US08830606B2

An interchangeable lens to be detachably attached to a camera body, that includes a holding unit at which a plurality of contacts is arranged, in the interchangeable lens, the first contact is arranged on one end and the eleventh contact is arranged on another end of the arrangement of the twelve contacts; the second contact is arranged next to the first contact in the arrangement of the twelve contacts; and the twelfth contact is arranged next to the eleventh contact in the arrangement of the twelve contacts.
US08830596B2

Disclosed herein is an imaging lens, including: a first lens having positive (+) power and being biconvex; a second lens having negative (−) power and being concave toward an image side; a third lens having positive (+) power and being biconvex; a fourth lens having positive (+) power and being convex toward the image side; and a fifth lens having negative (−) power and being concave toward the image side, wherein the first lens, the second lens, the third lens, the fourth lens, and the fifth lens are sequentially disposed from an object side.
US08830593B2

A zoom lens includes: a first lens group having a negative refractive power; and a second lens group having a positive refractive power, provided in this order from an object side. Magnification is changed by moving the first lens group and the second lens group. The first lens group includes a first lens having a negative refractive power, a second lens having a positive refractive power, a third lens having a negative refractive power, and a fourth lens having a positive refractive power, provided in this order from the object side. The zoom lens satisfies the following conditional formulae, when fw is the focal length of the entire system at the wide angle end, f1 is the focal length of the first lens group, and f2 is the focal length of the second lens group: 0.00
US08830591B2

A projection lens for projecting image information displayed on a reduction side conjugate position to a magnification side conjugate position, including a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, a positive third lens group, and a positive fourth lens group arranged in this order from the magnification side, which satisfies predetermined conditional expressions.
US08830589B2

Techniques are disclosed for creating optical systems and devices that enable a mobile device (e.g., smartphone or other mobile phone, personal media player, and/or other personal electronic device) to be coupled with an optical device (e.g., a riflescope, spotting scope, etc.) such that information shown on the display of the mobile device is viewable to a user looking into the eyepiece of the optical device. Additionally or alternatively, an image from the optical device can be communicated to the mobile device. A modular design can utilize an apparatus configured to encase a mobile device, which can be coupled with the optical device via and optical and/or electrical interface.
US08830583B2

A position controller for a removable optical element in an optical system includes an advancing/retracting ring; a removable optical element holding member supported by the advancing/retracting ring and rotatable about a first rotational axis between an insertion position on the optical axis and a removed position; an insertion holder which holds the removable optical element holding member at the insertion position; a removal drive member supported by the advancing/retracting ring and rotatable about a second rotational axis between an insertion allowance position and a forced removing position; and an insertion/removal controller. A rotational radius from the second rotational axis to a contact point between the removable optical element holding member and the removal drive member is greater than a rotational radius from the first rotational axis to the contact point.
US08830580B2

Imaging optics having reduced susceptibility to thermally-induced stress birefringence for imaging an object plane to an image plane; comprising an aperture stop positioned between the object plane and the image plane; a first group of optical elements located on the object plane side of the aperture stop; and a second group of optical elements located on the image plane side of the aperture stop. The optical elements in the first and second groups that are immediately adjacent to the aperture stop are refractive lens elements fabricated using optical materials having a negligible susceptibility to thermal stress birefringence, and the other optical elements are a combination of reflective optical elements and refractive lens elements fabricated using optical materials having at most a moderate susceptibility to thermal stress birefringence.
US08830578B2

An optical isolator 1 element comprises a Faraday rotator 11 that rotates a polarization plane of light; a first polarizer of optical absorption type 12 arranged on one surface side of the Faraday rotator 11, the first polarizer 12 having a layer in which metal particles are distributed; and a second polarizer of optical absorption type 13 arranged on another surface side of the Faraday rotator 11, the second polarizer 13 having a metal particle layer in which metal particles are distributed in a density higher than the density of metal particles distributed in the metal particle layer of the first polarizer 12. The optical isolator 1 makes it possible to reduce a deterioration of isolation caused by occurring a reflected light reflected between the second polarizer 13 and the first polarizer 12.
US08830571B1

An all-reflective afocal lens is comprised of eight-reflective mirrors which can fold the light path into a very compact and thin configuration while maintaining diffraction limited performance. Such an afocal arrangement is usable with a traditional optical imager of an appropriate aperture dimension and FOV range, or with an annular aperture optical system with the appropriately scaled aperture and acceptable FOV angles. When combined the resulting FOV is scaled by the magnification produced by the afocal. The afocal arrangement can be used in either a magnification mode or a demagnification mode. Such an afocal arrangement can be used as either a focal length extender or as a FOV switch enabling a very short length two FOV multi-spectral system with a length that can be an order of magnitude shorter than a known optical system.
US08830562B2

A multi-color electrophoretic display (EPD) device, an image sheet, and a method of manufacturing the same. The method of manufacturing the multi-color EPD device includes: forming capsules including photosensitive color-developing capsule shells each of which stores a dielectric fluid and at least one type of electrophoretic particles dispersed in the dielectric fluid; disposing the capsules in a unit color pixel area on a substrate; exposing the capsules to light to form a latent image of a color pattern image on the capsules; and developing the photosensitive color-developing capsule shells of the capsules to form unit color pixels including color capsules.
US08830554B2

The present subject matter can include a two-dimensional electrochemical writing assembly and uses thereof. The writing assembly can enable for time-dependently displaying of a physical parameter, such as a time-dependent display or recording of the temperature. The writing assembly comprises two different types of electrochemical processors, of which one type is used for controlling the time-dependent switching of the second type of electrochemical processors used in the writing assembly.
US08830547B2

An authentication hologram uses a Lippmann hologram that enables a 3D object image having a vertical and horizontal field of vision as well as planar with added information viewable at a specific angle alone. In that authentication hologram, a hologram for reconstructing a 3D object image and a hologram mirror pattern that is formed at a pattern portion corresponding to the added information and has planar interference fringes placed one upon another and parallel at a constant spacing are recorded in a superposing fashion.
US08830544B2

An image reading apparatus includes an image reader unit that has a plurality of light receiving elements for reading an image on an original, and moves relative to a frame for applying a pressing force to a read-target surface of the original; and a driven roller that is rotatable, comes into contact with the original, and moves relative to the frame and independent of the image reader unit in a direction in which the image reader unit applies the pressing force to the original, thereby applying a pressing force to the original independent of the image reader unit.
US08830542B2

An illumination apparatus for use in an image reading apparatus that forms a reduction image of a read area of an original on an image pickup element by an imaging optical system, includes: a light source illuminating the original; and a light guide guiding light to the original; wherein the light guide has a first surface on which light is incident or that diffuses light, a second surface from which light exits toward the read area, and a third and fourth surfaces arranged between the first and second surfaces in a sub-scanning section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the light guide, the third surface arranged on a side closer to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, and the fourth surface arranged on a side farther from the optical axis, wherein the third and fourth surfaces are reflective surfaces having the same paraxial power which is appropriately set.
US08830540B2

The present disclosure relates to an image reading device, including: a light emitting portion; a light guiding member; a holding member that holds the light emitting portion and the light guiding member; and a case member that holds the holding member. In the image reading device, the light guiding member is shaped like a stick, of which end portion is disposed to face the light emitting portion. The holding member holds the light emitting portion and the light guiding member. In addition, the holding member has: and a holding portion that disposes the light guiding member along a main scanning direction, and positions and holds an end portion on the light emitting portion side in the main scanning direction. The case member holds the holding member.
US08830537B2

A data communication apparatus is disclosed. In the data communication apparatus, when plural documents including destination information are transmitted to an external apparatus by using a facsimile function, reference destination information in image data of a reference document is compared with destination information in image data of documents other than the reference document. When the destination information in the image data of the documents other than the reference document is the same as the reference destination information in the image data of the reference document, the image data of the plural documents are transmitted to the external apparatus.
US08830532B2

A printing control method of a printer is implemented in a printing system including an information providing device and a printer. The printer is connected to the information providing device for printing data sent by the information providing device. Once a printing driver program of the information providing device receives page data to be outputted, the printing driver program converts a number of first color components of the page data into a number of second color components and checks if any one of the second color components contains zeroes for all the content. If one second color component is found to have zeroes for all the content, this very second color component will not be sent to the printer, whereas the rest of the second color components will be sent to the printer for output.
US08830531B2

A printing system is disclosed. The printing system includes an image processor to selectively rasterize a plurality of objects, and to determine if a size of a first object is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold perform a single-cell halftone process on the first object if the size of the first object is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold and perform a super-cell halftone process on the first object if the size of the first object is greater than the predetermined threshold.
US08830528B2

The blocking unit generates first block property data having a first value if all pixels in the block image do not have a color of the color plane, and generates first block property data having a second value if at least one pixel in the block image has the color. The gamma correction unit performs gamma correction for the block image having the second value and does not perform gamma correction for the block image having the first value. The screen process unit generates a block dot image by performing a screen process for the block image after the gamma correction. The toner adhesion amount calculating unit identifies values of the first block property data of block images adjacent to an objective block image, and identifies the toner adhesion amount of the object block as a value changed correspondingly to the identified values of the first block property data.
US08830524B2

Banding can be prevented and image-quality degradation can be reduced. An image processing apparatus includes first creation means configured to distribute density of image data to a pixel on another scanning line on the basis of a difference between an actual print position of the image data and a reference position and to create position-corrected image data, second creation means configured to correct the image data using a correction value corresponding to a position of the image data and to create density-corrected image data, and generation means configured to generate output image data using the position-corrected image data created by the first creation means and the density-corrected image data created by the second creation means.
US08830521B2

An image forming apparatus includes the following elements. An image forming unit forms an image by using plural predetermined colors. An index forming unit causes the image forming unit to form two or more consecutive image correcting indexes of one type by using an identical color, the image correcting indexes being used for correcting misregistration of an image to be formed. The image correcting indexes are sequentially transferred to an image carrier. A detector includes a light source emitting light to the image correcting indexes and a light receiver receiving light reflected by the image carrier and the image correcting indexes to generate a detection signal. A position specifying unit specifies a position between two consecutive image correcting indexes by using the detection signal. A misregistration correcting unit corrects misregistration of an image to be formed by using the specified position.
US08830520B2

A computer-implemented method and system for enhancing black density of a halftoned bitmap are provided. The method includes receiving a halftoned bitmap into computer memory, and, using a computer, identifying at least one black-only pixel in the halftoned bitmap. The method further includes for each of the identified black-only pixels, identifying at least one black-only pixel as a candidate for adding color based at least in part on the location of the black-only pixel with respect to an edge in the halftoned bitmap, modifying the halftoned bitmap by adding color to at least one of the candidate black-only pixels, and outputting the modified halftoned bitmap.
US08830511B2

According to one embodiment, an environmental contribution supporting apparatus provided for a system including a printing apparatus and an erasing apparatus includes a duplex-reduction calculating unit, an aggregation-reduction calculating unit, a sheet-reduction-ratio calculating unit, a printing-state-character selecting unit, a sheet-reuse-ratio calculating unit, a reuse-state-character selecting unit, a sheet-reduction-message selecting unit, a sheet-reuse-message selecting unit, an advice setting unit, and a report creating unit configured to edit a character selected by the printing-state-character selecting unit, a character selected by the reuse-state-character selecting unit, and a message set by the advice setting unit into a predetermined form.
US08830506B2

An image processing system includes intermediate-data generating apparatuses and one or more drawing-data generating apparatuses. The intermediate-data generating apparatuses interpret data of pages forming PDL document data, the pages being assigned to the corresponding intermediate-data generating apparatuses, to generate elements of intermediate data of the pages. The drawing-data generating apparatuses each obtain assigned elements of the intermediate data and each draw the obtained elements to generate drawing data including information concerning pixels forming each obtained element. The drawing-data generating apparatuses each include a memory that stores intermediate data or drawing data of a common element used in the obtained elements. If the intermediate data or the drawing data of the common element is stored in the memory, the drawing-data generating apparatuses generate drawing data of the obtained elements using the stored intermediate data or drawing data. The number of drawing-data generating apparatuses is smaller than that of intermediate-data generating apparatuses.
US08830498B2

An information processing apparatus (printing server) of one aspect of the present invention generates print data from a print target file attached to the electronic mail received from a mobile terminal via a network, and causes a printer designated in the electronic mail to execute printing based on the print data. In a case where a printer notifies a printing server of the occurrence of an error during the execution of printing based on print data, the printing server instructs the printer to automatically skip an error which has occurred, if it is designated in received electronic mail that the error should be automatically skipped.
US08830495B2

An image forming apparatus comprises a display unit; and a display controlling unit that causes the display unit to display a first ready screen and a second ready screen. The first ready screen is displayed when a job can be accepted, and the first ready screen indicates that a job can be accepted and has a first button for detecting operator's input of a request for displaying a screen having first information. The second ready screen is displayed when a job can be accepted after input of the request is detected, and the second ready screen has the first information and has a second button for detecting input of a request for displaying second information other than the first information.
US08830490B2

Methods and systems feed print media from a print media storage device to a scanner positioned along a paper path, and feed the print media along the paper path from the scanner to a marking device positioned along the paper path. The scanner is positioned between the print media storage device and the marking device along the media path. The scanner scans the print media as the print media travels along the paper path before the print media reaches the marking device. The methods and systems control actions of the marking device based upon patterns of markings detected on the print media by the scanner using a processor operatively connected to the scanner and the marking engine, and print markings on the print media using the marking device.
US08830489B2

The invention describes a laser plotter and a method for engraving, marking or inscribing a workpiece. Two lasers are installed in a housing of the laser plotter and may alternatively operate on the workpiece. The workpiece is positioned on a processing platform and a laser beam is sent to at least one focusing unit configured for both lasers, from which the laser beam is deflected in the direction of the workpiece. Control of the workpiece is obtained by software running in a control unit. Graphic and/or text data are prepared on an external computer or other control device, and transferred to the control unit of the laser plotter. The lasers are allocated to the transferred data based on color code, whereby a height correction value to compensate for the various focal lengths of the lasers is preloaded in the data bank for the different colors.
US08830468B2

A colorimeter or other instrument measures the color composition and texture of a person's skin and an individual custom formulation is produced. A computer system accepts data from a colorimeter 300 or like instrument and uses a main executable program 502 and a subroutine 504 for color analysis to derive an average color that is used to select a closest matching color from a database of approximately 20,000 interpolated colors, the interpolated colors sometimes derived from a database of approximately 2,000 human skin colors. The closest match may also be found within a database comprising approximately 2,000 human skin colors and 20,000 interpolated human skin colors. The disclosed machines and methods then custom formulate such color to produce foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, skin care products, nail polish, hair dye, lipstick, lip gloss, blush, mascara, eyeliner eye shadow and other products.
US08830467B2

A spectrophotometer 300, webcam 302 or other instrument measures the color composition and texture of a person's face 400 or other body part. A computer system 301 includes a processor 501 and a non-transitory, non-signal computer readable medium 500 containing machine readable instructions that accept data from a spectrophotometer 300 or like instrument and uses a main executable program 502 and a subroutine 504 for color analysis to derive a mix of color to create a cosmetic product matching or enhancing the color composition and/or texture of the person's face or other body part. Customer skin color may be custom matched on the fly and specifically formulated and created. Or, a database of approximately 22,000 human skin colors may be drawn upon to find a best match for a customer's skin color. A color from the database may then be custom formulated and dispensed.
US08830466B2

An arrangement for providing passive alignment of optical components on a common substrate uses a set of reference cavities, where each optical device is positioned within a separate reference cavity. The reference cavities are formed to have a predetermined depth, with perimeters slightly larger than the footprint of their associated optical components. The reference cavity includes at least one right-angle corner that is used as a registration corner against which a right-angle corner of an associated optical component is positioned. The placement of each optical component in its own reference cavity allows for passive optical alignment to be achieved by placing each component against its predefined registration corner.
US08830461B2

An inspection apparatus for a display substrate includes a reflection plate, a liquid crystal layer, an electrode layer, a ¼ wavelength retardation plate and a polarization plate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed on the reflection plate and includes liquid crystal molecules which have a retardation value of about 140 nanometers to about 200 nanometers and are operated in a twisted nematic mode. The electrode layer is disposed on the liquid crystal layer and generates an electric field in cooperation with an electrode of the display substrate. The ¼ wavelength retardation plate is disposed on the electrode layer and the polarization plate is disposed on the ¼ wavelength retardation plate.
US08830455B2

In an aspect, an inspection method for detecting the presence or absence of a defect on an object, the object comprising a recess having a physical depth, is disclosed. The method includes directing radiation at the object, the radiation having a wavelength that is substantially equal to twice an optical depth of the recess, detecting radiation that is re-directed by the object or a defect on the object, and determining the presence or absence of a defect from the re-directed radiation.
US08830452B2

A geodetic target 1 for use in geodesy comprises an orienting device 10 with a bearing direction P, a first inclinometer 20 with a first axis of inclination 20A, a reflector 30 reflecting incident measurement beams S, an imaging optics 40 that focuses the incident measurement beams S, a matrix sensor 50, whose receiving surface 51 is situated in an image plane of the imaging optics 40, and an interface 60, which is connected to the first inclinometer 20 and the matrix sensor 50. The spatial arrangement and orientation of the optical axis and/or axis of symmetry 30A of the reflector 30 relative to the bearing direction P of the orienting device 10 is predetermined here. The first axis of inclination 20A makes an angle α other than zero with an optical axis 40A of the imaging optics 40. The optical axis 40A of the imaging optics 40 coincides with an optical axis 30A and/or axis of symmetry of the reflector 30 or is parallel to it or make an angle with it. The interface 60 is designed to put out the signals received from the first inclinometer 20 and the matrix sensor 50 for determining a spatial orientation of the reflector 30 reflecting the measurement beams relative to the target point Z.Moreover, a position determining system comprising this target and a method which uses this target is disclosed.
US08830444B2

A lithographic apparatus comprising a source that generates a beam of radiation, a support structure supporting a patterning device, a substrate table for holding a substrate, and a projection system projecting the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The lithographic apparatus further comprises a vibration measurement apparatus configured to measure relative vibration between the patterning device and the substrate during exposure of the target portion. A control apparatus adjusts power of the radiation beam to compensate for the effect of the measured relative vibration on the pattern projected onto the substrate.
US08830443B2

A lithographic projection apparatus that is arranged to project a pattern from a patterning device onto a substrate using a projection system has a liquid supply system arranged to supply a liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate. The apparatus also includes a liquid collecting system that includes a liquid collection member having a permeable member through which a liquid is collected from a surface of an object opposite to the liquid collection member, wherein the permeable member has a plurality of passages that generate a capillary force.
US08830438B2

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and its manufacturing method. The LCD panel comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a sealant, and a barrier wall. The first substrate and the second substrate are disposed relatively. The sealant disposed surrounding between the first substrate and the second substrate. The barrier wall is disposed at the outer side of the area surrounded by the sealant, and the barrier wall is respectively abutted against the first substrate and the second substrate. In summary, the present invention could improve the overflow of the sealant, reducing the difficulty for narrow frame design and the requirement for cutting precision of the LCD panel.
US08830423B2

A method of making a liquid crystal device is provided, the method comprising (i) providing a cell containing a mixture of a liquid crystal and pre-polymer (ii) applying a stimulus to arrange the liquid crystal in a first predetermined state and (iii) subsequent to, or contemporaneously with, step (ii), causing the pre-polymer to form polymer when the liquid crystal is in a second predetermined state, wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed a plurality of times.
US08830419B2

The present invention provides a backlight module, which comprises a waveguide has an incident surface and light-emitting surface. A light source is arranged on a side of the incident surface. An optical module is arranged above the waveguide and facing the light-emitting surface. The optical module includes a least one optical film having a crease at one side thereof. At least a positioning arrangement is arranged on a side surface of the waveguide other than the incident surface. A space is defined between the positioning arrangement and the side surface of the waveguide. The crease of the optical film is received within the space. The present invention further provides a liquid crystal display module incorporated with a backlight module disclosed. Accordingly, when the optical films is experiencing an expansion or contraction resulted from temperature gradient, the robust can always make the optical films properly seated within the receiving space defined by the positioning arrangement and the waveguide. As a result, the optical films can be effectively prevented from being deformed or creating a wave-form deformation.
US08830408B2

Aspects of the present invention provide an electro-active lens and method for manufacturing the same that encapsulates liquid crystal using solid transparent optical material using an improved liquid crystal seal feature. The seal feature greatly reduces the visibility of the liquid crystal seal feature in an assembled electro-active lens. The seal feature is also structurally robust such that the electro-active lens can be processed to fit a spectacle frame without disturbing containment of the liquid crystal and without disrupting electrical connectivity to the lens used to alter the refractive index of the liquid crystal, thereby ensuring fabrication of a commercially viable electro-active lens.
US08830389B2

An image detecting module includes a socket, a circuit board, an image sensor, an elastic element, a filter and a holder. The socket comprises an inner circumference wall along a main axis for defining an inner space and a platform that extended from the inner circumference wall. Pluralities of mounting holes are provided on the holder and pluralities of protrusions are provided on the socket; thus the elastic element and the filter could be fixed between the platform and the holder by fitting the protrusions into the mounting holes.
US08830379B2

The image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes: an optical imaging system for forming an object image; an image pickup device including a plurality of pixels that photoelectrically converts the object image; a defocus quantity calculation section for calculating a defocus quantity based on a phase difference between a plurality of signals for focus detection obtained from a plurality of pixels for focus detection that respectively receive a light flux that passes through a different pupil region of the optical imaging system; a focusing section for driving the optical imaging system so as to achieve an in-focus state, in accordance with the defocus quantity calculated at the defocus quantity calculation section; an addition practicability determination section for determining a practicability of performing inter-frame addition on a plurality of signals for focus detection before calculating the defocus quantity, based on an analysis result of a signal component of the object image; and an inter-frame addition processing section for performing inter-frame addition based on a determination result of the addition practicability determination section.
US08830372B2

A CCD image sensor includes vertical CCD shift registers and gate electrodes disposed over the vertical CCD shift registers. The gate electrodes are divided into distinct groups of gate electrodes. The CCD image sensor is adapted to operate in an accumulation mode and a charge transfer mode, an accumulation mode and a charge shifting mode, or an accumulation mode, a charge transfer mode, and a charge shifting mode. The charge transfer mode has an initial charge transfer phase and a final charge transfer phase. The charge shifting mode has an initial charge shifting phase and a final charge shifting phase.
US08830368B2

In a solid-state imaging device, an amplification transistor amplifies a signal generated by a photoelectric conversion unit and outputs the amplified signal. An analog memory accumulates the amplified signal output from the amplification transistor. A select transistor electrically connects the analog memory to a vertical signal line and selects any one of a first state in which the amplified signal accumulated in the analog memory is output to the vertical signal line and a second state in which the analog memory is electrically disconnected from the vertical signal line. A differential amplification circuit includes a first input terminal connected to a reference voltage and a second input terminal connected to the vertical signal line.
US08830348B2

An imaging device is configured to include an optical system which captures an image of a subject, an image sensor which converts the image captured by the optical system into an electric signal, a classifying unit which classifies the captured image into a plurality of areas according to brightness information and color information, a white balance correcting unit which set different white balance correction coefficients for the plurality of areas; and a white balance correction coefficient adjusting unit which adjusts a difference in the white balance correction coefficients for the plurality of areas to be within a first predetermined range.
US08830339B2

This disclosure describes techniques for triggering recording of digital video in a fast frame rate mode. In one example, a digital video recording apparatus includes a video sensor that captures digital video data at a fast frame rate in a fast frame rate mode, a video buffer that buffers the captured digital video data according to a first-in-first-out storage schema, a video storage that stores digital video data, and a motion detection unit that detects fast motion in the buffered digital video data, that stores digital video data from the video sensor in the video storage after detecting the fast motion, and that copies the contents of the video buffer to the video storage prepended to the stored video data. The digital video recording apparatus may be incorporated in a wireless communication device, such as a cellular phone.
US08830338B2

In an imaging device with a wide dynamic range function by combining images, focus is controlled to establish an in-focus state for each image to enlarge the dynamic range with reducing blur, thereby improving visibility. The device includes an imaging unit with a variable focal distance focus lens, an exposure controller for controlling the imaging unit's exposure to implement several shooting operations for a subject with different sensitivity, a processing unit for processing a signal outputted from the imaging unit to generate an image signal and a focus evaluation value indicating focus degree, an image combining unit for combining signals generated by the processing unit and outputting the combined signal, the processing unit generates a focus evaluation value for each outputted signal and the focus controller controls the focus lens for shooting operations of the imaging unit with mutually different sensitivity values, based on focus evaluation values respectively associated therewith.
US08830327B2

A video surveillance system includes at least one of a camera or a streamer. A data base server is coupled to the camera and can store metadata for a video clip from the camera or streamer. A media storage server is coupled to both the camera or, the streamer, and to the data base server to store the clip in the absence of any network video recorders.
US08830318B2

An on-vehicle three-dimensional video system is provided for a vehicle and a method is provided for monitoring a surrounding environment of a vehicle. The on-vehicle three-dimensional video system includes, but is not limited to cameras, a display screen, a control module, and a power supply device. The cameras are provided in pairs for filming the surrounding environment of the vehicle from different angles, and the display screen is able to bring about a three-dimensional video effect according to pairs of video signals from the cameras. With the on-vehicle three-dimensional video system, a realistic three-dimensional output of the surrounding environment of the vehicle is realized on the display screen so that the driver can clearly know about the precise relative position of a corresponding portion of the vehicle with respect to the surrounding environment.
US08830311B2

The disclosure provides an electronic device and a detecting position method adapted for the electronic device. The device stores an infrared sensing mode and a capture mode. The method includes steps of: entering the infrared sensing mode in response to an input signal and capturing infrared signals from an external environment, amplifying the infrared signals and converting the infrared signals into digital signals, evaluating whether part of the infrared signals falls into a predetermined waveband, if yes, focusing on an infrared thermal source whose infrared signals fall into the predetermined waveband, switching from the infrared sensing mode to the capture mode, taking a photo of the infrared thermal source, and processing the photo to identify a position of the infrared thermal source in the photo and displaying the position of the infrared thermal source in the photo.
US08830310B2

A capsule endoscope includes: a light emitting unit; an imaging unit; an image signal processing unit; and a setting unit that controls the light emitting unit and the imaging unit to perform pre-exposure, measures at least one of a light emission time and a light emission intensity, sets the measured time or intensity for a main exposure process when the measured time or intensity is within a predetermined acceptable range, and sets at least one of the preset light emission time and light emission intensity for the main exposure process when the measured time or intensity is out of the acceptable range, wherein an acquisition process of an image is performed in accordance with the set light emission time or the set light emission intensity.
US08830309B2

A hierarchical pattern matching process is improved for use in three-dimensional reconstruction by calculating a disparity field for low-resolution data, and using this low-resolution disparity field to estimate the disparity field for higher-resolution images. By pre-warping a template according to the estimated disparity field, improved correlation results can be obtained.
US08830294B2

In the field of communications, a method and a system for video conference control, videoconferencing network equipment, and a videoconferencing site are provided. The method for video conference control includes: assigning a site identifier to a videoconferencing site, and constructing a site list to be delivered to the videoconferencing site; receiving a conference control request sent by the videoconferencing site, the conference control request carrying a site identifier and an operation type of a controlled site; and performing a conference control operation on the controlled site according to the conference control request.
US08830291B2

Embodiments described can more effectively complete complicated service transactions in a more efficient manner by having a team of well-trained professionals who are instantly “streamed” into any location as necessary. A two-way communication system can provide instant or quick access to the right expert at the right point in time, thereby converting what might otherwise be a negative customer experience into a positive sales and service opportunity. A computer implemented method for providing customer support comprises receiving, by a touchpoint device, identification information from a user of the touchpoint device; receiving the identification information; providing an electronic document to the user; receiving an input from the user requesting a session with a representative; selecting a representative based at least in part on the electronic document; providing information about the electronic document to the representative; and establishing a connection between the representative and the touchpoint device.
US08830290B2

An audio-video synchronization method is executable in a video conference device. The method includes determining a first presence time of a predetermined visual effect in a captured video sample stream and a second presence time of a predetermined sound effect in a captured audio sample stream, calculating a time difference between the first and second presence time, and adjusting timestamps of each real-time transport protocol packet in an audio stream sent out by the video conference apparatus based on the time difference. The method further includes receiving an adjustment value from an user input, and adjusting timestamps of each real-time transport protocol packet in an audio stream received by the video conference apparatus based on the adjustment value.
US08830287B2

A surface-emission laser array comprises a plurality of surface-emission laser diode elements arranged in the form of a two-dimensional array, wherein a plurality of straight lines drawn perpendicularly to a straight line extending in a first direction from respective centers of the plurality of surface emission laser diode elements aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, are formed with generally equal interval in the first direction, the plurality of surface-emission laser diode elements are aligned in the first direction with an interval set to a reference value, and wherein the number of the surface-emission laser diode elements aligned in the first direction is smaller than the number of the surface-emission laser diode elements aligned in the second direction.
US08830277B2

An image display device includes an image display panel configured of pixels made up of first, second, third, and fourth sub-pixels being arrayed in a two-dimensional matrix shape, and a signal processing unit into which an input signal is input and from which an output signal based on an extension coefficient is output, and causes the signal processing unit to obtain a maximum value of luminosity with saturation S in the HSV color space enlarged by adding a fourth color, as a variable, and to obtain a reference extension coefficient based on the maximum value, and further to determine an extension coefficient at each pixel from the reference extension coefficient, an input signal correction coefficient based on the sub-pixel input signal values at each pixel, and an external light intensity correction coefficient based on external light intensity.
US08830276B2

An imaging apparatus includes a first display unit of which brightness is adjustable, a second display unit which can illuminate a display surface, an operation member configured to be operated by a user, and a control unit configured to display a screen for adjusting brightness of the first display unit on the first display unit and to turn on or turn off an illumination of the second display unit by operating the operation member when both of the first display unit and the second display unit are in a display state.
US08830263B2

