US07769451B2
In some embodiments, a method for optimizing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may include one or more of the following steps: (a) conducting a baseline measurement of a physical parameter of a patient before initiating CRT, (b) performing an implantation process including implanting a pacing device and pacing leads in the patient, the pacing device and pacing leads for providing the CRT, (c) initiating CRT on the patient, (d) measuring the physical parameter of the patient after initiation of the CRT, (e) comparing the measured physical parameter after initiation of the CRT to the baseline measure of the physical parameter to analyze the patient's response to the CRT, (f) adjusting the CRT during the implantation process to try and improve the patient's response to the CRT, and (g) repositioning at least one of the patient leads during the implantation process to try and improve the patient's response to the CRT.
US07769446B2
Various aspects relate to a device which, in various embodiments, comprises a header, a neural stimulator, a detector and a controller. The header includes at least one port to connect to at least one lead, and includes first and second channels for use to provide neural stimulation to first and second neural stimulation sites for a heart. The controller is connected to the detector and the neural stimulator to selectively deliver a therapy based on the feedback signal. A first therapy signal is delivered to the first neural stimulation site to selectively control contractility and a second therapy signal is delivered to the second neural stimulation site to selectively control one of a sinus rate and an AV conduction. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US07769443B2
An implantable spool is used for spooling the excess wiring associated with a lead that extends between at least one electrode and a pulse generator of an electrical stimulation implant system. The present invention also has application to providing a spool for coiling tubing of an implantable drug delivery system. Embodiments of the invention include a method of implanting an implantable system in a body, wherein the implantable system includes a source unit and an elongated member. A method of assembling an implantable system is also described.
US07769434B2
In a method of analyzing patient physiological data, the data is subjected to principal component analysis and compared to a model physiological data principal component analysis. The comparison is used to identify correlations present in the morphology of the patient physiological data. The present invention further includes determining a confidence interval for the detection of a morphological feature and utilizing this confidence interval for improving the quality of the detection of morphological features of the patient physiological data, including automated morphological feature identification.
US07769416B2
A system and a method for implementing an energy-efficient multimedia messaging system to improve mobile device usability and maximize mobile device battery life. The disclosed system includes a hierarchical messaging system for multimedia content leveraging short message service (SMS), an embedded system-based new interface device, and the Internet capability of mobile network access devices which support programmatic control for a power optimization policy. This system reduces energy overhead in network access devices and improves the usability of the multimedia messaging service.
US07769415B2
The invention provides a system and method for controlling operation of a communication device. The communication device comprises: a casing for housing a display and a keyboard; and a microprocessor controlling aspects of the keyboard and display. The invention provides a power application operating on the microprocessor. The application monitors activation cycles of the device, stores activation data related to the activation cycles and identifies a new activation cycle for the device utilizing an activation pattern derived from the activation data.
US07769402B2
A method and apparatus for providing adaptive bearer configuration for MBMS delivery is disclosed. A first aspect of the present disclosure is a method of operating a wireless infrastructure entity (103) wherein a plurality of common radio resources (303) are allocated for receiving combined responses from a plurality of mobile stations (109). A request message, similar to a request for counting, is broadcast to all mobile stations (109) within a coverage area (105) and may indicate a range, for example a signal-to-noise-and-interference ratio range. Mobile stations (109) responding to the request, use specific resources (303) corresponding to respective range values. The infrastructure (103) may use the received information to determine a modulation and coding scheme for PTM broadcast. The total number of responses to the request message may be limited by providing a probability factor within the request message.
US07769396B2
A location beacon database and server, method of building location beacon database, and location based service using same. Wi-Fi access points are located in a target geographical area to build a reference database of locations of Wi-Fi access points. At least one vehicle is deployed including at least one scanning device having a GPS device and a Wi-Fi radio device and including a Wi-Fi antenna system. The target area is traversed in a programmatic route to avoid arterial bias. The programmatic route includes substantially all drivable streets in the target geographical area and solves an Eulerian cycle problem of a graph represented by said drivable streets. While traversing the target area, periodically receive the GPS coordinates of the GPS device. While traversing the target area, detecting Wi-Fi signals from Wi-Fi access points in range of the Wi-Fi device and recording identity information of the detected Wi-Fi access point in conjunction with GPS location information of the vehicle when the detection of the Wi-Fi access point was made. The location information is used to reverse triangulate the position of the detected Wi-Fi access point; and the position of the detected access point is recorded in a reference database.
US07769382B2
The present invention discloses a method of interworking between different radio access networks. In this method, a radio transceiver device capable of operating with the first radio access network and the second radio access network is attached to the first radio access network. The method comprises the steps of detecting a service request, accessing information on conditions for the first and the second radio access network for giving sufficient support for a service requested by the service request, analysing whether or not the first radio access network and the second radio access network meets the conditions, and initiating a handover of the radio transceiver device from the first radio access network to the second radio access network if the second radio access network meets the conditions but the first radio access network does not. Thus, the method according to the present invention serves to support dual mode mobile stations and networks in such a way that the correct radio access which sufficiently supports a requested service is automatically obtained.
US07769379B2
A method and system provides support of unlicensed mobile access to a core network. A mobile terminal and a network controller also provides for unlicensed mobile access which are configured therefore.
US07769375B2
An integrated communication system includes a satellite portion and a terrestrial portion. A plurality of timeslots are allocated for transmission and reception of data by the various components of the satellite portion and terrestrial portion. The allocation of timeslots to the satellite portion and the terrestrial portion may be predetermined or dynamically allocated based on traffic loads, time of day, day of week, and the like. Communication may be accomplished on a single frequency with the appropriate allocation of timeslots. The system includes delay compensation to accommodate signal processing delays and signal propagation delays. For example, a satellite may be instructed to terminate transmission prior to the end of its allocated timeslot to permit the signal from the satellite to propagate to its intended destination within the allocated timeslot to thereby avoid spillover into the next timeslot. This avoids interference between various elements of the communication system.
US07769366B2
A system of exchanging and managing information includes a mobile device configured to automatically insert, exchange and update a caller's contact information into a user's phonebook. The phonebook can reside on either the UICC card, SIM, USIM, Mega SIM, any other smart card or an integrated chip, on the mobile device or on a remote server. The automatic insert and/or automatic exchange mechanism is triggered when a call is made between two people on mobile phones or other devices.
US07769365B2
Disclosed are methods and telephone book interfaces for a navigable telephone book of a mobile communication device. A method includes storing telephone book entries of the navigable telephone book of the mobile communication device, a subset of the telephone book entries being conforming names. The telephone book entries include conforming names to form a retrieved list of conforming names so that they may be accessed by at least one of a fine scrolling control and a coarse scrolling control. A truncated list of conforming names is displayed on the display screen so that a plurality of telephone book entries of the same name are undivided on a display screen, if the retrieved list of conforming names would otherwise span more than one page length of the display. Names are consolidated on the display screen if the consolidated list of conforming names fills at least one page length of the display.
US07769363B2
A multimedia display process executing in a mobile device traps user input signals to allow switching from display of multimedia to another task without requiring manual termination of the multimedia display process by the user.
US07769359B2
An adaptive wireless receiver and method thereof is disclosed in the present invention. The receiver includes an antenna, a bandpass filter, a front-end unit and a demodulator. Elements inside the front-end unit can be reused when the receiver operates in a zero intermediate frequency (ZIF) mode and in a low intermediate frequency (LIF) mode. The front-end unit includes a first and second down-conversion mixer, an analog filter, a first and second analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a digital filter.
US07769354B2
A housing assembly (100), used, e.g., in a mobile device (300), includes a housing body (10) and a display unit (20). The housing body a view opening (110). The display unit is received in the view opening and is configured for providing information and/or graphics. The housing body moldingly receives the view lens therein, via an injection molding process.
US07769348B2
The invention includes a method for a wireless connection of a wireless portable device 10 to a selected wireless device 10a in a group of nearby wireless devices 10a-10c, which device 10 is provided with a short-range-unit 50 for a wireless communication with said group of nearby devices 10a-10c, a substantially omnidirectional antenna 52 connected to said short-range-unit 50 for a substantially omnidirectional communication, and at least one directional communication device 54, 24 for a directional communication, which method includes the steps of: activating the directional communication device 54, 24; directing the directional communication device 54, 24 towards a nearby device 10a; connecting the portable device 10 to the selected device 10a using the directional communication device 54, 24; communicating with the selected device 10a via said substantially omnidirectional antenna 52 after said connecting.
US07769345B2
A portable electronic device that includes an antenna and at least one of a transmitter or a receiver connected to the antenna for transferring information between the portable electronic device and a corresponding device via the antenna. The corresponding device includes a visual indicator indicative of a location of an antenna of the corresponding device. The portable electronic device further includes an imaging device for obtaining an image of the visual indicator, an image analyzer for determining a location of the portable electronic device antenna relative to that of the corresponding device based on the image, a direction analyzer for determining a movement direction of the portable electronic device that would reduce an alignment offset between the antennas, and a directional indicator for indicating the movement direction to a user of the portable electronic device.
US07769335B2
A fixing apparatus according to the present invention ensures a nip width larger than a certain value by a heating roller which has a thin film metal conductive layer, and a foamed rubber layer which is bonded to the end part of the metal conductive layer, formed with a gap in a center part, and not bonded to the metal conductive layer.
US07769331B2
A fuser assembly for an electrophotographic device includes a tubular roller, a pressing member, a pressing roller, and a heater. The pressing member is disposed in the tubular roller, and includes a tubular part that has a flat surface. The pressing roller presses the tubular roller against the flat surface of the tubular part of the pressing member. The heater is disposed in the tubular part of the pressing member.
US07769330B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, an image bearing belt, a first roller to support the image bearing belt, a second roller located away from the first roller in a horizontal direction in a lower place than the first roller to support and drive the image bearing belt, wherein the image bearing belt is inclined between the first roller and the second roller, a third roller located above the second roller to support the image bearing belt, wherein a plane of the image bearing belt formed between the second roller and the third roller is approximately vertical, a conveyance path configured to convey a recording material along the image bearing belt between the second roller and the third roller, and a transfer unit configured to transfer a toner image on the image bearing belt onto the recording material conveyed to the conveyance path.
US07769327B2
A developing device includes a developing roller and a blade. The developing roller includes: a developing sleeve which rotates while holding two-component developer composed of toner and magnetic carrier on the outer surface having a plurality of grooves extending in parallel to an axis of the rotation; and a magnetic member, provided inside the developing sleeve in such a manner as to be unrotatable, for attracting the two-component developer onto the outer surface of the developing sleeve. The blade is provided outside the rotating sleeve with a gap from the outer surface of the developing sleeve for scraping off a part of the two-component developer on the outer surface of the developing sleeve. Also, the magnetic member includes a magnet for controlling magnetic flux density in the gap to range from 70 mT to 150 mT. This allows preventing image degradation caused by generation of development memory.
US07769324B2
An image forming apparatus has a plurality of image carriers, a common drive source which drives the plurality of image carriers and a drive shaft that is connected to and driven by the drive source. It also has a plurality of worm gears that are provided corresponding to the plurality of image carriers and are formed coaxially with the drive shaft, and a plurality of worm wheels that are respectively meshed with the respective worm gears and respectively transmit drive forces of the worm gears to the image carriers. The plurality of worm gears are made of a resin material, and the worm gears and the worm wheels drive the plurality of image carries by making use of the elastic deformation of the worm gears when the worm gears and the worm wheels are respectively meshed with each other.
US07769322B2
An image reading apparatus includes an image reading unit, a compression spring unit, a braking unit, and a switching unit. The compression spring unit serves as an opening and closing mechanism for the image reading unit. The braking unit brakes the opening and closing movement of the image reading unit. The switching unit transmits the rotation of the image reading unit to the braking unit when the image reading unit closes, but does not transmit the rotation of the image reading unit to the braking unit when the image reading unit opens.
US07769320B2
A pressing member applies a pressing force to a trailing end in a direction which intersects a predetermined reference direction, allowing the pressing force to have both a first component in the predetermined reference direction and a second component perpendicular to the predetermined reference direction. A trailing end is pressed in the predetermined reference direction by the first component. In the mounted state, the leading end is in contact with the reference member at two contact surfaces including a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The first contact surface defines a first positioning direction being perpendicular to the first contact surface and intersecting the predetermined reference direction. The second contact surface defines a second positioning direction being perpendicular to the second contact surface and intersecting both the predetermined reference direction and the first positioning direction, allowing the photosensitive-member unit to be positioned with respect to the main body.
US07769317B2
A developing device includes: a housing having an opening; a sheet member provided on the housing and sealing the opening when not used, the sheet member including a forward part and a backward part, the forward part extending from a base end to a folded part, and the backward part extending in the one direction from the folded part to a free end as a top end of the sheet member; and a press unit pressing the backward part of the sheet member toward the forward part when not used, wherein the housing has a guide hole formed in a position where the backward part gradually separates off from the forward part and from the folded part to the free end, the backward part being inserted into the guide hole when not used, and the sheet member being guided by the guide hole when the sheet member is pulled out.
US07769315B2
A cleaning device includes a pair of bilateral cleaning members arranged with an interval in a length direction of a wire rod, an intermediate cleaning member located on an opposite side of the pair of bilateral cleaning members via the wire rod and arranged at an intermediate position between the bilateral cleaning members in the length direction of the wire rod, a wire rod contact unit that controls at least one of the plurality of cleaning members so that the plurality of cleaning members contacts with or separates away from the wire rod, and a cleaning movement unit which moves the plurality of cleaning members along the length direction of the wire rod in the state where the plurality of cleaning members are in contact with the wire rod by the wire rod contact unit.
US07769306B2
Data may be obtained in the form of a printer control density table from a memory within a replacement toner cartridge. The cartridge may include parity bits to ensure the accuracy of the data.
US07769305B1
In a coherent optical receiver, a frequency domain engine digitally processes at least two multi-bit sample streams of a received optical signal. The frequency domain engine includes a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) filter for computing a complex vector representative of a frequency-domain spectrum of the received optical signal. A transpose and add block computes a vector sum of the complex vector and a transposed version of the complex vector, and an Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) filter computes a complex output vector from the addition result. With this arrangement, parallel real filter operations are efficiently performed on each of the multi-bit sample streams, using a single back-to-back FFT-IFFT filter structure.
US07769297B2
The invention relates to a transceiver optical system in which a single serializer/deserializer (SERDES) chip is used to drive a plurality of transceiver modules.
US07769295B2
A micro-optic dual beam-splitter assembly comprises at least two beam-splitter optical filters and at least one photoreceptor. Each of the beam-splitter optical filters comprises an optical substrate having at least a coated or uncoated optical tap surface and a filter surface carrying a thin-film optical filter. The thin-film optical filters are substantially normal to the optical path from an optical signal source. Each of the optical tap surfaces is operative as an optical beam splitter to tap off an optical tap signal. The one or more photoreceptors are arranged to receive both or at least one of the optical tap signals. The tap signals comprise a portion of the optical signals passed along the optical path to the optical filter chips. The filter chips are cooperatively transmissive to an optical signal output port of a selected set of wavelengths received from the optical signal source along the optical path, and are reflective of other wavelengths. Each of the one or more photoreceptors are operative to pass tap signals to a corresponding tap signal output port, either as optical or electrical signals. Various different embodiments of the disclosed micro-optic dual beam-splitter assemblies are useful as TOSAs, ROSAs, gain-flattening filters for optical amplifiers, or other applications.
US07769293B2
An apparatus and method for effectively transmitting a packet data and a control data of path information about the packet data in an optical packet data switching network. The method includes grouping a plurality of wavelengths into at least two wavelength bandwidths, each wavelength bandwidth being composed of neighboring wavelengths, and transmitting the optical packet data and the control data with wavelengths of different wavelength bandwidths respectively. Since the wavelength to transmit the optical packet data and the wavelength to transmit the control data has a difference from each other, a node receiving optical data easily divides the packet data and the control data.
US07769272B2
The recording medium has a data structure for managing reproduction of data recorded on the recording medium. A navigation area of the recording medium stores at least one navigation file, which includes navigation commands for managing reproduction of at least video data forming a main reproduction path and a side reproduction path. The side reproduction path is a side path to the main reproduction path.
US07769267B2
The present method and kit provide for effective and efficient patching of fiber optic cables. The kit comprises mechanical fiber optic splicers, a fiber optic patch, a splice housing, and a protective housing. The mechanical fiber optic splicers can be used to splice the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic patch. The mechanical fiber optic splicers, the fiber optic patch, and a portion of the fiber optic cable can be enclosed within the splice housing. The splice housing can then be enclosed within a protective housing.
US07769263B1
An optical fiber comprising: (i) a core; (ii) a cladding surrounding the core; wherein the cladding comprises a cladding ring that: (a) has a width W equal to or less than 10 microns; (b) includes at least 50 airlines, each airline having a maximum diameter or a maximum width of not more than 2 microns and more than 50% of said airlines have a length of more than 20 m; (c) has an air fill fraction of 0.1% to 10%, and (d) has an inner radius Rin and an outer radius Rout, wherein 6 μm≦Rin≦14 μm, and 8 μm≦Rout≦14 μm; and (iii) an outer cladding surrounding said cladding ring.
US07769259B1
A method of operating an optical device includes inserting a light signal into a waveguide positioned on a base. A light sensor is positioned on the base and is configured to receive the light signal after the light signal exits from the waveguide. The method also includes elevating the light signal relative to the base before the light signal enters the light sensor. The light signal is elevated such that the light signal enters the light-absorbing medium in a position that is elevated above the position where the light signal would enter the light-absorbing medium if the light-absorbing medium received the entire light signal directly from the waveguide.
US07769258B2
An optical element may include a first diffractive structure having a radially symmetric amplitude function and a second diffractive structure having a phase function. The second diffractive structure may serve as a vortex lens. A system employing the optical element may include a light source and/or a detector.
US07769257B2
A signal speed converting apparatus to be connected to a WDM transmission end office, comprising a first interface connected to a first optical line group, a plurality of second interfaces connected to a second optical line group, and a speed converter. The first interface has a first framer for terminating a frame in a first format received from the first optical line group and outputting an information signal extracted from the received frames as a serial signal train or parallel signal trains. The speed converter converts the output signal from the first framer into transmission signal trains each including interleaved communication frame by cyclically distributing the output signal from the first framer to a plurality of internal lines. Each of the second interfaces has a second framer for converting the communication frame received from one of the internal lines into information frame in a second format to be transmitted to the second optical line group. Management information inserting units are located between the first and second interfaces in order to insert management information to be communicated with an opposite apparatus into the transmission signal trains on the internal lines.
US07769253B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic circuit device capable of reducing the occurrence of electromagnetic waves associated with the propagation of a signal by utilizing light as a signal. The electronic circuit device has a transparent substrate (hereinafter written as a substrate) over which an optical sensor and an optical shutter and an electronic circuit composed of thin film transistors (TFTs) are formed. An optical signal is inputted from an external into the electronic circuit device, the optical signal is directly irradiated on the optical sensor over the substrate, and penetrates through the substrate, and inputted into an optical sensor over another substrate. The optical sensor converts the optical signal into an electronic signal, and the circuit over the substrate operates. A control signal controls the optical shutter, a light is inputted from the external into this optical shutter, and whether it is transmitted or it is interrupted is determined, whereby the signal is taken out.
US07769252B2
Methods and apparatus for distributed temperature sensing (DTS) include marking one or more points at known locations along a waveguide or fiber of a distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system and applying position information from such marked locations to DTS measurements. A Bragg grating in the waveguide or fiber may provide a discrete marker for identification of the position information. Application of the position information from such marked locations to the DTS measurements avoids ambiguous interpretations of other inherent features to assess location and enables data analysis referenced by the known locations to correlate the DTS measurements in space.
US07769244B2
A method, system, and computer program for automatic restoration of digital film and video frames, by operation of a sequence of five main interactive computer program blocks, mainly separating moving objects from still objects, separating smooth texture from regions containing edges using the coherency map, and detecting and removing defects to provide restored frames using a pair of frames as reference frames for each processed frame.
US07769235B2
The present invention discloses a method of character and text recognition of a bit-mapped graphic file received from an optical scanning device. The method comprises a trainable template cache, a preliminarily trained feature analysis means, and a context analysis means. The present invention discloses the way to use said means for achieving the best results in recognition. The method supposes that the template cache along with the context analysis means are used as the main shape characteristic analyzing means. The feature analysis means along with the context analysis means are used as subsidiary shape characteristic analyzing means and as a training means for the template cache. The method comprises applying the main shape characteristic analyzing means and optionally applying the subsidiary shape characteristic analyzing means if no or not enough reliability of recognition is achieved after the template cache analyzing. The obtained results are analyzed and sent to the template cache for template training.
US07769226B2
A color image of an inspection object is taken by an imaging means capable of taking a color image to obtain color information of an RGB color space. A gray-scale image of a color component of the RGB color space or another color space is generated, and the inspection object is detected by a pattern recognition technique. Alternatively, a binary image is generated from the generated gray-scale image, and the inspection object is detected by performing pattern recognition on the binary image. Color data of a pixel occupied by the detected inspection object is compared with color data of a non-defective inspection object which is previously prepared to judge whether or not the inspection object is defective. In addition, this judgment result is reflected in another manufacturing step through a network and product quality is improved.
US07769217B2
A method for performing accurate iterative reconstruction of three dimensional image data sets based on Approximate Discrete Radon Transformation (ADRT) using two dimensional linograms for each of a plurality of defined planes tilted from the (x, y, 0) plane by a tilt angle and orientation angle. Image data is arranged with respect to the defined tilted planes ADRT and its inverse are implemented to provide exactly matched forward and backward projectors suitable for the Maximum-Likelihood Expectation-Maximization (ML-EM) reconstruction in PET. An EM reconstruction algorithm is accomplished by initializing an estimation image.
US07769205B2
The present invention comprises a method and an apparatus for three dimensional modeling to allow dense depth maps to be recovered, without previous knowledge of the surface reflectance, from only a single pair of stereo images. Several initial steps are performed for stereo and radiometric calibration and rectification for obtaining accurate results. The apparatus for the stereo images acquisition includes internal light sources, these are automatically commuted by a illumination control in order to fulfill the reciprocity property, a stereo camera head composed by the necessary optics to acquire the reciprocal stereo images and a compatible PC interface. The invention is faster than other systems since it requires only two images for obtaining a dense depth model of objects with an arbitrary surface reflectance distribution allowing the system to be used in a wide range of applications such as metrology, quality control, medical and dynamic three dimensional modeling.
US07769195B2
A microphone connector module includes a microphone with a receiving face and a contacting face, a body defining a cavity to receive the microphone, a pair of terminals fixed in the body and connecting with the microphone and an external printed circuit board and a casing including a basic portion and a front portion. The basic portion of the casing defines a housing to receive the body. The front portion of the casing defines a voice channel approximately perpendicularly communicating with the housing of the basic portion. The receiving face of the microphone approximately perpendicularly faces to the voice channel and only receives the acoustic waves of single frequency at a time, which avoids the influence of a mixed transformation of the acoustic waves of different frequency to electric signals and enhances the receiving effect of the microphone.
US07769182B2
A method for defining an index of a match between a content of two audio sources, comprising: sampling audio from a first source and a second source generating a first and second set of samples; selecting a sequential number of samples N belonging to the first set of samples and N samples belonging to the second set; transferring the first and second sequences of N samples to the frequency domain, generating a first and second sequences of N/2 frequency intervals; for the first sequence, calculating the sign of the derivative; for the second sequence, calculating the sign and the absolute value of the derivative, and a total sum of the absolute values of the derivative and a partial sum of the absolute values of the derivative; the ratio between the partial sum and the total sum being an index of the match of the audio sources.
US07769180B2
A method and circuit for deriving a set of multichannel audio signals from a conventional monaural or stereo audio signal uses an auxiliary multichannel spectral mapping data stream. Audio can be played back in stereo and multichannel formats from a conventional stereo signal on compact discs, FM radio, or other stereo or monaural delivery systems. The invention reduces the data rate needed for the transmission of multichannel digital audio.
US07769177B2
A method of digital rights management for a broadcast-multicast service, the method comprising receiving a request from a terminal to join a service domain having a common group key; transmitting encryption of one or more service encryption keys using the common group key to the terminal that requested to join; and allowing the terminal to share the same contents and the same services with one or more other devices within the service domain.
US07769147B1
A telephony-based messaging system application is built for use by a particular customer. The application is stored on a computer readable medium and includes a set of modules, where each module comprises call flows, code and a Customization List. The Customization List includes one or more tables each having a list of names and a modifiable list of corresponding DTMF signal identifiers. With this architecture, the particular customer is permitted to change the mapping between caller-entered DTMF signals and the corresponding actions taken by the messaging system by modifying the list of DTMF signal identifiers, i.e., without modifying the call flows or code.
US07769138B2
The x-ray tube is energized (12) and the myocardium is imaged (16) while contrast agent is infused to the coronary arteries of the subject (14). Single photon counting data acquired with the detector while two thresholds are set to form simultaneously low energy images and high energy images (16). The images are processed (18) and displayed (20).
US07769133B2
A readily relocatable X-ray imaging system for inspecting the contents of vehicles and containers, and a method for using the same. In a preferred embodiment, the system is relatively small in size, and is used for inspecting commercial vehicles, cargo containers, and other large objects. The X-ray imaging, system comprises a substantially arch-shaped collapsible frame having an X-ray source and detectors disposed thereon. The frame is preferably collapsible via a plurality of hinges disposed thereon. A deployment means may be attached to the frame for deploying the frame into an X-ray imaging position, and for collapsing the frame into a transport position.The collapsible X-ray frame may remain stationary during X-ray imaging while a vehicle or container is driven through or towed through an inspection area defined under the frame. Alternatively, the collapsible X-ray frame may be movable relative to a stationary vehicle or container during X-ray imaging.
US07769128B2
Pin-based support structures for easily and precisely assembling CT detector components into individual detector modules are described, as are methods of making the same. The pins in these structures serve as the local reference points against which all other detector components (i.e., collimators, scintillator packs, diodes, electronic flex connectors, etc.) are aligned. The pins may also be used to quickly and easily attach the individual detector modules to the local detector reference frame and then to the global reference frame in a CT imaging system. These structures allow CT detector components to be more easily and economically assembled than previously possible. Furthermore, these structures are extensible in the Z-direction, allowing for longer Z-coverage with each rotation of the gantry, thereby allowing for full organ imaging in a single CT scan.
US07769125B2
A spacer grid used for placing and supporting fuel rods in nuclear reactor fuel assemblies is disclosed. The spacer grid of this invention has a plurality of inner strips intersecting each other to form a plurality of guide tube cells and a plurality of fuel rod cells, with a plurality of mixing blades projecting upward from the inner strips at intersections of the inner strips. The spacer grid further includes a plurality of perimeter strips to encircle the intersecting inner strips. Each of the perimeter strips is fabricated with a plurality of unit intermediate strips and a plurality of unit corner strips, with a grid spring provided on each of the unit strips. The grid spring includes a vertical opening formed at a central area of each of the unit strips, a vertical support part extending vertically between the central portions of top and bottom edges of the vertical opening, and a fuel rod support part provided at a central portion of the vertical support part while being bent to have an outward rounded cross-section. The vertical support part is bent at two steps, and the fuel rod support part is bent to be in equiangular contact with each of the fuel rods, thus accomplishing a uniform contact pressure distribution when the fuel rod support part is in contact with each of the fuel rods.
US07769124B2
A handling method for a natural circulation boiling water reactor having a chimney having cylindrical chimney shell disposed above a core in a reactor pressure vessel, a plurality of square tubes disposed in the chimney shell, and a grid support plate with grid holes supporting and in communication with a lower end portion of the square tubes so that adjacent square tubes are disposed at an interval which exceeds the width of one square tube between them. The method includes steps shifting predetermined ones of the square tubes to the interval between the square tubes, and performing maintenance and inspection of members around a core via the grid holes which appear at positions from which the predetermined square tubes are taken out due to the shift of the predetermined square tubes.
US07769105B1
A method for transmitting low data rate symbols from a burst radar transceiver is disclosed. The method includes dividing a symbol having a symbol period into a plurality of symbol sections. Each symbol section has a symbol section interval that is less than or equal to a burst interval of the radar transceiver. At least two symbol sections can be transmitted with the burst radar transceiver. Symbol energy can be accumulated from the at least two symbol sections at the communications terminal. Information in the received symbol sections can be identified based on characteristics of the accumulated symbol energy.
US07769100B2
In a method of canceling crosstalk signals, decoding or precoding through a diagonal channel analysis of the user domain and the time domain is performed, in addition to decoding or precoding in the user and time domains.
US07769094B2
An arrangement and method in a communication system such as an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) radio receiver for reducing the impact of interference from an intermittent interfering signal transmitted by an interfering system which may be co-located with the OFDM system or may be remotely located. Each OFDM symbol in a received OFDM signal includes a guard interval (GI), a middle portion, and a last portion identical to the GI. The arrangement determines which portion of each OFDM symbol is contemporaneous with the interfering signal and time-shifts a fast Fourier transform (FFT) window in the OFDM receiver to minimize or eliminate FFT processing of samples of the OFDM symbol that are contemporaneous with the interfering signal, thereby minimizing the impact of the interfering signal.
US07769090B2
A novel apparatus for and method of estimating the cable length of an active network link. The cable diagnostics mechanism of the invention is particularly suited for use in estimating the length of Ethernet network between two edges when the link is active, i.e. data is being transmitted in both directions simultaneously and the transmission of test pulses is not possible. The cable length estimation mechanism of the present invention is based on a well-known property of the spectrum of the insertion loss of the cable, namely, the linear relationship between the attenuation of the cable at a given frequency in decibels and the cable length. Information characterizing this relationship is extracted and used to determine the length of the cable.
US07769087B2
A method and system of encoding and decoding digital video content. The digital video content comprises a stream of pictures which can each be intra, predicted, or bi-predicted pictures. Each of the pictures comprises macroblocks that can be further divided into smaller blocks. The method entails encoding and decoding each picture in said stream of pictures in either frame mode or in field mode.
US07769074B2
Methods and systems for detecting and synchronizing to frequency hopped packets are presented. A technique for detecting a transmitter frequency hopping pattern includes receiving a packet of preamble symbols respectively transmitted over multiple frequency sub-bands according to the transmitter frequency hopping pattern, and partitioning predetermined frequency hopping patterns into disjoint groups of patterns, each group of patterns having an associated periodicity of the received preamble symbols. A group of patterns is selected by comparing a correlation metric of two received preamble symbols for each of the associated periodicities in a first selected frequency sub-band, and a pattern from the selected group of patterns is selected based on a timing of a detected first peak of the correlation metric in a second selected frequency sub-band. Optionally, the selected pattern is verified by comparing the correlation metric at a particular time interval to a threshold value in a third selected frequency sub-band.
US07769072B2
The invention relates to a learning process for an ultra wideband communication system with M transmission antennas and N reception antennas and in which the information is modulated on L possible positions comprising the following steps: a) transmit a series of Nseq learning pulses from each emission antenna to all reception antennas. b) for each reception antenna j, estimate the M composite responses of series of emitted pulses that arrive at this reception antenna j, each composite response being estimated by eliminating the effects of other antennas. c) estimate correlations between the different channels.
