US09025191B2
A display operation device is included in an image forming apparatus. The display operation device includes an apparatus-image display unit and a paper feed/output specifying unit. The apparatus-image display unit displays an image of the image forming apparatus on a screen. In the image, a paper feed source and a paper output destination are separately located. The paper feed/output specifying unit receives at least information specifying the paper feed source and the paper output destination as a result of linking of the paper feed source with the paper output destination in the image on the screen.
US09025188B2
An information processing system including an image inputting apparatus including a first certification control unit that sends a certification request, in which a public key certificate read from a recording medium is designated, to a certification apparatus connected with the image inputting apparatus through a network and receives proof data indicating that certification is completed from the certification apparatus, a delegating unit that delegates the proof data to the information processing apparatus, which is connected with the image inputting apparatus through the network, and a sending unit that sends a delivery request for delivering image data input by the image inputting apparatus to the information processing apparatus, and an information processing apparatus which acquires an access right to a delivery destination of the image data using the proof data delegated by the delegating unit.
US09025185B2
An information processing apparatus includes a first receiving unit, a registering unit, a requiring unit, a second receiving unit, and a transmitting unit. The first receiving unit receives a reservation and setting process executable time information, the reservation being a reservation for transmission of a management setting, the setting process executable time representing a period of time during which the second information processing apparatus may process the management setting. The registering unit registers the reservation and the information regarding the period of time. The requiring unit requires, in a case where a time at which a communication from a second information processing apparatus was received corresponds to the information regarding the period of time, a first information processing apparatus to transmit the management setting. The second receiving unit receives the management setting. The transmitting unit transmits to the second information processing apparatus the management setting.
US09025177B2
After processing a medium B with a processing unit based on control data received from a host computer 92 and stopping conveyance of the medium B, the media processing device control unit 100 of a printer 1 prohibits processing the medium B by the processing unit, waits until displacement of the medium B is detected by a media orientation detection means 65, and reports starting to wait to the host computer 92. When displacement of the medium B is detected by the media orientation detection means 65 while waiting, the media processing device control unit 100 cuts the medium B with the automatic paper cutter 60, and then cancels prohibition of processing medium B by the processing unit.
US09025165B2
Of two pairs of biaxial goniometers and a uniaxial straight-ahead stage, one pair of biaxial goniometers and the uniaxial straight-ahead stage are subjected to fully-closed feedback control (follow-up control) under which output from a QPD is directly input into an axis drive motor, and the remaining pair of biaxial goniometers are subjected to semi-closed feedback control (constant-value control), encoder outputs on all the axes and QPD output are acquired simultaneously, measurement point coordinates and normal vectors derived from the encoder outputs are corrected with the QPD output, thereby eliminating influence of steady-state deviation in a goniometer control system.
US09025155B2
A hand-held color measurement device is provided that is designed especially for measurements on curved surfaces includes a housing that accommodates a measurement array and further includes a housing base and a measurement opening arranged in the housing base, through which measurement opening a measurement spot on the surface of a measurement object is illuminated and the measurement light reflected by the measurement spot is picked up. The measurement array includes an illumination array for applying illumination light to the measurement spot in at least one illumination direction, and a pick-up array for detecting the measurement light in at least one observation direction. A multi-point bearing includes at least three pin-shaped support members and is arranged on the housing base. Two support members lie symmetrically on both sides of the measurement opening, wherein their connecting line extends parallel to and in the immediate vicinity of an illumination-observation plane which is defined by the illumination and observation directions. The third support member lies transversely at a distance from the other two support members.
US09025150B2
The invention relates to an incoherent light full field interference microscopy device for the imaging of a volumetric scattering sample (106). The device comprises an interference device (100) between a reference wave (401), produced by reflection of an incident wave by a reflective surface (105) of a reference arm of the interference device, and an object wave (402) produced by backscattering of the incident wave by a slice of the sample, an acquisition device (108) for at least a first interference signal and at least a second interference signal resulting from the interference of the reference and object waves, the at least two interference signals having a phase difference, an processing unit (403) for calculating an image of the slice of the sample, based on said interference signals. The interference device also comprises an optical element (404) for modifying the phase of the wavefront, and the microscopy device comprises a control unit (405) for the optical element, linked to the processing unit (403), the optical phase modification element being controlled by optimizing a statistical parameter of at least a part of the image calculated by the processing unit.
US09025144B2
A particle detection system (100), such as an active video smoke detection system, includes at least one illumination means (102) for directing a beam (106) of radiation through at least part of the air volume being monitored (110), an image sensor (104) is positioned to capture images of at least part of a beam (106) from illumination means (102); and means to analyze (107) the captured images to detect the presence of particles within the volume. At least 29 different aspects are described for improving the sensitivity, usability, and robustness of particle detection. These include, for example, configuring illumination means (102) to create a curtain of light or a rapidly-scanned beam across the air volume (110), and configuring a reflector to steer or change direction of a beam reflected from illumination means (102).
US09025130B2
A method includes directing a beam of radiation along an optical axis toward a workpiece support, measuring a spectrum of the beam at a first time to obtain a first profile, measuring the spectrum of the beam at a second time to obtain a second profile, determining a spectral difference between the two profiles, and adjusting a position of the workpiece support along the optical axis based on the difference. A different aspect involves an apparatus having a workpiece support, beam directing structure that directs a beam of radiation along an optical axis toward the workpiece support, spectrum measuring structure that measures a spectrum of the beam at first and second times to obtain respective first and second profiles, processing structure that determines a difference between the two profiles, and support adjusting structure that adjusts a position of the workpiece support along the optical axis based on the difference.
US09025127B2
In a lithographic projection apparatus, a liquid supply system maintains liquid in a space between the projection system and the substrate. The liquid supply system may further include a de-mineralizing unit, a distillation unit, a de-hydrocarbonating unit, a UV radiation source, and/or a filter configured to purify the liquid. A gas content reduction device may be provided to reduce a gas content of the liquid. A chemical may be added to the liquid using an adding device to inhibit lifeform growth and components of the liquid supply system may be made of a material which is non-transparent to visible light such that growth of lifeforms may be reduced.
US09025125B2
A display device includes a display section, and a light barrier element. The light barrier element includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer that is provided between the pair of substrates and has a plurality of sub-regions that transmit or block light, and a plurality of spacers provided between the pair of substrates. The plurality of spacers are randomly arranged in part or all of a region in surfaces of the substrates.
US09025121B2
Embodiments of the invention disclose a pixel unit and an array substrate of an LCD device with an FFS mode; the pixel unit includes a pixel electrode and a common electrode insulated from each other, the pixel electrode includes at least two branch electrodes arranged in parallel and an end electrode connecting to ends of the branch electrodes; the branch electrode includes a body and an inclined connection part, the inclined connection part is connected between an end of the body and the end electrode, and extends in a direction different from extension direction of the body; at least one of the branch electrodes includes a protrusion at an end of the body; the protrusion is arranged opposite to the end electrode along the extension direction of the body. Embodiments of the invention can suppress the DLS phenomenon at the edge of the pixel unit, thereby improving display performance.
US09025117B2
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display panel, which comprises: a first conductive layer, a first insulating layer, a second conductive layer, a second insulating layer, and a third conductive layer; the first insulating layer being disposed on the first conductive layer and comprising at least two first via-holes corresponding respectively to at least two first subsidiary conductive regions so that at least two first subsidiary conductive regions being partially exposed through first via-holes; the second conductive layer being disposed on the first insulating layer; the second insulating layer being disposed on the second conductive layer; the second insulating layer being disposed on the second conductive layer and comprising at least two second via-holes corresponding respectively to at least two second subsidiary; a third conductive layer being connected with first subsidiary conductive regions and a second conductive layer.
US09025106B2
Occurrence of an event can be prevented, whereby, when a backlight expands with heat, a light guide plate might move a group of optical sheets into contact with a middle frame and deform the sheets, thereby causing nonuniformity of luminance on a screen. In particular, a protrusion is formed at an edge of the plate, and the sheets are mounted on the plate to avoid the protrusion. The frame covers the protrusion and the edge of the sheets. Even if a spatial gap with respect to the frame is lost by expansion of the plate, the sheets suffer no deformation due to interference between an edge of the sheets and the frame. Therefore, the nonuniformity of luminance on the screen does not occur, either. Also, unusual sounds due to movement of the plate under vibration do not arise since a gap between the protrusion and the frame can be small.
US09025100B2
An electronic device may be provided with a display such as a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display may have a color filter layer, a thin-film-transistor layer, and a layer of liquid crystal material between the color filter layer and the thin-film-transistor layer. A lower polarizer may be formed under the thin-film-transistor layer. An upper polarizer may be formed on the color filter layer. A shielding antireflection layer may be formed on the upper polarizer. The shielding antireflection layer may serve both as a shielding layer that protects against display damage due to electrostatic charge and as an antireflection coating that helps to minimize reflections from the surface of the display. The shielding antireflection layer may include low and high index of refraction layers and a conductive layer such as a transparent conductive oxide layer that provides shielding.
US09025099B2
A liquid crystal display device to reduce damage of signal lines and switching devices caused by electrostatic discharge shock. The liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of pixels defined by intersections between gate lines and data lines, dummy pixels disposed along circumferences of the pixels, common lines disposed parallel to the gate lines, the common lines being connected to the pixels and the dummy pixels, a first gate metal to receive an exterior common voltage, second gate metals that extend from the common lines to one side, the second gate metals having a pad shape, a source-drain metal disposed in a direction parallel to the data lines at one side of the second gate metals, a first connection pattern to electrically connect the first gate metal to the source-drain metal, and a second connection pattern to electrically connect the source-drain metal to the second gate metals.
US09025091B2
Described are stereoscopic eyewear, methods and systems for manufacturing the same. The stereoscopic eyewear includes right- and left-eye filters for analyzing stereoscopically-encoded polarized light. The filters are made using a roll-type polarizer having an absorption axis. A polymer alignment layer is deposited on a portion of the roll-type polarizer. A liquid crystal polymer (LCP) layer is deposited on the polymer alignment layer. The polymer alignment layer and LCP layer provides at least one retarder having an optic axis at a predetermined angle to the absorption axis of the roll-type polarizer. Described embodiments include a polymer alignment layer that may include at least one of a linearly photopolymerizable polymer (LPP), a brushed or rolled polyimide.
US09025090B2
Integrated touch screens are provided including drive lines formed of grouped-together circuit elements of a thin film transistor layer and sense lines formed between a color filter layer and a material layer that modifies or generates light. The common electrodes (Vcom) in the TFT layer can be grouped together during a touch sensing operation to form drive lines. Sense lines can be formed on an underside of a color filter glass, and a liquid crystal region can be disposed between the color filter glass and the TFT layer. Placing the sense lines on the underside of the color filter glass, i.e., within the display pixel cell, can provide a benefit of allowing the color filter glass to be thinned after the pixel cells have been assembled, for example.
US09025082B2
There is provided an image processing device including an image insertion unit that inserts into video content an image for recognition identified by image recognition. The image insertion unit inserts the image for recognition so that a display duration of the image for recognition is less than a value near a threshold of visual perception.
US09025074B2
An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor that includes a plurality of pixels, each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements; a readout unit that reads out a signal from a portion of the photoelectric conversion elements of each pixel as a first signal and reads out a sum of signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements of each pixel as an image signal; a generation unit that generates a second signal for each pixel using the image signal and the first signal; and a calculation unit that calculates a moving amount of a focus lens for achieving an in-focus state based on a phase difference between the first signal and the second signal. The calculation unit performs the calculation without using a signal from a defective line.
US09025073B2
Imaging apparatus includes an image sensor, which is adapted to generate an input image in response to optical radiation. A processing engine is configured to apply a digital filter, having a kernel width greater than five pixels, to the input image to generate a filtered image. An optical assembly is arranged to focus the optical radiation onto the image sensor with a point spread function such that no more than a first threshold percentage of energy emitted from a point object and focused by the optical assembly falls within a first region of the image sensor having a first width five times the pitch of the image sensor, while at least a second threshold percentage of the energy emitted from the point object and focused by the optical assembly falls within a second region, which contains the first region and has a second width corresponding to the kernel width.
US09025067B2
An image capture device includes an electro-optics arrangement having an arrangement of polarizers, polarization sensitive optical elements, and polarization modulating elements. First and second polarization sensitive optical elements are provided having an edge displaced relative to a plane normal to an optical axis of the electro-optics arrangement. A control system coupled to the electro-optics arrangement controls the application of voltages to the polarization modulating elements to control the polarization rotation of the light input to the polarization sensitive optical elements, such that the optical path length of the polarization sensitive optical elements is changed to provide for capture of the object images at each of the different focal planes. The first and second polarization sensitive optical elements generate lateral image shifts between respective object images captured at the different focal planes responsive to the polarization rotation of the light input thereto.
US09025050B2
A digital photographing apparatus for providing natural images fitting a surrounding environment or brightness to a user by automatically determining an image processing type and an image processing strength according to the surrounding brightness and a control method thereof.
US09025046B2
A white balance adjustment method includes capturing a raw image where an arrangement format of the raw image is BGb/GrR, extracting color scale values of each color channels, and obtaining cumulative proportion of color scale values in each channel. Cumulative proportion of each channels are compared with default minimum and maximum values, to get a cumulative proportion which is above a maximum value treated as a reference white, and a cumulative proportion below the minimum value treated as a reference black. The color scale values are re-quantized according to the obtained reference white and black, by using a color histogram equalization method.
US09025043B2
A system for providing an adjusted image of a scene includes an optical assembly, a capturing system coupled to the optical assembly, and a control system. The optical assembly is adjustable to alternatively be focused on a first focal area and a second focal area that is different than the first focal area. The capturing system captures a first frame of the scene when the optical assembly is focused at the first focal area, and a second frame of the scene when the optical assembly is focused at the second focal area. The first frame includes a plurality of first pixels and the second frame includes a plurality of second pixels. The control system analyzes the first frame and the second frame and utilizes graph cuts techniques to assign a depth label to at least a portion of the first frame.
US09025034B2
An image blur compensation unit and image blur compensation device that can be made smaller in size. Wedge prisms, which refract light that is guided to an imaging element after passing through a lens group, are disposed on the same plane perpendicular to a central axis, and are supported by rotatable prism support portions. In order for the wedge prisms to be spaced by a predetermined distance and face each other along the central axis in a space that is formed when being placed adjacent to each other, the prism support portion supports the wedge prism on one end side along the central axis, and the prism support portion supports the wedge prism on one end side along the central axis. In this manner, the prism support portions supporting the wedge prisms, which need to be disposed along the central axis so as to be spaced by a predetermined distance and face each other, are disposed on the same plane. Therefore, the central axis-direction thickness can be made thinner, and the device can be made smaller in size.
US09025028B2
A system and method for detection of vehicle license plates including a video camera that has a first operating mode in which it generates a first image sequence of a small, strip-shaped section of its optical camera image at a high frame rate, and a second operating mode in which a second image sequence of its entire optical camera image is generated at a lower frame rate. In the first operating mode, at the time of the detection of a license plate in the first image sequence, the video camera is switched to the second operating mode to generate an image, which contains the license plate in or near the mentioned section.
US09025015B2
A video sign based advertising method involves providing a video display that is adapted to display images as an arrangement of pixels; sending video signals representing an advertisement to the video display; capturing an image of a sample of less than all of the pixels of the video display; determining if the captured sample matches a bitmap of the image sample of the image that is being sent to the display; logging play-out of the advertisement if a match is detected; and initiating an error condition action if a match is not detected. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US09025005B2
Technologies are generally described for reproducing holographic images by causing a photo-induced change in the diffractive index of a holographic recording medium. An example device may include a light irradiation unit and a transparent substrate. The light irradiation unit can be configured to transmit a photo-inducing light. Further, the transparent substrate may have a predetermined refractive index and can be configured to include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface can be configured to receive an incident light, and the second surface can be configured to receive the photo-inducing light. The transparent substrate can be configured to form interference fringe patterns from a photo-induced change in the refractive index of the transparent substrate responsive to the photo-induced light.
US09024993B2
A participant managing system which identifies potential invitees to a conference. A storage means maintains storing records of associations of persons at least one or more key words. During the preparation of the conference the system responds to the user's input of key words by identifying persons. The user is not obliged to make any selection of persons, only a selection of subjects by key words.
US09024990B2
A light scanning unit and an image forming apparatus employing the same. The light scanning unit deflects light in a main scanning direction, irradiates the light on a photoconductive drum, and includes a beam detecting sensor to detect a horizontal synchronization signal by receiving a part of the light beam reflected and scanned by a beam deflector, and leads of terminals of the beam detecting sensor are not exposed to the light beam to be scanned.
US09024980B2
A method for converting input RGB data signals to output RGBW data signals for use in an OLED display is disclosed. In the OLED display, each pixel has three color sub-pixels in RGB and one W sub-pixel. Input RGB data signals in signal space are normalized and converted into input data in luminance space. A baseline adjustment level is determined from the input data and is used to compute baseline adjusted data in luminance space. After being converted from luminance space into signal space, baseline adjusted data in RGBW are represented by N binary bits presented to the four sub-pixels. To suit the color characteristics of the display, color-temperature correction to the output signals is also carried out. In luminance space, the maximum color-temperature corrected output data fall within the range of 0.4/k and 0.5/k, with k being the ratio of W sub-pixel area to the color sub-pixel area.
US09024979B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is disclosed. The LCD panel includes a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns, a first sub gate-line coupled to first row-pixels that are adjacent to a lower side of the first sub gate-line, a second sub gate-line coupled to second row-pixels that are adjacent to an upper side of the second sub gate-line, a plurality of gate-lines between the first sub gate-line and the second sub gate-line, a plurality of even data-lines coupled to first column-pixels that are adjacent to the even data-lines, and a plurality of odd data-lines coupled to second column-pixels that are adjacent to the odd data-lines. Here, each gate-line of the plurality of gate lines is coupled to first row-pixels that are adjacent to a lower side of the gate-line and second row-pixels that are adjacent to an upper side of the gate-line.
US09024973B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a way of displaying content of an obscured area of a view for a user.The object is achieved by a method in an electronic device. The electronic device obtains (402) an information identifying a position of the obscured area in relation to the view. The electronic device further calculates (403) an information identifying the position of the obscured area on a display. The electronic device obtains (404) an information regarding the content of the view or part of the view when not obscured from a memory. The electronic device creates (405) an image relating to the content of the obscured area of the view. The electronic device further displays (406) the image on a place on the display that corresponds to the calculated (403) position of the obscured area in relation to the display.
US09024964B2
A novel method for driving a display device includes the steps of receiving video data of a first type, converting the video data to data of a second type, dithering the data of the second type to form dithered pixel data, and outputting the dithered pixel data. The step of converting the video data to data of a second type includes inserting dither bits indicative of a particular dithering scheme into the data of the second type. An example display driver circuit includes an input for receiving video data, a data converter coupled to receive the video data and operative to convert the video data into pixel data to be written to pixels of a display, and a ditherer operative to receive the pixel data and to dither the pixel data to generate dithered pixel data. The video data is data of a first type, and the pixel data is data of a second type, different from the first type. In the disclosed example, the first type of data includes a binary data word, and the second type of data includes a compound data word. The compound data word includes a first set of binary weighted bits, a second set of arbitrarily weighted bits, and dither bits.
US09024948B2
A system and method for generating a representation of an outer layer of a three-dimensional object is disclosed. The object may be represented by a data structure that defines a plurality of triangles that collectively represent the object. The method comprises receiving the data structure and determining a bounding box that can encapsulate the object, the bounding box being comprised of a plurality of voxels. The method further comprises determining an intersecting set of voxels of the plurality of voxels. A member of the intersecting set of voxels intersects with at least one triangle of the plurality of triangles. The method also includes determining an outer set of voxels from the intersecting set of voxels, wherein a member of the outer set of voxels shares a face with a voxel that is not a member of the intersecting set of voxels. The method further includes determining an outer layer set of triangles from the plurality of triangles to obtain a modified data structure.
US09024946B2
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for performing a computer-implemented method for tessellating patches. An input block is received that defines a plurality of input patch attributes for each patch as well as instructions for processing each input patch. A plurality of threads is launched to execute the instructions to generate each vertex of a corresponding output patch based on the input patch. Reads of values written during instruction execution are synchronized so threads can read and further process the values of other threads. An output patch is then assembled from the outputs of each of the threads; and emitting the output patch for further processing.
US09024936B2
Provided are an image display device in which a desired number of panels are combined so that a large light-emitting surface is realized, a panel provided in the image display device, and a method for manufacturing the panel. For this purpose, a panel (11) of the present invention includes a rectangular light-emitting section (13); a substrate (12) having a flat surface (12a′) on which the rectangular light-emitting section (13) is provided and a curved adjacent surface (12b′) that is adjacent to one of edge portions of the flat surface which extend along long sides of the rectangular light-emitting section (13); and a terminal group that is drawn out from a long side of the rectangular light-emitting section (13) and that is disposed in the adjacent surface. The panels (11) are connected to each other by linking edge portions of the flat surfaces (12a′) of the respective substrates (12) so that longitudinal directions of the respective rectangular display sections (13) are parallel to each other and so that the adjacent surface (12b′) is located on the back side of the substrate (12). In an image display section, pixels (50) are arranged in a matrix, and sub-pixels in each of the pixels (50) are aligned in a column direction of the matrix.
US09024934B2
A pixel capable of displaying an image with uniform brightness. The pixel includes an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a first transistor controlling an amount of current that flows from a second node coupled to a first power supply to a second power supply via the OLED to correspond to a voltage applied to a first node, a second transistor coupled between the first node and an initializing power supply, and a third transistor turned on to supply a predetermined voltage to the second node at the moment when the second transistor is turned on.
US09024933B2
An electronic paper includes: a first substrate which is provided with a plurality of first electrodes; a wiring which applies a voltage to the plurality of first electrodes; a plurality of light receiving elements which are respectively provided between the plurality of first electrodes and the wiring; a second substrate which is arranged to be opposite the first substrate and is provided with a second electrode; an electrophoretic display layer which is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a light guidance unit which is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and is configured to guide light incident upon the second substrate to the relevant light receiving elements.
US09024927B2
To suppress the increase in power consumption and suppress the decrease in display quality of a display device capable of displaying 3D images, whether each of optical shutters arranged in a matrix is brought into a light-transmitting state or a light-blocking state is selected in accordance with a voltage between a pair of electrodes (a first electrode and a second electrode) of the optical shutter. By control of the voltage between the pair of electrodes, a parallax barrier can be selectively formed in an intended region. Thus, a parallax barrier can be formed only in a region where 3D images are to be displayed.
US09024925B2
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for making and controlling single-mirror interferometric modulators (IMODs), which may be multi-state IMODs or analog IMODs. In one aspect, a movable reflector stack or an absorber stack of an IMOD may include at least one protrusion that is configured to cause the movable reflector stack to be tilted relative to the absorber layer when the movable reflector stack is moved close to the absorber stack. The protrusion may be configured to cause color averaging when the IMOD is in a white state. The absorber stack may include an absorber layer having a lower extinction coefficient value at a red wavelength and a higher extinction coefficient value at a blue wavelength.
US09024916B2
A touch-sensing apparatus is based on frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR). The apparatus comprises a panel, in which sheets of light are propagated by internal reflection between a touch surface and an opposite surface. A light sensor arrangement is optically connected to the panel to measure transmitted light energy on detection lines across the touch surface. Each detection line represents a light path across the touch surface from a light source to a light sensor. An object that touches the touch surface will frustrate the propagating light and cause a local attenuation among the detection lines. A data processor is connected to the light sensor arrangement and configured to execute a process for extracting touch-related data.
US09024903B2
A detection method for a capacitive touch device is provided. The detection method includes steps of: driving an Mth driving line among an m driving lines of the capacitive touch device, wherein M is a natural number smaller than or equal to m and greater than 1; selecting a plurality of sensing lines among n sensing lines; obtaining a plurality of sensing values by detecting voltage changes at the selected sensing lines; determining whether to perform a noise reduction operation on the sensing values; if yes, calculating respective differences between the sensing values and a baseline value, and generating a noise correction value corresponding to the sensing values by performing a statistical computation on the differences; and correcting the differences according to the noise correction value.
US09024894B1
As discussed herein according to one configuration, a remote controller device includes a touch-sensing surface, touch processing logic, and a communication interface. The touch-sensing surface includes an array of sensors to detect a gesture inputted by a subscriber indicating how to control settings of a content management device. The touch processing logic processes the detected gesture and converts the detected gesture into control information. The communication interface of the remote controller device transmits the control information over a communication link to control settings of the content management device. Gesture-based remote control as discussed herein provides more advanced control compared to conventional button-type remote control techniques.
US09024893B2
A controlling system of a touch panel comprises of a drive signal generating circuit, a sensing module for sensing a waveform signal from the touch panel, and a signal processing module for enabling and disabling the drive signal generating circuit based on the signal outputted by the sensing module. Therefore, the mentioned controlling system can support the active and the passive touch modes. In addition, the present invention further provides a controlling method of the touch panel and a stylus pen applied to the mentioned controlling system.
US09024890B2
A method of a mobile device comparing an applied gesture on a touch screen of a mobile device with a remotely stored security gesture is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a mobile device includes determining that an applied gesture on a touch screen of a mobile device in a locked state is associated with a user-defined gesture, comparing the applied gesture on the touch screen of the mobile device with a designated security gesture stored in a remote computer server, and unlocking the mobile device when the applied gesture on the touch screen of the mobile device in a dormant state matches the designated security gesture stored in the remote computer server.
US09024887B2
A touch screen panel is provided. The touch screen panel includes an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) sensor glass layer, a window glass layer mounted above the ITO sensor glass layer by means of an Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA), a conductive layer disposed between a surface of the window glass layer and a surface of the ITO sensor glass layer that includes an electrode pattern, and a touch screen control unit mounted on one of the window glass layer surface and the ITO sensor glass layer surface on which the conductive layer is mounted.
US09024883B2
A data processing device includes a keypad including a number of keys and appropriate driver components to provide a capability to the data processing device to be used as a mobile phone, a computer and a television, a hinge, and a display unit physically coupled to the keypad through the hinge to enable movement thereof toward and away from the keypad such that the data processing device is in a closed state when a plane of a screen of the display unit faces and contacts a plane of the keypad and in an open state when the plane of the screen of the display unit is approximately perpendicular to the plane of the keypad. The hinge further enables movement of the display unit thereabout such that the plane of the screen of the display unit is away from the keypad in the open state when rotated 180° about the hinge.
US09024870B2
A control method of a mobile terminal is disclosed. The control method of a mobile terminal includes: acquiring a pressure signal through a pressure sensing module for sensing a change in pressure applied to at least one part of the body in at least two degrees; and generating an event for changing a display state of a display unit through a control signal to be matched to the pressure signal. Emotional quality can be improved by changing a display state of a display unit in response to a change in pressure applied to the body.
US09024865B2
Various methods for controlling a device is disclosed including dynamically selecting a set of mappings defining how a gesture made by a movement of at least one wearable item will be interpreted as one or more commands; determining whether the gesture has a mapping in the set of mappings; and translating the gesture into a command for the device based on the determination. Interpreting movements of a wearable item as gestures associated with a command to control a controlled device is also disclosed that includes sensing a movement of the wearable item in context as being indicative of a gesture relating to the command based on the first context. A method for communicating control information by a wearable device is further disclosed including determining an agreed upon set of control gestures between first and second devices, wherein the control gestures are performable using the first device and are supportable by the second device; and participating in a control sequence to control the second device via a wireless transmission corresponding to at least one of the control gestures to be performed using the first device.
US09024856B2
A signal driving circuit of a liquid crystal display device includes a column driver for converting video data input into analog signals and applying said analog signals to pixels of a liquid crystal panel, a gamma voltage circuit for applying a plurality of signal voltages to the column driver and an external voltage supplying unit for generating and adjusting signal voltages and a common voltage applied to the gamma voltage circuit and the common electrode, respectively.
US09024850B2
A liquid crystal display is provided. The liquid crystal display includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixels in a matrix on a substrate. First and second pixels are adjacent to each other along a first direction. The first and second pixels each include first and second switching elements. A first common gate line extends in a second direction different from the first direction and is commonly connected to the first and second switching elements. First and second data lines extend in the first direction and are connected to the first and second switching elements, respectively.
US09024825B2
Mobile devices with conductive liquid antennas and related methods are provided. In this regard, a representative mobile device includes a first antenna having a first channel and a first liquid, the first channel defining a first interior volume, the first liquid being electrically conductive and located within the first channel, the first liquid further exhibiting a first volume smaller than the first interior volume; and a first antenna feed mounted such that, responsive to the device being in a first orientation, the first liquid electrically communicates with the first antenna feed.
US09024824B2
An antenna assembly is used in a wireless communication device, the wireless communication device includes a main body and a circuit board received within the main body. The antenna assembly includes a first antenna unit located in the main body, a feed point and a second antenna unit. The feed point is electrically connected to the circuit board and the first antenna unit. One part of the second antenna unit is exposed from the main body, the other part of the second antenna unit is located within the main body and produces resonance with the first antenna unit to receive and transmit radio signals. The antenna assembly can occupy small space in the wireless communication device and reduce coupled interference of other electronic components on the antenna assembly.
US09024819B2
An apparatus and method are taught for instantiation of a plurality of high-frequency antennas in a limited space in a manner that provides good isolation. The instantiation may include relative rotations of linear conductors, mirror images, as well as horizontally and vertically polarized antennas. In one embodiment, the antennas may be multi-band antennas.
