US08817366B2

An optical amplifier with improved transient performance has two amplifier stages and a dispersion compensating fiber inserted between the amplifier stages. A control unit generates a pump control signal for a common pump source pumping both amplifier stages via a power splitter. The pump control signal has a feedforward component with a delayed reaction. A feedforward delay time is adjusted to minimize gain variations resulting from input power drops. In a preferred embodiment, the splitting ratio of the power splitter is adjustable to achieve, for instance, either optimum steady-state performance or optimum transient performance.
US08817365B2

Methods for optimizing a noise figure of a variable gain hybrid amplifier (HA) which includes a variable gain Raman amplifier with adjustable average gain GR and gain tilt TR and a variable gain lumped amplifier with adjustable average gain GL and gain tilt TL. In various embodiments, the methods include receiving as input a required hybrid amplifier average gain GH value and a required gain tilt TH value and deriving a set of GR, TR, GL and TL values which yield an optimal optimized hybrid amplifier NF and satisfy the conditions GR+GL=GH and that TR+TL is within a specified hybrid amplifier operating tilt range. In some embodiments, the derived TR and TL values satisfy the condition TR+TL=TH.
US08817357B2

This disclosure provides mechanical layers and methods of forming the same. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems device includes a substrate and a mechanical layer having an actuated position and a relaxed position. The mechanical layer is spaced from the substrate to define a collapsible gap. The gap is in a collapsed condition when the mechanical layer is in the actuated position and in a non-collapsed condition when the mechanical layer is in the relaxed position. The mechanical layer includes a reflective layer, a conductive layer, and a supporting layer. The supporting layer is positioned between the reflective layer and the conductive layer and is configured to support the mechanical layer.
US08817355B2

An electrochromic device according to example embodiments may include a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other, an electrochromic layer positioned between the first electrode and second electrode and including an electrochromic material, and an electrolyte contacting the electrochromic layer between the first electrode and second electrode and including an electron accepting molecule.
US08817353B2

The display apparatus including a microelectromechanical (MEMS) shutter is disclosed. The MEMS shutter is shifted by the switching element in a horizontal direction corresponding to the light control area to turn on or turn off the light control area. A first slit transmits light generated from the light source to the MEMS shutter of a first substrate and a second slit of a second substrate corresponding to the first slit provides apertures by overlapping the first slit and the second slit. The apertures of the MEMS shutter are distributed on a two dimensional plane and form a geometrically symmetric pattern that are capable of enhancing light-use efficiency.
US08817349B2

A photographic hologram system is provided. The use of an image slicing process and/or the arrangement of half-cylindrical lens in the optical path of an optical light wave and upstream of the film is effective to reduce the times of multiple exposures of the film. As a consequence, the brightness of the reconstructed image is enhanced.
US08817346B2

First storage stores code data each of which is formed by arranging identification at head of line code data obtained by coding image in a line unit, from first to last line of the image. Second storage recognizes the identification from the code data read by First reader to store the code data in a line unit. Third storage stores decoded image obtained by decoding the code data read from the second storage by Second reader in a line unit. When the image is rotated 180 degrees, First reader reads the code data from First storage from the last to the first line and reads each line from an end to a head of the line, Second reader reads the code data from Second storage from the identification to the end of the line, and Third reader reads the decoded image from the end to the head of the line.
US08817327B2

A printing system includes a first unit that obtains a rendering command specifying a combination of at least a thickness and a color of a line; a second unit that converts the rendering command into a converted rendering command by converting the combination specified in the rendering command so that an average darkness of a result of printing the line matches a desired average darkness of a result of printing the line using a target printer; a third unit that generates image data including the rendered line based on the converted rendering command; and a printing unit that executes printing based on the image data.
US08817324B2

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for aggregating print jobs of different lengths and/or customers to decrease the need for rewinding and splicing operations. An exemplary embodiment provides a method that comprises identifying individual label-printing jobs (1-8) that can be aggregated onto a roll of substrate (302), and forming an aggregated label-printing job (300). In the aggregated label-printing job (300) a longest print job (8) is imposed adjacent to a first end of the roll of substrate (302), and one or more shorter print jobs (2, 5, 7) are imposed adjacent to the longest print job (8) in the direction of a second end of the roll of substrate (302).
US08817318B2

A printer includes a retrieving unit, an index image generating unit, and a list printing unit. The retrieving unit retrieves a file including document data. The content acquiring unit acquires information of a table of contents of the document data from the file. The index image generating unit generates an index image depicting the table of contents of the file based on the information of the table of contents. The list printing unit prints a list image containing the index image.
US08817315B2

A system and method for inserting an advertisement for a document to be faxed. In this embodiment, a processor may be configured to determine a category associated with content in a document being faxed. The processor may select at least one advertisement that is related to the associated category. A determination may be made for a location within the document being communicated for one or more advertisements to be positioned. The processor may be further configured to place one or more selected advertisement into the determined location in the document being communicated.
US08817314B2

The system provides for controlling color reproduction of input color image data in a network having nodes (or sites). The system distributes the input color image data from one of the nodes to other nodes, and provides data structures in the network. The system has means for providing color calibration data at each node characterizing output colors (colorants) of the rendering device of the node, and means for producing at each node, responsive to the color calibration data of the rendering device of the node, information for transforming the input color image data into output color image data at the rendering device of the node. The rendering device of each node renders a color reproduction responsive to the output color image data, wherein colors displayed in the reproduction at the rendering device of each node appear substantially the same within the output colors attainable by the rendering devices.
US08817309B2

An application server, a data server, and a printer are connected to one another via a communication network. The application server executes application software. Then, the application server generates print data for printing an interim result or final result of processing performed by the application software, and sends the print data to the data server. The data server provides the supplied print data to the printer. The printer performs printing in accordance with the provided print data.
US08817306B2

A setting value management service holds first operation setting information that is applied to an image forming apparatus belonging to a first management range managed thereby and second operation setting information which is applied to an image forming apparatus belonging to a second management range. The setting value management service generates third operation setting information, which is applied to the image forming apparatus, when a user who corresponds to the second management range uses the image forming apparatus belonging to the first management range, using the second operation setting information. The setting value management service accepts the operation setting information acquisition request from an image forming apparatus belonging to the first management range, which is used by a user who corresponds to the second management range, and returns the corresponding third operation setting information to the image forming apparatus.
US08817302B2

The print server includes: a registration portion to register the image forming apparatus; a spool portion to store a set of print data and user identification information; a virtual data transmitting portion, and a print data transmitting portion. The registered image forming apparatus includes: a distribution control portion to cause the image forming portion to form an image of the print data, and store the received set, and further, when the virtual data is received, store the received virtual data; an authenticated printing portion to, cause the image forming portion to form an image of print data that makes a pair with the user identification information of the authenticated user; and an acquisition request transmitting portion to transmit an acquisition request to the print server.
US08817294B2

An image forming apparatus includes a main body and a replaceable component. The main body includes a first storage unit storing first authentication informations for authentication with the replaceable component, a data storage unit storing authentication data for choosing the first authentication information. The replaceable component includes a second storage unit storing second authentication informations corresponding to the first authentication information. Authentication data is set to be different among different image forming apparatuses. The main body attempts authentication with the replaceable component using the first authentication information chosen based on the authentication data. When the second authentication information corresponding to the chosen first authentication information is stored, a control unit establishes connection between communication units of the main body and the replaceable component.
US08817292B1

Disclosed is a printing system having a raster image processing performance preflight option and an associated printing method. When the performance preflight option is selectively enabled, the printing system parses a print job to acquire data object statistics, performs preliminary raster image processing of the print job to generate preliminary raster pages, monitors the preliminary raster image processing to acquire performance statistics, determines (based on the performance statistics) whether or not the print job meets predefined specifications for raster image process timing and generates and displays a summary report. Page-specific selectable reports can be embedded in the summary report to allow a user to selectively view page-specific data object statistics and visual representations of specific preliminary raster pages. Such reports can be used to modify the print job in order to improve raster image processing timing prior to printing.
US08817291B2

An image forming apparatus includes a memory, an image forming device, an authentication device, and a control device. The authentication device performs user authentication. The control device determines whether the stored job requires user authentication. The control device permits the image forming unit to form an image based on the stored job when the job requires user authentication and the authentication device successfully performs user authentication for the job. The control device permits the image forming unit to form an image based on the stored job without user authentication when the job does not require user authentication. The control device selectively supplies power to the authentication device based on whether the stored job requires user authentication.
US08817289B2

A print data processing apparatus includes a memory which stores print data configured page by page. The print data processing apparatus further includes an unnecessary page detection portion configured to detect an unnecessary page from the print data stored in the memory. The unnecessary page includes ruled line data and does not include character data. Moreover, the print data processing apparatus further includes an unnecessary page deletion portion configured to delete, from the print data stored in the memory, the unnecessary page detected by the unnecessary page detection portion.
US08817282B2

Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of preventing heat in an in-body copy receiving portion from reaching a bottom face of a scanner portion disposed above the in-body copy receiving portion.An image forming apparatus (100) includes: an in-body copy receiving portion (90); a scanner portion (123); and an air blow portion (200). The in-body copy receiving portion (90) includes a copy receiving tray (91) to stack image-formed sheets thereon, the in-body copy receiving portion being disposed in the image forming apparatus (100). The scanner portion (123) is capable of reading a document, the scanner portion being disposed above the in-body copy receiving portion (90). The air blow portion (200) generates airflow between a maximum sheet loadable position on the copy receiving tray (91) and the scanner portion (123) so as to flow along a bottom face of the scanner portion (123).
US08817279B2

An image forming apparatus having a restriction on an amount of resource usage for use in executing an application includes an installation unit configured to install a composite application including a plurality of application modules as one application, a display unit configured to, if, when the composite application installed by the installation unit is activated, the plurality of application modules included in the composite application cannot be activated due to the restriction on the amount of resource usage, activate a predetermined application module in the plurality of application modules and display a symbol corresponding to the activated predetermined application module on a display unit of the image forming apparatus, and an image forming unit configured to execute image processing using an application module corresponding to the symbol, if the symbol displayed by the display unit is selected to instruct the image processing.
US08817273B2

A dark field diffraction based overlay metrology device illuminates an overlay target that has at least three pads for an axis, the three pads having different programmed offsets. The overlay target may be illuminated using two obliquely incident beams of light from opposite azimuth angles or using normally incident light. Two dark field images of the overlay target are collected using ±1st diffraction orders to produce at least six independent signals. For example, the +1st diffraction order may be collected from one obliquely incident beam of light and the −1st diffraction order may be collected from the other obliquely incident beam of light. Alternatively, the ±1st diffraction orders may be separately detected from the normally incident light to produce the two dark field images of the overlay target. The six independent signals from the overlay target are used to determine an overlay error for the sample along the axis.
US08817255B2

An apparatus includes a light source configured to emit an electromagnetic wave; a spatial light modulator configured to modulate a wavefront of the electromagnetic wave to irradiate a sample; a plate with an aperture; a lens unit configured to set a focal point in the sample; a detector configured to detect light coming from the focal point of the sample through the aperture; and a controller configured to control the spatial light modulator based on the detected light by the detector.
US08817254B2

A process for entangling quantum states of respective quantum systems measures electromagnetic radiation emitted from a first system and from a second system. The two systems are exposed to excitation radiation having a probability per time of producing a photon, and an interference element is coupled to receive photons from the first and second systems. The process further includes measuring a time during which the first and second systems were exposed to the excitation radiation before a photon is detected on either output channel of the interference element and applying an electromagnetic pulse that causes a relative phase shift of a portion of a quantum state of the first and second systems. Parameters of the electromagnetic pulse are selected based on measurements of the electromagnetic radiation from the first and second systems and the time measured.
US08817248B2

A compact and versatile multi-spot inspection imaging system employs an objective for focusing an array of radiation beams to a surface and a second reflective or refractive objective having a large numerical aperture for collecting scattered radiation from the array of illuminated spots. The scattered radiation from each illuminated spot is focused to a corresponding receiver or detector so that information about a scattering may be conveyed to a corresponding detector in a remote detector array for processing. Radiation reflected from the spots is imaged into a first array of receivers or detectors so that each receiver in the first array receives radiation from a corresponding spot in the array of spots; and scattered radiation from the spots is imaged onto a second array of receivers or detectors in a dark field imaging scheme so that each receiver or detector in the second array receives radiation from a corresponding spot.
US08817230B2

A liquid immersion photolithography system includes an exposure system that exposes a substrate with electromagnetic radiation and includes a projection optical system that focuses the electromagnetic radiation on the substrate. A liquid supply system provides liquid flow between the projection optical system and the substrate. Further, the liquid is extracted using a two dimensional array of extraction openings.
US08817214B2

A liquid crystal display comprises a gate line formed on a first substrate, a data line formed on the substrate intersecting the gate line to define a pixel area, a common line partially surrounding the pixel area and formed along with the gate line by the same process, a thin film transistor formed at the intersection of the gate line and the data line, a common electrode having a common electrode horizontal section connected to the common line, and a common electrode finger section extending from the common electrode horizontal section with a finger shape, and a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor and generating a horizontal electric field along with the common electrode, wherein a part of the common electrode finger section overlaps the data line with a first passivation layer having a low dielectric and placed between the common electrode and the data line.
US08817209B2

Disclosed is a patterned retarder film which comprises a substrate, a patterned configuration layer and a liquid crystal layer. The patterned configuration layer includes a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions A liquid crystal layer is disposed on the patterned configuration layer, wherein liquid crystal molecules above the first regions is arranged irregularly because of the protrusions, the liquid crystal molecules above the second regions are aligned with the aligning micro-structures. The liquid crystal layer in above the first regions provides a first phase retardation, the liquid crystal layer above the second regions provides a second phase retardation, and the difference between the first phase retardation and the second phase retardation is 180°. The method for manufacturing the same is disclosed.
US08817208B2

A display apparatus and a liquid crystal display device are provided. The display apparatus comprises a display device for displaying an image and a diffractive optical element. The diffractive optical element comprises pixel unit regions. Each of the pixel unit regions has a long pixel side and a short pixel side adjacent to each other. The diffractive optical element is disposed on a light emitting side of the display device and comprises first grating regions and second grating regions. The first grating regions have a first diffraction grating. The second grating regions have a second diffraction grating. An azimuth angle of the first diffraction grating is different from an azimuth angle of the second diffraction grating.
US08817206B2

A backlight module is for providing light to a liquid crystal panel having a visible region. The backlight module includes a light guide plate, light emitting units, a mesh dot layer, and a diffusing tape. The light emitting units are disposed at a position corresponding to a light entrance surface of the light guide plate for emitting light to the light entrance surface. The mesh dot layer is disposed on a bottom surface of the light guide plate. A side of the mesh dot layer corresponding to the light entrance surface is shifted inward by a first distance relative to a side of the visible region corresponding to the light entrance surface. The diffusing tape is attached onto the bottom surface corresponding to the light entrance surface for diffusing light in the light guide plate to a light exit surface of the light guide plate.
US08817205B2

The present invention relates to a technique which makes a backlight used in a liquid crystal display device thin and light-weight. The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which includes a display panel and a backlight arranged behind the display panel, wherein the backlight includes a film-like light guide member, a film-like light semi-transmissive member adhered to a first surface of the light guide member which faces the display panel in an opposed manner, a film-like reflective member adhered to a back surface of the light guide member opposite to the first surface, and a spot light source arranged at a position of the light guide member at which light is incident on the light guide member from the first surface or the back surface. A refractive index of the light semi-transmissive member is set smaller than a refractive index of the light guide member.
US08817204B2

Provided is a liquid crystal display device including: a base; a liquid crystal display including a plastic frame having a first supporting surface and a second supporting surface; a backlight unit disposed on the first supporting surface; a liquid crystal panel disposed on the second supporting surface; and a plurality of holding components disposed at outer sides of the plastic frame, respectively, for keeping the backlight unit, the plastic frame and the liquid crystal panel in their relative positions to each other; a support frame disposed between the base and the liquid crystal display; and a PCB electrically connected to the liquid crystal display through a wire, and being disposed at a vertical plane of the support frame.
US08817201B2

An array substrate comprises data lines, gate lines, thin film transistors and pixel electrodes formed on a base substrate. Pixel units are defined by intersecting the data lines and the gate lines, the thin film transistors are formed at the intersections of the data lines and the gate lines, and the data lines extend across each of the pixel units in the middle of the pixel units. At least two thin film transistors for controlling a same pixel electrode are respectively formed on both sides of the data line in each pixel unit.
US08817198B2

Disclosed herein are apparatuses and related methods for avoiding liquid crystal molecule twisting through local boundary orientation relevant to the alignment direction of liquid crystal structures. In one embodiment, a segmented polarization control panel may comprise a plurality of segment electrodes corresponding to a plurality of display segments of the sequentially scanning display. The plurality of segment electrodes comprise liquid crystals therein, and are arranged contiguously in a direction of the sequential scan. Electrode boundaries are created between adjacent segment electrodes, where each may be cascaded substantially parallel and perpendicular to a liquid crystal alignment direction of liquid crystals located within the segments. Preventing twisting by the disclosed techniques is particularly attractive in active retarder display systems employing fast striped pi-cell modulators.
US08817196B2

An optical shuttering device is provided, which includes an optical cell with a liquid crystal material between first and second transparent substrates and controlled by an electronic switching circuit. The switching circuit includes a power supply module, providing a control voltage, and a switching element mounted in series between the power supply module and the cell, making it possible to switch the cell between an on state and an off state. The electronic switching circuit furthermore includes a current source mounted in series between the power supply module and the switching element. The substrates preferably have different thickness and material.
US08817183B2

This invention relates to a device and a method of generating a first and a second fingerprint (102,104) usable for synchronisation of at least two signals (101,103) and corresponding method and device for synchronising two or more signals. A fingerprint pair is generated on the basis of a segment of a first signal e.g. an audio signal and of a segment of a second signal e.g. a video signal at each synchronisation time point. The generated fingerprint pair(s) are stored in a database (203) and communicated or distributed to a synchronisation device (303). During synchronisation, fingerprint(s) of the audio signal and fingerprint(s) of the video signal to be synchronised are generated and matched against fingerprints in the database. When a match is found, the fingerprints also determine the synchronisation time point, which is used to synchronise the two signals. In this way, a simple, reliable and efficient way of synchronising at least two signals is obtained. Further, this is enabled without modifying either the first and second signal (or subsequent signals). The signals may even be distorted or changed to some extent while still enabling synchronisation.
US08817168B2

A ranging apparatus has an imaging unit including a pixel group for acquiring first and second images formed by luminous fluxes having passed through first and second pupil areas of an imaging optical system, and a calculation unit configured to create third and fourth images by performing convolution integrals on the first and second images with corrected first and second image modification functions, and to calculate a distance up to the subject by comparison of the third and fourth images, wherein the corrected first and second image modification functions are formed by causing centroid positions calculated based on data of sampling points of the first and second image modification functions corresponding to pixel arrangement of the pixel group to each coincide with a sampling point closest to the centroid position; and the convolution integral is performed by taking the sampling point closest to the centroid position as a reference point.
US08817165B2

An image capturing apparatus comprises an image sensor on which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, and which has a plurality of image forming pixels and a plurality of types of focus detecting pixels that are discretely arranged among the plurality of image forming pixels and respectively have different distributions of received light, and selection means for, when the plurality of pixels are read out from the image sensor while thinning out the plurality of pixels, selecting one thinning-out read-out mode from a plurality of thinning-out read-out modes having different thinning-out phases of the plurality of pixels, wherein the plurality of types of focus detecting pixels are arranged so that in each thinning-out read-out mode, only signals of the focus detecting pixels of one type of focus detecting pixels are read out, and signals of the focus detecting pixels of other types are not read out.
US08817163B2

A measuring unit measures an amount of a detected phase difference from an output of a vibration detection signal from a first detection electrode until an output of a vibration detection signal from a second detection electrode. A setting unit sets a second driving phase difference amount based on the detected phase difference amount measured by the measuring unit when the setting unit sets a first driving phase difference amount set in advance. A first voltage applied by a drive unit to the first drive electrode and the second drive electrode when the setting unit sets the first driving phase difference amount, is lower than a second voltage applied by the drive unit to the first drive electrode and the second drive electrode when the setting unit sets the second driving phase difference amount.
US08817159B2

An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device, a lens provided in a front part and configured to form an image of a subject on the imaging device, a dot matrix display unit which includes a plurality of LED chips, each providing a plurality of dots, and is arranged in the front part, with a light emission state visible by the subject, and a display controller which controls display of the dot matrix display unit. The dot matrix display unit displays a pattern based on the control of the display controller.
US08817156B2

A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a plurality of unit pixels each including a first photoelectric conversion unit, a second photoelectric conversion unit, and a pixel output unit shared by the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit. The unit pixels are arranged in a first direction, and the first and second photoelectric conversion units are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction.
US08817150B2

A time-delay-integration image sensor comprises a matrix of pixels organized in rows and columns. Each pixel comprises a first photosensitive element, a storage node and a first transfer element connected between the first photosensitive element and the storage node, Each pixel further comprises a second photosensitive element, a second transfer element connected between the second photosensitive element and the storage node, and a third transfer element connected between the storage node and the second photosensitive element of an adjacent pixel of the column. A control circuit is configured to simultaneously command the first and second transfer elements to on state and the third transfer element to off state, and, in a distinct phase, to simultaneously command the first and third transfer elements to on state and the second transfer element to off state.
US08817144B2

A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate having a photoelectric conversion portion. An insulator is provided on the semiconductor substrate. The insulator has a hole corresponding to the photoelectric conversion portion. A waveguide member is provided in the hole. An in-layer lens is provided on a side of the waveguide member farther from the semiconductor substrate. A first intermediate member is provided between the waveguide member and the in-layer lens. The first intermediate member has a lower refractive index than the in-layer lens.
US08817140B2

A method for ascertaining image signals having color values and a camera set-up, which has: a camera having camera optics, an image sensor for recording an environment and for outputting first image signals, and a color mask applied in front of the image sensor, and an evaluation device, which picks up the first image signals emitted by the image sensor, the image sensor having a plurality of sensor pixels and the color mask having a plurality of filter pixels which are each situated in front of the sensor pixels and include first colored filter pixels and transparent filter pixels; and some of the sensor pixels picking up the light via the colored filter pixels and outputting the first color values, and additional sensor pixels picking up the light via the transparent filter pixels and outputting the intensity values. The evaluation device ascertains second color values from the intensity values and the first color values of various sensor pixels, and forms second image signals from the first color values and the second color values.
US08817139B2

An image pickup device may include an image capturing unit that includes a solid-state image pickup device having a plurality of pixels arrayed in a matrix form and simultaneously outputting pixel signals of the plurality of pixels adjacent to each other in a row or column direction in sequence while sequentially shifting the pixels that output the pixel signals in the row direction, and that simultaneously outputs image capturing signals respectively corresponding to the simultaneously output pixel signals in sequence from corresponding output terminals, an image processing unit to which the image capturing signals respectively corresponding to the plurality of pixels adjacent to each other in the row or column direction of the pixels arrayed in the solid-state image pickup device are simultaneously input in sequence from corresponding input terminals, and which performs image processing on the input image capturing signals, and a signal transmitting unit.
US08817138B2

A viewfinder of an electronic camera includes a color display monitor that is adapted to display a scene captured by an image sensor arrangement of the camera. The color temperature of the viewfinder is continuously variable adjustable between a minimum and a maximum value. The color temperature adjustment of the viewfinder does not affect the color temperature of a video signal produced by the camera that is recorded or transmitted.
US08817128B2

An approach is provided to adjust illumination color temperature at a flash unit of a camera. Data that corresponds to the ambient light of a physical environment is collected, such as at a color temperature meter included in the camera. The ambient light has a distribution of color temperatures that cycle over a fixed time period. When a flash request is received, a time is calculated at which the flash unit will flash. One of the color temperatures is identified from the distribution of color temperatures with the identified color temperature being the predicted color of the ambient light that will be present in the physical environment when the flash unit flashes. The color temperature of the flash unit is set to the identified color temperature.
US08817127B2

Provided is an image capture device capable of suppressing blurring of images and keeping a subject image at the start of capturing in the picture frame, even when a plurality of objects such as persons are photographed over a long time. The image capture device includes: an imaging optical system 1; an image capture element 2; a feature detector unit (face detector unit 8) for detecting the features of the objects contained in an image represented by an image signal obtained by the image capture element 2; a movement quantity detector unit for detecting the movement quantities of the features including the face regions of the human figures; and a composition change correction unit for correcting a change in the composition of the image based on the movement quantities of the face regions.
US08817124B2

The present invention provides an image capturing apparatus comprising an image capturing element configured to convert an optical image into an image signal, a signal processing unit configured to apply signal processing to the image signal and to output the processed image signal, a super-resolution processing unit configured to apply, when a still image of the object is to be captured during capturing of a moving image of the object, super-resolution processing for enhancing a resolution by compositing a plurality of image signals output from the signal processing unit, and outputting an image signal required to generate the still image of the object, and an APC correction unit configured to apply APC correction processing for emphasizing an edge of each of the image signal output from the signal processing unit and the image signal output from the super-resolution processing unit, and to output the processed image signal.
US08817120B2

The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for image data processing. In certain embodiments, an image processing pipeline may collect statistics associated with fixed pattern noise of image data by receiving a first frame of the image data comprising a plurality of pixels. The image processing pipeline may then determine a sum of a first plurality of pixel values that correspond to at least a first portion of the plurality of pixels such that each pixel in at least the first portion of the plurality of pixels is disposed along a first axis within the frame of the image data. After determining the sum of the first plurality of pixel values, the image processing pipeline may store the sum of the first plurality of pixel values in a memory such that the sum of the first plurality of pixel values represent the statistics.
US08817114B2

In the presence of a switching instruction of operation modes in an image capture apparatus, it is examined whether image data is being transferred or not. When the image data is not being transferred, the operation modes are immediately switched. When the image data is being transferred, the operation modes are switched after the completion of transfer.
US08817113B2

A method of distributing digital images includes capturing a first digital image using the first digital camera and converting, using the first digital camera, the first digital image into lossless code. The lossless code is displayed on the display of the first digital camera and is captured using a second digital camera. The lossless code captured from the display of the first digital camera is converted, using the second digital camera, into a copy of the first digital image, and the copy of the first digital image converted from the lossless code is displayed on the display screen of the second digital camera.
US08817111B2

This invention provides a calibration system and method for multi-unit display systems without a need for switching the system input resolution/configuration of the display system while calibrating. This serves to avoid carrying out a re-synchronization step. As such, this system and method allows for increases speed and reduced likelihood of failure. This system and method also corrects the display system by providing an arrangement that employs a minimum of required changes so as to avoid any changes that can consequently affect the output image of the display system. Calibration of the system of display units occurs free of any changes to the input resolution and this resolution is maintained in a manner that resists change unless specifically required. Moreover, this system and method enables a resolution for the overall system that differs from the sum of the input resolutions of the discrete, individual display units in the collection.
US08817110B1

Video processing arrangement including a host computer, a video asset coupled to the computer for generating video signals, and an interface for connecting the video asset to the computer to enable the display of the video signals on a monitor. The video asset includes primary elements such as a primary composite video module that produces different types of a primary video signal and outputs the primary video signal, and a secondary video source module that produces a secondary composite video signal and outputs the secondary composite video signal. The primary composite video module includes a memory component including a user-programmable sequence of bits representative of a video signal and user-programmable signal generators synchronized to the primary video signal output of the primary composite video module. The memory component includes four user specified pulse memories which each hold a series of arbitrary bit line patterns.
US08817106B2

Systems and methods disclosed herein provide an image capture component adapted to capture an infrared image, a control component adapted to provide a plurality of selectable processing modes to a user, receive a user input corresponding to a user selected processing mode, generate a control signal indicative of the user selected processing mode and transmit the generated control signal. The user selected processing modes, for example, may be directed to maritime applications, such as night docking, man overboard, night cruising, day cruising, hazy conditions, and/or shoreline modes. The systems and methods further provide a processing component adapted to receive the generated control signal from the control component, process the captured infrared image according to the user selected processing mode, and generate a processed infrared image, and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared image.
US08817102B2

A device which can support a determination of a camera layout by automatically preparing the camera layout that satisfies a customer request based on the customer request including a surveillance layout. Specifically, a need table that is a data set of a plurality of arrangement candidate cameras satisfying the customer request is prepared from the customer request including the surveillance layout. An arrangement of the plurality of the arrangement candidate cameras on a map is calculated based on the need table using a clustering method and a temporary layout of cameras is prepared. Then, an arrangement layout of the cameras in the surveillance layout is determined based on the temporary layout.
US08817101B2