The medical image display device is provided with a medical image reading unit configured to read a medical image obtained by a medical image diagnostic apparatus, a projected image creating unit configured to project the medical image onto a projection plane to created the projected image, and a projected image display unit configured to display the projected image, wherein the projected image creating unit has a virtual liquid generating unit configured to generate virtual liquid, the light transmittance of which is not zero and a virtual liquid adding unit configured to add the virtual liquid to the surface of an organ within the medical image, and creates a projected image of the medical image to which the virtual liquid has been added.
US08830257B2

An image displaying apparatus executes FRC process, wherein image deterioration in a boundary portion between a still image display area and its periphery is prevented. When the magnitude of the motion vector of an object in the periphery of a still image display area is less than a predetermined threshold value, an interpolation frame generation portion defines the pixel values of a still image display area and its periphery of the frame #n as the interpolation pixel values of a still image display area and its periphery of the interpolation frame #I.When the magnitude of the motion vector of the object is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, the pixel values of the still image display area and its periphery of the frame n+1 are defined as the interpolated pixel values of the still image display area and its periphery of the interpolation frame #I.
US08830252B2

A color-temperature-compensation (CTC) method and applications thereof are provided, and which includes determining intensities of weights of three colors in an inputted three-dimension color signal; if yes, performing a lookup table mechanism to find-out a first set of multi-primary-color (MPC) signal corresponding to the three colors with the same weights, and performing a digital-gamma-correction (DGC) to the first set of MPC signal for providing a first set of CTC signal accordingly; if no, performing the lookup table mechanism to find-out a second set of MPC signal corresponding to the three colors with different weights, and performing the DGC to the second set of MPC signal for providing a second set of CTC signal accordingly; and making at least one same color with the same intensity in the three colors with the same weights and in the three colors with different weights displaying on an MPC display have different brightness.
US08830245B2

Disclosed are various embodiments for facilitating load balancing between central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs). A request is obtained to execute a first application in one or more computing devices. In one embodiment, a second application associated with the first application is assigned to be executed in GPUs of the one or more computing devices instead of CPUs of the one or more computing devices when a resource usage profile associated with the first application indicates that the first application is relatively more CPU intensive than GPU intensive. Conversely, the second application is assigned to be executed in the CPUs instead of the GPUs when the resource usage profile indicates that the first application is relatively more GPU intensive than CPU intensive.
US08830242B2

A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for simulating brush behavior. In one embodiment, user input may be received to modify an image using a brush model, wherein the brush model comprises data stored in a memory of a computer system. The brush model may comprise a plurality of bristle representations. The user input may comprise a motion of the brush model. An effect of each of the plurality of bristle representations on the image throughout the motion may be determined. The image may be modified based on the determined effect of each of the plurality of bristle representations on the image throughout the motion.
US08830235B1

An irregular connectivity mesh representative of a surface having an arbitrary topology is processed using a non-uniform relaxation procedure. The non-uniform relaxation procedure minimizes differences between vectors normal to faces of pairs of triangles having a common edge and located within a designated neighborhood of a given vertex. The relaxation procedure may be used to construct subdivision and pyramid algorithms for performing processing operations such as upsampling, downsampling and filtering on irregular connectivity meshes. The signal processing algorithms may be utilized in applications such as smoothing, enhancement, editing, texture mapping and compression.
US08830227B2

A method for depth mapping includes capturing an electronic image of a scene using an imaging device. The electronic image is processed to generate depth data with respect to the scene. The gain of the imaging device is set responsively to the depth data.
US08830226B2

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for integrating a three-dimensional asset with a three-dimensional model. Each asset can include a base surface and either a protrusion or a projection extending from the base. Once the asset is placed at a particular position with respect to the model, one or more vertices defining a periphery of the base surface can be projected onto an external surface of the model. Then, one or more portions of the asset can be deformed to provide a smooth transition between the external surface of the asset and the external surface of the model. In some cases, the asset can include a hole extending through the external surface of the model for defining a cavity. A secondary asset can be placed in the cavity such as, for example, an eyeball asset placed in an eye socket asset.
US08830222B2

An apparatus determines whether a current display is a web screen, when a user operation performed via the web screen indicates a display of a native screen and when a web server instructs the apparatus to display the native screen. The apparatus switches the current display to the native screen when the current display is the web screen, and maintains the current display when the current display is not the web screen.
US08830205B2

The present invention provides a mutual capacitive multi-touch screen. The conductive strip pattern allows that, when a touch range of each external conductive object on the mutual capacitive multi-touch screen is larger than a predetermined condition, capacitive coupling between each external conductive object and first conductive strip is greater than capacitive coupling between each external conductive object and second conductive strip, such that the proportion of a driving signal flowing out of the first conductive strip via at least one first external conductive object in the external conductive objects and into the second conductive strip via at least one second external conductive object in the external conductive objects decreases as the number of second external conductive objects increases.
US08830196B2

An information processing apparatus may include a touchpad, a hardware processor, and a storage medium coupled to the processor. The storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the information processing apparatus to receive a proximity signal indicative of whether a user is providing input to the touchpad; receive a movement signal indicative of whether the input includes movement of an object relative to the touchpad and/or whether the input includes movement of the object from an outer area surrounding an inner area of the touchpad to the inner area of the touchpad; and select one of a pointing user input mode or a scrolling user input mode based on the signals.
US08830190B2

Display devices, methods, and programs display an image on a touch panel. The devices, methods, and programs detect a start position, which is a detected position where a user's finger starts to contact the touch panel, calculate a moving amount by multiplying a distance between the detected start position and a detected second position of the user's finger by a predetermined coefficient of less than one, and update the display position of the image in a direction moving from the detected start position toward the detected second position until the moving amount is equal to or less than a minimum moving amount.
US08830189B2

A monitoring unit is presented for use in monitoring a behavior of at least a part of a physical object. The monitoring unit comprises: a data input module configured for receiving measured data indicative of a behavior of at least a part of the physical object in a certain coordinate system associated with a predetermined sensing surface; and a digital signal processor configured and operable to be responsive to said measured data for transforming the measured data into an approximate representation of said at least portion of the physical object into a virtual coordinate system such that the transformation maintains a positional relationship between virtual points and corresponding portions within said at least part of the physical object. This technique enables further formatting of said approximate representation into a predetermined data input format of a certain electronic device.
US08830181B1

An apparatus and method for identifying gestures performed on a touch-sensing surface. In one embodiment, a gesture recognition unit processes an input signal to determine input metrics associated with contacts at the touch-sensing surface. The gesture recognition unit identifies a gesture based on comparing at least one of the input metrics with a threshold value associated with the gesture.
US08830173B2

A signal line used in a key matrix is shared between a signal line used in a first display unit and a signal line used in a second display unit. Two types of periodical pulse signals are superimposed on a level signal which indicates data displayed on the second display unit. One type is a pulse signal for detecting key input and another type is a pulse signal which indicates data displayed on the first display unit.
US08830170B2

An optical pointing system includes a plurality of light sources, an image receiver, and an analyzing unit. The plurality of light sources are disposed on multiple locations of an object and configured to provide light having distinct wavelengths. The image receiver is configured to detect optical signals of the plurality of light sources, thereby generating a plurality of corresponding images. The analyzing unit is configured to calculate a relative position or angle of the image receiver with respect to the object according to the images.
US08830166B2

A sleeve of control device is provided for controlling a cursor motion of an electronic device. A touch-feel enhancing mechanism is formed on an outer surface of the sleeve. The touch-feel enhancing mechanism is not related to the function of operating the control device to detect the rotating action or the moving action by the user. The touch-feel enhancing mechanism is only used to enhance comfort and touch feel of operating the control device.
US08830162B2

The present invention relates to a system and method that generates outputs based on the operating position of a sensor which is determined by the biomechanical positions or gestures of individual operators. The system including a garment on which one or more than one sensor is removably attached and the sensors provide a signal based on the biomechanical position, movement, action or gestures of the person wearing the garment, a transmitter receiving signals from the sensors and sends signals to a computer that is calibrated to recognize the signals as representing particular positions that are assigned selected outputs. Suitably the outputs are audio outputs of an instrument, such as a guitar, and the outputs simulate the sound of a guitar that would be played when the biomechanical motion, action, gesture or position of the operator resembles those that would occur when an actual instrument is played.
US08830161B2

Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for providing customized “haptic messaging” to users of handheld communication devices in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, a method of providing virtual touch to a handheld communication device includes: receiving an input signal associated with a virtual touch; outputting a request relating to a contact with a user-interface member coupled to a handheld communication device; and providing a control signal associated with the contact to an actuator coupled to the handheld communication device, the control signal being configured to cause the actuator to output a haptic effect associated with the virtual touch.
US08830157B2

A display apparatus includes display means for displaying an image, a light source that irradiates light to the display means, and control means for controlling the quantity of light of the light source with pulse width modulation. The control means controls the quantity of light of the light source based on the ratio of the light-on period with pulse width modulation to the light-off period when the light source is turned off.
US08830151B2

Provided are a backlight unit capable of improving light efficiency and acquiring a high-luminance image by implementing a color image without using a color filter having the large light loss and a liquid crystal display including the same. The backlight unit includes: a white light source generating white light, a light guide plate into which the white light is inputted, a blue phosphor sheet formed above the light guide plate and transmitting the white light, and a multi-color phosphor sheet formed on the same plane above the blue phosphor sheet and including a plurality of red phosphor layers, green phosphor layers, and transparent layers which transmit the light transmitted through the blue phosphor sheet.
US08830146B2

An EL display device capable of performing clear multi-gradation color display and electronic equipment provided with the EL display device are provided, wherein gradation display is performed according to a time-division driving method in which the luminescence and non-luminescence of an EL element (109) disposed in a pixel (104) are controlled by time, and the influence by the characteristic variability of a current controlling TFT (108) is prevented. When this method is used, a data signal side driving circuit (102) and a gate signal side driving circuit (103) are formed with TFTs that use a silicon film having a peculiar crystal structure and exhibit an extremely high operation speed.
US08830142B1

Disclosed herein are a head-mounted display and a method of controlling the same, more particularly, a method of providing a first content or second content to a display unit according to detachment or mounting of a camera from or to the head-mounted display.
US08830141B2

A substantially transparent windscreen head-up display of a vehicle is configured to display graphical images from a light source. The windscreen head-up display includes multiple layers having an outer layer including a transparent substrate. The multiple layers further include a second transparent substrate layer including light emitting material, wherein the light emitting material emits visible light in response to absorption of ultraviolet light from the light source, and wherein the light emitting material includes a plurality of light emitting particles. The multiple layers further include an inner ultraviolet anti-reflective layer.
US08830137B2

An integrated distributed active radiator (DAR) device includes first and second conductors disposed adjacent to each other. The conductors define curves which close on themselves to within a distance of a gap. The first conductor first end is electrically coupled to the second conductor second end across the gap. The second conductor first end is electrically coupled to the first conductor second end across the gap. At least one active element is configured to produce a self-oscillation current at a frequency f0. The self-oscillation current has a first direction in the first conductor and a second direction in the second conductor. The DAR device is configured to generate a harmonic current which has the same direction in both conductors. The DAR device is configured to efficiently radiate electromagnetic energy at a harmonic frequency and to substantially inhibit the radiation of electromagnetic energy at the frequency f0.
US08830133B2

A circularly polarized array antenna (30) is disclosed. A single layer dielectric substrate (36) has a ground plane (32) located on its upper surface of the substrate and covering only part of the upper surface. A plurality of antenna elements (40-54) are also located on said upper surface of the substrate. Each antenna element has a slot element (60-74) formed in the ground plane and a respective loading element (80-94) located within each slot element. The antenna elements being arranged in a regular array where each respective slot element is sequentially rotated in space with respect to adjacent slot elements, and the loading elements generate a perturbation under excitation. A microstrip feed network (100) is located on the underside of the substrate to provide excitation to each slot element, and including feeds of different lengths to be electrically sequentially rotated in common with spatial rotation of the slot elements. A single microstrip feed point (108) extends to the edge of the substrate for connection purposes. A reflecting plane is located parallel to and spaced apart from the underside of the substrate. The ground plane extends to cover the entire microstrip feed array.
US08830126B2

An apparatus having multiple mushroom structures is disclosed. Each of the multiple mushroom structures includes: a ground plate; a first patch provided parallel to the ground plate with a separation of a distance to the ground plate; and a second patch provided parallel to the ground plate with a separation of another distance to the ground plate, which another distance being different from the distance from the first patch to the ground plate, wherein the second patch is a passive element which is capacitatively coupled with at least the first patch.
US08830118B2

A method of monitoring operation of a radar level gauge system installed at a tank and arranged to determine a filling level of a product contained in the tank. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first propagation property discontinuity at a first distance from a reference position at a top of the tank; generating and transmitting an electromagnetic signal; propagating the transmitted electromagnetic signal towards the product contained in the tank; receiving a reflected electromagnetic signal comprising a plurality of echoes resulting from reflections at propagation property discontinuities encountered by the transmitted electromagnetic signal, including a first reference echo resulting from reflection at the first propagation property discontinuity and a surface echo resulting from reflection at a surface of the product contained in the tank; identifying the surface echo; determining the filling level based on the surface echo; evaluating a first portion of the reflected electromagnetic signal exhibiting a time-of-flight corresponding to the first distance from the reference position; determining, based on the evaluation, whether or not the first reference echo is detectable in the first portion of the reflected electromagnetic signal. If it is determined that the first reference echo is detectable in the first portion of the reflected electromagnetic signal, a first signal indicative of the filling level is provided; and if it is determined that the first reference echo is non-detectable in the first portion of the reflected electromagnetic signal, a second signal different from the first signal is provided.
US08830115B2

A multiple-sensor tracking method, notably implemented in an air traffic control system, making it possible to reduce the latency time introduced by the tracking system, characterized in that the correlation (302) and association (303) functions work on the basis of membership of the detections (502) and of the tracks (503, 504) to cells (510, 511) defining a subdivision into a grid (501) of the surveillance area represented on a stereographic projection plane.
US08830114B2

A mobile object detecting apparatus includes first radiation detecting means; and second radiation detecting means for radiating an electromagnetic wave having the same frequency as the electromagnetic wave radiated by the first radiation detecting means such that the radiated electromagnetic wave passes near a point in the first radiation detecting means from which the electromagnetic wave is radiated, and detecting a standing wave which is generated due to reflection of the radiated electromagnetic wave at an object; wherein a distance, over which the electromagnetic wave radiated by the first radiation detecting means travels until it reaches near the first radiation detecting means, corresponds to a distance of an integral multiple of a wave length of a half cycle of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the radiation detecting means plus a wave length of a predetermined period which is smaller than the half cycle.
US08830099B1

Various embodiments of the invention provide for cancellation of a residue amplifier output charging current at the reference voltage source of the reference buffer thereby preventing the charging current from altering the effective reference voltage of a reference buffer. In certain embodiments, current cancellation is accomplished by subtracting a current of the same magnitude.
US08830094B1

An exemplary integrated circuit for performing time skew extraction includes a first subtractor, an array of subtractors separate from the first subtractor, and an array of averaging circuits. Inputs of the first subtractor are coupled to outputs of a plurality of channels of an interleaved analog-to-digital-converter and computes distances between samples of a signal that are measured consecutively by pairs of channels in the plurality of channels. At least some averaging circuits in the array of averaging circuits compute an average of those of the distances that correspond to a respective one of the pairs of channels; one averaging circuit in the array of averaging circuits computes an average of all of the distances. Each subtractor in the array of subtractors computes a difference between an average computed by one of the at least some of the averaging circuits and the average of all of the distances.
US08830092B2

Techniques for encoding data based at least in part upon an awareness of the decoding complexity of the encoded data and the ability of a target decoder to decode the encoded data are disclosed. In some embodiments, a set of data is encoded based at least in part upon a state of a target decoder to which the encoded set of data is to be provided. In some embodiments, a set of data is encoded based at least in part upon the states of multiple decoders to which the encoded set of data is to be provided.
US08830080B2

An emergency lighting system for a building includes at least one LED-based light. An emergency detector is operable to detect an emergency. The emergency detector produces an emergency signal in response to the emergency. A controller is operable to control the at least one LED-based light in response to the emergency signal.
US08830075B2

A method of utilizing device indicator lights is disclosed herein. The method includes providing a device that includes a plurality of device indicator lights and a user control, and monitoring a first set and a second set of device states. The first set of device states correspond to binary device states, and the second set of device states correspond to analog device states. The method also includes utilizing each of the plurality of device indicator lights individually to communicate one of first set of device states, determining whether the user control has been activated, and utilizing at least two of the plurality of device indicator lights in concert to communicate one of the second set of device states upon a determination that the user control has been activated.
US08830072B2

A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag according to one embodiment includes a controller for setting one or more alarm states upon occurrence of one or more alarm conditions, and a visual display device under control of the controller, the visual display device providing a visual, audible, and/or tactile indicator of an alarm condition when an alarm state is set. The visual, audible, and/or tactile indicator of the alarm condition optionally can only be reset by an authorized entity, or cannot be reset.
US08830062B2

Systems and methods to use radar systems for radio frequency identification (RFID) applications. In one embodiment, radar systems are adapted to use RFID communications protocols and methods to enhance the usefulness of radar systems beyond the determination of the presence, distance, direction and/or speed of a vehicle or object, to additionally include the transmission of data such as object identification and additional messages or data.
US08830053B2

Methods and apparatus for monitoring remotely located objects with a system including at least one master data collection unit, remote sensor units, and a central data collection server are described. The master unit is configured to monitor any object, mobile or stationary, including monitoring multiple remote sensor units associated with the monitored objects. The master unit may be in a fixed location or attached to a mobile object. The master unit is configured for monitoring objects that enter and leave an area. The master unit may act as a parent controller for one or more child devices including remote sensors or monitors of measurable conditions including environmental conditions, substance identification, product identification, and/or biometric identification. The master unit may discover remote sensor units as they enter or leave the area where the master unit is located. The master unit can be remotely reprogrammed such as with authenticated instructions.
US08830047B2

A system and method are provided for monitoring transportation system vehicle operator use of a mobile device. A directional antenna detects a signal produced by a mobile device within a vehicle operator area of a transit vehicle. The signal is transmitted from the directional antenna to an antenna controller. An event signal corresponding to the signal is generated at the antenna controller and the event signal is transmitted from the antenna controller to a logic unit. The logic unit determines a current status of the vehicle. The logic unit stores mobile device use event data in a memory based on the event signal and the current status of the vehicle.
US08830045B2

A light display is mounted on the spokes of a rotating bicycle wheel. The display includes a plurality of individual arrays of lights forming a set. The set of arrays are attached together into a single rigid light display apparatus attached to a spoke of the wheel at the tip of each array of lights. At least one sensors on the apparatus, senses the angular velocity and angular position of the rotating wheel. A microprocessor, is mounted on one of the arrays of lights and connected to the sensor, and is further connected to a shared electrical bus which traverses every array of lights. The shared electrical bus is formed by the electrical connection of all the arrays of lights in a line or loop topology. Each array of lights has at most two connection points to the shared electrical bus. The microprocessor modulates the plurality of arrays of lights via the shared electrical bus and without a direct connection to every array of lights. The arrays of lights are modulated according to a selected one of a plurality of display patterns and the sensed angular velocity and position of the rotating wheel, to form a stabilized, upright, forward-reading image on both sides of the wheel using persistence of vision of a viewer.
US08830032B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for confirming/verifying an identity of a test taker using a biometric analysis. For example, in the medical field, it is desirous to ensure that a given test is being administered to a correct individual (e.g., “test taker’). By comparing a given/submitted identity against a biometric-based identity, such verification can be performed. In one embodiment, the individual will submit biometric information via a biometric reader or the like coupled to a testing apparatus. The identity submitted by or on behalf of the individual (referred to herein as a “submitted identity”) will then be confirmed against the individual's identity as determined based on the biometric reading (referred to herein as a “biometric-based identity”). If the submitted identity and the biometric-based identity match, results of the test will be accepted. If the two identities do not match, then results of the test will be denied. Alternatively, if the identities do not match, then the testing apparatus could refuse to commence or complete the test.
US08830019B2

The structure includes cylindrical columnar and tubular bonded magnets. The columnar magnet has at least one pair of N and S poles that are alternately produced in the longitudinal direction. The tubular magnet surrounds the columnar magnet, and has at least one pair of N and S poles that are alternately produced in the longitudinal direction. Poles of the columnar and tubular magnets that are opposed to each other in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the columnar magnet as the propulsion force direction are of opposite magnetic polarity so that magnetic fields are produced in the direction perpendicular to the propulsion force direction. The surface magnetic flux density profile balance can be smoothed by adjusting higher and lower parts of the profiles of the columnar and tubular magnets.
US08830018B1

A solenoid-driven automatic bus transfer switch may automatically transfer one or more electrical loads from a first power source to a second power source, or vice versa, in the event of a power failure or other casualty that affects either power source. The transfer switch may be operated in response to the energization of a solenoid coil, which causes a main shaft having a transfer element to rotate from being in contact with the first power source to being in contact with the second power source. The transfer element may be spring-mounted to the shaft, which ensures that a sufficient electrical contact exists between the surfaces of the transfer element and the respective leads of the first and second power sources, regardless of any wear or degradation that may be experienced at any of the surfaces.
US08830012B2

In one aspect of the invention, the acoustic wave resonator includes a resonator structure having a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer formed on the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on the piezoelectric layer, and a composite layered structure associated with the resonator structure such that the immunity of the acoustic wave resonator to environmental change and aging effects is improved, the trimming sensitivity is substantially minimized, and/or dispersion characteristics of the acoustic wave resonator is optimized.
US08830002B2

Apparatuses, methods, systems, algorithms, and circuits for reference clock frequency determination are disclosed. In one embodiment, a circuit for detecting a reference clock frequency can include a clock counter configured to count a number of cycles of the reference clock over a predetermined portion of a sleep clock to provide a reference clock cycle count, where the sleep clock has a known frequency and a predetermined accuracy; a frequency estimator configured to estimate the reference clock frequency from the reference clock cycle count and the known frequency of the sleep clock; and a frequency selector configured to select a closest frequency to the estimated reference clock frequency from a plurality of allowed frequencies.
US08830000B2

Provided is a multi-band amplifier and a method of amplifying a multi-band. The multi-band amplifier includes a wireless signal input terminal into which a first frequency band signal and a second frequency band signal are input, a first impedance matching part connected to the wireless signal input terminal and configured to match an input impedance in a first frequency band, a second impedance matching part connected to the wireless signal input terminal and configured to match an input impedance in a second frequency band, a common source amplifier to which the first impedance matching part and the second impedance matching part, and a common gate amplifier connected to the common source amplifier. Accordingly, performance degradation can be reduced in comparison with a conventional amplifier, broadband amplification as well as narrow band amplification can be performed, and an amplification gain can be adjusted.
US08829999B2

A low noise amplifier includes a first Group III-nitride based transistor and a second Group III-nitride based transistor coupled to the first Group III-nitride based transistor. The first Group III-nitride based transistor is configured to provide a first stage of amplification to an input signal, and the second Group III-nitride based transistor is configured to provide a second stage of amplification to the input signal.
US08829998B2

A Doherty power amplifier including a main amplifier, an auxiliary amplifier and a controller governing the operation of the auxiliary amplifier, the controller being operative to switch the operational state of the auxiliary amplifier between an operational state and a non-operational state as a function of input signal voltage supplied to the power amplifier such that the auxiliary amplifier is inoperative when the input voltage is below an input voltage threshold and is operative when the input voltage is above the input voltage threshold.
US08829991B2

This document discusses, among other things, an amplifier circuit including first and second amplifiers configured to receive an input signal and to provide a differential output signal using a feedback loop including a transconductance amplifier. A non-inverting input of a first amplifier can be configured to receive an input signal. The feedback loop can be configured to receive the outputs from the first and second amplifiers and to provide a feedback signal to the non-inverting input of the second amplifier, for example, to reduce a DC offset error or to increase a dynamic range of the amplifier circuit.
US08829990B2

An amplifier may include two or more pulse-width modulators controlling respective sets of switches to produce an amplified version of a source signal. A positive DC-offset based on the source signal may be applied to the pulse-width modulator controlling one respective set of switches, and an equal value negative DC-offset may be applied to the pulse-width modulator controlling the other respective set of switches, to provide an effective offset between the respective points in time of the rising/falling edges of the different pulse-width modulated control signals. The addition of alternating positive and negative DC-offset values doesn't affect the output load, and doesn't degrade the signal. The DC-offsets may be added at a frequency selected to be beyond the signal baseband, and the value of the small input signal level may be determined using an RMS level comparator or similar measurement technique.
US08829987B2

The invention relates to modulation and demodulation circuits, such as envelope detectors used to demodulate amplitude-modulated (AM) signals. By coupling an analog circuit to a port of a digital component, a compact envelope detector can be obtained, which achieves demodulation of AM signals for direct coupling into a digital input port. Accordingly, a compact envelope detector may be used in the data receiving part of a sealed device requiring post-manufacturing data transfer, in combination with additional components that provide electromagnetic coupling, such as inductive, capacitive, or radiative. An example of such a device is a credit card sized authentication token.
US08829984B2

A system and method are disclosed for securely transmitting and receiving a signal. A nonlinear keying modulator is used in the transmitter to encrypt the signal using a nonlinear keying modulation technique. A nonlinear keying demodulator is used in the receiver to decrypt the signal.
US08829983B1

An embodiment of an apparatus is disclosed. For this embodiment, an output driver and a bias voltage controller are included. The bias voltage controller is coupled to provide first and second bias voltages to the output driver. The bias voltage controller comprises a bias generator coupled to a first voltage supply, a second voltage supply, and a ground node. The bias generator has a first bias node for sourcing the first bias voltage. The first voltage supply is configured to provide a higher voltage level than the second voltage supply. A resistor-divider network is coupled to the first voltage supply and the ground node. A watch dog circuit is coupled to the resistor-divider network, bias generator, and the ground node. A comparison circuit is coupled to the bias generator and the second voltage supply. The comparison circuit has a second bias node for sourcing the second bias voltage.
US08829976B2

A switching-element drive circuit that is configured to be applied to a power converter includes: a switching element; and a control unit that controls an operation of the switching element. The control unit includes a drive-voltage control unit that is configured to be capable of changing a switching speed of the switching element based on a power supply current.
US08829974B2

A frequency mixer circuit includes a mixer, a load stage, and again stage. The load stage cooperates with the mixer to generate a differential output voltage signal with a mixed frequency according to a differential local oscillator voltage signal and a differential input voltage signal. The gain stage has a transconductance, and a magnitude of the differential current signal and the transconductance have a positive relationship therebetween, so as to result in a positive relationship between the transconductance and a conversion gain which is a ratio of magnitude of the differential output voltage signal to magnitude of the differential input voltage signal.
US08829963B1

In an embodiment of the invention, a flip-flop circuit contains a 2-input multiplexer, a master latch, a transfer gate and a slave latch. The scan enable control signals SE and SEN of the multiplexer determine whether data or scan data is input to the master latch. Clock signals CKT and CLKZ and retention control signals RET and RETN determine when the master latch is latched. The slave latch is configured to receive the output of the master latch, a second data bit D2, the clock signals CKT and CLKN, the retain control signals RET and RETN, the slave control signals SS and SSN. The signals CKT, CLKZ, RET, RETN, SS, SSN RE, and PREN determine whether the output of the master latch or the second data bit D2 is latched in the slave latch. Control signals RET and RETN determine when data is stored in the slave latch during retention mode.
US08829957B1

A clock signal from a first electronic subsystem is distributed to a second electronic subsystem. The second electronic subsystem is remote from the first electronic subsystem and coupled to the first electronic subsystem by a bidirectional signal path. A first clock signal is generated on the first electronic subsystem and a training signal is generated on the first electronic subsystem clocked by the first clock signal. The training signal is sent on the bidirectional signal path on a round trip to the second electronic subsystem and back to the first electronic subsystem. A phase of the training signal is adjusted symmetrically on the way to the second electronic subsystem in a first phase adjuster and on the way back to the first electronic subsystem in a second phase adjuster until the measured time for the round trip is equal to an even number of clock cycles.
US08829938B2

A measuring method and device for characterizing a semiconductor component (1) having a pn junction and a measuring surface, which has a contacting subarea, covered by a metallization. The method including: A. Planar application of electromagnetic excitation radiation onto the measuring area of the semiconductor component (1) for separating charge carrier pairs in the semiconductor component (1), and B. spatially resolved measurement of electromagnetic radiation originating from the semiconductor component (1) using a detection unit. In one step A, a predetermined excitation subarea of the measuring surface has a predetermined intensity of the excitation radiation and at least one sink subarea of the measuring surface has an intensity of the excitation radiation which is less than the intensity applied to the excitation subarea. The excitation and sink subareas are disposed on opposite sides of said contacting subarea and adjoin it and/or entirely or partially overlap it.
US08829934B2

An apparatus for interrogating an electronic circuit supported by a substrate includes a tester external to the substrate and comprising an tester transceiver. A testing circuit is supported by the substrate and connected to the electronic circuit. The testing circuit includes a processor and a testing circuit transceiver in communication with the tester transceiver for transmitting instructions from the tester to the processor and for transmitting results of an interrogation from the processor to the tester. The processor being programmed to process instructions from the tester to interrogate the electronic circuit with an interrogation corresponding to the instructions.
US08829931B2

A testing method is described of at least one device provided with an integrated testing circuit and in communication with at least one tester where messages/instructions/test signals/information are exclusively sent from the tester to the device. A testing architecture is also described for implementing this testing method.
US08829930B2