US09024818B2
Communication systems and methods are disclosed. A number of interference sources are obtained based on received signals. A communication is performed using a plurality of antennas and a transmission directivity of the antennas is controlled when transmitting signals. At least null-steering from among null-steering and beam-forming is performed in relation to the transmission directivity of the antennas, when the number of interference sources is less than a first threshold value. Only the beam-forming is performed from among the null-steering and the beam-forming in relation to the transmission directivity of the antennas, when the number of interference sources is greater than the first threshold value.
US09024806B2
A method for determining the filling level of a product in a tank using electromagnetic signals, comprising: a) generating a transmission signal having a predetermined length; b) propagating the signal towards the product; c) receiving a reflected signal; d) determining whether the received signal overlaps the transmitted signal in the time-domain; e) setting an overlap-parameter to 1 if overlap is detected, otherwise setting the overlap-parameter to 0; if the state of the overlap parameter is not changed and if no overlap is detected, generate a signal having a length exceeding the previous length and repeat step b); and if the state of the overlap-parameter is not changed and if an overlap is detected, generate a signal having a length shorter than the previous length and repeat step b); and if the state of the overlap-parameter is changed, determine the filling level based on the length of the transmitted signal.
US09024802B2
An automatic frequency control is used to keep a continuous wave (CW) transmission tuned to the resonant frequency of a resonant microwave patch antenna (RMPA). Changes in loading and the bulk dielectric constant of the mixed media in front of the RMPA will affect its resonant frequency and input impedance. A significant shift in the measured input impedance is interpreted as an object moving nearby, and the phase angle of the measured input impedance is used to estimate the direction of an object's movement.
US09024799B2
Data transmission apparatus and method thereof, and data reception apparatus and method thereof. Input data is encoded into a plurality of visual codes according to a visual code type. The visual code type includes a sequential type requiring sequential transmission and a nonsequential type not requiring sequential transmission. The sequential visual code includes start code, data code, and end code, and is displayed sequentially. The nonsequential visual code is displayed nonsequentially.
US09024798B2
According to a method of Successive Approximation Register (SAR) analog to digital conversion, N+1 SAR cycles are performed to obtain an output digital code having N bits. An analog signal is sampled and obtained. After execution of the first N−1 SAR cycles, the Nth SAR cycle is performed by setting a Nth tentative analog signal corresponding to a provisional digital code and comparing the Nth tentative analog signal with the sampled analog signal to obtain a Nth comparison result. The (N+1)th SAR cycle is performed by setting a (N+1)th tentative analog signal based on the Nth comparison result, comparing the (N+1)th tentative analog signal with the sampled analog signal to obtain a second comparison result, and correcting the provisional digital code based on the (N+1)th comparison result to obtain the output digital code. The Nth and (N+1)th SAR cycles each comprise a plurality sub-comparisons and yield a set of sub-results.
US09024796B2
A RF digital to analog converter has a first capacitor arrangement, a first common node, and a first controller. The first capacitor arrangement has multiple switchable capacitor paths arranged in parallel. Respective switchable capacitor paths have a switchable element and a capacitor coupled in series. The first common node is connected to the multiple switchable capacitor paths. The first controller receives a baseband signal having a component, and a local oscillator (LO) signal. The first controller combines the component and the LO signal to obtain a first modulation signal. The first controller controls the multiple switchable capacitor paths of the first capacitor arrangement with the first modulation signal.
US09024783B1
A ticketing device having a computerized mechanism which works in conjunction with a vehicle speedometer and is programmed to alert law enforcement personnel and dispense a ticket if the motorist is driving over the designated speed limit. In addition, units employed by teenage drivers may be programmed to send an audible or text message to their parent or guardian's cellular telephone, with the message alerting the caregiver that their teen is engaging in reckless driving.
US09024782B2
Apparatus and associated methods involve a handheld illuminated module to communicate safety information from a spotter to a driver during a vehicle maneuver. In an illustrative example, the spotter operates the module at a position from which to monitor a region in the vehicle's path. The spotter communicates to the driver that the path is clear by depressing a switch on the module. When depressed, the module switch indicates a “safe” mode that (1) illuminates the module, for example, with a green color, and (2) communicates to a vehicle safety module (VSM) on-board the vehicle. In response to the message, the VSM may transition from a warning mode to a safe mode and emit corresponding visual and/or audio signals to the driver. If the spotter releases the switch, the module illumination changes, and the VSM reverts to warning mode in which it prompts the driver to stop the vehicle.
US09024777B2
An arrangement having a piston configured to move along an axial pathway a rotating seal configured to seal an inside environment from an outside environment, the rotating seal configured to be acted upon by a pressure exerted from the piston, a differential pressure sensor measuring a pressure difference between a first fluid from the outside environment and a second fluid on the inside environment, a motor connected to the piston, the motor configured to actuate the piston to a position along an axial pathway and an electronic feedback control system connected to the motor, the electronic feedback system configured to interface with the differential pressure sensor and maintain a pressure generated by the piston onto the rotating seal to a desired pressure.
US09024774B2
An emergency lighting and evacuation guidance system includes an emergency lighting and evacuation guidance arrangement which is electrically connected to a commercial electricity supply, and a complementary green power assembly which is electrically connected to the emergency lighting and evacuation guidance arrangement. When the commercial electric supply is cut off during an emergency, the power generated by the complementary green power assembly is supplied to the emergency lighting and evacuation guidance arrangement, whereby the emergency lighting and evacuation guidance arrangement guides people to evacuate and escape during the emergency.
US09024759B2
A wireless electromechanical lock with one or more of an internal antenna, touch activation, and/or a light communication device that acts as a user interface. In some embodiments, the lock utilizes an antenna near the exterior face of the lockset, designed inside the metal body of the lockset itself. A light communication device is provided in some embodiments to communicate information, visually, to the user via animations and dynamic displays of light. In some embodiments, the lockset includes a touch activation capability, which can be used to lock/unlock the lock and/or otherwise provide input.
US09024758B2
An alarm system includes a battery-powered base unit having an audible alarm, a switched constant on constant off light which can be used as a flashlight, and a strobed light providing a visible position indicator. The audible alarm and strobed light are activated simultaneously upon the release of a pull pin from a pair of electrical contacts within the base unit. The strobed light can be visible or infrared. A trip line can be connected to the pull pin to provide a secure line of entry or a secured enclosed area.
US09024757B1
The present invention provides a system and method for providing an alert notification prior to occurrence of a consequent event. The present invention provides a decision maker with the means to reconstitute his unfiltered operational environment such that the information needed to make an informed decision is extracted from a vast array of data available and presented in a manner that allows the decision maker to focus on the aspects of the decision that are most important to arriving at the best course of action under the exigent circumstances that are present when a response to an unexpected and possibly deleterious event is required.
US09024756B2
Systems and methods thereof for detecting at least one material in an environment prior to the environment reaching levels deemed dangerous by conventional monitors and standards includes at least one sensor adapted to measure a level of the at least one material in the environment surrounding the sensor, at least one notification device adapted to produce a signal, and a memory comprising a preprogrammed level of the at least one material in the environment. The system is programmed with a minimum notification level of the at least one material in the environment that is below the preprogrammed level and is adapted to notify a user with the signal if the level exceeds the minimum notification level. The frequency and/or amplitude of the signal is changed as the level approaches the preprogrammed level.
US09024755B2
In selected embodiments video footage is automatically analyzed to determine whether product stock levels at particular product locations are low. Video analytics may be employed to track product removal from shelves and determine approximate quantities of product remaining on each shelf based on product size and dedicated shelf area. In selected implementations an alarm notification is generated to alert store personnel that restocking is appropriate. Such an alarm notification optionally includes a still image of the area corresponding to the alarm together with data related to the product and projected quantities needed to restock the shelf. In some embodiments the system automatically identifies the store personnel who are currently located in areas near where the alarm event occurred and the notification is wirelessly distributed to their mobile devices.
US09024747B1
A computing system is described that receives, at a particular time, notification data, the notification data indicating a threshold amount of time for which the computing system is to delay outputting an alert based on the notification data. The computing system initiates, based on the threshold amount of time, a deferred output of the alert based on the notification data. Responsive to determining that the threshold amount of time has elapsed since the particular time, the computing system outputs the alert based on the notification data.
US09024741B2
A steering wheel cover that houses the sensor, indicator, power and communication elements of a driver safety system is disclosed. The objective is to discourage texting, eating, primping one's self and cell phone use that distract drivers and causes accidents. The steering wheel cover is light, easy to install and lock in place but strong and difficult to forcibly remove. The driver safety system senses the positions of the driver's hands on the wheel rewarding safe habits. When the system senses bad habits the driver is warned, incidence is recorded for third party information in addition to alerting and annoying dis-rewards are given.
US09024739B2
The present application provides a system, method and non-transitory computer readable medium that provides a means of using a vehicle horn as an inexpensive user input interface to serve the function of a simple push button switch for an in-vehicle device or system. The use of the vehicle horn as a user input interface to an in-vehicle device or system is novel. The description of example embodiments illustrates application details that take advantage of the properties of the vehicle horn sound to allow efficient processing that can be implemented on a low cost processor.
US09024736B2
Herein described is an electro-pneumatic sound alarm, to be fitted on a two or four wheeled vehicle, constituted by an electro-compressor (2), having the function of drawing atmospheric air, compressing it and conveying it to an acoustic group (3). Such sound alarm (1) is characterized in that the electro-compressor (2) and the acoustic group (3) are mutually held by means of removable fit-coupling; furthermore, the coupling elements are rigid and integral with the aforementioned two components (FIG. 1).
US09024732B2
The present invention provides a remote control system that includes at least a gas appliance; a repeater, and a remote control device. The gas appliance is connected to the repeater through a Zigbee transmission, and the remote control device is connected to the repeater through a network (internet or telecommunication network). User inputs a command at the remote control device, and the remote control device transmits the command to the repeater through the network, and then the repeater will control the gas appliance according to the command. The gas appliance is provided with sensors to detect data in regards to the gas appliance. The data is transmitted to the remote control device and shown on a screen through the repeater and the network.
US09024726B2
A multimedia device is disclosed in a specification. The multimedia device comprises a first interface, a memory to store a code value of a function corresponding to an electronic device coupled to the multimedia device through the first interface, and a controller to control information indicative of the function of the electronic device, obtain the code value stored in memory after receiving a first signal selecting the function, and transmit a second signal including the code value through a second interface coupled to a remote controller.
US09024717B2
An automation component configured for optimized wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The automation component includes a wireless communications component, a processor in communication with the wireless communications component, a memory in communication with the processor, the memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor. The computer readable instructions being programmed to process at least one communication variable received via the wireless communications component; to optimize a communication or radio transmit power level associated with the wireless communication component, wherein the optimized communication power level is a function of the at least one communication variable; and an adjustment of the communication power level associated with the wireless communication component based on the optimized communication power level.
US09024716B2
A mobile terminal, an operating method thereof, and a refrigerator are disclosed. The operating method of the mobile terminal includes receiving state information of the refrigerator from the refrigerator, displaying the state information of the refrigerator on a screen, and transmitting a control signal based on a control operation to the refrigerator. Therefore, it is possible to readily control the refrigerator using the mobile terminal.
US09024711B2
A trip device comprises a first transmission bar pivoting around the same pivoting axis as a ratchet by any one of several thermal actuators. The first transmission bar drives the ratchet from a latched position to a released position, and makes a first indicator change state. A second transmission bar can be pivoted around the same pivoting axis as the ratchet by any one of several magnetic actuators. This second transmission bar drives the ratchet from its latched position to its released position, and makes a second indicator change state.
US09024708B2
This invention provides a micromechanical resonator oscillator structure and a driving method thereof. As power handling ability of a resonator is proportional to its equivalent stiffness, a better power handling capability is obtained by driving a micromechanical resonator oscillator at its high equivalent stiffness area. One of the embodiments of this invention is demonstrated by using a beam resonator. A 9.7-MHZ beam resonator via the high-equivalent stiffness area driven method shows better power handling capability and having lower phase noise.
US09024705B2
A cavity filter having two series of resonance chambers bilaterally connected between an antenna port and two opposing signal input/output ports in a resonant space therein, each series of resonance chambers having the last resonance chamber thereof connected to the antenna port and the first resonance chamber thereof connected to the respective signal input/output port and kept in communication with the associating last resonance chamber through one respective channel and the second resonance chamber thereof kept in communication with the last second resonance chamber thereof through one respective channel to provide cross-coupling feedback, getting better stop-band flatness and improving signal quality.
US09024694B2
A system is disclosed for a voltage controlled oscillator (“VCO”) having a large frequency range and a low gain. Passive or active circuitry is introduced between at least one VCO cell in the voltage controlled oscillator and the voltage source for the VCO cell which reduces a gain value for the VCO to maintain stability of the system.
US09024688B2
A direct current (DC)-DC converter, which includes switching circuitry, a first parallel amplifier, and a second parallel amplifier, is disclosed. The switching circuitry has a switching circuitry output. The first parallel amplifier has a first feedback input and a first parallel amplifier output. The second parallel amplifier has a second feedback input and a second parallel amplifier output. A first inductive element is coupled between the switching circuitry output and the first feedback input. A second inductive element is coupled between the first feedback input and the second feedback input.
US09024687B2
A circuit arrangement for generating the drive signals for at least three radio frequency switch-mode amplifiers is described. The circuit arrangement comprises at least two switch-mode amplifiers performing RF out-phasing, and at low RF power level, the average switching frequency—averaged over time and over all switch-mode amplifiers—is less than the radio frequency.
US09024681B2
A signal processing circuit of the present invention includes: first and second input terminals; an output terminal; a bootstrap capacitor; a first output section connected to the second input terminal and the output terminal; a second output section connected to the first input terminal, a first power source, and the output terminal; an electric charge control section for controlling the electric charge of the bootstrap capacitor, the electric charge control section being connected to the first input terminal; and a resistor having (i) a first end connected to the output terminal and (ii) a second end connected to a second power source. This arrangement allows the signal processing circuit to maintain an output potential even after a bootstrap effect has worn off.
US09024659B2
A device for passive equalization and slew-rate control of a signal includes a first branch and a second branch. The first branch includes a first driver coupled in series with an equalization capacitor. The second branch includes a second driver coupled in series with a resistor. The second branch may be coupled in parallel to the first branch. The first branch may be configurable to enable either passive equalization or slew-rate control of the signal based on a mode control signal.
US09024650B2
A circuit with built-in self test (BIST) capability includes a master BIST controller, a plurality of slave BIST controllers, and a collector. The master BIS controller issues test instructions in response to a master resume input signal. The plurality of slave BIST controllers is coupled to the master BIST controller. Each slave BIST controller is adapted to perform a test on a functional circuit in response to a test instruction and to provide a resume signal at a conclusion of the test. The collector receives a corresponding resume signal from each of the multiple slave BIST controllers after the master BIST controller issues the test instruction, and subsequently provides the master resume signal in response to an activation of all of the corresponding resume signals.
US09024648B2
A handler for conveying DUTs to a socket for a test that can reduce a test time includes: a test section including the socket; a heat applying section into which a tray having plural DUTs placed on its surface is conveyed and that controls the temperature of the DUTs to a predetermined test temperature and conveys the tray into the test section; and a device image capturing section that includes imaging elements arranged along a first direction the number of which is equal to DUTs arranged along the first direction and that in the heat applying section, captures images of the DUTs by moving the imaging elements relative to the surface of the tray in a second direction non-parallel with the first direction; and a position adjusting section that adjusts the positions of the DUTs relative to the socket based on their images captured by the device image capturing section.
US09024643B2
The embodiments described herein thus provide devices and methods that facilitate improved input devices. Specifically, the devices, systems and methods provide the ability to accurately determine user input using multiple different sensing regimes. The different sensing regimes can be used to facilitate accurate position determination of objects both at the surface and away from the surface. For example, the different sensing regimes can be used to determine position information for both ungloved and gloved fingers. In one embodiment the first sensing regime uses a first duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing and a first duty cycle of transcapacitive sensing. The second sensing regime uses a second duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing and a second duty cycle of transcapacitive sensing, where the second duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing is greater than the first duty cycle of absolute capacitive sensing.
US09024642B2
An absolute position measurement capacitive grating displacement measurement method, a sensor, and an operating method of the sensor are provided. In the measurement method, a drive signal having wave properties is used to excite a transmission grating, and displacement of a measured position in each wavelength is transformed into an initial phase of a time fundamental wave. The displacement of the measured position in each wavelength is acquired through an addition counter. A signal having wave properties output by a drive signal generator of the sensor is connected to a transmission grating, the master clock of an oscillator is connected to each circuit, an output of a reception grating is connected to a synchronous capture circuit through a signal selection switch and an analog processing circuit; and the synchronous capture circuit is connected to a controller, an addition counter, and a Random Access Memory (RAM). The controller is connected to all components. In the operating method of the sensor, an interface unit starts a measurement unit, a controller coordinates operation of all circuits, and after measurement of displacements in coarse, medium, and fine wavelengths is successively completed, the interface unit turns off the measurement unit, performs processing, and displays the measurement result. The circuits are simple, easy to control, and easy to be realized, and have high precision.
US09024641B2
A method of detecting a wire break in a high voltage generating device that is configured to detect a wire breakage in a low-voltage cable is disclosed. The method of a wire break includes: detecting whether a wire break has occurred in each of the lines in accordance with a combination pattern of whether the time differential value of an IM signal value of a CW circuit obtained when an operating voltage is boosted is positive, negative, or 0, and whether the time differential value of a VM signal value obtained after the operating voltage is boosted by the CW circuit is positive, negative, or 0; and identifying which of the lines is broken.
US09024640B2
A PV system includes a plurality of PV strings configured to generate a string output power responsive to received solar irradiation, with a source conductor and a return conductor being provided from the PV strings. One or more DC voltage regulators are electrically connected to the PV strings on at least one of the source or return conductors, with the DC voltage regulator being configured to regulate the voltage of a respective PV string or group of strings. A controller selectively controls a voltage output by the DC voltage regulator and is programmed to periodically cause the DC voltage regulator to alter the voltage of a PV string or group of strings, detect a change in current in the respective PV string(s) responsive to the altering of the voltage, and perform at least one of a PV string degradation detection and causal diagnosis and a grounded conductor fault detection.
US09024636B2
The invention relates to a method for optimization of the performance of a multi-channel coil (1) comprising at least three coil elements, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) Exciting the coil elements of the multi-channel coil (1) by electrical power signals comprising a specific power, wherein the power of the power signals is partially reflected by the coil elements of the multi-channel coil (1), b) Measuring the power which is reflected by the individual coil elements of the multi-channel coil (1) or by the entire multi-channel coil (1) during excitation of the coil elements, c) Tuning the multi-channel coil (1) depending on the measured reflected power so that the performance of the multi-channel coil (1) is improved, wherein d) all coil elements of the multi-channel coil (1) are simultaneously excited, and e) the reflected power is measured during the simultaneous excitation of all coil elements of the multi-channel coil (1).
US09024634B2
A magnetic field measurement apparatus includes a first gas cell disposed in a +z direction when seen from an object to be measured, a second gas cell disposed in the +z direction when seen from the first gas cell, a first measurement unit which measures a component of a magnetic field in the first gas cell, a second measurement unit which measures a component of a magnetic field in the second gas cell, a magnetic field generation unit which generates the magnetic field toward the second gas cell so as to reduce the component measured by the second measurement unit, and an output unit which outputs a signal in response to the difference in the components respectively measured by the first measurement unit and second measurement unit.
US09024633B2
Method and apparatus for estimating a parameter of interest of an earth formation using a model based on NMR data, imaging data, and NMR tool response characteristics. The method may include constructing a model of the earth formation. The method may also include constructing a predictive model for estimating the parameter of interest. The apparatus may include an NMR tool and at least one processor configured to estimate the parameter of interest. The apparatus may also include an imaging tool configured to acquire the imaging data.
US09024627B2
A motor actuator includes a housing, and a plurality of output mechanisms accommodated in the housing. The housing includes a fastening unit that fastens a first case and a second case. Each of the plurality of output mechanisms includes a motor and a plurality of deceleration gears. The motor is supported by the housing. A final state deceleration gear is rotatably supported by the housing. The fastening unit is arranged in a first fastening unit formation range. The first fastening unit formation range is a range formed by connecting contours of a plurality of motors and contours of a plurality of final state deceleration gears, and is a range that surrounds the plurality of motors and the plurality of final stage deceleration gears.
US09024625B2
A rotation angle detector includes: a magnet attached to a rotating shaft and magnetized in a certain direction orthogonal to an axis of the rotating shaft; and a non-rotary magneto-electric transducer placed to be opposed to an end surface of the magnet, and configured to detect a rotation angle of the rotating shaft in cooperation with the magnet through magneto-electric transduction. A concave curved surface is formed in the end surface of the magnet in order to make a magnetic flux of a magnetic field facing the end surface of the magnet closer to the magnet and flattened. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a rotation angle detector which is compact in size and has a stable accuracy for detecting the rotation angle, by making the curvature of the magnetic flux near the end surface of the magnet small and placing the magneto-electric transducer in that location.
US09024623B2
Techniques for coupling with devices that convert displacements into differential voltages and improvement of the sensitivity of such devices. A transducer operates based on changes of inductances between primary and secondary of a transformer to produce a differential signal that includes a noninverted signal and an inverted signal. A switch receives the noninverted signal and the inverted signal. A processor creates a square wave signal for driving the transducer input, and also digitally creates an inverted transducer output. A filter operates to filter the square wave output from the processor to produce a substantially single frequency signal at a specified timing having a specified phase relationship relative to the first phase inversion signal based on instructions that are executed by the processor.
US09024619B2
A system for connecting remote equipment to a sensor device having a connector coupled to at least two terminals located on different portions of the sensor device. The portions of the sensor device may be an anterior portion and a posterior portion with each having at least one terminal. In turn, the terminals are nested on top of one another and at least one terminal is electrically accessible through a window region of the other portion. Further, the terminals are alignable with each other and with a connector by alignment indicators, which may provide a visual alignment indication for the terminals as well as a mechanical alignment of the connector with the sensor device.
US09024613B2
A switching power supply apparatus includes: an input terminal; an output terminal; a switching element; an input and output converting unit which converts input voltage applied through the switching element into output voltage to supply output power to a load; an output voltage feedback unit which outputs a feedback signal, based on the output voltage; a switch current detecting unit which detects current flowing through the switching element; an oscillating frequency setting unit which sets the switching frequency of the switching element, based on the feedback signal; a peak current setting unit which controls turn-off of the switching element by setting a current threshold such that a switch current peak (i) is constant regardless of a change in the output power and (ii) increases as the input voltage increases; and a switching control unit which controls switching operation of the switching element.
US09024611B2
A controller with a multi-function pin, adapted to control a converting circuit according to a control signal for converting an input voltage into an output voltage, is disclosed. The controller has the multi-function pin, an enable unit, an over-current detecting unit and a logic control unit. The enable unit is coupled to the multi-function pin for receiving an enable signal and activates the controller in response to the enable signal. The over-current detecting is coupled to the multi-function pin and determines an over-current value according to an over-current set resistance coupled between the multi-function pin and a voltage source. The over-current detecting unit generates an over-current protection signal according to the over-current value and a current flowing through the converting circuit. The logic control unit determines whether executing an over-current protection according to the over-current protection signal.
US09024608B2
The present invention includes a load-adaptive power generator including a feedback detecting module, a load determining module, a load driving module, and a control module. The feedback detecting module detects a load voltage of a load device, and converts the load voltage into a feedback voltage. The load determining module determines whether the feedback voltage is within a preset range for generating a periodical load driving signal. The load driving module has a plurality of driving units and at least one switch. The driving units drive the load device according to the load driving signal, and at least one driving unit receives the load driving signal through the switch. The control module turns on the switch when the frequency of the load driving signal is less than a frequency threshold. Accordingly, the load-adaptive power generator of the present invention can save energy.
US09024607B2
A control circuit for a power converter has a current source, a sampling circuit, a signal processing circuit, a driving circuit, and a shared pin. The shared pin is used for coupling with a resistor and a switch. The current source, coupled with the shared pin, provides a current through the shared pin to the resistor in a first period. The sampling circuit, coupled with the shared pin, samples signals on the shared pin for generating a first sampling value and a second sampling value. The signal processing circuit, coupled with the sampling circuit, compares the first sampling value and the second sampling value. The driving circuit generates driving signals for conducting the switch. When the difference of the first sampling value and the second sampling value is less than a predetermined value, the signal processing circuit configures the driving circuit to intermittently conduct the switch in a second period.
US09024603B2
A current comparator comprising a first NMOS transistor having a drain coupled to VDD, a source and a gate. A first PMOS transistor having a source coupled to the source of the first NMOS transistor to form an input, a drain coupled to VSS and a gate coupled to the gate of the first NMOS transistor. A second NMOS transistor having a drain coupled to VDD, a source and a gate coupled to the input. A first bias current source having an input coupled to the source of the second NMOS transistor and an output. A second bias current source having an input coupled to the drain of the first NMOS transistor and an output coupled to the gate of the first NMOS transistor. A third NMOS transistor having a drain coupled to the gate of the first NMOS transistor to form an output, a source and a gate.
US09024599B2
A multi-phase DC-DC power converter is provided, which includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller and a plurality of output stage circuits. The plurality of output stage circuits converts an input voltage into an output voltage. The PWM controller includes a feedback circuit and a PWM generation module. The feedback circuit outputs a trigger signal according to the output voltage and a ramp signal. The PWM generation module at least generates a first PWM signal and a second PWM signal. In addition, a waveform of the first PWM signal partially overlaps a waveform of the second PWM signal at a logic high level.
US09024598B2
Provided is a converter control device which detects an on-failure of an auxiliary switch constituting an auxiliary circuit of a soft switching converter and can prevent element failures. A current sensor for detecting the current flowing in a coil is provided between a fuel cell and the. A controller sequentially detects current by use of the current sensor and makes a judgment as to whether or not the detected current has exceeded an overcurrent threshold value stored in a memory (not shown). When the controller judges that the current has exceeded the overcurrent threshold value, the controller judges that a second switching element has an on-failure, and performs a fail-safe operation by stopping the driving of a converter (for example, a U-phase converter) of an auxiliary circuit provided with this second switching element.
US09024596B2
A tap changer with semiconductor switching elements for uninterrupted switching between winding taps of a tapped transformer has two load branches connected with the winding taps of the tapped transformer and that each comprise a respective mechanical main contact that in stationary operation conducts current of the respective load branch and produces an electrical connection with a load shunt. Each load branch also has parallel to the respective main contact a series circuit consisting of a further respective mechanical contact as well as a respective semiconductor switch. These semiconductor switches are electrically connected together at a side remote from the respective contacts and lead to a mechanical transfer contact whose other side is connected with the load shunt. A connection of the main contacts as well as the further mechanical contacts is effected by a movable contact support.
US09024595B1
A loop controller includes an error amplifier configured to receive an output of a controlled process and further configured to receive a reference input; and an asymmetric compensator. The asymmetric compensator includes a high pass filter configured to receive an amplified version of the reference input and output a filtered reference; and an asymmetric impedance configured to receive an amplified version of the filtered reference and output a compensation signal. The error amplifier is further configured to sum the compensation signal and the output of the controlled process, and provide an error signal based on a difference between the sum and the reference input. The compensation signal includes a first gain for a rising transition of the controlled process output and a second gain for a falling transition of the controlled process output.
US09024594B2
A power converter is configured to transfer energy from a photovoltaic (PV) array to a DC bus internal to the power converter. The power converter executes a modulation module to selectively connect one or more switching devices between the output of the PV array and the DC bus. The power converter is configured to operate in multiple operating modes. In one operating mode, the converter operates with a fixed modulation period and a variable on time, and in another operating mode, the converter operates with a variable modulation period and a fixed on time. The improved power converter provides highly efficient low power energy capture, improving power efficiency and enabling energy capture in low light conditions with reduced converter losses.
US09024593B2
A power supply unit includes a boost converter having an input node and output node. The output node is coupled to a high-side of an H-bridge that is for supplying power to a capacitive load that is coupled to a first node and to a second node of the H-bridge. A first diode is coupled in forward direction between the first node of the H-bridge and the input node of the boost converter. A second diode is coupled in forward direction between the second node of the H-bridge and the input node of the boost converter.
US09024592B2
Auxiliary power supplies include a capacitor (e.g., super capacitor) and a capacitor charging circuit, which is configured to provide a charging current to a first terminal of the capacitor. Enhanced failure detection is provided by a capacitor monitoring circuit, which may be electrically coupled to at least one terminal of the capacitor. The capacitor monitoring circuit is configured to detect when the capacitor is malfunctioning in an open condition as well as when the capacitor is malfunctioning in a short condition.
US09024586B2
A battery cell by-pass circuit that has particular application for by-passing cells in a high voltage battery for a vehicle. The battery includes a plurality of battery cells electrically coupled in series. The by-pass circuit includes a first switch electrically coupled in series with one or more of the battery cells, a by-pass line electrically coupled around the one or more battery cells and a second switch electrically coupled in the by-pass line and in parallel with the one or more battery cells. During normal cell operation, the first switch is closed and the second switch is open so that current flows through the one or more battery cells. If the one or more battery cells fail or are failing, the first switch is opened and the second switch is closed so that current by-passes the one or more cells and they are removed from the battery circuit.
US09024584B2
Disclosed is a method for setting sequential ID to a multi-slave BMS in a battery pack, the battery pack including N (N: natural number of 2 or more) slave BMSs having sequential physical locations to control a battery module containing at least one battery and a main BMS to control the N slave BMSs.
US09024580B2
A smart charging system for mobile vehicles includes a charging apparatus, a meter, and a cloud server. The charging apparatus is connected between an electric grid and an electric vehicle. The charging apparatus is supplied by the electric grid and then provides power to supply the electric vehicle. The meter is operatively connected between the electric grid and the charging apparatus. The meter has a communication with the electric grid to obtain supplied power from the electric grid to the charging apparatus. The cloud server is operatively connected to the electric grid and further operatively connected to the charging apparatus via a gateway apparatus to receive power-supplying information of the electric grid and power-charging information of the electric vehicle. Further, the charging apparatus smartly charges the electric vehicle according to the power-supplying information and the power-charging information.
