US07924496B2
Systems and methods for controlling a Raman amplifier by measuring power at one end of an optical fiber span. The Raman amplifier may include a laser that pumps an optical signal into the optical fiber span. The Raman amplifier may be connected to a controller that receives backscatter measurements. The controller may then adjust the Raman amplifier to maintain the backscatter substantially constant.
US07924495B1
This invention deals with the general topic of adaptive electronic redirection of sunlight by means of an active matrix of transistors, electrodes, and optical elements. The scale of the system may range from small portable systems to large-scale arrays for industrial processes such as solar power plants used for the production of environmentally benign energy. It may be integrated directly into buildings and other platforms without the need for heliostats to hold photovoltaic cells or other energy conversion devices above the building or other host platform. It makes solar energy harvesting systems practical by allowing the separation of tracking, collection, concentration, aggregation, distribution, and energy conversion. This novel system is unique and distinct from other sun tracking and energy conversion systems because it allows adaptive solid-state electronics to be used in place of conventional mechanical tracking heliostats. Furthermore, it is highly precise and therefore allows very high levels of concentration to be achieved in a dynamic environment. It is also cost effective because it leverages integrated opto-electronics to perform sun tracking.
US07924479B2
An image reading apparatus configured to read a document positioned on a document positioning plate includes an apparatus body, the document positioning plate mounted on the apparatus body, a document cover configured to press the document against the document positioning plate, a hinge member attached to the document cover and rotatably attached to the apparatus body, and a switch member engaging with the hinge member and configured to restrict a rotation angle of the hinge member. The switch member is located on a same side as a side of the document positioning plate of the apparatus body and is configured to restrict, at a first position thereof, the rotation angle to a first open angle and to release, at a second position thereof, the rotation angle from being restricted to the first open angle.
US07924472B2
This invention relates to the updating of image processing control data that is related to image data and controls image processing of the image data. An image related data generator generates an image file that includes image data and image processing data pre-stored therein. The image processing control data can be updated according to the following process. The image related data generator sends specification data that specifies image processing control data to be updated to an update data server. Then the image related data generator receives the update data from the update data server. And the image related generator updates the image processing control data stored therein with the update data.
US07924471B2
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a second image which forms a specified interference pattern when printed on a sheet on which a first image is printed, and a printing unit configured to print the second image received by the receiving unit on the sheet on which the first image is printed.
US07924470B2
A document processing apparatus processes an encoded document, which is a medium on which a machine readable code comprising a code of an encoded electronic document is formed. The document processing apparatus includes an acquiring unit, an editing-information managing unit and a decoding process unit. The acquiring unit acquires the machine readable code read from the encoded document. The editing-information managing unit manages editing information of the electronic document, which is an original document of the encoded document. The decoding process unit decodes the acquired machine readable code on a basis of the editing information.
US07924466B2
An image processing device is capable of generating single-hue image data from color image data, which include at least two records of a first area to be filled with a first color based on first hue component data and a second area to be filled with a second color based on second hue component data, the first and second areas establishing one of line contact and overlap therebetween. The image processing device includes a density determining unit that determines a first density of the first area and a second density of the second area in the single-hue image data based on the first hue component data and second hue component data, respectively, a comparing unit that compares the first and second densities as determined, and a modifying unit that modifies at least one of the first and second densities based on the comparison result by the comparing unit.
US07924464B2
An image processing method involves processing image data indicative of an image represented with a prescribed number of input tones by each of pixel groups composed of a plurality of print pixels, and generating dot data representing a status of dot formation on each of the print pixels to be formed on a print medium. The method includes preparing a first conversion table and a second conversion table, determining the pixel group tone value in response to the input tone value corresponding to the pixel group, converting the determined pixel group tone value into the code values for each of the pixel groups, by referring to the first conversion table, decoding the acquired code value into the output dot arrangement for each of the pixel groups, by referring to the second conversion table, and outputting the dot data in response to the output dot arrangement.
US07924456B1
An on-demand server system herein includes a memory controller that coordinates access to one or more flash-based memory devices. The flash devices store large amounts of video content that can be selectively viewed on-demand by each of multiple destinations over a respective network. In addition to having access to an array of flash memory devices, the memory controller has access to a corresponding read buffer and write buffer. Use of the read buffer and the write buffer enable the memory controller to switch between transferring data stored in the write buffer to the array of memory devices and transferring the data in the array of memory devices to the read buffer. The write buffer stores on-demand video content that can be selected for viewing by different users. The read buffer stores segments of the on-demand video content currently streamed to the users.
US07924455B2
A duplex printer includes a pair of print engines, each print engine comprising at least one printhead and one transfer roller for receiving ink ejected from the at least one printhead; a pair of print media trays provided upstream and downstream of the pair of print engines, each print media tray comprising a movable platen for supporting a stack of print media and a motorized mechanism for moving the platen; and a print media feed arrangement for feeding print media from one of the pair of print media trays to the other of the pair of print media trays along a print media feed path. The transfer rollers of the pair of print engines are provided opposite each other with respect to the print media feed path.
US07924446B2
A method is provided for error handling in a printer or copier. A plurality of monitoring units detect error states of the printer or copier. A detected error states are transmitted to a controller. A plurality of successively transmitted error states are stored in a storage. The stored error states are evaluated by the controller. The stored error states are compared with predetermined error patterns and at least one error type is determined. Further steps are executed by the controller dependent on the error type.
US07924442B2
If it is not a time zone of confidential mode and there is a print job to be executed, a print process is performed based on the print job, but if there is not a print job to be executed, non-confidential data stored in a HDD device is completely deleted. In the time zone of confidential mode, a determination is made as to whether or not there is non-confidential data, and after deleting the non-confidential data, a print process based on a print job to be executed is performed. The confidentiality of data is maintained without decreasing the processing efficiency of image formation.
US07924441B1
An optical locating and tracking system may have two or more optical scanners, one or more optical detectors responsive to radiation from one or more optical sources, and a controller coupled to the detector(s) and the scanner(s). Each scanner has a reflector mounted to a two-dimensional actuator that tilts the reflector about first and second axes. The controller determines whether a given reflector of a given scanner is aligned to provide an optical path between the optical source(s) and the detector(s) from one or more detection signals from the one or more optical detectors. The optical path originates, terminates or is deflected at the object. The controller also determines the object's position in three dimensions from control signals to the two-dimensional actuators of the scanners obtained the reflectors are aligned to provide the optical path. The control signals determine a tilt of each reflector about its first and second axes.
US07924440B2
The invention provides for an imaging apparatus for imaging integrated circuits and a respective integrated circuit carrier. This enables positional analysis to be carried out on the integrated circuits and respective carrier. The imaging apparatus includes a support structure, and a bed mounted on the support structure and displaceable along an operatively horizontal axis, the bed being configured to support a nest assembly that operatively retains the integrated circuit carrier and respective integrated circuits. Also included is a support assembly operatively mountable with respect to a bed on which the integrated circuit carrier and integrated circuits are supported, in use. The apparatus further includes an image recordal device mounted on the support assembly and configured to record an image representing the integrated circuit carrier and integrated circuits, the support assembly including an adjustment mechanism to enable adjustment of a position of the image recordal device relative to the bed.
US07924439B2
A method for extracting parameters of a cutting tool is provided. The method comprises positioning the cutting tool on a moveable stage, performing one or more rotary scans of a first section of the cutting tool to generate a scanning point cloud, indexing a plurality of points of the scanning point cloud, detecting one or more feature points based on the indexed scanning point cloud, and extracting one or more parameters based on the detected feature points. A system for extracting the parameters is also presented.
US07924435B2
An apparatus is disclosed which includes an interferometry system configured to operate in a first mode to produce a first set of multiple interferometry signals corresponding to different illumination angles of a test object by test light and in a second mode produce a second set of multiple interferometry signals corresponding to different surface locations of a test object. An electronic processor coupled to the interferometry system is configured to receive the first set of interferometry signals and programmed to compare information derivable from the first set of multiple interferometry signals to information corresponding to multiple models of the test object to determine information related to one or features of the test object, and output the information. In some embodiments, the features include an under-resolved feature.
US07924434B2
Systems configured to generate output corresponding to defects on a specimen and systems configured to generate phase information about defects on a specimen are provided. One system includes an optical subsystem that is configured to create interference between a test beam and a reference beam. The test beam and the reference beam are reflected from the specimen. The system also includes a detector that is configured to generate output representative of the interference between the test and reference beams. The interference increases contrast between the output corresponding to the defects and output corresponding to non-defective portions of the specimen.
US07924433B2
A measurement displacement system and method are described. The measurement displacement system comprises a sensor head configured to transmit input optical beams and to receive measurement beams. The system comprises a transmission grating configured to diffract the input optical beams into sub-beams comprising more than one diffraction order. The transmission grating is adapted move in a direction. The measurement displacement system comprises a reflective element configured to diffract the sub-beams from the transmission grating and to return the sub-beams to the transmission grating. The reflective element is substantially stationary relative to the sensor head and the transmission grating selectively recombines the sub-beams to form the measurement beams and returns the measurement beams to the sensor head.
US07924423B2
A system and method are disclosed for generating a reversed photoacoustic spectrum at a greater distance. A source may emit a beam to a target and a detector measures signals generated as a result of the beam being emitted on the target. By emitting a chopped/pulsed light beam to the target, it may be possible to determine the target's optical absorbance by monitoring the intensity of light collected at the detector at different wavelengths. As the wavelength of light is changed, the target may absorb or reject each optical frequency. Rejection may increase the intensity at the sensing element and absorption may decrease the intensity. Accordingly, an identifying spectrum of the target may be made with the intensity variation of the detector as a function of illuminating wavelength.
US07924418B2
An inspection apparatus includes a captured image acquiring unit configured to acquire a captured image that is acquired by shooting an inspection target, an acquiring unit configured to acquire from the captured image a first image region and a second image region whose intensity distributions of reflected light with respect to an incident angle of illumination light emitted to the inspection target are different, and an image processing unit configured to perform image processing for performing different surface inspections on the first image region and the second image region respectively.
US07924412B2
A method and an apparatus for measuring reflectivity, charge and/or particle mobility of electrophoretic display mediums and particles are described. The apparatus for evaluating characteristics of an electrophoretic display medium, comprising a cell for containing the electrophoretic display medium, located between conductive substrates, a voltage application unit associated with the cell, an electrometer to measure transient current, and a densitometer to measure reflectance.
US07924410B2
A radar array antenna comprising: a plurality of analog to digital (A/D) converters for converting analog signals from the array to digital signals, the signals supplying input to one or more optical modulators having controllable wavelengths, each optical modulator connected to a corresponding multiplexer, the multiplexer providing outputs to a demultiplexer that distributes the signals to a beamformer.
US07924408B2
A method for reducing overlay error in a photolithographic process, by providing a substrate having a permanent layer with a first pattern disposed therein, coating the substrate with photoresist, exposing the photoresist to a second pattern, while measuring temperatures at a plurality of different first positions across the substrate, developing the second pattern in the photoresist, measuring overlay errors between the first and second patterns at a plurality of different second positions across the substrate, correlating the overlay errors with temperatures by position on the substrate, determining any relationship indicated between the correlated overlay errors and temperatures, and adjusting at least one temperature controlling aspect of the photolithographic process in response to any relationship determined.
US07924406B2
An illuminator for a lithographic apparatus includes a first illuminator channel, a second illuminator channel, a first switch device, an additional illuminator part and a second switch device. Each of the first and the second illuminator channel includes elements which are adjustable to provide a radiation beam with at least one desired property. The first switch device is configured to receive the radiation beam and arranged to direct the radiation beam between the first and second illuminator channels. The second switch device is arranged to receive the radiation beam from the first and second illuminator channels and direct the radiation beam through the additional illuminator part. The additional illuminator part includes elements which apply at least one additional desired property to the radiation beam.
US07924402B2
An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate by projecting a pattern image onto the substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid. The exposure apparatus includes a liquid supply device which supplies liquid onto the substrate from above the substrate through a first and second supply ports disposed in a vicinity of a projection area onto which the pattern image is projected, and a liquid recovery device which recovers liquid on the substrate from above the substrate through an inside recovery port disposed outside the first and second supply ports and an outside the second recovery port disposed outside the inside recovery port.
US07924400B2
A method for measuring a liquid immersion lithography soluble fraction in an organic film including a mounting step of mounting a droplet of a liquid immersion medium for liquid immersion lithography on a surface of an organic film formed on a substrate; and a transfer step of transferring a component in the organic film into the droplet.
US07924398B2
An optical apparatus including an optical element includes a holder configured to hold the optical element, and a rectifier configured to rectify a flow of gas in a space adjacent to a surface of the optical element, and to decrease the flow rate of the gas adjacent to the surface of the optical element.
US07924397B2
Disclosed is an objective lens adapted for use in liquid immersion photolithography and a method for making such a lens. In one example, the objective lens has multiple lens elements, one of which includes a transparent substrate and a layer of anti-corrosion coating (ACC). The ACC is formed proximate to the transparent substrate and is positioned between a liquid used during the liquid immersion photolithography and the transparent substrate to protect the transparent substrate from the liquid.
US07924395B2
A method for delivering digital cinema concurrently to a retail exhibitor and a remote theater that includes forming a digital cinema right-to-distribute contract between a content owner and a retail exhibitor. In addition, a digital cinema movie rental contract is formed between the retail exhibitor and a remote theater user. Newly released digital cinema content is delivered both to the remote theater and to the retail exhibitor. Display of the newly released digital cinema content occurs at the remote theater as early as the display of the newly released digital cinema content at the retail exhibitor.
US07924391B2
A liquid crystal display module (LCDM) includes a liquid crystal panel; a backlight unit disposed under the liquid crystal panel and projecting light on the light crystal panel; a main frame surrounding a side of the backlight unit and a side of the liquid crystal panel; an integrated printed circuit board (PCB) connected to the liquid crystal panel and disposed at a side surface of the main frame, the integrated PCB including a data unit for providing a data driving signal to the liquid crystal panel, a signal generating unit for generating a data control signal, a gate control signal, and a power source signal and a timing control unit; a connector disposed on the integrated PCB and including a slot along the side surface of the main frame, the connector for receiving a signal from an external unit; a bottom frame under the backlight unit; a system board on a rear side of the bottom frame; a flexible cable connecting the connector and the system board; and a top frame covering edges of the liquid crystal panel and combined with the main frame and the bottom frame.
US07924389B2
Provided are a liquid crystal display (LCD) that has a reduced cost due to an increase in the thickness of the FPC board included of the display. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel, a first housing having a first side and a second side and a plurality of sides, the liquid crystal panel being accommodated on the first side, a flexible printed circuit board having a first side in contact with the liquid crystal panel, and a second side disposed adjacent to the second side of the first housing, a second housing having a bottom, an opening, and a plurality of sides extending from the bottom to define a cavity, wherein the plurality of sides are fastened to the first housing, further wherein the opening is formed through the bottom to expose at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board, and a reflective sheet disposed on a interior surface of the bottom.
US07924381B2
A method for producing a liquid crystal display device including a first irradiation step for realizing alignment of liquid crystals in a first azimuth direction on a first alignment layer by obliquely irradiating the first substrate, a second irradiation step for realizing alignment of liquid crystals in a second azimuth direction by obliquely irradiating a region of the first substrate where irradiation has not been conducted in the first irradiation step with rays in an azimuth direction that is 180 degrees different from an azimuth direction of irradiation in the first irradiation step, a third irradiation step for realizing alignment of liquid crystals in a third azimuth direction on a second alignment layer by obliquely irradiating the second substrate, and a sticking step of sticking together the first and second substrates such that the first azimuth direction and the third azimuth direction are perpendicular to each other.
US07924380B2
Disclosed is light-receiving device (1) comprising semiconductor substrate (101), a light-receiving layer arranged on semiconductor substrate (101), and filter layer (103) arranged between semiconductor substrate (101) and the light-receiving layer to absorb light other than reception light. First mesa (11) serving as the light-receiving layer is surrounded by third mesa (13) for absorbing at least light other than reception light. Consequently, even when filter layer (103) is too thin to sufficiently absorb light other than reception light, third mesa (13) absorbs the light, thereby preventing the light from reaching first mesa (11).
US07924377B2
To provide a transflective liquid crystal display apparatus that employs in-plane switching mode (in-plane switching system), which exhibits a reflection property of wide view angles. Provided is a transflective liquid crystal display apparatus which comprises: a reflective area and a transmissive area; an uneven reflective plate provided in the reflective area; a flattening film laminated on the uneven reflective plate; and common electrodes and pixel electrodes arranged on the flattening film, wherein, the uneven reflective plate comprises a diffusive reflecting function that is capable of diffusely reflecting light making incident at an incident angle of 30 degrees towards directions at exit angles of 0-10 degrees, and a surface of the flattening film is set to be substantially flat.
US07924375B2
An in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate, gate lines and data lines intersecting each other on the first substrate and defining red, green, blue sub-pixels, and viewing angle controlling sub-pixels, thin film transistors at the intersections of the gate lines and the data lines, first pixel electrodes and first common electrodes spaced apart from each other and alternately disposed at the red, green, and blue sub-pixels, second pixel electrodes at the viewing angle controlling sub-pixels, second common electrodes on the second substrate and at positions corresponding to the second pixel electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US07924362B2
A display system is provided including a display assembly with a display region of a first size, an overlay having a first substantially transparent section corresponding to the size of the display region of the display assembly and a second customized section extending beyond the first substantially transparent section, and an adhesive optically bonding the display region of the display assembly to the overlay. In some embodiments, the display assembly is one of a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode display, and an electronic paper display. In some embodiments, the second customized section of the overlay may include an accessory, such as a sensor accessory, an actuator, or a coating.
US07924358B2
A spacer structure of a display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a spacer, and a spacer pad. The spacer is disposed on a side of the first substrate facing the second substrate, and the spacer pad is disposed between the second substrate and the spacer. The spacer pad has a non-linear structure lodged in the spacer, and therefore restrains the spacer from moving with respect to the second substrate in the plane parallel to the surface of the second substrate.
US07924348B2
An integrated circuit (IC) structure and method of distributing multiple broadband signal inputs to multiple integrated circuits, where each IC receives at least one original signal and outputs a replica of the original signals to other ICs and receives at least one replica signal output by another IC.
US07924336B2
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric converting element; a plurality of capacitor which receive signals from the plurality of pixels at first terminals; a plurality of clamping switches for setting a second terminal of each of the plurality of capacitor into a predetermined electric potential; a plurality of first storing units for storing signals from the second terminals of the plurality of capacitor; a plurality of second storing units for storing the signals from the second terminals of the plurality of capacitor; a first common output line to which the signals from the plurality of first storing units are sequentially output; a second common output line to which the signals from the plurality of second storing units are sequentially output; and a difference circuit for operating a difference between the signal from the first common output line and the signal from the second common output line.
US07924317B2
A method and apparatus for reducing motion blur in digital images. An imager captures a reference frame and a plurality of target frames. Feature blocks preferably containing strong two-dimensional features are identified in the reference frame. Corresponding features are identified in the target frames and motion vectors representing the movement of features are calculated. Based at least in part on the motion vectors, corresponding pixels in the reference and target frames are identified and combined to form an output image. Efficient methods for identifying corresponding features in apparatuses with small buffer memories by serially processing frame strips are also disclosed.
US07924316B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein may estimate the magnitude of relative motion between a scene and an image capture device used to capture the scene. Some embodiments may utilize discrete cosine transform and/or Sobel gradient techniques to identify one or more blocks of pixels in an originating calibration image frame. Matching blocks of pixels may be located in a successive calibration image frame. Motion vectors originating at one calibration frame and terminating at the other calibration frame may be calculated. The magnitude of relative motion derived thereby may be used to adjust image capture parameters associated with the image capture device, including exposure settings.
US07924314B2
A system and method for gathering bulk images are provided herein.
US07924313B2
A camera device includes an image sensor for capturing an image. A printer includes an ink ejection printhead and is configured to print the captured image. A replaceable print roll includes an ink reservoir section configured to supply ink to the printer for printing. A validation apparatus is configured to validate the replaceable print roll and enable the printer to print the captured image only subsequent to validation of the print roll.
US07924304B2
A light-emitting element array includes: a resistor connected at a first end to a driving unit; and a plurality of light-emitting elements, each of the plurality of light-emitting elements including a three-terminal switching element having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal, the first terminal in each of the plurality of light-emitting elements being connected to a second end of the resistor, the second terminal in each of the plurality of light-emitting elements being connected to ground, and the third terminal in each of the plurality of light-emitting elements being connected to a control circuit.
US07924303B2
There is provided a method for controlling a line head including a focusing optical system, first light emitters, light from which being focused by the focusing optical system, second light emitters disposed next to the first light emitters in a first direction, light from the second light emitters being focused by the focusing optical system, and third light emitters disposed next to the second light emitters in the first direction, light from the third light emitters being focused by the focusing optical system. The method includes turning on the first light emitters at time t0, turning on the second light emitters after a period t1 has passed since the time t0, and turning on the third light emitters after a period t2 has passed since the time t0. The periods t1 and t2 are controlled under the following condition: t2≠n×t1 (n is an integer two or greater).
US07924299B2
A developer cartridge provided in an image-forming device has a developer side casing that includes a toner-accommodating chamber and a developing chamber; and a plate wall disposed in the developing chamber for partitioning a thickness-regulating blade from the toner-accommodating chamber. When a thickness-regulating blade scrapes excess charged toner off the developing roller, the plate wall prevents this charged toner from returning to the toner-accommodating chamber. A flexible wiper for cleaning toner detection windows is attached to an agitator for stirring toner in the toner-accommodating chamber via a fixing member. The fixing member includes a support plate and a gripping plate disposed opposite each other with a slit formed therebetween. The wiper is inserted into the slit and is fixed to the fixing member when a boss protruding from a restricting plate becomes inserted into a through-hole formed in the wiper.
US07924295B2
An image processing device has an image presentation module that is fashioned for 3D representation of a 3D subject on an image display device, and has an interaction module with which an operator can interactively displace, rotate or zoom the 3D subject in the 3D representation. The image processing device furthermore has a mirror surface generation module that generates mirror surfaces that are freely definable by the operator via the interaction module in the 3D space of the 3D representation, and shows mirror images caused by the defined mirror surfaces on separate display areas of the image display device. The analysis of a presented 3D subject thus can ensue with lower time expenditure.
US07924279B2
A system for visualizing a 3D volume, in particular for medical applications, includes an input 1010 for receiving a three-dimensional set of data representing voxel values of the 3D volume. The data set is stored in a storage 1030. A processor projects the volume onto an imaginary 2D projection screen from a predetermined viewpoint. For each pixel of the 2D projection image a ray is cast through the pixel and through the volume. A protocol is used that, while traversing along ray positions within the volume, determines a rendering algorithm and/or rendering parameters in dependence on the ray position. For each ray position the determined rendering algorithm/parameters are used to calculate a contribution to a pixel value of the pixel based on at least one voxel value within a predetermined range of the ray position. An output 1040 is used for providing pixel values of a 2D image for rendering on a display.
US07924278B2
Surfaces defined by Bézier tetrahedron are generated on programmable graphics hardware. Custom programmed vertex processing, performed by either the CPU or the GPU includes the computation of a symmetric tensor and the assignment of the unique elements of the computed symmetric tensor as vertex attribute data. The vertex attribute data is interpolated by the graphics hardware and output to custom programmed pixel processing. The pixel processing uses the interpolated vertex attribute data to reconstruct, at each pixel, the symmetric tensor which enables the determination of the roots of the polynomial defining the surface to be generated. If no real roots exist, the pixel processing can exit early. If the roots of the polynomial exist, the smallest root can be used as the basis for computing a normal to a point on the surface being rendered, enabling the determination of the color and depth of that pixel.
US07924273B2
In making a contact determination between an object and a display screen, a display apparatus of the present invention is capable of adjusting a region on which to make a contact determination in response to the displayed image in a liquid crystal panel, so that the influence by the displayed image can be suppressed. Moreover, for simplifying the contact determination process, the display apparatus sets solid a region in the picked-up image that is not a target of the contact determination, with a predetermined gradation value.
US07924269B2
Display devices and methods forming the same. A digitizer sensor board is integrated on an upper substrate or a lower substrate of a display panel to provide a display device. In the display device, the display panel displays images, and the digitizer sensor board is integrated into the display panel to sense position of a position pointer or finger contact on a surface.
US07924268B2
Electronic devices, software and methods for a host electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, player, etc. In some embodiments, a criterion is used to determine whether a manual entry by the user was intended. If not, the entry is cleared.
US07924260B2
A shift register applied on a double-frame-rate LCD is provided. The LCD includes an upper display area with c gate lines, a lower display area with d gate lines, and a gate driving circuit. The gate driving circuit includes a first shift register coupled to the corresponding x gate lines of the upper display area, a second shift register coupled to the corresponding y lines of the lower display area, and a third shift register coupled to the corresponding (c-x) gate lines of the upper display area and the corresponding (d-y) gate lines of the lower display area.
US07924258B2
A gate driving apparatus and image display device using the same and driving method thereof comprises a start pulse generator which generates a second gate start pulse by a logic operation of a first gate start pulse and a gate output enable signal, a shift register which generates a shift signal by sequentially shifting the second gate start pulse in accordance with a gate shift clock, and an output unit which outputs the shift signal in accordance with the gate output enable signal.
US07924256B2
A display device in which a plurality of pixels are disposed in a matrix form includes data lines connected with the pixels, a signal controller for processing image data received from the outside and generating a plurality of control signals and clock signals, a gray voltage generator for generating a plurality of gray voltages, and a data driver including a plurality of data driver ICs for selecting gray voltages corresponding to image data from signal controller among the gray voltages and applying them as data voltages to data lines, wherein data driver includes four data driver ICs groups and each data driver IC group receives a separate clock signal and includes at least two data driver ICs connected in series with each other is disclosed. Because data driver IC groups receive the separate clock signals a signal delay can be reduced, and because phases of the clock signals are different a harmonic component can be reduced compared with the related art in which the clock signals have no phase difference, and thus EMI can be reduced.
US07924244B2
Display irregularities in light emitting devices, which develop due to dispersions per pixel in the threshold value of TFTs for supplying electric current to light emitting elements, are obstacles to increasing the image quality of the light emitting devices. An electric potential in which the threshold voltage of a TFT (105) is either added to or subtracted from the electric potential of a reset signal line (110) is stored in capacitor means (108). A voltage, in which the corresponding threshold voltage is added to an image signal, is applied to a gate electrode of a TFT (106). TFTs within a pixel are disposed adjacently, and dispersion in the characteristics of the TFTs does not easily develop. The threshold value of the TFT (105) is thus cancelled, even if the threshold values of the TFTs (106) differ per pixel, and a predetermined drain current can be supplied to an EL element (109).
