US08693206B2
Described are external storage devices including a substrate, a controller electrically coupled to the substrate, at least one memory die stack electrically coupled to the substrate, a plurality of connection fingers electrically coupled to the substrate, and a mounting bar electrically coupled to the substrate. The mounting bar may include a plurality of springs. In other examples, the external storage device may include a substrate, a controller electrically coupled to the substrate, at least one memory die stack electrically coupled to the substrate, a plurality of connection fingers electrically coupled to the substrate, and a contact bar electrically coupled to the substrate. The contact bar may include a plurality of extensions. One or more memory die stacks may be coupled to one or more surfaces of the substrate and may include a plurality of dies in each memory die stack.
US08693196B2
A heat dissipation module suitable for a host apparatus is provided. The heat dissipation module has a shell body. The shell body has a heat conductive side and an air outlet-inlet side. The air outlet-inlet side has an air outlet and an air inlet. A contact sink having a fixing portion and a contact portion is installed on the heat conductive side such that the contact portion contacts a position requiring heat dissipation in the host apparatus. A heat conductive tube is disposed in the shell body between the fixing portion of the contact sink and the air outlet. A heat dissipation fin is disposed on the air outlet. A waterproof fan is installed on the air outlet. The shell body and the contact sink define an enclosure having waterproof edges except for openings on the air outlet-inlet side.
US08693193B2
In a power converter in which semiconductor modules are arranged on both surfaces of a cooler for downsizing, an excellent connection between control boards and a low inductance connection between smoothing capacitors and the semiconductor modules are performed at the same time. The semiconductor modules are disposed on both surfaces of the cooler, and control boards that control the semiconductor modules are arranged opposite to the respective semiconductor modules. The semiconductor modules and the cooler are held between the control boards. A current detector or a terminal block is disposed at a position perpendicular to a surface on which the cooler and the semiconductor modules contact each other, opposite to the cooler. The respective control boards disposed on both surfaces of the cooler are electrically connected by using wirings provided in the current detector or the terminal block.
US08693177B2
A hinge mechanism and a foldable ergonomic keyboard having the same are disclosed. The hinge mechanism includes a pair of operating modules and a linking unit. Each operating module has an accommodating housing, a locking assembly received in the accommodating housing, a latch member connected to one end of the accommodating housing for controlling a displacement of the locking assembly, and a spherical member received in the accommodating housing. The other end of the accommodating housing is formed with a positioning slot. The linking unit has two ends respectively passed through the positioning slots and connected to the spherical members. The hinge mechanism connects two input sections via the accommodating housings, and the latch member can selectively arranged to press tightly the spherical member in the accommodating housing or release the spherical member. Thus, the two input sections can be adjusted in different postures or folded condition.
US08693168B1
There is provided an electrochemical capacitor including a lid; a case having a via, and forming a liquid chamber together with the lid; an electric storage element housed in the liquid chamber; an electrolyte housed in the liquid chamber; a wiring having a via part arranged within the via, and connecting an inside to an outside of the liquid chamber; an extraction electrode connected to the via part; an overcoating layer for coating the extraction electrode, and having an opening to expose a partial region of the extraction electrode; and a conductive adhesive layer for fixing the electric storage element to the overcoating layer, and electrically connecting the electric storage element to the extraction electrode through the opening.
US08693167B2
An electronic component includes a lead wire, a functional element, and an outer housing. The lead wire includes a leader electrode made of metal containing aluminum, a metal wire containing tin, and a welded section formed by welding a first end of the metal wire to a first end of the leader electrode. A second end of the leader electrode is connected to the functional element. The outer housing seals the functional element therein such that a second end of the metal wire is led out therefrom. The lead wire further includes a resin film coating the welded section at least at a portion not covered with the outer housing. Resin material for the resin film has pierce strength of 0.05 MPa/μm per unit thickness or greater and an elastic coefficient of 10 GPa or less.
US08693166B2
A capacitor includes a first collector made of metal foil, a first electrode layer placed on a surface of the first collector and mainly containing a carbonaceous material, a resin layer provided on the first electrode layer, a second electrode provided on the resin layer and mainly containing a carbonaceous material, a second collector provided on the second electrode layer and made of metal foil, a case accommodating the first collector, the first electrode layer, the resin layer, the second electrode, and the second collector therein, and an electrolyte accommodated in the case. The resin layer has a non-woven fabric form of fibers made of resin irregularly bonded to one another. The fibers of the resin layer intertwine with the first electrode layer. The fibers of the resin layer intertwine with the first electrode layer. This capacitor can be thin and small.
US08693165B2
A device for generating electrical energy from the heat dissipated by a heat source, comprising: a capacitor comprising two electrodes between which a ferroelectric material is present, said capacitor being arranged so as to be positioned to capture all or part of the heat dissipated by said heat source; a capacitive element a first electrode of which is connected to a first electrode of said capacitor; a recovery circuit interposed between the second electrode of said capacitor and the second electrode of the capacitive element, and able to have the current flowing between said second electrodes pass through it. a mechanism adapted to move the capacitor with respect to the heat source, said mechanism having at least one arm able to move between two positions, the capacitor being closer to the heat source in one of the two positions.
US08693164B2
An electrical multi-layered component includes a monolithic base member that has a plurality of ceramic layers and electrode layers disposed one on top of the other in alternating fashion. The base member includes two end surfaces opposite to one another and two side surfaces opposite to one another. The multi-layered component includes a plurality of external electrodes and a plurality of internal electrodes designed into the electrode layers. The internal electrodes at least partially overlap and form overlap areas. Each internal electrode is associated with a respective external electrode. At least one first internal electrode extending from an end surface overlaps with at least one second internal electrode (8) extending from an opposite end surface. At least a third internal electrode extends from an end surface. The third internal electrode overlapping with the first and the second internal electrode
US08693162B2
A multi-layered capacitor includes three or more capacitor layers. A first layer includes a first DC-biased, tunable capacitor. A second layer, acoustically coupled to the first layer, includes a second DC-biased, tunable capacitor. A third layer, acoustically coupled to the second layer, includes a third DC-biased, tunable capacitor. Each dielectric of the first, second, and third capacitors has a resonance of about the same frequency, within 5%, and inner electrodes of the first, second, and third capacitors have a resonance of about the same frequency, within 5%. The resonance of each layer is a function of at least thickness, density, and material. The first, second, and third layers are biased to generate destructive acoustic interference, and the multi-layer capacitor is operable at frequencies greater than 0.1 GHz.
US08693160B2
A charged particle induction apparatus and method comprising a high power light emitting means, such as a laser array, in operable communication with a high energy output means to accomplish initiation of at least two concentric plasma channels in atmosphere extending from the Earth's surface to the charge-rich upper atmosphere, including the ionosphere, for the transmission of charged particles therethrough to ground using the surrounding atmosphere as an insulator. The transmitted energy is drawn down (due to an artificially created potential) through the conductive plasma channels to collection means.
US08693148B2
Integrated circuits, memories, protection circuits and methods for protecting against an over-limit electrical condition at a node of an integrated circuit. One such protection circuit includes a snapback circuit having at least a portion formed in an isolated doped well region and configured to switch to a low impedance state in response to an input exceeding a trigger condition and further having a control circuit electrically coupled to a reference voltage and further electrically coupled to the isolated doped well region and the portion of the snapback circuit formed in the doped well region. The control circuit includes an impedance adjustable in response to a control signal and configured to adjust an isolated doped well impedance in which at least a portion of the snapback circuit is formed relative to the reference voltage. A modulated trigger and hold condition for the snapback circuit can be set according to a control signal adjusting an electrical impedance of the control circuit.
US08693134B1
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head actuated over the disk, and a controller. The disk comprises a plurality of data tracks and a plurality of servo wedges, wherein each servo wedge comprises a plurality of wedge repeatable runout (WRRO) fields in a circumferential direction, each of the plurality of WRRO fields including an WRRO compensation value for a different one of the data tracks and having a width that is wider than a width of the respective data track in a radial direction. The controller is configured to read the WRRO compensation value in at least one of the WRRO fields from the disk using the head, and to adjust a position of the head based on the read WRRO compensation value.
US08693125B1
A clock phase measurement circuit comprises a selector circuit operable to inject one of a first analog clock signal or a second analog clock signal into a signal path configured to carry an analog data signal, so that the injected analog clock signal replaces the data signal. An Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) converts the injected analog clock signal to a digital clock signal. A counter selects a time, using the second analog clock signal, to determine at least one of a phase or a magnitude of the digital clock signal. A measurement circuit determines at least one of the phase or the magnitude of the digital clock signal for at least one frequency at the selected time.
US08693124B1
Techniques are provided for performing bit-locked operations on media. A first control signal is received from a first source, and a second control signal is generated at a second source in response to receiving the first control signal. The media is accessed according to the second control signal. One or more synchronization markers are located during the accessing of the media, and bit-level synchronization between the second source and the media is achieved based, at least partially, on the one or more synchronization markers. A control operation is performed on the media with bit-level synchrony between the second source and the media.
US08693122B1
A storage controller includes a device controller and a read data channel. The read data channel includes a decoder for decoding output of a detector, where the detector is for reading data requested from a storage medium by the device controller, and the storage medium has a plurality of tracks of data thereon. When the device controller requests data from a current track of data on the storage device, the detector reads an adjacent track of data, the decoder decodes data from the adjacent track of data, the detector reads data from the current track, and the decoder decodes the data read from the current track, based on the decoded and stored data from the adjacent track of data. A storage system includes a storage medium having a plurality of tracks of data thereon and a storage controller as described above.
US08693120B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. As an example, a data processing circuit is disclosed that includes a read circuit and a combining circuit. The read circuit is operable to provide a first instance of a user data set, a second instance of the user data set, and a third instance of the user data set. The combining circuit is operable to: combine at least a first segment of the first instance of the user data set with a first segment of the second instance of the user data set to yield a first combined data segment; provide a second combined data set that includes a combination of one or more second segments from the second instance of the user data set and the third instance of the user data set; and provide an aggregate data set including at least the first combined data set and the second combined data set. The second combined data set does not incorporate a second segment of the first instance of the user data set.
US08693116B2
A piezoelectric actuator includes: a plurality of first piezoelectric elements; a first member that is interposed between opposing faces of the plurality of the first piezoelectric elements and that is driven in a first direction by the plurality of the first piezoelectric elements; a second piezoelectric element that is disposed in the first member; a second member that is disposed in contact with the second piezoelectric element and that is driven in a second direction intersecting the first direction by the second piezoelectric element; and a third member that comes in contact with the second member and that is moved relative to the first member by driving the second member.
US08693113B2
There are provided an inner focus lens consisting of a first lens group, an aperture diaphragm, and a second lens group in order from an object side. The first lens group has a positive first lens element, a positive second lens element, and a negative third lens element, or has a positive first lens element, a positive second lens element, a positive third lens element, and a negative fourth lens element, in order from the object side. One lens element in the second lens group is moved with respect to an image surface in focusing. The second lens group has five or more lens elements, and has a configuration including a negative lens element, a positive lens element, and a positive lens element in order from the object side.
US08693111B2
This invention provides an imaging lens system including, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens with negative refractive power; a third lens having a concave image-side surface; a fourth lens with positive refractive power; a fifth lens with negative refractive power having a concave image-side surface, at least one surface thereof having at least one inflection point; and an aperture stop disposed between an imaged object and the third lens. The on-axis spacing between the first lens and second lens is T12, the focal length of the imaging lens system is f, and they satisfy the relation: 0.5<(T12/f)×100<15.
US08693110B2
There are provided an inner focus lens consisting of a first lens group, an aperture diaphragm, and a second lens group in order from an object side. The first lens group has a positive first lens element, a positive second lens element, and a negative third lens element; or a positive first lens element, a positive second lens element, a positive third lens element, and a negative fourth lens element, in order from the object side. One lens element in the second lens group is moved with respect to an image surface in focusing, some of the lens elements thereof are moved in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis. The inner focus lens satisfies 0.2<|fF/fO|<3.0 (fF: a focal distance of a focus lens, fO: a synthetic focal distance of the lens elements moving in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis).
US08693107B2
A zoom lens includes a first lens group having a positive refracting power, a second lens group having a negative refracting power, a third lens group having a positive refracting power, and a fourth lens group having a positive refracting power. When the zoom lens is zoomed from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first lens group is moved toward the object side so that a distance between the first and second lens groups increases and the third lens group is moved toward the object side so that a distance between the second and third lens groups decreases. The second lens group includes three lenses: negative, positive, and negative lenses in order from the object side to the image side. The third lens group includes three lenses: positive, negative, and positive lenses in order from the object side to the image side.
US08693103B2
According to one embodiment, a display device includes an image projection unit. The image projection unit is configured to project a light flux toward one eye of a human viewer by using a projection plate to reflect the light flux. The light flux includes an image including a display object having a vanishing point. The projection plate is reflective and transmissive. The image projection unit is configured to dispose the vanishing point of the display object at a position different from a position of a vanishing point of a background image viewed by the human viewer through the projection plate.
US08693090B2
The invention relates to an improved EUV reflecting element comprising a) a first layer essentially made out of a highly reflective material b) a second layer having a thickness of ≦5 nm and essentially made out of a material with a sputter resistance of ≦10 nm per 108 shots and whereby the second layer is provided in the path of the incident and/or reflected EUV light.
US08693085B2
A method of manufacturing an electrowetting display device includes forming a protection layer on a pixel electrode, forming a water-repellent layer on the protection layer, and removing the water-repellent layer from regions surrounding a display area of the pixel electrode. The water-repellent layer is formed by coating the protection layer with a hydrophilic material using a method such as slit coating. The water-repellent layer is removed using a method such as an edge bead removal method. The resulting water-repellent layer has a uniform thickness.
US08693081B2
A device and method of making and using the same. The device includes first and second substrates that are spaced to define a fluid space. Polar and non-polar fluids occupy the fluid space. A first electrode, with a dielectric layer, is positioned on the first substrate and electrically coupled to at least one voltage source, which is configured to supply an electrical bias to the first electrode. The fluid space includes at least one fluid splitting structure that is configured to facilitate the movement of the non-polar fluid into a portion of the polar fluid. Fluid splitting structure assisted movement of the non-polar fluid splits the polar fluid.
US08693080B2
A display device uses liquids for visualizing information and comprises a plurality of display elements with cavities, at least one display liquid for displaying information, at least one liquid feeding mechanism for delivering the at least one display liquid, at least one common main duct for jointly filling a plurality of display elements, and at least one liquid reservoir for temporarily holding the at least one display liquid. The at least one liquid feeding mechanism allows display liquid to be delivered from reservoir into said display elements via the common main duct leading into at least two display elements. Each display element has at least one mechanism for influencing the surface energy of the display liquid. In the method of the invention, different feeding processes can be used for holding or delivering the desired liquid into the display elements.
US08693079B2
This invention discloses conductive busbars and sealants for electrooptic devices including electrochromic mirrors and windows. The conductive busbars are formed from materials comprising nanoparticles, and the sealants comprise of additives that promote a two phase morphology and use of adhesion promotion additives with crosslinkers. Methods to deposit busbars and then to connect these busbars to electrical connectors are also disclosed.
US08693076B2
An image forming apparatus has a light output unit, a light scanner that has a light reflection part reflecting the light from the light output unit, rotates the light reflection part around two axes, and scans with the light reflected by the light reflection part, and a scanner rotating unit the rotates the light scanner around a predetermined axis line while keeping a relative positional relation between an intersection of the two rotation axes and the light output unit constant, and the light scanner has a movable unit including the light reflection part, four connection parts provided at intervals of 90 degrees in an outer circumference of the movable unit, each of the connection parts has a shaft part that connects the movable unit and the drive unit and independently and bendingly deforms each of the shaft parts, and thereby, the movable unit rotates around the two axes.
US08693072B2
An image reading apparatus, including a driving unit, a separator unit, a conveyer unit, a reader unit, a reducer unit, a size detecting unit; and a controller is provided. The separator unit includes a drive shaft, a contact member, and a clutch. The controller manipulates the conveyer unit via the driving unit to convey the sheet at a first conveying speed when the size of the sheet detected by the size detecting unit is greater than a predetermined size. The controller manipulates the conveyer unit via the driving unit to convey the sheet at a second conveying speed, which is lower than the first conveying speed, when the size of the sheet detected by the size detecting unit is one of smaller than and equivalent to the predetermined size.
US08693063B2
An image-reading device includes a plurality of image sensors, a starting signal generator and a signal timing regulator. Each image sensor reads images on a pixel basis and generating an image signal indicative of the image. The image signal is an analog signal. The starting signal generator generates starting signals at every predetermined time period. A sampling period for sampling the image signal is set within the predetermined time period. In response to the starting signal sequentially inputted to the image sensors, the image sensors read the image until the predetermined time period is expired. The signal timing regulator delays an input timing at which the starting signal is inputted to the image sensor so that the sampling periods for the plurality of image sensors are different from one another.
US08693061B2
A method of encoding data in printed halftone image features on a receiver includes providing a relief printing member; encoding first embedded data in the relief printing member by modifying surfaces of a first plurality of halftone dots; and printing the halftone image on the receiver.
US08693054B2
A method is disclosed. The method includes generating a seed pattern which ensures one dot per column, computing an auto correlation function and performing pixel error processing. Pixel error processing includes performing multiple operations during each iteration to create visually pleasing halftone mask patterns which follow a one dot per column constraint.
US08693051B2
A method for printing on transparent medium using an ink-jet printer. The method includes providing a grayscale image having a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a pixel value corresponding to a brightness of the pixel; converting each pixel value to an ink output value for the ink-jet printer using a conversion function, wherein the conversion function maps the darkest pixel value to an optical density of greater than 2.5 and maps all other pixel values to an appropriate output pixel value such that a resulting printed image is perceived to be linearly bright across the image.
US08693048B2
Methods and apparatus for optimizing the phase lock loop circuitry of sub-pixel clock generators for situations where frequent switching between different system printing speeds, and hence clock frequencies are required. An optimizing circuit is associated with a sub-pixel clock generator for clamping an input voltage to a voltage controlled oscillator controlling clock frequency between a desired range. The clamping circuitry comprises a comparator for detecting when the voltage has moved out of the desired range and then charges or discharges a loop filter circuit controlling the input voltage to the VCO to keep the input voltage within the desired range.
US08693042B2
The disclosure discloses an image copying method, which includes the steps of: copying, an image to be copied, to a destination address line by line, in the case of the image to be copied having a width of one pixel; copying, the image to be copied, to the destination address by a number of bytes according to a size of the image to be copied, in the case of the image to be copied not having a width of one pixel. The image copying method can save the image copying time and deduce the Central Processing Unit (CPU) occupation rate.
US08693039B2
Methods and systems maintain print media stocking information. The print media stocking information comprises types and amounts of print media stored at a plurality of different physical locations. The different physical locations have printing devices and external storage locations. The print media is maintained within internal storage locations of the printing devices and within the external storage locations at the different physical locations. The external storage locations are outside the printing devices and positioned relative to the printing devices a distance to allow an operator to load the print media into the printing devices when instructed to do so. The methods and systems receive a print job from a user. In response to receiving the print job, the methods and systems output to the user the types and amounts of media available at the different physical locations that correspond to print job media required for the print job.
US08693029B1
A method to efficiently and reliably guarantee delivery of fax documents not residing on the internet being transported through the internet to a non-internet fax receiving device through intelligent algorithms to support both ready reception and non-ready reception devices. The algorithms work in conjunction with one another to determine the necessary support to successfully transmit fax data from non-internet to non-internet devices via the transport internet mechanism. The method also supports internet originating fax delivery to non-internet receiving devices through use of the same algorithms in determining the support for both ready reception and non-ready reception devices. The method supports phone number validation prior to the fax being transmitted to it targeted destination. The security of the call and transported data is supported by internet security protocols using HTTPS, and security designed algorithms that work in conjunction within this implementation method. Implementation methods fully support all of the FCC E911 emergency regulations that require all user dial tone access points to be fully capable of providing 911 emergency calling capabilities to route to the nearest appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
US08693020B2
A clearing section includes a counter for measuring a period up to the reset of contents set by means of an operation panel to initial values. If a position discriminating section discriminates that the operation panel is at a first position, the clearing section starts measuring the period by means of the counter from the first entry made to the operation panel. When a count value reaches a predetermined value, the clearing section executes an automatic clear processing to reset the contents set by means of the operation panel to the initial values. On the other hand, the clearing section cancels the execution of the automatic clear processing if the position discriminating section discriminates that the operation panel is at a second position.
US08693019B2
A control device has a preview image data generating unit, a display unit displaying a preview image, an image formation controlling unit forming an image corresponding to the preview image on a recording sheet, and a user operation detection unit detecting a user operation to make modification in the preview image. The modification in the preview image includes at least one of a change of size of a preview image frame in which the preview image is displayed, a change of an area of the preview image frame, an area of the preview image appeared in the preview image frame. A preview image data modifying unit reflects the user operation detected by the user operation detection unit in the preview image data. The image formation controlling unit forms the image on the recording sheet with reflecting the modification made in the preview image data.
US08693015B2
Commands, which are stored in a queue within controllers in order of acquisition, are transmitted to mechanical I/F units (steps (1) and (2) in FIG. 7). A determination portion in each mechanical I/F unit determines whether or not the command is an internal command (for example, an error command) which is generated in the controllers. If the command is the internal command, the command is directly output to the mechanical controller. In contrast, if the command is not the internal command, a virtual mechanical controller outputs the command through synchronization processing for confirming whether the commands issued from the controllers are synchronized (steps (3) to (7) in FIG. 7).
US08693003B2
The disclosure is directed at an interferometric localized surface plasmon resonance sensor (ILSPR) unit comprising an ILSPR sensor chip, the sensor chip including a localized surface plasmon resonance sensor (LSPR) layer; at least one light source for directing light through the ILSPR sensor chip at the LSPR layer; and a photodetector for sensing a level of light intensity after the light has struck the LSPR layer.
US08693002B2
A Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) data acquisition system includes an FTS spectrometer that receives a spectral signal and a laser signal. The system further includes a wideband detector, which is in communication with the FTS spectrometer and receives the spectral signal and laser signal from the FTS spectrometer. The wideband detector produces a composite signal comprising the laser signal and the spectral signal. The system further comprises a converter in communication with the wideband detector to receive and digitize the composite signal. The system further includes a signal processing unit that receives the composite signal from the converter. The signal processing unit further filters the laser signal and the spectral signal from the composite signal and demodulates the laser signal, to produce velocity corrected spectral data.
US08692995B2
An optical system for testing IR or UV sensors, comprises input optics, output optics having a reticule disposed on the associated optical axis, a radiation source which emits radiation in the visual spectral region and in the infrared or ultraviolet spectral regions, and a beam splitter for simultaneously visualizing an object scene illuminated by the radiation source with the reticule through the output optics into the eye of an observer. The input optics comprise a lens, the imaging properties of which in the visual spectral region are equal to the imaging properties in the infrared or ultraviolet spectral region, and the beam splitter is a dichroic beam splitter.
US08692994B2
A system is configured to measure two separately polarized beams upon diffraction from a substrate in order to determine properties of a grating on a substrate. Linearly polarized light sources are passed via a fixed phase retarder in order to change the phase of one of two orthogonally polarized radiation beams with respect to the other of the two beams. The relative phases of the two radiation beams and other features of the beams as measured in a detector gives rise to properties of the substrate surface. The grating and the initial linear polarization of the radiation beam are angled non-orthogonally relative to each other.
US08692993B2
The present invention relates to a flow cytometer (10) for in vitro assaying of human or animal whole blood and to an investigation method using the flow cytometer. Enhanced detection properties are achieved by it relative to the prior art cytometers of the same kind. Here, automated beam positioning is also solved. To these ends, collection of light scattered by the cellular components of human or animal whole blood and its transmission to suitable optical sensing elements take place by a coupling member with a particular end construction, in particular through one or more optical fiber bundles. Preparation of a blood sample for the assay, that is, mixing up said human or animal whole blood with appropriate reagents is performed by a hydro-pneumatical unit (12) of a particular design. Moreover, the actual assaying takes place in a flow cell (22) of a particular construction, which assists to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the present flow cytometer.
US08692992B2
Present embodiments include a bandage sensor having an electrically conductive adhesive transfer tape layer as a Faraday shield. The electrically conductive transfer tape layer may be used in lieu of a fully metallic Faraday shield. The present embodiments also include a sensor cable having one or more conductive polymer EMI/RFI shields in place of a fully metallic EMI/RFI shield. Methods for manufacturing and remanufacturing such sensors and cables are also disclosed.
US08692990B2
The invention provides a technique for increasing the illumination intensity of probe light in a diffusely scattering sample without increasing the power of the probe beam. Generally, an optical filter is used which permits a collimated probe beam of light to pass through to the sample, but which reflects back towards the sample much of the backscattered scattered probe light emerging at a wider range of angles. In particular embodiments a collimated laser beam is delivered to the sample through a multi-layer dielectric filter covering a portion of the sample. The filter is transmissive to the laser light at normal incidence, but reflective at shallower angles of incidence characteristic of the backscattered light.
US08692989B2
A method of completing a hydrocarbon lateral well in a target shale formation. The method uses a data log generated from an optical flow cell assembly to identify areas in the lateral well of high free gas porosity. By evaluating such data, an operator can group “like” rock, determine stage length and variation in stage length, and determine perforation cluster spacing and location. The flow cell assembly can also be used in a completion program to assist in the steering of a lateral well being drilled below the target formation.
US08692987B2
An apparatus used to calibrate microtiter plate readers. The apparatus includes one or more structures having two exterior surfaces wherein one of the exterior surfaces is coated with a coating selected to establish on that surface a reflection loss that mimics reflection loss at an air-liquid interface, and the other of the two exterior surfaces is coated with a coating selected to establish a reflection loss on that surface that mimics the reflection loss at a bottom surface of a microtiter plate. The apparatus may be a single layer, a multi-layered composition or a container. The apparatus is an artifact that may be used to calibrate a plate reader by mimicking a solution-filled microtiter plate. The artifact may be used for a plurality of liquids, including water. The artifact produces reflection losses more closely mirroring reflection losses expected for a liquid-filled microtiter plate well.
US08692984B2
A test instrument comprises plural first optical signal sources at a first wavelength and a distributor coupled to the plural first optical signal sources to supply the signals produced to a multi-fiber test port. Additional second wavelength signal sources may be provided, and a second test instrument for use at a second end of the link under test may be provided, to effect testing of the optical link.
US08692982B2
A fluid observation apparatus for performing a method for observing a fluid by PIV. The method for observing a fluid includes capturing an image of inorganic particles in a fluid for flow observation by irradiating the fluid for flow observation passing through a flow channel with light, the fluid for flow observation containing inorganic particles to be observed each having a planar surface, a dispersion medium to be observed, and a viscosity modifier. The fluid for flow observation is high-viscosity non-Newtonian slurry containing inorganic particles. The fluid for flow observation may be a simulated fluid for a fluid for flow analysis. The simulated fluid closely resembles the particle size of inorganic particles to be analyzed and the viscosity of the fluid for flow analysis. The fluid for flow analysis contains the inorganic particles to be analyzed and a dispersion medium to be analyzed.
US08692979B2
A sensor module (1) for measuring the distance to a target and/or the velocity of the target (50), the sensor module (1) comprising at least one laser source (100), at least one detector (200) being adapted to detect modulated laser light and at least one control element the control element (400) being adapted to vary the focus point of the laser light and/or the intensity of the laser light and/or the direction of the laser light. The control of the laser light emitted by the laser source (100) either by active optical devices as variable focus lenses or controllable attenuators or passive optical elements in combination with arrays of laser sources (100) and detectors (200) enable flexible and robust sensor modules.
US08692974B2
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method using pupil filling by telecentricity control
A method of measuring aberration present in a lithographic apparatus comprising the following steps. Modulating a radiation beam using a reflective patterning device. Projecting the radiation beam using a projection system. Detecting the projected radiation using a sensor. Measuring aberration via interference in the detected radiation beam. The radiation beam is tilted away from the optical axis of the projection system prior to entering the projection system.
US08692965B2
A method for forming an alignment layer is disclosed, to prevent light leakage generated by a physical contact between a rubbing roll and a substrate, which includes preparing a substrate; coating an alignment material on the substrate, for initial alignment of liquid crystal; applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the alignment material, for determination of alignment direction in the alignment material; and curing the alignment material.
US08692960B2
A liquid crystal display device (100) according to the present invention has a pixel (P), which includes red, green, blue and yellow subpixels (R, G, B and Y). The chromaticity of the yellow subpixel (Y) is outside of a triangle that is defined by connecting together the respective chromaticities of the red, green and blue subpixels (R, G and B). And the respective aperture areas SR, SG, SB and SY of the red, green, blue, and yellow subpixels (R, G, B and Y) and the respective transmittances TR, TG, TB and TY of their associated red, green, blue, and yellow color filters (CR, CG, CB and CY) satisfy the inequality TY>[(SR+SG+SB+SY)(TR+TG+TB)−3(SR×TR+SG×TG+SB×TB)]/3SY.
US08692948B2
Displays such as liquid crystal displays may be used in electronic devices. During operation of a display, electrostatic charges on the surface of the display may give rise to electric fields. One or more electric field shielding layers may be provided in the display to prevent the electric fields from disrupting operation of the liquid crystals material in the display. The shielding layers may be formed at a location in the stack of layers that make up the display that is above the liquid crystal material of the display. Touch sensors and thin film transistors may be located below the shielding layer.