An apparatus and method of testing electrical impedance of a multiplicity of regions of a photovoltaic surface includes providing a multi-tipped impedance sensor with a multiplicity of spaced apart impedance probes separated by an insulating material, wherein each impedance probe includes a first end adapted for contact with a photovoltaic surface and a second end in operable communication with an impedance measuring device. The multi-tipped impedance sensor is used to contact the photovoltaic surface and electrical impedance of the photovoltaic material is measured between individual first ends of the probes to characterize the quality of the photovoltaic surface.
US08829921B2

An AC voltage detection circuit includes a conversion module, a comparison module, and a prompt module. The conversion module connects to an AC power source and converts the AC voltage provided by the AC power source to an AC current, and then converts the AC current to a direct current (DC) voltage reflecting the AC voltage. The comparison module is connected to the conversion module, and compares the DC voltage with a first predetermined voltage and a second lesser predetermined voltage, and produces a control signal when the DC voltage is greater than the first predetermined voltage or less than the second predetermined voltage. The prompt module produces a prompt signal when receiving the control signal.
US08829919B2

Method and system for monitoring the condition of the capacitor arrangement (14-16) of the DC-voltage intermediate circuit of a power electronics appliance, such as of a frequency converter, at the place of usage, in which method the discharge voltage over the capacitor arrangement as a function of time is measured, and in which method the intermediate circuit is pre-charged with a pre-determined DC voltage, the pre-charging is removed from the intermediate circuit, the voltage of the intermediate circuit is measured by sampling at regular intervals, the voltage drop as a function of time is determined on the basis of the measured voltage of the intermediate circuit, the capacitance or the relative change in it is determined on the basis of the voltage drop, the value of the determined capacitance or of the relative change in it is compared to a pre-determined limit value on the basis of the voltage drop, and the necessary condition monitoring procedure is performed when the value determined with the measurement reaches the pre-determined limit value or is close to it.
US08829917B1

A physical layer device configured to interface with a plurality of pairs of wires. The physical layer device includes a cable test module configured to transmit a pulse over the plurality of pairs of wires, measure a reflection of the pulse as received from the plurality of pairs of wires, and determine whether a short circuit exists in one of the plurality of pairs of wires based on the measure of the reflection of the pulse. An autonegotiation module is configured to perform autonegotiation to establish a link at a particular speed over the plurality of pairs of wires. The particular speed at which the link is established over the plurality of pairs of wires is based, at least in part, on whether a short circuit exists in one of the plurality of pairs of wires as determined by the cable test module.
US08829897B2

A paper position sensor for a ticket printer is disclosed. The ticket printer includes a blank ticket tray and a paper guide consisting of an upper and lower guide, which lower guide contains a position sensor wheel that rotates as a result of the frictional contact with the blank ticket, as the ticket passes over the sensor wheel on its way through the guides. The wheel contains an embedded magnetic element such that as the wheel turns, which magnetically provides rotational position information to an adjacently-mounted sensor chip, which is able to determine, magnetically, the position of the wheel. The sensor chip provides data to the printer control as to the position of the ticket through the printer, and thus the printer control is now able to determine the precise position of the ticket in the printer.
US08829891B2

A digital multimeter includes a single chip processor, a sound chip connected to the single chip processor, a signal amplifying circuit, a speaker connected to the signal amplifying circuit, and a power source for providing electrical energy for the digital multimeter. The single chip processor collects high and low level signals, and converts the signals into codes which the sound chip can recognize, and transmits the codes to the sound chip. The sound chip converts the codes into audio signals and transmits the audio signals to the signal amplifying circuit. The signal amplifying circuit amplifies the audio signals and outputs the amplified audio signals to the speaker. The amplified audio signals reports the measurement values of the digital multimeter.
US08829889B2

A laser protective wall element for a housing in laser machining stations with which increased protection, in particular for the eyes of living beings, can be achieved. In a laser protective wall element for a housing at laser machining stations, an intermediate layer is present which has hot conductor properties. The intermediate layer can be formed between electrically conductive plate-like elements, an electrically conductive plate-like element and an electrically conductive coating or also two electrically conductive layers or can be arranged there. The electrically conductive plate-like elements, the coating and/or the layers are connected to an electrical voltage source as well as a measuring instrument which detects electrical current, electrical resistance and/or electrical capacity and whose measured signal change can be used for the condition monitoring of the laser protective wall element.
US08829884B2

The present invention provides a current balancing circuit and method for balancing the respective currents in a plurality of parallel circuit branches in a target circuit. The current balancing circuit including: a plurality of balancing transistors, each having a collector, an emitter, and a base, the collector and emitter of each balancing transistor connected in series with a respective circuit branch; and a selection circuit for selectively connecting the circuit branch having the smallest current amongst the circuit branches to the bases of each balancing transistor.
US08829882B2

Current circuits, circuits configured to provide a bias voltage, and methods for providing a bias voltage are described, including a current circuit configured to receive a reference current and having an output at which an output current is provided. One such current circuit includes a first current mirror configured to receive a first portion of the reference current and further configured to mirror the first portion of the reference current to provide a first current. The current circuit further includes a second current mirror configured to receive a second portion of the reference current and receive the first current. The second current mirror is further configured to provide a portion of the first current to the output of the current circuit as the output current and to receive another portion of the first current and mirror the same as the second portion of the reference current.
US08829881B2

A reference current generation circuit is provided, in which a current generated according to a bandgap voltage is not directly used as a reference current, but the current generated according to the bandgap voltage is used to adjust an output reference current. In this way, the reference voltage is generated without using an external resistor, so as to effectively decrease the production cost.
US08829878B2

A switching regulator includes a first switching element connected between an input terminal and an output terminal; a second switching element connected between the output terminal and a ground; a switching-time control circuit to generate a first switching-time control signal indicating finish timing of an ON-period of the first switching element, based on a ratio of a length of the ON-period of the first switching element to a sum of lengths of ON-periods of the first and second switching elements; a comparator generate a second switching-time control signal indicating finish timing of the ON-period of the second switching element when a feedback voltage is smaller than a reference voltage; and a switching-element control circuit to control switching of the first and second switching elements so that the first and second switching elements are turned on complementarily based on the first and second switching-time control signals.
US08829874B2

The invention relates to an electronic device and a method for DC-DC-conversion. The electronic device includes energizing switch and a commutating switch coupled at a switching node. The switching node is configured to be coupled to an inductor. The electronic device is configured to repeatedly suspend the regular synchronous switching of the commutating switch during a load detection period, to sense the voltage at the output node during the load detection period and to determine a high-load condition or a light-load condition of the DC-DC-conversion based on the sensed voltage at the output node.
US08829870B2

A voltage conversion apparatus is disclosed in which a current passes through first and second loop circuits alternately in accordance with ON/OFF operation of a first switching element provided in the first circuit. The direction of a magnetic field through the first loop circuit formed at the ON operation is the same as a direction of a magnetic field through the second loop circuit formed at the OFF operation. The first loop circuit and the second loop circuit are provided on opposite sides of a printed circuit board, respectively, in such a manner that the first loop circuit and the second loop circuit are opposed to each other. A heat sink is provided on a surface of the printed circuit board. A solid pattern of a metal material is provided on an inner layer of the printed circuit board to be connected to the heat sink via a through hole.
US08829869B2

A welding or cutting system is provided using an interleaved buck-boost stage which dynamically controls power factor correction and operation of the interleaved buck-boost modules to optimize efficiency and operation of the welding system.
US08829858B2

Systems and methods are provided for initiating a charging system. The method, for example, may include, but is not limited to, providing, by the charging system, an incrementally increasing voltage to a battery up to a first predetermined threshold while the energy conversion module has a zero-percent duty cycle, providing, by the charging system, an incrementally increasing voltage to the battery from an initial voltage level of the battery up to a peak voltage of a voltage source while the energy conversion module has a zero-percent duty cycle, and providing, by the charging system, an incrementally increasing voltage to the battery by incrementally increasing the duty cycle of the energy conversion module.
US08829852B2

A method and device for charging a battery is provided. A charging device transmits a charging initiation request including the meter identifier and a charging identifier to a server, and receives a charging initiation response in response to the charging initiation request from the server. The charging device transmits a charging completion message indicating power consumed for the charging to the server upon completion of the charging, and receives charging information indicating billing information according to the charging of the battery from the server.
US08829838B2

The present invention provides a power converter which, while ensuring safety, implements control for the flow of a constant current in a specified switching element, more accurately determines the lifetime of a switching element, and reduces the number of temperature detectors. The power converter is provided with a mechanism which causes a brake device to operate or which confirms that a brake mechanism is operating. The power converter supplies current to the d-axis and the q-axis of a rotational coordinate system, within the range of the braking torque of the brake mechanism, and passes the desired current to the desired element. Furthermore, temperature detectors are attached only in chips in sections where a crack readily develops in the upper solder layer or peeling is readily generated in the wire bonding, and in chips where a crack readily develops in the lower solder layer.
US08829833B2

A motor control device has a motor driving circuit for driving a motor, a current detection circuit for detecting a motor current flowing through the motor driving circuit, and a controller for calculating a detected value of the motor current based on an output of the current detection circuit, comparing the detected value with a target value of the motor current, and generating a command value for allowing a motor current of the target value to flow through the motor based on a deviation therebetween, to output the command value to a motor driving circuit. The current detection circuit is configured of a first current detection circuit having a positive first gain and a second current detection circuit having a negative second gain obtained by inverting the first gain.
US08829831B2

A parameter estimating apparatus for permanent magnet synchronous motor driving system is disclosed, the apparatus estimating an inductance and a magnet flux linkage of a permanent magnet through a real-time magnetic flux estimation, whereby an operation performance of the PMSM can be enhanced.
US08829827B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, systems and apparatus for controlling operation of an electric machine in a vector controlled motor drive system when the electric machine operates in an overmodulation region. The disclosed embodiments can reduce variations/errors in the phase voltage command signals applied to the multi-phase machine so that phase current may be properly regulated thus reducing current/torque oscillation, which can in turn improve machine efficiency and performance, as well as utilization of the DC voltage source.
US08829822B2

A light source that generally includes multiple light emitting diode (LED) sources emitting light at different colors. A controller energizes the LED sources for establishing a changing pattern of the light colors to provide a decorative effect while simultaneously establishing white light illumination of a target area.
US08829814B2

A backlight module detecting abnormal lamp tubes and an LCD employing such a backlight module are proposed. The LCD includes a voltage calculator for detecting voltage applied on ends of a lamp tube to monitor the lamp tube. Once the lamp tube becomes abnormal, the voltage varies accordingly. The voltage calculator calculates a voltage signal from a plurality of lamp tubes and produces a voltage value. A protection circuit regards the voltage value as a feedback signal to decide if there are any abnormalities. Once any of the lamp tubes is abnormal, the protection circuit transmits the voltage signal to a pulse-width modulated integrated circuit (PWM IC) to activate a protective function. The protection circuit of the present invention obtains the protection signal by sampling the voltage signal of the ends of the lamp tube and then gets the control signal by means of the calculation of the voltage calculator. Thus, voltage level retrieved from the protection signal are less easily affected by dimming and temperature.
US08829809B2

An example control arrangement includes a power supply, a first load operative to receive power when coupled to the power supply, and a second load operative to receive power when coupled to the power supply. A receiver is programmable to couple the first load, the second load, or both to the power supply in response to a wireless signal. A switch includes a wireless transmitter portion powered by a self-energizing portion. A wireless transmitter portion communicates the wireless signal to the receiver in response to an actuation of the switch.
US08829806B2

A variable output module provides accurate full range dimming or adjustment of power output. The variable output module utilizes the characteristics of an AC or other periodic signal rather than its power output to accurately determine the level of dimming a user desires. In this manner, the variable output module provides accurate full range dimming without the need for calibration to specific AC signals. The variable output module can detect the period of an AC signal allowing the driver to be used with various frequencies without the need for calibration. In one or more embodiments, the driver compares the pulse widths of a dimmed AC signal to the period of the AC signal to determine the desired level of dimming.
US08829801B2

Disclosure has power controllers and control methods used therein. A disclosed power controller is adapted for a power converter to power at least one light emitting diode. The power converter includes a power switch with a control gate to make an inductive energized or de-energized. The power converter receives a dimming signal to substantially control the lighting of the light emitting diode. The power controller has a gate-driving circuit, for driving the control gate according to a pulse-width signal and the dimming signal. When the dimming signal is asserted the gate-driving circuit has a first driving force. When the dimming signal is deasserted the gate-driving circuit has a second driving force less than the first driving force.
US08829796B2

In a lighting control system according to an embodiment, a storing unit stores a correspondence relation in which at least one of a plurality of type 2 groups is associated with each of type 1 groups. Methods of distribution of K luminaires are different in the type 1 groups and the type 2 groups. The control unit controls a lighting state of the type 1 groups indicated by an input control signal and subjects a lighting state of the type 2 groups associated with the type 1 groups to be controlled in the correspondence relation to associated control.
US08829794B2

A vehicle lamp include san LED package as a light source. The LED package includes a first series element section having a plurality of LED elements connected in series with each other, a second series element section having at least one LED element, the number of which is smaller than the number of LED elements of the firs series element section, a first anode electrode provided on an anode side of the first series element section, a first cathode electrode provided on a cathode side of the first series element section, a second anode electrode provided on an anode side of the second series element section, and a second cathode electrode provided on a cathode side of the second series element section.
US08829790B2

An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display is disclosed. In one embodiment, the display includes 1) a display panel including i) a display area configured to display an image and ii) a pad area adjacent to the display area and configured not to display an image, 2) a bezel configured to receive the display panel and 3) a reinforcing member positioned between the pad area of the display panel and the bezel. According to at least one embodiment, the deformation of the portion corresponding to the pad area of the display panel among the bezel may be prevented during an external impact, and thereby the twisting strength and the bending strength may be improved.
US08829789B2

An electrode for use in an organic optoelectronic device is provided. The electrode includes a thin film of single-wall carbon nanotubes. The film may be deposited on a substrate of the device by using an elastomeric stamp. The film may be enhanced by spin-coating a smoothing layer on the film and/or doping the film to enhance conductivity. Electrodes according to the present invention may have conductivities, transparencies, and other features comparable to other materials typically used as electrodes in optoelectronic devices.
US08829786B2

In a display apparatus including an organic EL element utilizing the optical interference effect, and a lens, a light absorbing layer is disposed such that, of light radiated from the organic EL element into a protective layer, light radiated at a larger angle than an angle, at which a light intensity distribution of the light radiated into the protective layer with respect to a radiation angle of the light takes a local minimum value, is not output to the outside of the display apparatus through the lens.
US08829784B2

A surface light source device includes an organic electroluminescent element including a luminescent layer and a light-emitting surface structure layer disposed on one of the surfaces of the organic electroluminescent element. In the surface light source device, the light-emitting surface structure layer includes a concave-convex structure provided on a surface thereof on the side toward a device light-emitting surface, and the concave-convex structure includes a plurality of concave portions having oblique surfaces and flat portions disposed around the concave portions. The flat portions and/or the concave portions have a size difference in one or more of their width, height, depth, and spacing, the size difference being larger than the difference that causes interference of one or both of emitted light and reflected light.
US08829775B2

The present invention discloses a semiconductor-based planar micro-tube discharger structure and a method for fabricating the same. The method comprises steps: forming on a substrate two patterned electrodes separated by a gap and at least one separating block arranged in the gap; forming an insulating layer over the patterned electrodes and the separating block and filling the insulating layer into the gap. Thereby are formed at least two discharge paths. The method can fabricate a plurality discharge paths in a semiconductor structure. Therefore, the structure of the present invention has very high reliability and reusability.
US08829774B1

An illumination source includes a heat sink with an inner core region and an outer core region having structures to dissipate heat from the inner core region. An LED assembly is pressed into a thermally-conductive compound disposed between the LED assembly and the inner core region. A retaining clamp is used to mechanically press the LED assembly into the thermally-conductive compound.
US08829773B2

A lighting apparatus with light-emitting diode chips and a remote phosphor layer includes a plurality of LED chips, a cover, a heat sink, a first end cap, a second end cap, at least one PCB, and a LED driver. The plurality of LED chips is positioned on the at least one PCB and electronically connected with the LED driver. The LED driver is electrically connected with male contacts which traverse through the first end cap and the second end cap. The at least one PCB is enclosed with the cover, the heat sink, the first end cap, and the second end cap. The blue light and ultraviolet light from the plurality of LED chips coverts into white or yellow light from a phosphor layer of the cover, where the phosphor layer is remotely positioned from the plurality of LED chips.
US08829771B2

A lighting device includes a heat sink for dissipating heat from a light source. The heat sink is located between an inner case and an outer case, and a power controller is located in the inner case. The light source may include one or more light emitting diodes.
US08829770B2

The excitation source consists of at least three identical electrodes arranged symmetrically in relation to the axis of the central tube, which supplies an analytical sample, and electrode cooling agent supply and removal systems. The electrodes are mounted in an electrically isolated metal housing so that the electrode tops are placed at the central tube outlet, and their ends are shorted in the power supply point with the microwave connections embedded in the housing on the extension of the electrode longitudinal axis and the connections are coupled with the microwave power source, the length of each electrode is ¼ L, where L is the length of the microwave. Each electrode has a hollowed longitudinal flow chamber for the cooling agent connected with metal side tubes, which supply and remove the cooling agent, while outside tube ends are electrically shorted with the housing.
US08829769B1

A keybar or clamping bolt with a high-resistivity coating to protect an electric machine. The coating engages the laminations, flanges and frame rings and forms a part of electrical circuits through which harmful eddy currents circulate. One class of eddy currents, viz., core-fault currents, due to edge burrs or insulation defects, are forced to flow through this coating. The high resistance of the coating weakens the fault currents, preventing creation of hotspots that can cause core failure. Such coated keybar is in inexpensive alternative to traditional recoating and/or core-fault detection. Another class of eddy currents, viz., keybar currents, caused by over-fluxing, are also forced to flow through this coating. The high resistance of the coating weakens the keybar currents, so prevents core-end overheating. A coated keybar also allows the machine to operate at higher leading power factor. It also prevents core-decompression hence protects the machine against loose laminations.
US08829767B2

A generator includes a substrate, a first electrode layer, a dense plurality of vertically-aligned piezoelectric elongated nanostructures, an insulating layer and a second electrode layer. The substrate has a top surface and the first electrode layer is disposed on the top surface of the substrate. The dense plurality of vertically-aligned piezoelectric elongated nanostructures extends from the first electrode layer. Each of the nanostructures has a top end. The insulating layer is disposed on the top ends of the nanostructures. The second electrode layer is disposed on the non-conductive layer and is spaced apart from the nanostructures.
US08829766B2

An acoustic wave resonator device comprising a resonant layer that comprises a series of side-by-side areas of first and second dielectric materials. In one embodiment the first dielectric material is a piezoelectric, in particular the first dielectric material can be a piezoelectric and the second dielectric material can be non-piezoelectric. In another embodiment, the first dielectric material is a piezoelectric of first polarity and the second dielectric material is a piezoelectric of opposite polarity or different polarity. Where needed, the resonant layer is supported on a reflector composed of series of layers of high acoustic impedance material(s) alternating with layers of low acoustic impedance material(s). For example, the reflector comprises AlN, Al2O3, Ta2O5, HfO2 or W as high impedance material and SiO2 as low impedance material.
US08829759B2

A rotating electrical machine includes a rotor configured to rotate about an axis. The rotor includes a rotor lamination stack having a plurality of sheets pressed into a composite assembly in an axial direction and being radially divided into an inner mechanical part and an outer electrical part. A rotor winding is disposed in the electrical part of the rotor lamination stack. A stator is concentrically surrounding the rotor. A plurality of shear bolts is disposed in the mechanical part and configured to reach through the rotor lamination stack. A plurality of further bolts is disposed in the electrical part, the plurality of shear bolts and a plurality of further bolts being configured to press the plurality of sheets in the axial direction.
US08829757B2

A multipolar motor is simply wire-wound and an output thereof is capable of being switched. The motor includes at least 8 magnetic poles, an armature including at least 10 tooth sections; a commutator including at least 20 commutator segments, and brush-sets including 2 positive electrode brushes and 2 negative electrode brushes. A hook-holding section arranged to hook-hold conductor wires is installed on each of the commutator segments. Further, a group of coils is defined by using a single conductor wire that is wound onto each of the plurality of tooth sections and hooked onto the plurality of hook holding sections. This motor can switch the state in which the brush-set is energized.
US08829753B2

A motor includes: a rotor comprising: a rotary shaft; a magnetic body rotatable together with the rotary shaft; and first and second permanent magnets fixed on an outer circumference or an inner circumference of the magnetic body, and a stator comprising: an iron core arranged around the rotor; and a coil for exciting the iron core.
US08829751B2

An electric motor includes a motor casing formed with a shaft insertion hole and a motor output shaft extending in the shaft insertion hole and projecting to a speed reducing mechanism. An annular oil seal is disposed between the shaft insertion hole and the motor output shaft and the annular oil seal includes an annular seal retainer buried in the annular oil seal for reinforcement. A C-shaped stopper member extending circumferentially from a first end to a second end spaced from the first end, is held in a holding portion or a fitting groove of the shaft insertion hole, and arranged to prevent movement of the oil seal toward the speed reducing mechanism. The stopper member includes a plurality of beam segments confronting the seal retainer from an axial direction of the motor output shaft.
US08829749B2

A method for making a rotary electric machine comprises the steps of: preparing a core (18) having a plurality of pole expansions and a plurality of windings (100, 200, 300) made of electrically conductive material on the pole expansions, where at least a part of the windings (100, 200, 300) is made from a conductor wire having a free end (14) that can be connected electrically to a mains power supply; stably coupling to each other at least two free ends (14) of different windings (100, 200, 300) so as to connect them to a single power supply terminal; twisting the coupled ends (14) together to form a single electrical termination (5, 6, 7) twisted along a principal line of extension of the electrical termination (5, 6, 7).
US08829748B2

The present invention relates to a connection molding for automation of a three-phase motor winding, which specifically comprises: a fixed coil part fixed inside of a main body, a coil part installed within the fixed coil part, a central shaft fixed to the main body and passing through the coil part, and a connector part coupled to the top of the coil part so that the coil of the coil part is connected thereto and the central shaft passes and is coupled therethrough.
US08829745B2

A stator system for an electric machine, in particular a generator of a wind turbine is disclosed. The stator system includes a stator segment, a plate, supply system and a manifold segment. The stator segment includes a cooling channel which includes an opening at an axial front face of the stator segment. The plate is mounted to the axial front face for reinforcing the stator segment. The supply system is adapted for supplying cooling fluid to the cooling channel. The manifold segment is welded to the plate for forming a guide channel for the cooling fluid between the manifold segment and the plate. The plate includes a through-hole for generating a connection between the opening of the cooling channel and the guide channel. The supply system is connected to the guide channel.
US08829740B2

A sealed linear motor system is provided. The sealed linear motor system includes a sealed coil assembly having a plurality of coil windings within a base plate and comprising covers disposed about the base plate and coil windings to prevent moisture and/or chemical ingress into the base plate and the coil windings. The sealed linear motor system also includes a sealed magnet assembly disposed adjacent to the coil assembly and comprising a plurality of magnets mounted on a magnet mounting plate and a magnet housing disposed on a surface of the magnet mounting plate to cover and seal the plurality of magnets within the housing.
US08829725B2

Power is fed from a power feeding coil L2 to a power receiving coil L3 by magnetic resonance. A VCO 202 alternately turns ON/OFF switching transistors Q1 and Q2 at a drive frequency fo, whereby AC power is supplied to the power feeding coil L2, and then the AC power is supplied from the power feeding coil L2 to the power receiving coil L3. A phase detection circuit 114 detects a phase difference between current and voltage phases, and the VCO 202 adjusts the drive frequency fo such that the phase difference becomes zero. When load voltage is changed, the detected voltage phase value is adjusted with the result that the drive frequency fo is adjusted.
US08829718B2

A voltage drop of an output voltage of a DC-DC converter, caused by a wiring resistance, can properly be compensated at low cost. The DC-DC converter is connected to a low-voltage battery through an ignition switch and started up by the ignition switch. A transformation unit transforms a voltage inputted from a high-voltage battery and supplies the voltage to the low-voltage battery. A control circuit calculates a wiring resistance between the transformation unit and the low-voltage battery based on the voltage inputted from the low-voltage battery through the ignition switch in connecting the ignition switch and an output voltage and an output current of the transformation unit. The control circuit corrects a command value of the output voltage of the transformation unit based on the calculated wiring resistance to control the output voltage of the transformation unit. The invention can be applied to a DC-DC converter for electric-powered vehicle.
US08829707B2

A method for controlling an aircraft power system having a plurality of generators includes determining a load set for controlling aircraft power as a function of a number of generators providing power and as a function of a health status of a load to be included in said load set.
US08829697B2

An energy storage apparatus for storing energy transmitted by a power transmission line includes an elastically deformable component and an actuator-generator. The actuator-generator is coupled to the elastically deformable component such that electrical actuation of the actuator-generator generates tension in the elastically deformable component. The actuator-generator is further coupled to the elastically deformable component such that mechanical actuation of the actuator-generator via a release of tension in the elastically deformable component causes a generation of electrical energy by the actuator-generator.
US08829687B2

A semiconductor package is provided, which includes: a semiconductor substrate having opposite first and second surfaces; an adhesive layer formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate; at least a semiconductor chip disposed on the adhesive layer; an encapsulant formed on the adhesive layer for encapsulating the semiconductor chip; and a plurality of conductive posts penetrating the first and second surfaces of the semiconductor substrate and the adhesive layer and electrically connected to the semiconductor chip, thereby effectively reducing the fabrication cost, shortening the fabrication time and improving the product reliability.
US08829685B2

Provided are: a circuit device demonstrating an improved connection reliability while being mounted; and a method for manufacturing the same. The circuit device of the present invention includes: an island; leads arranged around the island, each lead having a lower surface and a side surface exposed to the outside; and a semiconductor element mounted on the island and electrically connected to the leads through thin metal wires. Furthermore, the exposed end portion of the lead is formed to spread toward the outside. By forming the lead in this manner, the area where the lead comes into contact with a brazing filler material is increased, thus improving the connection strength therebetween.
US08829675B2

A system for repairing pillar bumps includes a pillar bump repair device that is adapted to form a plurality of strain-relieving notches in a pillar bump that is positioned above a metallization system of a semiconductor chip. The system further includes a pillar bump support device that is adapted to substantially support the pillar bump while the pillar bump repair device is forming each of the plurality of strain-relieving notches.
US08829666B2

Semiconductor packages and methods of forming a semiconductor package are disclosed. The method includes providing at least one die having first and second surfaces. The second surface of the die includes a plurality of conductive pads. A support carrier is provided and the at least one die is attached to the support carrier. The first surface of the at least one die is facing the support carrier. A cap having first and second surfaces is formed to encapsulate the at least one die. The second surface of the cap is disposed at a different plane than the second surface of the die.
US08829664B2

A three-dimensional semiconductor device, comprising: a first module layer having a plurality of circuit blocks; and a second module layer positioned substantially above the first module layer, including a plurality of configuration circuits; and a third module layer positioned substantially above the second module layer, including a plurality of circuit blocks; wherein, the configuration circuits in the second module control a portion of the circuit blocks in the first and third module layers.
US08829660B2

A resin-sealed semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip including a silicon substrate; a die pad on which the semiconductor chip is secured via a solder layer; a sealing resin layer sealing the semiconductor chip; and lead terminals connected electrically with the semiconductor chip. One end portion of the lead terminals is covered by the sealing resin layer. The die pad and the lead terminals are formed of copper and a copper alloy, and the die pad is formed with a thickness larger than a thickness of the lead terminals, which is a thickness of 0.25 mm or more.
US08829657B2

A semiconductor substrate includes a substrate body divided into device regions and a peripheral region outside the device region, and having one surface, another surface substantially facing away from the one surface, trenches defined in the device regions under the one surface and inner surfaces which are formed due to defining of the trenches; active regions formed in the trenches; and a gettering layer formed between the inner surfaces of the substrate body and the active regions.
US08829648B2

A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor element, a capacitor, and a package substrate. The capacitor supplies transient current to the semiconductor element. The semiconductor element and the capacitor are mounted on the package substrate. The semiconductor element includes an integrated circuit, a first connecting part, and a second connecting part. The capacitor includes a third connecting part and a fourth connecting part. The package substrate includes a first metallic layer, a second metallic layer, and a dielectric layer. The first metallic layer includes a first conductive region, a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a fourth conductive region. The first conductive region is connected via a fifth connecting part to the second metallic layer. The third conductive region is connected via a sixth connecting part to the second metallic layer. The second and fourth conductive regions are connected to each other inside the first metallic layer.
US08829641B2

In one general aspect, a method of forming a field effect transistor can include forming a well region in a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type where the well region is of a second conductivity type and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The method can include forming a gate trench extending into the semiconductor region to a depth below a depth of the lower surface of the well region, and forming a stripe trench extending through the well region and into the semiconductor region to a depth below the depth of the gate trench. The method can also include forming a contiguous source region of the first conductivity type in the well region where the source region being in contact with the gate trench and in contact with the stripe trench.
US08829632B2

A semiconductor package includes a wiring board, an electronic component mounted on the wiring board, and an enclosing frame arranged on an upper surface of the electronic component. The enclosing frame includes a basal portion, which has the form of a closed frame and extends along the upper surface of the electronic component, and an adhesion portion, which is wider than the basal portion and is arranged on the upper surface of the basal portion. A cap is adhered to an upper surface of the adhesion portion. A molding resin contacts a lower surface of the adhesion portion and seals the electronic component and the wiring board that are exposed from the enclosing frame.
US08829631B2

There is disclosed a memory element including a memory layer that has a magnetization perpendicular to a film face and a magnetization direction thereof varies corresponding to information; a magnetization-fixed layer that has a magnetization that is perpendicular to the film face and becomes a reference for the information stored in the memory layer; and an insulating layer that is provided between the memory layer and the magnetization-fixed layer and is formed of a non-magnetic layer, wherein an electron that is spin-polarized is injected in a lamination direction of a layered structure having the memory layer, the insulating layer, and the magnetization-fixed layer, and thereby the magnetization direction varies and a recording of information is performed with respect to the memory layer, and a magnitude of an effective diamagnetic field which the memory layer receives is smaller than a saturated magnetization amount of the memory layer.
US08829630B2