US07924242B2
An apparatus and method of driving a plasma display panel for preventing a brightness spot miss-fire and a miss-writing as well as reducing a manufacturing cost are disclosed. In the apparatus, a set-up supplier supplies a rising ramp waveform to scan electrodes in an initialization period, and supplies a positive enhancing pulse to the scan electrodes during an enhancing period following said initialization period. A negative voltage supplier supplies a falling ramp waveform to the scan electrodes in the initialization period, and supplies a negative enhancing pulse to the scan electrodes during the enhancing period.
US07924237B2
An antenna device including a substrate, a ground layer, a first feeding element, a second feeding element, a first control circuit and a second control circuit is provided. The substrate has a top surface and a lower surface. The ground layer disposed on the lower surface includes a first, a second and a third ground portions. The third ground portion is separated from the first and the second ground portions by a first and a second slots, respectively. The first and the second feeding elements include a first and a second conductive feeding lines, respectively. The first and the second conductive feeding lines cross over the first and the second slots and are electrically connected to the first and the second ground portions, respectively. The radiation pattern of the antenna device is variable by selectively operating the first, the second, the third and the fourth control circuits.
US07924233B2
A three-dimensional antenna includes a substrate, a radiator, a second radiator, a signal feeding element, and a grounding element. The radiator is installed on the substrate. The radiator includes a first child radiator and a second child radiator. The first child radiator has a first end and a second end. The second child radiator has a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the second child radiator is coupled to the second end of the first child radiator. The second radiator is coupled to the radiator. The signal feeding element is coupled to the first end of the first child radiator. The grounding element is coupled between the substrate and the first end of the second child radiator. The first child radiator and the second child radiator form an inverted V-shape installed on the substrate.
US07924228B2
A storage medium with built-in antenna includes circuit board on which semiconductor element is placed, first and second magnetic layers sandwiching semiconductor element and circuit board, and first and second antenna coils disposed on first and second magnetic layers. First and second antenna coils are connected in parallel on a flexible sheet. First and second antenna coils are folded at the sides of first and second magnetic layers, respectively, and electrically connected to semiconductor element.
US07924223B1
This device combines multiple elements that function like a single smart antenna that performs both connectivity and spatial discrimination functions. The antenna functions in both receive and transmit modes. The apparatus utilizes commonly used components to distinguish and separate desired satellite signals from those signals of satellites in close directional proximity. Disclosed are six methods for optimizing reception of desired satellite signals performed either mechanically or electronically and also included is an optimization technique when data stream reception is ≦1 Gbps. The transmission apparatus uses many of the same components as the receiver antenna and additionally uses in-beam nulling to fine tune transmission.
US07924222B2
A method for obtaining a precise intermediate frequency for a global positioning system (GPS) is applied in a GPS receiver having a radio frequency (RF) module. Using a satellite signal received by the RF module, ephemeris data of a satellite is completely obtained, and present coordinate of the GPS receiver is calculated. First coordinate of the satellite at first time point and second coordinate of the satellite at second time point are calculated using the ephemeris data. Then, traveling speed of the satellite and projection value of the traveling speed on position vector from the first coordinate to the present coordinate are calculated using the first time point, the first coordinate, the second time point, and the second coordinate. Finally, the precise intermediate frequency is calculated using the signal frequency, a carrier frequency of the satellite, the projection value, and velocity of light.
US07924221B2
A method for monitoring the integrity of satellite navigation system includes a first detection of integrity problems, in which the same entity of a navigation signal from a particular satellite is received at different sites, and evaluated to estimate the error of the entity and the error made during the error estimation process. In a second detection, navigation signals received from a specific satellite are measured and evaluated to estimate the error of the entity and the error in the error estimation process. Finally, in a third detection, several navigation signals from different satellites are measured, and evaluated to estimate the error of the entity and the error made in the error estimation process. Integrity problems which are detectable in the first and second detections are taken into account only if it is probable that they occur during the third detection, and have not been discovered during the first and second detection.
US07924212B2
A method of detecting human presence includes using a radar sensor to monitor a space, and receiving an output signal from the radar sensor. A Fourier transform is performed on the output signal to produce a signal spectrum. It is decided whether the output signal is indicative of human activity dependent upon at least one acoustic feature of the signal spectrum and at least one spectral feature of the signal spectrum.
US07924209B2
A self-calibration circuit and method for capacitors are provided. A capacitor array is calibrated to approximate a reference capacitor according to an average parameter generated by calibrating the capacitor array multiple times. Since the capacitance of the compensation capacitor required to be connected to the target capacitor in parallel is determined according to the average parameter generated by performing the calibration multiple times, the error caused by a single calibration can be reduced, and meanwhile the calibration error caused by a reference voltage error or noise is reduced.
US07924208B2
A low-power communication interface, such as used with 10 Gigabit Ethernet, that uses an analog front end having a charge-domain analog-to-digital converter that uses a charge-domain pipeline.
US07924197B1
A method for reducing current consumption of digital-to-analog conversion includes: monitoring logical states of a set of differential digital inputs, wherein the set of differential digital inputs are utilized for controlling at least one tri-state current Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) cell of a tri-state current DAC, and the tri-state current DAC cell has a positive output current state, a zero output current state and a negative output current state; and when the logical states of the set of differential digital inputs instruct the tri-state current DAC cell should output no positive/negative current, controlling the tri-state current DAC cell to switch to the zero output current state, temporarily decreasing a direct current passing through a middle path of the tri-state current DAC cell. An associated tri-state current DAC is also provided, where the tri-state current DAC includes: the at least one tri-state current DAC cell; and a control device.
US07924194B2
A differential sigma delta modulator operates by modulating an input signal by intermittently coupling a reference signal to the input signal using one or more switches controlled by one or more feedback signals and a respective one or more non-overlapping clock signals. The modulated input signal is integrated using an integration capacitor to form an integrated value and the integrated value is compared to a threshold to form the one or more feedback signals. Parasitic capacitance of the one or more switches is initialized to an initial value prior to each intermittent coupling of the reference signal to the input signal using another non-overlapping clock signal.
US07924193B2
An embodiment of the invention relates to an all-digital spread spectrum clock generator comprising a phase detector, a time-to-digital converting unit, a digital loop filter, a delta-sigma modulator and a digital controlled oscillator. The phase detector receives a reference signal and a clock feedback signal to output first and second difference signals. The time-to-digital converting unit comprises timing amplifier to receive and amply the first and second difference signals to generate digital data. The digital loop filter receives and accumulates digital data to output first and second digital data. The delta-sigma modulator receives the second digital data to generate a resolution tuning word. The digital controlled oscillator adjusts its frequency of output clock signal according to the first difference signal, the second difference signal and the first digital data, and adjusts a resolution of the digital controlled oscillator according to the resolution tuning word.
US07924190B2
A CLK generating section of a digital ALC generates a multiplication clock signal that is obtained by multiplying a triangular wave generated at a triangular wave generating circuit. On the basis of the multiplication clock signal, a signal converting section converts a one-bit digital audio signal outputted from an outputting stage into a multi-bit digital signal, and monitors a voltage value of an input signal. A level controlling section controls a voltage level on the basis of a target level inputted from an exterior of an LSI. On the basis of a control signal inputted from an exterior of the LSI, a volume controlling section outputs, to a PGA, a gain adjusting signal so as to vary a waveform of an input signal.
US07924184B1
An integrated circuit (e.g., a programmable integrated circuit such as a programmable microcontroller, a programmable logic device, etc.) includes programmable circuitry and a channel of high-speed serial data signal interface (e.g., transceiver) circuitry. To facilitate enabling the integrated circuit to support any of many possible different high-speed serial communication protocols, the channel is hard-wired to include a parallel data bus of fixed width for exchanging parallel data with the programmable circuitry. Regardless of the protocol being implemented, the full width of this bus is always used. A portion of the programmable circuitry is programmed to convert data between the block width and a group width, which can be different from the block width and which is used for the data elsewhere in the integrated circuit.
US07924173B2
The invention provides a system for providing geographic information. The system includes a mobile unit having a first geographic database and a base unit having a second geographic database that is more up-to-date than the first geographic database. The base unit receives a request from a mobile unit for updated geographic data. The base unit identifies a portion of the second geographic database that corresponds to the request and provides a response to the mobile unit comprising the identified portion of the second geographic database.
US07924167B2
Remote control code filtering techniques are disclosed that are suitable for use in a remote control code relaying system. A portion of a received remote control code is compared with corresponding portions of stored remote control codes. The received remote control code can be filtered based on the comparison. The filtering can comprise outputting the received remote control code or a portion thereof, discarding the received remote control code, or adding a new remote control code to the stored remote control codes. The remote control code can be received from a network or from a hardware interface (e.g., which converts an electromagnetic remote control signal to the remote control code). The received remote control code can be output to a network or to a hardware interface for subsequent transmission of an electromagnetic remote control signal. Filtering can occur before or after the network.
US07924163B1
A cordless pressure pad connected to a bed pad transmitter for centralized monitoring by a central bed monitor receiving and alarm unit. When a monitored person gets up from bed, the pad transmitter sends a coded RF signal matched to a particular bed monitor unit, and it then triggers an alarm; when the person sits or lays back down, the pad transmitter sends a signal to the monitor to reset. Multiple pads can be linked to a single bed monitor.
US07924161B1
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for determining when a set of RFID tags on a set of objects belongs to a same defined subset of objects (“set identification”). This method includes the steps of: (1) detecting the set of RFID tags on the set of objects, said RFID tags comprising integrated devices capable of sending signals that can be received by a receptor device and interpreted to determine a motion state of each RFID tag and object; (2) receiving said signals from the set of RFID tags; (3) interpreting said signals to determine the motion state of each RFID tag and object within the set, wherein said signals indicate whether the motion state of each RFID tag and object is in a state of stationary, starting in motion, stopping in motion, or continuing in motion; (4) determining which RFID tags and objects are in a same motion state within a predetermined time of each other; and (5) identifying the RFID tags that are in the same motion state, within the predetermined time, as belonging to the same defined subset of objects.
US07924159B2
The present invention involves a system and method of remotely detecting the presence of a wafer comprising, a passive RFID circuit, wherein the RFID circuit is attached to an end of a transfer arm located inside a vacuum chamber of an ion implantation system, a reader located outside the vacuum chamber, and wherein the RFID tag provides an indication relating to whether or not a wafer is secured by the transfer arm.
US07924158B2
A method and wireless communication device are provided for managing information associated with purchases of active lifestyle products. The method includes receiving a notification (704) indicating a purchase transaction associated with at least one radio frequency ID enabled item. The notification is analyzed (706) and in response to the analyzing a user identifier corresponding to a user related to the purchase transaction is determined (708). A radio frequency ID associated with the at least one radio frequency ID enabled item is also determined (710). A wireless device (104) associated with the user is identified based on the user identifier (712). An information set associated with the at least one radio frequency ID enabled item is transmitted (714) to the wireless device (104). The information set includes at least the radio frequency ID associated with the at least one radio frequency ID enabled item.
US07924157B2
An integrated document holder and RFID tag device is disclosed herein. The document holder may take the form of a shipping envelope which is affixed to an item and carries documents related to the item such as a packing list or shipping manifest. The device includes an RFID tag integrated into the shipping envelope which allows both the RFID tag and the shipping envelope to be affixed to the item in a single labor effort.
US07924156B2
Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. Some of these one or more switches are optionally wireless. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments, switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account.
US07924155B2
A method of sensing motion in a predetermined area is provided. The method may include using a digital output motion sensor to produce a digital output signal indicative of the presence of motion in the predetermined area. The method may further include transmitting the digital output signal along a signal path independent of analog amplification and filtering. The method may also include using a microprocessor coupled to the signal path to receive the digital output signal and to process the digital output signal.
US07924152B1
An article of footwear contains an integrated video gaming apparatus, a cellular phone, and a GPS receiver, whereby the footwear is able to encode and transmit its own location to a central monitoring station, along with a cell phone number (or other unique identifier) of a remote person. Using the encoded location information of the wearer of the footwear, and the encoded cell phone number of the remote person, the central monitoring station is able to look up the nearest street address corresponding to the location of the wearer and send an SMS text message with that address to the remote person. If the remote person is wearing the inventive footwear, the central monitoring station can send the remote person the street address of the wearer, or route information, with or without map data, for display on their video gaming device, such that they can “intercept” to meet up with one another.
US07924150B2
A wireless sensor network for wirelessly monitoring a medical subject includes a plurality of sensor nodes (22, 24, 26, 122, 124, 126). Each sensor node includes a wireless transceiver (46) for sending and receiving wireless messages, a sensor (40, 42, 130, 132, 140, 142) monitoring a characteristic of the medical subject, and a processor (50). The processor is programmed to at least perform an authentication method including: (i) acquiring sensor data via the sensor for a predetermined time (76) responsive to receiving a wireless trigger message; (ii) storing an association code (60, 150, 152, 160, 162) computed from the acquired sensor data; and (iii) authenticating a subsequently received wireless message containing an association code tag by comparing the association code tag with the stored association code. The processor further attaches the stored association code as the association code tag in messages sent to other sensors.
US07924148B2
A tire pressure monitoring system includes a receiver for processing signals and alerting an operator of the vehicle should conditions within any of the tires fall outside a desired range. The transmitters within the tires emit shorter transmission signals during operation by eliminating transmission of the identification code. The receiver stores the identifier for each transmitter for comparison to subsequent transmissions. Subsequent transmissions do not include the identifier. The receiver combines the saved identifier with the value provided in the check portion of the incoming transmission. If the combination of the saved identifier with the value provided in the check portion meets a defined criteria, than the signal is recognized as originating from one of the transmitters.
US07924146B2
A substantially transparent windscreen head up display includes a display having one of light emitting particles or microstructures over a predefined region of the windscreen permitting luminescent display while permitting vision through the windscreen. A method to represent graphical images upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display of a vehicle alerting to pedestrian traffic includes monitoring informational inputs detecting a location of a pedestrian, monitoring data related to a location of the eyes of an occupant of the vehicle, determining a graphical image to register the location of the pedestrian upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display based upon the informational inputs and the data related to the location of the eyes of an occupant, and displaying the graphical image upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display.
US07924144B2
An apparatus for producing an electrosensory sensation to a body member (120). The apparatus comprises one or more conducting electrodes (106), each of which is provided with an insulator (108). When the body member (120) is proximate to the conducting electrode, the insulator prevents flow of direct current from the conducting electrode to the body member. A capacitive coupling over the insulator (108) is formed between the conducting electrode (106) and the body member (120). The conducting electrodes are driven by an electrical input which comprises a low-frequency component (114) in a frequency range between 10 Hz and 500 Hz. The capacitive coupling and electrical input are dimensioned to produce an electrosensory sensation. The apparatus is capable of producing the electrosensory sensation independently of any mechanical vibration of the one or more conducting electrodes (106) or insulators (108).
US07924143B2
A system for providing tactile feedback for an input device in an electronic device is provided. The system comprises: an input device having a first input region for receiving a user action from the user; a surface associated with the input device and covering at least a part of the first input region; an input signal generator associated with the input device; and a physical feature associated with the input region. The physical feature is located on the surface, provides a second input region for receiving the user action and provides a tactile feedback sense to the user when the user contacts the second region. The input signal generator generates a first input signal when the user touches the first input region while not touching second input region and generates a second input signal when the user touches simultaneously the first and the second input regions.
US07924126B2
A superconducting magnet includes an insulating layer disposed about the surface of a mandrel; a superconducting wire wound in adjacent turns about the mandrel to form the superconducting magnet, wherein the superconducting wire is in thermal communication with the mandrel, and the superconducting magnet has a field-to-current ratio equal to or greater than 1.1 Tesla per Ampere; a thermally conductive potting material configured to fill interstices between the adjacent turns, wherein the thermally conductive potting material and the superconducting wire provide a path for dissipation of heat; and a voltage limiting device disposed across each end of the superconducting wire, wherein the voltage limiting device is configured to prevent a voltage excursion across the superconducting wire during quench of the superconducting magnet.
US07924125B2
A stop lamp switch including: an enclosure; a reed switch disposed in the enclosure; a magnet, disposed in the enclosure, a magnetic field of which opens and closes the contacts of the reed switch; an actuating shaft that is movable along an axial direction of the enclosure; a blocking member provided on the actuating shaft, that moves with the movement of the actuating shaft, between a first position, at which the magnetic field from the magnet directed toward the first reed switch is blocked, and a second position, at which the blocking of the magnetic field from the magnet directed toward the first reed switch is no longer blocked.
US07924124B2
Electrical switching device, especially a high-frequency switching device, with at least one oblong electrical switching element, which is arranged with one contact end between two fixed-contact elements spaced a transverse distance from one another and can be moved by two adjustment elements forming a transverse movement drive transversely to a longitudinal direction optionally towards the one or the other fixed-contact element. The adjustment elements are disposed laterally alongside the switching element and can be moved transversely to and from the switching element. In order to improve the transverse movement drive for the switching element, the switching element-comprises magnetic material, wherein the adjustment elements are formed by magnets.
US07924123B2
An electromagnetic relay has a solenoid formed from a wound coil, a movable contact-point block having a movable iron core, an insulation holder integrated with the upper end portion of the movable iron core and a movable contact piece which is biased toward and supported by the insulation holder through a contact pressing spring, and a fixed iron core fitted in a through hole in a yoke. A restoring spring is inserted into an axial hole of the solenoid. The movable iron core of the movable contact-point block is slidably inserted into the axial hole of the solenoid from thereabove. The fixed iron core is inserted into the axial hole from therebelow. The movable iron core is adapted to be slid into the axial hole based on the magnetization force and the demagnetization of the coil to move the movable contact-point block back and forth.
US07924114B2
A method of constructing a band-stop filter comprises designing a band-stop filter including a signal transmission path, resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path, and non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stopband having transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements. The method further comprises changing the order in which the resonant elements are disposed along the signal transmission path to create different filter solutions, computing a performance parameter for each filter solution, comparing the performance parameters to each other, selecting one of the filter solutions based on this comparison, and constructing the band-stop filter using the selected filter solution. Another RF band-stop filter comprises resonant elements coupled together to form a stopband, wherein at least two of the resonant elements have third order IMD components different from each other, such that the IMD components are asymmetrical about the stopband.
US07924112B2
A balun includes a first, second, and third metallic layers, a first dielectric layer disposed between the second and third metallic layers, and a dielectric substrate. The second metallic layer includes a first spiral line having sequentially connected first line segments and a second spiral line having sequentially connected second line segments. A first distance between each two opposite sides of a first region encircled by the innermost first line segments is greater than a second distance between each two adjacent parallel first line segments. A third distance between each two opposite sides of a second region encircled by the innermost second line segments is greater than a fourth distance between each two adjacent parallel second line segments. The third metallic layer includes a third and a fourth spiral lines. The first metallic layer and other elements as a whole are disposed on an opposite surface of the dielectric substrate.
US07924109B2
Provided is a MEMS oscillation circuit which performs temperature compensation of a MEMS resonator with a simple circuit, which is mild so that an output clock does not have jitter, and which makes the range of fluctuations of a reference frequency from a reference value equivalent to a range of digital processing. The MEMS oscillator includes a MEMS resonator, a temperature measurement unit for measuring a temperature and outputting a detected voltage corresponding to the temperature, and a bias voltage control circuit for applying the MEMS resonator with a bias voltage which changes the resonant frequency of the MEMS resonator in a manner opposite to a change of the resonant frequency of the MEMS resonator due to temperature change correspondingly to the detected voltage.
US07924105B2
The present invention relates to a method for the detection of a predamping state of an inductive sensor. The sensor has at least one oscillator with a resonant circuit and an oscillation amplifier. According to the method the oscillatory response of the oscillator is analyzed with an operating amplification or gain. According to the invention the method is further developed in that the oscillatory behavior of the oscillator is additionally analyzed for an analysis amplification or gain, which is chosen lower than the operating amplification. The analysis amplification is also chosen in such a way that the oscillatory response of the oscillator reacts sensitively to objects or articles located in close proximity to the sensor. The invention also relates to an inductive sensor with predamping detection.
US07924100B2
A communication device uses a local clock generator to regenerate the carrier frequency of the reference signal from a remote communication. In particular, a closed loop is used to self-calibrate the local pulse till the frequency is fixed to be within a fixed frequency margin. Once the local pulse is obtained, the demodulator will use the local pulse to demodulate the reference signal to generate the data signal.
US07924099B2
A hybrid numeric-analog clock synchronizer, for establishing a clock or carrier locked to a timing reference. The clock may include a framing component. The reference may have a low update rate. The synchronizer achieves high jitter rejection, low phase noise and wide frequency range. It can be integrated on chip. It may comprise a numeric time-locked loop (TLL) with an analog phase-locked loop (PLL). Moreover a high-performance number-controlled oscillator (NCO), for creating an event clock from a master clock according to a period control signal. It processes edge times rather than period values, allowing direct control of the spectrum and peak amplitude of the justification jitter. Moreover a combined clock-and-frame asynchrony detector, for measuring the phase or time offset between composite signals. It responds e.g. to event clocks and frame syncs, enabling frame locking with loop bandwidths greater than the frame rate.
US07924093B2
An amplifier arrangement comprises a signal input (Iin+, Iin−) to receive a signal to be amplified, a signal output (Out) to provide an amplified signal, an amplifier stage (AS) coupled between the signal input (Iin+, Iin−) and the signal output (Out), a switchable dynamic biasing stage (DB) with an input coupled to the signal input (Iin+, Iin−), a switchable gain boosting stage (GB) with an input coupled to the signal input (Iin+, Iin−), and a switching device (SD) coupled to the amplifier stage (AS) such that either an output of the switchable dynamic biasing stage (DB) or an output of the switchable gain boosting stage (GB) are coupled to the amplifier stage (AS). In one embodiment, by enabling the switchable dynamic biasing stage (DB) in an initial large-signal phase of amplification and the switchable gain boosting stage (GB) in a latter small-signal phase of amplification by means of the switching device (SD), high gain and low current consumption are simultaneously realised. Furthermore, a method for signal amplification is disclosed.
US07924091B2
The invention relates to a class-D audio amplifier. The class-D audio amplifier is configured in a current feedback mode as a voltage-controlled current source and a passive inductor/capacitor (LC) reconstruction filter. A portion of the passive LC reconstruction filter is situated in a feedback loop to an error amplifier.
US07924090B2
An amplifying device for setting input impedance at several GΩ to several tens of GΩ and improving an ESD withstand current rating is provided.An ECM is connected to an input terminal 21 and frequency characteristics become flat to a voice band by high input impedance of a CMOS amplifier 20 and the input impedance is set at several GΩ to several tens of GΩ and thereby, response time after detecting a loud voice or turning on a power source of the ECM is speeded up and desired electrical characteristics are achieved. A path for releasing a surge voltage which occurs during assembly in the outside of an IC and intrudes from the input terminal 21 to a power source terminal or an earth terminal without an influence on a signal (20 Hz to 20 kHz) of a voice band entering from the input terminal 21 can be constructed by connecting a P-channel MOS transistor 27 and an N-channel MOS transistor 28 as an ESD protective element.
US07924082B2
A driving circuit of a switch includes first and second transistors connected in series to each other and to relative intrinsic diodes in antiseries and driven by a driving device that includes at least one first and one second output terminal connected to the switch to supply it with a first control signal for driving the switch in a first working state and a second control signal for driving the switch in a second working state. At least one latch circuit coupled between respective common gate and source terminals of the first and second transistors supplies the common gate terminal with the first and second control signals, respectively, according to the working state to turn off and turn on the first and second transistors. The latch circuit comprises at least one flip-flop coupled to the common source terminal and having a reset terminal coupled to the first output terminal of the driving device and to the common source terminal by means of a reset resistance, a set terminal coupled to the second output terminal of the driving device and to the common source terminal by means of a set resistance and an output terminal coupled to the common gate terminal. The latch circuit further includes an activation circuit connected to the set and reset terminals of the flip-flop and to the common source terminal in order to dynamically short-circuit the set and reset resistances during the falling edges of the signal applied to the switch.
US07924075B2
A delay locked loop capable of preventing delay locking time from being increased, even if the operational environment fluctuates. The delay locked loop circuit includes a delay line for delaying and outputting a reference clock signal, a phase detection unit for detecting a phase difference between the reference clock signal and an output signal of the delay line and then outputting a phase detection signal and a first delay mode decision signal, a control unit for outputting a delay control signal to control the delay line according to the phase detection signal and a second delay mode decision signal, and an error decision unit for detecting an error of the first delay mode decision signal according to the delay control signal and the output signal of the delay line and outputting the second delay mode decision signal according to a result of the error detection.
US07924074B2
A delay control circuit in which steady phase error can be eliminated has a first variable delay circuit and a first phase control circuit. The delay control circuit further includes a second variable delay circuit disposed in either a first or second clock path, and a second phase control circuit arranged so as to form an additional feedback loop, which is for canceling steady phase error produced by the first phase control circuit, with respect to the first clock path or second clock path using a delay value applied to the second variable delay circuit.
US07924072B2
A PLL-based frequency translator provides a divider augmented with a sigma delta modulator (SDM) in a reference path. The system may include two primary functional blocks—an input PLL with its reference path containing an integer divider coupled with a SDM (a fractional frequency divider), and an output PLL with its feedback path containing an integer divider coupled with a SDM (a fractional frequency multiplier). The combination of an integer divider and an SDM yields a fractional divider that divides by N+F/M, where N is the integer portion of the division and F/M is the fractional portion of the division, with M denoting the fractional modulus. Furthermore, since it is desirable to have programmable division factors, it is beneficial to define N, F and M as integers as this simplifies a programming interface when the frequency translator is manufactured as an integrated circuit.
US07924067B2
A low-current input buffer is disclosed. The buffer uses self-biased N and P channel differential pairs with their outputs tied together. The self-biasing assists in reducing current consumption. The combination of N and P-channel differential pairs results in symmetry across a wide range of reference and supply voltages.
US07924066B2
An output buffer utilizes capacitive feedback to control the output slew rate largely independent of load capacitance. The invention slows the rising and falling slew rates and via a capacitance feedback reduces the effect of load capacitance on slew rate, and uses no DC current. Transistor switches are employed to isolate and reduce noise and interaction among the circuit components and functions.
US07924061B2
A clock failure detection circuit comprises clock failure detection logic having a clock input providing an input clock signal, a counter and a reference clock input providing a reference clock signal to the counter for counting a number of reference clock cycles. The counter comprises a reset input arranged to receive successive reset pulses generated by at least one clock edge of the input clock signal to reset a counter value of the counter. The counter value before reset is used to identify a clock frequency error. A method of detecting a clock failure is also described. By using a counter value based on the reference clock cycles, and a reset trigger based on a clock edge of the input signal, it is possible to identify a clock frequency error in a much shorter time.