US08692930B2
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a mobile device for modifying visual perception of an image. In one embodiment, the mobile device includes a device body having a main display on a front of the device body. The mobile device also includes a lens system for capturing images, wherein at least a portion of the lens system is positioned above the main display on the front of the device body. The mobile device further includes a lighting system positioned on the front of the device body and proximate to the lens system. The lighting system provides key light above the lens system and fill light below the lens system. The mobile device also includes a processor housed within the device body. The processor controls one or more operations of the lens system including automatically enhancing the captured images and for presenting the automatically enhanced images on the main display. Also disclosed is an embodiment where the lens system is located behind a transmissive liquid crystal display portion of the display of the device.
US08692928B2
An autofocus apparatus includes a first focus detector configured to provide a focus detection by detecting a phase difference between a pair of image signals of an object, a second focus detector configured to wobble one of an image-pickup lens and an image-pickup element, to observe a variation of a contrast value of an image of the object, and to maintain an in-focus position, and a controller configured to make the first focus detector provide the focus detection in the wobbling by the second focus detector, and to correct a shift amount of an amplitude of wobbling by the second focus detector in the focus detection result by the first focus detector.
US08692927B2
There is set forth herein an imaging terminal having an image sensor array and a variable lens assembly for focusing an image onto the image sensor array. In one embodiment, an imaging terminal can include one or more focusing configuration selected from the group comprising a full set focusing configuration, a truncated set focusing configuration and a fixed focusing configuration. When a full set focusing configuration is active, a full set of candidate focus settings can be active when the imaging terminal determines a focus setting of the terminal responsively to a trigger signal activation. When a truncated set focusing configuration is active, a truncated range of candidate focus settings can be active when the imaging terminal determines a focus setting of the terminal responsively to a trigger signal activation. When a fixed focusing configuration is active, the focus setting of the imaging lens assembly can be fixed so that a predetermined lens assembly focus setting is active when a trigger signal is active.
US08692917B2
An image sensor comprises: a pixel unit array; a driving unit; a second holding block; a first output amplifier; and a second output amplifier, each column of the pixel unit array including a plurality of first pixel units and a plurality of second pixel units, wherein the driving unit drives the pixel unit array to parallel-perform, on each column of the pixel unit array, an operation to transfer signals from the first pixel units to the first holding block via the first vertical output line, and an operation to transfer signals from the second pixel units to the second holding block via the second vertical output line.
US08692916B2
A device and method for continuous vertical clocking a charge-coupled device image sensor operating in a time delay and integration and binning mode of operation is disclosed. The method includes providing a charge-coupled device image sensor with a continuous charge transfer signal to a vertical charge-coupled device register for shifting charge continuously to more closely approximate the speed of movement of the target object of capture by the image sensor in order to eliminate artifacts in the TDI imaging direction. The control module of the CCD image sensor provides the continuous charge transfer signal to the vertical charge-coupled device register.
US08692909B2
It is an object to provide an image processing device capable of obtaining a high precise image while aberration asymmetry is corrected.An image processing device according to the present invention includes image obtaining means configured to obtain an input image, image restoration means configured to restore the input image using a generated or selected image restoration filter in accordance with a transfer function of an image pickup system used for forming the input image from an object image. The image restoration filter makes a difference between absolute values of transfer functions of two azimuthal directions at a time when the restoration image is obtained from an object smaller than a difference between absolute values of transfer functions of the two azimuthal directions of the image pickup system.
US08692902B2
A method for generating an image is provided. The method includes estimating a high resolution image from a plurality of low resolution images and downsampling the estimated high resolution image to obtain estimates of a plurality of low resolution images. The method also includes generating a desired high resolution image based upon comparison of the downsampled low resolution images and the plurality of low resolution images.
US08692900B2
An apparatus, and an associated method, facilitates capturing an image in an electronic camera without having to wait for an image to settle or the camera to stabilize. Image frames are captured continuously. Data representing captured images is compressed. The compressed files are stored continuously, such that even before a shutter button is actuated, one or compressed image frames have already been recorded. When the shutter button is actuated, the largest of the compressed data files is selected for use, such as display, printing or transmission. Selection is made based on the size of the compressed image file.
US08692898B2
An image apparatus includes an image capture unit that captures a moving image and generates moving image data corresponding to the moving image, a generating unit that generates predetermined image data which is embedded in the moving image data based on still image data corresponding to the still image; and an encryption unit that encrypts the predetermined image data and the still image data if the image capture unit is instructed to capture the still image during capturing of the moving image.
US08692894B2
An image pickup apparatus is disclosed which provides an appropriate inclination guide display in accordance with an aspect ratio of a picked-up image and the like. The image pickup apparatus includes an inclination detector which detects an inclination of the image pickup apparatus, a display device capable of superimposedly showing an inclination guide display corresponding to a detection output from the inclination detector, on a picked-up image, and an aspect ratio setter which sets the aspect ratio of a picked-up image. The apparatus includes a display controller which controls whether or not to show the inclination guide display on the display device on the basis of the aspect ratio set by the aspect ratio setter.
US08692893B2
Systems and methods for transmitting and receiving image data captured by an imager array including a plurality of focal planes are described. One embodiment of the invention includes capturing image data using a plurality of active focal planes in a camera module, where an image is formed on each active focal plane by a separate lens stack, generating lines of image data by interleaving the image data captured by the plurality of active focal planes, and transmitting the lines of image data and the additional data.
US08692889B2
A system and method for tracking a cooperative, non-incandescent source may include collecting scene images of a scene that includes the cooperative, non-incandescent source and background clutter. First and second scene images of the scene may be generated over distinct spectral bands. The first and second scene images may be imaged onto respective first and second focal plane arrays. In one embodiment, the imaging may be substantially simultaneous. The first and second scene image frame data respectively generated by the first and second focal plane arrays may be processed to produce resultant scene image frame data. The scene image frame data may result in reducing magnitude of scene image frame data representative of the background clutter more than magnitude of scene image frame data representative of the cooperative, non-incandescent source.
US08692885B2
A system and method for preparing for distribution to, distributing to and/or use by one or more devices broadband data associated with intelligence information garnered from an aerial vehicle (“AV”): The method may include obtaining from sensors coupled to the AV video depicting an area of surveillance, obtaining metadata associated with the video, aligning, temporally, the video and metadata, using reference information to align, spatially, the video and metadata, forming for distribution to the at least one device enhanced metadata as a function of the video, metadata and reference information, wherein the enhanced metadata is operable to enable displaying at the devices at least a portion of the video, whereby after receiving a distribution of the enhanced metadata, the devices are operable to display such portion of the video.
US08692882B2
A surveillance apparatus continuously records imaged data from a camera into a circular buffer in a local memory. When a record signal is received, the system records the video stream that was recorded before the record signal was received, and the video stream that is recorded after the record signal was received. The recorded segment is then write-protected, so that the surveillance apparatus does not overwrite the recorded segment. The recorded segment could then be sent to a remote memory via a wireless connection to free up local memory for future recording sessions.
US08692878B2
One embodiment relates to a method of automatically inspecting multiple array regions (102) simultaneously using an imaging apparatus (302). The method includes selecting (211 or 212) an optimal pixel size such that each array region in the multiple array regions has a grouped cell which is an integer number of pixels in size, and adjusting a pixel size of the imaging apparatus to be the selected optimal pixel size. Optimal pixel sizes within an available range of pixel sizes may be determined by finding (202) a largest common divider of cell sizes of the multiple array regions when the cell sizes are expressed in integers. Pre-set criteria may be applied to determine (208) which, if any, of the optimal pixel sizes are acceptable based on pre-set criteria. If none of the optimal pixel sizes are acceptable, then one of the array regions may be marked for digital interpolation (see 216). Other embodiments, aspects, and features are also disclosed.
US08692851B2
A method includes: displaying a first 2-D array of a plurality of user interface components on the display in a portrait orientation; detecting rotation of the display from the portrait orientation to a landscape orientation with one or more accelerometers; and, in response to detecting the rotation: rotating the first 2-D array of the plurality of user interface components on the display about an axis that is normal to a front surface of the display; replacing the first 2-D array with a second 2-D array of the plurality of user interface components on the display after the rotation of the first 2-D array exceeds a predefined condition; and rotating the second 2-D array of the plurality of user interface components on the display until the second 2-D array of the plurality of user interface components is in the landscape orientation.
US08692847B2
Among other things, methods, systems and computer program products for applying an image adjustment to an image. A choice of image adjustments is presented to a user of a data processing device. A user selection is received from among the choice of image adjustments at least one image adjustment that a user desires to apply to an area of interest of the image. The user selected image adjustment is applied to an entirety of an image. A preview of the user selected image adjustment applied to the entirety of the image is displayed. Also, user input comprising user selection of a brushing application is received. The user selected image adjustment is applied to the area of interest of the image and a remainder of the image is restored to a pre-adjustment state using the user selection of the brushing application.
US08692844B1
A method and system are disclosed for antialiased rendering a plurality of pixels in a computer system. The method and system comprise providing a fixed storage area and providing a plurality of sequential format levels for the plurality of pixels within the fixed storage area. The plurality of format levels represent pixels with varying degrees of complexity in subpixel geometry visible within the pixel. A system and method in accordance with the present invention provides at least the following format levels: one-fragment format, used when one surface fully covers a pixel; two-fragment format, used when two surfaces together cover a pixel; and multisample format, used when three or more surfaces cover a pixel. The method and system further comprise storing the plurality of pixels at a lowest appropriate format level within the fixed storage area, so that a minimum amount of data is transferred to and from the fixed storage area. The method and system further comprise procedures for converting pixels from one format level to take into account newly rendered pixel fragments. All formats represent depth values in a consistent manner so that fragments rendered during later rendering passes match depth values resulting from rendering the same primitive in earlier passes. Thus, the invention enables high-quality antialiasing with minimal data transferred to and from the fixed storage area, while supporting multi-pass rendering.
US08692842B2
Disclosed is a method and system for automatically testing a raster image processor. The method may identify the correctness of the bitmap output by the raster image processor to be tested by comparing an abstract code of a bitmap generated by the RIP to be tested with that generated by a reference RIP to determine whether they are consistent with each other, so as to identify the correctness and stability of the RIP to be tested. Furthermore, the test samples can be submitted automatically. Thus, the convenience and efficiency are improved with respect to the manual submitting.
US08692826B2
Visualization frameworks may include solvers. The solvers may be used to determine the properties of view components of view compositions. In some instances, the solvers may be explicitly composed using a relational structure, such as a dependency tree. In some instances, the solvers may be implicitly composed based on property-setters having solvers invoking other property-setters having solvers.
US08692823B2
Provided is a liquid crystal display device having a pixel including a transistor and a liquid crystal element and a protection circuit electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the transistor through a data line. The protection circuit includes a first terminal supplied with a first power supply potential and a second terminal supplied with a second power supply potential higher than the first power supply potential. In a moving image display mode, an image signal is input from the data line to the liquid crystal element through the transistor, and the first power supply potential is set at the first potential. In a still image display mode, supply of the image signal is stopped, and the first power supply potential is set at the second potential. The second potential is substantially the same as the minimum value of the image signal.
US08692819B2
A liquid crystal display and method for driving the liquid crystal display are provided. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel assembly including a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines intersecting the gate lines, a plurality of switching elements connected to the gate lines and the data lines, a plurality of pixel electrodes connected to the switching elements, and a reference electrode opposing the pixel electrodes, a gate driver for applying gate signals to the gate lines to activate the switching elements, a data driver for applying data voltages that are be applied to the pixel electrodes to the data lines, and a reference voltage generator for generating first to third reference voltages to be respectively applied to first to third positions of the reference electrode, the first reference voltage being smaller than the third reference voltage and the third reference voltage being smaller than the second reference voltage, and the first position being closer to the gate driver than the third position and the third position being closer to the gate driver than the second position.
US08692817B2
An organic light-emitting display device includes a first sub-pixel, a second sub-pixel, and a third sub-pixel on a substrate. Each of the first, second, and third sub-pixels includes a pixel circuit unit, a first and second pixel electrodes including a reflective film formed of a conductive material that permits light reflection, and a counter electrode that faces the first and second pixel electrodes. The first sub-pixel includes a first organic film between the counter electrode and the first and second pixel electrodes of the first sub-pixel, and includes a red light-emitting layer. The second sub-pixel includes a second organic film between the counter electrode and the first and second pixel electrodes of the second sub-pixel, and includes a green light-emitting layer. The third sub-pixel includes a third organic film between the counter electrode and the first and second pixel electrodes of the third sub-pixel, and includes a blue light-emitting layer.
US08692813B2
Stylus includes a first body at the front end and a second body at the back end, where the second body pivots to the first body and is capable of rotating between a straight position and a bending position. The stylus further includes a restraining member selectively moving to engage between the first body and the second body such that the stylus can be retained and formed in a straight pen style with buckling-proof capability, or a bending style for supporting a portable device. When the stylus is drawn out of the portable device, the restraining member can further be pushed forwardly to disengage the second body from the first body by a resilient bump inside the housing of the portable device, so that the stylus can be released from the straight pen style and bended accordingly.
US08692807B2
An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium for determining a location of at least one object on a touch surface of a light transmissive panel. The method comprises the steps of: introducing light into the panel for propagation by internal reflection between the touch surface and an opposite surface; receiving the light propagating in the panel; and iteratively i) determining a current signal profile of light received by the light detection arrangement, ii) updating, when a condition is met, a background signal profile of light received by the light detection arrangement, iii) calculating a current compensated signal profile as a function of the background signal profile and the current signal profile and iv) determining, when the object touches the touch surface and thereby attenuates the light propagating in the panel, the location as a function of the compensated signal profile.
US08692802B1
Apparatuses and methods of position calculation of a touch are described. One method obtains at a processing device touch data of a sense array, the touch data represented as multiple cells. The touch data is for a touch detected proximate the sense array. Noise may be detected on the sense array based on the touch data and a position calculation algorithm from multiple different position calculation algorithms is selected based on the detected noise. The position of the touch proximate the sense array is determined from the touch data based on the selected position calculation algorithm.
US08692801B2
An embodiment of the invention provides a method of detecting the position(s) where sensor(s) are activated on an interactive screen using sparse-activation compressive sensing. Sparse-activation compressive sensing makes use of the situation where the number of simultaneously activated sensors is substantially smaller than the number of sensors (nodes). Because the number of simultaneously activated sensors is substantially smaller than the number of sensors, the number of measurements required for determining which sensors are activated may also be reduced. Because fewer measurements are required when compared with full-scan techniques, less circuitry and power is required to detect the location(s) of activated sensors on an interactive screen.
US08692800B2
A coordinate detection apparatus includes: electrode arrays each including first/second/third electrodes extending in a first direction; and a processing unit. The first electrode includes first/second regions larger/smaller in dimension, with respect to the first direction, in parallel with a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second/third electrodes are smaller/larger in dimension, with respect to the first direction, in parallel with the second direction, and are opposed to the first/second regions in the second direction. The first/second/third electrodes are arranged in the second direction. Each electrode array outputs a capacitance value corresponding to a distance between it and a detection target. The processing unit calculates total sums (first/second/third values) of capacitance values of the respective first/second/third electrodes, and a sum of these total sums, and detects a position coordinate based on a different capacitance ratio depending on whether the second value is above or below the third value.
US08692799B1
Embodiments described herein provide capacitive sensing devices and methods. A substrate having a plurality of pairs of conductive traces formed thereon is provided. The pairs of conductive traces include first and second conductive traces having first and second opposing ends. A capacitance variation of a plurality of the first conductive traces and a plurality of the second conductive traces is measured. The capacitance variation of at least some of the second conductive traces is measured before the capacitance variation for all of the plurality of first conductive traces is measured. A position coordinate in a two-dimensional coordinate system on the capacitive sensing device is determined based on the measuring a capacitance variation of a plurality of the first conductive traces and a plurality of the second conductive traces.
US08692798B1
Generally, a layer of light-induced shape-memory polymer (LISMP) is incorporated into touch input device in such way that its localized volume change caused by light activation of incidence light beam becomes detectable by sensing means of the touch input device. In accordance with the invention, one embodiment for the light activated input panel comprises two electrode layers respectively laid on two plates and separated by a predetermined gap and a layer of LISMP in between the two electrode layers. The layer of LISMP transforms illumination of incidence light beam into localized capacitance variation through localized volume change of LISMP activated by the illumination, which, in turn, is detected as a valid input by capacitive sensing means formed by the two electrode layers. Later, the localized volume change is restored through side light exposure by a side light source next to side of the layer of LISMP.
US08692796B2
The disclosed technology provides a touch screen, comprising a touch screen body, comprising a plurality of first channels extending in first direction and a plurality of second channels extending in second direction; and an interface device provided with a plurality of I/O ports, wherein at least two first channels of the touch screen body spaced apart with first predetermined distance are connected electrically to a parallel connection node so as to form a first channel group, and the parallel connection node is connected electrically to one I/O port, and wherein the first predetermined distance is a predetermined length of a touching region in the first direction. An addressing method for the touch screen is also provided.
US08692790B2
A capacitive touch sensitive housing comprises: a housing wall; an array of capacitive touch sensor pads formed on the housing wall; a plurality of conductive bonding pads formed on the housing wall; and a plurality of conductive lines formed on the housing wall. Each conductive line extends from a respective one of the touch sensor pads to a respective one of the bonding pads and cooperates with the respective one of the capacitive touch sensor pads and the respective one of the bonding pads to define a touch sensor unit having a layered structure including an active metal layer and an electroless deposited metal layer. The active metal layer contains an active metal capable of initiating electroless deposition.
US08692789B2
A system and computer program product for establishing a wireless connection based on a touch screen of a wireless device. The wireless device includes a slide-out processing section for determining, in response to a slide-out from an edge of the touch screen, a first slide-out parameter for determining by the other wireless device an object to be connected, and broadcasting the first slide-out parameter. The wireless device further includes a slide-in processing section for determining a slide-in parameter in response to a slide-in from the edge of the touch screen and reception of a second slide-out parameter directionally transmitted from the other wireless device. Furthermore, if the determined slide-in parameter matches the second slide-out parameter, then the slide-in processing section establishes a wireless connection between the wireless device and the other wireless device. As a result, an authenticated wireless connection between short-range wireless terminals can be established more conveniently.
US08692788B2
A flat panel display device with touch screen is provided. The flat panel display device includes a substrate, a black matrix, a ground line, and a ground line contact. The substrate includes an active region, and an inactive region surrounding the active region. The black matrix is disposed on the substrate in the inactive region, and includes a metal. The ground line is disposed on the black matrix, in the inactive region. The ground line contact electrically connects the ground line to the black matrix.
US08692781B2
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a capacitive touchscreen system that is capable of sensing simultaneous or near-simultaneous multiple finger touches made on a capacitive touchscreen. In one embodiment, drive and sense circuits operably connected to X and Y lines of the touchscreen may be interchangeably and selectably configured to drive and sense X and Y lines of the touchscreen, respectively, or drive and sense Y and X lines, respectively, of the touchscreen, through first and second multiplexers operating under the control of a drive/sense processor.
US08692765B2
A 2D/3D image switching display device includes an image display unit and an image switching unit coupled to the image display unit. The image switching unit includes first and second transparent substrates and first and second transparent conducting elements installed on the first and second transparent substrates respectively. An electrochromic layer and an electrolytic layer are formed on the first and second transparent substrates sequentially. The electrochromic layer produce a color change according to the switching status of the image display unit After a stereo image divided into left and right eye images is received by naked eyes, no moire pattern will be produced, so that no additional light shielding device using a parallax barrier is required for displaying stereo images, and the 2D/3D image switching display device can change a light-shielding angle for adjusting a stereo image display according to the viewing angle.
US08692760B2
A backlight unit capable of preventing deterioration in image quality of a display image by controlling driving timing of a backlight in consideration of an operation speed of liquid crystal, a liquid crystal display device using the same, and a method for driving the backlight unit are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a backlight including a plurality of light sources to generate light, and a backlight control unit configured to control an on/off time of the backlight in units of at least one frame using an off time setting value set by a user and an external dimming control signal and to control the amount of light emitted from the backlight.
US08692758B2
A display device of an embodiment of the present invention is a display device of an active matrix type, and includes a display driver supplied with image data included in serial data by serial transmission. The serial data has a first flag for specifying a polarity of voltage of a common electrode added thereto. The display driver generates, in accordance with a timing of a serial clock, a timing signal for a horizontal period for a data signal line driver, and a timing signal for a gate signal line driver. This realizes a display device capable of easily generating, within a driver IC, a timing signal for writing the image data in pixels.
US08692745B2
The present invention relates to a light emitting device for reducing consumption of an electric power in screen protecting mode. The light emitting device includes a plurality of data lines, a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of pixels, a controller, a data driving circuit and a scan driving circuit. The data lines are disposed in a first direction. The scan lines are disposed in a second direction different from the first direction. The pixels are formed by the data lines and the scan lines. The controller transmits a plurality of first display data. The data driving circuit provides data current corresponding to the first display data transmitted from the controller to the data lines. The scan driving circuit drives the scan lines by a unit of two or more lines under control of the controller when the first display data are repeatedly transmitted to the data driving circuit.
US08692743B2
A pixel driving circuit of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) includes a first switch, a first capacitor, a transistor, a second switch, a second capacitor, and an OLED. The operation of the pixel driving circuit includes four stages of reset, threshold voltage compensation, data writing, and emitting. The pixel driving circuit compensates the threshold voltage of the transistor, so the driving current of the OLED is only related to the data voltage and the reference voltage.
US08692742B2
A display panel has a plurality of OLED pixels arranged in rows and columns. The pixel driving circuit has two or more current paths through a plurality of switching elements for providing the necessary current to the OLEDs in a pixel. The control end of each switching element is connected to the control end of the other switching elements, but each switching element has a separate power source which can be separately adjustable. In some embodiments, in a pixel or sub-pixel, one switching element is located at one end and one switching element is located at the other end of a pixel length, and each pixel is adjacent to a first power source line and a second power source line along the pixel length for separately providing the electrical power to two switching elements.
US08692729B2
An apparatus, method of propagating a signal and method of manufacture for an antenna structure comprising a section which is positioned or formed in relation to a portion of the antenna structure, such that a portion of the electromagnetic (EM) field that is emitted from the antenna structure is partially slowed or phase shifted thereby resulting in an improvement of the horizontal gain of the EM field.
US08692723B2
An antenna structure includes a circuit board and at least one antenna circuit. The circuit board includes a ground area and an antenna area. The antenna area is substantially rectangular-shaped and arranged between the ground area and the periphery of the circuit board. The antenna circuit is formed within the antenna area and includes a feeding segment, a border segment and at least one ground segment. The feeding segment is connected to the border segment and the distance from the border segment to the periphery of the circuit board ranges from 0 to 3 millimeters; a substantially 90° bent-structure is formed within the border segment. One end portion of the ground segment is connected to the ground area. Thus an antenna structure which enables the antenna circuit to be formed within the remaining space on the periphery of the circuit board is provided.
US08692717B2
An antenna includes an antenna layer, a ground layer and a dielectric layer between the antenna layer and the ground layer. The antenna layer and the ground layer form a figure in the shape of two identical mirror image triangles joined together at a longest side of each one of the triangles where each side of each triangle is a different length.
US08692711B2
Signal acquisition assistance data is obtained for receiving devices such as wireless position assisted location devices seeking signals from any source, such as satellite vehicles and base stations. The data may be obtained from previously acquired data, based upon evaluation of changes in parameters such as time and location that may jeopardize validity. In some cases the data may be adjusted for the changes in parameters. Refined data may be calculated by a receiver using partial measurements of signal sets, particularly if the acquisition assistance data provided by a remote entity includes more distinct parameters than have typically been provided. New data need not be obtained until the validity of previous data expires due to limitations upon temporal extrapolation using Doppler coefficients, unless mobile station movement that cannot be compensated is detected, and jeopardizes validity of the previous data.
US08692707B2
Examples of the present invention include calibration methods for phased array radar apparatus. The calibration methods include an electronic calibration of phase shifters, and compensation for mechanical misalignment. Approaches are particularly useful for automotive radar, and may be used for initial calibration after installation on a factory line, or at later times such as at a service station whenever recalibration becomes necessary.
US08692706B2
A sensor device for measuring the compression travel and/or the compression rate of wheels and/or axles of vehicles, in particular of commercial vehicles, may include at least one sensor measuring in a contactless manner. The sensor device may include a radar and/or high-frequency sensor generating a beam, which is emitted and received after reflection at a reference and reflection surface.
US08692695B2
The transmission of broadcast data, such as financial data and news feeds, is accelerated over a communication channel using data compression and decompression to provide secure transmission and transparent multiplication of communication bandwidth, as well as reduce the latency. Broadcast data may include packets having fields. Encoders associated with particular fields may be selected to compress those particular fields.
US08692688B1
A method and system of providing information and directions to drivers in relation to the availability of parallel street parking places within a certain area is provided. Such a method includes the utilization of properly placed sensors working in combination with a particular algorithm to provide reliable information in terms of actual availability for certain vehicle sizes on a continuous basis. As well, this system accords a manner of properly assessing actual parking place sizes, potential obstacles (such as driveways, hydrants, and the like), and other important information for electronic relay to any driver (through, for instance, a suitable wireless program and router to a hand-held or dashboard mounted communicator) to locate and assess for himself the potential for utilizing such a vacant parking place. Furthermore, such a system may also provide an effective means to properly charge a driver for parking without the need for parking meters or other like mechanisms.
US08692681B2
A nuclear imaging system includes a scanner (8), such as a PET scanner. A patient is injected with a [13N]ammonia radioisotope tracer which is contaminated with a small percent of 18F contamination. The scanner receives radiation from the injected tracer and a reconstruction processor (28) reconstructs the detected radiation into image representations. A calibration processor (16) generates an estimated decay curve based on the proton bombardment and a priori information about the tracer. An activity meter (42) measures radiation emitted from a sample of the tracer and a dose calibrator (44) determines a decay curve from the measured radiation. The detected radiation is corrected with one of the decay curves during reconstruction or a correction processor (50) corrects reconstructed images with one or both of the decay curves. A display (14) displays uncorrected reconstructed images and the decay curve and/or the corrected images.
US08692677B2
Disclosed herein is a wake-up assisting apparatus including: an electrode which comes into contact with the parietal of the human body; a signal processing part which detects brain waves through the electrode, determines the sleep stage from the thus detected brain waves, and decides the wake-up time according to the sleep stage; and a stimulating part which gives stimuli to the human body at the wake-up time.
US08692673B2
Methods and computer program products for locating devices having a given state by locating a device using an RFID tag associated with the device that responds to queries from an RFID tag reader independently of the state of the device, and determining the state of the device using an RFID tag associated with the device that responds selectively in dependence upon the state of the device. A system for locating devices having a given state comprises an RFID tag reader for locating a device by reading an RFID tag associated with the device that responds independently of the state of the device, and an RFID tag reader for determining the state of the device by reading an RFID tag associated with the device that responds selectively in dependence upon the state of the device.
US08692663B2
The disclosed invention provides a system and apparatus for monitoring battery status and usage to facilitate battery protection, battery repurposing and battery maintenance. Wireless interrogation of a battery's location and key attributes provides efficiencies to manage the total lifecycle of an electric vehicle battery, whether installed in a vehicle or in an environment external to the vehicle environment. A wireless battery tether, combined with a wireless battery reader, a wireless battery gateway and a centralized battery monitoring server allows management of the high-voltage battery through its lifecycle.
US08692661B2
A programming system for a tire pressure monitoring device includes a programming device capable of communicating which of a plurality of communication protocols is to be utilized by the transmitter/receiver of a tire pressure monitoring device. The programming device including a user interface actuateable for communicating which of a plurality of communication protocols is to be utilized by the transmitter/receiver of the tire pressure monitoring device.
US08692656B2
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a lighting system for communication with a remote control device is provided, which comprises a light emitting element adapted for emitting modulated light to the remote control and for detecting control signals from the remote control. This may provide for a communication between the remote control and the lighting system without the need of an extra sensor or an extra transmitter.
US08692653B2
Objects of the invention are to provide a semiconductor device including an RFID, which can transmit and receive individual information without a check of remaining capacity of the battery and a change of the battery in accordance with deterioration over time of the battery for a driving power supply; and which maintains a favorable communication state even when electric power, as a power supply for driving, from an external radio wave or electromagnetic wave (carrier wave) is not sufficient. A battery is provided as a power supply for supplying electric power in the RFID, and electric power obtained by a power generation element is charged in the battery.
US08692649B2
Asset management for control of electric appliances comprises a keycode unit and an equipment unit embedded in an appliance. The keycode unit is located in a protected environment and relates to an asset management area. The equipment unit may store an appliance identification code. The keycode unit and the equipment unit may be in communication contact, whereby the equipment unit sends positioning coordinates to the keycode unit, and wherein the equipment unit is adapted to lock the appliance via the lock unit, in response to a lock signal that the equipment unit receives from the keycode unit, if the appliance moves outside the asset management area.
