US07728831B2
A semiconductor device includes a source circuit and a control circuit. The source circuit includes a plurality of operational amplifiers, a plurality of transmission gates, one end of each of the transmission gates being connected to a corresponding source line, and a buffer circuit that outputs a switch control signal. When the number of transmission gates that are turned ON/OFF using the buffer circuit is referred to as n, a gate width and a gate length of a MOSFET of each of the transmission gates are respectively referred to as Wb and Lb, a gate width and a gate length of a MOSFET of the buffer circuit are respectively referred to as Wa and La, and K indicates a constant, the relationship n×Wb×Lb≧K×(Wa/La) is satisfied.
US07728828B2
A unit circuit includes a capacitive element having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, a transistor having a gate electrode connected to the first electrode, a first terminal supplied with one of a low potential and a high potential, a second terminal connected to a driven element, a first switching element controlling electrical connection between the gate electrode of the transistor and the second terminal, and a second switching element connected to the second electrode. A potential of the first electrode is set to a predetermined potential higher than a first potential, and the potential of the first electrode is set to the first potential in a state that the first electrode is electrically isolated from the predetermined potential by turning off the first switching element.
US07728823B2
An input device and system are described that acquires (measures) raw track pad sensor data and transmits this data to a host computer where it is analyzed by an application executing on one or more host computer central processing units. The resulting input processing architecture provides a track pad input device that is both lower in cost to manufacture and more flexible than prior art track pad input devices. Lower costs may be realized by eliminating the prior art's dedicated track pad hardware for processing sensor data (e.g., a processor and associated firmware memory). Increased flexibility may be realized by providing feature set functionality via software that executes on the host computer. In this architecture, track pad functionality may be modified, updated, and enhanced through software upgrade procedures.
US07728816B2
One embodiment relates to a method of sensing motion of an optical sensor relative to a surface. A first resolution and a second resolution are set. Measurement signals are obtained from a sensor array, and the motion of the optical sensor relative to the surface is tracked using the measurement signals. The tracking of the motion in a first dimension is performed at the first resolution, and the tracking of the motion in a second dimension is performed at the second resolution. Another embodiment relates to an optical sensor apparatus for sensing motion relative to a surface, wherein the tracking of the motion is performed at a variable resolution along each of two axes. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.
US07728815B2
A multi-direction input device for computers includes a direction wheel, a toggle mechanism and a plurality of electrodes. The direction wheel has one-degree of rotational freedom and two-degree of freedom to perform clicking, forward rolling, backward rolling, leftward moving and rightward moving operations. Thereby mating electrodes are electrically connected to generate corresponding signals. In normal conditions, the toggle mechanism and a movable contact jointly support the direction wheel. When the direction wheel is depressed, the toggle mechanism drives and connects a corresponding electrode to generate a click signal.
US07728811B2
A process for creating an electronically addressable display includes multiple printing operations, similar to a multi-color process in conventional screen printing. In some of the process steps, electrically non-active inks are printed onto areas of the receiving substrate, and in other steps, electrically active inks are printed onto different areas of the substrate. The printed display can be used in a variety of applications. This display can be used as an indicator by changing state of the display after a certain time has elapsed, or when a certain pressure, thermal, radiative, moisture, acoustic, inclination, pH, or other threshold is passed. In one embodiment, the display is incorporated into a battery indicator. A sticker display is described. The sticker is adhesive backed and may then be applied to a surface to create a functional information display unit. This invention also features a display that is both powered and controlled using radio frequencies. It describes a complete system for controlling, addressing, and powering a display. The system includes an antenna or antennae, passive charging circuitry, and active control system, a display, and an energy storage unit. There is also a separate transmitter that provides the remote power for the display. The system is meant to be used anywhere it is useful to provide intermittent updates of information such as in a store, on a highway, or in an airport. A tile-based display allowing a modular system for large area display is created using a printable display material.
US07728806B2
In a display device, a demultiplexer is used to transmit a data current to a data line. The demultiplexer includes a plurality of sample/hold circuits for sampling the time-divided and sequentially input current and holding them to the data line. A plurality of data lines coupled to the demultiplexer are coupled to pixels of the same color, and hence, currents with different levels are transmitted to pixels of different colors. A sample/hold circuit for transmitting a higher level current uses a driving transistor having a larger ratio of a channel width and a channel length.
US07728805B2
A display capable of rendering flickering hard to visually recognize, reducing power consumption and simplifying the structure of a circuit for negatively/positively reversing an image is provided. This display comprises a plurality of drain lines and a plurality of gate lines, a first pixel portion and a second pixel portion each including a subsidiary capacitor having a first electrode and a second electrode and a first subsidiary capacitance line and a second subsidiary capacitance line connected to the subsidiary capacitors of the first pixel portion and the second pixel portion respectively. The display also comprises a signal supply circuit supplying either a first signal or a second signal for negatively/positively reversing an image to the first subsidiary capacitance line of the first pixel portion when displaying the image while supplying either a third signal or a fourth signal for negatively/positively reversing the image to the second subsidiary capacitance line of the second pixel portion when reversing the image.
US07728804B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a thin film transistor arranged at crossings of gate lines and data lines; a pixel electrode connected to each thin film transistor; a common electrode arranged on a second substrate; a layer of liquid crystal material provided between the first and second substrates; a protrusion arranged on the common electrode for controlling an orientation of the liquid crystal molecules within the layer of liquid crystal material; and a common voltage generator applying an AC common voltage to the common electrode, wherein a polarity of the common voltage is inverted every predetermined period.
US07728802B2
An array and row and column line architecture for a display is disclosed. The array consists of a plurality of row and column positions and a plurality of three-color pixel elements. A three-color pixel element can comprise a blue emitter, a pair of red emitters, and a pair of green emitters. Several designs for the three-color pixel element are contemplated. The drive matrix consists of a plurality of row and column drivers to drive the individual emitters. The row drivers drive the red, green and blue emitters in each row. The red and green emitters in each column are driven by a single column driver. However, a single column driver can drive two column lines of blue emitters, a first column line and a second column line of the next nearest neighboring three-color pixel element. Methods of driving a three-color pixel element are also disclosed.
US07728789B2
A 2D and 3D image display apparatus including: a display panel forming an image by spatially modulating an input image signal; a polarization conversion device converting a polarization direction of a beam incident into the polarization conversion device according to a voltage applied in synchronization with the image signal; and a switching barrier unit including first polarization units having a first polarization direction and second polarization units having a second polarization direction in an alternate manner, and transmitting the beam passing the polarization conversion device through at least one of the first polarization unit and the second polarization unit. Therefore, a 3D image can be displayed without degrading a horizontal resolution thereof by using a combination of polarization devices with low fabrication costs, which may utilize a time-sequential display method.
US07728788B1
A segmented redundant display cell driver interface system and method wherein each of the drivers are totally independent from each other. The system and method provide segmented redundant display cell drive interfaces that drive the display normally in a failure free mode, and that additionally can independently drive a portion of the display in the event of a failure in the drive electronics. With the segmented redundant display cell driver interface, the drive function can be segmented into N independent segments. With N segments, a failure on one of the driver interface boards would cause the loss of 1/Nth of the display, with the remaining display still operational. In the alternative, all the remaining displays could be repositioned by software so that no sub-display information is lost.
US07728785B2
It is an objective of the present invention to provide an antenna construction that allows the thickness of an antenna structure be lower than that of planar antennas according to prior art without sacrificing the radiation efficiency at the desired RF-bands as 900 MHz GSM and 1800 MHz/1900 MHz DCS/PCS. A further object of the invention is to provide an antenna construction that is insensitive to changes in positions of electrically conductive objects in the vicinity. The objectives of the invention are achieved by a loop antenna structure equipped with an electrically conductive parasitic radiator that is electro-magnetically coupled with the antenna loop. Performance at the DCS/PCS bands can be further improved by using an electrically conductive tuner element that provides a stronger electromagnetic coupling between the antenna loop and the parasitic radiator.
US07728783B2
An antenna structure includes a connection portion. A feed portion connecting to the connection portion defines a feed point thereon. An inductance portion extends from the connection portion, and a free end of the inductance portion connects to a ground end. A capacitance portion that is in a long narrow strip shape extends from the connection portion and is parallel with and adjacent to the ground end. And radiating portions connect to the connection portion respectively. The antenna structure employs the inductance portion, the capacitance portion and the ground end to simulate a LC parallel connection to substitute for an inductor and a capacitor. Therefore, the antenna structure achieves an aim of adjusting a resonance frequency and an impedance matching without the inductor and the capacitor, simplifying the design of the antenna structure, decreasing the manufacture cost and attaining a good performance.
US07728781B2
A transponder includes a notch filter to suppress the 1300 MHz at minimal product cost increase. The notch filter utilizes a printed transmission line length adjusted to a correct length. This notch filter will connect to the antenna matching circuit at a junction between the antenna and an ASIC as a shunt component with high impedance (e.g., greater than 500 Ohms) at 915 MHz and low impedance (e.g., less than 10 Ohms) at 1300 MHz. Since the operating impedance of the junction is about 200 ohms, the 915 MHz signal from the antenna will feed the ASIC without any attenuation with a high shunt impedance component, while the 1300 MHz signal will be attenuated significantly by a low shunt impedance component. The transponder is applicable for all types of RFID tags (e.g., passive, semi-passive, active, read only, read-write, read first, tag-talk first) and is well suited for tags operating at radio frequencies, including microwave frequencies (e.g., 902 MHz to 928 MHz) in the U.S.
US07728775B2
A radiator for an RF communication device (100) including a first member (311, 600) including a first conducting surface (601, 603) operable to provide a radiating surface, a second member (301) including a second conducting surface (303) operable to provide a near field reflector or ground plane surface, the first conducting surface and the second conducting surface being galvanically connected (by 401), wherein the first conducting surface is disposed at an angle relative to the second conducting surface and the first conducting surface includes a first conducting region (601) and a second conducting region (601) having between them a gap (621) having a portion (629) which is tapered.
US07728771B2
A multi-channel, dual-band, radio frequency (RF) transmit/receive (T/R) module, for an active electronically scanned array, is provided. The module includes a compact, RF manifold connector and at least four T/R channels. Each of the T/R channels includes a notch radiator, a diplexer coupled to the notch radiator, a power amplifier, including at least one dual-band gain stage, coupled to the notch radiator, a low noise amplifier, including at least one lower-band gain stage and at least one upper-band gain stage, coupled to the diplexer, and a T/R cell, including a phase shifter, a signal attenuator and at least one dual-band gain stage, coupled to the power amplifier, the low noise amplifier and the manifold connector.
US07728770B2
This invention relates to reducing the complexity and cost of antenna arrays and is more specifically concerned with reducing the complexity of an antenna apparatus (10). It provides an antenna array (62) made up of a vertical stack of horizontal linear structures (74) each having several groups of neighboring array antenna elements (78), the groups (74) having variable numbers of the antenna elements (78) each connected to a transmit/receive module (66). The advantage of this configuration is that less communication modules (66), such as transmit/receive modules, are required to operate the antenna array (62), reducing the weight, power consumption and cost of an antenna apparatus (10) incorporating such an antenna array (62) without significantly limiting the capability and/or performance of a system compared to a conventional solution.
US07728768B2
A reception environment is determined to be a multipath environment when the difference (positioning altitude difference) between the maximum value (maximum altitude) and the minimum value (minimum altitude) of the altitudes of candidate present positions P of respective satellite sets exceeds a given threshold value (e.g., 200 m), and is determined to be an open-sky environment when the positioning altitude difference is equal to or less than the given threshold value. When the reception environment is the open-sky environment, an evaluation point E of each satellite set is calculated using a known evaluation method based on the number of satellites, a PDOP value, and the like. When the reception environment is the multipath environment, the evaluation point E of each satellite set is calculated in the same manner as in the open-sky environment, and a change amount ΔE corresponding to the difference (altitude difference) between the altitude corresponding to the preceding located position acquired from an altitude table and the altitude of the candidate present position of the target satellite set is subtracted from the evaluation point E.
US07728762B2
A method for detecting an occurrence of interference between a return of a radar wave which has been transmitted by a radar and has an oscillating amplitude in time and a radio wave transmitted by some other radar, Includes steps of: detecting extremal points of an incident radio wave in which the radio wave transmitted by the other radar is superposed on the return of the radar wave, extracting, sequentially in time, an emerging pattern of the extremal points of the incident radio wave within each of periods of time to obtain a series of emerging patterns of the extremal points, detecting a period during which the emerging pattern of the extremal points is irregular among the series of the emerging patterns of the extremal points, and determining that the interference occurs during the detected period of time.
US07728761B2
An active device includes a receiving antenna (6) that receives an electromagnetic (2) signal coming from a localisation system (3) and at least one emitting antenna (8) that 5 resends said signal (2) to said localisation system (3), and is characterised in that said device (4) includes a plurality of said emitting antennae (8) connected to at least one receiving antenna (6) in such a way that said emitting antennae (8) receive the electromagnetic (2) signal coming 10 from said at least one receiving antenna (6), with each of said emitting antennae (8) being the ones that resend the signal (2) to said localisation system (3). This offers the possibility of creating artificial measuring points that are retained over time easily, cheaply and simply, 15 whether in wooded zones, snow-covered zones or at sea.
US07728758B2
A system and method for maintaining spatio-temporal data for a given area (e.g., an airspace) containing a given node (e.g., an aircraft) and one or more other nodes (e.g., aircraft). The given aircraft may break the given airspace into a first plurality of smaller airspaces, and may also break the given airspace into a second plurality of smaller airspaces. The given aircraft may then detect local spatio-temporal data for each smaller airspace located within its detectable range. The aircraft may also receive remote spatio-temporal data for the smaller airspaces from the one or more other aircraft. Thereafter, the aircraft may update stored spatio-temporal data based on the aircraft's navigation data, the local spatio-temporal data, the remote spatio-temporal data, and/or a reliability of the data. Further, the aircraft may transmit the stored spatio-temporal data for receipt by the one or more other aircraft.
US07728754B2
An integrating analog to digital converter (ADC) is disclosed that comprises a Delay Locked Loop (DLL) (2, 50) which is synchronized to a reference clock signal (12). A rising edge of a clock signal therefore propagates through the DLL once each clock cycle. In use, the integrating ADC converts an analog input signal to a digital output signal dependent upon a timing measurement of an integration carried out by an integrator (4). The timing measurement is taken by reading the logical states of the individual delay cells in the DLL. This enables the position of the rising edges of the clock signal to be determined and used as a timing measurement. The timing measurement is in the form of a digital thermometer code that can be converted into a binary number.
US07728745B2
A variable length code decoding apparatus according to the present invention includes: an extracting unit which extracts a bit string from a beginning of a bit stream; a first storage unit for storing a plurality of code words in which one piece of data has been coded, and decoded data and code lengths respectively corresponding to the code words; a second storage unit for storing a plurality of code words in which two or more pieces of data have been coded, and decoded data and code lengths respectively corresponding to the code words; a first judging unit which judges whether one of the code words stored in the first storage unit is included in the extracted bit string, and, when judged as being included, outputs the decoded data and the code length of the code word; and a second judging unit which judges whether a code word stored in the second storage unit is included in the extracted bit string, and when judged as being included, outputs the decoded data and the code length of the code word, wherein the extracting unit extracts the bit string to be decoded next in the same cycle as a cycle in which the judgment was made by the first judging unit, and extracts the bit string to be decoded next in a cycle following the cycle in which the judgment was made by the second judging unit.
US07728743B2
A methods and devices for polyphase resampling are presented which may comprise a coefficient generator which provides a plurality of coefficients and an interpolation arrangement used to carry out the resampling by means of the coefficients applied to input data provided for resampling in order to provide output data. In one possible implementation the coefficient generator is constructed and/or controlled so as to provide the coefficients for the resampling in the form of linearly interpolated coefficients. In another alternative implementation, a plurality of at least two data interpolation filters are provided for the interpolation of a corresponding number of parallel input data, wherein the coefficients are input to each of the data interpolation filters.
US07728740B2
A method includes generating a first symbol string code indicative of one or more positions of a first symbol string within data to be compressed. A second symbol string code indicative of one or more positions of a second symbol string within the data is also generated. The first symbol string code and the second symbol string code are combined into a compressed data code.
US07728738B2
Computer implementations to process a character stream by forming, responsive to the character stream, a plurality of parallel property bit streams wherein each of the parallel property bit streams comprises bit values of a particular property associated with data values of the character stream; and processing the parallel property bit streams.
US07728731B2
An apparatus and method for modifying RFID tag data in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes determining whether a UID of the RFID reader is received; when the UID of the RFID reader is received, determining whether RFID tag data corresponding to the received UID exists in an RFID data management database; and when the RFID tag data corresponding to the received UID data exists in the RFID data management database, recording the corresponding data in the RFID tag and transmitting the recorded data. The data recorded in the RFID tag can be dynamically modified according to the RFID readers that are located near the portable terminal and collect the RFID tag data.
US07728724B1
A positioning and tracking system may comprise a monitoring station for receiving a location request and a user's identification code and transmitting a signal; a tracking device, which includes a signal receiver for receiving a signal from the monitoring station, including the user's identification code, a microprocessor/logic circuit for storing a first identification code, and generating a position signal; an erasable programmable read-only memory; a global positioning system logic circuit; a signal transmitter; and a plurality of transmitter/receiver stations for communicating between the tracking device and the monitoring station; wherein the tracking device compares the user's identification code to the stored identification code and upon determining that the user's identification code matches the stored identification code, the signal transmitter transmits the position signal to the monitoring station.
US07728723B2
The invention relates to a portable electronic device and computer software product. The portable electronic device comprises a motion detector for generating motion data characterizing the local movement of the portable electronic device, a motion intensity determiner for determining a instantaneous motion intensity value of the user of the portable electronic device from the motion data, and an active time counter for determining an active time accumulation that sums up the time periods, during which the instantaneous motion intensity value meets predefined activity criteria.
US07728715B2
Remote monitoring and inspection of measurement devices, emergency equipment, parking spaces, and other items is accomplished by using a digital image sensor (e.g., a CMOS sensor) to capture a digital image containing information about the monitored item. A signal containing information about the digital image (e.g., data representing the captured digital image or data indicating the state of the captured digital image) is transmitted to a remote central station.
US07728703B2
An RF MEMS switch and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed, in which the RF MEMS device is down driven at a low voltage using a piezoelectric effect. The RF MEMS switch includes a substrate provided with RF signal lines and a cavity, a cantilever positioned on the cavity, having one end fixed to the substrate, and a contact pad connecting the RF signal lines with the cantilever in contact with the RF signal lines when the cantilever is down driven.
US07728688B2
A power supply circuit includes a first voltage regulator to generate a first supply voltage for a first circuit of a phase-locked loop and a second voltage regulator to generate a second supply voltage for a second circuit of the phase-locked loop. The first and second supply voltages are independently generated by the first and second voltage regulators based on the same reference signal. The first circuit may be a charge pump and the second circuit may be a voltage-controlled oscillator. Different circuits may be supplied with the independently generated supply voltages in alternative embodiments.
US07728681B2
Techniques for voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuits that are independent of temperature and process variations are described herein.
US07728679B2
A calibration circuit (20, 50) and method (60) for calibrating the bias current of a VCO (10, 40) to minimize phase noise. The calibration circuit (20, 50) monitors the average voltage at the common-mode node of the VCO (10, 40) while varying the bias current over a predetermined range. The calibration circuit (20, 50) identifies the bias current associated with the minimum average common-mode voltage and utilizes this bias current for calibrating the biasing transistor of the VCO (10, 40).
US07728678B2
A semiconductor device includes a voltage control and oscillation circuit oscillating at a frequency according to a first control voltage to output an oscillation signal, a frequency/voltage conversion circuit receiving the oscillation signal from the voltage control and oscillation circuit and converting a frequency of the oscillation signal into a voltage, a control voltage generation circuit generating a new second control voltage having a level between that of the voltage converted by the frequency/voltage conversion circuit and that of a second control voltage generated previously, and an analog integration circuit integrating the second control voltage to generate the first control voltage and outputting the first control voltage to the voltage control and oscillation circuit.
US07728675B1
A fast lock circuit for phase lock loop comprising a frequency detector, a phase frequency detector, a logic unit and a corresponding charge pump for the frequency and the phase frequency detectors. Embodiments of the present invention use the logic unit to relay signals from the phase frequency detector circuit to the charge pump when the PLL is in lock. The logic circuit relay signals from the frequency detector circuit before the PLL is in lock. As a result, a constant current is supplied to a large loop filter capacitor before lock. In one embodiment, additional logic circuit may be used to maximize the output current. Therefore, using the logic circuit to supply constant current charges the large loop filter capacitor continuously and avoids a slow down in charging the large loop filter. Accordingly, current is no longer wasted and the lock time is improved.
US07728665B2
The distortion compensation apparatus includes: a branching unit to branch a part of the output signal of an amplifier to a signal path to a distortion compensating unit; a switch to pass the output signal of the amplifier to the interference or branching unit; and a controlling unit to control an amount of the compensation of the distortion under a pass-permitted state in which the switch passes the output signal in response to a result of measurement of a signal transmitted through the signal path under a state where the switch is in an interruption state.
US07728655B2
A current limiting load switch for bridging supply Vss and load with a reference voltage VRdt dynamically generated by a VRdt-generator is proposed. It includes: A pair of power FET and sense FET interconnected in split-current configuration. The FET pair develops a load voltage while limiting load current Iload to a preset maximum Imax. The FET pair is sized to draw device currents Ipower and Is with RATIOI=Is/Ipower<<1. The sense FET high-side terminal is coupled to Vss through a sense resistor Rsense developing a sense voltage Vs=Is×Rsense. A current limiting amplifier with inputs connected to VRdt and Vs and output controlling FET pair closing a current limiting feedback loop. The VRdt-generator dynamically adjusts VRdt concurrent and compensatory with an undesirable effect of changing RATIOI caused by the sense FET operational transition thus eliminating a transitional overshoot of Iload beyond Imax.
US07728652B2
The present invention provides a charge pump circuit capable of achieving desired boosting operation even when a high-side switch for precharge or a low-side switch for driving output is constructed by a low-withstand-voltage transistor. The high level of a drive input signal for driving a high-side switch for precharge and a low-side switch for driving output in response to a clock signal is set to the level of a boosted output voltage. The low level of the drive input signal is set to the level of an input voltage, not ground potential.
US07728646B2
A source follower includes first through third switches, first and second transistors, and a first capacitor. The first switch is used to determine whether or not to couple the source of the first transistor with an input signal. The second switch is used to determine whether or not to couple a gate and a drain of the first transistor with a first voltage. A first end of the first capacitor is coupled with a first control signal, and a second end of the first capacitor is coupled to the drain of the first transistor and a gate of the second transistor. The third switch is used to determine whether to or not couple a drain of the second transistor with the first voltage, and a source of the second transistor serves as an output of the source follower.
US07728643B2
A delay circuit that includes a logic gate through which an input signal passes, a capacitor configured to be charged and discharged at an output terminal of the logic gate and delaying the input signal, and a mirroring unit configured to constantly maintain current output by the logic gate by mirroring current output by a constant current source.
US07728639B2
Disclosed herein is improved delay locked loop (DLL) initialization circuitry that alters the measurement used to initialize the variable delay line's delay (e.g., entry point or exit point) by using three clock phases: the DLL reference clock (input to the delay line), the reference clock as trimmed by a delay Tref, and the feedback clock as trimmed by a delay Tfb. By using these three phases at the appropriate time, the measurement is aware of the Tac trim for both positive (Tref) and negative (Tfb) trims. Specifically, measurement ‘start’ and ‘stop’ signals each pass through only one of delays Tref and Tfb, such that error in the measurement is a function of both Tref and Tfb. This improves the accuracy of the measurement such that additional shifting of the DLL is not necessary after initialization, and allows a wide trim range even for high clock frequencies.
US07728631B2
A phase frequency detector comprising a detection circuit and a reset circuit. The phase frequency detector may receive a feedback signal having a predetermined pulse width. The detection circuit may generate a first control signal based on a reference signal, and a second control signal based on the feedback signal. The reset circuit may generate a reset signal used for resetting the detection circuit based on the first control signal, the second control signal, and the feedback signal. The feedback signal may be tied to the generation of the reset signal such that, during a locked state, the pulse width of the second control signal is approximately equal to the pulse width of the feedback signal, which helps reduce the sensitivity of the circuit to nonlinearities.
US07728630B1
Method and apparatus for a process, voltage, and temperature variation tolerant semiconductor device
A method and apparatus to reduce the degradation in performance of semiconductor-based devices due to process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) and/or other causes of variation. Adaptive feedback mechanisms are employed to sense and correct performance degradation, while simultaneously facilitating configurability within integrated circuits (ICs) such as programmable logic devices (PLDs). A voltage-feedback mechanism is employed to detect PVT variation and mirrored current references are adaptively adjusted to track and substantially eliminate the PVT variation. More than one voltage-feedback mechanism may instead be utilized to detect PVT-based variations within a differential device, whereby a first voltage-feedback mechanism is utilized to detect common-mode voltage variation and a second voltage-feedback mechanism produces mirrored reference currents to substantially remove the common-mode voltage variation and facilitate symmetrical operation of the differential device. Edge boosting modules are employed to improve performance during reduced output common mode voltage modes of operation.
US07728618B1
In accordance with the invention, a method, system and apparatus are presented that matches the output impedance of a driver to the impedance of a transmission line. A method for matching the impedance between a driver and a transmission line, wherein the transmission line is between the driver and a load can include transmitting a first pulse from the driver to the load through the transmission line, wherein a first reflection from the transmitted first pulse occurs after a first time, measuring a second reflection from the transmitted first pulse after a second time, and adjusting the calibration of the driver in response to the measured second reflection.
US07728613B2
A device under test pogo pin type contactor features an active head and an electronic component associated with the active head. A tip is spaced from the active head and a biasing device is between the active head and the tip for biasing the active head against a device under test.
US07728608B2
A method for assembling an electrical connecting apparatus having a support member, a probe board, and spacers arranged between the support member and the probe board. A height of at least either each abutting part of the support member or each abutting part of the probe board facing the abutting part is measured, and a length of each of the plurality of spacers is measured. Based on measurement values obtained by these measurements, a spacer appropriate for maintaining tips of numerous probes provided on the probe board on the same plane is selected for each pair of the both abutting parts.
US07728601B2
A method of inspecting an electronic circuit that includes a first integrated circuit and a second integrated circuit formed on a circuit board. The first integrated circuit has a first power source, and an input circuit that has a test signal output section and the second integrated circuit has a second power source and an output circuit that has a signal input section. The method includes steps of: turning on the first and second power sources at prescribed voltage levels; changing voltage level of the first power source; applying a test signal to the signal input section of the second integrated circuit; detecting an output signal of the signal output section of the first integrated circuit; and examining whether there is a sufficient margin in the electronic circuit by comparing the test signal and the output signal.
US07728600B2
A method, system and apparatus for determining a distance of a phase-to-earth fault on a three-phase electric line (30), the apparatus (40) being configured to determine a first estimate value for a distance between the measuring point (40) and a point of fault (F) on the basis of a first equation based on a fault loop model of the electric line, in which model the load of the electric line is located between the measuring point and the point of fault; determine a second estimate value for the distance on the basis of a second equation based on a fault loop model of the electric line, in which model the point of fault is located between the measuring point and load of the electric line; and select, according to predetermined criteria, one of the determined two estimate values as the distance between the measuring point and the point of fault.
US07728599B2
A battery management system and a driving method thereof. The battery management system manages a plurality of battery cells, and a plurality of cell relays respectively coupled to the plurality of cells. The battery management system includes a voltage detecting unit and an MCU. The voltage detecting unit receives a first voltage corresponding to an input voltage transmitted through a 3-contact relay coupled to a first cell corresponding to the turn-on first cell relay when the first cell relay is turned on, and generating a second voltage corresponding to the first voltage. The MCU calculates an effective gain in correspondence with a ratio of the second voltage to the input voltage and controls a connection of the 3-contact relay.
US07728591B2
A radio frequency coil includes a non-cylindrical conformal surface (62, 76) that substantially conforms with a magnetic resonance subject. A plurality of conductor loops (60, 71, 72, 73, 74) are disposed in or on the non-cylindrical conformal surface. The plurality of conductor loops are configured to produce a substantially uniform Bi field in the magnetic resonance subject responsive to energizing at a Bi frequency. Optionally, a plurality of load-compensating conductor loops (90) are disposed in or on a compensatory non-cylindrical conformal surface (62) that substantially conforms with a magnetic resonance subject. The plurality of load-compensating conductor loops are configured to produce a non-uniform Bi field that compensates for a loading Bi non-uniformity caused by the magnetic resonance subject. Moreover, the coil may comprise switching means for switching the coil between a first mode of operation (e.g. a volume transmit mode) and a second mode of operation (e.g. a phased array reception mode).
US07728588B2
In a measurement sequence and apparatus for three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging, in which an acquisition of measurement data ensues by scanning multiple lines in k-space; and the number of k-space lines is apportioned among a number of partial acquisitions so that scanning of associated k-space lines occurs in each partial acquisition, the k-space lines are associated with the partial acquisitions such that the association corresponds to the following association rule: (a) evaluation of each k-space line with a distance measure that characterizes the distance of the respective k-space line relative to the k-space center, (b) arrangement of the k-space lines to be scanned in an order dependent on the distance measure, (c) grouping of the k-space lines arranged in order into a number of groups with a number of successive k-space lines being combined into a group, and (d) association of the k-space lines with the partial acquisitions by, for each group, the k-space lines combined into this group are apportioned to different partial acquisitions.
US07728586B2
The present invention pertains to a method for the nondestructive testing of pipes made of ferromagnetic steel by means of a stray flux, in which the pipe, which is moving in the longitudinal direction and alternatively additionally rotating, is magnetized by a constant field, and the generated magnetic flux is transmitted into the pipe in a contactless manner, and the flaws that are located in the near-surface area of the outer or inner surface of the pipe bring about magnetic stray fluxes, which emerge from the pipe surface and are detected by means of sensors. The amplitudes, preferably of the horizontal field component of the magnetic stray flux, which vary in the vertical direction, are detected, on the one hand, at a near-surface distance from the pipe outer surface, and, on the other hand, at a distance lying further remotely therefrom, and the detected signals are related to one another.
US07728567B1
A method of providing current mode pulse frequency modulation (PFM) for a switching regulator can include resetting a driver input for a fixed duration when a first current in the driver reaches a first value set by an error amplifier output. The first current can be associated with PMOS switching transistors in the driver. The method can also include setting the driver input signal for the same fixed duration when a second current in the driver reaches a second value. This second current can be associated with NMOS switching transistors in the driver. In one embodiment, the driver can be tristated to ignore both the resetting and the setting. Using this method, perturbations of the inductor current can be substantially corrected and have limited impact on the current waveform beyond the cycle in which they occur.
US07728552B2
A battery management system is disclosed for control of individual cells in a battery string. The battery management system includes a charger, a voltmeter, a selection circuit and a microprocessor. Under control of the microprocessor, the selection circuit connects each cell of the battery string to the charger and voltmeter. Information relating to battery performance is recorded and analyzed. The analysis depends upon the conditions under which the battery is operating. By monitoring the battery performance under different conditions, problems with individual cells can be determined and corrected.
US07728551B2
A wireless power transfer system 20 for charging an electronic device 22 having a secondary coil 24 includes a primary controller 38 disposed on a class B surface 30 of a vehicle. A primary coil 52 is electrically connected to the primary controller 38. The primary coil 52 is disposed remotely from the primary controller 38 on a class A surface 28 of the vehicle. A protective shield 66 is disposed on the primary coil 52 to secure the primary coil 52 to the class A surface 28 and indicia 68 indicating an alignment of the secondary coil 24 of the electronic device 22 is disposed on the protective shield 66.
US07728550B2
An electrical circuit and method of power management of a cellular telephone includes a battery adapted to produce a battery voltage; a LDO regulator operatively connected to the battery and adapted to provide a constant supply voltage from the battery voltage; and a DC-DC converter operatively connected to the LDO regulator, wherein the DC-DC converter is adapted to step down the constant supply voltage to a lower voltage level, wherein the LDO regulator and the DC-DC converter are embedded on a single integrated circuit chip. The constant supply voltage equals 3.6V at an output of the LDO, and the constant supply voltage is applied to an input of the DC-DC converter. Moreover, the battery voltage equals at most 5.5V.