US07769071B2
Silica sol gel micro-lasers and methods of fabricating micro-lasers on a chip or a wafer. A silica sol gel micro-laser includes a silica sol gel optical micro-cavity, a substrate, and a support member or pillar that extends between the micro-cavity and the substrate. An outer surface or periphery of the micro-cavity extends beyond a top of the sol gel support member or is overhanging with respect to the underlying support member. Optical energy travels along an inner surface of the silica sol gel micro-cavity. Undoped silica sol gel micro-cavities can be used for Raman lasers. Sol gel micro-cavities can be doped with, for example, erbium, and can be used for erbium-doped micro-lasers that have ultra narrow line widths, for example, less than 100 Hz. Undoped and doped silica sol gel micro-lasers can have Q factors greater than 107.
US07769066B2
A laser diode and method for fabricating same, wherein the laser diode generally comprises an InGaN compliance layer on a GaN n-type contact layer and an AlGaN/GaN n-type strained super lattice (SLS) on the compliance layer. An n-type GaN separate confinement heterostructure (SCH) is on said n-type SLS and an InGaN multiple quantum well (MQW) active region is on the n-type SCH. A GaN p-type SCH on the MQW active region, an AlGaN/GaN p-type SLS is on the p-type SCH, and a p-type GaN contact layer is on the p-type SLS. The compliance layer has an In percentage that reduces strain between the n-type contact layer and the n-type SLS compared to a laser diode without the compliance layer. Accordingly, the n-type SLS can be grown with an increased Al percentage to increase the index of refraction. This along with other features allows for reduced threshold current and voltage operation.
US07769064B2
Laser diode control method, laser diode control device, and information recording/playback apparatus
Even though a laser diode is within the operation guarantee temperature range, the rise time characteristics required to protect and maintain the writing quality right away may not be present at a lower temperature. By sufficiently increasing the rise time, a laser diode control method of the present invention makes it possible to write readily. A laser diode control device includes a temperature sensor for detecting temperature of a laser diode. When a detected temperature by the temperature sensor is equal to or below a predetermined value within the operation guarantee temperature range, a seek motor controls the position of a pickup to move the pickup to a region outside a recording region of a recording medium. In this way, a current exceeding a threshold current value is supplied to the laser diode, and the writing operation starts after the laser diode temperature is increased up to a level where the rise time characteristics required to protect and maintain the writing quality is present.
US07769060B1
A laser light source having a semiconductor laser (102) for outputting pump light, and a laser resonator wherein a solid laser crystal (104) and a non-linear optical crystal (103) are connected by optical contact and a reflection coat (106) and a reflection coat (105) are on the opposed facets of the respective crystals. GdVO4 is the solid laser crystal (104) while LiNbO3 is the non-linear optical crystal (103), and the crystal axis of the solid laser crystal (104) is inclined with respect to the z axis of the non-linear optical crystal (103) within the z-x plane of the non-linear optical crystal (103). The thermal expansion coefficients of the solid laser crystal and of the non-linear optical crystal can be approximated to each other, thereby preventing separation of the bonded laser crystal and non-linear optical crystal due to different thermal expansion coefficients when heat is generated during laser oscillation, which stops laser oscillation.
US07769048B2
A novel encoding scheme is disclosed, enabling the physical layer to identify packet boundaries by looking at a few selected bits while improving the error detection capability and maintaining low overhead for low power states. By eliminating the overhead of 8b/10b encoding for the physical layer, the encoding scheme achieves better error detection ability than current 8b/10b encoding. Further, the novel encoding scheme provides additional error detection capability, a low overhead mechanism to exit low power states, and a mechanism to handle problematic packets.
US07769044B2
A system for aggregating packet in a Medium Access control layer of a router to improve effective bandwidth of transmission over a network. The system begins by receiving Medium Access Control Service Data Unit packets in a Medium Access Control unit of a router wherein each of the Medium Access Control Service Data Unit packets are addressed to different receivers. The Medium Access Control Service Data Unit packets are then aggregated into one Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit packet. The Medium Access Control Protocol Data Unit packet is then transmitted to said Physical layer of said router for transmission.
US07769020B2
The disclosure relates to a method for establishing a communication link between a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal. According to the inventive method, the communication link is achieved by means of interconnected network elements, selected network elements being authorized to trigger releasing of the communication link.
US07769013B2
A communication apparatus according to the invention can be applied to constitute each of relay nodes in a novel wireless communication network, in which the number of relaying stages formed with the relay nodes can be freely set without restriction by the amount of communication information to be processed, and consequently, a multistage-relayed communication extending over a long distance can be carried out to realize a long-distance communication. The communication apparatus comprises temporary and main managing portions 16 and 18 for controlling temporary and main memory means 15 and 17 and an operation control portion 20, wherein the operation control portion 20 is operative to cause the temporary and main managing portions 16 and 18 to perform control operations for transform an input data frame to be a modified data frame containing transfer mode information representing one of diffusion, percolation and convergence transfer modes determined based on original transfer mode information and particular identification information contained in the detected data frame and history information preserved in the main memory means 17, for causing the modified data frame of the diffusion or convergence transfer mode to be subjected to relay and for causing the modified data frame of the percolation transfer mode to be subjected to relay at a predetermined probability or to deletion.
US07769011B1
A method and system for automatically generating and maintaining Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) addresses is provided. The method includes receiving a request from a requestor that includes an element identifier corresponding to a network element to be ultimately associated with the ATM address, validating the request, providing a unique identifier that corresponds to the network element, grouping the unique identifier with a set of parameters to create the ATM address without user intervention, and storing the ATM address in a repository. The system includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for receiving one or more parameters to be used to generate the ATM address and a set of computer-useable instructions accessible by the GUI that perform a method for generating the ATM address without user intervention based in part on the one or more parameters.
US07769002B2
Method and apparatus are disclosed for constrained dynamic path selection among multiple available communication interfaces. In some embodiments selection logic is operatively coupled with a number of link-layer interfaces to select a set of link-layer interfaces that satisfy a set of congestion constraint conditions. Metric logic is operatively coupled with the link-layer interfaces to calculate a metric value for each link-layer interface in the set. Switch logic is operatively coupled with the selection logic and metric logic to assign a data stream a link-layer interface in the set of interfaces according to its metric value to optimize communication performance.
US07768975B2
The present invention relates to the reduction of handoff delays for mobile telematics applications. In particular, the present invention provides a method employing GPS technology to define IP addresses in a mobile environment in order to reduce delays and transient data loss caused by handoff from one network to another.
US07768974B2
In a method for generating pilot beacons for hard handoff over a border from a first environment to a second environment, the two environments using spread spectrum technology, a RF pilot signal may be received at an operational frequency used in at least the second environment. The RF signal may be downconverted to an IF pilot signal, filtered and then upconverted to a first reproduced RF pilot signal. The first reproduced RF pilot signal may be at a operational frequency used in a first environment, and may represent a pilot beacon for hard handoff between the first and second environments. The method and arrangement may be configured to receive a pilot beacon from one environment and to generate N pilot beacons, in that one environment, for up to N different operational frequencies used in another environment from which a mobile user is transiting, for hard handoff between the environments.
US07768973B2
Available bandwidth and power for users demanding real time and non-real time data traffic are scheduled, while maximizing proportional fairness for the users over a plurality of time slots, and meeting quality of service constraints for real time data traffic users. The Lagrangian multipliers are used to define a function which includes the proportional fair capacity over the plurality of time slots, and the total power, the total bandwidth, and rate of the real time users' constraints. A maximum of the function is determined for each time slot by binary searching two parameters while observing the total power and total bandwidth. An optimal allocation of the bandwidth and power for the time slot is calculated using the two parameters.
US07768972B2
In a wireless communications network comprising at least two subscriber terminals each operative to communicate with the same base station using a different PHY mode transmissions than the other, a method and apparatus for allowing communications with these subscriber terminals along a single frequency communication channel is provided. The communication is carried by defining common radio transmission frames in which each of the at least two PHY modes communications is carried out while occupying a different part of the common radio transmission frames. Preferably, at least one of the PHY modes is in compliance with IEEE 802.16 Standard.
US07768967B1
A wireless communication system using a media access control (MAC) layer comprising a subscriber unit system and a base station system. The base station system is configured to receive a request for a communication service, dynamically select between a first portion of the MAC layer corresponding to a first wireless transmission link using a licensed radio frequency and a second portion of the MAC layer corresponding to a second wireless transmission link using an unlicensed radio frequency, and exchange communications for the communication service over the selected one of the first portion and the second portion of the MAC layer. The subscriber unit system is configured to transmit the request for the communication service to the base station system and exchange the communications for the communication service over the selected one of the first portion and the second portion of the MAC layer.
US07768958B1
The present disclosure provides a system and method for providing a flexible architecture for attaching computing devices to wireless networks.
US07768950B2
A transmission packet structure for transmitting uncompressed AV data is provided. The transmission packet structure includes a payload including multiple TDUs error-correction coded at a predetermined coding rate, wherein the payload is classified according to importance of bits constituting the uncompressed AV data; a MAC header added to the payload, wherein information for medium access control is recorded in the MAC header; and a PHY header comprising information about the coding rate, wherein the PHY header is added to the MAC header.
US07768942B2
A computer system (2) is provided which is arranged to receive network data (1) identifying nodes and links between nodes. The computer system (2) processes the input network data (1) to utilise the network topology to identify nodes and links having high importance for network integrity. A report (4) identifying the critical components can then be output.
US07768932B2
A method for analyzing a system having a known function in a network includes issuing instructions from the outside the system to modify the configuration of the system, and then issuing a command to the modified system to perform the known system function. Data resulting from performing the known system function in the modified system is collected for analysis.
US07768931B2
A method and apparatus for synchronizing a real time clock of a slave computer with a real time clock of a master computer. The method includes the steps of: calculating a first time drift value between the real time clock of the slave computer and the real time clock of the master computer, calculating a second time drift value between the real time clock of the slave computer and the real time clock of the master computer, calculating an average time drift value between the real time clock of the slave computer and the real time clock of the master computer using the first time drift value and the second time drift value, and adjusting the real time clock of the slave computer using the average time drift value.
US07768930B1
A method and apparatus tests a packet switching system by requesting one of a plurality of tests on the packet switching system via a telecommunication terminal; performing the requested one of the plurality of tests on the packet switching system; and presenting results of the performed one of the plurality of tests on the telecommunication terminal.
US07768929B2
A network monitoring and analysis system is configured to conduct performance analysis on a network using a plurality of endpoint devices. Locations of respective endpoint devices for use in the performance analysis of the network are determined utilizing an algorithm which characterizes the network as a graph having edges and vertices and associates endpoint devices with particular ones of the vertices in an iterative manner based on impact of said vertices on achievement of a specified coverage criterion. The coverage criterion may comprise a links-covered criterion which specifies a percentage of a total number of links of the network that are covered by test communications. As another example, the coverage criterion may comprise a links-estimable criterion which specifies a percentage of a total number of links of the network for which performance is estimable from collected end-to-end path measurement data.
US07768926B2
Enhanced mesh network performance is provided by computation of a path metric with respect to multi-hop paths between nodes in a mesh network and determination of a path through the mesh network that is optimal according to the path metric. Information is communicated in the mesh network according to the determined path. Nodes in the mesh network are enabled to communicate via one or more wireless links and/or one or more wired links. The path metric optionally includes an effective bandwidth path metric having elements (listed from highest to lowest conceptual priority) including an inverse of a sustainable data rate, a number of wireless links, and a number of wireless and wired links. The sustainable data rate is a measure of communication bandwidth that is deliverable by a path for a period of time. Accounting is made for interference between contiguous wireless links operating on the same channel.
US07768925B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method of domain supervision in a label switched network, including: designating one or more OAM domains on an LSP in the label switched network, determining an ingress node and an egress node of each OAM domain, inserting in-domain OAM frames containing supervision information at the ingress node of each OAM domain, receiving and parsing the in-domain OAM frames by the egress node of each OAM domain, and managing an OAM domain according to the supervision information contained in an in-domain OAM frame of the OAM domain. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention also disclose a method of domain protection in a label switched network through adding a detection frame, such as Connectivity Verification (CV) frame, Fast Failure Detection (FFD) frame or the like, into an in-domain OAM frame.
US07768916B2
The present invention provides for enhanced packet classification. With the present invention packets are classified using both positive and negative classifiers. That is, a packet is classified based on both (a) whether or not the packet does meet certain criteria and, b) whether or not the packet does not meet certain other criteria. Thus packets can be classified into data flows based upon both positive and negative criteria.
US07768913B1
Techniques for delivering and receiving multicast content across a unicast network are described. A system that supports delivery and reception of multicast content across a unicast network includes a first device and a second device. The first device may be a destination device or a multicast-enabled router. The second device is multicast-enabled, and may be a multicast-enabled router. The first device determines whether a route between a destination device and a source of multicast packets is multicast-enabled, sends a unicast request message that includes as a destination address an address associated with the source and is marked for interception by a second device based on the determination, and receives the multicast packets as unicast packets from the second device. The second device intercepts the unicast request message and delivers the multicast packets to the requesting device as unicast packets in response to the unicast request message. The unicast request message indicates the address of the source and a group address, i.e., a source/group address pair, associated with the multicast packets that the first device wishes to receive.
US07768911B2
A processing unit analyzes network traffic using a multi-timescale heuristic having multiple traffic windows. Each traffic window has a respective threshold value and a respective timescale. When a threshold value is exceeded, the processing unit triggers a network circuit breaker, causing a host platform to be isolated from the network.
US07768909B1
Upon detection of an overload condition at a network element, a series of messages is sent between the network element and those other network elements which may potentially send request messages to the overloaded network element. The detection of an overload condition may be based on a determination that at least one of a plurality of processing thresholds has been exceeded. If the network utilizes the SIP signaling protocol, then the messages include SIP INVITE, SIP TRYING, SIP CANCEL, SIP OPTIONS and SIP OK. The CANCEL and OPTIONS messages comprise an indication that the overloaded network element is overloaded and an instructed action for the other network elements. Upon receipt of the message indicating an overload condition, the other network elements restrict sending request messages to the overloaded network element. The other network elements may send request messages to network elements other than the overloaded network element which provide functionality similar to that of the overloaded network element.
US07768906B2
A method and apparatus for managing a loop network, the loop network (200) including at least one loop (206, 208), a plurality of devices (210) connected to the at least one loop (206, 208) via ports (211, 212), wherein at least two of the devices are initiators (207, 209). The method includes each initiator (207, 209) sending a frame to all other initiators (207, 209) in the loop network (200) identifying any ports (211, 212) which should not be used. Each initiator (207, 209) merges the information from all other initiators (207, 209) with its own information identifying any ports (211, 212) which should not be used resulting in all the initiators (207, 209) generating a single list of ports (211, 212) to be used which is consistent across all the initiators (207, 209). Each initiator (207, 209) applies an algorithm (300) to determine a common set of ports (211, 212) to be used by all the initiators (207, 209) and to balance port accesses across the loop network (200).
US07768901B2
A recording layer close to a disc surface is divided into at least two recording areas, a main information recording area D1A and an auxiliary information area (BCA) D1C. Grooves are formed in the main information recording area D1A. Marks M are formed in barcode form representing identifying information in the auxiliary information recording area (BCA) D1C. Track grooves G1 or prepits are formed in the recording layer of the auxiliary information recording area (BCA) D1C and have a depth smaller than that of the groove formed in the main information recording area D1A.
US07768896B2
The present invention relates to a scanner for optical storage media with an improved signal-to-noise ratio. In the case of an optical scanner according to the invention having a light source for generating a light beam for reading out data stored on an optical storage medium, the light source being modulated by a radio-frequency modulator, and having an analog-to-digital converter, which converts an analog data signal generated by a photodetector into a digital data signal), the radio-frequency modulator and the analog-to-digital converter are synchronized.
US07768895B2
To reduce the size or thickness of an optical pickup device and an optical disk drive, an optical pickup device includes a light source that radiates laser light; a condensing member that condenses the laser light onto a recording medium; an optical member that reflects some of the laser light radiated from the light source into the condensing member and transmits the rest of the radiated laser light; and a light receiving sensor that receives the rest of the laser light transmitted through the optical member so as to detect an amount of laser light.
US07768889B2
A laser power control circuit includes a system control module for generating two write channel target values in a calibration mode, a driving module for driving a laser generator, and a detection module for detecting two laser power values of the laser generator. A write channel control module of the driving module generates two write channel signals according to the two write channel target values, respectively. The two laser power values respectively correspond to the two write channel signals. The system control module determines a first mapping relationship between a write channel target value and a laser power value according to the write channel target values and the laser power values. The system control module further determines a predetermined write channel target value corresponding to a predetermined laser power value according to the first mapping relationship in a run mode.
US07768885B2
The reproduction durability of an optical recording medium is evaluated highly accurately in a short period of time by providing a method for evaluating the optical recording medium, the method including determining an operating laser power for heating a recording layer to a recording operating temperature; determining a temperature of the recording layer when a laser beam having a predetermined reproducing laser power is radiated during a data reproduction; determining a relationship between the reproducing laser power during the data reproduction and a reproduction durability times at the reproducing laser power; and determining a relationship between the temperature of the recording layer during the data reproduction and the reproduction durability times from the relationship between the reproducing laser power during the data reproduction and the reproduction durability times.
US07768881B2
An optical-information recording medium includes a substrate that includes a servo surface having a servo pattern thereon; an information recording layer laminated on the servo surface of the substrate capable of recording information as a hologram produced by interference between an information beam containing the information and a reference beam; an address servo area that is formed as a part of the servo pattern, and that records therein address information and clock information for aligning a beam, emitted from an optical-information recording apparatus for recording information in the information recording layer, to a target position in the information recording layer; and a following up servo area that is formed as a part of the servo pattern, and that is to be irradiated by the beam to make the beam follow a rotation of the optical-information recording medium.
US07768878B2
A lens actuator is calibrated by inputting a signal to the actuator to cause the actuator to move a lens from a first location to a second location, sensing a focus error signal generated in response to the movement of the lens, determining a distance moved by the lens in going from the first location to the second location from a predetermined characteristic of the focus error signal, and determining a gain of the actuator from the input signal and the distance moved.
US07768872B2
The present invention comprises a method of choosing a cell structure for seismic gathers dictating a grid of azimuth-offset bins that can be of various shapes and sizes. Processes that use offset-azimuth information are optimized to operate on these cells of azimuth-offset bins and invert for seismic properties. The method provides for acquisition of 3D seismic data, selecting a seismic gather bin for sorting the data, selecting at least one cell structure for the gather that may or may not be space filling, and sorting the data in to the cell structure of the gather bin. The cell structures may be any shape including hexagonal, and may be of variable sizes and may overlap.
US07768869B2
A method is disclosed for deghosting and water surface multiple reflection attenuation in marine seismic data. The method includes decomposing data acquired at two water depths with sensors that measure the same parameter into upgoing and downgoing wavefield components. The decomposing includes, in one embodiment, transforming the data into the spatial Fourier domain and separating the upgoing and downgoing wavefield components in the transformed data. A substantially multiple-free wavefield is then determined from the decomposed wavefield components.
US07768864B2
A non-volatile memory device capable of supplying power is provided. The non-volatile memory device includes an electrical storage device for supplying a stored power, a charging control circuit coupled to the electrical storage device, a non-volatile memory, an input/output (I/O) interface, and a power control circuit. The I/O interface connects an electronic apparatus for transmitting an external power output from the electronic apparatus to the non-volatile memory and the charging control circuit, such that the charging control circuit could control a charging current and a charging voltage of the electrical storage device. The power control circuit converts the stored power into a backup power, and monitors whether a voltage value of the external power is less than a predetermined value. If the result is positive, the power control circuit controls the charging control circuit to stop charging the electrical storage device, and outputs the backup power through the I/O interface.
US07768860B2
A semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of banks, each having first and second cell mats, each having a plurality of word lines; a data access controller for selecting a word line from the first cell mat and the second cell mat in response to the row address and a refresh signal to be used in a refresh operation; and a bank controller for sequentially enabling the first cell mat and the second cell mat in response to a bank address and the refresh signal.
US07768856B2
Systems and/or methods are presented that can facilitate regulating performance of operations in a memory device based on controlling an operating temperature slope associated with the memory device. A regulator component can facilitate controlling the operating temperature slope level and controlling a reference voltage(s) associated with a word-line(s) and/or bit-line(s) to facilitate execution of operations in a memory, while also controlling a respective current level(s) associated with the reference voltage to minimize errors in the memory or harm to the memory. The reference voltage can be controlled based on a first resistance and the current level can be controlled based on a second resistance that can be based on the first resistance. An analyzer component can facilitate determining a desired operating temperature slope level. Trim bits can be employed to facilitate setting the first resistance and/or the second resistance.
US07768848B2
A circuit, method, and computer readable medium for on-chip measuring of noise margins in a memory device memory device are disclosed. The on-chip method includes electrically coupling at least a first circuit to a memory cell. A voltage divider is electrically coupled to at least a first voltage and a second voltage. A multiplexer circuit is electrically coupled to the voltage divider. The multiplexer selects one of the first voltage and second voltage for producing a test voltage. A selecting line is electrically coupled to a force\measure network. A comparator is coupled to the force\measure network. The force-measure network supplies the test voltage to the comparator and a measured voltage to the comparator for determining when the measured voltage exceeds the test voltage.
US07768834B2
A trial programming process is performed for a first set of one or more non-volatile storage elements to test usage of the non-volatile storage system. Based on this trial programming, a programming signal is calibrated by adjusting its initial magnitude. The calibrated programming signal is then used to program a second set of non-volatile storage elements (which may or may not include the first set).
US07768825B2
A gated diode nonvolatile memory cell with a charge storage structure includes a diode structure with an additional gate terminal and a diffusion barrier structure between the diode nodes. Example embodiments include the individual memory cell, an array of such memory cells, methods of operating the memory cell or array of memory cells, and methods of manufacturing the same.
US07768821B2
The present application relates to a non-volatile random-access memory cell equipped with a suspended mobile gate and with piezoelectric means for operating the gate.
US07768816B2
A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium for use in a design process, the design structure representing a novel semiconductor SRAM cell structure that includes at least two pull-up transistors, two pull-down transistors, and two pass-gate transistors. In one embodiment, the SRAM cell is an 8T SRAM cell structure implements a series gating feature for implementing Column Select (CS) and Row Select (WL) cell storage access with enhanced stability. Particularly, the 8-T approach adds two pass-gates, two series connected transistor devices connected at complementary nodes of two cross-coupled inverters, to control column select and row (word) select. In the other embodiment, the SRAM cell is a 9T SRAM cell structure includes a transmission gate to implement Column Select (CS) and Row Select (WL) cell storage access with enhanced stability. The 9-T approach adds three transistors to perform ANDING function to separate the row select and column select signal functions.
US07768806B2
A DC/AC inverter and method thereof are disclosed. The DC/AC inverter for driving a load includes a DC power supply for supplying a DC input voltage, a converter circuit coupled to the DC power supply which converts the DC input voltage into an AC signal used to drive the load, and a control circuit coupled to the converter circuit which sets a frequency of the AC signal. The control circuit is further capable of operating the DC/AC inverter in a fixed frequency mode and in a variable frequency mode in accordance with the DC input voltage and the load condition.
US07768789B2
A case-grounded flash-memory drive has a printed-circuit board assembly (PCBA) with flash-memory chips and a controller chip. The PCBA is encased inside an upper case and a lower case, with a Serial AT-Attachment (SATA) connector that fits through an opening between the cases. The cases can be assembled with the PCBA by a screw-together or thermal-bond adhesive method. Triple-axis case-grounding tabs draw any electro-static-discharges (ESD) current off the upper case along a primary axis and onto a PCBA ground through a secondary axis that is screwed into the PCBA. An intermediary axis between the primary and secondary axes fits around a PCBA notch while the secondary axis passes through a metalized alignment hole on the PCBA for grounding. When the SATA connector is inserted into a host, the host ground sinks ESD currents collected by the triple-axis case-grounding tabs.
US07768788B2
A cabinet for storing a plurality of rack mount computers is described. The rack mount computers respectively include a plurality of hosts each having a hard disk. The cabinet includes a plurality of drawer-shaped chassis. They are arranged side by side, for respectively contain the hosts. At least one of the rack mount computers can be pulled out by pulling out the drawer-shaped chassis containing the one of the rack mount computers. The pulled drawer-shaped chassis has an L-shaped cap on the hard disk of the host of the pulled rack mount computer.
US07768781B2
A personal computer has a central air plenum straddled by opposed drive bays, and memory modules in the plenum are covered by a shroud that increases the air flow over the memory modules. The plenum establishes a first pathway for air flow and parallel to the plenum is a second pathway for air flow past cards such as graphics and network cards.
US07768780B2
Systems and method for cooling computer systems are provided. A rack system for housing a plurality of computers is provided, the rack system including: a rack assembly configured to support a first stack of computers and a second stack of computers; and at least one fan assembly configured to create an airflow through the first stack of computers and into the second stack of computers. A method of cooling a plurality of computers in a rack system is provided, including: supporting a first stack of computers and a second stack of computers in a rack assembly; and effectuating an airflow through the first stack of computers and into the second stack of computers.
US07768779B2
A device (103) is provided which comprises (a) a housing (115) equipped with a viewing window (253); (b) a diaphragm (301), visible through said viewing window; (c) an actuator (126) adapted to vibrate said diaphragm at an operating frequency; and (d) a strobe light (121).
US07768775B2
A display device includes: a display unit which displays an image; a casing which supports the display unit; a pair of supporting members which are respectively combined at peripheral areas of a backside of the display unit and are supported by the casing; and a connecting member which has higher heat resistance than the supporting members and interconnects the supporting members.
US07768763B2
Circuit arrangement embodiments that use relative groupings of energy pathways that include shielding circuit arrangements that can sustain and condition electrically complementary energy confluences.
US07768762B2
A design structure for an on-chip high frequency electro-static discharge device is described. In one embodiment, the electro-static discharge device comprises a substrate and multiple metal level layers disposed on the substrate. Each metal level comprises more than one electrode formed therein and more than one via connecting with some of the electrodes in adjacent metal levels. The device further includes a gap formed about one of the metal level layers, wherein the gap is hermetically sealed to provide electro-static discharge protection for the integrated circuit.
US07768755B1
The present invention is an overvoltage protection and automatic re-strike circuit for an electronic ballast. The electronic ballast has an inverter, a shut-down circuit, a safety circuit, a monitoring circuit, and an overvoltage protection circuit. The inverter provides an appropriate alternating current power supply to operate the lamp. The shut-down, safety, monitoring, and overvoltage protection circuits are coupled to the inverter and provide the overvoltage protection and automatic re-striking functions. During an overvoltage condition, the overvoltage protection circuit will temporarily disable the inverter. Subsequent to the overvoltage condition, the overvoltage protection circuit permits the inverter to attempt to re-ignite the lamp. After a predetermined number of unsuccessful re-ignition attempts, the safety circuit will permanently disable the inverter to avoid damage to the ballast.
US07768753B2
A circuit arrangement for protection against electrostatic discharges comprises a diverting element, which is connected between a first and a second terminal and has a control input, via which the diverting element can be controlled into the conducting state. Moreover, trigger elements are provided, which have a trigger output for outputting a trigger signal in a manner dependent on a voltage between the first and the second terminal. The circuit arrangement furthermore comprises at least one amplifier unit, which is coupled to one of the trigger outputs on the input side and to the control input on the output side.
US07768747B2
A thin-film magnetic head includes a lower magnetic shield layer, an MR multi-layered structure formed on the lower magnetic shield layer so that current flows in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of laminated layers, and an upper magnetic shield layer formed on the MR multi-layered structure. The lower magnetic shield layer consists of a first soft magnetic layer and a second soft magnetic layer laminated on and magnetically connected with the first soft magnetic layer. A part of an upper surface of the first soft magnetic layer outside both side ends in a track-width direction of the MR multi-layered structure is located lower in height than an upper surface within a region where the MR multi-layered structure is formed, of the lower magnetic shield layer. The second soft magnetic layer is formed outside both side ends in a track-width direction of the MR multi-layered structure.
US07768745B2
Embodiments of the invention prevent contact between a peripheral edge of a magnetic disk and a counter surface of a ramp when the magnetic disk is displaced. In one embodiment, a ramp is disposed near the peripheral side surface of a magnetic disk. The ramp has magnetic disk retainers each having slide surfaces and counter surfaces respectively facing the recording surfaces of the magnetic disk. Grooves or recesses are formed in the counter surfaces to define relief spaces. When the peripheral side surface of the magnetic disk is displaced toward the counter surface by shocks exerted on the magnetic disk drive, the relief space prevents the peripheral edge from coming into contact with the counter surface. Thus the amount of particles produced by the collision of the magnetic disk with the ramp can be reduced.
US07768743B2
A perpendicular magnetic recording write head supported on an air-bearing slider has a magnetic write pole (WP) with a WP end at the air-bearing surface (ABS) having a width generally equal to the data track width and a trailing shield (TS) with a TS end generally coplanar with the WP end. The TS has a first portion with a width at the TS end substantially wider than the width of the WP end and a TS notch (TSN) portion with a width at the TS end generally equal to the width of the WP end. The TS first portion has a height in a direction perpendicular to the ABS, and the TSN portion has a throat height (TH) in a direction perpendicular to the ABS that is less than the height of the TS first portion. A nonmagnetic gap layer separates the WP from the TSN portion and a nonmagnetic pad layer separates the WP from the TS first portion. The pad layer has a front edge generally parallel to and recessed from the ABS that defines the TH of the TSN portion, and a thickness that defines the length of the TSN portion in the along-the-track direction.
US07768738B2
Embodiments of mitigating the effects of disturbances of a disk drive are disclosed. One method includes sensing a position error signal of a transducer coupled to a surface of the disk drive, wherein the position error signal aids in control of an actuator of the disk drive. A first disturbance signal is generated by sensing a disturbance of a first sensor attached to the disk drive, wherein the first disturbance signal aids in control of the actuator. A second disturbance signal is generated by sensing a disturbance of a second sensor attached to the disk drive, wherein the second disturbance signal aids in control of the actuator. Effects of the disturbances on the position error signal are reduced by adaptively adjusting a gain of the first disturbance signal and a gain of the second disturbance signal.
US07768727B2
A lens barrel includes front, intermediate, and rear barrels that hold front, intermediate and rear lens group, respectively. The relative distances among the barrels vary. The front barrel includes a lens barrier and a barrier actuating member. A barrier drive cam section rotates the barrier actuating member upon relative movement of the barrels. The intermediate barrel includes a first drive source for driving a shutter unit, a second drive source for driving a light amount control unit, and a third drive source for driving the intermediate lens group for image stabilization. The intermediate barrel has a rear lens group clearance section at an outer peripheral portion to avoid interference with a driving mechanism for the rear lens group, and a barrier clearance section adjacent to the first or second drive source in a peripheral portion to avoid interference with the barrier actuating member and the barrier drive cam section.
