08747990B2
A coated tool is excellent in adhesiveness of film, wear resistance, crater resistance and chipping resistance. The coated tool has a substrate and a coating coated on the surface thereof, at least one layer of the coating being an α-type aluminum oxide film, an average film thickness of the α-type aluminum oxide film being about 0.5 to about 10 μm, an average grain size of the α-type aluminum oxide film being about 0.5 to about 1.5 μm, and a texture coefficient TCA(012) of (012) plane of the α-type aluminum oxide film and a texture coefficient TCA(104) of (104) plane of the α-type aluminum oxide film satisfying TCA(104)/TCA(012)≧2.0.
US08747987B2
A composite panel and its manufacture are described. Ultra-thick bamboo/wood and solid wood composite panels are comprised of core board, surface board and back board. The core board is composed of ultra-thick peeling veneers with thickness of 6 to 12 mm. Both surface board and back board are made of bamboo or wood. The core board comprises several layers of the ultra-thick veneers, and the veneers of contiguous layer are assembled with parallel structure. A glue layer is arranged between contiguous veneers; adhesive in the glue layer is aqueous macromolecule isocyanate adhesive. The ultra-thick veneers of the core layer are the veneers with stress degradation treatment, i.e., punctate or line segment cracks are formed along the grain of the veneer's loose side in each layer.
US08747980B2
A hollow fiber device includes a hollow fiber bundle, comprising a plurality of hollow fibers, a first tubesheet and a second tubesheet encapsulating respective distal ends of the hollow fiber bundle. The tubesheets have boreholes in fluid communication with bores of the hollow fibers. In at least one of the tubesheets, the boreholes are formed radially. The hollow fiber device can be utilized in heat exchange, in gas/gas, liquid/liquid and gas/liquid heat transfer, in combined heat and mass transfer and in fluid separation assemblies and processes. The design disclosed herein is light weight and compact and is particularly advantageous when the pressure of a first fluid introduced into the bores of hollow fibers is higher than the pressure on the shell side of the device.
US08747978B2
A flexible tube includes a first layer comprising a polyolefin material having a flexural modulus of not greater than 150 MPa and includes a second layer directly bonded to and in direct contact with the first layer. The second layer comprising a blend of propylenic polymer and styrenic block copolymer.
US08747975B2
A seamless can in which an ink layer is transferred onto a can body thereof by a curved surface printing is provided. The ink layer which has been transferred has an overlapping portion which is formed by mutually overlapping a front-end portion of the ink layer and a rear-end portion of the ink layer in a circumferential direction of the can body. An ink area ratio for at least one of the front-end portion and the rear-end portion is smaller than an ink area ratio of an intermediate portion of the ink layer which is adjacent to and continuous with the overlapping portion and excludes the overlapping portion.
US08747970B2
Provided is an eco-friendly poly(propylene carbonate) resin composition for a sheet, which is characterized by using a poly(alkylene carbonate) resin developed by efficiently utilizing carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to global warding, as a main material, and including appropriate additives, such as, a strength modifier, and a flexibilizer, thereby completely solving environmental hazards controversy of the existing polyvinyl chloride resin products; exhibiting excellent mechanical and thermal properties, processability, post processability (printability, embossing and surface treatment, laminating characteristics) and superior anti-flaming property (low smoke density) and elongation characteristics as compared with the existing polyvinyl chloride resin products; and overcoming an extruding production method which is a small-sized production manner, corresponding to a big defect in thermoplastic plastics emerged as substitutes for polyvinyl chloride resin products and thus applying a calendering process method which is a mass production manner.
US08747966B2
An optical element and a stereoscopic image display device are provided. The optical element is a light-dividing element, for example an element that can divide incident light into at least two kinds of light having different polarized states. Therefore, the optical element can be used to realize a stereoscopic image.
US08747962B2
The invention relates to a method for the plasma treatment of workpieces, particularly workpieces in the form of hollow bodies, in which a treatment zone in a reactor chamber is at least partially evacuated, a process gas is introduced into the treatment zone, particularly into the cavity of the workpiece, and a plasma is ignited by means of injected electromagnetic energy in the process gas introduced into the treatment zone, wherein the process gas flows through the treatment zone between opposite ends of the zone during the plasma treatment.
US08747960B2
The embodiments fill the need to enhance electro-migration performance, provide lower metal resistivity, and improve silicon-to-metal interfacial adhesion for copper interconnects by providing improved processes and systems that produce a silicon-to-metal interface. An exemplary method of preparing a substrate surface of a substrate to selectively deposit a layer of a metal on a silicon or polysilicon surface of the substrate to form a metal silicide in an integrated system is provided. The method includes removing organic contaminants from the substrate surface in the integrated system, and reducing the silicon or polysilicon surface in the integrated system after removing organic contaminants to convert silicon oxide on the silicon or polysilicon surface to silicon, wherein after reducing the silicon or polysilicon surface, the substrate is transferred and processed in controlled environment to prevent the formation of silicon oxide, the silicon or polysilicon surface is reduced to increase the selectivity of the metal on the silicon surface. The method further includes selectively depositing the layer of the metal on the silicon or polysilicon surface of substrate in the integrated system after reducing the silicon or polysilicon surface. An exemplary system to practice the exemplary method described above is also provided.
US08747957B2
A coating method wherein in order to simplify the coating method and increase the flexibility thereof with respect to respective desired coatings, provision is made that a powder lacquer layer (3) is applied to a surface (2) of the component (1), and an imprint (4) is applied to the powder lacquer layer (3), preferably by an inkjet method.
US08747956B2
Processes, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for forming products from atomized metals and alloys. A stream of molten alloy and/or a series of droplets of molten alloy are produced. The molten alloy is atomized to produce electrically-charged particles of the molten alloy by impinging electrons on the stream of molten alloy and/or the series of droplets of molten alloy. The electrically-charged molten alloy particles are accelerated with at least one of an electrostatic field and an electromagnetic field. The accelerating molten alloy particles are cooled to a temperature that is less than a solidus temperature of the molten alloy particles so that the molten alloy particles solidify while accelerating. The solid alloy particles are impacted onto a substrate and the impacting particles deform and metallurgically bond to the substrate to produce a solid alloy preform.
US08747951B2
A method for manufacturing a hose with a protector layer 2 on the outer periphery of a tubular polyamide resin layer 1 includes steps of: preparing a rubber composition for forming the protector layer by separately preparing a first rubber material containing components (A) to (C) and a second rubber material containing components (a) and (b) but substantially free of a sulfur vulcanization agent and mixing them in a mixer; and forming the protector layer 2 by continuously vulcanizing unvulcanized rubber after continuous extrusion of the rubber composition onto the outer periphery of the previously formed polyamide resin layer 1. (A) Ethylene-propylene rubber (B) Sulfur vulcanization agent (C) Thiuram vulcanization accelerator (mp. 66 to 105° C.) (a) Ethylene-propylene rubber (b) Vulcanization accelerator (mp. 120° C. or higher).