[Subject] To provide a pressure sensor capable of implementing cost reduction and miniaturization.[Solving Means] A pressure sensor 1 includes a silicon substrate 2 provided therein with a reference pressure chamber 8, a diaphragm 10, consisting of part of the silicon substrate 2, formed on a surface layer portion of the silicon substrate 2 to partition a reference pressure chamber 8, and an etching stop layer 9 formed on a lower surface of the diaphragm 10 facing the reference pressure chamber 8. A through-hole 11 communicating with the reference pressure chamber 8 is formed on the diaphragm 10, and a filler 13 is arranged in the through-hole 11.
US08829628B2

A MEMS package structure, including a substrate, an interconnecting structure, an upper metallic layer, a deposition element and a packaging element is provided. The interconnecting structure is disposed on the substrate. The MEMS structure is disposed on the substrate and within a first cavity. The upper metallic layer is disposed above the MEMS structure and the interconnecting structure, so as to form a second cavity located between the upper metallic layer and the interconnecting structure and communicates with the first cavity. The upper metallic layer has at least a first opening located above the interconnecting structure and at least a second opening located above the MEMS structure. Area of the first opening is greater than that of the second opening. The deposition element is disposed above the upper metallic layer to seal the second opening. The packaging element is disposed above the upper metallic layer to seal the first opening.
US08829613B1

A semiconductor device is formed with a stepped field plate over at least three sequential regions in which a total dielectric thickness under the stepped field plate is at least 10 percent thicker in each region compared to the preceding region. The total dielectric thickness in each region is uniform. The stepped field plate is formed over at least two dielectric layers, of which at least all but one dielectric layer is patterned so that at least a portion of a patterned dielectric layer is removed in one or more regions of the stepped field plate.
US08829608B2

According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type, a third semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type, a fourth semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type, a fifth semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type, a control electrode, a first main electrode, a second main electrode, and a sixth semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type. The second semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer are alternately provided on the first semiconductor layer in a direction substantially parallel to a major surface of the first semiconductor layer. The fourth semiconductor layer is provided on the second semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer. The fifth semiconductor layer is selectively provided on a surface of the fourth semiconductor layer. The control electrode is provided in a trench via an insulating film. The trench penetrates through the fourth semiconductor layer from a surface of the fifth semiconductor layer and is in contact with the second semiconductor layer. The first main electrode is connected to the first semiconductor layer. The second main electrode is connected to the fourth semiconductor layer and the fifth semiconductor layer. The sixth semiconductor layer is provided between the fourth semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. An impurity concentration of the sixth semiconductor layer is higher than an impurity concentration of the second semiconductor layer.
US08829605B2

A MOSFET includes: a substrate made of silicon carbide and having a first trench and a second trench formed therein, the first trench having an opening at the main surface side, the second trench having an opening at the main surface side and being shallower than the first trench; a gate insulating film; a gate electrode; and a source electrode disposed on and in contact with a wall surface of the second trench. The substrate includes a source region, a body region, and a drift region. The first trench is formed to extend through the source region and the body region and reach the drift region. The second trench is formed to extend through the source region and reach the body region.
US08829602B2

The invention includes a semiconductor structure having a gateline lattice surrounding vertical source/drain regions. In some aspects, the source/drain regions can be provided in pairs, with one of the source/drain regions of each pair extending to a digit line and the other extending to a memory storage device, such as a capacitor. The source/drain regions extending to the digit line can have the same composition as the source/drain regions extending to the memory storage devices, or can have different compositions from the source/drain regions extending to the memory storage devices. The invention also includes methods of forming semiconductor structures. In exemplary methods, a lattice comprising a first material is provided to surround repeating regions of a second material. At least some of the first material is then replaced with a gateline structure, and at least some of the second material is replaced with vertical source/drain regions.
US08829600B2

Provided is a power semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate, in which a current flows in a thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes a resistance control structure configured so that a resistance to the current becomes higher in a central portion of the semiconductor substrate than a peripheral portion of the semiconductor substrate.
US08829596B2

The nonvolatile memory device includes a semiconductor layer including trenches formed in a first direction, isolation layers filling the trenches, and active regions divided by the isolation layer, first insulating patterns formed on the semiconductor substrate in a second direction crossing the first direction, charge storage layer patterns formed over the respective active regions between the first insulating patterns, and second insulating patterns formed on the isolation layers between the charge storage layer patterns.
US08829585B2

In a vertical dynamic memory cell, monocrystalline semiconductor material of improved quality is provided for the channel of an access transistor by lateral epitaxial growth over an insulator material (which complements the capacitor dielectric in completely surrounding the storage node except at a contact connection structure, preferably of metal, from the access transistor to the storage node electrode) and etching away a region of the lateral epitaxial growth including a location where crystal lattice dislocations are most likely to occur; both of which features serve to reduce or avoid leakage of charge from the storage node. An isolation structure can be provided in the etched region such that space is provided for connections to various portions of a memory cell array.
US08829582B2

A semiconductor device includes MOS transistors, capacitor elements, a voltage generating circuit, a contact plug, and a memory cell. The MOS transistor and the capacitor element are formed on a first one of the element regions and a second one of the element regions, respectively. In the voltage generating circuit, current paths of the MOS transistors are series-connected and the capacitor elements are connected to the source or drain of the MOS transistors. The contact plug is formed on the source or the drain to connect the MOS transistors or one of the MOS transistors and one of the capacitor elements. A distance between the gate and the contact plug both for a first one of the MOS transistors located in the final stage in the series connection is larger than that for a second one of the MOS transistors located in the initial stage in the series connection.
US08829580B2

According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive memory includes first and second contact plugs in a first interlayer insulating film, a lower electrode on the first interlayer insulating film, a magnetoresistive effect element on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode on the magnetoresistive effect element. The lower electrode has a tapered cross-sectional shape in which a dimension of a bottom surface of the lower electrode is longer than a dimension of an upper surface of the lower electrode, one end of the lower electrode is in contact with an upper surface of the first contact plug. The magnetoresistive effect element is provided at a position shifted from a position immediately above the first contact plug in a direction parallel to a surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US08829573B2

A semiconductor device with minimized current flow differences and method of fabricating same are disclosed. The method includes forming a semiconductor stack including a plurality of layers that include a first layer having a first conductivity type and a second layer having a first conductivity type, in which the second layer is on top of the first layer, forming a plurality of mesas in the semiconductor layer stack, and forming a plurality of gates in the semiconductor layer stack having a second conductivity type and situated partially at a periphery of the mesas, in which the plurality of gates are formed to minimize current flow differences between a current flowing from the first layer to the plurality of mesas at a first applied gate bias and a current flowing from the first layer to the plurality of mesas at a second applied gate bias when voltage is applied to the semiconductor device.
US08829569B2

A semiconductor apparatus includes a first semiconductor layer formed on a substrate, a second semiconductor layer formed on the first semiconductor layer, a gate recess formed by removing at least a portion of the second semiconductor layer, an insulation film formed on the gate recess and the second semiconductor layer, a gate electrode formed on the gate recess via the insulation film, source and drain electrodes formed on one of the first and the second semiconductor layers, and a fluorine containing region formed in at least one of a part of the first semiconductor layer corresponding to a region in which the gate recess is formed and a part of the second semiconductor layer corresponding to the region in which the gate recess is formed.
US08829564B2

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a MOS transistor. The semiconductor substrate has the first main surface and the second main surface facing each other. The MOS transistor includes a gate electrode (5a) formed on the first main surface side, an emitter electrode (11) formed on the first main surface side, and a collector electrode (12) formed in contact with the second main surface. An element generates an electric field in a channel by a voltage applied to the gate electrode (5a), and controls the current between the emitter electrode (11) and the collector electrode (12) by the electric field in the channel. The spike density in the interface between the semiconductor substrate and the collector electrode (12) is not less than 0 and not more than 3×108 unit/cm2. Consequently, a semiconductor device suitable for parallel operation is provided.
US08829556B2

A large area, flexible, OLED assembly has improved thermal management by providing a metal cathode of increased thickness of at least 500 nm. A thermal heat sink trace may be used as alternative or in conjunction with the increased thickness cathode where the trace leads from a central region of the OLED toward a perimeter region, or by other backsheet thermal management designs. External heat sinking, for example to a plate, fixture, etc. may be additionally used or in conjunction with the increased thickness cathode and/or backsheet design to provide further thermal management.
US08829555B2

A semiconductor light emission element (1) includes: a substrate (110); multi-layered semiconductor layers (100) including a light emission layer (150) and layered on the substrate (110); a transparent electrode (170) including an indium oxide and layered on the multi-layered semiconductor layers (100); a first junction layer (190) including tantalum as a valve action metal and layered on the transparent electrode (170) in such a manner that a side of the first junction layer (190) being in contact with the transparent electrode (170) is a tantalum nitride layer or a tantalum oxide layer; and a first bonding pad electrode (200) layered on the first junction layer (190) and used for electrical connection with outside. This improves a bonding property of the transparent electrode or the semiconductor layer with the connection electrode and reliability of the electrodes.
US08829545B2

A group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device comprises an n-type gallium nitride-based semiconductor layer, a first p-type AlXGa1-XN (0≦X<1) layer, an active layer including an InGaN layer, a second p-type AlYGa1-YN (0≦Y≦X<1) layer, a third p-type AlZGa1-XN layer (0≦Z≦Y≦X<1), and a p-electrode in contact with the third p-type AlZGa1-ZN layer. The active layer is provided between the n-type gallium nitride-based semiconductor layer and the first p-type AlXGa1-XN layer. The second p-type AlYGa1-YN (0≦Y≦X<1) layer is provided on the first p-type AlXGa1-XN layer. The p-type dopant concentration of the second p-type AlYGa1-YN layer is greater than the p-type dopant concentration of the first p-type AlXGa1-XN layer. The third p-type AlZGa1-ZN layer (0≦Z≦Y≦X<1) is provided on the second p-type AlYGa1-YN layer. The p-type dopant concentration of the second p-type AlYGa1-YN layer is greater than a p-type dopant concentration of the third p-type AlZGa1-ZN layer.
US08829542B2

An organic light emitting diode device including an anode, a cathode facing the anode, and a light emitting member between the anode and cathode, wherein the light emitting member includes at least two light emitting units displaying the same or different color as one another, and a charge-generation layer between the at least two light emitting units, the charge-generation layer including a first charge-generation layer and a second charge-generation layer that each include an undoped material, and wherein the first charge-generation layer has an ionization energy that is about the same as or less than an electron affinity of the second charge-generation layer.
US08829537B2

Disclosed is an integrated apparatus including an isolative substrate, a plurality of driver chips provided on a side of the isolative substrate, a power supply provided on the side of the isolative substrate and electrically connected to the driver chips, and LED chips provided on another side of the isolative substrate and electrically connected to the driver chips. Thus, the driver chips, the power supply and the LED chips are integrated on the isolative substrate. The production is easy. The integrated apparatus is not vulnerable to surges and lightning strikes. Electromagnetic interferences are reduced. Heat radiation of the integrated apparatus is excellent so that the LED chips are protected from thermal effect.
US08829535B2

A silicon carbide semiconductor device includes an insulation film, and a silicon carbide layer having a surface covered with the insulation film. The surface includes a first region. The first region has a first plane orientation at least partially. The first plane orientation is any of a (0-33-8) plane, (30-3-8) plane, (-330-8) plane, (03-3-8) plane, (-303-8) plane, and (3-30-8) plane.
US08829534B2

Provided is a power semiconductor device including: a power semiconductor element; a metal block as a first metal block that is connected to the power semiconductor element through an upper surface electrode pattern as a first upper surface electrode pattern selectively formed on an upper surface of the power semiconductor element; and a mold resin filled so as to cover the power semiconductor element and the metal block, wherein an upper surface of the metal block is exposed from a surface of the mold resin.
US08829533B2

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device (1) in silicon carbide, with a highly doped substrate region (11) and a drift region (12). The present invention specifically teaches that an additional layer (13) is positioned between the highly doped substrate region (11) and the drift region (12), the additional layer (13) thus providing a wide safe operating area at subsequently high voltages and current densities.
US08829532B2

Semiconductor layer structure and a method for producing a structure are provided, including a substrate made of semiconductor material, on which a layer made of a second semiconductor material is situated, furthermore a region (3) enriched with impurity atoms, which region is situated either in layer (2) or at a specific depth below the interface between layer (2) and substrate (1), additionally a layer (4) within the region (3) enriched with impurity atoms, which layer comprises cavities produced by ion implantation, furthermore at least one epitaxial layer (6) applied to layer (2) and also a defect region (5) comprising dislocations and stacking faults within the layer (4) comprising cavities, the at least one epitaxial layer (6) being largely crack-free, and a residual strain of the at least one epitaxial layer (6) being less than or equal to 1 GPa.
US08829530B2

A crystal producing apparatus includes a crystal forming unit and a crystal growing unit. The crystal forming unit forms a first gallium nitride (GaN) crystal by supplying nitride gas into melt mixture containing metal sodium (Na) and metal gallium (Ga). The first GaN crystal is sliced and polished to form GaN wafers. The crystal growing unit grows a second GaN crystal on a substrate formed by using a GaN wafer, by the hydride vapor phase epitaxy method, thus producing a bulked GaN crystal.
US08829528B2

A step for forming an island-shaped semiconductor layer of a semiconductor device used in a display device is omitted in order to manufacture the semiconductor device with high productivity and low cost. The semiconductor device is manufactured through four photolithography processes: four steps for forming a gate electrode, for forming a source electrode and a drain electrode, for forming a contact hole, and for forming a pixel electrode. In the step for forming the contact hole, a groove portion in which a semiconductor layer is removed is formed, whereby formation of a parasitic transistor is prevented. An oxide semiconductor is used as a material of the semiconductor layer in which a channel is formed, and an oxide semiconductor having a higher insulating property than the semiconductor layer is provided over the semiconductor layer.
US08829506B2

An optoelectronic device including a first electrode arranged on a substrate, a second electrode that includes a first surface facing the first electrode, and a semiconductor material layer that is in electric contact with the first and second electrodes. The second electrode includes a side wall that is adjacent to the first surface and is covered with the semiconductor material layer by the insertion of a self-assembled monolayer.
US08829505B2

The present invention is provided an organic light emitting diode structure and display device therefor, wherein an organic light emitting diode comprises a transparent substrate; and multi-rowed and multi-columned light emitting pixel units formed on the transparent substrate, which comprising a plurality of light emitting pixels. The organic light emitting diode also comprises ultraviolet light emitting pixels for emitting ultraviolet light. The present invention is caused the OLED display device to carry out colorful display and also can use to be ultraviolet light.
US08829502B2

A condensed polycyclic compound which emits green light and which has a high chemical stability and an organic light emitting element including the same are provided. A condensed polycyclic compound represented by the general formula [1] or [2] described in claim 1 is provided. In the formula [1] and [2], R1 to R10 are independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms.
US08829501B2

The invention relates to an organic light emitting device having an electrode, a counter electrode, at least one light emitting region that includes a stack of organic layers between the electrode and the counter electrode, which stack of organic layers is provided between a metal substrate and a transparent encapsulation, a current supply layer, electrically connected to the electrode or the counter-electrode, the current supply layer being partially provided overlapping an electric insulating layer provided in direct contact with the metal substrate, and at least one electrical feedthrough through the metal substrate and through the electric insulating layer, which electrical feedthrough provides an electrical connection to the current supply layer and is electrically isolated from the metal substrate.
US08829499B2

A semiconductor element including an organic semiconductor layer and a layer disposed on the upper surface of the organic semiconductor layer, wherein the outline of the layer is inside the outline of the organic semiconductor layer.
US08829486B2

A light-emitting device comprises a substrate, and a light-emitting structure formed on the substrate. The light-emitting structure comprises a first active layer emitting the light with a first wavelength, and a second active layer emitting the light with a second wavelength. The light-emitting structure is formed by the first active layer and the second active layer stacked alternately.
US08829478B2

An EUV light source is disclosed herein which may comprise a droplet generator producing a stream of target material droplets, a first optical gain medium amplifying light on a first beam path without a seed laser providing a seed laser output to the first beam path, a second optical gain medium amplifying light on a second beam path without a seed laser providing a seed laser output to the second beam path, and a beam combiner combining light from the first beam path and the second beam path for interaction with a target material droplet to produce EUV light emitting plasma.
US08829471B1

Techniques for spatial spectral holography include a doped crystal comprising Thulium doped into a host crystal of Yttrium Lutetium Aluminum Garnet wherein a concentration of Thulium atoms is less than 3 atomic percent. Techniques further include an apparatus with a source for optical electromagnetic radiation and a cryocooler configured to maintain an operating temperature in a range from about 3 Kelvin to about 6 Kelvin. The cryocooler includes a first optical window. The apparatus also includes a doped crystal comprising Thulium doped into a host crystal of Yttrium Lutetium Aluminum Garnet disposed inside the cryocooler in a position to be illuminated by incident optical electromagnetic radiation derived from the source. The apparatus also includes a detector configured to detect optical electromagnetic radiation emitted from the doped crystal. Techniques include a method for using at least one of the above doped crystals.
US08829467B2

An IMS or other analytical instrument has a corona discharge needle (20) to ionize sample gases or vapours. A gate (3) is opened or closed to admit or prevent entry of the ions produced by the corona discharge to a drift chamber (4). The operation of the corona discharge needle (20) and the gate (3) are controlled such that the gate is open during at least two discharges, to admit faster ions produced by the most recent discharge together with slower ions produced by an earlier discharge.
US08829466B2

A scanning power source that outputs the excitation current for a scanning electromagnet and an irradiation control apparatus that controls the scanning power source; the irradiation control apparatus is provided with a scanning electromagnet command value learning generator that evaluates the result of a run-through, which is a series of irradiation operations through a command value for the excitation current outputted from the scanning power source, that updates the command value for the excitation current, when the result of the evaluation does not satisfy a predetermined condition, so as to perform the run-through, and that outputs to the scanning power source the command value for the excitation current such that its evaluation result has satisfied the predetermined condition.
US08829458B2

In a weathering chamber, a UV radiation device is arranged and at least one sample can be arranged in a sample plane spaced apart from the UV radiation device. The UV radiation device has a plurality of UV light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) containing two or more classes of UV LEDs having different emission bands. The emission bands are chosen in such a way that a spectral distribution with which a specific spectral UV characteristic is approximated can be obtained in the sample plane.
US08829452B1

An avalanche photodiode (APD) electro-magnetic radiation (EMR) detector for visible to near infrared wavelengths is described. The detector includes an EMR absorption region, a voltage biasing element, and a charge multiplication region. The EMR absorption region includes a substantially regular array of silver or aluminum nanoparticles embedded in a matrix material. The voltage biasing element is configured to apply a bias voltage to the matrix material such that electrical current is directly generated in the EMR absorption region based on a cooperative plasmon effect in the detector material when electro-magnetic radiation in the visible to near infrared wavelength range is incident upon the detector material, where the dominant mechanism for decay in the cooperative plasmon effect is non-radiative. The charge multiplication region is arranged relative to the EMR absorption region to avalanche multiply the electrical current generated in the EMR absorption region.
US08829446B2

Among other things, one or more tiles for an indirect-conversation radiation detector array are provided herein. Respective tiles comprise a detector sub-assembly and an electronic sub-assembly, which are operably coupled together, yet selectively removable, via a connection interface. When an electronic sub-assembly portion of a tile, which comprises a signal acquisition system (e.g., an integrated circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), functions improperly, the electronic sub-assembly portion of the tile may be selectively removed for repair/replacement without removing and/or replacing the detector sub-assembly (e.g., which may be much more costly to replace). Similarly, when the detector sub-assembly portion of a tile functions improperly, the detector sub-assembly portion of the tile may be selectively removed for repair/replacement without removing and/or replacing the electronic sub-assembly portion of the tile (e.g., although some manipulation of the properly functioning sub-assembly may occur).
US08829439B2

A method and system for detecting targets comprising at least one first receiver for receiving radiation, the radiation comprises beams of radiation spaced horizontally; at least one second receiver for receiving radiation, the radiation comprises beams of radiation spaced horizontally and vertically such that the beams of radiation received by the second receiver travel through different predetermined heights from the horizontal plane; at least one processor for receiving data from the first and second receivers, the at least one receiver operating to locate a target passing in the vicinity of the first and second receivers and determine the height of the target based upon the recordation of certain of the beams at a predetermined heights relative to the horizontal plane and the width of a target based upon the horizontal spacing of the beams.
US08829437B2

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for determining an unknown degree of amorphicity in a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. A specimen can be prepared from the alloy, irradiated with passive radiation, imaged to provide a thermal image, and the image analyzed to assess the differences in emissivities in the image. The degree of amorphicity can be determined based on the differences in thermal emissivities.
US08829436B2

A method of fabricating a phase plate, for use in a transmission electron microscope, with simple process steps is offered. The method includes a step (S100) of forming a first layer on a substrate, a step (S102) of patterning the first layer to form through-holes extending through the first layer, a step (S104) of etching the surface of the substrate opposite to the surface on which the first layer is formed to form an opening which is in communication with the through-holes and which exposes the first layer, and a step (S106) of forming a second layer on the first layer.
US08829434B2

A mass spectrometer is provided including: a collision chamber of generating fragment ions by superimposingly applying an AC voltage and a first DC voltage between linear multipolar electrodes, and accelerating the fragment ions by applying a second DC voltage between a front stage electrode and a later stage electrode; a mass spectrometer unit of carrying out mass separation of the fragment ions; and a control unit of determining the second DC voltage based on the mass-to-charge ratios such that the rates of the fragment ions in the collision chamber become equal regardless of the mass-to-charge ratios. Herein, the control unit increases the second DC voltage as the mass-to-charge ratios selected by the mass spectrometer unit become larger. This allows the mass window to be wider even when a DC electric field is generated in order to solve a crosstalk drawback, in the movement direction of the molecular ions.
US08829431B2

A coupled nanomanipulation and nanospray mass spectrometry (NMS) system for single cell, single organelle, and ultra-trace molecular analysis is disclosed herein. The system primarily comprises a bio-workstation coupled to a NMS. The bio-workstation primarily comprises of a nanomanipulator stage with a plurality of nano-positioners attached to a cabinet with a piezo voltage source and a pressure injector. The present invention further describes a fingerprint lift method that when coupled with the system disclosed herein can be used for retrieval and analysis of trace amounts of drug and explosive residues. The system described herein has been used in the areas of trace and document analysis within the forensic field, trace fiber analysis, and electrostatic lifts for illicit drugs, as well as document and painting analysis.
US08829425B1

A portable or handheld mass spectrometer making use of a cryogenic pumping, ion pumping or getter pumping system. The portable mass spectrometer contains a cryopump, ion pump, or getter pump, and operates in conjunction with a fixed docking station. The docking station contains a backing pump to bring the mass spectrometer manifold down to operating pressure prior to being placed into portable operation using the cryopump, ion pump, or getter pump. The individual pumps may be operated either separately or simultaneously. This configuration permits the portable mass spectrometer module to be small, lightweight and rugged, and yet be easily and quickly recharged and regenerated for use in either a field or laboratory environment.
US08829423B2

System and methods for a vacuum cell apparatus for an atomic sensor are provided. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cell wall encircling an enclosed volume, the cell wall having a first open end and a second open end opposite from the first open end and a first panel over the first open end of the cell wall and having a first surface, the first surface facing the enclosed volume and having a first set of diffractive optics therein. Further, the apparatus comprises a second panel over the second open end of the cell wall and having a second surface, the second surface facing the enclosed volume and having a second set of diffractive optics therein; wherein the first set of diffractive optics and the second of diffractive optics are configured to reflect at least one optical beam within the enclosed volume along a predetermined optical path.
US08829420B2

An encoder system and method are provided, that is designed to improve 2D encoder systems and methods in areas such as accuracy, compactness, stability, resolution, and/or light efficiency. Moreover, the system and method of this invention provides a new concept in a retroreflector that while particularly useful in applicants' system and method, is believed to have more general utility in optical imaging systems and methods.
US08829416B2

The invention relates to a passive mechanical athermalization device, comprising: a barrel (1) that is made of a first material having a first thermal expansion coefficient (11) and that has a longitudinal axis (AA), said barrel comprising at least one first portion (11) and at least one second portion (12), the device being characterized in that it comprises: at least three beams (7) made of the first material, each of the beams (7) circumferentially connecting the first portion (11) and the second portion (12) relative to the longitudinal axis (AA); at least three bars (8) made of a second material having a second thermal expansion coefficient (12) that is different from the first thermal expansion coefficient, circumferentially distributed around the barrel (1) relative to the longitudinal axis (AA), each bar (8) axially connecting the first portion (11) and the second portion (12) relative to the longitudinal axis (AA) such that the thermal expansion of the barrel (1) results in a deformation of the beams (7) and of the bars (8) along the longitudinal axis (AA). The invention also relates to an optical system comprising such a passive athermalization device.
US08829406B2

Optical apparatus includes a device package, with a radiation source contained in the package and configured to emit a beam of coherent radiation. A diffractive optical element (DOE) is mounted in the package so as to receive and diffract the radiation from the radiation source into a predefined pattern comprising multiple diffraction orders. An optical detector is positioned in the package so as to receive and sense an intensity of a selected diffraction order of the DOE.
US08829404B1

Embodiments of a multi-mode seeker are provided for use in conjunction with a predetermined laser designator. In one embodiment, the multi-mode seeker includes a focal plane array and a bi-modal processing system. The focal plane array includes a detector array and a Read-Out Integrated Circuit (ROIC) operatively coupled to the detector array. The bi-modal processing system is operatively coupled to ROIC and is switchable between: (i) an imaging mode wherein the bi-modal processing system generates video data as a function of signals received from ROIC indicative of irradiance across the detector array, and (ii) a semi-active laser guidance mode wherein the bi-modal processing system generates line-of-sight data as a function of signals received from ROIC indicative of laser pulses detected by the detector array and qualified as corresponding to the predetermined laser designator.
US08829402B2

The present invention relates to an autofocus aperture stop (5, 6) in a triangulating autofocusing device (21) for a microscope (40), wherein the autofocus aperture stop (5, 6) comprises at least one diaphragm opening (3, 4) with which a measuring beam pencil (34) used for the autofocusing and running in the direction of the optical axis (18) of the autofocusing device (21) can be limited in its cross section, wherein the diaphragm opening (3, 4) of the autofocus aperture stop (5, 6) is arranged in a decentred position at a spacing from the optical axis (18) of the autofocusing device (21), wherein a decentred autofocus measuring beam (36) can be generated by the diaphragm opening (3, 4) in one half of the cross section (17) of the measuring beam pencil (34).
US08829398B2

In a coffee maker (1) having a boiler (6) and heating means (62) for heating a content of the boiler (6), safety measures are taken to prevent breakdown of the coffee maker (1) in the case in which the heating means (62) are activated while the boiler (6) is empty. The coffee maker (1) comprises a controller (10) having a memory (15) in which a flag indicating a filled state of the boiler (6) can be raised, which controller (10) is programmed to activate the heating means (62) to supply reduced heating power if the memory (15) does not contain the flag. A situation in which the boiler (6) gets overheated, even if the heating means (62) are shut off after having been operated, is prevented thereby.
US08829389B2

A method of manufacturing a helical bar concave from a flat, rolled laser cut arrangement that provides a net helical concave functionality. Laser cutting a flat metal sheet to form helical cutouts defining a percent open area having a helical geometry in combination with configurable rub bars mounted in a helical fashion results in a configurable helical bar concave in which the number or aggressiveness of the threshing surface on the inside radius of the grate may be changed and/or the rub bars may be moved to the outside of the grate to change the percent open area and hence the separation characteristics of the concave.
US08829385B2

A nozzle, retaining cap, or shield for a plasma arc torch that includes a surface defining a conductive contact portion for exchanging heat with an adjacent torch component. The adjacent torch component can be a retaining cap, electrode or nozzle. The surface of the nozzle, retaining cap, or shield can also at least partially define a cooling channel having a curvilinear surface. A sealant portion can be positioned between the conductive contact portion and the cooling channel. The sealant portion can form or create a fluid barrier between the cooling channel and the conductive portion.
US08829380B2

The disclosure relates to an arc chute for a medium voltage circuit breaker having a housing, at least one stack of a plurality of substantially parallel metal plates arranged in the housing, the at least one stack defining a first axis in parallel to a stacking direction; an arc space arranged in the housing, wherein the arc space is adapted to allow an arc to expand therein; and at least one arc quenching plate disposed in the housing, wherein the arc guiding plate has at least one surface which has a surface plane extending in parallel to the first axis. Further, the present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker having a switching unit with a first switch contact and a second switch contact, movable between a first position, wherein the first switch contact contacts the second switch contact, and a second position, wherein the first switch contact is separated from the second switch contact, and an arc chute. Additionally, the disclosure relates to a polymer plate selected of a group containing a flame retardant polymer, a flame retardant polymer having a flame retardant filler, and a polymer having a flame retardant filler as an arc quenching plate.
US08829372B1

An air break electrical switch includes a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal supported apart from the first electrical terminal. The switch further includes a blade support configured to be electrically insulatively supported apart from the second electrical terminal. A blade is pivotally supported by the blade support, and the blade is pivotable from an open contact position to a closed contact position and vice versa. The switch further includes an indicator connected to the blade. At least a portion of the indicator is fixed to the blade so as to rotate with the blade and display a first color when the blade is in the open contact position and obscure the first color when the blade is in the closed contact position.
US08829369B2