US07728547B2
A hybrid battery pack and methods of charging and discharging the same make it possible to manage at least two power sources by one circuit. The hybrid battery pack includes a first power source having a first switching circuit, a second power source connected to the first power source in parallel and having a second switching circuit, a current sensor serially connected to the first and second power sources to sense the currents of the first and second power sources, and a controller to obtain the voltages of the first and second power sources so that the first and second power sources are not over-charged or over-discharged and to calculate the entire capacity of the first and second power sources using the amount of currents obtained by the current sensor.
US07728543B2
A stepping motor controlling device according to the present invention includes lead angle computing means which computes a lead angle according to the load torque current deviation of the stepping motor, adding means which adds an angle command to the lead angle to determine a winding exciting angle and voltage applying means which applies a voltage according to the winding exciting angle to the stepping motor.
US07728524B2
A plasma display panel (PDP) in which high luminance images can be formed at low voltage. The PDP includes first and second substrates which with a predetermined space therebetween; a plurality of barrier ribs disposed between the first and second substrates, including longitudinal barrier ribs and transverse barrier ribs having a height 10˜50% lower than the longitudinal barrier ribs in a direction towards the first substrate and connecting the longitudinal barrier ribs, the plurality of barrier ribs defining a plurality of discharge cells together with the first and second substrates; a plurality of pairs of sustain electrodes crossing the longitudinal barrier ribs; and a plurality of address electrodes to cross the pairs of sustain electrodes; and a fluorescent layer formed in each of the discharge cells.
US07728522B2
A plasma display panel (PDP) which can realize low voltage driving, to thus reduce power consumption, and which can improve luminous efficiency through a long gap. The PDP includes a first substrate and a second substrate opposing each other, barrier ribs arranged in a space between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a plurality of discharge cells, phosphor layers formed in each of the plurality of discharge cells, address electrodes formed on the second substrate, and display electrodes provided on the first substrate. The display electrodes include igniter electrodes having ends protruding towards insides of the discharge cells, the igniter electrodes opposing the address electrodes within the discharge cells.
US07728519B2
The invention relates to the correction of the distortion of an image intensifier electron tube comprising an entry screen intended to receive what is called primary electromagnetic radiation and an exit screen emitting radiation dependent on the primary radiation, the entry screen including a photocathode that emits an electron beam in the tube toward the exit screen, the emission of the electron beam being dependent on the primary radiation. The entry screen furthermore includes a test pattern formed from a plurality of dots distributed over the entry screen, the test pattern comprising means for locally altering the electron beam without altering the primary radiation.
US07728518B2
In order to provide a light emitting device which consistently emits light at the time of continuous driving in addition to obtain light emission having a high color purity in each of red, green and blue, a light emitting element according to the present invention, in which an organic compound film comprising a hole transporting material, an electron transporting material, a first impurity (first doping material), and a second impurity (second doping material) is provided between an anode and a cathode, is characterized in that the organic compound film is laminated with a first mixed region comprising the hole transporting material and the first impurity, a hole transporting region comprising the hole transporting material, a second mixed region comprising the electron transporting material and the second impurity, and an electron transporting region comprising the electron transporting material in order from the side of the anode.
US07728517B2
A stacked OLED includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a plurality of luminescent regions disposed between the first and second electrodes, and an intermediate electrode disposed between successive luminescent regions. At least one intermediate electrode comprise a metal-organic mixed layer disposed between a first charge injecting layer and a second charge injecting layer.
US07728512B2
A device is provided that includes an organic emissive layer and a microcavity vertically stacked with the emissive layer, where the emissive layer is not in a microcavity. The microcavity may allow for improved saturation and intensity of emitted light at a variety of viewing angles.
US07728504B2
A CNT field emitting light source (20) is provided. The light source includes an anode (202), an anode substrate (201), a cathode (214), a cathode substrate (208), a fluorescent layer (203) and a sealing means (205). The anode is configured on the anode substrate, and the cathode is configured on the cathode substrate. The anode and the cathode are oppositely configured to produce a spatial electrical field when a voltage is applied therebetween. The cathode includes an emitter layer (206), capable of emitting electrodes bombarding the cathode and matters attached thereupon when activated and controlled by the spatial electric field, and a conductive layer (207), sandwiched between the cathode substrate and the emitter layer for providing an electrically connection therebetween. The fluorescent layer is configured on a surface of the anode oppositely facing the emitter layer, so as to produce fluorescence when bombarded by electrodes emitted from the emitter layer.
US07728492B2
A composition of matter having multiple layers of different conductors separated by thin layers of dielectric materials has a high piezoelectric coefficient when the conductors are metals having a significant difference in work function and the dielectric materials have a low elastic modulus when the metal layers are connected to form a capacitive circuit. Alternatively, when the conductors are semi-conductors they should have a significant difference in Fermi levels.
US07728482B2
The invention relates to a brushless DC machine comprising a rotor and a stator that supports a winding assembly. The stator encompasses a toothed rim with tooth tips that extend radially outward as well as a return ring. The toothed rim and the return ring are embodied so as to engage into each other in a radial direction. The invention further relates to a return ring packet, a toothed rim packet, a top piece, and a method for producing a brushless DC machine.
US07728479B2
In a DC-motor according to the present invention, contact areas of first brushes can be enlarged without enlarging the external diameter of a disk on which a commutator is provided; therefore, the wear resistance of the first brushes can be enhanced while maintaining a good control-response; and at the same time, the axial dimension can be shortened dramatically, so that the DC-motor can be downsized. The first brushes 14 are radially in contact with the commutator 11, and second brushes 15 are axially in contact with slip rings 12 that are formed circumferentially inside the commutator 11.
US07728477B2
A permanent magnet rotor of a generator is used to excite a electromagnet stator to generate electric power for the generator and to control a disengagement mechanism whereby the generator can disengage from an accessory, such as a gear box drive shaft, when the generator is not working properly. The permanent magnet is affixed to an outer ball screw which normally rotates with an inner ball screw that is operatively engaged to the accessory. An increased load to the electromagnet stator slows or stops rotation of the permanent magnet rotor and outer ball screw, causing the inner ball screw to move axially from the outer ball screw and away from an accessory and toward a re-settable lock.
US07728475B2
A turboalternator system includes a turboalternator having a rotatable member operatively engaged to a bearing set, a radial support element, and a contact structure engaged with the radial support element. The rotatable member defines a first end, a second end and an axis of rotation. The turboalternator system is configured to be thermally adjustable such that in a first thermal condition the contact structure is at a first radial position with respect to the axis of rotation and contacts the rotatable member to provide support, and in a second thermal condition the contact structure is at a second radial position with respect to the axis of rotation that is spaced further from the axis of rotation than the first radial position.
US07728470B2
An electric motor, e.g., a fan motor for an air conditioning fan of a motor vehicle, includes a receiving housing serving as a motor housing, which has a receiving opening into which the electric motor at least partially extends, as well as including connection elements for supplying power to the electric motor, and attachment means for the electrical connection elements. The attachment for the electrical connection elements is provided on the electric motor.
US07728469B2
In a motor driving apparatus, an incline of boundary lines of magnetic poles with respect to a rotating shaft of a rotor and an incline in a movable direction of a magnetic detection unit with respect to the rotating shaft of the rotor are different.
US07728467B2
A heat generating member cooling structure in which a coolant space is formed between a heat releasing surface that is thermally connected to a heat generating member and an opposing surface that is positioned opposite the heat releasing surface, includes a plurality of heat releasing fins that are provided within the coolant space so as to be parallel to one another and stand from the heat releasing surface toward the opposing surface, and an inter-fin passage, through which a coolant flows, formed between every two of the plurality of heat releasing fins that are positioned adjacent to each other.
US07728462B2
Stage devices for various uses including use as a reticle stage or substrate stage in a microlithography system. An exemplary device includes a carrier and multiple linear EM actuators that couple the carrier monolithically to a base. The linear EM actuators collectively provide controlled movability of the carrier relative to the base in all six DOFs (X, Y, Z, θX, θY, θZ). The multiple linear EM actuators comprise at least one multiple-DOF linear actuator but fewer than six linear EM actuators. For example, the stage device can have two two-DOF linear actuators providing respective motions of the carrier in the X, Y and Y, Z DOFs (and collectively in all six DOFs) or can have two two-DOE linear actuators providing motions of the carrier in the Y, Z, θX, θY, and θZ DOFs and a one-DOF linear actuator providing motions in the X DOF.
US07728459B2
A power supply. The power supply provides power to a real-time clock generator when system power is not available and comprises first and second regulators, an energy storage device, and a switch. The first regulator receives a system power and generates a first regulated voltage when the system power is available. The energy storage device is coupled to a node. The second regulator comprises an input coupled to the node and provides a second regulated voltage to a real-time clock generator. The switch is coupled between the first regulator and the node. The switch is turned on when the system power is available and turned off when the system power is not available.
US07728458B2
The present invention is an energy generating system for a telecommunications megasite which uses fuel cells and capacitors to backup a commercially available primary source of power.
US07728455B2
An omni-direction array 22 of wind turbine assemblies 10 is positioned upon and about the periphery of the roof of a building. Each wind turbine assembly 10 comprises a self supporting modular box-shaped housing 12 having an inlet and outlet for accelerating the flow of air therethrough. Turbine 14 comprises a hub 27, a peripheral band 28 and vanes 25 having proximal and distal ends positioned there between and having a ring gear 18 positioned on the peripheral band in mechanical communication with a plurality of generators 20 for converting wind energy into electricity. Parabolic collectors 16 are positioned and attached to the inlet and outlet of the housing 12 for collecting, concentrating, directing and accelerating wind through the turbine 14 in the throat section of the assembly. Each self supporting box-shaped modular housing 12 is structurally communicated with other housings 12 by interlocking mating surfaces 26.
US07728451B2
A wind power generation system includes: a wind turbine in which at least one blade is mounted on an axis; a generator for generating multiphase alternating current power by rotation of the axis; and a multiphase power conversion device for performing PWM-control for adjustment and output of generated power of the generator. With the configuration, the PWM-control provides for each phase a control paused period in which no overlap occurs. Thus, the pulse density between the control period and the control paused period of other phases is low, thereby generating high and low density in an inter-phase pulse.
US07728449B2
The present invention is to drive a hydraulic pump and a generator motor by an engine, electrically charge a battery by a generator operation of the generator motor, and assist the engine through driving the generator motor by electric power of the battery. On the premise of the configuration above, when a deviation between a target rotation speed of the engine and an actual rotation speed of the engine is equal to or more than a preset value, and when a residual amount of fuel is equal to or less than a preset value, it is considered to be engine failure or an operation state which is directly connected to the engine failure and an engine assisting action is automatically stopped.
US07728445B2
A semiconductor device production method which includes steps of: preparing a wafer on which multiple integrated circuits are formed on a principal face; forming a rewiring which is electrically connected to the integrated circuits via a pad electrode; and dicing the wafer after forming an electrode terminal on the rewiring, including steps of: forming a first resin layer by sealing at least the rewiring and the electrode terminal formed on the principal face of the wafer with a first resin; processing a first dicing from a back face of the wafer to the principal face of the wafer or halfway to the first resin layer when the first resin layer is formed; forming a second resin layer by sealing a cut line outlined upon the first dicing and the back face of the wafer continuously with a first resin; and processing a second dicing while leaving the second resin layer which covers a side face outlined upon the first dicing.
US07728444B2
A difference in delay of signal transmission due to the wiring within a board is minimized. A wiring board includes wiring for connecting terminals included in one of a plurality of semiconductor chips to terminals included in another one of the plurality of semiconductor chips, through branch points. Each of the plurality of semiconductor chips includes first and second terminals. Moreover, a first wiring up to the first terminals and a second wiring up to the second terminals are in a positional relationship of being shifted parallel to each other in a planar direction of the wiring board so as not to come into electrical contact with each other. In each of the first and second wirings, a wire is provided between a connection point for the terminal in a first one of the semiconductor chips and a position of a root, a complete binary tree structure in which all leaves are at the same depth from the root is formed, connection points for the terminals in the rest of the semiconductor chips are positioned at the respective leaves, and the paths of wires respectively corresponding to branches at the same depth in the tree structure include vias and the lengths of the paths of wires including the lengths of the vias are equal to each other.
US07728441B2
A method for mounting a semiconductor package onto PCB is disclosed. A semiconductor package is provided, which comprises a plurality of outer terminals exposed out of an encapsulant. A PCB is provided and has a surface with a plurality of contact pads. Each contact pad has a first exposed side, an opposing exposed second side and a center between the exposed sides. A plurality of first pre-solders and a plurality of second pre-solders are formed on the surface by one single printing. The first pre-solders and the second pre-solders respectively cover the first and second exposed sides of the contact pads, spaces between the opposing first and second pre-solders expose the centers of the contact pads. Then the first and second pre-solders are reflowed and the semiconductor package is mounted on the PCB. When the outer terminals is connected to the contact pads, each first pre-solder and second pre-solder are flowed toward the corresponding exposed centers of the contact pad to prevent the fine pitch contact pads from bridging.
US07728432B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; an insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of copper interconnections provided on the same level in the insulating film. The copper interconnection includes: a first copper interconnection having a relatively narrow width; and a second copper interconnection having a relatively wide width. The first copper interconnection has the top surface thereof principally composed of copper, and the second copper interconnection has the top surface thereof principally composed of copper.
US07728431B2
Herein disclosed an electronic component having a passivation layer in which an opening that exposes a part of a pad electrode is formed, an underlying metal layer formed on the pad electrode and the passivation layer, and a barrier metal layer formed on the underlying metal layer for an external connection electrode, the electronic component including a recess or/and a projection configured to be provided under the barrier metal layer outside or/and inside the opening, the underlying metal layer being formed on the recess or/and the projection and having a surface shape that follows the recess or/and the projection.
US07728429B2
A semiconductor device in accordance with the present invention includes IC chips (semiconductor elements) (2, 3, 4) having solder bumps (24) (projecting electrodes) formed on electrode pads, and a first wiring board (1) having connection terminals (7) to which the respective solder bumps (24) of the IC chips (2, 3, 4) are connected, external connection terminals (8) for connection to an external apparatus, and conductor wires (9) provided in respective groove portions formed in a board surface and connected to the respective connection terminals (7). In spite of the reduced pitch of the conductor wires (9), the presence of the groove portions enables an increase in cross section, allowing a reduction in wiring resistance.
US07728422B2
One embodiment of a semiconductor package described herein includes a substrate having a first through-hole extending therethrough; a conductive pattern overlying the substrate and extending over the first through-hole; a first semiconductor chip facing the conductive pattern such that at least a portion of the first semiconductor chip is disposed within the first through-hole; and a first external contact terminal within the first through-hole and electrically connecting the conductive pattern to the first semiconductor chip.
US07728417B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit package system which includes providing a substrate and attaching a first device to the substrate. Attaching a shield to the substrate. Processing the shield to form apertures and configuring the shield to block electromagnetic energy that passes through the apertures.
US07728415B2
A power semiconductor component stack, using lead technology with surface-mountable external contacts, includes at least two MOSFET power semiconductor components each having a top side and an underside. The underside includes: a drain external contact area, a source external contact area and a gate external contact area. The top side includes at least one source external contact area and a gate external contact area. The gate external contact areas on the top side and the underside are electrically connected to one another. The power semiconductor component stack is a series circuit or a parallel circuit of MOSFET power semiconductor components arranged one above another in a plastic housing composition.
US07728414B2
A power QFN package includes signal leads, a die pad, support leads, and an adhesive for die bonding. These elements are encapsulated with a resin encapsulant. The lower parts of the signal leads are exposed from the resin encapsulant to function as external electrodes. A middle part of the die pad is formed at a higher level than a peripheral part thereof. This permits the formation of through holes in a thin part of the die pad. This enhances the degree of flexibility in the size of a semiconductor chip and the moisture resistance thereof.
US07728406B2
A semiconductor device of the present invention comprises: a substrate; a plurality of wiring layers formed over the substrate; a fuse formed in an uppermost one of the plurality of wiring layers; a first insulating film made up of a single film and formed on the uppermost wiring layer such that the first insulating film is in contact with a surface of the fuse; and a second insulating film formed on the first insulating film; wherein the second insulating film has an opening therein formed above a fuse region of the uppermost wiring layer such that only the first insulating film exists above the fuse region, the fuse region including the fuse and being irradiated with a laser beam when the fuse is blown.
US07728398B2
A semiconductor chip constituting an image pickup device is provided on a substrate and includes a connection terminal and an image pickup portion. A lens sheet having a lens portion is provided on the semiconductor chip. A groove is formed in at least the substrate to expose the connection terminal. A conductor pattern is formed in the groove and has one end electrically connected to the connection terminal.
US07728394B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a p-channel MIS transistor formed on an n-type well on the substrate, having a first gate dielectric and a first gate electrode formed thereon and formed of a Ta—C alloy wherein a crystal orientation ratio of a TaC (111) face in a film thickness direction [TaC (111) face/{TaC (111) face+TaC (200) face}] is 80% or more, and an n-channel MIS transistor formed on a p-type well on the substrate, having a second gate dielectric and a second gate electrode formed thereon and formed of a Ta—C alloy wherein a crystal orientation ratio of a TaC (111) face in a film thickness direction [TaC (111) face/{TaC (111) face+TaC (200) face}] is 60% or less.
US07728386B2
The invention provides a CMOS integrated circuit capable of carrying out an operation at a comparatively high supply voltage, comprising a first MOS type transistor having a drain profile to come in contact with a gate through a low concentration region having an impurity concentration which is equal to or lower than a predetermined concentration at a drain end, and a second MOS type transistor and transfer gate having the same polarity which is connected to a gate of the first MOS type transistor, wherein a gate voltage is applied to the gate of the first MOS type transistor through the second MOS type transistor and transfer gate to which a predetermined potential (a shielding voltage) is applied.
US07728381B2
A semiconductor device is fabricating using a photoresist mask pattern, and selectively removing portions of a liner nitride layer in a cell region and a peripheral circuit region. A modified FinFET is formed to reduce the influence of signals transmitted by adjacent gate lines in a cell region. A double FinFET and a substantially planar MOSFET are formed in a core region and in a peripheral region, respectively, concurrently with the formation of the modified FinFET.
US07728360B2
A multiple-gate transistor structure which includes a substrate, source and drain islands formed in a portion of the substrate, a fin formed of a semi-conducting material that has a top surface and two sidewall surfaces, a gate dielectric layer overlying the fin, and a gate electrode wrapping around the fin on the top surface and the two sidewall surfaces separating source and drain islands. In an alternate embodiment, a substrate that has a depression of an undercut or a notch in a top surface of the substrate is utilized.
US07728347B2
A ZnO layer is provided which can obtain emission at a wavelength longer than blue (e.g., 420 nm) and has a novel structure. A transition energy narrower by 0.6 eV or larger than a band gap of ZnO can be obtained by doping S into a ZnO layer.
US07728346B2
An LED illumination device can include a bridge connection circuit that includes five LED chips. The LED chips can be installed such that four LED chips, through which half-wave rectified current flows, are disposed in a generally cross-shaped opposed arrangement with the remaining LED chip interposed therebetween. The remaining LED chip can also have a full-wave rectified current flowing therethrough. Half-wave rectified currents having phases shifted by 180° (half the period) can flow through respective LED chips installed at a generally right angle. The placement range for the five LED chips can be limited, and the LED chips can be sealed with a wavelength conversion material.
US07728344B2
A light emitting diode includes a reflective cup, an LED chip, and many electrodes, a first light scattering layer, and a phosphor layer. The reflective cup includes a bottom and a sidewall extending from the bottom. The LED chip is received in the reflective cup and mounted on the bottom thereof for emitting first light of a first wavelength. The electrodes each has a first end electrically connected to the LED chip and an opposite second end exposed at an outer surface of the reflective cup. The first light scattering layer formed in the reflective cup on the bottom thereof and covering the LED chip, which has a concave surface at an opposite side thereof to the LED chip. The phosphor layer formed on the concave surface of the light scattering layer for converting part of the first light into second light of a second wavelength.
US07728339B1
A micromechanical structure is described. A region of semiconductor material has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a lateral surface that surrounds the region of semiconductor material. Insulative material covers the first surface and the lateral surface of the region of semiconductor material to provide electrical isolation to the region of semiconductor material by forming a boundary. To form the micromechanical structure, a trench is etched in a semiconductor substrate to surround a region of the semiconductor substrate. A surface of the semiconductor substrate and the trench are oxidized to form a top oxide and a lateral oxide region. A backside of the semiconductor substrate is etched to expose a backside of the region of the semiconductor substrate and a portion of the lateral oxide.
US07728336B2
In an SiC vertical MOSFET comprising a channel region and an n-type inverted electron guide path formed through ion implantation in a low-concentration p-type deposition film, the width of the channel region may be partly narrowed owing to implantation mask positioning failure, and the withstand voltage of the device may lower, and therefore, the device could hardly satisfy both low on-resistance and high withstand voltage. In the invention, second inverted layers (41, 42) are provided at the same distance on the right and left sides from the inverted layer (40) to be the electron guide path in the device, and the inverted layers are formed through simultaneous ion implantation using the same mask, and accordingly, the length of all the channel regions in the device is made uniform, thereby solving the problem.
US07728332B2
It is an object of the present invention to manufacture a semiconductor device easily and to provide a semiconductor device whose cost is reduced. According to the present invention, a thin film integrated circuit provided over a base insulating layer can be prevented from scattering by providing a region where a substrate and the base insulating layer are attached firmly after removing a peeling layer. Therefore, a semiconductor device including a thin film integrated circuit can be manufactured easily. In addition, since a semiconductor device is manufactured by using a substrate except a silicon substrate according to the invention, a large number of semiconductor devices can be manufactured at a time and a semiconductor device whose cost is reduced can be provided.
US07728328B2
An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a substrate having a display area and a driving circuit area, a first semiconductor layer formed on the substrate in the display area, the first semiconductor layer having an active region and source and drain regions at opposing sides of the active region, a gate insulating layer formed on the first semiconductor layer, a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating layer and over the active region, the gate electrode being wider than the gate insulating layer, and an interlayer insulating layer formed over the substrate including the gate electrode, wherein the interlayer insulating layer, the gate electrode, the gate insulating layer, and the active region define a first cavity.
US07728325B2
A display device includes an insulating substrate including a display region, at least one pad disposed in a non-display region on the insulating substrate which applies a voltage to the display region, a connecting part which is electrically connects at least two pads or at least two portions of the pad; and a power supply unit which applies the voltage to the pad.
US07728321B2
The invention provides a novel structure of a phase change memory device. In the phase change memory device of the invention, an electrode acting as a radiating fin does not exit immediately above a phase change area of a phase change layer (115). A heater electrode (111) and landing electrode layer (113a, 114a) both contact the bottom of the phase change layer (115) made of GST. The landing electrode layer (113a, 114a) contacts the bottom of the phase change layer (115) to partially overlap in a region off from a portion immediately above the contact face (Y) of the phase change layer and heater electrode. The contact electrode (116, 118) is directly connected to the landing electrode layer (113a, 114a) in a portion off from a portion immediately above the heater electrode (111). The phase change layer of GST or the like does not exist immediately below the contact electrode.
US07728318B2
A nonvolatile memory cell having a contact area between a phase-change material such as a chalcogenide and a heat source which is smaller than photolithographic limits is described. To form this cell, a conductive or semiconductor pillar is exposed at a dielectric surface and recessed by selective etch. A thin, conformal layer of a spacer material is deposited on the dielectric top surface, the pillar top surface, and the sidewalls of the recess, then removed from horizontal surfaces by anistropic etch, leaving a spacer on the sidewalls defining a reduced volume within the recess. The phase change material is deposited within the spacer, having a reduced contact area to the underlying conductive or semiconductor pillar.
US07728317B2
An optical heterodyne sampling device includes: two pulsed laser sources which may have a jitter and which can receive respectively a pump beam and a probe beam having respective repetition frequencies Fs and Fp, whereby Fs≠Fp; and an element for combining the pump beam and the probe beam which are intended to be passed over a sample, consisting of a signal channel including a system for the photodetection of the response signal from the sample and a system for acquiring the photodetected signal, which is connected to the signal channel. According to the invention, Fs and Fp are essentially constant and the acquisition system includes an acquisition trigger element. A synchronization channel is connected to the trigger element, and includes a device for measuring the beat frequency |Fs−Fp| which can generate a synchronization signal comprising pulses each time the pulses of the pump beam and the probe beam coincide.
US07728311B2
Among other things, an accelerator is mounted on a gantry to enable the accelerator to move through a range of positions around a patient on a patient support. The accelerator is configured to produce a proton or ion beam having an energy level sufficient to reach any arbitrary target in the patient from positions within the range. The proton or ion beam passes essentially directly from the accelerator to the patient. In some examples, the synchrocyclotron has a superconducting electromagnetic structure that generates a field strength of at least 6 Tesla, produces a beam of particles having an energy level of at least 150 MeV, has a volume no larger than 4.5 cubic meters, and has a weight less than 30 Tons.
US07728309B2
The present invention discloses a high throughput screening method and system, which can be used to screen a plurality of fluid samples to ascertain their corresponding information. For example, a polymer solution sample is screened to ascertain information about its micro structure character such as including its crystallinity property. The high throughput screen system comprises a plurality of sampling passages and one or more screening devices for screening multiple samples simultaneously or almost simultaneously to get their corresponding information so as to meet research requirement of the relevant field.
US07728305B2
According to an aspect of an embodiment, an apparatus having an input device for inputting information and a display for displaying information comprises, a storage for storing information corresponding to an ultra violet ray intensity in association with location information and time information and a processor for obtaining information of an ultra violet ray intensity on the basis of location information and time information inputted by the input device in reference to the information stored in the storage, and for displaying the obtained information of the ultra violet ray intensity on the display.
US07728304B2
A method is provided for fabricating contacts on semiconductor substrates by direct lithography that results in durable adhesion of the electrodes, increased interpixel resistance and the electrodes which act as a blocking contact, thereby providing for improved energy resolution in a resultant radiation detector.
US07728285B2
Provided is a phantom device having an internal organ simulating phantom. The phantom device comprises: a phantom receiving radiation emitted from a radiation emitting unit and comprising therein a simulant that simulates an internal organ; a lifting unit installed under the phantom to support the phantom and moving the phantom relative to the radiation emitting unit, the lifting unit comprising: a worm shaft axially rotated by an external torque and having a worm formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, a cylindrical worm wheel having gear grooves formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof to engage with the worm and a female screw formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, and rotated by the axial rotation of the worm shaft; and a driven screw engaging with the female screw of the worm wheel, and moved up and down by the rotation of the worm wheel to move up and down the phantom; and a horizontal moving unit interlocking with the lifting unit and horizontally moving the phantom. Accordingly, since the phantom device can simulate any movement pattern, even the respiratory movement pattern of a patient's internal organ to accurately determine a desired dose of radiation to be delivered to the body part, high quality assurance of radiation therapy equipment can be achieved and therapeutic effect can be improved.
US07728282B2
A heat dissipation method for a projector includes measuring a first temperature at an intake vent of a projector, measuring a second temperature at an outlet vent of the projector, controlling a heat sink of the projector based on the first temperature when the second temperature is smaller than a predetermined value, and controlling the heat sink of the projector based on the second temperature when the second temperature is larger than the predetermined value.
US07728281B2
A mobile phone with night vision function includes a body (1) and a night vision module (4). The body (1) includes a display (2), a keypad (3), and a storage module (5). The night vision module is disposed at a top end of the body, and includes a lens module (41), an IR (infrared) emitter (42) and an IR detector. The storage module is provided in a sidewall of the body. The night vision module can detect IR radiation and provide information of an IR image. The information of the IR image can be displayed on the display of the body or be saved in the storage module. The mobile phone with night vision function can be used for night vision, illuminating, and photographing at night.
US07728263B2
A process of controlling an operation of an electric kettle includes the steps of initializing a microprocessor to detect a water temperature via a temperature sensor to set a system parameter; checking a status of a control circuit; determining a preserve temperature of the water; verifying the temperature sensor to protect the temperature sensor from being burnt; determining a condition of the water whether the water is needed to be heated up or preserved; and sending out a control signal to the control circuit in responsive to the condition of the water to heat up the water or maintain the water at the preserve temperature. Therefore, the present invention is adapted to accurately control the whole process of the electric kettle.
US07728258B2
The invention relates to a device (1) for cutting wafers (2) into a number of chips with a laser beam (6) injected into a liquid jet (7). A thin flowing liquid layer (9) having a blasting effect is produced on the surface (5) of the wafer (2). This makes it possible to prevent projections resulting during laser cutting from depositing once again on the surface of the wafer. The result is a very high cleanness of the surface after the cutting process. The liquid layer (9) is produced, in particular, so that it is thinner in a machining area (10) around the machining point (8) than outside of the machining area (10). This ensures that the liquid layer is sufficiently thin (14) at the machining point (8) so that enough laser energy for removing material is applied to the wafer surface, and ensures that the liquid layer is sufficiently thick (15) outside of the machining area so that no area of the surface (5) of the wafer (2) dries out.
US07728257B2
A method of forming embrittled areas in multiple layers inside a wafer so as to enable the wafer to be divided correctly even at areas where embrittled areas intersect. In a first direction embrittling step an embrittled area is formed as a bottom layer, in a second direction embrittling step embrittled areas are formed as a bottom layer and a second layer, in the first direction embrittling step the embrittled areas are formed as a second layer and a third layer, and thereafter, the second direction embrittling step and the first direction embrittling step are alternately implemented, and finally, in the second direction embrittling step, embrittled area is formed as a top layer, so that a length of an unprocessed area is contained within a range that does not interfere with division.
US07728256B2
A novel silicon crystallization apparatus and a silicon crystallization method renders it is possible to form alignment key without additional photolithography, and to adjust a substrate to a correct position by sensing a deviation of the substrate when the substrate is loaded. The silicon crystallization apparatus includes a moving stage being moved in a horizontal direction, and a fixing plate provided in the moving stage, to fix a substrate. A rotating frame is provided in the moving stage, to rotate the fixing plate.
US07728248B1
Methods are disclosed for producing a precision clockplate with rotational bearing surfaces (e.g. pivot pins). The methods comprise providing an electrically conductive blank, conventionally machining oversize features comprising bearing surfaces into the blank, optionally machining of a relief on non-bearing surfaces, providing wire accesses adjacent to bearing surfaces, threading the wire of an electrical discharge machine through the accesses and finishing the bearing surfaces by wire electrical discharge machining. The methods have been shown to produce bearing surfaces of comparable dimension and tolerances as those produced by micro-machining methods such as LIGA, at reduced cost and complexity.
US07728238B2
At least one plug is selectively fit into the plug-fitting portions 12A1 to 12A8, and then a plurality of kinds of data consisting of five bits configuration are obtainable.
US07728229B2
A light-weight, aluminum core, multi-stabilized, superconducting wire. The superconducting wire has NbTi superconducting filaments embedded in a normal stabilizing copper metal matrix that encapsulates an aluminum central core.
US07728227B2
The present invention relates to a method for covering an elongate object in particular an electric cable or a pipe. The method includes providing a covering assembly which includes a tubular elastic covering element having at least one end which is folded to define at least one backward folded portion and at least one forward folded portion; a first supporting element which is arranged radially internal to the covering element and which holds the covering element in a radially stretched condition, and a second supporting element which is coaxially arranged around the first supporting element, the second supporting element holding said forward folded portion of the tubular elastic covering element in a radially stretched condition; removing the first supporting element to allow the sleeve to gradually collapse onto the elongate object.