US09024578B2
A system to provide alignment between a source resonator and a capture resonator. The source resonator is configured to emit a magnetic charging signal or a magnetic beacon signal. The source resonator is coupled to an electrical power source that provides current to the source resonator. The source resonator emits the charging signal when the current exceeds a first threshold and emits the beacon signal when the current is below a second threshold. The capture resonator is configured to receive the charging signal and provide electrical power based on the charging signal. The system also includes a magnetic sensor configured to receive the beacon signal and provide a location signal indicative of a relative location between the transmit and capture resonators to a controller that provides an alignment signal indicative of a movement required to align the source resonator and the capture resonator.
US09024576B2
An apparatus including an inductive charging system and at least one wireless communication system. The inductive charging system is configured to charge a rechargeable battery. The inductive charging system has an induction coil. The at least one wireless communication system is configured to communicate with a device. The wireless communication system includes at least a portion of the induction coil for transmitting and/or receiving a wireless signal at the induction coil, or for generating a communication electromagnetic field at the induction coil. Thus, both the inductive charging system and the wireless communication system include at least a portion of the induction coil as a common component for both of the systems.
US09024568B2
A motor speed controller controls a motor speed to generate a phase reference pulse; generates a FG pulse per rotary angle of the motor; detects a difference between the number of phase reference pulses and the number of FG pulses for output as an integer number phase difference; detects and measures a time difference between an edge of the phase-reference pulse and an edge of the FG pulse in units of the reference clock for output as a decimal fraction phase difference; adds the integer number phase difference to the decimal fraction phase difference at a predetermined ratio for output as a phase difference; and controls driving of the motor in accordance with the phase difference.
US09024565B2
An anti-rebounding control apparatus is provided, which includes an anti-rebounding controller outputting a first command for setting a torque limit value to “0” if an electric motor speed value is equal to or smaller than an upper threshold value and equal to or larger than a lower threshold value in the case where a speed command value of “0” is input and outputting a second command for setting the torque limit value to a maximum value if the electric motor speed value is smaller than the lower threshold value, a torque regulator setting the torque limit value to “0” when the first command is input and setting the torque limit value to the maximum value when the second command is input, and an electric motor inverter intercepting a power that is supplied to an electric motor if the torque limit value is set to “0” and re-supplying the power to the electric motor if the torque limit value is set to the maximum value. Accordingly, the same performance as an anti-rebounding system that is used in a swing system of an existing hydraulic excavator can be implemented even in a system that performs a swing operation using an electric motor such as a hybrid (or electric) excavator.
US09024563B2
A pitch drive circuit that operates in an emergency mode, for a wind or water power plant. The circuit has at least one rectifier unit, at least one DC intermediate circuit, two inverter units and a pitch rotary current motor with motor trains that can be contacted on both sides. A first contact side of the motor trains is connected to a first inverter unit and a second contact side of the motor trains is connected to a second inverter unit. At least one switching element is connected to at least one contact side of the motor trains. In a normal operating mode of a first switching state of the switching element the motor trains can be energized via both inverter units, and in an emergency operating mode of a second switching state of the switching element, the motor trains can be energized via a single inverter unit.
US09024554B2
A method for controlling an inverter in a system including a load, a motor for driving the load, and an inverter for operating the motor comprises when a load amount of the load is reduced to below a sleep level, checking whether a time corresponding to a sleep delay has lapsed; when the load amount of the load is still below the sleep level even after the sleep delay, varying an operating frequency of the motor, and if there is no change in a feedback from the load in response to the variation in the operating frequency, controlling the inverter to enter a sleep mode.
US09024548B2
In a linear motor used for a driving axis of a large-size machine tool having a very long driving stroke, pole position correction values at a plurality of stroke positions are stored in a memory. A pole position correction value corresponding to an actual stroke position of a slider is calculated based on the stored pole position correction value. A corrected electrical angle offset value derived based on the calculated pole position correction value is used to control the linear motor.
US09024540B2
The present invention provides an overvoltage protection method for backlight drive circuit of 2D/3D mode and a backlight drive circuit using the method. The method includes: providing a liquid crystal display, the liquid crystal display having a 2D mode and a 3D mode, the liquid crystal display including a backlight drive circuit; the backlight drive circuit using the first overvoltage protection voltage level as an overvoltage protection voltage level when the liquid crystal display is set in the 2D mode; and the backlight drive circuit using the second the overvoltage protection voltage level as an overvoltage protection voltage level when the liquid crystal display is set in the 3D mode, the second the overvoltage protection voltage level being greater than the first overvoltage protection voltage level. Different overvoltage protection voltage levels are provided for the 2D and 3D modes so as to alleviate impact on components by over voltage.
US09024536B2
An LED lamp comprising a housing, a drive circuit, LED dies driven by the drive circuit, and an output-select controller to program the drive circuit to drive the LED dies in one of a pre-sleep configuration and a general lighting configuration. The LED dies comprise LED dies of a first spectral output having a peak wavelength between 500 nm and 600 nm and of a second spectral output having a peak wavelength greater than 600 nm, first blue LED dies having a peak wavelength between 420 nm and 480 nm, and second blue LED dies having a peak wavelength below 420 nm. The drive circuit operates each of the LED dies of the first and second spectral outputs and the second blue LED dies in the pre-sleep configuration, and the LED dies of the first and second spectral outputs and the first blue LED dies in the general lighting configuration.
US09024524B2
A display includes a first substrate including elements arranged on a main surface of the first substrate, a second substrate arranged so as to face the main surface of the first substrate on which the elements are arranged, a first sealing layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a second sealing layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate so as to surround the first sealing layer. The second substrate has a peripheral projection, the entirety of which projects toward the side on which the elements are arranged, and the peripheral projection surrounds the first sealing layer. The second sealing layer is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate so as to extend from the periphery of the first sealing layer to the peripheral projection.
US09024515B2
The invention proposes a barrier comprising a blocking beam (1) that is mounted on a console such that it can be moved between an open position and a blocking position, wherein the blocking beam (1) is realized in the form of a tube section, on one end (2) of which a lamp (3) is arranged in a lens (4) that allows a linear light scattering in the direction of the other end of the tube section essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis (5) thereof, and on the other end (11) of which a device (9) for reflecting the light emitted by the lamp (3) is arranged, wherein the axial part of the tube section that extends between the lamp (3) and the device (9) for reflecting the light is realized in a translucent or transparent fashion.
US09024512B2
A resonant transducer comprising: a vibration plate; and a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric film and an upper electrode that are laminated on the vibration plate, wherein a compressive stress is applied to the piezoelectric film.
US09024510B1
A thin film device for harvesting energy from wind. The thin film device includes one or more layers of a compliant piezoelectric material formed from a composite of a polymer and an inorganic material, such as a ceramic. Electrodes are disposed on a first side and a second side of the piezoelectric material. The electrodes are formed from a compliant material, such as carbon nanotubes or graphene. The thin film device exhibits improved resistance to structural fatigue upon application of large strains and repeated cyclic loadings.
US09024505B2
A swashplate system includes a rotating outer ring and a non-rotating inner ring, the rotating outer ring being adapted to carry a coil of wire and the non-rotating inner ring being adapted to carry a first and a second magnet. The first and second magnets create a magnetic field and an electrical current is created as the coil of wire passes through the magnetic field as the rotating outer ring rotates.
US09024503B2
Electrical machine, in particular AC generator, having a stator (16) and a rotor (20), wherein the rotor (20) has a conductor arrangement for exciting an electromagnetic field, having a device for transmitting electrical energy to the conductor arrangement, wherein the device for transmitting electrical energy comprises at least one sliding contact and at least one mating contact (66) which is fixed to the rotor, having a fitting sleeve (63) in which a roller bearing (28) for supporting a shaft (27) is preferably arranged, said shaft for the most part encasing the at least one mating contact (66) which is fixed to the rotor, wherein a fan (70) is arranged in the fitting sleeve (63).
US09024494B2
The present disclosure describes a mechanical backup bearing system arrangement to work in conjunction with non-contact magnetic bearings and capable of coping with thermal expansions of the bearing components during operations. Expansions or contractions of an inner or outer race of a bearing can be compensated using particular springs providing a low profile and a proper stiffness. An electric machine system includes a rotational portion and a stationary portion. The electric machine further includes a magnetic bearing configured to support the rotational portion to rotate within the stationary portion. A mechanical back-up bearing resides in a cavity between the rotational portion and the stationary portion. A flat spring is carried by the stationary portion and abutting the back-up bearing.
US09024481B2
The present disclosure provides a wireless feeding system including: a feeding device; and a power receiving device receiving power transmitted from the feeding device; wherein the feeding device includes a power generating section generating the power to be fed, and a resonant element fed with the power generated by the power generating section, the power receiving device includes a power receiving element receiving the power transmitted from the feeding device, and supplies power according to the received power to a load, and at least one of a power propagation path to the resonant element in the feeding device and a received power propagation path in the power receiving device has a frequency characteristic correcting circuit achieving a wider band by expanding a frequency characteristic while maintaining a Q-value as high sharpness of resonance of the power.
US09024476B2
A power converter includes a first power input to receive AC input power, a second power input to receive backup power, a first DC bus configured to provide a positive DC output voltage, a second DC bus configured to provide a negative DC output voltage, and a power conversion circuit coupled to the first DC bus and the second DC bus. The power conversion circuit has an inductor, a first switch device coupled in series with the inductor, a second switch device coupled in series with the first switch device, and a bypass relay coupled in parallel with the second switch device. The power conversion circuit is switchably coupled to the first power input and the second power input, and is operable to charge the inductor and generate the positive and negative DC output voltages.
US09024475B2
The present invention relates to an electronic device (1) comprising a control-supply circuit (2) which, by means of a microprocessor (3) and a battery (4), prevents the battery (4) from consuming energy when the device (1) is not connected to the mains and in the stand-by mode, and which, furthermore, serves as a power supply in the stand-by mode.
US09024469B2
A vehicle has a low-voltage power generator driven by an engine, a standard low-voltage battery and a standard low-voltage electric load. Additional equipment has an additional low-voltage battery for supplying electric power to an additional low-voltage electric load. The additional low-voltage battery is charged with electric power from the low-voltage power generator. The additional equipment further has a high-voltage battery for supplying electric power to a high-voltage electric load, and a converter for converting low-voltage electric power from the low-voltage power generator to high-voltage electric power. When relays are opened during a period in which engine operation is stopped, the electric power is supplied from the additional low-voltage battery to the converter, so that the high-voltage electric power is supplied to the high-voltage electric load, such as a motor-driven compressor.
US09024458B2
An energy storage and recovery system employs air compressed utilizing power from an operating wind turbine. This compressed air is stored within one or more chambers of a structure supporting the wind turbine above the ground. By functioning as both a physical support and as a vessel for storing compressed air, the relative contribution of the support structure to the overall cost of the energy storage and recovery system may be reduced, thereby improving economic realization for the combined turbine/support apparatus. In certain embodiments, expansion forces of the compressed air stored within the chamber, may be relied upon to augment the physical stability of a support structure, further reducing material costs of the support structure.
US09024456B2
A photolithography alignment mark and a mask and semiconductor wafer containing said mark are described. The alignment mark comprises: a plurality of first alignment lines arranged parallel with each other in a first direction; a plurality of second alignment lines arranged parallel with each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein each of the plurality of first alignment lines is composed of a predetermined number of first fine alignment lines uniformly spaced from each other, and each of the plurality of second alignment lines is composed of a predetermined number of second fine alignment lines uniformly spaced from each other. Alignment marks can be located in non-circuit pattern regions of the mask and on a plurality of layers in mark regions on the wafer.
US09024450B2
An integrated circuit may be formed by forming a first interconnect pattern in a first plurality of parallel route tracks, and forming a second interconnect pattern in a second plurality of parallel route tracks, in which the second plurality of route tracks are alternated with the first plurality of route tracks. The first interconnect pattern includes a first lead pattern and the second interconnect pattern includes a second lead pattern, such that the route track containing the first lead pattern is immediately adjacent to the route track containing the second lead pattern. Metal interconnect lines are formed in the first interconnect pattern and the second interconnect pattern. A stretch crossconnect is formed in a vertical connecting level, such as a via or contact level, which electrically connects only the first lead and the second lead. The stretch crossconnect is formed concurrently with other vertical interconnect elements.
US09024448B2
A semiconductor package may include a circuit board chip having a through-hole, a semiconductor device mounted on the circuit board chip, and an encapsulant. The encapsulant encapsulates the semiconductor device, fills the through-hole and has an external pattern that is the complement of a mold within which the encapsulant was formed. The external pattern on one side of the package reflects a mold shape that retards the flow of encapsulant material relative to the flow of encapsulant material on the opposite side of the package.
US09024445B2
The present invention relates to a package having a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a substrate body, a plurality of conductive vias and a plurality of metal pads. The conductive vias are disposed in the through holes of the substrate body. The metal pads are electrically connected to the conductive vias. At least one of the metal pads has at least one curved side wall and at least one reference side wall. The curvature of the curved side wall is different from that of the reference side wall, so as to allow the metal pads to be closer to each other. This arrangement allows the conductive to be closer to each other. Therefore, more conductive vias can be arranged in a limited space.
US09024444B2
In a semiconductor device, a first contact-diffusion-layer is in a first well to be connected to the first well and extends in a channel width direction of a first transistor in a first well. A second contact-diffusion-layer is in the first well so as to be electrically connected to the first well and extends in a channel-length direction of the first transistor. A first contact on the first contact-diffusion-layer has a shape with a diameter in the channel-width direction larger than that in the channel-length direction when viewed from above the substrate. A second contact on the second contact-diffusion-layer has a shape with a diameter in the channel-width direction smaller than that of the first contact and a diameter in the channel-length direction almost equal to that of the first contact when viewed from above the substrate. A wiring is electrically connected to the first transistor through the second contact.
US09024440B2
Disclosed are flip-chip package structures and methods for an integrated switching power supply. In one embodiment, a flip-chip package structure can include: (i) a die with an integrated switching power supply, where a first surface of the die includes first bumps with different polarities; (ii) a redistribution layer including redistribution layer units, each having a first surface to connect bumps with a same polarity from the first bumps, the redistribution layer having a second surface including second bumps to redistribute polarities; (iii) a lead frame having pins, where a first surface of the lead frame can connect bumps with a same polarity from the second bumps; and (iv) a flip-chip package configured to package the die, the redistribution layer, the first and second bumps, and the lead frame, where a second surface of the lead frame provides electrical connectivity between the integrated switching power supply and a PCB.
US09024427B2
A three dimensional package includes a substrate having a columnar part including a sidewall, and stairs or steps arranged along the sidewall of the columnar part in the form of multiple helixes twisted around the columnar part. Semiconductor integrated circuits (IC dies) are attached on one or both of the supporting surfaces of the stairs. The columnar part, the stairs and the IC dies can be encapsulated with a mold compound.
US09024426B2
Disclosed are semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor device includes an interposer and a first semiconductor package comprising a first substrate, and a first semiconductor chip mounted on the first substrate. The device also includes at least two second semiconductor packages electrically connected to a top surface of the interposer, the second semiconductor packages spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the top surface of the interposer. Each of the second semiconductor packages comprises a second substrate, a second semiconductor chip mounted on the second substrate and a mold part disposed on the second substrate to protect the second semiconductor chip.
US09024423B2
A semiconductor chip in which a power MOSFET is placed above a semiconductor chip in which another power MOSFET is formed and they are sealed with an encapsulation resin. The semiconductor chips are so arranged that the upper semiconductor chip does not overlap with a gate pad electrode of the lower semiconductor chip in a plan view. The semiconductor chips are identical in size and the respective source pad electrodes and gate pad electrodes of the lower semiconductor chip and the upper semiconductor chip are identical in shape and arrangement. The lower semiconductor chip and the upper semiconductor chip are arranged with their respective centers displaced from each other. Accordingly, the size of a semiconductor device can be reduced.
US09024421B2
A semiconductor power module includes at least two sub modules. The sub modules include at least one respective transistor having a collector, an emitter, and a gate. The module includes a connection arrangement having a collector terminal unit for connecting the collectors of the at least two sub modules collectively to external circuit components, at least two emitter terminal units for connecting the respective emitters of the at least two sub modules individually to external circuit components, and at least two gate terminal units for connecting the respective gates of the at least two sub modules individually to external circuit components.
US09024420B2
Some exemplary embodiments of a multi-chip module (MCM) power quad flat no-lead (PQFN) semiconductor package utilizing a leadframe for electrical interconnections have been disclosed. One exemplary embodiment comprises a PQFN semiconductor package comprising a leadframe, a driver integrated circuit (IC) coupled to the leadframe, a plurality of vertical conduction power devices coupled to the leadframe, and a plurality of wirebonds providing electrical interconnects, including at least one wirebond from a top surface electrode of one of the plurality of vertical conduction power devices to a portion of the leadframe, wherein the portion of the leadframe is electrically connected to a bottom surface electrode of another of the plurality of vertical conduction power devices. In this manner, efficient multi-chip circuit interconnections can be provided in a PQFN package using low cost leadframes.
US09024419B2
A non-leaded semiconductor device comprises a sealing body for sealing a semiconductor chip, a tab in the interior of the sealing body, suspension leads for supporting the tab, leads having respective surfaces exposed to outer edge portions of a back surface of the sealing body, and wires connecting pads formed on the semiconductor chip and the leads. End portions of the suspension leads positioned in an outer periphery portion of the sealing body are unexposed to the back surface of the sealing body, but are covered with the sealing body. Stand-off portions of the suspending leads are not formed in resin molding. When cutting the suspending leads, corner portions of the back surface of the sealing body are supported by a flat portion of a holder portion in a cutting die having an area wider than a cutting allowance of the suspending leads, whereby chipping of the resin is prevented.
US09024416B2
A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes an interposer structure. The interposer structure includes an interposer substrate, a ground, through vias, a dielectric layer, and an inductor. The through vias are formed in the interposer substrate and electrically connected to the ground. The dielectric layer is on the interposer substrate. The inductor is on the dielectric layer.
US09024411B2
A three-dimensionally (3d) confined conductor advantageously used as an electronic fuse and self-aligned methods of forming the same. By non-conformal deposition of a dielectric film over raised structures, a 3d confined tube, which may be sub-lithographic, is formed between the raised structures. Etching holes which intersect the 3d confined region and subsequent metal deposition fills the 3d confined region and forms contacts. When the raised structures are gates, the fuse element may be located at the middle of the line (i.e. in pre-metal dielectric). Other methods for creating the structure are also described.
US09024410B2
A semiconductor device includes a first insulating film formed above a semiconductor substrate, a fuse formed above the first insulating film, a second insulating film formed above the first insulating film and the fuse and including an opening reaching the fuse, and a third insulating film formed above the second insulating film and in the opening.
US09024403B2
An image sensor package and image sensor chip capable of being slenderized while enhancing the reliability with respect to physical impact are provided. The image sensor package includes an image sensor chip provided with a pixel domain at a central portion of an upper surface thereof, a substrate disposed at an upper side of the image sensor chip so as to be flip-chip bonded with respect to the image sensor chip, provided with a hole formed at a position corresponding to the pixel domain, and formed of organic material, a printed circuit board at which the substrate provided with the image sensor chip bonded thereto is mounted, and a solder ball configured to electrically connect the substrate to the printed circuit board.
US09024402B2
Devices comprised of end-on waveguide-coupled photodetectors are described. In embodiments of the invention, the photodetectors are avalanche photodiodes coupled end-on to a waveguide. The waveguide includes an insulating trench proximate to the coupled photodetector. In embodiments of the invention, the avalanche photodiodes are silicon/germanium avalanche photodiodes.
US09024400B2
A method of manufacturing a photoelectric conversion element, which is provided with a substrate, a first electrode film having first and second conductive films provided on the substrate, a metal compound film covering the first electrode film, a semiconductor film connected with the metal compound film, a second electrode film connected with the semiconductor film, and an insulating film covering and surrounding the substrate, the first electrode film, the semiconductor film, and the metal compound film, the method including: forming the first conductive film to be connected with the substrate and the second conductive film to be connected with the first electrode film; forming the second conductive film in a predetermined shape using wet etching after the forming of the first and second conductive films, and forming the metal compound film which covers the first electrode film after the forming of the metal compound film.
US09024388B2
One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming replacement gate structures for an NMOS transistor and a PMOS transistor by forming gate insulation layers and a first metal layer for the devices from the same materials and selectively forming a metal-silicide material layer only on the first metal layer for the NMOS device but not on the PMOS device. One example of a novel integrated circuit product disclosed herein includes an NMOS device and a PMOS device wherein the gate insulation layers and the first metal layer of the gate structures of the devices are made of the same material, the gate structure of the NMOS device includes a metal silicide material positioned on the first metal layer of the NMOS device, and a second metal layer that is positioned on the metal silicide material for the NMOS device and on the first metal layer for the PMOS device.
US09024387B2
A semiconductor device has a FinFET with at least two independently controllable FETs on a single fin. The fin may have a body area with a width between two vertical sides, each side has a single FET. The fin also may have a top fin area that is wider than the body area and is electrically independent from the two FETs. The top fin area may be capable of receiving a body contact structure which may be connected to an electrical conductor as to regulate the voltage in the body area of the fin.
US09024386B2
Characteristics of a semiconductor device are improved. A semiconductor device of the present invention includes: (a) a MISFET arranged in an active region formed of a semiconductor region surrounded by an element isolation region; and (b) an insulating layer arranged below the active region. Further, the semiconductor device includes: (c) a p-type semiconductor region arranged below the active region so as to interpose the insulating layer; and (d) an n-type semiconductor region whose conductivity type is opposite to the p-type, arranged below the p-type semiconductor region. And, the p-type semiconductor region includes a connection region extending from below the insulating layer, and the p-type semiconductor region and a gate electrode of the MISFET are connected to each other by a shared plug which is an integrally-formed conductive film extending from above the gate electrode to above the connection region.
US09024374B2
A 3D memory device includes a plurality of ridges, in some embodiments ridge-shaped, in the form of multiple strips of conductive material separated by insulating material, arranged as bit lines which can be coupled through decoding circuits to sense amplifiers. The strips of conductive material have side surfaces on the sides of the stacks. A plurality of conductive lines arranged as word lines which can be coupled to row decoders, extends orthogonally over the plurality of stacks. The conductive lines conform to the surface of the stacks. Memory elements lie in a multi-layer array of interface regions at cross-points between side surfaces of the semiconductor material strips on the stacks and the conductive lines. The memory elements are programmable, like the anti-fuses or charge trapping structures. In some embodiments, the 3D memory is made using only two critical masks for multiple layers. Some embodiments include a staircase-shaped structure positioned at ends of the semiconductor material strips. Some embodiments include SSL interconnects on a metal layer parallel to the semiconductor material strips, and further SSL interconnects on a higher metal layer, parallel to the word lines.
US09024372B2
A nonvolatile memory device includes: a channel layer protruding perpendicular to a surface of a substrate; a tunnel insulation layer formed on a surface of the channel layer; a stack structure, in which a plurality of floating gate electrodes and a plurality of control gate electrodes are alternately formed along the channel layer; and a charge blocking layer interposed between each floating gate electrode, of the plurality of floating gate electrodes, and each control gate electrode of the plurality of control gate electrodes, wherein the floating gate electrode includes a first floating gate electrode between two control gate electrodes and a second floating gate electrode positioned in the lowermost and uppermost parts of the stack structure and having a smaller width in a direction parallel to the substrate than the first floating gate electrode.
US09024366B2
A semiconductor device having a dummy active region for metal ion gathering, which is capable of preventing device failure due to metal ion contamination, and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes active regions defined by an isolation layer in a semiconductor substrate and ion-implanted with an impurity, and a dummy active region ion-implanted with an impurity having a concentration higher than that of the impurity in the active region and configured to gather metal ions.
US09024361B2
Provided is a solid-state imaging device including: a photodiode which converts an optical signal to signal charges; a transfer gate which transfers the signal charges from the photodiode; an impurity diffusion layer to which the signal charges are transferred by the transfer gate; and a MOS transistor of which a gate is connected to the impurity diffusion layer. The impurity diffusion layer has a first conduction type semiconductor layer and a second conduction type semiconductor layer which is formed in the first conduction type semiconductor layer and under an end portion of the transfer gate.
US09024355B2
Fin-defining mask structures are formed over a semiconductor material layer having a first semiconductor material and a disposable gate structure is formed thereupon. A gate spacer is formed around the disposable gate structure and physically exposed portions of the fin-defining mask structures are subsequently removed. The semiconductor material layer is recessed employing the disposable gate structure and the gate spacer as an etch mask to form recessed semiconductor material portions. Embedded planar source/drain stressors are formed on the recessed semiconductor material portions by selective deposition of a second semiconductor material having a different lattice constant than the first semiconductor material. After formation of a planarization dielectric layer, the disposable gate structure is removed. A plurality of semiconductor fins are formed employing the fin-defining mask structures as an etch mask. A replacement gate structure is formed on the plurality of semiconductor fins.
US09024350B2
A light emitting module is disclosed. The light emitting module includes a lead frame body, lead frame, a heat spreader, an intermediate heat sink, and at least one light emitting element (LED). The lead frame body defines a cavity which accurately registers the heat spreader and includes optical or reflective walls surrounding the light emitting elements soldered on metallized traces of the heat spreader. The lead frame body encases and supports portions of the lead frame. The lead frame extends from outside the body into the cavity to accurately align with solder pads of the heat spreader. All the pre-aligned mechanical, thermal and electrical contacts are then soldered by solder reflow process under tight environmental control to prevent damage to the light emitting element. A robust, healthy 3-dimensional optical-electro-mechanical assembly having a very low thermal resistance in a thermal path from its light emitting element to its intermediate heatsink is created.
US09024346B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a semiconductor layer, a p-side electrode, an n-side electrode and a fluorescent material layer. The semiconductor layer has a first surface and a second surface on an opposite side to the first surface and includes a light emitting layer. The fluorescent material layer includes a plurality of fluorescent materials and a bonding material integrating the fluorescent materials. The fluorescent material layer includes a lower layer portion provided to spread over the entire first surface and having a larger thickness than a size of the fluorescent materials and an upper layer portion partially provided on the lower layer portion and having a larger thickness and a larger width than a size of the fluorescent materials. The fluorescent materials do not exist on a portion of the lower layer portion not provided with the upper layer portion.
US09024342B2
A semiconductor light emitting element includes a semiconductor multilayer structure including a first conductive type layer, a second conductive type layer, and a light emitting layer sandwiched between the first conductive type layer and the second conductive type layer, and a reflecting layer formed on the second conductive type layer for reflecting the light emitted from the light emitting layer. The light is extracted in a direction from the light emitting layer toward the first conductive type layer. The first conductive type layer includes a concavo-convex region on a surface thereof not opposite to the light emitting layer, for changing a path of light, and at least a part of the reflecting layer is formed extending to right above an edge of the concavo-convex region.
US09024334B2
The light-emitting device of the present invention includes LED chips provided on a ceramic substrate and a sealing material in which the LED chips are embedded. The sealing material contains a fluorescent substance and divided into a first fluorescent-substance-containing resin layer and a second fluorescent-substance-containing resin layer by a first resin ring and a second resin ring.
US09024332B2
A semiconductor light emitting element has a cross-sectional structure comprising a support substrate, a semiconductor lamination located over the support substrate, and a joint layer located between the semiconductor lamination and the support substrate, containing a first jointing layer located on the semiconductor lamination side and a second jointing layer located on the support substrate side. In the plan view, the semiconductor lamination has corner portions and side portions along the periphery, the first jointing layer is encompassed by the second jointing layer, the second jointing layer is encompassed by the semiconductor lamination, and an annular region defined between outlines of the semiconductor lamination and of the first jointing layer has first portions corresponding to the corner portions of the semiconductor lamination and second portions corresponding to the side portions of the semiconductor lamination, widths of the first portions being narrower than widths of the second portions.
US09024328B2
A semiconductor device includes a silicon carbide (SiC) drift layer disposed on a (0001) oriented SiC substrate. The SiC drift layer has a non-planar surface including a plurality of repeating features that are oriented parallel to a length of a channel of the semiconductor device. Further, the channel region is disposed in a particular crystallographic plane of the SiC drift layer.
US09024326B2
In summary, a vertical metalized transition in the form of a via goes from the back side of a high thermal conductivity substrate and through any semiconductor layers thereon to a patterned metalized strip, with the substrate having a patterned metalized layer on the back side that is provided with a keep away zone dimensioned to provide impedance matching for RF energy coupled through the substrate to the semiconductor device while at the same time permitting the heat generated by the semiconductor device to flow through the high thermal conductivity substrate, through the back side of the substrate and to a beat sink.
US09024322B2
Provided is a technique that allows oxidation of Cu wires to be effectively prevented during plasma processing when forming a passivation film for a display device that utilizes an oxide semiconductor layer. This wiring structure comprises a semiconductor layer (oxide semiconductor) for a thin film transistor, a Cu alloy film (laminated structure comprising a first layer (X) and a second layer (Z)), and a passivation film that are formed on a substrate, starting from the substrate side. The first layer (X) is made of an element that exhibits low electrical resistivity, such as pure Cu; and the second layer contains a plasma-oxidation-resistance improving element. The second layer (Z) is directly connected, at least partially, to the passivation film.