In order to take maximum advantage of the modularity provided by a multipole circuit breaker (100) with double enclosure, a new architecture is proposed. A part of the outer case (48) of the switchgear apparatus is formed directly when assembly of the breaking device (600) is performed by juxtaposition and securing between single-pole breaking units (10), spacers (46) and side walls (50). It is thus possible to use the spacers (46) for various functionalities, and in particular to modify the external aspect of the switchgear apparatus (100) or the nature of the trip device in delayed manner.
US08829363B2

A receptacle for supporting a transponder on a support structure includes a housing having a first housing portion securable to the transponder and a second housing portion securable to the support structure. The first housing portion is pivotally secured to the second housing portion. The first housing portion and second housing portion include a shield for attenuating the transmission of electromagnetic signals. The first housing portion has a first position wherein the first housing portion and second housing portion form a chamber for enclosing the transponder and restricting the transmission of electromagnetic signals from the chamber. The first housing portion has a second position wherein the first housing portion and the transponder are displaced from the second housing portion thereby opening the chamber and exposing the transponder to permit the transmission of electromagnetic signals to and from the transponder.
US08829360B2

The connector for PV cells is a strip of electrically conductive material which has a flat cross-section with two broad sides and with two narrow sides which each connect opposite edges of the broad sides. At least one broad side has a corrugated structure running in longitudinal direction of the strip and is pre-tinned in an area the length of which is somewhat less than the length of the edge of a PV cell. To produce the pre-tinned strips, in a first step a metal foil is guided through a roll gap of a rolling mill in which at least one work roll has a surface with a corrugated structure with the result that a corrugated structure which has crests or peaks and troughs is embossed into at least one side of the metal foil, in a second step soldering tin in the form of solder preforms is applied to the side of the metal foil with the embossed corrugated structure, wherein the soldering flux necessary for pre-tinning has been applied in advance to the solder preforms or the metal foil, in a third step the solder preforms are connected to the metal foil and melted on and in a fourth step the pre-tinned metal foil with the embossed corrugated structure is separated into parallel ribbons. The solder preforms are sufficiently thick for the corrugated structure to be at least full after the solder preforms have been melted on.
US08829357B2

A wiring board includes a core substrate having an opening portion and a through hole adjacent to the opening portion, a capacitor positioned in the opening portion, and a through-hole conductor formed in the through hole of the core substrate and having a conductor filling the through hole. The core substrate has a first surface and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface, the opening portion of the core substrate penetrates from the first surface to the second surface, the through-hole conductor has a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion connected to the first conductive portion in the core substrate, the first conductive portion of the through-hole conductor becomes narrower from the first surface toward the second surface, and the second conductive portion of the through-hole conductor becomes narrower from the second surface toward the first surface.
US08829356B2

A packaging substrate includes: a dielectric layer unit having top and bottom surfaces; a positioning pad embedded in the bottom surface of the dielectric layer unit; at least a passive element having a plurality of electrode pads disposed on upper and lower surfaces thereof, the passive element being embedded in the dielectric layer unit and corresponding to the positioning pad; a first circuit layer disposed on the top surface of the dielectric layer unit, the first circuit layer having first conductive vias electrically connected to the electrode pads disposed on the upper surface of the passive element; and a second circuit layer disposed on the bottom surface of the dielectric layer unit, the second circuit layer having second conductive vias electrically connected to the electrode pads disposed on the lower surface of the passive element. Through the embedding of the passive element, the overall structure may have a reduced height.
US08829348B2

A communications cable includes a plurality of longitudinally extending pairs of conducting elements, a low profile male connector secured to a first end of the cable, and a low profile female connector secured to an opposite second end of the cable. The plurality of pairs of conducting elements terminate at the male connector in a first orientation and terminate at the female connector in a second orientation. The first and second orientations are such that each respective conducting element can be connected to itself when the male and female connectors are matingly engaged with each other.
US08829343B1

A seal kit with torque limiting spacers for use with a field communication cable connector having a housing containing a cable contact circuit board includes a plurality of seals and spacers. Inner and outer seals are provided. The inner seal is sized for reception in an inner channel of the cable connector housing. The outer seal, having a plurality of compressible ribs, is sized for reception in an outer channel in the cable connector housing. The spacers provide space between the cable contact circuit board and the cable connector housing. Each spacer has a bore for receiving a fastener therethrough. The spacers are sized in accordance with the size of the cable connector unit and the cable connected to the cable connector unit.
US08829334B2

A thermo-photovoltaic power generator for efficiently converting thermal energy into electric energy including a selective thermal emitter for receiving thermal energy and emitting thermal radiation with black body emissivity over a range of wavelengths, low-bandgap photovoltaic cells responsive to thermal radiation at wavelengths within a particular band of said range of wavelengths and operative to convert such thermal radiation to electric energy, and a band pass filter disposed between the thermal emitter and the photovoltaic cells for transmitting thermal radiation from the emitter at wavelengths within the particular band to the photovoltaic cells, and for reflecting thermal radiation from the emitter at wavelengths outside the particular band back to the emitter.
US08829333B2

A highly reliable solar cell module and method for manufacturing same are disclosed. The solar cell module is provided with first and second solar cell elements, each of which has a semiconductor substrate and an output taking out electrode; a circuit film which electrically connects together the first solar cell element and the second solar cell element; and a sealing material disposed between the circuit film and the second surface of the first and the second solar cell elements. The sealing material has a through hole, and the circuit film has: a base sheet having a protruding section which protrudes toward the second surface of the solar cell element; and a wiring conductor which electrically connects the output taking out electrode of the first solar cell element and the output taking out electrode of the second solar cell element.
US08829332B1

A photovoltaic device includes lateral P-I-N light-sensitive diodes disposed on a silicon island formed by a P− epitaxial layer and surrounded by trenches that provide lateral isolation, where the island is separated from the substrate by a porous silicon region that is grown under the island and isolates the lower portions of the photovoltaic device from the highly doped substrate. The trenches extend through the P− epitaxial material into the P+ substrate to facilitate self-limiting porous silicon formation at the bottom of the island, and also to suppress electron-hole recombination. A protective layer (e.g., SiN) is formed on the trench walls to further restrict porous silicon formation to the bottom of the island. Black silicon on the trench walls enhances light capture. The photovoltaic devices form low-cost embedded photovoltaic arrays on CMOS IC devices, or are separated to produce low-cost, HV solar arrays for solar energy sources, e.g. for solar concentrators.
US08829330B2

In an example, a solar energy system includes multiple PV modules, multiple reflectors, and a racking assembly. Each of the reflectors is positioned opposite a corresponding one of the PV modules. The racking assembly mechanically interconnects the PV modules and the reflectors to form an interconnected system. The racking assembly defines gaps within the racking assembly and between adjacent PV modules and reflectors. The interconnected system includes multiple contact points associated with the gaps. The gaps and contact points configure the interconnected system to accommodate surface unevenness of an installation surface up to a predetermined surface unevenness.
US08829329B2

An integrated photovoltaic cell and battery device, a method of manufacturing the same and a photovoltaic power system incorporating the integrated photovoltaic cell and battery device. The integrated photovoltaic cell and battery device includes a photovoltaic cell, a battery, and interconnects providing three-dimensional integration of the photovoltaic cell and the battery into an integrated device for capturing and storing solar energy. Also provided is a design structure readable by a machine to simulate, design, or manufacture the above integrated photovoltaic cell and battery device.
US08829326B2

The invention relates to a thermoelectric-based power generation system designed to be clamped onto the outer wall of a steam pipe or other heating pipe. The system can include a number of assemblies mounted on the sides of a pipe. Each assembly can include a hot block, an array of thermoelectric modules, and a cold block system. The hot block can create a thermal channel to the hot plates of the modules. The cold block can include a heat pipe onto which fins are attached.
US08829323B2

Systems and methods are provided for enhancing interaction with a music simulation program. A controller interacts with the music simulation program in conjunction with a motion sensor to enable selection from among various operating modes, each representing a musical instrument or role. Distinct gestures and/or movements are detected by the motion sensor and serve to switch among the various modes during the course of the duration of a song or video without interrupting the progression of the song/video or gameplay.
US08829312B1

A novel maize variety designated PH1VTJ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1VTJ with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1VTJ 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 PH1VTJ or a locus conversion of PH1VTJ with another maize variety.
US08829307B1

A novel maize variety designated X18C101 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X18C101 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18C101 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18C101, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18C101. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18C101.
US08829300B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH096048. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH096048, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH096048 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 CH096048.
US08829296B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH481662. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH481662, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH481662 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 CH481662.
US08829283B1

A novel canola variety designated NS5870MC and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a canola plant that comprise crossing canola variety NS5870MC with another canola plant. Methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into NS5870MC through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid canola seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the canola variety NS5870MC or a locus conversion of NS5870MC with another canola variety.
US08829282B2

A canola line designated SCV425044 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of canola line SCV425044, to the plants of canola SCV425044, to plant parts of canola line SCV425044 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola line SCV425044 with itself or with another canola line. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola lines or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola line SCV425044, to methods for producing other canola lines, lines or plant parts derived from canola line SCV425044 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the line SCV425044 with another canola line.
US08829277B2

The present invention relates to methods of manipulating senescence in plants. The invention also relates to vectors useful in such methods, transformed plants with modified senescence characteristics and plant cells, seeds and other parts of such plants.
US08829272B2

The present invention relates generally to methods and transcriptional control sequences suitable for effecting expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest in a plant. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and transcriptional control sequences suitable for directing specific or preferential expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest in a plant seed. Of particular interest as a transcriptional control sequence in this invention is the promoter PR602 (SEQ ID NO: 1) found in the 5′-untranslated region of the rice END1-like gene and isolated from a rice panicle library.
US08829271B1

A novel maize variety designated PH1M8A and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1M8A with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1M8A 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 PH1M8A or a locus conversion of PH1M8A with another maize variety.
US08829264B2

The present invention provides methods for attenuating gene expression in a cell, especially in a mammalian cell, using gene-targeted double stranded RNA (dsRNA), such as a hairpin RNA. The dsRNA contains a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under physiologic conditions of the cell to the nucleotide sequence of at least a portion of the gene to be inhibited (the “target” gene).
US08829262B2

A method of gasification using a downdraft gasifier having a plurality of vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. The shape of the tubes eliminates the need for a restriction (hearth) in the gasifier, which limits the maximum achievable throughput. A rotating and vertically adjustable grate is located beneath, but not attached to, the reduction zone of the gasifier.
US08829258B2

Integrating a biomass pyrolysis and upgrading process into a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The process uses conventional FCC feed and a mixture of a solvent and biomass to produce upgraded fuel products. A slurry stream composed of solid biomass particles and a solvent is fed into an FCC riser through a slurry pump to achieve biomass pyrolysis and in situ pyrolysis oil upgrading. The catalytic cracking of the conventional petroleum feed also occurs in the riser.
US08829256B2

Process and systems for converting lower molecular weight alkanes to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons that include fractionation of brominated hydrocarbons, wherein the brominated hydrocarbons are formed by reaction of the lower molecular weight alkanes with bromine.
US08829255B1

Provided are (Z,Z,E)-1-chloro-6,10,12-pentadecatriene that can be synthesized without an oxidation reaction and a method for preparing (Z,Z,E)-7,11,13-hexadecatrienal by using (Z,Z,E)-1-chloro-6,10,12-pentadecatriene while not using an oxidation reaction. More specifically, provided is a method for preparing (Z,Z,E)-7,11,13-hexadecatrienal including a step of reacting a Grignard reagent into which (Z,Z,E)-1-chloro-6,10,12-pentadecatriene is converted with ethyl orthoformate to obtain (Z,Z,E)-1,1-diethoxy-7,11,13-hexadecatriene, and a step of treating the (Z,Z,E)-1,1-diethoxy-7,11,13-hexadecatriene with an acid to obtain (Z,Z,E)-7,11,13-hexadecatrienal.
US08829246B2

The subject of the present invention is a process for preparing acrolein by dehydration of glycerol in the presence of a catalyst system based on iron phosphorous oxide containing, in addition, one or more elements chosen from alkali metals, alkaline-earth metals, AI, Si, B, Co, Cr, Ni, V, Zn, Zr, Sn, Sb, Ag, Cu, Nb, Mo, Y, Mn, Pt, Rh and the rare earths La, Ce, Sm. The process is preferably carried out in the gas phase in the presence of oxygen starting from aqueous solutions of glycerol. The process according to the invention makes it possible of obtain high acrolein selectivities.
US08829241B2

The invention describes a process for the purification of iodinated aryl compounds where the purification is performed by continuous crystallization of a crude product in a solvent with addition of anti-solvent. The continuous crystallization process is performed in one or more crystallizers at a temperature up to the boiling point of the content of the crystallizer.
US08829240B2

Process for the production of urea from ammonia and carbon dioxide in a urea plant containing a high-pressure synthesis section comprising at least one reactor section, a stripper and a condenser wherein all the high-pressure equipment is placed in a low position, wherein the height of the high-pressure section is less than 35 m from ground level and at least one of the reactor sections comprises means for the separate distribution of ammonia in the bottom of the reactor section.
US08829239B2

An object of the present invention relates to a porous metal organic framework comprising at least one first organic compound and ions of at least one metal, with the skeleton of the framework being formed at least partly by the at least one first organic compound coordinating at least partly in a bidentate fashion to at least two ions of the at least one metal, where the at least one metal is lithium and the at least one first compound is derived from formic acid or acetic acid. Also provided a process for preparing the porous metal organic framework and its use for gas storage or separation.
US08829236B2

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a halogenoacetyl fluoride and the derivatives thereof. The inventive method for preparing a halogenoacetyl fluoride acid is characterized in that said method includes: a step of preparing a halogenoacetyl halide by photo-oxidation of a halogenoethylene compound in conditions such that the transformation rate of the halogenoethylene compound into halogenoacetyl halide is no higher than 80%, producing a reaction mixture essentially including halogenoacetyl halide and the excess halogenoethylene compound; a step of partial fluorination of the mixture obtained by reacting the latter with hydrofluoric acid suitable for obtaining a mixture of halogenoacetyl fluoride and the excess halogenoethylene compound; a step of separating the halogenoacetyl fluoride and the excess halogenoethylene compound. The invention can be used, specifically, for preparing the trichloroacetyl fluoride used as an intermediate species in the production of trifluoroacetic acid.
US08829228B2

There are provided a novel carboxylate compound useful as a blending perfume raw material and having a brisk pine-like odor and a method of producing the same and a perfume composition containing such a carboxylate compound.The carboxylate compound of the invention is represented by a general formula (1): wherein R is an alkyl group having two to four carbon atoms.
US08829225B2

An improvement in the production of 1,1-disubstituted ethylenes is attained by contacting a 1,1-disubstituted ethylene with alumina and separating the alumina to obtain a 1,1-disubstituted ethylene with a good combination of cost, purity, shelf life and cure rate.
US08829223B2

The invention relates to a novel way to synthesize acrylonitrile from a renewable raw material and more particularly relates to a method for producing acrylonitrile by the ammoxidation of glycerol in gaseous phase. The method can be implemented in a single step, or the glycerol can be previously submitted to a dehydration step. The acrylonitrile thus obtained meets the requirements of green chemistry.
US08829222B2

A process for the manufacture of dialkyl phosphites is disclosed. In detail, dialkyl phosphites are prepared starting from P4O6, or partially hydrated species thereof cumulatively P—O, by reacting specific molar ratios of alcohol and P—O, containing from 1 to 6 P—O—P bonds in the molecule, in the presence of trialkylphospite (TAP) to thus yield high purity and high yield of dialkyl phosphites. The P—O reactant is preferably represented by liquid P4O6.
US08829217B2

Methods of forming single source precursors (SSPs) include forming intermediate products having the empirical formula ½{L2N(μ-X)2M′X2}2, and reacting MER with the intermediate products to form SSPs of the formula L2N(μ-ER)2M′(ER)2, wherein L is a Lewis base, M is a Group IA atom, N is a Group IB atom, M′ is a Group IIIB atom, each E is a Group VIB atom, each X is a Group VIIA atom or a nitrate group, and each R group is an alkyl, aryl, vinyl, (per)fluoro alkyl, (per)fluoro aryl, silane, or carbamato group. Methods of forming polymeric or copolymeric SSPs include reacting at least one of HE1R1E1H and MER with one or more substances having the empirical formula L2N(μ-ER)2M′(ER)2 or L2N(μ-X)2M′(X)2 to form a polymeric or copolymeric SSP. New SSPs and intermediate products are formed by such methods.
US08829209B2

Cycloalkylcarbonylamino acid ester derivatives, which are raw material intermediates for a novel cycloalkane carboxamide derivative having an action that selectively inhibits cathepsin K, and a production process thereof, are provided.A cycloalkylcarbonylamino acid ester derivative represented by formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: (wherein, R1 and R2 represent alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, aromatic hydrocarbon groups, heterocyclic groups, etc., R8 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and ring A represents a cyclic alkylidene group having 5, 6 or 7 carbon atoms).
US08829207B2

Cyclic acetals can be produced in a reactive distillation apparatus by combining a polyhydroxyl compound and an aldehyde. High concentrations of cyclic acetals are removed as liquid products from the column while water is removed as an overhead vapor stream.
US08829203B2

Indirubin derivatives of formula (I) wherein R represents -(A)n- R1 or —CO—N(R2,R3) with •A being C1-C5 alkylene group, optionally substituted by one or several A1 radical, A1 being an halogen Br, OH, OR4 or NH2, R4 being C1-C5 alkyl; —R1 being halogen, OH, N(R2, R3); R2 and R3, identical or different, being C1-C5 alkyl, optionally substituted by A1 such as above defined, or R2 and R3 are part of a cycle with 5 or 6 elements optionally comprising another heteroatom such as O or N; •n=1−5. It also relates to the biological application thereof.
US08829200B2

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (IA) and (IB): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1-R7 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US08829196B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods that modulate at least one TRP family member. Specifically, the present invention relates to novel TRPA1 antagonists and their use in the treatment of pain such as chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Compounds that can modulate one or more TRPA1 functions are useful in many aspects including, but not limited to, maintaining calcium homeostasis; maintaining sodium homeostasis; modulating intracellular calcium levels; modulating membrane polarization (membrane potential); modulating cation levels; and/or treating or preventing diseases, disorders, or conditions associated with calcium homeostasis, sodium homeostasis, calcium or sodium dyshomeostasis, or membrane polarization/hyperpolarization (including hypo and hyperexcitability), and/or treating or preventing diseases, disorders, or conditions associated with regulation or misregulation of TRPA1 expression or function. The present invention further relates to methods and compositions that antagonize both a function of TRPA1 and a function of one or more additional TRP channels.
US08829194B2

The present invention relates to novel crystalline forms of (4-{4-[5-(6-Trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid, sodium and their use in the treatment or prevention of a condition or a disorder associated with DGAT1 activity in animals, particularly humans. It also relates to processes for making such novel crystalline forms.
US08829190B2

The present invention relates to a compound according to formula (I), wherein X and Y are either C and N or N and C; Z is CH2, CH2—CH2, CH2—NH, or NH; R1 is halogen, or R1 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, all of which are optionally substituted; R2 is hydrogen, or R2 is alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, amino, all of which are optionally substituted; A is aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl, all of which are optionally substituted; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, or solvates hereof. The invention further relates to said compounds for use in therapy, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, to methods of treating diseases, e.g. dermal diseases, with said compounds, and to the use of said compounds in the manufacture of medicaments, in particular for the treatment of dermal diseases.
US08829188B2

The invention relates to fluoroalkylfluorophosphorane adducts and the use thereof for masking OH groups in organic compounds.
US08829184B2

A compound of formula (I): which is substantially free of any of the corresponding compound of formula (IB): methods of making such compounds, and the further transformation of such compounds.
US08829180B2

Provided a method of producing a purified hyaluronic acid type which comprises adding a water-soluble organic medium to a solution which comprises a hyaluronic acid type having an average molecular weight of 400 to 100,000 and has a pH of 3 or less to obtain a suspension, and adjusting a pH of the suspension in a range of 3.5 to 8 to precipitate a purified hyaluronic acid type.
US08829171B2

Artificial transposon sequences having code tags and target nucleic acids containing such sequences. Methods for making artificial transposons and for using their properties to analyze target nucleic acids.
US08829170B2

The present invention relates generally to constructs and in particular genetic constructs comprising polynucleotide sequences capable of release in covalently closed, circular form from a larger nucleotide sequence such as, but not limited to, a genome of a eukaryotic cell. Preferably, once released, a polynucleotide sequence is reconstituted in a form which permits expression of the polynucleotide sequence. In one embodiment, the reconstituted polynucleotide sequence comprises a coding sequence with all or part of an extraneous nucleotide such as, but not limited to, an intronic sequence or other splice signal inserted therein. Expression and in particular transcription of the coding sequence involves splicing out the extraneous sequence. The release and circularization is generally in response to a stimulus such as a protein-mediated stimulus. More particularly, the protein is a viral or prokaryotic or eukaryotic derived protein or developmentally and/or tissue specific regulated protein.
US08829162B2

The invention relates to an in vitro method for diagnosing prostate cancer and to antibodies and fragments thereof directed against CK2-α and their use for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.
US08829158B2

Human proIslet Peptides (HIP) and HIP analogs and derivatives thereof, derived from or homologous in sequence to the human REG3A protein, chromosome 2p12, are able to induce islet neogenesis from endogenous pancreatic progenitor cells. Human proIslet Peptides are used either alone or in combination with other pharmaceuticals in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and other pathologies related to aberrant glucose, carbohydrate, and/or lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, overweight, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, eating disorders and the metabolic syndrome.
US08829157B2

The present invention relates to an improved process for the large scale synthesis of cyclic heptapeptide using Fmoc solid phase synthesis technique. The described process assembles the peptide on a solid support resin by coupling to one another by peptide bonds to obtain a peptide wherein the coupling of cysteine to the resin employs a combination of solvents to reduce cysteine racemization. The process described relates to the use of C1-C4 alcohols as total substitute to organic nitriles thus making the process cost effective, non-toxic and eco-friendly.
US08829156B2

The complex of the present invention containing an onium salt and a central Lewis acidic metal has a high catalytic activity at a high temperature for the copolymerization of an epoxide and carbon dioxide to produce a high molecular weight polycarbonate.
US08829155B2

The present invention relates to a poly(p-xylylene)-based polymer having a low dielectric constant suitable for low loss dielectrics (LLD), and an insulating material, a printed circuit board and a functional element using the same. More particularly, the poly(p-xylylene)-based polymer includes at least one repeat unit expressed by the following formula (1): wherein, at least one of R1, R2, R7 and R8 is independently substituted or unsubstituted C6-C20 aryl; the rest of R1 to R8 are each and independently H, substituted or unsubstituted linear C1-C3 alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted branched C1-C3 alkyl; and n is an integer of 400 to 900.
US08829152B2

The invention relates to methods and systems for preparing macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) directly from monomer via heterogeneous catalysis, rather than by depolymerizing a polyester. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, cyclic poly(butylene terephthalate) (cPBT) is produced by reacting butanediol (BDO) and dimethylterephthalate (DMT) in an organic solvent—for example, ortho-dichlorobenzene (oDCB). The mixture flows over (or otherwise contacts) the catalyst-coated fiberglass or silica gel, e.g., which is packed in a column or bed. MPO is produced in the reaction mixture, while residual linears and catalyst residue remain in the column/bed.
US08829150B2

The present invention discloses methods for polymerizing non-immunogenic haptens into immunogens, which then can be used to stimulate anti-hapten antibody production in animals. Specifically, haptens with amine and/or carboxylic groups are polymerized into macromolecules by using cross-linking reagents, and the derived haptenic polymers are used to immunize animals for the production of anti-hapten antibodies.
US08829149B2

Processes for preparing polyester resins as toner production components. The processes include reacting an organic diol and a cyclic alkylene carbonate to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and a polyalkoxy diol. The carbon dioxide is reacted with an alkylene glycol or alkylene oxide to produce additional cyclic alkylene carbonate having the same chemical structure as the cyclic alkylene carbonate used to produce the polyalkoxy diol. The additional cyclic alkylene carbonate is added with the cyclic alkylene carbonate used to produce the polyalkoxy diol. The polyalkoxy diol can be reacted with an organic diacid or diester in preparing a polyester resin. To prepare a toner, the polyester resin can be contacted with at least one toner production component.
US08829139B2

A method for easily producing high-purity polydimethylsilane or polydiphenylsilane, where by-products such as alkali metal salt and alkaline earth metal salt can be efficiently removed, is provided. Dimethyldichlorosilane or diphenyldichlorosilane is reacted with an alkali metal such as metal sodium and metal magnesium and/or an alkaline earth metal in an organic solvent such as toluene to obtain crude polydimethylsilane or crude polydiphenylsilane, methanol having dissolved therein an ether ester-type nonionic surfactant or a surfactant such as alkylbenzenesulfonate is added to the crude polydimethylsilane or the crude polydiphenylsilane to deactivate the remaining alkali metal and alkaline earth metal, and the crude polydimethylsilane or the crude polydiphenylsilane is washed with water in the presence of a surfactant to efficiently remove an alkali metal salt, an alkaline earth metal salt and the like, whereby high-purity polydimethylsilane or polydiphenylsilane is obtained.
US08829135B2

A process for continuously producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein the acrylic acid used to produce the polymer particles has a low purity.
US08829133B2

To provide an ABA triblock copolymer containing: an A-block having, in a constitutional unit thereof, a monomer represented by the following general formula (1) or a monomer represented by the following general formula (2); and a B-block having, in a constitutional unit thereof, a hydrophilic monomer having a radical polymerizable unsaturated bond, where R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 is a C5-C18 alkylene group; M is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent metal atom; and X1 is —NH— or an oxygen atom in the general formula (1), and where R11 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R12 is a C5-C18 alkylene group; R13 and R14 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group; and X11 is —NH— or an oxygen atom in the general formula (2).
US08829115B2

An ethylene-based polymer composition has been discovered and is characterized by a Comonomer Distribution Constant greater than about 45. The new ethylene-based polymer compositions are useful for making many articles, especially including films. The polymers are made using a metal complex of a polyvalent aryloxyether.
US08829113B2

Automotive interior element comprising a polypropylene composition comprising (percent by weight): A) from 60% to 90% of a propylene homopolymer having: i) a polydispersity Index (P.I.) value of from 3.5 to 10.0; ii) a fraction insoluble in xylene at 25° C., higher than 90%; and iii) a MFR L (Melt Flow Rate according to ISO 1133, condition L, i.e. 230° C. and 2.16 kg load) from 50 to 200 g/10 min; B) from 10% to 40%; of a copolymer of propylene with from 30% to 60% of ethylene derived units; the composition having an intrinsic viscosity of the fraction soluble in xylene at 25° C. comprised between 2.5 and 4.0 dl/g; a MFR L (Melt Flow Rate according to ISO 1133, condition L, i.e. 230° C. and 2.16 kg load) from 15 to 100 g/10 min and all the three values of carbon emission measured according to VDA 227 (C-emission) are lower than 30.0 μgC/g; wherein the values of carbon emission are measured in the ex reactor propylene composition.
US08829112B1

A composition comprises or is produced from polyester, a first modifier, and a second modifier wherein the first modifier includes a polymer that is incompatible with poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid) and is not an acid-containing or acid generating polymer. Also disclosed is an article comprising or produced from the composition. Further disclosed is a process combining a first modifier, a second modifier, or both, with a poly(hydroxyalkanoic acid) to produce the composition and optionally injection molding or thermoforming the composition into the article.
US08829110B2

A new approach is conceived for the development of sustainable biomaterials comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and polylactic acid (PLA) nanocomposites. The invention deals with advancing a method based on in situ ring opening polymerization of L-lactide in the presence of NCC particles to form NCC-PLA supramolecular nanocomposite materials. This material is hydrophobic and compatible with a wide range of synthetic and natural polymers. NCC-PLA nanocomposites have enhanced functionality (e.g. gas barrier), rheological and mechanical performance, as well as dimensional stability (i.e. less hygroexpansivity) relative to PLA. They are made from entirely renewable resources, and are potentially biocompatible as well as recyclable. NCC-PLA supramolecular nanocomposites can be suspended in most organic solvents or dried to form a solid substance. They can be processed using conventional polymer processing techniques to develop 3-dimensional structures, or spun into fibers, yarns or filaments.
US08829102B2

A masterbatch for pressure pipe applications is disclosed. The masterbatch includes carbon black in a concentration that is in excess of 40 weight percent (wt %) of the masterbatch, and a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) carrier resin in a concentration that is in the range of 40 to 60 wt % of the masterbatch and has a melt flow index above 100 g/10 min at 2.16 kg/190° C. and a weight average molecular weight (Mw) that is less than 100000. The masterbatch may further include one or more additives (e.g., lubricant and/or an anti-oxidant). In some embodiments, microdispersion of carbon black in the masterbatch is rated less than 3 (according to ISO 18553). In one specific case, 98% or more of observed carbon black agglomerates are less than 30 microns. The masterbatch may be included, for example, in a pressure pipe compound where it is diluted with a base polymer.
US08829095B2

There is provided a clear ink composition containing a water-insoluble alkanediol having at least seven carbon atoms, a water-soluble alcohol that functions as a dissolution aid for dissolving the water-insoluble alkanediol, water, a fine polymer particle at least containing polyolefin, and a fluorene resin. A colorant is not used.
US08829094B2

A blown film composition including an impact copolymer polypropylene component and a nucleating agent, wherein the blown film has improved processing and physical properties.
US08829076B2

The present disclosure is directed to a thermoset composition comprising a low molecular weight polytrimethylene ether glycol. This disclosure is further directed to an antimicrobial coating composition, an antimicrobial coating layer, an antimicrobial adhesive, or an antimicrobial sealant formed from the thermoset composition comprising the low molecular weight polytrimethylene ether glycol. The thermoset compositions can be used as interior and exterior top coats, basecoats, primers, primer surfacers, primer fillers, adhesives or sealants. The disclosure is particularly directed to a thermoset composition comprising components derived from renewable resources.
US08829073B2