US07728226B2
A water-resistant cover assembly for an electrical outlet box includes a gasket sized to substantially cover the open side of the electrical outlet box, an adapter plate and a cover adapted to engage the mounting screw of the electrical fixture for mounting the cover to the outlet box. The adapter plate has an opening sized and shaped to receive a portion of the electrical fixture therein, and further includes a projection extending from a back face thereof. The projection pierces through the gasket to be frictionally held thereto and has a size adapted to be received in the aperture of the electrical fixture for aligning the adapter plate and the gasket thereto. The cover has an opening for providing access to the electrical fixture and is adapted to sandwich the adapter plate and the gasket against the electrical fixture when mounted to the outlet box.
US07728203B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1007978. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1007978. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1007978 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1007978 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07728202B2
A soybean cultivar designated S070158 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S070158, to the plants of soybean S070158, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S070158 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S070158 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety S070158, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S070158 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S070158 with another soybean cultivar.
US07728196B2
A soybean cultivar designated 6419156 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 6419156, to the plants of soybean 6419156, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 6419156 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 6419156 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 6419156, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 6419156 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 6419156 with another soybean cultivar.
US07728191B2
It is intended to provide a method of reducing the total amount of stored protein, to develop a technique required therefor, and to provide a plant and its seeds developed by the above method and a method of using such a plant and seeds. More specifically, a nucleic acid molecule containing a consecutive nucleic acid sequence of at least 15 in length which is complementary with a nucleic acid sequence encoding prolamin polypeptide or a nucleic acid sequence having a homology of at least about 70% to the complementary nucleic acid sequence having at least 15 nucleotide length. A method of reducing the expression dose of a protein in a seed of a plant which comprises: A) the step of providing the above-described nucleic acid molecule; B) the step of transferring the nucleic acid molecule into the cells of the plant; C) the step of re-differentiating the cells to construct a transgenic plant; and D) the step of obtaining seeds from the transgenic plant.
US07728184B2
Process for the production of vinyl-aromatic monomers which comprises: a) feeding an aromatic stream and an olefinic stream to alkylation; b) feeding the reaction product coming from the alkylation section to a first separation section; c) recovering the mono-alkylated aromatic hydrocarbon from the first separation section; d) feeding the mono-alkylated aromatic product to a dehydrogenation section; e) cooling and condensing the reaction gases in the shell of one or more heat exchangers; f) feeding the reaction product coming from the dehydrogenation section to a second separation section; g) recovering the stream of vinyl-aromatic monomer.
US07728180B2
A method for producing ethers comprises the following steps:initiating telomerization process of a conjugated diene compound with an hydroxyl compound represented by the following formula (I): R1OH (I) in the presence of a palladium compound, a tertiary isocyanide represented by the following formula (II): R2NC (II), and a base; and adding halfway through the telomerization process a tertiary phosphine represented by the following formula (III): PR3R4R5 (III) (the respective symbols are defined in the description).
US07728177B2
Disclosed is a method for producing an optically active 3-methylcyclopentadecan-1-one which is characterized in that 2-cyclopentadecen-1-one is subjected to a 1,4-conjugate addition reaction of a methyl group by using a methylated organic metal in the presence of a copper catalyst, an enol anion scavenger and a specific optically active phosphoramidite for obtaining an optically active 3-methyl-1-cyclopentadecene derivative, and then the thus-obtained 3-methyl-1-cyclopentadecene derivative is subjected to a solvolysis.
US07728175B1
The present invention relates to linear amine-functionalized poly(trimethylene ether) compositions, and processes to produce these compositions.
US07728166B2
The subject matter of the invention is a process for the production of metal salts of trifluoromethane sulphonic acid by reacting trifluoromethane sulphonic acid with a metal alcoholate and the use thereof as esterification catalyst and/or transesterification catalyst for the production of hydroxycarboxylic acid esters.
US07728159B2
The invention relates to new compounds of the formula, wherein R and R1 are each independently hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-40 alkyl, C2-40 alkenyl or C2-40 alkynyl group, an aryl or C1-40 alkylaryl group or an optionally complex metal ion Mn+/n wherein n is an integer from 1 to 8; the free valences of the silicate oxygen atoms are saturated by one or more of: silicon atoms of other groups of the formula, hydrogen, a linear or branched C1-12 alkyl group or by cross-linking bridge members R3qM1(OR2)mOk/2 or Al(OR2)3-pOp/2 or R3 Al(OR−)2-1 O1/2; wherein M1 is Si or Ti; R2 is linear or branched C1-12 alkyl group; and R3 is alinear or branched C1-6 alkyl group; k is an integer from 1 to 4 and q and m are integers from 0 to 2; such that M+k+q=4; and p is an integer from 1 to 3; and r is an integer from 1 to 2; or other known oxo metal bridging systems; x, y and z are integers such that the radio of x:y+z, varies from 0.00001 to 100,000 with the fragments [O3/2SiCH(CH2PO(OR)(OR1))CH2CH2SiO3/2]x and [O3/2SiCH2CH2PO(OR)(OR1)]y always present whilst the integer z varies from 0 to 200y. The compounds are useful as catalysts for a wide variety of reactions and have the advantages that they can be prepared in a one-pot reaction and functional group losding can be tailored to be at a required level. In addition, the compounds have high chemical and thermal stability, fixed and rigid structures, are insoluble in organic solvents, high resistance to ageing, and can easily be purified and reused.
US07728155B2
Compounds of formula 1 or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are provided: which are agonists and partial agonists of the 2c subtype of brain serotonin receptors. The compounds, and compositions containing the compounds, can be used to treat a variety of central nervous system disorders such as schizophrenia.
US07728152B2
A process produces a 2-benzoyloxyacetaldehyde derivative represented by following Formula (3): wherein R1 and R2 may be the same as or different from each other and are each a hydrocarbon group, wherein R1 and R2 may be combined to form a ring with the adjacent oxygen-carbon-oxygen bond, and wherein the benzene ring in the formula may be substituted, by allowing a halogenated acetaldehyde acetal derivative represented by following Formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are as defined above; and X represents a halogen atom, to react with a benzoate represented by following Formula (2): wherein M represents an alkali metal atom and wherein the benzene ring in the formula may be substituted, in the presence of an alkali-metal halide.
US07728149B2
A process produces a corresponding dicarboxylic acid by subjecting a cycloalkane to an oxidative cleavage reaction with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst in a liquid phase using a continuous reactor, in which a residence time τ (hr) satisfies the following condition: 0.1≦τ≦50/c, wherein c is the proportion (% by weight) of the cycloalkane to the total weight of a charged liquid. The catalyst includes, for example, cobalt compounds, manganese compounds, and mixtures of these compounds, as well as imide compounds having at least one cyclic imide skeleton.
US07728147B2
A method of isolating detomidine (I) hydrochloride as a crystalline salt is provided. The method comprises hydrogenating in the presence of a catalyst of compound of formula (II) in aqueous solution comprising hydrochloric acid, concentrating the solution by distillation, optionally adding hydrochloric acid to the concentrated solution, cooling the concentrated solution and recovering the crystallized detomidine hydrochloride. The product can be recovered directly from aqueous solution with
US07728137B2
The present invention relates to new types of metal complexes. Such compounds can be used as active components (=functional materials) in a series of different types of applications which can be classed within the electronics industry in the widest sense.The inventive compounds are described by the structure 1 and the formulae (1) to (60).
US07728135B2
The present invention is directed to the synthesis of 4-[4-[(R)-[1-[cyclopropylsulfonyl)-4-piperidinyl](3-fluorophenyl)methyl]-3(S)-methyl-1-piperazinyl]-1-[(4,6-dimethyl-5-pyrimidinyl)carbonyl]-4-methylpiperidine], and intermediates therefor from readily available starting materials by a novel route.
US07728124B2
A method for the manufacture of carboxyalkylinulin is disclosed comprising preparing an aqueous medium containing dispersed therein a halogenoalkylcarboxylate, adding to the carboxylate containing medium, under substantially neutral pH conditions, an inulin followed by heating this mixture to a temperature in the range of from 60° C. to 90° C. and proceeding with the reaction at alkaline conditions, pH 8-12, while simultaneously adding additional halogenoalkylcarboxylate and alkalihydroxide. The carboxyalkylinulin so formed is recovered in a manner known per sé.
US07728121B2
The present invention relates to a polynucleic acid composition comprising or consisting of at least one polynucleic acid containing 8 or more contiguous nucleotides corresponding to a nucleotide sequence from the region spanning positions 417 to 957 of the Core/E1 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 4664 to 4730 of the NS3 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 4892 to 5292 of the NS3/4 region of HCV type 3; and/or the region spanning positions 8023 to 8235 of the NS5 region of the BR36 subgroup of HCV type 3a; and/or the coding region of HCV type 4a starting at nucleotide 379 in the core region; and/or the coding region of HCV type 4; and/or the coding region of HCV type 5, with said nucleotide numbering being with respect to the numbering of HCV nucleic acids as shown in Table 1, and with said polynucleic acids containing at least one nucleotide difference with known HCV type 1, and/or HCV type 2 genomes in the above-indicated regions, or the complement thereof.
US07728118B2
A method to prepare synthetic nucleic acid molecules having reduced inappropriate or unintended transcriptional characteristics when expressed in a particular host cell.
US07728116B2
In a method of isolating osteogenic protein from bone, in which an osteogenic protein-containing fraction is extracted from bone and enriched by a sequence of enrichment steps selected from ultrafiltration and chromatography, the invention provides the improvement of removing higher molecular weight components from the osteogenic protein-containing fraction prior to the enrichment steps. The higher molecular weight components have a molecular weight of about 100-300 kDa and are selected from collagen, collagen fragments, collagen aggregates and mixtures thereof.
US07728113B2
The present invention relates to antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to a M-CSF, preferably human M-CSF, and that function to inhibit a M-CSF. The invention also relates to human anti-M-CSF antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies that are chimeric, bispecific, derivatized, single chain antibodies or portions of fusion proteins. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from human anti-M-CSF antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to methods of making human anti-M-CSF antibodies, compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions for diagnosis and treatment. The invention also provides gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light immunoglobulin molecules that comprise the human anti-M-CSF antibodies. The invention also relates to transgenic animals and transgenic plants comprising nucleic acid molecules of the present invention.
US07728107B2
Canine 5-hydroxytryptamine 2 receptor materials are described, including polypeptides corresponding to SEQ ID NOs.:8 and 10 and polynucleotides expressing them corresponding to SEQ ID NOs.:7 and 9. Such materials are useful as reagents in drug screening assays to identify compounds having 5-HT2 receptor-modulating activity.
US07728104B2
Disclosed are processes for preparing glycopeptide phosphonate derivatives having an amino-containing side chain. Several of the process steps are conducted in a single reaction vessel without isolation of intermediate reaction products, thereby generating less waste and improving the overall efficiency and yield of the process.
US07728100B2
A particulate polyglycolic acid resin composition suitable as a material for various forming processes in produced through a process characterized by comprising: cooling a polyglycolic acid resin composition having a residual glycolide content of at most 0.6 wt. % in a molten state by contact with an aqueous cooling medium to solidify the composition, and pelletizing the composition.
US07728077B2
A masterbatch composition comprising (percent by weight): A) 15%-50% of a polypropylene component having a melt flow rate of from 1 to 250 g/10 min.; and B) 50%-85% of an olefin polymer partially soluble in xylene at room temperature, containing from 60% to 85% by weight of ethylene; said masterbatch composition having (i) a value of the intrinsic viscosity [η] of the fraction soluble in xylene at room temperature ([η]sol) equal to or lower than 2.9 dl/g, and (ii) a value of the ratio MFR/[η], , , , equal to or lower than 4, is added to polyolefin materials to obtain final compositions suitable for injection molding.
US07728067B2
An adjuvant composition comprising (A) a C1-C2carboxylic acid ester of a polyhydroxy compound containing from 2 to 20 hydroxyl groups and (B) an N-heterocyclic compound having a pKa, value of from 6 to 8 is storage-stable and suitable as an acid donor in the dyeing of polyamides.
US07728053B2
A plastic housing composition for embedding semiconductor devices in a plastic housing includes a multicomponent plastic material, where at least one component is distributed in the plastic material in drop-shaped and/or spherical units. The drop-shaped and/or spherical units are surrounded by dimensionally stable sheaths made from a plastic sheath material. The multicomponent plastic further includes a reactive curing system that cures when the plastic sheaths are torn open. The dimensionally stable plastic sheath material is deformation-sensitive, so that the sheaths tear open under mechanical deformation loading, which initiates and/or accelerates the curing process.
US07728047B2
The invention relates to an enhanced process for the recycling of expanded polystyrene. Said process essentially comprises the reduction in volume of expanded polystyrene by means of dissolution in a solvent, separation of the insoluble components, selective precipitation of the polystyrene with an anti-solvent, separation, drying and extrusion of the precipitated polystyrene, recovery by distillation and recycling of the solvent. The process is characterized in that the anti-solvent is a butanol selected form n-butanol, iso-butanol or sec-butanol and the solvent is dimethyl carbonate, alone or in a mixture containing up to 25% by weight of butanol.
US07728046B2
A synthesis gas is produced from a carbon-containing starting material such as a coal; a CO-containing gas is separated from the resultant synthesis gas, whereby obtaining a gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen; a methanol- and/or dimethyl ether-containing gas is produced from the resultant gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen; meanwhile, a H2-containing gas is produced from the CO-containing gas and the H2O-containing gas separated from the lower-paraffin-containing gas by a shift reaction; a lower-paraffin-containing gas containing propane or butane as a main component of hydrocarbons contained therein is produced from the methanol- and/or dimethyl ether-containing gas and the H2-containing gas; and a H2O-containing gas is separated from the resultant lower-paraffin-containing gas, whereby obtaining a liquefied petroleum gas.
US07728044B2
Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities affected (increased or reduced, e.g. gels broken) by the indirect or direct action of a composition that contains at least one fatty acid that has been affected, modified or reacted with an alkali metal base, an alkali earth metal base, ammonium base, and/or organic base compound, optionally with an alkali metal halide salt, an alkali earth metal halide salt, and/or an ammonium halide salt. The composition containing the resulting saponification product is believed to either act as a co-surfactant with the VES itself to increase viscosity and/or possibly by disaggregating or otherwise affecting the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant may have its viscosity broken with a composition containing naturally-occurring fatty acids in canola oil or corn oil affected with CaOH, MgOH, NaOH and the like.
US07728043B2
The invention provides methods for treating beta-amyloid protein-involved ocular disease including age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, pharmaceutical compositions and compounds useful for the same, and the use of these compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treating the same. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of natural product compounds isolated from Curcuma sp., Zingiber sp., Ginkgo biloba, Salvia sp., and Rosmarinus sp. and synthetic chemical analogues thereof, for the treatment of a beta-amyloid protein-involved ocular disease.
US07728040B1
Polyamine compounds, method of synthesis and method of use for anti-cancer purposes, for enhancing the activity of existing anti-cancer drugs, as well as, for inhibiting N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors found in neurotransmission systems are provided. Certain polyamine motifs have been identified that can be attached to toxic agents to facilitate their access to cancer cells as well as polyamine compounds of surprising cytotoxicity with selectivity in killing cancer cells, and surprising utility in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and brain stroke. It includes an illustrative conjugate system with examples of a triamine or a tetraamine appended to a cytotoxic agent. Included is a general strategy to enhance cell uptake by attaching a polyamine vectoring system with an example of a triamine vector attached to an existing anti-cancer drug to improve its chemotherapeutic potency. There is an illustration of tetraamine derivatives which have surprising enhanced selectivity in inhibiting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors involved in neurotransmission. Several ligands can affect the activity of this receptor, which has been shown to initiate cell death under stroke conditions (lack of oxygen). Tetraamine derivatives which bind or inhibit the action of the NMDA receptor provide new therapy for NMDA-associated human diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke.
US07728039B2
Biphenyl and phenyl-naphthyl compounds bearing a hydroxamic group, which are endowed with antitumor, and anti-angiogenic activity These compounds are therefore particularly useful for the treatment of drug-resistant tumors.
US07728035B2
Compounds that may have anti-inflammatory activity are of general formula (I); wherein X1, is H or COR1, and X2 is H or COR2 but X1, and X2 are not both H; R1 and R2 are the same or different and are each C1-4 alkyl substituted with R3, or a four to seven-membered ring which can be optionally substituted with R8 and can contain one or more additional heteroatoms selected from O, S(O)n and NR9; is R3 is F, CF3, OR4, NR5R6 O, S(O)n R7; R4, R5 and R6 are the same or different and are each H or C1-4 alkyl optionally substituted with R3, or NR5R6 is a C4-6 heterocycloalkyl ring containing one or more heteroatoms selected from O, NR8 and S(O)n; each n is 0-2; R7 is C1-4 alkyl; R8 is as defined for R3 or C1-4 alkyl optionally substituted with R3 or halogen; and R9 is H or C1-4 alkyl; or a salt, solvate or hydrate thereof.
US07728034B2
The present invention provides methods of treating neurological disorders in a mammal by administering to the mammal an effective amount of a selective persistent sodium channel antagonist that has at least 20-fold selectivity for persistent sodium current relative to transient sodium current.
US07728033B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating diabetic nephropathy with a combination of an immunosuppressive agent and an ACE inhibitor.
US07728031B2
Octahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole derivatives are useful in treating conditions or disorders prevented by or ameliorated by histamine-3 receptor ligands, Octahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole compounds, methods for using such compounds, compositions for making them, and processes for preparing such compounds are disclosed herein.
US07728030B2
Compounds of formula (I): The present invention relates to novel indazolyl ester or amide derivatives, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives, to processes for preparing such novel derivatives and to the use of such derivatives as medicaments.
US07728011B2
The present invention relates to novel skin-friendly dermally applicable liquid formulations comprising permethrin and agonists or antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of insects for controlling parasitic insects on animals.
US07728002B2
A method of activating PPAR receptors in a subject, said method comprising administering to said subject an effective PPAR receptor activating amount of a pyrrolopyridine compound corresponding to formula (I): wherein R, R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Ar and n have defined meanings, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, particularly as part of the treatment of a disorder or disease state selected from the group consisting of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, hypertension, and cerebral vascular disease.
US07727997B2
Disclosed are compounds of the formula wherein the variables RN, RC, R1, R25, R2, and R3 are as defined herein. These compounds have activity as inhibitors of beta-secretase and are therefore useful in treating a variety of disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease.
US07727993B2
The present invention is directed to methods of treating movement disorders by administering an effective amount of one or more adenosine A2A receptor antagonists to a patient in need thereof. The present invention also provides methods of decreasing the adverse effects of L-DOPA in patients receiving L-DOPA therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for treating Parkinson's disease patients with sub-clinically effective doses of L-DOPA by combining L-DOPA treatment with an effective amount of one or more adenosine A2A receptor antagonists (i.e., L-DOPA sparing effect). The present invention further provides methods of effective treatment of Parkinson's disease by co-administering at least one adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, L-DOPA and a dopamine agonist and/or a COMT inhibitor and/or a MAO inhibitor. The present invention further provides methods of prolonging effective treatment of Parkinson's disease by administering an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist singly or together with a dopamine agonist, and/or a COMT inhibitor, and/or a MAO inhibitor without prior or subsequent administration of L-DOPA, delaying or removing on-set of L-DOPA motor complication.
US07727992B2
The present invention relates to compounds which inhibit bacterial gyrase and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds. These compounds, and compositions thereof, are useful in treating bacterial infection. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to methods for treating bacterial infections in mammals. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing these compounds.
US07727991B2
Melanocortin receptor-specific compounds of the general formula and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, where J is a substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic or bicyclic ring structure, W is a heteroatom unit with at least one cationic center, hydrogen bond donor or hydrogen bond acceptor, Q is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic carbocyclic ring group, L, R2a, R2b, R3a, R3b, r, x and y are as defined in the specification, and the carbon atoms marked with an asterisk can have any stereochemical configuration. Compounds disclosed herein bind to one or more melanocortin receptors and may be an agonist, a partial agonist, an antagonist, an inverse agonist or an antagonist of an inverse agonist as to one or more melanocortin receptors, and may be employed for treatment of one or more melanocortin receptor-associated conditions or disorders, including specifically treatment of obesity and related conditions.
US07727990B2
Melanocortin receptor-specific compounds of the general formula and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, where X, W, J, Q, L1, L2, L3, R1a, R1b, R2a, and R2b are as defined in the specification, and the carbon atom marked with an asterisk can have any stereochemical configuration. Compounds disclosed herein bind to one or more melanocortin receptors and may be an agonist, a partial agonist, an antagonist, an inverse agonist or an antagonist of an inverse agonist as to one or more melanocortin receptors, and may be employed for treatment of one or more melanocortin receptor-associated conditions or disorders, including specifically treatment of obesity and related conditions.
US07727982B2
Novel benzamide compounds including their pharmaceutically acceptable isomers, salts, hydrates, solvates and prodrug derivatives having activity against mammalian factor Xa are described. Compositions containing such compounds are also described. The compound and compositions are useful in vitro or in vivo for preventing or treating coagulation disorders.
US07727979B2
The invention relates to guanidine derivatives of formula (I) where: A represents a chain of 3-6 carbon atoms, one of which can be replaced by —N(R′)— or —O— and R′ is H or a substituent; the ring skeleton only contains both double bonds of the thiazole component; the pharmaceutically-acceptable acid addition salts of basic compounds of formula (I), the pharmaceutically-acceptable salts of compounds of formula (I), comprising acid groups, with bases, the pharmaceutically-acceptable esters of hydroxy or carboxyl group containing compounds of formula (I) and the solvates or hydrates thereof, which exhibit a neuropeptide FF receptor antagonist effect. The above are suitable for the treatment of pain and hyperalgesia, withdrawal symptoms in alcohol, psychotropic and nicotine dependencies, for improvement or cure of said dependencies, for regulation of insulin excretion, food intake, memory functions, blood pressure, electrolyte and energy management and for treatment of urinary incontinence. The above can be produced using generally used methods and processed to give medicaments.
US07727974B2
The invention provides methods of reducing the severity of mucositis, involving administration of a toll-like receptor 4 antagonist.
US07727967B2
Compositions of matter for treating cancer patients are used to prevent or limit cardiotoxicity during or after treatment with anthracycline drugs, and to prevent or lower resistance to anthracycline drugs, both of which are believed to be caused by the human enzyme carbonyl reductase. Preferred embodiments comprise a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds having halogenated (or pseudo-halogenated) aryl groups, preferably halogenated (or pseudo-halogenated) arylcyanooximes or phenylcyanooximes and derivatives or analogs thereof, including those comprising —CL or —F, or other substituents on an aryl/phenyl ring. The preferred composition of arylcyanooxime(s) may be administered in a pharmaceutical composition also comprising at least one anthracycline compound, or may be administered separately from the at least one anthracycline compound.
US07727962B2
The present invention concerns powders containing a pharmaceutical active substance and a combination of excipients comprising at least one 1,4 O-linked saccharose derivative selected from the compounds: 1,4 O-linked D-Gal-saccharose (lactosucrose), 1,4 O-linked D-Glu-saccharose (glucosyl sucrose), or 1,4 O-linked Glu-Glu-saccharose (maltosyl sucrose) in combination with at least one further excipient. The other excipient is preferably an amino acid, a peptide and/or a mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharide, wherein the oligosaccharide may be a second 1,4 O-linked saccharose derivative, provided that this is different from the first.
US07727960B2
The invention relates to a C5a receptor antagonist of structure (I), wherein X1 is a radical having a mass of about 1-300 and stands for R5-, R5-CO—, R5-N(R6)-CO—, R5-O—CO—, R5-SO2—, R5-N(R6)-SO2—, R5-N(R6)-, R5-N(R6)-CS—, R5-N(R6)-C(NH)—, R5-CS—, R5-P(O)OH—, R5-B(OH)— or R5-CH═N—O—CH2—CO—, wherein R5/R6 represent H, F, hydroxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, acyl, substituted acyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, substituted alkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl or substituted aryloxyalkyl; X2=radical (biological bonding properties of a mimicrying phenylalanine unit); X3/X4=spacer (amino acids, amino-acid analogs and amino-acid derivatives); X5=radical (biological bonding properties of a mimicrying cyclohexylalanine or homoleucine unit); X6=radical (biological bonding properties of a mimicrying tryptophan unit); X7=radical (biological bonding properties of a mimicrying norleucine or phenylalanine unit), a chemical bond being formed between X3 and X7.
US07727948B2
A mixture of surfactant and co-surfactant which is an amphiphilic polymer with the formula:
US07727945B2
Modified polysaccharide polymers for use as anti-scalant and dispersant. The polymers are useful in compositions used in aqueous systems. The modified polysaccharides are also useful in detergent formulations, water treatment, dispersants and oilfield applications and as fiberglass binders. Such applications include a modified polysaccharide having up to about 70 mole % carboxyl groups per mole of polysaccharide ASU and up to about 20 mole % aldehyde groups per mole of polysaccharide ASU. The applications can also include a blend of modified polysaccharides and other synthetic polymers.
US07727944B2
Compositions of an ester-containing phenolic antioxidant seal-conditioning agent represented by the formula and a second seal-conditioning agent selected from sulfolanes, benzyl ester, lactones, nitriles, and other ester-containing phenolic anitoxidant seal-conditioning agents, serve to protect the integrity of elastomeric materials in contact with lubricants.
US07727939B2
Composition of base fluid and polymeric dispersing agent-absorbed polymer-coated colloidal particles
A method of controlling the pressure of a casing annulus in a subterranean well that includes injecting into the casing annulus a composition including a base fluid and a polymer coated colloidal solid material. The polymer coated colloidal solid material includes: a solid particle having an weight average particle diameter (d50) of less than two microns, and a polymeric dispersing agent coated onto the surface of the solid particle during the cominution (i.e. grinding) process utilized to make the colloidal particles. The polymeric dispersing agent may be a water soluble polymer having a molecular weight of at least 2000 Daltons. The solid particulate material may be selected from materials having of specific gravity of at least 2.68 and preferably the solid particulate material may be selected from barium sulfate (barite), calcium carbonate, dolomite, ilmenite, hematite, olivine, siderite, strontium sulfate, combinations and mixtures of these and other similar solids that should be apparent to one of skill in the art.
US07727935B2
Among many things, in some embodiments, dual-function additives that enhance fluid loss control and the stability of viscoelastic surfactant fluids, and their associated methods of use in subterranean formations, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a viscoelastic surfactant fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a viscoelastic surfactant, and a dual-function additive that comprises a soap component; and introducing the viscoelastic surfactant fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
US07727927B2
Activation of a tungsten-containing catalyst using water in a PEM-type fuel cell is described as well as cathode operation of the tungsten-containing catalyst.
US07727926B2
Novel α-diimine metal complexes, particularly iron complexes, having a phenyl sulfidyl or substituted phenyl sulfidyl metal complexing group are disclosed. The α-diimine metal complexes having a phenyl sulfidyl or substituted phenyl sulfidyl metal complexing group are produced by forming one of the α-diimine metal complex imine bonds in the presence of a metal salt or an α-acylimine metal complex. The α-diimine metal complexes having phenyl sulfidyl or substituted phenyl sulfidyl metal complexing group are useful for polymerizing or oligomerizing olefins.
US07727923B2
The challenge for the present invention is to provide a catalyst composition restrained from declining in performance over time in purifying an exhaust gas containing an organic compound a silicon compound, a catalyst containing the catalyst composition, and a method for producing the catalyst.This challenge is solved by using a catalyst composition containing zeolite added to precious metal-carried alumina, and the silicon resistance of the catalyst is improved greatly. The amount of acid of the zeolite added is preferably in the range of 0.4 mmol·NH3/g to 1.5 mmol·NH3/g.
US07727911B2
In formation of a gate insulating film made of a high dielectric constant metal silicate, atomic layer deposition (ALD) is performed by setting exposure time to a precursor containing a metal or the like to saturation time of a deposition rate by a surface adsorption reaction and by setting exposure time to an oxidizing agent to time required for a composition of a metal oxide film to reach 97% or more of a stoichiometric value.
US07727910B2
Methods of forming transparent conducting oxides and devices formed by these methods are shown. Monolayers that contain zinc and monolayers that contain zirconium are deposited onto a substrate and subsequently processed to form zirconium-doped zinc oxide. The resulting transparent conducing oxide includes properties such as an amorphous or nanocrystalline microstructure. Devices that include transparent conducing oxides formed with these methods have better step coverage over substrate topography and more robust film mechanical properties.
US07727906B1
This invention relates to electronic device fabrication for making devices such as semiconductor wafers and resolves the detrimental fluorine loading effect on deposition in the reaction chamber of a HDP CVD apparatus used for forming dielectric layers in high aspect ratio, narrow width recessed features with a repeating dep/etch/dep process. The detrimental fluorine loading effect in the chamber on deposition uniformity is reduced and wafers are provided having less deposition thickness variations by employing the method using a passivation treatment and precoating of the chamber before substrates are processed. In a preferred process, after each wafer of a batch is finished, the passivation steps are repeated. In a further preferred process, after all the wafers of a batch are finished, the passivation and precoat procedure is repeated. A preferred passivation gas is a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen.
US07727905B2
Dielectric layers containing a zirconium-doped tantalum oxide layer, where the zirconium-doped tantalum oxide layer is arranged as a structure of one or more monolayers of tantalum oxide doped with zirconium, provide an insulating layer in a variety of structures for use in a wide range of electronic devices.
US07727904B2
Methods of forming an oxide layer on silicon carbide include thermally growing an oxide layer on a layer of silicon carbide, and annealing the oxide layer in an environment containing NO at a temperature greater than 1175° C. The oxide layer may be annealed in NO in a silicon carbide tube that may be coated with silicon carbide. To form the oxide layer, a preliminary oxide layer may be thermally grown on a silicon carbide layer in dry O2, and the preliminary oxide layer may be re-oxidized in wet O2.
US07727897B2
A method of etching a top electrode/ferroelectric stack using an etch stop layer includes forming a first layer of a first dielectric material on a substrate; forming a bottom electrode in the first layer of a first dielectric material; depositing an etch stop layer on the first layer of the first dielectric material and the bottom electrode, including forming a hole therein; depositing a layer of ferroelectric material and depositing top electrode material on the ferroelectric material to form a top electrode/ferroelectric stack; stack etching the top electrode and ferroelectric material; depositing a layer of a second dielectric material encapsulating the top electrode and ferroelectric material; etching the layer of the second dielectric material to form a sidewall about the top electrode and ferroelectric material; and depositing a second and third layers of the first dielectric material.
US07727889B2
In a method for forming a fine pattern, a target layer to be patterned is formed on a semiconductor substrate and a polysilicon layer is formed on the target layer. A partition is then formed on the polysilicon layer with an amorphous carbon layer pattern. A spacer is attached to a sidewall of the partition. Thereafter, the spacer is divided into bar patterns by selectively removing the partition. A polysilicon layer pattern is formed by selectively etching a portion of the poly silicon layer exposed by the divided bar patterns and then a target layer pattern is formed by selectively etching a portion of the target layer exposed by the polysilicon layer pattern.
US07727886B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for forming a sacrificial material layer, patterning it to obtain a first patterned sacrificial material layer, embedding the first patterned sacrificial material layer into a dielectric material, treating the first patterned sacrificial material layer to remove it to thus provide a patterned dielectric layer having a plurality of openings in which vias may be formed. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07727881B1
Protective self aligned buffer (PSAB) layers are layers of material that are selectively formed at the surface of metal layers in a partially fabricated semiconductor device. In a Damascene interconnect, PSAB layer typically resides at an interface between the metal layer and a dielectric diffusion barrier layer. PSAB layers promote improved adhesion between a metal layer and an adjacent dielectric diffusion barrier layer. Further, PSAB layers can protect metal surfaces from inadvertent oxidation during fabrication process. A PSAB layer may be formed entirely within the top portion of a metal layer, by, for example, chemically converting metal surface to a thin layer of metal silicide. Thickness of PSAB layers, and, consequently resistance of interconnects can be controlled by partially passivating metal surface prior to formation of PSAB layer. Such passivation can be accomplished by controllably treating metal surface with a nitrogen-containing compound to convert metal to metal nitride.