US07768721B2
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to an optical assembly that includes an optical element and a structure element. A gap runs between the optical element and the structure element. A sealing element may be present to seal the gap. At least one liquid layer may be arranged between the structure element and/or the optical element, and the sealing element so that a relative displacement of the sealing element with respect to the structure element and/or the optical element is possible in the direction of the layer plane.
US07768719B2
A super wide angle optical system including: a first lens group including one or more of irrotational symmetric lens surfaces disposed sequentially from an object side and having, overall, a negative refractive power; an aperture stop for intercepting unnecessary light; and a second lens group including one or more of irrotational symmetric lens surfaces and having, overall, a positive refractive power.
US07768718B2
A first group (10) having a negative refractive power, a diaphragm (St) and a second group (20) having a positive refractive power are arranged in order from the object side. Power variation from the wide angle end to the telephoto end is executed by moving the second group (20) to the object side along an optical axis. Correction of an image plane associated with the power variation is made by moving the first group (10) along the optical axis. The second group (20) includes a first lens (L21) having at least one aspheric surface and having a positive refractive power; a cemented lens formed of a second lens (L22) having a positive refractive power and a third lens (L23) having a negative refractive power; a fourth lens (L24) having a negative refractive power; and a fifth lens (L25) having a positive refractive power in order from the object side.
US07768713B2
The present disclosure relates to a liquid lens and a lens module having the same. The liquid lens includes an enclosure, an elastic shell and a light pervious liquid. The enclosure has a top wall and defines a through opening in the top wall. The elastic shell is received in the enclosure and is filled with the light pervious liquid. The elastic shell includes an inner portion and an outer convex portion. The convex portion protrudes from the outer enclosure via the through opening.
US07768705B2
An optical irradiation device for the polarization of alkali metal atoms for the hyperpolarization of noble gases by spin exchange includes at least one semiconductor laser device which can generate laser light which, with regard to its wavelength, is suitable for the polarization of the alkali metal atoms. A polarizer effects circular polarization of the laser light generated by the semiconductor laser device. A device for introducing the laser light into a working region in which the alkali metal atoms to be polarized can be present, and a device for defining a wavelength of the laser light, which can couple part of the laser light back into the semiconductor laser device in order thereby to define the wavelength of the laser light at a predetermined wavelength or a predetermined wavelength range.
US07768704B2
A method and apparatus relating to a projection screen having a reflective face including gills are disclosed.
US07768698B2
A Raman amplifier includes a pumping light source, an optical coupler, and a Raman amplifier medium. The pumping light source outputs a pumping light that is intensity-modulated with a frequency equal to or higher than 100 megahertz. The optical coupler couples the pumping light with a carrier light. The Raman amplification medium is pumped by the pumping light to amplify the carrier light. The Raman amplification medium has characteristics of a low dispersion and a small difference between propagation times of the carrier light and the pumping light.
US07768693B2
A thermally switched optical downconverting (TSOD) filter is a self-regulating device including a downconverter that converts incoming light at a variety of wavelengths into longer-wavelength radiation and then directs it using one or more bandblock filters in either the inward or outward direction, depending on the temperature of the device. This control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating properties of the device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The TSOD filter has energy-efficiency implications, as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The TSOD filter also has aesthetic implications, since the device has unique optical properties that are not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls. The TSOD filter has particular, but not exclusive, application as a building material.
US07768691B2
A dedicated polychromatic light generating device including optical pumping devices used to deliver radiation with at least two different excitation wavelengths and a light-guiding device used to deliver polychromatic light at an output when excited by the radiation in a non-linear interaction regime.
US07768690B2
A transmissive backlit display is disclosed. In one aspect, the backlit display comprises a backlight and an array of transmissive interferometric modulators. Each interferometric modulator comprises a fixed and moving dielectric mirror stack. The interferometric modulators cause light within the desired wavelength range to be transmitted while reflecting at least a portion of the remaining light.
US07768679B2
According to one example structure of the invention, a carriage moving device includes; a guide member comprising a pair of inclined planes; a carriage slidably supported by the guide member in a longitudinal direction of the guide member at a plurality of portions where the pair of inclined planes slidably support the carriage.
US07768678B2
An embodiment generally relates a device for rotating images. The device includes an image memory configured to store an image and a plurality of buffers. The plurality of buffers are configured to interface with the image memory to read data words of the image from the image memory and to write rotated data words to the image memory. The device also includes a logic module configured to interface with the plurality of buffers and to micro-rotate and macro-rotate an image based on a selection of three orientations. The logic module is also configured to execute a read of data words from the image memory to a first buffer of the plurality of buffers, a rotation of a data word, and a write of rotated data words from a second buffer of the plurality of buffers to the image memory substantially simultaneously.
US07768666B2
A device processing history storage system in which a device and a terminal are connected through a network, in which the terminal includes: a request portion which transmits to the device a request for device processing or a request for storage of a history of the device processing; a history request portion which requests the device for the history; and a history display portion which displays the history received from the device, and the device includes: a device processing portion which performs the device processing; a history generation portion which generates a history of the device processing performed by the device processing portion; a history storage portion which stores the history generated by the history generation portion; and a history transmission portion which transmits to the terminal the history which is stored in the history storage portion.
US07768659B2
Methods of subtracting the copper contribution to spectra obtained from a substrate during chemical mechanical polishing are described.
US07768651B2
An optical coherence tomography apparatus based on spectral interference where object information can be speedily obtained and an information acquisition range in a depth direction can be enlarged, and an ophthalmic apparatus. The apparatus includes a first optical system for projecting light with short coherence length onto an object to form object light which is reflection light from the object, a second optical system for projecting light with short coherence length onto a reference surface to form reference light which is reflection light from the surface, an optical system for synthesizing the object light and the reference light to be interference light, dispersing the interference light into predetermined frequency components and photo-receiving the dispersed light with a photodetector, a device varying a spectral characteristic when the interference light is dispersed by the interference/dispersion/photo-receiving optical system, and a calculation part obtaining the information based on an output signal from the photodetector.
US07768643B1
An apparatus for classifying articles may include a frame connected to (1) transport means for directing articles to create a product stream, (2) an emitter section having a radiation source and (3) a detection section for detecting a portion of radiation reflected by articles. The detection section may include first detection means for converting radiant power of reflected radiation having a first polarization state into a first electrical signal, second detection means for converting radiant power of reflected radiation having a second polarization state into a second electrical signal, and third detection means for converting radiant power of reflected radiation into a third electrical signal. Control circuitry, which may receive the electrical signals, may include decision means for generating a selection signal. Selection means may separate an article from the product stream according to the received selection signal from the control circuitry.
US07768637B2
A method for acquiring high-resolution images of defects on the upper surface of the wafer edge is disclosed. For this purpose, first the position of at least one defect on the upper surface of the wafer edge is determined. The thus determined position of the defect is stored. Then the wafer is transferred into device for micro-inspection, in which the defect is examined more closely and imaged. The images acquired in the device for micro-inspection are deposited in a directory.
US07768635B2
A defect inspection apparatus includes a movable stage for mounting a substrate having circuit patterns as an object of inspection, an irradiation optical system which irradiates a slit-shaped light beam from an oblique direction to the circuit patterns of the substrate, a detection optical system which includes an image sensor for receiving reflected/scattered light from the substrate by irradiation of the slit-shaped light beam and converting the received light into a signal, and an image processor which processes the signal. The irradiation optical system includes a cylindrical lens and a coherency reduction optical system, which receives the light beam and emits a plurality of slit-shaped light sub-beams which are spatially reduced in coherency in a light-converging direction of the cylindrical lens. The cylindrical lens focuses the plurality of slit-shaped light sub-beams into the slit-shaped light beam irradiated to the surface of the substrate.
US07768633B2
A system for inspecting components is provided. The system includes a prism having a first end, a second end, a first reflecting surface, and a second reflecting surface. The first end of the prism is located in a plane that is parallel to and axially separated from a plane of one or more of a plurality of inspection pieces. An image data system is disposed beyond the second end of the prism and generates image data of one or more of the inspection piece that includes a top surface of at least one of the inspection pieces and at least one side of at least one of the inspection pieces. An inspection piece transportation system, such as a pick and place tool or conveyor, moves a plurality of inspection pieces past the first end of the prism through an inspection area.
US07768631B1
Method for providing a known reference point for an airborne imaging system, the method including providing at measured earth co-ordinates a camera/mirror assembly having a camera and a mirror mounted in fixed mutual spatial relationship and capable of tilting about two mutually orthogonal axes. Using the camera to track the sun and produce at least two or more different measured times respective time tagged camera images. Using the time tagged camera images to obtain a transformation of mirror axes relative to axes of the earth at a mirror location on the earth where the mirror is mounted.During a time window when the mirror is within a line of sight of the airborne imaging system and the sun, adjusting the azimuth and elevation of the mirror so that the sun is reflected by the mirror toward the airborne imaging system thereby capturing an image of the mirror in an aerial image produced by the airborne imaging system. Determining a location in the aerial image corresponding to the mirror thus providing a known earth reference location in said aerial image.
US07768626B2
An exposure apparatus, which forms a latent image pattern on a substrate using an exposure beam, includes a first structure which supports a projection unit which projects an exposure beam onto a substrate, a first supporting leg which includes a first actuator and supports the first structure, a first state detector which detects a state of the first structure, a second structure which supports a substrate stage which aligns the substrate, a second supporting leg which includes a second actuator and supports the second structure, a second state detector which detects a state of the second structure, and a control unit which controls, on the basis of a signal from the first state detector and a signal from the second state detector, the first actuator and the second actuator so as to synchronize the first structure and the second structure with each other.
US07768617B2
When a conductive layer is formed, a first liquid composition containing a conductive material is applied on an outer side of a pattern that is desired to be formed (corresponding to a contour or an edge portion of a pattern), and a first conductive layer (insulating layer) having a frame-shape is formed. A second liquid composition containing a conductive material is applied so as to fill a space inside the first conductive layer having a frame-shape, whereby a second conductive layer is formed. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are formed so as to be in contact with each other, and the first conductive layer is formed so as to surround the second conductive layer. Therefore, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer can be used as one continuous conductive layer.
US07768613B2
A method decreases the time and cost for producing an active matrix substrate of a liquid crystal display device. The method includes steps of forming patterns for scanning lines, separating silicon elements for thin film transistors from a semiconductor layer, forming video signal lines and liquid crystal drive electrodes at the same time, forming spacer bumps or spacers and insulation bumps at the same time via a halftone exposure process thereby creating a taper angle of less than 30 degrees at each edge of the bump, forming contact holes, and forming transparent common electrodes for shielding the video signal line and transparent common electrodes within pixels at the same time. The halftone exposure process utilizes a light transmission adjustable photomask having a translucent area or conducts a two-step exposure process by utilizing a normal photomask.
US07768603B2
Opening portions (opening patterns) having different arrangement pitches and sizes are formed in first metal film patterns, a first semiconductor film, second metal film patterns, a third insulating film, and the like under a reflective electrode, respectively. These opening portions overlap each other complexly to form fine bumps and dips in the surface of the reflective electrode. Further, the opening portions can be formed in the first metal film patterns, the first semiconductor film, and the second metal film patterns simultaneously with the formation of TFTs. Accordingly, an increase in the number of steps can be avoided.
US07768602B2
A light diffusing article that has, on at least one surface, convergent lens particles or divergent lens particles.
US07768599B2
The main object of the present invention is to provide a color filter for a transflective type color liquid crystal display which is easily produced and capable of displaying the same color tone with both of a reflecting light and a transmitting light, and shows light scattering in a reflective light region. In order to attain the above mentioned object, the present invention provides a color filter for transflective type color liquid crystal display comprising a transparent substrate and a reflective light coloring layer and a transmissive light coloring layer formed on the transparent substrate, wherein, a convex-concave is formed on a surface of a liquid crystal layer side of the reflective light coloring layer, and an average thickness of the reflective light coloring layer is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the transmissive light coloring layer, and a refractive index difference between the reflective light coloring layer and a layer in contact with the surface of the convex-concave formed side of the reflective light coloring layer, is 0.1 or more. Further, a main object of the present invention is to provide a color filter for transflective type liquid crystal display comprising a transparent membrane pattern region obtained by laminating: a transparent substrate; a transparent membrane pattern layer comprising a transparent membrane formed in a pattern on the transparent substrate; and a coloring layer formed so as to cover the transparent membrane pattern layer.
US07768598B2
A color filter and a method of manufacturing a color filter is provided, wherein fluctuation of chromaticity of a color pattern for every opening can be controlled and the color filter has little color shading. One embodiment of the present invention is a substrate having a pattern comprising a transparent substrate and a grid partition wall pattern formed on the transparent substrate, wherein there are openings partitioned by the grid partition wall pattern, and wherein there is a pass through the grid partition wall pattern between at least two adjacent openings.
US07768590B2
A method of manufacturing an active matrix substrate prevents an increase in the number of production steps while simultaneously preventing electrostatic discharge at a TFT channel. The method preferably includes the steps of forming a short-circuit wiring for connecting a data signal line or a source electrode to a drain electrode or a drain side circuit; successively forming an upper insulating film having an opening for short-circuit wiring separation and a transparent conductive film at a region above the short-circuit wiring as upper layers of the short-circuit wiring; and removing at least the transparent conductive film inside the opening for short-circuit wiring separation and the short-circuit wiring below the opening for short-circuit wiring separation to perform patterning of the pixel electrode and separation of the short-circuit wiring in the same step.
US07768588B2
A thin film transistor (TFT) substrate for a liquid crystal display is provided. The thin film transistor substrate includes: a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines that cross each other and define a plurality of sub-pixels; and a plurality of unit pixels in which first and second unit pixels are alternately formed in a direction of the gate lines and first and second unit pixels are formed vertically in a direction of the data lines, wherein the first unit pixel includes three sub-pixels and the first electrodes are slanted with respect to the gate lines and the data lines in each sub-pixel, the second unit pixel includes three sub-pixels and the second electrodes are a slanted with respect to the gate lines and the data lines in each sub-pixel, and the slant of the second electrodes is symmetrical to the slant of the first electrodes.
US07768578B2
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method of receiving a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB). According to the invention, there is provided a storage buffer capable of temporarily storing each of the received DMB channel signals and the specific contents signals selected by the user irrespective of whether the DMB channels are same to each other or not are outputted, among the contents signals (for example, video signal, audio signal and data signal) contained in each of the DMB channel signals temporarily stored. Accordingly, the user can see and hear the contents signals of the different channels (for example, a combination of video signal of channel A and audio signal of channel B) outputted through a screen and a speaker at the same time depending on the user's tastes.
US07768575B2
A method and an apparatus for capturing consecutive frames in digital video are disclosed. Through adding a function of capturing consecutive frames in digital video to digital televisions or digital recording equipments, the continuous fantastic frames in digital video can be displayed on the screen for users to watch and choose. Besides, with a recording function, those fabulous frames can also be preserved for the use of the follow-up view and demonstration. Finally, the purpose of capturing and storing best frames is achieved.
US07768566B2
A dual camera system uses a single lens and no moving parts in the optical path. A single lens directs a desired scene to a partially reflective beamsplitting mirror, thence to a pair of image sensors. For day/night operation, one sensor may be optimized for nighttime sensitivity, while the other is optimized for daytime operation. Alternatively, one optical path may have greater magnification, thus allowing electronic zooming with no resolution loss. The system may be enhanced with an image intensifier for nighttime operation; digital sensors for improved resolution, or orthogonal gyroscopic accelerometers for image stabilization. Additionally, the monochrome and color images may be produced simultaneously and ‘fused’ algorithmically, yielding an improvement in sensitivity and color resolution compared with a conventional color camera.
US07768563B2
An apparatus and method for measuring the breakpoint of a response curve representing the voltage output of an image array having an extended dynamic range. By flooding a light-opaque pixel with a charge and then applying an intermediate reset voltage to the pixel, the signal is read from the pixel and stored. The full reset voltage is applied to the pixel, and then the signal in the pixel is read and stored. The voltage output difference is the difference between the first and second stored signal. The voltage output difference is then used to determine the voltage of the knee point. Further, a conventional saturated pixel can be reset with an intermediate reset just prior to readout. The resulting signal can then be used to determine the voltage of the knee point.
US07768558B1
In one embodiment, a digital still camera includes: an image sensor for receiving light and generating output signals representative of an image of an object or a scene of interest; a processing circuit connected to the image sensor for processing the output signals from the image sensor; and a control circuit connected to the processing circuit for successively generating a plurality of image files and for determining a remaining picture count after each image file is generated based on one of a plurality of predetermined decrement numbers corresponding to an actual image file size of each image file.
US07768553B2
In a photographing apparatus, image data obtained when an instruction for capturing a still image is issued during capturing of a moving picture is saved in a first recording medium, and a still image is generated based on the image data saved in the first recording medium and is recorded on a second recording medium different from the first recording medium when the capturing of the moving picture has been completed. The photographing apparatus includes a display control unit configured to display, during the capturing of the moving picture, a first icon indicating the second recording medium as a still-image recording destination and an indicator indicating the number of still images for which image data can be saved in the first recording medium, and to display an indicator indicating that the still image is recorded on the second recording medium when the capturing of the moving picture has been completed.
US07768541B2
Provided is a heating resistor element including: an insulating substrate including a glass material; a heat accumulating layer bonded to the insulating substrate through heating to temperature ranging from an annealing point to a softening point in a state of being adhered to a surface of the insulating substrate, and including the same material as the glass material of the insulating substrate; and a heating resistor provided on the heat accumulating layer, in which, on at least one of bonded surfaces between the insulating substrate and the heat accumulating layer, at least one of the insulating substrate and the heat accumulating layer is provided with a concave portion in a region opposed to the heating resistor to form a hollow portion. Accordingly, deformation caused by a difference in coefficient of thermal expansion is suppressed to improve printing quality.
US07768537B2
A method and apparatus for diminishing display transients and jitter. The method and system disclosed utilizes prior illumination and position histories in displaying and illuminating representations, and elements comprising the representations, on the display. Recognizing repeated representations, finding their prior and current positions, and determining if the difference in position is over a threshold value, diminishes the jitter by displaying the representation in the new position if over the threshold value, or, if it is not over the threshold value, then displaying it in the prior location. The illumination of an element at an intensity, which is based on prior illuminations and/or intensities of the element, diminishes the transients by avoiding flashing or flicker of transient illuminations.
US07768534B2
In a method of and a system for determining inaccuracy information (600) in positioning a data model (1) of virtual information in an augmented reality system, the data model (1) is projected to the image plane of a display device (4) for mixing with visual impressions of a real environment. The inaccuracy information is calculated from parameters (10-0 to 50-2, 40, 50, 60) in a mapping computing process by means of which the data model (1) is projected to the image plane of the display device (4). It is thus possible to indicate relative precise inaccuracy information in positioning the data model in an augmented reality system.
US07768533B2
Programmable video generation and analyzer including a video asset for generating video signals having a primary composite video module for producing different types of a primary video signal and outputting the primary video signal via output channels, and a secondary video source module for producing a secondary composite video signal and outputting the secondary composite video signal via output channels. The secondary video source module produces the secondary composite video signal in an identical or different format than the primary video signal and different than the primary video signal. An NTSC/PAL converter is included, for example, as part of the secondary video source module, for generating video in NTSC format and PAL format. The NTSC/PAL converter accepts a stream of data from the primary composite video module and the secondary video source module and converts it into Composite Baseband Video, Y/Pr/Pb Component Video, Y/C Video (S_Video) or RGB Video.
US07768531B2
A method and system to rotate a 2N by 2N array are described. Consistent with one embodiment of the present invention, the 2N elements of the 2N rows of a 2N by 2N array are loaded from memory into the vector registers of a processor's single instruction multiple data (SIMD) unit. Next, the elements of the rows in the top half of the array are interleaved with corresponding elements from a corresponding row in the bottom half of the array. The loading and interleaving operations are repeated N times before the results, stored in the vector registers, are written back to memory.
US07768522B2
Virtualization of graphics resources and thread blocking is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a system and method of a kernel in an operating system including generating a data structure having an identifier of a graphics resource assigned to a physical memory location in video memory, and blocking access to the physical memory location if a data within the physical memory location is in transition between video memory and system memory wherein a client application accesses memory in the system memory directly and accesses memory in the video memory through a virtual memory map.
US07768518B2
Embodiments described herein disclose a system for enabling emulation of a MIMD ISA extension which supports user-level sequencer management and control, and a set of privileged code executed by both operating system managed sequencers and application managed sequencers, including different sets of persistent per-CPU and per-thread data. In one embodiment, a lightweight code layer executes beneath the operating system. This code layer is invoked in response to particular monitored events, such as the need for communication between an operating system managed sequencer and an application managed sequencer. Control is transferred to this code layer, for execution of special operations, after which control returns back to originally executing code. The code layer is normally dormant and can be invoked at any time when either a user application or the operating system is executing.
US07768513B2
A method of rendering text on an output device using a pre-developed image of a custom font. An image file defines an image of a custom developed character set. The custom character set may be developed off-line using graphics development tools. Associated character information enables the location of specific characters within the image. When a text character is output to a display or other output device, a custom font module locates the text character within the image and defines a subimage that contains the text character. The subimage is rendered upon the output device, thereby producing an image of the text character.
US07768510B2
The present invention discloses a measurement device for measuring the gray-to-gray response time. The measurement device is capable of precisely measuring the gray-to-gray response time of an LCD. According to a video signal comprising a synchronous message, the measurement device obtains the initial time and the final time of each gray-to-gray response time interval in the transition of LCD luminance, so as to achieve synchronous measurement of the LCD gray-to-gray response time.
US07768506B2
A gate driving device comprises a control circuit, a shift register circuit, a level shifter, a buffer block and a current overdrive protection device. The control circuit receives and outputs the logic control signals. The shift register circuit receives the logic control signals and sequentially outputs N horizontal low-voltage pulse signals from the first to Nth horizontal lines. The level shifter receives and transforms the horizontal low-voltage pulse signals into positive/negative high-voltage signals. The buffer block receives the horizontal positive/negative high-voltage signals and buffers the driving of the output level device. The current overdrive protection device receives the logic control signal and the horizontal low-voltage pulse signals. The current overdrive protection device, while being properly triggered, outputs the reset signal to prevent the sudden current spike. Accordingly, the damage of the gate driving device is avoided.
US07768502B2
An information processing apparatus includes a display having a display screen with a display-enabled display window, and a tablet having predetermined coordinates and permitting handwriting. A predetermined process is performed on the display window presented on the display in response to an operation on the tablet, and a size of the display window is updatable. The coordinates of the tablet are converted in response to the size updating of the display window presented on the display screen. If a portion of the display window is hidden in response to the display window becoming larger in size than the display screen, a peripheral portion of the tablet corresponding to the hidden portion of the display window is set as a movement operation area where the movement of the display window is controlled.
US07768499B2
A mouth-operated computer input device includes a mouthpiece to be positioned in a user's mouth, and an optical device carried by the mouthpiece for emitting light from a surface area thereof. The optical device controls movement of a cursor on a computer display based upon movement of the user's tongue across the surface area. The optical device includes a light emitting device for emitting the light, and a sensor adjacent the light emitting device for sensing the light reflected from the user's tongue. A processor calculates movement of the user's tongue based upon the light reflected therefrom.
US07768489B2
A method for driving a normal black type liquid crystal display (LCD) includes driving the LCD by applying uncompensated source signals corresponding to gray levels; recording first optimized common signal voltages (Vcom-opt1) of common signals corresponding with the gray levels; adjusting the source signal to drive the LCD so second optimized common signal voltages (Vcom-opt2) of common signals corresponding with the gray levels conform to the following conditions: (1) when the gray level is lower than a predetermined gray level, the Vcom-opt2 exceeds a predetermined voltage of the common signal and the absolute difference between the Vcom-opt2 and the predetermined voltage is less than or equal to that between the Vcom-opt1 and the predetermined voltage; and (2) when the gray level exceeds the predetermined gray level, the absolute difference between the Vcom-opt2 and the predetermined voltage is less than or equal to that between the Vcom-opt1 and the predetermined voltage.
US07768478B2
A plasma display apparatus is disclosed. The plasma display apparatus includes a plasma display panel including a first electrode and a second electrode connected to a reference voltage source, a negative voltage controller that supplies a negative voltage output from a negative constant voltage source to the first electrode, a sustain driver, and a negative voltage blocking unit. The sustain driver supplies a sustain signal to the first electrode, and one terminal of the sustain driver is connected to one terminal of the negative voltage controller. The negative voltage blocking unit prevents the negative voltage from being supplied to the reference voltage source through the sustain driver while the negative voltage controller supplies the negative voltage to the first electrode.
US07768476B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a plasma display apparatus in which an arrangement of use channels of data drive ICs is improved. The plasma display apparatus may include a plasma display panel including first and second address electrode groups that correspond to first and second screen regions, respectively, and that match each other. First data drive ICs may include channels connected to the first address electrode group. Second data drive ICs may include channels connected to the second address electrode group. An nth channel of the first data drive ICs from one side of the first screen region may be a dummy channel, an nth channel from the other side of the first screen region may be a dummy channel, and an nth channel of the second data drive ICs from one side of the second screen region, which matches the one side of the first screen region, may also be a dummy channel.
US07768466B2
The present invention relates to a multiband folded loop antenna comprising a dielectric substrate, a ground plane, a radiating portion and a matching circuit. The ground plane is located on the dielectric substrate and has a grounding point. The radiating portion comprises a supporter, a loop strip, and a tuning patch. The loop strip has a length about a half-wavelength of the central frequency of the antenna's first resonant mode. The loop strip has a feeding end and a grounding end, with the grounding end electrically connected to the grounding point on the ground plane. The loop strip is folded into a three-dimensional structure and is supported by the supporter. The tuning patch is electrically connected to the loop strip. The matching circuit is located on the dielectric substrate with one terminal electrically connected to the feeding end of the loop strip and another terminal to a signal source.
US07768465B2
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of antenna assemblies. In one exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly suitable for installation to a vehicle body wall generally comprises a chassis, a radome, and a shield disposed generally between the chassis and radome. Two or more resiliently compressible bumpers are spaced apart and compressively sandwiched generally between the radome and the shield. Compression of the bumpers generates a compressive force urging the shield generally towards the chassis that aids in electrically grounding of the shield with the chassis.
US07768463B2
Antenna assembly may include a dielectric substrate having a relative dielectric constant (∈r) of greater than one. The dielectric substrate may include a first branch that comprises a first antenna pattern and a first ground point for connecting the first antenna pattern to a first ground. The dielectric substrate may include a second branch that may include a second antenna pattern and a second ground point for connecting the second antenna pattern to a second ground. Each antenna pattern may thereby be configured to transmit and/or receive signals within a predetermined frequency band when said antenna assembly is in use.
US07768462B2
A handheld electronic device is provided that contain wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include antenna structures. A first antenna may handle first and second communications bands. A second antenna may handle additional communications bands. The first and second antennas may be located at opposite ends of the handheld electronic device. Conductive structures in the handheld electronic device may form an antenna ground plane. The antenna ground plane may have portions defining an antenna slot. An L-shaped antenna resonating element may be located adjacent to the slot. In the first communications band, the L-shaped antenna resonating element may serve as a non-radiating coupling stub that excites the antenna slot. In the second communications band, the L-shaped antenna resonating element may transmit and receive radio-frequency signals.
US07768461B2
Disclosed is an antenna device for transceiving a wireless signal with an insert-molded antenna pattern embedded inside a casing of an electronic device. The insert-molded antenna pattern is connected to an antenna module of a motherboard of the electronic device in order to feed the wireless signal transceived by the insert-molded antenna pattern through an antenna signal feeding line connected to the insert-molded antenna pattern and the antenna module, or by an antenna coupling element coupled with the insert-molded antenna pattern.
US07768458B2
The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for imaging and transmitting images. In particular, the present invention provides, systems, methods and devices for free-space polarization modulation.
US07768449B2
Each of a first and a second navigation satellite system (NSS) are adapted to operate according to a first and a second specification, respectively, and each includes a first and a second plurality of satellite vehicles (SV), respectively. Each of the first and the second plurality of SVs are adapted to be identified by a first and a second plurality of unique corresponding identifications (IDs), respectively. A processor is adapted to receive and identify a first plurality of corresponding signals transmitted from the first plurality of SVs in response to the first plurality of unique corresponding IDs. The processor is adapted to receive and identify a second plurality of corresponding signals transmitted from the second plurality of SVs in response to the second plurality of unique corresponding IDs. The processor is adapted to determine position location information in response to receiving and identifying the first plurality of corresponding signals and the second plurality of corresponding signals.
US07768441B2
A method for representing surface deformation measurements, including providing InSAR data, wherein the InSAR data is line of sight InSAR data; providing Global Positioning System (GPS) data; filtering the InSAR data; assembling the GPS data over a time span; resolving the GPS data into a line of sight direction; determining a correction; generating a corrected line of sight image; generating a plurality of XY motion maps, wherein generating includes: correlating a plurality of XY motions from a plurality of GPS sites with a gradient of the corrected line of site image; determining a correlation coefficient; and building a plane of XY motion using at least one of the plurality of XY motions; using the correlation coefficient to produce a linear combination of the plurality of XY motion maps; and using the linear combination to convert the InSAR data to vertical motion.
US07768439B2
A data transmission system is made up from: a transmission circuit (100) for generating and transmitting a data sequence in which the abundance ratio of each value for each prescribed data length is fixed, and a reception circuit (101) for, based on the abundance ratio of each value of a data sequence transmitted from the transmission circuit (100), correcting the offset voltage of a signal detection circuit (3) that detects values of the data sequence.
US07768434B2
Systems and methods for digital upconversion of baseband television signals that can be used in cable television headend systems are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a digital frequency adjustment system and a digital to analog conversion system. In a feature of the embodiment, the digital frequency adjustment system consists of set of digital upconversion and upsample elements that shift upwards the frequency of baseband signals. In a further feature of the embodiment, a tree structure of sets of upsample and upconversion elements is used. In another embodiment, the system includes digital and analog frequency adjustment systems in which the frequencies of the input signals are partially upshifted within both the digital and analog domains. Methods for digital upconversion of television signals are also provided.
US07768429B2
DC balance encoded data is transmitted by transmitting a preamble of dummy data that is configured to provide an intermediate number of bits of a given logic value that is at least one bit of the given logic value but less than a maximum number of bits of the given logic value in the DC balance encoded data, to thereby reduce the simultaneous switching noise that is caused by transmission of a first word of DC balance encoded data. The preamble may contain one or more words of fixed and/or variable dummy data.
US07768427B2
Vehicular traffic data is obtained using a traffic sensor having an antenna/transceiver module, a DSP and a microcomputer. This involves (a) transmitting radiation at a vehicles on a roadway; (b) receiving the radiation reflected back from the vehicles; (c) producing a stream of electrical signals based on the radiation reflected back from the vehicles; (d) processing the stream of electrical signals using the DSP to determine if a vehicle detection threshold is met, and, if the vehicle detection threshold is met, to determine an initial vehicle position; (e) when the vehicle detection threshold is met, generating a first signal representing the initial vehicle position using the DSP; (f) transmitting the first signal to the microcomputer; (g) deriving a first traffic information signal from the first signal using the microcomputer; (h) transmitting the first traffic information signal to an external traffic management system.