US08692634B2
A switch device includes first and second contacting portions including first and second fixed contacting portions, first and second movable contacting portions and first and second break contacting portions, respectively, the first fixed contacting portion and the second fixed contacting portion being configured to be electrically connected to one of a power source and an electronic device while the first movable contacting portion and the second movable contacting portion are configured to be electrically connected to the other of the power source and the electronic device; and a first magnet and a second magnet configured to generate magnetic fields between the first fixed contacting portion and the first movable contacting portion and between the second fixed contacting portion and the second movable contacting portion, respectively.
US08692627B2
An oscillating signal generating device includes: an oscillating circuit arranged to generate an oscillating signal according to a current controlled signal; and a control signal generating circuit coupled to the oscillating circuit, the control signal generating circuit for receiving a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage, the control signal generating circuit operated between the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage, and the control signal generating circuit arranged to generate the current controlled signal according to a voltage input signal; wherein the control signal generating circuit is capable of monotonically generating the current controlled signal according to the voltage input signal when a voltage level of the voltage input signal falls between the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage.
US08692611B2
A microelectronic package includes a microelectronic element operable to output a discrete-value logic signal indicating an imminent increase in demand for current by at least some portion of the microelectronic element. An active power delivery element within the package is operable by the logic signal to increase current delivery to the microelectronic element.
US08692609B2
Systems and methods for current sensing are described. The described systems and methods utilize a comparator for generating a current sense signal based on comparing an output current of a circuit against a reference current. The reference current is generated by using a current sourcing circuit that is connected to a controllable current source.
US08692603B2
Circuits, integrated circuits, and methods are disclosed for bimodal disable circuits. In one such example method, a counter is maintained, with the counter indicating a logic level at which an output signal will be disabled during at least a portion of one of a plurality of disable cycles. The logic level indicated by the counter is transitioned. An input signal is provided as the output signal responsive to the enable signal indicating that the output signal is to be enabled, and the output signal is disabled at the logic level indicated by the counter responsive to the enable signal indicating that the output signal is to be disabled.
US08692599B2
A flexible clock synthesizer technique includes generating a phase interpolator calibration signal to adjust a phase interpolator output signal generated by a phase interpolator of an interpolative divider. The phase interpolator is responsive to a phase interpolator control code and an output signal of a fractional-N divider of the interpolative divider. The phase interpolator calibration signal is based on an error signal indicative of a phase interpolator error. The error signal may indicate a phase relationship between a reference clock signal and a feedback clock signal of a PLL. The interpolative divider may be coupled in a feedback path of the PLL. The PLL may receive a reference clock signal and the feedback clock signal may be an adjusted phase interpolator output signal. The phase interpolator calibration signal may be a phase interpolator offset code corresponding to the phase interpolator control code or a phase interpolator gain signal.
US08692598B2
An apparatus comprises digitally controlled oscillator circuitry, feedback circuitry operatively coupled to the digitally controlled oscillator circuitry, and comparison circuitry operatively coupled to the digitally controlled oscillator circuitry and the feedback circuitry. The feedback circuitry, in response to a clock signal generated by the digitally controlled oscillator circuitry, generates a first digital value representing a detected phase of the clock signal for a given clock signal cycle. The comparison circuitry, in response to the first digital value and to a second digital value representing a reference phase, generates a phase error value. The phase error value is useable to generate a first digital control word provided to the digitally controlled oscillator circuitry for controlling a frequency associated with the clock signal. The digitally controlled oscillator circuitry further comprises adjustment circuitry capable of applying a phase adjustment to the clock signal in response to a second digital control word.
US08692593B1
Embodiments of a power-on and brown-out detector are described. In an embodiment, a power-on and brown-out detector for a power supply includes a power-on detection module, a brown-out detection module, and a logic module. The power-on detection module is connected to the power supply and is configured to generate a power-on signal in response to a voltage increase of the power supply. The brown-out detection module is connected to the power supply and is configured to generate a brown-out signal in response to a voltage charge by the power supply and a subsequent voltage decrease of the power supply. The logic module is configured to generate a control signal in response to the power-on signal and the brown-out signal. The power-on detection module is further configured to be activated or deactivated by the control signal. Other embodiments are also described.
US08692587B1
A gate driver including: a first input; a first output driver having a first gate drive signal output, wherein the first output driver is connected to the first input; a second input; a second output driver having a second gate drive signal output, wherein the second output driver is connected to the second input; a first converter configured to convert an input voltage level to a first converted voltage level, wherein the converter receives an input voltage from a first high side gate driver output; a multiplexer with a first input connected to the first converter, a second input connected to a low side output, and an output; and an under voltage monitor connected to the output of the multiplexer.
US08692586B2
An output circuit providing isolation between inputs and the output employs first and second opto-couplers for isolation. Pulse activation of the first opto-coupler turns on an output transistor and pulse activation of the second opto-coupler turns off the output transistor. An input stage of the output circuit is and light emitting devices of the first and second opto-couplers are powered by a first power source and an output stage of the output circuit is powered from an external power source. Power consumption by the input stage of output circuit occurs only during pulse activation of the first and second opto-couplers.
US08692575B2
A family of self-timed, charge-conserving asynchronous logic elements that interact with their nearest neighbors permits design and implementation of circuits that are asynchronous at the bit level. The elements pass information by means of state tokens, rather than voltages. Each cell is self-timed, so no hardware non-local connections are needed. An asynchronous logic element comprises a set of edges for asynchronous communication with at least one neighboring cell, the edges receiving state tokens from neighboring logic elements and transferring output state tokens to neighboring logic elements, and circuitry configured to perform, when the circuitry inputs contain valid tokens and the circuitry outputs are empty, a logic operation utilizing received tokens as inputs, thereby producing an output token reflecting the result of the logic operation.
US08692570B2
A probe card includes a circuit board, a flexible substrate, and a plurality of probes. The flexible substrate includes a plurality of arrayed conductive strips. The plurality of conductive strips is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The plurality of probes is fixed to the printed circuit board, and the end of each probe is attached to one corresponding conductive strip.
US08692568B2
The use of a power sink function in IC testing results in a simple and rapid method for testing ICs, and assembled modules, at elevated temperature profiles without the use of environmental ovens. Testing IC devices at elevated temperatures may be useful for ‘burn-in’, for ‘hot sort’ performance testing that may be used in electronic devices such as DRAM memory, logic, communication devices, and microprocessors. The power sink function may be implemented as an additional isolated area of active devices, or as a section of the circuit that is not involved in the testing procedure. Alternately, the power dissipation circuit may consist of a resistive path between two external pins that are not used for IC operation, where the resistor may be on the IC or on the package. This allows for control of the temperature level and profile by simple adjustment of the voltage between the two external pins.
US08692566B2
Provided is a test apparatus comprising a plurality of testing sections and a synchronizing section that synchronizes operation of at least two testing sections among the plurality of testing sections. Each testing section transmits a synchronization standby command to the synchronizing section when a predetermined condition is fulfilled during execution of the corresponding program and the testing section enters a synchronization standby state, and on a condition that the synchronization standby commands have been received from all of one or more predetermined testing sections among the plurality of testing sections, the synchronizing section supplies a synchronization signal, which ends the synchronization standby state, in synchronization to two or more predetermined testing sections among the plurality of testing sections.
US08692564B2
A method for use in determining the thickness of a layer of interest in a multi-layer structure. A first electrode is positioned in contact with a first surface of the multi-layer structure, and a second electrode is positioned in contact with a second surface of the multi-layer structure. The second surface is substantially opposite the first surface. The first electrode is pressed against the multi-layer structure at a predetermined sampling pressure, and the structure is optionally adjusted to a predetermined sampling temperature. The electrical impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode is measured.
US08692563B1
In an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensing device. The sensing device includes circuitry configured to sense self-capacitance and circuitry configured to sense mutual-capacitance, each configured to detect capacitance values corresponding to whether an object is proximate to a touch screen. The sensing device is configured to measure a first capacitance value using the self-capacitance circuitry during self-capacitance sensing operations and to measure a second capacitance value using the mutual-capacitance circuitry during mutual-capacitance sensing operations.
US08692559B2
An interface device provides one or more electrical connection points disposed on a connector sleeve. The connection points provide electrical communication between a lead connector end of an implantable medical lead and one or more leads of a testing device in such a manner as to minimize potential damage to the lead connector end.
US08692554B2
Locate information relating to use of a locate device to perform a locate operation may be acquired from one or more input devices, logged/stored in local memory of a locate device, formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed at the locate device itself, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis. In one example, a locate device may include one or more environmental sensors and/or operational sensors, and the locate information may include environmental information and operational information derived from such sensors. Environmental and/or operational information may be used to control operation of the locate device, assess out-of-tolerance conditions in connection with use of the locate device, and/or provide alerts or other feedback. Additional enhancements are disclosed relating to improving the determination of a location (e.g., GPS coordinates) of a detecting tip of the locate device during use, a group/solo mode, and tactile functionality of a user interface.
US08692552B2
According to one embodiment, there is provided a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which a gradient field power supply apparatus supplies currents to gradient field coils corresponding to spatial coordinate axis directions to form gradient fields in a static field space which change along the respective spatial coordinate axis directions, the gradient field power supply apparatus includes a transformer configured to supply power supplied to a primary winding to a current output circuit via a plurality of secondary windings, with the number of phases of the primary windings being equal to or a multiple of the number of phases of the secondary windings, and the secondary windings of the respective phases of output channels corresponding to the respective spatial coordinate axis directions being wound around the primary windings of the respective phases.
US08692546B2
A magnetic field sensor includes a diagnostic circuit that allows a self-test of most of, or all of, the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor, including a self-test of a magnetic field sensing element used within the magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor can generate a diagnostic magnetic field to which the magnetic field sensor is responsive.
US08692542B2
A VR resolver with a shaft angle multiplier of 3× has a rotor core 104 that is provided with magnetic poles 104a and 104b, which project in a radial direction, and a magnetic pole 104c, which does not project in a radial direction. The VR resolver also has a stator core 101 provided with salient poles 102c and 102e that are wound with a cosine wave detection wire and that are connected. A zero point detecting terminal is led from the cosine wave detection wire between the cosine winding wound portions of the salient poles 102c and 102e. The zero point detecting terminal provides a voltage waveform. By setting a threshold value for the voltage waveform, an absolute angle of the rotor core 104 is measured.
US08692537B2
A smart link in a power delivery system includes an insulator, which electrically isolates a power line, and a switchable conductance placed in parallel with the insulator. The switchable conductance includes switchgear for sourcing, sinking, and/or dispatching real and/or reactive power on the power line to dynamically in response to dynamic loading, transient voltages and/or currents, and phase conditions or other conditions on the power line.
US08692535B1
A controller operates a power supply in a discontinuous mode. While in the discontinuous mode, a monitor resource in the controller monitors current supplied by an inductor resource in the power supply to produce an output voltage to power a load. An adjustment value generator produces an adjustment value based on a magnitude of the current supplied to the load by the inductor resource. According to one configuration, the adjustment value equals the average inductor current multiplied by the load-line resistance value of the power supply. The controller produces an adjusted trigger threshold value by reducing a trigger threshold value by the adjustment value generated by the adjustment value generator. The adjusted trigger threshold value specifies a reduced threshold voltage at which the power supply controller turns ON a control switch in the power supply to increase an amount of current supplied by the inductor resource to the load.
US08692525B2
The invention relates to an electrical power tool, particularly an electric hand power tool, for operating with alternating current, having an electric motor, and electronic control device, and an electrical power switch for actuating the electric motor, wherein the electronic control device comprises a bias voltage output and a detection input, connected to each other by means of a voltage divider comprising a summation point and to the side of the power switch facing the electric motor, and the control device is further designed such that the potential at the detection input is monitored after actuating the power switch and used for checking whether the power switch is conducting, and that it is actuated again if the power switch was not conducting or returned to the non-conducting state during the monitoring, and that said checking and any renewed actuation of the power switch is repeated within a half-wave of the alternating voltage.
US08692523B2
A power generation system includes a generator mechanically coupled to a turbine to generate electrical power. The system includes a fault ride through system having a variable resistor and a variable inductor. The variable resistor is connected in parallel across output terminals of the generator to absorb power from the generator during a grid fault condition, and the variable inductor is connected between an output terminal of the generator and a power grid.
US08692521B2
This invention relates to a method of controlling torque oscillations in a mechanical drive train of an electrical generation system which provides electrical power to an isolated electrical network, the method including the steps of: a. monitoring for changes in the electrical condition of the electrical network; b. determining whether a change in the electrical condition of the network falls within a predetermined range; c. adjusting the power in the network using an auxiliary power source when the electrical condition of the network falls within the predetermined range so as reduce or substantially prevent the build up of torque oscillations in the mechanical drive train.
US08692519B2
Apparatus and method for battery calibration and state of charge determination (SoC) within battery packs by detecting charge levels in a cell or cells, sending the charge level information to a controller which controls the movement of charge in the battery wherein, the controller initiates the discharge of a sub-unit to a predetermined level into the other sub-units and the charging of said sub-unit in the battery to a predetermined level from the charge held on the other sub-units to improve the accuracy and reliability of battery calibration and provide an accurate State of Charge indication from battery first use to end of life.
US08692518B2
The invention provides a compact and highly reliable electronic apparatus that can be driven by a small-capacity battery, and that can achieve high-speed continuous driving of a load by quickly judging the recovery state of the battery after driving the load. More particularly, the invention provides an electronic apparatus includes a power supply, a load, a load driver for driving the load by the power supply, a power supply state detecter for outputting power supply recovery information by measuring physical quantity of the power supply at predetermined intervals of time after the driving of the load is stopped, and a controller for instructing the load driver to drive the load, based on the power supply recovery information supplied from the power supply state detecter.
US08692513B2
A method is described for communication with an electric vehicle, comprising a generating of a first predetermined DC voltage level on a pilot conductor, a recognition of the existence of an electrical connection to an electric vehicle by means of the detection of a second predetermined DC voltage level on the pilot conductor, a sending out of a trigger signal on the pilot conductor, a detection of a vehicle identification signal on the pilot conductor and an approval of the electricity supply on a power conductor.
US08692510B2
Disclosed is a battery charger including a battery cell, a reference voltage generating section, an A/D converting section including an A/D converter and a control section. The reference voltage generating section includes a first reference voltage circuit generating a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage circuit generating a second reference voltage equal to the first reference voltage. To diagnose the A/D converter, the first reference voltage circuit is used. To diagnose the first reference voltage circuit, a second A/D conversion value obtained by A/D converting a second divided voltage of the second reference voltage via the A/D converter using the first reference voltage is compared with a first reference value obtained by A/D converting a first divided voltage of the first reference voltage via the A/D converter using the first reference voltage when the first reference voltage circuit is normal.
US08692503B2
A method of homing motion axes in a radiation system uses a motor and one or more hardstops. A load is driven by a motor to move toward a hardstop during which an electrical parameter of the motor is monitored. A reference position for the motion axis is defined when the monitored electrical parameter reaches or exceeds a determined value. Alternative to monitoring the motor electrical parameter, the motor velocity may be monitored during the motion and a reference position for the motion axis is defined when the monitored motor velocity falls to or below a determined value. Alternatively, the load velocity may be monitored during the motion and a reference position for the motion axis is defined when the monitored load velocity falls to or below a determined value.
US08692492B2
A method for setting a lead-angle value of a motor drive control circuit is disclosed. The motor drive control circuit energizes and drives the windings of a motor with an energizing timing based on a stored lead-angle value. The method includes the steps of: rotating a rotor at a given rpm (step S102), energizing and driving the windings during the rotation at the given rpm with the lead-angle value being switched (step S110); calculating an average value of current amount that energizes and drives the windings (step S114); calculating a total value of consecutive multiple average values for each lead-angle value (step S120); finding a smallest total value among the total values, and setting a lead-angle value corresponding to the smallest total value as a stored lead-angle value (step S122).
US08692491B2
The brushless motor driver includes a sample and hold circuit which samples and holds a first value of the first comparison signal in a first case in which a current is forced to flow from a first phase coil of the three-phase brushless motor to a second phase coil and no current is forced to flow to a third phase coil in a first period having a preset setting time and a second value of the first comparison signal in a second case in which a current is forced to flow from the second phase coil to the first phase coil and no current is forced to flow to the third phase coil in a second period having the preset setting time subsequent to the first period. The brushless motor driver includes an addition circuit which adds up the first value and the second value sampled and held by the sample and hold circuit and outputs an addition signal depending upon a result of the addition. The brushless motor driver includes a comparison output circuit which compares a value of the addition signal with a reference voltage and outputs a second comparison signal depending upon a result of the comparison. A position of a rotor in the three-phase brushless motor is discriminated on the basis of the second comparison signal.
US08692490B2
A control system for an actuator including a straight slot direct current motor comprises a position sensor for measuring the angular position (θ) of the motor and a current sensor for measuring the current strength (Im) in the motor, but not having a sensor for measuring the angular rotation speed of the motor.
US08692489B2
A control system for controlling an electrical device of a nacelle, the device having at least one element that is movable to a closed position and an open position. The control system includes at least one electromechanical member for actuating the movable element, a unit for electrically driving the electromechanical actuation member, and a controlling and monitoring unit for controlling the electrical drive unit so as to move the movable element to the closed and/or open position. The control system further includes a system for recovering braking power from the electrical drive unit during the movement of the movable element to the closed and/or open position.
US08692488B2
A motor control apparatus for synchronously controlling a master axis motor for driving a master axis and a slave axis motor for driving a slave axis, includes: a master axis position detector which outputs position data of the master axis and a reference signal with a predetermined fixed period; a master axis receiving circuit which receives the position data and the reference signal output from the master axis position detector; a master axis computation circuit which computes a master axis error representing a difference between the position data received by the master axis receiving circuit and the position data acquired at the time of the reception of the reference signal; and a slave axis motor control unit which controls the operation of the slave axis motor by using the master axis error as a command for synchronizing the operation of the master axis motor.
US08692479B2
A method of controlling a ballast in a circuit for a lighting application and connected to a mains power supply is disclosed. The method comprises determining whether a dimmer is present in the circuit; in response to detecting that a dimmer is present, determining a zero-crossing of the power supply and setting a bleeder current through the ballast in dependence on the phase of the power supply within a mains half-cycle; and in response to determining that a dimmer is not present, disabling the bleeder current. A ballast which is controlled by such a method is also disclosed. Additionally, a controller, which may include a digital signal processor, for a ballast and operable according to the above method is disclosed.
US08692478B2
The invention provides a current balancing circuit, which includes a plurality of light-emitting diode assemblies; an AC power generator for providing currents required by the light-emitting diode assemblies; and a plurality of current-equaling elements connected to the AC power generator, each of which is connected to a common mode connecting two light-emitting diode assemblies for balancing currents of the light-emitting diode assemblies.
US08692476B2
A boost circuit for an LED (Light Emitting Diode) backlight driver circuit is disclosed; said boost circuit includes a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) chip, a second capacitor, and a signal processing circuit. A VCC pin of the PWM chip is coupled to the input node, and the PWM chip is utilized to generate a PWM signal. One end of the second capacitor is coupled to an output pin of the PWM chip, and the second capacitor is utilized to filter out a direct current component of the PWM signal. One terminal of the signal processing circuit is coupled to the second capacitor, and another terminal thereof is coupled to a gate of the switch. The signal processing circuit is used to adjust the filtered PWM signal for generating corresponding high levels and low levels. A regulator is omitted in the present invention, therefore reducing costs.
US08692474B2
An electronic ballast circuit includes a power factor correction circuit, a control and amplifier circuit, a ballast controller circuit and a ballast driver circuit. The ballast driver circuit includes a resonant circuit that connects to a lamp and a strike voltage limiter circuit that regulates the behavior of the resonant circuit. An overcurrent sensor circuit may be included to indirectly the control the ballast controller circuit via the control and amplifier circuit. The strike voltage limiter circuit uses varistors to change the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit to limit the voltage to the lamp.
US08692473B2
A portable electronic lighting device and a method for controlling a portable lighting device are described. The device has a switched-mode power supply, a light source, a high frequency switch, a controller controlling the operation of the light source and a user interface for inputting commands to the controller. A DC power source has a negative pole that is connected by only one single electric contact with the lighting device tail. The method for controlling a portable lighting device includes connecting a DC power source, an inductor, a light source, a high frequency switch and a resistor in series, measuring a voltage across the resistor, and controlling the high frequency switch dependent on the voltage measured across the resistor.
US08692472B2
Each of blocks includes an arbitrary number of series connections of LEDs. A current signal for controlling operation of the LEDs in the blocks is divided into plural signal currents. An allowable forward current having a duty cycle corresponding to a division number is caused to flow through the LEDs in one block for an allowable time, using one of the signal currents. A rated forward current that does not cause destruction of LEDs is caused to flow through the LEDs in the other blocks, using the other of the signal currents. The LEDs in the blocks are driven by causing the allowable forward current and the rated forward current to flow periodically. The rated forward current is caused to flow through at least one additional LED, whereby a difference between respective voltages corresponding to the allowable forward current and the rated forward current is produced.
US08692467B2
Plasma processing apparatuses and techniques for processing substrates, which include the use of synchronized RF pulsing of a first RF signal and a delayed-and-shortened second RF signal. The first RF signal may be the primary plasma-generating RF signal and the second RF signal may be the RF bias signal or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the first RF signal may be the high frequency RF signal and the second RF signal may be the lower frequency RF signal. Either the first RF signal or the second RF signal may act as the master, with the other acting as the slave signal. Alternatively, an external circuit may be employed as a master to control both the first RF signal and the second RF signal as slave signals. Track-and-hold techniques and circuits are provided to ensure accurate measurement for process control and other purposes.
US08692463B2
A protective film (6) having a high secondary-emission coefficient is formed on a dielectric layer (5) so as to lower the discharge voltage of a plasma display panel. When the protective film (6) is exposed to the air, it will transform or become cloudy, or the secondary-emission coefficient will lower. To prevent this problem, an inert film (60) is formed on the surface of the protective film (6). As the inert film (60), a film of a metal oxide such as SiO2 and a film of a metal such as Tb are simultaneously formed. Thus, an inert film (60) excellent in barrier property against oxygen and water in the air and enabling easy sputtering from near the discharge electrode at the aging step can be obtained. With this, a plasma display panel exhibiting a low discharge voltage can be realized.
US08692459B2
An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes a substrate; a first electrode on the substrate; a particle unit including a plurality of particles that are separate from each other on a top surface of the first electrode; an intermediate layer on the first electrode and the particle unit and including an organic emission layer; and a second electrode on the intermediate layer.
US08692449B2
LEDs are considered to be point light sources. Visible light provided by one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) is passed through a light diffuser. The LEDs and diffuser are mounted inside a transparent or light-transmissive non-evacuated envelope and bulb. The light emitted from the bulb appears to originate from a filament used in conventional light bulbs rather than from a point light source.
US08692425B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module comprising a housing including a sleeve member and at least one end cap. In some embodiments, the sleeve member can include a first coolant jacket and a second coolant jacket. Also, in some embodiments, the end cap can include an end cap coolant jacket. Also, some embodiments provide an electric machine including stator end turns, housing at least partially enclosing the electric machine, and an end cap coolant jacket positioned substantially axially outward relative to at least one of the stator end turns.
US08692417B2
A device adapted to support a jumper wire during maintenance or repairs to various elements associated with the suspension and switching of electrical power conductors on both transmission and distribution power grids. The device comprises two members of various shapes, pinned together in opposition with a pivot, to allow the opening and closing of said clamping system. The device can be manufactured of many materials in order to meet specific strength or dielectric requirements. Additionally, the shape of the device can be optimized to support a variety of objects.
US08692415B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for operating electronic components in a device by separating the devices into a high power group and a low power group; constantly powering the low power group; providing a movable device coupled to power when the device is moved; and providing power to the high power group when the device is moved.
US08692413B2
In a noncontact electric power feeding system using a resonance method, electrical equipment installed within a coil case is configured to include an electric power receiving antenna and a rectifier in an integrated manner. The electrical equipment is driven by receiving electric power from an electromagnetic field generated by electromagnetic resonance, without power supply from the outside of the coil case.
US08692410B2
Described herein are improved capabilities for a source resonator having a Q-factor Q1>100 and a characteristic size x1 coupled to an energy source, and a second resonator having a Q-factor Q2>100 and a characteristic size x2 coupled to an energy drain located a distance D from the source resonator, where the source resonator and the second resonator are coupled to exchange energy wirelessly among the source resonator and the second resonator.
US08692408B2
A sub-sea power delivery system includes a plurality of modular power converter building blocks on each of the power source side and the sub-sea load side that are stacked and interconnected to meet site expansion requirements and electrical load topologies. The power delivery system comprises a system DC transmission link/bus, wherein the system DC link is configured to carry HVDC or MVDC power from an onshore utility or topside power source to multiple sub-sea load modules. The stacked modular power converter topology on the sub-sea side of the sub-sea power delivery system is symmetrical with the stacked modular power converter topology on the on-shore/top-side of the sub-sea power delivery system.
US08692399B2
A wind energy plant and method for operating it, the plant having a doubly-fed asynchronous machine, a grid-sided converter and a generator-sided converter both being controlled by a control means. In case of a grid fault the converters are controlled by at least one control module which (i) controls the torque and/or the active power and (ii) controls the reactive current and/or the reactive power.
US08692396B1
A hybrid system for harvesting magnetic and electrical energy includes a substrate, at least one permanent magnet, and at least one coil of wire equal in number to the permanent magnet. Each permanent magnet is configured to fit in the substrate. Each coil of wire is configured to fit circumferentially around a respective permanent magnet. Each coil of wire is configured to fit in the substrate.
US08692393B2
Better alignment mark designs for semiconductor devices may substantially lessen the frequency of layer misalignment scanner alignment problems. Exemplary alignment mark designs substantially avoid or minimize damage during the fill-in and etching and chemical mechanical processing processes. Thus, additional processing steps to even out various layers or to address the misalignment problems may also be avoided.
US08692383B2
To achieve a reduction in cost of a semiconductor device, in a common board (a wiring board), a plurality of bonding leads each extend toward the center of the board, and a solder resist film as a die bonding region supporting a minimum chip is coated with a die bonding material. With this, even when a first semiconductor chip as a large chip is mounted, wire bonding can be performed without causing the die bonding material to cover the bonding leads. Thus, development cost can be reduced to reduce the cost of the semiconductor device (LGA).
US08692378B2
A wafer level chip scale semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor die, a first under bump metal structure and a second under bump metal structure. The first under bump metal structure having a first enclosure is formed on a corner region or an edge region of the semiconductor die. A second under bump metal structure having a second enclosure is formed on an inner region of the semiconductor die. The first enclosure is greater than the second enclosure.
US08692377B2
An integrated circuit packaging system and method of manufacture thereof includes: an L-plated lead; a die conductively connected to the L-plated lead; and an encapsulant encapsulating the L-plated lead and the die.
US08692375B2
A structure and design structure is provided for interconnect structures containing various capping materials for electrical fuses and other related applications. The structure includes a first interconnect structure having a first interfacial structure and a second interconnect structure adjacent to the first structure. The second interconnect structure has second interfacial structure different from the first interfacial structure.
US08692371B2
Disclosed are a semiconductor apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the semiconductor apparatus includes: forming a semiconductor chip on a semiconductor substrate; adhering a carrier wafer with a plurality of through holes onto the semiconductor chip; polishing the semiconductor substrate; forming a first via hole at the rear side of the polished semiconductor substrate; forming a first metal layer below the polished semiconductor substrate and at the first via hole; and removing the carrier wafer from the polished semiconductor substrate.
US08692366B2
A MEMS package includes a substrate having an L-shaped cross-section. The substrate includes a vertical portion having a front surface and a back surface, and a horizontal portion protruding from a lower part of the front surface of the vertical portion, wherein the front surface of the vertical portion includes a mounting region. A MEMS die is mounted on the mounting region such that the MEMS die is oriented substantially parallel to the front surface; a lid attached to the front surface of the substrate while covering the MEMS die; and a plurality of leads formed on a bottom surface of the substrate. The leads can extend substantially parallel to one another, and substantially perpendicular to the front surface. The MEMS die can be oriented substantially perpendicular to a PCB substrate on which the package is mounted.
US08692365B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a base substrate; attaching a package stack assembly, having a contact pad, on the base substrate; applying an encapsulation having a cavity with a tapered side directly over the package stack assembly, the contact pad exposed in the cavity; attaching a recessed circuitry unit in the cavity and on the contact pad, a chamber of the cavity formed by the recessed circuitry unit and the tapered side of the cavity; and mounting a thermal structure over the recessed circuitry unit, the cavity, and the encapsulation.
US08692363B2
A disclosed electric part package includes a supporting member that includes a first area in which an electric part is arranged, and a second area in which a first opening is positioned, the second area being isolated from the first area; a resin part provided on the supporting member thereby to cover the electric part arranged in the first area, the resin part including an electric terminal exposed in the first opening of the supporting member; and a wiring structure provided on the resin part, the wiring structure being electrically connected to the electric part and the electric terminal of the resin part.
US08692360B1
According to example configurations herein, a leadframe includes a first conductive strip, a second conductive strip, and a third conductive strip disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to each other. A semiconductor chip substrate includes a first array of switch circuits disposed adjacent and parallel to a second array of switch circuits. Source nodes in switch circuits of the first array are disposed substantially adjacent and substantially parallel to source nodes in switch circuits of the second array. When the semiconductor chip and the leadframe device are combined to form a circuit package, a connectivity interface between the semiconductor chip and conductive strips in the circuit package couples each of the source nodes in switch circuits of the first array and each of the multiple source nodes in switch circuits of the second array to a common conductive strip in the leadframe device.