US08747948B2
A deposition apparatus configured to form a thin film on a substrate includes: a reactor wall; a substrate support positioned under the reactor wall; and a showerhead plate positioned above the substrate support. The showerhead plate defines a reaction space together with the substrate support. The apparatus also includes one or more gas conduits configured to open to a periphery of the reaction space at least while an inert gas is supplied therethrough. The one or more gas conduits are configured to supply the inert gas inwardly toward the periphery of the substrate support around the reaction space. This configuration prevents reactant gases from flowing between a substrate and the substrate support during a deposition process, thereby preventing deposition of an undesired thin film and impurity particles on the back side of the substrate.
US08747944B2
A method of manufacturing transfer sheet is provided. The method includes forming a colored toner image on a sheet-like base material based on objective image data. The sheet-like base material has releasability. The method further includes defining an image area on the sheet-like base material based on the objective image data. The image area includes the colored toner image. The method further includes forming a transparent toner layer on the image area. The method further includes forming an adhesive layer on the transparent toner layer. The adhesive layer has hot-melt property.
US08747940B2
Methods for forming a “coating gradient” on medical devices, such as a balloon catheter or guidewire are disclosed. The balloon portion of the catheter has a protective covering initially placed over it to prevent the balloon from receiving a first hydrophilic coating. After a first hydrophilic coating is applied, the protective covering is removed. A second hydrophilic coating could be applied to the catheter. A guidewire having less lubricity at the distal end portion also can be created. A first hydrophilic coating is applied to the elongated shaft and distal shaft section of the guidewire. After the first hydrophilic coating cures, the first hydrophilic coating is removed from a portion of the distal shaft section of the guidewire. A second hydrophillic coating can then be applied to the elongated shaft and distal shaft section of the guidewire. The second hydrophilic coating can be allowed to cure.
US08747939B2
The present invention relates to a nutrient composition which contains at least a carbohydrate, a lipid, a protein, and a mineral, and is liquid or semisolid, characterized in that the volume-based median size (d50) of particles in the nutrient composition is 5 to 100 μm and water-insoluble particles having a protein insolubilized by a divalent cation are contained as a major component of the nutrient composition, or a nutrient composition which contains at least a carbohydrate, a lipid, a protein, and a mineral, and is liquid or semisolid, characterized in that water-insoluble particles having a protein insolubilized by a divalent cation are contained as a major component of the nutrient composition and the mass of the protein with respect to the total moles of divalent ions forming the water-insoluble particles is 1.5 to 3 g/mmol.
US08747929B2
The present invention relates to adhesive labels for use in food safety labeling systems and methods of using the adhesive labels to enhance food safety and food rotation.
US08747926B2
Disclosed is a method of treating hyperpigmentation in a subject in need thereof, comprising topically applying to hyperpigmented skin of a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising navy bean extract.
US08747917B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for suppressing obesity or lowering blood sugar which comprises Cudrania tricuspidata extract and Coix lachryma-jobi extract, and more specifically relates to a pharmaceutical composition for suppressing obesity or lowering blood sugar which comprises Cudrania tricuspidata extract and Coix lachrymajobi extract, to a functional health food or food additive composition for suppressing obesity or lowering blood sugar which comprises Cudrania tricuspidata extract and Coix lachryma-jobi extract, to a tablet having an obesity-suppressing function and blood-sugar lowering effect which is produced using Cudrania tricuspidata and Coix lachryma-jobi as principal raw materials, and to a production method therefor.
US08747911B2
A catheter lock composition for preventing bacterial infection having an effective amount of glycerol and sodium chloride solution. The effective amount of glycerol is between about 35-60% and sodium chloride is in a concentration range between 0.5-0.9%. The composition further includes an anticoagulant and/or an antimicrobial agent.
US08747895B2
A coated multi-particulate pharmaceutical dosage form such as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) presentation for delivering atomoxetine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor indicated for the treatment of ADHD, into the body to maintain a therapeutically effective amount of atomoxetine in the plasm. The dosage form may comprise one or more populations of coated atomoxetine-containing particles (beads, pellets, granules etc.) providing a pre-designed rapid release profile after a predesigned lag-time of about 0 to 6 hours following oral administration.
US08747889B2
A transdermal analgesic system having reduced potential for abuse, wherein the system provides for the controlled release of the antagonist at a rate sufficient to provide an abuse limiting release rate ratio of the antagonist to the analgesic when the dosage form is subject to abuse is disclosed.
US08747886B2
The present invention provides for photonic nanoimprinted silk fibroin-based materials and methods for making same, comprising embossing silk fibroin-based films with photonic nanometer scale patterns. In addition, the invention provides for processes by which the silk fibroin-based films can be nanoimprinted at room temperature, by locally decreasing the glass transition temperature of the silk film. Such nanoimprinting process increases high throughput and improves potential for incorporation of silk-based photonics into biomedical and other optical devices.
US08747878B2
A method of fabricating an implantable medical device that includes deforming and heating setting a polymer construct, for use in fabricating the device, in a temperature range in which the crystal nucleation rate is greater than the crystal growth rate is disclosed.
US08747869B2
The invention provides delivery systems comprised of stabilized multilamellar vesicles, as well as compositions, methods of synthesis, and methods of use thereof. The stabilized multilamellar vesicles may comprise prophylactic, therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents.
US08747867B2
The invention relates to methods of diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, and in particular NSCLC, the methods comprising determining the expression level of one or more genes. In some embodiments the invention relates to prognosis of early stage NSCLC.
US08747857B2
Methods for preparing monomeric cytotoxic drug/carrier conjugates with a drug loading significantly higher than in previously reported procedures and with decreased aggregation and low conjugate fraction (LCF) are described. Cytotoxic drug derivative/antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described. Monomeric calicheamicin derivative/anti-CD22 antibody conjugates, compositions comprising the conjugates and uses of the conjugates are also described.
US08747856B2
The present invention relates to the use of a fully human antigen binding fragment of an antibody for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or diagnosis of an ocular disease upon topical administration. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a fully human binding fragment of an antibody for ocular topical administration for treatment or diagnosis of an ocular disease. In particular, the antibody neutralizes HSV1 and HSV2.
US08747850B2
Antibody capable of binding specifically to the human c-Met receptor and/or capable of specifically inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of said receptor, with an improved antagonistic activity, said antibody comprising a modified hinge region. A composition comprising such an antibody antagonist to c-Met and its use as a medicament for treating cancer.
US08747845B2
Antibodies that bind CSF1R are provided. Antibody heavy chains and light chains that are capable of forming antibodies that bind CSF1R are also provided. Polynucleotides encoding antibodies to CSF1R are provided. Polynucleotides encoding antibody heavy chains and lights chains are also provided. Methods of treatment using antibodies to CSF1R are provided. Such methods include, but are not limited to, methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis, bone loss, and multiple sclerosis.
US08747844B2
The invention relates to methods for treating pain disorders including neuropathic and inflammatory pain and to methods to reduce or eliminate nociceptive tolerance induced by opiate analgesic use by administering an agent that suppresses or blocks S1P biological activity.