A mobile monitoring device including a first sensor for measuring the speed of vehicles passing through a first detection range with a first time stamp; a second sensor for measuring the geometry of vehicles passing through a second detection range with a second time stamp; a camera for recording images of vehicles passing through a third detection range with a third time stamp; and an evaluation device, which calculates from the speed measurement value, first time stamp and first detection range, and from the geometry measurement value, second time stamp and second detection range, the place and time in or at which a passage of the vehicle is to be expected in the third detection range, to determine the matching image on the basis of the third time stamp and third detection range therefrom. The invention additionally relates to such a monitoring method.
US08817100B2

Tracking vehicles is disclosed. Initially, two or more first images from a first camera having a first field of view are received. Next, a first static characteristic and a first dynamic characteristic of a first vehicle are determined based on the two or more first images. Next, two or more second images from a second camera having a second field of view are received. A second static characteristic and a second dynamic characteristic of the first vehicle are determined based on the two or more second images. The first characteristics and the second characteristics are compared to determine that the second characteristics are approximately equal to the first characteristics of the first vehicle. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle is present in the second field of view of the second camera.
US08817099B2

Embodiments described herein comprise a system and method for improving visibility of a roadway using an improved visibility system. The method comprising receiving data from a plurality of fog detectors located proximate a roadway and determining, based on the data from the plurality of fog detectors, that fog is present about the roadway. The method further comprising obtaining, after the determining that fog is present about the roadway, a plurality of images of the roadway by activating a plurality of cameras located proximate the roadway. The method further comprising creating a composite image by combining two or more of the plurality of images, wherein the composite image depicts the roadway unobstructed by fog and transmitting the composite image to a display device located in a vehicle traveling along the roadway.
US08817090B2

A method to display a projected parametric curve upon a substantially transparent windscreen head-up display includes monitoring a desired parametric curve comprising a plurality of control points and a plurality of graphic segments based upon the control points, determining a luminance indicator for each of the segments, and utilizing the luminance indicator to command uniform luminance among the plurality of graphic segments.
US08817081B2

An apparatus for processing image data may include a receiving unit, which may be configured to receive first image data representing at least one first image. The apparatus may also include an edge data generating unit, which may be configured to generate edge data representing unidirectional edge components of the at least one first image. Additionally, the apparatus may include a display control unit, which may be configured to generate second image data representing at least one of a left-eye image or a right-eye image, based on the first image data and the edge data.
US08817079B2

An image processing apparatus acquires camera images captured by cameras mounted in a vehicle, specifies a position of each pixel of an image lower than a horizontal line among the acquired camera images on a bottom surface of a virtual projection plane that is a hemisphere of an infinite circle with a planar bottom surface, specifies a position of each pixel of an image higher than the horizontal line on a hemisphere surface of the virtual projection plane, specifies a position of a pixel of each camera images specified on the virtual projection plane on a stereoscopic projection plane, specifies each position on an image frame corresponding to the position of the pixel of each camera images specified on the stereoscopic projection plane based on a predetermined point of view position and renders a value of a pixel of a corresponding camera images at each specified position.
US08817072B2

A method of decoding closed caption disparity data, involves a TV receiver receiving closed caption disparity data for a 3D display encoded as a sequence of frame interval/slope change pairs, with the frame interval representing a designated number of frames over which each linear function representing disparity is to be applied paired with a value indicating a change in slope from the slope of a preceding segment. A first segment in the sequence presumes a predetermined slope as a reference. A sequence of caption data packets specifies a closed caption display window containing closed caption text. The disparity value is used in each frame to determine a horizontal offset of left and right eye views of the CC display that establishes the closed caption display window's perceived z-axis position. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08817068B2

The present disclosure relates to a digital hologram display device in which the 0th diffraction component is removed for optimizing the reproduction and replay of three-dimensional hologram video data. The present disclosure suggests a digital hologram image display device including a pattern generator generating holography interference patterns; a spatial light modulator receiving the holography interference patterns from the pattern generator and representing the holography interference patterns; a light source positioning at one side of the spatial light modulator and illuminating a reference beam to the spatial light modulator; an optical device controlling the reference beam to be collimated onto the entire surface of the spatial light modulator; and a diffusion sheet disposed between the light source and the spatial light modulator.
US08817058B2

A system and method for reducing scan line jitter in laser scan systems employing a rotating mirror, including a controller for determining a unique time delay for each mirror facet and controlling laser sources so that video provided by each laser source is delayed in a scan line by the unique time delay corresponding to the mirror facet used in creating the scan line. The controller computes a facet map signature vector corresponding to each mirror facet matches the signature to a previously stored signature and assigns measured distance offset data to the mirror facets based upon the matching.
US08817057B2

An image erasing device includes first and second erasing sections. The first erasing section includes a first heating roller and a first pressing roller. The first heating roller and the first pressing roller are disposed on opposite sides of a conveying path. The first heating roller is configured to contact a first side of the sheet. The second erasing section is disposed downstream from the first erasing section, and includes a second heating roller and a second pressing roller. The second heating roller and the second pressing roller are disposed on opposite sides of the conveying path. The second heating roller is configured to contact a second side of the sheet. At least one of the second heating roller and the second pressing roller has a diameter smaller than one of a diameter of the first heating roller and a diameter of the first pressing roller.
US08817055B2

The present invention is a data transfer circuit applicable to a liquid crystal display apparatus with a drive circuit formed integrally, for example, on an insulation substrate, and configured such that only an inverted output of a latch result of a first latch section (41) or only a non-inverted output thereof is data-transferred to a second latch section (42) and, at least during a period of data transfer to the second latch section (42), a power supply voltage of the first latch section (41) is raised.
US08817054B1

Systems and methods for rendering web content in a browser are described herein. An embodiment includes a web rendering engine in a rendering engine process to generate one or more requests to selectively redraw one or more regions of content retrieved by a browser process. A renderview then generates a bitmap based on the requests and content retrieved by the browser process. The bitmap may then be stored by the renderview in a shared memory area where it may be accessed by a renderview host in the browser process. The renderview host may then provide the bitmap to a backing store associated with a display device for display to a user. In another embodiment, the shared memory area between the browser process and the rendering engine process may be used to achieve efficient scrolling of a web page through rate limited rendering of content.
US08817051B2

A display control apparatus controls to execute variable magnification processing of a partial image of an image indicated by a display range, and displays the partial image in a display area. The display control apparatus includes a calculation unit which obtains a vertex/vertexes of the display range farthest from a center of the image and sets the vertex or a center point of the vertexes as a reference point, a changing unit which changes a size of the display range while keeping the position of the reference point, and a moving unit which moves the display range in the image. In addition, a display control unit controls to execute the variable magnification processing of the partial image and displays the partial image in the display area. The calculation unit re-calculates the reference point in response to movement of the display range in the image by the moving unit.
US08817029B2

A graphics pipeline configured to synchronize data processing according to signals and tokens has at least four components. The first component has one input and one output and communicates output tokens or wire signals after receiving tokens on the input, an internal event occurrence, or receipt of a signal on an input path. The second component has one input and a plurality of outputs and communicates tokens or wire signals on one of the outputs after receiving tokens on the input, an internal event occurrence, or receipt of a signal on an input path. The third component has a plurality of inputs and one output and communicates tokens or wire signals on the output after receiving tokens on one of the inputs, an internal event occurrence, or receipt of a signal on an input path. The fourth component has a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs and has the capabilities of both the third and forth components.
US08817027B2

A graph display apparatus including: a display unit; a graph formula input unit for receiving input of a graph formula; a coordinate system setting unit for setting a display range of a coordinate system and a scale interval on a coordinate axis in the coordinate system; a coordinate system display controlling unit for making the display unit display the coordinate axis, and display scales and scale values at the scale interval, the coordinate system display controlling unit including a scale value display controlling unit for detecting overlapping of the scale values to be displayed, and, when the scale values overlap, making the display unit display only scale values of scales at both ends among the scales to be displayed on the coordinate axis; and a graph display controlling unit for making the display unit display a graph of the graph formula.
US08817009B2

The still image display mode includes a first period of writing the data of the image signal from the driver circuit portion into the pixel; after the first period, a second period of stopping supply of a signal or voltage for operating the driver circuit portion to the driver circuit portion; and after the second period, a third period of restarting the supply of a signal or voltage for operating the driver circuit portion to the driver circuit portion and writing the data of the image signal into the pixel from the driver circuit portion, so that the pixel keeps displaying a still image. A length of a period from the stop of the supply of the signal for operating the driver circuit portion to the driver circuit portion to the restart is set in accordance with a temperature of the display device.
US08817005B2

A reflection-type display apparatus includes: scan electrodes and signal electrodes that are provided in matrix form; a setting circuit configured to set at least one of scan electrodes as one of a reset line, a writing line and a non select line, the reset line and the writing line being in a selected state, the non select line being in an unselected state; a supply circuit configured to supply image data to at least one of signal electrodes while shifting the reset line, the non select line or the writing line; an extraction circuit configured to extract a writing line corresponding to a pixel which is not changed to a certain display state based on the image data; and a control circuit to set a first scan speed to the extracted writing line, the first scan speed being different from a second scan speed set to an un-extracted writing line.
US08816999B2

Drive voltages of a liquid crystal display are adjusted based on one or more environmental conditions. The pixel drive voltages may be adjusted based on temperature. A pixel voltage may be varied such that it is a higher voltage at relatively lower temperatures and a lower voltage at relatively higher temperatures. The window voltage may be varied based on temperature. The window voltage may be stepped through different values within a display phase. The window voltage may be varied during a blanking period of the display phase such that the pixel sees a relatively larger voltage to obtain a desired initial state more quickly. Then, during a light modulating time period, the window voltage may be stepped such that there is a lower voltage field for holding the state of the pixel.
US08816995B2

Manual control interface including: a movable part, a photo-detector, a movable holographic element including a first series of holograms forming coding motifs of the selection position of the movable part, characterized by the fact that the movable holographic element includes a second series of holograms forming figurative motifs representing the functions of the apparatus, the position of the movable holographic element relative to the support determining the figurative motif which is illuminated by a suitable light beam, so as to project the figurative motif corresponding to the selected function towards a display zone visible to the user.
US08816988B2

The present invention provides a touch sensing apparatus including a plurality of pins, a logic control module, and at least one driving/sensing control module. The logic control module generates a plurality of control signals having different control timings. Each driving/sensing control module is coupled with the logic control module and the pins, wherein the driving/sensing control module receives a first control signal of the control signals from the logic control module and controls the pins to execute a plurality of pin functions according to a first control timing of the first control signal, so that the pins simultaneously sense a plurality of analog data from a conductive thin film sensor.
US08816985B1

A method and apparatus detect a first portion of a touch sequence through operating in a first scan mode and detect a second portion of the touch sequence through operating in a second scan mode. A touch sequence may be detected based on the detection of the first portion and the detection of the second portion.
US08816974B2

Systems and methods for smudge control for touch screen human interface devices are provided. In one embodiment, a touch screen human interface device comprises: a touch sensitive display surface, the touch sensitive display surface including a first region having a first surface energy with respect to a contaminant material; and a pattern of a plurality of nucleation sites distributed within the first region, wherein each of the plurality of nucleation sites possesses a second surface energy that is higher than the first surface energy with respect to the contaminant material.
US08816971B2

A system for enabling a tablet input object is described. A tablet input object can take various inputs from touch, a mouse, and a pen and sends their information to an application or operating system. Also, a pen message pathway may also be used to handle touch messages, thereby reusing an existing pen message pathway for messages created by something other than a pen.
US08816960B2

A light detector includes: a light receiving device having a central optical axis and first and second directions perpendicular thereto, the light receiving device detecting incident light; a first light shield provided on a light incident side of the light receiving device and disposed on one side in the first direction with respect to the light receiving device; and a second light shield provided on the light incident side of the light receiving device and disposed on the other side in the first direction with respect to the light receiving device, wherein the first and second light shields form a light incident slit over an angular range including the direction in which the central optical axis of the light receiving device extends, and the width of the slit increases as the angle with respect to the central optical axis of the light receiving device increases.
US08816959B2

A method for monitoring a target in a medical display in a medical imaging apparatus includes receiving echo signals from an area of interest of a patient, extracting raw data from the received echo signals, processing the extracted raw data to display a dual mode image on the medical display, and setting a location and displaying a first marker/cursor in a first image of the dual mode image. In addition, the method further includes determining a corresponding location of the marker/cursor in a second image of the dual mode image, and displaying a second marker/cursor in the second image of the dual mode image at the corresponding location simultaneously with the displaying of the first marker/cursor in the first image.
US08816950B2

In a timing controller and a display apparatus, the timing controller generates an internal enable signal based on an external enable signal and processes image data using the internal enable signal. The timing controller determines a width of each of the plurality of pulses of the external enable signal and subtracts a predetermined reference value from the count value to generate a control signal faster than an effective period of the external enable signal. The control signal is applied to a driver which drives a display panel on which an image is displayed. In an exemplary embodiment, the control signal serves as a vertical start signal which starts an operation of a gate driver applying a gate signal to the display panel, thus preventing or effectively eliminating a delay of the image data applied to the display panel.
US08816948B2

The video processing circuit includes a boundary detection unit that detects a specific boundary, which is a part of a boundary of a first pixel for which an applied voltage designated by the video signal is less than a first voltage, and a second pixel for which the applied voltage is more than a second voltage larger than the first voltage, the specific boundary being determined by tilt azimuth of the liquid crystal, and a replacement unit that replaces an applied voltage to a liquid crystal element corresponding to the first pixel with a predetermined voltage from the applied voltage designated by the input video signal when the applied voltage designated by the video signal is less than a third voltage smaller than the first voltage with respect to the first pixel adjacent to the specific boundary.
US08816946B2

A method and system for programming, calibrating and driving a light emitting device display is provided. The system may include extracting a time dependent parameter of a pixel for calibration.
US08816945B2

The present invention comprises: a display unit having a plurality of display elements arranged in a matrix; a drive voltage generating circuit for generating a drive voltage for driving the plurality of display elements; a dataline drive circuit for generating a signal voltage according to display data, the signal voltage being for controlling the amount of current in a supply line of the drive voltage; a scanline drive circuit for selecting one or more of the plurality of display elements which is to be driven; and a pixel light emission control circuit for controlling a light emission time period of each display element according to a distance measured along a current path from the drive voltage generating circuit to the display element.
US08816935B2

A dual frequency antenna with wide frequency includes an inner radiator in helical structure, which is electrically connected with a host by a feeding point of the host, and an outer radiator in helical structure in which the inner radiator is packed. The inner radiator includes a first radiating unit located at the lower part for generating resonance and a second radiating unit located at the upper part. The resonant frequency of the second radiating unit is higher than that of the first radiating part; the height of the helical structure of the outer radiator is less than the total height of the inner radiator. The performance of dual frequency antenna can better focus on the upper hemisphere, and the bandwidth of the dual frequency antenna is wider in the ultra high frequency (UHF) frequency band.
US08816931B2

An improved method of loop antenna and improved loop antenna thereof are provided, the method is used to generate an antenna resonant frequency for a conformed specific communication by modifying a resonant wavelength of a basic loop antenna. The improved method of loop antenna includes the following steps: connecting a first antenna radiator to a resonant point of the basic loop antenna electrically, and using an additional length from the connected first antenna radiator additional length to increase the resonant wavelength of the basic loop antenna, in order to generate an antenna resonant frequency conformed to the specific communication system.
US08816928B2

A multiband antenna includes a feeding end, a ground end, and a main body. The main body includes a first radiating path, a second radiating path, a main radiating portion and a transmitting portion. The main radiating portion connected to the feeding end by the first and second radiating paths. The transmitting portion is connected to the main radiating portion and the ground end. The first and second radiating paths, the main radiating portion and the transmitting portion are coplanar.
US08816927B2

A GPS antenna is provided with a reflective conductor portion. Thereby, an electromagnetic wave radiated from an antenna conductor portion in a predetermined direction can be grounded electrically, and thus radiation of the electromagnetic wave in a direction (arbitrary direction) opposite to the predetermined direction can be enhanced. As a result, the directivity of the electromagnetic wave in the arbitrary direction can be enhanced to improve the positioning accuracy.
US08816923B2

A bracket for releasably mounting an enclosed mobile/transportable motorized antenna system on a vehicle may include a support arm and a mounting assembly. The support arm can include a first end portion configured to secure to a vertically extending member of a vehicle and a second end portion configured to secure a mounting plate assembly. The mounting assembly can be secured to the second end portion of the support arm. The mounting assembly may comprise a generally planar mounting plate having a plurality of apertures defined therein. The apertures may be located within the periphery of the mounting plate and have a size and shape configured to secure a motorized antenna enclosure disposed on the mounting plate assembly. A releasably mountable enclosed mobile/transportable motorized antenna system on a vehicle may include an enclosed mobile/transportable motorized antenna system and a corresponding mounting bracket.
US08816918B2

An antenna array for a motor vehicle has at least one seal which is composed of a nonconductive material and has an antenna which is mounted in the region of a sealing face of the seal and has the purpose of receiving radio signals. A convertible roof or sun roof or some other metallic vehicle part which is part of the antenna array can be positioned against the sealing face during the operation of the antenna and removed again. The antenna forms, with the metallic vehicle part which bears against the seal, the slot antenna which is effective between at least two metal faces. On the other hand, in the state in which no vehicle part bears against the seal, the antenna forms a flat electrical reception monopole which extends at a distance from a metal face which forms the antenna ground.
US08816914B2

A communication device including a multilayer circuit board and an antenna structure therein is provided. The multilayer circuit board has at least a first plane, a second plane, and a third plane. A ground plane is disposed on one of the planes, and the ground plane is in proximity to a clearance region of the multilayer circuit board. An antenna structure is disposed in the clearance region. The antenna structure includes a first metal portion and a second metal portion. The first metal portion is coupled to a signal source through a feeding portion. The second metal portion includes at least a first line segment and a second line segment. The first line segment and the second line segment are disposed respectively on any two planes of the multilayer circuit board. The first metal line and the second metal line forms a loop structure through two conductive vias.
US08816900B2

In an environment inspection mode of a calibration system, a radar device executes a signal analysis process to calculate an eigenvalue ratio of each comparison eigenvalue. The eigenvalue ratio has a small value when a pair of eigenvalues corresponding to arrival radar waves has a strong correlation. On the other hand, the eigenvalue ratio has a large value when the eigenvalue ratio is calculated between an eigenvalue and thermal noise. When there is no eigenvalue which is not more than a reference threshold value, the radar device indicates a notice that the current environment is suitable for the calibration of the radar device. On the other hand, when there is presence of at least one eigenvalue of not more than the reference threshold value, the radar device indicates a notice that the current environment is unsuitable for the calibration of the radar device.
US08816896B2

System and method for calculating three dimensional residual motion errors of a moving platform with respect to a point of interest by receiving a radar signal from the point of interest (302); forming a radar image including a plurality of scatterers (304); using an MLE method to obtain range, radial velocity and acceleration of the moving platform for a first peak scatterer in the radar image (306); correcting a location of the first peak scatterer with respect to a scene center of the point of interest (312); updating the obtained radial acceleration responsive to the corrected location (314); and updating the obtained radial velocity of the moving platform responsive to the updated radial acceleration (316).
US08816892B2

A successive approximation A/D converter which includes a sub ranging classifier that receives an input signal and classifies said input signal according to plural different highest resolution bits, to determine a range of the input signal, and creating a set of most significant bits based on said range, said subranging classifier also setting and determining an offset based on said range, and a successive approximation A/D converted that converting lowest resolution parts of the input signal as adjusted by the offset.
US08816888B2

A reference voltage generator generates a reference voltage at the time of sampling a received input signal. A sampling time controller detects a change in the reference voltage. When the reference voltage rises to a determined threshold, the sampling time controller determines that sampling is completed, and generates a sampling clock in which sampling time is controlled on the basis of an external clock.
US08816885B2

In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a de-serializer to convert serial data into two parallel data streams, and a control unit to provide a first update signal and a second update signal based on a bit count of the serial data. The apparatus may further include a target component having an input bus, the input bus including a first portion and a second portion. The apparatus may further include a first output unit to provide the first set of parallel data to the first portion of the input bus, and a second output unit to provide the second set of parallel data to the second portion of the input bus.
US08816870B2

A user display for a healthy home or like building structure. The user display includes a hardware housing and a display device coupled to the hardware housing. The user display further includes a plurality of graphical objects corresponding respectively to a plurality of different loads numbered from a through N, where N is an integer greater than 1. The loads can include, among others, air conditioning, water, heat, electricity, swimming pool, and others. Each of the graphical objects is displayed in a common unit of measurement and comprises a total demand portion and a fraction of renewable energy portion.
US08816868B2

The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates the use of an electronic device. The electronic device may be a keyboard, a mouse, a trackpad, a remote control, a mobile phone, a wireless phone, a toy, a portable media player, a game controller, and/or a camera. During operation, the system monitors a state-of-charge of a battery used to power the electronic device. Next, the system calculates a charge threshold associated with a low-battery warning for the battery based on the monitored state-of-charge. If the state-of-charge of the battery reaches the charge threshold, the system generates the low-battery warning.
US08816863B2

Systems and methods for generating a laser beam illuminating a space around an object are provided. The laser beam illuminates an animal that is approaching the object in the space. The laser beam is generated by a laser illuminating at least a first micro-mirror that moves under control of a processor. Additional micro-mirrors are contemplated. The laser beam reflected from the moving micro-mirror illuminates the space around the object. Laser, processor and micro-mirrors are dimensioned to illuminate with a high probability an area with a cross-section perpendicular to a laser beam of 10 cm by 10 cm inside the space at a distance of up to 200 meters from the laser or farther.
US08816862B2

Embodiments described herein relate to an analyte monitoring device having a user interface with a display and a plurality of actuators. The display is configured to render a plurality of display screens, including a home screen and an alert screen. The home screen is divided into a plurality of simultaneously displayed panels, with a first panel displays a rate of change of continuously monitored analyte levels in interstitial fluid, a second panel simultaneously displays a current analyte level and an analyte trend indicator, and a third panel displays status information of a plurality of components of the device. When an alarm condition is detected, the display renders the alert screen in place of the home screen, the alert screen displaying information corresponding to the detected alarm condition. Furthermore, the actuators are configured to affect further output of the analyte monitoring device corresponding to the detected condition.
US08816856B2

A system and method for monitoring a status of a medical instrument is provided. Using an input peripheral associated with a computer terminal, a code associated with the medical instrument to be subjected to a cleaning operation after a previous use of the medical instrument is received. A timer for monitoring a duration of the cleaning operation is initiated. In response to completion of the cleaning operation determined based on the timer, a status of the medical instrument in an electronic record associated with the medial instrument stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium is updated to indicate that the medical instrument has been cleaned. An indication that the cleaning operation being performed on the medical instrument is complete is then issued.
US08816848B2

A computer, media player, remote control or other device is configured to determine its relative location within a home, office or other given environment based upon the reception and/or sensing of wireless network signals and/or other electromagnetic signals emitted by other devices present at any time in the environment. The device receives wireless signals from one or more wireless signal sources, and determines a parameter (e.g., signal strength) for the signals received from each source. The location of the portable device within the environment is determined based on the determined parameters. The location may be used for any purpose, such as adjusting a setting on the portable device, identifying another device to be controlled by a portable remote control, or the like.
US08816834B2

A steering angle sensing device for vehicle wheel alignment includes a swingable rocking arm. The rocking arm can be located in a predetermined position and slidably connected with a simple wheel alignment calibrator. When a wheel of the vehicle is steered, the wheel alignment calibrator affixed to the wheel is synchronously rotated along with the steering of the wheel. At this time, the rocking arm is driven to swing by a corresponding angle and the steering angle sensing device emits a human-perceivable signal to a calibration worker, whereby the calibration worker can real-time know the steering angle of the wheel for conveniently performing the wheel alignment process.
US08816831B2

A method for pairing a first power line communication device with a second power line communication device is disclosed, the method includes the first device triggering a pairing initiating state responsive to sensing a connection of a data cable with the second device; entering an appropriate pairing initiation state, the pairing initiation state being either an add device state or a join device state; and performing pairing with the second device.
US08816822B2

A system and method of transmitting sensor signals in a waveguide environment are provided. A sensor assembly is configured to wirelessly receive a sensor interrogation signal, determine an input power level of the sensor interrogation signal, and transmit a message including the determined power level. The system also includes a sensor controller configured to transmit a sensor interrogation signal determine an output power of the transmitted sensor interrogation signal at a plurality of frequencies, receive an indication of the received input power level of the sensor interrogation signal from the sensor assembly at the plurality of frequencies, compare the transmitted output power of the sensor interrogation signal to the received power indication, and select a transmit frequency for transmitting messages between the sensor assembly and the sensor controller based on the comparison.
US08816818B2

A computer system checks whether or not an authentication success rate for a registered user shows an over-time reduction based on the history of the results of the previous biometric authentication processes in which the high-speed verification process is executed, when the authentication success rate is determined as showing an over-time reduction for the registered user, the computer system instead executes a precise verification process for verifying input biometric information against registered biometric information to make verification with a higher precision than with the high-speed verification process.
US08816808B2

An inductor cooling method and apparatus is provided, where the inductor comprises both a substantially annular core and an aperture therethrough. The aperture is circumferentially surrounded by the substantially annular core. A container holds a substantially non-conductive coolant and the inductor is immersed in the coolant. Optional spacers hold the inductor away from the container to allow room for coolant circulation.
US08816804B2

A switch assembly includes a magnet, a first Hall device, and a second Hall device. The first and second Hall devices are proximate the magnet. The first Hall device is configured to switch in relation to a first magnetic field threshold. The second Hall device is configured to switch in relation to a second magnetic field threshold. The first magnetic field threshold differs from the second magnetic field threshold.
US08816797B2

A multilayer filter includes a plurality of mutually coupled resonant circuits provided within a multilayer body. Capacitor internal electrodes, inductor internal electrodes, and inductor via electrodes, ground via electrodes, and input-output via electrodes are arranged within the multilayer body. The ground via electrodes and the input-output via electrodes are provided on a dielectric layer on a mounting surface, or a second dielectric layer on a first dielectric layer provided on the mounting surface. The capacitor internal electrodes arranged towards the side of the mounting surface do not overlap the input-output electrodes when viewed in plan view. With this configuration, degradation in frequency characteristics of a resonant circuit is effectively prevented by controlling one of an inductive component and a capacitive component of the resonant circuit.
US08816787B2

A method includes providing an oscillator having a field effect transistor connected with a resonant circuit. The field effect transistor has a gate electrode coupled to a source of gate voltage, a source electrode, a drain electrode and a graphene channel disposed between the source electrode and the drain electrode and electrically connected thereto. The method further includes biasing the graphene channel via the gate electrode into a negative differential resistance region of operation to cause the oscillator to generate a frequency signal having a resonant frequency f0. There can be an additional step of varying the gate voltage so as to bias the graphene channel into the negative differential resistance region of operation and out of the negative differential resistance region of operation so as to turn on the frequency signal and to turn off the frequency signal, respectively.
US08816784B1

In one embodiment, a silicon-based atomic clock for use in an electronic device includes a single-isotope silicon crystal and energy level transitions within the silicon are used as a frequency resonance of the clock.
US08816783B2

A device for an atomic clock, including: a laser source (102) that generates a laser beam; a splitter (101) that makes it possible to divert and allow a portion of the laser beam to pass therethrough in accordance with a predefined percentage; a quarter-wave plate (105) that modifies the linear polarization of the laser beam into circular polarization and vice versa; a gas cell arranged on the circular polarization laser beam; a mirror (107) sending the laser beam back toward the gas cell (106); a first photodetector (108a), and a polarizer (103) arranged between the laser beam outlet and the splitter in order to protect the laser source from the retroreflections emitted by different optical elements constituting the device.
US08816777B2

A microwave synthesizer is disclosed that may generate low phase noise and high frequency resolution microwave signals The microwave synthesizer may include a coarse-tuning loop, the coarse-tuning loop may be adopted to generate a first signal with coarsely adjustable frequency. The coarse-tuning loop may have a first voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). An output loop, the output loop may be adopted to generate a second signal with finely adjustable frequency. The output loop may have a second VCO. A frequency mixer may be configured to couple the coarse-tuning loop and the output loop. A frequency mixer may be adopted to subtract the first and second signals. A reference frequency source may be coupled to the coarse-tuning loop and the output loop to provide reference signal for the microwave synthesizer.
US08816775B2