US08692358B2
A method for forming an image sensor chip package includes: providing a substrate having predetermined scribe lines defined thereon, wherein the predetermined scribe lines define device regions and each of the device regions has at least a device formed therein; disposing a support substrate on a first surface of the substrate; forming at least a spacer layer between the support substrate and the substrate, wherein the spacer layer covers the predetermined scribe lines; forming a package layer on a second surface of the substrate; forming conducting structures on the second surface of the substrate, wherein the conducting structures are electrically connected to the corresponding device in corresponding one of the device regions, respectively; and dicing along the predetermined scribe lines such that the support substrate is removed from the substrate and the substrate is separated into a plurality of individual image sensor chip packages.
US08692357B2
A semiconductor wafer and a method which are capable of reducing chippings or cracks generated during the die sawing process. The semiconductor wafer comprises a plurality of dies formed on the semiconductor wafer in row and column directions and separated from each other by scribe lane areas, and a passivation layer formed on the plurality of dies and the scribe lane areas, wherein a groove structure is formed in the passivation layer. The groove structure includes grooves formed along the scribe lane areas, and corners of the passivation layer at intersections of the grooves being removed.
US08692355B2
A minute capacitance element has a high accuracy capacitance and is resistant to external noises. The minute capacitance element includes: first and second metal electrodes having respective opposite facets facing each other formed on an insulator layer to define a first gap therebetween; and a shield electrode being connectable to an externally applied potential and formed on the insulator layer within the first gap to define a slit confining a synthetic capacitance.
US08692337B2
A device being a micro-system and/or a nano-system which includes a first substrate, having at least one lower electrode and at least one dielectric layer, and includes an intermediate substrate extending across a main plane of the device and including a moving portion. The intermediate substrate is attached, outside the moving portion, by molecular bonding to the first substrate. The moving portion faces at least a portion of the lower electrode. The device also includes an upper substrate, attached to the intermediate substrate. The moving portion is movable between the lower electrode and the upper substrate. The first, intermediate, and upper substrates extend in a plane parallel to the main plane of the device. The lower electrode detects a component of the movement of the moving portion perpendicular to the plane of the device.
US08692332B2
A structure of a strained-silicon transistor includes a PMOS disposed on a substrate, a silicon nitride layer positioned on the PMOS, and a compressive stress film disposed on the silicon nitride layer, wherein the silicon nitride has a stress between −0.1 Gpa and −3.2 Gpa, and the stress of the silicon nitride is smaller than the stress of the compressive stress layer.
US08692324B2
A laterally diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor device includes a substrate having a first conductivity type with a semiconductor layer formed over the substrate. A source region and a drain extension region of the first conductivity type are formed in the semiconductor layer. A body region of a second conductivity type is formed in the semiconductor layer. A conductive gate is formed over a gate dielectric layer that is formed over a channel region. A drain contact electrically connects the drain extension region to the substrate and is laterally spaced from the channel region. The drain contact includes a highly-doped drain contact region formed between the substrate and the drain extension region in the semiconductor layer, wherein a topmost portion of the highly-doped drain contact region is spaced from the upper surface of the semiconductor layer. A source contact electrically connects the source region to the body region.
US08692320B2
Recessed access transistor devices used with semiconductor devices may include gate electrodes having materials with multiple work functions, materials that are electrically isolated from each other and supplied with two or more voltage supplies, or materials that create a diode junction within the gate electrode.
US08692317B2
An SRAM cell using a vertical MISFET is provided, wherein underside source/drain areas of a first access transistor, a first driving transistor and a first load transistor are connected together, and further connected to gates of a second driving transistor and a second load transistor. Underside source/drain areas of a second access transistor, the second driving transistor and the second load transistor are connected together, and further connected to gates of the first driving transistor and the first load transistor. A first arrangement of the first access transistor, the first driving transistor and the first load transistor, and a second arrangement of the second access transistor, the second driving transistor and the second load transistor are symmetric to each other.
US08692306B2
A semiconductor substrate has at least two active regions, each having at least one active device that includes a gate electrode layer, and a shallow trench isolation (STI) region between the active regions. A decoupling capacitor comprises first and second dummy conductive patterns formed in the same gate electrode layer over the STI region. The first and second dummy conductive regions are unconnected to any of the at least one active device. The first dummy conductive pattern is connected to a source of a first potential. The second dummy conductive pattern is connected to a source of a second potential. A dielectric material is provided between the first and second dummy conductive patterns.
US08692291B2
Device structures, design structures, and fabrication methods for passive devices that may be used as electrostatic discharge protection devices in fin-type field-effect transistor integrated circuit technologies. A device structure is formed that includes a well of a first conductivity type in a device region and a doped region of a second conductivity in the well. The device region is comprised of a portion of a device layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The doped region and a first portion of the well define a junction. A second portion of the well is positioned between the doped region and an exterior sidewall of the device region. Another portion of the device layer may be patterned to form fins for fin-type field-effect transistors.
US08692286B2
In some embodiments of the invention, a transparent substrate AlInGaP device includes an etch stop layer that may be less absorbing than a conventional etch stop layer. In some embodiments of the invention, a transparent substrate AlInGaP device includes a bonded interface that may be configured to give a lower forward voltage than a conventional bonded interface. Reducing the absorption and/or the forward voltage in a device may improve the efficiency of the device.
US08692284B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides a manufacturing method of an interposer including: providing a semiconductor substrate having a first surface, a second surface and at least a through hole connecting the first surface to the second surface; electrocoating a polymer layer on the first surface, the second surface and an inner wall of the through hole; and forming a wiring layer on the electrocoating polymer layer, wherein the wiring layer extends from the first surface to the second surface via the inner wall of the through hole. Another embodiment of the present invention provides an interposer.
US08692282B2
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a light emitting diode package including a light emitting diode chip, a lead frame having a chip area on which the light emitting diode chip is arranged, and a package body supporting the lead frame. The lead frame includes a first terminal group arranged at a first side of the chip area and a second terminal group arranged at a second side of the chip area. The first terminal group and the second terminal group each include a first terminal and a second terminal, and in at least one of the first terminal group and the second terminal group, the first terminal is connected to the chip area and the second terminal is separated from the chip area. The first terminal has a first width, the second terminal has a second width, and the first width is different than the second width.
US08692273B2
The present application is to provide a light-emitting device comprising a metal reflective layer; a first transparent conductive oxide layer having a first refractive index; a second transparent conductive oxide layer having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index, and being between the metal reflective layer and the first transparent conductive oxide layer; and a light-emitting stack layer electrically connected to the second transparent conductive oxide layer substantially through the first transparent conductive layer; wherein there is no light absorbing material between the metal reflective layer and the first transparent conductive oxide layer.
US08692265B2
A lighting device is provided. The lighting device comprises a first substrate and a plurality of second substrates. The plurality of second substrates are separately and electrically connected to the first substrate and comprise a light emitting device.
US08692264B2
Provided is a light-emitting element including a semiconductor substrate, an island structure formed on the semiconductor substrate and including at least a current confining layer and p-type and n-type semiconductor layers, a light-emitting thyristor formed in the island structure and having a pnpn structure, and a shift thyristor formed in the island structure and having a pnpn structure, wherein the island structure includes a first side surface having a first depth such that the first side surface does not reach the current confining layer in a formation region of the shift thyristor and a second side surface having a second depth such that the second side surface reaches at least the current confining layer in a formation region of the light-emitting thyristor, and an oxidized region selectively oxidized from the second side surface is formed in the current confining layer in the formation region of the light-emitting thyristor.
US08692261B2
In some embodiments of the invention, a device includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, a third semiconductor layer, and a semiconductor structure comprising a III-nitride light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. The second semiconductor layer is disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer. The third semiconductor layer is disposed between the second semiconductor layer and the light emitting layer. A difference between the in-plane lattice constant of the first semiconductor layer and the bulk lattice constant of the third semiconductor layer is no more than 1%. A difference between the in-plane lattice constant of the first semiconductor layer and the bulk lattice constant of the second semiconductor layer is at least 1%. The third semiconductor layer is at least partially relaxed.
US08692249B2
A semiconductor device comprises a thin film transistor provided over a substrate having an insulating surface, and an electrode penetrating the substrate. The thin film transistor is provided between a first structural body and a second structural body, which has a higher rigidity than the first structural body, which serve as protectors because the structural bodies have resistance to a pressing force such as a tip of a pen or bending stress applied from outside so malfunction due to the pressing force and the bending stress can be prevented.
US08692233B2
The present invention relates to a biomolecule-based electronic device in which the biomolecule with redox potential is directly immobilized on the substrate. The present invention enables to excellently exhibit the capability of a protein-based bio-memory device in which it is preferable to use the substrate on which cysteine-introduced recombinant proteins are effectively immobilized and a self-assembled layer (SAM) is fabricated. It becomes realized that a redox potential is regulated using intrinsic redox potential of the protein dependent on applied voltage. The present invention provides a novel operating method in which three potentials are applied throughout four steps. The present invention has some advantages of fabricating a protein layer in a convenient manner and inducing electron transfer by fundamental electrochemical or electronic operation. The method of this invention is considered as a new concept in the senses that intrinsic electron transfer mechanisms induced by natural-occurring biomolecules are used to develop an information storage device.
US08692227B2
A light-emitting device is disclosed. The light-emitting device comprises an epitaxial structure comprising a lower cladding layer of first conductivity type, an active layer comprising InGaN or AlGaInN on the lower cladding layer, and an upper cladding layer of second conductivity type on the active layer; a tunneling structure on the epitaxial structure comprising a first tunneling layer of second conductivity type with a doping concentration greater than 6×1019/cm3 on the upper cladding layer, and a second tunneling layer of first conductivity type with a doping concentration greater than 6×1019/cm3 on the first tunneling layer; and a current spreading layer of first conductivity type comprising AlInN on the tunneling structure.
US08692223B2
A resistance variable memory device includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; a resistance variable layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and nano particles that are disposed in the resistance variable layer and have a lower dielectric constant than the resistance variable layer.
US08692222B2
A nonvolatile memory element according to the present disclosure includes: a variable resistance element including a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a variable resistance layer which is located between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and has a resistance value that reversibly changes based on an electrical signal applied between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer; and a fixed resistance layer having a predetermined resistance value and stacked together with the variable resistance element. The variable resistance layer includes (i) a first transition metal oxide layer which is oxygen deficient and (ii) a second transition metal oxide layer which has a higher oxygen content atomic percentage than the first transition metal oxide layer. The predetermined resistance value ranges from 70Ω to 1000Ω inclusive.
US08692221B2
A device, system and method for identifying an object. The device comprises an identification badge comprising a surface at least partially reflective to infrared light and having an insignia thereon, and a source of infrared light co-located with the badge and comprising at least one infrared light emitting LED. The source and the badge are both secured to the object and the source is positioned relative to the badge such that the light emitted from the at least one infrared LED falls on the reflective surface.
US08692218B2
An exposure apparatus which draws a pattern on a substrate with a charged particle beam is disclosed. The exposure apparatus includes a blanker which controls, in accordance with a dose pattern including a plurality of pulses, whether to allow a charged particle beam to strike the substrate, and a controller which executes calibration for correcting the dose pattern to obtain a pattern having the target line width.
US08692214B2
An imaging method and apparatus for forming images of substantially the same area on a sample for defect inspection within the area are disclosed. The disclosed method includes line-scanning the charged particle beam over the area to form a plurality of n*Y scan lines by repeatedly forming a group of n scan lines for Y times. During the formation of each group of n scan lines, an optical beam is, from one line scan to another, selectively illuminated on the area prior to or simultaneously with scanning of the charged particle beam. In addition, during the formation of each group of n scan lines, a condition of illumination of the optical beam selectively changes from one line scan to another. The conditions at which individual n scan lines are formed are repeated for the formation of all Y groups of scan lines.
US08692213B2
One or more techniques and/or systems are described herein for handling an examination surface for radiology or other operations. That is, an examination surface support structure can be integrally coupled with a support component of a radiology apparatus so that an examination surface and an object optionally placed thereon are supported during an operation. An examination surface transport component can be docked with an examination surface docking component that is operably coupled with the examination surface support structure so that the examination surface can be exchanged between the transport component and the radiology apparatus. An examination surface transit component that is operably coupled with the examination surface support structure can engage the examination surface in order to move the examination surface into and out of an operation region of the apparatus, such as during a scanning or dosage operation.
US08692212B1
A digitizer system includes a substrate with indicia having photoluminescent features that uniquely define local areas of the substrate. A sensor device, such as a stylus, may sense radiation emitted from the features, and a controller may determine therefrom the location of the stylus relative to the substrate.
US08692210B2
An apparatus and method for modifying the organoleptic properties of a beverage, such as wine in a bottle, said apparatus having a least one light-source, said light-source applying peak wavelengths at intensities and time durations optimal for modifying said beverage's organoleptic properties with a highly reflective inner surface, a translucent air flow baffle, a translucent liquid barrier, and a controlled oxygen concentration in the bottle headspace.
US08692209B2
A UV disinfection system for waste water and drinking water, includes a number of UV radiators arranged in cladding tubes, the cladding tubes being configured essentially symmetrically to a longitudinal axis, as well as a cleaning device for the cladding tubes. The cleaning device includes at least one cleaning ring for each cladding tube, which surrounds the cladding tube, the at least one cleaning ring having a scraper ring resting against the cladding tube, at least one drive for driving the cleaning ring in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and supply provisions for supplying pressurized fluid under elevated pressure from a pressure source to the scraper ring are provided, wherein pressure may be applied onto the scraper ring from the pressure source in the direction of the cladding tube.
US08692207B2
A scintillator-photosensor sandwich is generated by gluing a first support frame onto an adhesive layer (covered with a protective film on the side facing the adhesive layer, the first frame having a size that (in terms of area) surrounds the scintillator-photosensor sandwich to be produced. The first support frame is placed onto a flat base that supports a first function layer (either a scintillator layer or a photosensor layer). The adhesive layer supported on the first support frame and the first function layer are laminarly assembled. The protective film is removed from the adhesive layer and a second function layer (the other of the scintillator layer or the photosensor layer not used as the first function layer) is assembled with the first function layer with the interposed adhesive layer.
US08692204B2
One embodiment disclosed relates a method of detecting a patterned electron beam. The patterned electron beam is focused onto a grating with a pattern that has a same pitch as the patterned electron beam. Electrons of the patterned electron beam that pass through the grating un-scattered are detected. Another embodiment relates to focusing the patterned electron beam onto a grating with a pattern that has a second pitch that is different than a first pitch of the patterned electron beam. Electrons of the patterned electron beam that pass through the grating form a Moiré pattern that is detected using a position-sensitive detector. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
US08692202B2
System flow path designs that minimize the impact of gas diffusion sources and sinks. By reducing the magnitude of parasitic sources and sinks, lower rates of photosynthesis and transpiration can be more accurately measured, e.g., without the need for extensive empirical compensation. The gas exchange analysis system includes a sample chamber having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the internal surface(s) of the chamber defining the measurement volume are metal plated. The system also typically includes a source of gas coupled with the inlet of the sample chamber, and a gas analyzer coupled with the outlet of the sample chamber and configured to measure a concentration of one or more gases exiting the chamber, whereby the metal plated internal surface(s) of the chamber reduces sorption of the one or more gases within the chamber.
US08692194B2
The present invention provides an electron microscope device, comprising a scanning electron microscope 2 and an optical microscope 3, wherein the scanning electron microscope has scanning means 10 for scanning an electron beam and an electron detector 12 for detecting electron 11 issued from a specimen 8 scanned over by the electron beam, and the scanning electron microscope acquires a scanning electron image based on a detection result from the electron detector, the optical microscope has a light emitting source 13 for illuminating an illumination light, and the optical microscope illuminates the illumination light to the specimen, and acquires an optical image by receiving a reflection light from the specimen, and wherein the electron detector has a fluorescent substance layer for electron-light conversion, a wavelength filter for restricting so that all or almost all of wavelength ranges of the fluorescent light from the fluorescent substance layer passes through, and a wavelength detecting element for receiving the fluorescent light passing through the wavelength filter and performing optical-electric conversion, wherein the light amount of the illumination light in the wavelength range passing through the wavelength filter does not exceed a limit of deterioration of the scanning electron image.
US08692180B2
The present invention relates to a readout circuit for a touch sensor which can increase touch sensing sensitivity regardless of a process variation and a driving voltage of the touch sensor.The readout circuit includes a comparative circuit for setting an input range of a readout signal from the readout line as well as scaling the readout signal to be a required driving range and forwarding the readout signal scaled thus as a touch sensing signal, and an analog to digital converter for converting the touch sensing signal from the comparative circuit as a digital sensing signal and forwarding the digital sensing signal.
US08692166B2
A device for heating a substrate with light from a flash lamp having a semiconductor switch connected in series to the flash lamp. After triggering of a trigger electrode of the flash lamp, a first drive signal and a second drive signal are output from a gate circuit. The time period when the semiconductor switch is on due to the second drive signal is longer than the time period that the semiconductor switch is on by the first drive signal. Then, the semiconductor switch is switched on and off by the first drive signal and the substrate temperature is increased to a temperature, which is lower than the desired temperature to be targeted, and is maintained a that temperature for a short time, after which the surface temperature of the substrate is increased to the desired target temperature.
US08692165B2
A beverage apparatus is provided for heating a liquid and is operable either by foreign or domestic voltages. The apparatus may have a heating element that couples directly to the voltage source, regardless of whether the voltage source is foreign or domestic. The apparatus also may have a power supply that couples directly to the voltage source, regardless of whether the voltage source is foreign or domestic. The power supply outputs a DC voltage that may be coupled to various other components of the apparatus either directly or after subsequent processing.
US08692158B2
Portable weld cooling systems include a plurality of weld cooling instruments operable to combine to provide cool air to a weld area created by a weld fusion machine, and a portable cabinet comprising a transportation section and a storage section, the transportation section operable to facilitate the movement of the portable cabinet and the storage section being configured to store the plurality of weld cooling instruments when the portable cabinet is moved, wherein one or more of the plurality of weld cooling instruments may be removed from the storage section when combined to provide cool air.
US08692141B2
An integral weighing device for determining whether the weight of a luggage container and its contents exceed a maximum allowable amount simply by suspending the container by its handle. If the container weighs more than a set amount the integral weighing device provides a visual cue that the container exceeds the predefined weight. The integral weighing device comprises a torsion spring mounted within a housing, and a cord attached to each end of the torsion spring and fed via a guide-way through and out of the housing to an externally accessible grip handle. An indicator arm is rotationally mounted to the housing. When a person lifts the luggage by the grip handle the force is transferred to the torsion spring causing angular deflection toward the indicator arm. If the container exceeds the set weight the indicator arm provides a visual cue that the bag exceeds the predetermined weight.
US08692134B2
An electrical connection includes a first wire bonded to adjacent bond pads proximate to an edge of a die and a second wire having one end bonded to a die bond pad distal to the die edge and a second end bonded to a lead finger of a lead frame or a connection pad of a substrate. The second wire crosses and is supported by the first wire. The first wire acts as a brace that prevents the second wire from touching the edge of the die. The first wire also prevents the second wire from excessive lateral movement during encapsulation.
US08692132B2
A method for manufacturing a multilayered printed circuit board including forming a first insulating resin substrate having a metal layer substantially corresponding to dimensions of a semiconductor device, forming a second insulating resin substrate, forming a recess extending to the metal layer of the first insulating resin substrate such that a surface of the metal layer is exposed, accommodating the semiconductor device in the recess such that the semiconductor device is mounted on the surface of the metal layer, and forming a resin insulating layer on the first insulating resin substrate such that the semiconductor device accommodated in the recess is covered.
US08692131B2
This invention is directed to a polymer thick film conductive composition that may be used in applications where thermoforming of the base substrate occurs, e.g., as in capacitive switches. Polycarbonate substrates are often used as the substrate and the polymer thick film conductive composition may be used without any barrier layer. Thermoformable electric circuits benefit from the presence of an encapsulant layer over the dried polymer thick film conductive composition. The electrical circuit is subsequently subjected to an injection molding process.
US08692129B2
A printed wiring board includes an interlayer insulation layer, first pads positioned to mount a semiconductor element and forming a first pad group on the insulation layer, second pads forming a second pad group on the insulation layer and positioned along a peripheral portion of the first group, a first solder-resist layer formed on the insulation layer and having first openings exposing the first pads, respectively, and second openings exposing the second pads, respectively, conductive posts formed on the second pads through the second openings of the first solder-resist layer, respectively, and a second solder-resist layer formed on the first solder-resist layer and having a third opening exposing the first pads and fourth openings exposing surfaces of the posts, respectively. The second openings have a diameter greater than a diameter of the posts, and the second solder-resist layer is filling gaps formed between the second openings and the posts.
US08692128B2
A printed circuit board, comprises an insulative substrate, a grounding layer located on a surface of the insulative substrate and defining a through slot, a plurality of conductive pins located on an outer surface of the printed circuit board; and a fence layer located between the conductive path and the grounding layer. Each conductive pin defines at least a soldering portion. The soldering portion is alignment to the through slot along a vertical direction.
US08692127B2
The present invention relates to a terminal structure. The terminal structure includes: a terminal having: a conductor layer containing at least one metal selected from gold, silver, and copper; a first layer containing nickel and phosphorus, laid on the conductor layer; a second layer having a smaller atomic ratio of nickel to phosphorus than the first layer and containing Ni3P, laid on the first layer; a third layer containing a first intermetallic compound of an Ni—P—Sn type, laid on the second layer; and a fourth layer containing a second intermetallic compound of an Ni—Cu—Sn type, laid on the third layer; and a solder layer on the fourth layer of the terminal. Ra2 is larger than Ra1, where Ra1 is a surface roughness of the third layer on the second layer side and Ra2 is a surface roughness of the third layer on the fourth layer side.
US08692120B2
The present invention relates to an electrical control cable of the type comprising a core having a plurality of polymer filaments, a plurality of strands of conductor material extending in the longitudinal direction of said core, an outer insulating sheath. According to the invention, said strands are distributed uniformly and concentrically over the periphery of said core, in contact with one another in pairs and in contact with said core, and the filaments of said core are secured to one another to form a non-metallic unitary structure that is obtained by organizing said filaments into a plurality of subassemblies, the filaments in any one subassembly being twisted together helically, the subassemblies in turn being twisted with one another to form an overall helix. Advantage: the cable uses a limited number of copper strands while guaranteeing that crimping operations are reliable.
US08692116B2
A guarded coaxial cable assembly includes a micro-coaxial cable and an adjacent structure for protecting the micro-coaxial cable.
US08692115B2
Electric submersible well pumping systems operable in well temperatures of above about 180° C. (356° F.) utilize high temperature electrical insulation. The electrical insulation includes E-base polyimide films or perfluoropolymer TE films on various components. The insulation films are employed around magnet wires that are threaded through slots in the stator. Slot insulation of E-base polyimide or perfluoropolymer TE film surrounds the magnet wires in the stator slots. Sheets of E-base polyimide or perfluoropolymer TE film extend around and between phase loops of the magnet wire at the lower end of the stator. The motor contains a PAO oil having additives to dissipate acid generated by epoxy used in the motor.
US08692114B1
A wiring harness conduit shield assembly that provides shield continuity for a transition from one or more main wire bundle conduits into two or more wire bundle conduit branches. The assembly includes a pre-branch shield sock disposed over at least one main wire bundle conduit and two or more post-branch shield socks, one each disposed around each of the wire bundle conduit branches. An interconnect ring is coaxially disposed around the main wire bundle conduit at the branching point, and the post-branch shield socks have a tail portion that is disposed over the outer surface of the interconnect ring. The pre-branch shield sock is likewise disposed over the interconnect ring, overlapping the tail portions, and a retaining ring is tightly placed over both to clamp them onto the interconnect ring in metal-to-metal contact with one another so as to create shield continuity between the pre-branch shield sock and the post-branch shield socks.
US08692112B2
An organic thin film solar cell comprises: positive and negative electrode layers; and an organic thin film layer disposed between the positive and negative electrode layers, the organic thin film layer including: a mixture of at least a first organic compound having a light-absorbing dye moiety and an electron-accepting second organic compound, in which the organic thin film layer further includes inorganic nanoparticles.
US08692110B2
Solar cells include bus bars and high aspect-ratio gridlines that are printed on a substrate, and localized melting is induced to slump or flatten the gridline “vertex” portions that are disposed on the bus bars, while maintaining the high aspect-ratio of gridlines portions disposed on the substrate between the bus bars. The localized melting process is induced using one of several disclosed methods, such as rheological melting in which the two printed inks produce a compound that is relatively liquid. Localized melting is also induced using a deliquescing material (e.g., a flux or a solvent film) that is applied to the bus bar or gridline material. Also, eutectic melting is induced using a processing temperature that is between a melting point of the combined gridline/bus bar inks and the individual melting points of the inks alone. Laser-based melting and the use of copolymers is also disclosed.
US08692099B2
A musical workstation system produces a display presentation in one of a musical composition responsive to musical composition data and responsive to one or both of input variables and a selected operating mode. The system is comprised of (1) means to provide the musical composition data (such as local storage (ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, hard disk etc.), or via a communications interface to an external device (such as another music workstation, a master controller, a computer), a memory, a selection subsystem, a controller, and a display subsystem. The memory selectively stores the received original musical compositions. The selection subsystem determines a selected operating mode and display format. The controller, responsive to the selection subsystem, provides means for selectively controlling the storing of the musical composition data in memory and selectively processing (e.g. altering) the stored musical composition data responsive to the selected operating mode and the input variables to produce a particular one of a plurality of processed results, such as external communications, operating, mode, transformation to derivative musical compositions, etc. The music workstation can coordinate communications, or be a slave device, with one or more external devices, such as other music workstations, a master workstation, a controller, etc. The display system provides for selection of original compositions, creation of derivative compositions, distribution of compositions, monitoring of each performer's performance, group virtual performances, and also allows for local and distributed retrieval and editing of musical compositions.
US08692094B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH162086. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH162086, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH162086 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH162086.
US08692090B1
A novel maize variety designated X08C970 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08C970 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08C970 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08C970, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08C970. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08C970.
US08692086B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH165218. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH165218, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH165218 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH165218.
US08692061B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH548933. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH548933, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH548933 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH548933.
US08692059B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH409624. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH409624, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH409624 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH409624.
US08692057B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH244692. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH244692, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH244692 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH244692.
US08692056B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH199546. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH199546 , and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH199546 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH199546.
US08692055B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH218560. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH218560, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH218560 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH218560.
US08692054B2
The present invention is in the field of plant breeding and genetics, particularly as it pertains to the genus, Glycine. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for screening soybean plants containing one or more quantitative trait loci for disease resistance, species of Glycine having such loci and methods for breeding for and screening of Glycine with such loci. The invention further relates to the use of exotic germplasm in a breeding program.
US08692052B2
A mouse with a humanization of the mIL-3 gene and the mGM-CSF gene, a knockout of a mRAG gene, and a knockout of a mII2rg subunit gene; and optionally a humanization of the TPO gene is described. A RAG/II2rg KO/hTPO knock-in mouse is described. A mouse engrafted with human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that maintains a human immune cell (HIC) population derived from the HSCs and that is infectable by a human pathogen, e.g., S. typhi or M. tuberculosis is described. A mouse that models a human pathogen infection that is poorly modeled in mice is described, e.g., a mouse that models a human mycobacterial infection, wherein the mouse develops one or more granulomas comprising human immune cells. A mouse that comprises a human hematopoietic malignancy that originates from an early human hematopoietic cells is described, e.g., a myeloid leukemia or a myeloproliferative neoplasia.
US08692051B2
Methods for treating neurological diseases and for testing Caloric Restriction (CR) mimetics or CR mimetic candidates. In one exemplary method, a CR mimetic candidate is administered to a transgenic animal and the effects of the administering are determined; the transgenic animal includes an added gene from another type of animal or a modified gene which is designed to produce a disease or ailment of another type of animal, and the method seeks to determine whether the CR mimetic candidate improves the disease or ailment. Methods relating to neurological disease and other methods relating to CR mimetic testing are also described.
US08692049B2
The present invention relates to a process consists of the hydrolytic decomposition of the polychlorinated hydrocarbons: of polychlorinated aliphatics and especially of polychlorinated aromatics and oxidizing the chlorine-free product at elevated temperature in the presence of a carrier gas in one unit characterized by a hot and a transitional temperature zone, whereby the calcium chloride and the exiting gas mixture are removed continuously and the excess heat of the highly exothermic process is utilized.The present invention also relates to an apparatus for the process which is carried out in an Apparatus of FIG. 1.
US08692043B2
A process for producing aromatic hydrocarbons which comprises (a) contacting ethane with a dehyroaromatization aromatic catalyst which is comprised of 0.005 to 0.1% wt platinum, an amount of iron which is equal to or greater than the amount of the platinum, from 10 to 99.9% wt of an aluminosilicate, and a binder, and (b) separating methane, hydrogen, and C2-5 hydrocarbons from the reaction products of step (a) to produce aromatic reaction products including benzene.