US09024314B2
An object is to manufacture and provide a highly reliable semiconductor device including a thin film transistor with stable electric characteristics. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor in which a semiconductor layer including a channel formation region serves as an oxide semiconductor film, heat treatment for reducing impurities such as moisture (heat treatment for dehydration or dehydrogenation) is performed after an oxide insulating film serving as a protective film is formed in contact with an oxide semiconductor layer. Then, the impurities such as moisture, which exist not only in a source electrode layer, in a drain electrode layer, in a gate insulating layer, and in the oxide semiconductor layer but also at interfaces between the oxide semiconductor film and upper and lower films which are in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer, are reduced.
US09024310B2
An epitaxial structure is provided. The epitaxial structure includes a substrate, an epitaxial layer and a carbon nanotube layer. The epitaxial layer is located on the substrate. The carbon nanotube layer is located between the substrate and the epitaxial layer. The carbon nanotube layer can be a carbon nanotube film drawn from a carbon nanotube array and including a plurality of successive and oriented carbon nanotubes joined end-to-end by van der Waals attractive force therebetween.
US09024307B2
An organic light-emitting display device includes a plurality of anodes and an auxiliary electrode disposed on the substrate. The auxiliary electrode is separated from the plurality of the anodes. The organic light-emitting display device further includes an organic layer disposed on the plurality of the anodes, an opening penetrating the organic layer to expose the auxiliary electrode, and a cathode disposed on the organic layer and the exposed auxiliary electrode. The cathode is electrically connected to the auxiliary electrode. The opening has a first width at a proximal end and a second width at a distal end. The distal end is closer to the auxiliary electrode than the proximal end. The first width is smaller than the second width.
US09024306B2
The organic electroluminescence element according to the present invention includes: a light-emitting layer; a first electrode layer on a first surface in a thickness direction of the light-emitting layer; a second electrode layer on a second surface in the thickness direction of the light-emitting layer; an electrically conductive layer; and an insulating layer. The light-emitting layer emits light when a predetermined voltage is applied between the first and second electrode layers. The second electrode layer includes an electrode part covering the second surface and an opening part formed in the electrode part to expose the second surface therethrough. The electrically conductive layer allows the light to pass therethrough, and formed on an exposed region of the second surface exposed through the opening part so as to be electrically connected to the electrode part and the light-emitting layer. The insulating layer is interposed between the electrode part and the second surface.
US09024304B2
The present invention provides a compound represented by the following formula 1. The compound of the present invention has high luminance, high luminous efficiency, excellent color purity and excellent high-temperature stability, and thus can provide a material for an organic electroluminescent device and an organic electroluminescent device having a long lifetime.
US09024303B2
An OLED display and associated methods, including a substrate; a first electrode; a second electrode; and an organic emission layer between the first and second electrodes, the organic emission layer including first-third organic emission layers, wherein the third organic emission layer is commonly disposed on the first electrode in the first-third subpixels, the first organic emission layer is in the first subpixel, the second organic emission layer is on the third organic emission layer in the first to third subpixels, an intermediate layer is between the first organic emission layer and the third organic emission layer in the first subpixel and between the second organic emission layer and the third organic emission layer in the second subpixel, and a HTL is between the first organic emission layer and the intermediate layer in the first subpixel and between the second organic emission layer and the intermediate layer in the second subpixel.
US09024300B2
An apparatus including: a stacked structure including a first substrate having a flat surface; a flat first graphene layer adjacent the flat surface of the first substrate; a flat second graphene layer adjacent the flat first graphene layer; and a second substrate having a flat surface adjacent the flat second graphene layer. An apparatus including: a stacked structure including a substrate having a flat upper surface; a flat lower patterned layer overlying the flat upper surface of the substrate and including at least one patterned electrode; a flat lower graphene layer overlying the flat lower patterned layer; a flat upper graphene layer overlying the flat lower graphene layer; and a flat upper patterned layer overlying the flat upper graphene layer and including at least one patterned electrode.
US09024298B2
An encapsulation, barrier, or protective layer for electronic devices is disclosed comprising a lac-based material, its synthetic form and variant, or a combination thereof, which protects electronic devices from adverse environmental effects.
US09024295B2
A 1D nanowire photodetector device includes a nanowire that is individually contacted by electrodes for applying a longitudinal electric field which drives the photocurrent. An intrinsic radial electric field to inhibits photo-carrier recombination, thus enhancing the photocurrent response. Circuits of 1D nanowire photodetectors include groups of photodetectors addressed by their individual 1D nanowire electrode contacts. Placement of 1D nanostructures is accomplished with registration onto a substrate. A substrate is patterned with a material, e.g., photoresist, and trenches are formed in the patterning material at predetermined locations for the placement of 1D nanostructures. The 1D nanostructures are aligned in a liquid suspension, and then transferred into the trenches from the liquid suspension. Removal of the patterning material places the 1D nanostructures in predetermined, registered positions on the substrate.
US09024294B2
There are disclosed a group III nitride nanorod light emitting device and a method of manufacturing thereof. The group III nitride nanorod light emitting device includes a substrate, an insulating film formed on the substrate, and including a plurality of openings exposing parts of the substrate and having different diameters, and first conductive group III nitride nanorods having different diameters, respectively formed in the plurality of openings, wherein each of the first conductive group III nitride nanorods has an active layer and a second conductive semiconductor layer sequentially formed on a surface thereof.
US09024291B2
A resistive memory device and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The resistive memory device includes a bottom structure including a heating electrode, data storage materials, each of the data storage materials formed on the bottom structure in a confined structure perpendicular to the bottom structure, and having a lower diameter smaller than an upper diameter, an upper electrode formed on each of the data storage materials, and an insulation unit formed between adjacent data storage materials.
US09024289B2
Semiconductor memory apparatus and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The semiconductor memory apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate in which a cell area and a peripheral area are defined, a plurality of pillars formed in the a cell area of the semiconductor substrate to a first depth, a stepped part formed in the peripheral area to a height corresponding to the first depth, a recessed part formed in the stepped part to a second depth, and a core switching device formed in the recessed part.
US09024288B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an array substrate, a manufacturing method thereof and a display device. The manufacturing method of an array substrate, comprising: forming a gate electrode on a base substrate by a first patterning process, and then depositing a gate insulating layer on the base substrate on which the gate electrode is formed; forming source and drain electrodes on the base substrate obtained after the above step, by a second patterning process; forming an active layer formed of a graphene layer, and a protective layer disposed on the active layer, on the base substrate obtained after the above steps, by a third patterning process; and forming a planarizing layer on the base substrate, obtained after the above steps, by a fourth patterning process, in which the planarizing layer is provided with a through hole through which the source or drain electrode is exposed.
US09024285B2
A nanoscale switching device is provided. The device comprises: a first electrode of a nanoscale width; a second electrode of a nanoscale width; an active region disposed between the first and second electrodes, the active region having a non-conducting portion comprising an electronically semiconducting or nominally insulating and a weak ionic conductor switching material capable of carrying a species of dopants and transporting the dopants under an electric field and a source portion that acts as a source or sink for the dopants; and an oxide layer either formed on the first electrode, between the first electrode and the active region or formed on the second electrode, between the second electrode and the active region. A crossbar array comprising a plurality of the nanoscale switching devices is also provided. A process for making at least one nanoscale switching device is further provided.
US09024282B2
An apparatus for hydrogen and helium implantation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plasma source system to generate helium ions and hydrogen molecular ions comprising H3+ ions. The apparatus further includes a substrate chamber adjacent the plasma source system and in communication with the plasma source system via one or more apertures, an extraction system to extract the hydrogen molecular ions and helium ions from the plasma source system, and an acceleration system to accelerate extracted helium and hydrogen molecular ions to a predetermined energy and direct the extracted helium ions and hydrogen molecular ions to a substrate.
US09024280B2
A composite charged particle beam apparatus comprises an FIB column and an SEM column arranged so that the ion and the electron beam irradition axes intersect with each other substantially at a right angle. A sample stage mounts a sample, and a detector detects secondary particles generated from the sample when irradiated with the ion beam or the electron beam. An observation image formation portion forms an FIB image and an SEM image based on a detection signal of the detector. An optical microscope observes the sample, and a display portion displays the FIB image, the SEM image and an optical microscope image. A stage control portion changes the coordinate system of the sample stage to any selected one of the coordinate systems of the FIB image, the SEM image and the optical microscope image.
US09024279B2
For determining the distribution of a substance, a measuring front is formed of a first and a second optical signal. Intensities of the first and second optical signals, over a depth of the measuring front which is smaller than the diffraction limit at the wavelengths of the first and second optical signals, increase so steeply that a portion of the substance in a measurement state in which a measurement signal is available from the substance increases from essentially zero due to transferring the substance by means of the first optical signal into the measurement state, and decreases to essentially zero again due to transferring the substance by means of the second optical signal back out of the measurement state. The measuring front is moved over a measurement region. The measurement signal is recorded for different positions of the measuring front in the measurement region and assigned to these positions.
US09024275B2
The present invention realizes a specimen holder for a charged-particle beam apparatus capable for moving at least one specimen support, and for obtaining the image of the transmission electron microscopy, or the like of all specimens arranged in the specimen holder with high spatial resolution. The retainer plates are put on the specimen supports after the specimen supports are set on the specimen stages at the end portion of the specimen holder respectively. Thereafter, the specimen supports and the retainer plates are fixed to the specimen stages. The vibration damping mechanism is arranged on the end portion side of the specimen holder. The vibration of the specimen support can be prevented or restricted by the condition that the vibration damping mechanism contacts to the specimen support. Accordingly, the transmission electron microscopy image can be obtained with high spatial resolution power.
US09024274B2
Provided are an ion generation target and a treatment apparatus including the target. The treatment apparatus includes a grid having a net shape of nano wires, an ion generation thin film attached to a side of the grid and generating ions by means of an incident laser beam, and a laser for emitting a laser beam into the nano wire of the grid to generate ions from the ion generation thin film and project the ions onto a tumor portion of a patient. The laser beam emitted into the nano wire forms a near field, the intensity of which is higher than that of the laser beam through a nanoplasmonics phenomenon, and the near field emits the ions from the ion generation thin film.
US09024273B2
An apparatus that generates molecular ions and methods to generate molecular ions are disclosed. At least a first species is ionized in an ion source. The first species ions and/or first species combine to form molecular ions. These molecular ions may be transported to a second chamber, which may be an arc chamber or diffusion chamber, and are extracted. The molecular ions may have a larger atomic mass than the first species or first species ions. A second species also may be ionized with the first species to form molecular ions. In one instance, the first and second species are both molecules.
US09024268B2
A detector for a small-angle x-ray diffraction system uses curved readout strips shaped to correspond to the expected intensity distribution of x-rays scattered by the system. This expected intensity distribution may be a series of concentric circles, and each of the strips has a shape that approximates a section of an annulus. The strips may be positioned on a substrate such that a center of curvature of the curved strips is located along an edge of a readout region within which the strips are located or, alternatively, at a geometric center of the readout region. The detector may have a signal readout system that uses a delay line or, alternatively, a multichannel readout system. The detector may make use of electron generation via interaction of the diffracted x-ray beam with a gas in a gas chamber, or through interaction of the diffracted beam with a semiconductor material.
US09024262B2
In the present invention, to conduct multiple molecular imaging in a PET device, both a first probe and a second probe, each of which has a nuclide that emits unique gamma rays as a result of gamma decay after beta decay, are administered to a subject to be imaged, and then the image capturing is performed by a multiple probe PET device (100). The multiple probe PET device (100) is provided with a group of PET gamma ray detectors (10) and an energy-resolving gamma ray detector (20), and, when an imaging processor (30) executes image reconstruction based on a pair-annihilation detection signal from the group of PET gamma ray detectors (10), images are reconstructed differently according to the energy values of the unique gamma rays. Imaging can also be carried out using a nuclide that does not emit any unique gamma ray and a nuclide that emits a unique gamma ray.
US09024261B2
An apparatus for inspecting the contents of a cargo container includes a neutron source having an ion source configured to provide deuterium or tritium ions and an accelerator configured to accelerate the ions toward a target having at least one of deuterium or tritium. The apparatus further includes a radiation detector where the neutron source is configured to deliver a neutron flux into the container and the radiation detector is configured to detect radiation exiting the container subsequent to the delivery of the neutron flux into the container.
US09024255B2
The present invention relates to improving the ability of a hyphenated instrument to analyze a sample benefiting from having the first instrument's analysis of the same sample. A fast switching machenism can be used as the interface between an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) and a mass spectrometer (MS) such that the obtained IMS spectrum is converted into a timing diagram that controls the vacuum inlet's size dynamically during analysis of a neutral and/or charged chemical and/or biological species such that a smaller pumping system can be used.
US09024254B2
The invention generally relates to enclosed desorption electrospray ionization probes, systems, and methods. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a source of DESI-active spray, in which a distal portion of the source is enclosed within a transfer member such that the DESI-active spray is produced within the transfer member.
US09024249B2
A solid-state imaging device includes: a semiconductor substrate provided with an effective pixel region including a light receiving section that photoelectrically converts incident light; an interconnection layer that is provided at a plane side opposite to the light receiving plane of the semiconductor substrate; a first groove portion that is provided between adjacent light receiving sections and is formed at a predetermined depth from the light receiving plane side of the semiconductor substrate; and an insulating material that is embedded in at least a part of the first groove portion.
US09024242B2
A solid-state image pickup device which is configured not to require transfer of signal charges between pixels performs TDI. An output control section 5 sequentially assigns a pixel signal output processing period to each pixel array group 10 in the order of the vertical direction at an interval of one horizontal processing period H obtained by dividing one frame period T into three. The one frame period T is a period when each pixel array 100 is moved in the vertical direction. An adder 50 sums up a pixel signal held in a signal holding portion 41_X, and a pixel signals held in a signal holding portion 41_R, 41_G, 41_B corresponding to the pixel signal under the control of the output control section 5, and outputs the summation result to an A/D converter 60.
US09024236B2
A grip heater controlling apparatus controls an amount of current supplied from a power supply to a grip heater mounted on a handle grip on the steering handle of a motorcycle. The grip heater controlling apparatus has a single momentary switch operable by the driver of the motorcycle, and an amount-of-current controller for changing the amount of current cyclically to at least three levels, including 0, depending on the number of times that the momentary switch is operated.
US09024219B2
A push switch of the present invention includes a case in which a concave portion is formed. The push switch of the present invention includes a movable member formed so as to be convex upward and arranged in the concave portion. The push switch of the present invention includes a protecting sheet provided above the movable member so as to cover the concave portion, the protecting sheet having an adhesive formed on a lower surface thereof. The push switch of the present invention is provided with an intermediate sheet between a lower surface of the adhesive and an upper surface of the movable member.
US09024211B2
A power, communications and data grommet mounted in an aperture in a work surface comprising, a housing adapted to fit into the aperture, the housing comprising a cap removably connected to a liner, the liner comprising an upper liner and a lower liner, the upper liner flaring outwardly to prevent the grommet from falling through the aperture, and a substantially cylindrical lower liner having a threaded outer surface, and a lock ring having inner threads to be threadably attached to the lower liner.
US09024207B2
A wiring board includes a pad exposed from an opening portion of an outermost insulating layer. The pad includes: a first metal layer, a surface of which is exposed from the wiring board; a second metal layer provided on the first metal layer and formed of a material effective in preventing a metal contained in a via inside the board from diffusing into the first metal layer; and a third metal layer provided between the second metal layer and the via, and formed of a material harder to be oxidized than that of the second metal layer. The thickness of the third metal layer is relatively thick, and is preferably selected to be three times or greater than a thickness of the second metal layer. A side surface of the third metal layer and a surface of the third metal layer to which the via is to be connected are roughed.
US09024204B2
A resistive device includes a resistive layer, a flexible substrate arranged on the resistive layer, and an electrode layer. The electrode layer includes two electrode sections arranged below the resistive layer and separate to each other. Moreover, a method for manufacturing the resistive device with flexible substrate is also disclosed.
US09024197B2
A patterned transparent conductive film is disclosed in the present invention, which includes a substrate, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, both the conductive layer includes a conductive area and an insulating area, the conductive area includes a metal mesh formed by a plurality of metal lines; the metal mesh is a buried metal mesh with random irregular grids, a probability density of the slope of the metal lines of the first conductive layer close to transverse direction is greater than that close to longitudinal direction, a probability density of the slope of the metal lines of the second conductive layer close to transverse direction is greater than that close to longitudinal direction, the two conductive layers are laminated and insulated in the thickness direction, the laminated metal meshes are evenly distributed, the light transmittance is increased and the conductivity is constant, the moire fringe is eliminated.
US09024196B2
There is provided a printed circuit board having a differential signal transmission line composed of non-skew-adjusting portions and skew-adjusting portions. The non-skew-adjusting portion consists of parallel conductive traces spaced apart by a spacing. The skew-adjusting portion consists of a pair of meander traces for the skew adjustment. The skew-adjusting portion include convex transmission line segments and concave transmission line segments. The convex transmission line segment has parallel traces having a differential trace pair spacing greater than the differential trace pair spacing in the non-skew-adjusting portion. The concave transmission line segment has parallel traces having a differential trace pair spacing smaller than the differential trace pair spacing in the non-skew-adjusting portion.
US09024187B2
A busway assembly including a plurality of busbars mounted in a horizontal orientation and stacked in a sandwich configuration for conducting electrical current. The busbars are enclosed within a housing having an H-shaped configuration and including side-panels with ventilation chimneys through which hot air circulates from a low area underneath the busbars to an upper area above the busbars. The ventilation chimneys include open-ended half-pipes that are inserted in respective apertures of the side-panels.
US09024186B1
A flush mount wall plate assembly, having an exterior plate and an interior plate. The interior plate is secured onto a junction box. The exterior plate is secured onto the interior plate, and a cover plate is secured onto the exterior plate. Drywall is positioned between the exterior plate and the interior plate. Joint compound is applied onto the exterior plate. When installed, the cover plate is approximately flush with adjacent drywall and top and bottom ramped edges, and first and second lateral ramped edges of the exterior plate when the interior plate is secured onto the junction box, the exterior plate is secured onto the interior plate, and the cover plate is secured onto the exterior plate.
US09024184B2
A sealing structure to seal a housing for electronic equipment such as a cellular phone, and which provides reliable sealing for the housing, and at the same time can attain to improve design with a simple construction. A sealing structure, which seals a housing, is provided with a seal member mounted on the housing, a substrate integrally molded with the seal member, and having at least a part thereof lying in the inside of the housing in a state where the seal member is mounted on the housing, and a light source element arranged on the substrate board, wherein the seal member is transparent or translucent, and it is constructed such that the light source element is arranged in a region of hermetic sealing formed by the seal member, whereby at least a part of the seal member emits light by the light radiated from the light source element.
US09024181B2
A photoactive component includes organic layers, including a single, tandem or multiple cell with two electrodes and, between the electrodes, a photoactive acceptor-donor layer system that includes at least three absorber materials. At least two absorber materials are donors or acceptors. One of the two absorber materials is configured as donors or acceptors absorbing at greater wavelengths than the other absorber material and one of the two absorber materials have a lower Stokes shift and/or a lower absorption width than the other absorber material.
US09024180B2
Provided is a parallel-type tandem organic solar cell. The parallel-type tandem organic solar cell includes: a first electrode; a first photoactive layer formed on the first electrode; a conductive polymer electrode formed on the first photoactive layer; a second photoactive layer formed on the conductive polymer electrode; a second electrode formed on the second photoactive layer; and a connection unit oriented in the direction ranging from the second electrode toward the first electrode so as to electrically connect the first electrode and the second electrode. According to the present invention, the energy conversion efficiency of the cell is improved by the increased photocurrent. Further, the solar cell of the present invention is advantageous in that an intermediate electrode can be made from solution-processable conductive polymers, and each element of the solar cell has a parallel structure, thereby simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing manufacturing costs.
US09024179B2
The invention is directed to a polymer thick film conductive composition comprising (a) a conductive silver-coated copper powder; and (b) an organic medium comprising two different resins and organic solvent, wherein the ratio of the weight of the conductive silver-coated copper powder to the total weight of the two different resins is between 5:1 and 45:1.The invention is further directed to a method of electrode grid and/or bus bar formation on thin-film photovoltaic cells using the composition and to cells formed from the method and the composition.
US09024177B2
A solar cell includes a doped layer disposed on a first surface of a semiconductor substrate, a doped polysilicon layer disposed in a first region of a second surface of the semiconductor substrate, a doped area disposed in a second region of the second surface, and an insulating layer covering the doped polysilicon layer and the doped area. The insulating layer has openings exposing portions of the doped polysilicon layer and the doped layer, and the doped polysilicon layer and doped layer are respectively connected to a first electrode and a second electrode through the openings. The semiconductor substrate and the doped layer have a first doping type. One of the doped polysilicon layer and the doping area has a second doping type, and the other one of the doped polysilicon layer and the doping area has the first doping type which is opposite to the second doping type.
US09024170B1
Embodiments of the present invention provide a circuit for a MIDI controller that may be used with keyboard and drawbar interfaces provided by a variety of models of drawbar-type electric organs. Such a circuit may be connected to numerous different configurations of drawbar-type organ interfaces having differing numbers of keys, switches, and drawbars, as well as stand-alone units having only keys and drawbars, only foot pedals and drawbars, or only drawbars. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a method for determining the position of each drawbar of a drawbar-type organ interface using binary logic.
US09024165B2
An electronic keyboard instrument is provided and methods of playing and assembling the same. The instrument comprises a controller for enabling activation of electronic signals having audible, visible, amplifiable, recordable and/or like characteristics, and a power source for operating the controller. A first keyboard is provided having a first selected length and being oriented in a first direction such that (i) audible notes of music from at least one internal sound module and/or at least one external sound module, (ii) recordable data to be enhanced or modified by an external sequencer or program controlled apparatus, (iii) photoelectric signals, and (iv) processes or mechanisms, triggered or controlled by external signals or data, for controlling machines, video playback or lighting, and/or the like may be generated and/or activated using a first hand of one or more users. A second keyboard with a second selected length is generally coextensive with and oriented generally opposite to the first such that (i) audible notes of music from at least one internal sound module and/or at least one external sound module, (ii) recordable data to be enhanced or modified by an external sequencer or program controlled apparatus, (iii) photoelectric signals, and (iv) processes or mechanisms, triggered or controlled by external signals or data, for controlling machines, video playback or lighting, and/or the like may be generated and/or activated using a second hand of the one or more users. In addition, an interface connects the controller to at least one external device having sound module, and/or sequencing and signal enhancement functions. A plurality of peripheral devices operatively connected thereto permit interactive control and manipulation of the signals. Finally, a wearable support is mounted to the instrument for suspending the first and second keyboards from the user's body during instrument operation. Alternatively, the instrument is suspended by a support structure in a generally horizontal fashion for simultaneous operation by multiple users.
US09024162B2
A system and method for quickly and efficiently installing a drum head on a tabla and controlling the tension of individual segments simultaneously. A mechanical interface controls a tension on each of a set of connective elements of a connective assembly that joins the drum head to the mechanical interface. Operation of the mechanical interface adjusts the tension of all elements of the connective assembly, and thus adjusts a playing tension of the drum head, at the same time.
US09024161B1
One embodiment having a flexible base with a plurality of vertical holes near its perimeter, each for housing a wind chime tube, the base further having a slit cut from one of the vertical holes into the middle of the base, allowing the base to be installed in the central portion of a wind chime, thereby effectively silencing the wind chime and protecting the tubes and nearby objects. This article works on the type of chime having multiple vertical resonant tubes that are struck by a striker connected to a sail that is urged by the wind. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US09024156B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH527361. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH527361, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH527361 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 CH527361.
US09024154B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV409759. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV409759, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV409759 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV409759 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV409759.
US09024147B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH357620. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH357620, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH357620 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 CH357620.
US09024143B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH799431. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH799431, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH799431 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 CH799431.
US09024142B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH995927. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH995927, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH995927 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 CH995927.
US09024133B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1036109. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1036109. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1036109 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1036109 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09024132B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB35AX13 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB35AX13, cells from soybean variety XB35AX13, plants of soybean XB35AX13, and plant parts of soybean variety XB35AX13. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB35AX13 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB35AX13, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB35AX13, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB35AX13. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB35AX13 are further provided.
US09024130B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB46L13 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB46L13, cells from soybean variety XB46L13, plants of soybean XB46L13, and plant parts of soybean variety XB46L13. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB46L13 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB46L13, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB46L13, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB46L13. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB46L13 are further provided.
US09024124B2
A novel soybean variety, designated XB19N13 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB19N13, cells from soybean variety XB19N13, plants of soybean XB19N13, and plant parts of soybean variety XB19N13. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB19N13 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB19N13, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB19N13, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB19N13. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB19N13 are further provided.
US09024117B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1037394. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1037394. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1037394 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1037394 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09024115B2
The invention provides cotton event MON 88701, and plants, plant cells, seeds, plant parts, and commodity products comprising event MON 88701. The invention also provides polynucleotides specific for event MON 88701 and plants, plant cells, seeds, plant parts, and commodity products comprising polynucleotides specific for event MON 88701. The invention also provides methods related to event MON 88701.
US09024109B1
A novel maize variety designated X80C994 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 X80C994 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X80C994 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X80C994, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X80C994. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X80C994.
US09024099B2
A process is presented for the increasing the yields of aromatics from reforming a hydrocarbon feedstream. The process includes splitting a naphtha feedstream into a light hydrocarbon stream, and a heavier stream having a relatively rich concentration of naphthenes. The heavy stream is reformed to convert the naphthenes to aromatics and the resulting product stream is further reformed with the light hydrocarbon stream to increase the aromatics yields. The catalyst is passed through the reactors in a sequential manner.
US09024094B2
Fluorinated aromatic materials, their synthesis and their use in optoelectronics. In some cases, the fluorinated aromatic materials are perfluoroalkylated aromatic materials that may include perfluoropolyether substituents.
US09024092B2
Provided is a process for making 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane. The process has the step of hydrofluorinating 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of SbCl3, SbCl5, SbF5, TiCl4, SnCl4, Cr2O3, and fluorinated Cr2O3.
US09024091B2
A method of making alcohols involves forming of alcohol esters from liquid alkane halides and a solution of metallic salts of organic acids to produce gaseous alcohol esters for reaction with magnesium or metal hydroxides to form the alcohol and the metal salt of the organic acids. In an improvement method liquid phase alcohol esters instead of gaseous alcohol esters are produced from liquid alkane halides and a solution of metal salts of organic acids whose alkane esters are less soluble in water than that of the alkane halide and treating of the alcohol ester formed with magnesium or metal hydroxides to form the alcohol and the metal salt of the organic acids.
US09024085B2
The present invention is directed to processes for recovering ethanol obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Acetic acid is hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst in a hydrogenation reactor to form a crude ethanol product. The crude ethanol product is separated in one or more columns to recover ethanol. In some embodiments, less than 10 wt. % ethanol is recycled to the hydrogenation reactor.
US09024081B2
Crude glycerol obtained from raw materials, such as the glycerol obtained during the production of biodiesel or glycerol obtained during the conversion of fats or oils, is purified by forming a dioxolane therefrom by reacting the crude glycerol with a ketone or aldehyde, separating the dioxolane thus formed, converting the dioxolane into purified glycerol and ketone/aldehyde, and recovering the glycerol thus purified.
US09024079B2
The invention relates to a process for rectificative separation of compositions of matter containing diastereomers of 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol by using ionic liquids as extractants.
US09024070B2
Provided is a method for stably and economically producing xylylenediamine with a high yield and long catalyst service life by hydrogenating dicyanobenzene that is obtained by ammoxidating xylene. By bringing an aqueous basic solution into contact with a dicyanobenzene-absorbed liquid, which is obtained by bringing an ammoxidation reaction gas into contact with an organic solvent, under specified temperature conditions, and subjecting a base and a carboxylic acid in the dicyanobenzene-absorbed liquid to a neutralization reaction so as to form an aqueous phase that contains a water-soluble salt, and then subjecting an organic phase and the aqueous phase to liquid-liquid separation so as to remove the aqueous phase, it is possible to remove the carboxylic acid contained in the dicyanobenzene-absorbed liquid with high selectivity while inhibiting loss of the dicyanobenzene. By subjecting the raw material dicyanobenzene, which is obtained by separating low boiling point compounds from the post liquid-liquid separation organic phase by distillation under reduced pressure, to hydrogenation, xylylenediamine is produced with a high yield and the service life of the hydrogenation catalyst is extended.
US09024066B2
The present invention provides a method for purifying and recovering propionic acid from an aqueous mixture containing a fermentation product obtained from a fermentation process using glycerol as substrate, the method comprising optionally acidifying the aqueous mixture to a pH below 4.5, subjecting the aqueous mixture to an extraction with extracting agent containing a heavy extractant and optionally a light extractant as a diluent to obtain an extract comprising the extracting agent and organic acids, and a raffinate comprising water and any unreacted glycerol, and subjecting the extract to vacuum evaporation to separate propionic acid-containing organic acids from the extractant.
US09024061B2
A carbonylation process for making acetic acid using a metallic co-catalyst composition, effective as a rhodium stabilizer and/or rate promoter, at molar ratios of metal/rhodium of about 0.5 to 40. The process includes reacting methanol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a rhodium-based catalytic metal complex with about 1 to 20 weight percent methyl iodide, less than about 8 weight % water and about 0.5 to about 30 weight percent methyl acetate. The crude acetic acid is flashed and further purified.
US09024057B2
Aromatic isocyanates are produced by reacting one or more aromatic primary amines with phosgene in the gas phase. The phosgene and primary aromatic amine(s) are reacted at a temperature above the boiling temperature of the amine(s) in a reactor having a reaction space which is essentially rotationally symmetric to the direction of flow. The flow fate, averaged over the cross-section, of the reaction mixture along the axis of the essentially rotationally symmetric reaction space in the section of the reaction space in which the conversion of the amine groups into isocyanate groups is between 4 and 80% is not more than 8 m/sec. The flow rate averaged over the cross-section of the reaction mixture along the axis of the essentially rotationally symmetric reaction space in the section of the reaction space in which the conversion of the amine groups into isocyanate groups is 4 to 80% is always below the flow rate averaged over the cross-section at the start of this section.