An implant material on the basis of a polymer system has a first component and a second component that react with one another when mixed to form a polymer-based solid. The first component is a paste that contains at least one biocompatible polymer powder and a starter component for initiating a polymerization reaction upon mixing, wherein the paste has a carrier liquid, wherein under normal conditions in the carrier liquid the at least one biocompatible polymer powder does not dissolve or significantly swell and the starter component remains stable until mixing with the second component of the polymer system. The second component of the polymer system contains at least one reactive organic liquid or a solution or a suspension of a reactive organic liquid and of a polymer.
US08829056B2

The present application provides cis 3,4-dihydroxy-2-(3-methylbutanoyl)-5-(3-methylbutyl)-4-(4-methylpentanoyl)cyclopent-2-en-1-one derivatives and substantially enantiomerically pure compositions thereof. These derivatives include (+)-(4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-2-(3-methylbutanoyl)-5-(3-methylbutyl)-4-(4-methylpentanoyl)cyclopent-2-en-1-one, (−)-(4R,5S)-3,4-dihydroxy-2-(3-methylbutanoyl)-5-(3-methylbutyl)-4-(4-methylpentanoyl)cyclopent-2-en-1-one, and salts and crystals thereof. The application further provides methods of using the disclosed compounds and compositions to activate PPARγ, activate GPR120, inhibit inflammation, and treat conditions responsive to PPARγ modulation, conditions responsive to GPR120 modulation, and metabolic disturbances such as diabetes.
US08829054B1

A ready-to-use injectable, co-solvents (ternary mixture) pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of cardiac conditions and diagnosis applications, comprising methyl-3-[4-(2-hydroxy-3-isopropylamino)propoxy]phenylpropionate hydrochloride (Esmolol hydrochloride), a buffering agent, ethanol and propylene glycol. The ready-to-use injectable, co-solvents (ternary mixture) pharmaceutical composition is capable of being stored in a modified flexible plastic container that may be heat-sterilized without deformation and/or without having the integrity of the closure system being compromised. A method for the manufacture of the ready-to-use injectable, co-solvents (ternary mixture) pharmaceutical composition is also disclosed.
US08829038B2

The present invention provides a parasiticidal formulation comprising: Fipronil, or a veterinarily acceptable derivative thereof; at least one C1-C6 alcohol co-solvent, wherein the total amount of C1-C6 alcohol is up to 8% by weight of the formulation; at least one organic solvent which is not the C1-C6 alcohol co-solvent; and at least one crystallization inhibitor, wherein the total amount of crystallization inhibitor is from 2 to 20% by weight of the formulation. The formulations of the invention have higher flash points than known parasiticidal formulations comprising Fipronil and therefore provide safer formulations for use in the home, storage, manufacture and distribution.
US08829031B2

This invention relates to modulation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) by a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 is imidazolyl, pyridinyl or pyrimidinyl, any of which is optionally substituted by one group independently selected from C1-3alkyl and C1-3alkoxy.
US08829026B2

The present invention relates to sulfamoyl benzoic acid heterobicyclic derivatives of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of various disorders which are mediated via the TRPMb8 receptor.
US08829014B2

Thiazole and thiophene compounds are disclosed having utility in treating inflammatory conditions, immunoinflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Methods for the synthesis of these compounds are also disclosed.
US08829011B2

Certain 2-aminopyrimidine compounds of formula (I) are serotonin receptor modulators useful in the treatment of diseases mediated by serotonin receptors.
US08829002B2

The present invention relates to novel substituted methyl-amines, serotonin 5-HT6 receptor antagonists, to active components, pharmaceutical compositions, method for prophylaxis and treatment of CNS diseases and “molecular tools”, in which novel substituted methyl-amines represent compounds of the general formula 1 and their crystalline forms and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein: W represents benzene, naphthalene, indolizine, quinoline or oxazole cycle; R1=H, F, Cl; R2 represents hydrogen, fluoro, methyl, phenyl, thienyl, furan-2-yl, pyridyl, piperazin-1-yl or 4-methylpiperazin-1-yl; R3 represents cyclopropyl or optionally substituted methyl; with the exception of the compounds in which W simultaneously represents oxazole cycle and R2=phenyl or pyridyl.
US08828995B2

The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and to the physiologically compatible salts thereof. Said compounds are suitable, for example, for treating hyperglycemia.
US08828994B2

The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and to the physiologically compatible salts thereof. Said compounds are suitable, for example, for treating hyperglycemia.
US08828993B2

The invention provides novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of psychological and/or psychiatric diseases or disorders.
US08828991B2

The invention relates to azacyclyl-substituted arylthienopyrimidinones and their derivatives, of the Formula (I); and their physiologically tolerated salts and physiologically functional derivatives, their preparation, medicaments comprising at least one azacyclyl-substituted arylthienopyrimidinone according to Formula (I) or its derivative, and the use of the azacyclyl-substituted arylthienopyrimidinones according to Formula (I) and their derivatives as MCH antagonists.
US08828983B2

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein all the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are selective factor XIa inhibitors or dual inhibitors of fXIa and plasma kallikrein. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating thromboembolic and/or inflammatory disorders using the same.
US08828982B2

This invention concerns the use of a compound for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention of HIV infection via sexual intercourse and related intimate contact between partners, wherein the compound is a compound of formula a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine and a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein the ring containing -a1=a2-a3=a4- and -b1=b2-b3=b4- represents phenyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pirazinyl, pyridazinyl; n is 0 to 5; m is 1 to 4; R1 is hydrogen; aryl; formyl; C1-6alkylcarbonyl; C1-6alkyl; C1-6alkyloxycarbonyl; substituted C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkylcarbonyl, C1-6alkyloxycarbonyl, C1-6alkylcarbonyloxy; substituted C1-6alkyloxyC1-6alkylcarbonyl; R2 is hydroxy, halo, optionally substituted C1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, optionally substituted C2-6alkenyl, optionally substituted C2-6alkynyl, C1-6alkyloxy, C1-6alkyloxycarbonyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, mono- or di(C1-6alkyl)amino, polyhalomethyl, polyhalomethyloxy, polyhalomethylthio, —S(═O)pR6, —NH—S(═O)pR6, —C(═O)R6, —NHC(═O)H, —C(═O)NHNH2, —NHC(═O)R6, —C(═NH)R6 or a 5-membered heterocycle; X1 is —NR5—, —NH—NH—, —N═N—, —O—, —C(═O)—, C1-4alkanediyl, —CHOH—, —S—, —S(═O)p—, —X2—C1-4alkanediyl- or —C1-4alkanediyl-X2—; R3 is NHR13; NR13R14; —C(═O)—NHR13; —C(═O)—NR13R14; —C(═O)—R15; —CH═N—NH—C(═O)—R16; substituted C1-6alkyl; optionally substituted C1-6alkyloxyC1-6alkyl; substituted C2-6alkenyl; substituted C2-6alkynyl; C1-6alkyl substituted with hydroxy and a second substituent; —C(═N—O—R8)—C1-4alkyl; R7; or —X3—R7; R4 is halo, hydroxy, C1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, C1-6alkyloxy, cyano, nitro, polyhaloC1-6alkyl, polyhaloC1-6alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, C1-6alkyloxycarbonyl, C1-6alkylcarbonyl, formyl, amino, mono- or di(C1-4alkyl)amino; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08828981B2

A method for treating or preventing spontaneous preterm birth in pregnant women and improving neonatal morbidity and mortality. The method includes administering to a pregnant woman in need thereof an effective amount of progesterone sufficient to prolong gestation by minimizing the shortening or effacing of her cervix. Treatment and prophylaxis with progesterone in pregnant women having symptoms of short cervix has been clinically shown to increase neonatal health.
US08828967B2

New low molecular weight complexes between iron and maltobionic acid that can be administered parenterally, preferably intramuscularly or subcutaneously, in the treatment of anemic states, caused by iron deficiencies, and new pharmaceutical compositions adapted for this use. In particular, the invention provides a new complex between preferably trivalent iron and maltobionic acid that is characterized by a molecular weight Mw between 10,000 and 30,000 Da, by a polydispersity of 1.0-1.8 and by an iron content between 25% and 40% by weight.
US08828961B2

Compositions and methods of protecting aquatic invertebrates from disease is shown. In one embodiment, dsRNA or antisense RNA to a nucleic acid molecule of the disease-causing microorganism is prepared and delivered to the animal. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the disease-causing microorganism is delivered to the animal. In another embodiment, the RNA or nucleic acid molecule is delivered to the animal by replicon particle. In a further embodiment, the protective molecule is delivered to the digestive tract of the animal. Protection from disease is obtained.
US08828949B2

The invention relates to improvements in the field of drug delivery. More particularly, the invention relates to polypeptides derived from aprotinin and from aprotinin analogs as well as conjugates and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polypeptides or conjugates. The present invention also relates to the use of these polypeptides for transporting a compound or drug across the blood-brain barrier of a mammal and in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological diseases.
US08828935B2

An agent for suppressing elevation of a blood triglyceride concentration, comprising a polyglutamic acid as an active ingredient.
US08828932B2

Disclosed herein are bifunctional molecules which inactivate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) even before the virus attacks the target cell and inhibits HIV entry into the target cell. Also disclosed are novel anti-HIV therapeutics for treatment of patients infected by HIV. Further disclosed are methods for prophylaxis against HIV and treatment of HIV infection.
US08828931B2

Disclosed herein are bifunctional molecules which inhibit HIV entry into the target cell. Also disclosed are novel anti-HIV therapeutics for treatment of patients infected by HIV, including non-B and multi-drug resistant strains.
US08828930B2

The present invention relates to macrocyclic compounds of Formula (I) that are useful as inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease, their synthesis, and their use for treating or preventing HCV infections.
US08828926B2

Use of constructs which bind to one or more natriuretic peptide receptors and include a plurality of amino acid residues and at least one amino acid surrogate of formula I: where R, R′, Q, Y, W, Z, J, x and n are as defined in the specification, and optionally at least one prosthetic group, for the prophylaxis or treatment of airway diseases, including but not limited to inflammation-related airway diseases, acute asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, methods of prophylaxis and treatment of airway diseases and pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for the prophylaxis or treatment of airway diseases.
US08828922B2

The present invention relates to a method for suppression, prevention, delaying the onset or treatment of diabetes, by administering to an individual in need thereof a fragment of Hsp60 or analog thereof in conjunction with a low antigenicity diet. The invention is exemplified using DiaPep277™, an analog of residues 437-460 of human Hsp60 in combination with a hydrolyzed casein diet.
US08828920B2

A product for pre-treatment and laundering of fabric having a stained portion. The product comprising a pourable aqueous detergent composition and a dispensing cap. The cap can have a pour volume sized and dimensioned to provide for a unit dose of the detergent composition. A portion of the cap can be provided with surface irregularities for scrubbing a stain.
US08828912B2

A microarray assembly for detection of a target molecule is disclosed. The microarray assemblies comprise an array chamber having a microarray located therein and features that facilitate liquid movement within the array chamber. Also disclosed are methods for making the microarray assembly using rollable films and methods for detecting microarray spots using an internal control fluorophore in the array spot.
US08828908B2

Bicyclic dione compounds of formula (I), and derivatives thereof, which are suitable for use as herbicides.
US08828899B2

A superhard element (22) for a machine tool, comprising polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) material containing whiskers of a ceramic material, the PCBN material comprising at least about 50 volume percent cubic boron nitride (cBN) material dispersed in a binder matrix comprising a compound including titanium and the whiskers; the content of the whiskers being at least 1 weight percent and at most 6 weight percent of the binder matrix.
US08828896B2

The invention relates to a glass-ceramic material having SiO2, Na2O and CaO as main components and comprising crystalline particles of SiO2 dispersed homogeneously in the volume of an amorphous matrix. Such a material has good mechanical strength, in particular good resistance to scratch propagation and allows improved tempering. This material furthermore has a pleasant aesthetic appearance.
US08828884B2

A method of making multi-level contacts. The method includes providing an in-process multilevel device including at least one device region and at least one contact region. The contact region includes a plurality of electrically conductive layers configured in a step pattern. The method also includes forming a conformal etch stop layer over the plurality of electrically conductive layers, forming a first electrically insulating layer over the etch stop layer, forming a conformal sacrificial layer over the first electrically insulating layer and forming a second electrically insulating layer over the sacrificial layer. The method also includes etching a plurality of contact openings through the etch stop layer, the first electrically insulating layer, the sacrificial layer and the second electrically insulating layer in the contact region to the plurality of electrically conductive layers.
US08828880B2

A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device by etching a SiN film on a surface of a substrate by using a gas containing a halogen element includes supplying a gas containing a basic gas at the initial stage of a process for supplying the gas containing the halogen element to the surface of the SiN film. By supplying the gas containing the basic gas at the initial stage of the etching, a SiNO film covering the surface of the SiN film is changed to a film of reaction products mainly including water (H2O) and ammonium hexafluorosilicate ((NH4)2SiF6).
US08828874B2

A method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate having a Group III-nitride surface includes providing a chemical-mechanical polishing slurry composition. The slurry composition includes a slurry solution including a liquid carrier and an oxidizer including a transition metal or a per-based compound. The slurry solution includes at least one component that reacts with the Group III-nitride surface to form a softened Group III-nitride surface. The Group III-nitride comprising surface is contacted with the slurry composition by a pad to form the softened Group III-nitride surface. The pad is moved relative to the softened Group III-nitride surface, wherein at least a portion of the softened Group III-nitride surface is removed.
US08828871B2

A pattern formation method, mask pattern formation method and a method for manufacturing semiconductor devices are provided in this disclosure, which are directed to the field of semiconductor processes. The pattern formation method comprises: providing a substrate; forming a polymer thin film containing a block copolymer on the substrate; forming a first pattern through imprinting the polymer thin film with a stamp; forming domains composed of different copolymer components through directed self assembly of the copolymer in the first pattern; selectively removing the domains composed of copolymer components to form a second pattern. In the embodiments of the present invention, finer pitch patterns can be obtained through combining the imprinting and DSA process without exposure, which as compared to the prior art methods has the advantage of simplicity. Furthermore, stamps used in imprinting may have relative larger pitches, facilitating and simplifying the manufacture and alignment of the stamps.
US08828854B2

A method of introducing dopants into a semiconductor wafer includes implanting the dopants into a region below a surface of the semiconductor wafer using an ion beam to form a first implanted layer. The dopants when activated causing a conductivity of the implanted layer to be either of N-type or P-type. The first implanted layer is characterized by a peak dopant concentration at a first depth below the surface of the semiconductor wafer. The method also includes removing a layer from the semiconductor wafer surface, wherein said layer includes a portion of said dopants.
US08828851B2

An SOI substrate has a first region isolated from a second region. An SiGe layer is deposited on top of the SOI substrate in the second region. The substrate is subjected to a thermal oxidation process which drives in Ge from the SiGe layer to form an SiGeOI structure in the second region and an overlying oxide layer. If the SOI substrate is exposed in the first region, the thermal oxidation process further produces an oxide layer overlying the first region. The oxide layer(s) is(are) removed to expose an Si channel layer in the first region and an SiGe channel layer in the second region. Transistor gate stacks are formed over each of the Si channel layer and SiGe channel layer. Raised source and drain regions are formed from the Si channel layer and SiGe channel layer adjacent the transistor gate stacks.
US08828848B2

A die having a ledge along a sidewall, and a method of forming the die, is provided. A method of packaging the die is also provided. A substrate, such as a processed wafer, is diced by forming a first notch having a first width, and then forming a second notch within the first notch such that the second notch has a second width less than the first width. The second notch extends through the substrate, thereby dicing the substrate. The difference in widths between the first width and the second width results in a ledge along the sidewalls of the dice. The dice may be placed on a substrate, e.g., an interposer, and underfill placed between the dice and the substrate. The ledge prevents or reduces the distance the underfill is drawn up between adjacent dice. A molding compound may be formed over the substrate.
US08828844B2

A damaged region is formed by generation of plasma by excitation of a source gas, and by addition of ion species contained in the plasma from one of surfaces of a single crystal semiconductor substrate; an insulating layer is formed over the other surface of the single crystal semiconductor substrate; a supporting substrate is firmly attached to the single crystal semiconductor substrate so as to face the single crystal semiconductor substrate with the insulating layer interposed therebetween; separation is performed at the damaged region into the supporting substrate to which a single crystal semiconductor layer is attached and part of the single crystal semiconductor substrate by heating of the single crystal semiconductor substrate; dry etching is performed on a surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer attached to the supporting substrate; the single crystal semiconductor layer is recrystallized by irradiation of the single crystal semiconductor layer with a laser beam to melt at least part of the single crystal semiconductor layer.
US08828839B2

Fabrication methods for semiconductor device structures are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method of fabricating an electrically-isolated FinFET semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a silicon oxide layer over a semiconductor substrate including a silicon material and forming a first hard mask layer over the silicon oxide layer. The method further includes the steps of forming a first plurality of void spaces in the first hard mask layer and forming a second hard mask layer in the first plurality of void spaces. Still further, the method includes the steps of removing the remaining portions of the first hard mask layer, thereby forming a second plurality of void spaces in the second hard mask layer, extending the second plurality of void spaces into the silicon oxide layer, and forming a plurality of fin structures in the extended second plurality of void spaces.
US08828833B1

A method of forming PMOS transistors. A SiGe cavity formation process includes cavity etching a structure including a gate stack having a gate electrode on a gate dielectric on a substrate, a sidewall spacer, and a hardmask layer on the gate electrode. The cavity etching includes (i) a first anisotropic dry etch for etching through the hardmask layer lateral to the gate stack and beginning a recessed cavity in the substrate, (ii) a dry lateral etch, and (iii) a second anisotropic dry etch. A wet crystallographic etch completes formation of the recessed cavity. A customized time is calculated for a selected dry etch step from the plurality of dry etch steps based on in-process SiGe cavity data for a measured cavity parameter for a SiGe cavity formation process. The customized time for the selected dry etch is used to cavity etch at least one substrate in a lot or run.
US08828831B2

Disclosed is a semiconductor article which includes a semiconductor substrate; a gate structure having a spacer adjacent to a conducting material of the gate structure wherein a corner of the spacer is faceted to create a faceted space between the faceted spacer and the semiconductor substrate; and a raised source/drain adjacent to the gate structure, the raised source/drain filling the faceted space and having a surface parallel to the semiconductor substrate. Also disclosed is a method of making the semiconductor article.
US08828830B2

A semiconductor device has: a silicon substrate; trench formed downward from the surface of the silicon substrate, the trench defining active regions on the surface of the silicon substrate; a first liner layer of a silicon nitride film covering an inner wall of the trench; a second liner layer of a silicon nitride layer formed on the first liner layer; an element isolation region of an insulator formed on the second liner layer; a p-channel MOS transistor formed in and on one of the active regions; a contact etch stopper layer of a silicon nitride layer not having a ultraviolet shielding ability, formed above the silicon substrate, and covering the p-channel MOS transistor; and a light shielding film of a silicon nitride layer having the ultraviolet shielding ability and formed above the contact etch stopper layer.
US08828828B2

At least one drain-side surfaces of a field effect transistor (FET) structure, which can be a structure for a planar FET or a fin FET, is structurally damaged by an angled ion implantation of inert or electrically active dopants, while at least one source-side surface of the transistor is protected from implantation by a gate stack and a gate spacer. Epitaxial growth of a semiconductor material is retarded on the at least one structurally damaged drain-side surface, while epitaxial growth proceeds without retardation on the at least one source-side surface. A raised epitaxial source region has a greater thickness than a raised epitaxial drain region, thereby providing an asymmetric FET having lesser source-side external resistance than drain-side external resistance, and having lesser drain-side overlap capacitance than source-side overlap capacitance.
US08828824B2

Field Effect Transistors (FETs), Integrated Circuit (IC) chips including the FETs, and a method of forming the FETs and IC. FET locations define FET pedestals on a layered semiconductor wafer that may include a III-V semiconductor surface layer, e.g., Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), and a buried layer, e.g., Aluminum Arsenide (AlAs). A dielectric material, e.g., Aluminum Oxide (AlO), surrounds pedestals at least in FET source/drain regions. A conductive cap caps channel sidewalls at opposite channel ends. III-V on insulator (IIIVOI) devices form wherever the dielectric material layer is thicker than half the device length. Source/drain contacts are formed to the caps and terminate in/above the dielectric material in the buried layer.
US08828822B2

A method for fabricating a semiconductor transistor device. An epitaxial layer is grown on a semiconductor substrate. A gate trench is formed in the epitaxial layer. A spacer is formed on a sidewall of the gate trench. A recess is formed at the bottom of the gate trench. A thermal oxidation process is performed to form an oxide layer in the recess. The oxide layer completely fills the recess. The spacer is then removed. A gate oxide layer is formed on the exposed sidewall of the gate trench. A gate is then formed into the gate trench.
US08828821B2

This disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor stack and associated device such as a capacitor and DRAM cell. In particular, a bottom electrode upon which a dielectric layer is to be grown may have a ruthenium-based surface. Lattice matching of the ruthenium surface with the dielectric layer (e.g., titanium oxide, strontium titanate or barium strontium titanate) helps promote the growth of rutile-phase titanium oxide, thereby leading to higher dielectric constant and lower effective oxide thickness. The ruthenium-based material also provides a high work function material, leading to lower leakage. To mitigate nucleation delay associated with the use of ruthenium, an adherence or glue layer based in titanium may be employed. A pretreatment process may be further employed so as to increase effective capacitor plate area, and thus promote even further improvements in dielectric constant and effective oxide thickness (“EOT”).
US08828816B2

Disclosed herein is a method of forming a semiconductor device. In one example, the method comprises forming a P-active region in a silicon containing semiconducting substrate, performing an ion implantation process to implant germanium into the P-active region to form an implanted silicon-germanium region in the P-active region, and forming a gate electrode structure for a PMOS transistor above the implanted silicon-germanium region.
US08828811B2

A semiconductor device using an oxide semiconductor, with stable electric characteristics and high reliability. In a process for manufacturing a bottom-gate transistor including an oxide semiconductor film, dehydration or dehydrogenation is performed by heat treatment and oxygen doping treatment is performed. The transistor including the oxide semiconductor film subjected to the dehydration or dehydrogenation by the heat treatment and the oxygen doping treatment is a transistor having high reliability in which the amount of change in threshold voltage of the transistor by the bias-temperature stress test (BT test) can be reduced.
US08828809B2

An embodiment of a semiconductor power device provided with: a structural body made of semiconductor material with a first conductivity, having an active area housing one or more elementary electronic components and an edge area delimiting externally the active area; and charge-balance structures, constituted by regions doped with a second conductivity opposite to the first conductivity, extending through the structural body both in the active area and in the edge area in order to create a substantial charge balance. The charge-balance structures are columnar walls extending in strips parallel to one another, without any mutual intersections, in the active area and in the edge area.
US08828806B2

A composition comprising (A) an epoxy resin, (B) a curing agent, (C) an inorganic filler having an average particle size of 0.1-10 μm and a maximum particle size of up to 75 μm, and (D) a surface-silylated silica having an average particle size of 0.005 μm to less than 0.1 μm is suited as a dam composition for use with a underfill material in the fabrication of multilayer semiconductor packages.
US08828799B2

A method for forming an integrated circuit package is disclosed. A flex circuit is form by forming a direct connect pad on a first side of a dielectric layer. After forming the direct connect pad, an opening from a second side of the dielectric layer is formed to expose the direct connect pad. A blind via is formed within the opening in the dielectric layer. A first conductor is formed within the opening. A bond pad of a semiconductor die is electrically coupled with the direct connect pad using a second conductor, wherein the bond pad and the second conductor directly overlie the direct connect pad.
US08828796B1

A semiconductor package and a method of manufacturing the same are provided, the semiconductor package including a first package unit having a first encapsulant and a first semiconductor element, a second package unit having a second encapsulant and a second semiconductor element, a supporting member interposed between the first and second encapsulant, a plurality of conductors penetrating the first encapsulant, the supporting member and the second encapsulant, and redistribution structures disposed on the first and second encapsulants, wherein the first and second encapsulants are coupled with each other by the supporting member to provide sufficient support and protection to enhance the structure strength of the first and second package units.
US08828783B2

A reverse p-n junction solar cell device and methods for forming the reverse p-n junction solar cell device are described. A variety of n-p junction and reverse p-n junction solar cell devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided. N-intrinsic-p junction and reverse p-intrinsic-n junction solar cell devices are also described.
US08828781B1

Photovoltaic devices are produced using a minimally modified standard process flow by forming lateral P-I-N light-sensitive diodes on silicon islands that are isolated laterally by trenches performed by RIE, and from an underlying support substrate by porous silicon regions. P+ and N+ doped regions are formed in a P− epitaxial layer, trenches are etched through the epitaxial layer into a P+ substrate, a protective layer (e.g., SiN) is formed on the trench walls, and then porous silicon is formed (e.g., using HF solution) in the trenches that grows laterally through the P+ substrate and merges under the island. The method is either utilized to form low-cost embedded photovoltaic arrays on CMOS IC devices, or the devices are separated from the P+ substrate by etching through the porous silicon to produce low-cost, high voltage solar arrays for solar energy sources, e.g., solar concentrators.
US08828776B2

Multi-zone, solar cell diffusion furnaces having a plurality of radiant element (SiC) or/and high intensity IR lamp heated process zones, including baffle, ramp-up, firing, soaking and cooling zone(s). The transport of solar cell wafers, e.g., silicon, selenium, germanium or gallium-based solar cell wafers, through the furnace is implemented by use of an ultra low-mass, wafer transport system comprising laterally spaced shielded, synchronously driven, metal bands or chains carrying non-rotating alumina tubes suspended on wires between them. The wafers rest on raised circumferential standoffs spaced laterally along the alumina tubes, which reduces contamination. The high intensity IR flux rapidly photo-radiation conditions the wafers so that diffusion occurs >3× faster than conventional high-mass thermal furnaces. Longitudinal side wall heaters comprising coil heaters in Inconel sheaths inserted in carrier tubes are employed to insure even heating of wafer edges adjacent the side walls.
US08828772B2

An HF vapor etch etches high aspect ratio openings to form MEMS devices and other tightly-packed semiconductor devices with 0.2 um air gaps between structures. The HF vapor etch etches oxide plugs and gaps with void portions and oxide liner portions and further etches oxide layers that are buried beneath silicon and other structures and is ideally suited to release cantilevers and other MEMS devices. The HF vapor etches at room temperature and atmospheric pressure in one embodiment. A process sequence is provided that forms MEMS devices including cantilevers and lateral, in-plane electrodes that are stationary and vibration resistant.
US08828770B2

An embodiment includes a loading unit with an alignment mark configured to support a substrate, a laser beam generating unit configured to generate a laser beam toward the upper surface of the loading unit, a vision unit that causes the laser beam generating unit to irradiate the laser beam onto the substrate on the loading unit to form an alignment mark on the substrate and that generates corrected coordinate values based on the formed alignment mark on the substrate, a position detector located at the center of the loading unit to detect information about the laser beam generated by the laser beam generating unit, and a controller that controls an X-Y scanning mirror according to the corrected coordinate values, and controls power of the laser beam generated by the laser beam generating unit or the position of the loading unit according to the information detected by the position detector.
US08828764B2

Implementations and techniques for coupled asymmetric quantum confinement structures are generally disclosed.
US08828763B1

A manufacturing device of an organic light emitting diode display, includes a stage including a temperature controller which heats or cools a region of a substrate on the stage; a discharging unit including a nozzle which provides light-emitting material to the region of the substrate; a beam irradiation unit which irradiates beams to the substrate; and a driving unit which is configured to move the stage or the discharging unit.
US08828761B2

A method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting device, includes: forming a light emitting structure having a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer on a growth substrate. A trench is formed in a portion to divide the light emitting structure into individual light emitting structures. The trench has a depth such that the growth substrate is not exposed. A support substrate is provided on the light emitting structure. The growth substrate is separated from the light emitting structure. The light emitting structure is cut into individual semiconductor light emitting devices.
US08828759B2

In accordance with certain embodiments, phosphor arrangements are formed via adhering phosphors to activated regions on a substrate and transferring them to a different substrate.
US08828758B2

A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device includes forming a first adhesive pattern on a first auxiliary substrate; forming a first process panel by attaching a first substrate to the first auxiliary substrate using the first adhesive pattern; forming an array element on the first substrate; forming a second adhesive pattern on a second auxiliary substrate; forming a second process panel by attaching a second substrate to the second auxiliary substrate using the second adhesive pattern; forming a color filter element on the second substrate; attaching the first and second process panels with a liquid crystal panel between the first and second process panels; weakening an adhesive strength of the first and second adhesive patterns; and detaching the first and second auxiliary substrates from the first and second substrates, respectively.
US08828747B2

According to one embodiment, a pattern forming method includes forming a self-assembled material on a plurality of first patterns, forming a plurality of second patterns by heating the self-assembled material and causing microphase separation of the self-assembled material, the second patterns corresponding to the first patterns, and calculating positional deviations of respective positions of the second patterns from positions of the corresponding first patterns. When at least one of the positional deviations is larger than a predetermined value, the self-assembled material is adjusted.
US08828738B2

The invention is directed to methods and devices for reducing interference from heterophile antibodies in an analyte immunoassay. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method comprising the steps of (a) amending a biological sample such as a whole blood sample with non-human IgM or fragments thereof by dissolving into said sample a dry reagent to yield a non-human IgM concentration of at least about 20 μg/mL or equivalent fragment concentration; and (b) performing an electrochemical immunoassay on the amended sample to determine the concentration of said analyte in said sample. Preferably, the sample is amended with IgG or fragments thereof in addition to the IgM of fragments thereof.
US08828733B2