US07727879B2
Method of forming top electrode for capacitor and interconnection in integrated passive device (IPD)
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having a first conductive layer disposed on a top surface of the substrate. A high resistivity layer is formed over the substrate and the first conductive layer. A dielectric layer is deposited over the substrate, first conductive layer and high resistivity layer. A portion of the dielectric layer, high resistivity layer, and first conductive layer forms a capacitor stack. A first passivation layer is formed over the dielectric layer. A second conductive layer is formed over the capacitor stack and a portion of the first passivation layer. A first opening is etched in the dielectric layer to expose a surface of the high resistivity layer. A third and fourth conductive layer is deposited over the first opening in the dielectric layer and a portion of the first passivation layer.
US07727876B2
A flip chip semiconductor device has a substrate with a plurality of active devices formed thereon. A contact pad is formed on the substrate in electrical contact with the plurality of active devices. A passivation layer is formed over the substrate and intermediate conduction layer. An adhesive layer is formed over the passivation layer. A barrier layer is formed over the adhesive layer. A wetting layer is formed over the barrier layer. The barrier layer and wetting layer in a first region are removed, while the barrier layer, wetting layer, and adhesive layer in a second region are maintained. The adhesive layer over the passivation layer in the first region are maintained until the solder bumps are formed. By keeping the adhesive layer over the passivation layer until after formation of the solder bumps, less cracking occurs in the passivation layer.
US07727873B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor multilayer structure useful for the production of a gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor light-emitting device which can ensure that the operating voltage is reduced, the light emission output is good and the light emission output is less changed due to aging.The inventive production method of a gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor multilayer structure comprises a substrate having thereon an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer and a p-type semiconductor layer, the light-emitting layer being disposed between the n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer, and the light-emitting layer having a multiple quantum well structure formed by alternately stacking a well layer and a barrier layer, wherein at least one well layer has a non-uniform thickness, at least a part of the barrier layer is grown at a higher temperature than the well layer, and the temperature difference between each growth temperature of the well layer, the barrier layer and the p-type semiconductor layer is adjusted to be in a specific range.
US07727864B2
Metallic-compound films are formed by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD). According to preferred methods, film or thin film composition is controlled by selecting plasma parameters to tune the oxidation state of a metal (or plurality of metals) in the film. In some embodiments, plasma parameters are selected to achieve metal-rich metallic-compound films. The metallic-compound films can be components of gate stacks, such as gate electrodes. Plasma parameters can be selected to achieve a gate stack with a predetermined work function.
US07727861B2
The invention relates to a method and device that make it possible to increase the productivity of the chip bonding and the before and after working steps associated with the chip bonding. To this end, the invention provides a method for contacting semiconductor chips (3) on a metallic substrate (16), whereby an etch resist (27) is located at least on one substrate side, and semiconductor chips (3) are contacted on the contacting side (30) by means of flip-chip bonding processes, during which a contacting region (7) is created on the contacting side (30) of the substrate (16). A semiconductor chip (3) having two contact bumps (6) is contacted on said contacting region in such a manner that: a contact bump (6) is contacted on both sides of a structure line (35) or of a structure trench (13) dividing the contacting region (7), and; after the contacting, an underfilling of the chip (3) ensues after which an electrically insulating passage (14) is made in the contacting region (7), and a module (32), which supports the semiconductor chip (3), is removed from the substrate (16).
US07727839B2
A method of manufacturing a NAND flash memory device is disclosed. A semiconductor substrate of a portion in which a source select line SSL and a drain select line DSL will be formed is recessed selectively or entirely to a predetermined depth. Accordingly, the channel length of a gate can be increased and disturbance can be reduced. It is therefore possible to improve the reliability and yield of devices.
US07727838B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit includes forming a gate structure over a semiconductor body, and forming a shadowing structure over the semiconductor body laterally spaced from the gate structure, thereby defining an active area in the semiconductor body therebetween. The method further includes performing an angled implant into the gate structure, wherein the shadowing structure substantially blocks dopant from the angled implant from implanting into the active area, and performing a source/drain implant into the gate structure and the active area.
US07727835B2
The present invention is directed to an SOI device with charging protection and methods of making same. In one illustrative embodiment, a device is formed on an SOI substrate including a bulk substrate, a buried insulation layer and an active layer. The device includes a transistor formed in an isolated portion of the active layer, the transistor including a gate electrode and a source region. The device further includes a first conductive bulk substrate contact extending through the active layer and the buried insulation layer, the first conductive bulk substrate contact being conductively coupled to the source region and the bulk substrate, and a second conductive bulk substrate contact extending through the active layer and the buried insulation layer, the second conductive bulk substrate being conductively coupled to the gate electrode and the bulk substrate.
US07727832B2
It is made possible to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes CMISs each having a low threshold voltage Vth and a Ni-FUSI/SiON or high-k gate insulating film structure. The method comprises: forming a p-type semiconductor region and an n-type semiconductor region insulated from each other in a substrate; forming a first and second gate insulating films on the p-type and n-type semiconductor regions, respectively; forming a first nickel silicide having a composition of Ni/Si<31/12 above the first gate insulating film, and a second nickel silicide having a composition of Ni/Si≧31/12 on the second gate insulating film; and segregating aluminum at an interface between the first nickel silicide and the first gate insulating film by diffusing aluminum through the first nickel silicide.
US07727828B2
A method for fabricating a gate dielectric of a field effect transistor is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes removing a native oxide layer, forming an oxide layer, forming a gate dielectric layer over the oxide layer, forming an oxide layer over the gate dielectric layer, and annealing the layers and underlying thermal oxide/silicon interface. Optionally, the oxide layer may be nitridized prior to forming the gate dielectric layer. In one embodiment, the oxide layer on the substrate is formed by depositing the oxide layer, and the oxide layer on the gate dielectric layer is formed by oxidizing at least a portion of the gate dielectric layer using an oxygen-containing plasma. In another embodiment, the oxide layer on the gate dielectric layer is formed by forming a thermal oxide layer, i.e., depositing the oxide layer on the gate dielectric layer.
US07727823B2
A flat panel display for preventing a thin film transistor from deteriorating due to voltage, static electricity, and external force, accidentally applied to a substrate, and a method for driving the same. The flat panel display includes a conductive substrate, at least one insulating layer formed on the conductive substrate, at least one thin film transistor formed on the conductive substrate, and a ground formed in a region of the conductive substrate to ground the conductive substrate. Thus, the deterioration of the thin film transistor that would be generated by voltage, static electricity, or external force, accidentally applied to the conductive substrate can be substantially prevented and the performance of the display is enhanced.
US07727815B2
A method for forming a high thermal conductivity heat sink to IC package interface is disclosed. The method uses reactive getter materials added to a two phase solder system having a phase change temperature that is about the normal operating temperature range of the IC, to bind absorbed and dissolved oxygen in the two phase solder interface material at or near the air to solder surface. Over time this chemical binding action results in an oxide layer at the air to solder surface that slows the rate of oxygen absorption into the solder interface material, and thus reduces the harmful oxidation of the solder to IC package interface and the solder to heat sink interface.
US07727798B1
Method for production of diamond-like carbon film having semiconducting properties comprises preparing a boron-doped diamond-like carbon (B-DLC) thin film on a silicon substrate through a radio frequency magnetron sputtering process, wherein a composite target material formed by inserting boron tablet as a dopant source in a graphite target is used. After forming a boron-containing diamond-like carbon film, the thin film is annealed at a temperature of 500° C. and kept at this temperature for 10 minutes, and determine its carrier concentration and resistivity. Thus demonstrated that the polarity of said boron-doped diamond-like carbon film is p-type semiconductor characteristic. Carrier concentration can be up to 1.3×1018 cm-3, and its resistivity is about 0.6 Ω-cm; consequently. The boron-doped semiconducting diamond-like carbon film having excellent semiconductor property and high temperature stability according to the invention is best applicable in solar cell or electronic communication and electrode elements and equipments.
US07727792B2
A laser diode epitaxial wafer has an n-type GaAs substrate, an n-type cladding layer formed on the n-type GaAs substrate, an active layer formed on the n-type cladding layer, and a p-type cladding layer formed on the active layer. The n-type cladding layer, the active layer, and the p-type cladding layer are formed of an AlGaInP-based material. The p-type cladding layer has carbon as a p-type impurity. The p-type cladding layer has a carrier concentration in the range of not less than 8.0×1017 cm−3 and not more than 1.5×1018 cm−3.
US07727786B2
An optical memory cell having a material layer associated with a pixel capable of emitting and receiving light. The material layer has phosphorescent material formed therein for storing data as light received from and emitted to the pixel.
US07727777B2
In accordance with some embodiments, a ferroelectric polymer memory may be formed of a plurality of stacked layers. Each layer may be separated from the ensuing layer by a polyimide layer. The polyimide layer may provide reduced layer-to-layer coupling, and may improve planarization after the lower layer fabrication.
US07727773B2
A method of manufacturing an analytical sample by a secondary ion mass spectrometry method is provided, which comprises a step of forming a separation layer over a substrate, a step of forming one of a thin film and a thin-film stack body to be analyzed over the separation layer, a step of forming an opening portion in one of the thin film and the thin-film stack body, a step of attaching a supporting body to one of a surface of the thin film and a surface of a top layer of the thin-film stack body, and a step of separating one of the thin film and the thin-film stack body from the substrate.
US07727765B2
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for leak testing the ventilation system of an environmental enclosure using a gas that is naturally present in ambient air, such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, or carbon dioxide, as a tracer gas. In one embodiment, a gas filter capable of filtering all of the tracer gas from the air flowing through the filter is installed in the ventilation system. Testing is performed by operating the ventilation system to cause outside air to flow through the filter and into the enclosure so as to establish positive pressurization inside the enclosure. A gas monitor placed inside the enclosure is used to detect for the presence of leaks in the ventilation system by monitoring the concentration of the tracer gas inside the enclosure.
US07727753B2
The present invention relates to a DNA encoding a polypeptide with dihydroorotase (EC 3.5.2.3) activity. Also, the invention relates to the use of this nucleic acid for the generation of an assay system.
US07727744B2
Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed for obtaining directionally truncated polypeptides by inserting a transposon. Preferably the transposon comprises a selectable marker and an ori, and optionally a promoter, a ribosome binding site and a translation start codon, into a target sequence in vitro or in vivo. Amplification products, varying in length depending on the transposon insertion site, are obtained using one primer that anneals to the target sequence and a second primer that anneals to the transposon. Amplification products are ligated to circular dsDNA, transformed into host cells, and individual colonies, each containing a directionally truncated clone of the target sequence, are obtained by plating on medium for which the selectable marker encodes resistance. Directionally truncated polypeptides encoded by the target sequence are obtained in vivo by inducing an RNAP in the host cells that uses the promoter or, in vitro by cell-free transcription and translation.
US07727743B2
The invention relates to a method for obtaining cryoprecipitatable proteins, comprising a viral inactivation step by thermally treating a lyophilisate of these proteins, comprising, before rendering the proteins in the form of a lyophilisate, an initial addition step, to these proteins, of a stabilizing and solubilizing formulation containing a mixture consisting of arginine, at least one hydrophobic amino acid and of tribasic sodium citrate. The invention also relates to a concentrate consisting of at least one cryoprecipitable protein containing the stabilizing and solubilizing formulation introduced according to the method and being suited for therapeutic use.
US07727740B1
The present invention provides methods for screening for one or more chemical agents that modulate the enzymatic activity of an L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase. The methods comprise the steps of (a) contacting an L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase, in a solution in vitro, with one or more chemical agents in the presence of a substrate that is capable of being oxidized by the L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase; (b) measuring the enzymatic activity of the L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase in the presence of the chemical agent to identify one or more candidate chemical agents that modulate L-2-hydroxy acid oxidase activity in vitro; and (c) administering the one or more identified candidate chemical agents to a test animal and measuring one or more physiological parameters.
US07727737B2
This document provides methods and materials related to rapid, quantitative determination of TPMT activity in biological samples. Also featured are compositions and kits useful for determination of TPMT activity in biological samples.
US07727730B2
Methods, compositions and kits are provided for measuring aspirin's anti-thrombotic effectiveness on a subject. Included are a novel assay for quickly and specifically measuring TxA2 metabolite levels in urine and correlating the levels with aspirin dose in a subject. The methods, compositions and kits utilize a novel anti TxA2 metabolite antibody.
US07727722B2
Provided herein are methods and agents for ligation-based exponential ribonucleic acid amplification followed by detection using a nucleic acid polymerization reaction employing terminal-phosphate-labeled nucleotides including three or more phosphates as substrates for nucleic acid polymerase.
US07727708B2
A method for fabricating a dual damascene structure includes providing a multi-layer photoresist stack comprising a first photoresist layer and a second photoresist layer, wherein each photoresist layer has a distinct dose-to-clear value, exposing said photoresist stack to one or more predetermined patterns of light, and developing said photo-resist layers to form a multi-tiered structure in the photo-resist layers.
US07727702B2
A method is provided for irreversibly coloring a coating composition containing a color former comprising the steps of a) providing a coating composition that contains an UV curable resin, a thermosetting resin or an alkyd resin with the proviso that the coating composition contains no developer nor any additive which may function as developer; b) mixing the coating composition with the color former whereby no color is formed; c) applying the colorless composition obtained in step b) to a substrate; d) in case of a thermosetting resin curing the resin between 100 and 300° C., preferably between 100 and 150° C., whereby no color is formed, in case of alkyd resin drying of the resin at room temperature, whereby no color is formed; e) exposure to UV or high energy radiation below 400 nm whereby the color is formed.
US07727701B2
A positive resist composition that exhibits a large exposure margin, and excellent levels of resolution and dry etching resistance, as well as a method of forming a resist pattern that uses the positive resist composition. This resist composition includes a resin component (A), which contains acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups and displays increased alkali solubility under the action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) that generates acid on exposure, wherein the resin component (A) contains a structural unit (a1) represented by a general formula (I) shown below, a structural unit (a2) in which a hydroxyl group within the above general formula (I) has been protected by substituting the hydrogen atom thereof with an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group (II) represented by a general formula (II) shown below, and a structural unit (a3) in which a hydroxyl group within the above general formula (I) has been protected by substituting the hydrogen atom thereof with an acyclic acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group (III).
US07727687B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that determines whether a sub-resolution assist feature will print. During operation, the system receives a layout which contains a sub-resolution assist feature. Next, the system determines whether the sub-resolution assist feature will print using a process model and the layout. The process model is determined using first process data and second process data. The first process data is obtained using a first layout which is exposed using a first exposure level. The second process data is obtained using a second layout which is exposed using a second exposure level, which is different from the first exposure level. The second exposure level causes the sub-resolution assist features within the second layout to print.
US07727683B2
An attenuating PSM includes a quartz substrate, a first dummy pad pattern disposed on the quartz substrate, wherein the first dummy pad pattern is composed of a first phase shifter material layer with a transmission rate of greater than or equal to 15%, and a first opaque pattern disposed at a center area of the first dummy pad pattern. The first opaque pattern has a shape that is analogous to the first dummy pad pattern and surface area of the first opaque pattern is smaller than that of the first dummy pad pattern.
US07727678B2
A holographic data storage medium includes a polymer film which is set up as a storage layer and whose surface structure can be changed locally by heating. The polymer film is set up for the storage of holographic information via the local surface structure of the polymer film. A reflective layer can be provided on the data storage medium.
US07727677B2
Disclosed is a lithium secondary battery which is excellent in battery characteristics such as long-term cycle characteristics, capacity and shelf life characteristics. Also disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte solution which can be used for such a lithium secondary battery. Specifically disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte solution for lithium secondary batteries obtained by dissolving an electrolyte salt in a nonaqueous solvent which is characterized by containing 0.01-10% by weight of a carboxylate compound represented by the general formula (I) below and 0.01-10% by weight or 0.01-10% by volume of a vinylene carbonate and/or 1,3-propane sultone. Also disclosed is a lithium secondary battery using such a nonaqueous electrolyte solution. (In the formula, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or COOR3 group, R1 and R3 respectively represent an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group or a phenyl group, and X represents an alkynylene group or an alkenylene group.)
US07727674B2
A nonaqueous secondary battery 10 of the invention has an active material compound layer 14 deposed over at least one face of a collector 12 made of metal foil and is equipped with a positive electrode 11 having a portion 13 in a part of which metal is exposed. The positive electrode 11 together with the exposed-metal portion 13 faces a negative electrode 17 through an interposed separator 23, and on that part of the exposed-metal portion 13 that faces the negative electrode 17 through the interposed separator 23 there is formed a protective layer 16 made of a material whose electronic conductivity is lower than that of the metal and which moreover is non-insulative. With such nonaqueous secondary battery 10, should part of an electrode pierce the separator and contact with the other electrode, the battery will be gently discharged, thereby averting abnormal heat generation by the battery and additionally enabling the battery's abnormality to be sensed by the equipment via the fall in battery voltage. Thus, there is provided a nonaqueous secondary battery of excellent safety that can prevent abnormal heat generation due to a short circuit caused by burr, powder or the like piercing the separator.
US07727670B2
Disclosed is an electrode active material comprising: (a) electrode active material particles capable of lithium intercalation/deintercalation; and (b) a multinary oxide coating layer partially or totally formed on the surface of the electrode active material particles, the multinary oxide coating layer comprising Al, P and a halogen element. A method for preparing the electrode active material, an electrode using the electrode active material, and an electrochemical device comprising the electrode, preferably a lithium secondary battery, are also disclosed. The electrode active material comprising a multinary oxide coating layer has improved structural stability and thermal safety, and thus can provide an electrochemical device having high capacity, long service life and excellent safety.
US07727668B2
An integrated cap assembly of a secondary battery. A cap lamination forms a top portion of the secondary battery and serves as a connection terminal while the secondary battery is charged or discharged. A gasket is molded integrally with the cap lamination in such a manner that a peripheral portion of the cap lamination is inserted in the gasket, the gasket insulating the cap lamination from a can of the secondary battery and sealing a gap between the cap lamination and the can.
US07727663B2
The present invention provides a cathode and a fuel cell, which are built to prevent escape of liquids, e.g. water and fuel solution, from the cell. Thus, according to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides a cathode suitable for use in a fuel cell having a proton conducting membrane, the cathode comprising a plurality of layers including a catalyst layer and a hydrophobic porous support layer, wherein at least one of said plurality of layers is a liquid water leak-proof layer, which allows gas to pass through it and prevents passage of liquid water and/or aqueous fuel solution.
US07727662B2
A low temperature alkaline fuel cell having a hydrogen electrode and an oxygen electrode, both of which are comprised of high performance non-precious metal catalytic materials providing high performance at low temperatures.
US07727657B2
A fuel reservoir for a fuel cell detachably connected with a fuel cell main body is constituted from a fuel storing vessel of a tube type for storing a liquid fuel, a fuel discharge part and a follower which seals the liquid fuel and moves as the liquid fuel is consumed at the rear end of the liquid fuel. The inside of the fuel storing vessel includes a fuel storing chamber at least hermetically sealed with the follower and a pressurizing chamber filled with a means for pressing the follower staying in a state in which it is completely separated from the ambient air and hermetically sealed. The fuel reservoir for a fuel cell makes it possible to prevent boiling, bubbling and spouting of the liquid fuel and to stably supply the liquid fuel directly to a fuel cell main body.
US07727645B2
The invention provides a magnetic recording medium substrate product which enables enhancement of contact strength between a substrate end surface and a soft magnetic layer, as well as suppression of occurrence of corrosion, a magnetic recording medium including the substrate product, which exhibits no deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics and has excellent durability and a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus including the magnetic recording medium. The magnetic recording medium substrate product includes a disk-shaped non-magnetic substrate having a circular hole in a center portion thereof, and having a chamfer formed at least one of a portion between a main surface on which a magnetic layer is to be formed and an outer end surface and a portion between the main surface and an inner end surface defining the circular hole, wherein the chamfer has a surface roughness (Ra) falling within a range of 4.0 Å≦Ra≦100 Å, preferably 4.0 Å≦Ra≦50 Å, as measured by means of an AFM.
US07727639B2
An iron-based sintered body with a rustproof function comprises a layer containing 0.01 to 5 at % of indium on the surface of the iron-based sintered body, or an iron-based sintered body with a rustproof function contains 0.01 to 5 at % of indium throughout the sintered body, and the iron-based sintered body having iron as its principal component is manufactured by performing sintering in a gas atmosphere containing indium vapor or indium. Thereby obtained is an iron-based sintered body, as well as the manufacturing method thereof, capable of easily improving the rustproof effect without having to hardly change the conventional process.
US07727635B2
A coating composition that is capable of forming a coating film that combines abrasion resistance and crack resistance. The composition comprises: (A) a silicone resin obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of an alkoxysilane that includes an alkoxysilane represented by a general formula (1): (R1)mSi(OR2)4-m (1) (wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen atom, or a substituted or unsubstituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, R2 represents an alkyl group of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and m represents either 0 or 1), (B) hydrophobic silica microparticles, (C) a curing catalyst, and (D) a solvent.
US07727629B2
Microcapsules comprising an agglomeration of primary microcapsules, each individual primary microcapsule having a primary shell and the agglomeration being encapsulated by an outer shell, may be prepared by providing an aqueous mixture of a loading substance and a shell material, adjusting pH, temperature, concentration and/or mixing speed to form primary shells of shell material around the loading substance and cooling the aqueous mixture until the primary shells agglomerate and an outer shell of shell material forms around the agglomeration. Such microcapsules are useful for storing a substance and for delivering the substance to a desired environment.
US07727625B2
A protective and decorative coating composition including about 2 to 10 different colorants which in combination with a resinous composition produce a desired visible coating. A majority of the colorants has a maximum haze of about 10% and exhibits an absorbance peak in the visible spectrum wherein at least about 50% of the total absorbance in the visible spectrum occurs at wavelengths within about 50 nm of the wavelength of the peak absorbance.
US07727620B2
A heat-shrinkable polyolefin series laminated film having excellent firmness (stiffness at ordinary temperature) of film, resistance to fingerprint bleaching, shrink finishability, transparency and regeneration additivity, with a small natural shrinkage and accurately separable by specific gravity, can be provided by, in a laminated film provided with a surface layer (I) and an intermediate layer (III), forming the surface layer (I) with a mixed resin of cyclic olefin series resin and a polyethylene series resin (A) with a Tm of 80° C. or higher but no greater than 125° C. as a main component, and, forming the intermediate layer (III) with a resin composition having as a main component a cyclic olefin series resin, preferably a mixed resin composition of a cyclic olefin series resin and a polyethylene series resin (C) with a Tm exceeding 125° C. but no greater than 140° C., as a main component.
US07727616B2
The invention pertains to a scratch-resistant thin film comprising a transparent substrate wherein the substrate comprises at least one micro structured layer on the lower side and at least one scratch-resistant layer on the upper side, wherein said scratch-resistant layer has a convex-concave structure, a surface resistivity in the range from 108 to 1012Ω/□, a pencil hardness of 3H or more as measured according to JIS K5400 standard method, and a haze in the range from 30% to 98% as measured according to JIS K7136 method.The thin film of the invention exhibits both light enhancement and light uniformization properties, has a low volume shrinkage, does not warp, and possesses excellent anti-static and high hardness properties.
US07727613B2
A ceramic honeycomb structure comprising a ceramic honeycomb body comprising axial grooves on its periphery and cell walls constituting a larger number of flow paths inside the grooves, and a peripheral wall layer covering the grooves, wherein there are stress release portions at least partially in the peripheral wall layer and/or between the peripheral wall layer and the grooves. The thermal expansion coefficient of the peripheral wall layer is preferably smaller than those of the cell walls in a radial direction. The peripheral wall layer is preferably formed on the ceramic honeycomb body formed by removing a peripheral wall from a ceramic green body, before or after firing the ceramic honeycomb body.
US07727610B2
Compositions for protective films for optical disc are provided. Compositions for protective films, particularly compositions for protective films for optical discs having low viscosity and low shrinkage without compromising scratch resistance even when a dilution solvent is not used. The compositions for protective films for optical discs include a composition for protective films containing a UV-curable acrylic radical-based resin as the main component including a multifunctional acrylic monomer, a multifunctional acrylic oligomer and a bifunctional acrylic monomer containing repeating units including at least one of an ethoxy and propoxy group as starting materials for the acrylic radical-based resin; and a photoinitiator.
US07727604B2
The present invention proposes a smokable planar or hose-type food casing or food casing film for food packagings, such as, e.g., sausage casings, shrink bags or the like on polymer basis, which is for the first time manufactured in the jet-blasting process from a homogeneous molten plastic material consisting of a plastic mixture consisting of at least of PA (polyamide) with PVAL (polyvinyl alcohol) and PEBAX (polyether block amide). The food casing or food casing film has a water vapor permeability that is at least 1 kg/m2 within 24 h. Its oxygen permeability at a film thickness of 30 μm is less than 2.1 cm3/m2 within 24 h. Moreover the present invention for the first time proposes a method for manufacturing it.
US07727593B2
A method for providing a cured coating on a tube, comprising masking and sealing an end of the tube with a self-venting cap and plug, the cap and plug comprising a tubular member comprising a resilient material having an open end and a closed end, and having an outermost sidewall; the outermost sidewall having an interior surface having an annular ridge; the closed end having a hollow dome portion defined by an annular recess, the annular recess defining an inner sidewall with an upwardly-extending annular recess, the inner sidewall containing at least one gas venting groove terminating along the longitudinal extent of the inner sidewall, and the inner sidewall being spaced from the interior surface of the outermost sidewall of the tubular member a distance greater than the height of the inwardly-directed ridge; coating the tube with a curable coating; and curing the curable coating at an elevated temperature.
US07727592B2
The present invention relates to a cutting insert particularly for turning of stainless steel comprising a cemented carbide substrate and a post-treated coating with a substrate of cemented carbide having a composition of from about 5.0 to less than about 8.0 wt % Co, from about 3.0 to about 8.0 wt % cubic carbides of the metals Ti, Ta and Nb with a Ti/(Ti+Ta+Nb) ratio of from about 0.05 to about 0.3 and balance tungsten carbide (WC) having a grain size of from about 1.5 to about 3.5 μm in the as-sintered state. Further, the substrate has a surface zone of from about 5 to about 30 μm characterized by an enrichment of binder phase and a depletion of cubic carbides, and a coating having a first, innermost layer system of one or several layers of TiCxNyOz with x+y+z≦1 with a total thickness of from about 0.7 to about 5.5 μm and a second multilayer system consisting of from about 5 to about 31 alternating layers of Al2O3 and TiCxNyOz (x+y+z≦1), preferably κ-Al2O3 and TiN, the Al2O3-layers having an individual layer thickness of less than about 0.5 μm and the TiCxNyOz-layers less than about 0.2 μm with a total thickness of the multilayer of from about 1.0 to about 5.0 μm. The multilayer is exposed along the edge line and into the rake and flank face. In an alternative embodiment the multilayer is replaced by an Al2O3-layer.
US07727586B2
A process for producing water-absorbing polymeric particles by dropletization polymerization in the gas phase, which comprises drying the polymeric particles after the polymerization in a fluidized bed, the water-absorbing polymeric particles themselves, hygiene articles comprising these water-absorbing polymeric particles and also apparatus for implementing the process.
US07727581B2
A process is provided where at least one main face of an optical lens is subjected to a corona discharge or atmospheric plasma treatment. The optical lens is dipped in a curable coating composition to deposit a layer of the curable coating composition on said main face, and is then cured. During the whole process, the optical lens is carried by a same lens holder so that the lens face is freely accessible and without necessitating manual handling of the lens.
US07727566B2
The present invention is directed to an energy bar having a mean hedonic score for consumer acceptability of at least about 5.2. Preferably, the energy bar is either a grain based energy bar or a chewy energy bar.
US07727564B2
The present invention relates to stable, palatable, freeze-dried, fruit-based dietary supplements. Specifically, the inventions relates to compositions of Açai fruit and Jucara fruit with high antioxidant capability and cyclooxygenase-inhibitory activity, and their uses. The invention further provides for methods of making stable, palatable, freeze-dried, fruit-based dietary supplements from Açai fruit and Jucara fruit.
US07727563B2
One or more embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of using pomegranate extracts for treating diabetes related atherosclerotic complications in humans. The methods comprise the step of administering to the patients a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an extract from pomegranate.
US07727557B2
Disclosed in certain embodiments is an oral dosage form comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a drug susceptible to abuse; and an effective amount of an irritant to impart an irritating sensation to an abuser upon administration of said dosage form after tampering.
US07727556B2
A pharmaceutical composition having improved solubility comprising a hydrophobic drug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a compound having at least one carboxylic acid moiety, wherein the molar ratio of the compound having at least one carboxylic acid moiety to the hydrophobic drug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is from about 0.1:1 to about 25:1. The pharmaceutical composition exhibits rapid dissolution upon contact with physiological solvents, such as water, saliva or gastrointestinal fluids.
US07727551B2
The present invention relates to modified-release oral pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more active principles solubilized, suspended or embedded in a suitably formulated amphiphilicmatrix which, loaded in hydrophilic matrices, provides different release profiles.
US07727544B2
The present invention relates to altering the physical and/or chemical properties of at least part of at least one tissue in the eye. In a specific embodiment, it relates to the treatment and/or prevention of myopia. An activating energy source is utilized to photopolymerize or crosslink molecules in the sclera, thereby increasing the strength of the tissue. The individual is administered a crosslinking reagent or photopolymerizable molecule that becomes associated with the membrane, which is then precisely exposed to an energy source, such as light or ultrasound.
US07727538B2
A method of treating mucus hypersecretion, the causative factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and other clinical conditions involving COPD, comprises administering a compound that inhibits exocytosis in mucus secreting cells or neurones that control or direct mucus secretion. Also described is a compound, for use in the treatment of hypersecretion of mucus, which inhibits mucus secretion by inhibiting mucus secretion by mucus secreting cells, and/or inhibiting neurotransmitter release from neuronal cells controlling or directing mucus secretion.
US07727531B2
The present invention relates to antibodies immunologically specific for an attaching and effacing Escherichia coli (AEEC) virulence-associated protein, products, compositions and methods and to their use thereof in the prevention of an AEEC infection in a mammal. The antibody of the invention is immunologically specific for an AEEC virulence-associated protein and is capable of preventing an in vivo AEEC intestinal infection when administered to a mammal. The antibody of the invention is preferably useful for preventing the development of A/E intestinal lesions associated with the AEEC. This is achieved by preferably using IgY antibodies immunologically specific for one or more AEEC virulence-associated proteins, such as Eae, Tir, EspA and Paa.
US07727525B2
The present invention provides anti-CD20 antibody fragments for use as in vivo imaging probes and as therapeutic moieties for the diagnosis and treatment of NHL.
US07727524B2
The present invention provides a liquid seasoning, which brings on a sufficient salty taste although it has a low sodium concentration, and which exhibits for example a pharmacological effect such as an antihypertensive effect at a high level. The present invention relates to a liquid seasoning, which contains the following components (A) to (D): (A) 3.55% or less by weight of sodium; (B) 0.5% to 4.2% by weight of potassium; (C) more than 2% by weight of an acidic amino acid and/or more than 1% by weight of a basic amino acid; and (D) 0.05% to 10% by weight of a food material having an antihypertensive effect.
US07727520B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, comprising inhibitors and inhibiting IFN-γ, together with compositions and methods for promoting the healing of chronic wounds, comprising stimulating and stimulators of IFN-γ.
US07727514B2
A chemical composition comprising a linker agent and a compound comprising at least one UV-absorbing chromophore, wherein the linker agent is characterized by the general formula: wherein X1 and X2 are the same or different, and at least one of X1 or X2 is a functional group that bonds with the compound comprising at least one UV-absorbing chromophore, and b+f≧2, Y comprises an O, N, or S that is substituted or unsubstituted, each a, b, c, e and f is ≧0 and a+b+c+e+f≧2, d is 0 or 1, n1 and n2 represent the number of hydrogen atoms required to complete the undesignated valencies, and m ranges from 1 to about 100 and each individual m unit may be the same or different.