US09024056B2
The present invention relates to processes for preparing 3-methylsulfonylpropionitrile. The processes provide a good yield and a good purity of the final product and provide a controllable reaction. The present invention also relates to a crystalline form of 3-methylsulfonylpropionitrile having X-ray diffraction peaks at 13.9±0.1, 19.2±0.1, 20.0±0.1, 22.5±0.1, 23.2±0.1, 25.7±0.1, 28.1±0.1, 29.9±0.1, and 30.6±0.1 degrees 2θ, and wherein the most intense peak is the peak at 13.9±0.1 degrees 2θ.
US09024055B2
Acetaminophen conjugates are provided, which have an acetaminophen moiety covalently linked to a second moiety. The conjugates provided may have one or more advantageous properties, including increased water solubility as compared to acetaminophen, reduced toxicity profile as compared to acetaminophen and an altered pharmacokinetic profile. Formulations comprising the conjugates are also provided, as are methods of using the conjugates and kits comprising the conjugates.
US09024047B2
Furfural is obtained selectively and in good purity from non-fermentable branched sugars found in soluble waste streams of lignocellulosic biomass. In a monophasic method, stillage or syrup is contacted with water and an acid catalyst under suitable reaction conditions to convert the branched non-fermentable branched sugars to furfural. Additionally, the stillage or syrup can be treated with a water-immiscible organic solvent to form a biphasic mixture comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase. The furfural that is produced preferentially partitions into the organic phase, from which it may be recovered.
US09024041B2
There is provided a compound of formula (I): wherein: J represents (A): or (B): compositions comprising same, processes for preparing said compounds and use thereof in treatment, particularly in the treatment of inflammatory disease, such as asthma, COPD and 15 rheumatoid arthritis.
US09024040B2
Provided are processes for the preparation of benzimidazole structures having Formula VIIIb-1: and salts and solvates thereof, wherein Z, X5, R2b, R2c and R10 are as defined herein. Compounds of Formula VIIIb-1 are useful for the preparation of benzimidazole derivatives.
US09024039B2
This invention relates to the design, synthesis and use of synthetic vitamin D and other steroidal analogs. It further relates to the therapeutic use of such analogs and their manufacture.
US09024038B2
Inhibitors of HIV-1 protease and compositions containing them are described. Use of the inhibitors and compositions containing them to treat HIV, AIDS, and AIDS-related diseases is described.
US09024033B2
The present invention is related to a use of aminopyridine derivatives in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating malaria. Specifically, the present invention is related to aminopyridine derivatives useful for the preparation of a pharmaceutical foimulation for the inhibition of malaria parasite proliferation.
US09024032B2
The present invention relates to 4-pyridinone compounds which are inhibitors of catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT), and are useful in the treatment and prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which COMT enzyme is involved. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which COMT is involved.
US09024028B2
The invention features methods and compositions for the synthesis of multimerizing agents. An exemplary method for producing AP20187 may comprise: (a) coupling 2-N,Ndimethylaminomethyl-1,3-diaminopropane with AP20792 to produce the dimeric alcohol, AP20793; and (b) coupling the AP20793 so produced with API7362 to yield AP20187. In particular embodiments, the method further includes the step of producing API7362 by coupling API7360 with methyl-L-pipecolic acid, or a salt thereof.
US09024027B2
Compounds, pyridine N-oxides, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of formula (I) are useful as inhibitors of the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme and for preventing and/or treating diseases of the respiratory tract characterized by airway obstruction, such as asthma or COPD.
US09024023B2
The present invention refers to a new efficient process for the synthesis of the active pharmaceutical ingredient Lapatinib and salts thereof.In particular, the present synthesis is carried out employing new intermediates in which the amine function is protected by a group cleavable in basic milieu that provides a higher overall yield of the synthesis process.
US09024021B2
The present invention relates to novel diarylacetylene hydrazide compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the process for their preparation, and to the use of the compounds of formula (I) in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the therapeutic treatment of disorders related to tyrosine kinases, in warm-blooded animals.
US09024017B2
The present invention comprises compounds of Formula (I). wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, Z1 and Z2 are as defined in the specification. The invention also comprises a method of preventing, treating or ameliorating a syndrome, disorder or disease, wherein said syndrome, disorder or disease is type II diabetes, obesity and asthma. The invention also comprises a method of inhibiting CCR2 activity in a mammal by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula (I).
US09024013B2
Provided is a method for purifying rocuronium bromide, which comprises: formulating crude rocuronium bromide to be purified into an aqueous solution, distilling off excess residue solvents at reduced pressure, absorbing by adding active carbon or silica gel, then filtrating, quick freezing the filtrate into ice, and then lyophilizing to obtain rocuronium bromide.
US09024006B2
A method of sample analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method involves: a) amplifying a product from a sample that comprises both wild type copies of a genomic locus and mutant copies of the genomic locus that have a point mutation relative to said wild type copies of the genomic locus, to produce an amplified sample, where: i. the amplifying is done using a first primer and a second primer; and ii. the first primer comprises a 3′ terminal nucleotide that base pairs with the point mutation and also comprises a nucleotide sequence that is fully complementary to a sequence in the locus with the exception of a single base mismatch within 6 bases of the 3′ terminal nucleotide; and b) detecting the presence of said product in said amplified sample using a flap assay that employs an invasive oligonucleotide. A kit for performing the method is also provided.
US09024003B2
The present invention notably relates to novel recombinant telomerase reverse transcriptases, nucleic acid molecules coding them, cells comprising said nucleic acid molecule and use of these cells for the production of substance of interest.
US09023999B2
The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognizes CD27 containing an O-linked sugar chain to which galactose is not bound and binds to its extracellular region, or a method for using the same.The present invention can provide a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment thereof, which specifically recognizes a polypeptide encoded by CD27 gene containing an O-linked sugar chain to which galactose is not bound, and binds to its extracellular region; a hybridoma which produces the antibody; a DNA which encodes the antibody; a vector which comprises the DNA; a transformant obtainable by transforming the vector; a process for producing an antibody or an antibody fragment thereof using the hybridoma or the transformant; and a diagnostic agent or a therapeutic agent comprising the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof as an active ingredient.
US09023998B2
Tissue slices and whole organisms offer substantial challenges to fluorescence imaging. Autofluorescence and absorption via intrinsic chromophores, such as flavins, melanin, and hemoglobins, confound and degrade output from all fluorescent tags. An “optical window,” farther red than most autofluorescence sources and in a region of low hemoglobin and water absorbance, lies between 650 and 900 nm. This valley of relative optical clarity is an attractive target for fluorescence-based studies within tissues, intact organs, and living organisms. Novel fluorescent tags were developed herein, based upon a genetically targeted fluorogen activating protein and cognate fluorogenic dye that yields emission with a peak at 733 nm exclusively when complexed as a “fluoromodule”. This tool improves substantially over previously described far-red/NIR fluorescent proteins in terms of brightness, wavelength, and flexibility by leveraging the flexibility of synthetic chemistry to produce novel chromophores.
US09023997B2
Disclosed herein are antibodies and ILT5-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to ILT5, e.g., human ILT5 (hILT5), and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such ILT5-binding antibodies and ILT5-binding fragments thereof.
US09023992B2
The invention described herein provides new methods of preparing purified Factor VII polypeptide drug substances in large quantities (industrial scale levels) that are associated with reduced content of product-related impurities (e.g., late eluting peaks) and/or that exhibit a relatively uniform glycosylation pattern.
US09023990B2
A method for separating and purifying recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) from transgenic rice grain, sequentially comprising the steps of: 1) subjecting crude extract of rHSA to cation exchange chromatography to obtain primary product I; 2) subjecting the primary product I to anion exchange chromatography to obtain secondary product II; 3) subjecting the secondary product II to hydrophobic chromatography to obtain purified rHSA. The method may further comprise a step of ceramic hydroxyapatite chromatography prior to the hydrophobic chromatography. The method has the advantages of low cost and easy operation. The resultant rHSA has a purity of about 99% by HPLC.
US09023988B2
The present invention provides novel peptidomimetic macrocycles and methods for their preparation and use, as well as amino acid analogs and macrocycle-forming linkers, and kits useful in their production. Macrocycles of the invention include triazole moieties that crosslink amino acid side chains. The cross links can stabilize a secondary structure of a peptidomimetic macrocycle, such as an α-helix.
US09023986B2
The present invention provides compounds which are analogs of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such compounds. These compounds have activity as agonists of GIP receptor.
US09023981B2
The use of non aqueous dispersions NADs has enabled the development of fast setting sheet fed inks, for example. However either due to residual monomers or fractions of initiators, these NAD's have an objectionable odor. A chemical means of dramatically reducing the odor of the NAD's is thus presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, such a chemical treatment can include an amine/alkali mixture in a coupling solvent. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the coupling solvent can be one or more of an alcohol, glycol or glycol ether, such as, for example, isopropyl alcohol. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the amine can be an alkyl amine, such as, for example, diethyl amine, or various other amines, whether alone or in combination. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the alkali can be one or more of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide, whether alone or in any combination thereof.
US09023969B2
A powder surface-treated with an organopolysiloxane represented by the following average compositional formula (1): R1aR2bR3cSiO(4-a-b-c)/2 (1) wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of C1-30 alkyl, C1-30 fluoroalkyl, C6-30 aryl, and C6-30 aralkyl groups, R2 is a group represented by the following formula (2), provided that R2 is bonded to at least one terminal end of the organopolysiloxane when c equals 0, R3 is a group represented by the following formula (3): wherein R2 is as defined above, each R8 is, independently, selected from the group consisting of C1-30 alkyl, C1-30 fluoroalkyl, C6-30 aryl, and C6-30 aralkyl groups, Q is CdH2d or an oxygen atom, wherein d is an integer of from 1 to 5, k is an integer of from 0 to 500, and h is an integer of from 0 to 3, a is a number of from 1.5 to 2.5, b is a number of from 0.001 to 1.5, and c is a number of from 0 to 1.5.
US09023963B2
A method of producing a fluoropolymer by which a melt-processable fluoropolymer (A) having a specific unstable terminal group or groups (P) is subjected to melt-kneading in a kneader having a stabilization treatment zone to thereby produce a fluoro-polymer (B) resulting from conversion of the specific unstable terminal group or groups (P) to —CF2H. The specific unstable terminal group or groups (P) include alkoxycarbonyl groups, fluoroalkoxycarbonyl groups and/or carboxyl group quaternary nitrogen compound salts, the melt-kneading is carried out in the absence or presence of an alkali metal element or alkaline earth metal element, the content of the alkali metal element or alkaline earth metal element is not greater than 2 ppm of the composition under melt-kneading, and the melt-kneading in the stabilization treatment zone is carried out in the presence of water. A fluoro-polymerized material is also disclosed.
US09023956B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a clathrate that suppresses a curing reaction at low temperature to promote an improvement in storage stability (one-component stability), and can effectively cure a resin by heating treatment. A clathrate suitable for the clathrate is a clathrate containing (b1) at least one selected from the group consisting of an aliphatic polyvalent carboxylic acid, 5-nitroisophthalic acid, 5-tert-butylisophthalic acid, 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and benzophenone-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid; and (b2) at least one selected from the group consisting of an imidazole compound represented by the following formula (I), and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undecene-7, at a molar ratio of 1:1.
US09023954B1
An efficient synthesis of polymer end-caps and poly-p-phenylene oligomers that absorb little water and provide new processing and curing strategies, and more specifically, high-performance resins and adhesives with low moisture uptake can have a two stage cure path with an unprecedented range of curing temperatures.
US09023953B2
A method of producing a poly(lactic acid) resin includes carrying out direct polycondensation using lactic acid as a main raw material to prepare a crystallized prepolymer having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 25,000, an enthalpy of fusion ΔHm of 50 to 65 J/g and an acid value A mol/ton satisfying (1) below: 450/(Mw/10,000−0.14)
US09023950B2
The present invention provides a styrene-based star polymer with narrow dispersion and suitable as a resist material, etc. A star polymer of the present invention is represented by the formula A[C(Y)Xm]n (wherein A represents a polyvalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 4-15 carbons, C represents a carbon atom, X represents a styrene-based polymer chain, Y represents a hydroxy group or an oxo group, m represents an integer of 1 or 2, and n represents any integer from 2 to 5, with the proviso that if Y is a hydroxy group, m is 2, and if Y is an oxo group, m is 1). The star polymer can be produced by reacting a styrene-based polymer having an anionic end, and an aliphatic carboxylic acid ester represented by A(COOR)n (wherein R represents an alkyl group having 1-8 carbons, and A and n are as defined for the above formula).
US09023949B2
Conventionally, a photocurable resin can be used for forming a soft cured product but is difficult to have thick film curability and exhibit moisture resistance.A photocurable composition containing components (A) to (D), in which a ratio of a (meth)acrylate monomer having an aromatic group in the component (C) is 30 to 100%: the component (A): an isoprene polymer having a (meth)acrylic group, the component (B): an isoprene polymer having a hydroxyl group, the component (C): at least one kind of (meth)acrylate monomers selected from a (meth)acrylate monomer having an aromatic group and an alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, and the component (D): a hydrogenated terpene resin.
US09023940B2
This invention refers to an addition-type organosilicon sealant for halogen-free conductive and flame-resistant electric products, which consists of: A) vinyl silicone oil; B) silicon dioxide treated by silane or aluminum oxide treated by silane; C) a compound in which every molecule contains H—Si functional group, the mass content of H is 0.1-1.2%; D) hydrolysis product from hydrolysis reaction between Vinyl trimethoxy(triethoxy) silane and γ-(2,3-epoxy propoxy) propyl trimethoxy(triethoxy) silane; E) chloroplatinic acid or 1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl disiloxane platinum complex; F) any one or combination of carbon black, iron black, titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, benzotriazole, zinc carbonate and magnesium carbonate. The substance provided by this invention, which is halogen-free and flame-resistant with certain heat conductivity and viscosity, is quite applicable to sealing of electric products.
US09023930B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a slurry composition which realizes excellent dispersibility through simple steps and can maintain high dispersibility over a long term. In addition, the present invention provides a slurry composition produced using this method. The present invention provides a method for producing a slurry composition containing an inorganic powder, a polyvinyl acetal resin, and an organic solvent. The method contains the steps of mixing an inorganic powder, a mixed polyvinyl acetal resin (A) and an organic solvent (i) to prepare an inorganic dispersion; mixing a polyvinyl acetal resin (B) and an organic solvent (ii) to prepare a resin solution; and adding the resin solution to the inorganic dispersion.
US09023927B2
An adhesive composition is provided comprising (A) a linear polyfluoro compound having at least two alkenyl groups and a perfluoropolyether structure in its main chain, (B) a fluorinated organohydrogensiloxane having at least two SiH groups, (C) a hydrosilylation catalyst, (D) hydrophobic silica powder, (E) a fluorinated acetylene alcohol, and (F) an organosiloxane containing a SiH group and an epoxy and/or trialkoxysilyl group. A cured product of the composition has a smooth and uniform surface.
US09023925B2
Embodiments of the invention include a phosphorus containing flame retardant which may be the reaction product of a reaction mixture where the reaction mixture includes at least one active hydrogen-containing compound and at least one phosphorus containing compound. The at least one active hydrogen-containing compound is selected from the group of a first polyol having a hydroxyl functionality of at least 3, a polyamine having an amine functionality of at least 2, and an amino alcohol having a combined amine and hydroxyl functionality of at least 2. The at least one phosphorus containing compound has the general formula (1), (2) or combination thereof:
US09023920B2
The present invention relates to a high-strength inflammable blend resin composition including a polyphenylene sulfide resin and a polyethylene terephthalate resin. More specifically, the resin composition of the present invention includes: a basic blend resin containing 10 to 80 wt. % of a polyphenylene sulfide resin, and 20 to 90 wt. % of a polyethylene terephthalate resin; and 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a modified polystyrene or a styrene-based elastomer with respect to 100 parts by weight of the basic blend resin.
US09023918B1
Biodegradable resin materials are provided which comprise a blend of a starch component, a synthetic thermoplastic polymer resin, one or more plasticizers, and a protein component. In certain embodiments, the synthetic thermoplastic polymer resin may comprise a thermoplastic polyester-based compound, and the protein component may comprise albumin. The biodegradable resin materials tend to exhibit physical and mechanical characteristics that contrast with conventional biodegradable materials.
US09023910B2
A process for producing a polyurethane shoe sole having an article density of 100 to 350 g/L and being made from an organic polyisocyanate, a polyol, a blowing agent consisting of water, and optionally a crosslinking and/or chain-extending agent, a catalyst, and other auxiliaries and/or additives. First, polyisocyanate, polyol and any crosslinking and/or chain-extending agent are mixed and reacted at a temperature of 110° C. to 180° C. to give a prepolymer having polyisocyanate groups. Second, the isocyanate-terminated prepolymer obtained and any remaining polyisocyanate are mixed with any remaining polyol, blowing agent comprising water, and any remaining crosslinking and/or chain-extending agent and also any catalyst and other auxiliaries and/or additives are introduced into a mold and allowed to fully react to give a polyurethane shoe sole.
US09023907B2
Flexible polyurethane foam is made by mixing prepolymer with foam-forming ingredients comprising isocyanate and water which react to give carbon dioxide. The prepolymer is hydroxyl-tipped, being made by reacting polyol with less than the theoretical proportion of isocyanate required to react with available hydroxyl groups of the polyol. The prepolymer is a new storage stable starting material for use in making flexible polyurethane foam, and the foam produced with the prepolymer has advantageous properties with regard to hydrolysis resistance. The prepolymer may be made with low or high viscosity by appropriate selection of the proportion of isocyanate which reacts with the polyol. At high viscosities cell structure can be advantageously controlled by appropriate gasification or degasification during foaming.
US09023906B2
To provide a propylene-based copolymer and a propylene-based copolymer composition, each of which has a high melt tension because it has a long-chain branched structure, exhibits excellent molding processability during molding, such as inflation molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, injection molding or vacuum forming, and is capable of favorably providing a foamed product having an excellent expansion ratio and excellent cell uniformity in the foaming stage. The propylene-based copolymer (A) of the present invention comprises 50 to 95% by mol of constituent units [i] derived from propylene, 4.9 to 49.9% by mol of constituent units [ii] derived from an α-olefin of 2 to 10 carbon atoms other than propylene and 0.1 to 10% by mol of constituent units [iii] derived from a non-conjugated polyene (with the proviso that the total amount of the constituent units [i], [ii] and [iii] is 100% by mol), and is characterized by satisfying specific requirements (a) and (c).
US09023904B2
A polypropylene resin foamed bead from which a foamed bead molded article excelling in appearance, heat resistance and mechanical properties can be obtained at the molding temperature lower than that for conventional polypropylene resin foamed beads; and a foamed bead molded article obtained by molding the same. The polypropylene resin foamed bead is characterized by having such a crystal structure that in the first DSC curve obtained when the temperature of the foamed bead sample is raised from ordinary temperature to 200° C. at a temperature rising rate of 2° C./min by a differential scanning calorimetry, there appear a main endothermic peak of 100° to 140° C. endothermic peak apex temperature exhibiting 70 to 95% endothermic peak calorific value based on the total endothermic peak calorific value and two or more endothermic peaks exhibited on the high temperature side with respect to the main endothermic peak.
US09023900B2
Disclosed is a process for converting a reactant composition comprising H2 and CO to a product comprising at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon having at least about 5 carbon atoms, the process comprising: flowing the reactant composition through a microchannel reactor in contact with a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst to convert the reactant composition to the product, the microchannel reactor comprising a plurality of process microchannels containing the catalyst; transferring heat from the process microchannels to a heat exchanger; and removing the product from the microchannel reactor; the process producing at least about 0.5 gram of aliphatic hydrocarbon having at least about 5 carbon atoms per gram of catalyst per hour; the selectivity to methane in the product being less than about 25%. Also disclosed is a supported catalyst comprising Co, and a microchannel reactor comprising at least one process microchannel and at least one adjacent heat exchange zone.
US09023899B2
Disclosed are hybrid Fischer-Tropsch catalysts containing cobalt deposited on hybrid supports. The hybrid supports contain an acidic zeolite component and a silica-containing material. It has been found that the use of the hybrid Fischer-Tropsch catalysts in synthesis gas conversion reactions results in high C5+ productivity, high CO conversion rates and low olefin formation.
US09023896B2
The invention provides a biodegradable drug-eluting particle useful for the delivery of diagnostic or therapeutic agents. In certain embodiments, the drug-eluting particle of the invention comprises a biodegradable porous silicon body, a reservoir formed within the porous silicon body having at least one opening to an exterior of the body, wherein the reservoir contains a therapeutic or diagnostic agent, and an agent-permeable seal disposed over the at least one opening. The invention further provides a method for treating a patient to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect comprising administering a sustained release drug delivery particle of the invention. The invention also provides methods of fabricating a drug-eluting particle for releasing therapeutic agents.
US09023895B1
Methods of treating necrotic enteritis are provided, such methods not requiring the use of systemic drugs that have shown to (i) provide slow relief, (ii) cause adverse side effects, (iii) limit activities, (iv) worsen existing gastrointestinal conditions, (v) be unrecommended in several gastrointestinal conditions that include gastrointestinal spasms, or (vi) be unrecommended in the absence of diarrhea.
US09023889B2
The invention relates to the use of at least one ascorbic acid derivative for the fictionalization of matrices, and to specific ascorbic acid derivatives and processes for the preparation thereof.
US09023888B2
A composition having bactericidal properties comprising; (a) 30%-80% of at least one compound having the formula (I) and (b) 10% to 40% of at least one compound of formula (II)
US09023881B2
Several embodiments provided herein relate to histamine dosing regimens are and uses of such regimens in the restoration of histamine balance in subjects suffering from, for example, histapenia and/or histadelia. Several embodiments also relate to the use of histamine dosing regimens for the treatment and/or prevention of migraine headaches.
US09023879B2
Compositions, such as pharmaceutical compositions, comprising specific diarylhydantoin and diarylthiohydantoin compounds, or salts or solvates thereof, are provided. Isolated and purified forms of the compounds are also described, as are unit dosage forms, compositions of substantially pure compound and kits comprising the compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof may find use in the prevention and/or treatment of a variety of conditions, including prostate cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and others.
US09023875B2
The instant invention describes macrocyclic compounds having therapeutic activity, and methods of treating disorders such as cancer, tumors and cell proliferation related disorders, or affect cell differentiation, dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation.
US09023873B2
The present invention relates to novel triazole derivatives of formula (I) having insecticidal activity, to processes and intermediates for preparing them, to insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal or molluscicidal compositions comprising them and to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, nematode or mollusc pests wherein R1, R2, G1, G2, Q1 and Q2 are as defined in claim 1; or salts or N-oxides thereof.
US09023869B2
Substituted phenylcarbamoyl alkylamino arenes; substituted phenylthiocarbamyl alkylamino arenes; substituted phenylcarbamoyl alkylamino heteroarenes; substituted phenylthiocarbamyl alkylamino heteroarenes; N-substituted aryl, N′-substituted aryl urea compounds; N-substituted aryl, N′-substituted heteroaryl urea compounds; N-substituted aryl, N′-substituted aryl thiourea compounds and N-substituted aryl, N′-substituted heteroaryl thiourea compounds are provided and may find use as androgen receptor modulators. The compounds may find particular use in treating prostate cancer, including castration-resistant prostate cancer and/or hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
US09023868B2
The present application describes deuterium-enriched lenalidomide, pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof, and methods of treating using the same.
US09023867B2
2-aryl-4-quinolones are converted into phosphates by reacting with tetrabenzyl pyrophosphate to form dibenzyl phosphates thereof, which are then subject to hydrogenation to replace dibenzyl groups with H, followed by reacting with Amberlite IR-120 (Na+ form) to form disodium salts. The results of preliminary screening revealed that these phosphates showed significant anti-cancer activity. A novel intermediate, 2-selenophene 4-quinolone and N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl derivatives of 2-phenyl-4-quinolones are also synthesized. These novel intermediates exhibited significant anticancer activities.
US09023866B2
2-aryl-4-quinolones are converted into phosphates by reacting with tetrabenzyl pyrophosphate to form dibenzyl phosphates thereof, which are then subject to hydrogenation to replace dibenzyl groups with H, followed by reacting with Amberlite IR-120(Na+ form) to form disodium salts. The results of preliminary screening revealed that these phosphates showed significant anti-cancer activity. A novel intermediate, 2-selenophene 4-quinolone and N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl derivatives of 2-phenyl-4-quinolones are also synthesized. These novel intermediates exhibited significant anticancer activities.
US09023854B2
The present invention relates to novel 5-halogen-substituted oxindole derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and their use for the treatment of vasopressin-dependent disorders.
US09023844B2
Heterocyclylpyri(mi)dinylpyrazole of the formula (I) in which R1 to R5, X1, U, Q, W, Y, n, a, b have the meanings given in the description, and agrochemically active salts, to their use and to methods and compositions for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi in and/or on plants or in and/or on seed of plants and for reducing mycotoxins in plants and parts of the plants, to processes for preparing such compounds and compositions and treated seed and also to their use for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, in animal husbandry, in the protection of materials, in the domestic and hygiene field and for the reduction of mycotoxins in plants and parts of the plants.
US09023843B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of antimicrobial compounds and to methods of making and using them. These compounds are useful for treating, preventing, and/or reducing the risk of microbial infections in humans and animals.
US09023834B2
This invention relates to a pharmaceutical kit containing a lyophilized preparation of a pyrimidine compound described in the specification. Also disclosed is a lyophilization process for making this preparation.
US09023833B2
The invention relates to a method for treating sepsis in subjects who exhibit serum albumin levels, and one of total cholesterol or HDL levels, above minimum threshold values. The method involves intravenous administration of an emulsion, which contains a phospholipid, a neutral lipid, and a cholate salt.
US09023828B2
The present invention relates to a composition in the form of a powder or a viscous paste, and which includes at least one low viscosity alginate having a viscosity of less than about 100 mPaS in a 1 wt % aqueous solution, and at least one high viscosity alginate having a viscosity of more than about 100 mPaS in a 1 wt % aqueous solution. The composition can also include at least one suspending agent. The composition is readily soluble in water such that an aqueous preparation can be prepared without substantive mixing. Also, the aqueous preparation is suitable for use in the treatment and/or prevention of overweight for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes.
US09023827B2
An active ingredient with cutaneous application obtained from Metschnikowia agaves, as well as its use for preventing and/or combating ageing of the skin and its visible manifestations, and cosmetic compositions including this active ingredient and to a cosmetic process for skin care.
US09023823B2
The present invention describes microRNAs that regulate the differentiation, proliferation and death of cardiac and skeletal muscles cells. These molecules represent unique targets in the developmental pathways of muscle cells. They also can be used as active agents to induce differentiation in progenitor cells, and their down-regulation permits the maintenance and expansion of progenitor cell populations.
US09023811B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a high glucosinolate Cruciferous vegetable (such as a high glucosinolate broccoli) having a high level of glucosinolate and/or at least one derivative thereof for use in the treatment or prevention of a cardiovascular disease or for use in promoting heart and/or cardiovascular health.
US09023807B2
The disclosure generally describes methods of preventing or treating ophthalmic diseases or conditions in a mammalian subject, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, retinal degeneration, and oxygen-induced retinopathy. The methods comprise administering an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to subjects in need thereof.
US09023803B2
The present invention relates to cyclin D1-derived peptides for use in the improved treatment of cancer in a patient, particularly in the form of a combination therapy using a vaccine. Other aspects relate to the use of the peptides or a combination thereof as a diagnostic tool.
US09023782B2
The invention relates to a non-corrosive degreasing concentrate and ready to use formulation. In particular, non-corrosive compositions capable of removing polymerized grease as effectively as some alkali metal hydroxide (i.e. caustic) based degreasers without requiring the use of personal protective equipment are disclosed.
US09023772B2
Corrosion by ammonia/amine salts in hydrocarbon streams such as distillation overhead streams that contain a mineral acid and water can be prevented, avoided or minimized by adding certain strong amines to the streams. The amines have a pKa between about 10.5 to about 12 and include, but are not necessarily limited to, dimethylamine, diethylamine, dipropylamine, diisopropyl-amine, di-n-butylamine, diisobutylamine, di-sec-butylamine, di-tert-butylamine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, and combinations thereof. If the hydrocarbon stream further includes a nitrogen-containing compound such as ammonia, a tramp and/or a residual amine which can form a corrosive salt with the mineral acid, then the added amine is a stronger base than the tramp or residual amine, if present. The amount of added amine is greater than total amount of nitrogen-containing compound, so that any corrosive salts formed are less corrosive than the salts that would otherwise form from the ammonia and/or tramp amine.
US09023769B2
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for nucleic acid identification and detection. Compositions and methods of the present invention include extracting and fragmenting target nucleic acids from a sample, using the fragmented target nucleic acids to produce target nucleic acid templates and subjecting those target nucleic acid templates to amplification methods to form nucleic acid nanoballs. The invention also includes methods of detecting and identifying sequences using various sequencing applications, including sequencing by ligation methods.