US08747841B2
The present invention relates to polypeptides transiently activating Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) GTPase, polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said polypeptides or said polynucleotides. The present invention further relates to the use of said polypeptides, said polynucleotides or said pharmaceutical compositions for long-term treatment of damage of the peripheral or central nervous system.
US08747837B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed methods that include a thymidine kinase deficient vaccinia virus. The methods include evaluating a tumor for reperfusion after treatment with vaccinia virus and administering an anti-angiogenic agent if reperfusion is detected.
US08747829B2
This invention effects a change in the accommodation of the human lens affected by presbyopia through the use of various reducing agents that change accommodative abilities of the human lens, and/or by applying energy to affect a change in the accommodative abilities of the human lens. This invention both prevents the onset of presbyopia as well as treats it. By breaking and/or preventing the formation of bonds that adhere lens fibers together causing hardening of the lens, the present invention increases the elasticity and distensibility of the lens and/or lens capsule.
US08747819B1
A nail enamel composition has a film-forming mixture in a compatible solvent. The film-forming mixture includes nitrocellulose as a major component. The composition further includes a cyanoacrylate mixture comprising cyanoacrylate and a free radical inhibitor, the cyanoacrylate mixture being substantially free of toluene. The invention includes a method of preparation of the composition, and a method of use of the composition.
US08747796B2
A carbon substrate, method, and a system for manufacturing the same. The method includes forming an oxidized carbon precursor fiber preweb comprising oxidized carbon precursor staple fibers and binder staple fibers; impregnating the oxidized carbon precursor fiber preweb with a slurry including a thermosetting resin and carbonaceous fillers and drying the resulting preweb to obtain an oxidized carbon precursor fiber web; applying heat and pressure to the oxidized and impregnated carbon precursor fiber web, to cure the thermosetting resin and press the oxidized carbon precursor fiber web; and heating the oxidized carbon precursor fiber web in an inert atmosphere, thereby stabilizing and carbonizing the oxidized carbon precursor staple fibers to obtain a carbon substrate. The present invention may utilize a combination of carbon precursor staple fibers in an oxidized form with low ductility and high stiffness; and binder staple fibers composed of a polymer resin.
US08747790B2
A method for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel from a light water reactor includes the step of reacting spent nuclear fuel in a voloxidation vessel with an oxidizing gas having nitrogen dioxide and oxygen for a period sufficient to generate a solid oxidation product of the spent nuclear fuel. The reacting step includes the step of reacting, in a first zone of the voloxidation vessel, spent nuclear fuel with the oxidizing gas at a temperature ranging from 200-450° C. to form an oxidized reaction product, and regenerating nitrogen dioxide, in a second zone of the voloxidation vessel, by reacting oxidizing gas comprising nitrogen monoxide and oxygen at a temperature ranging from 0-80° C. The first zone and the second zone can be separate. A voloxidation system is also disclosed.
US08747787B2
Provided is a method for producing ferronickel from a nickel sulfide or a mixed sulfide containing nickel and cobalt, obtained by hydrometallurgy of nickel oxide ore or obtained from scraps or products in process. The method for producing a ferronickel raw material is to form the ferronickel raw material from a nickel sulfide or a mixed sulfide containing nickel sulfide and cobalt sulfide, wherein treatments are performed through the following steps: (1) redissolution step, (2) deferrization step, (3) solvent extraction step, (4) hydroxylation step, (5) roasting step, and (6) washing and calcining step.
US08747782B2
Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge. The cover tape is insertable through the stripping gap to be pulled against the stripping edge to peel the cover tape from the bead carrier to move the wells of the bead carrier inside the channel toward the dispense opening and expose the wells individually to dispense the reagent beads.
US08747773B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to portable detection apparatus, comprising one or more detector regions adapted to visually indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a beverage. The detection apparatus is shaped substantially the same as a consumer product.
US08747769B2
The invention relates to a catalytic reactor including: a reaction chamber; at least one catalytic structure made up of at least one catalytic cell-like architecture having outer dimensions at most 10% smaller than the inner dimensions of the reaction chamber; an annular space between the inner wall of the reaction chamber and the cell-like architectures; and at least one second structure positioned in the annular space, selected from among: a) a fibrous structure, or b) a structure including at least one metal collar clasping at least one portion of the cell-like architectures and supporting metal fins.
US08747767B2
A catalyst return apparatus is disclosed as well as a riser reactor system comprising the conduit apparatus and a riser reactor, the conduit apparatus comprising a catalyst return conduit and at least two flow control devices in series, each flow control device arranged to control the flow of fluid through the conduit, wherein the length of the catalyst return conduit is more than 20 m. A process for reacting a feedstock in a riser reactor system comprising a riser reactor, the catalyst return apparatus and, and a stage vessel, the process comprising: holding a fluid comprising the catalyst in the at least one stage vessel for a residence time of at least 10 seconds.
US08747755B2
A system includes an electronic dispenser for web material and an air freshener device. Activation of the web dispensing mechanism a predetermined number of times activates the air freshener mechanism at least once. A method for deodorizing a space using the system is also disclosed.
US08747752B2
There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both), the polymer substance includes: a porous support member having a plurality of pores, wherein at least a portion of the pores are filled with a cross-linked co-polymer comprising (i) a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, (ii) a zwitterionic monomer, or a combination thereof. The substance may include a membrane or a tube. There is further provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both), the process includes impregnating into at least a portion of the pores of a porous support member a solution which comprises: (i) a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer, (ii) a zwitterionic monomer, or a combination of (i) and (ii), graft co-polymerizing the anionic monomer and the cationic monomer and/or the zwitterionic monomer within at least a portion of the pores to form a co-polymer, and cross-linking the co-polymer, such that the pores of the support member are at least partially grafted with a cross-linked co-polymer bound to the support member.
US08747748B2
A system includes a sensor including a sensor pad and a well wall structure defining a well operatively coupled to the sensor pad. The well is further defined by a lower surface disposed over the sensor pad. The well wall structure defines an upper surface and defines a wall surface extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The system further includes a conductive layer disposed over the lower surface and the wall surface.
US08747746B2
An apparatus including at least one of a stainer module and a coverslipper module; an imaging module; a storage module; an automated transport module for transporting at least one slide between at least one of the stainer module and the coverslipper module, the imaging module and the storage module; and a controller. A method including processing at least one slide; determining whether an imaging module is available for imaging of a biological specimen on the at least one slide; transporting the at least one slide to the imaging module using an automated transport module; and transporting the at least one slide to a storage module using the automated transport module when it is determined that the imaging module is not available. A system including a processing module for processing at least one slide including a biological specimen thereon. A machine readable medium.
US08747742B2
A heat exchanger includes a case, a bottom member and a plurality of heat transfer pipes (a pipe group) loaded in the heat exchanger case, in which blood flows from one end through the bottom member. The bottom member has an annular wall, a bottom surface, and a blood inlet port. The bottom surface is opposed to one end of the heat transfer pipe. The bottom surface includes a groove portion and a raised bottom portion provided on each of opposing end sides of the groove portion. The raised bottom portion is inclined such that a distance between the raised bottom portion on a side where the blood inlet port is provided and one end of the heat transfer pipe is smaller than a distance between the raised bottom portion opposite to the side where the blood inlet port is provided and one end of the heat transfer pipe.