Apparatus, systems, and fabrication methods are provided for biasing amplifier arrangements inside device packages to a target quiescent current. In one embodiment, an amplifier device has an output interface and includes an amplifier arrangement having an amplifier output and impedance matching circuitry coupled between the amplifier output and the output interface. A method for biasing the amplifier arrangement involves measuring or otherwise obtaining a voltage between the amplifier output and the output interface, determining an estimated quiescent current through the amplifier arrangement based on that voltage, and adjusting a bias voltage provided to the input of the amplifier arrangement based on a difference between the estimated quiescent current. In exemplary embodiments, the bias voltage is adjusted until the estimated quiescent current is substantially equal to a target quiescent current.
US08816774B2

Disclosed herein is a power amplifier system including: a power amplifier; a power controlling unit providing driving voltage and driving current corresponding to a preset reference voltage to the power amplifier; a current controlling unit performing a control so that control current corresponding to applied control voltage flows; a bias controlling unit detecting current and voltage corresponding to the driving current of the power controlling unit and controlling bias current of the power amplifier according to the detected voltage; and a current adjusting unit detecting bias voltage corresponding to the bias current of the power amplifier and adjusting the driving current of the power controlling unit according to the detected bias voltage. Even though applied control voltage increases, current applied to the power amplifier is appropriately adjusted, thereby making it possible to improve characteristics of the power amplifier.
US08816759B2

An electric circuit includes a delayed clock generation circuit to which a first clock is supplied and which is configured to generate a first delayed clock and a second delayed clock, the first delayed clock being the first clock delayed by a first delay amount, and the second delayed clock being the first clock delayed by a second delay amount different from the first delay amount, an OR gate configured to receive the first clock, the first delayed clock, and the second delayed clock as inputs and to output a second clock, and a scan circuit to which the second clock is supplied.
US08816756B1

A circuit for generating a temperature-stabilized reference voltage on a semiconductor chip includes a differential pair including a first and a second bipolar junction transistor. The circuit further includes a feedback circuit including an amplification stage and configured to control a current flowing through the first bipolar junction transistor and a current flowing through the second bipolar junction transistor. A first resistor is connected between an emitter of the first bipolar junction transistor and an emitter of the second bipolar junction transistor, thereby generating a PTAT voltage across the first resistor. Further, the circuit includes a current source forcing a partial current having a CTAT behavior through the first resistor.
US08816751B2

Power switching circuits including an inductive load and a switching device are described. The switches devices can be either low-side or high-side switches. Some of the switches are transistors that are able to block voltages or prevent substantial current from flowing through the transistor when voltage is applied across the transistor.
US08816749B2

A level shifter includes a first terminal configured to receive a first supply voltage, a second terminal configured to receive a second supply voltage, an input terminal configured to receive an input signal and an output terminal. The level shifter is configured to shift the input signal from the level of the first supply voltage to the level of the second supply voltage in outputting the output signal. The level shifter includes a storage circuit for storing the output signal value and configured, when the first supply voltage is no longer available, to force the output terminal to assume the last output voltage value stored by the storage circuit when the first supply voltage was available and before the first supply voltage was not available.
US08816744B2

An adaptive clock signal generator with noise immunity capability is disclosed, including a gain amplifier for processing an analog oscillation signal to generate an amplified signal; an adjustable Schmitt trigger, coupled with the gain amplifier, for generating a triggered signal according to the amplified signal; an output buffer, coupled with the adjustable Schmitt trigger, for generating a clock signal according to the triggered signal; and a noise detector coupled with the adjustable Schmitt trigger. The noise detector detects noise components of an input signal and enlarges the hysteresis window of the adjustable Schmitt trigger as the level of detected noise increases.
US08816743B1

An integrated circuit includes a clock circuit that may be used to provide clock signals to multiple input-output circuits. The integrated circuit may also include different clock structures. As an example, one of the clock structures may have multiple clock paths of substantially equal lengths while another clock structure may have a fly-by clock path. The multiple clock paths may be used to convey a subset of the clock signals to the input-output circuits. Similarly, the fly-by clock path may be used to transmit a second subset of the clock signals to the input-output circuits.
US08816740B1

A buffer circuit includes a first inverter circuit that inverts an input signal, a second inverter circuit that inverts the output signal of the first inverter circuit, an impedance element connected between the first inverter circuit and the second inverter circuit, a first conductivity type switching element that increases a potential of the output node of the second inverter circuit when the input signal exceeds a first threshold voltage, and a second conductivity type switching element that decreases a potential of the output node of the second inverter circuit when the input signal is lower than a second threshold voltage.
US08816733B2

A delay locked-loop circuit includes: a phase comparator detecting a phase difference between an external clock and an internal clock; an up/down counter controlling a delay time in accordance with an output signal from the phase comparator; and a delay line including plural unit delay circuits corresponding to plural bits of a signal output from the up/down counter in order to control the delay of the external clock to conform the external clock to the internal clock, and in which the unit delay circuits controlled by the output from a same bit in the output from the up/down counter are not connected adjacently to each other in the connection of the plural unit delay circuits in series.
US08816732B2

A circuit includes a capacitive-load voltage controlled oscillator having an input configured to receive a first input signal and an output configured to output an oscillating output signal. A calibration circuit is coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator and is configured to output one or more control signals to the capacitive-load voltage controlled oscillator for adjusting a frequency of the oscillating output signal. The calibration circuit is configured to output the one or more control signals in response to a comparison of an input voltage to at least one reference voltage.
US08816722B2

An object is to widen detection range of current. A current detection circuit includes a first resistor, which is connected to a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal; a second resistor, which is connected to the first resistor; a third resistor, which is connected to the first resistor; a first transistor, a source of which is connected to the second resistor; a second transistor, a source of which is connected to the third resistor, and a drain and a gate of which is connected to a gate of the first transistor; a third transistor, a source of which is connected to the source of the second transistor, and a gate of which is connected to the drain of the first transistor; and a fourth resistor, which is connected to the drain of the third transistor, and to which a voltage is input.
US08816715B2

A MOS test structure is disclosed. A scribe line region is disposed on a substrate which has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. An epitaxial layer is disposed on the first side, the doping well is disposed on the epitaxial layer and the doping region is disposed on the doping well. A trench gate of a first depth is disposed in the doping region, in the doping well and in the scribe line region. A conductive material fills the test via which has a second depth and an isolation covering the inner wall of the test via and is disposed in the doping region, in the doping well, in the epitaxial layer and in the scribe line region, to electrically connect to the epitaxial layer so that the test via is capable of testing the epitaxial layer and the substrate together.
US08816714B2

The present technology discloses a testing apparatus and a testing method for liquid crystal display (LCD). The apparatus comprises a testing chamber, at least one support device in the testing chamber and an adjusting device. The support device comprises a support stage located at the bottom of the testing chamber and a support rail located on a side wall of the testing chamber. The LCD is supported by the support stage and the support rail. The adjusting device is used to control the support rail to adjust angle of the LCD relative to the support stage.
US08816711B2

An electrical probe assembly includes a flexible circuit. A plurality of electrically conductive regions is on a first side of the flexible circuit. The flexible circuit is arranged about an axis formed by rolling the flexible circuit such that the electrically conductive regions form a plurality of isolated electrically conductive bands.
US08816706B1

Methods for using carbon nanomaterials to alter the operational output of a device are described herein. The methods can include providing a device that contains a carbon nanomaterial in a first state, and applying an input stimulus to the carbon nanomaterial so as to change the first state into a second state. In the first state, the carbon nanomaterial can be used to produce a normal operational output of the device, whereas the device can produce an altered operational output when the carbon nanomaterial is in the second state. When producing an altered operational output, the device can continue operating, but the altered operational output can be non-indicative of the true operational state of the device. Devices containing a carbon nanomaterial that can be reconfigured from a normal operational output to an altered operational output are also described herein.
US08816698B2

A diagnostic system for detecting faults in electrical wiring, and manufacturing method thereof is provided. The diagnostic system includes a diagnostic sensor coupled to a data acquisition system. The diagnostic sensor includes a sensor housing with a flexible coil sensor disposed inside. The sensor housing includes a base portion, lid portion, and a joining portion, wherein one end of the lid portion is detachably coupled to a first end of the base portion and another end of the lid portion is coupled to a second end of the base portion via the joining portion. The diagnostic sensor further includes a connector coupled to the flexible coil sensor.
US08816697B2

Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems for checking an electrical connection between a vehicle and a trailer. In one embodiment, a trailer light checking system for a vehicle comprises a plurality of exterior vehicle lights and a terminal connection configured to electrically connect each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights to a respective trailer light. The trailer light checking system also comprises a lighting control system having a trailer connection checking mode configured to check the terminal connection by simulating manual operation of each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights, such that a respective trailer light will actuate in combination with the simulated manual operation of each of the plurality of exterior vehicle lights if the terminal connection and the respective trailer light are functioning correctly.
US08816696B2

A continuity testing device is provided which can reliably detect incomplete-fitting of the retainer of the connector. The continuity testing device includes a connector guide block into which the connector is inserted in a transverse direction and which is fixed above an opening formed on a cover plate of a case of the continuity testing device, a detection plate provided to the connector guide block and arranged above the connector so as to contact with the incompletely-fitted retainer of the connector when moved downward, a detection pin arranged at the detection plate, a continuity testing part arranged to move in the vertical direction toward the connector, a drive mechanism that operates the detection plate to move in the vertical direction in conjunction with the continuity testing part, and a switch that is activated by the detection pin when the detection pin is completely moved down to the switch.
US08816692B2

A test system for a battery module is provided. The system includes a housing having a bottom plate; and first, second, third and fourth side walls coupled to the bottom plate that defines an interior region. The system further includes a mounting fixture that fixedly holds the battery module thereon. The system further includes first, second, third and fourth coupling members. The system further includes a lid coupled to the housing utilizing the first, second, third and fourth coupling members. The system further includes a battery charging system that charges the battery module.
US08816687B2

According to one embodiment, a top plate for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a placing plate and a supporting part. The placing plate is configured to place an object. The supporting part is provided to the placing plate at a position higher than a position of the placing plate. Further, a frame for a top plate set of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first supporting part and a second supporting part. The first supporting part is configured to support a top plate at a first supporting position. The second supporting part is configured to support the top plate at a second supporting position higher than the first supporting position. Further, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes the top plate, a bed and an imaging unit.
US08816682B2

A magnetic sensor includes a magneto-electric transducer, a switch circuit, an amplifier circuit, a subtractor circuit, and a selector circuit. The subtractor circuit performs a first subtraction process of generating a first subtraction voltage by subtracting an amplification voltage obtained under an immediately prior first bias state from an amplification voltage obtained under a second bias state and a second subtraction process of generating a second subtraction voltage by subtracting an amplification voltage obtained under an immediately prior second bias state from an amplification voltage obtained under a first bias state in a serial and parallel manner. The selector circuit alternately selects the first subtraction voltage and the second subtraction voltage to output a select voltage.
US08816674B2

A magnetic particle producing part including magnetic and counterpart members in a path of a particle-includable liquid, at least one of the members being moved to press the other member in the liquid, the magnetic member being worn by particles in the liquid to produce magnetic particles; a magnetic particle measuring part positioned in the path same as in the producing part to measure the magnetic particle concentration in the liquid; and a control part converting the concentration of the magnetic particles detected by the measuring part into a concentration of particles in the liquid on the basis of a calibration line representing a correlation preliminarily measured between the concentrations of the magnetic particles and of the particles in the liquid to detect the concentration in the liquid.
US08816671B2

An electronic probe housing having two speed pick up devices automatically sends electric signals to an electronic governor which causes the RPM of the steam turbine to increase, decrease or remain constant, in conjunction with one or more additional speed pick up devices in the same probe housing which uses a logical array of electro-hydraulic solenoid valves to control an automatic shut off system which cuts off the steam supply to the steam turbine.
US08816669B2

Various apparatuses and methods for supplying an electrical current are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide an apparatus including a current regulation switch connected in a current path between a power input and a current output. A current regulator is connected to the current regulation switch. The current regulator includes a current set terminal, and the current through the current regulation switch is proportional to the current through current set terminal. An impedance monitor is connected to the current set terminal.
US08816664B2

A power supply unit, which is mounted in a host device for supplying power to a client device through a cable interposed therebetween, includes an output unit configured to generate a first output voltage from an input voltage. A controller is provided in the power supply to perform voltage feedback control on the output unit such that the first output voltage is maintained at a predetermined target value. Also, the power supply unit includes a first correction unit configured to correct the voltage feedback control at the controller such that the first output voltage is increased as a second output voltage finally supplied to the client device becomes lower, and a second correction unit configured to correct the voltage feedback control at the controller such that the first output voltage is increased as an output current supplied from the host device to the client device becomes larger.
US08816663B2

To calculate a control signal for the duty cycle of a switched mode power supply (SMPS), a voltage feed forward compensator is integrated into a feedback unit. A control unit has an adder with a first input to receive a signal dependent upon an output voltage. A second input receives a signal from a feedback circuit, and an output outputs a signal comprising the sum of the signals applied to the inputs; another output outputs a control signal for controlling the duty cycle, the control signal is dependent upon the output signal from the adder; a voltage feed forward compensation signal generator calculates a compensation signal to adjust the control signal depending upon an input voltage of the SMPS; and a feedback circuit between the output of the adder and the second input of the adder calculates a compensated feedback signal and to feed the compensated feedback signal to the second input of the adder.
US08816647B2

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a battery heating circuit includes a switch unit, a switching control module, a damping component, an energy storage circuit, and an energy superposition unit, wherein: the energy storage circuit is connected with the battery and includes a current storage component and a charge storage component; the damping component, the switch unit, the current storage component, and the charge storage component are connected in series; the switching control module is connected with the switch unit, and configured to control ON/OFF of the switch unit, so as to control the energy flowing between the battery and the energy storage circuit.
US08816645B2

Methods of and apparatus for removing heat generated by cells of a battery pack. The method and apparatus may employ one or more fan modules disposed between or next to cells of the battery pack, or one or more fans directly mounted to the battery pack or battery pack case housing the cells. Further, a motor controller isolation system operates to electricity isolate the motor controller of the electric vehicle when the battery pack is being charged. The motor controller isolation system may be integrated with the integrated battery pack and thermal and ventilation system. The integrated system, or “integrated battery unit (IBU),” is preferably manufactured in a manner that requires no, modifications to the electric vehicle in which the IBU is installed.
US08816636B2

A wireless power charging or supply system provides a wireless charging coil mounted on or in console in a vehicle interior. Electronic devices placed in or near the console are powered and/or charged by the charging coil. The charging coil may be located in a door having a pocket for receiving the electronic device.
US08816631B2

Motor drive apparatus and methods are presented in which a standby controller uses at least one switching device to power an inverter in a normal mode and to remove power from the inverter and other motor drive components during a standby mode for improved energy efficiency.
US08816626B2

Motor Drive Control Device configured to properly start up various types of motors under operating conditions where motor operations are performed in a wide range of temperature and power supply voltage, includes output drive controllers that supply PWM drive output signals to an output pre-driver in such a manner as to minimize the error between a current instruction signal and a current detection digital signal. In response to a detected induced voltage generated from a voltage detector upon startup of a motor, an initial acceleration controller supplies initial acceleration output signals specifying a conducting phase for initial acceleration of the motor to the output drive controllers. The initial acceleration controller, the output drive controllers, and an output driver make a conducting phase change and perform a PWM drive to provide the initial acceleration of the motor.
US08816617B2

A three-phase motor control apparatus 4 controlling a driver which drives a three-phase motor includes: a desired rotation angle generation section 5 which generates a desired rotation angle; a rotation angle detector 2 which detects a detected rotation angle which is the rotation angle of said three phase motor; a feedback controller 6 which generates a q-axis command reference value which controls the q-axis voltage or the q-axis current of the three-phase motor 1 in response to the desired rotation angle and the detected rotation angle; a drive torque correction section and an adder 10 which generate a q-axis command value by correcting the q-axis command reference value; and a two-phase to three-phase transformation section 8 which generates a control signal which controls the driver circuit 3 which drives the three-phase motor in response to the q-axis command. The drive torque correction section 7 includes an angle look-up table 11 which contains elements respectively associated with angle ranges defined for the rotation angle of the three-phase motor, and selects any of the elements in response to the detected rotation angle. The q-axis command is generated by correcting the q-axis command reference value based on the value of the selected element.
US08816613B2

A reconfigurable battery has at least one bank of statically joined series connected battery cells, each cell including a positive and a negative pole. The poles connect through switches to respective output connections. Activating a set of processor controlled switches reconfigures at least some of the battery cells into a configuration to provide a voltage across the output connections. The output battery voltage may vary intermediately between zero volts and the maximum voltage produced by the series connected battery cells.An alternative configuration of switches divides groups of series connected battery cells into separate battery banks that permit other battery cell configurations. Duty cycle modulation of the switches allows intermediate control of output voltage with reduced switching transients. Reconfigurable battery cells used in combination with an electric motor permit selectable speed control and battery regeneration schemes matched to motor output.
US08816611B2

The invention relates to button based color navigation in a lighting or visualization system, particularly for allowing fast and slow navigation through the colors in a lighting or visualization system only by usage of buttons. For the navigation, a device (10; 50) is provided which comprises several buttons (14,16, 18, 20, 22, 24,- 52, 54) arranged in predetermined order (12,-56), wherein each of the buttons is provided for a certain color of the system to be selected. Presses of one or more buttons (S10) are sensed, parameters of the sensed presses (S12) are evaluated, and a color in the system is changed depending on the evaluation of the parameters (S14, S16, S18, S20).
US08816610B2

A user interface of a configurable light timer is described. The user interface comprises an input portion for receiving timing characterization data, the input portion adapted to receive a portable memory device storing the timing characterization data; a control circuit coupled to detect the portable memory device inserted into the configurable light timer; and an internal memory; wherein the timing characterization data is automatically downloaded to the internal memory after the portable memory device is detected in the configurable light timer. A method of implementing a configurable light timer is also disclosed.
US08816609B2

A method and circuit for improving the crest factor of the gas discharge lamp. The method includes: the signal of the gas discharge lamp can be sampled to get a status signal; whether the present stage of the gas discharge lamp is at warm up stage or constant power stage can be judged based on the result of comparison between the status signal and a preset value; preset parameters can be selected based on the stage of the gas discharge lamp, the first parameter can be selected when the gas discharge lamp is at a warm up stage, and the second parameter can be selected when the gas discharge lamp is at a constant power stage; a control signal can be outputted during the lamp current commutation based on the selected first or second parameter to improve the crest factor of the gas discharge lamp.
US08816605B2

An adaptive sliding-frequency triggering ignition method for electronic ballast of high pressure gas discharge lamp includes the steps of: measuring an accurate value of free oscillation frequency of the ballast load loop by using a single-chip before sliding-frequency triggering ignition, implementing safe and reliable sliding-frequency triggering ignition after calculating the initial frequency and ending frequency of sliding-frequency triggering ignition according to the accurate value. The method can safely and reliably finish sliding-frequency triggering ignition course, thus improving the parameters such as the quality, life of the high pressure gas discharge lamp electronic ballast.
US08816604B2

A light emitting diode (LED) light source, LED driver circuitry and methods for controlling the brightness of an LED light source are presented. In some embodiments, an LED driver control circuit receives a dimming command signal to dim the LED light source, modulates a continuous direct current (DC) level to dim the LED light source, and determines that a predetermined threshold level has been reached. At this time, the process includes initiating a fixed pulse width generator (PWG) control signal having a fixed duty cycle, automatically adjusting the LED current amplitude to its nominal current level, and decreasing the current amplitude while the fixed PWG control signal is active to achieve commanded lower dimming of the LED light source.
US08816601B2

A method of manufacturing a power supply unit (PSU) is provided. The method includes providing at least one PSU supplying a dimming signal to at least one light source, performing a first test for electrical characteristics of the at least one PSU, detecting light emitted from the at least one light source, measuring a flicker of the at least one light source, and performing a second test for a state of the at least one PSU based on a flicker measurement result, and packing a PSU determined to be in a normal state among the at least one PSU, as a result of the first test and the second test.
US08816590B2

A lighting device with adjustable color temperature includes a power, a driver, and a plurality of branches. The power is electrically connected to the driver for supplying power to the driver. Each of the branches includes a light source and an adjustor connected in series. The adjustor controls the color temperature of the light source in a corresponding branch by adjusting the voltage through the corresponding branch.
US08816582B2

A photo cathode for use in a vacuum tube including a cathode layer, having an entrance face capable of absorbing photons impinging on the cathode layer, and an exit face for releasing electrons upon impinging of the photons, and an electron exit layer, in facing relationship with the exit face of the cathode layer for improving the releasing of the electrons, and a carbon containing layer, positioned between the exit face of the cathode layer and the electron exit layer, for bonding the electron exit layer to the cathode layer.
US08816580B2

There is provided an organic light emitting display capable of increasing an aperture ratio. The organic light emitting display includes red pixels including red emission regions, green pixels including green emission regions, and blue pixels including blue emission regions. In at least one of the red emission regions, the green emission regions, and the blue emission regions, a distance between an emission region and an adjacent emission region above the emission region is different from a distance between the emission region and another adjacent emission region below the emission region.
US08816579B2

An organic light-emitting device includes a first pixel electrode disposed on a substrate, a first bank covering an edge of the first pixel electrode, the first bank having a first opening exposing a portion of the first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode covering the exposed portion of the first pixel electrode through the first opening, the second pixel electrode covering at least a portion of the first bank, an organic light-emitting layer covering the second pixel electrode, and an opposite electrode covering the organic light-emitting layer.
US08816576B1

An LED bulb assembly includes a pinion, a plurality of LEDs, an upper heat sink, and a lower base. The plurality of LEDs are configured or arranged around a surface of the pinion, such that the optical axis of the LEDs face outward. An upper heat sink may be configured to provide heat transfer for the LEDs and pinion. The lower base may be configured to provide a connection to the pinion and an upper heat sink. In embodiments, one or more optical elements (e.g., lenses) or LED covers may be included. Further, for some embodiments, the upper heat sink may be upwardly offset a separation distance from an upper surface of the pinion, and may be configured to improve air flow to the upper heat sink.
US08816573B2

A piezoelectric vibration piece that can ensure good drive level characteristics and a piezoelectric vibrator, oscillator, electronic device and radio-controlled timepiece in which the piezoelectric vibration piece is used are provided. The width of the base-end side of the grooves 5 is narrower than that of the tip side of the grooves 5. The base 4 includes: a mount section 4a on the outer surface of which mount electrodes 12, 13 are formed to mount the piezoelectric vibration piece 1; and an intermediate section 4b that is connected to the mount section 4a and the pair of vibrating arms 3a, 3b so as to be positioned between the mount section 4a and the pair of vibrating arms 3a, 3b, on the outer surface of which leading electrodes 14a, 14b that connect the pair of excitation electrodes 10, 11 and the mount electrodes 12, 13 are formed. The width of the mount section 4a is wider than that of the intermediate section 4b. In step parts between the mount section 4a and the intermediate section 4b, side surfaces of the mount section 4a and side surfaces of the intermediate section 4b are connected via tilted surfaces 4c that tilt with respect to a longitudinal direction.
US08816564B2

A brushless alternator of the present invention includes: a yoke whose inner circumferential surface is radially opposite via an air gap to a rotor revolvably supported by brackets; a stator supported by the brackets, for forming a magnetic circuit along with the rotor and the yoke; a bobbin for engaging with the outer circumferential surface of a thin portion of the yoke; a field coil wound around the bobbin, for producing magnetic flux; and a plate joined to the thin portion, for axially holding the bobbin; wherein the thin portion of the yoke and the other portion thereof are integrally formed in one piece using a single member.
US08816563B2

The invention relates to a six-pole DC machine, particularly a DC motor for use in a motor vehicle, having a stator (16) excited preferably by a permanent magnet and a rotor (20) which is rotatably supported in a pole housing (12) and which has a wave winding (23) and a commutator (24), and having a brush carrier (28) for holding the brushes (26) and preferably additional components (30, 31; 32). In contrast to a full equipping, the brush arrangement has less than six brushes (26), which are arranged on the circumference of the commutator (24) at an angular distance of approximately 60° to each other. Thus, the ripple of the rotor current, the torque oscillations, and the noise emission are clearly reduced and free space is created on the brush carrier for accommodating suppressor components (30, 31; 32).
US08816562B2

A stator for an electric rotating machine includes a stator core that has slots, a stator coil, and an impregnant applied to the inner surface of the stator core. The stator core has a plurality of teeth that divide the slots. Teeth having chamfered surfaces between a projected tip surface and each side surface of the teeth and teeth without chamfered surfaces are intermingled. At least one bent corner part formed at an end of the projected tip surface of the teeth is formed in an arcuate surface. A relationship (R1>R2) is satisfied, where R1 represents a curvature radius of arcuate surfaces formed in the curved corner part where the projected tip surface and the chamfered surface abut and R2 represents a curvature radius of the arcuate surfaces formed in the curved corner part where the projected tip surface and the side surface abut.
US08816560B2

Disclosed is a canned motor for restraining a cogging torque from being generated by inserting magnetic metal pins into slot openings of a stator, thereby reducing noise and vibrations during an operation of the canned motor. The canned motor includes: a can inserted into a housing to seal a coil mounted within the housing; and a stator installed on an outer peripheral surface of the can and inserted along an inner peripheral surface of the housing. A plurality of fixing guides protrude from an outer peripheral surface of the can and metal pins are inserted into the fixing guides to be integral with the fixing guide, such that the metal pins are inserted into and attached to slot openings of the stator when inserted into the stator.
US08816543B2

Magnets and methods of their manufacture are disclosed for use in flywheel assemblies, such that the magnets comprise oriented fibers, such as, for example, axially-oriented fibers in a flexible rotor magnet composition to predictably allow the magnet to expand dimensionally upon rotation only in a predetermined and predictable fashion while maintaining critical contact with a rotor surface.
US08816541B1

An electricity generating apparatus utilizing a pendulum held by a support. The pendulum includes a first portion which rotates on the support and a second portion which travels in a arcuate path. The second end portion of the pendulum includes a magnetic which interacts with a switchable coil to urge the pendulum into a swinging motion. At least one coil is mounted adjacent to the pendulum and interacts with a permanent magnet which is fixed to an element which extends from the pendulum arm. The swinging motion forces the permanent magnet through the coil to generate a electrical power.
US08816539B2

Systems and methods of managing platform power consumption may involve determining a power consumption level of a platform based on at least in part a current supplied by an AC adaptor. A power limit of an integrated circuit in the platform can be determined based on at least in part the power consumption level of the platform, wherein the power level may be applied to the integrated circuit.
US08816532B2

A redundant power system aims to provide multiple main output power and multiple standby power to drive a plurality of loads operating in an operating mode or a standby mode. The redundant power system includes a plurality of power supplies and a back panel. Each power supply provides a main output power and a standby power. The back panel has a power bus path to converge the main output power. The power bus path is divided into multiple main power output paths each being controlled by a remote ON/OFF switch to determine whether to perform output, and multiple standby power output paths each has a conversion unit located thereon. The conversion unit converts the power in the power bus path and provides a simulated standby power to the loads in a normal.
US08816531B2

Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling voltage and reactive power in a distribution network. One method includes estimating at least one present state associated with a distribution network; allocating one or more load zones in the distribution network; predicting load profiles of each zone for a predetermined time period; determining capacitor bank switching schedules for a predetermined time period based at least in part on the at least one present state and the predicted load profiles; and switching capacitor banks according to the capacitor bank switching schedules.
US08816525B2

A power supply apparatus (30) for sliding door includes a flat cable (4), a vehicle body side attachment (1) that supports the flat cable (4) in the vehicle body (19) side, and a door side attachment (2) that supports the flat cable (4) in the sliding door (20) side. The vehicle body side attachment (1) supports the flat cable (4) such that a longitudinal direction of the flat cable (4) has a predetermined first inclination angle relative to a horizontal plane. The door side attachment (2) supports the flat cable (4) such that the longitudinal direction of the flat cable (4) has a predetermined second inclination angle relative to the horizontal plane. The vehicle body side attachment (1) and the door side attachment (2) support the flat cable (4) such that a thickness direction of the flat cable (4) is substantially in parallel with the horizontal plane.
US08816513B2

One method of making an electronic assembly includes mounting one electrical substrate on another electrical substrate with a face surface on the one substrate oriented transversely of a face surface of the other substrate. The method also includes inkjet printing on the face surfaces a conductive trace that connects an electrical contact on the one substrate with an electrical connector on the other substrate. An electronic assembly may include a first substrate having a generally flat surface with a first plurality of electrical contacts thereon; a second substrate having a generally flat surface with a second plurality of electrical contacts thereon, the surface of the second substrate extending transversely of the surface of said first substrate; and at least one continuous conductive ink trace electrically connecting at least one of the first plurality of electrical contacts with at least one of the second plurality of electrical contacts.
US08816510B2