US07768409B2
The present invention generally provides methods and systems for reading information from a signal-emitting device, such as a wireless identification tag. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an electronic reading device mounted to a body-worn harness adapted to be worn on a body of a user. The method further includes detecting a predefined physical configuration assumed by at least a portion of the body by determining that a pressure value measured via a pressure sensor connected to the body-worn harness is above a threshold pressure value. In response to detecting the predefined physical configuration, the electronic reading device is activated. Upon being activated, the electronic reading device is configured to receive a signal from the signal-emitting device, the signal containing data pertaining to a physical object associated with the signal-emitting device.
US07768401B2
A radio tag is arranged in each of a plurality of radio tag areas. The radio tag areas can be parking lots. A radio tag reader is configured to perform radio communications with the radio tags. The radio tag reader performs radio communications with each radio tag and based on the radio communication determines whether an object, which can be a vehicle, is present in the radio tag area corresponding to the radio tag.
US07768397B1
A security device for preventing theft of a hinged electronic product comprising a band that is inserted through the open area about the hinge of the product and a pair of anchor assemblies that are attached to the ends of the band. Alternatively, the security device may include a cable that extends about the hinge and is secured in an anchor assembly. A tether or cable attaches the security devices to an object to permit the hinged product to be moved over a limited distance. The security device also is connected to an alarm system so that removal or tampering with the band or cable activates the alarm. Filaments and contacts may also be used to detect the presence of the band within the second anchor assembly. An indicator may also provide notice when the security device is armed and/or tampered with.
US07768396B2
A system and method for monitoring beverage dispensing from a container. Independently obtained data from a pour event and ring up are matched using a recipe database. The method involves receiving ring up data for a transaction of the beverage dispensing, determining one or more beverage brands from a selected drink recipe using the ring up data and matching the ring up data with at least one of a plurality of pour event data entries using the determined one or more beverage brands, wherein each of the plurality of pour event data entries is obtained independently of the ring up data.
US07768390B2
Provided is a method for transmitting sensing information in a wireless sensor network including a pair node. The method for transmitting sensing information in a wireless sensor network including a sink node, parent nodes, and sensor nodes set as pair nodes among sensor nodes connected to the parent nodes, includes the steps of: a) setting up predetermined sensor nodes in the same target area as pair nodes for transmitting and receiving sensing information to/from corresponding sensor nodes; b) at the pair nodes, transmitting first sensing information sensed by oneself to corresponding sensor nodes; c) at the sensor nodes, transmitting first sensing information sensed by oneself and second sensing information transmitted from corresponding pair nodes to the parent node; and d) at the parent node, transmitting the received first and second sensing information to the sink node at the same time.
US07768386B2
Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.
US07768373B2
An inductor includes common mode and differential mode flux paths. The inductor comprises a first core having a first segment, a second segment extending from the first segment and a first bridge segment extending from the second segment; a first wiring arrangement at least partially disposed around the first segment; a second core having a third segment, a fourth segment extending from the third segment and a second bridge segment extending from the fourth segment; and a second wiring arrangement at least partially disposed around the third segment; wherein the first segment, second segment, third segment and fourth segment cooperate to promote the common mode flux path, and the first bridge segment and the second bridge segment cooperate to promote the differential mode flux path.
US07768370B2
An electromagnetic assembly which has a base, at least one winding, and a magnetic core connected to the base, where at least one winding is mounted on the magnetic core. A housing part encloses at least part of at least one winding, and a printed circuit board is mounted to the housing part. The electromagnetic assembly can be a transformer or inductor, for example.
US07768365B2
A relay driving a plunger includes a movable iron piece, and a movable contact point, and position restricting means. The movable iron piece is configured to rotate around a horizontal shaft center between a contact point base and an electromagnetic unit based on excitation and nonexcitation of an electromagnetic unit placed above the contact point base. The movable contact point is fixed to a lower end portion of the plunger protruding from a lower surface of the contact point base. The movable contact point is contacted with and separated from a fixed contact point. The position restricting means is provided on an upper surface side of the contact point base.
US07768360B2
A crystal oscillator emulator integrated circuit, comprises a first temperature sensor that senses a first temperature of the integrated circuit; memory that stores calibration parameters and that selects at least one of the calibration parameters based on the first temperature; a semiconductor oscillator that generates an output signal having a frequency that is based on the calibration parameters; and an adaptive calibration circuit that adaptively adjusts a calibration approach for generating the calibration parameters based on a number of temperature test points input thereto.
US07768354B2
A bias circuit operable to supply a bias current to a first transistor includes: a second transistor having a collector terminal connected to a first power supply; a first resistance element having one end connected to an emitter terminal of the second transistor and having the other end connected to a base terminal of the first transistor; a second resistance element having one end connected to the emitter terminal of the second transistor and having the other end connected to ground potential; at least one third resistance element provided between a base terminal of the second transistor and a second power supply; and a plurality of temperature compensation circuits connected to the base terminal of the second transistor which are operable to control a base potential of the second transistor so that the potential falls as a temperature rises.
US07768352B2
A multi-stage Class AB amplifier system comprises a first Class AB amplifier circuit that receives an input signal. A bias circuit receives an output of the first Class AB amplifier circuit. A second Class AB amplifier circuit having an input that communicates with an output of the bias circuit and that generates an output signal. A common-mode feedback circuit generates a feedback signal to the first Class AB amplifier circuit based on the output signal.
US07768333B2
An apparatus for generating a reference clock for a DLL circuit includes a buffering unit configured to buffer an external clock so as to generate a first reference clock and a second reference clock, and to invert the second reference clock so as to generate a negative second reference clock. A duty cycle compensating unit generates a reference clock from the first reference clock and the negative second reference clock.
US07768320B1
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a sense amplifier flop design that is tolerant of process variation. Specific staging of signal transitions through the sense amplifier flop circuit eliminate operational phases involving short-circuit currents between n-channel field-effect transistors (N-FETs) and p-channel field effect transistors (P-FETs) in a complementary-symmetry metal-oxide semiconductor process. By eliminating short-circuit currents between N-FETs and P-FETs within the sense amplifier flop, a large variation in conductivity ratio between N-FETs and P-FETs may be tolerated by the sense amplifier flop. This tolerance to conductivity ratio translates to a tolerance for process variation by the sense amplifier flop circuit.
US07768316B2
A decoder circuit comprises: first decoder section that decodes an m-bit address signal portion of an (m+n)-bit address signal; and a second decoder section that decodes an n-bit address signal portion of the (m+n)-bit address signal, the first decoder section including a first AND operation circuit section that outputs signals that indicate a decoding result of the m-bit address signal portion, and a second AND operation circuit section that outputs signals that indicate a decoding result of part of the m-bit address signal portion, and the second decoder section including a third AND operation circuit section that outputs signals that indicate a decoding result of the n-bit address signal portion, and a fourth AND operation circuit section that outputs signals that indicate a decoding result of part of the n-bit address signal portion.
US07768307B2
A current mode logic (CML)-complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) converter prevents change of a duty ratio to stably operate during an operation for converting a CML level signal into a CMOS level signal. The CML-CMOS converter includes a reference level shifting unit configured to receive a CML signal swinging about a first reference level to shift a swing reference level to a second reference level; and an amplifying unit configured to amplify an output signal of the reference level shifting unit to output the amplified signal as a CMOS signal.
US07768304B2
Nanotube-based logic circuitry is disclosed. Tri-stating elements add an enable/disable function to the circuitry. The tri-stating elements may be provided by nanotube-based switching devices. In the disabled state, the outputs present a high impedance, i.e., are tri-stated, which state allows interconnection to a common bus or other shared communication lines. In embodiments wherein the components are non-volatile, the inverter state and the control state are maintained in the absence of power. Such an inverter may be used in conjunction with and in the absence of diodes, resistors and transistors or as part of or as a replacement to CMOS, biCMOS, bipolar and other transistor level technologies.
US07768302B2
A scalable non-blocking switching network (SN) having switches and intermediate (stages of) conductors that are used to connect a first plurality of conductors to other multiple sets of conductors in a generally unrestricted fashion within respective interconnect resources constraints. The SN can be applied in a wide range of applications, in tandem or hierarchically, to provide a large switch network used in network, routers, and programmable logic circuits. The SN is used to connect a first set of conductors, through the SN, to multiple sets of conductors in a given logic circuit hierarchy whereby the conductors in each of the multiple sets are equivalent or exchangeable, which in term, by construction, makes the first set of conductors equivalent when used in the next level of circuit hierarchy. The SN is scalable for large sized sets of conductors and can be used hierarchically to enable programmable interconnections among large sized circuits.
US07768301B2
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a number of function blocks (FB), of which at least one is re-configurable. Each of the FBs may be a reconfigurable function or a non-reconfigurable function or recursively expanded with additional “nested” function blocks. The IC further includes a number of input pins, a number of output pins, an adder, and a number of crossbar devices. The elements, at least at the IC level, are coupled in a manner such that all input signals are provided to the FBs through a first subset of the crossbar devices, all internal signals are routed from one FB to another FB through a second subset of crossbar devices, and all output signals are routed from the FBs to the output pins through a third subset of crossbar devices. To increase routability and speed each of the crossbar device output has a single fanout. Additionally, each of the crossbar devices may provide only one input to each other crossbar device. In some embodiments, an FB may include special function elements, and optionally, (cascaded) selection paths. Other embodiments may also be described.
US07768293B1
A system for authentication of information provided to an integrated circuit, a method for rights management of an integrated circuit, and a method for configuring a programmable logic device are described. A memory is coupled to a programmable logic device. The memory includes an array of memory cells and storage devices. The storage devices provide a first storage space and a second storage space. The first storage space is for storing a first identifier. The second storage space is for storing a second identifier, which is a transformation of the first identifier. The array of memory cells is for storing configuration information to configure programmable logic of the programmable logic device. The configuration information includes authentication logic information.
US07768282B2
A probe apparatus and method of terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester side by side at a proximal end of the probe and a distal end of the signal cable. In one embodiment, the probe apparatus includes: a chassis; a dielectric block mounted in the chassis for retaining the probe, the probe extending on the chassis from a proximal end of the probe to the dielectric block, extending through the dielectric block, and projecting from the dielectric block towards the semiconductor device at a distal end of the probe; and a terminating apparatus, mounted in the chassis, for terminating the proximal end of the probe with a distal end of the signal cable side by side.
US07768278B2
An electronic device for use with a probe head in automated test equipment. The device includes a plurality of semiconductor devices arranged to provide at least one driver/receiver pair where the driver portion of the driver/receiver pair is configured to transmit a signal to at least one device under test and the receiver portion of the driver/receiver pair is configured to receive a signal from the at least one device under test. Each of the plurality of semiconductor devices is fabricated using either a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) or metal-on-insulator (MOI) technology and has a thickness less than about 300 μm exclusive of any electrical interconnects. The at least one driver/receiver pair is adapted to mount directly to the probe head.
US07768276B2
Systems and methods for identifying problems with PZT elements of micro-actuators are provided. In certain example embodiments, a voltage (e.g., a sine voltage) may be applied to a reference unit causing it as well as a test unit to vibrate. Characteristics of the respective resonances (e.g., frequency, amplitude, phase, etc.) may be compared (e.g., by a processor) to determine whether there are problems with the test unit. The reference unit may include an HGA or an HSA of a hard disk drive device. The test unit may include corresponding parts for inspection. Such techniques make it possible to detect problems with PZT elements when there is only one PZT element per micro-actuator.
US07768272B2
A capacitance detecting apparatus includes: a first on/off switch; a first reference capacitor; a second on/off switch; a third on/off switch; a first sensor electrode; a fourth on/off switch; a second reference capacitance; a fifth on/off switch; a sixth on/off switch; a second sensor electrode; a comparator; switch controlling means for alternately repeating a second switch operation and a third switch operation following a first switch operation; counting means for counting a number of times for repeating the second switch operation; and judging means for judging changes in capacitances related to the first and second sensor electrodes, based upon the number of times for repeating the second switch operation counted by the counting means before a level of voltage at the first input terminal and a level of voltage at the second input terminal are reversed.
US07768265B2
A portable locator and method for establishing the location of the cable line in a region which includes at least one generally straight electrically conductive cable line extending across the region from which cable line a locating signal includes a first arrangement for measuring a local flux intensity of the locating signal at a first above ground point within the region with the portable locator in a particular orientation at the first above ground point. A second arrangement uses the local flux intensity to establish a cable line angular orientation which limits the possible directions to the cable line relative to the particular orientation of the portable locator at the above ground point. A third arrangement uses the measured local flux intensity to establish an actual direction of the cable line that is selected from the possible directions based on certain characteristics of the locating signal.
US07768261B2
A phantom and method are provided for co-registering a magnetic resonance image and a nuclear medical image. The phantom includes a first housing defining a first chamber configured to receive a magnetic resonance material upon which magnetic resonance imaging can be performed in order to produce the magnetic resonance image. The phantom also includes three or more second housings configured to be attached to the first housing, where the second housings each define a second chamber configured to receive a radioactive material upon which nuclear imaging can be performed in order to produce the nuclear medical image and upon which the magnetic imaging can be performed in order to produce the magnetic resonance image. The first chamber has a volumetric capacity that is larger than a volumetric capacity of each second chamber.
US07768259B2
Using eddy currents to inspect a hole that is possibly not rectilinear and/or of section that is not circular. The inspection device comprises a stick shaped and dimensioned to be capable of being engaged in said hole, at least one arm hinged to a support fastened to one end of the stick, an eddy current sensor being embedded in said arm, and resilient means for urging the arm outwards against the inside surface of the hole.
US07768257B2
Provided herein are systems and methods which use the solenoid itself to sense the position of the armature within the solenoid, and therefore to determine the position of the solenoid's armature, and or any related devices whose movement is dependent on the armature's movement. Specifically, a system in which the change in self-induction that occurs when the armature moves relative to the solenoid coil is used to detect the location of the armature.
US07768256B2
The invention relates to a method for securely monitoring a distance between a metallic part and an inductive proximity sensor, in particular for monitoring a closed position of a guard door in an automated system, said method having the steps of: providing an oscillating circuit, providing a metallic part made of a first material, driving the oscillating circuit with at least one pulse, such that a decaying oscillation is generated which is dependent on a distance between the metallic part and the oscillating circuit and which has an actual frequency and an actual attenuation, and signaling whether both the actual frequency undershoots a predefined maximum frequency and the actual attenuation undershoots a predefined maximum attenuation. The invention also relates to a signaling device for monitoring a distance between a metallic part and an inductive proximity sensor.
US07768247B2
An under voltage lock out circuit which monitors an input voltage and executes a predetermined sequence when the input voltage satisfies a predetermined condition may include a voltage comparison unit which compares the input voltage and a predetermined threshold voltage, and outputs a comparison signal; a logic circuit which receives the comparison signal output from the voltage comparison unit and a start-up signal instructing start-up of an equipment mounted with the under voltage lock out circuit, and asserts a sequence control signal when start-up is instructed by the start-up signal in a state the input voltage is higher than the threshold voltage; and a sequence circuit which executes a predetermined sequence when the sequence control signal is asserted, wherein the predetermined threshold voltage is switched according to the sequence control signal.
US07768245B1
An emulator circuit for forming a signal representative of current flow in an inductor of a switched mode power supply, where the inductor is associated with a switching arrangement operational to connect a first node of the inductor to a first voltage (Vin) or to one of a reference voltage (gnd) or a current flow path, a second node of the inductor to a second voltage (Vout) or to one of a second reference voltage (gnd) or the current flow path, and wherein the emulator circuit forms a emulator output signal representing the integral with respect to time for which the first and second node of the inductor are connected to the first voltage and the second voltage respectively.
US07768242B2
A DC to DC boost converter circuit receives a DC input voltage and converts it to a DC output voltage at a different voltage level than the DC input voltage. The DC to DC boost converter includes a switching power converter for receiving the input voltage on an input and converting the input voltage to an output as the DC output voltage in response to pulse control signals. A switching controller generates the pulse control signals during a switching cycle. Current sensing circuitry limits a current passing through the switching power converter. The current sensing circuitry generates an overload signal when the current exceeds a reference value. The current sensing circuitry sensing the current with a current sensing resistor having a size of at least approximately 500 ohms.
US07768239B2
The present invention is directed at a method of handling a device charging state for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connected mobile electronic device comprising the steps of sensing a presence of a bus voltage; sensing an enumeration acknowledgement signal between the device and a USB host; and transmitting a signal to instruct the device to enter the device charging state.
US07768237B2
Methods and system are disclosed for an automatic discharge function for a vehicle having an electric or hybrid electric motor. The methods and system monitor the motor for occurrence of a power shutdown. If the power shutdown occurs, a contactor pair is opened, and immediate discharging of capacitance is initiated in response to opening the contactors pair. Discharging is continued until the capacitance is completely discharged.
US07768236B2
An electrical device comprises a positive electrode terminal for connection to the positive electrode of a battery, a negative electrode terminal for connection to the negative electrode of the battery, a load circuit receiving power from the positive and negative electrode terminals connected to the battery, a voltage detector detecting the voltage between the positive and negative electrode terminals, and a short circuiting portion for short-circuiting between the positive and negative electrode terminals when the voltage detected by the voltage detector becomes not larger than a particular preset voltage.
US07768234B2
Various synchronization and content acquisition tasks able to be performed by a portable device are governed by reference to a budget. In operation, the budget may be adjusted as a function of a state of a battery associated with the portable device, as a function of one more file sizes associated with content to be acquired, as a function of a data transfer rate, and/or as a function of a temperature associated with the portable device. A filter may also be provided for use in determining which content the portable device will acquire.
US07768228B2
Methods and systems for converting direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power are provided. A first phase of the AC power is generated based on a first carrier signal. A second phase of the AC power is generated based on a second carrier signal.
US07768227B2
A control method and a control system for single phase induction motors driven by two-power electronic switch inverter are disclosed. The system fulfills two main tasks i.e. precise motor speed control and maximum motor efficiency control over wide ranges of motor load and speed command without a motor speed feedback.
US07768225B2
A difference between each position command data outputted in a form of a step signal from a high-level controller and its corresponding detected position data of a movable body is integrated by an integral compensator to position the movable body. Assuming, for example, that the movable body is a steerable mirror, digital filters are arranged to compensate the value of an initial state of an angular displacement and the value of an initial state of an angular velocity, respectively, and respective impulse responses of the digital filters as additional input elements are added to an output terminal of the integral compensator. For higher effectiveness, internal state variables of the digital filters can desirably be cleared to zero whenever an angle (position) command data is received.
US07768221B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for power factor control of a motor. A phase detector uses a line voltage of a power supply and a motor terminal voltage of a motor. The output of the phase detector is synchronized to a zero crossing of the motor current of the motor and a zero crossing of the line voltage. A digital microprocessor connected between the output of the phase detector and a rectifier driver senses a first time at which a phase of the motor voltage is crossing zero volts and a second time at which a phase of the motor current is crossing zero current. The digital microprocessor calculates the difference in time between the first and second times and uses the difference in time to calculate a phase lag of the motor. The digital microprocessor uses the phase lag to calculate a firing time of a rectifier to command power efficiently to the motor.
US07768219B2
A device controller system incorporates an inexpensive Hall element to detect motion of a brushless DC motor. A magnet, which is part of a motor rotor, passes by the Hall element producing a Hall voltage each rotation. The Hall voltage is coupled through an interface port to a comparator within a process controller. A microprocessor within the process controller calculates a control response based on a comparator output signal. The interface port is rapidly configured to provide signals produced from the control response as output to device drivers on the same input-output pins that receive the Hall voltage. The device drivers produce a current through fan coils producing an update in the magnetic field of each motor phase which updates the speed of the fan according to programming within the process controller. Rapid configuring and reconfiguring of the interface port allows all necessary components of the controller system to be used with a single rotational commutation cycle.
US07768212B2
An LED driver circuit and its control circuit for controlling its power switch are provided. The LED driver includes a switch, a PWM controller, a current source and a signal controller. The switch has a first end outputting a driving voltage to at least one LED. The PWM controller provides a PWM signal. The current source provides a driving current flowing through the LED when a dimming control signal is asserted. The signal controller turns off the switch when the dimming control signal is de-asserted and relays the PWM signal from the PWM controller to the switch so that the switch is controlled by the PWM signal when the dimming control signal is asserted.
US07768205B2
A plasma display panel (PDP) includes a front substrate, a rear substrate facing the front substrate, barrier ribs between the front and rear substrates to define a plurality of discharge cells, photoluminescent material in the discharge cells, first electrodes on the front substrate along a first direction, second electrodes on the rear substrate and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, at least one dielectric layer on the rear substrate, and a white pigment layer on the substrate.
US07768202B2
A plasma display device includes a plasma display panel 11 that has a front substrate including a plurality of display electrodes arranged thereon and a rear substrate having data electrodes arranged thereon to cross the display electrodes, the front substrate and the rear substrate facing each other so as to form a discharge space, and chassis member 20 that holds plasma display panel 11 on a front side and has a driving circuit block for driving plasma display panel 11 on a rear side. Chassis member 20 has base plate 36 that is divided into a plurality of base metal plates 36a, 36b, and 36c, to which plasma display panel 11 is attached, and metal plates 37 and 38 that couple the plurality of base metal plates 36a, 36b, and 36c together.
US07768195B2
An organic electroluminescent device (20) including an anode (1), a first emitting layer (3), a carrier barrier layer (4), a second emitting layer (5), and a cathode (7) stacked in that order. The first emitting layer (3) is formed of a hole transporting material, and the second emitting layer (5) is formed of an electron transporting material. The affinity level of the carrier barrier layer (4) is smaller than the affinity level of the second emitting layer (5) in an amount of 0.2 eV or more, and the ionization potential (Ie1) of the carrier barrier layer (4) and the ionization potential (Ih1) of the first emitting layer (3) satisfy Ie1
US07768193B2
There is provided a display element capable of efficiently emitting generated light externally and a method of manufacturing the display element, without damaging an organic electroluminescent layer. First, a transparent electrode protection material (11) is deposited on a first holding substrate (10); then organic electroluminescent light-emitting elements (12, 13, 14) are manufactured thereon; and then after sealing and holding with a sealing material (15) and a second holding substrate (16), the first holding substrate (10) and a transparent electrode protection material (11) are removed by etching or the like. According to the present invention, the removal of the first holding substrate (10) enables improvement of the emission rate generated in the electroluminescent layer (13), and improvement of brightness and contrast in the display element.
US07768189B2
A method for the manufacturing of white LEDs is proposed, which can achieve a tunable color rendering index (CRI) or luminosity through the use of at least two phosphor composition layers of essentially the same emission color coordinates, each composition including at least one individual phosphor compound. The method allows to optimize the devices for CRI at a given minimal luminosity requirement, or vice versa.
US07768184B2
A spark plug for an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a hollow cylindrical metal shell with an open end portion to be exposed to a combustion chamber of the engine, a ground electrode joined to the metal shell, a center electrode disposed in the metal housing to define a spark gap between itself and the ground electrode. The spark plug also includes a stream shaper geometrically formed on an outer periphery of the open end portion of the metal shell to shape tumble vortexes of air-fuel mixture into vortex streams oriented toward a central portion of the combustion chamber. This ensures the stability of orientation of the tumble vortexes to control a flow of sparks, thereby enhancing the ignitability of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.
US07768176B2
The invention relates to a power storage system intended to transmit power to and from a driving system of a vehicle. A power storage having a stator provided with two windings and at least one rotor provided with a magnetic-flux generating device is comprised. The rotor is connected to a flywheel intended for storage of energy. The two windings of the stator are arranged for high and low voltage, respectively. The power storage is arranged to transmit power to and from the electric apparatus as well as store energy transmitted from the electric apparatus in the flywheel.
US07768171B2
A permanent magnet rotating electric machine has a stator provided with a plurality of windings, and a rotor in which magnets are disposed in slots formed in a rotor core along an outer circumference thereof. The rotor core is fixed on a rotary shaft rotating inside the stator, and one magnetic pole is constituted by each group of three or more of the magnets. A total angle occupied by the group of magnets constituting one magnetic pole is in the range of 150 to 165 degrees in terms of an electrical angle.
US07768170B2
A rotary electric machine having a stator and capable of effectively utilizing both end faces of a rotor in the rotating axis direction. The stator comprises a radial part disposed in the rotating axis direction and axial parts disposed in the radial direction. The radial part and the axial parts comprise teeth and coils. The rotor comprises a rotor shaft, a rotor core, and a magnet. The rotor core comprises a radial part and axial parts. The magnet comprises a radial part and axial parts. The radial part and the axial parts of the magnet are formed to face the radial part and the axial parts and of the stator.
US07768169B2
The present invention provides a permanent magnet rotor arrangement that is particularly suitable for low-speed large-diameter electrical generators. The arrangement includes a rotor 2 having a radially outer rim 4. A circumferential array of magnet carriers 12 is affixed to the outer rim 4 of the rotor and have a radially outer surface. An inverted U-shaped pole piece retainer 18 made of non-magnetic material such as stainless steel is affixed to each magnet carrier 12 and is formed with an axially extending channel. At least one pole piece 16 made of a magnetic material such as steel is located adjacent to the radially outer surface of each magnet carrier 12 and in the channel formed in its associated pole piece retainer 18.
US07768162B2
A stator coil 24 is installed in a stator core 11, and an insulating resin is impregnated into slot portions 22 and hardened. The stator coil 24 is constituted by enameled wires in which a polyamideimide resin layer has been applied radially outside a copper wire and hardened, and the insulating resin contains as a major component a THEIC-modified polyester resin that has been modified by a fatty acid.
US07768157B2
The brushless motor includes a first permanent magnet magnetized in a direction perpendicular to the drive direction, and a electromagnetic coil wound around an axis parallel to the drive direction. The drive control circuit supplies a drive current in a given first electric current direction to the electromagnetic coil without changing the electric current direction to operate the brushless motor in the drive direction.
US07768153B2
A dual input power supply is provided, which comprises a dual input, a connector, a power converter circuit and an output. The dual input has a first input and a second input. The connector is an integrated magnetic element used for integrating the input powers having different power signals from the first input and the second input. The power converter circuit comprises an AC-to-DC converter, a DC-to-DC converter, a feedback circuit and a filter circuit. In the present invention, the dual input uses a set of transformer coils or inductive coils, thus the size of the present power supply can be reduced.
US07768140B2
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor chip bonded to external connection pads or external connection terminals by flip-chip bonding and an underfill resin, and provides a semiconductor device which enables to lessen the warpage attributable to the underfill without involvement of an increase in the size of the semiconductor device. A low elastic resin member is disposed opposite to a surface of a semiconductor chip on which a plurality of electrode pads are formed, and an underfill resin is filled between the semiconductor chip and the low elastic resin member and between electrode pads and external connection pads.
US07768138B2
In a semiconductor device, a semiconductor chip is connected to a board through an interconnection layer. A plurality of first terminals, a plurality of second terminals and a plurality of third terminals are provided on the board, the interconnection layer and the semiconductor chip, respectively. The second terminals are connected to the first terminals through the board. The third terminals are connected to the second terminals. The interconnection layer is rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to an upper surface of the interconnection layer. A first terminal having a specific function out of the first terminals and a third terminal having the specific function out of the third terminals are connected to each other by rotating the interconnection layer.
US07768135B1
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a semiconductor package including at least two electronic components which are provided in a stacked arrangement, and are each electrically connected to an underlying substrate through the use of conductive wires. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic components are separated from each other by an intervening spacer which is typically fabricated from aluminum, or from silicon coated with aluminum. In this particular embodiment, the uppermost electronic component of the stack is electrically connected to at least one of the conductive wires through the use of a conductive paste layer which is also used to secure the uppermost electronic component to the underlying spacer. In this regard, one end of one of the conductive wires may be embedded in the conductive paste layer adjacent one side of the uppermost electronic component, or between the bottom surface of such electronic component and the spacer.
US07768115B2
Provided are a stack chip and a stack chip package having the stack chip. Internal circuits of two semiconductor chips are electrically connected to each other through an input/output buffer connected to an external connection terminal. The semiconductor chip has chip pads, input/output buffers and internal circuits connected through circuit wirings. The semiconductor chip also has connection pads connected to the circuit wirings connecting the input/output buffers to the internal circuits. The semiconductor chips include a first chip and a second chip. The connection pads of the first chip are electrically connected to the connection pads of the second chip through electrical connection means. Input signals input through the external connection terminals are input to the internal circuits of the first chip or the second chip via the chip pads and the input/output buffers of the first chip, and the connection pads of the first chip and the second chip.
US07768111B2
A storage apparatus 10 is disclosed, that comprises a wiring substrate 11 having a first surface and a second surface, a flat type external connection terminal 12a disposed on the first surface of the wiring substrate 11, a semiconductor device 14 disposed on the second surface of the wiring substrate 11 and having a connection terminal 14a connected to the flat type external connection terminal 12a, a molding resin 15 for coating the semiconductor device 14 on the second surface of the wiring substrate 11, a card type supporting frame 10a having a concave portion or a hole portion fitting the wiring substrate 11, the semiconductor device 14, and the molding resin 15 in such a manner that the flat type external connection terminal 12a is exposed to the first surface of the wiring substrate 11, and adhesive resin a adhering integrally the flat type external connection terminal 12a, the wiring substrate 11, the semiconductor device 14, the molding resin 15, and the card type supporting frame 10a. In addition, the storage apparatus 10 can be combined with a card type supporting means 21 that supports detachably with the flat type external connection terminal 12a exposed to one of the surfaces so as to be used as a card type storage apparatus 20 having bigger size.
US07768103B2
A tape distribution substrate comprises a plurality of distribution lines formed on a base film. In one embodiment, the distribution lines comprise data lines arranged in data line pairs, wherein each data line pair carries a data signal with two different polarities. The distance between the data lines in each data line pair becomes narrower as the data lines extend away from the base film. In another embodiment, the distribution lines comprise power distribution lines, each having a body portion including several holes, and divided into one or more sub-power distribution lines connected to the base film.
US07768100B2
This invention is directed to improve the electrostatic discharge strength and the latch-up strength of the semiconductor integrated circuit. To achieve the certain level of stable quality of the semiconductor integrated circuit by eliminating the variety in the electrostatic discharge strength and the latch-up strength is also aimed. The first NPN type bipolar transistor 3 and the second NPN type bipolar transistor 4 in the electrostatic discharge protection cell EC 1 are surrounded by the isolation region 6 made of the P+ type semiconductor layer and electronically isolated from other elements. The width WB1 of the isolating region 6 is larger than the width WB2 of the isolation region 7 that separates the elements comprising the internal circuit 50 from each other. This configuration can efficiently improve the electrostatic discharge strength and the latch-up strength. It is preferred that the width WB1 of the isolation region 6 is twice as large as the width WB2 of the isolation region 7 (usually, it is designed to minimize the size of the semiconductor integrated circuit) in order to efficiently improve the dielectric strength and the latch-up strength.