US08747735B2
The invention is directed to the application of EMR to one or more elements for the purpose of generating a scent response in humans. Electronic scents may be transmitted on a stand-alone basis, unaccompanied by other sensory stimulus, or as part of a multisensory experience. Examples of multisensory experiences include theatrical motion pictures, television programming, sound recordings, or e-books accompanied by one or more scents. These scents may be coordinated with content elements, such as the scent of horses accompanying the motion picture “High Noon,” the scents of beer and leather accompanying a sound recording of “When You're a Jet” from “West Side Story,” or the musty scent of a cellar in an e-book version of Poe's “The Cask of Amontillado.”
US08747731B2
In a device for preparing process gases (3) for heat treatments of metallic materials/workpieces, the respective process gas (3) is to be fed into at least one treatment chamber (1.1) in an industrial furnace (1) having been practically fully prepared, homogenised and heated, and the method is to be carried out both with newly built and particularly with already existing installations of industrial furnaces (1) with the aid of the device, wherein the process gas (3) is prepared with compression at temperatures uncoupled from the temperature in the treatment chamber (1.1), in a process separate from the heat treatment process in the treatment chamber (1.1), and in a temperature range up to about 1250° C., and is rendered usable for economical and low-emission heat treatment (FIG. 3).
US08747730B2
A method of forming a woven fiber structure for a molding process to produce a ceramic matrix composite, includes depositing a tackifier composition having a carrier solvent, a resin material, and an inorganic filler onto at least a portion of a woven fiber structure; drying the tackifier composition on woven fiber structure to remove at least a portion of the carrier solvent from the tackifier composition; and forming the dried woven fiber structure into a preform.
US08747726B2
A syringe for use in a pressurized injection of a fluid includes a syringe barrel including a polymeric material having undergone expansion via blow molding. An inner diameter of the syringe barrel can, for example, be sufficiently constant (over at least a portion of the axial length of the syringe) that a plunger slidably positioned within the syringe barrel and in generally sealing contact with an inner wall of the syringe barrel can be used within the syringe barrel to generate a pressure of at least 1 psi within the syringe barrel. In several embodiment, the inner diameter of the syringe barrel is sufficiently constant to generate a pressure of at least 100 psi, at least 300 psi, or even at least 500 psi within the syringe barrel. A method of forming a syringe includes the steps of: injection molding at least one polymeric material to form a preform; placing the preform into an blow mold die; and expanding at least a portion of the preform while heating the preform within the die to form a barrel of the syringe. The syringes can be formed to withstand relatively high pressures as described above. The at least one polymeric material can, for example, be polyethyleneterephthalate, cyclic olefin polymer, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene napthalate and/or nylon.
US08747717B2
A material includes a frame having at least one elongate member formed of a first polymer. At least one link is formed of a second polymer, with a portion of each link co-molded about a portion of at least one elongate member, and at least one link movable with respect to a corresponding elongate member.
US08747710B2
An apparatus for producing a porous body that forms an expandable slurry containing at least inorganic powder, a foaming agent, and a binder into a sheet, causes the expandable slurry sheet to be foamed and baked, and thereby produces the porous body, the apparatus includes: a mixer preparing the expandable slurry by containing inorganic powder, a foaming agent, and a binder; a die-coater that has a discharge opening which discharges the expandable slurry provided from the mixer to an external thereof so as to shape the expandable slurry into a sheet; and a carrier sheet arranged so as to face the discharge opening of the die-coater with a gap interposed therebetween, and feeding the expandable slurry discharged from the discharge opening, wherein a flow path of the expandable slurry from inside the mixer to the discharge opening of the die-coater is hermetically sealed from an outside.
US08747708B2
The present invention relates to a transparent, electrically conductive floor care composition, in particular for antistatic flooring, which is distinguished by the fact that it comprises one or more conductive pigments.
US08747701B2
The charging roller has a base layer formed of an electroconductive rubber composition containing (a) a polar rubber having an unsaturated bond or an ether bond, (b) an ion carrier containing one or more phosphonium salts selected from the group consisting of phosphonium salts having the formulae (1) and (2), and (c) a cross-linker, wherein the amount of (b) component ranges from 0.1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the (a) component. The formula (1) represents [(H9C4)3(CnH2n+1)P]+(CF3SO2)2N—, and the formula (2) represents [(H9C4)3(CnH2n+1)P]+(CF3SO3)—.
US08747700B2
Provided are charge-transporting varnishes that can form satisfactory thin films and can provide organic EL elements that can exhibit excellent emission efficiency and luminance characteristics when used for EL elements that have a structure on a substrate. The charge-transporting varnishes comprise quinone diimine derivatives represented by general formula (1) that are oligoaniline derivatives or oxides thereof, electron-accepting dopant substances or hole-accepting dopant substances, and at least one kind of silane compound. [In the formula, R1, R2 and R3 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, etc. A and B each independently represents a divalent group represented by general formula (2) or (3). (In the formulas, R4-R11 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, etc.) m and n are each independently integers of 1 or greater and satisfy m+n≦20.]
US08747698B2
A method of starting up an autothermal reactor for the production of synthesis gas by reforming of hydrocarbon-containing feed gases in a reaction chamber in which oxidation reactions and reforming reactions are carried out, by feeding a hydrocarbon containing feed gas, steam and an oxidant.
US08747695B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) where one or more of the radicals A1-5 denote a 1,4-naphthylene or 1,4-anthracenylene radical, and the other parameters are as defined in Claim 1. The invention additionally includes liquid-crystalline media which comprise the title compounds, components for high-frequency technology which comprise these media, in particular phase shifters and microwave array antennae.
US08747693B2
A silica having metal ions absorbed thereon and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The silica having metal ions absorbed thereon is a silica having metal ions absorbed thereon and being modified with persulfate salt. The method includes following steps. A solution is provided, and the solution includes silica and persulfate salt therein. The solution is heated to react the silica with the persulfate salt, so as to obtain silica modified with persulfate salt. Metal ion source is added in the solution, the metal ion source dissociates metal ions, and the silica modified with persulfate salt absorbs the metal ions to obtain the silica having metal ions absorbed thereon.
US08747692B2
The invention relates to a combination of compounds for de-icing and/or anti-skid treatment, which combination comprises betaine and at least one other de-icing agent, which has been selected from the group consisting of acetates, formates, urea and combinations thereof. The invention also relates to a method of de-icing and/or anti-skid treatment, wherein a combination of compounds selected from the group consisting of acetates, formats, urea and combinations thereof, are applied to a slippery surface or a surface vulnerable to slipperiness. The invention further relates to the use of betaine for de-icing and/or anti-skid treatment, when betaine is used in combination with at least one other de-icing agent, which has been selected from the group consisting of acetates, formates, urea and combinations thereof.