A semiconductor apparatus including: a substrate; and a semiconductor chip mounted on the substrate, wherein the substrate has plural holes, and the plural holes are provided such that the density on a substrate surface of the holes in a first area, which is an area of the substrate facing a semiconductor chip peripheral portion, is higher than the density on the substrate surface of the holes in an area excluding the first area on the substrate.
US08816509B2

A semiconductor package includes first and second semiconductor elements electrically interconnected by a connection structure. The first and second semiconductor elements are joined by a protection structure that includes an adhesive layer surrounded by a retention layer.
US08816502B2

According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit device includes interconnects and a contact via. The interconnects are arranged parallel to each other. The contact via is connected to each of the interconnects. A protrusion is formed at a portion of the each of the interconnects connected to the contact via to protrude in a direction of the arrangement. A recess is formed at a portion of the each of the interconnects separated from the portion having the protrusion to recede in the direction. The protrusion formed on one interconnect of two mutually-adjacent interconnects among the interconnects is opposed to the recess formed in one other interconnect of the two mutually-adjacent interconnects. In the each of the interconnects, the portion having the recess is separated from portions on two sides of the portion having the recess and is separated also from the portion having the protrusion.
US08816494B2

Semiconductor device packages comprise a first semiconductor device comprising a heat-generating region located on at least one end thereof. A second semiconductor device is attached to the first semiconductor device. At least a portion of the heat-generating region extends laterally beyond at least one corresponding end of the second semiconductor device. A thermally insulating material at least partially covers the end of the second semiconductor device. Methods of forming a semiconductor device packages comprise attaching a second semiconductor device to a first semiconductor device. The first semiconductor device comprises a heat-generating region at an end thereof. At least a portion of the heat-generating region extends laterally beyond an end of the second semiconductor device. The end of the second semiconductor device is at least partially covered with a thermally insulating material.
US08816493B2

A semiconductor device includes: a substrate; a semiconductor element on the substrate; an interconnection on the substrate and electrically connected to the semiconductor element; a window frame member on the substrate, surrounding the semiconductor element, and in contact with the interconnection; and a sealing window bonded to the window frame member and encapsulating the semiconductor element. The window frame member is a low melting glass and has a sheet resistance of 106-1010 Ω/□.
US08816476B2

The present invention features a field effect transistor forming on a semiconductor substrate having formed thereon gate, source and drain regions, with said gate region having a lateral gate channel. A plurality of spaced-apart trenches each having an electrically conductive plug formed therein in electrical communication with said gate, source and drain regions, with said trenches extend from a back surface of said semiconductor substrate to a controlled depth. A trench contact shorts the source region and a body region. A source contact is in electrical communication with said source region and a drain contact in electrical communication with said drain region, with said source and drain contacts being disposed on opposite sides of said gate channel.
US08816471B2

Disclosed are a structure for electrical signal isolation between adjacent devices situated in a top semiconductor layer of the structure and an associated method for the structure's fabrication. The structure includes a trench extending through the top semiconductor layer and into a base oxide layer below the top semiconductor layer. A handle wafer is situated below the base oxide layer and a void is disposed in the handle wafer below the trench. A bottom opening of the trench connects the main body of the trench with the void forming a continuous cavity including the main body, the bottom opening of the trench, and the void such that the void improves electrical signal isolation between the adjacent devices situated in the top semiconductor layer. Unetched portions of the handle wafer are then available to provide mechanical support to the top semiconductor layer.
US08816460B2

An apparatus includes a three dimensional array of light receptors disposed within a substrate having a light receiving surface, where light receptors disposed closer to the light receiving surface are responsive to light having shorter wavelengths than light receptors disposed further from the light receiving surface, and where each light receptor is configured to output a binary value and to change state between an off-state and an on-state by the absorption of at least one photon.
US08816455B2

A memory device includes a magnetic layer including a plurality of magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cells, a first conductive layer, a layer including a strap connecting MRAM cells included in the plurality of MRAM cells, and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer includes a conductive portion electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of MRAM cells, and a field line configured to write data to the at least one of the plurality of MRAM cells. The second conductive layer includes a conductive interconnect electrically connected to the at least one of the plurality of MRAM cells, where the magnetic layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. At least one of the plurality of MRAM cells is directly attached to the second conductive layer and the strap.
US08816450B2

A silicon structure of the present invention is provided with a silicon substrate (1) to become a base, and a plurality of fibrous projections (2) made of silicon dioxide and directly joined to a silicon-made surface (1a) of the silicon substrate (1). By arbitrarily constructing an area where these fibrous projections (2) are formed in a predetermined area, it is possible to render the area to have at least either hydrophilicity or water retentivity, so as to provide a silicon structure useful for a variety of devices.
US08816448B2

A semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate, an interface layer formed on the semiconductor substrate including at least 1×1020 atoms/cm3 of S (Sulfur), a metal-semiconductor compound layer formed on the interface layer, the metal-semiconductor compound layer including at least 1×1020 atoms/cm3 of S in the its whole depth, and a metal electrode formed on the metal-semiconductor compound layer.
US08816447B2

Devices such as transistors having an oxide layer that provide a depletion field in a conduction channel. A barrier layer is formed over the oxide layer. A gate electrode is formed over the barrier layer. The barrier layer and gate electrode are configured to reduce the width of the depletion field absent a voltage applied to the gate electrode.
US08816445B2

A power MOSFET device includes at least one MOSFET unit disposed over a substrate, wherein the MOSFET unit includes a plurality of cells and a boundary surrounding the cells. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cell is configured to provide a unit current, and comprises at least one source pillar and at least one drain pillar, a gate conductor surrounding the source pillar and the drain pillar, and an insulating structure electrically separating the gate conductor from the source pillar and the drain pillar, wherein the gate conductor extends from the cell to the boundary.
US08816444B2

A method for generating a layout for a device having FinFETs from a first layout for a device having planar transistors is disclosed. The planar layout is analyzed and corresponding FinFET structures are generated in a matching fashion. The resulting FinFET structures are then optimized. Dummy patterns and a new metal layer may be generated before the FinFET layout is verified and outputted.
US08816439B2

A gate structure of a semiconductor device includes a first low resistance conductive layer, a second low resistance conductive layer, and a first type conductive layer disposed between and directly contacting sidewalls of the first low resistance conductive layer and the second low resistance conductive layer.
US08816438B2

A semiconductor device and method of making such device is presented herein. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of p-n junctions, and a metal trace of a first metal layer. Each of the plurality of memory cells includes a first gate disposed over a first dielectric, a second gate disposed over a second dielectric and adjacent to a sidewall of the first gate, a first doped region in the substrate adjacent to the first gate, and a second doped region in the substrate adjacent to the second gate. The plurality of p-n junctions are electrically isolated from the doped regions of each memory cell. The metal trace extends along a single plane between a via to the second gate of at least one memory cell in the plurality of memory cells, and a via to a p-n junction within the plurality of p-n junctions.
US08816432B2

Semiconductor devices having vertical channel transistors are provided. The semiconductor device includes an insulation layer on a substrate and a buried bit line on the insulation layer. The buried bit line extends in a first direction. An active pillar is disposed on the buried bit line. The active pillar includes a lower dopant region, a channel region having a first sidewall and an upper dopant region vertically stacked on the buried bit line. A contact gate electrode is disposed to be adjacent to the first sidewall of the channel region. A word line is electrically connected to the contact gate electrode. The word line extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A string body connector is electrically connected to the channel region. Related methods are also provided.
US08816431B2

A MOSFET device has a funnel-shaped trench etched in a semiconductor substrate. The funnel-shaped trench has flared rim extending from a wider cross section trench mouth at the surface of the semiconductor substrate to a narrower cross section trench body portion which terminates in an epilayer portion of the semiconductor substrate. A gate electrode is disposed in the trench on the flared rim. Source and gate regions of the device abut upper and lower portions of the flared rim, respectively. A drain region of the device, which abuts the narrower cross section trench body portion, is self-aligned with a lower edge of a gate electrode.
US08816427B2

An all around gate type semiconductor device improves mobility of electrons and holes by using a silicon germanium pillar and a silicon layer surrounding the silicon germanium pillar as a vertical channel. A gate electrode is formed to surround the vertical channel. When a semiconductor device is used as a nMOSFET, the silicon layer strained by silicon germanium is used as the channel to increase electron mobility. When the semiconductor device is used as a pMOSFET, the silicon germanium pillar is used as the channel to increase hole mobility. Thus, the semiconductor device can enhance current supply capacity regardless of transistor type.
US08816416B2

Channel stop sections formed by multiple times of impurity ion implanting processes. Four-layer impurity regions are formed across the depth of a semiconductor substrate (across the depth of the bulk), so that a P-type impurity region is formed deep in the semiconductor substrate; thus, incorrect movement of electric charges is prevented. Other four-layer impurity regions of another channel stop section are decreased in width step by step across the depth of the substrate, so that the reduction of a charge storage region of a light receiving section due to the dispersion of P-type impurity in the channel stop section is prevented in the depth of the substrate.
US08816409B2

A method for fabricating a metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a silicon layer on the semiconductor substrate; performing a first photo-etching process on the silicon layer for forming a gate pattern; forming an epitaxial layer in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to two sides of the gate pattern; and performing a second photo-etching process on the gate pattern to form a slot in the gate pattern while using the gate pattern to physically separate the gate pattern into two gates.
US08816404B2

A semiconductor device has a first conductive layer formed over a first substrate. A second conductive layer is formed over a second substrate. A first semiconductor die is mounted to the first substrate and electrically connected to the first conductive layer. A second semiconductor die is mounted to the second substrate and electrically connected to the second conductive layer. The first semiconductor die is mounted over the second semiconductor die. An encapsulant is deposited over the first and second semiconductor die and the first and second substrates. A conductive interconnect structure is formed through the encapsulant to electrically connect the first and second semiconductor die to the second surface of the semiconductor device. Forming the conductive interconnect structure includes forming a plurality of conductive vias through the encapsulant and the first substrate outside a footprint of the first and second semiconductor die.
US08816400B2

A silicon-germanium (SiGe) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) having a deep pseudo buried layer is disclosed. The SiGe HBT includes isolation structures formed in trenches, first pseudo buried layers and second pseudo buried layers, and a collector region. The first pseudo buried layers are formed under the respective trenches and the second pseudo buried layers are formed under the first pseudo buried layers, with each first pseudo buried layer vertically contacting with a second pseudo buried layer. The second pseudo buried layers are laterally connected to each other, and the collector region is surrounded by the trenches, the first pseudo buried layers and the second pseudo buried layers. The cross section of each of the trenches has a regular trapezoidal shape, namely, each trench's width of its top is smaller than that of its bottom. A manufacturing method of the SiGe HBT is also disclosed.
US08816399B2

A semiconductor device includes: an electron transit layer formed on a substrate and of a group III nitride-based compound semiconductor; an electron supply layer formed on the electron transit layer and of a group III nitride-based compound semiconductor having a higher band gap energy than the transit layer; a field plate layer formed on the supply layer, formed of a non-p-type group III nitride-based compound semiconductor, and having a lower band gap energy than the supply layer; a first electrode forming an ohmic contact with a two-dimensional electron gas layer in the transit layer at an interface thereof with the supply layer; and a second electrode forming a Schottky contact with the electron gas layer. The second electrode forms an ohmic contact, at a side wall of the field plate layer, with two-dimensional hole gas in the field plate layer at an interface thereof with the supply layer.
US08816397B2

A ring-shaped transistor includes a set of gates. Each gate of the set is disposed between a corresponding source and a corresponding drain. The set of gates are arranged such that all of the set of gates cannot be aligned with fewer than three imaginary straight lines drawn through the gates, with one of the imaginary straight lines passing only once though each of the set of gates.
US08816394B2

A transistor having a narrow bandgap semiconductor source/drain region is described. The transistor includes a gate electrode formed on a gate dielectric layer formed on a silicon layer. A pair of source/drain regions are formed on opposite sides of the gate electrode wherein said pair of source/drain regions comprise a narrow bandgap semiconductor film formed in the silicon layer on opposite sides of the gate electrode.
US08816393B2

A semiconductor device has a shield plate electrode connected to a source terminal electrode near a drain electrode. The source terminal electrode is arranged between an active region AA and a drain terminal electrode, and a shield plate electrode is connected to the source terminal electrode.
US08816392B2

A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate on an insulating layer; and a second gate that is located on the insulating layer and is embedded at least partially in the semiconductor substrate. A method for forming a semiconductor device comprises: forming a semiconductor substrate on an insulating layer; forming a void within the semiconductor substrate, with the insulating layer being exposed by the void; and forming a second gate, with the void being filled with at least one part of the second gate. It facilitates the reduction of the short channel effects, resistances of the source and drain regions, and parasitic capacitances.
US08816387B2

A light emitting diode includes a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, a second semiconductor layer and a third semiconductor stacked in that order; a first electrode electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer; a second electrode electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer. The light emitting diode further includes a carbon nanotube layer. The carbon nanotube layer is enclosed in the interior of the first semiconductor layer. The carbon nanotube layer includes a number of carbon nanotubes.
US08816384B2

A semiconductor apparatus includes a substrate having at least one terminal, a thin semiconductor film including at least one semiconductor device, the thin semiconductor film being disposed and bonded on the substrate; and an individual interconnecting line formed as a thin conductive film extending from the semiconductor device in the thin semiconductor film to the terminal in the substrate, electrically connecting the semiconductor device to the terminal. Compared with conventional semiconductor apparatus, the invented apparatus is smaller and has a reduced material cost.
US08816379B2

A reflection curved mirror structure is applied to a vertical light-emitting diode (LED) which includes a P-type electrode, a permanent substrate, a binding layer, a buffer layer, a mirror layer, a P-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer, an N-type semiconductor layer and an N-type electrode that are stacked in sequence. Between the P-type semiconductor layer and the mirror layer is a filler. The filler is located right below the N-type electrode to form a protruding curved surface facing the light-emitting layer. The mirror layer forms a mirror structure along the protruding curved surface. With reflection provided by the mirror structure, excited light from the light-emitting layer is reflected towards two sides, so that the excited light can dodge the N-type electrode without being shielded to increase light extraction efficiency.
US08816372B2

An LED package includes a substrate, an electrode structure, an LED die, a packaging portion, and a covering portion. The electrode structure is formed on the substrate. The LED die is mounted on the substrate, and electrically connected to the electrode structure. The packaging portion covers the LED die. The covering portion surrounds a periphery of the LED package and seals a joint between the substrate, the electrode structure and the packaging portion. The covering portion is made of silicone-titanate resin with reactive monomers, wherein the reactive monomers comprises more than 60% of heptane, 7.0% to 13.0% of allyltrimethoxysilane, 5.0% to 10.0% of tetrabutyl titanate, and less than 0.1% of tetramethoxysilane.
US08816369B2

Methods of fabricating a light-emitting device are provided. A light-emitting device can be formed from bonding a lens including a plug and a cap to an LED package including a socket configured to receive the plug. The lens can be fabricated using an injection mold formed from a well secured to the LED package and injecting a material into the injection mold to cure into a shape of the lens. The lens can also be fabricated using a blank about the shape of the lens and machining the blank to produce the plug and the cap of the lens. The lens can be bonded to the LED package using a convex bead of adhesive deposited on the surface of the LED package and spreading the adhesive between the lens and the LED package.
US08816366B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a nitride semiconductor device which shifts a luminescence wavelength toward a longer wavelength side without decreasing luminescence efficiency, and the nitride semiconductor device according to an implementation of the present invention includes: a GaN layer having a (0001) plane and a plane other than the (0001) plane; and an InGaN layer which contacts the GaN layer and includes indium, and the InGaN layer has a higher indium composition ratio in a portion that contacts the plane other than the (0001) plane than in a portion that contacts the (0001) plane.
US08816354B2

The present invention provides a Group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device exhibiting improved light extraction efficiency. An AlGaN semiconductor layer is formed in contact with and on a p-GaN p-contact layer, and an ITO transparent electrode is formed in contact with and on the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer comprises AlGaN having an Al composition ratio of 10 mol % to 50 mol %, and has a thickness of 2 Å to 50 Å. The semiconductor layer has a refractive index at an emission wavelength lower than that of the p-contact layer, and larger than that of the transparent electrode. By forming such a semiconductor layer, the reflection is suppressed between the p-contact layer and the transparent electrode, thereby improving the light extraction efficiency.
US08816350B2

An array substrate disclosed herein includes: scanning signal lines (16i and 16j); data signal lines (15x, 15y, 15X, and 15Y) to each of which a data signal is supplied; a first pixel region column; and a second pixel region column adjacent to the first pixel region column, each of the first and second pixel region columns including pixel regions, wherein: two data signal lines corresponding to the first pixel region column are provided, two data signal lines corresponding to the second pixel region column are provided, a gap between two adjacent data signal lines (15y and 15X) is provided, one of the two adjacent data signal lines being corresponding to the first pixel region column, and the other of the two adjacent data signal lines being corresponding to the second pixel region column; and a gap line 41 is provided within the gap, a Vcom signal being supplied to the gap line 41. This improves display quality of a liquid crystal display device in which each pixel column corresponds to a plurality of data signal lines.
US08816347B2

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a reliable semiconductor device comprising TFTs having a large area integrated circuit with low wiring resistance. One of the features of the present invention is that an LDD region including a region which overlaps with a gate electrode and a region which does not overlap with the gate electrode is provided in one TFT. Another feature of the present invention is that gate electrode comprises a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer and portion of the gate wiring has a clad structure comprising the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer with a low resistance layer interposed therebetween.
US08816337B2

A first light-emitting layer of a first organic electroluminescent element is disposed in common to a second organic electroluminescent element, a second light-emitting layer of the second organic electroluminescent element is disposed in contact with the first light-emitting layer and in the cathode side, and the first light-emitting layer contains a host material and an assist dopant material to transport holes to the second light-emitting layer.
US08816336B2

A highly productive method for sealing substrates with the use of glass frit is provided. A method for sealing substrates with the use of glass frit, which can be used for a substrate provided with a material having low heat resistance, is provided. A highly airtight sealed body which is manufactured by such a method is provided. A light-emitting device having high productivity and high reliability and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A heat generation layer containing a conductive material which generates heat by induction heating is formed to overlap with a region where a paste including a frit material and a binder is applied. Alternatively, a conductive material which generates heat by induction heating is added to the paste itself. The paste is locally heated by induction heating to remove the binder included in the paste.
US08816333B2

Techniques for forming a thin coating of a material on a carbon-based material are provided. In one aspect, a method for forming a thin coating on a surface of a carbon-based material is provided. The method includes the following steps. An ultra thin silicon nucleation layer is deposited to a thickness of from about two angstroms to about 10 angstroms on at least a portion of the surface of the carbon-based material to facilitate nucleation of the coating on the surface of the carbon-based material. The thin coating is deposited to a thickness of from about two angstroms to about 100 angstroms over the ultra thin silicon layer to form the thin coating on the surface of the carbon-based material.
US08816316B2

Vertical transistor phase change memory and methods of processing phase change memory are described herein. One or more methods include forming a dielectric on at least a portion of a vertical transistor, forming an electrode on the dielectric, and forming a vertical strip of phase change material on a portion of a side of the electrode and on a portion of a side of the dielectric extending along the electrode and the dielectric into contact with the vertical transistor.
US08816314B2

A memory element can include an opening formed within at least one insulating layer formed on an etch stop layer that exposes a first electrode portion and the etch stop layer at a bottom of the opening; a second electrode portion, formed on at least a side surface of the opening and in contact with the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion not filling the opening and being substantially not formed over a top surface of the at least one insulating layer; and at least one memory layer formed on a top surface of the at least one insulating layer and in contact with the second electrode portion, the at least one memory layer being reversibly programmable between at least two impedance states. Methods of forming such memory elements are also disclosed.
US08816310B2

A semiconductor relay includes two MOSFETs; a light emitting element; a light-receiving drive element for switching on and off the two MOSFETs; two output and two input conductor plates electrically connected to the two MOSFETs and the light emitting element, respectively; and an encapsulating resin encapsulating the two MOSFETs, the light emitting element, the light-receiving drive element, the two output and the two input conductor plates. The two output and two input conductor plates includes terminal portions which protrude outside the encapsulating resin and are mounted on a common printed circuit board. Further, the two output conductor plates includes mount portions on which the two MOSFETs are mounted or on which drain electrodes of the two MOSFETs are connected, and the mount portions are encapsulated by the encapsulating resin in such an orientation that a thickness direction of the mount portions intersects that of the printed circuit board.
US08816308B2

An RI manufacturing apparatus includes: an accelerator which accelerates charged particles; a target which is irradiated with the charged particle accelerated by the accelerator, thereby manufacturing a radioactive isotope; a built-in shield that may be a wall body which surrounds the accelerator and the target to shield radiation; and a target shield that may be a wall body which is disposed between the built-in shield and the accelerator and surrounds the target to shield the radiation.
US08816306B2

An infrared (IR) light device is provided comprising: a main casing filled with a gas to prevent condensation from forming on an interior surface of the visible light filter; and a plurality of IR light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted in the main casing, wherein the casing includes heat dissipating features.
US08816302B2

The invention relates to an optical arrangement (20) and to a method of examining or processing an object (46). Here, a first laser pulse with a first central wavelength and a second laser pulse with a second central wavelength different from the first central wavelength are generated. Both pulses are superimposed in or on the object (46) such that multi-photon absorption takes place there with the involvement of at least one photon of the first laser pulse and at least one photon of the second laser pulse.
US08816297B2

A variant of the Foucault (knife-edge) aperture is disclosed that is designed to provide single-sideband (SSB) contrast at low spatial frequencies but retain conventional double-sideband (DSB) contrast at high spatial frequencies in transmission electron microscopy. The aperture includes a plate with an inner open area, a support extending from the plate at an edge of the open area, a half-circle feature mounted on the support and located at the center of the aperture open area. The radius of the half-circle portion of reciprocal space that is blocked by the aperture can be varied to suit the needs of electron microscopy investigation. The aperture is fabricated from conductive material which is preferably non-oxidizing, such as gold, for example.
US08816291B2

Embodiments of secondary backscatter indicia; digital radiography detectors and radiographic imaging apparatus using the same; and methods for using the same can detect a secondary backscatter condition for a radiation exposure. In one embodiment, a DR detector can include a housing having first and second surfaces and a plurality of walls to form a cavity; a detector array mounted within the cavity to form an electronic radiographic image; and backscatter absorbing indicia distributed in a prescribed arrangement. Embodiments of methods and/or apparatus according to the application can detect secondary backscatter radiation, can notify a technician when secondary backscatter radiation is detected in an x-ray image or can detect and/or identify portions of an active imaging area of an x-ray detector subjected to secondary backscatter radiation.
US08816290B2

Devices for detecting electromagnetic radiation, and method of configuring the devices, are disclosed. In one aspect, a pixel array detector includes a plurality of dual-mode pixels arranged in an array. Each dual-mode pixel includes a mixed-mode sensor configured to detect accumulated charge created by electromagnetic radiation incident on the pixel. Each dual-mode pixel further includes a digital-mode sensor configured to count individual photons incident on the pixel. Each dual-mode pixel includes a switch configured to selectively couple the mixed-mode sensor and the digital sensor with a diode associated with the pixel. The pixel array detector further includes a controller configured to configure each pixel of the plurality of dual-mode pixels into either mixed-mode or the digital-mode.
US08816273B2

Time-to-digital converters adapted to analog and digital inputs and methods of use are described. A time-to-digital converter has an event frame latches and logic module with memory cells, an analog front-end module connected to the memory cells, and a bin increment generator module connected to the memory cells. The bin increment generator is configured to issue bin increments separated by a time increment, and the analog front end is configured to issue a start event followed by a plurality of stop events. Upon receipt of a first time increment following a start event, the event frame latches and logic module updates a first memory cell with a first bit-type; upon receipt of a second time increment following an intervening stop event, the event frame latches and logic module updates a second memory cell with a second bit-type different from the first bit-type.
US08816271B2

This device comprises a single radioactive source (44), capable of creating an incident beam (120), and a target (48) placed opposite the source (44).The target (48) is capable of creating the second beam (130) by interacting with a first part of the incident beam (120), a second part of the incident beam (120) passing through the target (48) to form the first beam (124).
US08816270B2

A method of compensating mechanical, magnetic and/or electrostatic inaccuracies in a scanning charged particle beam device is described. The method includes an alignment procedure, wherein the following steps are conducted: compensating 4-fold astigmatism with an element having at least 8-pole compensation capability, wherein the aligning and compensating steps of the alignment procedure act on a charged particle beam with beam dimensions in two orthogonal directions each of at least 50 μm and coaxially aligned with at least the element having at least the 8-pole compensation capability.
US08816267B2

A method and system are provided for the monitoring of direct current bias, the system including switching an amplifier of known scale factor from low to high; monitoring a step change in bias generated by the gain change; measuring, the response to the bias change via appropriate peak detection logic; and determining the amount of bias present at an input based on AC response and the amplifier scale factor.
US08816266B2

A solid-state imaging device comprising a plurality of unit pixels each comprising (a) a photoelectric conversion element operative to generate a charge in response to incident light, (b) a first storage element in which the charge generated by the photoelectric conversion element is stored and (c) a second storage element in which a charge based on the charge stored in the first storage element is stored, wherein, for each pixel, the second storage element is located at an opposite side of a light receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion element.
US08816264B2

A switch circuit including structures to reduce the effects of charge injection. In an embodiment, a first transistor of the switch circuit is to receive a first signal and first and second dummy transistors of the switch circuit are each to receive a second signal, wherein the first transistor is connected between the first and second dummy transistors. The second signal is complementary to the first signal. In another embodiment, the first transistor, the first dummy transistor and the second dummy transistors are each connected via respective body connections to a first low supply voltage.
US08816263B2

Methods of implementing light field sensors for lensless synthetic imaging is provided. Relatively tall and short structures are fabricated, wherein the short structures comprise light sensing capabilities. The tall structures and short structures are arranged in an array to create an array of vignetted light sensors that partition an incoming light field into a plurality of vignetted light fields, each uniquely associated with a particular light sensor. Each light sensor generates a measurable electrical quantity responsive to the associated vignetted light field, and the collective measurable electrical quantities are responsive to incoming light field. The short structures can comprise photodiodes, LEDs, or OLEDs, and the resulting light field sensor can respond to color. Tall structures can comprise electronic components, LEDs, OLEDS, or OLETs. In an example implementation, tall structures in the array are light-emitting and act as a light-emitting visual display which further comprises an array of vignetted light sensors.
US08816262B2

A method for application of an agricultural product to a field is provided. The method includes acquiring real-time sampled data using real-time agricultural sensors, auto-calibrating the real-time agricultural sensors using statistical characteristics of the real-time sampled data to determine an application rate, and applying the agricultural product to the field based on the application rate. The step of auto-calibrating can be performed in various ways depending upon the type of agricultural product, the data available from the agricultural sensors or otherwise, or otherwise.
US08816252B2

Methods and apparatus provide for: an electrically conductive heating element having a length extending in a lateral direction between first and second ends, and one or more output surfaces operating to direct heat therefrom in a direction transverse to the lateral direction; and a carrying structure operable to support a glass sheet such that a major surface of the glass sheet is oriented towards the heat emanating from the one or more output surfaces of the heating element, where the electrically conductive heating element includes at least one heat flux variation feature operating to produce differing magnitudes of heat to emanate from at least two of the output surfaces of the heating element.
US08816250B2

A pulsed arc welding method using carbon dioxide gas alone or a mixed gas made mainly of carbon dioxide gas as a shield gas, provides a pulse current of alternately repeating first and second pulses as a weld current. The first pulse and the second pulse have a pulse waveform of a different pulse peak current level and a different pulse width, respectively, and the following conditions are satisfied: peak current of the first pulse (Ip1)=300 to 700 A; peak period (Tp1)=0.3 to 5.0 ms; base current Ib1=30 to 200 A, base period (Tb1)=0.3 to 10 ms; peak current of the second pulse (Ip2)=200 to 600 A; peak period (Tp2)=1.0 to 15 ms; base current (Ib2)=30 to 200 A; and base period (Tb2)=3.0 to 20 ms.
US08816244B2

A stent manufacturing device and methods for making intravascular stents and other medical devices. The stent manufacturing device may include a base, a laser or other cutting device coupled to the base, a horizontal motor coupled to the base, and a rotary motor coupled to the horizontal motor. A workpiece can be attached to the cutting device, for example adjacent the rotary motor, and the workpiece can be cut with the cutting device.
US08816236B2