US09023764B2
According to one embodiment, an oxide superconductor includes an oriented superconductor layer and an oxide layer. The oriented superconductor layer contains fluorine at 2.0×1016-5.0×1019 atoms/cc and carbon at 1.0×1018-5.0×1020 atoms/cc. The superconductor layer contains in 90% or more a portion oriented along c-axis with an in-plane orientation degree (Δφ) of 10 degrees or less, and contains a LnBa2Cu3O7-x superconductor material (Ln being yttrium or a lanthanoid except cerium, praseodymium, promethium, and lutetium). The oxide layer is provided in contact with a lower surface of the superconductor layer and oriented with an in-plane orientation degree (Δφ) of 10 degrees or less with respect to one crystal axis of the superconductor layer. Area of a portion of the lower surface of the superconductor layer in contact with the oxide layer is 0.3 or less of area of a region directly below the superconductor layer.
US09023758B2
A method for promoting the health of a plant comprises administering malic acid to the plant or the soil in an amount effective to recruit plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to the plant. Administration of malic acid promotes biofilm formation of PGPR on the plant's roots, thereby restricting entry of a foliar pathogen through stomatal pores present in the leaves. Another method for promoting the health of a plant comprises administering acetoin to the plant or the soil in an amount effective to increase pathogen resistance in aerial parts of the plant.
US09023756B2
To provide a thermosensitive recording material, which contains: a support; a thermosensitive recording layer provided on one surface of the support; and a back layer provided on the other surface of the support, wherein the support has a surface formed of a resin, and wherein the back layer contains a combination of a core-shell acrylic resin and an oxazoline resin, or a reaction product thereof, or both thereof.
US09023744B2
Provided is an alkali-free glass, which is substantially free of alkali metal oxides, and has a strain point of more than 680° C., an average coefficient of thermal expansion in the temperature range of 30 to 380° C. of 40 to 55×10−7/° C., and a liquidus temperature of less than 1,200° C. Further, the alkali-free glass comprises, as a glass composition in terms of mass %, 55 to 70% of SiO2, 10 to 20% of Al2O3, 0.1 to 4.5% of B2O3, 0 to 1% of MgO, 5 to 15% of CaO, 0.5 to 5% of SrO, and 5 to 15% of BaO.
US09023742B2
Provided is a photocatalytic coating in which the coating per se is hardly eroded even when a photocatalyst is excited and a coating surface having strong hydrophobic tendency can be formed. The photocatalytic coating is prepared by dispersing or dissolving at least a photocatalyst, a tetrafluoro-ethylene-based resin obtained by graft polymerization of a sulfonic acid, a compound containing metal ion having an ionic radius not less than an ionic radius of calcium and/or complex ion having an ionic radius not less than the ionic radius of calcium into a solvent. Further, hydroxide is used as the compound containing the metal ion or an electrically neutral surfactant is added to the photocatalytic coating.
US09023736B2
A solar cell module manufacturing apparatus includes a stage, a holding member, a moving mechanism, and a pushing member. The stage suctions a plurality of elongated solar cells that is arranged to form a solar cell module. The holding member releasably holds a portion of a solar cell to be placed on the stage. The moving mechanism moves the holding member forward and backward with respect to the stage. The moving mechanism moves the holding member backward in a state that an end portion in a front side of the cell held by the holding member that has been moved forward is suctioned on the stage, and then the portion of the cell is released by the holding member. The pushing member moves over the cell such that the pushing member pushes a lift portion of the cell down to the stage while the holding member moves backward.
US09023731B2
Techniques, systems, and apparatuses for performing carbon gap-fill in semiconductor wafers are provided. The techniques may include performing deposition-etching operations in a cyclic fashion to fill a gap feature with carbon. A plurality of such deposition-etching cycles may be performed, resulting in a localized build-up of carbon film on the top surface of the semiconductor wafer near the gap feature. An ashing operation may then be performed to preferentially remove the built-up material from the top surface of the semiconductor wafer. Further groups of deposition-etching cycles may then be performed, interspersed with further ashing cycles.
US09023729B2
A method of growth and transfer of epitaxial structures from semiconductor crystalline substrate(s) to an assembly substrate. Using this method, the assembly substrate encloses one or more semiconductor materials and defines a wafer size that is equal to or larger than the semiconductor crystalline substrate for further wafer processing. The process also provides a unique platform for heterogeneous integration of diverse material systems and device technologies onto one single substrate.
US09023724B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor memory device comprises forming a plurality of gate lines on a semiconductor substrate, forming an insulating layer on the gate lines, and performing a cleaning process using a surfactant-free cleaning solution having a viscosity of lower than 2 cP and an acidity of lower than 3 pH to remove residue from the surface of the insulating layer.
US09023719B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device, such as a three-dimensional monolithic NAND memory string, includes etching a select gate electrode over a first gate insulating layer over a substrate to form an opening, forming a second gate insulating layer over the sidewalls of the opening, forming a sacrificial spacer layer over the second gate insulating layer on the sidewalls of the opening, and etching the first gate insulating layer over the bottom surface of the opening to expose the substrate, removing the sacrificial spacer layer to expose the second gate insulating layer over the sidewalls of the opening, and forming a protrusion comprising a semiconductor material within the opening and contacting the substrate, wherein the second gate insulating layer is located between the select gate electrode and first and second side surfaces of the protrusion.
US09023718B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes: forming an epitaxial layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming a capping layer having a first thickness on the epitaxial layer; and oxidizing the capping layer in an oxygen atmosphere to form a first gate dielectric layer having a second thickness.
US09023713B2
Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In an embodiment, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes providing an ultrathin body (UTB) fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FDSOI) substrate. A PFET temporary gate structure and an NFET temporary gate structure are formed on the substrate. The method implants ions to form lightly doped active areas around the gate structures. A diffusionless annealing process is performed on the active areas. Further, a compressive strain region is formed around the PFET gate structure and a tensile strain region is formed around the NFET gate structure.
US09023708B2
A method of forming a semiconductor device is provided. At least one gate structure including a dummy gate is formed on a substrate. A contact etch stop layer and a dielectric layer are formed to cover the gate structure. A portion of the contact etch stop layer and a portion of the dielectric layer are removed to expose the top of the gate structure. A dry etching process is performed to remove a portion of the dummy gate of the gate structure. A hydrogenation treatment is performed to the surface of the remaining dummy gate. A wet etching process is performed to remove the remaining dummy gate and thereby form a gate trench.
US09023706B2
The present invention relates to a transistor and the method for forming the same. The transistor of the present invention comprises a semiconductor substrate; a gate dielectric layer formed on the semiconductor substrate; a gate formed on the gate dielectric layer; a channel region under the gate dielectric layer; and a source region and a drain region located in the semiconductor substrate and on respective sides of the channel region, wherein at least one of the source and drain regions comprises a set of dislocations that are adjacent to the channel region and arranged in the direction perpendicular to a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, and the set of dislocations comprises at least two dislocations.
US09023693B1
A multi-mode thin film deposition apparatus including a reaction chamber, a carrying seat, a showerhead, an inert gas supplying source, a first gas inflow system and a second gas inflow system is provided. The carrying seat is disposed in the reaction chamber. The showerhead has a gas mixing room and gas holes disposed at a side of the gas mixing room. The gas mixing room is connected to the reaction chamber through the plurality of gas holes which faces the carrying seat. The first gas inflow system is connected to the reaction chamber and supplies a first process gas during a first thin film deposition process mode. The inert gas supplying source is connected to the gas mixing room for supplying an inert gas. The second gas inflow system is connected to the gas mixing room to supply a second process gas during a second thin film deposition process mode.
US09023688B1
A method for processing a semiconductor device, the method including; providing a first semiconductor layer including first transistors; forming interconnection layers overlying the transistors, where the interconnection layers include copper or aluminum; forming a shielding heat conducting layer overlaying the interconnection layers; forming an isolation layer overlaying the shielding heat conducting layer; forming a second semiconductor layer overlying the isolation layer, and processing the second semiconductor layer at a temperature greater than about 400° C., where the interconnection layers are kept at a temperature below about 400° C.
US09023676B2
A wafer packaging method includes the following steps. A light transmissive carrier is provided. A hydrolytic temporary bonding layer is formed on the light transmissive carrier. A first surface of a light transmissive protection sheet is bonded to the hydrolytic temporary bonding layer, such that the hydrolytic temporary bonding layer is located between the light transmissive protection sheet and the light transmissive carrier. A second surface of the light transmissive protection sheet facing away from the first surface is bonded to a third surface of a wafer. The light transmissive carrier, the hydrolytic temporary bonding layer, the light transmissive protection sheet, and the wafer are immersed in a high temperature liquid, such that adhesion force of the hydrolytic temporary bonding layer is eliminated. The light transmissive protection sheet and the wafer are obtained from the high temperature liquid.
US09023674B2
The present disclosure provides a biological field effect transistor (BioFET) and a method of fabricating a BioFET device. The method includes forming a BioFET using one or more process steps compatible with or typical to a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process. The BioFET includes a microwells having a sensing layer, a top metal stack under the sensing layer, and a multi-layer interconnect (MLI) under the top metal stack. The top metal stack includes a top metal and a protective layer over and peripherally surrounding the top metal.
US09023670B2
The disclosure generally relates to a modular printhead configured for ease of access and quick replacement of the printhead. In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to an integrated printhead which includes: a printhead die supporting a plurality of micropores thereon; a support structure for supporting the printhead die; a heater interposed between the printhead die and the support structure; and an electrical trace connecting the heater to a supply source. The support structure accommodates the electrical trace through a via formed within it so as to form a solid state printhead containing all of the connections within and providing easily replaceable printhead.
US09023654B2
A method for measuring bromate ions includes: an adding step of adding a fluorescent substance whose fluorescence intensity changes by the coexistence of bromate ions to sample water; a measuring step of measuring the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent substance; a difference calculating step of calculating a difference between the fluorescence intensity measured and a reference fluorescence intensity of reference sample water that contains no bromate ion; and a concentration calculating step of calculating bromate ion concentration from the calculated fluorescence intensity difference. The measuring step includes a step of measuring the fluorescence intensity at any one of a case where an excitation wavelength is 264 nm and an emission wavelength is 400 nm, a case where the excitation wavelength is 264 nm and the emission wavelength is 480 nm, and a case where the excitation wavelength is 300 nm and the emission wavelength is 400 nm.
US09023651B2
The invention relates to a method and a device (100) for determining the amount of a target component (2) in a sample, wherein magnetic particles (2) can bind to a contact surface (4) with kinetics that depend on the sample-amount of the target component. The method comprises at least two washing steps during which magnetic particles (2) are magnetically moved away from the contact surface (4) and corresponding measurements of the remaining amount of magnetic particles (2) at the contact surface (4). The amount of target component in the sample is estimated from at least one of such measurement results. The measurement allows to determine also high concentrations of target component for which the sensor surface (4) is saturated in a steady-state.
US09023646B2
The present invention provides HIV-derived lentivectors which are safe, highly efficient, and very potent for expressing transgenes for human gene therapy, especially, in human hematopoietic progenitor cells as well as in all other blood cell derivatives. The lentiviral vectors comprise a self-inactivating configuration for biosafety and promoters such as the EF1 α promoter as one example. Additional promoters are also described. The vectors can also comprise additional transcription enhancing elements such as the wood chuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element. These vectors therefore provide useful tools for genetic treatments such as inherited and acquired lympho-hematological disorders, gene-therapies for cancers especially the hematological cancers, as well as for the study of hematopoiesis via lentivector-mediated modification of human HSCs.
US09023643B2
The present invention relates to the use of at least one attenuated measles virus for the manufacture of a medicament intended for treating malignant mesothelioma in an individual.
US09023638B2
A plurality of isolated microvessels including a plurality of encoded microvessels each having a microbody and a reservoir core. The microbody is configured to separate a biological or chemical substance in the reservoir core from an ambient environment surrounding the microbody. The microbody includes a transparent material that at least partially surrounds the reservoir core and facilitates detection of an optical characteristic of the substance within the reservoir core. The microbody of each microvessel includes an identifiable code that distinguishes individual microvessels of the plurality of encoded microvessels from each other. The plurality of isolated microvessels also includes a plurality of compartments each configured to separate individual microvessels of the plurality of encoded microvessels from each other.
US09023635B2
A bacterial spore comprising a modified prkC protein, wherein the extracellular domain of the modified prkC protein binds an agent which is not bound by the extracellular domain of the wild-type prkC protein, and wherein the agent is a germinant that stimulates germination of the bacterial spore, or a bacterial spore comprising a modified gerA protein, wherein the gerA protein has been modified such that the spore undergoes germination in the presence of a germinant which does not stimulate germination of a bacterial spore comprising wild-type gerA protein.
US09023630B2
Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
US09023629B2
The present invention relates to host cells transformed with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a eukaryotic xylose isomerase obtainable from an anaerobic fungus. When expressed, the sequence encoding the xylose isomerase confers to the host cell the ability to convert xylose to xylulose which may be further metabolized by the host cell. Thus, the host cell is capable of growth on xylose as carbon source. The host cell preferably is a eukaryotic microorganism such as a yeast or a filamentous fungus. The invention further relates to processes for the production of fermentation products such as ethanol, in which a host cell of the invention uses xylose for growth and for the production of the fermentation product. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding eukaryotic xylose isomerases and xylulose kinases as obtainable from anaerobic fungi.
US09023628B2
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
US09023619B2
The invention concerns non-natural Gly-Xaa-Yaa-protein monomers and non-natural Gly-Xaa-Yaa-proteins comprising or consisting of multimers of the monomers. The non-natural Gly-Xaa-Yaa-proteins can be produced with enhanced monodispersity.
US09023618B2
The present invention relates to a recombinant E. coli exhibiting a complex phenotype, comprising one or more RNA polymerase subunit genes, one or more functional genes, and, optionally, one or more transcription factors from a heterologous prokaryote. Also provided are methods for screening such a recombinant E. coli.
US09023615B2
Provided herein are methods of staining biological material for the purpose of detecting, and in some examples also identifying, microorganisms. Methods of Gram staining bacteria using a slow-acting decolorizing formulation, such as one that includes 1,2-propandiol or ethylene glycol, can be used to extend the time of the decolorizing step, and thus permit automation of the Gram staining method. Also provided are compositions and kits for performing automated Gram staining on microscope slides.
US09023614B2
A method for rapidly collecting cells from a surface, such as a surface bearing fingerprints, for subsequent macromolecular analysis involves dispensing a predetermined amount of an aqueous solution onto the surface, and subjecting the aqueous solution to ultrasound waves to promote a detachment of the cells from the surface. Extraction of macromolecules such as DNA from the cells can be effected directly in the solution containing the collected cells by further subjecting the solution to ultrasound waves for a prescribed period of time to lyse the cells, and then extracting the DNA.
US09023611B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods of optically imaging tissues or cells using imaging agents have in vivo properties that result in signal-to-background ratios of at least about 1:1. TL is a targeting ligand and n is −1, 0 or +1.
US09023599B2
A method of providing protection against pneumococcal infection in a subject is disclosed. The method includes steps of administering to the subject a composition that includes combination of three recombinant pneumococcal neuraminidases: NanA, NanB, and NanC of S. pneumoniae strains CGSP14, wherein administration of the recombinant pneumococcal neuraminidases elicits an immune response to S. pneumoniae, and treats the subject. In one embodiment, the method further includes a step of adding adjuvants to enhance the immune response. The method also includes a step of using passive antibodies, wherein said passive antibodies are anti-neuraminidase antibodies generated from neuraminidases-immunized humanized animals: NanA, NanB, and NanC. Meanwhile, this invention also provides a method for the molecular diagnosis of pneumococcal infection.
US09023595B2
The present invention is directed to methods and methods for the treatment, inhibition and/or reduction, and detection of metastatic tumors. In some embodiments, the inventive methods include systemic (e.g., intravenous) administration of a chlorotoxin agent that may or may not be labeled. In some embodiments, the inventive methods allow treatment, inhibition and/or reduction, and detection of metastases in the brain. In some embodiments, neovascularization is inhibited and/or newly formed vessels are caused to regress.
US09023584B2
A radiation-sensitive composition includes a compound represented by a formula (1), and a polymer having a structural unit that includes an acid-labile group. In the formula (1), R1 represents a group having a polar group; n is an integer of 1 to 4, wherein, in a case where R1 is present in a plurality of number, the plurality of R1s are identical or different, and optionally at least two R1s taken together represent a cyclic structure; A represents an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having a valency of (n+1); and M+ represents a monovalent onium cation.
US09023576B2
A positive resist composition for immersion exposure comprises: (A) a resin containing at least one repeating unit having a fluorine atom and increasing a solubility of the resin in an alkali developer by an action of an acid; and (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with one of an actinic ray and radiation.
US09023573B2
A toner for electrostatic-charge image development contains toner particles in which the surfaces of core particles, including a binder resin composed of a polyester resin, are coated with shell layers. The shell layer is formed of a resin composed of a copolymer of monomers including a monomer having a quaternary ammonium group and a (meth)acrylic copolymer. The molar ratio of units derived from a monomer having a quaternary ammonium group is 5 mol % or more and 35 mol % or less.
US09023562B2
An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a conductive substrate; and a photosensitive layer provided on the conductive substrate that includes an organic photoconductive material and charge transport materials including a styryl compound represented by structural formula (I) below and a triphenylamine compound represented by structural formula (II) below: wherein the charge transport materials have a mixing ratio of from 8.33 to 16.67 mass % of the styryl compound to from 91.67 to 83.33 mass % of the triphenylamine compound.
US09023560B1
A conductive pattern is formed in a polymeric layer that has (a) a reactive polymer comprising pendant tertiary alkyl ester groups, (b) a compound that provides an acid upon exposure to radiation, and (c) a crosslinking agent. The polymeric layer is patternwise exposed to radiation to provide a polymeric layer comprising non-exposed regions and exposed regions comprising a polymer comprising carboxylic acid groups. The exposed regions are contacted with electroless seed metal ions to form a pattern of electroless seed metal ions. This pattern of electroless seed metal ions can be contacted with a non-reducing reagent that reacts with the electroless seed metal ions to form an electroless seed metal compound that has a pKsp of less than 40. This bound electroless seed metal compound is then electrolessly plated with a suitable conductive metal.
US09023549B2
A method of preparing a gas diffusion electrode comprising a diffusion layer, and a reaction layer arranged to each other, wherein the diffusion layer is prepared by i) admixing a) sacrificial material, b) polymer and c) a metal-based material and d) optional further components, wherein the sacrificial material has a release temperature below about 275° C. and is added in an amount from about 1 to about 25 wt % based on the total weight of components a)-d) admixed; ii) forming a diffusion layer from the admixture of step i); iii) heating the forming diffusion layer to a temperature lower than about 275° C. so as to release at least a part of said sacrificial material from the diffusion layer. A gas diffusion electrode comprising a diffusion layer and a reaction layer arranged to one another, wherein the diffusion layer has a porosity ranging from about 60 to about 95%, and an electrolytic cell comprising the electrode. An electrolytic cell, a fuel cell comprising the gas diffusion electrode and a metal-air battery comprising the gas diffusion electrode.
US09023547B2
A separator of a fuel cell includes a sandwiching section, first and second bridges connected to the sandwiching section, a fuel gas supply section connected to the first bridge and an oxygen-containing gas supply section connected to the second bridge. The sandwiching section sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly, and has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel separately. In the sandwiching section, a plurality of first projections are arranged in a zigzag pattern in a direction in which the first bridge extends, and the first projections at least protrude toward the fuel gas channel to contact an anode.
US09023536B2
Disclosed is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery using a polyanion compound or a lithium nickelate as a positive electrode active material, suppressing the elution of a transition metal from the polyanion compound or ameliorating the deterioration of a binder by a residual alkali component, and provides a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a negative electrode intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions, a positive electrode containing a lithium-containing compound as a positive electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte with a lithium salt dissolved in organic solvent. The lithium-containing compound is a polyanion compound or a lithium nickelate. The non-aqueous electrolyte contains a fluorosilane compound: R1 to R3: alkyl group having 1-8 carbon(s), an alkenyl group having 2-8 carbons, a cycloalkyl group having 5-8 carbons, an aryl group having 6-8 carbons or a fluorine atom. R4: alkylene group having 1-8 carbon(s) or an alkylene group having 4-8 carbons having an ether group.
US09023535B2
The present invention relates to a porous membrane including cellulose fibers, wherein the surface area determined by congo red coloring of the re-dispersed cellulose fibers after the cellulose fibers of the porous membrane are re-dispersed in accordance with the re-dispersion method for normal paper specimens according to JIS P 8120 is from 100 to 300 m2/g. The porous membrane according to the present invention can provide a separator for electrochemical devices with superior properties, at a reasonable cost.
US09023534B2
The present invention provides a fiber having a nano-order fiber diameter, which is produced by without a process of dehydration and cyclization by a heat treatment after fiber spinning and has excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength, and a non-woven fabric composed of the fiber, and discloses the polyamide-imide fiber and the non-woven fabric having an average fiber diameter of from 0.001 μm to 1 μm and also discloses the process for producing threrof. The present invention also provides a separator for an electronic component which has a high conductivity and a small separator thickness and is improved in safety during reflow soldering or short-circuiting, and discloses the separator composed of a non-woven fabric obtained by an electro-spinning method.
US09023533B2
A cable-type secondary battery, includes an electrode assembly including first and second polarity electrodes with a thin and long shape, each having a current collector whose cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction is a circular, asymmetrical oval or polygonal shape, an electrode active material applied onto the surface of the current collector, and a separator or an electrolyte layer interposed between the electrodes; and a cover member surrounding the electrode assembly, wherein the cable-type secondary battery is provided with a first polarity terminal and a second polarity terminal connected to the first polarity electrode and the second polarity electrode, respectively, at the first end of the cable-type secondary battery; a housing cap configured to fix the first and second polarity terminals and cover the first end of the cable-type secondary battery; and a length-adjustable coupling unit at a second end of the cable-type secondary battery.
US09023528B2
The invention is directed in a first aspect to a sulfur-carbon composite material comprising: (i) a bimodal porous carbon component containing therein a first mode of pores which are mesopores, and a second mode of pores which are micropores; and (ii) elemental sulfur contained in at least a portion of said micropores. The invention is also directed to the aforesaid sulfur-carbon composite as a layer on a current collector material; a lithium ion battery containing the sulfur-carbon composite in a cathode therein; as well as a method for preparing the sulfur-composite material.
US09023519B2
The present invention relates to a cathode and a cathode active material plate for a lithium secondary battery, and the production method thereof. There is a feature of the present invention in that grooves consisting of a concave portion and having an infinite form (for example, an infinite cell-like shape) in a planar view are formed in a principal surface of the cathode active material plate.
US09023517B2
A secondary battery including an electrode assembly; a case accommodating the electrode assembly; a cap plate coupled with the case; a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly and extending through the cap plate; and a safety member between the terminal and the cap plate, the safety member having an apex contacting one of the cap plate and the terminal to electrically connect together the cap plate and the terminal.
US09023516B2
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including electrodes both sides of a separator; a case accommodating the electrode assembly; a cap plate coupled to an opening of the case; an electrode terminal assembled to a terminal hole of the cap plate; an insulator between the electrode terminal and a first surface of the cap plate; a gasket between the electrode terminal and a second surface of the cap plate; and a lead tab at one side of the gasket to connect the electrode terminals to the electrode assembly. The electrode terminal and the cap plate form a vent hole that penetrates the electrode terminal and the cap plate, and the vent hole is sealed by a vent plate.
US09023511B1
System, methods, and apparatuses for removably attaching a battery to a user device are provided herein. In certain embodiments, a system may include an adhesive layer formed on an inner portion of the user device. The system may also include a battery retention label. The battery retention label may include a body portion configured to be adhered to the inner portion of the user device by the adhesive layer. The body portion may be configured to receive the battery thereon. The battery retention label may also include one or more tabs extending from the body portion. Each of the one or more tabs may include a battery adhesive layer formed on one side thereof. Moreover, each of the one or more tabs may be folded over the battery so that the battery adhesive layer adheres to the battery and retains the battery within the battery retention label.
US09023495B2
A unit thermionic electric converter. The unit thermionic electric converter includes a case having a first end portion and a second end portion; a working fluid disposed inside the case; a solid electrolyte dividing the inside of the case; a first electrode disposed on a surface of the solid electrolyte; and a second electrode disposed on another surface of the solid electrolyte; wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are alternately heated by a heat source.
US09023484B2
Method and apparatus for forming aluminum ingot having shaped ends to avoid alligatoring during rolling.
US09023476B2
Disclosed is a resin particle having excellent low-temperature fusibility, having a sufficiently narrow size distribution, and that is obtained using a liquid or supercritical fluid. In the resin particle (C), which comprises a microparticle (A) containing a resin (a) being coated to or adhered to the surface of a resin particle (B) that contains another resin (b), the degree of swelling of the microparticle (A) resulting from liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide (X) at a temperature less than the glass transition temperature or the melting point of the microparticle (A) is no greater than 16%, and with the resin (a) as a constituent unit, the resin particle (C) contains 0.1-50 wt % of a non-crystalline non-halogen vinyl monomer (m1) of which the solubility parameter (SP value: (cal/cm3)1/2) is 7-9.
US09023469B2
Basic zinc cyanurate fine particles are produced by subjecting a mixed slurry to wet dispersion using a dispersion medium at a temperature in the range of 5 to 55° C., the mixed slurry being formed by blending water, cyanuric acid, and at least one component selected from zinc oxide and basic zinc carbonate such that the cyanuric acid concentration is 0.1 to 10.0 mass % with respect to water.
US09023464B2
A connecting film which electrically connects a first circuit member with a second circuit member having a nitrogen atom-containing film on a surface thereof facing the first circuit member, the connecting film including a first layer which is to be located at the first circuit member side, and a second layer which is to be located at the second circuit member side, wherein the first layer contains a cationic curing agent and an epoxy resin, and the second layer contains a radical curing agent, an acrylic resin and an epoxy compound, wherein one of the first layer and the second layer is a conductive particle-containing organic resin layer, and the other layer is an insulating organic resin layer containing no conductive particles, and wherein the minimum melt viscosity of the conductive particle-containing organic resin layer is ten times or more greater than that of the insulating organic resin layer.
US09023463B2
The present invention is in the field of polymer interlayers used in multiple layer glass panels, and specifically the present invention is in the field of antiblocking agents for polymer interlayers and methods of effectively incorporating such agents into interlayers.
US09023462B2
A thermally conductive polymer composite material and an article including the same. The thermally conductive polymer composite material includes 15 to 20 parts by weight of a wholly aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin; and 80 to 85 parts by weight of a thermally conductive additive.
US09023453B2
A honeycomb structure includes at least one pillar-shaped honeycomb unit and a pair of electrodes. The pillar-shaped honeycomb unit includes an outer peripheral wall and cell walls. The cell walls extend along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb unit to define cells. The cell walls are composed of a ceramic aggregate having pores. The cell walls contain a substance having an electrical resistivity lower than an electrical resistivity of ceramic forming the ceramic aggregate. The pair of electrodes is arranged at the cell walls and/or the outer peripheral wall.
US09023446B2
A blow-molded PET container comprising a wall having a density of between about 1.370 g/cc and 1.385 g/cc, a heat-induced crystallinity of from about 18% to about 25%, and a strain-induced crystallinity of from about 55% to about 75%, wherein the PET container, when filled with a liquid having a temperature of from about 100° C. to about 132° C. or when subjected to a pasteurization or retort process, will not experience a change in volume of greater than 3%.
US09023443B2
A laminate film including a first core polylactic acid layer, a coating receiving-layer of polylactic acid, and coated on one side of the coating receiving-layer with PVOH, EVOH, a blend of crosslinked EVOH/PVOH, vinyl alcohol-vinylamine (PVAm) copolymer, anionic carboxylated styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBR) emulsion, or blends thereof. This coating may be applied after the machine-direction orientation step and dried and oriented in a transverse direction orientation oven if in-line coating is desired; or applied to the film in an off-line coating method and dried in an air flotation oven. The dried coating layer can be metallized. This laminate film exhibits excellent gas and moisture barrier properties, appearance, and metal adhesion. It may also optionally include a heat sealable or winding improving layer on the side opposite the coating receiving-layer of the core layer.
US09023436B2
Methods for depositing material onto microfeature workpieces in reaction chambers and systems for depositing materials onto microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes depositing molecules of a gas onto a microfeature workpiece in the reaction chamber and selectively irradiating a first portion of the molecules on the microfeature workpiece in the reaction chamber with a selected radiation without irradiating a second portion of the molecules on the workpiece with the selected radiation. The first portion of the molecules can be irradiated to activate the portion of the molecules or desorb the portion of the molecules from the workpiece. The first portion of the molecules can be selectively irradiated by impinging the first portion of the molecules with a laser beam or other energy source.
US09023425B2
Fluidized bed reactor systems for producing high purity silicon-coated particles are disclosed. A vessel has an outer wall, an insulation layer inwardly of the outer wall, at least one heater positioned inwardly of the insulation layer, a removable concentric liner inwardly of the heater, a central inlet nozzle, a plurality of fluidization nozzles, at least one cooling gas nozzle, and at least one product outlet. The system may include a removable concentric sleeve inwardly of the liner. In particular systems the central inlet nozzle is configured to produce a primary gas vertical plume centrally in the reactor chamber to minimize silicon deposition on reactor surfaces.
US09023424B2
Provided is a method for producing a photochromic optical article having a photochromic coating layer exhibiting photochromism formed on an optical base such as a plastic lens which has good optical characteristics and photochromic characteristics, and also has good adhesion between the base and the photochromic layer. The method enables to easily produce such a photochromic optical article by improving wettability of a photochromic coating agent for a primer. In this method, the photochromic optical article is produced by forming a primer layer on the optical base surface by coating a primer comprising an emulsion which has a colloidally dispersed urethane resin in a dispersion medium, and then forming on the primer layer.