US08747689B2
There are provided a liquid processing method and a liquid processing apparatus capable of providing a high etching rate and a high etching selectivity for silicon nitride against silicon oxide, and a storage medium storing the method thereon. In the method for etching, by an etching solution, a substrate on which silicon nitride and silicon oxide are exposed, the etching solution is produced by mixing a fluorine ion source material, water and a boiling point adjusting agent; the produced etching solution is heated to a substrate processing temperature equal to or higher than 140° C.; after a temperature of the etching solution reaches the substrate processing temperature, the temperature of the etching solution is maintained at the substrate processing temperature for a first preset time; and after a lapse of the first preset time, the substrate is etched by the etching solution maintained at the substrate processing temperature.
US08747677B2
A magnetic separation device comprising a magnetic base and a retention mechanism, as well as a method of evacuating liquid from a well plate containing liquid and magnetic particles, are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the retention mechanism comprises one or more wire clips. In certain embodiments, the magnetic base comprises apertures configured to receive the wire clips. The retention mechanism can be configured to secure a well plate to the magnetic base so that a user may evacuate liquid from a well plate containing liquid and magnetic particles. In certain embodiments, the method comprises inverting the magnetic separation device and well plate. In particular embodiments, the method comprises rapidly and forcefully inverting magnetic separation device and well plate.
US08747675B2
An adsorbent suitable for heavy metal absorption is described, comprising a thiol-functionalised support containing a stabilising amount of an alkaline metal reacted with said thiol functionality. The adsorbent may be used to remove heavy metals e.g. mercury and/or arsenic, from wastewater streams such as produced water or flue gas scrubber waters.
US08747670B2
Filtration device suited for concentration of liquid samples, particularly biomolecules, and a method of concentrating, desalting, purifying and/or fractionating liquid samples. In certain embodiments the device includes a housing having a sample reservoir, and two substantially vertically oriented and spaced apart membranes disposed in the housing. An underdrain is associated with each membrane such that fluid passing through each membrane flows through a respective underdrain into a filtrate collection chamber. The fluid that does not pass through the membrane is collected in the retentate collection chamber, and can be recovered such as by a reverse spinning step, achieving recoveries greater than about 90%. The substantially vertical orientation of the membranes increases the available membrane area by at least 2.7 times the area available in a conventional filter device. The two-panel configuration also maintains more available membrane area in use during the last stages of filtration than a one-panel configuration.
US08747667B2
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for treating wastewater in a filter media apparatus having a draft tube system. The filter media may be walnut shell media.
US08747660B2
A process for upgrading an oil feedstock includes reacting the oil feedstock with a quantity of an alkali metal, wherein the reaction produces solid materials and liquid materials. The solid materials are separated from the liquid materials. The solid materials may be washed and heat treated by heating the materials to a temperature above 400° C. The heat treating occurs in an atmosphere that has low oxygen and water content. Once heat treated, the solid materials are added to a solution comprising a polar solvent, where sulfide, hydrogen sulfide or polysulfide anions dissolve. The solution comprising polar solvent is then added to an electrolytic cell, which during operation, produces alkali metal and sulfur.
US08747657B2
A process and apparatus for mixing streams of regenerated and carbonized catalyst involves passing a catalyst stream into and out of a chamber in a lower section of a riser. The chamber fosters mixing of the catalyst streams to reduce their temperature differential before contacting hydrocarbon feed.
US08747656B2
This invention relates to a process for conducting a hydrocracking or a hydrotreating process in a microchannel reactor. This invention also relates to a process and apparatus for flowing a vapor and liquid into a plurality of microchannels in a microchannel processing unit.
US08747651B2
A high coking value pitch prepared from coal tar distillate and has a low softening point and a high carbon value while containing substantially no quinoline insolubles is disclosed. The pitch can be used as an impregnant or binder for producing carbon and graphite articles.
US08747646B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing biaryls by anodic cross-dehydrodimerization of substituted phenols with arenes in the presence of partially fluorinated and/or perfluorinated mediators and a supporting electrolyte.
US08747637B2
The invention relates to compositions and methods of using electrophoresis separation matrices. The invention provides nano-particle comprising separation matrices having increased conductivity at low voltage.
US08747622B2
The present invention comprises a process for recovery of sulfolane used in a solvent-extraction or extractive-distillation process. A recovery column for the sulfolane solvent comprises a liquid-jet ejector for maintaining the needed vacuum conditions, preferably using water as the liquid.
US08747616B2
The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for improving the sizing of paper using PAE. Proper sizing of paper requires that a sizing agent adequately disperse so as to evenly distribute on the paper. Proper sizing also requires that the agent not cause runnability or chemical problems with other materials or equipment used in the papermaking process. PAE displays unexpected attributes that allow it to disperse sizing agents. Best of all it is not subject to the same overdose effect of typical emulsifiers such as cationic starch. As a result PAE is an excellent option for use in sizing paper.
US08747608B2
A plasma processing apparatus includes a detector for detecting interference light of multiple wavelengths from a surface of a sample during processing, a pattern comparator for comparing actual deviation pattern data on the interference light obtained at a given time during processing and a plurality of standard deviation patterns corresponding to two or more thicknesses of the film, and calculating a deviation, the standard deviation patterns corresponding to interference light data of multiple wavelengths obtained, before the processing of the sample, for processing of another sample, a deviation comparator for comparing the deviation between the data and a predetermined deviation and outputting data on a thickness of the film of the sample at that time, a recorder for recording, as time series data, the data on the thickness of the film, and an endpoint decision unit.
US08747603B2
An improved adhesive composition having increased insulative properties is provided. The adhesive composition having improved insulative properties includes a starch component; an alkaline component; sodium tetraborate; water; and a plurality of expandable microspheres. Products having improved insulation capabilities and methods of making the products having improved insulation capabilities are also provided. The present adhesive and products including the adhesive is environmentally friendly.
US08747599B2
The present invention relates to a process for making self-patterning substrates comprising the steps of providing electrically conductive traces on a substrate; pre-coating the substrate with at least a layer of complementary reactant electrically resistant reactant formulations; altering the conductivity of complementary reactant formulation selectively upon application of external source of energy and a self-patterning substrate using the said process.
US08747585B2
A method of fabricating a fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite structure comprising: placing a first layer of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material on top of a second layer of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material; providing a local heating source and locally heating a portion of at least the upper layer of thermoplastic composite material; and providing an ultrasonic transducer and locally introducing ultrasonic energy waves to the heated portion of the thermoplastic material such that ultrasonic consolidation of the fiber reinforced thermoplastic occurs.
US08747575B2
A martensitic stainless steel for inexpensive seamless pipe having 655 MPa yield strength, high toughness and excellent corrosion resistance in high CO2 environments, and a method for manufacturing thereof is provided. The steel comprises C: 0.005-0.05%, Si: 0.1-0.5%, Mn: 0.1-2.0%, P: −0.05%, S: −0.005%, Cr: 10.0-12.5%, Mo: 0.1-0.5%, Ni: 1.5-3.0%, N: −0.02%, Al: 0.01-0.1%, by weight, while FI value defined by the formula [FI=Cr+Mo−Ni−30(C+N)] being 5.00 to 8.49, and balance of substantially Fe. The method comprises the steps of reheating the cooled steel at temperatures from 780° C. to 960° C., quenching the reheated steel, and then tempering the quenched steel at temperatures from 550° C. to 650° C.