US07924057B2
DPA-resistant logic circuits and routing are described. An architecture and methodology are suitable for integration in a common automated EDA design tool flow. The architecture and design methodology can be used in logic circuits, gate arrays, FPGAs, cryptographic processors, etc. In one embodiment, the implementation details of how to create a secure encryption module can be hidden from the designer. The designer is thus, able to write the code for the design of DPA-resistant logic circuits using the same design techniques used for conventional logic circuits. Contrary to other complicated DPA -blocking techniques, the designer does not need specialized knowledge and understanding of the methodology. In one embodiment, the automated design flow generates a secure design from a Verilog or VHDL netlist. The resulting encryption module has a relatively constant power consumption that does not depend on the input signals and is thus relatively independent of which logic operations are performed.
US07924053B1
A logic cluster for a field programmable gate array integrated circuit device is disclosed. The cluster comprises a plurality of functional blocks and three levels of routing multiplexers. External signals enter the logic cluster primarily at the third level multiplexers with a few signals entering at the second level. Combinational outputs are fed back into the first and second level multiplexers while sequential outputs are fed back into the third level multiplexers. The logic function generators have permutable inputs with varying propagation delays. Routing signals between the first and second level multiplexers are grouped into speed classes and coupled to first level multiplexers associated with different logic function generators according to their speed class. Second and third level multiplexers are organized into groups such that routing signals between the second and third level multiplexers can be localized within the area occupied by the group. Groups are pitch matched to logic function generators to optimize and modularize area. Provision is made for global and local control of the sequential elements.
US07924051B2
A computer program product in a computer-readable medium for use in a microcontroller-based control system in a programmable logic integrated circuit device. The computer program product comprises first instructions for initializing the device, second instructions for reading programming data from a data source external to the programmable logic integrated circuit device, third instructions for transferring the programming data into control elements internal to the device. Provision is made for fourth instructions for saving a part of the internal logic state of the user logic programmed into the device into a non-volatile memory block and for fifth instructions for restoring a part of the internal logic state of the user logic programmed into the device from a non-volatile memory block. The device comprises a microcontroller block and a programmable logic block with programming circuitry, and has a sub-bus which couples the microcontroller block to the programming circuitry.
US07924049B1
Provided is a method and system to transmit data to a configurable integrated circuit that features delaying a capture edge of a clock signal at a data latch to synchronize the receipt of data at the data latch that was transmitted in response to a storage device receiving a launch edge of the clock signal. The method includes transmitting the clock signal having the launch edge and the capture edge to the storage device. The data is launched from the storage device to the integrated circuit in response to the storage device sensing the launch edge. Receipt of the capture edge at the data latch is delayed for a predetermined time to compensate for a delay between transmitting the launch edge and launching the data to ensure the data is latched by the data latch. Also disclosed is a system that carries out the function of the method.
US07924044B2
A semiconductor chip including an embedded comparator is provided with an on-chip test circuit for the comparator. The test circuit includes an analog input unit which, during a test mode of the chip, produces a range of analog voltage signals that are applied to a first input of the comparator and a threshold voltage signal that is applied to a second input of the comparator. A switch control unit is provided to control the application of a predetermined sequential pattern of these analog voltage signals to the first input of the comparator in synchrony with a clock signal supplied to the switch control unit during a predetermined test period. A digital measurement unit is provided to receive output signals from the comparator during the test period in response to the input patterns, to compare the output signals with the clock signal, and to measure and to store data relating thereto.
US07924043B2
In a method of testing a device under test (DUT) using a test device adapted to provide a connection to a central controller, a test procedure activation signal is supplied from the central controller to the test device. A test procedure for testing the DUT is performed on the basis of test procedure data, upon receipt of the test procedure activation signal. The test procedure is adjustable upon receipt of a feedback signal from the DUT. The test procedure is adjusted by 1) receiving a feedback signal from the DUT, 2) determining from the feedback signal properties of a physical connection between the test device and the DUT, and 3) adjusting the test procedure to modify the test signal and compensate for the properties of the physical connection between the test device and the DUT.
US07924042B2
A design method for automatically determining layout of a multilayer semiconductor device which has circuit blocks formed on a semiconductor substrate and measurement terminals for measuring voltage, logic state, or the like, on wiring lines for connecting the circuit blocks. The method includes the steps of registering measurement terminals as cells in design rules, together with the circuit blocks wherein each measurement terminal has an electrode formed in an uppermost layer of the semiconductor device, and the measurement terminal is connectable to a wiring line for connecting any two of the circuit blocks, which is formed in any layer of the semiconductor device; planar-arranging the measurement terminals and the circuit blocks; and establishing connection of each wiring line, which extends from one of the circuit blocks, via one of the measurement terminals.
US07924039B2
The present invention relates to a self-cleaning package testing socket, which comprises a base plate, a surround wall is configured on the periphery of the base plate and surrounding with a central testing tank inside. Two transversal channels respectively disposed at two opposite sides of the surround wall. Each transversal channel comprises a nozzle tube between inlet and outlet; the nozzle tube radially connects two bypass pipes. Herewith, the testing tank through the bypass pipes connected to the nozzle tubes of the transversal channels. Hence, when passing air into one end of the each transversal channel, it will cause the airflow rate inside the nozzle tube to speed up, so that the pressure inside the bypass pipes will reduce, and the testing tank results a vacuum-clean effect. Therefore, the present invention can be on-line self-cleaning the test socket.
US07924038B2
A probe having an alignment mark that is hardly influenced by scraps of an electrode scraped by a probe tip is provided. A probe according to the present invention comprises a base portion having an attaching end and extending in a direction distanced from the attaching end, an arm portion extending from the base portion laterally with a space in the extending direction of the base portion from the attaching end, a probe tip portion protruded from the arm portion and having a probe tip formed on its protruding end, and an alignment mark for alignment of the probe tip. The arm portion has a flat surface area on the opposite side of a side where the attaching end of the base portion is located when seen along the extending direction of the arm portion. The probe tip portion is formed to be protruded from the flat surface area, and the alignment mark is constituted by at least a part of the flat surface area.
US07924036B2
The present invention provides a contactor assembly (100,200,300) for testing of semiconductor devices (DUT). The contactor assembly (100,200,300) includes a plurality of probes (20,22,24), a contactor holder (150,350) and a cover (180,280) shaped and dimensioned to fit on the contactor holder (150,350). The contactor holder (150,350) is a stack of laminates. A top laminate (156,256) of the contactor holder (150,350) has apertures (158,258). A contact probe (22) is seen through one aperture (158,258). On a rear face of the cover (180,280), there is at least one conductive pad (186) in register with an aperture (158,258). Each aperture (158,258) is operable to house a surface-mount electric component (160), such as a resistor, capacitor or inductor, and a conductive compressive element (162). In another embodiment, a front side of a cover (280) has a connector (285) in electrical communication with a conductive pad (186). In use, a signal in one probe (22) is operable to be: coupled to a signal in another probe; filtered from a separate probe; or compensated for impedance, capacitance or inductance; such coupling, filtering or compensating is made possible by series and/or parallel connection of the electric component (160).
US07924033B2
A compensation tool and process is provided for calibrating each test position located at a plurality of test modules of an electronic testing machine to a standardized value. Each test module is located on an angularly spaced radial line extending from an associated central axis and has a plurality of contacts for testing electronic components. The compensation tool can include a body having an axis of rotation coaxially alignable with the central axis for rotation to different angular positions and a component-support member operably associated with the body for indexing movement to selectively align a pocket with different contacts associated with each test position located at each of the plurality of test modules. The pocket of the component-support member receives an electronic component with terminated ends extending outwardly to allow electrical contact and testing of each test position located at each the plurality of test modules.
US07924021B2
The function of a lamp circuit is tested by measuring the current and voltage. A resistance value is taken into account which is specified as a polynomial of at least the 1st order depending on the effective measured voltage on the lamp circuit. The parameters of the polynomial are determined by a quantity of measurements which correspond to the order of the polynomial, under operating conditions which are known to differ, and the specific resistance value or a value derived from it are compared with a specified value.
US07924016B2
A pair of measuring switches S21, S22 is interposed between both terminals of a capacitor C, and inputs T1, T2 of A/D converters 11c, 11d via resistors R1, R2. A pair of measuring switches S23, S24 is interposed between both inputs T1, T2 and a ground. The CPU 12a controls the measuring switches S21 to S24 so that when a terminal “a” of the capacitor C is positive charged, while the other terminal “b” of the capacitor C is grounded, both terminals “a” and “b” are respectively connected to the inputs T1 and T2. The CPU 12a controls the measuring switches S21 to S24 so that when the terminal “b” of the capacitor C is positive charged, while the terminal “a” of the capacitor C is grounded, both terminals “a” and “b” are respectively connected to the inputs T1 and T2.
US07924010B2
An apparatus and method for supporting a magnetic resonance imaging magnet are provided. The apparatus includes a magnet coil support structure having a main former body with a plurality of channels and an end flange at each end of the main former body. The end flanges are reinforced with a strengthening material at least at corner regions of the end flanges.
US07924006B2
The nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of a sample, which is a target material analyzed, and changes in relaxation times of nuclear magnetic resonance signals are measured while the sample is irradiated with terahertz waves containing frequency components corresponding to peak portions of absorption or reflectance spectrum of the sample. On the basis of the changes in relaxation times, the relationship between peak portions and information about a three-dimensional structure, conformational alteration, molecular relaxation, and the like is observed, the peak portions being in the absorption or reflectance spectrum in the terahertz range of the sample.
US07923999B2
A microelectromechanical modulating magnetic device comprising: a base; a magnetic transducer that provides an output in response to a magnetic field associated with the base; at least one movable flux concentrator positioned to move relative to the magnetic transducer; at least one flux collector positioned to collect flux for transfer onto at least one movable flux concentrator; which transfers the magnetic flux to the magnetic transducer for detection and measurement purposes; support structure for enabling the at least one movable flux concentrators to move within a predetermined frequency range; a power source for causing the movable flux concentrators to move at a frequency within the predetermined frequency range; whereby magnetic flux may enter through the flux collector, pass through the at least one movable flux concentrator for transfer to the magnetic transducer, and due to the movement of the movable flux concentrator, the signal outputted from the transducer is modulated.
US07923998B2
A sensor device has a sensor assembly with at least one sensor element, an additional sensor assembly having at least one additional sensor element, and a switch-in element which couples the additional sensor assembly to the sensor assembly responsive to a switch-in signal to obtain an overall sensor assembly having a reduced power demand.
US07923967B2
A method controls a battery pack that includes a rechargeable battery, a control circuit that controls charge operation of the battery, and a charge control element that controls the charge current through the control circuit. In the method, even though the control circuit controls the charge control element so that the charge control element turns to OFF, in a case where the charge current is detected, the control circuit determines that abnormality occurs if detecting that the current flows at a rate not less than a first current value during a first detection period, and additionally determines that abnormality occurs if detecting a state the current flows at a rate less than the first current value for a second detection period longer than the first detection period.
US07923966B2
Battery control device, battery control method, power source control device and electronic apparatus
A battery control device 1 has an electric circuit control unit 6 controlling a power supply; a voltage measuring unit 7 measuring a voltage; a current measuring unit 8 measuring an electric current; and a power source control unit 9, wherein the power source control unit 9 measures a first voltage defined as the voltage of the battery 4 and a first current defined as the current of the battery 4 in a state where the battery 4 supplies electric power to the load 3, measures a second voltage defined as the voltage of the battery 4 in a state where the supply of the electric power to the load 3 from the battery 4 is cut off, and calculates internal impedance of the battery 4 by dividing a value, obtained in a way that subtracts the first voltage from the second voltage, by the first current.
US07923965B2
A method for coupling an energy storage system to a variable energy supply system includes providing an energy storage system including at least one Vanadium redox battery and at least one battery charge controller. The method also includes electrically coupling the at least one battery charge controller to the variable energy supply system such that the at least one battery is configured to supply a substantially consistent energy output during fluctuating energy loads of the energy supply system.
US07923964B2
A charger adapted for charging a mobile phone includes a base defining a cavity and a rotatable module having a main body. The rotatable module is pivotally disposed in the cavity. The main body has a basic portion and an engaging portion which substantially perpendicularly extends from one end of the basic portion. An output connector is disposed in the engaging portion and extends out of the engaging portion towards the other end of the basic portion to define a mating direction substantially parallel with the basic portion. When the charger is in an opened state for charging, the basic portion is rotated to a predetermined place and the output connector is therefore located out of the cavity; when the mobile phone is taken away from the charger, the output connector returns into the cavity.
US07923963B2
In order to improve the charging efficiency of a charging apparatus including a photovoltaic generator such as a solar battery, a charging apparatus includes: a battery which is rechargeable; a photovoltaic generator generating electric power in response to received light; and a generative charging portion supplying the electric power generated by the photovolaic generator to the battery. The generative charging portion includes: a control portion which controls current in the direction from the battery to the photovoltaic generator; and a voltage regulation portion which regulates voltage of the electric power supplied from the photovoltaic generator to the battery and is connected to the control portion in series.
US07923957B2
A control method for motor driver includes: outputting a first signal from the controller to the first motor driver; making the first timer start to count for a first time; returning a first feedback signal from the first motor driver to the controller; dividing a value of a first count time of the first timer by two to get a value of a first delay time, wherein the first delay time is defined as the time of transmitting signals from the controller to the first motor driver; adding the value of the first delay time to the value of the first count time of the first timer to get a first sum; and transferring the first sum to the second timer to replace a value of a count time of the second timer.
US07923952B2
A device for controlling a polyphase rotating machine, the machine comprising a stator, a rotor, and sensors, the device being capable of receiving: at least one first sensing signal (U; V; W) representing a position of the rotor relative to the stator and output by a first sensor; and a second sensing signal (V; W; U) representing the position and phase-shifted relative to the first signal and output by a second sensor. The control device comprises: means (K, R) for combining the first and second sensing signals into a combined signal, the means including at least one controlled switching element capable adopting at least in two states, the combined signal being based on a state of the first element and enabling the machine to be controlled.
US07923951B2
An ECU executes a program including the steps of: calculating regenerative power value P based on a brake pressure; calculating limit charging power WIN(B) to a battery; calculating limit charging power WIN(C) to a capacitor; when it is determined that regenerative power value P is larger than the sum of WIN(B) and WIN(C), estimating that a large regenerative energy sufficient to fully charge the capacitor even if the battery is charged with priority would be generated; and transmitting a control signal to set output voltage of a boost converter to be not higher than the voltage of the capacitor so as to charge the battery with priority.
US07923950B2
A vehicle drive device includes an engine (200), a motor generator (MG1) driven by the engine (200) and generating power, a motor generator (MG2) driving the vehicle and generating electric power at the time of regenerative braking, a battery (B) capable of exchanging power to/from the motor generators (MG1, MG2), a temperature sensor (10) detecting temperature of the battery (B), and a controller (30) controlling the motor generators (MG1, MG2). If reduction in a required driving torque value of the motor generator (MG2) is detected, the controller changes start timing of regenerative braking by the motor generator (MG2) dependent on an output of the temperature sensor (10).
US07923948B2
A method for adjusting the residual light gap between slats of a motorized blind when oriented in a set closed position of the blind, where at least one closed position of the slats is set by automatic detection using detecting means, comprising the following steps: adjusting a detection criterion of the detecting means, performing anew automatic detection of the closed position with adjusted detection criterion, recording the new value of the detection criterion.
US07923946B2
A system for managing energy consumption in a heave-compensating drawworks includes a power supply, a winch drum connected to the power supply so as to receive power from the power supply, a flywheel connected to the winch drum and to the power supply, and a controller connected to the power supply and to the winch drum for passing energy to and from the flywheel during an operation of the winch drum. The flywheel includes a disk rotatably coupled to an AC motor. The power supply includes a first pair of AC motors operatively connected on one side of the winch drum and a second pair of AC motors operatively connected on an opposite side of the winch drum.
US07923944B2
A motor control processor is provided for motor phase current sampling of multiple variable frequency controlled electric motors, and includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and a controller. The A/D converter has multiple analog inputs and generates a digital output signal in response to the multiple analog inputs. The controller is coupled to the A/D converter and determines a maximum desired switching frequency for a first one of the multiple variable frequency controlled electric motors. The controller further selects a base period in response to the maximum desired switching frequency and defines a phase shift time delay as a fraction of the base period so the controller may control the multiple analog inputs of the A/D converter to sample motor phase currents of each of the multiple variable frequency controlled electric motors at sample times determined by the controller in response to the base period and the phase shift time delay.
US07923932B2
A high intensity arc discharge lamp having a short metal seal plug running hotter than typical of capillary seals, enables a lamp with a metal fill to achieve a vapor pressure higher than the one set by the cold spot temperature typically of a capillary seal lamp. Corrosive fill materials, such as halogens are excluded. Zinc may be used to in starting the lamp.
US07923931B2
A plasma display panel is disclosed. The plasma display panel includes a first panel including address electrodes, a first dielectric layer, and a phosphor layer formed on a first substrate, and a second panel bonded with the first panel by interposing barrier ribs therebetween, the second panel including a plurality of transparent electrodes and bus electrodes, a second dielectric layer, a first protective layer containing magnesium oxide doped with a crystalline oxide, and a second protective layer containing crystalline magnesium oxide.
US07923926B2
An organic electroluminescent panel has excellent reliability of luminance of emitted light, and an organic electroluminescent display device includes such an organic electroluminescent panel. The organic electroluminescent panel includes a structure in which the first electrode, an organic layer including at least a light-emitting layer, the second electrode are stacked in this order on a substrate having a surface on which an organic insulating film is formed, wherein the organic electroluminescent panel further includes an inorganic insulating film, the inorganic insulating film covers the organic insulating film and the first electrode, the inorganic insulating film has an opening in a display region and an opening in a non-display region, and the opening in the display region is formed on the first electrode.
US07923925B2
Electroluminescent (EL) devices structures are provided comprising a hot electron stopper layer structure to capture hot electrons and dissipate their energy, thereby reducing damage to the transparent conducting oxide (TCO) layer and reducing other hot electron effects, such as charging effects, which impact reliability of EL device structures. The stopper layer structure may comprise a single layer or multiple layers provided between the TCO electrode layer and the emitter structure, and may also function to reduce diffusion or chemical interactions between the TCO and the emitter layer structure. Optionally, stopper layers may also be provided within the emitter structure. Suitable stopper layer materials are wideband gap semiconductors or dielectrics, preferably transparent at wavelengths emitted by the EL device characterized by high impact ionization rates, and/or high relative permittivity relative to adjacent layers of the emitter structure.
US07923922B2
The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of forming an organic electric device that includes providing a plurality of carbon nanostructures; and dispersing the plurality of carbon nanostructures in a polymeric matrix to provide a polymeric composite, wherein when the plurality of carbon nanostructures are present at a first concentration an interface of the plurality of carbon nanostructures and the polymeric matrix is characterized by charge transport when an external energy is applied, and when the plurality of carbon nanostructures are present at a second concentration the interface of the plurality of carbon nanostructures and the polymeric matrix are characterized by exciton dissociation when an external energy is applied, wherein the first concentration is less than the second concentration.
US07923906B2
A ferroelectric film containing a perovskite type oxide represented by Formula (P) is formed on a substrate, which stands facing a target, by a sputtering technique under conditions of a height of a shield, which surrounds an outer periphery of the target on the substrate side in a non-contact state and comprises shielding layers superposed one upon another at intervals, such that a difference between a plasma potential and a floating potential is at most 35V, and under conditions such that a temperature of the substrate is at least 400° C.: (Pb1−x+δMx) (ZryTi1−y)O— (P) wherein M represents at least one kind of element selected from Bi and lanthanide elements, 0.05≦x≦0.4, and 0
US07923903B2
An inorganic film base plate is produced with a process comprising the steps of: preparing a surface recess-protrusion base plate, which is provided with a recess-protrusion pattern on a surface, and forming an inorganic film along a surface shape of the surface recess-protrusion base plate, the inorganic film containing a plurality of pillar-shaped structure bodies, each of which extends in a direction nonparallel with the base plate surface of the surface recess-protrusion base plate. Force of physical action may then be exerted upon the thus formed inorganic film in order to separate an on-protrusion film region of the inorganic film and an adjacent on-recess film region of the inorganic film from each other.
US07923896B2
A surface acoustic wave device including an SiO film has improved frequency temperature characteristics, prevents an increase in insertion loss, obtains a reflection coefficient of an electrode that is sufficiently high, and achieves more preferable resonant characteristics and filter characteristics. The surface acoustic wave device includes a LiNbO3 substrate having a plurality of grooves formed in an upper surface thereof, an IDT electrode primarily composed of Pt provided in the grooves, a SiO2 layer arranged so as to cover the upper surface of the LiNbO3 substrate and the IDT electrode, a surface of the SiO2 layer is planarized, a response of a Rayleigh wave is utilized, and Euler angles of the LiNbO3 substrate are in a range of (0°±5°, 208° to 228°, 0°±5°).
US07923893B2
A capacitive membrane ultrasound transducer is provided. Membranes or other microelectromechanical devices are provided in a 3-1 geometry, allowing application of an electric field substantially perpendicular to a range dimension. The membranes are on a plurality of different respective planes more parallel than perpendicular with each other, and the planes are more perpendicular than parallel with the faces of the elements or transducer.
US07923887B2
Disclosed herein is a brushless motor that is simply constructed based on a vernier type motor to achieve high torque without the increase in size and complication thereof. The brushless motor includes a rotor having magnetized surfaces alternately magnetized as N and S poles and a stator having salient poles. The salient poles have tip end surfaces opposite to the magnetized surfaces in the radial direction. Grooves and protrusions are alternately formed at the tip end surfaces of the salient poles in the rotational direction. The grooves and the protrusions extend in the axial direction and have a width in the rotational direction approximately equal to that of the N pole or the S pole. Magnetic bodies are disposed in gaps defined between the grooves and the magnetized surfaces in a non-contact fashion. A magnetic connection member is spaced apart from the stator to interconnect the magnetic bodies.
US07923882B2
A synchronous machine and a process for manufacturing a synchronous machine having permanent magnets arranged within the rotor such that the leak of magnetic flux generated by the magnets is reduced and having constructive characteristics that maximize the difference in the reluctances of direct axis and quadrature axis while providing the strength necessary for the good functioning of the equipment. Magnet-fixation grooves of the rotor are provided with elongated ends in a curved shape, a first elongated end extending from the first free end to a region adjacent the end of the rotor groove bottom, the first elongated end being configured from an opening in the rotor, forming reluctance-increase channels, a second elongated end of the fixation grooves being configured so as to form the reluctance-increase channel and extending from the respective second free-end portion toward the second free-end portion of the other fixation groove of the pair.
US07923874B2
A damper for an electric machine (10) includes a shaft (20) and at least one shaft segment (26) concentric about the shaft (20) and operably connected to the shaft (20). The at least one shaft segment (26) includes a plurality of shaft slots (38) extending through a wall (40) of the at least one shaft segment (26) to increase torsional compliance of the at least one shaft segment (26). A driveline mounted electric machine (10) includes at least one rotor (16) located at a central axis (18) of the electric machine (10) and a damper. The damper includes a shaft (20) in operable communication with the at least one rotor (16) and at least one shaft segment (26) concentric about the shaft (20) an operably connected thereto. The at least one shaft segment (26) includes a plurality of shaft slots (38) extending through a wall (40) of the at least one shaft segment (26) to increase torsional compliance of the at least one shaft segment (26).
US07923862B2
Systems and methods are provided for reactive power regulation and voltage support for renewable energy plants. In one embodiment, a system and method are provided for coordinating voltage and reactive power output of a plant with one or more requirements associated with a utility. The method can include generating a VAR regulator output signal based at least in part on a reactive power control signal received from a utility, controlling reactive power and voltage output of the one or more power sources based at least in part on the generated VAR regulator output signal, aggregating reactive power output or the one or more power sources, and providing the aggregated reactive power to the utility.
US07923857B2
The invention relates to a system and a method for supplying power to an aircraft comprising several generators supplying alternating current to several different primary electrical master boxes (10, 11, 12 and 13), the various aircraft loads being connected to each of these master boxes. This system comprises conventional master boxes (10, 11, 12 and 13) which supply power loads and at least one master box (40, 41) devoted to actuator loads, this at least one devoted master box being connected to conventional master boxes.
US07923852B2
A semiconductor package structure includes a carrier, a chip or multi-chips mounted on a top surface of the carrier, a molding compound encapsulating the top surface and the chips, a plurality of solder balls distributed on a bottom surface of the carrier, and a protection bar formed of thermosetting plastic material formed on the bottom surface.
US07923848B2
A multiple integrated circuit chip structure provides interchip communication between integrated circuit chips of the structure with no ESD protection circuits and no input/output circuitry. The interchip communication is between internal circuits of the integrated circuit chips. The multiple integrated circuit chip structure has an interchip interface circuit to selectively connect internal circuits of the integrated circuits to test interface circuits having ESD protection circuits and input/output circuitry designed to communicate with external test systems during test and burn-in procedures. The multiple interconnected integrated circuit chip structure has a first integrated circuit chip mounted to one or more second integrated circuit chips to physically and electrically connect the integrated circuit chips to one another. The first integrated circuit chips have interchip interface circuits connected each other to selectively communicate between internal circuits of the each other integrated circuit chips or test interface circuits, connected to the internal circuits of each integrated circuit chip to provide stimulus and response to said internal circuits during testing procedures. A mode selector receives a signal external to the chip to determine whether the communication is to be with one of the other connected integrated circuit chips or in single chip mode, such as with the test interface circuits. ESD protection is added to the mode selector circuitry.
US07923845B2
Embodiments of a semiconductor die that includes proximity connectors proximate to a first surface of the semiconductor die are described. This semiconductor die is configured to communicate signals with another semiconductor die via proximity communication through one or more of the proximity connectors. Moreover, the semiconductor die includes a positive feature coupled to a second surface of the semiconductor die that facilitates mechanical alignment of the semiconductor die with the other semiconductor die. Note that a first region around the positive feature defines a first plane, and the positive feature protrudes above the first plane.
US07923838B2
A semiconductor structure in which the contact resistance in the contact opening is reduced as well as a method of forming the same are provided. This is achieved in the present invention by replacing conventional contact metallurgy, such as tungsten, or a metal silicide, such as Ni silicide or Cu silicide, with a metal germanide-containing contact material. The term “metal germanide-containing” is used in the present application to denote a pure metal germanide (i.e., MGe alloy) or a metal germanide that includes Si (i.e., MSiGe alloy).