US07727513B2
A method for rapidly detecting infectious conjunctivitis in a host is provided. The method includes contacting an ocular test sample with a chromogen (e.g., Reichardt's dye) that exhibits a color change in the presence of a microbe. The present inventors have discovered that the extent of the color change may vary depending on whether the microbe is a bacteria or virus. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the chromogen interacts with the peptidoglycan-based cell wall structure of bacteria to induce a color change that is even more apparent at infectious levels. It is believed that this interaction occurs to a much greater extent in bacteria than in viruses. Accordingly, although the chromogen may still undergo a color change in the presence of the viruses, it is typically to a much lesser extent. In this manner, the degree of color change of the chromogen may be used in the present invention as a mechanism for differentiating between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis.
US07727497B2
Disclosed herein are a particle production method whereby spherical fine particles of a crystalline calcium phosphate-based compound can be efficiently produced at low cost, fine particles (especially, spherical particles) with good flowability produced by the particle production method, and a high-quality sintered body obtained by sintering a molded body of the particles. The particle production method comprises a first step of mixing a first substance containing phosphorus and a second substance containing calcium so that the phosphorus and the calcium are present in a predetermined mole ratio and feeding, into a heated atmosphere, droplets of a slurry containing an amorphous reaction product, obtained by the reaction between the first substance and the second substance, to bring the reaction product into a gaseous state; and a second step of crystallizing the reaction product in the gaseous state to obtain particles mainly composed of a calcium phosphate-based compound containing phosphorus and calcium in the predetermined mole ratio. The heated atmosphere preferably contains plasma produced by ionization of an ambient gas.
US07727496B2
The present invention relates generally to a method of extracting cobalt and other impurity metals from a concentrated nickel sulphate solution by a solvent extraction process whereby a cationic solvent extractant is separately pre-equilibrated with a portion of a purified nickel sulphate solution in such a manner that it is loaded with nickel without precipitating insoluble nickel double salts. The nickel loaded extracted is then transferred to an impure cobalt nickel solution where the cobalt and certain other impurity metals exchange with nickel leaving a purified concentrated nickel sulphate solution suitable for hydrogen reduction or electrowinning. The cobalt loaded extractant is stripped with dilute sulphuric acid before being recycled while an aqueous cobalt stripped solution is further processed to recover cobalt.
US07727488B2
A plasma generating electrode 1 of the present invention includes two or more electrodes 2 disposed to face each other, and holding members 3 for holding electrodes 2 at a predetermined interval, and can generate plasma by applying voltage between electrodes 2. At least one of electrodes facing each other 2 has a plate-shaped ceramic body 6 serving as a dielectric body, and a conductive film 7 disposed inside the body 6, and the holding members 3 fix the opposite side end portions 5 (fixed end portions 5a) of electrodes facing each other 2 in the state of a cantilever in such a condition that electrodes 2 are held by holding members in the state of cantilevers of the different directions alternately at a predetermined interval as a whole. This relaxes the thermal stress and effectively prevents distortion and breakage of electrodes caused by to a temperature change.
US07727479B2
The invention relates to a device for the carrying out of chemical or biological reactions with a reaction vessel receiving element for receiving a microtiter plate with several reaction vessels, wherein the reaction vessel receiving element has several recesses arranged in a regular pattern to receive the respective reaction vessels, a heating device for heating the reaction vessel receiving element, and a cooling device for cooling the reaction vessel receiving element.The invention is characterized by the fact that the reaction vessel receiving element is divided into several segments. The individual segments are thermally decoupled from one another, and each segment is assigned a heating device which may be actuated independently of the others.By means of the segmentation of the reaction vessel receiving element, it is possible for zones to be set and held at different temperatures. Since the reaction vessel receiving element is suitable for receiving standard microtiter plates, the device according to the invention may be integrated in existing process sequences.
US07727478B2
A system including an inspection chip equipped with at least a pump connection having a flow path opening for interconnecting to a micro-pump, a flow path through which a fluid flows, and a fluid mixing section for joining and mixing two or more fluids, and including a system body equipped with at least a base body, a chip connection having a flow path opening for interconnecting to the inspection chip, a micro-pump unit in the base body including micro-pumps in substantially the same shape, a detection processor and a controller for controlling at least the functions of the micro-pump unit and the detection processor, and the joining amount ratio is adjusted to set the mixing ratio of two fluids to be joined in the fluid mixing section to be approximately m:n (not 1:1) by making the drive voltages of the micro-pumps substantially equal to each other.
US07727476B2
A device for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples comprising a pump that comprises a cylindrical chamber, a piston movable in this cylindrical chamber, and a piston drive that engages the piston. The device further comprises a tip connected to the cylindrical chamber with a line, and a channel system that discharges into the cylindrical chamber for flushing or rinsing the latter. The device is characterized in that the piston entirely seals this cylindrical chamber from the channel system, if the piston is positioned in the cylindrical chamber in such a way that a free piston end comes to rest between the channel system and the line. Preferably, the cylindrical chamber is located in a cylinder block, which comprises two parts that are separated by and enclosing an intermediate channel system. The channel system most preferably is implemented as a coherent cavity. According to a first embodiment, the cylindrical chamber is implemented as a sleeve that is inserted in a boring located in a cylinder block. According to a second embodiment, the cylindrical chamber is implemented as a boring located in a cylinder block. Furthermore, the invention also concerns systems with, for example, 384 or more such devices that are arranged in an array.
US07727460B2
A plasma arc reactor and process for producing a powder from a solid feed material, for example aluminium, is provided. The reactor comprises: (a) a first electrode (5), (b) a second electrode (10) which is adapted to be spaced apart from the first electrode by a distance sufficient to achieve a plasma arc therebetween, (c) means for introducing a plasma gas into the space between the first and second electrodes, (d) means for generating a plasma arc in the space between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a channel (7) running therethrough, an outlet of the channel exiting into the space between the first and second electrodes, and wherein means are provided for feeding solid material (20) through the channel to exit therefrom via the outlet into the space between the first and second electrodes.
US07727454B2
The invention proposes a device (10) for transferring items (3) from an items (3) loading station (13) to an items (3) unloading station (14), which comprises: a group (18) of modules (19a-d) mounted such that they can move in a longitudinally direction, able to adopt a contracted configuration in which the modules (19a-d) are separated by a first spacing (pl), and a deployed configuration in which the modules (19a-d) are separated by a second spacing (F), means (34) of linking one module (19a) to another (19b), comprising a lever (38) mounted such that it is articulated on a first module (19b) and connected to a second module (19a), this lever (3) furthermore cooperating with a groove (46) having an intermediate section (46c) forming an angle with the direction of movement of the group (18) of modules (19a-d), and means (35, 36) of controlling the movement of the group (18). Application to the transfer of blanks from a heating station to a station for molding receptacles from blanks.
US07727438B2
A primary dope is obtained by mixing a solvent and a polymer, and an additive is added to the primary dope, and thus a second dope for a main layer, a first dope for a contact layer and a third dope for an exposure layer are prepared. Only in the second dope is contained at least one of retardation controller, UV absorbing agent and deterioration inhibitor. The first-third dopes are cast from a casting die onto a casting belt to form a casting film of a three layer structure having the base, contact and exposure layers. Since the volatile compound is contained in the main layer, a precipitation of the volatile compounds on a surface of a produced film is prevented.
US07727428B2
A method for producing an optical recording medium, includes: filling a plurality of spaces with a liquid photosensitive material, wherein each of the plurality of spaces is surrounded by a surface of a sheet material and partition walls that are formed on the surface of the sheet material for separating a plurality of recording areas, and the surface of the sheet material has recessed parts at positions where the plurality of recording areas is to be formed, each of the recessed parts protruding and deformed to a back surface side of the sheet material so as to have a volume in relation to a volumetric shrinkage factor of the photosensitive material; and pressing a member having a substantially flat surface to a back surface of the sheet material to make the recessed parts substantially flat and heating and hardening the photosensitive material to form the plurality of recording areas.
US07727425B2
Method for manufacturing a high-energy, low-voltage ignition plug comprising a ceramic material between its electrodes: there is mixed, in a container containing a liquid, from 50 to 75% of a compound which is intended to form a conductive phase and from 25 to 50% of one or more materials which allow the formation of phases of yttrium garnet after thermal processing; operations are carried out for pulverizing, drying and sieving the admixture; the admixture is pressed or injected into a mould; sintering is carried out so as to obtain a ceramic material having porosity of between 0 and 30%; the ceramic material is used in order to constitute the material located between the electrodes of a high-energy, low-voltage ignition plug. Ignition plug manufactured in that manner.
US07727418B2
A thermoplastic composition is disclosed herein, comprising a thermoplastic polymer, and a dye combination comprising a black dye, and a fluorescent dye, wherein a molded article having a thickness of 2.0 millimeters and consisting of the thermoplastic polymer, the black dye, and the fluorescent dye, has a percent transmission of infrared light according to ASTM D1003-00 of greater than or equal to 50%, when measured at a wavelength of 800 to 1,100 nm, and a percent transmission of visible light, according to ASTM D1003-00 of less than or equal to 15%, when measured at a wavelength of 400 to 650 nm. An article comprising the thermoplastic composition is also disclosed.
US07727417B2
A liquid crystal medium is described, having a wide temperature range of a liquid crystal phase, a large optical anisotropy and a large dielectric anisotropy, and exhibiting an optically isotropic liquid crystal phase. The liquid crystal medium features including a chiral dopant and a liquid crystal compound with chloronaphthalene ring and exhibiting an optically isotropic liquid crystal phase.
US07727414B2
A heat transfer fluid with carbon nanocapsules. The heat transfer fluid comprises a fluid and a plurality of carbon nanocapsules, uniformly dispersed in the fluid, in an amount of 0.05 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the heat transfer fluid. Particularly, the carbon nanocapsules are modified to bond with at least one kind of functional group, improving dispersiblity in the fluid. Thus, since the carbon nanocapsules are apt to disperse in fluid and have superior thermal conductivity, the heat conduction capability of the heat transfer fluid therewith is enhanced.
US07727407B2
There are provided a method of processing an amorphous material which is capable of forming surface projections of uniform height in desired positions on the amorphous material, and a magnetic disk substrate using the amorphous material. A predetermined pressure is applied to selected parts of a surface of an amorphous material using fine particles having a hardness higher than that of the amorphous material to form high-density compressed layers, and a surface layer of the amorphous material is removed using a treatment agent that has a different removal capacity in the compressed layers and a remaining uncompressed layer, thus making the compressed layers project out. For example, the treatment agent may be an etching solution having a different etching rate in the compressed layers and the uncompressed layer.
US07727400B2
A low water recovery rate desalination system and method. This system and method enables the purification of water in a more environmentally sustainable manner than conventional systems. The environmental benefit of this invention is derived from its ability to desalinate water and produce a brine byproduct that is less concentrated than that of conventional desalination systems. The system is composed of three elements. They are a water makeup element, a concentration element and a desalination system. The water makeup element and the concentration element can integrated with a conventional desalination technology to form a complete desalination system.
US07727398B2
Colored wastewater from industries, agriculture and the like is discolored by adjusting pH of the wastewater and filtering the wastewater through a mixture of acid-treated sawdust produced from sawdust which has been disposed of after being used for fungi production and charcoal thereby to remove a color component fraction from the wastewater and through a filter material, for example acid-treated rice husk charcoal, in which autochthonous microorganisms are embedded thereby to absorb color components remaining in the wastewater.
US07727390B2
The invention relates to an oil filter device (1) for an internal combustion engine, comprising a support element (2) and a substantially cylindrical filter cartridge (3) which can be connected, especially screwed, to the support element (2). The invention is characterized in that the filter cartridge is arranged essentially in an upright position while an annular duct (4) which surrounds the filter cartridge (3) in the screwed-on state is embodied inside the support element (2). The duct (4) is fluidically separated from the interior of the filter cartridge (3) when the filter cartridge is screwed on while said separation is eliminated when the filter cartridge (3) is removed. Furthermore, the duct (4) is configured as a drainage duct and is fluidically connected to an oil reservoir when the filter cartridge (3) is removed such that the filter cartridge is easy to replace while no oil is spilled, preventing pollution of the environment.
US07727384B2
A bitumen recovery process is provided which includes the step of providing a bitumen froth or a component derived from the bitumen froth as a feed material, wherein the bitumen froth is produced in a primary separation process from a slurry comprising oil sand and water. Further, the process includes the step of subjecting the feed material to froth flotation in a column flotation cell in order to recover a bitumen product from the feed material. Preferably, the froth flotation cell includes an underwash zone, wherein a bitumen-rich fraction of the feed material is passed through the underwash zone as the bitumen-rich fraction rises within the column flotation cell.
US07727378B2
A process to prepare a waxy raffinate product by performing the following steps: (a) subjecting a Fischer-Tropsch derived product having a weight ratio of compounds boiling above 540° C. and compounds boiling between 370 and 540° C. of greater than 2 to a hydroconversion step and (b) fractionating the effluent of step (a) to obtain products boiling in the fuels range and a waxy raffinate product boiling between 350 and 600° C.
US07727375B2
A method and an arrangement (1) for determining an actual value of the gap (4) between the work piece (2) and the electrode (3) during a process of electrochemical machining. According to the invention first process control means (30) are arranged to supply a set of machining current pulses (Im) to the electrode and the work piece. Second process control means (32) are arranged to perform a measurement of an operational parameter (U) representing a value of the gap (4) in real time under operational conditions. The second process control means (32) comprise means to determine the actual value of the gap (55a) based on the measurement of the operational parameter and logical unit (55b) to actuate the positioning means (8) to translate the electrode (3) in case the measured value of the gap deviates from the preset value of the gap.
US07727371B2
An electrode alignment apparatus may be used with a microfluidic device for accurate and repeatable alignment of electrode pins with reservoirs on the microfluidic device. The apparatus includes a base unit and an electrode block assembly that are moveable with respect to each other from an open position to a closed position. The electrode block assembly includes an interface array that is coupled to an interface array platform such that the interface array is moveable with respect to the interface array platform in three dimensions.
US07727367B2
The present invention provides a biosensor that can be used for easy and quick quantitative analysis of a specific component in a sample with high precision and a method for manufacturing such a biosensor. The present invention also provides a biosensor that can be used for a highly precise quantitative analysis after an extended period of storage, specifically, a biosensor with excellent storage stability, and a method for manufacturing such a biosensor. The present invention relates to a biosensor comprising an electrically insulating substrate (1); an electrode (2) having a working electrode (21) and a counter electrode (22) formed on the substrate; and a reaction part (4) that is adhered to one end of the electrode (2); the reaction part (4) being mainly composed of a hydrophilic polymer comprising an oxidoreductase, an electron acceptor, fine crystalline cellulose powder, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments.
US07727361B2
A fabric, in particular for a paper making machine, includes a plurality of helically wound coil members arranged side by side with respect to each other in an intermeshing manner, such that connecting channels are formed by adjacent intermeshing coil members, a hinge member being introduced into and extending along each connecting channel for interconnecting adjacent coil members, a stuffer channel being formed within each coil member extending along and between two connecting channels associated to a respective coil member, at least a part of the stuffer channels being filled with stuffer members extending longitudinally within the stuffer channels, a stuffer material being provided at least in regions of the fabric for filling spaces formed within the fabric between the coil members, the hinge members and the stuffer members.
US07727353B2
A disposable diaper including an ink-printed substrate web exhibiting ink rub-off resistance. The substrate web is printed with an ink composition to form an ink film on the substrate web. The ink film is coated with a coating composition to form a coating film on the ink film. At least one of the ink composition and the coating composition forms a cross-linked structure within the film thereof and forms a cross-linked structure with the other composition between the ink film and the coating film. A method for making the diaper includes the steps of printing and coating the ink film.
US07727348B2
A method of attaching one or more printhead integrated circuits to an ink supply manifold. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a laminated film having a plurality of ink supply holes defined therein, the laminated film comprising a central polymeric film sandwiched between first and second adhesive layers, wherein a first melt temperature of the first adhesive layer is at least 20° C. less than a second melt temperature of the second adhesive layer; (b) aligning the film with the ink supply manifold such that each ink supply hole is aligned with a respective ink outlet defined in a manifold bonding surface of the ink supply manifold; (b) bonding the first adhesive layer to the manifold bonding surface by applying heat and pressure to an opposite side of the film; (c) aligning the printhead integrated circuits with the film such that each ink supply hole is aligned with an ink inlet defined in a printhead bonding surface of each printhead integrated circuit; and (d) bonding the printhead integrated circuits to the second adhesive layer.
US07727341B2
A gasket system is described and depicting having a gasket located between and sealing a cylinder head and a cylinder block. The gasket has a first metal layer and a second metal layer adjacent said first metal layer. The second metal layer has a bead region and a stopper region. At least a portion of the bead region has a predetermined tensile strength and a predetermined range of yield strength.
US07727337B2
Chemical method of cleaning metallic residue from forming tools utilizing the application of a caustic material including base or mild acid to the tool for a short period of time. The caustic material is held in substantially fixed relation for a period of time to dislodge the metallic residue followed by neutralization or removal.
US07727334B2
In a Czochralski (CZ) single crystal puller equipped with a cooler and a thermal insulation member, which are to be disposed in a CZ furnace, smooth recharge and additional charge of material are made possible. Further, elimination of dislocations from a silicon seed crystal by use of the Dash's neck method can be performed smoothly. To these ends, there is provided a CZ single crystal puller, wherein a cooler and a thermal insulation member are immediately moved upward away from a melt surface during recharge or additional charge of material or during elimination of dislocations from a silicon seed crystal by use of the Dash's neck method.
US07727331B2
A crystal foundation having dislocations is used to obtain a crystal film of low dislocation density, a crystal substrate, and a semiconductor device. One side of a growth substrate (11) is provided with a crystal layer (13) with a buffer layer (12) in between. The crystal layer (13) has spaces (13a), (13b) in an end of each threading dislocation D1 elongating from below. The threading dislocation D1 is separated from the upper layer by the spaces (13a), (13b), so that each threading dislocation D1 is blocked from propagating to the upper layer. When the displacement of the threading dislocation D1 expressed by Burgers vector is preserved to develop another dislocation, the spaces (13a), (13b) vary the direction of its displacement. As a result, the upper layer above the spaces (13a), (13b) turns crystalline with a low dislocation density.
US07727326B1
Concrete and mortar composites can be made with two or more sizes of fibers therein. The different sized fibers can be used to adjust the toughness and reliability of the composite material. The different sized fibers can also be used to increase the deflection of concrete or mortar compositions. The variable length of fibers provide for smaller fibers to exist in corners for more strength in smaller spaces. Different mixes of sizes of fibers can also adjust the stiffness of a concrete or mortar composite material. The fibers can be made from a variety of materials, lengths, shapes, aspect ratios or diameters. The fibers can make up variable portions of the composition. Mixing different aspect ratios of fibers together can be used to prevent clumping or balling of the fibers. Mixing of different modulus of elasticity fibers in different ratios can add to the toughness and strength of the composite.
US07727319B2
A no-mess water-based ink including a composition including water, an organic solvent, a coloring agent dissolved in the organic solvent and an emulsifier for use in conjunction with a specially treated substrate containing a color developer.
US07727317B2
A scrubber removes dust from an exhaust gas. The scrubber includes a casing having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, an impeller housed in the casing and supported by a shaft, and a cleaning liquid supply tube for ejecting a cleaning liquid by which the dust contained in the exhaust gas is captured. The scrubber further includes a plurality of protrusions provided around the impeller such that the exhaust gas and the cleaning liquid which are discharged from the impeller impinge upon the protrusions.
US07727316B2
The present invention provides a system for treating a process fluid. The system includes a modular arrangement that includes ten modules for; reducing the amount of dissolved and entrained hydrogen sulfide gas in the process fluid; monitoring the pH of the process fluid; storing the process fluid; reducing an amount of oil from the process fluid; and flocculating the process fluid; measuring the amount of oil in the process fluid; providing ventilation supply air to at least one of the modules; removing hydrogen sulfide gas from a sour gas; delivering gases to a burner system; and controlling the processes of the system.
US07727310B1
A system is configured to remove volatile organic compounds from a container. The system includes a vapor capture medium that is provided in a containment, and a particulatizer. The particulatizer is positioned to (i) receive volatile organic compounds that are removed from the container in a vapor flow, and (ii) introduce the volatile organic compounds into the vapor capture medium as micro-sized particles. The vapor capture medium is in liquid form and has a composition that is inherently attracted to bond with at least some of the volatile organic compounds that are removed from the container in the vapor flow, so that the vapor capture medium captures at least some of the micro-sized particles of volatile organic compounds that are introduced through the particulatizer.
US07727301B2
A method and an assembly for treating minerals using microwave energy are disclosed. The method includes exposing a moving bed, preferably a mixed moving bed, of mineral particles to pulsed high energy microwave energy so that at least substantially all particles receive at least some exposure to microwave energy.
US07727294B2
The invention relates to a thin micro reforming apparatus used in a fuel cell system with decreased back pressure in an evaporator thereof. In the reforming apparatus, a substrate has a flow path therein and a fuel inlet portion for introducing fuel into the flow path of the substrate. An evaporator includes a gas expansion part which gasifies the liquid fuel and a back pressure accommodation part which accommodates back pressure during the gasification to block the influence of the back pressure to the fuel inlet portion. A reformer has a flow path formed downstream of the evaporator, reforming fuel into hydrogen gas via heat absorption reaction. A CO remover has a flow path formed downstream of the reformer, removing CO gas contained in the hydrogen gas via heat generation reaction. A cover is attached to an upper part of the substrate to seal the substrate from the external environment.
US07727292B2
A method for operating an internal combustion engine utilizing a fuel mixture containing a suspension in air at a concentration of about 200 mg of fuel per liter of air, of a solid fuel including at least one of a cereal flour, a cotton flour, a soybean flour, a potato flour, a cassava flour, a dehydrated chocolate powder and a dehydrated milk powder, the solid fuel being in the form of a powder having an average particle diameter and median particle diameter at least 150 μm.
US07727287B2
The present disclosure relates to a novel dye composition for the dyeing and/or lightening of keratin materials, such dye comprising a hemicyanin styryl chromophore thiol or disulfide dye of formula (I) or (II): the organic or mineral acid salts thereof, optical isomers and geometric isomers thereof, and the solvates thereof such as hydrates. The present disclosure further relates to a dyeing process with a lightening effect on keratin materials, in particular keratin fibers, including human keratin fibers such as the hair, using said composition. This composition makes it possible to obtain a coloring with a lightening effect which is particularly resistant and visible on dark keratin fibers.
US07727283B2
The present invention relates to an implant for stabilizing body tissue. The implant includes a core formed of a material which expands when contacted with liquid and a retainer which at least partially encloses the core.
US07727281B2
A knee prosthesis includes a femoral component and a stem for implanting in a femur. A modular junction is provided for attaching the stem to the femoral component. The femoral component may include a boss having a slot for receiving the components of the modular junction. A portion of the modular junction may be placed within the slot and the modular junction may be tightened in place on the boss by threading the stem into engagement with a portion of the modular junction. Accordingly, the stem may be connected to the femoral component by a single threaded engagement and the position of the stem may be adjusted to any desired location along the anterior-posterior direction on the femoral component.
US07727276B2
A prosthetic heart valve replacement system and method aim to reduce the time duration of the patient on the heart-lung machine during surgery. In one embodiment, the invention uses a two rings (e.g., of Titanium) comprising a first outer anchoring ring installed in a first step in the patient annulus, e.g., by stapling (e.g., using Nitinol® staples), and a second inner valve ring which has apertures and to which the sewing cuff of prosthetic heart valve (e.g., of Dacron) is sutured around the sewing cuff. The suturing is expediently completed outside of the patient's body, parallel with the stapling of the anchoring ring in the patient annulus. The inner valve ring may have circumferential resiliency. The inner valve ring along with the fastened/sutured prosthetic valve is installed snugly (in a second step) to be captively retained concentrically within the already installed outer anchoring ring, to complete the heart valve replacement.
US07727274B2
A vascular prosthesis is constructed from a structure having interconnected, helically oriented channel-porosity to allow oriented ingrowth of connective tissue into a wall of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can have a small internal diameter of 6 mm or less. Several different methods can be used to produce the prosthesis, including a fiber winding and extraction technique, a melt extrusion technique, and a particle and fiber extraction technique using either a layered method or a continuous method. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the prosthesis are matched with mechanical properties of the host vessel, thereby overcoming problems of compliance mismatch.
US07727272B2
A one-piece expandable flat bearing structure formed by at least partially elastically deformable struts which are separated from each other by openings in the bearing structure. The bearing structure can assume at least one compressed condition and at least one expanded condition and has at least one expansion direction. The bearing structure has anchor regions, from which spring struts, which are elastically resilient with respect to the anchor regions, extend to a resiliently deflectable end of the spring struts, a hinge strut adjoining said end. The spring struts and the hinge struts are of such a configuration and arrangement that both the compressed condition of the bearing structure and also the expanded condition of the bearing structure is stabilized by a spring action emanating from the spring struts.
US07727266B2
A retention system for maintaining a screw to a vertebral plate. One or more screws extend through apertures within the vertebral plate. A cavity is positioned adjacent to and overlaps into the aperture. A ring is positioned within the cavity and held in position by a cap. The cap attaches to the plate to prevent removal of the ring. The ring is deflectable between a first shape to allow the screw to be inserted and removed from the aperture, and a second shape to prevent screw back-out from the aperture. A method of using the system is also included and comprises positioning the ring within a cavity in the plate, maintaining the position of the ring to the plate by attaching a cap, inserting a screw through the aperture and attaching the plate to a vertebral member, and positioning the ring over the screw head and preventing the screw from backing-out.
US07727264B2
A fixation system (10) includes a device having a nail portion (12) and a plate portion (14), preferably horizontally and vertically offset relative to the nail portion by a neck portion (16). The nail portion (12) includes preferably threaded screw holes (24, 26), and the plate portion (14) includes longitudinally displaced peg holes (50, 52, 54), each of which is adapted to orient a peg (56, 58, 60) in a different orientation from the others. The system (10) also includes unicortical screws (28) having a reasonably large head (36) adapted to seat against the outer surface of the bone and a threaded shaft (32) adapted to engage in the screw holes (24, 26), and pegs (56, 58, 60) adapted to engage in the peg holes (50, 52, 54). Where threaded screw holes (24, 26) are used, bone is clamped between the nail portion (12) and the head (36) of the unicortical screws (28, 30). The pegs (56, 58, 60) provide stabilization and support for subchondral fragments. Moreover, as the pegs (56, 58, 60) preferably enter the subchondral fragments from a plurality of directions, additional fixation of the device (10) into the bone is provided.
US07727261B2
A bottom-loading multi-axial bone anchor apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver member, a crown member, a bone anchor and a retaining member. The receiver member defines an upper opening and a lower opening, which may form part of the same opening, a channel, and a groove. The crown member and bone anchor are loaded into the lower opening of the receiver member, and the retaining member fits around the bone anchor and into the groove in the receiver member. The bone anchor is capable of multi-axial positioning with respect to the receiver member. An elongated member is placed in the channel of the receiver member, contacting the crown member, and a compression member is applied via the upper opening. The compression member presses down on the elongated member, which presses down on the crown member and locks the bone anchor between the crown member and the retaining member.
US07727260B2
A stabilization system for implantation in a patient includes: at least first and second bone anchors, each bone anchor including a shaft extending in a respective bone insertion direction for connection to a respective bone of a patient, and a fastening member; and an elongate member comprising a first end portion, a first transverse portion extending transversely from the first end portion, a second end portion, a second transverse portion extending transversely from the second end portion, and a connecting portion extending in a longitudinal direction between the first and second transverse portions.
US07727251B2
A low profile, two lumen dilator is provided for an arteriotomy closure system. The dilator includes a first lumen adapted to receive a guidewire and a second lumen having a proximal segment that defines a blood marking lumen and a distal segment that receives the distal ends of stabilizers in a common pocket. The blood marking lumen and pocket are arranged in tandem. The guidewire lumen may extend the full length of the dilator or may be shortened to provide rapid exchange capability.
US07727248B2
A surgical clip has a base portion and two generally parallel, spaced arms extending from the base portion and defining an opening therebetween. The arms terminate distally in fingers which are of reduced width and thickness relative to the arms and which are adapted to be bent towards and past each other. A transition section from each arm to the finger provides curved structures which extending away from each other and providing a wider mouth for the opening between the arms. The arms also have a proximal section with an undercut which helps in flexure of the arms. The base is an extended structure having a rounded proximal end with outwardly extending shoulders which are arranged to be engaged by the curved structures of the mouth of another clip.
US07727245B2
One method for closing an opening in tissue may include providing a substantially continuous solid staple having a plurality of tines and a longitudinal centerline, plastically deforming the staple to a splayed configuration; penetrating at least one tine into tissue in proximity to the opening; and plastically deforming the staple to a closed configuration. Another method for closing an opening in tissue may include providing a staple having a plurality of tines; plastically deforming the staple to a splayed configuration by applying force in the distal direction against a proximal surface of the staple; penetrating at least one tine into tissue in proximity to the opening; and plastically deforming the staple from the splayed configuration to a closed configuration by applying force in the distal direction against a proximal surface of the staple.
US07727240B1
A device, method and system adapted to determine a targeting position on a surgically implantable nail adapted to be used in internal fixation of a bone, the nail comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the device including an extension rod comprising a longitudinal axis and adapted to be detachably coupled to the proximal end of the nail, a bridge member adjustably secured to the extension rod and extending radially from the longitudinal axis of the extension rod, a position of the bridge member on the extension rod being rotationally and longitudinally adjustable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the extension rod, and a targeting arm adjustably coupled to the bridge member and extending from the bridge member toward the distal end of the locking nail, the targeting arm comprising a drill guide.
US07727237B2
A bone clamp for securing a surgical instrument to a bone including a body on which the instrument can be mounted, a first and second contacting arms, each of which has a first end that is pivotally connected to the body, and a second end for gripping the bone, whenever the first and second contacting arms are connected to the body at or towards opposite ends thereof so that, when the body is positioned adjacent to the bone, the arms can grip the bone on opposite surfaces thereof, and an actuator which can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions. When the actuator is in its disengaged position, the contacting arms can pivot independently with respect to each other, and when the actuator is in its engaged position, the pivoting movement of one contact arm is accompanied by approximately equal pivoting movement of the other contact arm in the opposite direction.
US07727228B2
A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter is provided. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console having a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system comprises a PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) controller or other pressure-sensing device that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.
US07727227B2
A medical device includes a sheath having a lumen and an elongate member disposed within the lumen of the sheath. The elongate member is moveable relative to the sheath and includes a retrieval assembly. The retrieval assembly has a collapsed position within the lumen of the sheath and an expanded position when extended beyond a distal end of the sheath. The elongate member defines a lumen configured to receive a laser.
US07727218B2
A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.
US07727217B2
An absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, includes a chassis having a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region extending between the front and back waist regions. An outer cover member and a bodyside liner extend longitudinally between the front and back waist regions. An absorbent body structure is sandwiched between the outer cover member and the bodyside liner. A unitary elastomeric structure is attached to at least one of the front and back waist regions, the elastomeric structure extending completely across the respective waist region and extending beyond lateral sides of the chassis so as to form elastomeric attachment tabs. The elastomeric structure having a predetermined first modulus of elasticity such that when attached to said waist region, a resulting elastomeric waistband portion is defined having an overall second modulus of elasticity that is less than the first modulus of elasticity of the attachment tabs.
US07727214B2
A disposable diaper having a neat appearance. The diaper 101 includes: a liquid-permeable top sheet 111 which covers a use surface side; a leakage preventing sheet 112 which covers a non-use surface side; an absorbent body 113 interposed between the top sheet and the leakage preventing sheet; and an external sheet 120 disposed on an outer surface side of the leakage preventing sheet, wherein three-dimensional gathers BS are formed along leg surrounding portions, and leg cut-out portions of the external sheet which form leg openings are located in a portion of the minimum width of a crotch portion, at a position nearer to a central side than places outward by 5 mm from rising start points of the three-dimensional gathers BS.