US08747574B2
Provided is a maraging steel strip which has such a composition that can reduce the content of TiN acting as the starting point of fatigue fracture in a high-cycle region, and the bending fatigue strength of which has been improved by the precipitation hardening effect yielded by precipitating coherent nitrides in the nitrided structure. A maraging steel strip produced by nitriding a managing steel which contains by mass, C: 0.01% or less, Si: 0.1% or less, Mn: 0.1% or less, P: 0.01% or less, S: 0.005% or less, Ni: 8.0 to 22.0%, Cr: 0.1 to 8.0%, Mo: 2.0 to 10.0%, Co: 2.0 to 20.0%, Ti: 0.1% or less, Al: 2.5% or less, N: 0.03% or less, and O: 0.005% or less, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein Baker-Nutting orientation relationship with an orientation difference within 10° exists between the Cr nitride precipitated in the nitrided layer and the matrix martensite.
US08747573B2
The invention relates to a method for producing corrosion-resistant surfaces of nitrated or nitrocarburated steel components, the surfaces having roughness heights (Rz) of Rz≧1.5 μm. The method comprises the following steps: oxidation of the surfaces of the nitrated or nitrocarburated components in a first oxidation step; carrying out at least a second oxidation of the component surfaces in an immediately subsequent oxidation step; polishing the component surface in a final method step, directly after the final oxidation.
US08747568B2
A method of cleaning comprising propelling a sublimable media in a first direction through a discharge wand, inserting the discharge end of the wand into coils of a boiler, impinging on inner and outer surfaces the coils with the sublimable media, which subsequently dissipates or is consumed.
US08747563B2
An apparatus and method for adaptive materials arranged in a variety of orientations and with a wide range of attachment configurations to induce structural vibrations at extremely high frequencies. These mechanical vibrations cause fouling agents to become detached and accordingly “clean” an otherwise dirty element or wire of a hot-wire anemometer, planar or curvilinear sensor surface, or display surfaces. They also can be made to vibrate at such frequencies with such intensities that local droplets of water are either shaken off or instantaneously cavitate, thereby allowing the elements to be used in all weather conditions.
US08747556B2
Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for atomic layer deposition (ALD), such as plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD). In some embodiments, a PE-ALD chamber is provided which includes a chamber lid assembly coupled with a chamber body having a substrate support therein. In one embodiment, the chamber lid assembly has an inlet manifold assembly containing an annular channel encompassing a centralized channel, wherein the centralized channel extends through the inlet manifold assembly, and the inlet manifold assembly further contains injection holes extending from the annular channel, through a sidewall of the centralized channel, and to the centralized channel. The chamber lid assembly further contains a showerhead assembly disposed below the inlet manifold assembly, a water box disposed between the inlet manifold assembly and the showerhead assembly, and a remote plasma system (RPS) disposed above and coupled with the inlet manifold assembly, and in fluid communication with the centralized channel.
US08747546B2
The composition applied to the refractory structure has a magnesia-based refractory material, calcia source and a binder. After application of the refractory material to a refractory structure and upon application of heat to the applied refractory material a matrix is formed which protects against penetration of the slag into the refractory material. The resulting refractory material has improved hot strength, slag resistance and durability.
US08747544B2
The present invention relates to solid silica preparations composed of the components (A) 20% to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the preparation, of a silica; (B) 20% to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the preparation, of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble, nonionic, surface-active additive based on polyethers, a water-soluble, surface-active additive containing carboxylate groups, a polyurethane, an anionic, surface-active additive based on acidic phosphoric, phosphonic, sulfuric or sulfonic esters; (C) if appropriate, further components, the further components comprising no pigments, and the sum of all components (A), (B), and (C) making 100% by weight. The invention further relates to methods of producing them and also to methods of coloring high molecular mass organic or inorganic materials, more particularly of coloring plastics.
US08747542B2
A method for producing a rutile titanium oxide sol having a particle diameter measured by dynamic light scattering of 5 nm to 100 nm, the method comprising: a process (a): mixing a tin oxalate aqueous solution, a titanium alkoxide, oxalic acid, a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, and water, while adjusting, per mole of titanium atoms, a proportion of tin atoms to be from 0.1 mol to 0.8 mol, a proportion of the oxalic acid to be from 0.01 mol to 5 mol, and a proportion of the quaternary ammonium hydroxide to be from 0.1 mol to 3.5 mol to prepare a titanium-containing aqueous solution having a concentration in terms of TiO2 of 0.1% by mass to 15% by mass; and a process (b): performing hydrothermal treatment on the titanium-containing aqueous solution produced in the process (a) at 100° C. to 200° C.
US08747541B2
Dispersion obtainable by reacting a) in 50 to 75 parts by weight of water b) 25 to 50 parts by weight of silica particles having a BET surface area of 30 to 500 m2/g and c) 100 to 300 μg/m2 BET surface area of the silica particles from b) parts by weight of one or more aminofunctional, organosilicon compounds, the aminofunctional, organosilicon compound being a quaternary, aminofunctional, organosilicon compound which is obtainable by reacting at least one haloalkylfunctional silane as component A with a tertiary amine as component B in the presence of a defined amount of water and at least partly removing the resulting hydrolysis alcohol from the system.
US08747538B2
A photovoltaic crucible mold release compound includes a powder mixture comprising silicon nitride powder having 1 ppm of impurities or less and silicon dioxide 1 ppm of impurities or less mixed in with the silicon nitride powder until the gray of the silicon nitride powder turns lighter in color which is from 1% silicon dioxide in weight up to 50% silicon dioxide in weight. Also included is a binder having a liquid. The powder mixture is mixed with the binder. The binder can be ethanol, water or alcohol. A photovoltaic crucible mold release compound can also include a photovoltaic crucible mold, so that the mold release compound is applied to an inside surface of the photovoltaic crucible mold to a thickness of 75 to 1500 microns.
US08747535B1
Ink compositions include an amorphous component, a crystalline material, and optionally a colorant. The amorphous component exhibits improved thermal stability and improved distribution in ink preparations; an ink composition includes an amorphous component including a modified polyol and a crystalline component, the modified polyol includes a bio-renewable content of at least 35% by weight.
US08747534B2
Disclosed is an emulsion of an internal paper size and a biocidal emulsifying agent, such as a cationic non-starchy quaternary ammonium compounds, that is introduced into a paper-making furnish to produce an antimicrobial paper. The antimicrobial paper is useful as facing for gypsum panels. A method of making the paper includes emulsifying the internal size with a biocide before introducing the size to the paper furnish. A method of making a microbial growth resistant gypsum panel that incorporates the antimicrobial paper is also disclosed.