US07923832B2
An integrated circuit package includes a cover plate disposed on a substrate mounted with an integrated circuit chip thereon. The chip is formed with first solder pads coupled respectively and wiredly to pin terminals on the substrate, and second solder pads coupled respectively and wiredly to pinhole terminals in the cover plate, and includes a main circuit unit, a pin transmission unit interconnecting electrically first ports of a main circuit unit and the first solder pads, a pinhole transmission unit interconnecting electrically second ports of the main circuit unit, and a control unit coupled to the pin and pinhole transmission units, and operable to control operation of the pin and pinhole transmission units such that each first port is coupled to a selected first solder pad through the pin transmission unit and that each second port is coupled to a selected second solder pad through the pinhole transmission unit.
US07923831B2
A light source having a plurality of dies mounted on leads that are partially enclosed in a plastic body is disclosed. Each die is powered by first and second contacts. One contact is connected to the lead on which the die is mounted. Light from the LED exits the die through the top surface. Each lead includes a layer of metal of substantially constant thickness. The layer includes a boundary, a die mounting region within the boundary and a heat transfer region within the boundary. The boundary increases in a dimension perpendicular to a line connecting the die mounting region and the heat transfer region. The leads are arranged such that the die mounting regions are proximate to a first point and oriented such that the lines radiate from the first point. The light source can be manufactured using conventional lead frame techniques.
US07923829B2
A multi-chip module (MCM) includes a first die and a second die. The first die supports a plurality of predetermined functions. The second die is coupled to the first die and comprises at least an option pad configured for a bonding option. The first die performs a predetermined function according to a bonding status of the option pad of the second die.
US07923827B2
Semiconductor module for a Switched-Mode Power Supply comprises at least one semiconductor power switch, a control semiconductor chip and a leadframe comprising a die pad and a plurality of leads disposed on one side of the die pad. The die pad comprises at least two mechanically isolated regions wherein the semiconductor power switch is mounted on a first region of the die pad and the control semiconductor chip is mounted on a second region of the die pad. Plastic housing material electrically isolates the first region and the second region of the die pad and electrically isolates the semiconductor power switch from the control semiconductor chip.
US07923826B2
A semiconductor chip is mounted on a heat sink disposed inside a through-hole of a wiring board, electrodes of the semiconductor chip and connecting terminals of the wiring board are connected by bonding wires, a sealing resin is formed to cover the semiconductor chip and the bonding wires, and solder balls are formed on the lower surface of the wiring board, thereby constituting the semiconductor device. The heat sink is thicker than the wiring board. The heat sink has a protruded portion protruding to outside from the side surface of the heat sink, the protruded portion is located on the upper surface of the wiring board outside the through-hole, and the lower surface of the protruded portion contacts to the upper surface of the wiring board. When the semiconductor device is manufactured, the heat sink is inserted from the upper surface side of the wiring board.
US07923813B2
A One Time Programmable (OTP) memory cell (10) comprising a first, metallic layer (12) coated with a second, conductive stable transition compound (14) with an insulating layer (16) there-between. The first and second layers (12, 14) are selected according to the difference in Gibbs Free Energy between them, which dictates the chemical energy that will be generated as a result of an exothermic chemical reaction between the two materials. The materials of the first and second layers (12, 14) are highly thermally stable in themselves but, when a voltage is applied to the cell (10), a localized breakdown of the insulative layer (16) results which creates a hotspot (18) that sets off an exothermic chemical reaction between the first and second layers (12, 14). The exothermic reaction generates sufficient heat (20) to create a short circuit across the cell and therefore reduce the resistance thereof.
US07923812B2
A non-volatile memory device includes a first electrode, a diode steering element, at least three resistivity switching storage elements, and a second electrode. The diode steering element electrically contacts the first electrode and the at least three resistivity switching storage elements. The second electrode electrically contacts only one of the at least three resistivity switching storage elements.
US07923795B2
A lower electrode is formed over a semiconductor substrate via an insulator film, first and second insulator films are formed to cover the lower electrode, an upper electrode is formed over the second insulator film, third to fifth insulator films are formed to cover the upper electrode and a void is formed between the first and second insulator films between the lower and upper electrodes. An ultrasonic transducer comprises the lower electrode, the first insulator film, the void, the second insulator film and the upper electrode. A portion of the first insulator film contacting with the lower electrode is made of silicon oxide, a portion of the second insulator film contacting with the upper electrode is made of silicon oxide and the first or second insulator film includes a silicon nitride film positioned between the upper and lower electrodes and not in contact with the upper and lower electrodes.
US07923792B2
An MEMS sensor constructed on a base chip and having a capacitive mode of operation is disclosed. The MEMS sensor has a patterned layer construction applied on the base chip. A cutout is produced in the layer construction, the moveable electrode, for example a membrane, being arranged in said cutout. The cutout is spanned by a covering layer, which bears on the layer construction around the cutout and comprises the back electrode.
US07923790B1
Low temperature, multi-layered, planar microshells for encapsulation of devices such as MEMS and microelectronics. The microshells include a planar perforated pre-sealing layer, below which a non-planar sacrificial layer is accessed, and a sealing layer to close the perforation in the pre-sealing layer after the sacrificial material is removed. In an embodiment, the pre-sealing layer has perforations formed with a damascene process to be self-aligned to the chamber below the microshell. The sealing layer may include a nonhermetic layer to physically occlude the perforation and a hermetic layer over the nonhermetic occluding layer to seal the perforation. In a particular embodiment, the hermetic layer is a metal which is electrically coupled to a conductive layer adjacent to the microshell to electrically ground the microshell.
US07923787B2
A MOSFET with an isolation structure is provided. An N-type MOSFET includes a first N-type buried layer and a P-type epitaxial layer disposed in a P-type substrate. A P-type FET includes a second N-type buried layer and the P-type epitaxial layer disposed in the P-type substrate. The first, second N-type buried layers and the P-type epitaxial layer provide isolation between FETs. In addition, a plurality of separated P-type regions disposed in the P-type epitaxial layer further provides an isolation effect. A first gap exists between a first thick field oxide layer and a first P-type region, for raising a breakdown voltage of the N-type FET. A second gap exists between a second thick field oxide layer and a second N-well, for raising a breakdown voltage of the P-type FET.
US07923777B2
Disclosed are a power semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same. The power semiconductor device has a PIP capacitor and an LDMOS transistor, the LDMOS transistor having second and third gate electrodes separate from a first gate electrode, which may be formed in the process of forming the upper electrode of the PIP capacitor, so it is possible to realize an LDMOS having a higher breakdown voltage and lower Ron and Rsp without additional processing. A drain voltage, which may be different from a voltage applied to the first gate electrode, may be applied to the third gate electrode, so it is possible to realize an LDMOS having a high breakdown voltage and low Ron and Rsp.
US07923776B2
A field effect transistor includes a body region of a first conductivity type in a semiconductor region of a second conductivity type. A gate trench extends through the body region and terminating within the semiconductor region. A source region of the second conductivity type extends in the body region adjacent the gate trench. The source region and an interface between the body region and the semiconductor region define a channel region therebetween which extends along the gate trench sidewall. A channel enhancement region of the second conductivity type is formed adjacent the gate trench. The channel enhancement region partially extends into a lower portion of the channel region to thereby reduce a resistance of the channel region.
US07923772B2
A semiconductor device with a semiconductor body and to a method for producing it. In one embodiment, the semiconductor body has first electrodes which contact first highly doped semiconductor zones and complementary-conduction body zones surrounding the first semiconductor zones. The semiconductor body has a second electrode which contacts a second highly doped semiconductor zone. Between the second semiconductor zone and the body zones, a drift zone is arranged. Control electrodes which are insulated from the semiconductor body by a gate oxide and act on the body zones for controlling the semiconductor device are arranged on the semiconductor body. The body zones have minority charge carrier injector zones with complementary conduction to the body zones, arranged between the first semiconductor zones and the drift zone.
US07923770B2
A method of fabricating memory devices is provided. First, a charge storage structure including a gate dielectric structure is formed on the substrate in sequence to form a charge trapping layer. Then, a gate conductive layer is formed above the charge storage structure. Afterwards, the gate conductive layer and at least a part of the charge storage structure are patterned. The cross section of the patterned charge storage structure is then become a trapezoid or a trapezoid analogue, which has the shorter side near the gate conductive layer and the longer side near the substrate.
US07923760B2
A plurality of metal interconnects incorporating dielectric spacers and a method to form such dielectric spacers are described. In one embodiment, the dielectric spacers adjacent to neighboring metal interconnects are discontiguous from one another. In another embodiment, the dielectric spacers may provide a region upon which un-landed vias may effectively land.
US07923758B1
The present invention includes methods for producing GaAs/Si composites, GaAs/Si composites, apparatus for preparing GaAs/Si composites, and a variety of electronic and photoelectric circuits and devices incorporating GaAs/Si composites of the present invention.
US07923752B2
A thin-film crystal wafer having a pn junction includes a first crystal layer of p GaAs, a second crystal layer of n InxAlyGa1−x−yP, the first and second crystal layers being lattice-matched layers that form a heterojunction, and a control layer of a thin-film of InxAlyGa1−x−yP differing in composition from the n InxAlyGa1−x−yP of the second crystal layer is formed at the interface of the heterojunction. The control layer enables the energy discontinuity at the interface of the InxAlyGa1−x−yP/GaAs heterojunction to be set within a relatively broad range of values and thus enables the current amplification factor and the offset voltage to be matched to specification values by varying the energy band gap at the heterojunction.
US07923749B2
The present invention relates a III-nitride compound semiconductor light emitting device in which a first layer composed of a carbon-containing compound layer, such as an n-type or p-type silicon carbide (SiC), silicon carbon nitride (SiCN) or carbon nitride layer (CN) layer, is formed on the p-type III-nitride semiconductor layer of the existing III-nitride semiconductor light emitting device, and a second layer composed of a III-nitride semiconductor layer with a given thickness is formed on the first layer.
US07923745B2
An LED chip package structure with high-efficiency light-emitting effect includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, and a package colloid unit. The substrate unit has a substrate body, and a positive electrode trace and a negative electrode trace respectively formed on the substrate body. The light-emitting unit has a plurality of LED chips arranged on the substrate body, and each LED chip has a positive electrode side and a negative electrode side respectively and electrically connected with the positive electrode trace and the negative electrode trace of the substrate unit. The package colloid unit has a plurality of package colloids respectively covered on the LED chips.
US07923743B2
A method (and resultant structure) of forming a semiconductor structure, includes forming a mixed rare earth oxide on silicon. The mixed rare earth oxide is lattice-matched to silicon.
US07923740B2
The present invention relates to a light emitting apparatus including a semiconductor light emitting element and a transparent ceramic phosphor for converting a wavelength of a light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element, wherein the semiconductor light emitting element emits an ultraviolet light, and the ceramic phosphor corresponding to the semiconductor light emitting element has (i) a minimum transmission of 0.1 to 40% under a wavelength of 350-420 nm and (ii) a transmission of 10 to 90% under an emission peak wavelength of the ceramic phosphor.
US07923734B2
An array substrate comprising a base substrate, a common electrode, a gate line, a data line, a thin film transistor, a passivation layer and a pixel electrode of “” shape. The thin film transistor comprises a gate electrode, an active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode; the gate electrode is connected with the gate line; the source electrode is connected with the data line; and the drain electrode is connected with the pixel electrode. A passivation layer is formed on the source electrode, the drain electrode and the data line, and a via hole is formed in the passivation layer over the drain electrode. The pixel electrode of “” shape is formed on the passivation layer and connected with the drain electrode through the via hole in the passivation layer. The data line is provided below the position corresponding to the boundary between the “/” portion and the “\” portion of the pixel electrode of “” shape. The array substrate increases the transmittivity of pixel and improves the display quality.
US07923732B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a thin film transistor and a manufacturing method of a display panel, and include forming a gate line including a gate electrode on a substrate, forming a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode, forming an intrinsic semiconductor on the gate insulating layer, forming an extrinsic semiconductor on the intrinsic semiconductor, forming a data line including a source electrode and a drain electrode on the extrinsic semiconductor, and plasma-treating a portion of the extrinsic semiconductor between the source electrode and the drain electrode to form a protection member and ohmic contacts on respective sides of the protection member. Accordingly, the process for etching the extrinsic semiconductor and forming an inorganic insulating layer for protecting the intrinsic semiconductor may be omitted such that the manufacturing process of the display panel may be simplified, manufacturing cost may be reduced, and productivity may be improved.
US07923731B2
A thin film transistor includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, a semiconducting layer, and a gate electrode. The drain electrode is spaced from the source electrode. The semiconducting layer is connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode. The gate electrode is insulated from the source electrode, the drain electrode, and the semiconducting layer by an insulating layer. The semiconducting layer includes a carbon nanotube layer, and the carbon nanotube layer comprises a plurality of semiconducting carbon nanotubes.
US07923724B2
A phase change memory may transition between two crystalline states. In one embodiment, the phase change material is a chalcogenide which transitions between face centered cubic and hexagonal states. Because these states are more stable, they are less prone to drift than the amorphous state conventionally utilized in phase change memories.
US07923722B2
A TFT includes a zinc oxide (ZnO)-based channel layer having a plurality of semiconductor layers. An uppermost of the plurality of semiconductor layers has a Zn concentration less than that of a lower semiconductor layer to suppress an oxygen vacancy due to plasma. The uppermost semiconductor layer of the channel layer also has a tin (Sn) oxide, a chloride, a fluoride, or the like, which has a relatively stable bonding energy against plasma. The uppermost semiconductor layer is relatively strong against plasma shock and less decomposed when being exposed to plasma, thereby suppressing an increase in carrier concentration.
US07923714B2
Phase change memory cell structures and methods for fabricating the same are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a phase change memory cell structure includes a first electrode formed over a first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is formed over the first electrode. A conductive member is formed through the second dielectric layer and electrically contacting the first electrode, wherein the conductive member comprises a lower element and an upper element sequentially stacking over the first electrode, and the lower and upper elements comprises different materials. A phase change material layer is formed over the second dielectric layer, electrically contacting the conductive member. A second electrode is formed over the phase change material layer.
US07923709B1
A system for shielding personnel and/or equipment from radiation particles. In one embodiment, a first substrate is connected to a first array or perpendicularly oriented metal-like fingers, and a second, electrically conducting substrate has an array of carbon nanostructure (CNS) fingers, coated with an electro-active polymer extending toward, but spaced apart from, the first substrate fingers. An electric current and electric charge discharge and dissipation system, connected to the second substrate, receives a current and/or voltage pulse initially generated when the first substrate receives incident radiation. In another embodiment, an array of CNSs is immersed in a first layer of hydrogen-rich polymers and in a second layer of metal-like material. In another embodiment, a one- or two-dimensional assembly of fibers containing CNSs embedded in a metal-like matrix serves as a radiation-protective fabric or body covering.
US07923705B2
An EUV light source apparatus capable of easily detecting deterioration etc. of a window of an EUV light generating chamber. The EUV light source apparatus includes a driver laser, an EUV light generating chamber, a window which passes the laser beam into the EUV light generating chamber, an EUV light collector mirror, laser beam focusing optics which focuses a laser beam onto a trajectory of a target material, a temperature sensor which detects a temperature of the window, and a laser beam optics deterioration determination processing unit which determines deterioration of the window based on the temperature of the window detected by the temperature sensor when extreme ultra violet light is generated.
US07923704B2
A charged particle beam writing method includes writing a pattern on a first target object by using a charged particle beam in a writing apparatus; and conveying a second target object after having written the pattern on the first target object, wherein even though the second target object is arranged on any one of conveying paths including a carry-out port and a carry-in port of the writing apparatus, a conveying operation for the second target object is not performed during writing the pattern on the first target object.
US07923690B2
During data acquisition in a tomographic scan of a subject unscattered events and scatter events are collected. The data are corrected for the scatter events and movement of the subject during the scan. A scatter estimate is derived for use in the reconstruction of an image of the subject; a first step in the derivation has a first dependence on the movement of the subject. The image of the subject is derived from the detected events using the scatter estimate; a second step in this derivation has a second dependence on the movement of the subject, the dependence being different from that of the first step.
US07923677B2
The present invention relates to an imaging system which employs the same principles as coded aperture imaging. High angular resolution coded aperture imagers require a small aperture size and relatively large spacing between the coded aperture array and the detector. At such high resolutions diffraction effects can start to dominate and can degrade image quality. The present invention provides a detector array which receives radiation from a scene via a coded diffractive mask. The coded diffractive mask is designed such that its diffraction pattern at the waveband of interest is a well conditioned coded intensity pattern having a strong autocorrelation function with low sidelobes. Thus radiation reaching the detector array is diffracted by the diffractive mask but in a defined way and it is the diffraction pattern of the mask which provides the coding. The scene image can then be reconstructed using the same techniques as for conventional coded aperture imaging but using the diffraction pattern of the mask as the aperture function. The coded diffractive mask may be a binary or greyscale mask, may operate in reflection or transmission and may be an amplitude or phase modulating mask.
US07923674B2
After resetting the potential VPD of the photodiode (11) to the predetermined potential VRST, light is incident onto the photodiode (11) for a predetermined period to decrease the VPD corresponding to the amount of the incident light. After that, a declivous ramp voltage VRAMP is applied to the source terminal of the first MOS transistor (12) which is a common-source amplifier for reading out the VPD. When the voltage difference between the gate and source of the MOS transistor (12) exceeds a threshold voltage, the MOS transistor is turned on and the output suddenly decreases. If a signal having a pulse width from the starting point of the sweep of the ramp voltage to the sudden lowering point of the output is generated, the pulse width depends on the amount of the incident light. With the signal readout of this PWM method, it is possible to lower the power consumption while a wide dynamic range is maintained, and to downsize the picture cells to achieve a higher number of picture cells.
US07923673B2
A pixel for detecting incident radiation (In) over a large area with high sensitivity and low power consumption. The pixel comprises a semiconductor substrate (1), covered by a thin insulating layer (2), on top of which a dendritic or arborescent gate structure (3) is arranged. The dendritic gate (3) is electrically connected at two or more contacts (C1, C2) with voltage sources, leading to the flow of a current and a position-dependent potential distribution in the gate (3). Due to the use of arborescent structures and various materials (31, 32), the pixel can be optimized for a certain application, in particular in terms of the electric field distribution, the RC time constant, the power consumption and the spectral sensitivity. Due to its compact size, the photo sensor can be arranged in linear or two-dimensional manner for the realization of line and area sensors.
US07923671B1
A device for driving in rotation fins of a projectile, the fins being of the deployable type integral with fin heads which are able to be oriented along an axis of spin (X, Y) substantially orthogonal to a projectile's longitudinal axis (Z), wherein the fin heads are driven in rotation by motors and substantially ring sector-shaped sliders which slide in a circular groove.
US07923664B2
A method for controlling a cooking process in a cooking appliance includes determining, from a gas concentration detected during the cooking process, a set of function values corresponding to a shape of a function that depends on the gas concentration from a starting time t0 to a current time tn during a cooking process. Respective sets of comparison values for a comparison at the time tn are determined from the sets of reference values. A plurality of the sets of comparison values coming closest to the set of function values is automatically selected, and a set of parameters including at least an ending time of the cooking process is generated. The selected set of parameters is used for an electrical controller of the cooking appliance until a next comparison is made at a time tn+1. The method is automatically stopped as soon as the ending time of the cooking process has been reached.
US07923662B2
High sparking initiator compositions with a controlled amount of power are disclosed. The initiator compositions comprise a metal containing oxidizing agent, at least one metal reducing agent, and a non-explosive binder. Low voltage igniters that provide bidirectional plumes upon ignition are also disclosed. These igniters have a electrically resistive element positioned across a hole in a support which directs the plume. These igniters and compositions are useful in the actuation of solid fuel heating unit, in particular, sealed heating units.
US07923657B2
An electric discharge machine template fixture (40) suitable for EDM redressing operations, the fixture (40) comprising a body (42) capable of holding a template (50) and capable of rotating the template (50) about its central axis (58) for consecutive redressing operations.
US07923642B2
A flexible energy-transfer ribbon that includes a magnetized-tape (3) composed of an elastomer material forming a matrix in which are embedded particles that impart to it a permanent magnetism oriented in the direction of the thickness of the said tape. At least one energy-transfer device (2) lies along the support tape, and a coating material (1) in which the (or each) energy-transfer device is embedded adheres to the magnetized tape. The magnetized tape is subdivided into successive sections of such a length that dimensional changes induced in the magnetized tape, in particular under the effect of temperature differences, induce stresses between the magnetized tape and the coating material which are sufficiently small to prevent weakening of the adhesion between the magnetized tape and the coating material.
US07923639B2
A cable joint includes at least two cables each having inner conducting elements. At least one of the cables has a layer of paper insulation impregnated with an oil. The inner conducting elements of the cables are secured to each other at a junction. A sealing tape has an inner layer and an outer layer. The sealing tape is wrapped about the junction such that the inner layer is in contact with the cables. The inner layer is provided with a deformable oil barrier including a sealing mastic that is resistant to chemical attack from the oil and resistant to migration of the oil there through. The outer layer carries the inner layer. The outer layer is provided with a substantially rigid tape that is resistant to deformation and expansion of the inner layer that forms a protective sleeve about the inner layer.
US07923638B2
A communications cable having a plurality of electrical conductor pairs, each of the pairs including two metallic conductors and each separately surrounded by insulation. An intermediate polymeric sheath has an inner and an outer surface and surrounds the plurality of electrical conductor pairs along substantially its entire length. An outer polymeric sheath has an inner and an outer surface, the inner surface of the outer polymeric sheath being disposed about the outer surface of the intermediate sheath along substantially its entire length. The outer surface of the intermediate sheath is bonded to the inner surface of the outer sheath along substantially its entire length. A method for reducing crosstalk in the cable and a method for manufacturing the cable is also disclosed.
US07923636B2
A strain relief device for connecting a cable to a housing of an electronic device comprises an elongated elastic sleeve including first and second opposite ends and an axially extending sleeve passage, and a rigid insert including a first portion surrounded by the sleeve, a second portion protruding from the second end of the sleeve, and an axially extending insert passage aligned with the sleeve passage. The second portion of the insert is shaped to be non-rotatably received by a wall opening of the housing through which the cable passes, and may be D-shaped to mate with a D-shaped wall opening of the housing to prevent relative rotation. The second portion may carry a removable retainer, such as a C-shaped clip, for engaging a wall of the housing to prevent withdrawal of the insert. The invention facilitates serviceability and eliminates overmolding of a strain relief device onto the cable.
US07923635B2
A mounting bracket is provided for supporting an electrical box to a support structure. The mounting bracket includes a mounting base for coupling to the electrical box, and a body member extending perpendicular to the mounting base and extending against the back wall of the electrical box. The body member includes a support member and extension member that can be folded outwardly from the back wall of the electrical box to contact an opposing wall and support the electrical box. In another embodiment, the mounting bracket includes a front plate with a central opening for receiving an electrical box and a pair of extension members that extend in a rearward direction with respect to the electrical box. The support members can include an extension member that can be folded outwardly to contact an opposing wall surface to support the electrical box.
US07923629B2
Disclosed herein is a method for fabricating a flexible semiconductor electrode including preparing a first substrate having a semiconductor layer disposed on a release layer, forming a second substrate having an adhesive layer disposed on a conductive material-coated flexible substrate, and pressing the first substrate against the second substrate under heat effective to transfer the semiconductor layer from the first substrate to the second substrate. The method allows for a flexible semiconductor electrode to be fabricated at low temperatures in a stable manner, and the flexible semiconductor electrode allows for high photoelectric conversion efficiency in a solar cell.
US07923626B2
The invention relates to a glass substrate (1) provided with an electrode comprising at least one metal oxide-based transparent conducting layer (3), characterized in that said layer has an RMS roughness of at least 3 nm, especially of at least 5 nm and/or a mean feature size for this roughness of at least 50 nm.
US07923624B2
A solar energy concentrator system includes a supporting structure and a plurality of solar modules coupled to the supporting structure. Each module of the plurality of solar modules includes a plurality of Fresnel reflectors. The plurality of reflectors is arranged to focus solar radiation linearly onto a photovoltaic cell providing two axis concentration. The supporting structure is rotatably connected to a plurality of support members and aligned to allow the supporting structure to rotate about a polar axis. A plurality of optical trusses is connected to the plurality of solar modules and rotatably connected to the supporting structure to allow the plurality of solar modules to be rotated about a declination axis to track a motion of the sun through seasons of the year.
US07923621B2
A tempo analyzer to analyze the tempo of sound such as a musical composition or the like is provided in which a controller (9) takes, based on level information on a sound signal from an analysis data extraction unit (62), a frame which is a predetermined unit-time interval as a unit of process, detects positions of peaks of the level of the sound signal (apex of the change in level) higher than a predetermined level to find a time interval (peak-to-peak interval) between the peak positions in the frame, and determines a peak-to-peak time interval having occurred frequently as a tempo.
US07923617B2
A coated string for a stringed device which includes a coating applied to the surface of the string. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the string and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated string.
US07923616B2
The present invention is a stringed instrument for producing rapid tempo and more precise rhythmic strumming. The shape of the strumming apparatus allows simultaneous contact of two or more strings from a plurality of strings, and thereby allows chords to be more efficiently produced. In combination with the strumming apparatus, the present invention includes an instrument body with recessed components on the front surface of the instrument body. Combining the strumming apparatus and an instrument body as in the present invention allows a user to achieve greater rhythmic precision and a faster tempo vis-à-vis faster paced strumming of the strings.
US07923614B1
An inbred sunflower line, designated CN1703, the plants and seeds of the inbred sunflower line CN1703, methods for producing a sunflower plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred sunflower line CN1703 with itself or with another sunflower plant, and hybrid sunflower seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line CN1703 with another sunflower line or plant and to methods for producing a sunflower plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic sunflower plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred sunflower lines derived from inbred sunflower line CN1703, to methods for producing other inbred sunflower lines derived from inbred sunflower line CN1703 and to the inbred sunflower lines derived by the use of those methods.
US07923608B2
The invention relates to a new and distinctive tomato hybrid, designated ‘Vespolino,’ to the plants of tomato hybrid ‘Vespolino,’ to the plant parts of tomato hybrid ‘Vespolino’ including the fruit, and for producing a hybrid tomato plant by crossing tomato hybrid ‘Vespolino’ with itself or another tomato line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a tomato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to the methods for producing other tomato lines derived from tomato hybrid ‘Vespolino.’
US07923604B1
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB51E08. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB51E08, to the plants of soybean XB51E08 to plant parts of soybean variety XB51E08 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB51E08 with another soybean plant, using XB51E08 as either the male or the female parent.