The compositions and methods relate to an organic polymer-inorganic particle sensor material for detecting analytes. Interactions between the polymer and the particles are affected by the presence of analyte, which displaces the polymer and increases its free volume. This change in free volume can be detected, e.g., using an embedded piezoresistive microcantilever (EPM) sensor. Analytes that can be detected include noxious substances, such as hydrogen cyanide gas and carbon monoxide.
US08828731B2

A method for facilitating removal of mercury from a primary fluid stream of interest which is contaminated with organically-bound, elemental, and ionic mercury species. The stream is analyzed to establish the relative content of the organically-bound, elemental, and ionic mercury species present therein by forming a diverted side stream from the primary stream, and passing the side stream successively through three in series filter stages, the first captures organically bound mercury, the second captures elemental mercury, and the third captures ionic mercury. The side stream flow through the filter stages is continued for a predetermined period, and upon conclusion of the period the quantity of mercury collected at each of the filtration stages is determined. This data is then utilized to determine the capacity of the three different filtration stages required to reduce the mercury content in the mam stream to a desired level.
US08828729B1

One embodiment is a SERS enhancing substrate which includes a porous substrate and a Raman enhancing material associated with a surface of the porous substrate. The Raman enhancing material may be a Raman enhancing metal or other Raman enhancing material. The Raman enhancing material may also be configured to improve binding of a taggant to the substrate. The substrate described above may be included in a sample vessel useful for the flow-through analysis of large sample volumes, or for the rapid analysis of very dilute samples. Other embodiments include methods and systems for detecting taggants with SERS and similar techniques.
US08828728B2

An aquatic environment monitoring system and method that includes correction for adverse conditions in the monitoring system involving the development of confidence levels for certain conditions in the monitoring system using stored information related to the aquatic environment and/or the monitoring system. Corrections to adverse conditions may be made by the environment monitoring system automatically by the monitoring system and manually via communications to a user of the system.
US08828719B2

The present invention relates to a recombinant host cell, wherein the cell is modified to increase the expression levels of Ero1 and XBP1 relative to the expression levels of Ero1 and XBP1 in an unmodified cell. The present invention also relates to a method of producing a recombinant protein of interest comprising expressing the recombinant protein of interest in the recombinant host cell.
US08828711B2

A flow chamber and method for detecting the presence of one more cell produced analytes under flow conditions. The flow chamber includes two compartments separated by a permeable membrane on which a plurality of cells may be positioned. The permeable membrane shields one or more analyte sensors positioned one compartment from the convective transport forces of a fluid flow within the other compartment to allow reliable and accurate detection of cell-produced analytes and determination of the concentration of cell-produced analytes.
US08828709B2

The invention relates to a method with which proteins from formalin-fixed biological samples can be dissolved and subsequently quantified. The method makes it possible to extract intact full-length proteins from the samples and to conduct a subsequent analysis thereof.
US08828705B1

The present invention provides a magnetic mesoporous nanoparticle that includes a mesoporous silicate nanoparticle and iron oxide. The present invention also provides a method of using magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles to sequester microorganisms from a media.
US08828698B2

Stabilized angiogenin compositions and methods of preparing a stabilized angiogenin compositions by covalent immobilization on a naturally occurring substrate, such as a polysaccharide substrate, are disclosed. In particular, the polysaccharide substrate includes galactose-rich polysaccharide.
US08828693B2

Isopropanol is produced with good productivity via fermentation processes. Specifically, isopropanol is produced at a high level in a medium by culturing recombinant yeast into which an acetoacetyl CoA synthase gene and a group of genes (isopropanol synthesis-related gene group) encoding a group of enzymes for synthesis of isopropanol from acetoacetyl CoA have been introduced.
US08828684B2

The present invention provides genetically modified eukaryotic host cells that produce isoprenoid precursors or isoprenoid compounds. A subject genetically modified host cell comprises increased activity levels of one or more of mevalonate pathway enzymes, increased levels of prenyltransferase activity, and decreased levels of squalene synthase activity. Methods are provided for the production of an isoprenoid compound or an isoprenoid precursor in a subject genetically modified eukaryotic host cell. The methods generally involve culturing a subject genetically modified host cell under conditions that promote production of high levels of an isoprenoid or isoprenoid precursor compound.
US08828673B2

The present invention generally relates to the field of diagnostic microbiology, and, more particularly; to compositions and methods for detecting and differentiating one or more viruses or other intracellular parasites present in a specimen. The present invention also provides compositions and methods to evaluate the susceptibility of organisms to antimicrobial agents.
US08828667B2

Compositions are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include an isolated antibody or antigen binding antibody fragment characterized by binding specificity for a conjugate which is a reaction product of a protein moiety and an isocyanate moiety. Methods of detecting diisocyanate-protein conjugates in a sample are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include contacting a sample with one or more isolated antibodies or antigen binding antibody fragments characterized by binding specificity for corresponding diisocyanate-protein conjugate antigens.
US08828665B2

Compounds and methods for use in detecting gabapentin in a sample suspected of containing gabapentin are disclosed. Gabapentin derivatives are used to produce gabapentin conjugates. A gabapentin-immunogenic carrier conjugate may be used as an immunogen for the preparation of an anti-gabapentin antibody. A gabapentin-detectable label may be used in a signal producing system in gabapentin assays.
US08828659B2

The present disclosure provides nucleic acid probes, as well as kits that include such probes. Methods for producing and using (for example in chromosomal in situ hybridization) the probes are also provided. Such probes in some examples are used to detect chromosomal abnormalities or the presence of a pathogen.
US08828658B2

The invention provides methods, materials and systems of regulating association between proteins of interest using light. In an aspect, the invention takes advantage of the ability of phytochromes to change conformation upon exposure to appropriate light conditions, and to bind in a conformation-dependent manner to cognate proteins called phytochrome-interacting factors. The invention comprises a method of regulating interaction between a first protein of interest and second protein within a cell by light. Such a method optionally comprises providing in the cell (1) a first protein construct which comprises the first protein, a phytochrome domain (PHD), and (2) providing in the cell a second protein construct which comprises the second protein and a phytochrome domain-interacting peptide (PIP) that can bind selectively to the Pfr state, but not to the Pr state, of the phytochrome domain.
US08828656B2

Provided are novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of tumor involving a chromosomal rearrangement, in particular a tumor or neoplasia of the thyroid gland. In addition, methods of identifying anti-tumor agents are described.
US08828649B2

A method of patterning a thin film, comprising: depositing an intermediate, radiation sensitive, layer on a substrate; depositing the thin film on the intermediate layer, before or after deposition of the thin film: exposing the intermediate layer to patterned radiation in order to initiate a chemical reaction therein; and removing patterned radiation-defined parts of the intermediate layer and corresponding thin film, to leave patterned thin film and patterned intermediate layer on the substrate.
US08828647B2

A negative pattern is formed by applying a resist composition onto a substrate, prebaking, exposing to high-energy radiation, baking (PEB), and developing the exposed resist film in an organic solvent developer to dissolve the unexposed region of resist film. The resist composition comprising a polymer comprising recurring units having an acid labile group-substituted carboxyl group and/or hydroxy group and recurring units having an oxirane or oxetane ring, an acid generator, and an organic solvent displays a high dissolution contrast in organic solvent development and controlled acid diffusion. A fine hole pattern featuring good size control can be formed.
US08828635B2

A toner including a resin particle (C) is provided. The resin particle (C) includes a resin particle (B) and a resin particle (A). The resin particle (B) includes a resin (b). The resin particle (A) or covering layer (P) includes a resin (a). The resin particle (A) or covering layer (P) is adhered to a surface of the resin particle (B). The resin (a) is a polyester resin. The resin (a) has a total acid value of 15 to 36 mgKOH/g. The resin particle (A) or covering layer (P) has a surface acid value of 10 to 27 mgKOH/g.
US08828633B2

To obtain a toner which has excellent charge rise and stability, tends to have a sharp charge distribution, has excellent pigment dispersion properties, exhibits no disarray in an image even during a high-speed copying operation, and can stably output high-resolution images. A toner comprising toner particle containing a binder resin, a colorant, resin PA, and resin PB, wherein the resin PA has unit A represented by Formula (1), the resin PB has unit B represented by Formula (2), a content “a” of the unit A in the toner particle is 2.00 μmol/g or more, and a molar ratio b/a of the content “a” and a content “b” of the unit B in the toner particle is 0.10 or more and 10.00 or less.
US08828630B2

Disclosed are photosensitive resin composition that includes a dye including a methine-based compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, wherein each substituent of Chemical Formula 1 is the same as defined in the detailed description, and a metal complex, and a color filter using the same.
US08828627B2

A reflective mask for an extreme ultra violet (EUV) lithography obtained by forming a mask pattern in an absorber layer of an reflective mask blank is useful in semiconductor production. The EUV reflective mask has two regions of a mask pattern region and a region outside the mask pattern region. The mask pattern region has the absorber layer and a non-absorber layer on the reflective layer of an substrate, wherein the region outside the mask pattern region has an EUV reflective layer, an EUV absorber layer, and a light shielding layer for suppressing reflection of EUV light and DUV-Vis light having a wavelength of from 190 to 500 nm. The EUV reflective mask reduces unnecessary exposure of resist formed on a substrate to reflected light from the region outside the mask pattern region and reduces a pattern size to produce an accurate transfer pattern.
US08828623B2

The invention relates to a contact element for an electrically conductive connection between an anode and an interconnector of a high-temperature fuel cell. It is the object of the invention to achieve a more reliable electrically conductive connection with long-term stability between an anode and the associated interconnector of a high-temperature fuel cell. The contact element in accordance with the invention is arranged between an anode and an interconnector of a high-temperature fuel cell. It is formed with two areal electrically conductive part elements. In this respect, one respective part element is in touching contact with the anode and the other part element is in touching contact with the respective interconnector. Openings are formed in the part elements and the part elements are formed from materials having mutually different coefficients of thermal expansion.
US08828620B2

Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
US08828613B2

Fuel-cell assemblies containing a membrane electrode assembly, methods for preparing the membrane electrode assembly, and methods for functionalizing catalytic surfaces of catalyst particles in the membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell assembly have been described. The fuel-cell assemblies and their membrane electrode assemblies contain cathode catalyst materials having catalytic surfaces that are functionalized with cyano groups to improve catalyst activity. The cathode catalyst materials may include a catalytic metal such as platinum or a platinum alloy. The cyano groups may be derived from a cyanide source that is electro-oxidized onto the catalytic surfaces. Nonlimiting examples of cyanide sources include amino acids such as glycine, alanine, and serine. The cyano groups may improve catalyst activity toward the oxygen-reduction reaction in a hydrogen fuel cell by blocking catalyst surface adsorption of contaminant species such as sulfates or sulfonates while allowing access of oxygen molecules to the catalyst surface.
US08828611B2

Disclosed is a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising: a first acrylate compound having one or two acryl groups; a second acrylate compound having three or more acryl groups; an electrolyte salt; and an organic solvent. Also, disclosed is an electrode comprising a coating layer formed partially or totally on a surface thereof, the coating layer comprising: (i) a reduced form of a first acrylate compound having one or two acryl groups; and (ii) a reduced form of a second acrylate compound having three or more acryl groups. Further, disclosed in an electrochemical device comprising a cathode, an anode, a separator and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein (i) the non-aqueous electrolyte is the above non-aqueous electrolyte; and/or (ii) the cathode and/or the anode is the above electrode.
US08828610B2

Disclosed is an additive for an electrochemical cell wherein the additive includes an N—O bond. The additive is most preferably included in a nonaqueous electrolyte of the cell. Also disclosed are cells and batteries including the additive, and methods of charging the batteries and cells. An electrochemical cell including the additive preferably has an anode that includes lithium and a cathode including an electroactive sulfur-containing material.
US08828601B2

Provided are a pack main body of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a battery cell is embedded, and a terminal portion provided on a front face of the pack main body. The pack main body includes bevelled portions at corner portions formed by a top face and a bottom face and opposite side faces. The terminal portion is provided, in a protruding manner, on the front face at a position biased with respect to center lines in a width direction and a height direction. The corner portions on one side have a chamfered shape and the corner portions on the other side have a rounded shape.
US08828599B2

A battery pack is provided. The battery pack includes a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery that includes a substantially thin-plate-shaped battery element covered with a laminated sheet such that a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are exposed, and has a first end face from which the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are led out. An exterior casing covers five faces of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, the five faces excluding a second end face next to the first end face. A support covers the second end face of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery. At least one of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal is extended along a first connection portion provided for the first end face and a second connection portion provided for the second end face and is connected to an external power supply provided for the support.
US08828598B2

A cell has: a pole terminal placed on outside of a cell case; a deformed terminal fixing the pole terminal to the case by a base surface portion and a protruding portion; an inversion plate attached to the base surface portion and interrupting conduction between the internal terminal and the deformed terminal by inversion deforming away from the internal terminal at least at a portion when the internal pressure of the case increases beyond working pressure; and a shaft member having at least a part of the top portion placed in the protruding portion, and reestablishing conduction between the internal terminal and the deformed terminal after the inversion plate inverted by the top portion being pressed from the outside and thereby being moved inside the protruding section to press the inversion plate inward. A sealed space is provided between the deformed terminal and the inversion plate.
US08828592B2

A battery pack includes a bare cell having a coupling groove and a protection circuit electrically coupled to the bare cell. A coupler has a first end attached to the protection circuit and a second end defining a coupling hole, the second end contacting the bare cell. A fastener is combined to the coupling groove through the coupling hole; wherein the coupler includes an elastic region for elastically supporting the fastener and the bare cell.
US08828587B2

An energy store device, especially for a motor vehicle, includes at least two energy sources, which are connected via an electrical connection, and at least one safety element, the safety element being deformable and/or expandable in order to sever the electrical connection between the energy sources. In a method for severing electrical connections of an energy store device having at least two energy sources, a short-circuit risk is determined with the aid of at least one determination device, a propellant is activated following a determination result of the determination device, and at least one safety element is deformed and/or expanded by the activation of the propellant, in order to sever at least one electrical connection of the energy store device.
US08828585B2

Disclosed herein are an equal distribution type connecting member for connecting two or more devices to an external circuit, the connection member including a first connection circuit connected to a connection point of the external circuit, and second connection circuits sequentially connected to the first connection circuit, the second connection circuits being constructed in a structure in which the sectional areas of the second connection circuits are increased and/or the lengths of the second connection circuits are decreased with the increase of the connection distance between the connection point of the external circuit and connection points of the devices, thereby equalizing internal resistances between the connection point of the external circuit and the connection points of the devices, and a middle- or large-sized battery pack including the same. The equal distribution type connecting member according to the present invention is capable of reducing the difference in internal resistances of the circuits, thereby increasing the overall life span of the battery pack. Also, the uniform charging and discharging efficiency of battery modules or battery cells is acquired, and therefore, it is possible to manufacture battery modules having optimized performance and a middle- or large-sized battery pack including the same.
US08828582B2

An example includes a method including forming a battery electrode by disposing an active material coating onto a silicon substrate, assembling the battery electrode into a stack of battery electrodes, the battery electrode separated from other battery electrodes by a separator, disposing the stack in a housing, filling the interior space with electrolyte, and sealing the housing to resist the flow of electrolyte from the interior space.
US08828579B2

The invention provides a battery, which can improve battery characteristics such as high temperature storage characteristics. The battery comprises a battery device, wherein a cathode and an anode are wound with a separator in between. The anode contains an anode material capable of inserting and extracting Li as an anode active material. An electrolytic solution is impregnated in the separator. The electrolytic solution contains a solvent, and an electrolyte salt such as Li[B(CF3)4] dissolved in the solvent, which is expressed by a chemical formula of Li[B(RF1)(RF2)(RF3)RF4]RF 1, RF 2, RF 3, and RF 4 represent a perfluoro alkyl group whose number of fluorine or carbon is from 1 to 12, respectively. Consequently, high temperature storage characteristics are improved.
US08828578B2

Disclosed herein is a middle- or large-sized battery module including a plurality of battery cells or unit modules, the middle- or large-sized battery module being configured to have a connection structure in which measured voltage and/or temperature signals of the battery cells or the unit modules are transmitted and received by a wire type connection member, wherein at least one end of the connection member is connected to a connection counterpart in a male and female engagement type mechanical coupling manner, the connection member has a downwardly bent region (a downwardly bent portion) formed at a region adjacent to a connection part such that the downwardly bent portion is bent downward to a height lower than the connection part for preventing moisture condensed on the connection member from being introduced to the connection part due to gravity.
US08828573B2

Provided are lithium sulfur battery cells that use water as an electrolyte solvent. In various embodiments the water solvent enhances one or more of the following cell attributes: energy density, power density and cycle life. Significant cost reduction can also be realized by using an aqueous electrolyte in combination with a sulfur cathode. For instance, in applications where cost per Watt-Hour (Wh) is paramount, such as grid storage and traction applications, the use of an aqueous electrolyte in combination with inexpensive sulfur as the cathode active material can be a key enabler for the utility and automotive industries, providing a cost effective and compact solution for load leveling, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
US08828572B2

A portable terminal device has a battery cover that can be opened/closed without a tool, and is small and thin, with a waterproof structure. The device has a housing with a battery pocket which houses a battery; and a battery cover which slides and opens/closes the battery pocket. The housing has a battery cover engaging section wherein a locking claw disposed on one end of the battery cover slides and is inserted such that the end of the battery cover is supported; and a packing deformation preventing/suppressing wall, which surrounds the battery pocket, except on the battery cover engaging section, and prevents a packing, integrally molded with the battery cover from deforming. The packing is integrally molded with the battery cover and a deformation preventing rib prevents the packing from deforming in the region having no packing deformation preventing/suppressing wall.
US08828570B2

A battery temperature sensor may include a substrate and a thin film resistive temperature device (RTD). The substrate can be layered on a battery cell element. The battery cell element can be an anode, a cathode, and a separator between the anode and cathode used in a battery cell. The thin film resistive temperature device (RTD) on the flexible substrate can change resistance with a change in temperature. A battery cell housing can enclose the thin film RTD.
US08828566B2

[Problem] An object is to make a film thinner while keeping the function as an auxiliary recording layer and increase an SNR.[Solution] A structure of the perpendicular magnetic disk 100 according to the present invention includes, on a base 110, a granular magnetic layer 160 and an auxiliary recording layer 180 disposed above the granular magnetic layer, the granular magnetic layer having a granular structure in which a non-magnetic substance having an oxide as a main component is segregated around magnetic particles having a CoCrPt alloy as a main ingredient growing in a columnar shape to form a grain boundary part, and the auxiliary recording layer having a CoCrPtRu alloy as a main component and further containing, as a accessory component, a metal forming passivity and not being an antiferromagnet.
US08828560B2

The present invention relates to light-emitting devices and novel emitter materials as well as emitter systems and, in particular, organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs). In particular, the invention relates to the use of luminescent complexes as emitters in such devices.
US08828552B2

The invention relates to a method for producing an anti-infective coating on implants that contain titanium or are composed of titanium. The aim of the invention is to provide a coating method with which it is possible, for implants made of titanium or that contain titanium, to combine the optimization of the mechanical properties achieved with the anodic oxidation type II with the optimization of the anti-infective properties. According to the invention, the implants are anodically oxidized in an alkaline solution, then metal having anti-infective properties is electrodeposited on said surface, and afterwards the oxide layer containing metal is solidified.
US08828545B2

The invention provides a silica-alumina-sodium oxide glass easy to melt and suitable for a low temperature ion exchange process. The glass is suitable for chemical tempering and consists of 55-60 wt % of SiO2, 0.1-2.5 wt % of B2O3, 11-16 wt % of Al2O3, 14-17 wt % of Na2O, 1-8 wt % of K2O, 0-8 wt % of ZrO2, 0-5 wt % of CaO, 0-5 wt % of MgO and 0-1 wt % of Sb2O3. By reasonably setting the composition, the difficulty in glass production decreases and the glass melting temperature is reduced obviously, which is favorable to reduce energy consumption and improve yield of products. Under the condition that tempering temperature is 380□-500□ and tempering time is 4-12 h, the surface compressive stress can be 610-1100 Mpa, the depth of a stress layer can be 31-80 μm, and the glass is reinforced and has high shock resistance. The glass of the invention has high wear resistance and can be used as a protective glass material of high-grade electronic display products such as mobile phones and PDAs.
US08828541B2

A crystalline titanium dioxide containing fluorine atoms within the crystal lattice comprising atoms of titanium and oxygen is described; this titanium dioxide is particularly suitable for the production of solid-state electrolytes, hybrid membranes for fuel cells or electrolysers. A process for producing the aforesaid titanium dioxide is also described.
US08828526B2

The disclosure is directed to enhanced silver coated aluminum substrates for use as optical mirrors in which galvanic corrosion between the silver and aluminum is prevented and a method of making such silver coating and mirrors. The optical mirror according to the disclosure has an in-situ formed “barrier” layer inserted between the aluminum substrate and the silver layer. In addition, selected layers are densified by carrying out their deposition using a high power RF ion source during their deposition.
US08828509B2

A gift wreath apparatus hangs similar or different reusable gift boxes to be filled. In one example, a plurality of hangers is configured for removeably and slidably hanging the reusable gift boxes from the wreath member. A plurality of fasteners are configured for attaching one of the reusable gift boxes in a substantially closed configuration to one of the hangers and for detaching the gift box from the second hanger end while keeping the box closed. The fastener can comprise a hook on the free end of the hanger and a ribbon secured to the lid of the box. The box ribbon is bow tied and the bow tie hung from the hook. The apparatus can be assembled from a kit of parts. A method for assembly can be provided in an instruction manual provided with the kit of parts.
US08828508B2

A liquid crystal composition in which deterioration of viscosity that is associated with an increase in Δn and an increase in Δ∈ is suppressed, and a liquid crystal display element having a markedly improved response speed by using the relevant liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition has a large value of Δn and negative Δ∈, and have large absolute values thereof. Also, the liquid crystal composition has low η, has excellent liquid crystal properties, and exhibits a liquid crystal phase that is stable in a wide temperature range. Furthermore, since the liquid crystal composition is chemically stable to heat, light, water and the like, the liquid crystal composition is capable of low voltage driving, and is practically useful and highly reliable.
US08828504B2

A hydrogenated thin film is formed in a controlled vacuum on a substrate by evaporating one or more solid materials and passing the resulting vapor and a hydrogen-containing gas into a space between two electrodes. One of the electrodes includes openings for allowing the vapor to enter the space. Plasma is generated within the space to cause dissociation of the hydrogen-containing gas and promote a reaction between the material(s) and hydrogen-containing gas.
US08828500B2

A photocurable resin composition for sealing an organic EL device is provided, which can seal the organic EL device without exerting any bad influence on the device, thereby suppress the formation and growth of dark spots positively, and which can ensure a high transmittance of light, thereby maintain a stable light emitting characteristic over a long period of time. The composition comprises (A) an epoxy resin containing at least two glycidyl groups in each molecule thereof and having a molecular weight of 200 to 7000, (B) an epoxy resin containing at least one glycidyl group in each molecule thereof and having a molecular weight of 20000 to 100000, (C) a latent acid photo catalyst adapted to be activated and produce an acid upon being irradiated with energy beam, and (D) a silane coupling agent containing a glycidyl group in each molecule thereof, the composition exhibiting non-fluidity at 25° C., but exhibiting fluidity in a temperature range of 50° to 100° C.
US08828496B2

A coating method of coating a surface of an object with a paint containing a glitter pigment, including: spraying the paint onto the surface of the object; and controlling a color shade of the paint on the object by adjusting a particle size of paint particles to be sprayed according to a spray width indicating a width of a spread of the paint particles.
US08828489B2

Porous films are homogeneously and partially (but not completely) filled. A composition (that includes a polymer) is brought into contact with a planar film that has interconnected pores throughout the film. The polymer then partially fills the pores within the film, e.g., in response to being heated. An additional treatment such as heating the polymer and/or applying radiation to the polymer increases the Young's modulus of the film.
US08828488B2

To provide a method for producing a thin film consisting of nanosheet monolayer film(s) and use of the thin film obtained thereby.The method for producing a thin film consisting of nanosheet monolayer film(s) by a spin coat method according to the invention comprises a step for preparing an organic solvent sol formed by allowing nanosheets obtained by the exfoliation of an inorganic layered compound to be dispersed in an organic solvent; and a step for dropping the organic solvent sol onto a substrate and rotating the substrate using a spin coater. Preferably, the nanosheet size, the organic solvent sol concentration and the spin coater rotation speed are controlled.
US08828480B2

The invention relates to thin film single layers, electronic components such as multilayer capacitors which utilize thin film layers, and to their methods of manufacture. Chemical solution deposition and microcontact printing of dielectric and electrode layers are disclosed. High permittivity BaTiO3 multilayer thin film capacitors are prepared on Ni foil substrates by microcontact printing and by chemical solution deposition. Multilayer capacitors with BaTiO3 dielectric layers and LaNiO3 internal electrodes are prepared, enabling dielectric layer thicknesses of 1 μμm or less. Microcontact printing of precursor solutions of the dielectric and electrode layers is used.
US08828476B2

Disclosed is a polyimide nanocomposite, which is prepared by mixing modified graphene oxide, polyamic acid, and a solvent to obtain a mixture solution, and heat-curing the mixture solution.
US08828475B2

An image forming method which applies a zinc-containing metal soap to a surface of an intermediate transfer belt including nitrogen on its surface. At least one of the following formulae is satisfied: (1−C/D)×100(%)−(B/A)×100(%)≦10(%) (F/E)×100(%)≦30(%) wherein A and B represent a percentage content of nitrogen at the surface of the intermediate transfer belt before and after image formation on 1,000 sheets, respectively, C represents a percentage content of zinc at the surface of the intermediate transfer belt after the image formation on 1,000 sheets, D represents a percentage content of zinc based on all elements other than hydrogen in the zinc-containing metal soap, and E and F represent a percentage content of nitrogen at the surface of the intermediate transfer belt before and after application of the metal soap thereto for 5 minutes without image formation, respectively.
US08828468B2

A hot dog grill for cooking hot dogs or similar food products is disclosed. The grill can include a plate having a heating surface. A grill assembly can be positioned proximate to the plate and can be moveable relative to the plate. A cam can be operably coupled to a motor and a first end portion of a connecting rod can be movably received within a groove in the cam. A second end portion of the connecting rod can be operably coupled to the grill assembly. Operation of the motor can rotate the cam and drive the connecting rod to move the grill assembly back and forth along the heating surface.
US08828464B2

A whitened exine shell having a degree of whiteness (L*) of greater than 65 measured under D 65 illumination. The shell can be used as a delivery vehicle for an active substance, or as an antioxidant. It can be used in a method of surgery, therapy or diagnosis. The invention provides a formulation containing the whitened exine shell together with an active substance; and a method for preparing the shell by isolating an exine shell from a naturally occurring spore under treatment conditions which do not include aceto lysis, and treating the isolated shell or a precursor thereof with a bleaching composition.
US08828460B2

The inventors have modified the amino acid sequence of a maltogenic alpha-amylase to obtain variants with improved properties, based on the three-dimensional structure of the maltogenic alpha-amylase Novamyl. The variants have altered physicochemical properties., e.g. an altered pH optimum, improved thermostability, increased specific activity, an altered cleavage pattern or an increased ability to reduce retrogradation of starch or staling of bread.
US08828457B1

Stable vitamin oil-in-water emulsions and methods of making those emulsions are described herein. The emulsions may be used to make beverage products that include fat-soluble vitamins. The emulsions may also be used in beverage products that are colored and which maintain color stability for an extended period of time.
US08828445B2

The present invention relates to a method for preparing nano-particles, and more particularly, to a method for preparing nano-particles containing active materials in a simple and highly efficient manner through a grinding process.
US08828444B2

The invention relates to an oleogel-forming agent which comprises at least one highly dispersed triterpene. The invention also relates to an oleogel which comprises a nonpolar liquid in an amount ranging from 80% by weight to 99% by weight based on the total weight of the oleogel and an oleogel-forming agent comprising a highly dispersed triterpene in an amount ranging from 1% by weight to 20% by weight based on the total weight of the oleogel. The invention also relates to a method for producing an oleogel.
US08828441B2

A spray-chilled particulate delivery system that has a crystalline matrix structure and includes a volatile hydrophobic active ingredient and a carrier material of erythritol, mannitol and mixtures thereof 75% or more of the carrier material, relative to the total weight of the carrier material, is in crystalline form. The system is prepared by a process that includes the steps of forming a melt of the carrier material, incorporating a volatile hydrophobic active ingredient into the melt, forming a melt-mixture comprising an emulsion, dispersion or suspension of the volatile hydrophobic active ingredient in the melt, forming discrete particles of the melt mixture, and cooling the discrete particles.
US08828437B2

The present invention relates to a thermogelling pharmaceutical composition comprising local anaesthetics in base form and which is suitable for topical administration. The compositions further comprise a polyoxyethylene castor oil and one or more surfactants to obtain thermogelling characteristics.
US08828427B2

Pharmaceutical compositions and single unit dosage forms of 4-amino-2-(2,6-dioxopiperidine-3-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione, or a pharmaceutically acceptable stereoisomer, prodrug, salt, solvate, hydrate, or clathrate, are provided herein. Also provided are methods of treating, managing, or preventing various disorders, such as cancer or an inflammatory disease.
US08828423B2

A delivery system for inclusion in an edible composition is formulated to have at least one active component encapsulated within an encapsulating material, whereby the delivery system has a tensile strength suitable for delivering the active component at a desired release rate.
US08828422B2

The present invention is directed to shelf-stable liquid egg material, methods for making the same, and method of using the same. The present invention is also directed to an animal feed supplement containing a stabilized IgY antibody titer in liquid eggs stored at room temperature for extended periods of time with the use of glycerol and preservatives. The stabilized liquid whole egg or stabilized liquid yolks of the egg containing non-specific or elevated specific IgY titer may be used as animal feed supplements animals to provide passive immunity to these animals. The stabilized nature of the IgY and liquid egg allows for extended shelf life of these liquid products at room temperature.
US08828421B2