US08692036B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane (DMNB), which includes the following steps: (1) making titanium-silicate molecular sieve catalyst, acetone, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia contact and react at 65-80° C. to obtain a modified titanium-silicate molecular sieve catalyst; and (2-1) making acetone oxime and hydrogen peroxide contact and react in the presence of the modified titanium-silicate molecular sieve catalyst and water under the conditions of temperature of 60-90° C. and pH of 8-10, and separating DMNB from the reaction products thereof; or (2-2) making acetone, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide contact and react in the presence of the modified titanium-silicate molecular sieve catalyst and water under the conditions of temperature of 60-90° C. and pH of 8-10, and separating DMNB from the reaction products thereof. By the method provided by the present invention, DMNB can be prepared without having to use dangerous chemicals, such as 2-nitropropane, NaH and the like.
US08692031B2
A method for preparing a compound having formula (II) wherein R1 and R2 independently are methyl or ethyl, or R1 and R2 combine to form a C5 or C6 cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group. The method includes a step of combining R1R2CHNO2, glutaraldehyde and an amine. The compound is useful in coating compositions and other applications for pH adjustment.
US08692030B1
A method of making a biobased-petrochemical hybrid polyol is provided. This method includes reacting a cyclic ether with a vegetable oil-based polyol in the presence of a cationic catalyst or a coordinative catalyst that includes a vegetable oil-based polyol ligand to form the biobased-petrochemical hybrid polyol. The biobased-petrochemical hybrid polyol that is created has a number average molecular weight of about 3,000 to about 6,000 and has a structure that is about 22% to about 36% biobased. In one aspect of the present invention, the cyclic ether is propylene oxide, and the propoxylated polyol formed from the propylene oxide and vegetable oil-based polyol is then reacted with ethylene oxide in the presence of a superacid catalyst to create a block copolymer with a terminal polyethylene oxide block having a high percentage of terminal primary hydroxyl groups. If the cyclic ether is a homogeneous mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, then propylene oxide-ethylene oxide random copolymers are formed by polyaddition to vegetable oil polyols. The biobased-petrochemical hybrid polyol may be reacted with an isocyanate so as to create a flexible polyurethane that has good hydrolytic resistance.
US08692027B2
Use of a unique supramolecular assembly of a pyridylphosphine ligand and a metal centered porphyrin complex is shown to give unprecedented selectivities to branched aldehydes via rhodium catalyzed hydroformylation of unsubstituted linear alpha-olefins such as propylene and 1-octene. Increasing the syngas pressure is shown to have a beneficial effect on branched aldehyde selectivity as is increasing the ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen used in the hydroformylation reaction.
US08692016B2
The present invention relates to a process for the phosgenation of amines in the gas phase, in which a specific type of heat exchanger is used for vaporizing the amines.
US08692014B2
The present invention provides an acid addition salt of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or of a 5-ALA derivative (e.g. a 5-ALA ester) with an acid which has a pKa of about 5 or less, preferably about 3 or less, with the proviso that the acid is other than hydrochloric acid. Particularly preferred salts are those derived from acids selected from the group comprising sulphonic acid and its derivatives, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and phosphoric acid. The salts in accordance with the invention are particularly suitable for use as photosensitizing agents in diagnosis and photochemotherapy of disorders or abnormalities of external or internal surfaces of the body.
US08692013B2
A process for making bis(aryloxyalkyl)terephthalates useful as antiplasticizers for thermoplastic polyesters is disclosed. Dimethyl terephthalate is reacted with an excess of an aryloxyalkanol in the presence of a condensation catalyst to produce an intermediate mixture comprising a bis(aryloxyalkyl)terephthalate, a mono(aryloxyalkyl)terephthalate, and unreacted aryloxyalkanol. This mixture continues to react at reduced pressure while unreacted aryloxyalkanol is removed and the mono-ester content is reduced to less than 1 mole % based on the combined amounts of mono- and bis-esters. Both steps are performed substantially in the absence of oxygen. Additional unreacted aryloxyalkanol is then removed to provide a purified bis(aryloxyalkyl)terephthalate having an overall purity of at least 98 mole % and a yellowness index less than 10. Careful control over catalysis, exposure to air, and other process conditions enables the preparation of high yields of bis(aryloxyalkyl)terephthalates that have low color and other valuable attributes. A method of producing bis(aryloxyalkyl)terephthalate articles having improved compressive strength is also disclosed.
US08692010B1
Disclosed are synthesis methods to produce copper bis-ketoiminate and copper bis-ketiminate compounds.
US08692003B2
The present invention relates to compounds with an increased in vivo biological activity, and especially an increased pharmaceutical activity, such as an anti-nematodal or antifungal activity, an immunosuppresive activity, a metabolism influencing activity and/or an anti-cancer activity. Specifically, the present invention relates to compound comprising an artemisinin derivative according to the general formula (I) covalently linked at the 1 or the 2 position to a compound with a biological activity thereby increasing the biological activity of said compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08692000B2
Compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 to R8, and X− are defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of making and using these compounds.
US08691990B2
Compounds of formula (I): in which: X, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the disclosure, or an acid addition salt thereof; and therapeutic use thereof.
US08691988B2
Compounds comprising phosphorescent metal complexes comprising cyclometallated imidazo[1,2-f]phenanthridine and diimidazo[1,2-a:1′,2′-c]quinazoline ligands, or isoelectronic or benzannulated analogs thereof, are described. Organic light emitting diode devices comprising these compounds are also described.
US08691986B2
Azetidine and piperidine compounds of formula (I): as defined in the specification, compositions containing them, and processes for preparing such compounds and intermediates thereof. Provided herein also are methods of treating cognitive disorders or diseases treatable by inhibition of PDE10, such as Huntington's Disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the like.
US08691980B2
A latent fluorophore is derived from salicylic acid, and containing a fluorogenic group and a moiety represented by formula I wherein the fluorogenic group is directly linked to the moiety of formula I or indirectly linked thereto via a linkage structure. In addition, a method of preparing a latent fluorophore, a method of using the same and a kit containing the same are also introduced.
US08691977B2
Chemical entities which are triterpenoid derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of inflammatory, neurodegenerative, neoplastic and autoimmune diseases are described.
US08691970B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a useful and novel phosphoramidite compound for the synthesis of oligo-RNA.A phosphoramidite compound represented by general formula (1), wherein: BX represents a nucleobase optionally having a protecting group; and R1 is a substituent represented by general formula (2), wherein: R11, R12 and R13 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or alkoxy; R2a and R2b are the same or different and each represents alkyl, or R2a and R2b taken together with the adjacent nitrogen atom may form a 5- to 6-membered saturated amino cyclic group, the amino cyclic group optionally having an oxygen or sulfur atom as a ring-composing member in addition to the adjacent nitrogen atom; and WG1 and WG2 are the same or different and each represents an electron-withdrawing group.
US08691964B2
The invention relates to an ex vivo method for expanding monocytes, macrophages or dendritic cells, which method comprises inhibiting the expression or the activity of MafB and c-Maf in monocytes, macrophages or dendritic cells; and expanding the cells in the presence of at least one cytokine or an agonist of cytokine receptor signaling.
US08691958B2
Methods for enhancing expression levels, secretion, and purification of heterologous fusion proteins in a host cell are disclosed.
US08691951B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a Type I-Type IV collagen hybrid gel, which maintains characteristics of a Type IV collagen and is superior in gel strength. It is the Type I-Type IV collagen hybrid gel obtained by mixing 100 to 500 parts by mass of the Type I collagen having fibrosis ability, relative to 100 parts by mass of the Type IV collagen having gelling ability. A three-dimensional structure is formed, where a membrane-like substance by the Type IV collagen is formed onto a fibrous substance by the Type I collagen, so as to be able to provide cell culture environment approximate to a basement membrane of a living body.
US08691949B2
The present invention provides a composition (a blood glucose increase inhibitor) that has an effect of lowering blood glucose level in a hyperglycemic patient and that is therefore used to reduce blood glucose level in the patient. The present invention further provides a composition that is used to prevent or treat diseases caused by hyperglycemia, in particular, diabetes and diabetic complications (a composition for preventing or treating diseases caused by hyperglycemia, an antidiabetic), based on the above-mentioned effect. A feature of the present invention is using a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of Leu-Ser-Glu-Leu as an active ingredient.
US08691938B2
Compounds effective in inhibiting replication of Hepatitis C virus (“HCV”) are described. This invention also relates to processes of making such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds to treat HCV infection.
US08691930B2
A polymer represented by Formula 1 below: wherein functional groups and n are defined as in the specification.
US08691927B2
Provided are a vinyl chloride-based resin formed by polymerization of vinyl chloride-based small seed particles having an average particle diameter range of 0.15 μm to 0.5 μm prepared by emulsion polymerization and vinyl chloride-based large seed particles having an average particle diameter range of 0.51 μm to 0.8 μm prepared by micro-suspension polymerization, in which a content ratio (weight ratio) of the large seed particles to the small seed particles is in a range of 1 to 2, and a method of preparing the vinyl chloride-based resin. Excellent low viscosity characteristics of the vinyl chloride resin at high and low shear rates may be obtained by controlling the particle size of the small seed prepared by emulsion polymerization.
US08691921B2
The present invention provides a polyurethane which is non-sticky, exhibits superior handling properties and superior moldability, and has superior adhesive properties with silicones even if a surface activation treatment is not carried out beforehand. The polyurethane of the present invention contains polyol units and organic polyisocyanate units. The polyol units contain an alkenyl group-containing organopolysiloxane structure in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 20% by weight with respect to the weight of the aforementioned polyurethane.
US08691919B2
A simple procedure is provided by which the hydroxyl termini of poly(ethylene oxide) can be appended with functional groups to a useful extent by reaction and precipitation. The polymer is dissolved in warmed toluene, treated with an excess of organic base and somewhat less of an excess of a reactive acylating reagent, reacted for several hours, then precipitated in isopropanol so that the product can be isolated as a solid, and salt byproducts are washed away. This procedure enables functionalization of the polymer while not requiring laborious purification steps such as solvent-solvent extraction or dialysis to remove undesirable side products.
US08691917B2
Compositions comprising ionomers and imidized acrylic resins are disclosed. Articles prepared from the compositions exhibit improved heat resistance properties such as increased Vicat temperature, increased stiffness/modulus at room temperature and elevated temperatures below the ionomer's melting point, and increased upper use temperature at a given stiffness over those of ionomers alone.
US08691908B2
The present disclosure is related to a carbon-nanomaterial-supported catalyst, including: a carbon nanomaterial, and a polymer grafted onto the carbon nanomaterial, wherein the polymer has a repeat unit containing a phosphonium salt and its molecular weight is 1,000-200,000. The disclosure is also related to a method of preparing carbonate, which includes using the carbon nanomaterial-supported catalyst for the cycloaddition reaction of carbon dioxide into the epoxy group.
US08691898B2
It is an object to provide a resin composition in which fluidity is conferred while maintaining the high heat resistance of a highly heat-resistant non-crystalline resin, an amount of foreign matter is greatly reduced, there is no mold deposit, the metering stability is excellent, and the transparency is also good, and a resin composition in which good heat resistance and fluidity are both achieved, the amount of foreign matter is reduced, generation of fines is reduced, and there is no bleeding out. According to the present invention, there is provided a resin composition comprising; (A) a resin component comprising 70 to 100% by weight of at least one resin selected from the group consisting of a polyphenylene ether resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polysulfone resin, a polyethersulfone resin, a polyarylate resin, a polyamide-imide resin, a polyetherimide resin, and a thermoplastic polyimide resin; and (B) an organic compound having a melting point of not less than 200° C., the organic compound being from 0.1 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the resin component (A).
US08691897B2
Compositions comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, e.g., a polyurethane, a nitrogen and/or phosphorus-based, intumescent flame retardant, e.g., a polyphosphate, a non-phosphorus-based burn synergist, e.g., carbon black or a metal oxide, and an optional olefin polymer, EVA are provided. Color-stable, halogen-free, flame retardant compositions comprising a thermoplastic elastomer polymer, a phosphorus-based flame retardant, at least 3 weight percent TiO2 and a UV stabilizer are also provided.
US08691896B2
Disclosed is a polymer foam with density in the range from 5 to 120 kg/m3 composed of a polymer component including at least one styrene polymer and from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of a flame retardant mixture including at least one phosphorus compound of the formula PR1R2R3. A process for producing the polymer is also disclosed.
US08691895B2
A flame-retardant, optically clear thermoplastic molding composition is disclosed. The composition contains aromatic polycarbonate resin, a bromine-substituted carbonate oligomer, a phosphorous containing compound and an inorganic salt of perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid in amounts effective to impart to the composition flame resistance that in accordance with UL-94-5V standard is rated A at 3.00 mm and V-0 at 1.5 mm.
US08691894B2
This invention relates to the preparation of polyamide block copolymers by sequential monomer addition. More particularly, it relates to catalysts capable of copolymerizing not only cyclic amides, but other monomers such as cyclic esters and epoxides as well, using sequential addition so as to produce useful and novel block copolymers.
US08691893B2
A method of making a biodegradable composite is carried out by: (a) providing an aqueous mixture comprising partially hydrolyzed cellulose in a dissolution media; (b) providing a solution comprising a aliphatic polyester in a polar organic solvent; (c) combining the mixture with the solution to form a precipitate; (d) washing the precipitate with water to remove solvent and dissolution media and form a wet biodegradable composite; and then (e) drying the wet biodegradable composite to form a dry biodegradable composite. Composites made from the method are also described.
US08691887B2
Antimicrobial compositions and methods are disclosed. The antimicrobial compositions are particularly useful in providing antimicrobial capability to a wide-range of medical devices. In one aspect, the invention relates to a mild solvent coating using acrylate-type mild solution coating. These compositions include rheological modifiers as necessary. The compositions also include antimicrobial agents, which may be selected from a wide array of agents. Representative antimicrobial agents include cetyl pyridium chloride, cetrimide, alexidine, chlorexidine diacetate, benzalkonium chloride, and o-phthalaldehyde. Additionally, the compositions comprise one or more suitable mild solvents, such as a low molecular weight alcohol, alkane, ketone, and combinations thereof.
US08691881B2
This invention relates to a process for the conversion of carbon containing feedstock to a liquid chemical product, particularly a liquid fuel product, wherein carbon dioxide emissions are minimized.
US08691879B2
The present invention is directed to the use of one or more rebaudioside C polymorphs, or stereoisomers thereof, to enhance the sweet taste of a flavoring, such as glucosylated steviol glycoside, rebaudioside A, ammoniated glycyrrhizin, neohespherdin dihydrochalcone or thaumatin.
US08691865B2
The present application relates to calcium channel inhibitors containing compounds of formula (I) wherein L1, L2, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the specification. The present application also relates to compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions.
US08691861B2
This invention provides new pharmaceutically useful compounds that are prodrugs of inhibitors of plasma kallikrein and methods and compositions for preventing or treating plasma kallikrein dependent diseases or conditions, such as diabetic macular edema or hemorrhagic stroke, by administering prodrugs of the formula:
US08691860B2
The present invention relates to a novel crystals of 5-({[2-amino-3-(4-carbamoyl-2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-propionyl]-[1-(4-phenyl-1h-imidazol-2-yl)-ethyl]-amino}-methyl)-2-methoxy-benzoic acid and methods of making the zwitterion of 5-({[2-amino-3-(4-carbamoyl-2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-propionyl]-[1-(4-phenyl-1h-imidazol-2-yl)-ethyl]-amino}-methyl)-2-methoxy-benzoic acid.
US08691847B2
Novel benzamide compounds including their pharmaceutically acceptable isomers, salts, hydrates, solvates and prodrug derivatives having activity against mammalian factor Xa are described. Compositions containing such compounds are also described. The compounds and compositions are useful in vitro or in vivo for preventing or treating coagulation disorders.
US08691845B2
The present invention relates to nordihydroguaiaretic acid derivative compounds, namely, butane bridge modified nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) compounds and butane bridge modified tetra-O-substituted NDGA compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods of making them, and methods of using them and kits including them for the treatment of diseases and disorders, in particular, diseases resulting from or associated with a virus infection, such as HIV infection, HPV infection, or HSV infection, an inflammatory disease, such as various types of arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, or a proliferative disease, such as diverse types of cancers.
US08691841B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nACh receptors), activation of nACh receptors, and the treatment of disease conditions associated with defective or malfunctioning nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, especially of the brain. Further, this invention relates to novel compounds (e.g., indazoles and benzothiazoles), which act as ligands for the α7 nACh receptor subtype, methods of preparing such compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and methods of use thereof.
US08691835B2
A composition is provided having the formula where R1 in each occurrence is independently H or a C1-C4 hydrocarbon; R3 is H, and R4 is a moiety capable of crossing the blood brain barrier selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid, a peptide, transferrin, gluconate, lactate, citrate, malate, fumarate, benzoate, salicylate, pyruvate and propionate. The composition includes 4-aminopyridine and a transporter species which allows for improved transport of the aminopyridine across the blood brain barrier thereby reducing systemic side effects of aminopyridine administration.
US08691833B2
Disclosed are compounds of the formula I or a stereoisomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein each variable in Formula 1 are as defined in the specification; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula I. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting aspartyl protease, and in particular, the methods of treating cardiovascular diseases, cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases, and the methods of inhibiting of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, plasmepins, cathepsin D and protozoal enzymes. Also disclosed are methods of treating cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases using the compounds of formula I in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor or a muscarinic m1 agonist or m2 antagonist.
US08691826B2
Compounds of formula (I): are useful as inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase.
US08691815B2
The invention relates to novel oxindol derivative of general formula (I), wherein substituents R1, R2, A, B and Y are such as defined in a claim 1. Drugs containing said derivatives and the use thereof for preventing and/or treating vassopress-and/or oxytocin-dependent-diseases are also disclosed.
US08691807B2
The present invention provides azetidinyl phenyl, pyridyl, or pyrazinyl carboxamide derivatives, as well as their compositions and methods of use, that modulate the activity of Janus kinase (JAKs) and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to the activity of JAK including, for example, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
US08691806B2
The invention provides compounds of the formula (I) having protein kinase B inhibiting activity: Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, methods for preparing the compounds and their use as anticancer agents.
US08691803B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of carbapenem antibiotic compounds, which are useful for intravenous and intramuscular administration.
US08691801B2
Manzamine compounds have been discovered to decrease cell dissociation and cell migration associated with the metastatic potential of cancer cells and a restoration of cancer cell susceptibility to agents, such as TRAIL, which can induce apoptosis. Specifically, Manzamine A has a formerly unrecognized utility in both blocking tumor cell invasion and tumor metastasis as well in restoring cancer cell susceptibility to standard chemotherapeutic agents which induce apoptosis and, therefore, has utility in treating cancer.
US08691800B2
Use of a compound for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a bacterial infection provided that the bacterial infection is other than a Mycobacterial infection, said compound being a compound of Formula (Ia) or (Ib) a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salt thereof, a quaternary amine thereof, a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, a tautomeric form thereof or a N-oxide form thereof, wherein R1 is hydrogen, halo, haloalkyl, cyano, hydroxy, Ar, Het, alkyl, alkyloxy, alkylthio, alkyloxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, Ar-alkyl or di(Ar)alkyl; p is 1, 2, 3 or 4; R2 is hydrogen, hydroxy, thio, alkyloxy, alkyloxyalkyloxy, alkylthio, mono or di(alkyl)amino or a radical of formula R3 is alkyl, Ar, Ar-alkyl, Het or Het-alkyl; R4 is hydrogen, alkyl or benzyl; R5 is hydrogen, halo, haloalkyl, hydroxy, Ar, alkyl, alkyloxy, alkylthio, alkyloxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, Ar-alkyl or di(Ar)alkyl; or two vicinal R5 radicals may be taken together to form together with the phenyl ring to which they are attached a naphthyl; r is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; R6 is hydrogen, alkyl, Ar or Het; R7 is hydrogen or alkyl; R5 is oxo; or R7 and R5 together form the radical —CH═CH—N═; Z is CH2 or C(═O).
US08691799B2
The subject invention pertains to the treatment of tumors and cancerous tissues and the prevention of tumorigenesis and malignant transformation through the modulation of JAK/STAT3 intracellular signaling. The subject invention concerns pharmaceutical compositions containing cucurbitacin I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or analog thereof. Another aspect of the invention concerns methods of inhibiting the growth of a tumor by administering a cucurbitacin I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or analog thereof, to a patient, wherein the tumor is characterized by the constitutive activation of the JAK/STAT3 intracellular signaling pathway. The present invention further pertains to methods of moderating the JAK and/or STAT3 signaling pathways in vitro or in vivo using cucurbitacin I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or analog thereof. Another aspect of the present invention concerns a method for screening candidate compounds for JAK and/or STAT3 inhibition and anti-tumor activity.
US08691792B2
Methods for maintaining or improving the gastrointestinal health of animals susceptible to or suffering from poor gastrointestinal health by administering to the animal a gastrointestinal health maintaining or improving amount of a food composition comprising from about 1 to about 20% carbohydrate; from about 3 to about 10% total dietary fiber, wherein the total dietary fiber contains from about 10 to about 40% soluble fiber and from about 90 to about 60% insoluble fiber; and from about 0.1 to about 10% omega-3 fatty acids; wherein the composition has a digestibility coefficient of at least 80. Generally, the compositions are administered to the animal to prevent or treat diarrhea or to improve stool quality. Further, the compositions may be administered in conjunction with one or more probiotics, prebiotics, anti-gastritis drugs, anti-enteritis drugs, or anti-diarrhea drugs, microbial exopolysaccharides, or combinations thereof to maintain or improve gastrointestinal health.
US08691790B2
A novel etiological hypothesis for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is proposed describing autoimmune attack of ATP: Cob(I)alamin adenosyltransferase (ATR) thereby inhibiting synthesis of (5′-deoxy-5′-adenosyl)cobamide (referred to as 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalmin or AdoCbl) from Vitamin B 12 providing a basis for therapeutic design and diagnostic methods. Pharmaceutical compositions for therapy of MS, inflammatory neurological diseases and neurodegenerative diseases utilizing AdoCbl, growth hormones, immunomodulators, interleukins, other therapeutic agents, and physiotherapy are also described.
US08691789B2
A tumor radiation probe of iodine-123 marker thymidine (FLT) analogue [123I]-IaraU is disclosed. Commercial available uridine is used as the raw material for the synthesis of the precursor. A radioactive iodine-123 is marked on an alkaline group of uridine to obtain [123I]-IaraU, which is distinguishable from [18F]-FLT marking 18F on a glycosyl group to obtain a novel tumor radiation probe. The marking procedures include mixing the marker precursor with Na [123I] solution, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide solution, and the solution of chloroform and sodium hydroxide. The sonication time increases from 1 minute to 10 minutes, so that [123I]-IaraU has radiologically chemical purity of higher than 98% and radiological specific activity of not less than 0.196 GBq/umole, and the yield can increase from 8% to 40%. Its radioactive specific activity, yield and purity reach to the degree for the use in biological experiments, while reducing production cost.
US08691773B2
The invention relates to a peptide compound with biological activity, which in particular possesses antimicrobial properties, its preparation and its applications.
US08691768B2
The present invention provides methods of treating or preventing a substance-related disorder using selective delta opioid receptor-1 (DOP-R1) agonists, delta opioid receptor-2 (DOP-R2) antagonists, and/or mu opioid receptor (MOP-R) antagonists, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, or prodrug thereof. The methods provided herein further comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a DOP-R1 agonist and a DOP-R2 antagonist. The methods also comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a DOP-R1 agonist and an MOP-R antagonist. The methods provided herein further comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a DOP-R1 agonist and a DOP-R2 antagonist and a MOP-R antagonist. The invention also relates to compositions containing the same. The invention also relates to methods of determining delta opioid receptor specificity of candidate agents.
US08691767B2
Method for treatment and/or prophylaxis of schizophrenia and related psychoses of a human being, erythropoietin being administered to the human being.
US08691765B2
A method of stimulating neuronal growth or repair comprising exposing a target neuron or neuronal area to a solution of the metallothionein isoform MT-IIA.
US08691759B2
Novel acylated insulin analogues exhibiting resistance towards proteases can, effectively, be administered pulmonary or orally. The insulin analogues contain B25H and A14E or A14H.
US08691758B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I or formula Ia or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus NS3-NS4A protease. As such, they act by interfering with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are useful as antiviral agents. The invention further relates to pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds either for ex vivo use or for administration to a patient suffering from HCV infection and processes for preparing the compounds. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a patient by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of this invention.
US08691755B2
The present invention relates to modified forms of C-peptide, and methods for their use. In one aspect, the modified forms of C-peptide comprise PEGylated C-peptide derivatives comprising at least one PEG group attached to the N-terminus, which exhibit superior pharmacokinetic and biological activity in vivo.
US08691753B2
The invention relates to compounds, in particular MMP inhibitors. The compounds of the invention have formula (1). The invention can be used in particular in the pharmaceutical field. The present invention also relates to labeled compounds of formula (2), and to the use thereof as contrast agents for detecting extracellular matrix metalloproteinases.
US08691740B2
A composition is provided suitable for use as a friction modifier for an automatic transmission, comprising an N-substituted oxalic acid bisamide or amide-ester containing at least two hydrocarbyl groups of 12 to 22 carbon atoms.
US08691738B2
Lubricating oils of improved initial and long term metal corrosion inhibiting properties comprises a base stock containing one or more hydrodewaxate or hydroisomerate base stock(s) and/or base oil(s), GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s), or mixtures thereof, preferably GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s), boiling in the lubricating oil boiling range and an additive amount of an anti-corrosion additive.
US08691725B2
A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing a glyphosate compound and thiabendazole is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material by adding such a synergistic antimicrobial composition. Also provided is a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition.
US08691724B2
An inlet face for an aftertreatment device that prevents and/or eliminates face-plugging for a passageway where the inlet face is disposed. The inlet face includes a particular end surface disposed on an outer surface at the end of a substrate. The end surface includes at least one of a three-dimensional topographical configuration disposed at the end of the substrate, a chemical coating applied on the end of the substrate, or both a three-dimensional topographical configuration disposed on the end of the substrate and a chemical coating applied on the three-dimensional topographical configuration. As one example, the inlet face can be helpful in preventing carbonaceous fouling, which can result from engine exhaust material, such as carbon soot and other engine exhaust by-products.
US08691723B2
The sequential production of a library of N different solids, in particular heterogeneous catalysts, where N within a day is an integer of at least 2, is performed by a) producing at least two different sprayable solutions, emulsions and/or dispersions of elements and/or element compounds of the chemical elements present in the catalyst and optionally of dispersions of inorganic support materials, b) continuously metering the at least two different solutions, emulsions and/or dispersions in a predefined ratio into a mixing apparatus in which the solutions, emulsions and/or dispersions are homogeneously mixed, c) continuously drying the mixture removed from the mixing apparatus and recovering the dried mixture, d) changing the ratios in step b) and repeating steps b), c) and d) (N−1) times until N different dried mixtures are obtained, e) optionally shaping and optionally calcining the mixtures to give the solids.
US08691719B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of emission control equipment for boilers, heaters, kilns, or other flue gas-, or combustion gas-, generating devices (e.g., those located at power plants, processing plants, etc.) and, in particular to a new and useful method and apparatus for reducing or preventing the poisoning and/or contamination of an SCR catalyst. In another embodiment, the method and apparatus of the present invention is designed to protect the SCR catalyst. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for increasing the service life and/or catalytic activity of an SCR catalyst while simultaneously controlling various emissions.
US08691712B2
There is provided an optical glass with a high refractive index and a low dispersion having a refractive index (nd) of not less than 1.75 and an Abbe's number (νd) of not less than 35 where the image formation characteristic is hardly affected by changes in temperature of the using environment. SiO2, B2O3 and La2O3 are contained as essential components and the ratio of the constituting components are adjusted whereby an optical glass in which a product of α and β where α is an average linear expansion coefficient at −30 to +70° C. and β is an optical elasticity constant at the wavelength of 546.1 nm is not more than 130×10−12° C.−1×nm×cm−1×Pa−1 is able to be achieved.
US08691711B2
Glass for a display device, which comprises, as represented by mole percentage based on the following oxides, from 61 to 72% of SiO2, from 8 to 17% of Al2O3, from 6 to 18% of Li2O, from 2 to 15% of Na2O, from 0 to 8% of K2O, from 0 to 6% of MgO, from 0 to 6% of CaO, from 0 to 4% of TiO2, and from 0 to 2.5% of ZrO2, and having a total content R2O of Li2O, Na2O and K2O of from 15 to 25%, a ratio Li2O/R2O of the Li2O content to R2O of from 0.35 to 0.8, and a total content of MgO and CaO of from 0 to 9%.
US08691708B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and a substrate processing apparatus capable of providing a TiN film at a higher film-forming rate. The method includes loading a substrate into a processing chamber; simultaneously starting a supply of a first processing gas and a second processing gas to form a film on the substrate, simultaneously stopping the supply of the first and second processing gas; removing the remaining first and second processing gas from the processing chamber; supplying the second processing gas into the processing chamber without supplying the first processing gas; removing the second processing gas starting and then stopping a supply of the first processing gas into the processing chamber without supplying the second processing gas; removing the first processing gas; and unloading the substrate from the processing chamber.