US07923600B2
The present invention provides a convenient method for producing a transformed plant by expressing a hormone gene positioned within a plasmid backbone that also carries a P-DNA or T-DNA to obtain backbone-free transformed plants.
US07923596B2
Method and system for producing dressing products of polymer fibres useful for covering moist wounds
A method and system for producing an improved dressing product, useful for covering/protecting a moist wound is disclosed. The dressing product comprising fibers of a spinnable polymer forming a twisted ribbon. By virtue of this twisting, the fibers, in particular at the periphery of the ribbon, are connected to one another so as to afford better mechanical cohesion and a smoother outer appearance, without affecting the action of absorption, dilation and gel formation for extracting the biological fluid, nor the action of retention of proteins and other cellular and bacterial waste matter which would impede the phenomenon of cicatrization. The ribbon twisting equipment comprises a conical bowl (1) for driving fibers in rotation with a twisting die (3) in its narrowed downstream part (2), and a gear mechanism (4) for driving in rotation.
US07923595B2
Process for treating a product stream typically from an autothermal cracking process, the product stream comprising one or more olefins, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and one or more oxygenates, by contacting the product stream with at least one compound selected from (1) H2N—OR1, and (2) H2N—NR2R3, where R1, R2 and R3 may each be independently selected from H and carbon-containing substituents.
US07923578B2
The subjects of the present invention are a method of manufacturing 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid amide, its application in the manufacture of anti-aging compositions and an anti-aging composition. As phloretamide possesses a series of biological properties it might be use as a composition for skin having excellent anti-aging effect to prevent the sagging of skin and loss of luster.
US07923577B2
Described is a new cooling agent represented by Structure I and compositions with known coolers having cooling properties and the application of Structure I in foodstuffs and chewing gum:
US07923569B2
β-crystalline form of the compound of formula (I): characterised by its powder X-ray diffraction diagram. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful as inhibitors of angiotensin I converting enzyme.
US07923563B2
An amorphous object of (3E)-1-[l(s)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-3-[3-methoxy-4-(4methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzylidene]piperidine-2-one, which is represented by the formula (1) and has Aβ-production inhibitory activity. The amorphous object has such satisfactory properties that it has excellent solubility, is stable, does not readily become a crystalline form, and has low hygroscopicity. It is hence suitable for use in pharmaceutical preparations.
US07923559B2
Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds, and methods of preparation and use thereof are disclosed. The compounds are N-aryl diazaspirocyclic compounds, bridged analogs of N-heteroaryl diazaspirocyclic compounds, or prodrugs or metabolites of these compounds. The aryl group can be a five- or six-membered heterocyclic ring (heteroaryl). The compounds and compositions can be used to treat and/or prevent a wide variety of conditions or disorders, particularly those disorders characterized by dysfunction of nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission, including disorders involving neuromodulation of neurotransmitter release, such as dopamine release. CNS disorders, which are characterized by an alteration in normal neurotransmitter release, are another example of disorders that can be treated and/or prevented. The compounds and compositions can also be used to alleviate pain. The compounds can: (i) alter the number of nicotinic cholinergic receptors of the brain of the patient, (ii) exhibit neuroprotective effects and (iii) when employed in effective amounts, not result in appreciable adverse side effects (e.g., side effects such as significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate, significant negative effects upon the gastro-intestinal tract, and significant effects upon skeletal muscle).
US07923553B2
Crystalline polymorphous forms of rifaximin (INN) antibiotic named rifaximin α and rifaximin β, and a poorly crystalline form named rifaximin γ, useful in the production of medicinal preparations containing rifaximin for oral and topical use and obtained by means of a crystallization carried out by hot-dissolving the raw rifaximin in ethyl alcohol and by causing the crystallization of the product by addition of water at a determinate temperature and for a determinate period of time, followed by a drying carried out under controlled conditions until reaching a settled water content in the end product, are the object of the invention.
US07923552B2
The invention provides a high throughput, high purity, high yield system and method of isolating and purifying rebaudioside A (“Reb A”), with acceptable water solubility for all commercial uses, from commercially available Stevia rebaudiana starting material. The invention also provides a means of maximizing yields of 99+% purity Reb A based on the attributes of a given batch of Stevia starting material. The Reb A produced by the invention is water soluble, devoid of bitterness heretofore associated with rebaudioside sweeteners, non-caloric, and suitable for use as a reagent and as an ingredient in orally consumed products, e.g., as a sweetener, flavor enhancer, and flavor modifier.
US07923546B2
There are provided a sequence for a control probe having a sequence rarely forming a secondary structure and rarely hybridizing with an undesired target and a method of designing thereof. There is further provided a probe carrier employing a control probe designed by the designing method. To provide these, a palindromic sequence is selected based on a sequence of which frequency is low in a database for a predetermined base sequence and used as the sequence of the control probe.
US07923545B2
The present invention relates to a new family of structurally and functionally related nucleic acids and proteins, designed the CATERPILLER family, which is characterized by landmark structural motifs including a nucleotide binding domain and leucine-rich repeat domains.
US07923539B2
Monoclonal antibodies are identified that bind the IL-21 protein. These antibodies are used to identify regions of the IL-21 protein to where binding neutralizes IL-21 activity. Hybridomas and methods of producing anti-IL-21 monoclonal antibodies are described. The monoclonal antibodies are useful in treating IL-21-mediated diseases, which may include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as pancreatitis, type I diabetes (IDDM), Graves Disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diverticulosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), Sjogren's syndrome, glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, graft versous host disease, transplant rejection, atopic dermatitis, anti-phospholipid syndrome, and asthma, and other autoimmune diseases.
US07923524B2
Provided is a novel silicone copolymer which exhibits high absorption even in a far-ultraviolet region of 200 nm or more, and also is soluble in an alkaline reagent since it has a phenolic hydroxyl group. The silicone copolymer comprises a silsesquioxane having a phenol unit and comprises a silsesquioxane having a condensed polycyclic hydrocarbon.
US07923521B2
The present invention describes a process for the preparation of homoleptic and heteroleptic tris-ortho-metallated metal compounds which are used as coloring components as functional materials in a number of different applications which can be ascribed to the electronics industry in the broadest sense.
US07923509B2
A composition for delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided. The composition comprises: (a) a biocompatible block copolymer comprising one or more elastomeric blocks and one or more thermoplastic blocks and (b) a therapeutic agent, wherein the block copolymer is loaded with the therapeutic agent. The block copolymer is preferably of the formula X-(AB)n, where A is an elastomeric block, B is a thermoplastic block, n is a positive whole number and X is a seed molecule. The elastomeric blocks are preferably polyolefin blocks, and the thermoplastic blocks are preferably selected from vinyl aromatic blocks and methacrylate blocks. According to another aspect of the invention, a medical device is provided, at least a portion of which is insertable or implantable into the body of a patient. The medical device comprises (a) the above biocompatible block copolymer and (b) a therapeutic agent, wherein the block copolymer is loaded with the therapeutic agent. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of treatment is provided in which the above device is implanted or inserted into a patient, resulting in the release of therapeutic agent in the patient over an extended period. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a coated medical device is provided which comprises: (a) an intravascular or intervascular medical device and (b) a coating over at least a portion of the intravascular or intervascular a medical device, wherein the coating comprises the above biocompatible block copolymer.
US07923508B2
The present invention relates to a flame retardant styrene-based resin composition with high impact property. The styrene-based resin composition of the present invention comprises 1-30 parts by weight of a flame retardant, 0.5-15 parts by weight of a flame retardant aid and 0.1-15 parts by weight of a styrene-containing graft copolymer per 100 parts by weight of a base resin comprising a rubber-modified styrene-based copolymer and offers high impact property and good rigidity and fluidity, without appearance problem under a variety of processing conditions.
US07923500B2
A field grading material includes a field grading effective amount of a nanoparticle filler distributed in a polymeric matrix, and the nanoparticle filler is heterogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix.
US07923489B2
The invention describes amphiphilic polymer compounds which are prepared by a) reacting a di-, tri- or tetraglycidyl compound (A) with an optionally unsaturated reactive component (B) consisting of C8-C28-fatty acid, a C8-C28-alcohol or a secondary C8-C28-amine, and allowing b1) the reaction product from stage a) to react further first with b1α) an aliphatic or aromatic polyisocyanate compound (C) b1β) and optionally then with a polyalkylene oxide compound (D), and b1γ) reacting the reaction product from stage b1α) or optionally b1β) with a component (E) which is reactive towards isocyanates and has at least one OH, NH2, NH or SH group, or b2) allowing the reaction product from stage a) to react to completion with the reaction product of component (C) with component (E) and optionally (D) and (C), or b3) allowing the reaction product from stage a) to react to completion with the reaction product from component (C) and component (D) and optionally (C) and optionally the reaction product of component (C) and component (E) and optionally (C). The polymer compounds proposed according to the invention are exceptionally useful as agents for preventing or suppressing efflorescences on surfaces of hardended, hydraulically settable building materials or/and for hydrophobization of the corresponding hydraulically settable systems. Moreover, owing to the admixtures proposed according to the invention, the corresponding products absorb substantially less water, with the result that frost damage and rapid rusting of the steel reinforcement can be substantially reduced.
US07923486B2
A method of making a new type of biomaterials, biodegrable crosslinked urethane-containing polyester (CUPE) elastomers and a scaffold-sheet engineering method for tissue engineering applications is provided. CUPEs can be synthesized by forming a linear pre-polymer, which is a polyester, introducing the urethane bonds into polyester using a diisocyanate as a linker, and crosslinking the resulting urethane containing linear polymers to form CUPEs via post-polymerization. This family of polymers, CUPEs, exhibit excellent biocompatibility with desired degradation. Tissue engineering scaffolds made of CUPEs are soft and elastic, and have good mechanical strength. Complex tissue grafts can be constructed by a novel layer-by-layer (LBL) scaffold-sheet engineering design using CUPE sheets. CUPE scaffolds can provide openings for cell to cell communication across scaffold layers and angiogenesis into the depth of the construct. Biomolecules, such as anticoagulants, can be incorporated into the CUPE polymers, increasing their viability as vascular graft scaffolds.
US07923485B2
The invention relates to preparations based on aziridino polymers and comprising monofunctional aziridines and to the use thereof in producing dental materials, especially impression materials.
US07923475B2
3,4-Polyalkylenedioxythiophene dispersions comprising polyanions and cationic 3,4-polyalkylenedioxythiophenes, in particular those of the formula (I) in which n is an integer from 3 to 100, preferably from 4 to 15, and X is —(CH2)x—CR1R2—(CH2)y—, where R1 and R2, independently of one another, are H, an optionally substituted alkyl radical having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl radical having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms or —CH2—OR3, where R3=H, alkyl or —CH2—CH2—CH2—SO3H, and x and y are each, independently of one another, an integer from 0 to 9, in which at least 90% of the particles are <50 nm, can be employed in electroluminescent arrangements having a long service life and high luminosity.
US07923471B2
The topical use of 5,6,7-trihydroxyheptanoic acid and analogs are disclosed for the treatment of dry eye disorders and uveitis.
US07923468B2
This invention relates to Novel 1,4-benzothiepin-1,1-dioxide derivatives which are substituted with cyclohexyl groups, method for producing the same, drugs containing said compounds and use thereof.
US07923462B2
The present invention provides compounds represented by general formula (I): or pharmaceutical acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are each hydrogen, lower acyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl or the like; R3 is halo-lower alkyl, lower acyl, halo-lower alkylcarbonyl, cycloalkylcarbonyl, optionally substituted arylcarbonyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl or the like; R4 is lower alkyl, halo-lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, lower alkoxy-lower alkyl or the like, which exhibit potent COMT inhibitory activities. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing said compound, and uses thereof.
US07923455B2
The present invention relates to a method for the prevention or the treatment of heart failure comprising administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an anticholinergic 1, medicaments for the prevention or treatment of heart failure comprising one or more, preferably one anticholinergic 1, and methods for the preparation of these medicaments.
US07923453B1
A method of converting a treatment for pain comprising intravenous administration of opioids, to a treatment for pain comprising oral administration of a first dose of an immediate release morphine-oxycodone combination in patients in need of analgesia. The method may comprise (1) determining a four-hour average oral morphine equivalents or determining a net average hourly intravenous dose, and (2) orally administering to the patient a first dose of a morphine-oxycodone combination in a 3:2 ratio by weight every four to six hours. Also, a method of treating pain in patients who had been administered opioids intravenously, comprising using a dosing algorithm to determine the first dose of the immediate release morphine-oxycodone combination.
US07923442B2
This invention relates to novel organoselenium and tellurium compounds, processes of producing the same and methods of use thereof. The compounds function as mimetics for the catalyst selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase, which protects cells from oxidative stress.
US07923438B2
The invention relates to the use of a compound of the formula (I) for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by mycobacteria, nocardia or corynebacteria, wherein E is phosphorus; X1, X2 and X3 are oxygen; and R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification.
US07923435B2
Extracts of Hoodia plant containing steroidal glycosides which have improved flavor, by virtue of reduced levels of discovered negative flavor compounds. Food compositions containing steroidal glycosides with reduced amounts of discovered negative flavor components are also included.
US07923429B2
The present invention provides methods for increasing expression of cell surface molecules of CD5+ B cell lymphoma cells by contacting cells with immune response modifiers. The invention also provides methods for the treatment of CD5+ B cell lymphomas, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma, by administering immune response modifier compounds to a subject in need of such treatment. Suitable immune response modifier compounds include agonists of TLR7 and/or TLR8.
US07923428B2
Composition for cleaning or rinsing hard surfaces in an aqueous or aqueous/alcoholic medium comprising at least one polybetaine for contributing to said surfaces antideposition and/or antiadhesion properties with regard to soiling substances capable of being deposited on said surface.
US07923425B2
Low-foaming industrial cleaning compositions comprising water; (A) at least one carboxylic acid; (B) one or more aromatic, water soluble or dispersible, non-ionic surfactants; and optionally, one or more of the following: (C) one or more salts of carboxylic acids selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids that are the same as component (A), different from component (A) and mixtures thereof; and (D) an amount of hydrotrope material sufficient to produce a stable homogeneous solution or dispersion of components (A) through (C) in water; (E) a pH adjuster; (F) one or more polyhydric alcohols; and (G) one or more preservatives.
US07923423B2
Compositions useful in semiconductor manufacturing for surface preparation and/or cleaning of wafer substrates such as semiconductor device precursor structures. The compositions can be employed for processing of wafers that have, or are intended to be further processed to include, copper metallization, e.g., in operations such as surface preparation, pre-plating cleaning, post-etching cleaning, and post-chemical mechanical polishing cleaning of semiconductor wafers. The compositions contain (i) alkanolamine, (ii) quaternary ammonium hydroxide and (iii) a complexing agent, and are storage-stable, as well as non-darkening and degradation-resistant in exposure to oxygen.
US07923416B2
This invention relates to methods for reducing the viscosity of hydrocarbon liquids encountered in petroleum operations. The method includes forming a low viscosity emulsion by contacting hydrocarbon liquids with an effective amount of a water-soluble polymer having pendant methyl ether groups.
US07923404B2
Methods of making catalysts for oxidation of unsaturated and/or saturated aldehyde to unsaturated acids is disclosed where the catalyst including at least molybdenum (Mo) and phosphorus (P), where the catalyst has a pore size distribution including at least 50% medium pores and if bismuth is present, a nitric acid to molybdenum mole ratio of at least 0.5:1 or at least 6.0:1 moles of HNO3 per mole of Mo12.
US07923400B2
A method for preparing an electrode in which droplets of a first electrode ink composition and droplets of a second electrode ink composition are ejected from an ink jet device onto a base material. The first electrode ink composition contains at least one electrode active material and the second electrode ink composition contains at least one binder material. The two ink compositions are deposited in combination to form one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode layer. The resulting electrode is suitable for use in a battery.
US07923395B2
A dielectric ceramic composition in a multilayer ceramic capacitor with a composition of formula: {[(CaO)t(SrO)1-t]m[(ZrO2)v(TiO2)1-v]}1-s-xAsEx wherein: A is a transition metal oxide; E is an oxide of an element selected from the group consisting of Ge, Si, Ga and combination thereof; m is 0.98 to 1.02; t is 0.50 to 0.90; v is 0.8 to 1.0; s and x are selected from the group consisting of: a) 0≦x≦0.08, 0.0001≦s≦0.043 and x≧1.86s; and b) 0≦0.0533, 0.0001≦s≦0.08 and x≦0.667s.
US07923394B2
In the nanoimprint lithography, titania-doped quartz glass having an internal transmittance distribution of up to 10% at wavelength 365 nm is suited for use as nanoimprint molds.
US07923379B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming an opening in a substrate, with the opening extending from a top surface of the substrate into the substrate. The opening is filled with a filling material until a top surface of the filling material is substantially level with the top surface of the substrate. A device is formed over the top surface of the substrate, wherein the device includes a storage opening adjoining the filling material. A backside of the substrate is grinded until the filling material is exposed. The filling material is removed from the channel until the storage opening of the device is exposed.
US07923375B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a photo-resist pattern above a first film, implanting a predetermined dopant that increases an etching rate of the first film into the first film using the photo-resist pattern as a mask, thereby forming an implantation layer in the first film, and etching a first portion of the first film, which is at least a part of the implantation layer, using the photo-resist pattern as a mask.
US07923367B2
A multilayer wiring substrate mounted with an electronic component includes an electronic component, a core material layer having a first opening for accommodating the electronic component, a resin layer which is formed on one surface of the core material layer and which has a second opening greater than the first opening, a supporting layer which is formed on the other surface of the core material layer and which supports the electronic component, a plurality of connection conductor sections which are provided around the first opening and within the second opening on the one surface of the core material layer, bonding wires for electrically connecting the electronic component to the connection conductor sections, and a sealing resin filled into the first and second openings in order to seal the electronic component and the bonding wires.
US07923355B2
A manufacturing method for a semiconductor device includes retaining a wafer in a reaction chamber, supplying first process gas including source gas and second process gas containing H2 or inert gas onto the wafer in a rectified state alternately in a predetermined cycle, rotating the wafer, and heating the wafer to form a film on the wafer.
US07923350B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a wafer having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, selectively doping the wafer via the first face to selectively form etch stop regions in the wafer and etching the wafer at the second face to the etch stop regions.
US07923339B2
The invention relates to the manufacture of an epitaxial layer, with the following steps: providing a semiconductor substrate; providing a Si—Ge layer on the semiconductor substrate, having a first depth; —providing the semiconductor substrate with a doped layer with an n-type dopant material and having a second depth substantially greater than said first depth; performing an oxidation step to form a silicon dioxide layer such that Ge atoms and n-type atoms are pushed into the semiconductor substrate by the silicon dioxide layer at the silicon dioxide/silicon interface, wherein the n-type atoms are pushed deeper into the semiconductor substrate than the Ge atoms, resulting in a top layer with a reduced concentration of n-type atoms; removing the silicon dioxide layer; growing an epitaxial layer of silicon on the semiconductor substrate with a reduced outdiffusion or autodoping.
US07923335B2
A non-volatile memory device having a Polysilicon Oxide Nitride Oxide Semiconductor (SONOS) structure in which a charge trap layer is separated physically in a horizontal direction, and a method of manufacturing the same. The charge trap layer that traps electric charges toward the source and the drain is physically divided. It can fundamentally prevent the charges at both sides from being moved mutually. It is therefore possible to prevent interference between charges at both sides although the cell size is reduced.
US07923332B2
A method for producing a semiconductor device, the method includes the steps of: forming a hard mask layer with a mask opening on a semiconductor substrate in which is formed a source region; forming a side wall mask on the side wall of the mask opening; forming a trench by using the side wall mask and the hard mask layer as a mask in such a way that the trench reaches the source region; removing the side wall mask; forming a gate electrode inside the mask opening and the trench, with a gate insulating film interposed thereunder; forming a side wall on the side wall of the gate electrode; and forming a drain region on the surface of the semiconductor substrate which is adjacent to the gate electrode.
US07923325B2
A deep trench device with a single sided connecting structure. The device comprises a substrate having a trench therein. A buried trench capacitor is disposed in a lower portion of the trench. An asymmetric collar insulator is disposed on an upper portion of the sidewall of the trench. A connecting structure is disposed in the upper portion of the trench, comprising an epitaxial silicon layer disposed on and adjacent to a relatively low portion of the asymmetric collar insulator and a connecting member disposed between the epitaxial silicon layer and a relatively high portion of the asymmetric collar insulator. A conductive layer is disposed between the relatively high and low portions of the asymmetric collar insulator, to electrically connect the buried trench capacitor and the connecting structure. A cap layer is disposed on the connecting structure. A fabrication method for a deep trench device is also disclosed.
US07923323B2
Disclosed is a metal capacitor including a lower electrode having hemispherical metal grains thereon. The metal capacitor includes a lower metal electrode containing Ti, hemispherical metal grains containing Pd and formed on the lower metal electrode containing Ti, a dielectric layer formed on the lower metal electrode containing Ti and the hemispherical metal grains containing Pd, and an upper metal electrode formed on the dielectric layer.
US07923320B2
Silicon carbide metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) may include an n-type silicon carbide drift layer, a first p-type silicon carbide region adjacent the drift layer and having a first n-type silicon carbide region therein, an oxide layer on the drift layer, and an n-type silicon carbide limiting region disposed between the drift layer and a portion of the first p-type region. The limiting region may have a carrier concentration that is greater than the carrier concentration of the drift layer. Methods of fabricating silicon carbide MOSFET devices are also provided.
US07923317B2
To crystallize a material, a thin layer of amorphous or polycrystalline material is deposited on at least one area of the surface of a top part of a substrate. A metal layer is then deposited on at least one area of the thin layer. Thermal treatment is then performed to enable crystalline growth of the material of the thin layer, resulting in: a rapid temperature increase of the top part of the substrate until liquid or overmelted liquid state is achieved, and heat transfer from the interface between the top part of the substrate and the thin layer to the interface between the thin layer and the metal layer.
US07923313B1
A method of manufacturing a transistor includes providing a substrate including in order an electrically conductive material layer and an electrically insulating material layer; depositing a resist material layer over the electrically insulating material layer; patterning the resist material layer to expose a portion of the electrically insulating material layer; removing the exposed electrically insulating material layer to expose a portion of the electrically conductive material layer; removing the exposed electrically conductive material layer to create a reentrant profile in the electrically conductive material layer and the electrically insulating material layer; conformally coating the substrate and the exposed material layers with a second electrically insulating material layer; conformally coating the second electrically insulating material layer with a semiconductor material layer; and directionally depositing an electrically conductive material layer over the semiconductor material layer.
US07923310B2
A fabrication method is provided for a core-shell-shell (CSS) nanowire transistor (NWT). The method provides a cylindrical CSS nanostructure with a semiconductor core, an insulator shell, and a conductive shell. The CSS nanostructure has a lower hemicylinder overlying a substrate surface. A first insulating film is conformally deposited overlying the CSS nanostructure and anisotropically plasma etched. Insulating reentrant stringers are formed adjacent the nanostructure lower hemicylinder. A conductive film is conformally deposited and selected regions are anisotropically plasma etched, forming conductive film gate straps overlying a gate electrode in a center section of the CSS nanostructure. An isotropically etching removes the insulating reentrant stringers adjacent the center section of the CSS nanostructure, and an isotropically etching of the conductive shell overlying the S/D regions is performed. A screen oxide layer is deposited over the CSS nanostructure. The source/drain (S/D) regions in end sections of the CS nanostructure flanking are doped.
US07923309B2
A thin film transistor array substrate and a method for manufacturing the thin film transistor array substrate are disclosed. Specifically, a thin film transistor array may be formed using a reduced number of masks.
US07923307B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor with a fuse includes providing a substrate, forming an insulation layer over the substrate, forming a polysilicon hard mask over the insulation layer, forming a first mask pattern to form a fuse over the polysilicon hard mask, and removing the polysilicon hard mask exposed by the first mask pattern to form a portion of the polysilicon hard mask into a polysilicon fuse.
US07923302B2
A semiconductor package includes: a build-up wiring layer including a metal wiring layer and an insulation resin layer; and a low thermal expansion material layer having a coefficient of thermal expansion closer to that of a semiconductor chip mounted on the build-up wiring layer as compared with the insulation resin layer of the build-up wiring layer, the low thermal expansion material layer being bonded to an entire region of a rear surface of the build-up wiring layer corresponding to a region of a front surface of the build-up wiring layer on which the semiconductor chip is mounted.
US07923298B2
Methods for fabricating an imager die package and resulting die packages are disclosed. An imager die packaging process may include dicing through a fabrication substrate comprising a plurality of imager die. Thereafter, known good die (KGD) qualified from the imager die are repopulated, face down on a high temperature-compatible temporary carrier, the KGD on the temporary carrier are encapsulated and thereafter removed as a reconstructed wafer from the temporary carrier. Furthermore, a first plurality of discrete conductive elements on a back side of the reconstructed wafer may be partially exposed and, optionally, a second plurality of discrete conductive elements may be applied to the first plurality of discrete conductive elements. The encapsulated KGD are then singulated.
US07923296B2
A ball grid array type board on chip package may include an integrated circuit chip having an active surface that supports a plurality of contact pads. An interposer may be adhered to the active surface of the integrated circuit chip. At least one hole may be provided through the interposer to expose the contact pads. A board, which may have a first surface supporting a plurality of metal lines, may have a second surface adhered to the interposer. The board may have an opening through which the contact pads may be exposed. A plurality of bonding wires may connect the contact pads to the metal lines through the opening.
US07923295B2
A semiconductor device is made by forming a photoresist layer over a metal carrier. A plurality of openings is formed in the photoresist layer extending to the metal carrier. A conductive material is selectively plated in the openings of the photoresist layer using the metal carrier as an electroplating current path to form wettable contact pads. A semiconductor die has bumps formed on its surface. The bumps are directly mounted to the wettable contact pads to align the die with respect to the wettable contact pads. An encapsulant is deposited over the die. The metal carrier is removed. An interconnect structure is formed over the encapsulant and electrically connected to the wettable contact pads. A plurality of conductive vias is formed through the encapsulant and extends to the contact pads. The conductive vias are aligned by the wettable contact pads with respect to the die to reduce interconnect pitch.
US07923294B2
A semiconductor package and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having bonding pads; a first insulation layer pattern; redistribution line patterns; a second insulation layer pattern; and conductive balls. The first insulation layer pattern having first openings exposing the bonding pads. The redistribution line patterns are located on the first insulation layer pattern and are electrically connected with the bonding pads. The second insulation layer pattern covering the redistribution line patterns and having second openings having first open areas which expose portions of the redistribution line patterns and having second open areas which extend from the first open areas along the semiconductor chip. The conductive balls are electrically connected with the portions of the redistribution line patterns which are exposed through the first open areas of the second insulation layer pattern.