US09023419B2
A high-purity porous metal coating is formed over a substrate by thermal spraying a metal coating material over the desired portion of the substrate in an atmospheric air environment. The metal coating material may react with the atmosphere to cause impurities in the applied coating. The impurity-rich portion of the applied coating is subsequently removed to form the high-purity porous metal coating. Process steps are included that cause the impurity-rich portion of the applied coating to be a surface portion that is removable to arrive at the high-purity coating. A protective shroud may be used to limit the amount of impurity imparted to the applied coating and/or a getter material may be employed to continually bring impurities toward the surface of the coated substrate during coating.
US09023410B2
Methods and systems for grouping, recovering, and processing ice and water derived therefrom obtained from an ice source, i.e., a glacier, ice sheet, ice cap, etc., are described herein, and in particular, the conveyance thereof in a non-rigid, water-impermeable device, to facilitate water derived from the ice, having specific characteristics, to be traded, stored, conveyed, or transported according to its specific characteristics.
US09023407B2
The present invention relates to a plant extract for treating diabetes and a process for making same. The plant extract of the invention is prepared from an overground part of Hedychium coronarium Koenig, which has the efficacies of lowering blood glucose, increasing insulin levels, reducing insulin resistance and treating and/or preventing diabetes without overly reducing blood glucose in a subject, i.e., not reducing blood glucose in a fasting subject. Also provided herein is a method for treating diabetes in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of the plant extract to the subject.
US09023399B2
A water-soluble anti-inflammatory cream is disclosed. The cream is a composition of between about 7.5% and about 30% by weight of a healing oil; between about 1% and about 6% by weight of an herbal extract; between about 0% and about 3.5% by weight of microencapsulated amino acids; and at least 39.4% by weight water.
US09023390B2
Sustained-release oral pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use, wherein the compositions are in a single dosage form and include an amine-containing compound (including salts thereof), a salt of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and a hydrophilic matrix.
US09023370B2
The present invention relates to conjugates of formula (I) having colloidal stability in a medium, wherein NP is a gold, silver or platinum nanoparticle; L is a linker selected from the group consisting of formula (II), formula (III), and a stereoisomer of any of the formulas (II) and (III), which is attached to the nanoparticle NP through sulfur atoms; wherein the meanings of X, n, p, Y and s are further specified in the description; and A is a platinum (II) biradical selected from the group consisting of formula (IV), formula (V) and formula (VI) including any of the stereoisomers of all of them, wherein the biradical is optionally in the form of a salt and is attached to the linker L through the single bonded oxygen atoms of the carboxyl groups. It also relates to a process for the preparation of the conjugates of formula (I) and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The conjugates of the invention are used for the treatment of cancer.
US09023367B2
The invention relates to the development of chimeric OspA molecules for use in a new Lyme vaccine. More specifically, the chimeric OspA molecules comprise the proximal portion from one OspA serotype, together with the distal portion from another OspA serotype, while retaining antigenic properties of both of the parent polypeptides. The chimeric OspA molecules are delivered alone or in combination to provide protection against a variety of Borrelia genospecies. The invention also provides methods for administering the chimeric OspA molecules to a subject in the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease or borreliosis.
US09023366B2
A vaccine composition for vaccinating dogs comprising any one or more of (a) an agent capable of raising an immune response against Streptococcus equi sub species zooepidemicus in a dog, (b) an agent capable of raising an immune response against Mycoplasma cynos in a dog, and (c) an agent capable of raising an immune response against a Chlamydophila in a dog.
US09023364B2
Disclosed is a vaccine antigen capable of inducing a cross-reacting and neutralizing antibody directed against a high-risk-type human papillomavirus. Specifically disclosed are: a chimeric protein comprising an L2-epitope of a human papillomavirus (HPV) type-16 inserted in a loop region of a human papillomavirus type-16 L1 protein; and a capsid which is a particle formed by the chimeric protein. The loop region to which the L2-epitope is to be inserted is located between an amino acid residue at position-430 and an amino acid residue at position-433. The L2-epitope has an amino acid sequence represented by any one of the following formulae: LYKTCKQAGTCPPDIIPKVEG (SEQ ID NO: 2) (18-38 L2-epitope); GGLGIGTGSGTGGRTGYIPL (SEQ ID NO: 3) (56-75 L2-epitope); and DPVGPLDPSIVSLVEESSFI (SEQ ID NO: 4) (96-115 L2-epitope).
US09023360B2
A mutant of a potentially therapeutic anti-CD40 antibody is provided which mutant has reduced ADCC and CDC activities designed to be optimized as a pharmaceutical agent. A mutant of an agonistic anti-CD40 antibody, comprising mutation and/or substitution of at least one amino acid in the constant region to reduce the ADCC and/or CDC activities therein, and a mutant of an antagonistic anti-CD40 antibody, comprising at least one mutation or substitution in the constant region to reduce the ADCC and/or CDC activities therein, both mutants having at least a hinge region derived from a human IgG2.
US09023356B2
The present invention relates to the treatment of EGFR-mediated disease, particularly cancer by inhibiting or blocking EGFR and src in combination or simultaneously. The invention relates to treatment, prevention, or modulation of cancer, particularly EGFR-mediated disease, with one or more EGFR modulator and src inhibitor in combination. The invention further relates to the treatment of cancer with anti-EGFR antibodies and src inhibitors. Methods and compositions for treatment of cancer with the antibody anti-EGFR mAb806 in combination or series with a src inhibitor or src inhibitors are described.
US09023353B2
The present invention encompasses compositions and methods for effectively treating at least one symptom or sign of methamphetamine use, or for slowing the rate of (+) methamphetamine entry into the brain of a subject. The method comprises administering an effective amount of an anti-(+) methamphetamine antibody to a subject.
US09023348B2
A composition-of-matter comprising an antibody or antibody fragment including an antigen-binding region capable of specifically binding an antigen-presenting portion of a complex composed of a human antigen-presenting molecule and an antigen derived from a pathogen is disclosed.
US09023342B2
The tissue grafting method relates to a tissue graft material, a method of preparing the material, and a method of using the material. The tissue graft material is made from the tunica serosa of the small intestine of a warm-blooded vertebrate, which has been delaminated from the tunica muscularis, tunica submucosa, and the tunica mucosa of the intestinal tissue. The tissue graft material may be perforated by discrete punctures. The tissue graft material is dehydrated by air drying or vacuum drying, sterilized with ethylene oxide, and stored in a hermetically sealed enclosure at room temperature until needed, having an indefinite storage life. When needed, the tissue graft material is rehydrated, cut to match the size of the wound, and applied to the wound. The graft may be overlaid with nylon mesh, or bandaged with an elastic tubular dressing.
US09023339B2
A method for controlling nematodes in or on a plant, a plant part, and/or a locus for plant growth is provided, the method comprising applying to a plant, plant part, or locus for plant growth in need of protection from said nematodes an effective amount of Bacillus pumilus, a mutant of Bacillus pumilus, or at least one metabolite of Bacillus pumilus. In particular, the Bacillus pumilus strain may be strain QST2808.
US09023333B2
The invention relates to the use of a shaped article containing at least one skeleton-forming agent, proteins being excepted, optionally one or more active substances and also optionally one or more auxiliary substances for the purpose of external application, to a process for producing the stated shaped articles, and also to novel shaped articles.
US09023327B2
The present invention relates generally to compositions for topical application to the skin which comprise at least one DICKKOPF-1 expression modulator and the use of such compositions to provide benefits to the skin, including but not limited to lightening or darkening skin; treating hyper or hypopigmented skin; increasing or decreasing skin thickness; reducing or increasing skin hirsuteness; and/or changing skin phenotype from non-palmoplantar to palmoplantar.
US09023319B2
Provided herein are methods for immunizing children under six months of age by administering to the child a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one antigen derived from an influenza virus.
US09023310B1
A process for recovering sulfur from a hydrogen sulfide-bearing gas utilizes an aqueous reaction medium, a temperature of about 110-150° C., and a high enough pressure to maintain the aqueous reaction medium in a liquid state. The process reduces material and equipment costs and addresses the environmental disadvantages associated with known processes that rely on high boiling point organic solvents.
US09023296B2
A method of manufacturing a target reactor having a flow-channel system in which a plurality of reactants continuously flowing into said target reactor are mixed and interconvert to form a target volumetric flow-rate (f2) of a product continuously flowing out of said target reactor, wherein the smallest hydraulic diameter (dh2) of said target reactor is calculated based on the relationship d h 2 = d h 1 ( f 2 f 1 ) 3 - n 7 - n in a turbulent or transitional turbulent flow, wherein n is a non-integer number with 1>n≧0, between the corresponding smallest hydraulic diameter (dh1) of a standard reactor having the same fluidic type of flow-channel system, f1 is a standard volumetric flow-rate of said standard reactor carrying out the same interconversion, and f2 is said target volumetric flow-rate.
US09023295B2
An adapter for use with a hand-held electronic device for use in detecting the optical properties of a sample. The adapter includes a backing plate having an integral surface that secures the adapter to the electronic device. The adapter also includes a sample housing having a sample holder and a cap. The sample holder is configured to receive the placement of a sample and/or a sample vessel. The backing plate includes an orifice that allows the passage of light from the sample to the detector of the electronic device. The backing plate may also include another orifice that allows for light emitted from an emitter of the electronic device to enter into the sample holder. The sample holder may also include reflective surfaces that direct light to/from the sample as well as filters that filter the wavelength of light sent to sample and/or detected by the detector.
US09023294B2
Provided is a cell concentration and purification device, having: a function of continuously concentrating cells; a function of then subsequently disposing the cells continuously in a specific region of a channel; a function of simultaneously recognizing, based on an image, the shape and fluorescence emission of each single cell; and a function of recognizing the cells and then separating and purifying the same based on the data relating to the shape and fluorescence emission thereof.
US09023292B2
Disclosed herein is a device for sampling blood by capillarity for separating a plasma phase of the blood from the cell phase. The device is a strip and includes a filter having a membrane with no clumping agents, a prefilter for spreading blood over the surface of the membrane; and an absorbent paper downstream from the filter. The membrane is dimensioned to cover only a part of the surface of the prefilter and the migration of blood by capillarity within the prefilter takes place essentially lengthwise relative to the strip before blood comes into contact with the membrane.
US09023291B2
The present invention is directed toward a colorimetric detection kit comprising a unit containing chemical reagents and a sample collector for collecting a sample analyte from a surface and a separate unit for visualizing a possible reaction of the chemical reagent and sample, the unit holding the chemical reagents and sample collector being placeable on the visualization unit, whereby when the chemical reagents are released, they are directed onto the sample collector for reaction and the reacted reagents absorbed on a visualization media, such that the presence of a specified analyte in the sample results in a color change in the visualization media.
US09023288B2
A device including a first part made of ceramic material shrink fitted with a first shrink ring, in which an edge of an axial end of a cylindrical portion of the first part to which the first shrink ring is fitted and an edge of an axial end of the first shrink ring belong to one and the same transverse plane.
US09023287B2
Provided is a method and an apparatus for producing a polyvinyl alcohol that can reduce energy consumption without deterioration in quality of the product polyvinyl alcohol. First, one or more vinyl esters are polymerized or a vinyl ester and other copolymerizable monomers are copolymerized to give a polyvinyl ester. Then, a raw saponification solution containing the polyvinyl ester and an organic solvent is fed through a channel 1 and a saponification catalyst-containing solution is introduced into the center of the channel. They are then mixed with static mixers 2 and the mixture 4 is subjected to saponification reaction, as it is placed on a belt 3.
US09023282B2
To be adapted to various types of latex reagents for detecting scattered light and thereby measuring agglutination reactions with high sensitivity while sufficiently ensuring integration time. To be adapted to various types of latex particles of different particle sizes, a plurality of light receivers are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of cell movement by rotation of a cell disk. To ensure sufficient integration time, the angle between the optical axis of the irradiation light and each of a plurality of optical axes of scattered light viewed from above the cell is made equal to or less than 17.7° including a mounting error.
US09023278B2
A device (600) for performing at least part of an analytical process comprises a communicator (605) to facilitate communication with the device, and a data handler (610) to handle data of the analytical process and/or the device. In an embodiment, the device (600) is a consumable device and/or a microfluidic device. A method for performing at least part of an analytical process using a device comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a sample into the device; (b) handling data associated with the test using a data handler of the device; and (c) facilitating communications about the test using a communicator of the device. In another embodiment, the method is performed using a consumable device and/or a microfluidic device.
US09023277B2
Methods and apparatus for liquid, gas, and gas plasma sterilization of items. The apparatus includes two chambers and a holder to connectorlessly secure a lumened instrument such that a first portion of the lumened instrument lies in the first chamber and a second portion of the instrument lies in the second chamber, a liquid medium contained within the two chambers, and pumping means for simultaneously increasing fluid pressure within the first chamber of said container while decreasing fluid pressure within the second chamber of the container in a reciprocating fashion. The pumping means displaces at least a total internal volume of the liquid medium through the lumen for a given highest volume of a lumened instrument during a stroke.
US09023273B2
Methods for processing tissue are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise methods for decellularizing tissue samples by applying high hydrostatic pressure to the tissues samples. In some embodiments, the methods comprise methods for thawing tissue samples and/or reducing the bioburden in a sample by applying high hydrostatic pressure to the tissue samples.
US09023272B2
A copper-zinc alloy product of the invention contains zinc in an amount of higher than 35% by weight and 43% by weight or less and has a two-phase structure of an α-phase and a β-phase. Further, the ratio of the β-phase in the copper-zinc alloy is controlled to be higher than 10% and less than 40% and the crystal grains of the α-phase and the β-phase are crushed into a flat shape and arranged in a layer shape through cold working. According to the copper-zinc alloy product, it is possible to decrease the copper content and to appropriately secure the strength and cold workability by appropriately controlling the ratio of the β-phase.
US09023267B2
A tool (1000) includes a mold defining a cavity (1002). The cavity can be for receiving a glass layer (402). A floating core insert (1001) can be placed in the cavity to apply a preloading force against a first major face of the glass layer, preclude an overmolding operation on the first major face, and allow overmolding only on minor faces of the glass layer when polymeric material (1100) is injected into runners (1018,1019,1020) of the tool.
US09023266B2
A system and method for a semiconductor molding chamber is disclosed. An embodiment comprises a top molding portion and a bottom molding portion that form a cavity between them into which a semiconductor wafer is placed. The semiconductor molding chamber has a first set of vacuum tubes which hold and fix the position of the semiconductor wafer and a second set of vacuum tubes which evacuate the cavity of extraneous ambient gasses. The encapsulant may then be placed over the semiconductor wafer in order to encapsulate the semiconductor wafer.
US09023258B2
A method and formulation for preparing spray dried vancomycin. In various embodiment, the formulation includes vancomycin HCl (10-20%) and one or more of the following PEG (0-5%), mannitol (0-5%), ethanol (0-10%), and a citrate buffer. Spray dried vancomycin has favorable reconstitution times and water content.
US09023255B2
Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to nitrogen based hydrocarbon compounds such as pyridines. The method includes the reaction of acetylene with ammonia and controlling the ratio of acetylene to ammonia to generate the desired nitrogen based hydrocarbon compound.
US09023254B2
The present invention is directed to an electroconductive silver thick film paste composition comprising Ag, a glass frit and rhodium resinate, Cr2O3 or a mixture thereof all dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode. The paste is particularly useful for forming a tabbing electrode.
US09023252B2
The invention relates to a novel method for producing a carbon-doped lithium sulfide powder, according to which elementary lithium is reacted with elementary sulfur and/or a sulfur-containing compound selected from the group containing CS2, COS, SO2 and SO, in a liquid state, in an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon solvent. The products of the method according to the invention are used to produce lithium battery electrodes or a lithium-ion-conducting solid.
US09023229B2
A double ITO structure, containing sequential layers of indium tin oxide (ITO), silicon dioxide (SiO2) (which may include a dopant material) and ITO, is selectively protected by a patterned photo-resist mask. The sequential layers are etched together in a single etching step using an etchant composition which is an acidic solution containing a transition metal chloride and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Thus, the double ITO structure is etched using a substantially fluoride-free etchant composition.
US09023227B2
Embodiments described herein generally relate to a substrate processing system and related methods, such as an etching/deposition method. The method comprises (A) depositing a protective layer on a first layer disposed on a substrate in an etch reactor, wherein a plasma source power of 4,500 Watts or greater is applied while depositing the protective layer, (B) etching the protective layer in the etch reactor, wherein the plasma source power of 4,500 Watts or greater is applied while etching the protective layer, and (C) etching the first layer in the etch reactor, wherein the plasma source power of 4,500 Watts or greater is applied while etching the first layer, wherein a time for the depositing a protective layer (A) comprises less than 30% of a total cycle time for the depositing a protective layer (A), the etching the protective layer (B), and the etching the first layer (C).
US09023220B2
A method of manufacturing a graphene monolayer on insulating substrates from CVD graphene synthesis, comprising: applying a thermal release adhesive tape to the bottom graphene layer deposited at the bottom of the metal foil in the CVD graphene synthesis, detaching the thermal release adhesive tape and the bottom graphene layer from the metal foil via the application of heat, from 1° C. up to 5° C. higher than the release temperature of the thermal release adhesive tape so that the thermal release adhesive tape with the bottom graphene layer can be removed, obtaining a metal foil with a top graphene layer sample, and transferring the top graphene layer onto a substrate via a sacrificial protective layer.
US09023217B2
A patterned transparent conductor including a conductive layer coated on a substrate is described. More specifically, the transparent conductor can be patterned by screen-printing an acidic etchant formulation on the conductive layer. A screen-printable etchant formulation is also disclosed.
US09023209B2
A method for removing methane from biogas is described. The method includes: (i) receiving biogas including methane and other components into a first tank; (ii) receiving water into the first tank; (iii) contacting the biogas with the water inside the first tank; (iv) dispensing methane gas from an outlet of the first tank; and (v) producing from the tank an effluent stream that includes other components of the biogas.
US09023206B2
A module arrangement (5) according to an embodiment of the invention consists of a plurality of membrane modules (6) arranged in a two dimensional array (7) and extending between upper and lower block-type manifolds (8) and (9), respectively. The array of modules is further divided into sub-groups of modules (10) separated from each other by space (11) extending transversely across the membrane array (7). An integrated support frame (12) is positioned in the space (11) between the sub-groups (10) and is fixed to the upper and lower manifold blocks (8) and (9) to form an integrated support structure within the module array (7).
US09023200B2
A rotary-drum type magnetic separator includes a rotary drum on which a plurality of magnets are disposed, and separates an unnecessary material contained in used coolant. The magnetic separator includes a pair of partition portions that are provided below both end portions of the rotary drum and partition a flow passage, in which the used coolant flows, into a flow passage that is formed near the middle portion of the rotary drum and flow passages that are formed near both end portions of the rotary drum; and openings that are formed at lower portions of the flow passages partitioned by the partition portions. The partition portions function as filters preventing the unnecessary material from moving to the flow passages, which are formed near both end portions of the rotary drum, from the flow passage that is formed near the middle portion of the rotary drum.
US09023199B2
A device for suppressing slit clogging capable of maintaining recovery rates of ground particles without clogging of the ground particles in an opening is provided. The device for suppressing slit clogging is used in a rotating-drum type magnetic separator 1 which includes a rotating drum 3 on which a plurality of magnets 4 are disposed and separates unnecessary matters in treated coolant liquid. A slit-like opening 8 is provided below the rotating drum 3, and the device includes a cylindrical groove cam mechanism, which is configured by a cylindrical shaft 21 having a groove which can be rotated and a slit cleaning member 22 which engages with the groove, below the opening 8. The slit cleaning member 22 moves along a longitudinal direction of the opening 8.
US09023196B2
Trace element levels of mercury in crude oil are reduced by first passing the crude oil through a filtration device to generate filtered crude having a reduced concentration of mercury and a reject stream having a concentrated mercury level. In one embodiment, the filtration device is back-flushed to generate the reject stream. In another embodiment, the reject stream comprises a portion of the retentate from a cross-flow filter device. The reject stream is treated with an extractive agent selected from tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate; tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride; an oxidizing agent; an organic or inorganic sulfidic compound to extract a portion of the mercury into a water phase for subsequent removal. In one embodiment, the extractive agent is a reductant to convert non-volatile mercury into volatile mercury.
US09023195B2
A process for hydrotreating a naphtha fraction that includes a step of estimating the difference between the naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor outlet temperature and inlet temperature, based on the reaction temperature of the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction and the ratio of the flow rate of the treated naphtha fraction returned to the naphtha fraction hydrotreating step relative to the flow rate of the treated naphtha fraction discharged from the naphtha fraction hydrotreating step, a step of measuring the difference between the naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor outlet temperature and inlet temperature, and a step of adjusting the reaction temperature of the naphtha fraction hydrotreating step so that the measured difference between the naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor outlet temperature and inlet temperature becomes substantially equal to the estimated difference between the naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor outlet temperature and inlet temperature.
US09023192B2
A delayed coking process includes: a. introducing a fresh hydrocarbon feedstock containing undesirable sulfur and/or nitrogen compounds for preheating into the lower portion of a coking unit product fractionator; b. introducing at least a portion of an intermediate fraction derived from the fractionator and at least one adsorbent material that selectively adsorbs sulfur- and/or nitrogen-containing compounds into a mixing zone to form an adsorbent slurry stream; c. discharging a bottoms fraction from the fractionator; d. adding all or a portion of the slurry stream to the bottoms fraction to form a mixed coking unit feedstream; e. heating the mixed feedstream in the coking unit furnace to a predetermined coking temperature; and f. passing the heated mixed feedstream to a drum of the delayed coking to produce a delayed coking product stream while depositing the adsorbent material having adsorbed sulfur and/or nitrogen compounds with the coke in the coking drum.
US09023187B2
A method for electroplating titanium alloy coating into plastic and carbon foam comprises the steps of activating the given specimen, deposition of electroless nickel and electroplating process of titanium alloy to the surface of the specimen. The electroplating process of electroplating titanium alloy coating includes a direct current method and a pulse plating method. The direct current method characterized by lager sized grains and the pulse plating method characterized by smaller sized grains. The advantages of proposed electroplating processes are: a) low cost, b) very broad applications and c) relatively low number of the process steps. Unique combination of physical, mechanical and chemical properties makes the electroplating methods of titanium coating an attractive technology for medicine, biotechnology, sports, defense, aeronautic, and auto industries.
US09023171B2
A manufacturing method of a display panel comprises applying a paste including a sealing material to a substrate by using a nozzle, the nozzle being moved along a display region on the substrate from a start position located in a vicinity of the display region to an end position, so as to surround the display region. In the applying, the paste is applied such that a center line of the paste in an end region is substantially parallel to and separate from a center line of the paste in a start region, and a distance of separation between the center line of the paste in the end region and the center line of the paste in the start region is less than a width of the paste in a region other than the start region and the end region.
US09023169B2
The invention refers to a method for manufacturing such a functional laminate, the method comprising the following steps: providing at least one patchwork layer; stacking the patchwork layer with at least one other layer in order to obtain a stack of layers, wherein at least one proximate layer directly adjacent to the patchwork layer comprises at least one zone comprising a first material or a second material; laminating the stack of layers together by heat and/or pressure and/or gluing.
US09023165B2
A method for the production of a fibrous network-substrate component includes the steps of providing a network of fibrous material (1) on a preliminary substrate (2) by filtering high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARM-structures) from gas flow, placing the network of fibrous material (1) on the preliminary substrate (2) in proximity to a secondary substrate (3), applying a force to the network of fibrous material (1) to preferably attract the network of fibrous material (1) from the preliminary substrate (2) to the secondary substrate (3) in order to transfer the network of fibrous material (1) from the preliminary substrate (2) to the secondary substrate (3), and removing the preliminary substrate (2) from the network of fibrous material (1).
US09023164B2
In a sealant dispenser and a method of sealing a display panel using the sealant dispenser, the sealant dispenser includes a tracking part, a nozzle part and a body. The tracking part tracks a tracking line on a base substrate, the base substrate is divided into a display area and a non-display area. The nozzle part is spaced apart from the tracking part, and injects a sealant from an end portion of the nozzle part and forms a seal line on the base substrate at a same time the tracking part tracks the tracking line. The tracking part and the nozzle part are mounted on the body.
US09023155B2
An engine wash system for delivering wash liquid to an engine with a lift fan and a main engine, the lift fan including a plurality of inlet guide vanes and a nose cone, and the main engine connected to the lift fan by a shaft, the engine wash system includes a lift fan manifold to deliver wash liquid to the lift fan; and a main engine manifold to deliver wash liquid to the main engine, wherein the lift fan manifold and the main engine manifold can deliver the wash liquid simultaneously.
US09023153B2
A windshield wiper control system includes a movable element configured to move in a first direction and an opposing second direction and one or more actuation devices configured to cause the movable element to move in the first direction. The windshield wiper control system also includes a rotatable cam configured to cause the movable element to move in the opposing second direction when the rotatable cam contacts a stationary surface as the rotatable cam rotates about a cam axis and a wiper mechanism configured to move in the first and second directions and pivot in an arc motion responsive to the rotation of the rotatable cam. The wiper mechanism is further configured to cause the one or more windshield wipers to move across a surface of a windshield in a more linear motion than the arc motion of the wiper mechanism.
US09023143B2
A cast ceiling tile and method for manufacture incorporates chitosan in an amount sufficient to provide improved strength.
US09023140B2
An ink jet ink set, at least has a cyan ink, a magenta ink, and a yellow ink, in which the cyan ink contains at least either one of C.I. Acid Blue 9 or C.I. Direct Blue 199, the magenta ink contains at least either one of C.I. Acid Red 249 or C.I. Reactive Red 141, the yellow ink contains at least either one of C.I. Direct Yellow 86 or C.I. Direct Yellow 132, and the cyan ink, the magenta ink, and the yellow ink all contain an alkylene oxide adduct of acetylene glycol having 12 or more carbon atoms in the main chain, acetylene glycol having 10 or more carbon atoms in the main chain, and polyoxy alkylene alkyl ether.
US09023139B2
There is provided a coloring composition including the compound represented by Formula (1) described in the specification and the compound selected from (A) to (C) described in the specification.
US09023136B2
A monitoring system for monitoring operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is disclosed. A first temperature sensor measures a first temperature of air at a first location downstream of an evaporator. A second temperature sensor measures a second temperature of air a second location upstream of the evaporator. A processing system determines a temperature drop across the evaporator based on the first temperature, the second temperature, and a humidity of air. The processing system that determines whether airflow through the evaporator is restricted based on the temperature drop across the evaporator.
US09023135B1
A self-cleaning system and method for removing contaminants captured by an air flow filter media in which a reverse air flow is directed back through the filter media and into an antechamber which is closed during self-cleaning and a vacuum source is connected to the antechamber to quickly evacuate the air in said antechamber containing dislodged contaminants suspended therein.
US09023132B2
A method for filtration of harmful gas effluents from a nuclear power plant including the steps of providing a gas effluent from a nuclear power plant, the effluent including a mixture of gases; filtering the harmful, notably radioactive elements from the gas effluent by membrane separation through at least one membrane, the membrane separation being achieved by sifting, sorption and/or diffusion; storing the filtered harmful elements in storage reservoirs, and discharging the processed gas effluent to the atmosphere.
US09023131B2
The system is provided for continuously separating landfill gas in a raw multi-phase stream coming from a landfill gas collector. The system includes an atmospheric tank and an elongated separator vessel mounted substantially upright above the tank bottom. The elongated separator vessel includes a mid-level inlet that is configured and disposed to be in fluid communication with the landfill gas collector pipe, an upper gas outlet located vertically above the mid-level inlet, and a bottom-opened discharge end that is located vertically below the mid-level inlet. A method of pretreating a raw multi-phase stream captured from a landfill site is also disclosed. The proposed concept provides a relatively simple arrangement that can be made sufficiently rugged to perform a pretreatment of the raw multi-phase stream in a continuous manner and with a very minimal intervention from landfill operators under almost any weather and operating conditions.
US09023120B2
A fuel production method and a fuel production apparatus, for producing fuel by which the fuel efficiency can be improved and the generation of hazardous substances can be easily suppressed and which is stable, and fuel oil produced by such a method and apparatus are provided. This improves the satisfaction of users, and contributes to the prevention of environmental destruction.A fuel production method for producing fuel oil by mixing and reacting enzyme water with petroleum-based hydrocarbon oil is provided, the enzyme water being produced by mixing a natural plant enzyme, containing at least lipase, in water. The natural plant enzyme further contains cellulase. The enzyme water further contains methanol.
US09023114B2
Biodegradable and resorbable polymer pouches are described for use with cardiac rhythm mamagent devices (CRMs) and other implantable medical devices (IMDs), i.e., a pouch, covering, or other receptacle capable of encasing, surrounding and/or holding the CRM or other IMD for the purpose of securing it in position, inhibiting or reducing bacterial growth, providing pain relief and/or inhibiting scarring or fibrosis on or around the CRM or other IMD. Optionally, the biodegradable and resorbable pouches of the invention include one or more drugs in the polymer matrix to provide prophylactic effects and alleviate side effects or complications associated with the surgery or implantation of the CRM or other IMD.
US09023092B2
Various endoscopes are integrated with an applicator configured for delivering a therapeutic solution to an internal anatomic target that may be infected by pathogenic microorganisms and a UV light-emitting device transmitting UV light thereto.
US09023087B2
A modular head-to-head cross connector or construct extension system comprising a fastener element driven into a bone in a first orientation, a first U-shaped body operable to receive the fastener element and operable to receive a first rod in a first rod receiving channel, and a first compression element driven adjacent to and against the first rod in the first rod receiving channel, thereby engaging the first rod against the fastener element in a second orientation independent of the first orientation of the fastener element. The system further comprises a second U-shaped body operable to receive first compression element and operable to receive a second rod in a second rod receiving channel, and a second compression element driven adjacent to and against the second rod in the second rod receiving channel, thereby engaging the second rod against the first compression element in a third orientation independent of the second orientation.