US08747532B2
A filter device for filtering dust from air includes a housing, a dust collecting module, a spraying module, and an exhaust. The housing defines an air inlet near a bottom of the housing and an air outlet near a top of the housing. The dust collecting module is installed in the housing between the air inlet and the air outlet. The spraying module is placed in the housing between the dust collecting module and the air outlet. The exhaust is connected to the housing for generating air pressure difference between near the air outlet and near the air inlet, thereby drawing and introducing air containing dust from the bottom of the housing toward the top of the housing via the air inlet.
US08747527B2
A method for converting soot particles of an exhaust gas includes providing at least nitrogen dioxide or oxygen in the exhaust gas, ionizing soot particles with an electric field, depositing electrically charged soot particles on inner channel walls of at least one surface precipitator, and bringing at least nitrogen dioxide or oxygen into contact with the deposited soot particles on the inner channel walls of the at least one surface precipitator. A device for carrying out the method includes at least one surface precipitator having a plurality of channels through which the exhaust gas can flow and extending between an inlet region and an outlet region, and at least one deposit inhibitor for electrically charged soot particles provided in at least part of the inlet region, especially allowing the soot particles to be evenly deposited and the surface precipitator to be continuously regenerated.
US08747526B2
A vertical type air humidifying and purifying machine, comprising a front casing, a rear casing, a humidifying unit, an ultraviolet light purifying unit, a motor-fan unit and a negative ion generator; in which the front casing and the rear casing are assembled correspondingly with each other, and the humidifying unit, the UV light purifying unit, and the motor-fan unit are disposed orderly between the front and the rear casings, and the negative ion generator is installed at an air outlet of the motor-fan unit; ON-OFF switches being respectively provided on the humidifying unit, the UV purifying unit and the negative ion generator for ON-OFF switching.
US08747525B2
A composite hollow ceramic fiber includes a porous hollow core supporting a thin, dense sheath. The non-gas-tight core comprises a first ceramic compound and an interconnecting network of pores. The gas-tight sheath comprises a second ceramic compound. The fiber is made by extruding first and second suspensions of the first and second ceramic compounds in polymeric binders and solvent from a spinnerette and coagulating the nascent hollow fiber to effect phase inversion of the polymeric binders. The resultant green fiber is sintered in a two step process. First, the binder is burned off. Second, the sheath is densified and the second ceramic compound is sinter without fully sintering the first ceramic compound. The first ceramic compound has a melting point higher than that of the second ceramic compound.
US08747523B2
A water separator reduces a water content of an air stream, which is used in an HVAC unit for a vehicle. The water separator includes a diverter wall and an adjacent wall spaced from the diverter wall to define an air passage. The diverter wall has a terminal end extending into the air passage for changing a direction of the air stream to reduce the water content of the air stream. A filter assembly is disposed through a receiving slot in the diverter wall and is within the air passage downstream of the terminal end.
US08747514B2
Improved agriculturally useful products are provided, including solid materials such as nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea), together with a polycarboxylated polymer selected from the group consisting of a salts of copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The polymer composition also includes from about 10-60% by weight of an organic drying agent such as a lower alcohol which enhances the quick drying properties thereof. The compositions may also include an amount of boron, and bimodal vinylic polymer made up of quantities of high and low molecular weight (MW) vinylic polymers such as PVA.
US08747511B2
A honeycomb filter includes a tubular honeycomb structure having porous partition walls with which there are formed a plurality of cells extending from one end surface to the other end surface to become through channels of a fluid; and plugged portions arranged in one open end portion of each of predetermined cells and the other open end portion of each of the remaining cells, porosities of the partition walls are 46% or less, a pore volume ratio of pores having pore diameters of 40 μm or more is 7.5% or less, and a pore volume ratio of pores having pore diameters of 10 μm or less is 25% or less, a permeability of the honeycomb structure is 0.8 μm2 or more, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the honeycomb structure in a range of 40 to 800° C. is 1.0×10−6/° C. or less.
US08747506B2
An air filtration system including a pre-filtration unit having a filter section and a spacer section attached to the filter section and extending downstream from the filter section, a pre-filter attachment device having a pre-filter securing section and a first plurality of coupling members, and a filtration unit. The filter section includes a pre-filter. The spacer section includes an at least partially open end located on a downstream side of the spacer section to expose a downstream face of the pre-filter. The filtration unit includes a filter frame, an upper section thereof including an upstream-facing surface having a plurality of openings, a filter secured inside the lower section of filter frame, and a second plurality of coupling members located on the filter frame and coupleable with the first plurality of coupling members of the pre-filter attachment device to removeably secure the pre-filtration unit to the filtration unit.
US08747505B2
A filter system includes a housing having an inlet opening surrounded by a sealing surface, an outlet opening, and a door having a seating surface surrounding a through-port opening. The door is movable between an open and closed position and a closed position. In an embodiment, a hinge connects the door to the housing, such that the door pivots between open and closed positions about the hinge. A panel pre-filter is seated along the seating surface of the door. A V-bank filter is positioned in the inlet opening, and has a flange in general alignment with the sealing surface, and has a plurality of filter media sections projecting away from the flange and into the housing interior. A latch is adapted to keep the panel pre-filter positioned inline and upstream of the V-bank filter. A seal is disposed between the flange of the V-bank filter and the sealing surface.
US08747501B2
A fuel gasification system including a gasification furnace including a fluidized bed formed by fluidizing reactant gas for gasifying fuel charged into gasification gas and flammable solid content, a combustion furnace for combustion of the flammable solid content into which the flammable solid content produced in the furnace is introduced together with bed material and that includes a fluidized bed formed by fluidizing reactant gas, a material separator such as hot cyclone that separates bed material from exhaust gas introduced from the combustion furnace, the separated bed material being fed through a downcomer to the gasification furnace, and a tar decomposing mechanism that heats the gasification gas produced in the furnace to decompose tar contained in the gasification gas.
US08747492B2
An ethanol/fuel blend composition. The ethanol/fuel blend composition includes an ethanol composition including at least 92 wt. % ethanol, and from 95 wppm to 1,000 wppm isopropanol and a fuel.
US08747485B1
An artificial ankle joint having a universal joint and shock absorbers is provided. The artificial ankle joint enables distribution of vertically applied weight of a human body to ground, and enables an artificial foot connected to the artificial ankle joint to move in multiple axial directions.
US08747470B2
Various methods and devices are provided for a graft fixation device for fixing a graft member within a bone tunnel. In one embodiment, a graft fixation device is provided having a radially expandable sheath adapted to be disposed within a bone tunnel, and a sheath expander adapted to be received within the radially expandable sheath to expand the sheath and thereby anchor a graft between the sheath and the bone tunnel. In an exemplary embodiment, the graft fixation device is particularly useful to affix a graft within a femoral tunnel.