US07923293B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: (a) transferring an electronic component that has an electrode and formed on a first substrate from the first substrate to a second substrate; and (b) forming a wiring line electrically coupling the electrode and a terminal on the second substrate. A cavity is provided between the electrode of the electronic component transferred on the second substrate and the second substrate, and the wiring line is formed in the cavity.
US07923284B2
A method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display is disclosed. The method includes forming a first electrode and a bank layer including an opening area exposing the first electrode on a target substrate, forming a medium substrate including an organic layer and an absorbing layer on the target substrate, forming a mask including an opening corresponding to the opening area of the bank layer on the medium substrate, emitting light on the medium substrate through the mask and transferring the organic layer on a portion of the first electrode exposed by the bank layer to form an organic light emitting layer on the target substrate, and forming a second electrode on the organic light emitting layer.
US07923282B2
Formation of stretchable photovoltaic devices and carriers is described. In some examples, a formation method includes: forming a stretchable carrier including a stretchable part having a given length, the given length being operable to change in response to a force being applied to the stretchable carrier; depositing a photovoltaic cell over a surface of the stretchable carrier; and interconnecting the photovoltaic cell to output terminals.
US07923276B2
Processes for forming an electronic device include forming a first radiation region, a second radiation region spaced apart from the first radiation region, and an insulating region. The insulating region can have a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first radiation region can lie immediately adjacent to the first side, and the second radiation region can lie immediately adjacent to the second side. Within the insulating region, no other radiation region may lie between the first and second radiation regions, and the insulating region can include an insulating layer that includes a plurality of openings. A process for forming the electronic device can include patterning an insulating layer.
US07923269B2
The concentration of oxygen, which causes problems such as decreases in brightness and dark spots through degradation of electrode materials, is lowered in an organic light emitting element having a layer made from an organic compound between a cathode and an anode, and in a light emitting device structured using the organic light emitting element. The average concentration of impurities contained in a layer made from an organic compound used in older to form an organic light emitting element having layers such as a hole injecting layer, a hole transporting layer, a light emitting layer, an electron transporting layer, and an electron injecting layer, is reduced to 5×1019/cm2 or less, preferably equal to or less than 1×1019/cm2, by removing the impurities with the present invention. Formation apparatuses are structured as stated in the specification in order to reduce the impurities in the organic compounds forming the organic light emitting elements.
US07923266B2
A method for manufacturing a MuGFET ESD protection device having a given layout by means of a given manufacturing process, the method comprising selecting multiple interdependent layout and process parameters of which a first set are fixed by said manufacturing process and a second set are variable, selecting multiple combinations of possible layout and process parameter values which meet predetermined ESD constraints; determining an optimum value for at least one other parameter in view of a predetermined design target apart from the predetermined ESD constraints; determining values for fin width (Wfin), gate length (LG) and number of fins (N) on the basis of the optimum value; and manufacturing said MuGFET ESD protection device using the given manufacturing and process values.
US07923265B2
A method for improving critical dimension uniformity of a substrate is provided. An equation based on a proximity trend of a pattern on a first substrate is determined. The equation is applied in a regression model to determine a parameter value of a second substrate. A recipe of an exposure equipment is adjusted based on the parameter value for exposure of the second substrate. Also, a system for controlling critical dimension of a pattern on a substrate is provided. The system includes an advance process control system for collecting exposure data of the substrate, and a regression model within the advance process control system for analyzing the exposure data and determining a parameter value of a recipe of the exposure tool. The regression model is operable to determine an equation based on a proximity trend of the substrate.
US07923251B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transferring an agent into a cell. The method includes the steps of providing an agent outside of a cell and generating a vapor bubble and a plasma discharge between an avalanche electrode and a conductive fluid surrounding the cell. The vapor bubble and plasma discharge generate a mechanical stress wave and an electric field, respectively. The combination of this mechanical stress wave and electric field results in permeabilization of the cell, which in turn results in transfer of the agent into the cell.
US07923249B2
A process of priming mature, imbibed, germinated somatic embryos of a conifer species. The process comprises fully immersing mature, imbibed, germinated somatic conifer embryos in a sterile liquid nutrient medium, bubbling an oxygen-containing gas through the liquid nutrient medium containing the germinants to form an aerated embryo-containing nutrient medium, optionally exposing the aerated germinant-containing nutrient medium to light, at least intermittently, continuing the immersion, bubbling and optional exposure to light for a period of time effective to produce at least some successfully primed conifer germinants that are adapted for subsequent planting and conversion to viable seedlings, and removing the successfully primed conifer germinants from the nutrient medium.
US07923248B2
The present invention relates to culturing isolated microspores and the subsequent generation of doubled-haploid plant lines that are suitable for the rapid selection of plants with improved composition and agronomic performance. Processes developed for the recovery of microspore-derived embryos from fennel and caraway may be adapted to related species in the Apiaceae family including, but not limited to, fennel, carrot, dill, anise, lovage, parsnip, and laceflower.
US07923245B2
The present invention discloses a medium for a serum-free medium capable of culturing ES cells for a long period while maintaining their undifferentiated state without using feeder cells, and a basal medium for producing the medium thus described. The basal medium of the present invention is characterized by that it has composition shown by Table I. Further, the present invention discloses a medium for ES cells produced with the basal medium.
US07923238B2
Systems, methods and apparatus provide flexible and efficient high throughput electroporation systems. An electrical pulse may be transmitted to any number of channels of a multi-channel sample plate. Drivers can provide the selection of which channels to transmit the electrical pulse. To provide efficient transitions between electrical pulses, discharge circuits provide efficient means achieve a desired voltage.
US07923236B2
This invention relates to enzymes and methods for producing the same. More specifically this invention relates to a variety of fungal enzymes. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such enzymes, compositions, recombinant and genetically modified host cells, and methods of use are described. The invention also relates to a method to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material and novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass. The invention also relates to methods to use the novel enzymes and compositions of such enzymes in a variety of other processes, including washing of clothing, detergent processes, deinking and biobleaching of paper and pulp, and treatment of waste streams.
US07923233B1
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in the ratio of peracetic acid formation to peracetic acid hydrolysis specific activities (PAAF/PAAH ratio). The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
US07923232B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having phytase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The polypeptides are related to a phytase derived from Hafnia alvei, the amino acid sequence of which is shown in the appended sequence listing as SEQ ID NO: 10. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides, in particular within animal feed.
US07923227B2
A stable system for producing liquid products such as ethanol, butanol and other chemicals from syngas components contacts CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2 with a hydrophilic membrane under anaerobic conditions and transfers these components into contact with microorganisms contained as a biofilm on the membrane. Maintaining the microorganisms as a biolayer on the surface of the membrane facilitates cleaning of the membrane surface that retains the biofilm. In addition the shell gas space that surrounds the membranes may be flooded to reduce or remove the biofilm. Agitation of the liquid, by for example the bubbling of gas in the surrounding shell space, can fully or partially remove the biofilm from the membrane.
US07923221B1
The invention relates to processes for producing an immunoglobulin or an immunologically functional immunoglobulin fragment containing at least the variable domains of the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains. The processes can use one or more vectors which produce both the heavy and light chains or fragments thereof in a single cell. The invention also relates to the vectors used to produce the immunoglobulin or fragment, and to cells transformed with the vectors.
US07923207B2
A reverse transfection apparatus can be used for introducing siRNA into a cell to effect gene silencing. Such an apparatus can include a well plate having a well configured for transfecting cells. The well can include a substantially dry gene silencing composition that has at least two siRNAs which silences at least a first target gene. The gene silencing composition can be configured such that the at least two siRNAs are each capable of being solubilized or suspended in an aqueous medium in an amount sufficient for transfecting cells in the well. Additionally, the siRNAs can include a hairpin structure, modification, or a conjugate. Also, the at least siRNAs can be rationally designed. The reverse transfection apparatus can be provided as a kit or system that additionally includes cells, polynucleotide carriers, reverse transfection reagents, and the like.
US07923204B2
Disclosed herein is a novel forward mutation assay based on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance which utilizes a strain of Salmonella typhimurium derived from the Ames strain TA100. More specifically, the invention provides a high throughput alternative to the standard Ames mutation assay for the evaluation of the genotoxicity activity of compounds during an early stage of the drug development process. The invention also identifies the upp locus as a mutational target that is capable of detecting a diverse spectrum of mutagenic events and further describes a S. typhimurium tester strain, designated FU100 (his+, rfa, ΔuvrB, pkM101, 5-fluorouridine resistant) for use in the assay of the invention.
US07923202B2
A structure and a method for forming the same. The method includes providing a structure which includes (a) a to-be-patterned layer, (b) a photoresist layer on top of the to-be-patterned layer wherein the photoresist layer includes a first opening, and (c) a cap region on side walls of the first opening. A first top surface of the to-be-patterned layer is exposed to a surrounding ambient through the first opening. The method further includes performing a first lithography process resulting in a second opening in the photoresist layer. The second opening is different from the first opening. A second top surface of the to-be-patterned layer is exposed to a surrounding ambient through the second opening.
US07923199B2
The invention provides a photosensitive composition for use in the production process of a semiconductor such as IC, in the production of a circuit substrate of liquid crystal, thermal head and the like or in other photofabrication processes, a pattern forming method using the photosensitive composition, and a specific organic acid, which are: a photosensitive composition comprising a compound having a proton acceptor functional group and producing a sulfonic acid group upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation to reduce or lose the acceptor property or change the proton acceptor functional group to be acidic, or a compound capable of generating a specific organic acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; a pattern forming method using the photosensitive composition; and a specific organic acid.
US07923188B2
The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to charge transport layers useful in electrostatography. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member having a charge transport layer that is partially crosslinked, wherein the crosslinking is achieved by incorporating a small amount of compatible thermalsetting resins into the layer. Incorporation of these resins have been shown to increase charge transport life.
US07923187B2
The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to charge transport layers useful in electrostatography. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an improved electrostatographic imaging member having a charge transport layer that is partially crosslinked, wherein the crosslinking is achieved by incorporating a small amount of compatible thermalsetting resins into the layer. Incorporation of these resins have been shown to increase charge transport life.
US07923179B2
An exposure mask is constituted of hole-patterns whose scales are higher than the limit resolution of exposure light and which are repetitively aligned in X-Y directions with the prescribed pitch (ranging from 140 nm to 180 nm) therebetween, halftone phase shift regions whose transmission factors range from 2% to 20% and each of which is aligned between two hole-patterns adjacently lying in the X-direction or the Y-direction so as to apply an inverse phase to incidence light, and light preventive regions each of which is aligned between two hole-patterns adjacently lying in an oblique direction inclined to the X-direction or Y-direction by 45°. The exposure mask is illuminated with azimuthal polarization light which is produced by a secondary light source of a zonal illumination and whose polarization direction is perpendicular to the radial direction of the secondary light source.
US07923177B2
The invention relates to a process for fabricating an extreme ultraviolet photolithography mask operating in reflection, comprising a substrate, a mirror structure (uniformly deposited on the substrate, and an absorbent element forming a pattern deposited on the mirror structure, characterized in that the absorbent element is obtained by the irradiation and then development of an organometallic resist layer deposited on the mirror structure.
US07923173B1
An embossing surface and a method for creating that surface is provided by a polyimide material which has photodefinable characteristics. One benefit is that the embossing surfaces do not have to be made by data transfer from the photo-definable surface. The polyimide material is cured by heating to a predetermined hardness appropriate for the surfaces to be embossed.
US07923168B2
A new reactant delivery system for delivering reactants to the membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. The invention uses a plurality of small holes to propel high-velocity streams of reactant gases (“microjets”) against an impingement plate. The microjets assist in catalyzing the reactant gases and forcing them toward the proton exchange membrane. Reactant gas flow is primarily perpendicular to the orientation of the proton exchange membrane, thereby enhancing diffusion rates. In addition, each microjet acts like an expansion valve, which significantly cools the flowing gas and provides internal heat absorption. This internal heat absorption permits higher energy densities in the fuel cell.
US07923160B2
By using a fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly having and electrolyte membrane 100 formed by a polymer electrolyte membrane, and an anode 101 and a cathode 102 carrying a catalytic metal and sandwiching electrolyte membrane 100. The anode 101 and the cathode 102 are in electrical connection, and an activation treatment is carried out for opening an active site of catalytic metal of the cathode 102. This provides an activation method of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell which is advantageous to activation and raises cell voltage.
US07923156B2
The composite electrolyte for use in a thin plate rechargeable lithium battery comprises a porous or micro-porous inert, multi-layered polymer separator laminate which carries an adherent second polymer coating containing a dissociable lithium compound, and the multi-layered separator having adherent solid second polymer layer, is impregnated with an organic liquid containing another lithium salt. The porous or micro-porous separator laminate is made of multiple polymer layers, at least one of the member layers having melting temperature at least 20-C below the melting temperature of the other polymer member layers. The composite porous electrolyte is inserted between the electrodes of a rechargeable lithium battery. In another embodiment the porous polymer separator sheet has an adherent, dissociable lithium compound containing, solid second polymer layer on each of its major faces.
US07923151B2
A lead-acid battery comprising: at least one lead-based negative electrode; at least one lead dioxide-based positive electrode; at least one capacitor electrode; and electrolyte in contact with the electrodes; wherein a battery part is formed by the lead based negative electrode and the lead dioxide-based positive electrode; and an asymmetric capacitor part is formed by the capacitor electrode and one electrode selected from the lead based negative electrode and the lead-dioxide based positive electrode; and wherein all negative electrodes are connected to a negative busbar, and all positive electrodes are connected to a positive busbar. The capacitor electrode may be a capacitor negative electrode comprising carbon and an additive mixture selected from oxides, hydroxides or sulfates of lead, zinc, cadmium, silver and bismuth, or a capacitor negative electrode comprising carbon, red lead, antimony in oxide, hydroxide or sulfate form, and optionally other additives. The capacitor electrode may be used in asymmetric capacitors and batteries of other types.
US07923144B2
A tunable frangible battery pack system for use in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The tunable frangible battery pack system includes a two piece clamshell housing. The system also includes a plurality of battery cells arranged within the housing and a collector plate secured to each piece of the housing. The system also includes a wire conductor arranged between each of the battery cells and collector plates to create a frangible disconnect system when the battery pack system and electric vehicle are exposed to a predetermined mechanical or thermal force or event.
US07923133B2
The present disclosure relates to high purity apparati, e.g., magnetic hard disk drives, and more specifically, to coatings for particle reduction of surfaces of such apparati. The provided coatings include thin polymer coatings with reactive pendant groups having crosslinking functionality and ability to anchor to substrate surfaces to suppress particle shedding from substrate surfaces. Provided is a substrate that includes a coating on at least a portion of the substrate that comprises a fluorinated acrylate random copolymer. Methods of reducing particulate contamination are also provided.
US07923132B2
Provided is a photosensitive dielectric paste capable of being burned at a low temperature in a short time and forming a dielectric film (insulator film) having favorable properties, such as sintering properties or temperature characteristics of dielectric constant, and an electronic part having favorable properties having a dielectric film formed using the same. The photosensitive dielectric paste of the invention contains (a) an inorganic ingredient containing 10 to 30% by volume of dielectric powder containing a Ba—Nd—Ti complex oxide powder, 50 to 80% by volume of supporting glass powder, and 1 to 20% by volume of sintering aid glass powder containing Bi in a proportion of 50 to 90% by weight in terms of Bi2O3; and (b) a photosensitive organic ingredient, in which the Ba—Nd—Ti complex oxide powder reacts with the sintering aid glass powder upon burning to thereby produce a Bi—Nd—Ti complex oxide. As the supporting glass powder, a glass powder containing Si in a proportion of 70 to 90% by weight in terms of SiO2 is used.
US07923129B2
Provided is an organic light emitting device including: a pair of electrodes including an anode and a cathode; and at least one layer formed of an organic compound interposed between the pair of electrodes, in which the at least one layer formed of the organic compound layer contains at least one kind of the carbazole derivative represented by the following general formula (I). The organic light emitting device has an optical output with extremely high efficiency and a high luminance and has an extremely high durability.
US07923124B2
A laminated structure is formed by stacking a first block member, an intermediate member, and a second block member together in this order, and then mutually joining each of the members. Further, by setting the elastic constant of the intermediate member to be greater than the elastic constants of the first block member and the second block member, deformation of grooves, which are formed in the first block member, is minimized.
US07923123B2
A large number of small reflection portions are continuously formed over a back face of a base member opposite the light impinging side, in an arbitrary arrangement. The small reflection portions are each formed to have a boundary surface for reflection, interference, and diffraction of incident light impinging onto the base member, to thereby produce random changes in the brightness of reflection light over the entirety of the decoration panel. The small reflection portions have concave boundary surfaces having three-dimensional shape determined though imparting a 1/f fluctuation to a triangular-roof-like basic shape. When at least one of the direction of the incident light in relation to the base member, a viewing point in relation to the base member, and the position of the base member is changed, the small reflection portions generate an irregularly changing light-dark pattern in the brightness of reflection right from the small reflection portions.
US07923105B2
A hydrogen separator comprising a porous substrate composed mainly of a ceramic having a large number of pores connecting from one surface of the substrate to other surface, and a hydrogen-separating layer made of a hydrogen permselective metal formed on the porous substrate via an intermediate layer made of an electron-conductive ceramic. The hydrogen separator hardly generates defects such as peeling, cracks or the like in the hydrogen-separating layer and is suitable for use even when the hydrogen separator is exposed to a heat cycle, used under high temperature conditions or/and used for long-term.
US07923098B2
A low-defect-density crystalline structure comprising a first crystalline material, a layer of second crystalline material epitaxially grown on the first crystalline material, and a layer of third crystalline material epitaxially grown on the second layer such that the second layer is positioned between the first crystalline material and the third crystalline material. The second and third crystalline materials cooperate to form a desirable relationship. The crystalline structures of the second crystalline material and third crystalline material have a higher crystalline compatibility than the first crystalline material and third crystalline material. The layer of second crystalline material is sufficiently thick to form the desirable relationship with the third crystalline material but sufficiently thin for the layer of second crystalline material to be strained. The layer of third crystalline material is grown to a thickness beyond a thickness had the third layer been grown on an unstrained second layer.
US07923087B2
A dunnage platform is in the general shape of a rectangular slab with legs extending form one side. The dunnage platform is made from an expanded polystyrene core. A chemical combination process is used to chemically combine portion of the core proximal to its surface with high impact polystyrene. In a first of two parts of the combination process, the core is placed in a forming mold with one of its two sides and two thirds of its thickness extending therefrom. A heated sheet of high impact polystyrene is brought into contact with the portion of the core extending from the mold. In a similar manner, the other of the two sides of the core is made to extend from the forming mold for contact with a heated sheet of high impact polystyrene.
US07923085B2
A dose, having an axis of symmetry, for the realization of multilayer objects by compression molding, comprising a first synthetic resin and at least one fine layer of functional resin imprisoned at least largely in the resin wherein a part of its surface is concave.
US07923081B2
Recording medium for water-based ink and method for determining ink absorbing characteristic thereof
A mat type recording medium for ink jet printing is provided which exhibits optimum printability no matter which of dye ink and pigment ink may be used in printing. The recording medium, which is for recording with use of water-based ink containing an ink colorant, comprises a paper base and an ink receptive layer formed on a surface of the paper base, the ink receptive layer comprising a porous layer containing an inorganic pigment and also containing a substance reactive with the ink colorant.
US07923080B2
A liquid crystal display which has spacers reliably joined with a pair of substrates of the liquid crystal display by using spacers adapted to the purpose with respect to material, structure, method of joining with the substrates, etc. A pair of substrates can be reliably joined with spacers, and the strength of the liquid crystal display against an external pressure as well as display characteristics can be thereby improved. A manufacturing methods for such a liquid crystal display is also disclosed.
US07923073B2
A curable laminate epoxy composition comprising (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an amphiphilic block copolymer containing at least one epoxy resin miscible block segment and at least one epoxy resin immiscible block segment; wherein the immiscible block segment comprises at least one polyether structure provided that the polyether structure of said immiscible block segment contains at least one or more alkylene oxide monomer units having at least four carbon atoms; such that when the epoxy resin composition is cured, the toughness of the resulting cured epoxy resin composition is increased; (c) a curing agent; and (d) a curing catalyst. The amphiphilic block copolymer is preferably an all polyether block copolymer such as a PEO-PBO diblock copolymer or a PEO-PBO-PEO triblock copolymer.
US07923066B2
An organic-inorganic hybrid material comprising two phases: a first, mineral phase comprising a structured mesoporous network with open porosity; and a second, organic phase comprising an organic polymer, said organic phase being essentially not present inside the pores of the structured mesoporous network. Membrane and electrode comprising this material.Fuel cell comprising at least one such membrane and/or at least one such electrode.Process for preparing said hybrid material.
US07923056B2
A dispensing apparatus includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame, a gantry coupled to the frame, a first dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, a second dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, and an imaging system coupled to one of the frame and the gantry. The imaging system may be configured to capture at least one image of a first pattern and a second pattern, with the second pattern being identical to the first pattern. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to verify whether the first pattern and the second pattern are properly positioned on the support with respect to one another based on the at least one captured image to permit simultaneous dispense operations of the first dispensing unit on the first pattern and the second dispensing unit on the second pattern. Other embodiments and methods of dispensing are further disclosed.
US07923050B2
An oil-and-fat composition for coating that simultaneously exhibit both significantly conflicting properties: drying quickly at ambient temperature and hardly peeling off (when eaten), and a food product including the oil-and-fat composition. The oil-and-fat composition for coating of the present invention includes an interesterified oil (A) that is nonselectively interesterified and contains 80 mass % or more of a fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms and 35 to 60 mass % of a saturated fatty acid having 16 or more carbon atoms in its constituent fatty acids, and an interesterified oil (B) that is nonselectively interesterified and contains 20 to 60 mass % of a saturated fatty acid having 12 to 14 carbon atoms and 40 to 80 mass % of a saturated fatty acid having 16 to 18 carbon atoms in its constituent fatty acids. The composition also includes a tri-saturated fatty acid acylglycerol in a content of 10 to 15 mass %.
US07923037B2
The present invention provides novel stable, liquid compositions comprising chalcogenides or salts thereof. These compositions may be used for a variety of purposes, including the treatment and prevention of ischemic or hypoxic injury, as well as in the preservation of biological matter.
US07923030B2
Substantially leachless, agent-encapsulating sol-gel particles, methods of preparing same and products containing same are provided.
US07923017B2
The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus, wherein the MVA-BN virus, or a derivative thereof, induces at least substantially the same level of immunity in vaccinia virus prime/vaccina virus boost regimes when compared to DNA prime/vaccinia virus boost regimes. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised, receiving antiviral therapy, or have a pre-existing immunity to the vaccine virus.
US07923016B2
The present invention provides a novel CXCL12-α2 locked dimer polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of using said dimer in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune disease, and HIV/AIDS.
US07923015B2
A method for visualizing an active synapse wherein said method comprises: (a) exposing cells forming the active synapse to a biomarker comprising at least fragment C of tetanus toxin and a reporter protein; and (b) visualizing the biomarker; wherein the accumulation of the biomarker into dendritic spines of the cells allows visualization of an active synapse. Also, a method for screening molecules capable of modulating synapse activity is provided. A kit useful for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease comprises a biomarker comprising at least fragment C of tetanus toxin and a reporter protein.
US07923014B2
The present invention relates to methods of compositions comprising RegIII and HIP/PAP proteins, including the use of such proteins as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
US07923006B2
The present invention is directed to a novel method for preventing or treating the development of respiratory allergies. The method comprises prenatal and/or postnatal administration of a therapeutically effective amount of LGG.
US07923003B2
The invention relates to a kit comprising the following individual components: (a) polymers comprising at least one free amino group, (b) bridge molecules selected from the group consisting of monocyclic ortho-dihydroxyaromates, mono-cyclic para-dihydroxyaromates, bicyclic monohydrxyaromates, polycyclic monohydroxyaromates, bicyclic dihydroxyaromates, polycyclic dihydroxyaromates, bicyclic trihydroxyaromates, polycyclic trihydroxyaromates, and mixtures thereof, and (c) polyphenoloxidases, in particular, lignolytic polyphenoloxidases, whereby the individual components b) and c) are not in contact.
US07923002B2
The disclosure relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, a wax having a tack of greater than or equal to 0.7 N.s and a hardness of less than or equal to 3.5 MPa. The wax may be a C20-C40 alkyl (hydroxystearoyloxy)stearate. The present disclosure also relates to a make-up or care process using the cosmetic composition, and an assembly for packaging and applying a product for coating keratin fibers.
US07923000B2
Novel methods of determining efficacy of a treatment of inflammatory diseases of the bowel in mammals are provided. The methods are of use in screening and determining the efficacy of treatments of inflammatory diseases of the bowel, and for determining the efficacy response of individual sufferers of inflammatory diseases of the bowel to a given regime. Kits for carrying out the method are also provided.
US07922997B2
A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. Mmn+Rr+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the dimethyldipropylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These zeolites are similar to MCM-68 but are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes.
US07922991B2
Basic magnesium carbonate comprising a tubular aggregated particle of flaky fine crystals.
US07922987B2
A diesel particulate filter with an oxidation catalyst comprising platinum and palladium deposited thereon is described. Addition of HC storage components to the oxidation catalyst allows the conversion of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide to be improved significantly.
US07922984B2
Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes a sachet constructed in part with a hydrophobic material. The sachet contains one or more reactants that generate a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The apparatus can also include a barrier layer and/or a rigid frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is combined with a reservoir that can be used to deliver a gas to the reservoir and, optionally, a conduit. In another embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated into a fluid dispersion system that includes a dispersion apparatus, e.g., a humidifier.
US07922979B2
A silent discharge plasma apparatus includes a dielectric member, a pair of electrodes opposed to each other across the dielectric member and an alternating-current source applying an alternating-current voltage between the electrodes and causing a discharge. A gas is supplied to a discharge space, where discharge occurs, and a plasma is produced. At least one of the electrodes includes a conductive power feeding thin film on the dielectric member. When the dielectric member is destroyed and an arc discharge develops between the electrodes, the power feeding thin film is eliminated or oxidized, and the arc discharge is stopped.
US07922975B2
A resonant sensor for detecting a specific environmental analyte is presented. The resonant sensor comprises a top conductive layer of two ground conductors and a center signal line, a bottom conductive layer of two ground lines shunted together by a shunt line and a sensing layer positioned between the top conductive layer and the bottom conductive layer. A capacitor is created by the overlap of the center signal line of the top conductive layer and the shunt line of the bottom conductive layer. Electrical properties of the sensing layer change in response to binding the specific environmental analyte with the sensing layer. The sensing layer can be an electro-optic polymer. Nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes can be dispersed within the sensing layer to bind with the specific environmental analyte. An integrated antenna can be incorporated into to sensor to receive radio frequencies for wireless, passive sensing.