US07727213B2
An absorbent article that prevents a discharged matter from leaking out, and also prevents a wearer's sensation of wearing a sanitary napkin from worsening is provided. The absorbent article of the present invention includes a liquid-permeable surface sheet, a liquid-permeable back sheet, an absorbent body disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet, and an intermediate portion disposed between the surface sheet and the absorbent body. The absorbent part 4 includes an absorbent body center portion and an absorbent body posterior portion continuously formed on a posterior side in the longitudinal direction D of the absorbent body center portion. The intermediate portion includes a first intermediate sheet disposed between the surface sheet and the absorbent body center portion and a second intermediate sheet disposed between the surface sheet and at least the absorbent body posterior portion. The liquid-transport property of the second intermediate sheet is different from that of the first intermediate sheet.
US07727209B2
An interlabial pad, which can be discarded by flushing down a toilet and yet with which neither the functions and comfort during use of the interlabial nor the functions of a septic tank are damaged, is provided. The interlabial pad comprises: an absorbent body absorbing liquids; and a cover body covering the absorbent body in an enclosing manner and comprising a liquid permeable surface side sheet and a liquid impermeable back face side sheet. The cover body is arranged from a plurality of small sheet pieces and the small sheet pieces that are adjacent each other are mutually overlapped and form seam parts. The seam parts are set so as to become weakened in physicochemical strength upon permeation of water and separate into the plurality of small sheet pieces when the interlabial pad is discarded by being flushed down a toilet.
US07727200B2
A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter kit includes a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter, a sheath entirely enclosing the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter, a fixing device integrally provided to an end of the sheath, an end of the catheter being arranged at the fixing device, and a breaking thread for breaking a portion of the fixing device and a portion of the sheath.
US07727190B2
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a needle stick protection device. The device includes a housing shaped and dimensioned for positioning about a syringe with an attached needle. The housing includes a first housing member telescopically coupled to a second housing member. A locking member is associated with a first slot of the first housing member for selectively engaging a first detent to control positioning of the second housing member relative to the first housing member. The locking member includes a first lateral retaining recess formed within the first slot for seating of the first detent when the second housing member is in its forward most position, the first lateral retaining recess being circumferentially located along a side of the first slot. The needle may be selectively covered and uncovered by selective alignment of the first detent with the slot in manner permitting controlled motion of the first housing member relative to the second housing member. The locking member further includes a lateral locking recess formed along the slot and adjacent a second side of the spring biased lock arm opposite the first side of the spring biased lock arm, wherein the needle is permanently covered when the detent is positioned within the lateral locking recess.
US07727189B2
Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure comprising a plurality of fingers which are radially outwardly expandable with respect to a longitudinal axis to permanently engage the interior wall of the left atrial appendage, wherein the filtering membrane is attached to the support structure extending across the ostium of the left atrial appendage.
US07727183B2
A syringe assembly consists of two basic types of assembly units: a dispensing unit, and a separate, independent plunger unit. The dispensing unit and the plunger unit are assembled together coaxially to form a two-unit syringe assembly for storage or prior to use. At least the dispensing unit is a container for a material to be dispensed and, by inserting one or more extension units between the dispensing unit and the plunger unit, additional compartments may be added. Each extension unit may contain a different component of a formulation in any predetermined quantity. The syringe assembly allows the user to store one or more components of a formulation in separate individual units that can be assembled easily into a single multi-compartment syringe assembly, which can store the multiple components separately until they are ready for use, at which time the components may be mixed to form the formulation.
US07727182B2
A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as the general pumping mode.
US07727174B2
An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The substantially rigid splint member is shaped and configured to the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. Straps are provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position.
US07727173B2
A custom-made ankle/foot orthosis for the treatment of patients having plantar ulcers and foot deformities is disclosed, which comprises a rigid L-shaped support member and a rigid anterior support shell hingedly articulated to the L-shaped support member. The plantar portion of the L-shaped member further comprises at least one ulcer-protecting hollow spatially located for fitted placement in inferior adjacency to a user's plantar ulcer, thus allowing the user to transfer the user's weight away from the plantar ulcer and facilitating plantar ulcer treatment. The anterior support shell is designed for lateral hinged attachment to the L-shaped member to take advantage of medial tibial flare structure for enhancing the weight-bearing properties of the disclosed orthosis. Leg securement structure attaches the anterior support shell to the L-shaped member in fixed, weight-bearing relation about the proximal, anterior portion of the user's lower leg.
US07727169B1
A moveable in vivo device comprises a device body and at least one moveable appendage that is moveably coupled the device body such that movement of the moveable appendage causes the device body to move in a body lumen.
US07727165B2
A peak flow measurement device comprises a hollow body (1) having an inlet (8) for receiving fluid and an outlet (3), wherein the inlet (8) and outlet (3) are spaced apart from each other, the cross-sectional area of the body being greater than the cross-sectional area of the outlet and wherein in use the device is oriented such that the inlet is above the outlet and the measured peak flow is proportional to the maximum height (11) of fluid within the body.
US07727162B2
Apparatus and methods for rotation test stimulus and analysis methods overcome many of the limitations of traditional clinical tests of peripheral vestibular function. An embodiment includes a rotational stimuli applied to the rotational motion for testing that includes two separate components, a bias component and a probe component. The bias component for rotational motion is designed to temporarily turn off vestibular responses in one ear while the responsiveness in the opposite ear is simultaneously evaluated using the probe component of the stimulus. Responses from application of these stimuli are analyzed by isolating and separating the bias response from the probe response. The bias and probe component responses are parameterized by applying curve fits of mathematical functions to the isolated bias and probe component responses. These parameters characterize the patient's vestibular function.
US07727161B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring subjects, especially during sleep. Respiratory and sound data are recorded and coughs arousal are recognized as joint events in both of these signals having selected characteristics. Further, cough-arousal events during sleep are recognized when a likely cough occurs in association with a recognized EEG arousal. Cough arousal events are combined into a cough arousal index that reflects disease severity and sleep disruption due to cough. The methods of this invention are computer-implemented and can be provided as a program product including a computer readable medium. Measurements and indices provided by this invention can be used to monitor and to treat respiratory diseases.
US07727158B2
There is provided a pulse wave data analyzing method for extracting vital information out of pulse wave data concerning a living body. The method comprises a noise removal step of: detecting bottom values and peak values along a time axis in a time-series manner out of pulse wave data obtained by sequentially measuring a pulse wave of a subject for a predetermined period; making pairs with respect to the bottom values and the peak values adjacent to each other on the time axis to obtain bottom-to-peak amplitude values along the time axis, the bottom-to-peak amplitude value being a difference between the bottom value and the peak value in each of the pairs; and comparing each set of the two bottom-to-peak amplitude values adjacent to each other along the time axis to remove the bottom value and the peak value relating to the smaller bottom-to-peak amplitude value in the each set as a noise, if a ratio of the one of the two bottom-to-peak amplitude values to the other one of the two bottom-to-peak amplitude values is larger than a predetermined value.
US07727156B2
Ultrasound probes that transmits/receives ultrasound pulses with frequencies both in a low frequency (LF) and a high frequency (HF) band, where the radiation surfaces of said HF and LF bands at least have a common region. Several solutions for transmission (and reception) of LF and HF pulses through the same radiation surface are given. The arrays and elements can be of a general type, for example linear phased or switched arrays, or annular arrays or elements with division in both azimuth and elevation direction, like a 1.5D, a 1.75D and a full 2D array. The LF and HF element division and array apertures can also be different.
US07727150B2
An ultrasound system and method to measure an organ wall weight and mass. When the organ is a bladder, a bladder weight (UEBW) is determined using three-dimensional ultrasound imaging that is acquired using a hand-held or machine controlled ultrasound transceiver. The infravesical region of the bladder is delineated on this 3D data set to enable the calculation of urine volume and the bladder surface area. The outer anterior wall of the bladder is delineated to enable the calculation of the bladder wall thickness (BWT). The UEBW is calculated as a product of the bladder surface area, the bladder wall thickness, and the bladder wall specific gravity.
US07727147B1
A method and system for monitoring and/or controlling a glycemic state of a subject, comprising a housing device having one or more chambers, extendable and retractable sensors, extendable and retractable catheters, insulin reservoir, neuroprotective agent reservoir, release mechanism for releasing insulin and neuroprotective agent into the subject, and a control mechanism with a processor for receiving and analyzing outputs from the sensors and for controlling the release mechanism, a clock mechanism for providing logging and/or circadian information to the processor, an internal analysis chamber, a byproduct storage chamber, a sampling mechanism, a transfer mechanism, a self-sealing membrane, a calibration chamber, a replacement sensor chamber, a prevention mechanism to prevent deposition of unwanted substances on a sensor or catheter, a removal mechanism to remove unwanted substances from a sensor or catheter, a warning mechanism, a real-time clock and non-volatile memory to store and log information processed by the processor, a failure detection mechanism, and wired and/or wireless communication linkages both internally and externally.
US07727142B2
A device for delivery of a cardiac support device for treating cardiac disease of a heart includes a multistage deployment mechanism and an actuating mechanism for controlling the positions of the deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism is operable to change between a retracted state and an extended state, and includes a plurality of independent stages, including, in one embodiment, a first stage including a guide structure for location adjacent a portion of the patient's heart when in the extended state. A second stage is movably coupled to the first stage, and is guided by the guide structure between the retracted and extended states. The second stage further releasably engages and supports the cardiac support device and positions the cardiac support device at the desired implantation location, guided by the guide structure of the stage. In some embodiments, the deployment mechanism may include additional stages. The actuating mechanism drives the deployment mechanism between the retracted and extended states, and independently controls the positions of the multiple stages of the deployment mechanism.
US07727140B2
An incontinence device for attachment to the inferior ischio-pubic rami in the anterior perineal triangle of a user. The device may include a generally semi-flexible bi-parabolic membrane configured to deflect from an engaged position in which the device exerts pressure upon the user's urethra, or a similar anatomical part. The membrane may deflect to a disengaged position with a first force applied by the user, and be configured to deflect back to the engaged position from the disengaged position upon a further second force applied by the user. Additionally, the device may include bolster connected to the membrane. The bolster may exert pressure upon the user's urethra, or similar anatomical part, when the membrane is in the engaged position and relieve pressure when the membrane is in the disengaged position.
US07727138B2
An apparatus for magnetic therapy of eye conditions such as cataracts, eye floaters, chronic glaucoma, age-related maculopathy, diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, watery eyes and myopia is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a combination of two bi-polar magnets enclosed in a supportive cover that saddles the upper rim of regular eyeglasses. The magnets are placed in a proper position in front of the affected eye and their polarity can be changed at any time without any difficulty. The magnets are preferably solid discs of Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) with a surface strength of 1300 to 1800 gauss.
US07727132B2
The invention relates to a method of fitting a machine tool with tools which are cooled by a free-flowing medium during operation of the machine tool, comprising the following method steps: a plurality of various tools are provided in order to carry out successive machining operations on a workpiece; a plurality of various nozzle devices are provided, each of which can be fitted together with a specific tool and connected to a medium source and has such a medium jet geometry that the respective medium jets strike locations where the machining takes place; a specific nozzle device is in each case fitted together with a specific tool and connected to the medium source before the operation of the machine tool is started.
US07727131B2
A method and system are disclosed. The system may include a linked stretch tube. The linked stretch tube may include a first stretch tubing section having a first end and a second end; a second stretch tubing section having a first end and a second end; a first linking device permanently, flexibly connecting the first end of the first stretch tubing section to the first end of the second tubing section; and a first connection device flexibly connected to the second end of the first stretch tubing section.
US07727129B1
A dual lift apparatus is provided for use by up to two people to perform the same lifts and exercises simultaneously. The apparatus includes a frame, guide rods, weight guides and a weight bar. The guide rods are coupled vertically within the frame and the frame provides support for the weights to be lifted. The weight guide is operatively coupled to the guide rods, the weight guide having rollers and a lock device to allow the weight guide to move along a length of the guide rods and also to be locked at a particular position on the guide rods. The weight bar is coupled to the weight guide and provides the weight to be lifted by users. The apparatus may also include at least two benches to allow up to two people to use the apparatus simultaneously and each bench is independently adjustable to accommodate different sized users.
US07727119B2
An apparatus for exercising a joint, the apparatus includes a movable platform for supporting a portion of a patient's body including the joint, and a manually-powered system for moving at least a portion of the platform to flex the joint, wherein the patient selectively operates the manually-powered system to control the flexing of the joint.
US07727115B2
A two speed transmission and belt drive system utilizing the transmission. The two speed transmission comprises a planetary gear train comprising an input pulley connected to an input carrier, and a sun gear and a ring gear. The input carrier also comprises a plurality of planetary gears disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear. The sun gear is engaged with an electromagnetic brake member. The ring gear is engaged with an output pulley. A one-way clutch is disposed between the input carrier and the output shaft. The brake member is engaged at engine idle and is disengaged at engine speeds above idle. When the brake member is engaged the sun gear does not rotate, thereby driving the ring gear and output pulley at a greater speed than the input pulley. An accessory pulley operates with the transmission output pulley resulting in an accessory speed that is proportional to an engine speed at idle. At engine speeds above idle the transmission is disengaged and the output pulley to accessory pulley ratio drives the belt driven accessory at a speed less then an engine speed. An accessory can also be directly connected to the output shaft in conjunction with the output pulley. The transmission can be used with a motor generator system by providing a speed reducing unit disposed between an engine and the motor generator.
US07727103B2
An eight-speed automatic transmission for a vehicle may include a single pinion planetary gear set, a double pinion planetary gear set, a compound planetary gear set, a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, a fourth clutch, a first brake, a second brake, and a one-way clutch. The first and third clutches are disposed in series or in parallel between the compound planetary gear set and the output shaft. A first clutch piston chamber for operating the first clutch is disposed between the third clutch internal diameter and the input shaft. A third clutch piston chamber for operating the third clutch is disposed between the first clutch piston chamber and the output shaft. The second and fourth clutches are disposed between the compound planetary gear set and the double pinion planetary gear set. Thus, the overall volume of the automatic transmission may be reduced.
US07727099B2
A vehicle driving device includes a case with a case body; a transmission mechanism having hydraulically controlled frictional engaging devices; an electric motor housed in the case body; and a hydraulic controller that controls oil pressure supplied to the frictional engaging devices, with the hydraulic controller disposed on an outer wall of the case body. The case body has an opening at one end of the case body that is structured to allow the transmission mechanism and the electric motor to be inserted through the opening, and an end wall portion, having a bearing part that supports an output shaft of the transmission mechanism, that is provided at another end of the case body integrally with the case body.
US07727097B2
A sport novelty ball has an outer shell and a stabilizing shock absorbing core in which various interior components are embedded. A non-toxic smoke solution is introduced into the ball and stored. Centrally located within the ball is a smoke chamber containing a heating element, A switch/pump assembly is provided for completing an electrical circuit and moving the smoke solution through the ball. Upon actuation of the switch/pump assembly, simultaneously the heating element is actuated and the solution is pressured through fluid lines in the ball to an atomizer for spraying the solution onto the heating element, whereupon smoke is generated in the smoke chamber. Exhaust/intake channels extend from the smoke chamber to the ball periphery. When the ball is thrown, ambient air passing through the exhaust/intake channels causes a stream of air to be emitted from the channels, giving the appearance that the ball is smoking. A motion activated sound chip produces a sound feature which adds the impression of throwing a super fast pitch.
US07727092B2
A pocket for a head of a lacrosse stick is provided that includes a plurality of runners extending generally in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of cross laces extending generally in a transverse direction. The pocket further includes one or more joint members that are formed at an intersection of a runner and a cross lace. The runner and the cross lace lie over one another and are held in place by the joint member. A method for forming the pocket is also disclosed.
US07727087B2
A method of promoting business on a golf course using golf ball position markers including the steps of: providing replacement golf ball markers mountable on golf gloves, the markers having a corporate theme or logo to be promoted conveyed on the top side of each marker; distributing the markers to golfers and substituting the markers for non-promotion markers which do not convey the corporate theme or logo, so as to promote the corporate theme or logo to the golfers during play, whereby as consecutive golfers from a group of the golfers putt on each green in the series of greens comprising the golf course being played, the corporate theme or logo is recurringly conveyed to the group each time various markers in random order are used during putting on the greens.
US07727084B2
The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and a cover which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core is formed primarily of a rubber material, the envelope layer and the intermediate layer are each formed primarily of the same or different resin materials, and the cover is formed primarily of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer. The envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have thicknesses which satisfy the condition: cover thickness
US07727075B2
A ball-and-socket joint comprising an inner hub (1) and an outer hub (6) inside which tracks are disposed that are associated with each other in pairs. At least one ball is arranged in each track in order to transmit torque between the inner hub and the outer hub. The ball-and-socket joint further includes at least one diaphragm which seals the outer hub with respect to a joining element that can be connected in a torsion-proof manner to the inner hub. The outer hub is provided with a metallic interior element encompassing the tracks, a dampening element which embraces the interior element in at least some areas, and a cap that embraces the damping element in at least some areas in order to connect the outer hub to a driving part or a part to be driven. The damping element is made of a material having a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the metallic material of the interior element and/or the cap of the outer hub while being greater than the modulus of elasticity of the diaphragm.
US07727071B2
A centralized gaming system comprises a central server system and a plurality of display terminals remote from and linked to the central server system. The central server system includes a master game server, a game execution server, and a database server. The master game server stores a plurality of games of chance. Each game includes respective game play software and respective audiovisual software. In response to one of the games being selected for play at one of the display terminals, the game play software for the selected game is loaded from the master game server into the game execution server and is executed by the game execution server to randomly select an outcome. The audiovisual software for the selected game is selectively executed at the display terminal to visually represent the outcome on a display of the display terminal. The database server collects game activity data based on the outcome and maintains such data for report generation and player tracking purposes. The master game server may evaluate the collected game activity data and, in turn, modify one or more of the display terminals for maximizing earnings and target marketing.
US07727067B2
A method to implement a wagering game which allows a player to make multiple bets on independent outcomes. The outcome distributions/variances of each of the bets can vary. The player can, for example, place a bet on whether cards drawn from independent decks will have the same suit, the outcomes of which are entirely independent of each other.
US07727065B2
A gaming system having a centralized controller coupled to an array of game apparatus; a display device, including a plurality of prize object displays, for displaying a bonus event prize for at least one game apparatus in the array; and provision for holding prize objects in an individually controlled manner, is disclosed. In another embodiment, a gaming system including a plurality of game apparatus, each game apparatus having a plurality of prize objects where at least one prize object is a dynamic prize object, the latter being distinguishable from other prize objects; and a central controller in communication with the plurality of game apparatus, the central controller being configured to assign a prize value to a selected prize object if the selected prize object is a dynamic prize object and cause the prize value to be displayed to a player on the associated game apparatus, is disclosed.
US07727038B2
A collapsible flotation device is provided that uses a coilable spring coupled to a panel to collapse the device when the spring is coiled, and to expand the device when the spring is uncoiled configuration. The spring can be contained within a sleeve along the outer portion of the panel. A support member that traverses the panel is provided. An inflatable bladder disposed about a part of the outer portion of the panel and coupled to the support member buoyantly supports a body weight of a user. The combination of the inflatable bladder and the support member provide support for a user in a seated position on the panel. Many configurations are disclosed, including a multi-user collapsible flotation device, multiple connected single-user flotation devices, and so forth. A back support member and a headrest, both of which can be inflatable, provide additional support for a user to maintain a seated position on the panel. A foot support member is provided for the comfort of the user.
US07727034B1
A wire connector for connecting a printed circuit pad or line on a flat surface with an outlet wire. In one embodiment, the connector includes a connection member having a conductive member having a first end portion and a second end portion, and an insulting cover formed around the conductive member such that the first end portion and the second end portion of the conductive member are exposed outside the insulating cover, and a boot having a bottom portion, a top portion and a bowl-like body formed therebetween, where the bottom portion has a flat bottom surface, the top portion defines an opening, and the bowl-like body has a height defined the bottom portion and the top portion. As assembled, the insulting cover of the connection member is received and accommodated tightly by the opening of the boot such that the first and second end portions of the conductive member are respectively located outside and inside the boot.
US07727033B2
A surface mount electrical connector for mounting to a substrate comprising a housing and a contact carried by the housing, the contact comprising a retention section held by the housing and a tine configured for mounting to a surface of the substrate wherein the tine extends from the retention section and wherein the tine lies inside an outer contour line of the housing is disclosed. A method of connecting a surface mount electrical connector to a substrate comprising the steps of providing a housing carrying a contact, the contact having a tine within a projected footprint of the housing on the substrate, attaching the housing to the substrate, inserting a jig into an opening of the housing, and bending the tine toward the substrate is disclosed.
US07727032B2
An electrical contact (1) includes an elongate planar base portion (10), a pair of contact engaging portions (11) orthogonal to the planar base portion, a stopper portion (12) coplanar with the contact engaging portions, and a solder portion (13) orthogonal to the planar base portion and opposite to the contact engaging portions. The stopper portion connects one of the pair of contact engaging portions and extends to a back side of the planar base portion.
US07727030B2
A housing for a device for mounting on an assembly surface, in particular a sensor module with a sensor for a motor vehicle, has a housing assembly surface, by way of which the housing may be brought into contact with the assembly surface and a contact socket with electrical contacts which may be electrically and mechanically connected with a complementary contact plug and running parallel to a housing plane in which the housing assembly surface is arranged. A locking device is provided with the following features: a detector for detecting a given position on the assembly surface when the housing is on contact with the assembly surface by way of the housing assembly surface, a blocking device for releasing or blocking the mechanical and/or electrical connection between the contact socket and the contact plug. The connection is released by the blocking device when the housing is in contact with the given position on the assembly surface by way of its housing assembly surface.
US07727026B2
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing defining a base portion and a tongue portion extending forwards from a front face of the base portion and a plurality of terminals. The tongue portion defines a recess portion at each of opposite end walls thereof. Each terminal defines a solder portion extending towards a bottom face of the base portion and a contacting portion located on the tongue portion. A pair of detecting pins are located in recess portions and each comprises a leg portion extending out the base portion and an arc section projecting out beyond the end wall of the tongue portion to be touched by a sidewall of a shielding shell of a counter connector when the electrical connector is inserted by the counter connector.
US07727025B2
An electrical connector includes a plug body having a cavity defined by outer body walls. The cavity has a cavity axis extending between a mating end and a base end of the cavity. The plug body also includes a web portion within the cavity, wherein the web portion extends along the cavity axis and includes a first side and a second side. The first and second sides are spaced apart from, and generally face, corresponding ones of the outer body walls. The plug body is configured to be received within a receptacle of a mating connector, and a portion of the mating connector is received within the cavity along the first and second sides of the web portion when the plug body is mated within the mating connector. The electrical connector also includes a plurality of contacts arranged on the web portion in differential pairs, wherein a first differential pair of contacts is positioned on the first side and a second differential pair of contacts is positioned on the second side for interfacing with the mating connector.
US07727021B2
A connector has a plug connected to a first electric cable, and having a pin terminal and a plug holder, a socket connected to a second electric cable, and having a socket terminal and a socket holder, and a first tubular shield member and a second tubular shield member. The pin terminal of the plug is press-fitted and electrically connected to the socket terminal of the socket. The plug holder is connected to the socket holder. A first end of the first tubular shield member is electrically connected to a shield wire of the first electric cable. An elastic arm formed at an opening edge at a second end of the first tubular shield member is contacted to a conductive inner peripheral surface of the plug holder. A first end of the second tubular shield member is electrically connected to a shield wire of the second electric cable. An elastic arm of formed at an opening edge a second end of the second tubular shield member is contacted to a conductive inner peripheral surface of the socket holder.
US07727014B2
A coaxial connector (1, 1′, 1″) for being mounted on a panel (300) includes a metallic bracket (10, 10′, 10″) defining a receiving space (11, 11′, 11″) therein, an insulative member (20, 20′, 20″) mounted on the metallic bracket and a contact terminal (30, 30′, 30″) received in the securing portion. The insulative member has a securing portion (21, 21′, 21″) received in the receiving space and defining a passage (210, 210′, 210″), and a mounting portion (22, 22′, 22″) integrated with the securing portion for being mounted on the panel. The contact terminal is received in the passage of the securing portion.
US07727006B1
A connector adapted for receiving a flexible printed circuit board therein includes an insulating housing defining a mouth, a plurality of electric terminals each having a base portion and an actuator pivoted in the mouth. Each side wall of the mouth defines a first locating trough and a second locating trough. The electric terminal has a contacting arm and a connecting arm respectively extended from the base portion, and a bearing arm and a holding arm respectively extended from the base portion. The actuator has a pressing bar at an edge thereof and two piloting portions. The pressing bar is located between the bearing arms and the holding arms. The piloting portions are slid into the corresponding second locating troughs from the first locating troughs to act on the bearing arms so as to make the contacting arms incline toward the corresponding connecting arms for further clipping the flexible printed circuit board therebetween.
US07727005B2
A key coded power connector and a system and method for making key coded power connections are disclosed. A power connector such as a power adapter connector is configured with either a visual keying system, a physical keying system, or both. The physical keying system prevents a user from connecting a host device to a connector of the power source which does not support that host device. The visual keying system provides the user with an early indication that the particular device is not supported by a power source. The user can visually compare a marking key on the host device with the making key on the power connector and determine whether or not the power source is capable of outputting sufficient power to operate the device. The visual and physical keying systems prevents a user from improperly connecting a host device to a power source which does not support that device.
US07727003B2
A power tool having a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a power cord connected to the motor, and a cord protector operably engaging the power cord. The cord protector comprising at least one elastically-deformable biasing member engaging the power cord and exerting a biasing force upon the power cord in response to a load being applied to the power cord and recovering to an initial position in response to removal of the load.
US07726999B2
An electrical connector set having mating male and female connectors is provided with a first lock preventing separation, the first lock consisting of standard bayonet slot on one member and a mating key on the other member and a secondary locking mechanism consisting of a rotatable spring lock ring affixedly carried by one of the members and is positioned interior a rotatable and axially movable collar carried by the associated member. The spring ring has at least one radially urged spring finger and the collar has at least one opening dimensioned to receive the spring finger. The spring ring includes an increased thickness area in an axial dimension which is engaged against an undersurface configuration of the collar so that as the collar is rotated with respect to the spring ring it will undergo axial movement. When the spring finger is positioned in the collar opening locking the collar against rotation, the collar will be positioned in its forward most axial position abutting an end surface of the mating connector preventing the mating connector from undergoing an axial movement necessary to initiate disconnection of the bayonet lock. A tool is required to press the pin against the spring radially inwardly of the collar opening to allow the collar to be manually rotated to an axially withdrawn position which will then allow disengagement of the bayonet lock.
US07726996B2
A compression seal for a coaxial cable connector has a main body with an upward facing surface or flange on the outer surface thereof, the upward facing surface or flange facing away from the main body. The outer surface of the main body also has at least one first portion having a first diameter and at least one second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter. The compression seal may also have an outer body that receives the main body and also engages a connector at both ends.
US07726993B2
The invention relates to a device for connecting an item of equipment and two cables, one of which carries electrical data and the other of which carries pneumatic data. The device comprises an electrical socket and a pneumatic socket, both mounted on an item of equipment, an electrical plug secured to a cable, the electrical plug being intended to be connected to the electrical socket, and a pneumatic plug secured to a cable, the pneumatic plug being intended to be connected to the pneumatic socket. According to the invention, when the pneumatic plug is in a connected but unlocked position, the electrical plug cannot be plugged in.
US07726990B2
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a receiving hole for accommodating a mating plug, a first set of and a second set of switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25), and a flexible terminal (27) positioned between the switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25). The flexible terminal (27) has a retaining portion (270), a flexible arm (271) bent from the retaining portion (270) and a contact portion (275) formed on the flexible arm (271). The switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) abut against the plug in a left-to-right direction. The flexible terminal (27) abuts against the mating plug in an up-to-down direction to provide a great insertion force in order to reach a good inserting or pulling feeling of the mating plug.
US07726989B2
An apparatus for signal and/or current transmission between terminals which can move in relation to one another and which are fitted, on the one hand, on a fixed stator and, on the other hand, on a rotor of a cassette that can rotate about a common axis with the stator. At least one flat ribbon cable, which is equipped with electrical conductors, runs in turns and forms a wound body (W), is arranged within the cassette between the terminals, the ends of the flat ribbon cable being connected to contact parts (19, 20) for the purpose of connecting ongoing cables. In order to accommodate the complete wound body (W) for its protection during transport and/or during storage, a pot-like cover (22) is provided which engages around said wound body and is fitted detachably to an essentially disc-shaped carrier (21).
US07726983B2
An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals assembled to the insulative housing and a pair of fastening elements assembled to the insulative housing. The insulative housing comprises an elongated base portion and a pair of retaining slots respectively disposed at two sides thereof. The base portion defines a mating face and an engaging face opposite to the mating face. A pair of fastening elements are assembled to the pair of retaining slots of the insulative housing, each fastening element comprises a fixing portion received in the retaining slot and a resilient arm disposed outside of the retaining slot and opposite to the fixing portion.
US07726982B2
Embodiments of electrical connectors include features that facilitate circulation of air through and around the electrical connectors. The air can cool the power contacts of the electrical connectors, thereby allowing the power contacts to operate at higher currents that would otherwise be possible.
US07726980B1
The invention relates to a socket for a baseless vehicle light. The light includes a lens, a circuit board having plural through holes, and a socket. The socket possesses a plugging groove, two plugging holes formed in the plugging groove, a slot bored in each plugging hole, two terminals respectively inserted into one of the plugging holes, a conductive pin located at one end of each terminal to extend through the slot to connect with the circuit board, and plural connecting members set on one side to correspondingly engage with the through holes. A waterproof resin is injected into the lens to cover on the circuit board and the socket to keep the circuit board positioned in the lens. Thus, a plug of an vehicle is, not cut off, directly plugged into the socket, enabling the light conveniently installed in a vehicle.
US07726978B2
An electrical connector for use with an electronic package, includes an insulative housing with a number of contacts receiving in the insulative housing and a fastening mechanism assembled to the insulative housing adapt to secure the electronic package to the electrical connector. The fastening mechanism includes a cover with a base plate and a pair of sidewalls extending downwardly from the base plate. The cover has an opening in the center of the base plate and a number of pressing portions extending into the opening for pressing the electronic package contact with the contacts.
US07726977B2
An electrical connector (1) includes four pieces of insulative housing segments (21) having a number of electrical contacts (3) received therein. Each insulative housing segment includes two engaging edges (213) for attaching with another adjacent two insulative housing segments, the at least one engaging edge having at least one connect portion (215) formed thereon. At least one joining member (4) connects the connect portions of the at least two insulative housing segments.
US07726976B2
An electrical interconnect includes a contact array having an insulator holding a plurality of contacts. Each of the contacts include a conductive polymer column having first and second opposite contact tips for interconnecting first and second electronic packages, wherein each of the contacts are individually shielded from adjacent ones of the contacts. Optionally, a frame may be provided on the insulator and positioned between each of the contacts, wherein the frame defines a shield concentrically surrounding each of the contacts. The frame may be conductive and non-coplanar with, and parallel to, the insulator, wherein the frame is electrically isolated from the contacts and provides shielding between adjacent ones of the contacts.
US07726965B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle gate opening and closing timing adjusting mechanism used for multiple gate injection molding machine. And, a mechanism of the present invention is characterized that a nozzle gate opening and closing timing adjusting mechanism for use in a multiple gate injection molding machine having a plurality of resin injecting nozzles, each having disposed therein a gate pin that opens and closes a nozzle gate, the nozzle gates being opened by the gate pins when, in filling with a resin, a resin pressure exceeds a predetermined value and the nozzle gates being closed by the gate pins when the resin pressure falls below a predetermined value, the nozzle gate opening and closing timing adjusting mechanism comprising: timing pins, disposed at all or a portion of surfaces of an injection mold opposing the respective nozzle gates and advancing and retracting toward and from the nozzle gates; and opening and closing timings of the plurality of nozzle gates being adjusted by the nozzle gates being opened and closed by the timing pins directly or indirectly via the gate pins.
US07726964B2
A molding apparatus for patterning a workpiece includes a first support member for supporting the mold, a second support member arranged opposite to the first support member, and a pressing mechanism for pressing the mold and the work together using the support members to pattern the workpiece. In this structure, either the surface of the first support member for supporting the mold or the surface of the second support member for supporting the workpiece is smaller in area than both surfaces of the mold and the workpiece.