US08747456B2
A catheter assembly may include a main balloon arranged to reside within the main vessel, and a branch balloon configured to extend from the main vessel into the branch vessel. A stent may be situated around the main balloon and may include a branch aperture at a location between proximal and distal open ends of the stent. The branch balloon may extend from within the stent, through the branch aperture, and into the branch vessel. The branch balloon, when inflated, may extend into the branch vessel. The main balloon, when inflated, may also expand the stent within the main vessel. In some arrangements, the branch balloon, when inflated, can function as an anchor within the branch vessel that resists radial and axial movement of the stent relative to the branch vessel and main vessel during expansion of the stent by the main balloon.
US08747451B2
Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
US08747450B2
A method for assembling a stent graft onto a balloon delivery catheter is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: assembling a graft over a stent with attached security rings and inserting the ends of the graft between the stent and the rings; placing the assembled stent graft on the delivery balloon of the delivery catheter; and crimping the stent graft onto the balloon. The stent may include a plurality of axially aligned belts that include a plurality of mid belts, and first and second end belts, where each of the mid belts includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced struts having first and second ends adjoining first sinusoidal-shaped elements, and each of the first and second end belts includes at least about twice the number of circumferentially spaced struts adjoining second sinusoidal-shaped elements. Also disclosed is a stent graft for use in practicing the method.
US08747448B2
A stent graft delivery system including a tip assembly, a middle member tube, a sheath assembly, and a unitary front grip. The sheath tube is axially slideable within the distal front grip lumen, the threaded assembly distal end is disposed in the proximal front grip lumen and fixed to the unitary front grip, and the first threaded tube portion and the second threaded tube portion are radially compressed together by the unitary front grip. The sheath handle engages the exterior thread of the threaded assembly in a first configuration to move the sheath tube axially relative to the middle member tube and tip tube through rotation of the sheath handle and disengages the exterior thread of the threaded assembly in a second configuration to move the sheath tube axially relative to the middle member tube and tip tube through axial motion of the sheath handle.
US08747431B2
A distal tip for use with a medical catheter. The tip includes a member having a wall which defines a lumen therewithin. The wall has a portion at a distal end thereof, the portion curving inwardly toward an axis of the lumen. The lumen is provided with a diameter adaptable to accommodate a device to be recovered therewithin.
US08747430B2
A device for the non-invasive treatment of a vascular defect. The device includes at least one occlusive member having a first unexpanded configuration and a second expanded configuration and at least one securement member for securing the vaso-occlusive device to a support structure at the location of the vascular defect.
US08747429B2
A resilient catheter includes a segmental balloon sized and configured so as to be capable of being directed under the conjunctiva toward a retinal tear, the segmental balloon further configured to produce a buckle inside the eye once inflated, and capable of being separated from a remaining part of the catheter while the segmental balloon is left in place for a period of time so as to heal the retinal tear.
US08747424B2
An endoscopic stitching device is provided including an end effector configured and adapted to perform at least a pair of functions; and a single actuation cable operatively connected to the end effector, wherein the actuation cable is capable of effecting operation of at least the pair of functions. The actuation cable is capable of effecting a first operation of the pair of functions upon an axial translation thereof, and a second operation of the pair of functions upon a rotation thereof.
US08747422B2
The present invention regards an apparatus for selectively and accurately deploying one or more sequentially positioned medical appliances from a portable medical device. The apparatus includes a body having a channel, a string passing through the channel, and a mechanism for moving the string predetermined distances to deploy medical appliances. The medical appliances may be, but are not limited to, ligation bands.
US08747421B2
A staple housing includes an array of staples each in a staple delivery position or “ready position” ready to be fired into target tissue. A staple driver is advanceable to drive the ready-position staples from the staple head into the tissue using staple pushers. During use, the staples in the ready positions are simultaneously fired into the target tissue using the staple pushers, forming an array of staples in the target tissue. After the array has been fired, one or more feed mechanisms within the staple housing advance a second group of staples from one or more staple storage locations into the ready positions in preparation for firing of the second group of staples.
US08747403B2
Apparatus and methods for internal surgical procedures are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may involve supporting internal body locations, creating submucosal separations (blebs), and/or for resecting mucosal tissue separated from underlying tissue by a bleb.
US08747392B2
A handheld medical device comprises an internal flow passage that is in axial alignment with an output drive shaft. The drive shaft is powered by a motor assembly that is offset from the internal flow passage and the output drive shaft. The drive shaft and the motor assembly can be connected by a gear train. A collet mechanism can be used to secure a surgical implement to the handheld medical device. A first button assembly and a second button assembly can be positioned on diametrically opposed portions of the handheld medical device.
US08747387B2
A method and apparatus are disclosed for positioning a compression member about the septum of a seal member. In one embodiment, a source of low pressure or vacuum is provided to draw the septum of seal member into the hollow body of the compression member. In an alternative embodiment, a molding apparatus is provided which is dimensioned to receive a compression member and configured to facilitate molding of the septum within the compression member. In another embodiment, the septum of the seal member includes a septum having a tab extending from the septum. The tab is configured to assist positioned of a compression member about the septum.
US08747380B2
A protective undergarment, such as a diaper, includes a sling that is suspended from an outer shell. The sling forms a pocket in which a reusable or disposable absorbent pad can be positioned. The sling has an S-pocket or overlapping pocket at the front end and a cuff at the rear end. The cuff forms a slimmer outer profile than the S-pocket or overlapping pocket and is used only in the rear where leakage is not as significant as at the front. The S-pocket or overlapping pocket and the cuff are both suspended from bumper strips that extend from the waistband. Rectangular hook and loop fasteners and extension members allow a diaper to fit wearers of different waist size.
US08747376B2
A reduced pressure treatment system is provided that includes a canister that is fluidly connected to a tissue site and is configured to receive fluid drawn from the tissue site under the influence of a reduced pressure. A reduced pressure source provides the reduced pressure and is fluidly connected to the tissue site by a fluid communication path, which may include a source conduit, the canister, and a target conduit. A sensing device communicates with the source conduit and is configured to sense a pressure in the source conduit. A valve communicates with the source conduit and is configured to vent the reduced pressure. A processing unit communicates with the sensing device and the valve and is configured to open the valve for a selected amount of time, determine a decay of reduced pressure, and determine a fill status of the canister based on the decay of reduced pressure.
US08747371B2
Fluid delivery apparatus is described for the delivery of fluids to regions of the body, especially for delivery to regions of the brain. The apparatus includes a first length of implantable tubing having a first end and a first fluid connector portion attached to the first end of the first length of implantable tubing. The first fluid connector portion is releaseably connectable to a complementary second fluid connector portion. An implantable housing is also provided for enclosing and protecting the first fluid connector portion. The implantable housing is openable to provide access to the first fluid connector portion. For example, the housing may have a hinged lid or cover portion. A corresponding method is also described.
US08747370B2
An IV manifold includes a plurality of injection/aspiration ports including a needleless access port (NAC). A check valve included in the manifold is generally located between injection ports. A two-way aspiration can be provided by the NAC having a single elongate valve element including a plug at one end. The elongate valve element has properties for resiliently and sealingly biasing the plug into an aperture of the NAC. In use, the plug is mechanically displaced by insertion of a male Luer for injection or aspiration.