Comestible materials encapsulated by a film-forming composition including a plant protein source and methods of forming the same are provided. The film-forming composition affects the site of digestion of the comestible material within the digestive tract of an animal or a human thereby allowing the material to be most effectively utilized by the body. Also, the film-forming compositions may be used to enhance the stability of the encapsulated material and prevent undesired interaction with other components of a mixture.
US08828419B2

A medical device has a structure made of one biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. A degradation additive is encapsulated by another biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material forming a nanoparticle or microparticle. The nanoparticle or microparticle is together with the one biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material of the structure. The other biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material of the nanoparticle or microparticle has a degradation rate that is faster than a degradation rate of the one biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. The structure experiences a period of accelerated degradation upon release of the degradation additive from the nanoparticle or microparticle.
US08828418B2

Methods are disclosed for controlling the morphology and the release-rate of active agent from coating layers for medical devices comprising a polymer matrix and one or more active agents. The methods comprise fixing the morphology or phase distribution of the active agent prior to removing solvent from the coating composition. The coating layers can be used for controlled the delivery of an active agent or a combination of active agents.
US08828415B2

The present Invention deals with an alternative Interfacial polymerization process of microencapsulation, microcapsule's produced thereof, microencapsulated agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, catalysts and phase transfer materials, and formulations thereof, by means of microcapsules and starting materials with the participation of acetylene carbamide derivatives in the final structure of the microcapsules' wall.
US08828414B2

Provided are biocidal compositions comprising 2,6-dimethyl-m-dioxane-4-ol acetate and a non-formaldehyde releasing biocidal compound selected from the group consisting of: a brominated nitroalkanol, a 2-halo-2-(halomethyl)glutaronitrile, and 2-phenoxyethanol. The compositions are useful for controlling microorganisms in aqueous or water containing systems.
US08828413B2

Novel peptoid oligomers are disclosed that have a formula represented by the following formula I: The peptoids demonstrate antimicrobial activity and may be prepared as pharmaceutical compositions and used for the prevention or treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans where microbial invasion is involved. The present cyclic and linear peptoids are particularly valuable as their effect is rapid, broad in spectrum and mostly indifferent to resistance provoked by standard antibiotics.
US08828412B2

Disclosed herein are stable oil-in-water emulsion ophthalmic topical liquid compositions having an average particle size less than 1 μm including at least one plant-derived oil other than castor oil wherein the oil comprises only aliphatic side chains free of polar pendent groups. The oil-in-water emulsion ophthalmic topical liquid compositions also include a hydrophilic surfactant having an HLB value between approximately 10 and 14, a vegetable oil-derived hydrophobic non-co-block surfactant having unsaturated side chains that contain less than four oxygen atoms having an HLB value between approximately 4 and 6 and is a liquid at room temperature. The oil-in-water emulsion ophthalmic topical liquid compositions disclosed herein can further include an amount of cyclosporine A or polyphenol in an amount effective to relieve dry eye symptoms.
US08828404B2

Methods and compositions are provided for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in which there is accumulation of misfolded and/or aggregated proteins, excluding prion diseases. In particular, the invention relates to treatment of the neurodegenerative diseases Huntington's disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Parkinson's disease (PD), by administration of an agent selected from the group consisting of (i) Copolymer 1, (ii) a Copolymer 1-related peptide, (iii) a Copolymer 1-related polypeptide, and (iv) T cells activated with (i), (ii) or (iii).
US08828402B2

The disclosure relates to a composition added to animal feed used in combination with a vaccine to enhance the effectiveness of the vaccine. Amongst other effects, the composition raises the titer of antibodies to the vaccine.
US08828401B2

The present invention is directed to cytotoxic pentapeptides, to antibody drug conjugates thereof, and to methods for using the same to treat cancer.
US08828393B2

Compositions and methods for the therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis, are disclosed. Illustrative compositions comprise one or more anti-type 1 interferon antagonists, such as anti-type 1 interferon receptor antibody antagonists and fragments thereof, as well as polypeptides and small molecules that inhibit the interaction of type 1 interferon with its receptor (IFNAR).
US08828388B2

Antibodies which specifically bind heregulin-coupled HER3, at a site distinct from the heregulin binding site, are described. These antibodies are particularly useful in treating cancer.
US08828386B2

A method lessening intraventricular hemorrhage in the fetus of a gravid human patient is provided where the patient is administered a therapeutically effective amount of digoxin antibody.
US08828385B2

Molecules comprising the antigen-binding portion of antibodies that block constitutive and/or ligand-dependent activation of a receptor protein tyrosine kinase, such as fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), are found through screening methods, where a soluble dimeric form of a receptor protein tyrosine kinase is used as target for screening a library of antibody fragments displayed on the surface of bacteriophage. The molecules of the present invention which block constitutive activation can be administered to treat or inhibit skeletal dysplasia, craniosynostosis disorders, cell proliferative diseases or disorders, or tumor progression associated with the constitutive activation of a receptor protein tyrosine kinase.
US08828374B2

Provided is a sustained releaser of a sex pheromone having a high release rate, especially preferably of a sex pheromone of an aliphatic acetate compound having 10 to 16 carbon atoms, wherein the release of the sex pheromone is controlled so that it can be released at a constant rate over a control period of a pest insect. More specifically, provided is a sustained pheromone releaser comprising a polymer container and having, enclosed therein, a mixture having a melting point of 15 to 35° C. and being obtained by mixing a sex pheromone substance and a compound having a melting point of 10 to 40° C.
US08828363B2

An aqueous based pharmaceutical composition for use as a oral hygienic treatment is described. The composition contains a pharmaceutically effective amount of a tetracycline-based antibiotic; a water-soluble calcium salt that aids in solubilizing the tetracycline-based antibiotic; a thickener; a pH adjustment agent; an antifoaming agent; an excipient; a surfactant; a preservative; and a flavoring agent. A method of making the aqueous based pharmaceutical composition includes the steps of adjusting, defoaming, dispensing, dispersing, dissolving, flavoring, heating, minimizing, pouring, solubilizing, suspending, and sweetening. A method of using the aqueous based pharmaceutical composition is also disclosed which includes the steps of expectorating, gargling, obtaining, pouring, receiving, and swishing.
US08828362B2

A method for brightening of teeth is described, using a kit with the componentsA an alkaline, aqueous sodium fluoride solution, containing a gel former,B a dried gel, present in film strips, containing B1 at least one gel former, B2 phosphate or hydrogen phosphate ions, B3 optionally at least one amino acid, B4 optionally fluoride, B5 optionally glycerol, B6 optionally a carboxylic acid or a buffer system for one of the pH values from 4 to 7. C a dried gel, present in film strips, containing C1 at least one gel former, C2 calcium ions, C3 optionally glycerol, as well as preparation of the kit.
US08828358B2

A composition for in situ formation of an artificial blockage to control bleeding includes a suitable amount of a polymer-forming component, a suitable amount of a crosslinking agent, hydrogen peroxide, and a decomposing agent for hydrogen peroxide. The decomposing agent includes exogenous or endogenous catalase, or both.
US08828357B2

Iron oxide nano contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which have superior T2 contrast effect, and also can be used as a storage or a carrier for drugs and so on, are disclosed. The iron oxide nano contrast agents can be prepared by the steps of: coating surfaces of hydrophobic FeO nanoparticles with a coating material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol-phospholipid conjugate, dextran, chitosan, dimercaptosuccinic acid and mixtures thereof in an organic solvent to form hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles having hydrophilic surfaces and dispersibility in water; dispersing the hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles in water to oxidize FeO; and exposing the oxidized hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles to an acidic buffer to dissolve and remove interior unoxidized FeO portions, and thereby to form Fe3O4 nanoparticles having an interior space.
US08828349B2

A substrate for growing carbon nanotubes capable of elongating single-walled carbon nanotubes of an average diameter of less than 2 nm is provided. The substrate for growing carbon nanotubes 1 is equipped with a reaction prevention layer 3 formed on a base material 2, a catalyst material layer 4 formed on the reaction prevention layer 3, a dispersion layer 5 formed on the catalyst material layer 4, and a dispersion promotion layer 6 formed on the dispersion layer 5.
US08828345B2

This method for manufacturing trichlorosilane, includes: reacting metallurgical grade silicon with silicon tetrachloride and hydrogen so as to obtain a reaction gas; condensing the reaction gas so as to obtain a condensate; and distilling the condensate using a distillation system including a first distillation column and a secondary distillation column so as to refine trichlorosilane. While maintaining the condensate in a high temperature state so that a concentration of aluminum chloride in the condensate becomes in a range of a saturation solubility or less, the condensate flows to the first distillation column. A liquid distilled in the first distillation column is distilled by the secondary distillation column so as to refine trichlorosilane. A liquid in which aluminum chloride is concentrated is extracted from a bottom portion of the first distillation column. The extracted liquid is concentrated and dried, and then aluminum chloride is exhausted.
US08828343B2

Catalyst articles comprising palladium and related methods of preparation and use are disclosed. Disclosed is a catalyst article comprising a first catalytic layer formed on a substrate, wherein the first catalytic layer comprises palladium impregnated on a ceria-free oxygen storage component and platinum impregnated on a refractory metal oxide, and a second catalytic layer formed on the first catalytic layer comprising platinum and rhodium impregnated on a ceria-containing oxygen storage component. The palladium component of the catalyst article is present in a higher proportion relative to the other platinum group metal components. The catalyst articles provide improved conversion of carbon monoxide in exhaust gases, particularly under rich engine operating conditions.
US08828341B1

A method for reducing mercury emission and/or re-emission in cleaned flue gas through control of sulfite concentration within a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) system is disclosed. One method for reducing mercury emission and/or re-emission through control of sulfite concentration is to measure the sulfite concentration of an aqueous alkaline slurry used in a WFGD system and comparing the same to a predetermined sulfite concentration value. If the comparison reveals the measured sulfite concentration is above the predetermined values, the amount of oxidation air supplied to the system is increased. If the comparison reveals the measured sulfite concentration is below the predetermined values, the amount of oxidation air supplied to the system is decreased.
US08828337B2

A microreactor with at least one cavity, which comprises a bottom, a side wall and an opening disposed opposite the bottom, has a cross-section intersecting the side wall parallel to the bottom, the cross-section having a shape diverging from a round, square or rectangular shape.
US08828334B2

Disclosed is a module for rapidly detecting analytes in fluids with high effectiveness and a chip having the module. The module includes a microchannel, which has a filtering zone for removing noise materials and a reaction zone wherein labeling reaction and immobilization reaction for detection of analytes are performed, sample fluid moving through the microchannel due to capillary floating. In a case where the chip having the module is used in detecting analytes in fluids, it is possible to minimize dead volume of sample fluid so that high effective volume ratio can be implemented. Therefore, the chip can be used in detecting analytes from the minimum amount of sample fluid.
US08828325B2

A catalyst is disclosed. The catalyst contains a ternary nitride and at least one of gold, osmium, iridium, palladium, rhodium, rhenium, ruthenium, or cesium. The catalyst may be used for a particulate filter in an engine exhaust treatment system.
US08828315B2

A display for supporting produce generating ethylene gas as the produce ripens includes a surface for supporting the produce, a blower positioned in communication with the produce to move a gas containing at least a portion of the ethylene gas from the produce and an ethylene scrubber positioned in communication with the produce and in a flow path of the gas. The ethylene scrubber removes the at least a portion of the ethylene from the gas. The display does not include a refrigeration system such that a life of the produce is lengthened without use of refrigeration.
US08828311B2

Compositions and methods for making a three dimensional structure comprising: designing a three-dimensional structure; melting the three-dimensional structure from two or more layers of a metal powder with a high energy electron or laser beam is described herein. The position where the metal is melted into the structure is formed along a layer of metal powder, wherein the location and intensity of the beam that strikes the metal layer is based on the three-dimensional structure and is controlled and directed by a processor. The instant invention comprises a novel dry state sonication step for removing metal powder that is not melted from the three dimensional structure.
US08828304B2

A method of forming a resist pattern of high aspect ratio excelling in etching resistance by the use of nanoimprint lithography. The method of forming a resist pattern by nanoimprint lithography comprises the steps of disposing organic layer (4) on support (1); providing resist layer (2) on the organic layer (4) with the use of chemical amplification type negative resist composition containing silsesquioxane resin (A); pressing light transmission allowing mold (3) with partial light shielding portion (5) against the resist layer (2) and thereafter carrying out exposure from the upside of the mold (3); and detaching the mold (3).
US08828300B2

A die for manufacturing CVJ boot by injection molding includes a central core, and a plurality of divisional molds for molding an inner peripheral surface of the CVJ boot, respectively. The divisional molds move diametrically toward the central core. Moreover, the divisional molds not only approach one another diametrically, but also get away from each other axially.
US08828296B2

Disclosed herein are methods of making an eyeglass frame comprising a frame front and/or a pair of temples, wherein each of the frame front and temples independently comprises a top layer and a patterned layer having the shape of a frame front and/or a pair of temples, and wherein the patterned layer comprises a laminate and a design pattern on a surface of the laminate, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a mold having a cavity, wherein the shape of the cavity corresponds to the shape of the frame front and/or the temples; b) setting the patterned layer for the frame front and/or the temples in the mold; and c) injecting a melt of a first polymer composition into the cavity to form the top layer. In some embodiments, at least one of the frame front and temples further comprises a bottom layer.
US08828292B2

An apparatus and method of creating a dimple on a golf ball comprises the positioning of a runner and gate in a mold in a location where it is desired to form a dimple. A polymer is injected into a mold cavity in the mold. A cutter is placed adjacent the mold. When the cutter is actuated to cut the polymer, a pocket is formed between the cutter and the polymer in the mold, thereby creating a dimple on the molded golf ball.
US08828275B2

A metal nanoparticle composition includes water and a water-soluble polymer having both carboxylic acid and sulfonic acid groups. Silver nanoparticles are dispersed in the water and the weight ratio of the polymer to silver is from 0.008 to 0.1.
US08828270B2

The invention relates to a safely handleable and transportable composition including an alpha-cyclodextrin-chlorine dioxide complex and an inert substance, and also a method for production thereof.
US08828269B1

A method of forming a stable mixture of a natural plant oil polyol and a petroleum-based polyol, including mixing a natural plant oil polyol with a monoglyceride, followed by adding a petroleum based polyol. Stabilized mixtures of plant oil and petroleum-based polyols can be used for synthesis of polyurethanes.
US08828262B2

A nonaqueous magnetorheological fluid includes a primarily organic carrier liquid and magnetizable particles. The magnetorheological fluid also includes a buffer, a stabilizer, and water. A pH of the magnetorheological fluid is between 6.5 and 9.0.
US08828259B2

A method for automatically performing power matching using a mechanical RF match during substrate processing is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of parameters for the substrate processing wherein the plurality of parameters including at least a predefined number of learning cycles. The method also includes setting the mechanical RF match to operate in a mechanical tuning mode. The method further includes providing a first set of instructions to the substrate processing to ignore a predefined number of cycles of Rapid Alternating Process RAP steps. The method yet also includes operating the mechanical RF match in the mechanical tuning mode for the predefined number of learning cycles. The method yet further includes determining a set of optimal capacitor values. The method moreover includes providing a second set of instructions to a power generator to operate in a frequency tuning mode.
US08828250B2

A method of manufacturing an optical element module in which an optical element and a semiconductor circuit element are mounted on one surface of a silicon substrate, a mirror surface inclined at approximately 45 degrees is formed on the other surface, and an optical fiber facing the mirror surface is disposed in a V groove formed along the other surface, the method of manufacturing includes the steps of forming the mirror surface and V-shaped side surfaces of the V groove simultaneously by first crystal anisotropic etching on the other surface, and forming an attaching surface substantially perpendicular to the one surface and the other surface, which is formed at an end side of the V groove, and for attaching an end of the optical fiber, by second crystal anisotropic etching in a crystal plane orientation different from that of the first crystal anisotropic etching.
US08828249B2

An optical deflector has: a movable plate having a reflecting surface and a side surface; and a support portion that supports the movable plate in such a manner that the movable plate is able to rotate around a predetermined axis, in which the side surface of the movable plate is recessed toward the axis.
US08828239B2

A fabrication method for a flexible porous free-standing protein membrane formed by cross-linked protein includes (1) mixing nanostructured materials and protein to obtain a composite made of protein and nanostructured materials (for example metal hydroxide nanostrands); (2) forming a membranous body formed by the composite made of protein and nanostructured materials, and mutually cross-linking the protein by a cross-linker; and (3) dissolving and removing the nanostructured materials to produce a flexible porous free-standing protein membrane.
US08828233B2

A multi-ported vessel system includes an outer pressure vessel containing a plurality of flow distribution tubes, each of which comprises a plurality of reverse osmosis membrane elements aligned serially within each tube. The outer pressure vessel includes bypass flow paths whereby feed water flows around each of the tubes within the vessel. Slots are disposed in the flow distribution tubes at the upstream end of each RO membrane element such that feed water reaches all RO membrane elements of the tubes in parallel. The serial alignment of the membranes also allows for serial water processing also. A product water tube collects the purified water from the reverse osmosis elements and provides it to a product water port. Brine water is provided to an output port to be discarded of for further processing. The parallel processing of feed water by all membrane elements results in increased productivity and reduced costs.
US08828231B2

Improvement in separating lower, C2 saturated and/or C3, and/or C4, saturated and/or unsaturated mono carboxylic acids from aqueous streams via extraction by using as the extractant an organic acid or ester or mixtures thereof with a melting point below 10° C., a normal boiling point between 190 and 280° C. and a Hildebrand solubility parameter between 8 and 11 cal1/2 cm−3/2.
US08828230B2

A method of conditioning, separating, drying, and comminuting sulfurous acid treated wastewater suspended solids for addition to aerobic and anaerobic digesters to provide electron donor carbon and sulfur compounds to increase the removal rate of ammonia, nitrates/nitrites, and BOD compounds.
US08828229B2

The invention is directed to wastewater treatment and wastewater reuse. A distributed biological treatment system for modification of the sewer biofilm through the mechanism of competitive exclusion by strategic dosing with facultative bacteria is illustrated, in conjunction with a novel membrane biological reactor (MBR)/biological breeding reactor (BBR) package plant, a plurality of which are likewise designed for strategic placement throughout the sewer/collection system infrastructure. The inclusion of the MBR/BBR plants at specific locations within the distribution system provide upstream water reclamation, thereby facilitating more efficient operation of the downstream wastewater treatment plant and providing for water reuse at intermediate points within the distribution network, as well as a means for concentrating the facultative bacteria which has been dosed to various points in the system, which can then be re-inoculated to the system.
US08828216B2

Liquid phase processes for producing fuel in a reactor comprising the step of combining at least one oxidizable reactant with liquid water and at least one electrolyte to form a mixture and conducting a fuel-producing reaction in the presence of an electron transfer material, wherein the mixture permits the movement or transport of ions and electrons to facilitate the efficient production of the fuel. An alternative embodiment produces fuel in an electrochemical cell, the reaction characterized by an overall thermodynamic energy balance according to the half-cell reactions occurring at the anode and cathode. Energy generated and/or required by the system components is directed according to the thermodynamic requirements of the half-cell reactions, thereby realizing improved fuel production efficiency.
US08828210B2

This invention relates to microfluidic systems and more particularly to methods and apparatus for accessing the contents of micro droplets (114) in an emulsion stream. A method of accessing the contents of a droplet (114) of an emulsion in a microfluidic system, the method comprising: flowing the emulsion alongside a continuous, non-emulsive stream of second fluid (118) to provide an interface (120) between said emulsion and said stream of second fluid (118); and in embodiments applying one or both of an electric (112a, 112b) and magnetic field across said interface (120) to alter a trajectory of a said droplet (114) of said emulsion to cause said droplet to coalesce with said stream of second fluid (118); and accessing said contents of said droplet (114) in said second stream (118).
US08828193B2

Methods for converting graphite oxide into graphene by exposure to electromagnetic radiation are described. As an example, graphene oxide may be rapidly converted into graphene upon exposure to converged sunlight.
US08828189B2

A washer press apparatus for washing and dewatering a wide range of solids concentrations of pulp in liquid suspensions includes multiple distinct displacement wash zones about a drum with multiple nips.
US08828188B2

The present invention relates to a filler comprising clay and cellulose derivative having a degree of substitution of net ionic groups up to about 0.65.
US08828181B2

Temperature switchable adhesives formed by combining a pressure sensitive adhesive, which does not exhibit temperature switchable properties, with a crystallizable oil are described. These temperature switchable adhesives exhibit a sharp reduction in peel strength when the temperature is raised above the switching temperature. The adhesive properties of these adhesives may be readily tuned by adjusting the ratio of the elastomer, tackifier, and the crystallizable oil, and by choosing different crystallizable oils. The temperature switchable adhesives have use in medical, consumer, and industrial applications.
US08828177B2

A method and product for reducing reflected light glare into a human's eyes from the human's cheeks while simultaneously providing a non-verbal communication to others is provided, especially for use by participants in athletic contests. Underneath the human's eyes on the cheeks at a reflective location on the cheeks at which incident direct or indirect light is likely to be reflected into a human's eyes a non-toxic, non-reflective colored and finished material in the form of a predefined clearly demarcated geometric shape is applied. Within a week after the application (typically within less than a few hours after the athletic contest is over) the non-reflective material is removed. The non-reflective material may comprise eye black, applied using a stencil, or it may comprise a temporary tattoo or decal, applied in the conventional manner. The shape preferably is a sports apparel or equipment manufacturer's or distributor's logo and/or letters, or a team name, mascot or logo. The material is preferably black or dark colored, and any non-black or non-dark colored portions providing demarcation between elements of the shape comprises a dull or matte color having a wavelength of greater than about 650 nm and less than about 470 nm.
US08828175B2

A composite engineered wood material piece and its method of fabrication is described. The wood material piece comprises a top wood layer secured to a substrate layer by a binder. The substrate layer has a plurality of grooves formed therein from a bottom surface thereof to enhance the flexibility of the wood material piece. The grooves are spaced from one another by one or more predetermined spaced intervals and have one or more predetermined depth and width calculated to substantially eliminate the effects of telegraphy of the grooves on a top finished surface of the top wood layer.
US08828157B2

A method for producing an aluminum-alloy shaped product, includes a step of forging a continuously cast rod of aluminum alloy serving as a forging material, in which the aluminum alloy contains Si in an amount of 10.5 to 13.5 mass %, Fe in an amount of 0.15 to 0.65 mass %, Cu in an amount of 2.5 to 5.5 mass % and Mg in an amount of 0.3 to 1.5 mass %, and heat treatment and heating steps including a step of subjecting the forging material to pre-heat treatment, a step of heating the forging material during a course of forging of the forging material and a step of subjecting a shaped product to post-heat treatment, the pre-heat treatment including treatment of maintaining the forging material at a temperature of −10 to 480° C. for two to six hours.
US08828156B2

An aluminum sheet material for lithographic printing plates wherein the number of aluminum carbide particles having a circle equivalent diameter, measured by the PoDFA method, of 3 μm or more is four or less, the number of aluminum carbide particles having a circle equivalent diameter, measured by the PoDFA method, of 3 μm or more.
US08828154B2

A steel sheet contains, in terms of percent by mass, C: 0.01 to 0.2%, Si: 2.0% or less, and Mn: 3.0% or less and has a martensite phase as dominant phase and ferrite with a grain size of 20 μm or less as a second phase. The ferrite is contained in area ratio of 1% to 30% and the amount of solute carbon being 0.01 percent by mass of more. The steel sheet can provide a hot-rolled steel sheet suitable for automobile steel sheet, i.e., has excellent press workability and excellent strain aging property whereby the tensile strength significantly increases by heat treatment at about the same temperature as typical baking process after the press-working. Moreover, hardening of the ferrite phase improves the fatigue strength after the strain aging.
US08828150B2

A method for carburizing workpieces made of steel, particularly workpieces having outer and inner surfaces, the workpiece being held at a temperature in the range of 850 to 1050° C. in an atmosphere containing a gaseous hydrocarbon. At least two different gaseous hydrocarbons are used and/or the workpiece is alternatingly held in the atmosphere containing the gaseous hydrocarbon during a carburizing pulse and in an atmosphere free of hydrocarbon during a diffusion phase. Also described is a use of the method.
US08828146B2

The technology of washing and treatment MWU (modular washing unit) is conceived to wash and treat fruits and vegetables in a confined environment, with progressively more and more clean water (counter-current) and with an optimal ratio between the quantities of water used and processed products. The system allows important savings of water, chemicals and energy. The technology of washing and treatment MWU (modular washing unit) is conceived to allow the transport and the treatment of the product in confined environment, with clean water (counter-current) In the MWU the product is submitted to sequence of filling and emptying with appropriated solutions, progressively cleaner, prior to subsequent discretionary treatments. A treatment plant can be equipped with a variable number of MWUs, with additional remote MWUs to meet the desired production capacity. Each MWU consists of a vertical watertight cylinder containing a concetric basket; on the top it is connected to the main product manifold and to the vacuum collector, and at the bottom it is connected to the product drain collector, to the load/unload manifold and to the fluids recycling manifolds. Each MWU is connected to the other MWU of the plant, and to the external tank, through independent manifolds, by appropriate valves, to prevent the mixing of fluids and the cross-contamination.
US08828143B2

A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a chamber, and a thermal transfer device. The chamber is capable of holding a semiconductor structure therein. The thermal transfer device is connected to the chamber. The thermal transfer device has a surface disposed inside the chamber for contacting the semiconducting structure and controlling a temperature of the semiconductor structure in contact with the surface. The thermal transfer device has a thermal control module connected to the surface for heating and cooling the surface to thermally cycle the surface. The thermal control module effects a substantially immediate thermal response of the surface when thermally recycling the surface.
US08828142B2

The invention provides processes for the extraction of sugar from sugar-bearing plant material such as sugar cane. Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention, a process for extracting sugar from sugar-bearing plant material comprises contacting the sugar-bearing plant material with an extractant solution comprising water and a surfactant; and separating the extractant solution from the sugar-bearing plant material. One example of a suitable surfactant is a poly(alkylene oxide) polymer such as a poly(propylene oxide) polymer, a poly(ethylene oxide) polymer, or a poly(propylene oxide)/(ethylene oxide) copolymer.
US08828141B2

A substrate processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a processing chamber for storing and processing substrates stacked in multiple stages in horizontal posture; a processing gas supply unit for supplying two or more types of the processing gases to the inside of the processing chamber; an inactive gas supply unit for supplying an inactive gas to the inside of the processing chamber; and an exhaust unit for exhausting an atmosphere of the inside of the processing chamber, wherein the processing gas supply unit has at least two processing gas supply nozzles which extend running along an inner wall of the processing chamber in the stacking direction of the substrates and supply the processing gas to the inside of the processing chamber, and the inactive gas supply unit has a pair of inactive gas supply nozzles which are provided so as to extend running along the inner wall of the processing chamber in the stacking direction of the substrates and so as to sandwich at least one processing gas supply nozzle of the at least two processing gas supply nozzles from both sides thereof, along the circumferential direction of the substrates, and which supply the inactive gas to the inside of the processing chamber.
US08828138B2

A method of using a sensor comprising a field effect transistor (FET) embedded in a nanopore includes placing the sensor in an electrolyte comprising at least one of biomolecules and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA); placing an electrode in the electrolyte; applying a gate voltage in the sub-threshold regime to the electrode; applying a drain voltage to a drain of the FET; applying a source voltage to a source of the FET; detecting a change in a drain current in the sensor in response to the at least one of biomolecules and DNA passing through the nanopore.
US08828131B2

Disclosed is a catalyst application solution for plating an insulating portion of an object to be plated that comprises the insulating portion. The catalyst application solution is characterized by containing a water-soluble palladium compound, a reducer, a dispersant, catechol, a copper antioxidant and a buffering agent, and by having a pH of not less than 4. When the catalyst application solution is compared with a Pd—Sn colloidal solution, the catalyst application solution has the following advantages: since the catalyst application solution is a colloidal solution of Pd only that does not contain Sn, a pre-dip process and an Sn removal process are unnecessary and thus the catalyst application process can be simplified; since the catalyst application solution has a pH of not less than 4, haloing does not occur; and since the catalyst application solution is in a reducing atmosphere due to the reducer contained therein, a copper surface is not oxidized and no copper dissolution occurs, thereby causing no palladium displacement reaction.
US08828124B1

A biogas purification method includes injecting biogas into a pressure vessel, cooling the pressure vessel to a first predetermined temperature and pressurizing the pressure vessel to a predetermined pressure. The method further includes visually monitoring separation of a biogas impurity from a product gas during an induction period, isolating the product gas from the biogas impurity at a clathrate formation equilibrium by removing the product gas from the pressure vessel and passing the product gas through water to yield a purified gas.
US08828120B2

A device for separating a gas mixture into product gas and offgas by way of gas permeation includes four membrane units and a compressor connected upstream of the first membrane unit. The membrane units have a gas inlet, a retentate outlet and a permeate outlet. Lines connect the membrane units to each other and to the compressor. Product gas is obtained via the permeate outlet of the second membrane unit and offgas via the retentate outlet of the first membrane unit. Additional product gas is obtained via the retentate outlet of an upstream membrane unit and additional offgas is obtained via the permeate outlet of a further upstream membrane unit. A method includes use of the device to separate a gas mixture into product gas and offgas.
US08828114B2

Disclosed are filter assembly systems that utilize replaceable filter elements. The filter elements may include a ramp or sleeve for redirecting air intake when the filter elements are installed in the filter assembly systems and air is drawn into the systems. The filter elements and assembly systems may utilize co-acting components that mate with each other to at least one of: a) orient and permit mounting of the filter element in the systems; and b) permit mounting of only an authorized filter element in the systems.
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