US07768090B2
A semiconductor photodetector device includes a light receiving operation section converting incident light to an electric signal and a current amplifying operation section amplifying the electric signal. The light receiving operation section includes: a first conductivity type semiconductor layer a formed on a first conductivity type semiconductor substrate; a second conductivity type first semiconductor region formed on the semiconductor layer; and a first conductivity type second semiconductor region formed on the semiconductor layer and separated from the first semiconductor region. The current amplifying operation section includes: the second semiconductor region; a second conductivity type third semiconductor region formed in the semiconductor substrate; a second conductivity type fourth semiconductor region formed on the third semiconductor region and separated from the second semiconductor region.
US07768089B2
A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate comprised of an interposer having one surface and a semiconductor element provided on the one surface of the interposer, the semiconductor element including a light receiving portion for receiving light thereon; a transparent substrate having light-transmitting property and one surface facing the light receiving portion, the transparent substrate arranged in a spaced-apart relationship with the one surface of the interposer through a gap formed between the one surface of the interposer and the one surface of the transparent substrate; and a spacer formed in a shape of a frame, the spacer positioned between the one surface of the interposer and the one surface of the transparent substrate for regulating the gap, and the spacer having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the one surface of the interposer, the one surface of the transparent substrate and the inner surface of the spacer form a space which is hermetically sealed, and wherein the spacer has a wall including at least one thin wall portion and a thick wall portion other than the at least one thin wall portion, and a vapor permeability of the at least one thin wall portion is greater than a vapor permeability of the thick wall portion, wherein a vapor allowed to flow into the space through the wall of the spacer from an outside preferentially permeates from the space to the outside through the thin wall portion.
US07768085B2
A photodetector array includes a semiconductor substrate having opposing first and second main surfaces, a first layer of a first doping concentration proximate the first main surface, and a second layer of a second doping concentration proximate the second main surface. The photodetector includes at least one conductive via formed in the first main surface and an anode/cathode region proximate the first main surface and the at least one conductive via. The via extends to the second main surface. The conductive via is isolated from the semiconductor substrate by a first dielectric material. The anode/cathode region is a second conductivity opposite to the first conductivity. The photodetector includes a doped isolation region of a third doping concentration formed in the first main surface and extending through the first layer of the semiconductor substrate to at least the second layer of the semiconductor substrate.
US07768080B2
An apparatus and method relating to a first inorganic dielectric layer having a first concentration of defects and a second inorganic dielectric layer in contact with a first layer and having a second lesser concentration of defects are disclosed.
US07768075B2
A semiconductor die package is disclosed. The semiconductor die package comprises a metal substrate, and a semiconductor die comprising a first surface comprising a first electrical terminal, a second surface including a second electrical terminal, and at least one aperture. The metal substrate is attached to the second surface. A plurality of conductive structures is on the semiconductor die, and includes at least one conductive structure disposed in the at least one aperture. Other conductive structures may be disposed on the first surface of the semiconductor die.
US07768074B2
Methods and associated structures of forming a microelectronic device are described. Those methods may include forming an NMOS silicide on an NMOS source/drain contact area, forming a first contact metal on the NMOS silicide, polishing the first contact metal to expose a top surface of a PMOS source/drain region, and forming a PMOS silicide on the PMOS source/drain region.
US07768073B2
A method of forming a buried digit line is disclosed. Sacrificial spacers are formed along the sidewalls of an isolation trench, which is then filled with a sacrificial material. One spacer is masked while the other spacer is removed and an etch step into the substrate beneath the removed spacer forms an isolation window. Insulating liners are then formed along the sidewalls of the emptied trench, including into the isolation window. A digit line recess is then formed through the bottom of the trench between the insulating liners, which double as masks to self-align this etch. The digit line recess is then filled with metal and recessed back, with an optional prior insulating element deposited and recessed back in the bottom of the recess.
US07768066B2
A UMOSFET is capable of reducing a threshold voltage and producing a large saturation current. A typical UMOSFET according to the present invention includes: an N+ type SiC substrate constituting a drain layer; an N− type SiC layer that is in contact with the drain layer and constitutes a drift layer; a P type body layer formed on the drift layer and being a semiconductor layer; an N+ type SiC layer constituting a source layer; a trench extending from the source layer to a predetermined location placed in the drift layer; a P type electric field relaxation region provided around and outside a bottom portion of the trench; and a channel region extending from the N+ type source layer to the P type electric field relaxation region and having an impurity concentration higher than that of the N− type drift layer and lower than that of the P type body layer.
US07768063B2
A semiconductor device comprising: a semiconductor substrate; a first conductive layer provided on a surface of the substrate and serving as one of a source and a drain; a first insulating film provided on the first conductive layer; a gate electrode film provided on the first insulating film; a second insulating film provided on the gate electrode film; a gate opening provided so as to penetrate the second insulating film, the gate electrode film and the first insulating film to expose a part of the first conductive layer; a recess provided in the surface of the first conductive layer just below the gate opening; a gate insulator provided on the side surface of the gate opening and having a projecting shape at a portion between the first insulating film and the recess; a second conductive layer buried in the recess and in a bottom of the gate opening so as to be in contact with the gate insulator.
US07768051B2
DRAM memory cells having a feature size of less than about 4F2 include vertical surround gate transistors that are configured to reduce any short channel effect on the reduced size memory cells. In addition, the memory cells may advantageously include reduced resistance word line contacts and reduced resistance bit line contacts, which may increase a speed of the memory device due to the reduced resistance of the word line and bit line contacts.
US07768045B2
A CMOS image device comprises a pixel array region including a photo diode region, a floating diffusion region, and at least one MOS transistor having a gate and a junction region, a CMOS logic region disposed around the pixel array region, the CMOS logic region including a plurality of nMOS transistors and pMOS transistors, and contact studs formed on the floating diffusion region and the junction region in the pixel array region, the contact studs comprising impurity-doped polysilicon layers.
US07768042B2
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a thin film transistor including titanium oxides as an active layer and the structure of the thin film transistor film manufactured using the method. The thin film transistor includes: a substrate; an active layer formed on the substrate using polycrystalline or amorphous titanium oxides; and an insulating layer formed on the active layer. Further, the method of manufacturing the thin film transistor includes: forming a substrate; forming an active layer on the substrate using polycrystalline or amorphous titanium oxides; and forming an insulating layer on the active layer. The present invention is advantageous in that the performance of the thin film transistor can be improved, the thin film transistor can be manufactured at low cost, harmful environmental problems can be solved, and the thin film transistor can be widely applied to various electronic apparatuses including, but not limited to, integrated drivers in active-matrix displays and transparent electronic devices.
US07768039B2
Four regions (a narrow NMOS region, a wide NMOS region, a wide PMOS region, and a narrow PMOS region) are defined on a semiconductor substrate. Then, after a gate insulating film and a polysilicon film are sequentially formed on the semiconductor substrate, n-type impurities are introduced into the polysilicon film in the wide NMOS region. Next, by patterning the polysilicon film, gate electrodes are formed in the four regions. Then, n-type impurities are introduced into the gate electrodes in the narrow NMOS region and the wide NMOS region. As a result, an impurity concentration of the gate electrode in the narrow NMOS region becomes lower than that of the gate electrode in the wide NMOS region.
US07768037B2
A memory cell for reducing the cost and complexity of modifying a revision identifier (ID) or default register values associated with an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and a method for manufacturing the same. The cell, which may be termed a “Meta-Memory Cell” (MMCEL), is implemented on metal layers only and utilizes a dual parallel metal ladder structure that traverses and covers each metal and via layer from the bottom to the top of the metal layer structure of the chip. One of the metal ladders is connected to a power supply at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 1, and another metal ladder is connected to ground at the bottom metal layer, corresponding to a logic 0. The output of the MMCEL can thus be inverted at any metal or via layer and can be inverted as often as required. Significant cost savings are achieved because a revision ID or default register bits may be modified by altering only those metal layers where design changes are necessary.
US07768035B2
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor base of a first conductivity type; a hetero semiconductor region in contact with the semiconductor base; a gate electrode adjacent to a portion of a junction between the hetero semiconductor region and the semiconductor base across a gate insulating film; a source electrode connected to the hetero semiconductor region; and a drain electrode connected to the semiconductor base. The hetero semiconductor region has a band gap different from that of the semiconductor base. The hetero semiconductor region includes a first hetero semiconductor region and a second hetero semiconductor region. The first hetero semiconductor region is formed before the gate insulating film is formed. The second hetero semiconductor region is formed after the gate insulating film is formed.
US07768023B2
A high efficiency light emitting diode (LED) comprised of a substrate, a buffer layer grown on the substrate (if such a layer is needed), a first active region comprising primary emitting species (PES) that are electrically-injected, a second active region comprising secondary emitting species (SES) that are optically-pumped by the light emitted from the PES, and photonic crystals, wherein the photonic crystals act as diffraction gratings to provide high light extraction efficiency, to provide efficient excitation of the SES, and/or to modulate the far-field emission pattern.
US07768015B2
A pixel structure of a display panel is provided. The pixel structure includes a first storage capacitor formed by a pixel electrode and a common electrode pattern, and a second storage capacitor formed by an electrode pattern and the common electrode pattern. Accordingly, the storage capacitance is greatly improved without sacrificing the aperture ratio, or the aperture ratio is improved by reducing the area of the storage capacitor while the storage capacitance is maintained.
US07768012B2
Only five photomasks are used to fabricate a LCD pixel array structure. A gate dielectric layer of the LCD pixel array structure is formed by two deposition steps to increase the storage capacity of the storage capacitor.
US07768008B2
One embodiment of the present invention is a thin film transistor including a gate electrode formed on an insulating substrate, a gate insulator formed on the gate electrode, a drain electrode and a source electrode formed on the gate insulator, an oxide semiconductor pattern formed between the drain electrode and the source electrode, and a sealing layer formed on the oxide semiconductor pattern.
US07768004B2
In a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate and an electrode pad formed over the semiconductor substrate, at least one of test element is formed in a region of the semiconductor substrate beneath the electrode pad. The test element is electrically isolated from upper conductive layers outside of the region and the electrode pad.
US07768003B2
Methods, structures and devices are described, in which structures and devices have one or more p-n homo-junctions fabricated in solution. The junctions are formed by a sequential deposition of an oxide of copper from solution. Conduction type of the oxide of copper is controlled by pH of the solution.
US07767990B2
A radiation attenuation system for attenuating radiation during lateral radiographic imaging of an object is provided. The system includes a first radiation attenuating barrier that is substantially conformable to the object and configured to at least partially cover the object. The first radiation attenuating barrier has a fenestration area defining at least one opening. The system further includes a second radiation attenuating barrier coupled to the first radiation attenuation barrier. The second radiation attenuating barrier is selectively movable between a collapsed position and a generally upright position relative to the first radiation attenuating member.
US07767986B2
An electrode assembly for use with an ion source chamber or as part of an ion implanter processing system to provide a uniform ion beam profile. The electrode assembly includes an electrode having an extraction slot with length L aligned with an aperture of the ion source chamber for extracting an ion beam. The electrode includes a plurality of segments partitioned within the length of the extraction slot where each of the segments is configured to be displaced in at least one direction with respect to the ion beam. A plurality of actuators are connected to the plurality of electrode segments for displacing one or more of the segments. By displacing at least one of the plurality of electrode segments, the current density of a portion of the ion beam corresponding to the position of the segment within the extraction slot is modified to provide a uniform current density beam profile associated with the extracted ion beam.
US07767982B2
A method and system for inspecting a semiconductor wafer. The method includes providing an illumination flux through a pattern plate and a lens to a surface of a specimen to project a pattern onto the surface of the specimen. The pattern is associated with the pattern plate. Additionally, the method includes detecting the illumination flux reflected from the surface of the specimen with a detector, processing information associated with the detected illumination flux, and generating a first image based on at least information associated with the detected illumination flux. The first image includes a first image part for the pattern and a second image part for the specimen. Moreover, the method includes adjusting the lens to a state in order to achieve a first predetermined quality for the first image part, and moving the specimen to a first position.
US07767974B2
In a thin-film transistor (“TFT”) array substrate for an X-ray detector and an X-ray detector having the TFT array substrate, the TFT array substrate includes a gate wiring, a gate insulating layer, an active layer, a data wiring, a photodiode, an organic insulating layer and a bias wiring. The gate wiring is formed on an insulating substrate and includes a gate line and a gate electrode. The gate insulating layer covers the gate wiring. The active layer is formed on the gate insulating layer. The data wiring is formed on the gate insulating layer and includes a data line, source and drain electrodes. The photodiode includes lower and upper electrodes, and a photoconductive layer. The organic insulating layer covers the data wiring and the photodiode. The bias wiring is formed on the organic insulating layer. Thus, an aperture ratio and reliability are enhanced.
US07767972B2
A single photon emission computed tomography system includes a detector assembly adjacent a field of view and a collimating assembly disposed between the detector assembly and the field of view. The collimating assembly includes at least two spaced-apart collimating vanes of photon-attenuating material. The system further includes a photon-blocking member disposed between the field of view and the detector. The blocking member has an aperture defined therethrough. The system further includes a mask disposed adjacent the detector assembly having at least one aperture defined therethrough. A displacement actuator moves the photon-blocking member relative to the detector assembly.
US07767967B2
A quantum nanodot camera, including: a quantum nanodot camera sensor including: at least one visible pixel sensor configured to capture scenes including actors and/or objects in a visible band; and at least one IR pixel sensor configured to capture motions of at least one quantum nanodot (QD) marker tuned to emit a narrowband IR signal.
US07767966B2
The present invention is a method of determining the presence of keratin, particularly hard keratin, such as exists in mammalian hair and feathers, and objects comprising such materials. The method of the present invention also includes displaying information derived from such a determination, as well as a measurement method followed by transmission of data to a remote processing site for analysis or display. The invention also includes devices for carrying out the determination, display and/or transmission.
US07767960B2
This invention relates generally to multi-reflection electrostatic systems, and more particularly to improvements in and relating to the Orbitrap electrostatic ion trap. A method of operating an electrostatic ion trapping device having an array of electrodes operable to mimic a single electrode is proposed, the method comprising determining three or more different voltages that, when applied to respective electrodes of the plurality of electrodes, generate an electrostatic trapping field that approximates the field that would be generated by applying a voltage to the single electrode, and applying the three or more so determined voltages to the respective electrodes. Further improvements lie in measuring a plurality of features from peaks with different intensities from one or more collected mass spectra to derive characteristics, and using the measured characteristics to improve the voltages to be applied to the plurality of electrodes.
US07767955B2
An image detecting apparatus includes an illumination system and a sensing system. The illumination system is for providing a light beam to a working surface to generate a reflected light beam by the working surface. The sensing system includes a sensing unit and a condensing unit. The sensing unit is disposed on a transmission path of the reflected light beam reflected by the working surface for receiving the reflected light beam. The condensing unit is disposed between the sensing unit and the working surface, wherein an optical axis of the condensing unit is deviated from a main optical axis of the reflected light beam.
US07767954B2
Monitoring is provided, for a passageway through which objects on carrier (12) are transported, such that the passageway is guarded by at least one light grid (16) with a plurality of light rays running one above the other, where the light grid (16) is divided into a first, lower area (16a) through which the carriers (12) pass and a second, upper area (16b) through which the objects pass, which light grid (16) disposes over an evaluating circuit which emits a signal if a light ray (22) is interrupted in the first, lower area (16a) and provides information on the height of the object. A current value for the height is stored height as last measured value. Readouts are taken of a lower area (16a) and upper area (16b) of the light grid (16), and the readouts are used to determine a current value for the height of the object, and a determination is made whether an object flag has been changed.
US07767946B2
A focus detection device includes a micro lens array having a plurality of micro lenses, a light receiving element array having a plurality of light receiving elements for each micro lens and that receives light rays from a plurality of partial areas in which pupils of an imaging optical system are different from each other, in a plurality of light receiving elements respectively through each micro lens and a focus detection calculation circuit. The device generates at least three signal strings respectively corresponding to images of light rays which have been transmitted through at least three of the partial areas, based on signals output from the plurality of light receiving elements of the light receiving element array. The device obtains, from the at least three signal strings, shift amounts of two signal strings corresponding to two partial areas, and detects a focus adjustment state of an imaging optical system based on the obtained plurality of shifts amounts.
US07767945B2
SAL designation uses absolute time coding of the pulse-stream to disambiguate the designator in a manner that reduces the number of pulses in a pulse-stream and reduces the total pulse energy on the target. This requires timing synchronization between the designator and receiver. For improved rejection of unintended returns, more precise time gating (narrower absolute time window) is required. This can be achieved by removing the path length and or firing time uncertainty errors. Absolute time coding reduces the number of pulses and total energy on target in two ways. First, the designator may only have to transmit the pulse-code once. The “spot” appears for the brief time associated with a pulse-stream and disappears; continuous lasing of the target is not required. Second, the designator can be disambiguated using a combination of pulse-code (relative spacing of pulses) and pulse-position (absolute timing of pulses) modulation. This allows the pulse-stream to be shortened considerably, perhaps to a single pulse.
US07767942B2
A method for manufacturing ceramic parts with a certain porosity by sintering using microwaves, the materials to be sintered being arranged in a vessel, wherein the microwaves introduce sintering energy into the materials to be sintered via electromagnetic waves in the range of vacuum wavelengths between 5 cm-20 cm in multimode having an electromagnetic power of up to one kilowatt, and besides being built from primary materials for the structure of the vessel, the vessel is built from a secondary material which comprises, in particular, a mixture of or mixed crystals of non-metallic, para-, ferro- or antiferromagnetic materials.
US07767938B2
An electrofusion joint assembly includes a meltable member, such as a pipe or fitting, and a heating element secured to the pipe or fitting. The pipe or fitting may be tapered to facilitate receiving another pipe to form an electrofusion weld joint. Fasteners are used to secure the heating element and extend through a meltable zone and into a non-melt zone. Power supplied to the pipe melts the pipe proximal the heating element.
US07767937B2
Modular sample processing apparatus kits that can provide a user with the flexibility to customize a disk-based assay in view of a variety of factors are disclosed. The sample processing apparatus kits of the present invention include one or more process modules that can be retained within openings in a frame. The frame and process modules of the sample processing apparatus kits are preferably adapted for use in sample processing systems that compress the apparatus. The process modules may contain different reagents to perform different tests on the same sample materials or a variety of sample materials. As a result, a single sample processing apparatus can be used to perform a variety of different tests and may include a quality control module capable of providing feedback to the user as to the accuracy of the processes run using the sample processing apparatus. Methods of using the sample processing apparatus that include deforming the process modules and frame are also disclosed.
US07767935B2
A thin battery powered lighter, which has superior portability and usable as an advertising medium, is provided. The lighter includes a thin flat case (2); a sheet type battery (3) provided within the case (2); a heating element (4) connected to the battery (3); and a power switch (5) for establishing an electrical connection between the battery (3) and the heating element (4). The case (2) includes a slide member (6) for opening and closing an ignition window (21), which is provided at a position that the heating element faces (4), and an operating button (51) for operating the power switch (5). When the ignition window (21) is closed by the slide member (6), a portion of the slide member is interposed between contact points of the switch, precluding an operation of the operating button (51). The electrical connection is enabled by operating the operating button (51) in a state in which the ignition window (21) is open.
US07767923B2
A button structure applied to an electronic device includes a housing, a button plate, a support element and a printed circuit board. The button plate is contained to a central opening of the housing. The central region of the button plate has a first thickness, while two sides of the button plate have a second thickness. The second thickness is thicker than the first thickness. The ends of the button plate are separately formed as elastic arms for mounting the button plate to the housing. The support element is sited under the button plate right under the central region so as to define the support element into left and right parts. The printed circuit board located under the support element and has two switches separately corresponding to the left and right parts of the button plate.
US07767919B2
A switch including a sealed housing; a magnetic sensor; and a control element configured to modify a control parameter for the switch in response to a signal from the sensor. In some aspects, the magnetic sensor is arranged to produce the signal in response to a magnetic field generated outside of the housing. In some aspects, the switch is a vibration switch, or is selected from the group consisting of a flow switch, a level switch, a temperature switch, a pressure switch, a proximity switch, and a velocity switch. In some aspects, the switch includes a two-wire configuration and first and second output pins arranged to provide an output signal for the switch and to receive a signal for programming the switch. In some aspects, the switch includes a two-wire configuration and a current-control element arranged to reduce current output for the switch.
US07767913B2
Electronic devices include a substrate with first and second pairs of conductive traces extending in or on the substrate. A first conductive interconnecting member extends through a hole in the substrate and communicates electrically with a first trace of each of the first and second pairs, while a second conductive interconnecting member extends through the hole and communicates electrically with the second trace of each of the first and second pairs. The first and second interconnecting members are separated from one another by a distance substantially equal to a distance separating the conductive traces in each pair. Electronic device assemblies include a transmitting device configured to transmit a differential signal through a conductive structure to a receiving device. The conductive structure includes first and second pair of conductive traces with first and second interconnecting members providing electrical communication therebetween.
US07767912B2
An integrated circuit carrier arrangement includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a receiving plate to which an integrated circuit can be mounted, and a carrier fast with the PCB. The carrier has a plurality of resilient interconnection arms and a plurality of electrical connection islands. A number of the interconnection arms interconnect adjacent electrical connection islands, and a number of the interconnection arms interconnect an electrical connection island and the receiving plate, so that a plurality of electrical connection islands surrounds the receiving plate.
US07767908B2
The invention relates to a flexible sealing element sealingly attached to a cable intended for connection to attachment means on e.g. the roof of a base station cabinet. When attaching the cable the front end of the sealing element is retracted to a position uncovering connecting means at the cable end. After attachment the front end is moved back to a position covering the connected cable end.
US07767899B2
An electronic music instrument includes a musical-tone control that generates operation information of keys and a damper pedal to serve as musical-tone control information; a musical-tone generator simultaneously generating a plurality of musical tones according to the musical-tone control information; a resonance-tone generator that includes resonant circuits equal in number to harmonic signals of musical-tone signals that can be generated, for generating a resonance tone with the resonance circuits using a musical tone generated by the musical-tone generator as an input signal to each resonance circuit; and a resonance-tone mixer that multiplies the resonance tone generated by the resonance-tone generator by a predetermined degree according to the musical-tone control information, for adding the product to a musical tone input from the musical-tone generator, and outputting the sum.
US07767892B2
A keyboard apparatus for an electronic musical instrument, in which hammers each have increased rigidity without being excessively increased in the mass thereof. The hammers are provided to respectively correspond to keys, and each comprised of a resin hammer base and a metal pipe member which has a circular outer cross-sectional shape and has a fixed end thereof formed at its tip with a flat modified cross-sectional portion which closes an opening at the tip of the fixed end. When the hammer base is injection molded, the fixed end of the pipe member is fixed to a pipe-fixing portion of the hammer base by means of outsert molding. The modified cross-sectional portion of the fixed end achieves a whirl-stop function relative to the pipe-fixing portion.
US07767889B1
A novel maize variety designated PHPCW and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHPCW with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHPCW through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHPCW or a trait conversion of PHPCW with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHPCW, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHPCW and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.
US07767881B2
To clarify histamine receptor H3 protein function in vivo, the present inventors constructed a nonhuman higher animal in which the expression of a histamine receptor H3 gene was artificially inhibited. As a result, the present inventors found that this nonhuman higher animal showed increased body weight, food intake, blood insulin level, or blood leptin level compared with a control. Thus, the present inventors found that abnormalities in the histamine receptor H3 protein relate to diseases characterized by changes in body weight or food intake, and this has made it possible to screen drugs for treatment or prevention of these diseases, and to examine these diseases.
US07767876B2
A disposable absorbent article including a wetness sensation member and visible highlighting indicating the presence of the wetness sensation member to facilitate an opportunity for the toilet training of the wearer. The wetness sensation member includes a permeable layer and a flow control layer. Urine deposited on the wetness sensation member can penetrate through the permeable body-facing layer in a z direction away from the wearer to the flow control layer. The flow control layer retards the passage of the urine through the wetness sensation member in the z direction while supporting the movement of the urine in an x-y plane to increase the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin and thereby enhance the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred. The visible highlighting is visible when viewing a body-facing surface of the article and may be associatively correlated with an externally visible marking and/or with the concept of toilet training.
US07767874B2
A patient-friendly medical device is provided for removal of excess fluids from body tissue and is particularly useful to treat soft tissue inflammation, damage, edema and/or lymphedema. The comfortable medical device comprises a composite multilayered assembly that provides a gradient pressure compression device to compress body tissue of a patient in a controlled and graduated manner. The composite multilayered assembly can have an inner and/or outer layer to enhance uniform distribution of compression about the affected portion of the patient and can have flexible intermediate layers with elastomeric components such as foamed chips, foamed pieces, and/or chopped foam that can have a different density and/or size and/or shape to form channels (canals) therebetween to enhance flow of excess fluids from the body tissue of the patient. The channels or canals can create zones of gradient pressure to help move excess fluid from the tissue of the affected portion of the body of the patient.
US07767867B2
Disclosed are methods for generating propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols from biomass using hydrogen produced from the biomass. The methods involve reacting a portion of an aqueous stream of a biomass feedstock solution over a catalyst under aqueous phase reforming conditions to produce hydrogen, and then reacting the hydrogen and the aqueous feedstock solution over a catalyst to produce propylene glycol, ethylene glycal and the other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols. The disclosed methods can be run at lower temperatures and pressures, and allows for the production of oxygenated hydrocarbons without the need for hydrogen from an external source.
US07767861B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing organophosphites, organophosphonites and organophosphinites by condensing phosphorus trihalides or organophosphorus halides with organic compounds bearing hydroxyl groups in the presence of polymeric basic ion exchange resins.The process according to the invention makes possible in a simple manner the preparation of trivalent organophosphorus compounds which may be used, for example, as ligands in rhodium complexes which may be used as a catalyst in hydroformylation.
US07767858B2
This invention provides aromatic diimines which have imino hydrocarbylidene groups with at least two carbon atoms, and aromatic secondary diamines which have amino hydrocarbyl groups with at least two carbon atoms. Both the aromatic diimines and the aromatic secondary diamines either are in the form of one phenyl ring, or are in the form of two phenyl rings connected by an alkylene bridge; each position ortho to an imino group or an amino group bears a hydrocarbyl group. When in the form of one phenyl ring, there are two imino groups on the ring or two amino groups on the ring; the imino groups or amino groups are meta or para relative to each other. When in the form of two phenyl rings connected by an alkylene bridge, there is either one imino group or one amino group on each phenyl ring. Also provided are processes for forming diimines and secondary diamines.
US07767851B2
The present invention discloses a novel form of ferric organic compounds, including a form of ferric citrate, which are soluble over a wider range of pH, and which have a large active surface area. The ferric organic compounds of the present invention can be delivered effectively by oral route with better delivery to treat patients suffering from hyperphosphatemia, metabolic acidosis and other disorders responsive to ferric organic compound therapy.
US07767842B2
The present invention relates to a new class of compounds having γδ T cells activating properties of Formula (I), a composition comprising these compounds and methods for regulating an immune response in a subject comprising the step of administering these compounds.
US07767840B2
Organometallic compounds suitable for use as vapor phase deposition precursors for Group IV metal-containing films are provided. Methods of depositing Group IV metal-containing films using certain organometallic precursors are also provided. Such Group IV metal-containing films are particularly useful in the manufacture of electronic devices.
US07767835B2
A supported catalyst and a catalyst mixture, useful for the direct epoxidation of olefins, are disclosed. The supported catalyst comprises a noble metal, lead, and a carrier that has been treated by contacting with nitric acid. The catalyst mixture comprises a titanium or vanadium zeolite and the supported catalyst. The invention also includes a process for producing an epoxide comprising reacting an olefin, hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of the catalyst mixture. The process results in significantly reduced alkane byproduct formed by the hydrogenation of olefin.
US07767825B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing 2,2′,6,6′-tetraoxazolinyl biphenyl ligand in chemical industry field. In the present invention, compound (III) is reacted with an activator that can activate the hydroxyl group selected from the group consisting of alkyl halosulfonium compound, aryl halosulfonium compound, phosphoryl chloride, phosphorus pentachloride, thionyl chloride and triphenyl phosphine, in the presence of alkali(s), to give the target product (IV), 2,2′,6,6′-tetraoxazolinyl biphenyl ligand. The ligand of the present invention can be used in various asymmetric reactions catalyzed by metals, with high reactivity and stereoselectivity, and thus represents a good application outlook. The 2,2′,6,6′-tetraoxazolinyl biphenyl ligand has the formula of: wherein, R1=hydrogen, alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl; R2=hydrogen, alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl; R3=hydrogen, alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl; R4=hydrogen, alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl.
US07767817B2
Described herein are boronic acid fluorescent compounds and methods of use thereof.
US07767814B2
Certain 4-aryl-piperidine compounds, including N-substituted 9β-substituted-5-(3-substituted-phenyl)morphans and N-substituted octahydro-4a-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-10a-methyl-benzo[g]isoquinolines, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of their use, inter alia, as opioid antagonists are disclosed.
US07767807B2
The present invention relates to the use of specific phthalocyanines which bear substituents on the basic phthalocyanine structure bonded via methylene groups as markers for liquids, especially mineral oils, to liquids, especially mineral oils which comprise at least one such phthalocyanine as a marker, and also to novel specific phthalocyanines which bear substituents on the basic phthalocyanine structure bonded via methylene groups.
US07767796B2
The present invention provides tetra-amine chelator conjugates with biological targeting moieties, linked via a linker group and technetium complexes thereof as radiopharmaceuticals. The linker group is such that the chelator is mono-functionalized at the bridgehead position and provides both flexibility and a lack or aryl groups, to minimize lipophilicity and steric hulk. Protected versions of the chelators are provided which permit conjugation with a wide range of targeting molecules without interfering reactions with the amine nitrogens of the tetra-amine chelator. Syntheses of the functionalised chelators are described, together with bifunctional chelate precursors. Radiopharmaceutical compositions comprising the technetium metal complexes of the invention are described, together with non-radioactive kits for the preparation of such radiopharmaceuticals.
US07767788B2
The present invention is a two-domain, bi-functional fusion protein that functions as a molecular switch wherein the free energy released by the folding of a first domain of the fusion protein drives an unfolding of a second domain of the fusion protein, and vice versa. The molecular structure of the fusion protein is engineered so that, at any time, the folding of the first domain necessarily unfolds the other domain, and vice versa, thereby making the folded and unfolded states of the first and second domains mutually exclusive. This is accomplished by the insertion of ubiquitin insert protein into a surface loop of barnase target protein subject to the structural design criterion that the N-C terminal length of the ubiquitin insert protein is at least two-times greater than the Cα-Cα alpha-carbon-alpha-carbon length of the surface loop of the barnase target protein.
US07767787B1
The invention relates to a substance and a process for obtaining anti-tumor agents.