US08691707B2
A voltage-switchable dielectric layer may be employed on a die for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. The voltage-switchable dielectric layer functions as a dielectric layer between terminals of the die during normal operation of the die. When ESD events occur at the terminals of the die, a high voltage between the terminals switches the voltage-switchable dielectric layer into a conducting layer to allow current to discharge to a ground terminal of the die without the current passing through circuitry of the die. Thus, damage to the circuitry of the die is reduced or prevented during ESD events on dies with the voltage-switchable dielectric layer. The voltage-switchable dielectric layer may be deposited on the back side of a die for protection during stacking with a second die to form a stacked IC. A method includes depositing a voltage-switchable dielectric layer on a first die between a first terminal and a second terminal.
US08691706B2
System and method for reducing substrate warpage in a thermal process. An embodiment comprises pre-heating a substrate in a loadlock chamber before performing the thermal process of the substrate. After the thermal process, the substrate is cooled down in a loadlock chamber. The pre-heat and cool-down process reduces the warpage of the substrate caused by the differences in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the materials that make up the substrate.
US08691705B2
A method of patterning a metal alloy material layer having hafnium and molybdenum. The method includes forming a patterned mask layer on a metal alloy material layer having hafnium and molybdenum on a substrate. The patterned mask layer is used as a mask and an etching process is performed using an etchant on the metal alloy material layer having hafnium and molybdenum so as to form a metal alloy layer having hafnium and molybdenum. The etchant includes at least nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid and sulfuric acid. The patterned mask layer is removed.
US08691704B2
The invention includes methods for selectively etching insulative material supports relative to conductive material. The invention can include methods for selectively etching silicon nitride relative to metal nitride. The metal nitride can be in the form of containers over a semiconductor substrate, with such containers having upwardly-extending openings with lateral widths of less than or equal to about 4000 angstroms; and the silicon nitride can be in the form of a layer extending between the containers. The selective etching can comprise exposure of at least some of the silicon nitride and the containers to Cl2 to remove the exposed silicon nitride, while not removing at least the majority of the metal nitride from the containers. In subsequent processing, the containers can be incorporated into capacitors.
US08691697B2
A method includes forming patterned lines on a substrate having a predetermined pitch. The method further includes forming spacer sidewalls on sidewalls of the patterned lines. The method further includes forming material in a space between the spacer sidewalls of adjacent patterned lines. The method further includes forming another patterned line from the material by protecting the material in the space between the spacer sidewalls of adjacent patterned lines while removing the spacer sidewalls. The method further includes transferring a pattern of the patterned lines and the another patterned line to the substrate.
US08691689B1
Methods for fabricating integrated circuits having low resistance device contacts are provided. One method includes depositing an ILD layer of insulating material overlying a device region that includes a metal silicide region. The ILD layer is etched to form a sidewall that defines a contact opening formed through the ILD layer exposing the metal silicide region. A liner is formed overlying the sidewall and the metal silicide region and defines an inner cavity in the contact opening. A copper layer is formed overlying the liner and at least partially filling the inner cavity. The copper layer is etched to expose an upper portion of the liner while leaving a copper portion disposed in a bottom portion of the inner cavity. Copper is electrolessly deposited on the copper portion to fill a remaining portion of the inner cavity.
US08691686B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes: forming a first circuit substrate having a first interconnection; forming a second circuit substrate having a second interconnection; bonding the first circuit substrate to the top surface of the second circuit substrate so as to be stacked facing each other; and performing an etching process of simultaneously removing parts formed on the first interconnection and the second interconnection in a stacked body of the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate so as to form a first opening in the top surface of the first interconnection and to form a second opening in the top surface of the second interconnection. The forming of the first circuit substrate includes forming an etching stopper layer on the surface of the first interconnection out of a material having an etching rate lower than that of the first interconnection in the etching process.
US08691684B2
A power transistor for use in an audio application is laid out to minimize hot spots. Hot spots are created by non-uniform power dissipation or overly concentrated current densities. The source and drain pads are disposed relative to each other to facilitate uniform power dissipation. Interleaving metal fingers and upper metal layers are connected directly to lower metal layers in the absence of vias to improve current density distribution. This layout improves some fail detection tests by 17%.
US08691672B2
A method is provided for consuming oxides in a silicon (Si) nanoparticle film. The method forms a colloidal solution film of Si nanoparticles overlying a substrate. The Si nanoparticle colloidal solution film is annealed at a high temperature in the presence of titanium (Ti). In response to the annealing, Si oxide is consumed in a resultant Si nanoparticle film. In one aspect, the consuming the Si oxide in the Si nanoparticle film includes forming Ti oxide in the Si nanoparticle film. Also in response to a low temperature annealing, solvents are evaporated in the colloidal solution film of Si nanoparticles. Si and Ti oxide molecules are sintered in the Si nanoparticle film in response to the high temperature annealing.
US08691659B2
A method for forming a dielectric layer free of voids is disclosed. First, a substrate, a first stressed layer including a recess, a second stressed layer disposed on the first stressed layer and covering the recess and a patterned photoresist embedded in the recess are provided. Second, a first etching step is performed to totally remove the photoresist so that the remaining second stressed layer forms at least one protrusion adjacent to the recess. Then, a trimming photoresist is formed without exposure to fill the recess and to cover the protrusion. Later, a trimming etching step is performed to eliminate the protrusion and to collaterally remove the trimming photoresist.
US08691654B2
A first insulating film is formed above a semiconductor substrate with a device isolation insulating film defining a device region, a gate electrode and source/drain region formed. The first insulating film is etched, leaving the first insulating film in a recess formed in an edge of the device isolation insulating film. A second insulating film applying a stress to the semiconductor substrate is formed after etching the first insulating film.
US08691649B2
In methods of manufacturing a recessed channel array transistor, a recess may be formed in an active region of a substrate. A plasma oxidation process may be performed on the substrate to form a preliminary gate oxide layer on an inner surface of the recess and an upper surface of the substrate. Moistures may be absorbed in a surface of the preliminary gate oxide layer to form a gate oxide layer. A gate electrode may be formed on the gate oxide layer to fill up the recess. Source/drain regions may be formed in an upper surface of the substrate at both sides of the gate electrode. Thus, the oxide layer may have a uniform thickness distribution and a dense structure.
US08691647B1
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device is formed on a semiconductor substrate having an active region, the semiconductor device comprising: a gate dielectric layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate, the gate dielectric layer having at least two sub-layers with at least one sub-layer having a dielectric constant greater than SiO2; a floating gate formed on the gate dielectric layer defining a channel interposed between a source and a drain formed within the active region of the semiconductor substrate; a control gate formed above the floating gate; and an intergate dielectric layer interposed between the floating gate and the control gate, the intergate dielectric layer comprising: a first layer formed on the floating gate; a second layer formed on the first layer; and a third layer formed on the second layer, wherein each of the first, second and third layers has a dielectric constant greater than SiO2.
US08691634B2
A thyristor device includes a semiconductor body and a conductive anode. The semiconductor body has a plurality of doped layers forming a plurality of dopant junctions and includes an optical thyristor, a first amplifying thyristor, and a switching thyristor. The conductive anode is disposed on a first side of the semiconductor body. The optical thyristor is configured to receive incident radiation to generate a first electric current, and the first amplifying thyristor is configured to increase the first electric current from the optical thyristor to at least a threshold current. The switching thyristor switches to the conducting state in order to conduct a second electric current from the anode and through the semiconductor body.
US08691632B1
A method of forming an electronic component package includes coupling a first surface of an electronic component to a first surface of a first dielectric strip, the electronic component comprising bond pads on the first surface; forming first via apertures through the first dielectric strip to expose the bond pads; and filling the first via apertures with an electrically conductive material to form first vias electrically coupled to the bond pads. The bond pads are directly connected to the corresponding first vias without the use of a solder and without the need to form a solder wetting layer on the bond pads.
US08691630B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package structure is provided. A heat-conductive block is adhered to a portion of a second surface of a conductive substrate via a first adhesive layer. An opening is formed by performing a half-etching process on a first surface of the conductive substrate. The remaining conductive substrate is patterned to form leads and expose a portion of the heat-conductive block. Each lead has a first portion and a second portion. A thickness of the first portion is greater than a thickness of the second portion. A first lower surface of the first portion and a second lower surface of the second portion are coplanar. A chip is disposed on the exposed portion of the heat-conductive block and electrically connected to the second portions of the leads. A first bottom surface of the heat-conductive block and a second bottom surface of a molding compound are coplanar.
US08691629B2
An embodiment is a method for semiconductor packaging. The method comprises attaching a chip to a carrier substrate through a first side of a jig, the chip being attached by bumps; applying balls to bond pads on the carrier substrate through a second side of the jig; and simultaneously reflowing the bumps and the balls. According to a further embodiment, a packaging jig comprises a cover, a base, and a connector. The cover has a first window through the cover. The base has a second window through the base. The first window exposes a first surface of a volume intermediate the cover and the base, and the second window exposes a second surface of the volume. The first surface is opposite the volume from the second surface. The connector aligns and couples the cover to the base.
US08691622B2
A method of forming a memory cell includes forming programmable material within an opening in dielectric material over an elevationally inner conductive electrode of the memory cell. Conductive electrode material is formed over the dielectric material and within the opening. The programmable material within the opening has an elevationally outer edge surface angling elevationally and laterally inward relative to a sidewall of the opening. The conductive electrode material is formed to cover over the angling surface of the programmable material within the opening. The conductive electrode material is removed back at least to an elevationally outermost surface of the dielectric material and to leave the conductive electrode material covering over the angling surface of the programmable material within the opening. The conductive electrode material constitutes at least part of an elevationally outer conductive electrode of the memory cell. Memory cells independent of method of manufacture are also disclosed.
US08691619B2
This invention aims to provide a laminated structure and an integrated structure of a high production efficiency for a CIS based thin-film solar cell, which can produce a high-resistance buffer layer of the CIS based thin-film solar cell efficiently on a series of production lines and which needs no treatment of wastes or the like, and a manufacturing method for the structures. The CIS based thin-film solar cell includes a back electrode, a p-type CIS based light absorbing layer, a high-resistance buffer layer and an n-type transparent conductive film laminated in this order. The high-resistance buffer layer and the n-type transparent conductive film are formed of thin films of a zinc oxide group. The buffer layer contacts the p-type CIS based light absorbing layer directly, and has a resistivity of 500Ω·cm or higher.
US08691615B2
An image sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The image sensor includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion units that are horizontally arranged and selectively emit electric signals by absorbing color beams.
US08691605B2
A method and apparatus for forming a crystalline semiconductor layer on a substrate are provided. A semiconductor layer is formed by vapor deposition. A pulsed laser melt/recrystallization process is performed to convert the semiconductor layer to a crystalline layer. Laser, or other electromagnetic radiation, pulses are formed into a pulse train and uniformly distributed over a treatment zone, and successive neighboring treatment zones are exposed to the pulse train to progressively convert the deposited material to crystalline material.
US08691598B1
Systems and methods for performing semiconductor laser annealing using dual loop control are disclosed. The first control loop operates at a first frequency and controls the output of the laser and controls the 1/f laser noise. The second control loop also controls the amount of output power in the laser and operates at second frequency lower than the first frequency. The second control loop measures the thermal emission of the wafer over an area the size of one or more die so that within-die emissivity variations are average out when determining the measured annealing temperature. The measured annealing temperature and an annealing temperature set point are used to generate the control signal for the second control loop.
US08691588B2
A method is provided for fabricating a nanochannel. The method comprises providing a microchannel and controlling collapse of the microchannel so that it collapses to form a nanochannel of desired dimensions. The method employs a collapsible, flexible material such as the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form the nanochannel. A master is provided that is configured to have geometric conditions that promote a desired frequency of microchannel collapse. A collapsible material having a stiffness that also promotes a desired frequency of microchannel collapse is molded on the master. The molded collapsible material is removed from the master and bonded to a base, thereby forming the microchannel, which then collapses (or is collapsed) to form the nanochannel of desired dimensions. Nanofluidic and microfluidic devices comprising complex nanochannel structures and micro to nanochannel transitions are also provided.
US08691579B2
A method of obtaining a mixture of cells enriched in hepatic progenitors is developed which comprises methods yielding suspensions of a mixture of cell types, and selecting those cells that are classical MHC class I antigen(s) negative and ICAM-1 antigen positive. The weak or dull expression of nonclassical MHC class I antigen(s) can be used for further enrichment of hepatic progenitors. Furthermore, the progenitors can be selected to have a level of side scatter, a measure of granularity or cytoplasmic droplets, that is higher than that in non-parenchymal cells, such as hemopoietic cells, and lower than that in mature parenchymal cells, such as hepatocytes. Furthermore, the progeny of the isolated progenitors can express alpha-fetoprotein and/or albumin and/or CK19. The hepatic progenitors, so isolated, can grow clonally, that is an entire population of progeny can be derived from one cell. The clones of progenitors have a growth pattern in culture of piled-up aggregates or clusters. These methods of isolating the hepatic progenitors are applicable to any vertebrates including human. The hepatic progenitor cell population is expected to be useful for cell therapies, for bioartificial livers, for gene therapies, for vaccine development, and for myriad toxicological, pharmacological, and pharmaceutical programs and investigations.
US08691578B2
A method includes providing a eukaryotic cell including mutant mtDNA in which there is at least one mutation in the mtDNA, allowing the cell to come into contact with an active oxygen species or a chemical species that generates such an active oxygen species in the cell (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) and thereby changing the percentage of mutant mtDNA (mitochondrial genomic DNA) in the cell as a result of the contact. Also featured are cells obtained by the above-described method.
US08691576B2
The present invention relates to the field of somatic embryo production, particularly to methods for the regeneration of Jatropha through somatic embryogenesis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and media compositions for regeneration of plants of Jatropha curcas. The method is well suited for Jatropha curcas transformation and for producing clonal planting stock useful for large scale Jatropha curcas plantation.
US08691575B2
A method of classifying plant embryos according to their quality based on a general form of Lorenz-Bayes classifier is disclosed. First, image or spectral data of plant embryos of known quality are acquired, and the data are divided into two classes according to the embryos' known quality. Second, metrics are calculated from the acquired image or spectral data in each class. Third, multi-dimensional histograms of multiple metrics are prepared for both classes. Fourth, the difference or some other measure of comparison between the two multi-dimensional histograms is obtained. Fifth, image or spectral data of a plant embryo of unknown quality are obtained and metrics are calculated therefrom. Sixth, the embryo of unknown quality is assigned to a class based on its calculated metrics and the result of the comparison as calculated in the fourth step above.
US08691557B2
A magnetic platform is provided and includes a patterned array of discrete magnetic elements positioned on a substrate, a plurality of first electromagnets for creating a first magnetic field substantially in the plane of the substrate, an electromagnetic coil for creating a second magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, and a control device for controlling the application of the magnetic fields. Processes for manipulating, transporting, separating and sorting micro- or nano-scale particles and biomolecules are also described.
US08691551B1
The invention provides a process for producing phosphate from an organic material, the method including the steps of(a) fermenting an organic material in a medium in the presence of at least one microorganism, wherein the fermenting is under conditions, and for a sufficient period of time, to produce a fermentation product;(b) treating the solids of the fermentation product with acid, in a medium, e.g., aqueous medium, to solubilize phosphates from the fermentation product; wherein the organic material, and thus the solids of the fermentation product, includes bone suitable for extraction of phosphates.
US08691538B1
Flat panel biofilm photobioreactor systems with a photosynthetic, autofermentative microorganism that forms a biofilm and methods for using the same to make metabolic intermediate compound(s) through photosynthesis and to convert metabolic intermediate compound(s) into chemical product(s) such as a biofuel or a feedstock through autofermentation.
US08691537B2
The present invention provides a method for producing an L-amino acid using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly a bacterium belonging to genus Escherichia or Pantoea, which has been modified to attenuate expression of the rcsA gene.
US08691528B2
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel cell penetrating peptide that transports proteins into cells and/or into nuclei at higher frequency than conventional cell penetrating peptides, and a pharmaceutical containing the peptide.
US08691520B2
A colorimetric reagent in the form of nanoparticles, composite nanoparticles, and nanoparticle coatings, including methods of use, methods of preparation, deposition, and assembly of related devices and specific applications. The colorimetric reagent comprises cerium oxide nanoparticles which are used in solution or immobilized on a solid support, either alone or in conjunction with oxidase enzymes, to form an active colorimetric component that reacts with an analyte to form a colored complex. The rate of color change and the intensity of the color are proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample. Also described is the use of ceria and doped ceria nanoparticles as an oxygen storage/delivery vehicle for oxidase enzymes and applications in biocatalytic processes in anaerobic conditions of interest in biomedicine and bioanalysis. Further described are a variety of related applications of the disclosed technology including clinical diagnosis, in vivo implantable devices, food safety, and fermentation control.
US08691519B2
The present invention provides methods for reducing the level of amyloid beta protein in a cell or tissue, the methods generally involving contacting the cell or tissue with an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention provides methods for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), and methods for treating cerebral angiopathy, in an individual, the methods generally involving administering to an individual having AD a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity. The present invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that reduces cystatin C levels and/or activity.
US08691510B2
The invention is directed to methods of generating sequence profiles of populations of nucleic acids, whose member nucleic acids contain regions of high variability, such as populations of nucleic acids encoding T cell receptors or B cell receptors. In one aspect, the invention provides pluralities of sets of primers for generating nested sets of templates from nucleic acids in such populations, thereby insuring the production of at least one template from which sequence reads are generated, despite such variability, or dispite limited lengths or quality of sequence reads. In another aspect, members of such populations are bidirectionally sequenced so that further sequence information is obtained by analyzing overlapping sequence reads in the zones of highest variability.
US08691505B2
The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a highly-efficient transformation technology, specifically, a highly-efficient promoter used for transforming algae, a vector comprising the promoter, and a method for transforming algae by using the vector. The promoter according to the present invention is characterized in comprising a polynucleotide constituting a non-coding region located upstream of a gene encoding a structural protein of a ClorDNA virus, and the like.
US08691500B2
Disclosed are a method for detecting a biomolecule including: immobilizing a nucleic acid aptamer capable of specifically binding to a biomolecule to be detected on the surface of a bead on which fluorophores are arranged; hybridizing the nucleic acid aptamer with a guard nucleic acid (g-nucleic acid) labeled with a quencher to quench fluorescence; and reacting a sample including the biomolecule to be detected with the nucleic acid aptamer and detecting a fluorescence signal emitted as the biomolecule binds with the nucleic acid aptamer and the g-nucleic acid labeled with the quencher is separated, and a device for detecting a biomolecule for conducting the detection method. The present disclosure allows for effective, convenient and fast detection of the biomolecule to be detected, enables quantitative analysis, and enables detection of even a trace amount of sample.
US08691491B2
A fluorine-containing compound represented by the formula 1, where R1 is a methyl group or trifluoromethyl group, each of R2 and R3 is independently a hydrogen atom or a group containing (a) a hydrocarbon group having a straight-chain, branched or ring form and having a carbon atom number of 1-25 or (b) an aromatic hydrocarbon group, the group optionally containing at least one of a fluorine atom, an oxygen atom and a carbonyl bond, l is an integer of from 0 to 2, each of m and n is independently an integer of 1-5 to satisfy an expression of m+n≦6, and when at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is in a plural number, the at least one of R1, R2 and R3 may be identical with or different from each other.
US08691459B2
A fuel cell having an oxygen-containing gas flow field and a fuel gas flow field, an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the oxygen-containing gas flow field, a fuel gas supply apparatus for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel gas flow field, a scavenging gas supply apparatus for supplying air as a scavenging gas to the fuel gas flow field, and a controller are provided. The controller includes a voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage of the fuel cell after operation of the fuel cell is stopped and a scavenging control unit for starting scavenging in the fuel gas flow field by the scavenging gas supply apparatus after the detected voltage is decreased temporarily, increased, and decreased again to become a preset voltage or less.
US08691452B2
An apparatus for recirculation of a cathode gas in a fuel cell arrangement having a cathode gas supply for supplying the cathode gas to a cathode area, and a cathode gas outlet for carrying the partially consumed cathode gas out of the cathode area, includes a recirculation line for recirculation of the partially consumed cathode gas from a junction point in the cathode gas outlet into a supply point in the cathode gas supply. Blocking apparatus is provided to block the cathode gas supply in the flow direction upstream of the supply point and to block the cathode gas outlet in the flow direction downstream from the junction point, such that a closed circuit for the partially consumed cathode gas is formed when the blocking apparatus is closed.
US08691445B2
A positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery includes a positive activation material mixture that intercalates and de-intercalates lithium ions, wherein a first positive activation material having an average particle diameter D50 of from 12.5 μm to 22 μm and a second positive activation material having an average particle diameter D50 of from 1 μm to 5 μm are mixed with a weight ratio of from 95:5 to 60:40.
US08691444B2
Protected anode architectures for active metal anodes have a polymer adhesive seal that provides a hermetic enclosure for the active metal of the protected anode inside an anode compartment. The compartment is substantially impervious to ambient moisture and battery components such as catholyte (electrolyte about the cathode), and prevents volatile components of the protected anode, such as anolyte (electrolyte about the anode), from escaping. The architecture is formed by joining the protected anode to an anode container. The polymer adhesive seals provide a hermetic seal at the joint between a surface of the protected anode and the container.
US08691436B2
A rechargeable battery that prevents a concentration of stress on a coupling portion of a lead tab and a cap assembly at a time of bending the lead tab so as to not damage the coupling portion includes: an electrode assembly having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrodes; a case to receive the electrode assembly and having an open top portion; a cap assembly arranged on the top portion of the case; a lead tab having one end affixed to the cap assembly to electrically connect the cap assembly to the first electrode; and a stopper fixed to the cap assembly and having one end arranged on the lead tab, the stopper allowing a portion of the lead tab contacting the one end of the stopper to be bent when the lead tab is bent.
US08691418B2
This document discusses, among other things, an insulative member that is configured around a cathode, and methods and assemblies incorporation the insulative member. In an example, the insulative members protect the edge of the cathode material from damage, prevents the migration of cathode material into contact with an anode, or prevents a metal substrate in the cathode from shorting against an adjacent anode.
US08691411B2
A battery pack includes a pack body that includes a battery cell and that has an external shape substantially symmetric with respect to the horizontal and vertical axes, viewed from a front face on which terminals are arranged, and a terminal unit on the front face. The terminal unit includes a positive terminal, a negative terminal, a control terminal, and a temperature detection terminal for outputting temperature data. The positive terminal and the negative terminal are arranged on one side with respect to a center line in the width direction of the pack body. The control terminal is arranged symmetrically to the temperature detection terminal with respect to the center line in the width direction of the pack body.
US08691407B2
A battery pack includes at least one bare cell, a protection circuit module (PCM) external to the at least one bare cell, and at least one conductive tab connecting the bare cell to the PCM, the conductive tabs including a non-magnetic portion and a magnetic portion on a region of the non-magnetic portion.
US08691400B2
The present invention relates to electronic devices, in particular organic electroluminescent devices, comprising metal complexes which contain isonitrile ligands.
US08691389B2
A method of nanopatterning includes the steps of providing the resist film (12) and forming the pattern in the resist film (12). The resist film (12) includes an organosilicone compound having at least two vinyl groups, an organosilicone crosslinker different from the organosilicone compound, a catalyst, and a catalyst inhibitor. The cured resist film (12) includes the reaction product of the organosilicone compound having at least two vinyl groups and the organosilicone crosslinker different from the organosilicone compound, in the presence of the catalyst and the catalyst inhibitor. The article (10) includes a substrate (14), and the cured resist film (12) is disposed on the substrate (14). Due to the presence of the catalyst inhibitor in the resist film (12), the resist film (12) may be manipulated for hours at room temperature without curing. At the same time, the resist film (12) cures in a sufficiently short period of time to be commercially valuable.
US08691377B2
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes a supporting board, an electrode surface processing layer formed on the supporting board, a semiconductor element, and a solder material containing a first metal composed mainly of bismuth and a second metal having a higher melting point than the first metal and joining the electrode surface processing layer and the semiconductor element, the first metal containing particles of the second metal inside the first metal. The composition ratio of the second metal is higher than the first metal in a region of the solder material corresponding to the center portion of the semiconductor element, and the composition ratio of the second metal is at least 83.8 atomic percent in the region corresponding to the center portion.
US08691361B2
A ceramic honeycomb structure having a large number of flow paths defined by porous cell walls having porosity of 45-68% and an average pore size of 15-35 μm, the volume of pores having diameters of more than 50 μm being more than 10% and 25% or less of the total pore volume, the volume of pores having diameters of 100 μm or more being 1-8% of the total pore volume, the volume of pores having diameters of less than 10 μm being 3-10% of the total pore volume, and the pores having a pore size distribution deviation σ [=log(D20)−log(D80)] of 0.45 or less, wherein D20 represents a pore size (μm) at a pore volume corresponding to 20% of the total pore volume, and D80 represents a pore size (μm) at a pore volume corresponding to 80% of the total pore volume, in a curve showing the relation between a pore size and a cumulative pore volume obtained by accumulating a pore volume from the maximum pore size to a particular pore size, and D80
US08691347B2
The invention concerns the methods for producing polymeric coatings on particle surfaces and can be used in pharmacology, medicine, veterinary and cosmetology to create the systems of vector delivery of drugs and biologically active agents as well as in other fields applying the particles with thin-layer polymer coatings. The method enables to obtain biocompatible, particularly polyamide and polyimide coatings on inorganic particles including magnetic inorganic nanoparticles. The method for producing polymeric coatings on particles surface comprises (a) forming a reaction system containing the particles mixed with monomers, and (b) the subsequent carrying out of polymerization reaction to form the polymeric coating on the particles; wherein the said polymerization reaction is accomplished by irradiating the reaction system with electromagnetic radiation, particularly, with microwaves capable of being absorbed partially or totally by the said particles.
US08691346B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for coating aluminum substrates. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of applying a coating on an aluminum substrate including contacting the aluminum substrate with a first solution. The first solution can include a zinc metal salt, a sugar acid or alkali metal salt thereof, and an alkali metal hydroxide. The method can also include contacting the aluminum substrate with a second solution. The second solution can include a molybdate salt, an alkanolamine, and a fluorine acid. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US08691345B2
A method comprising an algorithm for automatically detecting an object in a digital image in order to determine if a scent can be associated with the detected object and applying the scent to the print medium, and a printer equipped to apply the scent.
US08691337B2
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for applying an overcoat (e.g., which may include an organic material) to a coated article having a layer stack already disposed thereon in order to reduce the potential for surface marring. An evacuative process may be used to deposit the mar reducing overcoat. The coated article including the mar-reducing overcoat has a contact angle greater than, and a surface friction less than, a contact angle and a surface friction of the single- or multi-layer stack supported by the substrate alone. Any marring due to cat-scratching or the like preferably would not be visible at 4× magnification following application of the mar reducing overcoat.
US08691316B2
Lipid-based, creamy food fillings are disclosed that are bake-stable up to a temperature of at least about 125° C. The creamy food fillings are particularly suitable for use in products that require the filling to be added prior to baking. In one aspect, the fillings are a solid-in-liquid dispersion having a dispersed solid phase including a hydrophilic powder and a high-melting lipid, as well as a continuous lipid phase including a low-melting lipid in which the hydrophilic powder and high-melting lipid are dispersed. Preferably, the fillings have a low water activity of about 0.5 or lower and are formed in the absence of additional humectants, thickening agents, or gelling agents.
US08691311B2
The present invention relates to taste improvement of foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco products and oral care products, using a substance according to formula (I), edible salts or edible esters thereof: It was found that substances represented by formula (I) are capable of modifying and complementing, the sensory impact of taste imparting substances. Thus, the present taste improving substances are advantageously applied in flavor compositions, foodstuffs, tobacco products and oral care products. Typical examples of taste improving substances according to the present invention include N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 3-hydroxypropionamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 3-hydroxybutyramide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 4-hydroxybutyramide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) N-5-hydroxypentanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 4-hydroxypentanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 3-hydroxypentanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 2-methyl-4-hydroxy-butyramide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyramide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) N-6-hydroxyhexanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 5-hydroxyhexanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 4-hydroxyhexanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 3-hydroxyhexanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 4-hydroxy-2-keto-3-methyl-pentanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 4-hydroxy-2-keto-3-methyl-hexanoylamide and mixtures thereof.
US08691305B2
The present invention provides a package assembly for enclosing and dispensing a plurality of consumable products. The package assembly includes a package housing defining a pair of product pockets each having an open end for removably accommodating a plurality of products in an aligned array. The open ends of the pockets are in facing orientation. The package housing includes a fold line between the open ends of the pocket for folding the housing thereat and placing the pockets in an angled orientation for dispensing of product. The housing further defines at least one openable flap for overlying and enclosing the pockets.
US08691300B2
Disclosed are topical skin care compositions and methods for their use that include a chemically compatible combination of palmitoyl tetrapeptide 7 and Euterpe oleracea fruit extract or Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle comprising water, glycerin, butylene glycol, propylene glycol, and disodium EDTA, wherein the topical skin care composition is formulated for topical application to skin.
US08691295B2
The present invention relates to an herbal dietary supplement to promote vascular health. The dietary supplement comprises L-Arginine, L-Citrulline, Ginkgo Biloba, Horse chestnut, Red Yeast Rice and Cayanne Pepper.
US08691294B2
The present invention relates to the use of a nasal spray made from Cistus extracts for the prevention and/or treatment of viral and/or bacterial diseases of the oral and pharyngeal cavities.