US07922969B2
The corrosion-resistant nickel-base alloy combines thermal stability with corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. The alloy contains balanced proportions of nickel, molybdenum, chromium, and iron with an effective amount of yttrium to stabilize grain boundaries against unwanted reactions, which might degrade corrosion resistance, and an effective amount of boron to maintain an acceptable level of ductility. The alloy may contain minor amounts of additives or impurities, such as silicon, manganese, and aluminum. The alloy may contain between about 25-45% molybdenum, 2-6% chromium, 2-4% iron, 0.01-0.03% boron, 0.005-0.015% yttrium, and up to a maximum of 1% manganese, silicon, and aluminum, respectively, by weight, the balance being nickel. It is preferred that the combined ratio of molybdenum, chromium, and iron to nickel be in the range of about 25% to 45%.
US07922967B2
A high-strength and high-toughness magnesium based alloy contains, by weight, 1 to 8% rare earth element and 1 to 6% calcium and the maximum crystal grain diameter of magnesium constituting a matrix is not more than 30 μm. At least one intermetallic compound (6) of rare earth element and calcium has a maximum grain diameter of 20 μm or less and it is dispersed in a crystal grain boundary (5) and a crystal grain (4) of magnesium of the matrix.
US07922962B2
The invention relates to a plant (10) for blowing a pressure medium in a blank (12), which comprises a mould (12) which is used for receiving the blank (12) and comprises a top wall (24) trough which the neck (16) of the blank (12) is projected, a nozzle (22) which comprises a pressure medium lower output orifice (34) and is provided with an ring sealing joint (40) arranged under the lower circumference (44) of said output orifice (34) in such a way that the circumference (44) of the output orifice (34) surrounds the neck (16) of the blank (12). Said invention is characterised in that the sealing joint (40) is provided with a lower elastic annular lip (48) in such a way that the pressure medium rests on the top face (54) of said lip (48) for pressing the free annular lower edge (58) thereof against a supporting wall (18, 24), thereby ensuring the tightness of the nozzle (22).
US07922960B2
A light-transmitting mold structure having a mold pattern corresponding to a portion to form a pattern by nanoimprint and a conductive film pattern corresponding to a portion to form a pattern by nonadiabatic near-field exposure is used to irradiate UV light from a back surface of the mold structure and to perform nonadiabatic near-field light exposure in an imprint process so that all patterns having various sizes for simulating various designs can be faithfully transferred by a single imprint process (imprint & UV exposure).
US07922954B2
Building wall panels having lightweight hollow core interiors include embodiments suitable for interior and exterior walls, for industrial, commercial or residential buildings, and for multi-story structures. Various methods for making these wall panels are disclosed, including the formation of cast gypsum firewall layers.
US07922932B2
A method for producing reactive fine particles, includes: admixing at least one latent curing agent selected from the group consisting of a urea derivative, an imidazole, a dicyaniamide (DICY), a mixture of any one or more thereof, and a precursor thereof, in a solvent to form a clear solution; spraying the clear solution onto at least one inorganic inert particle selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide, a mineral filler, a natural filler, and a mixture of any one or more thereof, the at least one inorganic inert particle having a specific surface area in the range of about 10 to about 50 m2/g; and removing the solvent to form reactive fine particles that includes a core of inert material coated by a coating layer that includes the at least one latent curing agent.
US07922927B2
A technique is provided for forming a molecule or an array of molecules having a defined orientation relative to the substrate or for forming a mold for deposition of a material therein. The array of molecules is formed by dispersing them in an array of small, aligned holes (nanopores), or mold, in a substrate. Typically, the material in which the nanopores are formed is insulating. The underlying substrate may be either conducting or insulating. For electronic device applications, the substrate is, in general, electrically conducting and may be exposed at the bottom of the pores so that one end of the molecule in the nanopore makes electrical contact to the substrate. A substrate such as a single-crystal silicon wafer is especially convenient because many of the process steps to form the molecular array can use techniques well developed for semiconductor device and integrated-circuit fabrication.
US07922924B2
An internal filter includes a lower substrate and an upper substrate. Fluid passages are formed by etching grooves into the surface(s) of the upper and/or lower substrates, and/or in one or more intermediate layers. The filter pores extending between the fluid passages are formed by etching second grooves that fluidly connect the fluid passages. Two or more sets of the one or two intermediate layers can be implemented to provide additional filter passages and/or pores. Each set can be connected to a separate fluid source and/or a separate microfluidic device. In another internal filter, the inlet and outlet passages and the filter pores are formed on the same upper or lower substrate. The inlet and outlet passages are partially formed in a first step. In a second step, the inlet and outlet passages are completed at the same time that the filter pores are formed.
US07922919B2
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to crossbar array designs that interfaces wires to address wires, despite misalignments between electrical components and wires. In one embodiment, a nanoscale device may be composed of a first layer of two or more wires and a second layer of two or more address wires that overlays the first layer. The nanoscale device may also include an intermediate layer positioned between the first layer and the second layer. Two or more redundant electrical component patterns may be fabricated within the intermediate layer so that one or more of the electrical component patterns is aligned with the first and second layers.
US07922917B2
Porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are described that selectively bind molecules of interest, especially nucleic acid molecules, under appropriate conditions. Methods of preparing the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles and their use for identifying or separating molecules of interest are also described. Kits comprising the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are also provided.
US07922916B1
A curb inlet filter is force fit into the throat of a curb inlet to filter debris and sediment from storm water entering an inlet. The device has a filter media affixed to the lower portion of a semi-rigid “C” shaped frame with upper retention flange. The shape and upper flange of the device combine to create a secure compression fit into the receiving inlet. The design includes an overflow feature above the extents of the filter media for heavy storm events. The “C” shape of the filter and placement within the throat of the curb inlet encourages sediment and debris to be captured within the device away from pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The device can easily be removed from the curb inlet while retaining the collected sediment and debris. The captured contaminants can be disposed of by emptying the contents in a designated area.
US07922915B2
A wastewater treatment system including carbon dioxide gas injection means for injecting a carbon dioxide gas into wastewater which takes place during silicon processing to obtain raw wastewater to be treated; a wastewater tank; a filter membrane through which the raw wastewater is filtered; a liquid forwarding pump which forwards the raw wastewater to the filter membrane; and circulation/forwarding control means which can forward concentrated water and/or filtered water to the wastewater tank and which can regulate the pH of the raw wastewater to 4.0 to 6.5 to forward this wastewater to the filter membrane, when the amount of the raw wastewater present in the wastewater tank is below a reference amount.
US07922914B1
Methods and systems are provided for measuring pressure drop through a filter in the flow path and then using the measured pressure drop, possibly at a normalized state and in conjunction with time and/or other data from the system, to estimate characteristics of the fluid, the filter, and/or a working component supplied with the filtered fluid. Such characteristics could include an operating condition of the filter, the remaining useful life of the filter, the relative contaminant concentration in the fluid, and/or the remaining useful life of a working component supplied with the filtered fluid.
US07922910B2
An aeration system for a submerged membrane module has a set of aerators connected to an air blower, valves and a controller adapted to alternately provide a higher rate or air flow and a lower rate of air flow in repeated cycles. In an embodiment, the air blower, valves and controller, simultaneously provide the alternating air flow to two or more sets of aerators such that the total air flow is constant, allowing the blower to be operated at a constant speed. In another embodiment, the repeated cycles are of short duration. Transient flow conditions result in the tank water which helps avoid dead spaces and assists in agitating the membranes.
US07922907B2
A method for removing contaminant from feedwater by forming a dispersion comprising bubbles of a treatment gas in a continuous phase comprising feedwater, wherein the bubbles have a mean diameter of less than about 5 μm and wherein the treatment gas is selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, and chlorine. A method for removing contaminants from a feedwater by subjecting a fluid mixture comprising feedwater and a treatment gas to a shear rate greater than 20,000 s−1 in a high shear device to produce a dispersion of treatment gas in a continuous phase of the feedwater. A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom is also presented, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap; and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas to the high shear mixing device.
US07922903B2
A system and method for uniformly distributing fluids (e.g., washing and in-service) through a filter bed of a filter. The system and method of the present invention can be used with any type of filter that uses media to remove impurities from a fluid. The filter bed can include one or more layers of media. The media can be natural (e.g., sand, gravel, anthracite, etc.) or can be fabricated (e.g., plastic). The filter media can be supported by one or more layers of gravel. Alternatively, the filter media can be supported by a porous plate or other support designed to replace the gravel layers. The present invention includes a system having a distribution member configured to uniformly distribute a fluid through a filter bed of a filter. Preferably, the distribution member can be readily installed by relatively unskilled labor in both existing filters and new filters.
US07922901B2
A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the shear gap is the minimum distance between the rotor and the stator, and wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s (4,500 ft/min) and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas selected from oxygen, air, and chlorine to the high shear mixing device.
US07922894B2
The present invention pertains to a process for hydroprocessing a heavy hydrocarbon oil, comprising contacting a heavy hydrocarbon oil in the presence of hydrogen with a mixture of hydroprocessing catalyst I and hydroprocessing catalyst II. The process of the invention combines high contaminant removal with high conversion, low sediment formation, and high process flexibility.
US07922891B2
The present invention relates to a method for detecting and quantitating NADH/NAD+ and/or NADPH/NADP+ as well as NADHJNAD+ and/or NADPH/NADP+ dependent enzymes using a photoelectrochemical cell.
US07922889B2
An anodic oxide film is formed on an aluminium or aluminium alloy work piece by forming an anodic oxide film on the work piece by AC electrolysis followed by subjecting the work piece to DC electrolysis. The AC anodizing step may be conducted at a voltage of 5 to 30V for 30 seconds to 10 minutes and the DC anodizing step may be conducted at a voltage of 5 to 30V for a period of 1 to 20 minutes. The anodic oxide coating is suitable for adhesive bonding of aluminium alloy work pieces.
US07922880B1
Local plasma density, e.g., the plasma density in the vicinity of the substrate, is increased by providing an ion extractor configured to transfer ions and electrons from a first region of magnetically confined plasma (typically a region of higher density plasma) to a second region of plasma (typically a region of lower density plasma). The second region of plasma is preferably also magnetically shaped or confined and resides between the first region of plasma and the substrate. A positively biased conductive member positioned proximate the second region of plasma serves as an ion extractor. A positive bias of about 50-300 V is applied to the ion extractor causing electrons and subsequently ions to be transferred from the first region of plasma to the vicinity of the substrate, thereby forming higher density plasma. Provided methods and apparatus are used for deposition and resputtering.
US07922876B2
In a method for recovering acid from an aqueous etching mixture containing HF, HNO3, H2SiF6 and HNO2 which has been used for purifying polycrystalline silicon, the used etching mixture is distilled progressively so that approximately from 20 to 50 wt. % of the mixture is distilled off as dilute acid containing more than 90 wt. % of the silicon dissolved as hexafluorosilicic acid in a first fraction, and the water contained in the used etching mixture having been reduced by approximately 10-30 wt. %, this water-depleted mixture is then concentrated by evaporation to a residue of about 1 to 5 wt. % of the initial amount of used etching mixture during which a second fraction is distilled off, and the residue is disposed of.
US07922871B2
A method of recycling composite material comprising carbon fibers and a resin, the method comprising: providing a furnace comprising at least a heating portion; providing a transporter for transporting the composite material through the furnace; loading the composite material on the transporter and transporting the composite material through the furnace; detecting a percentage of oxygen in an atmosphere in the heating portion when the composite material has entered this portion; and removing resin from the composite material, as it travels through the heating portion of the furnace on the transporter, by means of chemical decomposition at a first temperature, with the resultant generation of fumes; wherein the generated fumes are removed from the heating portion in a controlled manner, such that the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere in the heating portion is controlled.
US07922863B2
An apparatus for photo-assisted or photo-induced processes is disclosed, comprising a process chamber having an integrated gas and radiation distribution plate. In one embodiment, the plate has one set of apertures for distributing one or more process gases, and another set of apertures for distributing radiation to a process region in the chamber.
US07922857B2
A receiver base receives from below a front end portion of a label that is fed forward from a folded-back portion of an release paper and droops forward, so that the label is held in a predetermined forwardly and downwardly inclined posture. In a process of separating and feeding the label in such a state where part of a rear end of the label is joined and held onto the release paper, a suction head having a downward suction surface that is inclined forward and downward is brought closer to a top surface of the label being separated so as to suck the label.
US07922853B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a component for connecting a fuselage cell skin to an annular rib of an aircraft, wherein the component is formed by bending of a flat blank along at last two edge lines and wherein the blank is formed by a CFRP.According to the invention the interlaminar sliding of the fiber layers is largely completed in a first forming step, while in a second forming step a consolidation of the component takes place by the use of pressure from the press on all sides by means of an upper tool and a lower tool. This enables complex components with at least two edge lines to be produced, which edge lines run at angles of approximately, preferably at angles of 309° to 90°, to each other, and which edge lines also lie in at least two different planes.
US07922846B2
A method of making an insulated, impact resistant glass product from first and second sheets of glass. The first sheet of glass includes a major surface with a perimeter surface portion surrounding a central surface portion. The method comprises applying a raised barrier to the perimeter surface portion to produce a dam of a predetermined height surrounding the central surface portion. A curable fluid material is dispensed over the central surface portion and the curable fluid material spreads outward from the central surface portion to the raised barrier. The second sheet of glass is attached to the raised barrier leaving a gap between a major surface of the second sheet of glass and the cured fluid material.
US07922845B2
An apparatus for bonding a first carbon composite to a second carbon composite through a reactant layer includes a housing, and a pair of conductive press plates electrically isolated from the housing. The press plates are adapted to position the two parts to be bonded with a reactant layer therebetween. The press plates are subjected to an electrical potential and a clamping force, sufficient to initiate a combustion reaction that creates a molten ceramic to bond together the carbon-carbon composites.
US07922837B2
The present invention relates to a steel sheet for Vitreous enameling excellent in enameling properties (bubbling and black spot resistance, enamel adhesiveness and fish scale resistance) and workability, and a method for producing the same, and is characterized in that the steel sheet contains, in mass of, C: 0.010% or less, Mn: 0.03 to 1.3%, Si: 0.03% or less, Al: 0.02% or less, N: 0.0055% or less, P: below 0.035%, and S: over 0.025% to 0.08%; and the density change of the steel sheet from before an annealing to after an annealing at 850° C. for 20 hours, in a hydrogen atmosphere is 0.02% or more.
US07922817B2
A feed assembly and method of use thereof of the present invention is used for the addition of a high pressure dopant such as arsenic into a silicon melt for CZ growth of semiconductor silicon crystals. The feed assembly includes a vessel-and-valve assembly for holding dopant, and a feed tube assembly, attached to the vessel-and-valve assembly for delivering dopant to a silicon melt. An actuator is connected to the feed tube assembly and a receiving tube for advancing and retracting the feed tube assembly to and from the surface of the silicon melt. A brake assembly is attached to the actuator and the receiving tube for restricting movement of the feed tube assembly and locking the feed tube assembly at a selected position.
US07922798B2
A granulator device (1) for the treatment of powdered material, in particular pharmaceutical powdered material, comprises a substantially cylindrical container (2), in which there is a chamber (4) for treatment of the powdered material using a fluid flow fed into the chamber (4); filtering means (5) for filtering the inside of the chamber (4), the filtering means (5) being located in the chamber (4) and comprising at least one filter (5) with a cylindrical metal mesh filtering wall (6); and means (P) for cleaning the filtering means (5) which can be activated during maintenance operations, the cleaning means comprising at least one element (7) rotating about each filter (5) and supporting diffuser means (8) designed to diffuse a service fluid on the cylindrical wall (6) in order to eliminate any impurities trapped in the filter (5) wall (6); the cleaning means (P) also comprise means (9) for temporarily opening at least one portion (10) of the filter (5) to allow the service fluid to flow out of the filter (5) together with the impurities.
US07922790B2
Compressor device having a compressor (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4); a compressed air line (5) which connects the outlet (4) of the compressor (2) to a user network (6); a drier (7) which is incorporated in the compressed air line (5) and which includes at least two air receivers (13-16) which are each provided with an inlet (14) and an outlet (15) and which are filled with desiccant or drying agent, which air receivers (13-16) work alternately, such that while one air receiver (13) is drying the compressed gas, the other air receiver (16) is regenerated; and a blow-off device (28) for blowing off at least a part of the gas compressed by the compressor when the compressor (2) works in no-load or in partial load, characterized in that mechanisms are provided which make it possible to guide the part of the compressed gas which is blown off via the blow-off device (28) through the regenerating air receiver (13).
US07922777B2
The present disclosure relates to a process for lightening human keratin fibers using at least one anhydrous composition (A) comprising at least one fatty substance, at least one surfactant, monoethanolamine and at least one basic amino acid, and at least one composition (B) comprising at least one oxidizing agent. The disclosure relates to a multi-compartment device comprising the abovementioned compositions (A) and (B).
US07922766B2
Methods for treating spinal pathologies, and more specifically methods for treating articulating surfaces of facet joints of cervical vertebrae. The methods involve providing artificial articulating surfaces for facet joint articular facets. In addition, various types of rasps may be used to prepare the articulating surfaces prior to placement of the artificial articulating surfaces.
US07922755B2
Delivery catheters and systems are adapted for delivering multiple discreet prostheses in body lumens. An exemplary delivery catheter comprises a sheath, a pusher for moving the prostheses relative to the sheath, and a valve member for selectively retaining the prostheses in the sheath. For balloon expandable stents, an elongated shaft and an expandable member are slidably disposed in the sheath, and the prostheses are positionable on the expandable member for deployment in the body lumen. The valve member allows a selected number of prostheses to be deployed from the sheath while retaining other prostheses within the sheath.
US07922752B2
A heat transfer device has first and second elongated, articulated segments, each having a turbulence-inducing exterior surface. A flexible joint connects the first and second elongated, articulated segments. An inner coaxial lumen is disposed within the first and second elongated, articulated segments. The inner coaxial lumen is capable of transporting a pressurized working fluid to a distal end of the first elongated, articulated segment.
US07922750B2
An implantable interlaminar-interspinous stabilization system is provided. The system may comprise a U-shaped implantable device having an inferior section, a superior section, a midsection extending therebetween, and pair of lateral walls for engaging a spinous process of a vertebra, each of the lateral walls including an aperture with a countersink for receiving a bone fastener. The system may also include a bone fastener comprising a threaded bolt and a threaded nut for securing the implantable device to the spinous processes. Insertion tools may be provided for aligning the threaded bolt and nut through the apertures of the implantable device.
US07922742B2
A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication.
US07922731B2
A surgical instrument for applying and fixing a fixation screw to a threaded section of a head of a bone anchorage element comprises a distal end and a proximal end, a first tool member and a second tool member. The first tool member is arranged at the distal end and adapted for engaging the threaded section of the bone anchorage element head. The second tool member is adapted for engaging a tool-engaging member of the fixation screw. The instrument is constructed such that in a working position of the instrument the second tool member is supported on the instrument in a torque proof manner relative to the first tool member about a longitudinal axis and is movable parallel to the longitudinal axis relative to the first tool member. Moreover, an osteosynthesis device comprising at least two bone anchorage elements and at least one connection member is suggested. Further, a method for fixing an osteosynthesis device on two vertebrae of a spinal column in a minimal invasive manner is proposed.
US07922728B2
An ancillary tool (10) comprising a trial humeral trochlea (202) that is representative of an anatomical humeral trochlea when the trial humeral trochlea is in place with respect to corresponding cubital (SC) and/or radial (SR) articular surfaces and a cut-out guide (30) for cutting an ulna (C) and/or a radius (R), wherein the cut-out guide (30) is adapted to be positioned with respect to the trial humeral trochlea (202). The cut-out guide (30) is also adapted to be positioned with respect to an ulna (C) and/or to a radius (R) equipped with the trial humeral trochlea (202).
US07922726B2
A surgical tool handle and separate disposable orthopedic tool head assembly is disclosed. The surgical tool handle has a reinforcing member extending from it. The reinforcing member is receivable in an internal bore of the disposable orthopedic tool head and provides structural reinforcement for the tool head. This reinforcement allows the use of disposable materials in the construction of the tool head that otherwise could not be use (e.g., plastic and resin materials) because of an increased risk of breakage or failure relative to metallic tool heads.
US07922721B2
An acetabular reaming system is disclosed of the type having a driver and a tool held together by a quick-release coupling mechanism. The tool (10) has a hollow body (12) defining a domed shape with a rotational axis (14), an apex (16) aligned with the axis (14) and a hemispherical wall (18) extending from the apex (16) to an equatorial rim (20) spaced 90 degrees from the axis (14). The rim (20) has an edge (22) visible to the user that indicates the position of the tool (10) relative to the bone. A first plurality of cutting sites (24) is arrayed along the body (12) and a second plurality of cutting sites (28) is arrayed circumferentially along the edge (22). Preferably, the first plurality of cutting sites (24) present raised first teeth (30, 130, 230, 330) having a profile selected from continuous squared (30), continuous rounded (130), discontinuous squared (230) and tongued (330) profiles. Also preferably, the second plurality of cutting sites (28) present raised second teeth (32, 132, 232, 332, 432) selected from continuous squared (32), continuous rounded (132), discontinuous squared (232), tongued (332) and bladed (432) profiles.
US07922717B2
A high-frequency treatment tool for an endoscope, having an electrically insulating flexible tube, an operating wire, a high-frequency electrode, which is provided at a distal end of the operating wire and configured to be protrusible and retractable from a distal end of the flexible tube in the axial direction of the flexible tube, and a tubular member, is provided. The tubular member is fitted on the operation wire and immovably attached thereon by plastic deformation, which is caused as at least a part of the tubular member is deformed to interfere with an inner circumferential surface of the flexible tube so that the operating wire is halted with respect to the flexible tube at an arbitrary position in the flexible tube by frictional resistance caused between an interfering part of the tubular member and the inner circumferential surface of the flexible tube.
US07922709B2
In vivo methods are provided for using an electric field to delivery therapeutic or immunizing treatment to a subject by applying non-invasive, user-friendly electrodes to the surface of the skin. Thus, therapeutic or immunizing agents can be delivered into cells of skin for local and systemic treatments or for immunization with optimal gene expression and minimal tissue damage. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.
US07922708B2
Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.
US07922705B2
Differentially densified fibrous structures, methods for making same, and processes for treating fibers used in the fibrous structures are provided. More particularly, fibrous structures comprising two or more regions, at least one of which exhibits a density that is at least 1.6 times greater than another region within the fibrous structure, methods for making such fibrous structures and non-naturally occurring fibers useful in such fibrous structures are provided.
US07922702B2
Featured are devices for delivering a treatment medium to an eye as well as methods related thereto. Such devices and methods allow a desired amount of the treatment medium to be delivered in a controllable manner over a predetermined time period. In particular embodiments, the delivery device is configured and arranged so the treatment medium is eluted from one portion of the delivery device and so that another portion thereof is removably secured within a natural opening or orifice in or proximal to the eye. In specific embodiments the another portion is configured and arranged so as to be removably secured within the natural opening comprising at least one punctum of an eye.
US07922700B2
In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.
US07922698B2
A hypodermic needle assembly configured such that the movement of a needle shield into position to block the needle tip occurs as a direct consequence of a longitudinal force applied by insertion of a syringe plunger is provided. The hypodermic needle assembly according to the present invention includes a needle, a needle hub, and a safety spring clip assembly, the safety spring clip assembly being configured to automatically launch from the needle hub and slide along the needle to shield the needle tip, thus preventing accidental contact with the needle tip. Additional mechanisms for launching the safety spring clip are also provided, which include using a trigger ring for rotating and launching the safety spring clip. Methods for making and using the hypodermic needle assemblies are also disclosed.
US07922683B2
An extracorporeal circulator comprising a line for extracting blood from a patient, a pump for supplying blood, an artificial lung section performing gas exchange on blood, a line for supplying blood passed through the artificial lung section to the patient, a unit for removing bubbles mixed into the blood, a controller for controlling the flow rate of blood being supplied such that bubbles are not fed to the patient, and a line for detouring blood delivered from the blood pump to return it to the blood pump.
US07922677B2
A method of manufacturing an articulation prosthetic implement includes the steps of previously manufacturing a on-way clutch covered and fitted with a metal bush, the metal bush covered and fitted with a synthetic resin bush, and the synthetic resin bush covered and fitted with a brake bush; covering and fitting a rotary shaft of an outer member with flanges at either end, having a rotary shaft at the inner side and an annular depression around the rotary shaft, with the one-way clutch having the three bushes; fitting a cylindrical projection of an inner member having flanges at either end into the annular depression of the outer member located outside the brake bush; screwing or bolting a stopper for controlling the range of rotary shaft rotation to an inner projection of the rotary shaft; fitting one articulation protecting member of the articulation prosthetic implement to the flange of the inner member from the surface side of the inner member; and fitting the other articulation protecting member of the articulation prosthetic implement to the flange of the outer member form the surface side of the outer member.
US07922674B2
The present invention relates to a method for real time mechanical imaging of a prostate with a transrectal probe. In the method, generating a composite two- and three-dimensional prostate mechanical image from a plurality of partial mechanical images extracted from pressure response data and a probe orientation data starts with examining the prostate by pressing a probe head pressure sensor array against it at various overlapping locations. Merging of partial mechanical images together is accomplished by analyzing an overlap between each subsequent and previous partial mechanical image. Finding the prostate is assisted with a supplemental pressure response data indicating the location of a sphincter known to be about 4-5 cm away from the prostate. Data processing is improved by including probe orientation data to further increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the method. The probe is equipped with a two-dimensional head pressure sensor array, a supplemental shaft sensor array and orientation tracking sensors including a three-axis magnetic sensor and a two-axis accelerometer sensor for calculating elevation, rotation and azimuth angles of the probe.
US07922666B2
Pulse oximeter based techniques for controlling anesthesia levels and ventilation levels in subjects
Medical devices and techniques derive breath rate, breath distention, and pulse distention measurements of a subject from a pulse oximeter system coupled to the subject. These parameters together with the conventional physiologic parameters obtained from a pulse oximeter system can be used to assist in controlling the ventilation levels and the anesthesia levels of the subject. The development has human applications and particular application for animal research.
US07922662B2
Beamforming for N elements in performed in log(N) steps of complexity O(N). The signals measured at each element are treated as a receive beam formed by that element with a beam width equal to the element pattern or the width of the transmit illumination. In each of multiple stages, the number of elements is halved by effectively doubling the pitch. The number of beams formed by each element is doubled by narrowing the beam width by a factor of 2 in sin(θ). Since steering and focusing are separated, a single set of delays are applied to each element signal individually prior to the multi-stage beam forming for each finite depth. The data is in a sector format, but by using two beamforming steps, data in a Vector® format is provided.