US07726959B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes an outer gerotor having an outer gerotor chamber, an inner gerotor, at least a portion of which is disposed within the outer gerotor chamber, and a synchronizing apparatus operable to control the rotation of the inner gerotor relative to the outer gerotor. The inner gerotor includes one or more entrance passages operable to communicate a lubricant into the outer gerotor chamber.
US07726956B2
A combination assembly is disclosed for managing a hose or like elastic pump tube or pump channel such that particularly is used in a peristaltic pump. The invention is characterized by having the pump equipped with an assembly for the adjustment of the pump pressure and/or compression imposed on the hose/tube, the assembly comprising a steplessly adjustable eccentric adjustment mechanism.
US07726954B2
A diaphragm pump and a method for aligning thereof, the pump including an electric motor, a motor shaft, driven by the electric motor for rotation about an electric motor shaft axis, an eccentric drive, driven by the electric motor, via the motor shaft, to provide reciprocal driving along a pump driving axis, the eccentric drive including an eccentric drive shaft rotating about an eccentric drive shaft axis, the eccentric drive shaft axis being coaxial with the electric motor shaft axis, a non-rigid coupling interconnecting the motor shaft and the eccentric drive shaft and a diaphragm pumping assembly having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet communicating with a pumping chamber, the pumping chamber having a diaphragm arranged to be reciprocally driven about the pump driving axis.
US07726953B2
A pump ring. The pump ring is suitable for a reaction chamber and capable for extracting gas from the reaction chamber in a uniform gas flow rate. The pump ring comprises a ring body and a top ring part located on the ring body. The top ring part is apart from an inner wall of the reaction chamber with a fixed distance. Therefore, a gas-extraction path composed of the reaction chamber, the ring body and the top ring part is unobstructed. Hence, the turbulence flow of the extracted gas can be efficiently suppressed and the problems of the accumulation of the impurities and reaction chamber contamination can be solved.
US07726952B2
Method and arrangement for providing a compressed air system in a vehicle that includes a connection (6, 10) for delivering compressed air from a compressor (2) to the rest of the compressed air system (1). An oxidation catalytic converter (9) is included that is designed to clean the compressed air and which is located along the connection (6, 10). The connection (6, 10) includes a line (10) that forms a connection between the oxidation catalytic converter (9) and the rest of the compressed air system. The invention also includes a valve (11) that is arranged upstream of the rest of the compressed air system (1) and that can be adjusted so that in a first position it will allow and in a second position will prevent the delivery of air to the rest of the compressed air system (1), depending on the operating condition of the compressor (2). The invention provides an improved system in which the risk of contaminated air being delivered to the compressed air system is minimized.
US07726948B2
A pump system including a control system for controlling a variable flow pump for controlling oil flow and oil pressure in a hydraulic circuit in an engine. The system includes a pump member, an actuating member capable of controlling the flow generated by the pump member, and a solenoid valve system including a solenoid valve portion and a pressure regulator valve portion. The solenoid valve system is operably associated with the pump and the pressure regulator valve portion is operably associated with the actuating member for selectively controlling the flow generated by the pump member. An electronic control unit is operably associated with the solenoid valve portion, wherein the electronic control unit is selectively operable to provide an input control signal to the solenoid valve portion for controlling oil flow and oil pressure.
US07726943B2
The invention relates to a rotor blade (22) for a wind energy installation (10), with the rotor blade (22) having at least one cavity (28). The cavity (28) is sealed to be gas-tight and is filled with gas, in particular air, in order to prestress the rotor blade (22), with the pressure of the gas being greater than or less than the average air pressure to be expected at the point of use of the rotor blade.
US07726942B2
The present invention relates to a connector box adapted to be at least partly embedded in a fiber-reinforced part of a wind turbine, where said connector box comprises a flexible base part and a sealing part. The sealing part seals off and protects at least one compartment between the sealing part and the base part during manufacture of said fiber-reinforced part, but can be partly removed after manufacture making said compartment accessible. The base part is adapted to fasten the connector box in the fiber-reinforced part by having a larger circumference near its bottom than near its top. Further, the invention relates to such a connector box fixating a part of an element in the compartment of the box and making a second part of the element accessible from the compartment after manufacture.
US07726935B2
An horizontal axis wind turbine having a rotor (3) with a frontal projection comprising a stationary spherical head (1) upstream of its multibladed turbine rotor (3) displaces and increases the speed of wind addressed over 70% of the total frontal area. A series of thin airfoils (12) radially and evenly placed on said spherical head (1) to direct wind towards the turbine short blades (4).
US07726933B2
A wind powered turbine engine comprising an internalized containment and control chamber, intake enhancement, vacuum induction exhaust port and horizontally rotating rotor The turbine functions similarly to a steam or gas turbine engine. The radius of the control chamber decreases progressively as it curves around the periphery of the turbine rotor in the manner of a spiral.
US07726929B1
A pre-loading system for a pipe handling apparatus in which a boom is pivotally mounted at one end to a skid and in which an arm is interconnected to an opposite end of the boom. The pre-loading system has a tensioning system with one end affixed to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted so as to apply tension to the arm when the arm has a load applied to an end of the arm opposite the boom. The tensioning system includes a first cable assembly having one end interconnected to the arm and an opposite end fixedly mounted, and a second cable assembly interconnected to the arm and having an opposite end fixedly mounted. The first and second cable assemblies extend from opposite sides of the arm.
US07726927B2
An apparatus is disclosed for aiding in the speed and simplicity of the adjustment of the clicker-style cam bolts employed by TRA-type snowmobile drive clutches, manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products. The apparatus comprises a barrel type nut with a collared head and a compression wire spring which fits telescopically over said nut and against said collared head, and a locking set screw to secure the apparatus against rotational movement or removal. This assembly replaces the conventional hexagonal lock nut presently used on TRA-type drive clutches. This apparatus enables the user to change the linear position of the cam bolt in the drive clutch housing to enable the hexagonal head of the clicker-style bolt to clear its respective hexagonally indexed pocket, which is molded into the drive clutch housing, and to be turned to any one of six different degrees of rotation, thereby changing the shift-out RPM setting of the drive clutch quickly and with greater ease than conventional methods.
US07726924B2
An exemplary connecting structure (30), for connecting a first metal element (31) and a second metal element (32), includes a threaded weld bushing (34) and a fastener (36). The threaded weld bushing includes a main body (340) for being spot welded to the first metal element with a plurality of weld joints, and a collar (342) extending from one end of the main body for abutting the first metal element and connecting to the second metal element, and a fastener latching portion (346) defined in the main body and the collar. The fastener is configured for engaging with the fastener latching portion so as to prevent the second metal element detaching from the threaded weld bushing.
US07726921B2
A stanchion containment systems and method for securely storing and for safely accessing large and/or heavy items. The present stanchion containment system is particularly suited for use in dynamic locations. The stanchion assemblies includes a ceiling assembly releasably engaged with holes in the ceiling plate, and a deck assembly releasably engaged with holes in the deck plate. At least one linkage assembly connects the two or more of the stanchion assemblies. The linkage assembly substantially supports the stanchion assembly for translation from a first location to a second location, to provide access to the items.
US07726909B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for concurrently forming a plurality of pipelines. The apparatus includes a support chassis coupled to at least one transportation facilitation member. The transportation facilitation member facilities the movement of the support chassis along a surface. A first pipe fuser is disposed on the support chassis and is configured to fuse a first section of pipe to a first pipeline. A second pipe fuser may also be disposed on the support chassis. The second pipe fuser may be configured to independently fuse a second section of pipe to a second pipeline. The first pipe fuser fuses the first section of pipe to the first pipeline with the support chassis in a stationary position. The second pipe fuser fuses the second section of pipe to the second pipeline with the support chassis in the same stationary position.
US07726908B2
This invention involves a Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) treatment processing technology. The process entails a type of MSW landfill treatment process. This invention features the following steps. Firstly: MSW separation. Second: organic trash landfill. Third: the recycling.
US07726906B2
A precipitation (e.g., rain, snow, sleet, etc.) harvesting apparatus 3000 comprising a basic storage chamber or cistern 3002, which comprises an open vessel 3003 (such as a children's inflatable pool) and an optional primary catchment membrane 3004 which is placed over and attached to the open vessel 3003 to form the storage chamber 3002. An optional extended membrane 3005 is shown extending upward and away from vessel 3003 and is shown optionally supported by optionally inflatable or collapsible support tubes 3006 which are in turn fastened to the ground 3008 or other surface on which the apparatus 3000 is resting using tie lines, cables, strings and/or the like 3010 which are attached to ground stakes 3012. A liquid dispensing conduit 3014 is shown connected to and leading away from the storage vessel 3003 for draining harvested rainwater or other liquid 3016 contained within the storage chamber. The apparatus also includes a filter 3018 located, for example, in proximity to the center of the catchment membrane 3004, wherein the membrane has an opening or port 3017 optionally located in proximity to the center of the membrane 3004.
US07726905B2
An apparatus for reconditioning a paved surface includes a vehicle adapted to traverse the paved surface. The vehicle has a manifold with a plurality of jets disposed within a surface adjacent the paved surface and at least one of the jets has a high temperature, high pressure nozzle. The high temperature, high pressure nozzle has a hard material with a hardness of at least 2,000 HK. The jets are in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway, and the fluid pathway has a pressurizing mechanism and a heating mechanism for bringing the fluid to a high temperature and a high pressure.
US07726886B2
An end of a built-in optical fiber of a ferrule is made with one end of the built-in optical fiber matched with a splicing end surface and other end of the built-in optical fiber protruded from an end portion opposite to the splicing end surface and one end of a splicing optical fiber to be spliced are placed is fusion-sliced with the one end of the splicing optical fiber. The ferrule is held by inserting a cylindrical portion of the ferrule into a holding unit of a ferrule holder from the splicing end surface. The ferrule is transferred while holding a stem extended on an opposite side of the holding unit of the ferrule holder and the splicing optical fiber.
US07726880B2
The flexible storage bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls defining an internal volume that can be accessed from an open top edge. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the internal volume. To prevent the one-way valve element from becoming clogged by the opposing second sidewall, the bag also includes a clearance member that maintains at least a partial clearance between the first and second sidewalls proximate the valve element. The clearance member can take many forms such as a textured portion on the second sidewall that includes evacuation passages which provide air in the internal volume access to the valve element, a permeable element covering the valve element, and a rigid or compressible structure that spaces the second sidewall from the valve element.
US07726878B2
The disclosed subject matter relates to a clinical thermometer that facilitates easy measurement operation while suitably illuminating a location where a probe is to be inserted. Measurement can be performed even while subjects wear a garment. The clinical thermometer can include the following: a main body having on the outer face thereof a display for temperature display and a housing that includes a measuring device configured for temperature measurement; and an elongated probe part extending from the main body in a first direction and including a temperature sensing device located at the tip of the probe part that abuts against a user's armpit. The clinical thermometer can include, in the region where the main body is joined to the base of the probe part, a shoulder part curved or bent in a direction that intersects the first direction. The main body can also include an illumination device configured to emit light in the direction along which the probe extends. The illumination device can be configured for specific use at a particular body part, e.g, armpit, and such that it does not protrude beyond the main body.
US07726871B2
Vibrational energy generated with a pneumatic vibrator is controlled to independently adjust the amplitude and the frequency. A mechanical resonator is used to adjust the frequency. The controlled vibrational energy can be applied to equipment, such as a heat exchanger to mitigate fouling.
US07726870B1
The invention relates to a method for mixing a static fluid with another component, such as a particulate material, a liquid, a compressible liquid or gas, or combinations thereof, using a motive fluid stream, producing a low pressure region within the static fluid using radial eductors in a tank. The invention further relates to a method for separating oil form an oil and water mixture using a motive fluid stream and air, producing a low pressure region in a tank with entrained air bubbles, wherein the oil attaches to the air bubbles and rises to the surface.
US07726866B2
Disclosed is a backlight reflection plate and a backlight module using the reflection plate. The reflection plate encloses a light source. The reflection plate comprises a reflection substrate with a surface facing the light source. The reflection plate comprises a first region close to one end of the light source with a higher brightness and a second region close to the other end of the light source with a lower brightness. The reflectivity of the first region is smaller than that of the second region.
US07726864B2
A reflector has a curved part covering the light source and a pair of end parts extending at the two sides of the curved part. The inside surface of each end part has a plurality of substantially parallel projections or depressions. The light-guiding plate has an incident surface and an emission surface substantially perpendicular to the incident surface, the incident surface having a plurality of projections or depressions extending substantially parallel to the emission surface. Also, the reflection surface of the light-guiding plate has projections.
US07726861B2
An LED based illumination system with enhanced brightness is described. The system includes one or more light sources such as LEDs, one or more light couplers for efficiently collecting and collimating the light from the light sources, one or more wavelength selective filters, one or more light concentrators that focus the collimated light, and a cavity made of a layer of wavelength converting material such as a phosphorescent material located at the focus planes of the light concentrators. Each light coupler includes a light tunnel portion and a compound parabolic reflecting portion, and effectively collects and collimates light emitted by the LED in all directions. The wavelength selective filters pass the collimated light from the light sources and reflect light of a second wavelength generated by the phosphorescent material. The lights of both wavelengths exit the light cycling cavity through an aperture.
US07726860B2
A light apparatus includes one or more light pipes and/or diffusers to transfer and/or diffuse light from a few point light sources to a broader area and to other points. A hollow light pipe includes a light transmissive sidewall that encompasses an interior space, which receives and hides control circuitry for the light sources therein. A bottom end surface of the hollow light pipe is disposed adjacent to one or more light sources and transmits the light therefrom over a relatively large, uniform area. A solid core light pipe has a light receiving end and a light dispersion end having a reflective facet therein. The reflective facet includes a depression forming a reflective surface angularly displaced from a longitudinal axis of the solid core light pipe. A light diffuser surrounding a point source of light is adapted to cause the point source to look like a flame. A light apparatus including the hollow light pipe and the solid core light pipe and/or the light diffuser is adapted to provide a plurality of different light effects, including a multi-color light show through the hollow light pipe and a flame flicker effect through the solid core light pipe.
US07726856B2
A vehicular marker lamp including a lamp cover that contains nanosized fluorescent material and light sources that excite the fluorescent material so as to cause the lamp cover to emit colored light.
US07726855B2
A lamp unit of a vehicle lamp includes a projection lens arranged on an optical axis extending in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle, a light-emitting element arranged so as to face upward behind a rear focal point of the projection lens and in the vicinity of the optical axis, and a reflector arranged so as to cover the light-emitting element from above and to reflect the light from the light-emitting element forward toward the optical axis. The light-emitting element has a plurality of light-emitting chips arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in a vehicle width direction. A mirror member is provided between the reflector and the projection lens. The mirror member includes an upward reflecting surface that upward reflects a portion of the reflected light from the reflector. A diffusing and reflecting portion that diffuses and reflects the reflected light from the reflector is formed in the upward reflecting surface so as to bridge over the optical axis in the vehicle width direction.
US07726848B2
A solid-state illuminating apparatus (10) includes a first light reflector (11), a second light reflector (12), an annular light permeable cover (15) and a light source (13). The first light reflector has a bottom wall (111) and a peripheral sidewall (112) extending from and surrounding the bottom wall. The first light reflector has a reflective surface (113) formed on an inner surface thereof. The second light reflector has a reflective surface (121) facing toward the bottom wall. The light permeable cover is interconnected between a periphery of the sidewall and a periphery of the second light reflector. The first light reflector, the light permeable cover and the second light reflector cooperatively form a chamber (114). The chamber tapers along a direction from the second light reflector to the bottom wall. The light source is received in the chamber and located on the bottom wall.
US07726845B2
An LED lamp includes a bracket, a heat sink assembly mounted on a top side of the bracket and a plurality of LED modules mounted on a bottom surface of the heat sink assembly. The heat sink assembly has a pair of bottom surfaces. The bottom surfaces form an alary configuration and the LED modules are mounted on the bottom surfaces.
US07726838B2
An electronic device that facilitate locating connection port thereof is described. The main portion has a lateral surface. The connection port is disposed on the lateral surface. The identification symbol is disposed on the lateral surface. The light source is disposed within the main portion and operable to emit light through the identification symbol so as to project a pattern of the identification symbol on a surface, which supports the main portion. The connection port on a lateral surface of the electronic device is located according to where the pattern of the identification symbol is located.
US07726833B2
The invention teaches a new method to provide lighting for photography and other purposes. A consistent, stable, high intensity line-light source is created by using a cylindrical lens and a line-light source using feedback control. The positioning of the line-light source is adjustable to produce parallel, convergence, and divergence beams depending on the desired lighting characteristics. The invention also teaches a new apparatus using the current invention.
US07726822B2
An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a control having control circuitry. An information display is disposed behind a transflective reflective element to display information that is viewable through the transflective reflector by a driver of a vehicle when the information display is displaying information. A mounting structure mounts the mirror casing to an interior portion of the vehicle, and the mirror casing is adjustable relative to the interior portion of the vehicle via at least one pivot element of the mounting structure. The control circuitry includes a photosensor and the control controls dimming of the electrochromic medium responsive to detection of light by the photosensor. Electrical wiring connects to at least a portion of the control circuitry that is disposed within the mirror casing. The electrical wiring passes through the pivot element of the mounting structure.
US07726819B2
A structure for protecting a rod integrator that is used for a projection display apparatus is provided. The structure has: a protecting tube for the rod integrator, the protecting tube accommodating the rod integrator therein, wherein the protecting tube has openings which are defined at positions that face a light incident surface and a light exiting surface of the rod integrator, respectively; and a light shield plate that is provided between the opening and a light source for emitting light to the rod integrator, the opening facing the light incident surface of the rod integrator, wherein the light shield plate has an opening for allowing light to pass therethrough so that the light is incident on the rod integrator.
US07726814B2
An apparatus and a method for operating an endothelium reflection microscope. The apparatus includes an optical head, which comprises: (i) an illuminating system, (ii) a frontal eye observation optical system along a central channel in which an alignment-use light spot is received and imaged by a camera having a digital optical sensor, and (iii) an enlarged-imaging optical system for enlarged observation or photographing of the subject part by the digital camera. The apparatus further comprises a motor for operating the optical head, and a CPU controller for automatically controlling the motor, the illuminating system and the frontal eye observation optical system. The method comprises an endothelium image acquisition procedure in which the grey level inside a check area of the camera sensor is checked constantly during advancement along the Z-axis; when the grey level reaches a predetermined threshold value, a delay time (Δt) is triggered; and when the delay time (Δt) lapses, acquisition by the digital camera of one or more images of the endothelium is enabled.
US07726812B2
A device for preventing and treating myopia includes a base, a spectacles frame (1), a holder (3) and a lens (2). The holder (3) is mounted on the base; a visual target (4) is placed on the base. The spectacles frame (1) is connected to the holder (3) by adjustable connecting parts (31,32,33,34,35), so the distance between the spectacles frame (1) and the visual target (4) which is placed on the base is adjustable.
US07726811B2
A wavefront device (FIG. 1A) produces adjustable amplitudes in optical path differences and adjustable axis orientation angles, two substantially identical wave plates (225) have a wavefront profile of at least the third order Zernike polynomial function which are not circularly symmetric, as denoted by Z(i,j) where i>3 and jO. The wave plates are mounted in rotatable mounts (124) with their optical centers substantially aligned with each other.
US07726804B2
A method for driving a medium supplying apparatus which supplies medium by a pick-up roller, wherein an operation of stopping rotation of the pick-up roller is inserted at least one of before an operation of supplying medium to a separating position where, when a plurality of sheets of medium are fed together by the pick-up roller displaced to the supplying position, an uppermost sheet of the plurality of sheets of medium is separated from a lower sheet or sheets, and before an operation of returning the separated lower sheet or sheets after separating the uppermost sheet from the lower sheet or sheets.
US07726803B2
A droplet ejection apparatus includes: a base; a plotting system having a droplet ejection head that ejects functional liquid as a droplet, a carriage that holds the droplet ejection head, and a stage that holds a work at which the droplet is plotted; and an optical system having a light source that outputs a laser beam and an optical path, which is constituted between the light source and the droplet and through which the laser beam passes to irradiate the droplet; wherein: the plotting system and the optical system are established on the base sharing the upper surface of the base as a reference surface, and pattern is plotted and fixed through cooperation control of both systems.
US07726795B2
Provided is a printhead cartridge for a pagewidth printer. The cartridge includes a cartridge body having a base and a number of ink supply bags positioned inside the base. A lid encloses the bags in the base. The cartridge also includes a printhead assembly fast with the base and arranged in fluid communication with the ink bags. Each ink supply bag has two profiled panels sealed together to form an ink holding chamber which is collapsible to reduce a volume of ink stored therein. A folded leaf spring biases the chamber into an expanded condition. Each ink bag also includes a connector assembly providing fluid communication between the chamber and ink supply channels of the printhead assembly.
US07726793B2
An ink container includes an ink accommodation chamber for directly accommodating ink; a sensor portion for detecting a remaining amount of the ink in said ink accommodation chamber, wherein ambient air is introduced from an outside of said ink accommodation chamber into the ink in accordance with supplying the ink into an ink jet recording head; a division wall extended from an inner bottom portion of said ink accommodation chamber substantially upwardly, said division wall divides a space between an ambient air introducing portion which introduces the air into the ink in said ink accommodation chamber and said sensor portion to permit passage of the ink therethrough and to prevent passage, therethrough, of bubbles which are produced with introduction of the air.
US07726790B2
A printhead module is provided having an ink delivery member supporting at least one printhead integrated circuit via an ink distribution member. The ink distribution member incorporates a laminated stack of layers for distributing ink from the ink delivery member to inkjet nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit via distribution apertures. The distribution apertures of each successive layer of the stack from the ink delivery member to the inkjet nozzles has a successively smaller diameter.
US07726789B2
An ink refill unit for replenishing an ink storage compartment of an inkjet printer is provided. The ink refill unit has a body containing a quantity of refilling ink configured to engage an interface of the storage compartment, and a plurality of actuators defined in the body for actuating a constrictor mechanism of the storage compartment as the ink refill unit engages the interface and deactivating the constrictor mechanism as the ink refill unit disengages the interface. The constrictor mechanism constricts a flexible tubular wall of the storage compartment by a predetermined amount.
US07726788B2
A liquid ejecting head which is formed by joining a liquid introducing member for introducing liquid and a base body by welding includes an introduction hole which is formed in a front end of the liquid introducing member and an extending section which is tilted to extend from the exterior edge of an introduction hole to the inside of the introduction hole.
US07726783B2
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a liquid storage-discharge member having a liquid storage chamber for storing liquid and a liquid outlet for discharging the liquid from the liquid storage chamber to the outside of the liquid storage chamber, a vibration plate formed on the liquid storage-discharge member and a piezoelectric element having a lower electrode, a piezoelectric body and an upper electrode, which are sequentially formed on the vibration plate. The piezoelectric body includes an edge portion including at least a portion of the piezoelectric body, the portion positioned on the outside of the wall position of the liquid storage chamber, and a main portion, which is the remaining portion of the piezoelectric body. Further, the edge portion and the main portion are formed on different base layers from each other and the fracture stress of the edge portion is higher than that of the main portion.
US07726781B2
Provided is a pagewidth printhead having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes side walls located on a wafer substrate with a roof portion attached to said walls to define a printing fluid chamber. The roof portion defines an ejection port. Each nozzle arrangement also includes an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the fluid chamber with printing fluid, and at least one heater element having a mass of less than 10 nanograms suspended between the side walls in the fluid chamber. In operation, when electrical actuation energy of less than 500 nanojoules is applied to the heater element, the printing fluid undergoes thermal cavitation which increases fluid pressure in the chamber thereby ejecting printing fluid from the ejection port.
US07726780B2
An inkjet print head is provided having a nozzle areal density of at least 40000 inkjet nozzles per square centimeter on a printing surface. Each nozzle has an ink chamber on the printing surface having an ink ejection port, and a heater for heating the ink in the chamber to cause ink ejection from the ink ejection port.
US07726777B2
An inkjet print head and method of fabricating the same. The inkjet print head includes: a substrate having an ink-feed hole, an interlayer dielectric layer formed around the ink-feed hole on the substrate, at least one metal layer formed on the interlayer dielectric layer, and an anti-moisture part formed between the ink-feed hole and the at least one metal layer to prevent ink moisture in the ink-feed hole from contacting the at least one metal layer. The inkjet print head and the method of fabricating the same are capable of preventing problems such as de-lamination between layers, electrical short-circuit, circuit malfunction, and corrosion of a metal interconnection layer, since it is possible to prevent penetration of ink moisture from layers having absorbent characteristics into the metal interconnection layer, a logic region, or a pressure driving part. Therefore, it is possible to improve the lifespan and reliability of the inkjet print head as well as to increase productivity and reduce manufacturing cost by increasing yield.
US07726775B2
A liquid ejection recording head includes a liquid ejecting portion for ejecting liquid; a casing having a first side provided with the liquid ejecting portion, and a second side different from the first side; a first opening provided between the liquid ejecting portion and an edge of the first side; a second opening which is provided in the second side and which is in fluid communication with the first opening; and a projection provided in the second side between the second opening and such an edge of the second side as corresponds to the edge of the first side.
US07726771B2
An inkjet printer that has a printhead with an elongate orifice plate and a surface that surrounds the elongate orifice plate, a platen that partially defines a media path extending passed the printhead, a capping member with a seal for sealing engagement with the surface that surrounds the printhead, and a static solenoid for moving the capping member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the elongate orifice plate. During use, the printhead, the media path and the platen all remain fixed relative to each other, and the capping member is movable through the media path. Providing a sealing surface around the orifice plate that is configured to engage the cap and seal the printhead requires less manufacturing precision than a capping mechanism that directly engages the orifice plate. Production efficiencies from lower precision assembly have particular significance for high volume products.
US07726765B2
A printing method according to the present invention includes carrying a medium, and printing, using a nozzle for ejecting ink, a plurality of images each having a section to be detected for detecting an inclination of the image with respect to the carried medium.
US07726761B2
A pattern forming method includes: disposing a portion of a first nozzle group composed of a plurality of first nozzles arranged in a first direction and a portion of a second nozzle group composed of a plurality of second nozzles arranged in the first direction so as to overlap each other as viewed in a second direction; and ejecting a droplet from each of a plurality of selected nozzles of the first nozzles and a plurality of selected nozzles of the second nozzles to a substrate that moves in the second direction relative to the first nozzles and the second nozzles to form a pattern on the substrate. A droplet is ejected from each of a plurality of the first nozzles selected in an area of the first nozzle group overlapped with the second nozzle group as viewed in the second direction and each of the plurality of second nozzles located between each adjacent pair of the selected first nozzles as viewed in the second direction is selected to eject a droplet.
US07726757B2
The object of the present invention is to easily select a file when a user prints. In order to achieve this object, according to this invention, an information processing method in an image forming apparatus which stores a printing history in a print process, includes the steps of displaying accessible files stored in a predetermined storage location, selecting one of the displayed files (step S701), extracting, based on the printing history, a file related to the selected file (steps S703 to S706), and printing an arbitrary file of the selected and extracted files (steps S708 and S709).
US07726756B2
A side-by-side refrigerator includes fresh food and freezer compartments each having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume. The fresh food and freezer compartments are separated by a dividing wall or mullion having first and second upright portions interconnected by a laterally offset section. Fresh food and freezer doors are pivotally mounted about respective vertical axes for sealing the fresh food and freezer compartments. Each of the fresh food and freezer doors has a substantially uniform width. With this construction, the varying width compartments are sealed by substantially uniform width fresh food and freezer doors.
US07726746B2
A hubcap device for use with a wheel includes a base and a fastener for coupling the base to the wheel. The hubcap device includes a spinner member between the base and the cover, the spinner member having a light element. The hubcap device includes a battery for powering the light element and a processor for actuating the light element. An insert is removably coupled to the cover, the spinner member being positioned between the insert and the base. The hubcap device may include a photocell in communication with the processor, the processor including programming to actuate the light element in predetermined light conditions. The device includes an optical sensor coupled to the spinner member to measure a rotational speed of the spinner member relative to a rotational speed of the base, the optical sensor providing a relative rotational speed measurement to said processor.
US07726736B1
A supplemental tongue is fabricated of a rigid material. The supplemental tongue has upper and lower ends. The supplemental tongue is positionable within a slot of a child car seat. The supplemental tongue has a recess. The recess is provided adjacent to the lower end. The recess has a lower linear edge. In this manner the supplemental tongue is retained within the slot. A wrist band is provided in a loop. The loop forms an opening for a wrist. The wrist band is coupled to the tongue.
US07726734B2
A child safety seat including a seat bottom and seat back first and second resilient side elements carried on laterally-opposed sides of the seat back, and including walls defining an enclosed chamber. The walls have sufficient rigidity to maintain a nominal shape and are deformable in response to a predetermined minimum impact.
US07726732B1
A chair mountable desk apparatus includes a clamp is removably positioned on an armrest. A first panel has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The first panel is mechanically coupled to the clamp and a computer mouse is positionable on the top side. The first panel has a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a first end edge and a second end edge. A second panel has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge. A rod is attached to the lower surface and extends outwardly from the peripheral edge. A sleeve is attached to the bottom side of the first panel nearer to the first end edge than the second end edge. A keyboard is positionable on the upper surface. The sleeve receives the rod to position the second panel adjacent to the second lateral edge.
US07726731B2
This device includes anchoring mechanism being actuated by a rope and fitted to respective attachments being provided on the pram. The device has two portions namely being a first one (1) being provided at the lower end of the handle and having a cavity (5) in an angularly tiltable arrangement housing an action element (6) being fit to act on the anchoring mechanism (7), and a second portion (2) being solid with the carrycot seat (4) or carrycot and including the anchoring mechanism (7). The action element (6) is made up by an arcuate part one (6′) of whose ends is arranged in a pivoting arrangement at the angular end (5′) of the cavity (5), the arcuate part being at its other end (6″) linked to the pulling rope (8). The action element (6) is fit to act on the bent upper end (9) of a rod (10) pertaining to the anchoring mechanism (7).
US07726729B2
A standing aid for supporting a person and relieving leg fatigue while standing on a riser step. The standing aid comprises a seat capable of supporting a person standing on the riser step, a vertical stand having a top end secured to the seat and a mounting system secured to a bottom end of the vertical stand. The mounting system has a clamp having a first surface for extending over and in contact with a top surface of the riser step and a second surface for extending below and in contact with a bottom surface of the riser step. The first surface of the mounting system has a relatively small footprint in that it has a second predetermined width which is less than the first predetermined width of the riser step. This small footprint allows people to maneuver around the standing aid while moving on and off the riser step.
US07726718B2
A structural support for a bolt collar in an automotive vehicle main structural support is provided and includes a rear wall having a rounded portion, a pair of side walls extending substantially perpendicular from the rear wall and a base extending from a lower portion of the rear wall and from a lower portion of the rounded portion in a direction opposite to that of the pair of side walls. The rounded portion extends outwardly from the rear wall in the same direction as the base in an arc-like fashion and forms a recess on an inside surface of the rear wall. Further, the rounded portion extends approximately halfway up the rear wall from the base.
US07726715B2
An etchable plate-shaped material is used as a vacuum suction pad 31. On one surface thereof, a large number of independent protruded portions and recessed portions are formed to provide a suction part 33b. Further, a periphery of the suction part is annularly formed to provide an airtight part 33a. When the vacuum suction pad 31 comes close to a substrate to be sucked, a skirt pad 32 with a slit 32d is integrally formed in the shape of a hemmed hat using an elastic member, in order to block outside air into a peripheral space of the vacuum suction pad 31. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent the substrate from being locally deformed when the substrate is sucked by discharging air from a suction port 36 and to widen a clearance between the vacuum suction pad and the substrate such as a liquid crystal panel, at which the suction is possible.
US07726705B2
A locking device of a tray includes a button; a first hooking part connected to an end of the button and including a support rod, movable in a first direction within a through hole formed in a base plate, and a hooking projection which is locked to or released from a hooking groove; a return spring interposed between the first hooking part and the base plate so as to provide elastic force to the first hooking part; and a second hooking part which is attached to a slanted slot in a side of the first hooking part so as to move in a slantwise direction with respect to the first hooking part.