US08691293B2
A low inflammatory oil composition and method for supplementing feed, nutrition and diet systems with omega-3 to omega-6 balanced oils comprised of a synergistic blend of at least two oils. The composition further comprises a synergistic blend of long chain omega-3 oil as a means to further increase the nutritional value. The composition further provides an effective increase in reducing inflammation for therapeutic, and pharmacological treatment in addition to general nutrition and diet systems.
US08691289B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating an outer eye disorder selected from a cataract, neovascularization, keratitis, epithelium deficiency, or chronic opacity, by administering to the eye a composition comprising acidic electrolytic water. The present invention also relates to a stable acidic electrolyzed oxidizing water characterized by low conductivity, the presence of dissolved chlorine gas (Cl2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and chloride ions (Cl−), and by the presence of negligible quantities of hypochlorite ion (OCl−).
US08691284B2
A block co-polymer includes a water soluble carrier block; an amino acid-based or acrylic acid-based block; and the amino acid-based or acrylic acid-based block includes a fluorinated alkyl group or a fluorinated alkylene glycol group.
US08691283B2
Bee venom may be administered in a standardized formulation with or without relatively small amounts of anesthetic. In particular, the results of the combination of venom and anesthetic dramatically decreased pain and discomfort for patients undergoing apitherapy.
US08691277B2
The present invention relates to a long-acting sustained-release dosage form for treatment of Parkinson Disease, comprising a dopamine receptor agonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable biodegradable polymer accessories, wherein the content of the dopamine receptor agonist in the sustained-release dosage form is 5-50% by weight, and the content of the pharmaceutically acceptable polymer accessories is 50-95% by weight.
US08691276B2
Provided are methods for preparing gelled, solubilized extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions useful as cell growth scaffolds. Also provided are compositions prepared according to the methods as well as uses for the compositions. In one embodiment a device, such as a prosthesis, is provided which comprises an inorganic matrix into which the gelled, solubilized ECM is dispersed to facilitate in-growth of cells into the ECM and thus adaptation and/or attachment of the device to a patient.
US08691268B2
A method for delivery of substance through at least one dermal layer, by providing a substance in microcapsules at a predetermined size, within a medium (150) for holding the microcapsules; placing the medium for holding the microcapsules on a surface of a patch (100) adjacent the skin (320) of a human or animal; and applying energy (200) to the patch, the energy having a characteristic of disturbing the integrity of the microcapsules, thereby resulting in release of the substance from the microcapsules. The energy may be selectively applied to release the substance at desired times. The substance may be a drug or other active agent.
US08691264B2
Implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which comprises: (a) a biocompatible polymer; and (b) at least one therapeutic agent selected from an anti-inflammatory agent, an analgesic agent, an anesthetic agent, and an antispasmodic agent. The medical devices are adapted for implantation or insertion at a site associated with pain or discomfort upon implantation or insertion. In many embodiments, the therapeutic will be selected from at least one of (i) ketorolac and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g., ketorolac tromethamine) and (ii) 4-diethylamino-2-butynylphenylcyclohexyl glycolate and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof (e.g., oxybutynin chloride). Also provided are uses for the implantable or insertable medical devices, which uses comprise reducing pain or discomfort accompanying the implantation or insertion of such devices. Further uses may comprise reducing microbial buildup along the device. Methods for manufacturing implantable or insertable medical devices are also provided.
US08691255B2
This invention relates to a method of producing and dispensing a foam using a “high lower alcohol content” (>40% v/v of a C1-4 alcohol) liquid composition. The liquid compositions comprise an alcohol, C1-4 (>40% v/v), a silicone-based surfactant of at least 0.001% by weight to prepare a foamable composition, 0-10% w/w of additional minor components added to obtain the desired performance (a foamable composition), and the balance being purified water. The compositions may include emulsifier-emollients and moisturizers, secondary surfactants, foam stabilizers, fragrances, antimicrobial agents, other type of medicinal ingredients, and the like ingredients or additives or combinations thereof commonly added to alcohol gels or foams, aerosol compositions or to toiletries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and the like.
US08691252B2
Storage-stable, anti-microbial compositions and products include a carrier and a ceragenin compound suspended in the carrier. Ceragenin compounds suspended in the carrier include a sterol backbone and a number of cationic groups attached to the sterol backbone via hydrolysable linkages. The carrier has a pH of 5.5 or less, which acts to stabilize the hydrolysable linkages and increase the shelf-life of the anti-microbial compositions and anti-microbial products. Nevertheless, the ceragenin compounds described herein are designed to break down relatively quickly (e.g., within about 5 days) if the pH environment of the ceragenin compounds is raised to about pH 6.5 or greater.
US08691248B2
Disclosed is a three-phase emulsion comprising an aqueous-gel outer phase; and a water-in-oil inner phase, wherein the emulsion is stable. The aqueous-gel outer phase can include 10% to 50% by weight of the total weight of the emulsion. This phase can also include 70% to 95% by weight of water based on the total weight of the aqueous-gel outer phase, a gelling agent, and an emulsifier having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 10 to 19. The water-in-oil inner phase can include 50% to 95% by weight based on the total weight of the three-phase emulsion. This phase can also include 50% to 80% by weight of water based on the total weight of the water-in-oil inner phase, 20% to 50% by weight of oil based on the total weight of the water-in-oil inner phase, and an emulsifier.
US08691238B2
The present invention provides a high growth reassortant influenza A virus having at least two gene segments of seasonal or pandemic strain origin, a PB1 gene segment of A/Texas/1/77 strain origin and a PA gene segment of A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) origin coding for a PA protein comprising at least one amino acid modification at any one of positions 10, 275, 682, according to SEQ ID No. 1. Further provided are vaccine formulations comprising the reassortant influenza A virus of the invention.
US08691236B2
Complementary peptide having at least a sequence complementary to a major immunogenic region of an acetylcholine receptor involved in myasthenia gravis, characterized in that the complementary peptide has at least a sequence SEQ. ID. NO1 with a tryptophan in position 8, carrying at least one optionally substituted hydrocarbon group. Therapeutic composition comprising the Complementary peptide according to the invention and use thereof for manufacturing a vaccine to be used in a therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myasthenia gravis in mammals.
US08691229B2
The present invention relates to a method of using inhibitors of phospholipid scramblases (PLSCRs) for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of cancers. The PLSCR-inhibitors of the invention comprise compounds PLSCR-specific monoclonal antibodies, antagonists or nucleic acids, which have ability to decrease the level and/or biological activity of PLSCRs in cancer cells.
US08691227B2
The present invention provides methods of using PILRα agonists, or PILRβ antagonists, to treat immune disorders, such as autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including CNS, joint and gut inflammation.
US08691225B2
The present invention provides a novel class of antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that bind the extracellular domain of ErbB3 receptor and inhibit various ErbB3 functions. For example, the antibodies and antigen binding fragments described herein are capable of binding to the receptor designated ErbB3 and inhibiting EGF-like ligand mediated phosphorylation of the receptor. Such antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof have the useful characteristic of inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells expressing ErbB3.
US08691224B2
Anti-Aβ globulomer antibodies, antigen-binding moieties thereof, corresponding hybridomas, nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, methods of producing said antibodies, compositions comprising said antibodies, uses of said antibodies and methods of using said antibodies.The present invention relates to anti-Aβ globulomer antibodies having a binding affinity to Aβ(20-42) globulomer that is greater than the binding affinity of the antibody to Aβ(1-42) globulomer, antigen-binding moieties thereof, hybridomas producing said antibodies, nucleic acids encoding said antibodies, vectors comprising said nucleic acids, host cells comprising said vectors, methods of producing said antibodies, compositions comprising said antibodies, therapeutic and diagnostic uses of said antibodies and corresponding methods relating to Alzheimer's disease and other amyloidoses.
US08691216B2
Cells present in adipose tissue are used to promote wound healing in a patient. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the regenerative cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, cells present in adipose tissue are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic benefit.
US08691209B2
The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.
US08691204B2
This invention relates, e.g., to a composition suitable for administration to the central nervous system (CNS), comprising a block copolypeptide hydrogel, which comprises a biologically active material that is mixed with the hydrogel or that is attached to the polypeptide chain of the hydrogel, wherein the composition is suitable for administration to the CNS. Also disclosed are methods of making and using compositions of the invention as depots or as scaffolds for cell migration, and pharmaceutical compositions and kits for implementing methods of the invention.
US08691203B2
The present inventions in various aspects provide elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer, which is cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. In preferred embodiments, the cross-linking is performed by functionalization of one or more OR groups on the pre-polymer backbone with vinyl, followed by photopolymerization to form the elastic biodegradable polymer composition or material. Preferably, acrylate is used to add one or more vinyls to the backbone of the pre-polymer to form an acrylated pre-polymer. In various embodiments, acrylated pre-polymers are co-polymerized with one or more acrylated co-polymers.
US08691199B2
The present disclosure relates to novel ethylenic copolymers comprising from 10% to 80% by weight, of at least one monomer of polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate type, from 20% to 90% by weight, of at least one anionic monomer, and from 0% to 70% by weight, at least one additional nonionic hydrophilic monomer. The disclosure also relates to a composition, such as cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the copolymers and to a method of using the same.
US08691196B2
Keratin fibers, in particular human hair and especially artificially dyed human hair, are protected against the action of atmospheric agents and especially against the action of light by application to the keratin fibers/hair of a composition containing at least one protective agent having a log P of less than or equal to 6, followed by the application to the fibers hair of a heating iron at a temperature of greater than or equal to 60° C.
US08691194B2
Methods of producing lignin peroxidase are provided. Also provided are methods and cosmetic compositions suitable for skin and hair lightening as well as kits and an article-of manufacturing including active ingredients for skin and hair lightening.
US08691186B2
The instant invention provides a method for diagnosing an infection in a subject by administering to the subject a compound suitable for imaging which binds to a thymidine kinase present in the infecting organism, and obtaining an image of the subject to determine the presence and location of the compound, wherein a localization of the compound is indicative that the subject has an infection.
US08691185B2
This invention provides benzothiazole derivative compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, methods of preparing such compounds, and methods of using such compounds for detecting amyloid deposit(s) and for diagnosing a disease, disorder or condition characterized by amyloid deposit(s).
US08691175B2
Systems, methods, and compositions are provided related to utilizing gypsum for CO2 sequestration to form solid products containing calcium carbonate.
US08691171B2
A process for removing sulphur oxides from a fluid stream, such as flue gas, comprising: providing a non-aqueous absorption liquid containing at least one hydrophobic amine, the liquid being incompletely miscible with water; treating the fluid stream in an absorption zone with the non-aqueous absorption liquid to transfer at least part of the sulphur oxides into the non-aqueous absorption liquid and to form a sulphur oxide-hydrophobic amine-complex; causing the non-aqueous absorption liquid to be in liquid-liquid contact with an aqueous liquid whereby at least part of the sulphur oxide-hydrophobic amine-complex is hydrolyzed to release the hydrophobic amine and sulphurous hydrolysis products, and at least part of the sulphurous hydrolysis products is transferred into the aqueous liquid; separating the aqueous liquid from the non-aqueous absorption liquid. The process mitigates absorbent degradation problems caused by sulphur dioxide and oxygen in flue gas.
US08691170B2
A multi-stage selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit (32) provides efficient reduction of NOx and other pollutants from about 50-550° C. in a power plant (19). Hydrogen (24) and ammonia (29) are variably supplied to the SCR unit depending on temperature. An upstream portion (34) of the SCR unit catalyzes NOx+NH3 reactions above about 200° C. A downstream portion (36) catalyzes NOx+H2 reactions below about 260° C., and catalyzes oxidation of NH3, CO, and VOCs with oxygen in the exhaust above about 200° C., efficiently removing NOx and other pollutants over a range of conditions with low slippage of NH3. An ammonia synthesis unit (28) may be connected to the SCR unit to provide NH3 as needed, avoiding transport and storage of ammonia or urea at the site. A carbonaceous gasification plant (18) on site may supply hydrogen and nitrogen to the ammonia synthesis unit, and hydrogen to the SCR unit.
US08691160B2
A sample analysis disc has concave sections and convex sections formed alternately in a track area of a disc surface. Labeled beads are immobilized to the track area. Each labeled bead has a biopolymer bound thereto. Only one of the labeled beads is allowed to be filled in each concave section.
US08691154B2
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for the preparation of a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a modular component, such as a cartridge. The cartridge may contain chemical precursors to allow the generation of chlorine dioxide. The apparatus has a fluid inlet, and separates the fluid into a first flow path, which fills a reservoir. It also has a second flow path, which is heated before passing through the cartridge to create the desired gas. The fluid output from the cartridge is then fed into the reservoir.
US08691149B2
A component of a laboratory automation system that integrates (a) separating a solid magnetic substrate from the liquid contents of a reaction vessel, (b) management of the thermal characteristics of the component of the laboratory automation system, (c) automated loading of multi-well plates and tip combs into the component of the laboratory automation system, (d) automated unloading of multi-well plates and tip combs from the component of the laboratory automation system, and (e) reading of radio frequency identification tags attached to multi-well plates.
US08691142B2
Zr—Ti—Ni(Cu)-based filler alloy composition having low melting point for brazing titanium and titanium alloys is expressed as: ZraTibNic (Formula 1) where a, b and c denote atomic % of Zr, Ti and Ni, respectively; 47≦a≦52; 24≦b≦30; 22≦c≦26; and 0.3
US08691140B2
An injecting/blowing device includes a mold for injecting a thin-walled hollow preform capable of being transformed into a more voluminous hollow body. The mold includes a counter mold defining a cavity, a cure located in the cavity, and a preform impression located between the counter mold inner surface and the core which will receive the melt, at least two main preferential flow channels or at least two secondary preferential flow channels having a recessed zone at the surface of the core and the inner surface of the cavity. The main flow channels are located only at the impression zone corresponding to the zone for transforming the perform, and in the optional secondary flow channels are flow channels discontinuous from the main flow channel.
US08691137B2
A device changes the shape of a die used to compression mold a part. The device includes a sleeve placed between the die and a charge to be molded. The sleeve has an inner face generally conforming to a face of the die, and a outer face for molding a part.
US08691125B2
An injection molding apparatus includes a first mold and a second mold, a cavity formed by clamping the first mold and the second mold, and includes a portion where the ratio of a first dimension and a second dimension changes continuously such that a portion where the ratio of the first dimension of a pair of first surfaces, and the second dimension of a pair of second surfaces becomes 1 locates in an intermediate portion of the cavity in a longitudinal direction of the long shape; and a first temperature adjusting circuit that is provided at the first mold and the second mold to adjust a temperature within a range where the second dimension of the second surfaces is greater than the first dimension of the first surfaces such that the temperature of the pair of first surfaces becomes higher than the temperature of the pair of second surfaces.
US08691118B2
The present invention relates to a conductive metal ink composition which is properly applied for roll-printing process to form conductive pattern with improved conductivity, and the method of preparing a conductive pattern using the same.The conductive metal ink composition comprises a conductive metal powder; an organic silver complex where an organic ligand including amine group and hydroxyl group binds with a silver (Ag) salt of aliphatic carboxylic acid; a non-aqueous solvent comprising a first non-aqueous solvent having a vapor pressure of 3 torr or lower at 25° C. and a second non-aqueous solvent having a vapor pressure of higher than 3 torr at 25° C.; and a coatability improving polymer.
US08691116B2
Disclosed are conductive polymer inks and methods for forming the inks. The disclosed inks include a dispersion of conductive core/shell nanoparticles. The core/shell nanoparticles include a polymeric core and a shell formed of a conducting polymer. The inks can include a dispersion of the core/shell nanoparticles in a liquid carrier, such as an alcohol. The disclosed inks can be formulated to high viscosities and can be utilized in high-speed printing processes including rotogravure and flexographic printing processes. Products encompassed by the disclosure include polymer devices such as sensors, OFETs, RFID tags, printed circuit board, electrochromic devices, non-volatile memory devices, photovoltaics, and the like.
US08691115B2
A system and process for modulating the carbon content of ash produced by a biomass gasification process, for example, to selected levels chosen by an operator, through the controlled injection of steam and controlled introduction of warm air during processing of a biomass feedstock. The system and process include delivering a carbon-containing biomass feedstock to a gasification reactor and producing a syngas and an ash from the biomass feedstock, and regulating the carbon content of the ash between a level at which carbon not present in the ash and a second level at which carbon is present in the ash. The regulating step entails selectively decreasing the moisture level of the biomass feedstock prior to the biomass feedstock being delivered to the gasification reactor and thereby increasing the carbon content of the ash, or increasing a moisture level of a mixture of the biomass feedstock, ash and gases within the gasification reactor and thereby decrease the carbon content of the ash.
US08691110B2
A coolant composition for a fuel cell, including (a) an alkylene glycol, (b) deionized water, and (c) a compound containing a trimethylsilyl group. The compound containing a trimethylsilyl group of the composition of the present invention prevents the oxidation of the alkylene glycol, and thus the generation of an acid is 700 ppm or less. Additionally, the compound prevent the oxidation of the alkylene glycol, thereby inhibiting the generation of an ionic material, and thus the rate of change of electrical conductivity (conductivity after oxidation/initial conductivity) can be maintained to be 40 times or less. Therefore, the coolant composition for a fuel cell of the present invention can be used as a coolant for a cooling system of a fuel cell driving device with an electrical conductivity of 40 μs/cm or less even without being frozen in the winter.
US08691109B2
Mixtures of select neopentyl polyol esters are found to be highly miscible with the refrigerant R-32 over a wide temperature range. Working fluids are provided comprising R-32 and a polyol ester lubricant composition having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of from 32 to 120 cSt, said lubricant composition comprising C5-10 alkylcarboxy esters di-pentaerythritol wherein at least 40 mol %, typically more, of the alkylcarboxylate groups of the alkylcarboxy esters are pentanoyl groups.
US08691104B2
A method of controlling wetting characteristics is described. Such method includes forming and configuring nanostructures on a surface where controlling of the wetting characteristics is desired. Surfaces and methods of fabricating such surfaces are also described.
US08691098B2
A porous web for filtering fluids has a plurality of adjacent layers of fiber material having anisotropic properties. The anisotropic directions of a given vectorial property of at least two adjacent layers differ one from the other by an angle greater than 0°, and preferably of at least 8°. The porous web is particularly useful as a filter element for the filtration of biological fluids, such as blood and blood components.
US08691096B2
Novel filter elements for sequestering acids from oil or fuel, the strong base flocs that comprise the filter elements, and methods of their preparation and use are disclosed. The filter elements comprise a mechanically linked interlocking fiber matrix interspersed with strong base particle flocs wherein the strong base particles constitute at least 30% by weight of the filter element. Certain filter elements may be useful for sequestering acids or neutralized acids in certain oils or fuels, for example, the acids originating in the combustion and lubrication system of an internal combustion engine or those contained in oils in an oil circulation system. Other filter elements may be useful for reducing oxidation of an oil.
US08691091B2
An aeration control valve system may be used with a water treatment system to control aeration and flow of water in accordance with various operating cycles. The aeration control valve system pumps air into the water treatment system to provide an air charge for aerating the water to facilitate water treatment. The aeration control valve system may pump air into the water treatment system at atmospheric pressure or may pump air at higher pressures such that the air may be recharged while also treating the water. The aeration control valve may also control the release of air from the water treatment system. The operating cycles may include, for example, a service cycle, a backwash cycle, an air regeneration cycle, a service/air charge cycle, an air release cycle, and a rinse cycle.
US08691089B2
The disclosure relates to a separation process. An aerated inlet mixture of fluid and solids is fed to a flotation separation vessel and is separated into an upper float layer and a lower clarified layer. The upper float layer is withdrawn from the vessel when the height of the upper float layer exceeds the height of an overflow conduit and forms a concentrated solids effluent. The lower clarified layer is withdrawn from the separation vessel as a clarified fluid effluent. The separation process is performed continuously using a control process that maintains a relatively stable distribution between the lower clarified layer and the upper float layer. The control process is a closed loop process that monitors the instantaneous height of the vessel contents and computes an error function based on the instantaneous height and a set-point height. The error function is used to periodically adjust the outlet flowrate of the clarified fluid effluent. The resulting process has improved stability (e.g., being continuously operable without interruption and/or operable for extended periods between intermittent cleaning processes) and provides a concentrated solids effluent with solids concentrations higher than those previously attainable in similar separation processes.
US08691077B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for converting a hydrocarbon stream. The process can include passing the hydrocarbon stream having one or more C40+ hydrocarbons to a slurry hydrocracking zone to obtain a distillate hydrocarbon stream having one or more C9-C22 hydrocarbons, and passing the distillate hydrocarbon stream to a hydrocracking zone for selectively hydrocracking aromatic compounds including at least two rings obtaining a processed distillate product.
US08691076B2
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing high-quality naphthenic base oil by subjecting, as a feedstock, light cycle oil (LCO) and slurry oil (SLO) obtained through fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) to hydrotreating and dewaxing.
US08691075B2
The blood glucose analysis technique and system described herein address the issue of hematocrit interference when rapidly detecting glucose concentrations. It addresses this issue by using a differential pulse voltammetry technique in which short high, frequency voltage pulses are applied to keep the diffusion layer within the reagent of the working electrode, and the pulses are applied in a limited voltage window (or range) that is below the peak, diffusion-limited current. The readings below the peak are then used to determine glucose concentrations. With this technique, glucose concentrations can be determined relatively fast (e.g., within 5 seconds) and independently of the hematocrit levels of the fluid being analyzed.
US08691070B1
An electrolysis system which comprises a generator adapted to hold water and gases with a first and second electrode, a bubbler reservoir connected to the generator via hoses adapted to dispense water from the bubbler reservoir into the generator and adapted to allow oxygen and hydrogen gas from the generator to rise into the bubbler reservoir with dryers adapted to hold water and gases fluidly, deliver oxygen and hydrogen gas, to hold acetic add and gases, and adapted to connect to an engine, allowing hydrogen gas to pass to the engine, and a controller connected with electrodes to provide an electric current so that water in the generator is converted to oxygen and hydrogen gas via standard electrolysis.
US08691063B2
The invention is an apparatus and method for depositing a coating onto a substrate. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber with an inlet for supplying a precursor gas to the chamber. The chamber includes a carrier for locating the substrate in the chamber, a first anode having an aperture in which plasma can be formed, and a magnetic field source. The substrate, when located in the carrier, constitutes a first cathode. When a substantially linear magnetic field between the anode and the cathode is formed, the direction of the magnetic field is substantially orthogonal to the surface to be coated and plasma production and deposition takes place substantially within the linear magnetic field.
US08691055B2
The present disclosure relates to processes and systems for purifying technical grade trichlorosilane and/or technical grade silicon tetrachloride into electronic grade trichlorosilane and/or electronic grade silicon tetrachloride.
US08691051B2
Security paper material, in particular for labelling and packaging, and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a security paper material, in particular for labelling and packaging, comprising the steps of forming a paper sheet from a wet cellulose fiber pulp and providing the paper sheet with electronic chips; the chips are introduced into the paper sheet being formed during the transformation step of the pulp into paper and are deposited directly onto the wet pulp and at least partially embedded in the pulp. Optionally, an auxiliary paper sheet is coupled to the paper sheet provided with the chips so that the chips are incorporated between the two sheets.
US08691049B2
The method is for the production of cellulose pulp in a continuous digester system. Chips are impregnated in an impregnation vessel. The chips are then fed to a subsequent digester vessel in a transfer fluid. A black liquor withdrawal is taken from the digester, which withdrawal is led to the bottom to heat the chips before the chips are fed out from the impregnation vessel. A transfer fluid is withdrawn from the digester and led to the impregnation vessel to act as an impregnation fluid. At least a portion of the transfer fluid that was withdrawn from the top of the digester passes an indirect heat exchanger, in which the transfer fluid withdrawn from the top of the digester at a temperature of at least 125° C. exchanges heat indirectly with a first fluid for the production of steam from the first fluid.
US08691046B2
Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.
US08691043B2
The present disclosure is directed to a substrate lamination system and method. A method for laminating substrates may comprise: (a) disposing a pressure-sensitive adhesive later between a substantially planar surface of a first substrate and a substantially planar surface of a second substrate; (b) disposing the first substrate, pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and second substrate within a vacuum chamber; (c) evacuating the vacuum chamber; (d) applying pressure to at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate. A system for laminating substrates may comprise: (a) means for disposing a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer between a substantially planar surface of a first substrate and a substantially planar surface of a second substrate; (b) means for disposing the first substrate, pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and second substrate within a vacuum chamber; (c) means for evacuating the vacuum chamber; (d) means for applying pressure to at least one of the first and second substrates.
US08691039B2
There are provided a method and device for thermocompression bonding of possibly preventing any warping of a resin member to be caused by thermocompression bonding, and of possibly reducing the time to be taken for processing. The method for thermocompression bonding, includes: preheating a resin member using an infrared radiation section; and subjecting the resin member to thermocompression bonding using a heating section and a pressurization section.
US08691037B2
A method for fabricating a one-piece composite fuselage section that minimizes out-of-plane fiber distortion. This is accomplished by fabricating a mandrel having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the hoopwise direction that is sufficiently greater than that of the laid-up composite ply assembly. As a result of this differential in the coefficients of thermal expansion in the hoopwise direction, the laid-up composite ply assembly is stretched circumferentially as the mandrel expands radially during cure, thereby eliminating or reducing out-of-plane fiber distortion. At the same time, the mandrel and part being fabricated should have substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion in the lengthwise direction. As the outer surface of the mandrel increases in circumference, the circumferentially oriented reinforcing fibers of the inner plies are stretched, while the circumferentially oriented reinforcing fibers of the outer plies do not reduce in circumference and thus do not form waves or wrinkles.
US08691027B2
A pressure is maintained within a volume within which a semiconductor wafer resides at a pressure that is sufficient to maintain a liquid state of a precursor fluid to a non-Newtonian fluid. The precursor fluid is disposed proximate to a material to be removed from the semiconductor wafer while maintaining the precursor fluid in the liquid state. The pressure is reduced in the volume within which the semiconductor wafer resides such that the precursor fluid disposed on the wafer within the volume is transformed into the non-Newtonian fluid. An expansion of the precursor fluid and movement of the precursor fluid relative to the wafer during transformation into the non-Newtonian fluid causes the resulting non-Newtonian fluid to remove the material from the semiconductor wafer.
US08691026B2
A dishwashing machine is provided having a washing compartment, a drying unit that includes an absorption column with a reversibly dehydratable drying agent, and having an air circulation loop through the washing compartment and the drying unit. A temperature sensor is arranged in front of the drying unit and to the rear of the washing compartment with respect to the direction of the flow of air circulating in the air circulation loop.
US08691017B2
A heat equalizer includes a container structure having a heating block in which a working fluid is held for heating and vaporizing a material to be heated, a heater placed at the bottom of the container structure, and a material feed pipe allowing the outside and the inside of the container structure to communicate with each other. In the heating block, as a flow path in which the material to be heated flows, a main header pipe connected to the material feed pipe and extending in the horizontally, and a riser pipe branching from the main header pipe and extending vertically are formed. As a condensation path in which the working fluid is cooled and condensed, condensation holes formed respectively on the opposite sides of the riser pipe and extending horizontally, and a condensation pit formed under the riser pipe are formed. Between the condensation holes and the condensation pit, the main header pipe is placed.
US08691014B2
Prepping a surface entails entraining a coating particle into a fluid stream, directing the fluid stream containing the coating particle at the surface to be prepped to thereby prep the surface using the coating particle. The prepped surface can then be coated using the same or substantially similar coating particle. This technique can be used with a continuous airjet, a forced pulsed airjet, a continuous waterjet or a forced pulsed waterjet as the carrier stream. This invention solves the problem of foreign blasting particles becoming embedded in the atomic matrix of the surface to be prepped, which can result in unpredictable behavior of the surface properties and even catastrophic failure.
US08691013B2
A crystal puller for melting silicon and forming a single crystal ingot and a feed tool for shielding a portion of the crystal puller during charging of the crystal puller are disclosed herein. The crystal puller includes a crucible for containing molten silicon. The feed tool includes a cylinder and a plate. The cylinder has an inner surface and an annular ledge formed in a portion of the inner surface. The cylinder has a diameter at the annular ledge that is less than a diameter of the cylinder at the inner surface. The plate is positioned on the annular ledge and includes a first section separate from a second section. The first section and the second section are operable to move laterally with respect to each other. The plate has a central opening formed in at least one of the first section and the second section.
US08691006B2
Non-aqueous, liquid coating compositions which contain at least one hydroxyl-functional component A, at least one hydroxyl-functional polyurethane resin B differing from the at least one component A and at least one crosslinking agent C with groups reactive towards the hydroxyl groups of A and B, wherein the at least one component A is not solid at room temperature and/or is present in dissolved form and wherein the at least one polyurethane resin B is present as particles having a melting temperature of 40 to 180° C.
US08691005B2
A blended material comprising (i) a binder composition comprising an isocyanate compound, a metallic catalyst, and an acid compound wherein the acid compound is present in the binder composition at an amount such that the acidity of the isocyanate compound ranges from 800 ppm to 10000 ppm, calculated as HCl; and (ii) a lignocellulosic material is disclosed. A lignocellulosic composite and a method of making such are also disclosed.