A holder for flat objects according the invention includes an endless belt made of a flexible sheet material, wherein an end portion of the belt is folded into itself forming an inner bend and an outer bend with the inner bend disposed inside of the outer bend. A set of first and second support rods are disposed side by side in parallel to each other, the first rod at the bottom of the inner bend and the second rod at the bottom of the outer bend. A pair of third and fourth rods extend through parallel endwise openings in the belt between the inner and outer bends, which third and fourth rods are disposed side by side in parallel to each other with the belt is wound over the third and fourth rods so that the belt can slide over the third and fourth rods, whereby movement of the first rod away from the second rod causes sliding movement of the belt over the third and fourth rods. In a preferred embodiment an inside surface of the belt is attached to one or both of the first and second rods.
US08816235B2

Machine for the inspection and sorting of fruits, which has, connected to a control system, an inspection unit (1) and ejection means (3) which eject the fruits inspected by the inspection unit (1) which do not comply with certain conditions pre-established by the control system. The product transport means have a plurality of rotating rollers (7) which rotate the fruits they transport as they advance, providing multiple views of said fruits to the artificial vision system (4), and a final section for the fall of the fruits with a curved surface with variable decreasing radius. The present invention also consists of a method to inspect and sort fruits which makes them rotate during their transport and inspection and sets their acceleration at the discharge from the machine through a curved surface with decreasing radius.
US08816233B2

A capacitive touch panel unit includes a transparent substrate, a conductive layer and a protection layer. The transparent substrate has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The conductive layer is disposed on the second side. The protection layer is correspondingly attached to one side of the conductive layer, which side is opposite to the transparent substrate. By means of the design of the capacitive touch panel unit, the number of the conductive layer is reduced to lower the manufacturing cost and reduce the total thickness.
US08816230B2

A micro-switch provided labor-saving switching comprises a housing, a press member located on the housing, an actuation member located in the housing and a driving assembly located between the press member and actuation member. The press member is depressed to move reciprocally in the housing in a displacement. The driving member includes a force-bearing member hinged swivelably on the housing and at least one transmission member swivelable inversely against the force-bearing member. The force-bearing member includes a force-receiving portion in the displacement and an actuating portion connected to the force-receiving portion. The at least one transmission member includes a driven portion driven by the actuating portion and a force-applying portion connected to the driven portion. The driving assembly drives the actuation member through a lever principle to switch between a first conductive state and a second conductive state.
US08816222B2

A strain relief device is disclosed that allows the passage of at least one telecommunication cable therethrough. The exemplary strain relief device has a one-piece, rectangular tubular body, an external strength member securing section to secure strength members from the at least one telecommunication cable to the rectangular tubular body and a sealing member to provide an environmental seal between the at least one telecommunication cable and the strain relief device and between the strain relief device and a mounting structure into which the strain relief device is inserted. The rectangular tubular body has an outer surface and at least one cable channel extending between a first end of the rectangular tubular body and a second end rectangular tubular body.
US08816216B2

A method of manufacturing an encapsulation substrate for an organic light emitting diode display, includes fabricating a composite panel by forming an uncured carbon fiber resin portion having a plate shape and including an upper surface and a lower surface and forming an uncured insulating resin portion arranged to surround edges of the carbon fiber resin portion, the uncured insulating resin portion being perforated by a plurality of penetration holes, inserting a plurality of conductive components into corresponding ones of the plurality of penetration holes, covering upper and lower surfaces of the composite panel with metal films and bonding the metal films to the composite panel while simultaneously curing the carbon fiber resin and the insulating resin portion by applying heat and pressure to the composite panel. Therefore, fabrication processes of the encapsulation substrate are simple, and fabrication costs are reduced.
US08816207B2

The invention provides a coaxial cable including an internal insulating layer formed on an outer periphery of an electric conductor, a conductive layer formed on an outer periphery of the internal insulating layer, and an external insulating layer formed on an outer periphery of the conductive layer. The conductive layer is made of a metal nanoparticle paste sintered body obtained by sintering metal nanoparticles by irradiation of light toward a metal nanoparticles paste.
US08816206B2

An electric power cable including at least one electric conductor. An electric insulation surround the conductor and includes a polymer. A tubular protective sheath surrounds the electric insulation and acts as a water barrier that prevents water intrusion into the electric insulation. The protective sheath includes a metal as a main constituent. The cable includes at least one density-raising element of a material of higher density than the material of the protective sheath, in order to increase the density of the cable such that too large motions thereof are prevented when the latter is installed in open sea.
US08816195B1

A solar receiver unit including a housing defining a recess, a cell assembly received in the recess, the cell assembly including a solar cell, and a light shield received in the recess and including a body and at least two tabs, the body defining a window therein, the tabs extending outward from the body and being engaged with the recess, wherein the window is aligned with the solar cell.
US08816183B2

A thermoelectric module includes a first insulated substrate having a first opposing surface, a second insulated substrate having a second opposing surface, the second opposing surface faces the first opposing surface, a plurality of electrodes formed on the first and second opposing surfaces, a plurality of thermoelectric transducers provided between the first insulated substrate and the second insulated substrate, the plurality of thermoelectric transducers electrically connected with one another in series and/or in parallel via each electrode, and a conducting circuit electrically connecting the plurality of electrodes with an external power source, wherein the first insulated substrate includes a substrate body having the first opposing surface and a projecting portion being formed continuously from the substrate body and extending in a direction that intersects the substrate body, and the projecting portion includes a fixing surface extending in the direction that intersects the substrate body.
US08816181B2

An electronic percussion device includes a drum shell, a drumhead as striking surface, vibration sensors, and a peripheral and a central vibration carrier. The vibration carriers abut against the drumhead to convey vibrations therefrom to the sensor(s). The central vibration carrier is a helicoidal spring. The peripheral vibration carrier is a rigid body of solid material supported by peripheral sensors disposed thereunder. Two electrical leads of each one of the peripheral sensors are correspondingly coupled in parallel to produce only two common output leads. An electronic sound module is configured to sample the sensors and employs software procedures to detect percussion strokes delivered on the drumhead, and to generate sounds accordingly. The software procedures use averaged and aggregated signals to provide accurate detection of position and intensity of a drum stroke. Alternative embodiments of the device use only a peripheral vibration carrier or only a central vibration carrier.
US08816174B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH923684. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH923684, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH923684 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH923684.
US08816172B1

A novel maize variety designated PH1KGT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1KGT with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1KGT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1KGT or a locus conversion of PH1KGT with another maize variety.
US08816169B1

A soybean cultivar designated S120106 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S120106, to the plants of soybean cultivar S120106, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S120106, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S120106. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120106. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S120106, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S120106 with another soybean cultivar.
US08816163B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D2011911. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D2011911. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D2011911 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D2011911 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08816162B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026213. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026213. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026213 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026213 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08816150B2

Methods of generating modified embryos and mammals by introduction of donor cells into an early stage embryo are provided, such that the resulting embryo and animal generated therefrom has a significant contribution to all tissues from the donor cells and is capable of transmitting the donor cell DNA.
US08816149B2

A system for detection and monitoring of body exudates includes an absorbent article and at least one gas emitting substance incorporated within the absorbent article that can emit a gas after a liquid insult. After an insult, a device incorporating at least one gas sensitive composition can detect the gas and signal that an insult has occurred. The gas may also be detected by a non-contact gas sensor linked to a controller and signaling device which can send visual, auditory, and/or vibratory alerts. The alerts may be perceptible in an area outside the wearer's clothing or at a remote location, such as a watch, radio, computer device and/or smart phone. The system can also determine the fullness of an absorbent article and monitor dry time. The system can be used for interactive toilet training or for caring for an infant, a disabled person, an incontinent youth, or an elderly person.
US08816138B2

The present invention provides a method for producing 3-chloro-pentafluoropropene at a high yield through one reaction step of chlorinating perfluoroallyl fluorosulfate. The present invention directs to a method for producing 3 -chloro-pentafluoropropene, including the step of bringing perfluoroallyl fluorosulfate and an onium chloride compound into contact with each other to produce the 3-chloro-pentafluoropropene.
US08816137B2

The invention provides for a method for processing heavy oil from any sources including tar sands, oil shales, varied residues in a bi-reforming process utilizing reaction conditions with steam and carbon dioxide sufficient to form a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide to form methanol. Methanol produced can be dehydrated to form dimethyl ether, with water produced being recycled back to the bi-reforming process.
US08816135B2

A trisphenol compound is expressed by formula (1), wherein R represents an alkyl group or alkoxyl group with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, phenyl group or hydroxyl group; R1 represents an alkyl group or alkoxyl group with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or phenyl group; R2 represents an alkyl group or alkoxyl group with 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R3 represents a hydrogen atom or alkyl group with 1 to 8 carbon atoms; a represents 0, 1, 2, or 3; b represents 1 or 2; and c and d represent 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; where the sum of b and c is 5 or less; R's may be either the same or different when a is 2 or more; R1's may be either the same or different when c is 2 or more; and R2's may be either the same or different when d is 2 or more.
US08816128B2

Aniline derivatives represented by formula (8): The aniline derivatives can be used as insecticides and/or intermediates in production of insecticides.
US08816127B2

The present invention describes a process for converting a terminal alkyne into an alkynoic acid. In this process the alkyne is exposed to carbon dioxide in the presence of a copper (I) species, a base and a complexing agent capable of complexing copper (I).
US08816112B2

Disclosed are methods for making chiral phosphorus ligands including chiral phosphines, chiral phosphine oxides, phosphonamides, and aminophosphines. The chiral phosphorus ligands prepared by the methods of the invention are useful as components of chiral catalysts, e.g., transition metal complexes.
US08816105B2

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for purifying crude tall oil. The purification method comprises a first purification step (2) for separating at least solids (8) from the crude tall oil and producing solids free crude tall oil, and after the first purification step (2) a second purification step (4) for separating water (14) from the solids free crude tall oil. The purification apparatus comprises at least one solids separator (3, 5′) for separating at least solids (8) from the crude tall oil and producing solids free crude tall oil, and at least one water separator (5, 9) arranged downstream of the solids separator (3, 5′) in the flow direction of the crude tall oil for separating at least water (14) from the solids free crude tall oil.
US08816104B2

A process for activating a reduced manganese copper catalyst comprising treating the catalyst at a temperature of more than 300° C. to about 400° C. with hydrogen.
US08816103B2

The subject of the invention is a novel process for the preparation of N-[2-n-butyl-3-{4-[(3-di-n-butylamino)-propoxy]benzoyl}benzofuran-5-yl]-methanesulfonamide of formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein the acyl group of the benzofuran derivative of the general formula II: where R represents C1-4 alkyl-, C1-4 alkoxy- or aryl group, is selectively cleaved and if desired, the resulting compound of formula I is transformed into its salt.
US08816101B2

The invention relates to a mixture comprising protolichesterinic acid or a salt thereof or a diastereoisomer thereof or a derivative thereof, and lichesterinic acid or a salt thereof or an enantiomer thereof or a derivative thereof, for use for stimulating pigmentation of the skin and/or of its appendages.The invention also relates to derivatives of lichesterinic acid of formula (A).
US08816093B2

The present invention relates to a process of providing the 3-(6-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamido)-3-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzoic acid in substantially free form (Compound 1).
US08816082B2

The present invention relates to novel compounds, compositions containing same and methods for inhibiting human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase or for the treatment or prevention of disease conditions using said compounds;
US08816081B2

Boron-comprising perylene monoimides and a process for producing the boron-comprising perylene monoimides are provided. The boron-comprising perylene monoimides are useful as building blocks for producing perylene monoimide derivatives and monoimide derivatives. The boron-comprising perylene monoimides are also useful for preparing dye-sensitized solar cells.
US08816069B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing a high purity, high quality amide compound, particularly, lactam. A first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that an amount of each of a halide, an aldehyde compound, an alcohol compound and a nitrile compound contained in a solution recycled into an oxime-forming step is controlled to an amount of 0.4 mol % or less based on the ketone as a starting material. A second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of a ketone, an oxime and an amide compound are purified by hydrogenation and/or crystallization for eliminating impurities containing a double bond. A third embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a content of impurities having a cyclic bridge structure is controlled by using a cycloalkanone purified by recrystallization.
US08816066B2

This invention provides cellulose ester interpolymers, and methods of oxidizing cellulose interpolymers and cellulose ester interpolymers. The invention also provides routes to access carboxylated cellulose ester derivatives with high acid numbers wherein the carboxyl group is attached directly to the cellulose backbone by a carbon-carbon bond. Through functionalization of an intermediate aldehyde, the corresponding cationic or zwitterionic cellulose ester derivatives can also be accessed. The interpolymers of the present invention have a number of end-use applications, for example, as binder resins in various types of coating compositions and as drug delivery agents.
US08816062B2

The compounds of formula (I) substantially in exo form or salts thereof, wherein: X is a biradical selected from —(CH2)n—*, —(CH2CH2O)nCH2CH2—*, methylcyclohexyl and methylphenyl; n is an integer ranging between 1 and 30; Y is a radical selected from —COOH, a substituted phosphoramidite radical and N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (or other active ester) of carboxylic acid; and * represents the place through which X binds to Y, are useful in a general process for solid-phase preparation of maleimide-oligonucleotide derivatives.
US08816058B2

Isolated polynucleotides are provided which encode antibody VH and VL polypeptides, and anti-CD100 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof. In another aspect, the invention provides a vector comprising a polynucleotide of the invention. In another aspect, the invention provides a host cell comprising the vector of the invention. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of producing an antibody of the invention, e.g., for treating diseases associated with CD100, including certain autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancers.
US08816053B2

IL-28A, IL-28B, IL-29, and certain mutants thereof have been shown to have antiviral activity on a spectrum of viral species. Of particular interest is the antiviral activity demonstrated on viruses that infect liver, such as hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. In addition, IL-28A, IL-28B, IL-29, and mutants thereof do not exhibit some of the antiproliferative activity on hematopoietic cells that is observed with interferon treatment. Without the immunosuppressive effects accompanying interferon treatment, IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 will be useful in treating immunocompromised patients for viral infections.
US08816052B2

Calcium-binding photoproteins showing the luminescence pattern with a slow decay of are desired. The invention provides a mutant apoprotein comprising an amino acid sequence wherein the 23rd to 34th amino acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 are substituted with an amino acid represented by formula I below: Xaa23-Xaa24-Xaa25-Xaa26-Xaa27-Xaa28-Xaa29-Xaa30-Xaa31-Xaa32-Xaa33-Xaa 34; having a function to bind to the peroxide of coelenterazine or the peroxide of a coelenterazine analogue to form a photoprotein capable of emitting light under the action of calcium ions; and, having a half decay time of the luminescence emitted by binding of the photoprotein to calcium ions being not less than 2 seconds.
US08816047B2

Embodiments relate to proislet peptides, preferably HIP, that exhibit increased stability and efficacy, and methods of using the same to treating a pathology associated with impaired pancreatic function, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes and symptoms thereof.
US08816042B2

Provided are polyamide nanocomposites incorporating carbon nanotubes and other filler species. Also provided are related methods.
US08816041B2

Provided are a polyester polymerization catalyst with which the generation of foreign materials caused by the catalyst or mold pollution at the time of molding are reduced and polyesters having remarkably superior thermal stability and color tone can be obtained.Provided is a polyester polymerization catalyst produced by the reaction of a titanium compound and a mannitol in a molar ratio of titanium atom to mannitol of from 1:1 to 1:3. A method for producing a polyester employs the polyester polymerization catalyst.
US08816039B2

The present invention provides a copolycarbonate that has a low photoelastic constant and has fewer foamed cells and that is in particular suitable for use in optical fields.The present invention is a copolycarbonate containing 10 to 90 mol % of a unit (A) derived from spiroglycol and 90 to 10 mol % of a unit (B) derived from aromatic phenol and having terminals satisfying the following expressions (i) and (ii), 0.0001<(a)/(d)<0.1  (i) 0.02<(b)/(d)<0.8  (ii) wherein (a) is an amount of a terminal group derived from spiroglycol, (b) is an amount of a terminal group derived from aromatic phenol, and (d) is a total terminal group amount.
US08816038B2

Disclosed is a polymer which is useful for the preparation of an epoxy resin composition or a cured product thereof in film or sheet exhibiting high heat resistance, high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, high gas barrier property, and high toughness. The polymer is a thermoplastic aromatic ether polymer comprising a unit represented by the following general formula (1) at a ratio of 10 to 100 mol % and having a weight average molecular weight of 3,000 or more; in formula (1), X is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R1 and R2 each is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, an aralkyl group, or a halogen atom, and n is a number of 1 to 3.
US08816036B2

Catalysts, which are free of tin, are described which are useful in the reaction between an isocyanate and an alcohol, which is a key step for preparing polyurethane polymers. The catalyst is a metal complex or salt of formula (1): [Zn(L1)l1(L2)l2(Y)x]  (1) in which: l1≧1 and l2=0 or 1; with l1+l2=2, x=1 or 2, the symbol L1 represents a ligand which is a β-dicarbonylato anion or the enolate anion of a β-dicarbonyl compound or an acetylacetato anion derived from a β-ketoester, when l1=2, the symbols L1 are identical or different, the symbol L2 represents an anionic ligand which is different from L1, and the symbol Y represents a neutral ligand; where the metal complex or salt C of formula (1) is not zinc diacetylacetonate.
US08816035B2

Photoactive polymers comprising first and second co-monomer repeat units, the first co-monomer repeat unit comprising a moiety selected from the group consisting of an alkylthieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione moiety and a 1,3-dithiophene-5-alkylthieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione moiety, and the second co-monomer repeat unit comprising a moiety selected from the group consisting of a 4,4′-dialkyl-dithieno[3,2-b:2′3′-d]silole moiety, an ethylene moiety, a thiophene moiety, an N-alkylcarbazole moiety, an N-(1-alkyl)dithieno[3,2-b:2′3′-d]pyrrole moiety and a 4,8-dialkyloxylbenzo[1,2-b:3,4-b]dithiophene moiety are described herein. These polymers are suitable for use in photovoltaic cells and field effect transistors.
US08816025B2

There is provided a pressure sensitive adhesive composition and a pressure sensitive adhesive. A pressure sensitive adhesive composition example of the present application can provide a pressure sensitive adhesive having, for example, a high shear resistance together with an excellent peeling property or tacking property with respect to an attachment target surface.
US08816024B2

A polymerization reactor system includes features for operating two or more reactors in series or parallel. The system includes a discharge line coupled to an outlet of a first polymerization reactor, a first conduit connecting the first polymerization reactor to a second polymerization reactor via the discharge line, a second conduit connecting the first polymerization reactor to a flashline apparatus via the discharge line, and a diverter valve coupling the first and second conduits to the discharge line. The diverter valve is configured to selectively open the discharge line to the first conduit and close the discharge line to the second conduit in a first valve state and to selectively open the discharge line to the second conduit and close the discharge line to the first conduit in a second valve state. The diverter valve is capable of switching between the first and second valve states.
US08816022B2

The present invention provides rubber sealing members having an exterior surface adapted to sealingly engage an inner surface of a chamber of a medical device, the exterior surface of the sealing member having a coating thereon prepared from a curable composition including: (a) a first organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups; and (b) a second organopolysiloxane having at least two pendant hydrogen groups, the second organopolysiloxane being different from the first organopolysiloxane, wherein at least one of the first organopolysiloxane, the second organopolysiloxane or an optional third organopolysiloxane of the curable composition comprises a fluoro group.
US08816021B2

Low viscosity, radiation curable compositions have been developed that produce plastics with silicone rubber-like properties. These compositions have also been shown to give great adhesion to plastics. The combination of an ethylenically unsaturated oligomer with di- or polythiol compound, reactive diluents and a radical initiator will produce these properties. These materials can find use in many areas such as: Electronics packaging, displays, conformal coatings, seals, gaskets, fiber optics coatings, and golf ball coatings.
US08816011B2

The invention relates to a controlled polymerization process for preparing (meth)acrylate-based AB diblock copolymers with a B block which has a narrow monomodal molecular weight distribution, and an A block which has a broad monomodal molecular weight distribution, and to the use thereof, for example, as a binder in adhesives or sealants.
US08816006B2

Compositions suitable for film comprise at least one ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer, wherein the ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer may have, for example, a Mw/Mn from about 1.7 to about 3.5, at least one melting point, Tm, in degrees Celsius, and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the numerical values of Tm and d correspond to the relationship: Tm>−2002.9+4538.5(d)−2422.2(d)2.
US08815999B2

Disclosed are novel cross-linkable end-cappers for oligo- and polyimides. End-capped oligo- and polyimides comprising such an end-capper may be cured at a lower temperature compared to oligo- and polyimides end-capped with PEPA.
US08815995B2

A cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition having a diene rubber selected from one or more natural rubbers, one or more synthetic rubbers or combinations thereof as well as a petroleum hydrocarbon resin. The petroleum hydrocarbon resin may be characterized as having a number-average molecular weight of between 750 and 1000 g/mole, a glass transition temperature of between 20° C. and 60° C. and a polydispersity index of between 1.8 and 3. Furthermore, the resin has units resulting from the polymerization of dicyclopentadiene and dicyclopentadiene codimers with an olefinic composition. Additionally, the rubber composition may include a reinforcing filler that is selected from an inorganic filler, an organic filler or combinations thereof. The composition is useful as a material for articles that include tire components, such as a tire tread.
US08815994B2

The present invention relates to a heat-shrinkable polyester-based single-layer film which has superior shrinkability and color, and thus provides aesthetic enhancement to the product to which the film is attached when the film is printed. Therefore, the polyester-based single-layer film of the present invention can be valuably used as a label film as it can replace labels made of paper, and can be easily peeled off by means of hot water, thus contributing to the recycling of bottles.
US08815983B2

A dispersion comprising hard material particles and at least one organic binder and/or at least one plasticizer. The hard material particles comprise an inner core comprising a fused tungsten carbide and an outer shell comprising tungsten carbide.
US08815981B2

The present invention relates to a dispersion of hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposite molecules comprising discrete inorganic silica nanoparticles that are covalently bonded to organic polymers, wherein the dispersion has a high solid content (>30% wt.) and high silica content (>35% wt.) with low coagulum (about 100-400 ppm or about 0.05% wt or less). The hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposite is prepared by (1) hydrolyzing silane monomers at acidic conditions; (2) surface treating inorganic silica nanoparticles with silane monomers; (3) stabilizing the surface-treated inorganic silica nanoparticles with an amine stabilizer; and (4) reacting organic monomers with surface-treated inorganic silica nanoparticles.
US08815977B2

The present invention provides a process for producing a conjugated diene-based polymer, comprising polymerizing a monomer component containing a conjugated diene compound and a silicon-containing vinyl compound using a polymerization initiator represented by the following formula (1) wherein, R11 represents a hydrocarbylene group having 6 to 100 carbon atoms, R12 and R13 represent a hydrocarbyl group optionally having a substituent, or a trihydrocarbylsilyl group, or R12 and R13 are bonded to represent a hydrocarbylene group optionally having, as a hetero atom, at least one kind atom selected from the atomic group consisting of a silicon atom, a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom.
US08815970B2

A method of preparing polyurethane prepolymer does not require using a toxic isocyanate monomer (manufactured by harmful phosgene) as a raw material. Epoxy resin and carbon dioxide are used as major raw materials to form cyclic carbonates to be reacted with a functional group oligomer, and then amino groups in a hydrophilic (ether group) or hydrophobic (siloxane group) diamine polymer are used for performing a ring-opening polymerization, and the microwave irradiation is used in the ring-opening polymerization to efficiently synthesize the amino-terminated PU prepolymer, and then an acrylic group at an end is added to manufacture an UV cross-linking PU (UV-PU) oligomer which can be coated onto a fabric surface, and the fabric is dried by UV radiation for a surface treatment to form a washing-resisted long lasting hydrophilic or hydrophobic PU fabric.
US08815964B2

A process for forming a vulcanized elastomer composition. An alternating electric field is applied to a first composition comprising vulcanized crosslinked elastomer particles while the composition is compressed to thereby devulcanize the crosslinked elastomer particles and form a second composition comprising devulcanized elastomer particles A crosslinking agent is added to the second composition comprising the devulcanized elastomer particles. The second composition having the crosslinking agent is then vulcanized to form the vulcanized elastomer composition.
US08815962B2

A catalyst comprising NiO, a metal mixture comprising at least one of MoO3 or WO3, a mixture comprising at least one of SiO2 and Al2O3, and P2O5. In this embodiment the metal sites on the catalyst are sulfided and the catalyst is capable of removing tar from a synthesis gas while performing methanation and water gas shift reactions at a temperature range from 300° C. to 600° C.
US08815960B2

The present invention relates to demulsifying and dehydrating formulations of heavy crude oil based block copolymers amine bifunctionalized with low polydispersities. These formulations can contain solvents whose boiling point is in the range from 35 to 200° C., preferably: dichloromethane, chloroform, toluene, xylenes, turbosine, naphtha or mixtures thereof.
US08815957B2

A surfactant for water/supercritical carbon dioxide microemulsions that can achieve high water dispersion ability, water/supercritical carbon dioxide microemulsion forming ability under a moderate condition, and high water solubilization rate and that reduces burden on the environment and ecosystem. Provided are a surfactant for stabilizing a water/supercritical carbon dioxide microemulsion including a compound of Formula (I) and a water/supercritical carbon dioxide microemulsion including the surfactant. The compound of Formula (I) has the structure:
US08815948B2

An alternative method of delivery of homeopathic medicines by targeting delivery to the MALT's, especially of the intestinal tract and in high volumes.
US08815938B2

Double compartment skincare products confine a first compartment containing an anhydrous composition including an active ingredient, and a second compartment, wherein the active ingredient is selected from among compounds of the avermectin family and compounds of the milbemycin family, and are useful as medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of dermatological conditions/afflictions.
US08815936B2

Described is a composition for preventing or treating an oxidative stress related disease or condition in a subject. The disease or condition is characterized by the presence of excess oxidative compounds in the subject, and the composition includes a synergistic combination of therapeutically effective amounts of resveratrol to promote NAD+ synthesis in the subject; a chelating agent to reduce production of additional oxidative compounds in the subject; and an antioxidant to minimize the oxidative activity in the subject.
US08815935B2

The present invention is directed to novel compounds. These compounds can be useful in inhibiting the activity of protein prenyltransferases including GGTase I and/or RabGGTase. The compounds can also be used as anti-cancer therapeutics including as part of methods for treating cancer, in assays, and in kits.
US08815930B2

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R3, R7, R9 and L are defined in the description are TRPV1 antagonists that exhibit low inhibitory activity against CYP3A4. Compositions comprising such compounds and methods for treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions are also disclosed.
US08815925B2

The invention relates to the use of an antimycotic agent and an epithelial cell or endothelial cell adhesion inhibitor for producing a combination drug for the topical treatment of Candida mycoses selected from vulvovaginal candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis (oral thrush), diaper dermatitis (diaper thrush) and intertriginous (Candida) eczema.
US08815920B2

A substituted amide compound is useful as an active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition, in particular a pharmaceutical composition for treating diseases caused by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). The compound is of a formula: In this formula, A is an optionally substituted aryl, etc.; B is an optionally substituted 5-membered aromatic hetero ring group; X is a single bond or —(CRX1RX2)n—; n is 1, 2, 3, or 4; RX1 and RX2 are hydrogen, etc.; Y1 to Y5 are each CRY or N; each RY is hydrogen, etc.; R1 and R2 are hydrogen, etc.; m is 1, 2, or 3; R3 is hydrogen, etc.; and R4 is an optically substituted lower alkyl, etc.
US08815915B2

The present invention relates to novel benzofuran-2-sulfonamide pyridine derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of chemokine receptors.
US08815912B2

The invention relates to an antimicrobially effective composition which comprises a) 0.001 to 1% by weight of bispyridiniumalkane, b) humectant and c) water. The composition has an osmolality of from 230 to 350 mOsmol/kg and is free from surfactant. It is used as wound and mucosa antiseptic.
US08815909B2

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or a stereoisomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein all of the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are agonists, partial agonists and modulators of the NPY Y4 receptor and may be used for the treatment and prophylaxis of various diseases and conditions.
US08815906B2

Provided are compounds of the formula (I): or a stereoisomer, tautomer, salt, hydrate or prodrug thereof that modulate tyrosine kinase activity, compositions comprising the compounds and methods of their use.
US08815893B2

Novel hetarylaminonaphthyridine derivatives of formula (I) wherein X, R1, R2, R3, R4, W1, W2, W3, W5 and W6 have the meaning according to claim 1, are inhibitors of ATP consuming proteins, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumors.
US08815892B2