US07726700B2
A coupling for connecting pipes to externally threaded fittings and stubs. The coupling comprises a coupling body, a gripper, gripper engagement means for causing the gripper to engage the pipe, a gasket, gasket engagement means for causing the gasket to seal around the pipe, gripper retention means for retaining the gripper within the interior of the coupling body during handling thereof, and gasket retaining means for retaining the gasket within the interior of the coupling body during handling thereof.
US07726698B2
A manifold (1) comprises a body (2) with a plurality of branch fittings (3) diverging therefrom. The inner surface of the body (2) is conical such that the inner cross-sectional area of the body (2) decreases in the direction of flow. The manifold (1) is particularly well suited for use in tap water systems. The manifold (1) can be manufactured e.g. from polyphenyl sulfone PPSU, polysulphone PSU, polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF, glass fiber reinforced polyamide PA, or cross-linked polyolefin plastic.
US07726692B2
In a steering handle grasped and rotated by both hands of a driver, an axis of a steering shaft included in the steering handle is inclined so as to be higher in level in a forward direction of a vehicle body, and a left grip grasped by a left hand and a right grip grasped by a right hand are rotatable in opposite directions about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the steering shaft. Accordingly, an upper half of the driver's body sitting on a seat and leaning backwards and a plane of rotation of the steering handle are substantially parallel to each other, thereby ensuring that the driver can rotate the steering handle without stretching and withdrawing his or her arms. Moreover, when the steering handle is rotated, the driver's wrists can be prevented from being twisted unnaturally, leading to an easy steering operation.
US07726689B2
An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible.
US07726688B2
A vehicle partition for separating front and rear occupant areas (or other restricted and permitted areas) in a vehicle having side air bags, the vehicle partition comprising a partition frame with upright portions spaced apart from the vehicle's respective inner side surfaces such that the partition does not interfere with deployment of the air bags. In some embodiments, access through openings defined by the spaced apart upright portions and adjacent vehicle side surfaces is restricted by cover members. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the partition frame are electrified to shock an occupant in a restricted area attempting to gain access to a permitted area through an opening in the partition.
US07726684B2
Airbag deployment system for a vehicle having a passenger compartment includes airbags arranged to substantially fill the passenger compartment upon deployment, an inflator system for inflating the airbags and a crash sensor system coupled to the inflator system for directing the inflator system to inflate the airbag. Multiple housings may be arranged around the passenger compartment, each including at least one airbag. Some of the airbags may be interconnected to provide a primary airbag and at least one secondary airbag extending from the primary airbag. The inflator system may be an aspirated inflator system. The crash sensor system may be an anticipatory sensor system. The airbags may be film airbags. One-way valves may be arranged between adjacent airbags.
US07726681B2
A receiver hitch arrangement includes a receiver tube, a mount having a shank portion received within the receiver tube and a hitch pin inserted through hitch pin apertures which are formed in both the receiver tube and the shank portion and which are aligned at assembly to maintain the mount in a position for towing. A rattling that is usually caused due to movement between hitch components. is prevented by forming a pair of through and threaded apertures in each vertical wall of the receiver tube and in close proximity to a free end thereof, threadeably engaging a threaded shank of a fastener with each of the pair of apertures and then operably advancing each fastener for direct contact with the shank portion of the mount inserted into the receiver tube until the shank portion is frictionally caged and immobilized.
US07726675B2
Method is provided for after market conversion of a 4×4 vehicle produced by a manufacturer into a high mobility vehicle having increased maneuverability and on-road and/or off-road capability, relative to the 4×4 vehicle. The 4×4 vehicle has a chassis with a frame, front axle and rear axle, said chassis having a standard wheelbase. The method includes dismounting at least one of the front axle or rear axle from the frame; shortening said frame; and mounting the dismounted axle to the shortened frame so as to obtain a shortened chassis having a shortened wheelbase which is shorter than any standard wheelbase of the line of models produced by the manufacturer.
US07726671B2
A wheeled bag assembly having an elongated wheeled bottom assembly made out of a rigid and moldable material with an upperside, an underside, first and second lateral sides, first and second ends defined, respectively, by first and second folds along said underside, said first fold extending away from said underside a first predetermined distance. Wheel members mounted to the lateral sides opposite to a supporting fold with cooperative dimensions to permit the bottom assembly to be at rest at a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to a supporting surface. A bag member with flat bottom wall is mounted over the upperside and extends upwardly defining an internal compartment and an upper end opening. A user tilts the bag assembly and pulls it from handles mounted adjacent to the opening causing the wheels to roll and the assembly to easily move with its contents.
US07726669B2
The present invention is directed to a collapsible combined table and dolly that is portable and capable of securely transporting items of various sizes and configurations. The collapsible combined table and dolly provides ease of operation through a collapsible/expandable table top and convenient means for transporting and storing items for use in the display/workspace of the table.
US07726667B2
A snow bike has a frame which can be either a custom frame or an existing bicycle frame. A pair of footrests consisting of two rods extending perpendicularly from the frame at a location usually set for the pedal means of a bicycle provides a user with a way of resting his feet while using the snow bike.
US07726665B2
A suspension system for an agricultural or construction industry vehicle is described. The suspension system comprises two hydraulic cylinders, which support a frame in relation to an axle of the vehicle, the hydraulic cylinders each having a piston-side chamber and a piston rod-side chamber and each of the chambers of the hydraulic cylinders being connectable to one another via connecting lines provided with a switch valve, a first supply line, which can be connected via a switch valve to the piston-side connecting line of the first hydraulic cylinder, a second supply line, which can be connected via a switch valve to the piston-side connecting line of the second hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic accumulator, in each case connectable to the supply lines via proportionally adjustable orifices, a hydraulic source, a hydraulic tank, a control valve device, and an electronic control unit. In order to prevent the activation of a suspension state in critical vehicle states, means for the detection and compensation of load states of the vehicle are provided in the suspension system.
US07726663B2
A drill chuck has a chuck body, a holder body, and a front sleeve surrounding the bodies, with jaws between them. A ring of teeth on one of the bodies can be engaged by a pawl angularly fixed on the other of the bodies. When engaged, the pawl and the array of teeth allow rotate relative to the chuck body in a tightening direction but not in a loosening direction. Respective interengaging stops on the other body and on the front sleeve limit relative angular movement of the front sleeve on the other body between a pair of angularly offset end positions. A back control sleeve has a cam formation engageable with the pawl in only one of the end positions to hold the pawl in the freeing position. The pawl is biased by a spring in the other end position into the locking position.
US07726651B2
An apparatus for ejecting sheets from a sheet transport path onto an auxiliary stack disposed upstream of a main stack, includes a planar sheet guide surface having a sheet ejection opening formed therein. The sheet ejection opening is closed by a sheet separating element and a flap, in a closed state. The separating element and the flap also serve as guide elements during the ejection of sheets.
US07726648B2
A sheet conveying device includes a first conveying path configured to pass a sheet of a recording medium (e.g., paper) therethrough to a sheet processing device, a second conveying path branched from the first conveying path and configured to temporarily store the paper sheet conveyed therein, a sheet conveying mechanism configured to selectably convey the paper sheet in one of forward and backward directions to the sheet processing device, a guide member mounted at a branch point of the first and second conveying paths and configured to guide the paper sheet when the paper sheet is conveyed in the backward direction by the sheet conveying mechanism to the second conveying path, and a control unit configured to control the sheet conveying mechanism to change a distance between the branch point and the sheet conveying mechanism according to a length of the paper sheet in a forward sheet conveying direction.
US07726645B2
A store for storing value sheets such as banknotes in a stack and for dispensing the value notes from the stack. When more than a single value sheet is dispensed from the stack, the store returns all but one of the value sheets to the stack while moving the stack to reduce friction between the returning value sheet and the topmost value sheet of the stack. Means for securing the stack are also provided: a support for the stack is anchored and/or extra pressure is applied to the stack. The store includes means for indicating when the stack contains more than a predetermined number of value sheets and means for preventing securing of the store when the predetermined number of value sheets is exceeded. A value sheet store with part of a sidewall integrally formed with the lid. A value sheet store which includes a lid attached to a housing by a hinge located on an edge of the housing. Apparatus and a method for determining the height of a stack of value sheets. A shutter arrangement in a value sheet store which acts to block an aperture through which value sheets are dispensed.
US07726634B2
A system for tensioning and locking a safety strand to a number of sequentially arranged stanchions is provided. The system includes tensioning means for applying a tensile force to one end of the safety strand when the safety strand is passed through a passage bore of each of the sequentially arranged stanchions and the other end of the safety strand is secured to an immovable object. Locking mechanisms are provided that each include a cable cradle having a receiving channel for receiving a portion of the safety strand, a clamping arrangement for engaging and trapping the portion of the safety strand within the receiving channel, and a device for securing the cable cradle and clamping arrangement to a stanchion. The cable cradle and securing device are configured so that when the cable cradle is secured to the selected stanchion, the receiving channel is in registry with the passage bore.
US07726632B2
Lateral impact containment system for vehicles, with high energy absorption and containment capacity
High contention and energy absorption capacity system to contain vehicle's side impact configured by an anchoring plate, configured by a post having a base, a frontal plate and a base plate and said post affixed to the terrain at regular intervals, configured by two or more systems of continuous horizontal rails arranged longitudinally and attached to the post by a clamp placed in the inner side of the rail and also constituted by a separating device that is characterized by the post's leg to be comprised by two tubular profiles, mutually facing, the base plate of the post having frontal and lateral-rear openings that permit a certain controlled displacement of the post's leg, as a separating device between the post and the rail there is a shock-absorbing system having high energy capacity that serves to endow the system with a high capacity to absorb the energy resulting from the impact of a vehicle and allow it to be redirectioned.
US07726629B2
A lifting apparatus comprising a counter bearing (8) provided with a first recess (9), having a conical bearing surface (10), and an actuator unit comprising an actuator (6) whose axial extension is dependent upon an actuating signal. The actuator unit has a shoulder which is formed in an area of the actuator unit which faces away from the output and which has a domed surface (11). The domed surface (11) of the actuator unit rests upon the conical bearing surface (10) of the counter-bearing (8). The injection valve comprises said lifting device and an injector needle which is coupled to the lifting apparatus on the output side thereof and which prevents the flow of fluid through the injector nozzle when closed and otherwise releases it.
US07726628B2
This disclosure teaches a magnet valve, having a valve insert and a tappet which is guided movably via a tappet guide in the valve insert and which is braced via a restoring spring on a valve body, and the restoring spring acts between a first contact face of the tappet and a second contact face on the valve body. According to the invention, fixation means which define a position of the restoring spring relative to the tappet and the valve body are disposed on the second contact face of the valve body.
US07726623B2
Fastening device for an internal rear view mirror of motor vehicles on an inner side of a windshield
A fastening device for an internal rear view mirror of motor vehicles to be installed on an inner side of a windshield contains a holding part which is held in position on the windshield by adhesive bonding, to which holding part is detachably fastened a mirror foot of the internal rear view mirror. In order to obtain a statically precisely defined, highly rigid connection between the holding part and mirror foot, it is provided that the mirror foot, in its mounted operating position, is supported directly on the holding part merely by a six-point support and is fastened to the holding part by a separate retaining device.
US07726621B1
There is provided a substantially planar, resilient base adapted for receiving the lower portion of a circular pail containing a material needing stirring or mixing. A raised annular wall on the upper surface of the planar base encircles the circumference of the lower portion of the bucket thereby retaining the bucket. One or more radially projecting wings provide pads upon which the feet of the person stirring the bucket contents may be placed further securing the base to the floor or other surface. The resilient nature of the upwardly projecting, bucket encircling wall allows accommodating buckets of varying diameters.
US07726618B2
The invention includes a mount with a knob including a shaft extending therefrom. A two piece socket housing defines a socket therebetween. The two piece socket has a portion formed as a first clamp element. A ball member is disposed in the socket and includes a slot and an attachment structure. A second clamp element has a connector, preferably an internally threaded nut captured therein. The shaft passes through a first portion of the two piece socket, the slot of the ball member, a second portion the two piece socket and terminates in the second clamp element, such that when the knob is manipulated, the two piece socket fixes the ball member in position and a clamping force is generated between the first clamp element and the second clamp element.
US07726616B2
A support stand for a flat-panel display monitor includes a mounting base, a connecting base, and two link shafts. Each link shaft has a first end rotatably connected to the mounting base and a second end rotatably connected to the connecting base. The support stand further includes a restricting pole fixed to the mounting base and positioned between the two link shafts, the restricting pole abuts against the two link shafts, thus restricting a rotary range of the two link shafts.
US07726614B2
The present invention relates to a clamp-type holder (1) and a clamp-type holder element (2) for it, wherein the clamp-type holder element (2) comprises a mouth-shaped clamping region (5) and a holding region (6) for the attachment of a component, wherein the clamp-type holder system (1) comprises two clamp-type holder elements (2) that are interconnected by way of a connecting device (9) in order to be able to be clamped to profile beams (3) of different thicknesses.
US07726613B2
A water blast gun support apparatus and methods for enabling the operator to direct the gun by a joystick attached to a pneumatic sinusoidal biasing control unit. Depending upon the direction the joystick is pointed by the operator, a controlled flow of air is delivered to pneumatic motion producing actuators which move the water blast gun to the desired position and maintain this position when the operator moves the joystick to its neutral position. The support apparatus absorbs the thrust of the water so that the operator is relieved from having to physically counter the force of the water.
US07726605B1
A roll-on/roll-off, aircraft-borne sensor pod deployment system having an operator station and a sensor pallet system and method of using same. The operator station has a base platform, a shelter box mounted on the base platform for accommodating a human operator, and a computer installed inside the shelter box. The sensor pallet system has a base platform, a linear system mounted on the base platform, a rotational system mounted on the linear system, a mechanical arm attached to the rotational system, a sensor pod attached to the mechanical arm, and an electrical control system that provides power to the deployment system and controls movements of the sensor pallet system. In operation, the sensor pod can be retracted into a compact, stowing position, or extended out an opening in the aircraft for an unobstructed field of view. The deployment system optionally includes an apparatus and method for sealing the aircraft opening.
US07726604B1
A roll-on/roll-off, aircraft-borne sensor pod deployment system having an operator station and a sensor pallet system and method of using same. The operator station has a base platform, a shelter box mounted on the base platform for accommodating a human operator, and a computer installed inside the shelter box. The sensor pallet system has a base platform, a linear system mounted on the base platform, a rotational system mounted on the linear system, a mechanical arm attached to the rotational system, a sensor pod attached to the mechanical arm, and an electrical control system that provides power to the deployment system and controls movements of the sensor pallet system. In operation, the sensor pod can be retracted into a compact, stowing position, or extended out an opening in the aircraft for an unobstructed field of view. The deployment system optionally includes an apparatus and method for sealing the aircraft opening.
US07726603B2
The present invention relates to a sandwich-structure flat active actuator that is symmetrical relative to the mid-plane comprising at least one piezoelectric flat layer having an active direction superpose and fixedly attached to at least one passive flat layer of fabric with rigid warp and weft oriented in two directions forming a mesh; the two directions of each layer of fabric are the same. The active direction of each piezoelectric layer is oriented along one and the same diagonal of the mesh of the layers of fabric. The invention is also aimed at a device consisting of two actuators mounted head-to-tail. The invention applies to the active torsion of structures such as, for example, a helicopter blade.
US07726602B2
Arrangement for mounting a propulsive system on an aircraft airframe by an external pylon which connects the engine with the airframe, the pylon 4comprising a plurality of spars intruding into the airframe and units for attaching the spars to the internal airframe structure, the cited units being dampers, shock absorbers or active actuators with characteristics chosen so that the units are particularly suited for the efficient reduction of attachment and internal dynamic loads arising mainly but not only from hard landing events and aircraft flight manoeuvres, and for damping sustained vibrations of the propulsive system-airframe assembly, the arrangement allowing the easy removal of the pylon 4 from the rest of the airframe and the interchangeability of the pylon 4 between different aircrafts, being also the cited arrangement tolerant to damage or complete failure of at least one of the spars.
US07726594B2
A multi-functional tool assembly for a material processing machine includes a single tool including a head and a shaft integrally formed therein. The head has a cavity with an arcuate surface. The multi-functional tool assembly also includes a material reducer adapted to reduce material within the waste processing machine. The material reducer is disposed in the cavity and has an arcuate surface complementary to the arcuate surface of the cavity.
US07726591B2
A rotor processor includes a stator chamber and a rotor mounted for rotation within the chamber. The rotor has a perimeter edge spaced closely to the interior wall of the chamber so as to define a slit or gap there between. The rotor is slidably mounted upon a rotor shaft, for movement between raised and lowered positions during operation of the processor, so as to automatically adjust the dimension of the slit, without operator intervention. As air flows from a plenum beneath the rotor, through the slit, and into the chamber, a pressure differential is created, which provides a lifting force to raise the rotor. The pressure drop is maintained relatively constant at a predetermined level after a lifting equilibrium force is achieved, regardless of the air flow volume.
US07726587B2
An irrigation sprinkler nozzle for use in a rotary sprinkler for projecting the entire fluid stream between about 15 and about 35 feet from the rotary sprinkler regardless of the upstream pressure. The irrigation sprinkler nozzle comprises a nozzle body having a longitudinal axis, a side wall, and an exit wall. Coupled to the nozzle body is a restrictor plate that is spaced from the exit wall. Defined by the side wall, the exit wall, and the restrictor plate is a fluid chamber. The nozzle includes an inlet to the chamber defined by the restrictor plate. Preferably, the inlet has a cross-sectional area so that a pressure inside the chamber is less than a pressure upstream of the inlet. The nozzle also has an outlet from the chamber defined by the exit wall for projecting a fluid stream outwardly from the irrigation sprinkler nozzle. The chamber may be configured to form a turbulent flow within the chamber.
US07726586B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a rotary atomizing head that paint supplied to an inner peripheral surface is spread on the inner peripheral surface uniformly so as to improve the quality of coating and to lengthen the life of the rotary atomizing head. An inner peripheral surface 67 diametrically expanded from the center of the rotary atomizing head to a peripheral edge 61b is formed and centrifugal force generated by the rotation is applied on the paint supplied to the inner peripheral surface 67 so as to discharge the paint outside atomizingly. A step part 68 is formed at the middle portion of the inner peripheral surface 67 between paint supply holes 65d, supplying paint or solvent to the inner peripheral surface 67, and the peripheral edge 61b of the inner peripheral surface 67.
US07726583B2
An indoor unit has first, second indoor side terminals to which first, second interconnection lines respectively, are connected at their one end, a third indoor side terminal to which a third interconnection line is connected at its one end, a relay with one end connected to the second indoor side terminal and another end connected to the third indoor side terminal, and a CPU. The outdoor unit has first, second outdoor side terminals as outdoor side power-receiving terminals to which the first, second interconnection lines, respectively, are connected at their other end, a third outdoor side terminal to which the third interconnection line is connected at its other end, and an outdoor control section to which electric power is supplied via the first, third outdoor side terminals. The CPU of the indoor unit turns off the switch part in the standby state.
US07726575B2
There is provided in one embodiment an indicia reading terminal that can execute a spatial measurement mode of operation in which the indicia reading terminal can determine a dimension of an article in a field of view of the indicia reading terminal and/or determine other spatial information. In determining a dimension of an article, an indicia reading terminal can utilize setup data determined in a setup mode of operation and/or data determined utilizing the setup data.
US07726573B2
The disclosed bar code reader includes an auto-focusing component for rapidly producing in focus images. An imaging system makes use of an aiming pattern that impinges upon the coded indicia of a target. The imaging system includes a light monitoring pixel array and a focusing lens that is fixed with respect to the pixel array for transmitting an image of the target object onto the pixel array. The imaging system also includes a movable mirror mounted for movement along a path of travel to reflect light passing through the focusing lens onto the pixel array. A drive motor moves the mirror relative the lens to adjust a focus of an image of the object formed at the pixel array. An automatic focusing component of the imaging system analyzes the aiming pattern reflected from the target object and projected onto the pixel array by the lens. The automatic focusing component issues commands to the drive motor causing the mirror to move along its path of travel to a suitable position for properly focusing the target object onto the pixel array.
US07726570B2
The present invention discloses a method for producing graphical indicators and interactive systems for utilizing the graphical indicators. On the surface of an object, visually negligible graphical indicators are provided. The graphical indicators and main information, i.e. text or pictures, co-exist on the surface of object. The graphical indicators do not interfere with the main information when the perception of human eyes are concerned. With the graphical indicators, further information other than the main information on the surface of object are carried. In addition to the main information on the surface of object, one is able to obtain additional information through an auxiliary electronic device or trigger an interactive operation.
US07726569B2
An image reading apparatus comprises: a photoelectric converter that converts image data into an electric signal and outputs the image data; a clock controller that generates a plurality of sampling signals having different phases to sample a level of an output signal of the photoelectric converter; a phase determination unit that compares signal levels in a sampling order, each of the signals obtained by sampling, using a respective sampling signal, the output signal of the photoelectric converter, so as to determine an optimum phase of the plurality of the sampling signals when a condition is fulfilled in which an absolute value of a variation between signal levels being compared is less than a threshold value; a storage unit in which the optimum phase is stored; and a sampling unit that samples the output signal of the photoelectric converter using the sampling signal having the optimum phase.
US07726564B2
A medical instrument identification system for identifying a medical instrument from a plurality of medical instruments includes at least one optical sensor for detecting features of the at least one medical instrument, and a data processing device operatively coupled to the at least one optical sensor. The data processing device is operative to use videometric pattern recognition to identify the at least one medical instrument based on the detected features, wherein the optical sensor and the data processing device are assigned to a medical instrument tracking system.
US07726561B2
A system and method for reconciling a payment to a merchant (e.g., from a credit card issuer or processor) with a set of credit card transactions corresponding to the payment. A reconciliation facilitator assigns unique transaction IDs to credit card transactions submitted by the merchant. The reconciliation facilitator issues authorization requests for some or all of the transactions, and also submits a settlement request for authorized transactions, wherein one or both types of requests include the unique transaction IDs of the associated transactions. When a set of transactions is settled, their unique IDs are received as part of the settlement data, and the reconciliation facilitator can identify the settled transactions to the merchant (e.g., through his accounting or point-of-sale software).
US07726551B2
A folding closure that is foldable to a closed orientation having a pair of gabled lid sections oriented to be linearly aligned and abutting one another in an end-to-end relationship and a pair of lateral lid sections oriented to be linearly aligned with one another and abutting opposite sides of the gabled lid sections.
US07726549B2
A box formed from a single piece of cardboard or the like having an internal panel defining within the box an internal pocket for housing an extractable leaflet or the like, this internal panel being situated in proximity to that box main panel which is parallel to but distinct from that from which the box lid extends.
US07726545B2
A flip chip mounting process or a bump-forming process according to the present invention is characterized in that electrically-conductive particles are fixed on electrodes formed on an electronic component. A composition comprising solder powder, a convection additive and a resin component is supplied onto a surface of the electronic component, the surface is provided with the electrodes. The supplied composition is heated up to a temperature enabling the solder powder to melt. As a result, the convection additive boils or is decomposed so as to generate a gas. The generated gas produces a convection phenomenon within the supplied composition. Since the convection phenomenon promotes the movement of the solder powder, the solder powder can move freely within the composition. The electrically-conductive particles serve as nuclei for the solder powder to self-assemble and grow. As a result, the molten solder powder is allowed to self-assemble and grow in the vicinity of the electrically-conductive particles, which leads to a formation of connections or bumps.
US07726540B2
An apparatus is provided for arranging for processing a semiconductor device having surface components on its surface. A device support comprising a set of protrusions for contacting a surface of the semiconductor device supports the semiconductor device on a plane. The protrusions are arranged and positioned such that they avoid contact with the surface components on the surface. In order to grip the semiconductor device supported on the plane, a clamping device having a first set of clamps is configured for gripping the semiconductor device along a first axis and a second set of clamps is configured for gripping the semiconductor device along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.
US07726535B2
A stapler for stapling together a workpiece, primarily a sheaf of papers, in which the stapler comprises a stapling unit and an anvil, which interacts with the stapling unit and on which the workpiece is placed, and against which stapling is performed, which stapling unit and an anvil are, driven relative to each other in a reciprocating stapling movement, during which movement stapling takes place, the stapling unit comprises a frame and a staple cassette which houses staple blanks and which is exchangeable, and which is detachably connected to the frame by attachment devices, and the staple blanks are fed one by one to an outlet channel by a feeding device incorporated in the stapler.
US07726528B2
A bicycle carrier, including a rack and a fork mount. The rack includes cross bars for mounting on a vehicle. The fork mount includes a head portion adapted to selectively clamp the fork mount to one of the cross bars, and a skewer assembly adapted to selectively secure forks of a bicycle to the head portion. The skewer assembly includes a skewer bolt, an actuator handle that is moveable between a first position and a second position, and an adjustment member threaded onto an end of the skewer bolt that permits longitudinal adjustment of the skewer assembly to accommodate different fork dimensions. The adjustment member is accessible when the actuator handle is in the first position, but is covered by the actuator handle when the actuator handle is in the second position.
US07726527B2
A center console includes a storage bin and a pair of hook members coupled to respective opposing walls of the bin for supporting hanging files in a substantially upright manner within the bin.
US07726522B2
A dispenser for discharging media, particularly liquids, foams and pastes is proposed and whose dispenser casing is secured against dismantling. A securing section is provided which is engaged on the pump casing separately from a functional section. The securing section is connected by positive or frictional engagement with the functional section and in the joined state limits a first locking profiling provided on the functional section with regards to its elastic resilience, so that a second locking profiling provided on the pump casing and corresponding with the locking profiling of the functional section can no longer be overcome for dismantling purposes.
US07726521B2
A liquid dispenser includes a body having an inner cavity for containing liquid, and an aperture providing access to the inner cavity. A push pump is fitted within the aperture. At least one height adjustable mount is connected to the body for releasably attaching the body to a surface. Preferably the body is conformingly shaped. An adapter can connect the liquid dispenser to a liquid container for filling the liquid dispenser.
US07726515B2
An aesthetically pleasing and disposable tissue roll dispenser is disclosed. The tissue roll dispenser may be made from, for instance, a lightweight paperboard and may contain various design elements on the exterior surface. The tissue roll dispenser may contain at least one vertically stacked column of tissue rolls that are gravity fed through the dispenser. For instance, the dispenser may include an opening towards the base of the dispenser for dispensing the tissue rolls. In one embodiment, the opening may be covered by a plastic film that defines a slit. The slit may have a size sufficient to allow the tissue rolls to be dispensed therethrough. The plastic film may be used to protect the tissue rolls from dust, dirt and wetness.
US07726509B2
A container includes a bowl having a bowl interior space for holding solid material and a bowl opening for accessing the interior space of the bowl from an exterior of the bowl. The container also includes a bowl support having a bowl support interior space within which the bowl is located and a bowl support opening for accessing the interior space of the bowl support from an exterior of the container. The bowl is biased toward an upright orientation of the bowl independent of the rotational orientation of the bowl support. The bowl support opening overlies the bowl opening when both the bowl and the bowl support are in respective upright orientations, and the bowl support covers the bowl openings when the bowl support is tilted.
US07726502B2
A collapsible container includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. At least one wall has a support pivotably and slidably mounted to an upper end portion thereof. The support is pivotable between a support position where it is partially supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the wall can be pivoted downward onto the base, with a portion of the support passing through a channel formed on the interior of the adjacent wall. As the wall is pivoted to the upright position, the support is automatically deployed into the support position by its engagement with the channel.
US07726501B2
A three-dimensional frame structure or support structure for transporting and/or storing at least one object, which has a multitude of support elements, which are or can be joined to one another and extend at least along the outer edges of the frame structure or support structure while defining it. Each support element is made of a multilayered composite of tightly packed sheets or boards made of a corrugated paper or cardboard material, particularly corrugated board. A method for easily and rapidly producing a three-dimensional frame structure or support structure of the aforementioned type.
US07726498B2
It is the object of the present invention to provide a sealed container which comprises a container comprising a thermoplastic resin and a stopper which is hardly slackening even when used in combination with the container, and a vacuum specimen-sampling container comprising the sealed container.The present invention is a sealed container, which comprises a container with an end being closed and the other end being open, comprising a thermoplastic resin, and a stopper being detachable and capable of sealing the open end of the container, the stopper having a head portion capable of being grasped, a leg portion A being extended downward from the head portion, being along an internal wall surface of the open end of the container, and being capable of exerting a fitting force to the internal wall surface, and a leg portion B being extended downward from the head portion, being along an external wall surface of the open end of the container, and being capable of exerting a fitting force to the external wall surface, and at least a portion of the leg portion B of the stopper contacting with the container and at least a portion of the container contacting with the leg portion A of the stopper having a deflection temperature under load of 60° C. or more under a load of 0.45 MPa or 0.46 MPa.
US07726495B1
An award rack includes a strip of material. The strip of material includes an offset portion formed on each end. A fastener opening is formed through each offset portion. A substantial middle portion is created between the two offset portions. The award rack is attached to a flat surface with fasteners. A second embodiment of the award rack includes a strip of material, a pair of strap holders and a pair of straps. The pair of strap holders are attached to the strip of material and a pair of strap holders retain the pair of straps. A third embodiment of the award rack preferably includes a shelf, a first rack, a second and at least one figurine. The third embodiment of the award rack is preferably formed from a single plate. A fourth embodiment of the award rack includes at least two bar hangers and at least one notched bar.
US07726486B2
A package 12 comprises a top panel 14 and a bottom panel 18, which are partially or totally laminated with tear resistance material for enhancing the structural integrity of the package 12. Severance lines form at least one front panel 30 and at least one back panel 44. The front panel 30 includes a tear notch 42a and at least one aperture 32. The back panel 44 includes a severance line 54. In one embodiment the panels 14, 18, 30, 44 are folded and attached, to form at least one trap door 58, and encapsulating at least one blister 34 holding an item. The trap door 58 is releasably attached within the top panel 14 and bottom panel 18. To gain access to a blister 34, a trap door 58 is at least partially detached along the severance lines 36, 48, and pushed out to access the tear notch 46. A portion of the trap door 58 is torn, at tear notch 46 and along the severance line 54, to access the item.
US07726466B2
The invention concerns a conveyor belt scraper (10) which includes blade segments (12) each arranged to scrape a portion of the width of a conveyor belt (22). Each blade segment is supported by a bracket (14) which is mounted to a link (16.1) of a deformable, parallelogram linkage (16). An inflatable hose (30) extends through and acts on the linkages to urge the blade segments against the conveyor belt. The link has a projecting, holed boss (42) and the bracket has a recess (40.3) to receive the boss with the hole of the boss aligned with a hole in the base of the recess to receive a fastener (50) that connects the bracket to the linkage in thermally transmitting relationship. This relationship reduces heat degradation of components of the scraper.
US07726462B2
Described herein is a method and a unit for the formation of groups of products in a machine for continuous packaging of products, according to which at least two continuous rows of products are fed via two conveyor devices set in series with respect to one another along a first given path and in contact with at least one alignment element, which is set transverse to the first path and in front of the rows of products to align the rows themselves with respect to one another, and is displaced along a second, loop-like, path defined by two portions, along which the alignment element is set on the inside and on the outside, respectively, of the first path.
US07726452B2
An active vibration damping system having a supporting spring for addressing a static force from a payload, and an independent actively isolated damper positioned in parallel between a payload and a source of vibration for damping dynamic force from the payload to an actively isolated point. The actively isolated damper includes a small intermediate mass, distinct and decoupled from the payload mass, and a passive isolator element for dynamic coupling of the isolated platform to the small intermediate mass. The small intermediate mass provides a point to which dynamic forces from the payload may be dampened. The active damper also includes at least one actuator coupled at one surface to the small intermediate mass and coupled at a second surface to the vibrating base platform. A motion sensor may also be provided on the small intermediate mass so as to generate a feedback signal as a function of the movement of the small intermediate mass. The motion sensor together with a compensation/amplifier module and the actuator act as part of a feedback compensation loop for minimizing vibration.