US08691002B2
A process for preparing a black colorant, preferably a black pigment, characterized in that a compound of the Formula (I) is reacted with a compound of the Formula (II) in a molar ratio of 1:2, in the presence of a catalyst which in water at 25° C. has a pK≦4.5. For the definition of R1 to R7, refer to the description; preferably all are H. Likewise claimed are new crystal polymorphs obtainable by this process, and preferably single-phase mixed crystals. Also claimed are synergistic compositions. These compositions exhibit increased light stability in plastics stabilized with basic light stabilizers when they are pigmented with colorants of the invention rather than with known black pigments such as carbon black. The specification also relates, furthermore, to the use of the black colorants of the invention for coloring paints, printing inks and plastics in the mass, and to mulch film, instrument panels, woven fabrics, garden furniture items or elements for the construction industry that are pigmented with said colorants.
US08690995B2
A device for recovering nanometer or sub-micron particles carried by a gas by generating a stabilized suspension, including: a vessel including a mechanism injecting a liquid; a gas discharge mechanism in an upper portion thereof, located near a particle filter; a particle suspension outlet; and a liquid ring pump, transferring and dispersing particles carried by a gas into a liquid. The pump introduces a gas laden with nanometer or sub-micron particles into the pump; injects at least one liquid into the pump; and discharges the mixture obtained following the transfer. The vessel also includes a mechanism introducing the mixture into the vessel and at least one piezoelectric pellet, immersed in the vessel, configured to generate a fog of micron-sized droplets.
US08690978B2
The present invention relates to a thermally curable liquid resin composition capable of being used in the manufacture of abrasive articles, and to the resulting abrasive articles.
US08690975B2
The invention provides a system designed for the complete conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into syngas and slag. The system comprises a primary chamber for the volatilization of feedstock generating a primary chamber gas (an offgas); a secondary chamber for the further conversion of processed feedstock to a secondary chamber gas (a syngas) and a residue; a gas-reformulating zone for processing gas generated within one or more of the chambers; and a melting chamber for vitrifying residue. The primary chamber comprises direct or indirect feedstock additive capabilities in order to adjust the carbon content of the feedstock. The system also comprises a control system for use with the gasification system to monitor and regulate the different stages of the process to ensure the efficient and complete conversion of the carbonaceous feedstock into a syngas product.
US08690974B2
A pyrolytic hydrogen generator comprising a pressure vessel containing a plurality of cardboard receptacles for the thermally decomposable hydrogen generating material and an associated ignition system. Also, a modular pellet tray assembly for use in the generator comprises a plurality of trays having pellet holders and associated igniters and held in a stack by support rods that also provide electrical connectivity to the trays. Also, a pellet tray assembly comprises a plurality of pellet holders, wherein some of more outwardly disposed pellet holders contain only outwardly facing vents and are fired first. Also, the generator has an array of hydrogen generating elements arranged side by side and separated from one another into cells by partitioning provided with directional venting that only permits laterally exiting gases to vent outwardly. Alternatively, the elements can be separated into cells by a baffle system comprising gas confining and gas venting elements, which may be heat conductive.
US08690970B2
A fuel composition for a fuel injected internal combustion engine, a method for improving performance of fuel injectors and a method for cleaning fuel injectors for a fuel-injected internal combustion engine. The fuel composition includes a major amount of fuel and a minor, effective amount of a quaternary ammonium salt of a hydrocarbyl amine and a hydrocarbyl-substituted alkyl-hydroxybenzoate. The amount of quaternary ammonium salt present in the fuel is sufficient to improve performance of the fuel injected internal combustion engine having combusted the composition compared to the performance of such engine having combusted a fuel composition that does not contain the quaternary ammonium salt. The hydrocarbyl-substituted alkyl-hydroxybenzoate contains one or more hydrocarbyl substituents providing a total of at least 8 up to about 200 carbon atoms, provided the one or more hydrocarbyl substituents do not contain sulfur, oxygen, or nitrogen atoms.
US08690955B2
A device for unicompartmental arthroplasty of the knee. The device permits arthroplasty of the medial and/or lateral tibial condyle, and allows for securing of the device without the use of bone cement. Such a device comprises a baseplate, the baseplate comprising a first surface configured to be secured to a surgically prepared medial (or lateral) compartment of a proximal end of a patient's tibia, and an opposing second surface configured to replicate a medial (or lateral) tibial condyle; a flange adjacent the baseplate, the flange shaped to interface with a surgically prepared anterior surface of the proximal end of the patient's tibia, the flange comprising an orifice therethrough; and at least one anchor protruding from the first surface, the at least one anchor arranged to coincide with at least one corresponding surgically prepared void in the patient's tibia.
US08690946B2
An intervertebral implant having an upper and a lower closing plate designed to engage the vertebral end plates. The implant has a deformable body between the closing plates. Between the deformable body and closing plates are cover plates. A plurality of fiber windings run between the cover plates to hold together the cover plates and the deformable body.
US08690944B2
The relationship between first and second portions of a bone in a patient's body is changed by moving a wedge member into a slot formed in the bone. Force is applied against hard cortical bone by the wedge member. This force pivots the first portion of the bone relative to the second portion of the bone about an axis extending through bone interconnecting the first and second portions of the bone. As the wedge member moves into the bone, a side surface of the wedge member is moved into alignment with an outer side surface of the bone. The wedge member is fixedly connected with the bone. The wedge member is rigid so that the bone can immediately be load bearing. One or more openings may be provided in the wedge member to enable bone to grow through the wedge member. The wedge member may contain a material which promotes growth of bone through the wedge member.
US08690943B2
A self-sealing shell useful as a component of a soft fluid-filled prosthetic implant is provided. The shell is at least partly constructed of a wall made of a colloid of an elastomeric polymer matrix and particles of a water-swellable material distributed therein.
US08690942B2
An intra-ocular artificial lens with variable optical strength, wherein the artificial lens comprises two optical elements which are movable relative to each other in a direction extending transversely of the optical axis, wherein the optical elements have a form such that in different relative positions they together have different optical strengths, wherein the movable optical elements are connected to positioning means which are adapted for coupling to the iris of the eye for the purpose of driving. This measure makes use of the fact that one or both of the optical elements can be displaced relative to each other through the driving of the natural orbicularis muscle of the iris in order to obtain an accommodating function.
US08690936B2
Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a tissue heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can comprise a sheath with inner and outer tubular layers, and an intermediate tubular layer comprising a shape memory alloy. Other embodiments comprise one or more layers having one or more longitudinal notches or cuts to facilitate expansion of the sheath. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.
US08690933B2
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for reducing effects of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in a subject. The method includes identifying, on the subject, a body region affected by RLS, placing an emitter unit in direct contact with skin of the body region, wherein the emitter unit includes at least one emitter that emits near-infrared light, and activating the emitter to emit an effective amount of near-infrared light for inducing release of nitric oxide from hemoglobin or generation in the endothelium. Also disclosed is an emitter unit that is placed in direct contact with a subject's skin associated with RLS to reduce the effects of RLS. The emitter unit emits an effective amount of near-infrared light directed to the subject's skin to induce release of nitric oxide from hemoglobin or generation in the endothelium, and a module configured to toggle the emitter unit between a transmitting and a nontransmitting mode.
US08690931B2
The present invention relates to dynamic bone fixation elements and a surgical method to stabilize bone or bone fragments. The dynamic bone fixation elements preferably include a bone engaging component and a load carrier engaging component. The bone engaging component preferably includes a plurality of threads for engaging a patient's bone and a lumen. The load carrier engaging component preferably includes a head portion for engaging a load carrier (e.g., bone plate) and a shaft portion. The shaft portion preferably at least partially extends into the lumen. Preferably at least a portion of an outer surface of the shaft portion is spaced away from at least a portion of an inner surface of the lumen via a gap so that the head portion can move with respect to the bone engaging component. The distal end of the shaft portion is preferably coupled to the lumen.
US08690920B2
An interspinous process spacer insertion device that positions an interspinous process spacer between the spinous process of adjacent vertebrae in a minimally invasive percutaneous surgical procedure. The device includes a trocar rod that extends through a cannulated sleeve. The spacer is attached to the end of the cannulated sleeve, where a trocar tip of the trocar rod extends through the spacer. The trocar rod is moved through the cannulated sleeve and an incision in the patient, and is positioned between the spinous process of the vertebra to align the device. The cannulated sleeve is then moved down the trocar rod so that the spacer slides between the spinous process, and the trocar rod is then withdrawn from the patient. The spacer is then rotated so that it locks behind the spinous process, and the cannulated sleeve is detached from the spacer and removed from the patient.
US08690919B2
A surgical spacer comprising first and second hollow support members, a flexible container, and a compressible material disposed in the container is disclosed. The first and second support members each have an exterior and an interior cavity. The exteriors of the first and second support members are affixed together and the interior cavities of the first and second support members are connected via a connecting opening. The container is disposed in the interior cavities and extends through the connecting opening. In addition, the container is substantially impermeable to the compressible material. The first and second support members are more rigid than the flexible container. A combination of the first and second support members controls the shape of the flexible container, with the compressible material disposed therein, in response to a compressive load applied to an exterior of the spacer.
US08690917B2
A distraction screw includes a proximal portion secured to a first vertebra, a distal portion secured to a second vertebra and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is coupled to the proximal and distal portions and is positioned in an intervertebral space. The intermediate portion is configured and adapted to enable distraction of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.
US08690915B2
A knotless suture system formed from two lengths of suture joined at a suture junction point, with at least four suture limbs extending from the suture junction. The knotless suture system provides the ability to construct a suture bridge for soft tissue repair and fixation across a medial and lateral row bone fixation anchor configuration while passing the suture system in a simplified method of suture management.
US08690912B2
Apparatus for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel includes a bioabsorbable sealing member secured to one end of a filament or other retaining member. The sealing member is delivered through the puncture into the vessel, and refracted against the wall of the vessel to provide temporary hemostasis. The sealing member is rapidly absorbed after exposure within the vessel, e.g., to an aqueous or heated physiological environment (e.g., exposure to blood or body temperature), immediately or shortly after completing a medical procedure via the puncture, e.g., within the time period that the patient is ambulatory. Optionally, extravascular sealing material is delivered into the puncture proximal to the sealing member. The retaining member and/or extravascular material may be bioabsorbable, being absorbed at a slower rate than the sealing member. Alternatively, the filament is removed from the puncture after hemostasis is established.
US08690909B2
An endoscopic instrument includes a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, a clevis at the distal end of the tubular member, and an end effector assembly mounted on the clevis. A control member extends through the tubular member and includes a cam-pin coupled to the distal end thereof. The end effectors are controlled with a cam-pin and cam-slot arrangement, with the end effectors including the cam-slot and such cam-slot having a proximal end slot bilaterally widened to permit the cam-pin additional movement therein. When the cam-pin is retracted to move the end effectors into a closed positions and then further retracted into the bilaterally widened area, the end effectors can rotate together in the same direction to facilitate movement through a rigid bend in an endoscope.
US08690908B2
The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector.
US08690903B2
A cutting balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting members may configured to be more flexible.
US08690895B2
Devices and methods are disclosed which provide for harvesting hair follicular units, including severing any remaining connective tissue strands during the harvesting process, so that the harvested follicular units are retained in the harvesting tool without being damaged. The devices and methods of the present invention are especially useful with the partially or substantially automated systems and methods for hair harvesting and transplantation. The follicular unit harvesting tools may comprise a harvesting cannula and a grasping device moveable relative to each other.
US08690891B2
Apparatus, assemblies, and methods for capturing objects within a body are disclosed. A surgical snare device includes a steerable deflection portion with a steerable distal tip. An interface is linked to the steerable deflection portion to selectively manipulate the distal tip. A snare loop disposed at the distal tip can have a length that remains substantially constant as the distal tip is deflected and the snare loop moves in concert with the distal tip. The distal tip may deflect up to at least one-hundred eighty degrees, while the snare loop moves a corresponding amount. A method includes extending a snare through a body lumen and to a location near an object. The snare may have a loop that changes positions while maintaining the same length. The loop may be placed around an object and then used to retrieve the object from the body lumen.
US08690889B2
A surgical fastener system includes a plurality of fasteners having a throughbore with a non-circular cross section portion. The fasteners may engage with a splined mandrel that passes through the throughbore of the fasteners and rotates the fasteners relative to the mandrel to move at least one of the fasteners along the mandrel, e.g., along the mandrel's longitudinal axis. A distal end of the mandrel may be inserted into a material, such as a tissue, prosthetic or other, and a fastener may be deployed from the distal end of the mandrel while the distal end is positioned in the material.
US08690884B2
A curable material delivery cannula device and method are disclosed. The device includes a cannula and a hub. The cannula includes an open proximal end, a deflectable segment forming a plurality of pre-set curves, each of which corresponds to a pre-determined temperature of the cannula, a lumen, and side orifice(s) adjacent, and proximally spaced from, the distal end and fluidly connected to the lumen. When distally extended from the guide cannula, and upon being heated to a predetermined temperature (before, during, or after extension), the deflectable segment assumes a curved shape, which may be used to create a void in the bone for receiving curable material. The distal cannula end includes a blunt tip for non-traumatic interface with bodily material. During use, curable material, such as bone cement, is delivered from the side orifice(s) in a radial direction relative to the lumen.
US08690869B2
A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an antenna assembly and an elongated body member. The elongated body member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal and distal end portions define a longitudinal axis. The elongated body member has a chamber defined therein that extends along the longitudinal axis, and a body wall surrounding the chamber. An antenna assembly is disposed in the chamber. The elongated body member also includes an opening in the body wall to allow energy radiated from the antenna assembly to transfer into the target volume of tissue.
US08690866B2
An ablation device includes a handle assembly including a distal end and a probe extending distally from the distal end of the handle assembly. The probe includes a heat-transfer portion and at least one fluid-flow path in fluid communication with the heat-transfer portion. The handle assembly includes at least one fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the at least one fluid-flow path and at least one apparatus configured to cause fluid flow between the at least one fluid reservoir and the heat-transfer portion. The probe is configured to apply thermal energy released by an exothermic chemical reaction that occurs when fluid from the at least one fluid reservoir is caused to flow to the heat-transfer portion.
US08690863B2
Subjects treated with nonablative fractional photothermolysis (FP) have an intact stratum corneum, but can have microscopic lesions and vacuole formation within the epidermis. The vacuoles thus formed can trap dermal material and extrude it through the epidermis. Thus, FP can be used for the treatment of recalcitrant melasma, solar elastosis, and tattoos.
US08690856B2
A pump for delivering insulin to a user. The pump comprises a pump mechanism and a meal-bolus program module. The meal-bolus program module is programmed to control the pump mechanism to deliver a meal bolus. An alarm program module is in data communication with the alarm, the timer, and the meal-bolus program module. The alarm module is programmed to generate an alarm signal when the meal-bolus program module does not control the pump mechanism to deliver a meal bolus within a predetermined period of time.
US08690851B2
A disposable absorbent article comprises a first crotch elastic member adjacent a first crotch edge and a second crotch elastic member adjacent a second crotch edge, each crotch elastic member extending generally in a longitudinal direction, each crotch elastic member having a front terminal point and a rear terminal point. In one embodiment, at least one of the terminal points of the first crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the first crotch elastic member, and at least one of the terminal points of the second crotch elastic member is positioned transversely inward from a remaining portion of the second crotch elastic member. In another embodiment, front end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members or rear end portions of the first and second crotch elastic members converge transversely inward toward each other.
US08690846B2
A disposable waste containment article is disclosed along with a combination of using two articles simultaneously. The article includes a bodyside layer having a first surface and an outer perimeter, and a garment facing layer having an outer perimeter approximately coincident with the outer perimeter of the bodyside layer. An absorbent layer is positioned between the bodyside layer and the garment facing layer. A seal secures the bodyside layer to the garment facing layer. The seal is located inward of the outer perimeters. An ingress is formed in the bodyside layer and is aligned with one of the waste orifices present in a human body such that waste from the human body can pass through the ingress and be collected in the waste containment article. The waste containment article also includes a body adhesive for securing the first surface to the wearer's body.
US08690837B2
A device for administering a product (e.g. a medicinal or therapeutic substance), the device including a receptacle for the product or constituents of the product and a casing, wherein the receptacle and casing are engaged, and an outer sleeve, wherein the casing can be moved relative to the receptacle into the outer sleeve.
US08690836B2
An auto-injector apparatus includes a flexible container containing a liquid medicant, a needle communicated with a container, a housing with a container being received in the housing, a pump disposed in the housing and positioned to engage the flexible container and expel the medicant from the container through the needle upon relative movement between the pump and the container, and a main drive spring operably associated with the needle to extend the needle from a first needle position wherein the needle is completely received in the housing to a second needle position wherein the needle protrudes from the housing. The pump may be a roller.
US08690827B2
Certain exemplary embodiments comprise can comprise an auto-injector, which can comprise: a vial configured to store and/or contain an injectable medicament, the vial defining a vial longitudinal axis, and a housing comprising the vial. In various embodiments, the injectable medicament can be a medicine, medication, drug, pharmaceutical, prescriptive, agent, antidote, anti-venom, hormone, stimulant, vasodilator, anesthetic, and/or nutritional supplement that is substantially ready for injection.
US08690824B2
This disclosure relates to medical devices and related methods. In some embodiments, the methods include applying a material to the balloon and then removing the material from one or more regions of the balloon.
US08690822B2
Medical devices for delivering a bioactive agent and methods of use thereof are provided. The device includes a balloon having micro-needles for delivery of the bioactive agent.
US08690817B2
A system for bypassing an anastomosis site in a hollow organ is provided. The system includes a sleeve configured for spanning the anastomosis site at an internal surface of the hollow organ and a band configured for attachment to an external surface of the hollow organ and limiting migration of the sleeve beyond the anastomosis site.
US08690814B2
A radiation treatment garment includes, in some embodiments, a window having a visually-transparent material for viewing alignment tattoos on a wearer. In some other embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes a support pouch for receiving and supporting a male wearer's external genitalia, wherein the support pouch is configured to support the external genitalia in a position that is anterior and superior to the natural gravity-induced position. In some further embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes both the window and the support pouch.
US08690807B2
A surgical positioning system includes a flexible air-impermeable shell filled with beads that is wrapped against the patient and subjected to a vacuum to hold the patient in place. An air-impermeable top wall can be joined with an air-impermeable bottom wall to define a plurality of chambers. Each of the chambers can include a peripheral edge that extends around the periphery of the respective chamber. The plurality of chambers can include a first shoulder chamber, a second shoulder chamber, and a main chamber.
US08690801B2
A leg assist device with a control law suitable for assisting standing up motion is provided. The leg assist device is provided with an upper leg link, a lower leg link, a rotary joint, and a controller. The upper leg link and the lower leg link is attached to a leg of a user. The rotary joint rotatably connects the lower leg link to the upper leg link. The rotary joint also has an actuator which rotates the lower leg link. The controller controls the actuator so that the lower leg link angle matches a target angle. The controller has a torque limiter that limits the magnitude of the command torque that is output to the actuator. The controller sets a standing position angle corresponding to a user's standing position to the target angle, and raises an upper limit of the torque limiter as a user's hip height rises.
US08690798B2
A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.
US08690794B1
According to some embodiments, systems and methods for the collection of human waste samples are provided. The systems include a collection bowl, defined as a generally bowl-shaped part extending downward from a toilet seat-shaped rim and having a collection port at the bottom of the collection bowl, a sample cup releasably coupleable to the collection port having a collection volume in communication with the collection bowl, a collection basket lined with a screen to collect solid and particulate matter, and a sample spatula to manipulate solid waste. The method generally includes: placing at least the collection bowl coupled with the sample cup on the porcelain rim of a toilet, replacing the toilet seat down over the collection bowl to hold the collection bowl in place, sitting on the toilet, voiding either liquid or solid waste into the collection bowl, ensuring waste enters the sample cup, emptying excess waste from the collection bowl, de-coupling the sample cup from the collection bowl, capping the sample cup, and discarding the collection bowl.
US08690792B2
Skin cholesterol is measured by applying an adhesive tape onto a selected area of the skin to adhere the tape to the selected skin area and stripping the tape off the selected skin area to obtain a sample representative of the outer stratum corneum layer of the skin, the sample adhering to the tape so as to have exposed skin constituents. The sample is assayed using a detector reagent that specifically binds to cholesterol and in addition has an indicator component that allows quantitation of the amount of cholesterol present in the exposed skin constituents.
US08690789B2
Methods and systems for mapping a physiological signal into clinical guideline parameters are disclosed. A physiological signal having a characteristic that may represent an anomaly is received and mapped to a clinical guideline condition space. Probabilities are determined that the mapped signal with which the anomaly may be associated represents a first clinical guideline condition corresponding to a referral indication or a second clinical guideline condition corresponding to an absence of the referral indication. The determined probability is presented and a referral decision is made responsive to the determined probability that the anomaly is associated with the first clinical guideline condition.
US08690774B2
The invention relates to a method and device for measuring blood gas parameters, preferably pH, pCO2, and pO2, in a blood sample, where the blood sample of a patient is fed into at least one measuring cell of an analyzer. In order to obtain accurate values for the blood gas parameters even in cases where the temperature of the patient deviates from normal temperature, the temperature of the patient or blood sample is measured upon sample withdrawal, and the measured temperature is transmitted to the analyzer or is recorded by the analyzer, and the temperature of the measuring cell of the analyzer is adjusted to the measured temperature by cooling or heating.
US08690773B2
Embodiments of the invention pertain to networked kiosks capable of providing enhanced health and/or entertainment and/or advertising information. In an embodiment of the invention, biometric measurement devices coupled with a communications infrastructure implement a system of secure information exchange and enhanced user security. In an embodiment of the invention, a user's cell phone wirelessly connected via the machine to a call center or other responder to allow for consultation when appropriate. In an embodiment of the invention, a security/verification system is built into the kiosk, so as to be able to verify a user's identity. For example, one or more cameras associated with the kiosk provide various types of visual data usable for security purposes e.g., retinal scan data, face recognition parameter data, and so on. In further embodiments of the invention, other security features are provided additionally or alternatively.
US08690759B2
There is disclosed an endoscopic instrument comprising a shaft having a distal end at which at least one optical sensor is arranged and a proximal end configured for a connection to a supply unit, further comprising a data transmission element which is provided between the at least one optical sensor and the proximal end and which is configured to differentially transmit at least two signals. The data transmission element is embodied as a star quad cable.
US08690749B1
An apparatus with a compressible construction having a wireless power source structured around a cylindrical-shaped support that suspends a motor within the vascular system while also supporting an impeller pump that can be made to be collapsible. The whole system allows for a minimally invasive pump implantation and augmentation of flow.
US08690748B1
A signal processing method and system combines multi-scale decomposition, such as wavelet, pre-processing together with a compression technique, such as an auto-associative artificial neural network, operating in the multi-scale decomposition domain for signal denoising and extraction. All compressions are performed in the decomposed domain. A reverse decomposition such as an inverse discrete wavelet transform is performed on the combined outputs from all the compression modules to recover a clean signal back in the time domain. A low-cost, non-drug, non-invasive, on-demand therapy braincap system and method are pharmaceutically non-intrusive to the body for the purpose of disease diagnosis, treatment therapy, and direct mind control of external devices and systems. It is based on recognizing abnormal brainwave signatures and intervenes at the earliest moment, using magnetic and/or electric stimulations to reset the brainwaves back to normality. The feedback system is self-regulatory and the treatment stops when the brainwaves return to normal. The braincap contains multiple sensing electrodes and microcoils; the microcoils are pairs of crossed microcoils or 3-axis triple crossed microcoils.
US08690739B2
A boxing training device including a support frame, a first set of pads each resiliently secured relative to the support frame and a second set of pads each resiliently connected relative to the support frame. The first set of pads comprises a plurality of pads located at multiple heights having faces angled towards a right hand side of a boxer for receiving right handed blows and the second set of pads comprises a plurality of pads located at multiple heights having faces angled towards a left hand side of a boxer for receiving left handed blows.
US08690734B2
An embodiment of the disclosure consists of a rectangular lightweight rigid handled frame, four adjustable telescoping foldout locking legs with protective feet, a rear-facing mirror, a pair of forward-facing mirrors, an eleven-light light source, and a control panel. The rear-facing mirror is connected to the frame and is adjustable about a horizontal axis to form a vertical angle in order to facilitate the reflections from the light source back and forth between the rear-facing mirror and the pair of forward-facing mirrors. The pair of forward-facing mirrors are connected to the frame, are spaced apart to form the porthole, and are adjustable on both a vertical and horizontal axis in order to form the vertical angle and the rotational angle needed to facilitate the reflections from the light source back and forth between the rear-facing mirror and at least one of the pair of forward-facing mirrors.
US08690732B2
Various embodiments of methods, apparatus and systems that diagnose and/or detect faults of an electro-hydraulic control system for a transmission are presented. Some embodiments, adjust a main line pressure of the electro-hydraulic control system and detect faults based upon changes in a pressure switch resulting from such adjustments of the main line pressure. The pressure switch may be incorporated into a control main valve or a clutch trim valve of the electro-hydraulic control system.
US08690721B2
An example journal pin includes a generally cylindrical body disposed on an axis having a supply passage. A first chamber and a second chamber are disposed in the generally cylindrical body and are in fluid communication with the supply passage. A recess on an outer diameter of the cylindrical body is in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber and second chamber are each radially outward of the supply passage and including an outlet to the recess. The first chamber and second chamber each have a first section radially inward of a second section. A cross sectional area of the second section is greater than a cross sectional area of the corresponding first section.
US08690720B2
A hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission capable of adjusting the amount of lubricating oil in accordance with a load on a torque converter is provided. A main regulator valve regulates hydraulic oil from an oil pressure source on the basis of a stator reaction force of the torque converter to generate a line pressure for operating engagement of a frictional engagement element. A line pressure switching section switches the line pressure to a low line pressure in a region in which a higher line pressure is not required in response to a driving state of a vehicle, and switches the line pressure to a high line pressure when a target value of an engagement hydraulic oil pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. A lubricating regulator valve is provided in a lubricating oil passage connected from the main regulator valve to regulate a hydraulic pressure in the lubricating oil passage to a given pressure in response to a driving state of the vehicle. A torque converter regulator valve controls a pressure inside the torque converter. A lubricating shift valve switches between an oil passage for supplying hydraulic oil discharged from the torque converter into the lubricating oil passage and an oil passage for discharging lubricating oil discharged from the torque converter regulator valve.
US08690719B2
To provide a push type driving belt, which is capable of preventing uneven wear of the ring and deterioration in durability of the ring, by preventing a transmission loss resulting from an internal slippage of the ring, and by positioning the ring properly with respect to the element.The push-type driving belt B comprises: an element 1, in which a recess 8 opening toward a diametrically outer circumferential side is formed in a width center thereof; and a ring 9, which is formed of single layer in its thickness direction using elastic material, and which is fitted into the recess 8 of the element 1 to fasten the elements 1 juxtaposed in a circular manner. In the push-type driving belt B, inclined faces 13 and 14 are formed on side faces 9a and 9b of the ring 9 plane symmetrically across a width center plane C; and contact faces 15 and 14 each inclination thereof is identical to that of the inclined faces 13 and 14 and each area thereof is smaller than that of the inclined face 13 and 14 are formed on the inner wall 6a and 7a of width end of the recess 8.
US08690718B2
A tightener for a belt drive cooperates with the belt in the presence of oil, and has a pin with a first axis; a base plate integral with and substantially perpendicular to the pin; a cam arm connected in a rotary manner to the pin and movable with respect to the base plate; a contact member carried by the cam arm; and an elastic member connected to the cam arm to activate the contact member against the belt. The tightener also has a friction member made of oil-resistant material and axially supporting the cam arm on the base plate; and axial elastic means for loading the friction member against the base plate.
US08690707B2
Golf clubs, club heads, and club weighting systems may include: (a) a club head body member; and (b) one or more weight members movably engaged with the club head body member so as to move between a first position and a second position to change an overall exterior shape of the club head. This shape change may result in changes to the overall center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Alternatively or additionally, the weight member(s) may be removed from the club head body member, reoriented, and/or replaced with a different weight member, e.g., to change the overall exterior shape, center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Methods of making and using these clubs, club heads, and weighting systems also are described.
US08690704B2
A golf club head includes a body member having a length dimension, a height dimension, a breadth dimension, a center-of-gravity and a face-squared centerline. The body member includes a channel having an inlet, an outlet and a throughbore extending through the body member from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet is located to a heel-side of the centerline of the body member and the outlet is located to a toe-side of the centerline of the body member. A golf club including the golf club head is also provided.
US08690700B2
A wood-type club head can include a front end having a front face, a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a rear end opposite the front end, a crown surface having a front crown end and a rear crown end, and an alignment aid at the crown surface. The front crown end can be closer to the front end than to the rear end, and the rear crown end can be closer to the rear end than to the front end. The alignment aid can include three alignment aid stripes. The three alignment aid stripes can include a toe alignment aid stripe, a heel alignment aid stripe, and a center alignment aid stripe. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08690698B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club classification method capable of classifying a golf swing precisely. Specifically, the present invention provides a classification method comprising steps of: partitioning the golf swing of the golfer into golf swing trajectories of a back swing, a down swing, and a follow through so as to determine a stable point in the golf swing trajectories as an origin for any two of the trajectories and to assign a two dimensional coordinate to the two golf swing trajectories; determining straight lines connecting each of one point selected within each of the two golf swing trajectories and the origin; calculating angles between each of the determined straight lines and the horizontal line respectively for the two golf swing trajectories; and classifying the golf swing based on a difference between the calculated angles.