The present application is directed to novel P2X7R antagonists that are indol-3-carboxamide or azaindole-3-carboxamide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and their use for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of diseases mediated by P2X7R activity.
US08815874B2

The invention provides a pyrazolopyrimidine derivative of formula (I), wherein, for example, R1 represents —NR1aR1b (wherein R1a and R1b are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom or aralkyl), R2 represents formula (Ya) [wherein k and m each represents an integer of 0-2, n represents an integer of 0-4, L represents a single bond, R5 represents halogen, R6 represents aryl, X represents —CR8 (wherein R8 represents a hydrogen atom), and R7 represents a hydrogen], R3 represents —SO2R13a [wherein R13a represents lower alkoxy, —NR13dC(═O)R13e (wherein R13d represents a hydrogen atom, and R13e represents lower alkyl)], and R4 represents a hydrogen atom, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also provides a medicament containing the pyrazolopyrimidine derivative, as well as a method of using the pyrazolopyrimidine derivative to prevent and/or treat skin diseases.
US08815871B2

The present invention provides a pyrrolidine compound of General Formula (1) or a salt thereof, wherein R101 and R102 are each independently a phenyl group or a pyridyl group, the phenyl group or the pyridyl group may have one or more substituents selected from halogen atoms and lower alkyl groups optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms, etc. The pyrrolidine compound or a salt thereof of the present invention is usable to produce a pharmaceutical preparation having a wider therapeutic spectrum and being capable of exhibiting sufficient therapeutic effects after short-term administration.
US08815863B2

Novel compound having the following formula: (I) wherein Y is N, O, or S. Also disclosed are a pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, methods for treating cancer using the same, and methods for the synthesis of the same. The novel compounds of the present invention are found to inhibit protein kinases, especially Checkpoint kinase Chk1/Chk2.
US08815849B2

Inhibitors of HCV replication of formula I including stereochemically isomeric forms, and salts, hydrates, solvates thereof, wherein R and R′ have the meaning as defined herein. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing said compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use, alone or in combination with other HCV inhibitors, in HCV therapy.
US08815836B2

The present invention relates to the use of a 2,5-dihydroxybenzene derivative represented by Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, isomer, or prodrug thereof for the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of, inter alia, dermatitis.
US08815834B2

The present invention relates to the use of dendrimers with monophosphonic or bisphosphonic terminations in order to stimulate the growth of cell cultures or to activate cells in culture.
US08815832B2

The present invention is directed to hemostatic material containing compacted ORC powder comprising particles having an average aspect ratio from about 1 to about 18, wherein said compacted ORC powder have preferably been processed in a compaction device, such as a ball milled ORC powder. The present invention further relates to methods of making the hemostatic material and a method of treating a wound by applying the hemostatic powder onto and/or into the wound of a patient.
US08815823B2

Methods and compositions suitable for modulating angiogenesis in a mammalian tissue are provided. Further provided are methods suitable for inhibiting metastasis and fibrosis in a mammalian tissue and for assessing the malignancy of colon cancer tumors.
US08815822B2

The invention relates to the fields of molecular biology and medicine, more specifically to treatment and prevention of heart disease. The invention provides alternative methods for counteracting, diminishing, treating, delaying and/or preventing heart disease.
US08815821B2

Antisense sequences, including duplex RNAi compositions, which possess improved properties over those taught in the prior art are disclosed. The invention provides optimized antisense oligomer compositions and method for making and using the both in in vitro systems and therapeutically. The invention also provides methods of making and using the improved antisense oligomer compositions.
US08815818B2

The present invention provides a particulate delivery system for delivering an RNAi construct to phagocytic cells such as macrophages, comprising various configurations of a complex comprising a phagocytic cell-targeting moiety and an RNAi construct. The invention further provides methods of making the delivery system, and their uses, such as treating phagocytic cell-associated disease conditions.
US08815808B2

The present invention relates to methods for modulating the activity of one or more neurotrophins, such as neural growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), in an animal and methods for treatment of a disease or disorder in an individual by modulation of neurotrophin activity. The modulation is carried out by interfering with binding between a neurotrophin and a receptor of the Vps10p-domain receptor family or modulating the expression of a receptor of the Vps10p-domain receptor family.Methods for screening for agents capable of modulating neurotrophin activity and agents selected using these screening methods are also disclosed, as are methods for determining the effect of an agent on one or more neurotrophins in cells. The present invention also pertains to methods for modulating the transport of one or more neurotrophins.
US08815807B2

Compositions and kits are provided having a peptide having an amino acid sequence that binds to eukaryotic cells and effects differentiation and support growth of the cells. Peptide-scaffold compositions containing at least one peptide or combinations of peptides are therapeutic agents for stimulating and promoting osteogenic activity and osteoinduction activity for cells. The scaffold is for example apatite, natural cancellous bone, demineralized natural cancellous bone, collagen, calcium phosphate, or hydroxyapatite.
US08815798B2

The present invention is related to insulin analogs containing additional disulfide bonds and methods of making such.
US08815795B2

A composition for preventing or treating an eye disease includes adiponectin as an active ingredient. Adiponectin as an active ingredient is eventually revealed to show prevention or therapeutic efficacies for eye diseases such as dry eye (syndrome), inflammatory eye disease and side effects due to the use of contact lenses by promoting tear secretion, alleviating ocular surface irregularities, decreasing inflammatory cytokines on the ocular surface and lacrimal gland, and increasing conjunctival goblet cell density. In addition, the composition having eye contact lubrication effects may be used as cleaners or lubricants for preventing non-bacterial inflammation due to wearing contact lenses.
US08815794B2

In its various embodiments, the invention provides myelin basic proteins and fragments of that interfere with the fibril lization of peptides implicated in the amyloidoses, especially the amyloid-beta peptide associated with Alzheimer's disease (“AD”) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (“CAA”). Some embodiments provide methods of identifying additional interfering fragments. Others provide methods of identifying substances that modulate the interference. Further embodiments provide methods of preventing amyloidoses, especially AD and CAA by administering myelin basic proteins or fragments thereof.
US08815786B2

Washing or cleaning agents are described which contain reaction products of odorants with metal oxides, such as for example ZnO, ZrO2, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, Al2O3, TiO2, CeO2 and/or SnO2. The reaction products are preferably produced separately and subsequently added to the washing or cleaning agent matrix. These washing or cleaning agents bring about advantages when fragrancing objects, such as for example textiles. In particular, they make it possible to achieve targeted scent release by remoistening the treated object.
US08815774B2

The present invention relates to a to a method of controlling the growth of weeds, in particular, large crabgrass and white clover, using a herbicidal composition comprising mesotrione and a triazolinone herbicide such as sulfentrazone or carfentrazone-ethyl. The invention also relates to the use of this composition.
US08815761B2

One exemplary embodiment can be a process for mixing catalyst in a regenerator. The process can include providing a first stream of catalyst, a second stream of catalyst mixed with the first stream of catalyst, and an oxygen-containing gas to a chamber via a distributor of the regenerator. Generally, the chamber imparts a swirl to at least one of the oxygen-containing gas, the first catalyst, and the second catalyst for regenerating the catalyst.
US08815754B2

New photoresists are provided that comprise preferably as distinct components: a resin, a photoactive component and a phenolic component Preferred photoresists of the invention are can be useful for ion implant lithography protocols.
US08815749B2

A method for manufacturing a barrier layer (14) on a flexible substrate (6a, 6b), comprising depositing an inorganic layer on the substrate in a treatment space (5), the treatment space (5) being formed between at least two electrodes (2, 3) for generating an atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma. The barrier layer (14) is characterized in that it is formed by three subsequent depositions of inorganic layers on the substrate (6a, 6b), each layer being at most 150 nm in thickness.
US08815740B2

A method for forming a pattern according to an embodiment, includes forming above a first film film patterns of a second film; forming film patterns of the first film by etching the first film using the film patterns of the second film as a mask; converting the film patterns of the second film into film patterns whose width are narrower than the film patterns of the first film by performing a slimming process; forming film patterns of a third film on both sidewalls of the film patterns of the first film and the film patterns of the second film after the slimming process; and etching the first film using the film patterns of the third film as a mask after the film patterns of the second film being removed.
US08815738B2

A salicide process is described. A substrate having thereon an insulating layer and a silicon-based region is provided. A nickel-containing metal layer is formed on the substrate. A first anneal process is performed to form a nickel-rich silicide layer on the silicon-based region. The remaining nickel-containing metal layer is stripped. A thermal recovery process is performed at a temperature of 150-250° C. for a period longer than 5 minutes. A second anneal process is performed to change the phase of the nickel-rich silicide layer and form a low-resistivity mononickel silicide layer.
US08815719B2

A method and apparatus for implanting a semiconductor substrate with boron clusters. A substrate is implanted with octadecaborane by plasma immersion or ion beam implantation. The substrate surface is then annealed to completely dissociate and activate the boron clusters. The annealing may take place by melting the implanted regions or by a sub-melt annealing process.
US08815713B2

A method includes forming a gate stack over a semiconductor substrate, forming an opening in the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to the gate stack, and performing a first epitaxy to grow a first semiconductor layer in the first opening. An etch-back is performed to reduce a thickness of the first semiconductor layer. A second epitaxy is performed to grow a second semiconductor layer over the first semiconductor layer. The first and the second semiconductor layers have different compositions.
US08815694B2

Embodiments include semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrates having SOI layers strained by oxidation of the base substrate layer and methods of forming the same. The method may include forming a strained channel region in a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a buried insulator (BOX) layer above a base substrate layer and a SOI layer above the BOX layer by first etching the SOI layer and the BOX layer to form a first isolation recess region and a second isolation recess region. A portion of the SOI layer between the first isolation recess region and the second isolation recess region defines a channel region in the SOI layer. A portion of the base substrate layer below the first isolation recess region and below the second isolation recess region may then be oxidized to form a first oxide region and a second oxide region, respectively, that apply compressive strain to the channel region.
US08815688B2

A method of manufacturing a power device includes forming a first drift region on a substrate. A trench is formed by patterning the first drift region. A second drift region is formed by growing n-gallium nitride (GaN) in the trench, and alternately disposing the first drift region and the second drift region. A source electrode contact layer is formed on the second drift region. A source electrode and a gate electrode are formed on the source electrode contact layer. A drain electrode is formed on one side of the substrate which is an opposite side of the first drift region.
US08815685B2

Methods are provided for fabricating integrated circuits. In accordance with one embodiment, the method includes forming a portion of a semiconductor substrate at least partially bounded by a confinement isolation material. A liner dielectric is formed overlying the confinement isolation material and is treated to passivate a surface thereof. An epitaxial layer of semiconductor material is then grown overlying the portion of semiconductor substrate.
US08815684B2

A method for forming a fin transistor in a bulk substrate includes forming a super steep retrograde well (SSRW) on a bulk substrate. The well includes a doped portion of a first conductivity type dopant formed below an undoped layer. A fin material is grown over the undoped layer. A fin structure is formed from the fin material, and the fin material is undoped or doped. Source and drain regions are provided adjacent to the fin structure to form a fin field effect transistor.
US08815681B2

Nonvolatile memory devices and methods of forming the same are provided, the nonvolatile memory devices may include first regions and second regions which extend in a first direction and are alternately disposed in a semiconductor substrate along a second direction crossing the first direction. Buried doped lines are formed at the first regions respectively and extend in the first direction. The buried doped lines may be doped with a dopant of a first conductivity type. Bulk regions doped with a dopant of a second conductivity type and device isolation patterns are disposed along the second direction. The bulk regions and the device isolation patterns may be formed in the second regions. Word lines crossing the buried doped lines and the bulk regions are formed parallel to one another. Contact structures are connected to the buried doped lines and disposed between the device isolation patterns.
US08815675B2

A nonvolatile semiconductor memory comprises a first memory cell transistor, a second memory cell transistor, a connection layer, protrusion portions and a contact portion. The first memory cell transistor comprises a first gate electrode formed above a first channel region, and a second gate electrode formed on a side of the first gate electrode through an insulating film. The second memory cell transistor comprises a third gate electrode formed above a second channel region, and a fourth gate electrode formed on a side of the third gate electrode through an insulating film and facing the second gate electrode. The connection layer connects the second gate electrode and the fourth gate electrode. The protrusion portions are formed of a material different than that of the second and fourth gate electrodes, and are formed on both ends of the connection layer. The contact portion is formed on the connection layer.
US08815671B2

Disclosed herein are various methods and structures using contacts to create differential stresses on devices in an integrated circuit (IC) chip. An IC chip is disclosed having a p-type field effect transistor (PFET) and an n-type field effect transistor (NFET). One embodiment of this invention includes creating this differential stress by varying the deposition conditions for forming PFET and NFET contacts, for example, the temperature at which the fill materials are deposited, and the rate at which the fill materials are deposited. In another embodiment, the differential stress is created by filling the contacts with differing materials that will impart differential stress due to differing coefficient of thermal expansions. In another embodiment, the differential stress is created by including a silicide layer within the NFET contacts and/or the PFET contacts.
US08815667B2

Methods of forming transistors and transistors are disclosed, such as a transistor having a gate dielectric over a semiconductor having a first conductivity type, a control gate over the gate dielectric, source and drain regions having a second conductivity type in the semiconductor having the first conductivity type, and strips having the second conductivity type within the semiconductor having the first conductivity type and interposed between the control gate and at least one of the source and drain regions.
US08815665B2

Gallium nitride (GaN) based semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing the same. The GaN-based semiconductor device may include a heterostructure field effect transistor (HFET) or a Schottky diode, arranged on a heat dissipation substrate. The HFET device may include a GaN-based multi-layer having a recess region; a gate arranged in the recess region; and a source and a drain that are arranged on portions of the GaN-based multi-layer at two opposite sides of the gate (or the recess region). The gate, the source, and the drain may be attached to the heat dissipation substrate. The recess region may have a double recess structure. While such a GaN-based semiconductor device is being manufactured, a wafer bonding process and a laser lift-off process may be used.
US08815663B2

A method of manufacturing a TFT, including forming a buffer layer, an amorphous silicon layer, an insulating layer, and a first conductive layer on a substrate, forming a polycrystalline silicon layer by crystallizing the amorphous silicon layer, forming a semiconductor layer, a gate insulating layer, and a gate electrode that have a predetermined shape by simultaneously patterning the polycrystalline silicon layer, the insulating layer, and the first conductive layer, wherein the polycrystalline silicon layer is further etched to produce an undercut recessed a distance compared to sidewalls of the insulating layer and the first conductive layer, forming source and drain regions within the semiconductor layer by doping corresponding portions of the semiconductor layer, forming an interlayer insulating layer on the gate electrode, the interlayer insulating layer covering the gate insulating layer and forming source and drain electrodes that are electrically connected to source and drain regions respectively.
US08815660B2

The present invention generally relates to a semiconductor structure and method, and more specifically, to a structure and method for reducing floating body effect of silicon on insulator (SOI) metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs). An integrated circuit (IC) structure includes a SOI substrate and at least one MOSFET formed on the SOI substrate. Additionally, the IC structure includes an asymmetrical source-drain junction in the at least one MOSFET by damaging a pn junction to reduce floating body effects of the at least one MOSFET.
US08815657B2

After a single crystal semiconductor layer provided over a base substrate by attaching is irradiated with a laser beam, characteristics thereof are improved by first heat treatment, and after adding an impurity element imparting conductivity to the single crystal semiconductor layer, second heat treatment is performed at lower temperature than that of the first heat treatment.
US08815641B2

A method and structure for a semiconductor device including a thin nitride layer formed between a diamond SOI layer and device silicon layer to block diffusion of ions and improve lifetime of the device silicon.
US08815638B2

A method of manufacturing a thick-film electrode comprising the steps of: applying onto a substrate a conductive paste comprising a conductive powder, a glass frit, 3.5 to 12.5 weight percent of an organic polymer, and a solvent, wherein the weight percent is based on the total weight of the conductive powder, the glass frit, and the organic polymer; firing the applied conductive paste to form the thick-film electrode, wherein thickness of the thick-film electrode is 1 to 10 μm; and soldering a wire to the thick-film electrode.
US08815629B2

A method of manufacturing an optical reflector including an alternating stack of at least one first layer of complex refraction index n1 and at least one second layer of complex refraction index n2, in which the first layer includes semiconductor nanocrystals, including the following steps: calculation of the total number of layers of the stack, of the thicknesses of each of the layers and of the values of complex refraction indices n1 and n2 on the basis of the characteristics of a desired spectral reflectivity window of the optical reflector, including the use of an optical transfer matrices calculation method; calculation of deposition and annealing parameters of the layers on the basis of the total number of layers and of the values of previously calculated complex refraction indices n1 and n2; deposition and annealing of the layers in accordance with the previously calculated parameters.
US08815624B2

A method of forming a capped die forms a cap wafer having a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side is formed with 1) a plurality of device cavities having a first depth, and 2) a plurality of second cavities that each have a greater depth than the first depth. At least some of the plurality of second cavities each generally circumscribe at least one of the device cavities. The method then secures the cap wafer to a device wafer in a manner that causes a plurality of the device cavities each to circumscribe at least one of circuitry and structure on the device wafer. Next, the method removes at least a portion of the top side of the cap wafer to expose the second cavities. This forms a plurality of caps that each protect the noted circuitry and structure.
US08815615B2

A method of forming interconnects in integrated circuits includes providing a semiconductor substrate and forming a copper interconnect structure that is formed overlying a barrier layer within a thickness of an interlayer dielectric layer. The copper interconnect structure has a first stress characteristic. The method further loads the semiconductor substrate including the copper interconnect structure into a deposition chamber that contains an inert environment. The semiconductor substrate including the copper interconnect structure is annealed in the inert environment for a period of time to cause the copper interconnect structure to have a second stress characteristic. The semiconductor substrate is maintained in the deposition chamber while an etch stop layer is deposited thereon. The method further deposits an intermetal dielectric layer overlying the etch stop layer, wherein the annealing reduces copper hillock defects resulting from at least the first stress characteristic.
US08815605B2

The invention relates to methods and kits for determining the total organic acid content in a coolant sample.
US08815599B2

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the inhibition of gene expression. In particular, the present invention provides oligonucleotide-based therapeutics for the inhibition of oncogenes involved in cancers.
US08815597B2

The present invention provides a baglike container for centrifugation that is mounted in a centrifuge to thereby allow centrifugation of a dispersion liquid accommodated therein. The baglike container for centrifugation is less likely to tear or break as a result of centrifugation by disposing a container wall surface of the baglike container so as to apply centrifugal force perpendicular to the container wall surface.
US08815595B2

The present invention provides a tissue construct-forming substrate for forming a three-dimensional tissue construct containing proliferating cells, the substrate including a porous film having through-holes, and the porous film having, on the surface of the film, a cell adhesive region capable of retaining cells and a cell non-adhesive region located at a peripheral region of the cell adhesive region, a tissue construct-forming kit comprising the above-mentioned tissue construct-forming substrate and a frame, and a method for forming the above-mentioned tissue construct.
US08815588B2

We disclose a method of preparing a conditioned cell culture medium, the method comprising the steps of: (a) culturing a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), a descendent thereof or a cell line derived therefrom in a cell culture medium; and (b) optionally isolating the cell culture medium; in which the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is obtained by propagating a cell obtained by dispersing a embryonic stem (ES) cell colony, or a descendent thereof, in the absence of co-culture in a serum free medium comprising FGF2.
US08815580B2

The present application relates to the field of glyco-engineering, more specifically to eukaryotic cells wherein both an endoglucosaminidase and a glycoprotein are present. These cells can be used to deglycosylate or partly deglycosylate the (exogenous) glycoprotein, in particular without the need for adding an extra enzyme. Methods are also provided for the application of these cells in protein production. According to one specific aspect, the eukaryotic cells and methods are glyco-engineered yeast cells in which additionally at least one exogenous enzyme needed for complex glycosylation is present, e.g. allowing easier separation of differentially glycosylated glycoproteins.
US08815573B2

The present invention provides a cell culture medium formulation that supports the in vitro cultivation, particularly in suspension, of mammalian cells, particularly epithelial cells and fibroblast cells, and methods for cultivating mammalian cells in suspension in vitro using these media. The present invention also provides chemically defined, protein-free eukaryotic cell culture media comprising an iron chelate and zinc, which is capable of supporting the growth (and particularly the high-density growth of mammalian cells) in suspension culture, increasing the level of expression of recombinant protein in cultured cells, and/or increasing virus production in cultured cells. The invention also provides kits for use in the cultivation of a mammalian epithelial cell that comprise one or more containers, wherein a first container contains the culture medium of the invention. These kits may further comprise one or more additional containers containing one or more supplements.
US08815565B2

Provided is a method for culturing cells, which prevents the possibility of mycoplasma contamination by culturing the cells using biomass extract obtained by culturing a strain with amphidinol productivity, preferably a strain such as Amphidinium klebsii, Amphididinium carterae, and the like belonging to Dinoflagellates, or using a fraction obtained from the extract; and a method for removing mycoplasma contamination of the cells by culturing the cells contaminated by mycoplasma using the amphidinol derivatives. In addition, provided is a method for removing mycoplasma contamination of the cells, including a combination of single cell-isolating enzyme solution treatment and cell aggregate removal.
US08815551B2

The present invention relates to a method for providing an isolated biofuel and a purified protein product from a raw material suitable for the production of the biofuel or a derivative of said raw material. The method comprises the steps of: (i) subjecting the raw material or a derivative of said raw material to at least one first treatment liberating the biofuel from the raw material or the derivative of said raw material, (ii) isolating the biofuel liberated in step (i) obtaining the isolated biofuel, (iii) subjecting the raw material or a derivative of said raw material to at least one second treatment providing a material suspension, and (iv) subjecting the material suspension from step (iii) to an expanded bed adsorption process obtaining the purified protein product.
US08815546B2

A two-step multiplex amplification reaction includes a first step which truncates the standard initial multiplex amplification round to “boost” the sample copy number by only a 100-1000 fold increase in the target. Following the first step the product is divided into optimized secondary single amplification reactions, each containing one of the primer sets that were used previously in the first or multiplexed booster step. The booster step can occur using an aqueous target nucleic acid or using a solid phase archived nucleic acid. In particular, nucleic acid sequences that uniquely identify E. Coli were identified using the multiplex amplification method.
US08815537B2

Systems and methods analyzing body fluids such as blood and bone marrow are disclosed. The systems and methods may utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide to generate a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and methods for utilizing multi color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.
US08815531B2

A dry test strip for measuring creatinine comprises: a support; a reagent layer that is disposed on the support; a reagent holding layer that is disposed on the reagent layer; and a connection layer that is composed of an adhesive which adhesively bonds the reagent layer to the reagent holding layer and is formed in spot form, wherein the reagent layer contains creatininase and 4-aminoantipyrine; the reagent holding layer contains creatinase, sarcosine oxidase, peroxidase, and N-ethyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-sulfopropyl)-3,5-dimethoxyaniline; and the connection layer delays arrival of a liquid sample spot-deposited on the reagent holding layer at the reagent layer.
US08815527B2

The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.
US08815525B2

Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.
US08815523B2

Provided are technologies capable of direct measurement of activity of a bioactive substance in cell using nanowires, more particularly, a method for measuring intracellular activity of a bioactive substance using a nanowire support to which cells are immobilized and a nanowire support to which target substances for the subject bioactive substance are immobilized, and a chip for measuring intracellular activity of a bioactive substance including nanowires to which cells are immobilized and nanowires to which a target substance for the subject bioactive substance is immobilized.
US08815517B2

The identification and evaluation of mRNA and protein targets associated with mRNP complexes and implicated in the expression of proteins involved in common physiological pathways is described. Effective targets are useful for treating a disease, condition or disorder associated with the physiological pathway.
US08815515B1

Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis. In an illustrative method, Snapback-ARMS primers are used to amplify preferentially a target nucleic acid that is present in a low allele fraction. In another embodiment, tailed primers are used to identify the preferentially amplified allele.
US08815508B2

Provided herein is a method for identifying a genetic variant that is associated with development of a condition of interest (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), and genetic variants so identified. Methods of treatment with an active agent (e.g., with a particular active agent and/or at an earlier age) is also provided, upon detecting a genetic variant described herein. In some embodiments, the genetic variant is a deletion/insertion polymorphism (DIP) of the TOMM40 gene. Kits for determining if a subject is at increased risk of developing late onset Alzheimer's disease is also provided. Kits for determining if a subject is responsive to treatment for a condition of interest with an active agent are further provided.
US08815506B2

A method for in vitro diagnosis or prognosis of testicular cancer in a biological sample from a patient suspected of suffering from testicular cancer, having a step of detecting the presence or absence of methylation of CpG dinucleotides in at least one genomic DNA target sequence of the sample, the target sequence being selected from at least one of the sequences identified in SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 7 or from at least one sequence which exhibits at least 99% identity with one of the sequences identified in SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 7 and the sequences complementary thereto; to the DNA sequences and to the use thereof as a testicular cancer marker.
US08815503B2

The present invention provides 4-nucleotide (4mer) RNA motifs that confer immunostimulatory activity, in particular, IL-12-inducing activity to a single-stranded RNA oligonucleotide. The present invention also provides single-stranded RNA oligonucleotides, including antisense RNA, with high or low immunostimulatory activity. The present invention further provides the use of the RNA oligonucleotides of the invention for therapeutic purposes.
US08815502B2

The present invention concerns compositions and methods of extracting infectious pathogens from a volume of blood. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of creating a fibrin aggregate confining the pathogens and introducing a fibrin lysis reagent to expose the pathogens for analysis. The present invention also concerns materials and methods for removing aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) from a sample.
US08815501B2

The present invention relates to NS1 proteins or parts thereof of Flaviviruses, in particular of Dengue viruses useful for vaccination against said Flavivirus and against one or more other Flaviviruses. The invention further concerns the NS1 protein or parts thereof of one Dengue virus serotype, in particular serotype 2, useful for vaccination against Dengue viruses from all serotypes. The invention further concerns DNA comprising an expression cassette coding for a Flavivirus NS1 or parts thereof, vectors comprising said DNA and vaccines containing or expressing a Flavivirus NS1.
US08815497B2

Some embodiments include methods of forming patterns. A semiconductor substrate is formed to comprise an electrically insulative material over a set of electrically conductive structures. An interconnect region is defined across the electrically conductive structures, and regions on opposing sides of the interconnect region are defined as secondary regions. A two-dimensional array of features is formed over the electrically insulative material. The two-dimensional array extends across the interconnect region and across the secondary regions. A pattern of the two-dimensional array is transferred through the electrically insulative material of the interconnect region to form contact openings that extend through the electrically insulative material and to the electrically conductive structures, and no portions of the two-dimensional array of the secondary regions is transferred into the electrically insulative material.
US08815494B2

There is provided a method of making a semiconductor device utilizing a resist underlayer film forming composition comprising a silane compound containing an anion group, wherein the silane compound containing an anion group is a hydrolyzable organosilane in which an organic group containing an anion group is bonded to a silicon atom and the anion group forms a salt structure, a hydrolysis product thereof, or a hydrolysis-condensation product thereof. The anion group may be a carboxylic acid anion, a phenolate anion, a sulfonic acid anion, or a phosphonic acid anion. The hydrolyzable organosilane may be a compound of Formula (1): R1aR2bSi(R3)4−(a+b) (1).
US08815491B2

A polymer comprising 0.5-10 mol % of recurring units having acid generating capability and 50-99.5 mol % of recurring units providing for dissolution in alkaline developer is used to formulate a chemically amplified negative resist composition. When used in a lithography process, the composition exhibits a high resolution and forms a negative resist pattern of a profile with minimized LER and undercut.
US08815485B2

A compound that can improve azo pigment dispersibility in a non-water-soluble solvent. The compound is represented by formula (1): wherein R1 to R4 represent hydrogen or halogen; R5 to R9 represent hydrogen, COOR17 or CONR18R19, and at least one of R5 to R9 represents COOR17 or CONR18R19, where R17 to R19 represent hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbons; R10 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbons or a phenyl group; R11 to R15 represent a hydrogen, L1R20 or L2R21R22, and at least one of R11 to R15 represents L1R20 or L2R21R22, where L1 represents a divalent linking group, L2 represents a trivalent linking group, and R20 to R22 represent an alkyl group having 8 or more carbons or an alkenyl group having 8 or more carbons; and R16 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbons or a phenyl group.
US08815483B2

A magenta toner includes a binder resin containing a polyester resin having a dodecenylsuccinic acid structure as a constituent unit, and a solid solution of C.I. Pigment Violet 19 and C.I. Pigment Red 122, the magenta toner having an amount of the solid solution of from 2% by mass to 30% by mass based on the total mass of the toner.
US08815479B2