US07767781B2
The invention provides methods and systems for manufacturing low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The invention also provides methods and systems for preparing macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) from low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate. Finally, the invention provides methods and systems for preparing MPO via reaction of a diol and a dialkyl ester in an organic solvent to form non-isolated, low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate which undergoes cyclization (depolymerization) to form MPO.
US07767774B2
This invention relates to a novel polymerization initiator capable of introducing an active amino proton into a polymerization starting terminal without losing polymerization activity, and a novel modified conjugated diene polymer being excellent in the interaction with a filler and capable of improving a low heat buildup of a rubber composition, and more particularly to a polymerization initiator being a diamine compound in which one amino group is protected with a silylating agent and an active proton of the other amino group is replaced with an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, and a modified conjugated diene polymer which can be produced by using such a polymerization initiator and is a homopolymer of a conjugated diene compound or a copolymer of a conjugated diene compound and an aromatic vinyl compound and has a residue derived from a diamine compound at its polymerization starting terminal.
US07767773B2
This invention relates to a transition metal catalyst compound represented by the structure: wherein: each X is, independently, a hydride, a halogen, a hydrocarbyl, a substituted hydrocarbyl, a halocarbyl, or a substituted halocarbyl; w is 2; each R1, R2, R3, and R4 is, independently, a hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl, a substituted hydrocarbyl, a halocarbyl, a substituted halocarbyl, a halogen, an alkoxide, a sulfide, an amide, a phosphide, a silyl or another anionic heteroatom-containing group, or independently, may join together to form a C4 to C62 cyclic or polycyclic ring structure; each R5, R6, and R7 is, independently, a hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl, a substituted hydrocarbyl, a halocarbyl, a substituted halocarbyl, a halogen, an alkoxide, a sulfide, an amide, a phosphide, a silyl or another anionic heteroatom-containing group, or independently, may join together to form a C4 to C62 cyclic or polycyclic ring structure; each R8 and R9, is, independently, a hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl, a substituted hydrocarbyl, a halocarbyl, or a substituted halocarbyl, a halogen, an alkoxide, a sulfide, an amide, a phosphide, a silyl or another anionic heteroatom-containing group; R10 is a hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl, a substituted hydrocarbyl, a halocarbyl, or a substituted halocarbyl, a halogen, an alkoxide, a sulfide, an amide, a phosphide, a silyl or another anionic heteroatom-containing group; x is 1, 2, 3 or 4; L is a neutral ligand bonded to M; M is titanium, zirconium or hafnium; and m is 0, 1 or 2.
US07767772B2
Spherical particles comprising magnesium alcoholate and having a poured cone height of less than 17 mm are prepared by reacting magnesium, an alcohol or a mixture of various alcohols and a halogen and/or an optionally organic halogen compound with one another at below the boiling point of the alcohols.The spherical particles are employed as a precursor for olefin polymerization catalysts.
US07767770B2
A method for producing a mixture of ethylene and carbon monoxide by contacting ethane and an oxygen source with a catalyst comprising synthetic cryptomelane or octahedral molecular sieve. The method further comprises condensing the alkyl propionate with formaldehyde to produce an alkyl methacrylate.
US07767768B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions comprising crosslinked amine polymers. Methods of use of the polymeric and pharmaceutical compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of renal diseases and hyperphosphatemia.
US07767759B2
The present invention relates to a blend composition, suitable for use in golf ball manufacture, which is the reaction product of (A) a polymer of ethylene and/or an alpha olefin and one or more α, β-ethylenically unsaturated C3-C20 carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids or phosphoric acids; (B) a compound having both amine and carboxylic acid functionality or a derivative of these functional groups; and (C) a basic metal ion salt, which has the capacity to neutralize some or all of the acidic group present in blend components (A) and (B). When (A) is a polymer comprising one or more α, β-ethylenically unsaturated C3-C20 carboxylic acids it comprises a high molecular weight component having a molecular weight from about 80,000 to about 500,000.
US07767758B2
A composition of matter includes a plurality of fluoropolymer chains. Each of the fluoropolymer chains is chemically bonded to at least one organic graft. The at least one organic graft includes a phenoxy group, a linking group, and at least one silane end group. The phenoxy group is chemically bonded to the fluoropolymer chain, and the linking group chemically bonds the phenoxy group with the at least one silane end group.
US07767754B2
There is provided silicone gel-forming composition comprising a unique combination of polyorganosiloxane and organohydrogenpolysiloxane, which can produce silicone gel with improved hysteresis.
US07767751B2
The present invention discloses a process for hydrogenating a latex of a low molecular weight functionalized, unsaturated elastomer to produce a latex of a hydrogenated, low molecular weight, low gel, functionalized elastomer, said process comprising hydrogenating the low molecular weight, functionalized, unsaturated elastomer in the presence of (1) an oxidant selected from the group consisting of oxygen and hydroperoxides, (2) a reducing agent selected from the group consisting of hydrazine and hydrazine hydrates, and (3) a metal ion activator, wherein a hydroxylamine is added to the latex of the low molecular weight, functionalized, unsaturated elastomer or to the latex of the hydrogenated, low molecular weight, functionalized elastomer prior, during, or subsequent to the hydrogenation to produce the latex of the hydrogenated low molecular weight, low gel, functionalized elastomer. This process can be used to make low molecular weight, hydrogenated, nitrile rubber latex which is comprised of water, an emulsifier, and the low molecular weight, hydrogenated, nitrile rubber, wherein the low molecular weight, hydrogenated, nitrile rubber has a molecular weight which is within the range of 500 to 20,000, wherein the low molecular weight, hydrogenated, nitrile rubber has a gel content of less than 10%, and wherein the low molecular weight, hydrogenated, nitrile rubber has a saturation level of at least about 80%.
US07767742B2
A composition containing organosilicon compounds having the formula I and/or II wherein R is ethyl, R1 is a mixture such that the proportion of one component of the mixture is 10 to 50 mol % and is the same or different C9-C30 branched or unbranched monovalent alkyl, and R2 is a branched or unbranched, saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic, aromatic or mixed aliphatic/aromatic divalent C1-C30 hydrocarbon is produced by reacting silanes having the formula III with mixtures of alcohols having the general formula R1—OH, with elimination of R—OH, and R—OH is continuously separated off from the reaction mixture by distillation. The organosilicon compounds can be used in rubber compounds.
US07767738B2
Disclosed is a transparent/translucent molding composition and process for making prepared from an impact modifier and a resin blend of polycarbonate and a cycloaliphatic polyester having a matching index of refraction.
US07767734B2
The present invention can provide a rubber composition for a bead apex comprising 20 to 120 parts by weight of a silica and 5 to 80 parts by weight of a graphite on the basis of 100 parts by weight of a rubber component comprising a natural rubber in an amount of not less than 30% by weight, use of which makes it possible to consider an effect on environment, prepare for decrease in petroleum supply in future, and reduce rolling resistance and improve steering stability, and a tire prepared by using it.
US07767731B2
A one-component self-etching self-priming dental adhesive composition is disclosed. The composition comprises glycerol phosphate di(meth)acrylate monomer, at least one mono-functional polymerizable monomer having just one ethylenically unsaturated group, at least one multi-functional polymerizable monomer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups, at least one aprotic solvent, at least one protic solvent, and at least one polymerization initiator.
US07767716B2
Novel acyl hydrazides of the formula (I), in which R1-R9 have the meanings indicated in claim 1, are SGK inhibitors and can be used for the treatment of SGK-induced diseases and complaints, such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome (dyslipidaemia), systemic and pulmonary hypertonia, cardiovascular diseases and renal diseases, generally in fibroses and inflammatory processes of any type.
US07767707B2
A fused pyrazolyl compound having an anti-tumor potency of the following formula is synthesized: wherein A is in which n is 0, 1, 2, or 3; Ar1 is benzene, thiophene or furan; Ar2 is furyl; and Ar3 is phenyl; R1 and R2 independently are hydrogen, halogen or —(CH2)mORe; R3 is hydrogen or alkyl; R4 is —(CH2)r-A1, wherein r is an integer of 1-5, and A1 has a formula of —O—C(O)—(CRcH)q—NRc′Rd′; R5 and R6 independently are hydrogen, halogen, or alkyl, or R5 and R6 together are —O(CH2)mO—; Rc is H, halogen, nitro, cyano, alkyl, or aryl; Re is H, alkyl, or aryl; Rc′ and Rd′ independently are H, alkyl, or aryl; m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; and q is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6; or a salt thereof.
US07767697B2
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, and prodrugs thereof which are inhibitors of Factor Xa. The present invention is also directed to intermediates used in making such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such a compound, methods to prevent or treat a number of conditions characterized by undesired thrombosis and methods of inhibiting the coagulation of a blood sample.
US07767696B2
Compounds of the formula (I), in which R1 and R2 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, in particular TIE-2, and Raf kinases, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumours.
US07767693B2
The present invention provides Hsp90 family protein inhibitors comprising, as an active ingredient, a benzoyl compound represented by general formula (I): (wherein n represents an integer of 0 to 10; R1 represents substituted or unsubstituted lower alkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted lower alkoxycarbonyl, CONR7R8 or the like; R2 represents substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group or the like; R3 and R5, which may be the same or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted lower alkenyl or the like; and R4 and R6, which may be the same or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl or the like) or a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said benzoyl compound or said prodrug.
US07767692B2
4-substituted 1-amidomethylcarbonyl-piperidine compounds having motilin-agonistic properties and their acid addition salts, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, processes and intermediate products for the preparation of these compounds, and methods of treatment utilizing these compounds.
US07767691B2
Muscarinic Acetylcholine receptor antagonists and methods of using them are provided.
US07767683B2
4-((1R,3S)-6-Chloro-3-phenylindan-1-yl)-1,2,2-trimethylpiperazine hydrogen succinate, pharmaceutical compositions containing the salt and the medical use thereof, including for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Also described are methods for the preparation of 4-((1R,3S)-6-Chloro-3-phenylindan-1-yl)-1,2,2-trimethylpiperazine and medical uses thereof.
US07767681B2
The disclosure concerns 2-carbamide-4-phenylthiazole derivatives of general formula (I). The disclosure also concerns pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of general formula (I) and to processes for preparing and methods of using compounds of general formula (I).
US07767676B2
The invention relates to the compounds of general formula (I): in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as defined in Claim 1. These compounds can be used in the treatment of pathological conditions associated with the insulin-resistance syndrome.
US07767671B2
This invention provides a compound of Formula 1 where Ar, X, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof useful in the prevention or inhibition of diseases associated with the Ras/Raf/MEK signaling cascade in a mammal, such as neoplasms, strokes, osteoporosis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory disease, polycystic kidney disease, and colonic polyps, and methods of making the compounds of formula 1 and intermediates.
US07767665B2
This invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, hydroxy, nitro, optionally halogenated alkyl, alkoxy optionally having substituents, acyl or amino optionally having substituents; R2 is pyridyl, furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, quinolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, indolyl, tetrahydroquinolyl or thiazolyl, each of which may have substituents; n is 1 or 2; or a salt. And this invention provides a safe pharmaceutical comprising the compound of the formula (I), which has an excellent apoptosis inhibitory effect and MIF binding effect, for preventing and/or treating heart disease, nervous degenerative disease, cerebrovascular disease, central nervous infectious disease, traumatorathy, demyelinating disease, bone and articular disease, kidney disease, liver disease, osteomyelodysplasia, AIDS, cancer, and the like.
US07767657B2
This invention relates to compounds useful for treating fungal infections, more specifically topical treatment of onychomycosis and/or cutaneous fungal infections. This invention is directed to compounds that are active against fungi and have properties that allow the compound, when placed in contact with a patient, to reach the particular part of the skin, nail, hair, claw or hoof infected by the fungus. In particular the present compounds have physiochemical properties that facilitate penetration of the nail plate.
US07767644B2
The invention relates to erythropoietin liquid formulations that are stable in storage and to a method for the production thereof. The invention particularly relates to erythropoietin liquid formulations, which contain at least four amino acids selected from the group consisting of leucine, isoleucine, threonine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, and in which the addition of preservatives, urea or human serum albumine can be foregone.
US07767643B2
Methods and compositions are provided for protecting or enhancing an erythropoietin-responsive cell, tissue, organ or body part function or viability in vivo, in situ or ex vivo in mammals, including human beings, by systemic or local administration of an erythropoietin receptor activity modulator, such as an erythropoietin or a modified erythropoietin.
US07767642B2
Interaction between MUC1 and β-catenin can be interrupted using polypeptides or antibodies that specifically bind to the binding site on MUC1. Interruption provides the beneficial effect of inhibiting, reducing, and/or retarding invasiveness and metastasis. Fusion polypeptides and antibodies are provided to achieve a therapeutic effect.
US07767638B2
Provided are azeotrope-like compositions comprising tetrafluoropropene and hydrofluorocarbons and uses thereof, including use in refrigerant compositions, refrigeration systems, blowing agent compositions, and aerosol propellants.
US07767633B2
The present invention is directed to a low sulfur and low phosphorus heavy duty diesel engine lubricating oil composition comprising (a) a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity and (b) one or more dispersants (c) one or more anti-oxidants and (d) one or more ash-containing detergents, wherein the lubricating oil composition is essentially free of zinc di-alkyl di-thiophosphates and contains no more than 0.175 weight percent sulfur and provided the lubricating oil composition does not contain alkylated and non-alkylated aromatic amines and tri-nuclear molybdenum compounds. The present invention is also directed to a low sulfur and low phosphorus heavy duty diesel engine lubricating oil composition comprising (a) an oil of lubricating viscosity (b) a borated dispersant and a non-borated dispersant (c) a molybdenum anti-oxidant and a phenolic anti-oxidant and (d) a low overbased calcium sulfonate and a high overbased calcium phenate, wherein the lubricating oil composition is essentially free of zinc di-alkyl di-thiophosphates and contains no more than 0.175 weight percent sulfur and provided the lubricating oil composition does not contain alkylated and non-alkylated aromatic amines and tri-nuclear molybdenum compounds. The present invention is also directed to method for lubricating a heavy duty diesel engines, which comprises lubricating the engine with a low sulfur and low phosphorus heavy duty diesel engine lubricating oil compositions of the present invention.
US07767626B2
3-Arylphenyl sulfide derivatives represented by general formula (I): (wherein R is a C2-C6 alkyl group, a C2-C6 alkenyl group, a C2-C6 alkynyl group or the like, B0 to B2 and B3 are hydrogen atoms, halogen atoms, cyano groups, C1-C4 haloalkyl groups or the like, n is 0, 1 or 2, and Ar is a phenyl ring, a pyridine ring, a thiophene ring, a pyrazole ring or the like), and insecticides and miticides containing the 3-arylphenyl sulfide derivatives as an active ingredient.
US07767605B2
Provided is an optical glass having high refractivity and high dispersibility, having good moldability in precision pressing, and having high transmittance and good internal quality, of which the transmittance reduction with time is prevented. The optical glass has a Pt content of at most 1.5 ppm, and is characterized in that, when a sample of the glass polished on both surfaces and having a thickness of 10 mm is irradiated with UV and/or visible light at a light-receiving energy of at most 0.4 mW·cm−2 for at least 200 hours, then the difference in the internal transmittance to light having a wavelength of 420 nm, before and after the irradiation (before irradiation—after irradiation) of the sample, as calculated in terms of the sample having a thickness of 10 mm, is at most 0.1.
US07767604B2
Ga—P—S glass compositions that may have application in infrared (IR) windows, waveguiding fibers, or as host glasses for luminescent dopants are described.
US07767601B2
The object of the present utility model is to cope with the problems of large volume of the presently known cellpacking type of reactor and the poor effect of heat transfer, and to provide a shell-type reactor with radial baffle, which transfers heat well and reduce the volume of the reactor, comprising a shell (1) and an internal cold plate assembly (2), the internal cold plate assembly (2) fixed within the shell (1); wherein a gas radial distribution vessel (9) and a radial gas cylinder (10) fixed within the shell (1); the radial distribution vessel (9) and the radial gas cylinder (10) could counterchange according to the difference of the gas flow direction; several circles of radial baffling assemblies (12) are provided between the radial distribution vessel (9) and the radial gas cylinder (10), the radial baffling assemblies (12) consisting of several baffling components fixed in an interval mode, an axial baffling through groove or hole is provided between the adjacent baffling components. The present utility model has advantages of the great effect of heat transfer, the simple structure, the small overall size.
US07767597B2
A fire-blocking paper (22, 52) is adapted for incorporation into a fire-barrier film laminate (16, 46) for use in thermal and acoustical insulation systems (10, 40), such as, but not limited to, those used in commercial aircraft. The fire-blocking inorganic fiber paper (22, 52) can be laminated to a flame resistant film (24a, 24b, 54a, 54b). The fire-blocking paper (22, 52) may include inorganic bio-soluble fiber, chopped glass non-respirable fibers, organic reinforcing fibers, organic binder, and inorganic binder or filler; and, optionally or refractory ceramic fibers.
US07767591B2
The invention relates to a method for producing electronic components in a vacuum. The aim of the invention is to create flexible electronic components that have an optimum action, are cost-effective, and easy to produce in a single working cycle. To this end, a carrier film (12) is partially and/or selectively compressed with a blocking liquid, and is subjected to cathodic sputtering. A metallic layer is deposited on the carrier film (12) in the region free of the blocking layer, and the blocking liquid is evaporated during the evaporation process. A semiconductor agent is applied to the coated carrier film (12) during another evaporation process, and a coating with acrylate is then carried out. The carrier liquid is then partially and/or selectively reapplied to the acrylate layer and a cathodic sputtering is carried out. The cited coating processes are optionally repeated, and connections can be established between the individual metallized layers.
US07767590B2
A semiconductor device including a gate stack located over a substrate and a spacer located over the substrate and adjacent the gate stack. The spacer includes a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the plurality of layers is a batch layer and at least one of the plurality of layers is a non-batch layer.
US07767584B1
A method for providing substantially similar chamber condition before each wafer process operation in a semiconductor process chamber is provided. The method allows for prevention of transport of particle and metal contamination from chamber surfaces to the processed wafer. The method initiates with depositing a silicon containing layer over an inner surface of an empty semiconductor process chamber. Then, a wafer is introduced into the semiconductor process chamber after depositing the silicon containing layer. Next, a process operation is performed on the wafer. The process operation deposits a residue on the silicon containing layer. Next, an in-situ cleaning process is initiated upon completion of the processing operation and removal of the wafer. The process initiation includes flowing a fluorine containing gas into the semiconductor process chamber, and establishing a pressure within the semiconductor process chamber capable of allowing a plasma created from the fluorine containing gas to clear the silicon containing layer covering the inner surface of the processing chamber. A semiconductor processing chamber having a silicon containing pre-coat is also provided.
US07767573B2
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for connecting a plurality of bit lines to sense circuitry comprises providing a plurality of bit lines extending from a memory array in a first metal layer. The plurality of bit lines are separated from each other by an average spacing x in a first region of the first metal layer. The method further comprises elevating a portion of the plurality of bit lines into a second metal layer overlying the first metal layer. The elevated bit lines are separated from each other by an average spacing y in the second metal layer, with y >x. The method further comprises extending a portion of the plurality of bit lines into a second region of the first metal layer. The extended bit lines are separated from each other by an average spacing z in the second region of the first metal layer, with z>x. The method further comprises connecting a bit line in the second metal layer and a bit line in the first metal layer to the sense circuitry.
US07767571B2
The invention is concerned with a method for manufacturing a local wiring in a semiconductor device, comprising the manufacturing of at least two electrically conducting structures essentially in the same horizontal level in a layered stack on a substrate, the at least two electrically conducting structures being separated by a gap filled with at least one dielectric material, the gap being electrically bridged by conductive material, to form at least one contact element electrically connecting the at least two electrically conducting structures, whereby at least one contact element is produced in a single lithographic step.
US07767568B2
A phase change memory device and method of manufacturing the same is provided. A first electrode having a first surface is provided on a substrate. A second electrode having a second surface at a different level from the first surface is on the substrate. The second electrode may be spaced apart from the first electrode. A third electrode may be formed corresponding to the first electrode. A fourth electrode may be formed corresponding to the second electrode. A first phase change pattern may be interposed between the first surface and the third electrode. A second phase change pattern may be interposed between the second surface and the fourth electrode. Upper surfaces of the first and second phase change patterns may be on the same plane.
US07767566B2
Cell gate patterns including first portions separated from each other with a first distance and second portions separated from each other with a second distance less than the first distance, and spacers are formed both sidewalls of the pair of cell gate patterns. The spacers formed on the sidewalls of the second portions are removed using a mask pattern. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent increase of an aspect ratio of a gap between the second portions with the small distance. Since the spacers formed on the sidewalls of the second portions separated from each other with the small distance are selectively removed, it is possible to minimize the increase of the aspect ratio of the gap between the second portions. Thus, it is possible to solve various problems which are caused due to occurrence of a void.
US07767556B2
An adhesive sheet for laser dicing is used for dicing a workpiece into individual chips by light absorption ablation of laser beam and has at least an adhesive layer on one side of a base material which has a surface opposite to the adhesive layer having no convex parts of width (W) of 20 mm or less and height (h) of 1 μm or more, or no concave parts of width (W) of 20 mm or less and depth (d) of 1 μm or more.
US07767552B1
Methods directed to avoiding die cracking resulting from die separation are described herein. A method may include providing a substrate including a first die, a second die, and a monitor structure in an area between the first die and the second die, the monitor structure including a first dielectric material, removing the first dielectric material from the monitor structure, and after removing the first dielectric material, cutting the substrate along the area between the first die and the second die to separate the first die from the second die.
US07767546B1
A semiconductor wafer structure for manufacturing integrated circuit devices includes a bulk substrate; a lower insulating layer formed on the bulk substrate, the lower insulating layer formed from a pair of separate insulation layers having a bonding interface therebetween; an electrically conductive layer formed on the lower insulating layer, the electrically conductive layer further having one or more shallow trench isolation (STI) regions formed therein; an etch stop layer formed on the electrically conductive layer and the one or more STI regions; an upper insulating layer formed on the etch stop layer; and a semiconductor layer formed on the upper insulating layer. A subsequent active area level STI scheme, in conjunction with front gate formation over the semiconductor layer, is also disclosed.
US07767545B2
A process for the manufacture of a substrate having a top layer of a first material and an underlying layer of a second material whose lattice parameter is different from that of the first material. The process includes the steps of conducting an amorphization of the top layer to create an amorphous region in the top layer lying between an exposed surface and an amorphization interface, with that portion of the top layer below the interface being shielded from the amorphization and remaining as a crystalline structure; recrystallizing the amorphous region while also creating a network of defects at the interface, wherein the network forms a boundary for dislocations from the crystalline structure of the top layer, and containing the dislocations in the portion of the top layer that is located below the interface. Also, the substrates obtained by the method.
US07767542B2
There is provided a method of manufacturing an SOI substrate which is practicable even when a supporting substrate having a low allowable temperature limit is used. A separation layer is formed in a region at a certain depth from a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and a first heat treatment is conducted when a semiconductor layer on the separation layer is bonded to the supporting substrate and separated. A second heat treatment is conducted to the supporting substrate to which the semiconductor layer is bonded. The second heat treatment is conducted at a temperature which is equal to or higher than the temperature of the first heat treatment and does not exceed a strain point of the supporting substrate. When the first heat treatment and the second heat treatment are conducted at the same temperature, a treatment time of the second heat treatment may be set to be longer.
US07767540B2
By appropriately orienting the channel length direction with respect to the crystallographic characteristics of the silicon layer, the stress-inducing effects of strained silicon/carbon material may be significantly enhanced compared to conventional techniques. In one illustrative embodiment, the channel may be oriented along the <100> direction for a (100) surface orientation, thereby providing an electron mobility increase of approximately a factor of four.
US07767536B2
A semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof are disclosed. An example semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a device isolation area defining an active area; a gate oxide layer formed on the active area of the substrate; a gate on the gate oxide layer; a spacer provided to a sidewall of the gate; and a well region provided within the active area. The well region includes a threshold voltage adjustment doped region, a halo region, a source region, a drain region, an additional doped region, and a channel stop region, the additional doped region provided between the well region and each of the source and drain regions.
US07767534B2
Methods for forming a semiconductor device comprising a silicon-comprising substrate are provided. One exemplary method comprises depositing a polysilicon layer overlying the silicon-comprising substrate, amorphizing the polysilicon layer, etching the amorphized polysilicon layer to form a gate electrode, depositing a stress-inducing layer overlying the gate electrode, annealing the silicon-comprising substrate to recrystallize the gate electrode, removing the stress-inducing layer, etching recesses into the substrate using the gate electrode as an etch mask, and epitaxially growing impurity-doped, silicon-comprising regions in the recesses.
US07767528B2
A field effect transistor (FET) and fabrication method are disclosed. The FET includes a drift region formed in a substrate. A trench adjoins the drift region and contains at least one control region and a connection region. An inversion channel region is isolated from the control region. A portion of the trench extends to the same depth as a second trench that insulates the FET from other components formed in the substrate. Insulating material is disposed between the trench below the control region and the control region. An insulating layer insulates the FET from the substrate. The trench and/or the connection region may extend into the insulating layer or may be isolated from the insulating layer via the drift region.
US07767525B2
The invention includes methods in which an angled implant is utilized to self-align a source/drain region implant with the top edge of a gateline of a vertical transistor structure. The invention also includes methods in which an angled implant is utilized to implant dopant beneath the gateline of a vertical transistor structure. Vertical transistor structures formed in accordance with methodology of the present invention can be incorporated into various types of integrated circuitry, including, for example, DRAM arrays.
US07767524B2
A method of forming a charge balance MOSFET includes the following steps. A substrate with an overlying epitaxial layer both of a first conductivity type, are provided. A gate trench extending through the epitaxial layer and terminating within the substrate is formed. A shield dielectric lining sidewalls and bottom surface of the gate trench is formed. A shield electrode is formed in the gate trench. A gate dielectric layer is formed along upper sidewalls of the gate trench. A gate electrode is formed in the gate trench such that the gate electrode extends over but is insulated from the shield electrode. A deep dimple extending through the epitaxial layer and terminating within the substrate is formed such that the deep dimple is laterally spaced from the gate trench. The deep dimple is filled with silicon material of the second conductivity type.
US07767523B2
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes: a nonvolatile memory area including gate electrodes, each including stack of a floating gate, an inter-electrode insulating film and a control gate, and having first insulating side walls formed on side walls of the gate electrode; a peripheral circuit area including single-layer gate electrodes made of the same layer as the control gate; and a first border area including: a first isolation region formed in the semiconductor substrate for isolating the non-volatile memory area and peripheral circuit area; a first conductive pattern including a portion made of the same layer as the control gate and formed above the isolation region; and a first redundant insulating side wall made of the same layer as the first insulating side wall and formed on the side wall of the first conductive pattern on the side of the non-volatile memory area.
US07767514B2
The invention includes methods of forming channel region implants for two transistor devices simultaneously, in which a mask is utilized to block a larger percentage of a channel region location of one of the devices relative to the other. The invention also pertains to methods of forming capacitor structures in which a first capacitor electrode is spaced from a semiconductor substrate by a dielectric material, a second capacitor electrode comprises a conductively-doped diffusion region within the semiconductor material, and a capacitor channel region location is beneath the dielectric material and adjacent the conductively-doped diffusion region. An implant mask is formed to cover only a first portion of the capacitor channel region location and to leave a second portion of the capacitor channel region location uncovered. While the implant mask is in place, dopant is implanted into the uncovered second portion of the capacitor channel region location.
US07767510B2
There is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. In one aspect, the method includes providing a strained silicon layer having a crystal orientation located over a semiconductor substrate having a different crystal orientation. A mask is placed over a portion of the strained silicon layer to leave an exposed portion of the strained silicon layer. The exposed portion of the strained silicon layer is amorphized and re-crystallized to a crystal structure having an orientation the same as the semiconductor substrate.
US07767498B2
A method of encapsulating an environmentally sensitive device. The method includes providing a substrate; placing at least one environmentally sensitive device adjacent to the substrate; and depositing at least one barrier stack adjacent to the environmentally sensitive device, the at least one barrier stack comprising at least one barrier layer and at least one polymeric decoupling layer, wherein the at least one polymeric decoupling layer is made from at least one polymer precursor, and wherein the polymeric decoupling layer has at least one of: a reduced number of polar regions; a high packing density; a reduced number of regions that have bond energies weaker than a C—C covalent bond; a reduced number of ester moieties; increased Mw of the at least one polymer precursor; increased chain length of the at least one polymer precursor; or reduced conversion of C═C bonds. An encapsulated environmentally sensitive device is also described.
US07767496B2
A semiconductor device is made by first forming a protective layer over an active surface of a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor die with pre-applied protective layer are moved from the semiconductor wafer and mounted on a carrier. The semiconductor die and contact pads on the carrier are encapsulated. The carrier is removed. A first insulating layer is formed over the pre-applied protective layer and contact pads. Vias are formed in the first insulating layer and pre-applied protective layer to expose interconnect sites on the semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the first insulating layer in electrical contact with the interconnect sites on the semiconductor die and contact pads. The interconnect structure has a redistribution layer formed on the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer formed on the redistribution layer, and an under bump metallization layer formed over the second dielectric in electrical contact with the redistribution layer.
US07767493B2
A method of physically and electrically joining two chips to each other involves aligning an electrically conductive contact of a first chip with a corresponding electrically conductive contact on a second chip, the electrically conductive contact of the first chip being a rigid material and the electrically conductive contact of the second chip being a material that is malleable, bringing the aligned electrically conductive contact of the first chip into contact with the corresponding electrically conductive contact on the second chip, elevating the contact of the chips to a temperature that is below a liquidus temperature for both the rigid material and the material that is malleable while applying pressure to the chips so as to cause the rigid material to penetrate the malleable material and form an electrically conductive connection, and, following the forming of the electrically conductive connection, cooling the contacts to an ambient temperature.
US07767467B1
A device for the separation of small particles or cells from a fluid suspension of the same is described. The device includes a coaxial tubular design in which the inner tube is a micro porous tube that allows the passage of liquids and certain particulates up to a certain size cut-off, and the outer tube allows for the collection of passed fluids. Inlet and outlet ports allow the introduction and flushing of components of interest. Embodiments of the device can be used for the separation of blood components, the sequestering of micro spheres used in micro-sphere-based immuno assay, and sample filtration. Other applications are not precluded. Another field of application for this device is in the separation of plasma from red blood cells. The red blood cells will not pass through the membrane due to their size, but plasma will.
US07767463B2
A method and system of screening or selecting a mobile phase eluent for a chromatography column is provided. A sample for chromatographic analysis or purification is combined with a solvent and passed through a membrane. A pressure measurement is taken of the sample/solvent combination in the system prior to the membrane. The pressure measurement may be compared to a second pressure and an appropriate solvent may be selected based on the relationship between the first measured pressure and the second pressure.