US09023078B2
A pair of soft tissue instruments which provide a combination edge profile allowing a single tool to break up fibrous adhesions and massage damaged tissues in order to restore healthy function to muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves that have been affected by inflammation, injuries or various traumas. The combination edge profile is formed by a double wide radius following the full thickness of the tool similarly as a spherically blunted tangent ogive, including a nose radius covering around 90 degrees of the curved edge; the double specific radius sharpness angle varying from 1 degree near the full tool thickness of the instrument up to around 50 degrees as an average, but reaching around 90 degrees just when it reaches the much smaller tip edge radius.
US09023077B2
An improved embolic filter frame is provided. The filter frame provides enhanced longitudinal compliance, improved sealing, low profile delivery, and short deployed length. The looped support struts have high “radial” stiffness with low “longitudinal” stiffness. When deployed, the frame exerts a relatively high stress onto a vessel wall to maintain an effective seal, yet remains longitudinally compliant. Minor displacements of the support wire or catheter are therefore not translated to the filter. The looped support struts elongate when tensioned and assume a compressed and essentially linear form. When the delivery catheter constraint is removed, the struts “snap open” and assume a looped configuration, exerting a high degree of force onto the vessel wall, creating an enhanced filter to vessel wall seal.
US09023075B2
Devices, systems, and methods for lead delivery. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a catheter for delivering a lead within a mammalian body of the present disclosure, the catheter comprises an elongated tube comprising a wall extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a lead delivery channel within the elongated tube, the lead delivery channel defining an outlet for delivering a lead, a balloon chamber positioned at or near the distal end of the elongated tube, and at least one balloon positioned within the balloon chamber, the at least one balloon capable of inflation to reversibly anchor the elongated tube within a mammalian body when at least a portion of the elongated tube is positioned therein.
US09023068B2
An anastomotic device for use in the joining of a first tubular structure and a second tubular structure is provided. The anastomotic device includes a cylindrical sleeve configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the first tubular structure, the cylindrical sleeve defining a bore therethrough; an inverting member configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the second tubular structure, the inverting member defining a bore therethrough which is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive the cylindrical sleeve therein; and a constricting member selectively positionable on the inverting member and movable onto the cylindrical sleeve when the cylindrical sleeve is at least partially positioned within the bore of the inverting member.
US09023052B2
A bone plate includes a first three-part combination hole extending through a proximal portion of the plate, a first portion configured to engage a threaded head portion of a bone fixation element, a second portion configured to receive a bone fixation element along an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bone and a third portion defining a screw axis extending toward the distal end of the elongated body at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axis in combination with a first two-part combination hole extending through the proximal portion, a first threaded portion configured to engage a threaded head portion of a bone fixation element and a second portion defining an elongated slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the plate for receiving a bone fixation element so that the plate may slide along its longitudinal axis relative to the bone fixation element.
US09023047B2
A medical catheter extrusion forms a sheath around a wire. The extrusion is coupled to a steering and motivating handle. The handle is part of a housing that houses a motivation component fixed to the housing, a crankshaft, or similar eccentric component, couples to the motivation component, which is coupled to a proximal end of the wire. At the wire's distal end, a cutting tip with canted teeth couples to the wire. The cutting tip is capable of cutting bone when moving axially toward the catheter extrusion but glides across the bone without cutting it when moving axially away from the catheter extrusion. The motivation component can be a motor or buttons or a trigger, that couple to the wire and converts manual movement into reciprocating motion of the flexible shaft. The shaft's reciprocating motion moves the flexible and steerable shaft back and forth to move the cutting tip.
US09023041B2
An electrosurgical instrument includes an instrument shaft having a longitudinal axis, and an electrode assembly at one end of the shaft, the electrode assembly including first, second and third electrodes which are electrically insulated one from another by means of one or more insulation members. The instrument further includes first and second connections by which RF energy can be supplied to the instrument from an electrosurgical generator. The first electrode is movable longitudinally between an advanced position in which it extends from the instrument shaft and a retracted position in which it is less advanced with respect to the instrument shaft. When the first electrode is in its advanced position, the first and second connections are in electrical communication with the first and second electrodes. When moved to its retracted position, the first and second connections are caused to be in electrical communication with the second and third electrodes.
US09023031B2
The invention provides improved methods for modifying collagenous tissues, particularly for treating urinary incontinence in a noninvasive manner. The methods typically include inserting a probe into a patient's urethra, transmitting electromagnetic energy from the probe to a collagneous target tissue, and cooling the tissue in the vicinity of the probe. The probe may include an expandable element at or near the distal end that is configured to expand within the patient's bladder. The expandable element may anchor the probe before or during treatment.
US09023030B2
Discloses herein are ablative catheters and methods of use. The catheters can include a cooling chamber for circulating cooling fluid within the catheter tip to reduce hot spots within the catheter tip and/or to reduce the formation of coagulum. A proximal cooling chamber can be positioned proximally to a thermal mass for cooling a proximal portion of the catheter. In addition, or alternatively, a distal cooling chamber can be positioned for cooling a distal portion of the catheter tip. The cooling fluid can flow the ablative catheter in an open, closed, or open and closed loop.
US09023021B2
A dermatologic treatment device having a first light source emitting a first pulse of optical radiation beneficial to a dermatologic treatment, and a second light source emitting a second pulse of optical radiation and being optically coupled to the first light source. The second pulse enhances the brightness of at least part of the optical radiation in the first pulse upon impinging on the first light source. The dermatologic treatment device further includes a timing circuit adapted to energize the first and second light sources to at least partially overlap emission of the first and second pulses.
US09023013B2
A urinary catheter kit is provided. The catheter kit includes a catheter with a flared end and a package provided with interior protrusions for cooperating with the flared end of the catheter. The largest outer diameter of the flared end of the catheter is slightly larger than the smallest diameter of the package at the protrusions. Thereby, the protrusions will function as a backstop for the catheter. The rigidity of the catheter at the flared end is selected so that—depending on the angle of the flared end—the flared end will be able to flip over if it is subjected to a force over a predetermined level. Thereby the catheter will be able to be entered back into the package.
US09023000B2
The present Ultimate Intimate Apparel undies for woman is an intimate apparel attractive feminine hybrid design alternative that is to be disposed of after use. The lips-shaped tapered design padded area contains different layers in the innermost core, which is used as a pre-medicated with only FDA readily approved medications in a transfer medication release system, and its use treats minor feminine itching burning and irritation as it fits to the female form within the already inter-connected intimate apparel undies. The article additionally has a pH balanced high waste-retaining area surrounding the medicated core and includes a feature of a water-barrier that outlines the edge of the undies, which is set as protection from seeping menses during swim, as it is used in a three-in-one all-inclusive intimate apparel.
US09022992B2
A drug delivery device comprises a housing and a piston rod arranged in the housing. The piston rod is adapted to be moved along an axial direction to dispense a fluid. A drive member arranged in the housing is operatively coupled to the piston rod and adapted to set up a dose of fluid for dispense in response to a first movement. The drive member is also adapted to move the piston rod to dispense the dose in response to a second movement. The drug delivery device also comprises a pre-dispensing drive member operatively coupled to the drive member and the housing and adapted to move at least the drive member by a pre-dispensing distance between its first and second movement.
US09022991B2
An injection device for injection of set doses of medicine from a cartridge, in which syringe a dose is set by screwing a nut up along a threaded piston rod, whereby a dose setting drum, which carries on its cylindrical surface along a helix a scale of which a number corresponding to the set dose is shown in a window in the housing of the syringe, and an injection button, which is elevated over the end of the syringe, are moved axially a distance which is larger than the axial movement of the nut. A gear wheel gear transmission is established between the nut and the injection button.
US09022979B2
Protective devices for injection needles or infusion needles that include a needle holder at a proximal end of the needle, on whose shaft a protective element for the needle tip can be positioned and moved, are herein disclosed. The protective element is configured to block the needle tip following an injection to prevent accidental contact therewith. The protective element may be positioned on the shaft in a ready to use position inside a grip part or middle retaining portion, which is also used to activate the protective element over the needle following the injection.
US09022978B2
Disclosed is a cannula including a first circumferential portion, a second circumferential portion, and a seal with a first clamping surface. The first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion are configured to mutually cooperate to support a circumference of vasculature, and form a second clamping surface. The first clamping surface and the second clamping surface are configured to cooperate to secure an end of the vasculature.
US09022976B2
A handle assembly is provided for use in navigating a deformable shaft within a body. The assembly includes a first guide member defining first and second linear channels and a second guide member configured for rotation relative to the first guide member. First and second connectors are disposed within, and movable within, the first and second linear channels along first and second parallel axes, respectively, and are configured for coupling to first and second steering wires, respectively. The assembly includes means, such as a flexible coupling connected to the second guide member and the connectors, for translating rotation of the second guide member into linear movement of the first connector in a first axial direction and linear movement of the second connector in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction such that the first and second steering wires move in opposite directions.
US09022971B2
An apparatus that includes two syringes, or a “double barrel syringe,” includes one syringe that injects or infuses while the other syringe aspirates. In the double barrel syringe, injection and aspiration may be effected by a single action. The double barrel syringe may include a handle with two members. A first member of such a handle includes one arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of a first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of a second syringe. A second member of the handle includes one arm that pivotally couples to a barrel of the first syringe and another arm that pivotally couples to a plunger of the second syringe. Methods for injecting or infusing simultaneously with aspirating are also disclosed.
US09022962B2
A system and method for long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias is disclosed. The invention includes a pulse generator including means for sensing an arrhythmia. The pulse generator is coupled to at least one subcutaneous electrode or electrode array for providing electrical stimulation such as cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and/or pacing pulses. The electrical stimulation may be provided between multiple subcutaneous electrodes, or between one or more such electrodes and the housing of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the pulse generator includes one or more electrodes that are isolated from the can. These electrodes may be used to sense cardiac signals.
US09022956B2
An exoskeleton (100) includes two torque generators (116, 118), two thigh links (104,106), and a supporting trunk (112) rotatably coupled to the thigh links (104, 106). When a wearer bends forward in the sagittal plane such that the supporting trunk (112) extends beyond a predetermined angle A with respect to vertical, at least one of the torque generators (116, 118) imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk (112) and a corresponding thigh link (104, 106), thus imposing a force onto a wearer's trunk and thighs to aid in supporting the wearer in a bent position. The exoskeleton (100) may include an active or passive means (116, 134) for actuating the torque generators (116, 118). When the supporting trunk (112) does not extend beyond the predetermined angle A, the torque generators (116, 118) do not impose resisting torques between the supporting trunk (112) and the thigh links (104, 106) during the entire range of motion of the thigh links (104, 106), thus enabling a wearer to walk, run, and sit without constraint while in a substantially upright position.
US09022952B2
Body fluid sampling device comprising a skin-piercing element having a fluid pathway for receiving body fluid, at least a portion of said fluid pathway is open to the environment and further comprising a fluid receiving means being spaced from said fluid pathway so that fluid in said pathway will not contact the fluid receiving means initially. Said fluid receiving means may have a test zone for performing an analytical reaction. Fluid from said channel is contacted with said fluid receiving means either by bringing the fluid receiving means and the fluid into mechanical contact or by electrically transporting fluid from the channel onto the fluid receiving means.
US09022950B2
An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.
US09022947B2
Continuous measurement of breathing impedance with extremely high precision is enabled by executing noise elimination. A loudspeaker applies an air vibration pressure by an oscillation wave to an oral cavity, the oscillation wave being obtained by frequency-cuffing so executed that the oscillation wave has only the frequency component that is left after the culling is executed from a plurality of different frequencies and being generated by a pulse signal for pulse drive with pulses made positive and negative separately in correspondence to the time of exhalation and the time of inhalation. A pressure inside the oral cavity is detected and a breathing flow is detected, and a signal obtained by the detection is Fourier-transformed to obtain a spectrum. Analysis of the spectrum is performed to obtain breathing impedance.
US09022946B2
A sensor assembly includes a sensing element and an actuator. The sensing element measures a parameter associated with gas in an airway. The actuator actuates the sensing element to prevent contamination build up on the sensing element.
US09022942B2
Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a patient that includes a cuff configured to inflate to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient and a cuff controller configured to control inflation and deflation of the cuff. The system also includes a sensor configured to receive a signal associated with the at least partially occluded artery and generate an output signal based on the received signal. Also included is a signal analysis module configured to receive the output signal and determine a first hemodynamic parameter based on a first set of data obtained during inflation of the cuff and a second set of data obtained during deflation of the cuff.
US09022939B2
Method and system for ultrasound imaging of body tissue in which a focused ultrasound (FUS) transducer (20) is oriented relative to the body such that ultrasonic waves generated by the FUS transducer (20) are directed toward the tissue being imaged. The FUS transducer (20) is operated to cause the formation of microbubbles (28) in the tissue and an ultrasound image of the tissue with the microbubbles (28) is acquired. Phase aberration in the acquired ultrasound image may be corrected, if necessary, using each microbubble (28) as a point source or point-like scatterer. Microbubble (28) formation can therefore be obtained in a non-invasive manner since FUS-induced microbubble (28) formation does not require the insertion of interventional tools into the body.
US09022938B2
An ultrasound diagnostic device includes a plurality of channels configured to receive data and a scan line data forming unit including a plurality of sub-scan line data forming groups and a data summing unit. The sub-scan line data forming group forms partial data of scan lines, and the data summing unit forms scan line data of the scan lines by summing the partial data. The sub-scan line data forming group includes a plurality of sub-scan line data forming units for forming the partial data of the scan lines by using the receiving data and providing a transmission path of the receiving data. First data lines transmit the receiving data between at least one of the sub-scan data forming unit and the channels, and second data lines transfer the receiving data between the sub-scan line data forming units.
US09022936B2
Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described.
US09022934B2
Rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. The present disclosure is particularly directed to rotary transformers incorporating flex circuits that are suitable for use in rotational IVUS systems. In one embodiment, a rotary transformer for a rotational IVUS device includes: a rotational component and a stationary component. At least one of the rotational and stationary components includes a core formed of a magnetically conductive material and a flex circuit coupled to the core. In some instances, the flex circuit is coupled to the core such that a coil portion of the flex circuit is received within a recess of the core and an extension of the flex circuit extending from the coil portion extends through an opening of the core.
US09022932B2
A method and an apparatus for measuring glucose level in the body fluid of a subject, typically blood glucose level, by measuring impedance of a body tissue, with two pairs of electrodes, two electrodes for injecting current into a body tissue and two electrodes for detecting the ensuing voltage of the body tissue. The body tissue is typically a sub-dermal or sub-cutaneous tissue. The measured impedance of the body tissue is used to correlate with directly determined glucose levels to determine the glucose level from the measured impedance. It is thus possible to determine body fluid glucose levels in a reliable and reproducible manner.
US09022931B2
A testing system and method for providing a testing system includes a user interface having a display for displaying information relating to measurements of health data and an input device for receiving information from a user relating to the health data. Provided in connection with the user interface is an autologging feature adapted to provide the user with user-selectable options on the display. Also provided is a statistical operation adapted to provide the user with enhanced information relating to the measurements of health data. Also provided is at least one indicator for indicating information relating to the number of health data readings that are within a target range, the number of health data readings that are above the target range and the number of health data readings that are below the target range.
US09022930B2
This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for using one or more inter-relations between within-patient detection methods and between-patient stratifier methods. A method comprises obtaining results of a first physiological assessment, wherein the first physiological assessment includes a between-patient assessment; and using the results to adjust one or more parameters of a second physiological assessment, wherein the second physiological assessment includes a within-patient assessment.
US09022929B2
A blade insert illumination system includes one or more illumination elements composed of a transparent or semitransparent polymer that is preferably biocompatible and sterilizable. The illumination elements operate as a waveguide and may incorporate optical components such as, for example, facets, lenses, gratings, prisms and or diffusers to operate as precision optics for customized delivery of the light energy. The illumination elements may be modular, allowing components to be mixed and matched for different sizes of blade retractors, or may be a single integrated unit.
US09022928B2
A surgical access device is disclosed herein. The surgical access device includes a housing adapted for insertion into an incision in tissue and at least one inflatable portion disposed on the housing. The housing defines a proximal end and a distal end and has a lumen extending therethrough for the reception of a surgical access portal. The at least one inflatable portion has a deflated state and an inflated state and the housing is insertable into the incision in tissue when the at least one inflatable portion is in the deflated state. The housing is adapted to form a substantially fluid tight seal with the incision in tissue and with a surgical access portal inserted therethrough when the at least one inflatable portion is in the inflated state.
US09022927B2
A surgical access assembly includes a sleeve and a port. The sleeve is adapted for insertion within tissue to access an underlying tissue site. The sleeve defines a first passage therethrough. The first passage has a first diameter. The port defines one or more second passages extending therethrough. The port is adapted for insertion within the first passage of the sleeve in a substantially sealed relationship therewith. The one or more second passages are adapted for a substantially sealed reception of a surgical object therethrough. The one or more second passages have one or more second diameters. The port is selectively removably positionable within the first passage of the sleeve. The first diameter is greater than the one or more second diameters.
US09022924B1
A hand-held sex aid comprising a platform with handles and with a ring positioned in a central area on a top side of the platform. Straps are attached to the ring and extend through slots to the bottom side of said platform, wherein the straps connect to each other to force the ring against a base of a phallic device, thereby securing the phallic device on the top side. A self-user can grasp the handles and position the platform in front or in back of the self-user and insert the phallic device into a body cavity. A first partner can grasp the handles and position the platform in front or in back of a second partner and insert the phallic device into a body cavity of the second partner. The phallic device can be manipulated as desired by using the handles.
US09022923B2
A surgically implantable injection port has one or more tissue in-growth promoting surfaces. The injection port includes a housing, a fluid reservoir defined in part by the housing, a needle penetrable septum, and a tissue in-growth promoting surface integrally provided on an exterior surface of the port. The tissue in-growth promoting surface may be provided by surgical mesh or a textured surface on the injection port. The injection port may be used as part of a gastric band system or some other type of system.
US09022921B2
An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.
US09022920B2
Disclosed are single-incision surgical procedures for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, kits, and methods. Implants are also disclosed for use in the exemplary procedures. In certain embodiments, soft tissue anchors are used to anchor the surgical implants to obturator membranes of a patient.
US09022918B2
The present disclosure provides systems, methods, devices, and kits for delivering an implant to an anatomical site in a patient. In some instances, a delivery device for delivering an implant includes a receiver with a through-lumen and a transfer pin for associating with the implant and the lumen. In some embodiments, a method for delivering an implant to an anatomical site in a patient comprises transferring the implant or a portion thereof from one section of a delivery device to another.
US09022907B2
An adjustable dumbbell system includes a handle including a grip, two hanging rods at two ends of the grip and multiple through holes at each hanging rod, multiple weights, each weight defining an elongated top slot and a bottom opening and having a scissor hook mounted therein, the scissor hook including a hook unit, an actuation unit drivable by an external force to open or close the hook unit and elastic members adapted to hold the hook unit in the close position, a holder base for accommodating the weights, and a selector including multiple control units that are attached to the bottom openings of the weights when the weights are accommodated in the holder base and a selector rotatable to move the control units in driving the actuation units of the scissor hooks of the weight to open or close the hook units of the respective scissor hooks.
US09022899B2
Control apparatus for hybrid vehicles are described which reduce the heat generated by a clutch and improve the response of the hybrid vehicle when an operator requests a high degree of acceleration while starting the engine and the transmission is required to perform a shift-down. In one embodiment, when the engine is required to start while the transmission is required to perform a shift-down action, the control apparatus holds a hydraulic pressure of a releasing side clutch of the transmission at a predetermined lowest stand-by value preventing a slipping action of the releasing side clutch, while a clutch K0 between the motor and engine is placed in a slipping state, and reduces the hydraulic pressure of the releasing side clutch from the lowest stand-by value in the slipping state of the clutch K0 after the clutch K0 is placed in the fully engaged state.
US09022897B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a drive device (1) of a motor vehicle, said drive device (1) comprising at least one combustion engine (3) and at least one electric machine (9), as well as a dual clutch transmission (4) which can be functionally connected to the combustion engine (3) and which comprises a first sub-transmission (5), a first clutch (6) being associated therewith, and a second sub-transmission (7), a second clutch (8) and the electric machine (9) being associated therewith. In a purely electrical driving operation, the electric machine (9) is operated in a motorized manner, a driving gear is engaged in the second sub-transmission (7), and both clutches (6, 8) are disengaged. According to the invention, in order to start the combustion engine (3) during the electric driving operation, the second clutch (8) is engaged so as to drive the combustion engine (3) by means of the electric machine (9), a gear is engaged in the first sub-transmission (5), said gear having a lower gear ratio than the engaged driving gear of the second sub-transmission (7), the first clutch (6) is brought into a slip position and the second sub-transmission (7) is subsequently brought into a neutral position, the rotational speed of the electric machine (9) is increased at least to a starting rotational speed for the combustion engine (3) with the slip of the first clutch (6) being adjusted to maintain a forward torque of the motor vehicle, and the combustion engine (3) is started once its starting rotational speed has been reached. In addition, the invention relates to a device for operating a drive device of a motor vehicle.
US09022895B2
A multi-stage transmission with eight forward and one reverse gear, including input and output shafts, planetary gearsets, gear stages, shift elements and shafts. Input shaft couples the carrier of gearset (P1) and, via clutch (15), can couple shaft (5) that couples the ring and sun gears respectively of gearsets (P2, P3). The ring gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (6), which couples the sun gear of gearset (P2). Shaft (3) couples the sun gear of gearset (P1), can couple the housing via brake (03), and can couple shaft (8), which couples the ring gear of gearset (P3). The carrier of gearset (P2) couples shaft (4), which can couple the output shaft (2) via gear stage (S1) and clutch (24). The carrier of gearset (P3) couples shaft (7), which couples gear stage (S2), which couples the output shaft. A clutch (46, 56 or 45) can engage to block gearset (P2).
US09022892B1
An axle assembly having a carrier housing, a pair of axle tubes, a differential case, a pair of differential bearings and a pair of bearing adjusters. The carrier housing includes a cavity, which is configured to receive the differential case, and a pair of axle tubes that are mounted to the carrier housing. The differential case includes bearing bores into which the outer races of the differential bearings are received. The bearing adjusters are threaded to the carrier housing and support the differential bearings on a side opposite the differential case.
US09022886B2
A tip for a hunting arrow and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A bullet-shaped tip is affixed to a shaft region and a threaded shaft for attachment to the threaded engagement of a standard hunting arrow. A pair of barbs extends out and forward from the tip. The barbs may be manufactured by creating a hole in a standard arrow tip transverse to the axial line thereof, and forcing a length of wire through the hole. The wire may be retained with a glue or sealant, and may be bent forward to a desired shape and sharpened.
US09022883B2
The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a solid core encased by a cover of one, two or more layers, which ball has specific hardness relationships among various areas on a core cross-section obtained by cutting the solid core in half. The golf ball has both a reduced spin rate and a good initial velocity on shots, particularly when struck in a high head-speed range, and thus is able to achieve an increased distance. A good feel on impact can also be obtained.
US09022881B1
A golf club head comprising a crown with an edge support structure and a flexible, conformal weight sized to fit within the edge support structure is disclosed herein. The edge support structure preferably is disposed on an internal surface of the crown so that the conformal weight is invisible when the golf club head is viewed at address. The conformal weight can be removed to adjust the vertical center of gravity of the club head, and preferably is oriented in a front-to-back direction along the club head's X-axis. The conformal weight preferably is composed of a high-density polymeric material with a specific gravity ranging from 1.8 to 4.2.
US09022880B2
A golf club head which may include an iron-type golf club head body, a face plate, and a filler positioned behind the ball striking face. According to aspects of the disclosure, the face plate may include score lines which define holes in the face plate. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the filler may be comprised of a material that readily absorbs the deflection of the face plate during impact with a golf ball during a golf swing and dampens the impact between the golf club head and the golf ball.
US09022879B2
A golf club includes: a shaft; a head mounted on the leading end of the shaft; and a shaft case having a substantially cylindrical shape and fixed to the leading end of the shaft and inserted into a hosel formed in the head, the shaft case being fixed to the head by a bolt inserted from the sole side of the head, wherein the shaft case includes a small-diameter cylindrical portion on the leading end side thereof and a key portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter cylindrical portion, and multiple slits having different depths and engageable with the key portion are formed in the deep portion of the inside of the hosel, whereby, by changing the slits engageable with the key portion, the insertion depth of the shaft case into the hosel can be changed.
US09022867B2
Networked gaming systems and the communication protocols for presenting a network-based games or network-based tournament games are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming system includes a plurality of gaming devices in communication with a tournament server. Each gaming device includes a base game and a secondary device having a display and a processor. The secondary device is operatively associated with the gaming device, and the secondary device enables a player to play a tournament game that is presented amongst one or more of the plurality of gaming devices. The secondary device is in communication with the tournament server through web service protocols. The tournament controller sends and receives player-related data and tournament-related data to and from one or more of the secondary devices participating in the tournament game.
US09022866B2
Systems and methods for managing a limited-time bonus period are disclosed herein. According to one method, one or more triggering events are established for the gaming machines, wherein the triggering events are winning game outcomes. A gaming period is initiated on the gaming machines, wherein each gaming machine generates a game outcome. If necessary, a system host is notified that one or more triggering events have been satisfied. The gaming machines then receive instructions from the system host to initiate a limited-time bonus period, wherein the limited-time bonus period is presented on a player tracking and interactive system gaming devices on a selected number of gaming machines. A notification message is displayed on the gaming machines regarding the initiation of the first limited-time bonus period, and a prize is awarded if a winning outcome is achieved by one or more of the networked gaming machines during the first limited-time bonus period.
US09022865B2
In some embodiments, a player may influence the volatility of a bonus round of a game by placing elements collected during a primary game onto symbol positions of the bonus round. In some embodiments, if a symbol position onto which a player placed one or more bonus round symbols is selected as an active symbol position for an event instance of the bonus round, the player wins a prize. Additionally, a multiplier may be applied to the value of the prize or other benefit may be provided to the player if the player placed more than one bonus round symbol element on the position. Thus, a player having a plurality of bonus round symbols to place may choose to increase the frequency of prizes won (e.g., by distributing the bonus round symbols over more positions) or increase the value of prizes (e.g., by grouping more symbols on fewer positions).
US09022864B2
A game environment is presented where the 3-D object is properly transitioned from the player's field of view. For example, the perceived position of the 3-D object in the real 3-D space is measured, and if the distance from the display exceeds a threshold, the system will gradually transition the object out of the player's field of view. As another example, the distance of the object from a virtual camera can be measured in a virtual space and if the distance comes within a threshold value, the system will fade the object from the display. As a further example, the distance of the object from a predefined reference plane in the virtual space can be measured to determine the object's perceived visual distance in the real 3-D space and if the object exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the object will begin fading from the display.
US09022863B2
A video game processing apparatus includes a virtual card information memory for storing virtual card information on virtual cards used for a fighting in a video game and a player information memory for storing player information. The virtual card information indicates the attack content and an attack condition. The player information contains setup virtual card information indicating a setup virtual card set up by the player as a virtual card used for the fighting. It is determined whether there is a setup virtual card whose attack condition is satisfied among the setup virtual cards on the basis of a time measured by a timer. In a case where there are plural setup virtual cards for which it is determined that their attack conditions are respectively satisfied within a predetermined time interval, bonus processing according to a combination of the plural setup virtual cards is carried out.
US09022862B2
A pirate ship is displayed on a television being a stationary display device and on a terminal device being a portable display device. When the terminal device is held in a second attitude, the position and the angle of view of a first virtual camera are adjusted, and the pirate ship displayed on the television is zoomed out. When the terminal device is held in a first attitude, the position and the angle of view of the first virtual camera are adjusted and the pirate ship displayed on the television is zoomed in.
US09022855B2
A gaming system a method of rewarding players of electronic gaming machines connected by a network to a host computer which includes accumulating player-usable points at a network-accessible location as a function of gaming activity on one or more of the electronic gaming machines and subsequently awarding the accumulated points to a player, where at least some of the accumulated points are hidden from the player prior to the points being awarded.
US09022850B2
Each play of a base game increases the likelihood of winning a bonus award. A display provides a graphical indication of the change in likelihood of winning the bonus award. In one aspect, the bonus award comprises the opportunity to play a secondary game.
US09022848B2
A Blackjack game has a multi-hand feature in which a player may re-use one or more cards from a first hand in additional hands. A Blackjack game may also include a bonus event. The bonus event has two or more designated bonus element, such as card hands. If one of the bonus elements is achieved as the result of play of a first Blackjack game, the bonus event is triggered. A bonus award is paid to the player if the player receives remaining required bonus elements as a result of the play of additional Blackjack games during the bonus period. The game is preferably played against a dealer at a video Blackjack machine and offers the player the opportunity for awards for each Blackjack game win and one or more additional bonus awards.
US09022847B2
Method and apparatus for modifying gaming machines to provide supplemental or modified functionality
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for transferring credits from one gaming device to another via the use of coded scrip is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of accepting a cash-out command in the gaming device, scanning a magnetically manifested code uniquely identifying a scrip stored in the gaming device, transmitting a cash-out message comprising the code to a remote processor having access to a database configured to store and retrieve codes from a plurality of gaming devices, receiving a scrip dispense message from the remote processor, and dispensing the scrip. The apparatus comprises a scrip storage unit, a scrip dispensing unit having a scrip transducer for reading and recording a magnetically manifested code on a scrip retrieved from the scrip storage unit, and a processor, communicatively coupled to the scrip transducer and a remote computer having access to a database for storing and retrieving code information from the plurality of gaming devices.