An electrophotographic photosensitive member comprises a charge-transporting layer which is a surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member; wherein the charge-transporting layer has a matrix-domain structure having: a matrix comprising a component [β] and a component [γ] (charge-transporting substances having specific structures), and a domain comprising a component [α](resin [α1], or resin [α1] and resin [α2]).
US08815478B2

The invention provides a colored curable composition including a dipyrromethene compound having a structure in which a polymerizable group and a carboxyl group are introduced in the same molecule, a resist liquid, an ink for inkjet printing, a color filter, a method of producing a color filter, a solid-state image sensor, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an image display device and a colorant compound.
US08815474B2

A photomask defect correction method and device correct an opaque or a clear defect of a photomask. An opaque or clear defect in a portion of a photomask to be corrected is observed and information of the observed defect for performing correction of the defect is acquired. The observed defect is corrected in accordance with the acquired defect information by irradiating the observed defect with a focused ion beam from an ion beam irradiation system having a gas field ion source that generates gas ions for forming the focused ion beam. The gas ions may be hydrogen ions, nitrogen ions, oxygen ions, fluorine ions or chlorine ions.
US08815472B2

This invention provides, for example, a highly stable and reliable volume hologram optical recording medium which can suppress an intensity variation, for example, in diffraction efficiency after signal recording and can stably develop a high S/N ratio. The volume hologram optical recording medium includes a recording layer containing at least one compound selected from compounds (A1) having a terpenoid structure, compounds (A2) represented by a formula (I), and cyclic or noncyclic compounds (A3) having at least two double bonds two of these double bonds are located at 1,4-position relatively, wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and R1 and R2 may combine to form a cyclic structure.
US08815465B2

A membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes: a proton conductive membrane for conducting protons; electrode catalyst layers arranged at both sides of the proton conductive membrane containing catalyst particles and an electrode electrolyte; and gas diffusion layers arranged on the respective electrode catalyst layers, having a porous basic material. Further, intermediate layers each having a thickness of 2-6 μm are included, with noble metallic nanoparticles, an electrode electrolyte and carbon powder.
US08815460B2

Even in a case where a rapid variance is demanded as to the input voltage of a converter and the output terminal voltage of a fuel cell, stable converter control is realized. On judging that the change ratio of the demand power of a fuel cell exceeds a set threshold value, a controller executes converter stabilization processing. First, the controller controls a battery converter so that an input voltage of an inverter becomes a set target input voltage. Then, after the input voltage of the inverter reaches the target input voltage, the controller controls an FC converter so that an output terminal voltage of the fuel cell becomes a set target output terminal voltage.
US08815457B2

The method for storing a fuel cell comprises a first calibration phase of a reference membrane by nuclear magnetic resonance to obtain a progression curve of the maximum water load of the fuel cell membrane versus the temperature of the membrane, and a second calibration phase of a standard reference cell to obtain a relationship between the electrical resistance of the standard reference cell, the water load of its membrane and its temperature. The method then comprises a drying phase dependent on the two calibration phases.
US08815456B2

A fuel cell system comprising a generation chamber, a plurality of fuel cells arranged in the generation chamber, fuel gas feeding means for feeding a fuel gas to the fuel cells, oxygen-containing gas feeding means for feeding an oxygen-containing gas to the fuel cells, power converter means for converting the DC output of the fuel cells into an alternating current, power control means for controlling the electric power output to the power converter means from the fuel cells, and generation control means for controlling the flow rate of the fuel gas fed to the fuel cells and the flow rate of the oxygen-containing gas fed to the fuel cells. A fuel gas buffer amount specific to the fuel cells is not smaller than a fuel gas amount that is needed within a maximum period of increase-needing time that is necessary until the flow rate of the fuel gas increases to a required amount when the amount of increase in the flow rate of the fuel gas is set to be a maximum. The generation control means sets the flow rate of the fuel gas and the flow rate of the oxygen-containing gas based on an electric current of the fuel cells.
US08815454B2

A lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator separating the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte. The negative electrode active material of the negative electrode includes a material that is capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions and a metallic material capable of alloying with lithium. The electrolyte includes a chemical compound containing a nitrile (—CN) radical.
US08815434B2

An electrode assembly for a secondary battery and a secondary battery having the same, the electrode assembly including electrode members disposed in a stack and divided into groups; and a first separator having folded portions disposed between the electrode members, and wound portions extending from the folded portions and wrapped around the groups.
US08815427B2

A spirally-wound non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a staked electrode assembly is disclosed. The stacked electrode assembly has first and second current collectors facing region disposed at a winding start end and at a winding terminal end, respectively. A positive electrode current collector exposed portion and a negative electrode current collector exposed portion face each other through the separator in each of the first and second current collector facing regions. At least one of the positive or negative electrode current collector exposed portion has a first insulating member formed thereon in the first current collector facing region at the winding start end. At least one of the positive or negative electrode current collector exposed portion has a second insulating member formed thereon in the second current collector facing region at the winding terminal end.
US08815418B2

A compound for an organic photoelectric device, organic photoelectric device, and a display device, the compound being represented by the following Chemical Formula 1:
US08815405B2

The present invention provides increased stain resistance, tannin blocking, adhesion, and various other properties. A composition in accordance with the principles of the present invention comprises at least three binders, nanoparticle pigment, and pigmentary titanium dioxide. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a coating on a substrate wherein the coating has three binders, nanoparticle metal oxide pigment, and pigmentary titanium dioxide. Various additives may be included to formulate paint as known in the art.
US08815402B2

A solar mirror includes an opaque reflective coating on a surface of a transparent substrate facing away from the sun and a transparent reflective coating on the opposite surface of the substrate. The transparent reflective coating increases the percent reflection of wavelengths in selected ranges, e.g. wavelengths in the infrared range to increase the total solar energy reflected by the solar mirror to increase the solar energy directed to a receiver that converts solar energy to electric and/or thermal energy.
US08815397B2

A carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of carbon nanotube strings and one or more carbon nanotubes. The plurality of carbon nanotube strings are separately arranged and located side by side. Distances between adjacent carbon nanotube strings are changed when a force is applied. One or more carbon nanotubes are located between adjacent carbon nanotube strings.
US08815391B1

A bi-component process which produces an extrusion splitable in the cross machine direction.
US08815381B2

A composition having nanoparticles of a boron carbide and a carbonaceous matrix. The composition is not in the form of a powder. A composition comprising boron and an organic component. The organic component is an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight or a thermoset made from the organic compound. A method of combining boron and an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight, and heating to form boron carbide or boron nitride nanoparticles.
US08815378B2

The invention relates to a transparent or semi-transparent substrate having, over at least a portion of at least one of its surfaces, a photocatalytic coating based on titanium oxide and characterized in that the coated surface has a luminous reflectance less than that of a non-coated surface of the substrate. The invention also relates to methods for obtaining a substrate of this type and to uses for this substrate.
US08815367B2

A graphene/carbon nanotube composite structure includes a carbon nanotube film structure and a graphene film. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a number of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes form micropores. The graphene film is located on a surface of the carbon nanotube film structure. The graphene film covers the micropores.
US08815361B2

By using an oxidative process, it is possible to apply an adhesive material to silicone. The process is controlled, allowing selective oxidative treatment to a silicone structure, thus enabling treatment to the inside of a tubular structure.
US08815346B2

A coated substrate comprising a nanostructure film formed on a non-planar substrate is described. The coated substrate may further be compliant, optically transparent and/or electrically conductive. Fabrication methods thereof are also described.
US08815324B2

An all-natural fruit product and method of making the product is provided. The fruit product comprises fruit puree, an added natural sweetener and no non-natural sweeteners, about 0.05% to about 0.5% by total weight of the fruit product of a galactomannan, added pectin in an amount of from about 0.4% to about 2.0% by total weight of the fruit product. The fruit product has a pH of about 3.0 to about 4.2, is shelf stable and has a Brix of from about 20° to about 40°.
US08815321B2

Compounds of the formula (I) A is OH or a carbonyl group, n is 0 or 1, R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, in particular methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl or t-butyl; or a residue of a hydroxy carboxylic acid, in particular the residue —CH(OH)COOH, —CH(OH)CH2COOH, —CH2CH(OH)COOH or —CH(OH)CH(OH)COOH; and R′ is independently selected from H or OH.
US08815320B2

A process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from a biological source, which composition is preserved and, especially pathogen free and is storage stable, preferably at room temperature. Further, the invention relates to the composition containing biologically active follistatin, which composition is available by the production process. The invention provides a process for producing a composition containing biologically active follistatin from avian eggs, or from raw animal blood serum.
US08815316B2

A method is described for improving the digestibility of a forage diet for ruminant animals. A forage, including alfalfa, Chinese wildrye, corn silage, straw silage, corn stover, ryegrass or TMR, is treated with an enzyme product having cellulase, xylanase, beta-glucanase, pectinase, mannanase and alpha-galactosidase activities.
US08815314B2

A process for producing a product having a fish flavor is provided, the process comprising preparing a composition comprising 1-20% w/w water and at least a polyunsaturated fatty acid, incubating the composition at less than 260° C. and at a reaction time sufficient for the fish flavor to develop, and optionally mixing the product with one or more other ingredients. The product obtainable by this and methods for using the same are also provided.
US08815307B2

A process for producing porous polymer masterbatch having anti-bacterial and odor eliminating functions, wherein said fiber contains materials such as porous natural mineral kieselguhr or active carbon, can absorb and eliminate odor such as stink of sweat and the like discharged from the human body, has functions of sterilization, anti-bacterial, anti-mold, and the like. Pores of the natural mineral kieselguhr or active carbon contain organic Chinese herbal medicine and inorganic anti-bacterial minerals, wherein all of such organic Chinese herbal medicine and inorganic anti-bacterial minerals have functions of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and the like, can eliminate effectively odor or reduce substantially stink, and can be applied extensively in various fabrics, clothes and ornaments or other goods.
US08815306B2

Methods and compositions that can be used to promote bone and joint health through amelioration, stabilization and repair of damage associated with various pathophysiological conditions are disclosed.
US08815304B2

The present invention relates to a method of suppressing appetite or promoting a stimulant effect in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual per 24 hour period an effective amount of one or more alkali metals selected from the group consisting of one or more sources of cesium, one or more sources of rubidium, one or more sources of lithium, and combinations thereof. The present invention further relates to weight loss or stimulant compositions comprising one or more alkali metals.
US08815301B2

The invention relates to an iron oligosaccharide compound with improved stability comprising a hydrogenated oligosaccharide in stable association with ferric oxyhydroxide, the content of dimer saccharide in said hydrogenated oligosaccharide being 2.9% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated oligosaccharide. In further aspects is provided a process for preparing said compound as well as the use of said compound for preparation of a composition for treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.
US08815299B2

A method for obtaining an extract containing the natural mixture of conjugated equine estrogens by liquid-liquid extraction of the mixture of conjugated equine estrogens, wherein the mixture obtained is depleted in non-conjugated lipophilic compounds selected from the group consisting of non-conjugated flavonoids, non-conjugated isoflavonoids, non-conjugated norisoprenoids, non-conjugated steroids, in particular androstane and pregnane steroids, and comparable non-conjugated compounds.
US08815297B2

This present invention relates to methods, compositions, and kits useful for treating a patient having or at risk for developing a disorder associated with decreased expression of β2 adrenergic receptors or need for increased 132 adrenergic receptor activity.
US08815291B2

A process for making particles comprising a hydrophobic dopant for subsequent release therefrom is disclosed. The process comprises providing an emulsion comprising a hydrophilic phase and a hydrophobic phase dispersed in the hydrophilic phase, and reacting the precursor material to form the particles comprising the dopant therein. The hydrophobic phase comprises a precursor material and the dopant.
US08815285B2

The present invention relates to extended release dosage forms of metoprolol or salts thereof comprising a water insoluble and non-swellable inert core and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of an inert core and extended release dosage forms.
US08815281B2

A transdermal drug delivery system for the topical application of one or more active agents contained in one or more polymeric and/or adhesive carrier layers, proximate to a non-drug containing polymeric backing layer which can control the delivery rate and profile of the transdermal drug delivery system by adjusting the moisture vapor transmission rate of the polymeric backing layer.
US08815275B2

The invention relates generally to an implantable medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to the body tissue of a patient, and a method for making such a medical device. In particular, the invention pertains to an implantable medical device, such as an intravascular stent, having a coating comprising a first coating composition comprising a therapeutic agent and, optionally, a polymer; and a second coating composition comprising a metallic material.
US08815272B2

An environment-friendly porous bead-satellite nanoparticles composite which has excellent recovery and repeated usage performance and can be used as a catalyst, an antiviral agent, or an antimicrobial, and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The porous bead-satellite nanoparticles composite includes a porous bead, a molecule having a first end coupled to the surface of the porous bead and including a functional group at a second end, and satellite nanoparticles coupled to the functional group, wherein the porous bead may have a core-shell structure including a cluster core of nanoparticles and a porous bead shell covering the cluster core.
US08815270B2

Compositions and methods for killing ectoparasites on a subject. Compositions containing a fatty acid ester, e.g., isopropyl myristate, effective for killing ectoparasites is described. Also described are compositions containing a fatty acid ester and a siloxane (e.g., decacyclomethicone). The compositions can also contain a mectin and/or a mycin, and S-methoprene. The compositions are useful against a variety of ectoparasites that afflict humans, animals, and plants, e.g., head lice, fleas, body lice, crab lice, scabies, ticks, and plant parasites.
US08815268B2

A simple and efficient method for the production of stable, clear, high-potency oat extracts is disclosed. The method employs the use of differential dissociation constants and ultrafiltration to stabilise extracts, prevent hazing, and prevent the loss of functional activity as an anti-irritant and anti-oxidant. Also disclosed are compositions of oat extracts derived from whole oat grains and oatmeal. Further disclosed are compositions of oat extracts for use in cosmetic, nutraceutical, therapeutic medical and veterinary preparations.
US08815267B2

The present invention provides a hybrid powder of halloysite nanotubes and light-scattering nanoparticles, a method for preparing the same, and a UV-screening cosmetic composition containing the same as an active ingredient. The hybrid powder of halloysite nanotubes and light-scattering nanoparticles according to the present invention, in which the light-scattering nanoparticles are loaded into the halloysite nanotubes, can prevent the light-scattering nanoparticles from penetrating the skin, which minimizes side effects, and has excellent UV-screening effect. Thus, the hybrid powder of halloysite nanotubes and light-scattering nanoparticles according to the present invention can be effectively used as a UV-screening cosmetic composition.
US08815265B2

Cosmetic compositions comprising N-substituted sulfonyloxybenzylamines and methods of using such compositions to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin are disclosed. The N-substituted sulfonyloxybenzylamines are believed to have modulatory activity against one or more biochemical pathways implicated in skin aging.
US08815263B2

The invention provides tandem facial amphiphiles for biochemical manipulations and characterization of membrane proteins, such as intrinsic membrane proteins. Members of this new family display favorable behavior with several membrane proteins. These amphiphiles can form relatively small micelles, and small changes in amphiphile chemical structures can result in large changes in their physical properties. The tandem facial amphiphiles can be used to aid the solubilization, isolation, purification, stabilization, crystallization, and/or structural determination of membrane proteins.
US08815254B2

The present invention relates to a method of detoxifying bacterial cytolysins such as pneumococcal pneumolysin, utilizing chemical cross-linking compounds.
US08815252B2

The present invention provides a method for producing pH-stable enveloped viruses wherein said viruses are used for infection of host cells under low pH conditions and for incubation with cell culture cells under conditions of low pH, as well as influenza viruses obtainable by this method which exhibit a high growth rate in cell culture, increased pH and temperature stability and which have human receptor specificity.
US08815249B2

Disclosed is a nucleic acid molecule comprising a first expressible sequence encoding a protein of interest or polypeptide of interest which contains an MHC Class II-presented epitope, or said encoded protein or peptide. In addition, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a second expressible nucleic acid sequence encoding an antigen presentation enhancing hybrid polypeptide, or said encoded protein or peptide. The antigen presentation enhancing hybrid polypeptide includes the following elements: i) an N-terminal element consisting essentially of 4-16 residues of the mammalian Ii-Key peptide LRMKLPKPPKPVSKMR (SEQ ID NO: 1) and non-N-terminal deletion modifications thereof that retain antigen presentation enhancing activity; ii) a C-terminal element comprising an MHC Class II-presented epitope in the form of a polypeptide or peptidomimetic structure which binds to the antigenic peptide binding site of an MHC class II molecule, the MHC Class II-presented epitope being contained in the protein of interest of step a); and iii) an intervening peptidyl structure linking the N-terminal and C-terminal elements of the hybrid, the peptidyl structure having a length of about 20 amino acids or less.
US08815246B2

This disclosure provides, inter alia, proteins that bind to FcRn, e.g., immunoglobulins that inhibit FcRn with high affinity and selectivity. The FcRn-binding proteins can be used to treat a variety of disorders including autoimmune disorders.
US08815242B2

The invention is drawn to a composition comprising an isolated mixture of cytotoxic anti-CD20 antibody molecules produced in a transgenic avian. The antibody molecules have a heavy chain and a light chain whose amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 4 and 5 and exhibit an increased level of cytotoxicity as compared to anti-CD20 antibody molecules produced in CHO cells.
US08815237B2

The present invention is based, in part, on our discovery of immunoglobulins (e.g., immunoglobulin G (IgG)) polypeptides (e.g., murine or human IgG, such as human IgG1) that are aglycosylated yet retain the ability to bind to an Fc receptor, such as an activating Fc receptor (e.g., FcγRIIA and/or FcγRIIIA).
US08815234B2

A method of treatment of a human or animal body surface infection, particularly a fungal infection, comprises applying an aqueous liquid to the infected body surface, e.g. nail region, followed by applying a dressing comprising a source of hydrogen peroxide. Also provided is a combination of the liquid and dressing for use in the method.
US08815233B2

A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders.
US08815226B2

A drug conjugate is provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -LD-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by LP. Each occurrence of D is independently a therapeutic agent having a molecular weight ≦5 kDa. LD and LP are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.
US08815223B2

A method for styling hair comprising the steps of placing said hair in a desired configuration and applying a composition to said hair, said composition comprising (a) one or more fully soluble polymer, (b) solvent-propellant mixture or solvent mixture, and optional other ingredients. Also provided is a method of making polymer.
US08815222B2

An anhydrous liquid antiperspirant/deodorant composition comprising a carrier comprising a cation and/or zwitterion and a hydrogen bond donor, wherein an amount of carrier is greater than an amount of any other material in the composition, and an antiperspirant active. This represents a new delivery form for antiperspirant actives and/or deodorant actives.
US08815219B2

A composition and method for imparting a sunless tan to skin is described. The composition and method make use of a sunless tanning agent like dihydroxyacetone in combination with an adjuvant which is a pyranone, furanone or a mixture thereof.
US08815216B2

The method of the present invention is directed to the storage and dispensing of a peroxide containing tooth whitening composition. During storage and subsequent use the composition in the storage chamber must be maintained segregated from the applicator surface. This is accomplished by delivering the peroxide containing tooth whitening composition from the storage chamber through a delivery channel having a length and a cross-sectional diameter sufficient to preclude the migration of moisture and the enzyme catalase from the application surface to the storage chamber. The composition is applied to teeth by means of bristles, a sponge surface or fibrillated surface. This applicator can be used with both aqueous and non-aqueous peroxide containing tooth whitening compositions.
US08815206B2

An aluminum hydroxide gel particle having high purity and extremely high acid reactivity and a production method thereof.The aluminum hydroxide gel particle has an iron (Fe) content of 1 to 10 ppm.
US08815193B1

A selective non-catalytic reduction apparatus for exhaust gases comprising a reactor for elevated temperature reduction of NOx comprising an injection zone, internal structure zone and rear zone. The internal structure zone includes packing materials and provides a surface area of 5.0 m2/g to 20 m2/g where the packing material is present in the reactor at a level of 10% to 50% of the reactor volume. The reactor provides one or more of the following: (1) a residence time for exhaust gas of 0.1 seconds to 5.0 seconds; (2) a pressure drop of less than or equal to 1400 Pa/m at an exhaust gas velocity of 1.0 meter/second.
US08815188B2

A method for monitoring a reducing agent solution composition in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine with metered injection of the reducing agent solution upstream of an SCR catalytic converter comprises metering injection of the reducing agent solution into the exhaust gas stream, determining a measured variable of a change in water content in the exhaust gas stream in response to the injected reducing agent solution, and determining at least one indicator value of a composition of the reducing agent solution at least based on the determined measured variable. In this way, deviations from the standard composition may be taken into account during metering or be displayed as an error.
US08815186B2

Nickel compositions for use in manufacturing nickel metal compositions, and specifically to methods of making basic nickel carbonates used to produce nickel metal compositions are disclosed. By varying the molar ratios of carbonates and bicarbonates to nickel salts, the methods provide basic nickel carbonates that produce superior nickel-containing solids that react more effectively with phosphorous-containing ligands. The phosphorous containing ligands can be both monodentate and bidentate phosphorous-containing ligands.
US08815185B1

A method for recovering vanadium from a spent slurry catalyst for hydrocarbon oil hydroprocessing is disclosed. In one embodiment after de-oiling, the spent catalyst is treated with ammonia and air, forming a leach slurry. The leach slurry is subsequently treated with a flocculant. After solid-liquid separation to recover the solid residue containing coke and ammonium metavanadate, the solid residue is washed with an ammonium sulfate solution and leached with hot water. After solid-liquid separation to recover a solution containing ammonium metavanadate, the ammonium metavanadate is crystallized and purified from the leach solution.
US08815177B2

Disclosed herein are methods of immobilizing a particle which comprise focusing the flow of a sample fluid containing the particle into a virtual channel which flows towards an unoccupied hydrodynamic trap in a microfluidic channel such that the particle flows into the hydrodynamic trap and becomes immobilized therein. Also disclosed are microfluidic devices which comprise at least one microchannel having at least one hydrodynamic trap, at least one focusing fluid inlet, said focusing fluid inlet is upstream of the hydrodynamic trap such that a focusing fluid introduced therein results in a virtual channel of a sample fluid when present which preferentially flows toward the hydrodynamic trap.
US08815176B2

Provided is a temperature sensitive indicator, which can be held in a desired state and is not affected by temperature of a finger at the time of an operation of the temperature sensitive indicator. The temperature sensitive indicator includes: a member base (13) including an upper base member (11) and a lower base member (12); and a label component (21) sandwiched and held between the upper base member and the lower base member of the member base under a state in which a pulled-out portion on one end side of the label component is protruded outward. By pulling one end of the label component out of the member base, a capsule (28) is pressed in a convex portion (16) provided on any one of or both of the upper base member and the lower base member and is broken to enter a preparatory state for measurement, and a temperature sensitive material melts at a predetermined temperature or more so as to be absorbed by an absorbent paper (23), enabling confirmation of a fact that the temperature sensitive indicator senses a set temperature or more through confirmation of color development of the absorbent paper.
US08815162B2

The invention relates to a microelectronic sensor device and a method for the investigation of biological target substances (20), for example oligonucleotides like DNA fragments. In one embodiment, the device comprises a reaction surface (RS) to which target specific reactants (10) are attached and which lies between a sample chamber (SC) and an array of selectively controllable heating elements (HE). The temperature profile in the sample chamber (SC) can be controlled as desired to provide for example conditions for a PCR and/or for a controlled melting of hybridizations. The reactant (10) and/or the target substance (20) comprises a label (12) with an observable property, like fluorescence, that changes if the target substance (20) is bound to the reactant (10), said property being detected by an array of sensor elements, for example photosensors (SE). The fluorescence of the label (12) may preferably be transferred by FRET to a different fluorescent label (22) or quenched if the target substance (20) is bound.
US08815159B2

A nanostructured particulate material, which includes a redox active luminescent organic and/or ionic compound, is provided herein. The nanostructured particulate material may be used for determining the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample by detecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation generated by exposing a reagent mixture, which includes the nanostructured material and the target analyte, to chemical or electrochemical energy.
US08815157B2

A combinatorial screening method and system are provided. The combinatorial system and method provide rapid data generation for characterization of phase change material. The characterization data is collected through a multipoint probe card where multiple regions are characterized in a single annealing cycle.
US08815145B2

A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as both a rigid tool and as a bladder. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. The composite material may be applied onto the SMP apparatus and then placed into a rigid external mold and heated to composite cure temperatures at which the SMP apparatus is malleable. In some embodiments, an impermeable sheet of material may also be placed over portions of the composite material to compress it against the SMP apparatus. A pressure differential may be induced which urges the SMP apparatus to compress the composite material against the rigid external mold. When the composite material is cured, the pressure differential may be equalized and/or reversed and the malleable SMP apparatus may be removed from within the composite part.
US08815136B2

The present invention relates to a method for the production of bodies in plastic comprising two portions hinged to each other by a single rotation pin. The method comprises the steps: a) predisposing a mold with two distinct forming chambers for the two portions; the mold comprises a third chamber for the single pin, made and positioned in such a way that the pin is formed already aligned along the hinge axis; the mold is provided with a pair of pegs axially distanced from each other to form the third chamber and sliding along the axis between a first and a second operating position; b) positioning the pegs in the first position; c) injecting plastic material inside the chambers; d) shifting the pegs from the first to the second position, bringing the pin to engage inside the seats; e) opening the mold and extracting the two assembled portions.
US08815131B2

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for fabricating an antimicrobial hybrid material of a natural antimicrobial particle and a carbon nanomaterial, capable of fully utilizing the antimicrobial property of a natural antimicrobial material and a carbon nanomaterial by maximizing adsorption of the natural antimicrobial material on the carbon nanomaterial.
US08815130B2

A structure for pattern formation adapted for optically forming a pattern, characterized by comprising: a photocatalyst-containing layer provided on a substrate, the photocatalyst-containing layer containing a material of which the wettability is variable through photocatalytic action upon pattern-wise exposure.
US08815129B2

In order to realize a device and a method each capable of forming a lens with high accuracy and low costs, a lens forming device of the present invention includes a metal mold, an insulating substrate, a stage, a power source, a switch, and a UV radiating device. Dielectric resin is supplied onto the insulating substrate and a transfer surface of the metal mold is pressed to the dielectric resin so as to transfer a lens shape to the dielectric resin. At that time, the power source applies a voltage on the metal mold to generate an electric field between the metal mold and the insulating substrate so that an electrostatic attraction causes the dielectric resin to be attracted toward the transfer surface of the metal mold while the top of the dielectric resin has a sharp cuspate shape. Consequently, bubbles are less likely to be invade between the transfer surface and the dielectric resin, allowing transferring a highly accurate lens shape to the dielectric resin.
US08815128B2

Provided are an oxidizing liquid for a chemiluminescent material, which has a flash point higher than that of a conventional oxidizing liquid and also has high safety while maintaining the level of chemiluminescent performance; and a chemiluminescence system. Disclosed are an oxidizing liquid for a chemiluminescent material, which produces a chemiluminescence phenomenon when mixed with a fluorescent liquid containing an oxalic acid ester and a fluorescent substance, includes hydrogen peroxide and a solvent and has a flash point of 60° C. or higher, wherein a solvent to be contained in the oxidizing liquid is a mixture of at least two compounds other than phthalate compounds; and a chemiluminescence system using the oxidizing liquid and a fluorescent liquid.
US08815125B2

A method of manufacturing a resistor paste comprising steps of: (a) preparing a basic resistor paste comprising, (i) a conductive powder, (ii) a first glass frit, and (iii) a first organic medium; and (b) preparing a glass paste as a TCR driver comprising, (iv) a second glass frit comprising manganese oxide, and (v) a second organic medium, (c) adding the glass paste to the basic resistor paste to obtain a resistor paste with a desired TCR.
US08815121B2

A red phosphor is provided. Also provided is a lighting apparatus containing a red phosphor.
US08815100B2

The present invention relates to a cyclone type liquid/gas or liquid/liquid separator having separation properties that are stabilized, even when the flow rate and the proportions of the liquid phases for separation vary, by means of a platform situated in the low portion of a cylindrical separation chamber that is fed at its top end via a tangential feed orifice. The present invention also provides an installation and a method of separating the oil and water contained in crude oil, with the help of a cyclone of the invention.
US08815096B2