US07767454B2
The present invention is in the fields of molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics. The invention is directed generally to mutating genes in cells in vitro and in multi-cellular organisms. The invention encompasses methods for mutating genes in cells using polynucleotides that act as insertional mutagens. Such methods are used to achieve mutation of a single gene to achieve a desired phenotype as well as mutation of multiple genes, required cumulatively to achieve a desired phenotype, in a cell or in a multi-cellular organism. The invention is also directed to methods of identifying one or more mutated genes, made by the methods of the invention, in cells and in multi-cellular organisms, by means of a tagging property provided by the insertional mutagen(s). The insertional mutagen thus allows identification of one or more genes that are mutated by insertion of an insertional mutagen. The invention is also directed to methods for correlating a phenotype with a gene by screening or selecting cells that have been mutated by an insertional mutagen incorporated into one or more genes in a cell and identifying the gene or genes causing the phenotype by means of a tagging property in one or more of the insertional mutagens.The invention is also directed to cells and multi-cellular organisms created by the methods of the invention and uses of the cells and multicellular organisms. The invention is also directed to libraries of cells created by the methods of the invention and uses of the libraries.
US07767453B2
Hematopoietic stem cells and methods for ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells are provided. The methods comprise culturing the cells in a media containing an effective amount insulin-like growth factor (IGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), thrombopoietin (TPO), and stem cell factor (SCF), under conditions sufficient for expansion of said cells. Methods for identifying expanded hematopoeitc stem cells and kits for ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells are also provided.
US07767449B1
Disclosed is a method for producing a protein involving infecting a culture of eukaryotic cells with a recombinant vaccinia virus.
US07767443B2
A device includes a carrier element with a surface prepared for direct or indirect coupling or receiving of cells, at least one optical detector to receive a luminescence signal, the detector being integrated into the carrier element below the prepared surface, a cover covering the prepared surface to form a cavity, the cover having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and an excitation source connected to the inlet opening. The excitation source constitutes a reservoir for a chemical or biological excitation substance or medium that influences the metabolism of the cell, with metabolic processes being made visible by luminescence and detected by at the least one optical detector.
US07767439B2
A real time polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) monitoring apparatus includes, a microchip-type PCR tube that has a PCR solution-containing PCR chamber, a micro-heater, a detection unit detecting a PCR product signal based on the PCR solution, a plurality of modules, each of which includes the abovementioned elements in addition to a cooling fan and a control unit controlling the micro-heater and the cooling fan to adjust the temperature of the PCR chamber, a base instrument that comprises a power supply unit connected to the modules and a data communication unit connected to the control unit of each of the modules, and a display unit displaying data from the data communication unit, wherein the control unit of each of the modules independently controls at least one of both the detection unit and the temperature of the PCR chamber of the PCR tube in each of the modules.
US07767431B2
The present invention relates to the fields of microbiology and microbial genetics. More specifically, the invention relates to novel bacteria strains and processes employing these strains for the fermentative production of amino acids such as threonine.
US07767429B2
The invention relates to the discovery of novel soluble neutral active Hyaluronidase Glycoproteins (sHASEGP's), methods of manufacture, and their use to facilitate administration of other molecules or to alleviate glycosaminoglycan associated pathologies. Minimally active polypeptide domains of the soluble, neutral active sHASEGP domains are described that include asparagine-linked sugar moieties required for a functional neutral active hyaluronidase domain. Included are modified amino-terminal leader peptides that enhance secretion of sHASEGP. The invention further comprises sialated and pegylated forms of a recombinant sHASEGP to enhance stability and serum pharmacokinetics over naturally occurring slaughterhouse enzymes. Further described are suitable formulations of a substantially purified recombinant sHASEGP glycoprotein derived from a eukaryotic cell that generate the proper glycosylation required for its optimal activity.
US07767426B2
A method of producing riboflavin by culturing riboflavin-producing microbes in a culture medium using a plant oil or an animal oil as a carbon source, forming and accumulating riboflavin therein and collecting riboflavin therefrom, wherein a carrier of a clay mineral having oil-adsorbing property, a chemically treated product thereof or a calcium compound is made present in the culture medium. The riboflavin is produced maintaining a high yield and at an increased production rate at a low cost without requiring cumbersome operations for concentrating and recovering the riboflavin. It is further allowed to recover the riboflavin by effectively utilizing the waste plant oil or the waste animal oil that is to be disposed of.
US07767424B2
Methods for enhancing or creating plant disease resistance to plant pests are provided. Transforming a plant with a novel rice Pi2-like disease resistance gene of the invention enhances disease resistance of the plant.
US07767423B2
This invention relates to the use of tumor-derived or associated extracellular ribonucleic acid (RNA) found circulating in the plasma or serum fraction of blood for the detection, monitoring, or evaluation of cancer or premalignant conditions. Specifically, this invention enables the extraction of circulating RNA from plasma or serum and utilizes nucleic acid amplification assays for the identification, detection, inference, monitoring, or evaluation of any neoplasm, benign, premalignant, or malignant, in humans or other animals, which might be associated with that RNA. Further, this invention allows the qualitative or quantitative detection of tumor-derived or associated extracellular RNA circulating in the plasma or serum of humans or animals with or without any prior knowledge of the presence of cancer or premalignant tissue.
US07767420B2
The invention provides recombinant B. thetaiotaomicron HSGAG lyase polypeptides. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides, recombinant expression vectors containing B. thetaiotaomicron HSGAG lyase nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. Characterization, diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
US07767412B2
A method of easily detecting a slight percentage of seeds contaminated with a seed-transmissible pathogen as mixed in among a large number of seeds is provided. The method comprises placing a substratum for germination with seeds disposed thereon in a hermetic container, adding an extractant to the hermetic container after germination of the seeds, mixing up the seedlings resulting from germination of the seeds, the germination substratum and the extractant with stirring and/or pressing, and using the mixed liquid derived therefrom as a test material for detecting pathogenic bacteria possibly occurring therein.
US07767410B2
Acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The cells can be prospectively isolated or identified from patient samples, and are shown to possess the unique properties of cancer stem cells in functional assays for cancer stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, and in cancer diagnosis.
US07767406B2
The present invention describes a method for diagnosing tumours of the reproductive organs which is characterised by determination of the afamin content in a sample of a body fluid or in a tissue sample, wherein a tumour is diagnosed if the afamin content in the sample is decreased compared to the afamin content in a sample from a person without a tumour of the reproductive organs.
US07767401B2
Stroke is diagnosed in a subject by determining the concentration of at least one polypeptide selected from Apo C-III, Serum Amyloid A, Apo C-I, Antithrombin III fragment and Apo A-I in a sample of body fluid taken from the subject.
US07767400B2
The disclosure provides methods of generating paired reads in sequencing-by-synthesis process, particularly, in systems with relatively short read lengths (e.g., 15-35bases), such as for example, in single molecule sequencing by synthesis. Several implementations of the methods are provided. Of particular advantage are the methods that permit re-sequencing of the template, which yields lower error rates. The invention further provides methods of using paired reads, for example, for positioning them over repeats or for assembly into large sequences, including whole genome assembly.
US07767399B2
Methods of isolating clinical-grade plasmid DNA from manufacturing processes, including large-scale fermentation regimes, are disclosed which encompass alternatives to two core unit operations common to plasmid DNA purification processes. The novel upstream and downstream purification processes disclosed herein provide for reduced production costs and increase process robustness. Either or both of the purification processes disclosed herein may be used in combination with additional purification steps known in the art that are associated with DNA plasmid purification technology.
US07767395B2
Methods for predicting the development of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing sepsis are provided. In one method, features in a biomarker profile of the subject are evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis if these features satisfy a particular value set. Methods for predicting the development of a stage of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing a stage of sepsis are provided. In one method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to have the stage of sepsis if these feature values satisfy a particular value set. Methods of diagnosing sepsis in a subject are provided. In one such method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis when the plurality of features satisfies a particular value set.
US07767393B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention provides gene expression profiles associated with prostate cancers. Genes identified as cancer markers using the methods of the present invention find use in the diagnosis and characterization of prostate cancer. In addition, the genes provide targets for cancer drug screens and therapeutic applications.
US07767386B2
A method of patterning a thin film is described. The method comprises forming a thin film to be patterned on a substrate, forming a developable organic planarization layer (OPL) on the thin film, forming a developable anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on the developable OPL, and forming a mask layer on the developable ARC layer. Thereafter, the mask layer, the developable ARC layer and the developable OPL are patterned to form a pattern therein using an imaging and developing process. The imaging and developing process may either partially extend or fully extend into the OPL. Once the mask layer is removed, the pattern is transferred to the underlying thin film using an etching process.
US07767384B2
A method for making a heat-sensitive negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor including the steps of providing a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, and applying onto the support a coating solution including an infrared absorbing agent, hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles, a hydrophilic binder, and a polymer including siloxane and/or perfluoroalkyl monomeric units.
US07767383B2
The present invention is directed to a method of selectively pre-exposing a photosensitive printing element prior to imagewise exposure in order to remove oxygen from the photosensitive layer prior to imagewise exposure. The invention is usable in a computer-to-plate process to produce flexographic relief image printing elements.
US07767376B2
The present disclosure provides processes for producing toners which include an annealing step and toners produced by these processes. The process includes a continuous annealing step, which increases the glass transition temperature of the resulting toner.
US07767372B2
A photoconductor containing a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer which contains a fluoroalkyl ester.
US07767370B2
A two-component developer containing a magenta toner and a magnetic carrier, wherein the magenta toner has the characteristics: (i) when the concentration of the magenta toner in a solution of the magenta toner in chloroform is represented by Cm (mg/ml) and the absorbance of the solution at a wavelength of 538 nm is represented by A538, a relationship between Cm and A538 satisfies the relationship of 2.00
US07767368B2
An opaque area is formed in a sidewall portion of a susceptor by stacking a material that is transparent to flash light and a material that is opaque to the flash light to form the sidewall portion or coating a surface of the opaque material with the transparent material. A top surface of the opaque area in the sidewall portion of the susceptor is designed to have a predetermined positional relationship with a top surface of a substrate; the top surface of the opaque area is set at the same position as that of the top surface of the substrate or higher than the top surface of the substrate by a predetermined height. Thus, obliquely incident flash light is absorbed or irregularly reflected by the opaque quartz portion, surrounding an excavated portion of the susceptor.
US07767357B2
A solid oxide fuel cell has a stack structure in which sheet bodies and support members are stacked in alternating layers. A space through which a fuel gas or air flows is formed between the adjacent sheet body and support member. Partitions are provided on the support member in such a manner as to stand in the space, thereby forming a “first flow F1” of gas according to the flow control effected by the partitions. Gaps are formed at the projecting ends of the partitions, thereby forming a “second flow F2” of gas which flows over the partitions and through the gaps. The ratio “gap/space height” is set to 2% to 50% inclusive.
US07767356B2
A common distribution device of a fuel cell of a vehicle is provided where a first module and a second module comprises an air supplying portion and an air discharging portion are disposed below in the stack, and a third module and a fourth module which comprises a hydrogen supplying portion and a hydrogen discharging portion are disposed above in a stack. The fluid can be uniformly discharged from the stack during acceleration, deceleration, and tilting of a vehicle.
US07767340B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a positive electrode and a negative electrode with an active material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode active material is covered by a coating having elasticity. The fully elastic coating expands and contracts following the volume change of the negative electrode active material; thus, the coating brings out its desired functions without being damaged or broken. Regardless of the degree of the volume change of the negative electrode active material, a lasting coating without damage is formed on the negative electrode active material, to improve performances of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery.
US07767334B2
A battery module is provided. The battery module includes a battery body having a plurality of unit cells arranged in series and having a respective barrier disposed between adjacent unit cells. End plates are disposed on opposite outermost sides of the battery body. A fixing unit fixes together the end plates and the battery body by enclosing an outer circumference of an assembly of the end plates and the battery body.
US07767330B2
The durability of a fuel cell having a polymer electrolyte membrane with an anode on one surface and an oxygen-reducing cathode on the other surface is improved by replacing conductive carbon matrix materials in an electrode with a matrix of electrically conductive metal compound particles. The electrode includes a catalyst supported on a nanosize metal oxides and electrically conductive nanosize matrix particles of a metal compound. One or more metal compounds such as a boride, carbide, nitride, silicide, carbonitride, oxyboride, oxycarbide, or oxynitride of a metal such as cobalt, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, neodymium niobium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, and zirconium is suitable. For example, the combination of platinum particles deposited on titanium dioxide support particles mixed in a conductive matrix of titanium carbide particles provides an electrode with good oxygen reduction capability and corrosion resistance in an acid environment.
US07767325B2
A method and an apparatus for the investigation of a fuel cell system comprising at least one fuel cell having an anode side to which a fuel is supplied in operation and a cathode side which is separated from the anode side by a membrane and to which an oxidizing agent is supplied in operation, in order to carry out at least one of the following tests: a) to test whether the fuel cell system is gas-tight at the anode side and/or at the cathode side, b) to test whether a leakage is present between the anode side and the cathode side of the fuel cell system, c) to test the starting behavior of the fuel cell system, d) to test the operation of the fuel cell system at low current yield. The respective test is carried out with a mixture of at least inert gas with at least one fuel permissible for the operation of the fuel cells, the mixture being supplied to the anode side of the fuel cell system. The mixture is so selected that the proportion of fuel lies below a value at which the mixture is flammable in air.
US07767321B2
An exemplary magnetic recording medium with a high recording density and a low medium noise is provided. The magnetic recording medium includes a non-magnetic substrate, a soft magnetic layer, an oxygen-containing intermediate layer, and a perpendicular magnetic recording layer, arranged in contact with one another, in that particular order. The perpendicular magnetic recording layer has a composite layer structure with ferromagnetic grains and a matrix of an amorphous carbon-containing structure. The amorphous carbon-containing structure is dispersed so as to essentially surround the individual ferromagnetic grains, within the perpendicular magnetic recording layer. Methods for making such magnetic recording media also are provided.
US07767319B2
The present invention relates to a coated cemented carbide milling insert for either wet or dry machining of cast iron such as nodular cast iron (NCI), grey cast iron (GCI), austempered ductile iron (ADI) and compacted graphite iron (CGI) where a high wear resistance and an excellent resistance against thermo cracks are required comprising: a substrate comprising from about 5 to about 7 wt-% Co, from about 140 to about 250 ppm Ti+Ta and balance WC with a weight ratio Ti/Ta of from about 0.8 to about 1.3 and a PVD-layer consisting of AlxTi1−xN, with x=from about 0.50 to about 0.70 and with a thickness of from about 1 to about 10 μm. The invention also relates to a method for making cutting tool inserts and their use.
US07767316B2
An organic light emitting device contains a cathode, an anode, and has located there-between a light emitting layer, comprising co-hosts including a hole transporting compound and a particular aluminum chelate, together with at least one light emitting Iridium compound, wherein the Iridium compound is a tris C^N-cyclometallated complex with a triplet energy less than or equal to the triplet energy of each of the co-hosts.
US07767298B2
An electrically conductive composite fiber comprising an electrically conductive layer formed of a polyester-based polymer (A) having a melting point of 200° C. or higher and containing from 23 to 33% by weight of electrically conductive carbon black, and a protective layer formed of a polyester-based polymer (B) having a melting point of 210° C. or higher, wherein the difference between the SP value of the (A) and the SP value of the (B) is adjusted to not greater than a predetermined value and the fiber strength and the elongation at break are adjusted within certain ranges. This can make it possible to obtain an electrically conductive composite fiber that has a superior antistatic performance, which is not degraded very much over a practical wearing for a long term, though it contains only a relatively small amount of electrically conductive carbon black, and that is suitable for the field of clothing such as clean room wears and working wears.
US07767297B2
A fiber containing an eggshell membrane component. The fiber is produced by spinning using a solution containing the eggshell membrane component by employing an electrospinning method. A fiber assembly formed from the fiber obtained by employing the electrospinning method imitates a natural eggshell membrane, whereby sufficient air permeability is exhibited. Since the fiber assembly is also excellent in adherence to skin tissue of a human body and stypticity, the fiber assembly may be preferably used as a wound dressing or a cosmetic sheet.
US07767295B2
A reinforced packing tape having a tamper indicator is disclosed. The reinforced packing tape is constructed of a base layer of kraft paper having a lower surface coated with a water-activated adhesive and an upper surface printed with a tamper indicator pattern. A portion of the tamper indicator pattern is overlaid with a reinforcing film of transparent plastic. The plastic film is strongly bonded to the base layer such that when an attempt to remove the plastic film is made, the tamper indicator pattern is altered, degraded or destroyed; thus, a tamper attempt is indicated.
US07767290B2
A slurry composition for forming a double-layered barrier rib of a plasma display panel is provided. The slurry composition for barrier ribs comprises about 100 parts by weight of a mixture comprising a glass powder and a filler; about 20 to 50 parts by weight of a solvent; about 0.01 to 2 parts by weight of a dispersing agent; about 1 to 10 parts by weight of a plasticizer; and about 10 to 20 parts by weight of a binder. A green sheet employing such a slurry compositions is disclosed as is methods of manufacturing a double layered barrier rib using such slurry compositions to form a green sheet.
US07767287B2
A method of manufacturing an optical element having a good reflection preventing characteristic is provided in which an irregularity structure having a reflection preventing function can be formed at low temperature. The method includes forming a film on the optical substrate by using a coating liquid containing a metal alkoxide containing at least aluminum, immersing the film in a water-containing liquid, baking the film having been immersed in the water-containing liquid, and subjecting the film having been baked to treatment with warm water to form an aluminum-containing film having a fine irregularity structure.
US07767271B2
A method for producing a metallized image on a sheet material includes impregnating the material with a metal salts-containing solution and exposing the specified material points to a pulse laser radiation. The interaction of the pulses with the solution within a laser spot irritates a photochemical reaction resulting in a metal ion reduction into the elementary state thereof by associating the required number of electrons and deposition of metallic film which is firmly fixed to the filler of the sheet material in the laser spot area on the material surface. In case of sufficient laser radiation power, a recess is formed on the sheet material surface, and the metallic film is deposited on the bottom of the recess. An apparatus for carrying out the method for producing a metallized image comprises means for impregnating the sheet material with the metal salts-containing solution and means provided with a laser pulse generator for fixing the metal to said sheet material, a unit for controlling the pulse intensity and a unit for focusing pulses to the specified points of the sheet material.
US07767261B2
Compositions, inks and methods for forming a patterned silicon-containing film and patterned structures including such a film. The composition generally includes (a) passivated semiconductor nanoparticles and (b) first and second cyclic Group IVA compounds in which the cyclic species predominantly contains Si and/or Ge atoms. The ink generally includes the composition and a solvent in which the composition is soluble. The method generally includes the steps of (1) printing the composition or ink on a substrate to form a pattern, and (2) curing the patterned composition or ink. In an alternative embodiment, the method includes the steps of (i) curing either a semiconductor nanoparticle composition or at least one cyclic Group IVA compound to form a thin film, (ii) coating the thin film with the other, and (iii) curing the coated thin film to form a semiconducting thin film. The semiconducting thin film includes a sintered mixture of semiconductor nanoparticles in hydrogenated, at least partially amorphous silicon and/or germanium. The thin film exhibits improved conductivity, density, adhesion and/or carrier mobility relative to an otherwise identical structure made by an identical process, but without either the semiconductor nanoparticles or the hydrogenated Group IVA element polymer. The present invention advantageously provides semiconducting thin film structures having qualities suitable for use in electronics applications, such as display devices or RF ID tags, while enabling high-throughput printing processes that form such thin films in seconds or minutes, rather than hours or days as with conventional photolithographic processes.
US07767253B2
A method of making an anti-reflection coating using a sol-gel process, for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. The method may include the following steps in certain example embodiments: forming a polymeric component of silica by mixing silane(s) with one or more of a first solvent, a catalyst, and water; forming a silica sol gel by mixing the polymeric component with a colloidal silica, and optionally a second solvent; forming a metal oxide sol by mixing silane(s) with a metal oxide, a second catalyst, and a third solvent; forming a combined sol by mixing the metal oxide sol with the silica sol; casting the mixture by spin coating or the like to form a silica and metal oxide containing layer on a substrate; and curing and/or heat treating the layer. This layer may make up all or only part of an anti-reflection coating which may be used in a photovoltaic device or the like.
US07767251B2
The invention described herein includes a repellent elastomeric article particularly useful in industrial and medical fields, such as gloves. The article contains an elastomeric base and a fluid-repellent coating composition that effectively repels both hydrophilic and lipophilic liquids from its surface. The coating comprises a low surface energy ingredient, such as a fluoroalkyl acrylic polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the low surface energy ingredient is in combination with a hydrophobic ingredient, such as a wax-based dispersion. Articles prepared in accordance with the invention reduce the risk of contamination associated with blood and other body fluids, as well as reduce fluid-based visual obstruction and enhance the clarity of medical procedures. The invention also provides a fluid-repellent coating composition for elastomeric articles, a process for preparing a fluid-repellent elastomeric article, and a method of reducing the ability of fluids to adhere to the surface of an elastomeric article.
US07767248B2
The confectionary product described herein has an enhanced solids and fiber content and the method described herein permits higher loading of fiber, sweetener and other solids in a soft chewy confectionary product. In another aspect, the product and method contemplate high loading fiber, solids and sweetener where the sweetener masks poor tasting active ingredients, such a vitamins and minerals.
US07767239B1
There are disclosed beverages for the maintenance of healthy, hydrated skin and the avoidance of dry skin and related problems, for mammals, particularly human beings, comprising whey protein, electrolytes, vitamin C and, optionally, aspartame with a low concentration of sugar, typically 4.15 g sugar per 237 ml serving, and a ratio of sugar to protein of typically 1.1:1. Also disclosed are methods for maintaining healthy skin and repairing dry skin by administering these beverages either alone or in conjunction with external topical moisturizers.
US07767228B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral application comprising: i) an anthelmintic agent; ii) a first excipient having a porous structure with an inner surface of about 500 to 1500 m2/g and a surface area according to BET of up to about 5000 m2/g; as well as to a method of preparing such a composition.
US07767221B2
Methods and apparatuses are provided for musculoskeletal tissue engineering. For example, a scaffold apparatus is provided which comprises microspheres of selected sizes and/or composition. The microspheres are layered to have a gradient of microsphere sizes and/or compositions. The scaffold provides a functional interface between multiple tissue types.
US07767220B2
Implantable or insertable medical devices comprising a surface region that is modified by covalently coupling a molecular species (or a combination of molecular species) to the same. The molecular species are selected such that the resulting modified surface region has critical surface energy between 20 and 30 dynes/cm. In certain embodiments, the covalently coupled molecular species comprise one or more methyl groups. An advantage of the present invention is that novel medical devices are provided, which have a surface with a critical surface energy value that has been shown to display enhanced biocompatibility, including enhanced thromboresistance, relative to other surfaces.
US07767215B2
A pharmaceutical composition for treatment of skin aging including a pharmaceutically effective amount of estriol; a pharmaceutically effective amount of estradiol; a pharmaceutically effective amount of hyaluronic acid; a pharmaceutically effective amount of green tea extract; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is provided. In some embodiments, the composition further includes ascorbic acid, date palm extract, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a method for treating symptoms of skin aging and photoaging by administering a pharmaceutical composition having estriol, estradiol, hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and optionally, ascorbic acid and date palm extract. A method of promoting urogenital function is likewise provided wherein a pharmaceutical composition having estriol, estradiol, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract is applied intravaginally.
US07767209B2
The present invention is directed to a MVA mutant and its use in the immunotherapy and vaccination against numerous diseases, in particular in the prevention and therapy of cancer and infectious diseases.
US07767207B2
Antibodies that bind human interleukin-18 (hIL-18) are provided, in particular antibodies that bind epitope(s) of human IL-18. The antibodies can be, for example, entirely human antibodies, recombinant antibodies, or monoclonal antibodies. Preferred antibodies have high affinity for hIL-18 and neutralize hIL-18 activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Method of making and method of using the antibodies of the invention are also provided. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hIL-18 and for inhibiting hIL-18 activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hIL-18 activity is detrimental.
US07767206B2
The present invention relates to the identification of neutralizing determinants on IL-17 Receptor A (IL-17RA or IL-17R) and the antigen binding proteins, such as antibodies, that bind thereto and inhibit IL-17 ligand family members from binding to and activating IL-17 Receptor A or a receptor complex comprising IL-17 Receptor A.
US07767195B2
A high throughput neurophysiological assay for identifying anti-psychotic compounds is disclosed. In particular, a high throughput neurophysiological assay using information obtained from injecting a neural activity blocker, such as tetrodotoxin (TTX), into one hippocampus persistently coactivated pyramidal cells in the uninjected hippocampus that initially discharged independently. In accord with the definition of cognitive disorganization, pyramidal cell firing rates only changed for 15 min and did not accompany the coactivation. The disclosed assay uses the TTX-induced coactivity of hippocampal pyramidal cell discharge to identify compounds that may prevent or attenuate the changes in the hippocampal pyramidal cell discharge observed when a neural activity blocker is administered. The assays of the invention are useful for high throughput screening of targets in the discovery of drugs that have anti-psychotic properties. Also disclosed is a method of inducing and measuring neural activity normally associated with a psychotic state.
US07767194B2
Cyanine and indocyanine dye compounds and bioconjugates are disclosed. The present invention includes several cyanine and indocyanine dyes, including bioconjugates of the same, with a variety of bis- and tetrakis (carboxylic acid) homologues. The compounds of the invention may be conjugated to bioactive peptides, carbohydrates, hormones, drugs, or other bioactive agents. The small size of compounds of the invention allows favorable delivery to tumor cells as compared to larger molecular weight imaging agents. Further, use of a biocompatible organic solvent such as dimethylsulfoxide may be said to assist in maintaining the fluorescence of compounds of the invention. The compounds and bioconjugates herein disclosed are useful in a variety of medical applications including, but not limited to, diagnostic imaging and therapy, endoscopic applications for the detection of tumors and other abnormalities, localized therapy, photoacoustic tumor imaging, detection and therapy, and sonofluorescence tumor imaging, detection and therapy.
US07767193B2
The present invention relates to 3-substituted-2-(arylalkyl)-1-azabicycloalkanes, methods of preparing the compounds and methods of treatment using the compounds. The azabicycloalkanes generally are azabicycloheptanes, azabicyclooctanes, or azabicyclononanes. The aryl group in the arylalkyl moiety is a 5- or 6-membered ring heteroaromatic, preferably 3-pyridinyl and 5-pyrimidinyl moieties, and the alkyl group is typically a C1-4 alkyl. The substituent at the 3-position of the 1-azabicycloalkane is a carbonyl group-containing moiety, such as an amide, carbamate, urea, thioamide, thiocarbamate, thiourea or similar functionality. The compounds exhibit activity at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), particularly the α7 nAChR subtype, and are useful towards modulating neurotransmission and the release of ligands involved in neurotransmission. Methods for preventing or treating conditions and disorders, including central nervous system (CNS) disorders, which are characterized by an alteration in normal neurotransmission, are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for treating inflammation, autoimmune disorders, pain and excess neovascularization, such as that associated with tumor growth.
US07767186B2
A method for treating carbon nanotubes with microwave energy to selective remove metallic-type carbon nanotubes is provided. A sample containing carbon nanotubes is positioned in a microwave cavity at a location corresponding to a maximum in the electric field component of a stationary wave having a microwave frequency. The sample is exposed to the microwave energy for a sufficient period of time to increase the proportion of semiconducting-type carbon nanotubes within the sample. Alternatively, a sample consisting essentially of metallic-type and semiconducting-type carbon nanotubes is exposed to microwave energy for a sufficient period of time to increase the proportion of semiconducting-type carbon nanotubes within the sample.
US07767172B2
The object of the present utility model is to cope with the problems of large volume of the presently known cellpacking type of reactor and the poor effect of heat transfer, and to provide a shell-type reactor with radial baffle, which transfers heat well and reduce the volume of the reactor, comprising a shell (1) and an internal cold plate assembly (2), the internal cold plate assembly (2) fixed within the shell (1); wherein a gas radial distribution vessel (9) and a radial gas cylinder (10) fixed within the shell (1); the radial distribution vessel (9) and the radial gas cylinder (10) could counterchange according to the difference of the gas flow direction; several circles of radial baffling assemblies (12) are provided between the radial distribution vessel (9) and the radial gas cylinder (10), the radial baffling assemblies (12) consisting of several baffling components fixed in an interval mode, an axial baffling through groove or hole is provided between the adjacent baffling components. The present utility model has advantages of the great effect of heat transfer, the simple structure, the small overall size.
US07767168B2
A multi-use sanitization system is disclosed which includes one or more containers in fluid communication with other system components. Components of the system include an ozone contacting device, such as a vortex-venturi or a sparger, for incorporating ozone into a liquid, an ozone generator to provide ozone to the vortex-venturi, a fluid transfer valve to allow simultaneous flow of liquid into and out of the container, and a pump to promote fluid flow through the system. Optionally, a gas-liquid separator with an optional integral gas release valve, an ozone destructor, an oxidation-reduction potential ozone sensor, or a pour-through type pre-filter may be incorporated into the system.
US07767161B2
A fluidized bed apparatus for batch-by-batch or continuous process control is provided that allows the processes in the fluidization region to be influenced as desired, especially in terms of material movement and dwell time. The fluidized bed apparatus is formed from at least two processing regions and the processing regions are connected to each other by overflow channels. The first processing region is provided with a solids inlet and the last processing region is provided with a solids outlet. For influencing the dwell time, the material to be treated is supplied to at least two processing regions one after the other and flows through these regions, wherein the material transport direction is a cross flow relative to the flow of the fluidization means.
US07767160B2
An apparatus for continuously producing polyisocyanate is provided for quickly contacting polyamine and carbonyl chloride in order to suppress an undesirable reaction between polyamine and polyisocyanate so that a by-product can be reduced and the yield of polyisocyanate can be improved. In a circulatory line 7, a material-mixing portion 8, a high-shear pump 3, a reactor 4, a liquid-feeding pump 5 and a cooler 6 are interposed in series along the direction of the flow of a reaction solution, thereby forming a closed line. In this apparatus 1, after polyamine and carbonyl chloride are supplied in the material-mixing portion 8, the reaction solution is sheared by the high-shear pump 3 in a state where the contact of the polyamine with the reaction solution is minimized. Thus, the formation of a urea compound as a by-product can be suppressed and the yield of polyisocyanate can be improved.
US07767155B2
A microreactor apparatus includes; a microreactor body that includes first and second substrates; a microchannel that is formed inside the microreactor body; and integral connectors that are disposed detachably on the microreactor body, and through which supply/discharge pipes are to be connected to end portions of the microchannel, respectively.
US07767146B2
Sample changer with a balance, with at least two sample carriers which can be delivered to the balance and which are located in a sample rack, the sample carrier being made and arranged in the sample rack relative to the balance such that the sample carrier can be conveyed onto a weighing surface of the balance by rotation and/or shifting of the sample rack and/or the balance. Preferably, the balance is integrated in the sample changer.
US07767143B2
Colorimetric sensors comprising a reflective surface and a curable layer are disclosed. Devices comprising the colorimetric sensors and methods of making the sensors and devices are also disclosed. Methods of using the sensors and devices in numerous applications are also disclosed.
US07767132B2
A process for forming a three-dimensional article in sequential layers in accordance with a digital model of the article. The process comprises the steps of defining a layer of powder material, applying a liquid reagent to the powder layer in a pattern corresponding to the digital model, and repeating these steps to form successive layers. The powder comprises a first reactive component and the liquid includes a second active component capable of reacting with the first reactive component so that the article is built up in layers.
US07767127B2
A method for manufacturing two-color components, for shoes in general, including the steps of positioning a sheet element, made of rubber, in a mold that forms a plurality of cavities delimited by edges the free end whereof lies on the parting plane of the mold. A sheet of plastic material which has a release function is then superimposed on the sheet element, and a layer is positioned on the sheet in order to give mechanical strength thereto. The mold is then closed with a cover, applying pressure together with heating in order to fill the cavities with the rubber and simultaneously move the rubber away from the edges. After removing the layer and the sheet together with any flash of rubber present on the edges, a second sheet element is superimposed, and pressure and heating are applied in order to produce bonding with the perforated sheet element; after this, the resulting article, which has a two-color appearance, is subjected to vulcanization.
US07767122B2
Foam sheets are continuously produced by metering foam particles, which are free of any added binder or adhesive, from a storage location onto a moving conveyor at a controlled volumetric rate so as to continuously form a layer of the particles on the conveyor, heating the layer of particles to a temperature sufficient to render the particles tacky such that the particles adhere to one another so as to form a substantially integral sheet, compressing the sheet with a compression device that applies pressure on the advancing sheet so as to compress the sheet to a smaller thickness and enhance the integrity of the sheet; and cooling the compressed sheet.
US07767118B2
The present invention provides a method of forming particles using supercritical fluid (SCF). In accordance with the method, one or more growth retardant compounds having both SCF-philic and SCF-phobic groups are present when one or more solute materials reach a supersaturation point and begin to form particle nuclei. The growth retardant compounds can reduce the particle growth rate, increase the nucleation rate and also prevent particle agglomeration. Preferred growth retardant compounds include sugar acetates and fluorocarbons.
US07767108B2
In a method for manufacture of a liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal composition is placed between two substrates, after which ultraviolet irradiation is performed to form a liquid crystal layer, a specific polymerizable compound is used, or specific ultraviolet irradiation conditions are adopted, or processing is comprised midway through the ultraviolet irradiation to activate the molecular motion of liquid crystal molecules or to deform the liquid crystal layer. A method for manufacture of a liquid crystal display device and a liquid crystal display device manufactured by this method are provided, in which an alignment control film is rendered unnecessary, and which has such advantages as improved quality of the liquid crystal panel, enhanced production yields, streamlined manufacturing facilities, simplified processes, and reduced costs.
US07767104B2
A fabrication method in thin layers, for example of integrated electronic circuits or MEMS. A correction method allows design errors made for example by photolithography in a thin layer to be repaired, and without necessarily having to utilize a new mask or without having to correct an erroneous mask. A lithography device allows certain of operations of such a method to be employed.
US07767099B2
The present invention is directed to the formation of sublithographic features in a semiconductor structure using self-assembling polymers. The self-assembling polymers are formed in openings in a hard mask, annealed and then etched, followed by etching of the underlying dielectric material. At least one sublithographic feature is formed according to this method. Also disclosed is an intermediate semiconductor structure in which at least one interconnect wiring feature has a dimension that is defined by a self-assembled block copolymer.
US07767096B2
A method to meter a granular chemical into water in a swimming pool provides a dispensation unit constructed to dispense a granular chemical at a selected rate per unit of time. The dispensation unit includes a device to open a container of the granular chemical. The dispensation unit functions to separate granular material for dispensation through apertures in the unit. The dispensation unit is charged with a granular chemical while the unit is upright. The unit is inverted in order to evenly distribute granular chemical on the surface of water in a swimming pool.
US07767094B2
Apparatus (10) for collecting solids selling on the bottom of a liquid reservoir and/or floating solids, the apparatus (10) having a hollow suction head (23) and at least one outlet duct (26) extending from the suction head (23). Air can be supplied to the suction head (23) to create a suction pressure in the suction head (23) to cause settling solids beneath the suction head (23) to pass along the outlet duct or ducts (26). The suction head (23) may be connected to a collector (11) which is provided with a float (21) to support the collector (11) at the surface of the liquid, and the outlet duct or ducts (26) are connected to the collector (11) which collects the solids. The collector (11) may also have an inlet to collect floating solids.
US07767091B2
The invention deals with lipophilic modified dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers that can encapsulate organic pollutants of a diversity of sizes and shapes and which are prepared following the modification of the functional groups present at the surface of the polymer. These functional polymers are characterized by the fact that their nanocavities do not have predetermined dimensions but their size and shape are affected by the size and shape of the pollutant they will encapsulate or otherwise they will be so-adjusted to it.
US07767090B2
The present invention provides an automated system and method for maintaining compaction, and therefore increased efficiency, of a media bed within a chromatography column. In the preferred embodiment, an adjustment assembly is slidingly engaged inside one end of the column such that it can be moved along the column's major axis. When idle, the force exerted on this end is equal to the compression on the media. When the column is actively processing chromatographic fluid, this exerted force can be expressed as the sum of the compression on the media, and the force of the fluid being processed. This total force and the fluid pressure are monitored using a load cell and a pressure sensor respectively. The compression force operating on the media bed is then computed based on these measurements and compared to the optimal value. The position of the adjustment assembly within the column is then modified in response to changes in the measured compression force.
US07767086B2
A filter element includes a filter medium (10) extending between two end caps (12, 14) that are respectively connected to an associable end region (16, 18) of the filter medium (10). The filter medium is supported at least on one side on a supporting tube (20). At least one of the end caps (14) and/or at least one end region (16, 18) of the filter medium (10) has a contacting device (22) and/or the respective end cap (14) itself or its parts are embodied in such a way as to derive the electrostatic charges, especially occurring during the operation of the filter element to ensure that the charge generated on the filter medium (Meshpack) by tribo-electrical effects can escape towards a mass point or a mass site via the contacting device (22) or the respective end cap (14).
US07767080B2
A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.
US07767078B2
A system and method were used to treat produced water. Field-testing demonstrated the removal of contaminants from produced water from oil and gas wells.
US07767077B2
The present invention provides a membrane filtration system (1) including: a filtering membrane portion (3) for removing impurities in feed water; a drain line (16) for draining a part of concentrate from the filtering membrane portion (3) to an exterior of a system; a concentrate return line (17) for returning a remainder of the concentrate from the filtering membrane portion (3) to an upstream side of the filtering membrane portion (3); a return flow rate adjusting portion (28) for concentrate provided in the concentrate return line (17); and a control portion (30) controlling the return flow rate adjusting portion (28) based on a drain flow rate of the concentrate or a flow rate of product water from the filtering membrane portion (3). With this construction, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption in a feed pump (7) for feeding water to the filtering membrane portion (3) and to prevent clogging in the filtering membrane in the filtering membrane portion (3).
US07767075B2
Systems and methods of reducing refinery carbon dioxide emissions by increasing synthesis gas production in a fluid catalytic cracking unit having a reactor and a regenerator are disclosed. In one example, a method comprises separating spent catalyst from a hydrocarbon product in the reactor, the spent catalyst having trapped hydrocarbon thereon. The method further comprises reacting an additional feed with the spent catalyst in the reactor to deposit additional coke on the spent catalyst, defining a gas product. The method further separating the gas product and the trapped hydrocarbon from the spent catalyst with a stripping gas. The method further comprises removing coke from the spent catalyst in the regenerator, thereby increasing the amount of synthesis gas production.
US07767072B2
A method for forming a modified platinum aluminide coating on a turbine engine component surface includes the step of forming a platinum layer on the turbine engine component surface. A bath is then prepared, including a mixture of a primary alcohol and a tertiary alcohol, and an electrolyte including an yttrium salt. Then, yttrium from the yttrium salt is electrodeposited onto the platinum layer. The component is heated to diffuse the yttrium into the platinum layer to form a modified platinum layer. Aluminum is then deposited onto the modified platinum layer, and the component is heated to diffuse the aluminum into the modified platinum layer to form a modified platinum aluminide layer.
US07767064B2
A dual magnetron for plasma sputtering including a source magnetron and an auxiliary magnetron, each of which rotate about the center of the target at respective radii. The positions of the magnetron can be moved in complementary radial directions between sputter deposition and target cleaning. The magnetrons have different characteristics of size, strength, and imbalance. The source magnetron is smaller, stronger, and unbalanced source magnetron and is positioned near the edge of the wafer in sputter deposition and etching. The auxiliary magnetron is larger, weak, and more balanced and used for cleaning the center of the target and guiding sputter ions from the source magnetron in sputter deposition. Each magnetron may have its plasma shorted out in its radially outer position.
US07767060B2
A machine for creping sheet material such as paper, textiles, metal foils, or plastic, comprises a driving drum, and a pressing plate for pressing a length of sheet material against the drum to drive the material lengthwise in the machine direction, and a retarding member arranged to contact the lengthwise-driven sheet material to cause it to crepe. The pressing plate has a plurality of pressure application points or areas distributed across the width of the sheet material on the drum, the pressure application points or areas being associated with pneumatic cylinders for applying different pressures to different parts of the material across its width according to a given pressure profile. The pneumatic cylinders can be arranged in groups to provide an adjustable pressure profile across the material wherein the pressures applied at the opposite edges of the material and at intermediate parts of the material are adjustable independently of one another. A machine retrofitted according to the invention operates at increased speed with less defects and higher efficiency.
US07767055B2
A capacitive coupling plasma processing apparatus includes a process chamber configured to have a vacuum atmosphere, and a process gas supply section configured to supply a process gas into the chamber. In the chamber, a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed opposite each other. An RF power supply is disposed to supply an RF power to the first or second electrode to form an RF electric field within a plasma generation region between the first and second electrodes, so as to turn the process gas into plasma. The target substrate is supported by a support member between the first and second electrodes such that a process target surface thereof faces the second electrode. A conductive functional surface is disposed in a surrounding region around the plasma generation region and grounded to be coupled with the plasma in a sense of DC to expand the plasma.
US07767051B2
Method in connection with the continuous joining of a first layer (10, 38) of a first material and a second layer (16, 40) of a second material, to produce a packaging laminate (44, 48) comprising said first and second layers. According to the invention, a free surface of said first layer (10, 38) and/or a free surface of said second layer (16, 40) is subjected both to plasma treatment (24) and to flame treatment (20), where after said free surfaces are joined together (12, 14). The invention relates also to a packaging laminate thus produced and to a packaging container manufactured from such a packaging laminate.
US07767049B2
The present invention relates to insulated containers useful for serving, for example, hot beverages. Specifically, the present invention relates to multilayer containers comprising a corrugated sheet as an inner insulating liner wherein the liner comprises interruptions.
US07767046B2
An improved process for permanently attaching an overlay to a wheel disc, wherein the overlay is aligned and spaced apart from the wheel disc. A mold is created by a combination of the overlay, wheel disc and localized nests that engage at predetermined times during foam filling to close the mold. The mold is adequately sealed so that there is no foam leakage as the foam expands to fill the mold and, therefore, no final trimming of excess foam is required. The improved process is capable of accommodating a wheel having turbine openings therein.
US07767027B2
A method removes combustion residues from a wall of a chamber which carries combustion gases and/or from at least one component which is disposed in the chamber. The method includes making contact between the combustion residues and a first cleaning medium, and making contact between the pretreated combustion residues and a second cleaning medium. The first cleaning medium and the second cleaning medium differ at least with regard to a physical state. An apparatus for removing the combustion residues has different cleaning appliances and operating areas which at least partially overlap. The method and the apparatus allow, for example, heat exchanging surfaces in steam generators to be cleaned in a particular careful and thorough manner.
US07767026B2
An on-off valve 81 is opened during rinsing, whereby a part of DIW supplied to a processing liquid supply section 43 is guided into inside a suction pipe 82. After rinsing, a puddle is formed between a lower cleaning nozzle 29 and the bottom surface of a wafer. As the on-off valve 81 is opened while an on-off valve 86 is kept close, the puddle is sucked at a first speed (V1) which is regulated by a needle valve 85 and set to a relatively slow speed. Once the puddle is collected into inside the lower cleaning nozzle 29, the on-off valve 86 is opened so that the puddle is sucked at a second speed (V2) which is regulated by a needle valve 84 and which is faster than said first speed.
US07767014B2
A mold material castable to provide a mass reduced work piece machinable to produced a mold and methods of utilizing such mold material to cast mass reduced work pieces machinable to produce a mold.
US07767010B2
The present invention provides compositions for application to a material, such as building materials, prior to an exposure of the material to fire, or prior to, during or after exposure of the material to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes. When compositions within the present invention are properly applied to a material, they have the effect of reducing the amount of burning that occurs to the material, and/or reducing the amount or density of smoke and associated toxic gases produced by the material, when the material is exposed to fire, and inhibiting the growth of microbes on the material when the material is exposed to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes. The invention also provides methods for reducing the burning of a material that is exposed to fire, and for inhibiting the growth of microbes on a material exposed to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes.
US07767009B2
The invention is directed to a solution and process for improving the solderability of a metal surface. In one embodiment, the invention is a silver deposit solution comprising an acid, a source of silver ions, and an additive selected from among pyrroles, triazoles, and tetrazoles, as well as derivatives and mixtures of those components. In another embodiment, the silver deposit solution also includes a 6-membered heterocyclic ring compound, wherein three members of the 6-membered heterocyclic ring are nitrogen atoms. Still another embodiment is a process for improving the solderability of a metal surface which involves applying a silver deposit solution as previously described to a metal surface.
US07767005B2
An apparatus for filtering particulate matter from a gas. The apparatus includes at least one tube with a substantially axially located ionizer structure, and a fan for propelling the gas through the at least one tube. The ionizer structure includes a flat blade extending axially along at least a substantial part of the tube and having a saw tooth shape with a high number of sharp teeth placed regularly along the blade edges. The blade is twisted about its own longitudinal centerline to provide rotation for a gas stream flowing along the tube.
US07767004B2
The present invention provides a functionalized adsorbent for removal of acid gases, which comprises a pore-expanded mesoporous support having a pore volume of between 0.7 and 3.6 cc/g, a median pore diameter of between 1 and 25 nm, and a BET surface area of between 500 and 1600 m2/g. The support is functionalized by addition of acid-gas reactive functional groups within the pores and external surface of said support material. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the adsorbent and methods of use.
US07767003B2
A method of removing contaminants from a contaminated gas or vapor stream, which method includes passing a contaminated gas or vapor stream through a bed of curled separating media linearly in an upward direction at a linear velocity of up to 6 m/s; allowing a contaminant in the contaminated gas or vapor stream to collect on the separating media as the gas or vapor stream passes through the bed of separating media, thereby removing the contaminant from the gas or vapor stream and thus purifying the gas or vapor stream; allowing the contaminant that has collected on the separating media to pass from the separating media into a collection zone; removing the contaminant from the collection zone; and withdrawing a purified gas or vapor stream from the bed of separating media.
US07766992B2
A metallic article is produced by furnishing one or more nonmetallic precursor compound comprising the metallic constituent element(s), and chemically reducing the nonmetallic precursor compound(s) to produce an initial metallic particle, preferably having a size of no greater than about 0.070 inch, without melting the initial metallic particle. The initial metallic particle is thereafter melted and solidified to produce the metallic article. By this approach, the incidence of chemical defects in the metal article is minimized. The melted-and-solidified metal may be used in the as-cast form, or it may be converted to billet and further worked to the final form.
US07766991B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a honeycomb structural body (filter) which has a low pressure loss upon collecting particulates, makes it possible to deposit a great amount of particulates and ashes, and is less likely to produce cracks. The columnar honeycomb structural body of the present invention includes a plurality of through holes placed in parallel with one another in the length direction, and wall portion that separates the plurality of through holes from one another and constitutes a circumferential face, wherein the plurality of through holes are composed of a group of large-capacity through holes, with one end thereof being sealed so as to cause the total of areas of cross-section perpendicular to the length direction to become relatively greater, and a group of small-capacity through holes, with the other end thereof being sealed so as to cause the total of areas of the above-mentioned cross-section to become relatively smaller, and the above-mentioned circumferential face of the columnar honeycomb structural body has a chamfered corner portion.
US07766988B2
A disposable filter media removably attachable to a conventional lint trap utilized in automatic clothes dryers is provided. The disposable filter media is in the form of a flexible, lightweight meshed liner adapted for snug, releasable attachment atop the lint collecting surface of a lint trap. The liner functions to provide optimum lint capturing efficiency without an inordinate drop in the air volume in a clothes dryer and is easily removed and disposed of after use.
US07766974B2
A keel is provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a split section that is divided into two sections. Each section can have a top open channel formed therein. Each channel is compressible during compression of the keel. A variably adjustable compression member can be provided. The connecting portion is rigidly connected to a rigid center support. The top of the center support can have a threaded connector, which allows for vertically adjustable connection of an adjacent prosthetic component. A heel is also provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a top open channel formed therein. The channel is compressible during compression of the heel. A variably adjustable compression member can be placed within the channel. A processor can be provided for controlling the amount of compression of each compression member.
US07766970B2
A prosthetic wrist having at least one of a radial insert, which is configured to be fixed to a radius of a patient, a carpal implant and a wrist bearing component. The carpal implant includes a body and a pair of flanges, each of which being skewed to the axis of the body in a manner that permits them to abut the ulnar side of the hamate bone and the radial side of the distal portion of the carpal bone complex, respectively. The radial insert may be provided with a plurality of modular portions to allow for selection and customization of an implant.
US07766968B2
A modular joint prosthesis is intended for implantation in a patient. According to an exemplary embodiment, the modular joint prosthesis includes a head and a stem coupled to the head. The stem has a proximal portion coupled to the head and a distal portion configured to extend into a long bone of the patient. The distal portion may be removed from the stem after implantation of the prosthesis without also removing the proximal portion.
US07766962B1
A stent anastomosis comprises a stent segment reconfigurable between a deployment configuration and a shortened, transversely expanded deployed configuration having a transverse dimension larger than its longitudinal dimension. In the deployed configuration, the stent segment engages an inner surface of an intravascular graft, securing the end of the graft within a vessel and forming a seal between the graft and an endoluminal surface of the vessel. The stent segment includes at least one securing member that extends outward from the stent segment in the deployed configuration, that pierces and penetrates the graft, and that pierces the endoluminal surface of the vessel to secure the graft within the vessel. In the deployed configuration, the stent segment can compress the graft against the endoluminal surface of the vessel to form the seal.
US07766951B2
A catheter system for treating lesions is provided. The system is suitable for treatment of bifurcation lesions, has a low profile and provides substantially predictable translational and rotational positioning. In one embodiment, the system includes a fixed wire balloon catheter and a partially attached guidewire lumen, wherein the guidewire lumen is attached to the catheter at a crotch point. The location of the crotch point is predetermined so as to provide substantially predictable positioning. Several embodiments of the system are described for various types of lesions and vessel configurations.
US07766948B1
A bone fixation assembly. The bone fixation assembly includes a fixation member defining at least one aperture, wherein the aperture is adapted for engaging non-threadably and selectively a locking or a non-locking fastener.
US07766947B2
A dynamic spinal fixation plate assembly includes a spinal plate, a receiving member, and a fastener resulting in a low profile orthopedic device. The plate may comprise a hole for maintaining the receiving member. The relationship between the receiving member and the plate may allow the plate to adjust during graft settling. The receiving member may be locked to the plate utilizing the mechanical or chemical properties of the device, or the receiving member may be configured to move and rotate freely within the plate hole, even after the fastener has been secured to the bone. The receiving member may have a tapered sidewall defining a through hole to matingly engage the fastener, which may also have a tapered portion forming a tapered lock-fit therebetween. The receiving member may comprise a lip for retaining the fastener within said receiving member.
US07766943B1
A posterior spinal fusion system may include pedicle screws and one or more segments designed to be attached to the implanted pedicle screws via nuts to fuse spinal motion segments in a modular fashion. The pedicle screws may have semispherical receiving surfaces, and each segment may have mounting portions at both ends, with corresponding semispherical engagement surfaces. The nuts may also have semispherical surfaces. The semispherical surfaces permit polyaxial adjustment of the relative orientations of the segments and pedicle screws. Each mounting portion may have a passageway therethrough to receive the proximal end of the corresponding pedicle screw; each passageway may intersect the edge of the corresponding engagement surface to facilitate percutaneous placement. Such placement may be carried out through cannulae to provide a minimally invasive (MIS) implantation procedure.
US07766942B2
A method of manufacturing a curved spinal rod is disclosed. The method includes heating PEEK; injecting the PEEK into an arcuate spinal rod mold; holding the injected PEEK in the mold until the PEEK substantially sets; and removing the injected PEEK from the mold. In another aspect, a spinal rod is disclosed. The spinal rod includes an arcuate main body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion. The central portion has a non-circular cross-section with a height greater than its width. The first and second end portions and the central portion of the arcuate main body are integrally formed of a polymer such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The spinal rod also includes a rounded end cap adapted to mate with at least one of the end portions. The end cap is radiopaque.
US07766931B2
A perianal support device is provided that is configured to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body. A method is provided to apply the perianal support device to patients during childbirth to inhibit the formation and/or progression of tissue damage in the perianal region of the body.
US07766929B2
A surgical tool includes a sheath, a probe body, a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. A probe distal end portion is provided at the distal end portion of the probe body, a jaw is rotatably supported on the distal end portion of the sheath and is engaged with the probe distal end portion. A first tubular member a fits on the proximal end portion of the sheath and extends rearward. It has an elongated slit and extends in an axial direction of the sheath. A second tubular member fits in a rear end portion of the first tubular member. A tubular driving member is slidably inserted in the sheath and rotates the jaw. A coupling member including a projection body passes through the second tubular member, includes an engaging portion which is engaged in the slit of the first tubular member.
US07766926B2
A sling for supporting a urethra in a patient has characteristics for resisting pull-out, roll-over and a combination of both pull-out and roll-over. To facilitate resistance to pull-out, sling material has protuberances or serrations to resist movement once placed in the patient by the surgeon. Improved resistance to roll-over or roll-up is achieved by providing relief on the sling in areas potentially subjected to roll-over forces by endopelvic fascia. The sling may be used on female or male patients, and may be used in conjunction with a wider support portion to support a bladder and a urethra, rather than a urethra alone. The sling may also be used to support other tissues within a patient.
US07766922B1
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a base structure adapted to be inserted within the burr hole; a lead securing member for securing the lead, the lead securing member comprising a first arm structure and a second arm structure, at least one spring loaded structure adapted to exert a force to bring the first arm structure and the second arm structure together; and a positioning tool having a distal end adapted to be inserted within the lead securing member. When the positioning tool is positioned within the lead securing member, the distal end holds the first and second arm structures a sufficient distance apart to receive a lead between the first and second arm structures; wherein the positioning tool comprises a control structure at a proximal end that, when engaged, causes the distal end of the positioning tool to be released from between the first and second arm structures.
US07766918B2
A spinal disc replacement surgical instrument includes a first contacting member positionable along an endplate of a first vertebra and a second contacting member positionable along an endplate of second vertebra. The second contacting member is moveable relative to the first contacting member. A handle assembly is coupled to the first contacting member and the second contacting member. At least one actuating member is positioned between the first contacting member and the second contacting member. The at least one actuating member is moveable by the hand assembly from a first position, wherein the first and second contacting members include an unexpanded configuration relative to one another for insertion in the spinal cavity, to a second position providing expanded configuration relative to one another. The actuating member is configured to displace at least one of the first contacting member and the second contacting member away from each other to move the first contacting member and the second contacting member between the first position and the second position. The first contacting member has a first distal end and the second contacting member has a second distal end. The first end has a first end shape configured to conform to a shape of the first vertebra and the second end has a second end shape configured to conform to a shape of the second vertebra. The first end shape and the second end shape are different shapes.
US07766916B2
An assembly includes a plate holder having (i) a body, and (ii) a coupling component rotatably supported by the body. The assembly also includes a bone plate defining (i) a plurality of fastener openings, and (ii) a recess. The coupling component has a set of external threads. The bone plate has a set of internal threads located within the recess. The set of internal threads are configured to mate with the set of external threads.
US07766911B1
A locking screw assembly is provided which allows installation into a plate-like member using relatively little force, but which requires relatively great force for removal. The fastener has an annular locking ring provided within a groove in the head of the screw to allow the screw to sit within or flush with the anterior surface of the plate. The through-hole in the plate which receives the locking screw comprises a ledge and an undercut. When the fastener is installed into the plate, the locking ring resides within the undercut and is prevented from backing out by the ledge. The locking ring has a leading surface that may be chamfered or radiused and a trailing surface that may be flat. The chamfer allows the locking ring to easily be inserted into the through-hole by interacting with the through-hole. After installation, the trailing surface contacts the ledge.
US07766910B2
An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force the drive assembly to move the jaw members between the first and second positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance above the longitudinal axis. A knife assembly is also included which has a movable knife bar having a generally t-shaped proximal end dimensioned to operatively engage a corresponding slot defined within the housing, the slot being dimensioned to guide the movement of the knife bar during translation thereof.
US07766907B2
A catheter is designed with a virtual electrode structure for creating a linear lesion. The catheter includes a sensor array that measures temperatures of adjacent tissue along the length of the virtual electrode section. The sensors in the sensor array include a conductive material that is substantially coated with an electrically and thermally insulating material. An aperture is formed in the insulating coating to expose an area of the conductive material. Leads are coupled with each sensor and are connected at their opposite, proximal ends with a discrimination circuit. The circuit processes the signals induced in the sensors to output a single temperature measurement, for example, the highest temperature, the lowest temperature, or the average temperature. The sensors also measure cardiac electrical activity and the leads are further connected to an electrocardiograph monitor to determine the efficacy of treatment.
US07766889B2
An absorbent article is provided including a backsheet, a topsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The diaper includes large rectangular fasteners that stretch in only one direction. At least one longitudinally extending, elasticized inner leg gather is disposed with the topsheet. The inner leg gather includes at least one elastic member for distributing elastic contractile forces. The inner leg gather is joined to the topsheet along a front tackdown zone and a back tackdown zone. The elastic members and tackdown zones extend in a manner sufficient to provide enhanced fit, functionality and waste containment. The unidirectional stretch fasteners and leg gathers are sized in relationship to each other to enable a complete encircling of each leg to form a better leg gasket for waste containment and fit.
US07766874B2
A catheter head for medical and therapeutic applications including a catheter head housing, a cannula which protrudes from the catheter head and is to be introduced into organic tissue, a container connection for connecting a container containing a fluid to be administered, a fluid channel through which the fluid flows during the administration thereof, an injection needle connection for connecting an injection needle, a connection chamber which is adjacent to the cannula, the injection needle connection, and the fluid channel, and a connector that is arranged in a first position such that the injection needle can be guided from the injection needle connection into the connection chamber and then into the cannula, and in a second position such that it closes the connection chamber from the injection needle connection in a sealing manner after the injection needle has been removed.
US07766867B2
This invention relates to therapeutic infusion assemblies, more specifically a device for the subcutaneous delivery of a fluid from a remote source. Applicant provides a base assembly which has a fluid channel therein and a cannula extending vertically downward from a flat bottom. A fluid connector member which receives a fluid bearing line from the remote fluid source and the fluid connector member pivotably and removably connects to the base member. The manner of connection is “hinged” allowing the fluid connector to move from a non-use position by rotation downward to a used position. In the use position a fluid channel in the fluid connector will connect with a fluid channel in the base to provide fluid to the cannula and to the patient.
US07766864B2
A micro fluid delivery device is particularly useful in medical applications. The device may be worn or carried by the user and may deliver drugs or other medicaments to the user or patient. The device has a control system that accepts input from the user and controls all aspects of operation of the device. The control system measures the output of the pump and adjusts the output of the pump to achieve the desired dosage rate and size. This eliminates differences from pump to pump that result from inevitable variations in the manufacturing of such small scale affordable devices.
US07766858B2
A hand-held device (10) for creating a pressure change in a person's ear canal. It has an interior space forming an air chamber (50), a plunger (58) and a valve means (52) frictionally engaged with said plunger (58), a tube (14) with an earpiece (48), and a finger-actuated diaphragm (60) in an external wall of the air chamber (50). The diaphragm (60) moves the plunger (58) from a resting position, and in a first direction. A spring (56) returns the diaphragm (60) to its undepressed position. Initial movement of the plunger (58) in said first direction from said resting position displaces the valve (52) from a first position to a second position at which the valve means (52) is stopped from further movement in said first direction. Further movement of the plunger (58) in said first direction causes the plunger (58) to slide relative to the valve (52). The device (10) is intended for treatment of Mënière's disease and ear pain from other causes.A1
US07766857B2
A system and method for monitoring the arterial gas concentrations of a patient receiving percutaneous oxygenator support. The system comprises a percutaneous oxygenator for providing medical gases to the venous system of the patient via a catheter. Gases are also removed from the venous system via a catheter. The concentrations and flow rates of the gases provided and removed from the patient are monitored. A CPU analyzes the concentration and flow rate information to compute the arterial gas concentration of the patient.
US07766853B2
A cannulation system (10) for perfusing a patient's circulatory system, includes an inflow cannula (14) having a first end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system and a second end adapted to be connected to a blood pump (19), an outflow cannula (23) having a first end adapted to be connected to the blood pump (19) and a second end adapted to be connected to said circulatory system at a location downstream of the first end of the inflow cannula. The flow of blood from the pump (19) is in series with the normal blood flow of the circulatory system of the patient and creates a localized region of hypertension.
US07766848B2
A mechanically formed transducer capable of producing a non-ideal focal region is described. The transducer has a plurality of piezoelectric elements suspended in an epoxy and heat molded into a desired shape. One or more shaped irregularities in the transducer provides for a mechanically induced non-ideal focal field without the need for electronic steering or lens focusing. Systems and methods of making the same are also described.
US07766846B2
Body fluid sampling device comprising a skin-piercing element having a collection zone for receiving body fluid, the device further comprising a fluid receiving means remotely spaced apart from the collection zone so that body fluid in the collection zone will not contact the fluid receiving means initially. The collection zone takes up a very small volume of body fluid of about 10 to 500 nl in a very short time period of less than 0.5 seconds. The fluid receiving means may have a test zone for performing an analytical reaction. Fluid sample from the collection zone is automatically or manually transported to the fluid receiving means to contact the fluid with the test zone.
US07766823B2
A method of providing access to tissue for a surgical instrument through a body wall is provided. The method includes providing an expandable retractor having a flexible sheath, the retractor being in a collapsed state; introducing the retractor into the body and placing the retractor adjacent the tissue; expanding the retractor; deploying the flexible sheath by engaging the flexible sheath with a tool and driving the flexible sheath through the body wall with the tool; and inserting the surgical instrument from outside the body through the flexible sheath to provide access to the tissue by the surgical instrument.