An integrated process for removing sulfate from water sources, such as pretreated acid mine drainage (AMD). The multivalent cation (MVC) content of a sulfate stream is reduced by strong acid cation (SAC) ion exchange and sulfate is concentrated with a membrane system and separated as precipitate and overflow. Precipitation results from reaction of sulfate with MVC produced by regeneration of SAC with sodium chloride. The overflow is reacted with carbonate to precipitate MVC, generate sodium chloride and give a further overflow stream. This latter stream is concentrated to a level capable of being a regenerant for the SAC and when needed, used to regenerate the SAC and produce MVC for sulfate precipitation. The process minimizes the use of chemicals by treating, reconcentrating and recycling input species. Capital expenditures are minimized by precipitation of only side streams.
US08815068B2

The present invention relates to crude oil-water separation processes, specifically desalting in a petroleum refinery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for increase coalescence rates of water drops in a desalter.
US08815066B2

An aqueous electrodeposition coating composition comprising (a) an organometallic compound and (b) a cathodically electrodepositable binder, the binder comprising an amine-functional phosphorylated resin, provides corrosion protection equivalent to that obtained by the conventional phosphate pretreatment-electrodeposition coating process.
US08815064B2

The present invention provides an ozone generator comprising an anode and a cathode provided on each side of a fluororesin type cation exchange membrane, the anode being a conductive diamond electrode having conductive diamond on the surface, wherein water is supplied to an anode compartment, DC current is supplied between the anode and the cathode to electrolyze water to evolve ozone from the anode compartment and hydrogen from a cathode compartment, the conductive diamond electrode comprising a substrate having a plurality of convexo-concave and a conductive diamond film coated on the surface of the substrate is applied as the conductive diamond electrode, and a close packed layer of ion exchange resin particles or the fluororesin type cation exchange membrane with notch is closely adhered to the surface of the anode side of the fluororesin type cation exchange membrane.
US08815059B2

Certain example embodiments relate to systems and/or methods for preferentially and selectively heat treating conductive coatings such as ITO using specifically tuned near infrared-short wave infrared (NIR-SWIR) radiation. In certain example embodiments, the coating is preferentially heated, thereby improving its properties while at the underlying substrate is kept at low temperatures. Such techniques are advantageous for applications on glass and/or other substrates, e.g., where elevated substrate temperatures can lead to stress changes that adversely effect downstream processing (such as, for example, cutting, grinding, etc.) and may sometimes even result in substrate breakage or deformation. Selective heating of the coating may in certain example embodiments be obtained by using IR emitters with peak outputs over spectral wavelengths where the conductive coating (or the conductive layer(s) in the conductive coating) is significantly absorbing but where the substrate has reduced or minimal absorption.
US08815051B2

Deinking of waste paper is obtained with the use of a hydrophobic kaolin-based deinking composition. The hydrophobic kaolin-based deinking composition is produced by hydrophobizing the kaolin clay and then blending the hydrophobic kaolin-based particles with a deinking surfactant. Separation and removal of ink is achieved either by washing deinking, flotation deinking or combination of these methods.
US08815048B2

A substrate processing apparatus has a cup part for receiving processing liquid which is applied from a processing liquid applying part and is splashed from a substrate, and the cup part is formed of electrical insulation material. Hydrophilic treatment is performed on an outer annular surface of the cup part and water is held on the outer annular surface of the cup part while processing the substrate. With this structure, charged potential of the cup part generated in splashing of pure water can be suppressed by the water held on the outer annular surface, without greatly increasing the manufacturing cost of the substrate processing apparatus by forming the cup part with special conductive material. As a result, it is possible to prevent electric discharge from occurring on the substrate due to induction charging of the substrate, in application of the processing liquid onto the substrate.
US08815045B2

A method for manufacturing a semi-finished blank for a varifocal liquid crystal lens includes coating the front of a first substrate and/or the rear of a second substrate with an adhesive agent, leaving an adhesive agent-free region that surrounds a liquid crystal holder; after said coating operation, reducing the pressure inside a sealed vessel that holds the first substrate and the second substrate, with respect to atmospheric pressure; affixing the second substrate over the front of the first substrate in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation; performing a standby operation including continuing the affixed state between the first substrate and the second substrate for a specific length of time in the reduced pressure environment produced in said reducing the pressure operation after the substrates have been affixed; and after said standby operation, restoring the pressure of the sealed vessel.
US08815044B2

A beam of fiber-reinforced curable thermosetting composite material is preliminarily assembled in an uncured condition. The beam is placed between two forming tools, namely a lower and an upper tool, shaped in such a way as to give the lower and upper flanges a predetermined shape, at least one of the flanges having a non-rectilinear profile viewed in a longitudinal vertical plane. Two longitudinally elongate rigid inserts are placed between the flanges at the sides of the web and are covered in respective airtight tubular bags. The spaces between the upper tool and the lower tool on the two opposite longitudinal sides are sealed. The open opposite ends of the tubular bags are also sealed in such a manner that the pressure applied in an autoclave during the step of curing causes the tubular bags to swell and presses them against the two opposite faces of the web and against the flanges of the beam. On completion of curing, the upper forming tool is removed and the inserts are extracted sideways.
US08815043B2

Provided is a dry lamination method, and a laminate having superior appearance obtained by the method. The method in which an adhesive having a solid matter content of 35 wt % or more diluted in a solvent is applied onto a film according to a gravure process, the solvent is volatilized, and the resulting film is adhered with another film to obtain a laminate, wherein the adhesive is applied by: a gravure cylinder in which the screen number of gravure cylinder is 135 to 270 lines/inch and cell volume is 10 to 30 cc/m2; a gravure cylinder which is engraved by an electronic engraving machine to have a stylus angle of 120 to 140° and the screen number of gravure cylinder of 120 to 270 lines/inch; or a ceramic roll in which the screen number of gravure cylinder is 135 to 350 lines/inch and cell volume is 10 to 30 cc/m2.
US08815033B2

A method for producing a pneumatic tire in which an air-in phenomenon between an inner liner and a carcass is avoided by preventing adhesion of the inner liner to a bladder includes the following steps. A green tire using, as an inner liner, a polymer laminate including a first layer having a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.6 mm made of a styrene-isobutylene-styrene triblock copolymer, and a second layer composed of at least one of a second A layer made of a styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer and a second B layer made of a styrene-isobutylene diblock copolymer, the second layer having a thickness of 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm, is prepared. The green tire is mounted in a mold for vulcanization with pressurization by the bladder to obtain a vulcanized tire. The vulcanized tire is cooled at 50 to 120° C. for 10 to 300 seconds.
US08815031B2

The present invention provides novel systems and methods for processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a package through a delivery network.
US08815030B2

A laminating apparatus (200) for laminating a substrate foil (SF) with a laminating foil (LF) comprises a first and a second facility (210, 214) for providing the substrate foil and the laminating foil respectively, a recognition facility (224, 225) for determining a location of at least one feature of at least one (LF) of the laminating foil and the substrate foil and an alignment facility (252, 253) for aligning the at least one (LF) of the foils, a separation facility (240) for separating a portion (SF1; LF1) of the at least one of the foils after it is controlled by the alignment facility, a laminating facility (250, 252) for laminating the separated portion of the at least one of the foil against the other one of the foils.
US08815028B2

An apparatus for manufacturing wire comprising: a wire delivering equipment, a wire winding equipment, and an annealing while running equipment installed between the wire delivering equipment and the wire winding equipment, the age-precipitation copper alloy wire being passed in such manner that the wire turns around a plurality of times along a running route in the annealing while running equipment. The current applying equipment to raise a temperature of the age-precipitation copper alloy wire by generated Joule heat may be installed at upstream side of the annealing while running equipment. Another current applying equipment for solution treatment may be installed in tandem at upstream side of the annealing while running equipment. In place of the annealing while running equipment, a current applying equipment may be connected in tandem for age-treatment. By using those equipments, age-precipitation copper alloy wire having the diameter of from 0.03 mm to 3 mm may be obtained.
US08815026B2

A high strength galvanized steel sheet having a TS of 780 MPa or more and exhibiting excellent stretch frangeability and bendability and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The component composition contains C: 0.05% to 0.15%, Si: 0.8% to 2.5%, Mn: 1.5% to 3.0%, P: 0.001% to 0.05%, S: 0.0001% to 0.01%, Al: 0.001% to 0.1%, N: 0.0005% to 0.01%, Cr: 0.1% to 1.0%, Ti: 0.0005% to 0.1%, B: 0.0003% to 0.003%, and the remainder composed of iron and incidental impurities, on a percent by mass basis. The microstructure includes 30% or more of ferrite phase and 30% or more, and 70% or less of martensite phase on an areal fraction basis, wherein regarding the above-described martensite phase, the proportion of a tempered martensite phase is 20% or more relative to the whole martensite phase and the proportion of a martensite phase having a grain diameter of 1 μm or less is 10% or less relative to the whole martensite phase.
US08815021B2

The present invention relates to a chromium-free aqueous agent based on water-soluble compounds of titanium and/or zirconium and a source of fluoride ions, copper ions and metal ions selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, aluminum, boron, zinc, iron, manganese and/or tungstene and to a method for the anti-corrosive conversion treatment of metal surfaces. The chromium-free aqueous agent is suitable for the treatment of various metal materials, joined in composite structures, amongst others of steel or galvanized steel or the alloys thereof or any combinations of said materials. Furthermore, surfaces of aluminum and alloys thereof can be treated in an anti-corrosive manner using the agent according to the invention. The anti-corrosive treatment is intended in particular as a pretreatment for a subsequent dip-coating. The invention further relates to a metallic substrate that was treated according to a predefined method sequence with the chromium-free agent according to the invention and to the use thereof, particularly in the automotive production of vehicle bodies.
US08815011B2

The present invention relates to a magnetic garnet single crystal prepared by the liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) process and an optical element using the same as well as a method of producing the single crystal, for the purpose of providing a magnetic garnet single crystal at a reduced Pb content and an optical element using the same, as well as a method of producing the single crystal. The magnetic garnet single crystal is grown by the liquid phase epitaxial process and is represented by the chemical formula BixNayPbzM13-x-y-zFe5-wM2wO12 (M1 is at least one element selected from Y, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; and M2 is at least one element selected from Ga, Al, In, Ti, Ge, Si and Pt, provided that 0.5
US08815005B2

A sulphur cement product comprising from 10 to 30 wt % sulphur, 70 to 90 wt % of particulate inorganic material and from 0.4 to 2 wt % wax, and comprising less than 5 wt % bitumen, wherein the weight percentages are based upon the weight of the sulphur cement product, is disclosed. Further disclosed is a process for preparing a sulphur cement product; a process for preparing a sulphur cement surfacing on a structural material; and use of a wax to improve the fouling deposit removal and/or graffiti removal properties of a sulphur cement product.
US08815002B2

An inkjet recording ink including: water; a first pigment dispersion; a second pigment dispersion; and a penetrating agent, wherein the first pigment dispersion includes oxidized carbon black CB-1 dispersed therein with a pH of the first pigment dispersion adjusted to 6 to 8 with an alkali metal hydroxide, where the oxidized carbon black CB-1 is oxidized with ozone and has a volatile content of 10% to 20% and a BET specific surface area of 90 m2/g to 150 m2/g, and the second pigment dispersion includes carbon black CB-2 dispersed therein with a naphthalene sulfonic acid-formalin condensate, where the carbon black CB-2 has an average particle diameter (D50) of 50 nm to 180 nm as measured by a dynamic light scattering method and a standard deviation of particle diameters of the carbon black CB-2 is equal to or lower than ½ of the average particle diameter.
US08814998B1

The present invention teaches a three-step method for an aqua based chemical composition for flame retardation. The composition comprises: Sodium Borate, Boric Acid, Guanylurea Phosphate, Hydrogen Peroxide, Magnesium Chloride, and Sodium Silicate. The referenced salts are dissolved in distilled water, and the resultant flame retarding solution is coated on substrate surfaces to be protected against flame retardation. The flame retarding composition solution from step-1 alone may be used on non-prepared substrate surfaces. The flame retarding composition solution fully satisfies the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 25.853(a) vertical burn test, and Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 25.853(d) heat release test. The utility of the present invention extends to numerous commercial and non-commercial applications.
US08814991B2

A powder cyclone separator for use in a powder coating system is contemplated that is formed in two separate and separable sections. An upper section of the cyclone is mounted on a first frame and remains stationary. A lower section of the cyclone is mounted on a second frame that is movable laterally away from the first frame so that an operator has more ready access to clean interior surfaces of the upper section. Optionally, actuators may be provided to vertically raise and lower the cyclone lower section with respect to the cyclone upper section. Various optional alignment means are presented for aligning the cyclone upper and lower sections. Preferably, a control mechanism is mounted on the second frame which includes a switch that is manually operated by the user to raise and lower the lower section with respect to the upper section. This design allows an operator to see, and therefore verify, that virtually all internal surfaces of the cyclone have been effectively cleaned.
US08814988B2

The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of ammonia contained in a gaseous stream, said process comprising the following phases: (a) subjecting the gaseous stream containing ammonia to a washing with an aqueous washing solution having a pH lower than 7.0, with the formation of a purified gaseous stream and an aqueous solution containing an ammonium salt; (b) treating the aqueous solution containing the ammonium salt coming from phase (a) in a vertical falling film heat exchanger at a temperature from 50 to 250° C. and an absolute pressure ranging from 50 KPa to 4 MPa with the formation of a regenerated washing solution and a gaseous stream comprising NH3 and H2O; (c) recycling said regenerated washing solution to phase (a). The present invention also relates to equipment for effecting the above process.
US08814985B2

Composite adsorbent beads have a porous and non-adsorbent core comprising at least one inorganic material and a porous and adsorbent shell comprising at least one adsorbent layer comprising a porous adsorbent material on the surface of the core. The core preferably comprises agglomerated inorganic particles having a mean particle size equal to or smaller than the mean particle size of the surrounding agglomerated adsorbent particles. The beads preferably are manufactured by calcining together a non-sintered core and the adsorbent layer. The beads can be used at the outlet end of an adsorption column to improve performance.
US08814979B2

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to novel methods for the solution-based production of silver nanowires by adaptation of the polyol process. Some embodiments of the present invention can be practiced at lower temperature and/or at higher concentration than previously described methods. In some embodiments reactants are added in solid form rather than in solution. In some embodiments, an acid compound is added to the reaction.
US08814978B2

A method for providing a porous metal implant. A mixture of a biocompatible metal, a spacing agent, and a binder is provided. The mixture is formed into a shaped the spacing agent is removed to form a plurality of pores in the implant. A shaped porous metal implant is also provided.
US08814976B2

A water dispersible pellet and method of producing same comprising: micronized elemental sulphur with 80% of particles less than 30 microns, a binder component in the amount ranging from 0.95% to 95% by weight; a surfactant in the amount ranging from 0.05% to 10% by weight; a soluble salt present in the amount ranging from 0.05% to 95% by weight; bentonite clay in the amount ranging from 0.05% to 95% by weight. The pellet having a mean particle domain size and a mean crushing strength, all in a form such that within a few minutes of contact with water the pellet disperses into particles with more than 10% of said particles passing through a 50 mesh (US Standard Size) screen.
US08814975B2

There is provided a honeycomb structure including a honeycomb base material including a porous partition wall parent material; plugged portions; and a porous collecting layer disposed on the surface of the partition wall parent material in the remaining cells. A melting point of a material constituting the collecting layer is higher than that of a material constituting the partition wall parent material, a pore surface area per unit volume of the collecting layer is 2.0 times or more a pore surface area per unit volume of the partition wall parent material, and a thickness of a portion of the collecting layer which penetrates into pores of the partition wall parent material is 6% or smaller of that of each of partition walls including the partition wall parent material and the collecting layer.
US08814973B2

An air cleaner assembly is described and shown which includes a housing having an air flow inlet, an air flow outlet and a housing body and access cover. A serviceable filter cartridge is positioned within the housing. A projection/receiver arrangement providing for engagement between the cartridge and the access cover is provided. The projection/receiver arrangement can be configured in a manner that inhibits both cantilevered motion and rotational motion of the cartridge, once installed. An example projection/receiver arrangement is provided, which includes a serpentine receiving groove on the access cover and a serpentine projection on the filter cartridge.
US08814969B2

An exhaust gas emission control system includes a cylindrical inflow body and an inflow pipe into which exhaust gas flows. The exhaust gas emission control system also includes a cylindrical outflow body and an outflow pipe from which the exhaust gas flows. The inflow pipe is provided with a louver member that covers an opening of the inflow body near an upstream side of an exhaust gas flow direction. The louver member is provided with slits and inclined plates capable of changing a flow direction of the exhaust gas passing through the slits into a desired direction.
US08814955B2

There is provided a lithium ion secondary battery exhibiting a high capacity retention rate over a long period. There is also provided a method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material layer containing a graphite, an aprotic electrolyte solution containing a sulfonate ester having at least two sulfonyl groups, and a packaging material including a laminate film involving the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the aprotic electrolyte solution, the method including: enclosing the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the aprotic electrolyte solution in the packaging material to fabricate a lithium ion secondary battery before pre-charge; pre-charging the lithium ion secondary battery; and opening the enclosure of the packaging material of the lithium ion secondary battery after pre-charge, thereafter vacuum sealing the packaging material, and regularly charging the lithium ion secondary battery after pre-charge, wherein the current for the pre-charge is 0.05 to 0.25 C, and the voltage thereof is 3.3 to 3.5 V.
US08814951B2

The present invention relates to a dye composition comprising: * at least one oxidation dye precursor; * at least one polycondensate of ethylene oxide and of propylene oxide having the structure (A) below H—(O—CH2—CH2)n—(O—CH(CH3)—CH2)b—(O—CH2—CH2)a—OH (A) in which formula a and a′ range from 2 to 150 and b ranges from 1 to 100; and * at least one C8-C30 fatty alcohol comprising at least one unsaturation. The invention also relates to a dyeing process using this composition (free of oxidizing agent) after mixing with a composition comprising an oxidizing agent. Another subject of the invention is a two-compartment device, the first compartment comprising the composition according to the invention, free of oxidizing agent, and the second compartment containing a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent.
US08814946B2

An acetabular implant for use in a hip joint prosthesis is disclosed. The implant includes a body portion comprising a polycarbonate polyurethane. The body portion includes a substantially semispherical inner articulating surface defining a socket sized to receive a head portion of a femoral component of the hip joint prosthesis and an outer engagement surface having an annular protrusion extending outwardly therefrom. The annular protrusion is configured for snap-fit engagement with a corresponding recess in the acetabulum. The implant also includes a deformation control element having an increased durometer hardness relative to the polycarbonate polyurethane and positioned within the body portion between the inner articulating surface and the outer engagement surface.
US08814945B2

A multi-component wrist joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper radius bone and at least opposing lower scaphoid and lunate bones. A first component is anchored into the upper radius reconditioned end surface and exhibiting a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower scaphoid and lunate reconditioned end surfaces and exhibiting a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.
US08814943B2

A prosthesis (20) for use in performing joint arthroplasty is provided. The prosthesis (20) is to be fitted to a long bone (3). The prosthesis includes a first body (22) having a first body articulating surface (24) defining a generally circular outer periphery (26) of the first body articulating surface (24). The first body (22) has a support surface (28) opposed to the articulating surface (24). The support surface (28) is adapted to receive the head of the long bone (3). The prosthesis (20) also includes a second body (30) operably associated with the first body (22). The second body (30) has a second body articulating surface (32) extending from a portion of the circular outer periphery (26) of the first body articulating surface (24). A tool kit for preparing a humerus to receive a prosthesis is also disclosed.
US08814942B2

A method for applying bone graft to an orthopaedic implant. The method includes using a bone graft applicator including a pair of arms, a bone graft receptacle coupled to the arms, and a linking mechanism coupled to the bone graft receptacle. The linking mechanism is slid over a portion of the orthopaedic implant. Bone graft is scraped into the bone graft receptacle. The user closes the bone graft receptacle over the portion of the orthopaedic implant and then removes one of the bone graft applicator and the orthopaedic implant from the other of the bone graft applicator and the orthopaedic implant.
US08814932B2

An annuloplasty device having an expandable member, a plurality of lobes, and a piercing wire is herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the lobes extend radially outwardly from the expandable member. The lobes each have a wire lumen disposed therethrough, and the piercing wire is extendable through the wire lumen of each lobe to secure the device to adjacent heart tissue. In some embodiments, the expandable member comprises an inflatable medical balloon. In addition, a method of implanting an annuloplasty device is disclosed.
US08814915B2

A vertebral column construct for stabilizing a segment of a vertebral column can include first and second plate segments, and a spring connected between adjacent plate segments. The spring can be adapted and configured to provide a predetermined preload between the first and second plate segments. Such a preload can advantageously enhance fusion across a bone graft. Alternatively, the spring can be adapted and configured to resist, by a predetermined degree, loading between the first and second plate segments. A cam can be provided on one of the first and second plate segments, wherein engagement between the cam and the cam surface prevents dynamic connection between the first and second plates. The cam can be adapted and configured to adjust a preload applied between segments, such as by adjusting tension in the spring.
US08814910B2

A method and instrument for tensioning a flexible tie used for fastening an implant on a bony element by forming a first loop around it. In some embodiments, the instrument comprises a shaft having a distal end configured for contact with a rod, a moving part slidably engaged with the shaft, a holder connected to the moving part and configured to hold an end of the flexible tie, and a tension control member comprising a trigger that pivots relative to the moving part. In some embodiments, the method comprises coupling the end of the flexible tie to the instrument and squeezing the trigger to shorten the first loop of the flexible tie around the bony element, causing the moving part and the holder holding the end of the flexible tie to move in translation away from the distal end of the shaft, thereby exerting tension on the flexible tie.
US08814905B2

A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose on a first portion of at least a first limb and has a second portion connected to the filament engagement feature of the anchor. Preferably, at least one free filament limb, which in some embodiments is a length of the first filament and in other embodiments is a second filament, is capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and has at least one end passable through the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after the anchor is fixated in bone. The noose strangulates the free filament limb when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limb and the noose.
US08814903B2

Methods and devices are provided for repairing a tear in a meniscus. A pair of fixation member each entailing a preformed knot configuration coupled together by a suture length. The fixation members are placed on the meniscal tissue with the suture length spanning the tear, the knot configurations are expanded to form anchoring knots and the suture length is shortened to close the tear.
US08814901B2

A surgical fastener for fastening tissue. The fastener includes a first piece of sheet material formed to have a generally planar base and an elongate needle portion extending upward from the base. The fastener includes a second piece of sheet material formed to have a generally planar base and an elongate needle portion extending upward from the base. The second piece of sheet material is pivotally connected to the first piece of sheet material.
US08814899B2

A pressure relief apparatus for a balloon dilation catheter having a shaft with a dilation balloon attached to the distal end of the shaft and an inflation/deflation lumen for inflating and deflating the balloon includes a pressure relief port formed through the wall of the inflation/deflation lumen with a pressure relief member secured across the pressure relief port to form a fluid tight seal such that the fluid tight seal formed by the pressure relief member fails at a predetermined pressure to release pressure from the inflation/deflation lumen through the pressure relief port.
US08814895B2

Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical instrument that includes a blade end-effector having a curved geometry. The curved geometry creates a curved surface with multiple asymmetries causing multiple imbalances within the blade. Imbalance due to the asymmetries of the blade is corrected by the appropriate selection of the volume and location of material removed from a functional asymmetry.
US08814889B2

A cannula has a longitudinal base member having a first clamping end and a longitudinal arm member pivotally attached to the longitudinal base member and having a second clamping end, the cannula being in a closed position when the first and second clamping ends are brought together. A first clamp member is located at the first clamping end and has a first passage. A second clamp member is rotatably attached to the arm member at the second clamping end and has a second passage. The first and second passages form a combined passage when the clamp is in the closed position. The cannula may have a first locking member positioned on the arm member and a second locking member positioned on the base member. The first and second locking members interact with each other to lock the cannula in the closed position.
US08814877B2

A system for assisting in a surgical process, comprising: (a) a surgical device taken from a group consisting of a surgical tool and a surgical implant; (b) a positional sensor carried by the surgical device, the positional sensor including a wireless transmitter and associated circuitry for transmitting sensor data from the transmitter; and (c) a computer system including a wireless receiver and signal conditioning circuitry and hardware for converting sensor data received by the wireless receiver into at least one of (i) audio feedback of positional information for the surgical device and (ii) visual feedback of positional information for the surgical device.
US08814875B2

A positioning device assembly for positioning a tool guide block for use in an orthopedic surgery includes a positioning device having a block body with a reference surface adapted to abut a bone element, and first and second adjustment mechanisms that are independently operable. The first adjustment mechanism permits rotation of the tool guide block about a medial-lateral extending axis to provide flexion-extension angle adjustment and the second adjustment mechanism permits rotation of the tool guide block about an anterior-posterior extending axis to provide varus-valgus angle adjustment. The second adjustment mechanism includes integral coarse and fine adjustment mechanisms. A tool guide block assembly mounted to the positioning device includes a platform portion which is engaged to the block body of the positioning device and the tool guide block which is releasably engaged with the platform.
US08814867B2

Expanding a spinal canal by drilling a cylindrical passage in each pedicle of a vertebra, making a circumferential pedicle cut (osteotomy) through each pedicle from within the passage, separating each pedicle cut by inserting an implant into the passage to distract the pedicle cut (i.e., lengthen the pedicle) to expand the spinal canal, and securing each pedicle cut, allowing the vertebra to heal with the spinal canal expanded. The implant can include an outer sleeve, an inner bolt, and expandable flanges. The outer sleeve includes an upper and a lower portion, with the expandable flanges therein. Rotation of the inner bolt causes the upper and lower portions of the outer sleeve to separate, causing the pedicle cut to widen and the expandable flanges to radially extend into and stabilize the widened pedicle cut for expansion of the spinal canal.
US08814864B2

The present disclosure relates to an electrode assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument. The electrode assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members and an electrode positioned on each jaw member. One or both of the electrodes includes a tissue contacting surface that has an outer periphery and defines a side surface depending therefrom. The tissue contacting surface and the side surface include a conjoining edge formed at a first predetermined angle that defines a first linear transition zone dimensioned to reduce arcing between the opposing jaw members during activation of the electrosurgical instrument.
US08814853B2

There are disclosed embodiments of a system for thermochemical tissue ablation. An ablation needle in the form of a cannula with a tip and a plurality of tubes or lumens therethrough is provided, with the tip forming a hollow mixing chamber without external openings. Liquid reagents are passed through the lumens or tubes to the mixing chamber, where an exothermic reaction results, heating the tip. The heated tip is used for tissue ablation. The reaction product can be at least partially evacuated from the mixing chamber through a tube or lumen that empties into a container.
US08814833B2

A safety needle system operable with a medical device includes: a housing with a needle mount having a needle; and a sheath telescopically engaged with the housing and surrounding the needle such that the sheath operates in a retracted position, in which the sheath exposes the needle, and an extended position, in which the sheath surrounds the needle. The sheath is coupleable to the medical device such that removal of the needle from the medical device draws the sheath over the needle, transitioning the sheath from the retracted position to the extended position. In one embodiment, the system includes a slider engaged with the sheath and/or housing and including a restraint that engages and disengages the sheath to respectively reinforce and weaken the coupling of the sheath and medical device. In another embodiment, the sheath includes a longitudinal track that slidingly engages a setting of the housing between sheath positions.
US08814832B1

The expandable sheath and system for intravascular insertion of a medical implement includes a cannula for entering a lumen of a vascular vessel of a patient, a guide wire insertable into the lumen, an introducer and dilator adapted to follow the guide wire into the lumen, an expandable sheath positioned on the introducer and dilator, with the expandable sheath being adapted to be positioned in the vessel, and an extension collar. The medical implement is received within the vessel by passing through the sheath upon separating the introducer and dilator therefrom. In one embodiment, a linear array of perforations formed through the expandable sheath allow for expansion. Alternatively, an external slit may be provided for selective expansion of the sheath.
US08814827B2

A syringe including a barrel, a needle subassembly holder positioned in the barrel, and a needle subassembly positioned in the holder. The needle subassembly includes a needle hub releasably connected to the holder and a needle connected to the hub. Further, the syringe includes a piston slidably received by the barrel. The piston includes a piston body and a piston head having a releasable portion temporarily covering a hatchway. The piston also includes a valve positioned proximal of the hatchway and movable between blocking and passing positions. A user may push the piston distally beyond an injected position in which the piston head contacts the holder causing the holder to move distally and the hub to contact the barrel, causing the barrel to bow, thereby storing potential energy. When the potential energy reaches a threshold amount sufficient to overcome forces holding the hub in the holder, the barrel rebounds toward its un-bowed shape thereby propelling the needle hub and needle proximally past the releasable portion and the valve and into the piston body. The valve then automatically returns to the blocking position thereby ensuring that the needle subassembly does not move proximally out of the piston body.
Patent Agency Ranking