US07922656B2
A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures includes a seal cap having a central access opening allowing access to a body cavity as desired. The seal cap is provided with a housing in which a seal is positioned. The seal cap also includes an attachment ring that is selectively detachable therefrom for selective attachment of a retractor.
US07922654B2
A steerable imaging catheter is provided, including an elongated catheter tube, at least one steering cable extending along the catheter tube to control the movement of the distal end thereof, and a fiber optic cable extending along the catheter tube. The fiber optic cable transmits illumination light from its proximal end to its distal end and transmits an image from its distal end to its proximal end. In one embodiment, two or more steering cables are used, and the catheter tube is configured to have greater flexibility near its distal end than its proximal end so as to concentrate the movement (flexing) of the catheter tube at its distal end. The use of two or more steering cables, together with the catheter tube having varying flexibility, permit better control of the distal end of the catheter tube while reducing undue twisting of the remainder of the catheter tube.
US07922653B2
A medical system including a capsule type medical device having a capsule configuration, an operation device, arranged external to the capsule type medical device, and including a generator circuit for generating a particular pattern signal, a switch, arranged in the capsule type medical device, for switching on or off power of the capsule type medical device, a receiver, arranged in the capsule type medical device, for receiving a signal from the outside, and a pattern monitoring unit, arranged in the capsule type medical device, for turning on or off the switch at the moment the pattern monitoring unit detects the particular pattern signal as an output signal from the receiver.
US07922648B1
A fixation section and a rim form a myocardial patch for implant in the pericardial space. The fixation section is adapted to promote fibrosis to secure the patch in place. The rim is secured to and surrounds at least a portion of the fixation section and has a lumen. The patch is adapted to transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state. A stylet is passed through the lumen to force the patch into a collapsed state and is removed when the patch is positioned to allow the patch to expand and engage the epicardial surface.
US07922645B2
Systems, apparatus, components and methods are disclosed that allow the clinician to circumvent the pubic arch in instances where it interferes with insertion of instrumentation into the prostate or periprostatic tissue. The systems, apparatus and components disclosed herein employ structures, such as needles and trocars, of shape memory alloys, such as nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) for the purpose of avoiding the pubic arch when accessing the prostate from the perineum.
US07922641B2
The machine for producing tubes includes a winding spindle around which strips of weblike material are wound to form the tube, which is made to advance along the spindle; a device for supply and winding of the strips around the spindle, and at least one knife for cutting lengths of the tube being formed. The knife is provided with a reciprocating movement parallel to the spindle. There is moreover envisaged a counter-knife within the tube being formed, provided with a movement of translation synchronized to the movement of translation of the knife. The counter-knife is magnetically constrained to a mover member, which transmits the motion to the counter-knife.
US07922639B2
The present invention is, in one embodiment, an apparatus for placing an insert within a nested group of taco shells. The insert placement apparatus comprises a vertical shaft, a horizontal shaft, a first pillow block, a second pillow block, a vacuum cup, a horizontal timing belt, an air cylinder, and a servomotor. The vacuum cup is adapted to transport the insert. The first pillow block has a bore therethrough for receiving the horizontal shaft. The second pillow block is supported off of the first pillow block and has a bore therethrough for receiving the vertical shaft. The vacuum cup is suspended off of the vertical shaft. The horizontal belt is routed around a drive pulley and a second pulley and is interconnected to the first pillow block. The servomotor is interconnected to the drive pulley. The servomotor causes the timing belt to displace the first pillow block along the horizontal shaft, thereby causing the vacuum cup to displace horizontally. The air cylinder is adapted to vertically displace the vertical shaft through the second pillow block. This causes the vacuum cup to displace vertically.
US07922635B2
An exercise unit that is a bench-based, has an easily adjustable load exercise system using a resistance engine that can provide a constant load level through the entire range of motion to approximate the use of free-weights, is portable, and reconfigures easily to several different shapes for different exercises. The exercise unit is compact, has a minimal vertical height, and weighs much less than the maximum resistance load that it can create. The bench unit can be stood on its end for compact storage.
US07922631B2
Adjustable supports for exercise machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a load, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load, a support frame operatively coupled to the force-transferring assembly, and an exercise station coupled to the force-transferring assembly proximate a support member of the support frame. The support member is operatively coupled to an upright member of the support frame by an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is adjustable to enable the support member to project from the upright member at a plurality of support positions such that the exercise station is correspondingly adjustable over a plurality of vertical positions. In some embodiments, the support member is pivotable relative to the upright member. Alternately, slideable members may allow the support member to be selectively retracted and extended to provide the desired vertical position adjustment.
US07922627B2
A rotating exercise device is provided. In various embodiments, the rotating exercise device includes a stationary pedestal and a gearbox rotatably mounted to the pedestal such that the gearbox is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the pedestal. The rotating exercise device additionally includes a user seat mounted to a top of the gearbox and a user operable drive mechanism that is operably connected to the gear box. The user operable drive mechanism is structured and operable to, via control and operation of a user sitting on the seat, impart rotational force on the stationary pedestal to cause the gear box, seat and user to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the pedestal as the user operates the user operable drive mechanism.
US07922623B2
An adjustable exercise device that includes one or more inclined riser blocks for readily elevating and inclining a platform to enable stepping and other exercises to be readily performed on an inclined platform. The inclined riser blocks may be matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform to elevate and incline the platform. The inclined riser block may include a top face matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform, a bottom face, and a central portion extending between the bottom and top faces and having a front and rear, the central portion increasing in thickness from the front to the rear. The top face extends at an incline.
US07922618B2
An engine control apparatus for a vehicle provided with a drive system including an engine and a transmission portion which constitutes a part of a power transmitting path, the engine control including an engine control portion configured to change a timing of initiation or a method of a control of the engine according to contents of a requirement for implementing the control of the engine, when the control of the engine and a shifting control of said transmission portion are concurrently required to be implemented.
US07922602B2
A golf putter head having a vertically curved putter face with multiple horizontal contact facets. The face has a vertical radius of curvature that is at least 2 inches and no more than 3.5 inches. The face includes a plurality of horizontal contact facets that are vertically curved to match the vertical radius of curvature. The contact facets, along with the radius of curvature, ensure that no more than two of the horizontal contact facets contact the golf ball when struck by the putter head at a speed of less than 15 miles per hour. The putter produces a horizontal linear contact, or impact, geometry that compensates for misdirection of the path of the putter head throughout the stroke of the putter head. At least one of the horizontal contact facets is located at an elevation above the center of curvature and at least one is located below.
US07922596B2
A putter and golf ball deformity measuring apparatus is described. A putter head comprises a front portion, a rear portion, a bottom portion defining an oblong through hole, and a containment area above the oblong through hole sized and shaped to surround at least a portion of a golf ball without gripping the golf ball, the containment area defined between the front portion and the rear portion.
US07922595B2
A golf training aid utilizes a sliding ball assembly enabling sensory feedback for training golfers to make correct golf swings.
US07922590B2
An articulating joint apparatus includes a first rotational member having an axis, a second rotational member coupled with and positioned generally coaxial to the first rotational member, and a boot cover assembly for sealing at least part of the first rotational member to the second rotational member. The boot cover assembly is selectively coupled to both the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The joint apparatus also includes an insert positioned at least partially between the first rotational member and the second rotational member. The insert will deform in response to axial movement of the second rotational member relative to the first rotational member.
US07922589B2
Electronic game tables with multifunction legs are described. In one implementation, an electronic multiplayer game table includes a tabletop with player stations for an electronic betting game. Multifunction legs physically support the periphery of the tabletop, while electronic components for playing the betting game are mounted in the multifunction legs. For example, a multifunction leg may contain multiple currency detectors and coinless slot machine-style ticket printers/readers, so that each player at the game table has an exclusive currency detector and an exclusive ticket printer in close proximity. The multifunction legs may also include magnetic or smart card readers for transferring player, banking, and monetary information. In a variation, central control components of the electronic game table are also mounted in the legs. The multifunction legs can eliminate the need for a central support pedestal. This enables efficient under-table cooling schemas and other innovations, such as under-table lighting and a central tabletop holograph space.
US07922588B2
Designated coordinates, on the display screen, designated by the pointing device are acquired, and target coordinates, in the virtual game space, corresponding to the designated coordinates are calculated. A distance from reference coordinates set on the display screen to the designated coordinates is calculated and speed information based on the distance is calculated. A predetermined object is moved toward the target coordinates in the virtual game space at a movement speed represented by the speed information.
US07922585B2
Methods and systems of conducting parimutuel wagering activities are disclosed. A method of sending a message to a patron of a parimutuel gaming system includes providing the patron an opportunity to establish an identity on the parimutuel gaming system. Responsive to the patron establishing the identity, the patron is provided an opportunity to associate a virtual address with the identity, and a message may be sent to the virtual address. A method of communicating a result of a parimutuel gaming activity to a player includes providing the player with an opportunity to place a parimutuel wager and to associate a virtual address with the parimutuel wager. A message is sent to the virtual address, wherein the message includes a result of the parimutuel wager. A parimutuel gaming system including a computer is operatively configured with software operatively configured to enable the computer to conduct the parimutuel gaming activities.
US07922582B2
A hand-held game apparatus and a game program allow a user to play a game while going back and forth between a narrow-range map and a broad-range map. The player can manipulate a touch panel mounted on a display for displaying the broad-range map. If the player manipulates the touch panel to point to a coordinate position on the broad-range map, thus designating coordinates for a narrow-range map to display, an image of the narrow-range map, which is changed as desired, is displayed. If the player indicates a moving direction on the broad-range map, to designate a scroll direction, the displayed broad-range map is moved (scrolled).
US07922573B2
A gaming device including a plurality of reel sets connected where at least one of the reel sets includes concentric reels having an inner reel and an outer reel. The inner reel includes a plurality of symbols and a plurality of symbol positions where at least two of the symbols are displayed by one of the symbol positions. The outer reel defines a plurality of different viewable areas where one of the outer reel is positionable to enable a player to view at least one of the symbols through a first viewable area and a different number of the symbols through a second viewable area. A processor causes the inner reel and the outer reel to move and provides any outcome to the player based on the number of winning symbol combinations which are displayed on the reels (i.e., not based on any paylines that would have passed through such displayed winning symbol combinations).
US07922572B2
A gaming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets associated with respective numbers in advance; a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling the gaming apparatus so as to provide different weights on probabilities that a ball is housed in each of the pockets; and a controller, the controller controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launching of the ball by referring to a single control data out of the control data, and selecting another control data different from the single control data, out of the plurality of control data, and setting the selected control data as a reference target, when the number of games cumulatively counted every time a game is played reaches a predetermined number.
US07922565B2
The invention relates to a device for comminuting dry ice granules, comprising a housing having a flow channel for dry ice granules which can be applied, by means of compressed gas, to a surface to be cleaned, and also comprising a first comminution member for comminuting the dry ice granules which are to be dispensed. In order to provide a device of this kind with which different degrees of comminution of dry ice granules can be achieved in a simple manner, it is proposed according to the invention that the device has at least one second comminution member which can be disposed in the housing in a position in which a total degree of comminution, which is greater than the individual degree of comminution which can be achieved solely by the first comminution member, can be achieved in combination with the first comminution member. A dry ice dispensing arrangement for dispensing a mixture of compressed gas and dry ice granules is also proposed, having a device of the above kind.
US07922560B2
A brassiere cup, and a brassiere incorporating the brassiere cups, are provided. The brassiere cup includes an outer fabric layer, an inner fabric layer, and a first, inner layer of foam material positioned between the outer and inner fabric layers. The cup has a lower periphery, and an embossed breast support is positioned at the lower periphery inside of the cup.
US07922553B2
An organic electroluminescent display device has a structure which suppresses a leakage current generated in an organic electroluminescent layer and achieves a low power consumption and excellent light-emitting characteristics. The organic electroluminescent display device includes a first electrode, an organic electroluminescent layer, and a second electrode, stacked in this order on a substrate, wherein the organic electroluminescent layer includes a conductive layer and a light-emitting layer, the conductive layer has a trapezoidal cross section which widens downwardly, and the light-emitting layer covers upper and side surfaces of the conductive layer.
US07922552B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display device in which a laser beam is used. The method includes forming an organic light emitting unit on a substrate; forming a sealing unit that seals the organic light emitting unit; forming an protective film which is opaque on the sealing unit to protect the organic light emitting unit or the sealing unit by blocking the transmission of the laser beam; forming an optical pattern on the opaque protective film using the laser beam; and forming a transparent film from the opaque protective film by oxidizing the opaque protective film.
US07922534B2
A receptacle connector is arranged on an interface of an electronic device for mating with a corresponding plug connector. An anti-incorrect-insertion block is arranged on and protruded from a mating portion of the plug connector. The receptacle connector comprises an insulating housing, conductive terminals assembled in the housing and a first shielding shell for covering on the outside of the insulating housing. A soldering portion welded to a circuit board is arranged on the lower edge of the first shielding shell. The receptacle connector is further provided with a second shielding shell for shielding the electromagnetic signals from the fool-proof opening of the interface. A receptacle connector of the invention shields the fool-proof opening by adding the second shielding shell, thereby preventing the electromagnetic leakage, improving the anti-electromagnetic interference capability of the connector and ensuring an electrical connection of the connector.
US07922533B2
A stacked electrical connector includes an upper mating port, a lower mating port, an insulative separate portion separating the upper and the lower mating ports, and an additional metal shell covering the separate portion. The upper and lower mating ports include first and second metal shells, respectively. The additional metal shell includes a main body shielding a front surface of the separate portion and a pair of side walls extending backwardly from the main body to abut against the opposite walls. At least one side wall includes a lower bending portion attached to the second metal shell in order to form a much larger grounding area for EMI protection.
US07922527B2
A cable assembly (100) is mounted into a panel (200) defining a mounting hole (501) and has a first connector (1), a second connector (2) back to back assembled to the first connector, and a cable device (3) mounted to the first connector. The first connector (1) has a first insulative housing (10) having a base (101) and at least a locking member (102) extending through the mounting hole to lock the first connector to the panel. The base and the locking member are integrally formed as a whole.
US07922524B2
The present invention relates to an improved electrical connector adapted to transmit high-definition (HD) digital images. The improved electrical connector comprises a body, a first terminal assembly, a second terminal assembly, a first terminal connecting device, a second terminal connecting device, a first housing and a second housing. The first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly are adapted to transmit signals, and by using the first housing and the second housing to cover the first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly simultaneously, the problem of electromagnetic interference (EMI) suffered by the first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly during high-frequency transmission is obviated, thereby improving the electromagnetic disturbance susceptibility thereof.
US07922523B2
The socket system comprises a set of vertically-stackable sockets. A first socket mounts on a printed circuit board to receive a first chip module, and a second socket stacks on the first socket to receive a second chip module. The first socket includes a first set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the first chip module to the printed circuit board, and a second set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the second socket to the printed circuit board. The second socket includes a third set of embedded contacts to electrically connect the second chip module to the printed circuit board. System upgrades are enabled by replacing the chip modules.
US07922520B2
A cable connector includes a contact assembly including an electrically insulating block body and multiple signal contacts incorporated therein; an intermediary interconnection board having multiple contact connection pads, multiple groups of wire connection pads, and multiple interconnects on its surface, the interconnects connecting the contact connection pads to the corresponding wire connection pads, the contact connection pads being electrically connected to the corresponding signal contacts of the contact assembly; and a cable having multiple wires electrically connected to the corresponding wire connection pads. Adjacent groups of the wire connection pads are offset in a direction in which the interconnects extend in a manner to reduce crosstalk.
US07922518B1
A connection structure includes a first terminal housing with first connecting terminals, a second terminal housing with second connecting terminals, isolating plates in the first terminal housing, a connecting member to collectively fix the first connecting terminals and the second connecting terminals at the contacts therebetween for electrical connections between the first connecting terminals and the second connecting terminals. The connecting member includes a hollow portion for penetrating the contacts and communicating with an outside of the first terminal housing. The connection structure is adapted to dissipate heat generated at the contacts through the connecting member and the hollow portion to the outside of the first terminal housing.
US07922483B2
Described herein are novel nucleic acids, proteins and methods that can be used to provide new catalysts with desirable traits for industrial processes. In particular, novel reductases isolated from the environment using PCR methods are described.
US07922482B2
The present invention relates to melting plate candles that employ heat conductive materials to distribute heat from a burning flame at a wick to a plate for melting a meltable fuel. Such melting plate candles more rapidly liquefy the meltable fuel, such as paraffin wax. Further, such melting plate candles more uniformly and intensely heat the meltable fuel thereby increasing the efficiency of consumption thereof and more rapidly releasing volatile materials contained within the fuel. The heat conductive plate is configured so as to have a capillary recess or a capillary pedestal upon the surface thereof, which cooperatively engages a wick holder assembly comprising a wick and a heat conductive fin that conducts heat from a flame upon the wick to the plate. The wick holder further engages the fuel and the plate so as to cause the flow of liquefied fuel to the wick. The fuel may be provided in various forms, configured to cooperatively engage the wick holder and plate, and may comprise various volatile materials. The capillary recess or pedestal, in conjunction with the wick holder, causes rapid and complete flow of the liquefied fuel to the wick.
US07922481B2
The temperature generated by a firing apparatus, particularly a gas burner, depends on the mixing ratio between the quantity of air and the quantity of gas fed to the firing apparatus, characterized by the excess air coefficient λ, at a predefined burner load (air mass flow rate) in such a way that the temperature generated by the firing apparatus reaches a maximum when λ=1. According to the inventive method for adjusting the excess air coefficient, said maximum temperature Tmax is determined, whereupon the desired setpoint value λhy of the excess air coefficient is adjusted and the associated setpoint temperature Tsoll is measured. A characteristic curve which represents the correlation between the respective air mass flow rates and the setpoint temperatures at the setpoint value λhy of the excess air coefficient and allows combustion to be regulated to an optimal hygienic state can be determined from said determined correlation between the setpoint temperatures Tsoll at different predefined burner loads. The inventive firing apparatus is adapted to carry out said method and especially comprises a mass flow sensor in the air delivery zone as well as a temperature sensor in the effective range of the burner flame.
US07922476B2
A device for the production of confectionery, in particular, pralines, in moulds, with at least one upper die which may be lowered relative thereto, mounted on a die plate whereby the die plate has a flexible mounting.
US07922473B2
An embossing roller for processing a web material comprises a central axle (53) and a removable and interchangeable outer sleeve (51); the interchangeable sleeve has an essentially cylindrical outer surface provided with protuberances and/or cavities. The axle has radially expandable elements (61) to clamp the sleeve.
US07922470B2
A system and controller for positioning an adjustable sizing cage for use with a blown film extrusion apparatus. A cage sizing subsystem is used to position the cage relative to the film tube. At least two non-contact sensors arranged on the sizing cage to provide signals to an automatic controller, which in turn positions the sizing cage a predetermined distance from the extruded tube. Two different modes of operation are provided for the controller when the size of the tube is to be changed: a forecast mode in which relatively large cage movements of the cage are made, and a contact mode in which the cage is maintained either in contact with the extruded tube, or at an operator selected distance from the extruded tube.
US07922468B2
A gear pump is provided and includes an inlet port which terminates, in the pumping direction of the rotor set, in a radially inwardly extending ramp portion. The ramp portion operates to direct working fluid from an inlet radially inwardly into a pumping chamber of the rotor set which is passing over the ramp portion. By closing the pumping chamber at a radially inwardly point, the filling efficiency of the pumping chamber is improved, reducing cavitation and/or operating noise of the pump.
US07922458B2
A portable pumping system provides insulin or other drugs to a user. A shape memory element is used to actuate the pump and an intelligent system controls the actuator in order to minimize stresses within the system and provide accurate and reliable dosage delivery. The control system utilizes various types of feedback to monitor and optimize the position of the pumping mechanisms. Physical design aspects also minimize stress and the combination of the physical design aspects and the intelligent operation of the system results in a lightweight and cost effective pump that may be used in a disposable fashion if desired.
US07922456B2
A lightweight component in the form of an outlet guide vane for a gas turbine engine and a method of manufacturing such lightweight components are provided. The vane is filled with hollow metal ellipsoid members in a solid metal outer member. The arrangement of hollow metal ellipsoid members allows directionally tailored stiffness or strength.
US07922446B2
A cooling fan includes a fan housing (30) having a central tube (34) extending upwardly therefrom; the central tube has a bottom, annular protrusion (31). A bearing (61) is received in the central tube and mounted on the protrusion. A stator (20) is mounted around the central tube. A rotor (10) includes a shaft (18) having a free end (186) extending through the bearing and defining a notch (184) therein. A locking washer (63) engages into the notch of the shaft to limit movement of the shaft along an axial direction thereof. A balance structure (62) is arranged between the locking washer and the bearing. The balance structure is made of magnet and exerts a downwardly pulling force on the shaft to prevent the rotor from moving upwardly when the rotor is rotated.
US07922445B1
A variable inlet guide vane assembly for a gas turbine engine, where the guide vanes are pivotably connected to a sync ring that is contained within an annular groove within the casing so that leakage through holes in the casing is minimized. The guide vanes include a slider mechanism on one of the ends that will allow for both an axial and a rotational movement of the guide vane pin when the guide vanes pivot about a fixed pin on an opposite end of the guide vanes. a round rotary vane actuator with a height much less than a diameter is mounted outside of the casing and connects to the sync ring through a driving linkage.
US07922440B2
The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for centering a substrate in a process chamber. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a substrate support having a support surface adapted to receive the placement of a substrate and a reference axis substantially perpendicular to the support surface, and a plurality of centering members extending above the support surface. Each centering member is biased into a first position and is movable to a second position by interacting with an opposing member. A movement between the first position and the second position thereby causes each centering member to releasably engage with a peripheral edge of the substrate to push the substrate in a direction toward the reference axis.
US07922439B2
A robot comprises a fixed member that has a lower end, a movable member, and an elastic sheet member. The movable member is supported by the fixed member to be movable between an uppermost position and a lowermost position of a movable range given to the movable member in a vertical direction relative to the fixed member. This movable member has a lower end at which an operation tool is provided The elastic sheet member has both ends. Of these ends, one end is fixed to the lower end of the fixed member and the other end is fixed to the lower end of the movable member. This sheet member droops when the movable member moves up to the uppermost position of the fixed member.
US07922436B2
An apparatus for the application of adhesive to the outside surfaces of book blocks to be encased in a casing inside a casing-in machine, includes an adhesive application device having two application rollers arranged opposite each other in an adhesive application area and which roll off respectively one outside surface of a book block that is conveyed while positioned on a saddle plate of a circulating conveyor. Each roller includes a recess that forms a shoulder parallel to the rotational axis, for applying adhesive to the fold region of a book block. The rotational position of the recess can be adjusted based on the position of a specific fold on a book block by providing the conveyor and the rollers with separate drives. The drives are controllably connected by a control unit. At least the drive for the application rollers of the adhesive application device comprises a controllable drive element.
US07922422B2
A buoyancy adjustment device utilizes an inflation valve connected between the diver's breathing gas supply and a compartment to admit gas into the compartment to increase the diver's buoyancy. An exhaust valve connects between the compartment and the outside of the vest, to release gas from the compartment to the surrounding environment to decrease the diver's buoyancy. A hand-operated controller connected to the inflation valve, when caused to move from a neutral position to an inflation position, actuates the inflation valve and admits gas to the compartment. The hand-operated controller is also connected to the exhaust valve via a flexible pushrod so that, when caused to move from the neutral position to an exhaust position, actuates the exhaust valve and releases gas from the compartment. The flexible pushrod is housed in a sleeve that is totally contained within the compartment. Both the inflation valve and the exhaust valve are mounted substantially within the compartment, below the outer wall of the diver's vest and their respective working parts leave only a low profile raised above the outside surface of the vest. A cloth sleeve is positioned inside the front portion of the vest to conveniently store a spare breathing regulator.
US07922419B2
A combination mounting ring of resilient material, for connecting a shaft within a bore of a housing, has a hollow cylindrical part having radially extending projections. This part is for locating between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the bore, the radially extending projections being under compression and thus securing the shaft within the bore. The combination mounting ring further has an axial spring element extending radially inward from the cylindrical part and having two portions at different axial positions. The axial spring element is for locating between the shaft and a body axially displaced from the shaft, and serves to minimize axial movement of the shaft within the bore of the housing. The axial spring element may either be an annular part or a tab extending from an axial edge of the cylindrical part.
US07922416B2
A portable support structure including a platform member having a primary platform connector and a secondary platform connector. The primary platform connector is configured to receive a primary support connector. The secondary platform connector is configured to receive a secondary support connector. The support structure also includes a primary support member including the primary support connector and a hook member. In addition, the support structure includes a secondary support member having a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably engaged with the secondary platform connector and the second end is in locking engagement with the hook member. The primary support connector includes structures that engage the primary platform connector and rotationally position the primary support member. The hook member includes a hook portion that engages and prevents the secondary support member disengaging upon a rotation of the secondary support member.
US07922408B2
A thermal transfer printer having a configuration in which a drive power of one motor is transmitted to a platen roller and a ribbon conveying mechanism can be easily assembled. The printer has: (a) a printing medium feed reel, (b) a ribbon feed reel, (c) a platen roller, (d) a thermal head, (e) a ribbon conveying roller, (f) a ribbon take-up reel, (g) a motor that drives the platen roller, (h) a rotary drive mechanism that transmits a drive power of the motor to the ribbon conveying roller via a first belt and transmits a drive power of the motor to the ribbon take-up reel via the first belt and a second belt, and (i) a tension unit comprising a plurality of pulleys that are in contact with the first and second belts and rotate following the movement thereof, a plurality of elastic members that adjust positions of the plurality of pulleys so as to apply tension to the first and second belts, and a plurality of fixing members that fix the positions of the plurality of pulleys.
US07922407B2
A ribbon cartridge for use in a credential production device is disclosed. The ribbon cartridge includes a take-up spool, a supply spool and a ribbon wound on the supply and take-up spools. The supply spool includes a loaded condition, in which a majority of the ribbon is wound on the supply spool and a minority of the ribbon is wound on the take-up spool. The take-up spool includes a loaded condition, in which a majority of the ribbon is wound on the take-up spool and a minority of the ribbon is wound on the supply spool. The ribbon wound on the supply spool in the loaded condition extends into the space occupied by the ribbon wound on the take-up spool when the take-up spool is in the loaded condition.
US07922393B2
The invention pertains to a plain porous bearing for motors and transmissions with a circular bearing bore that displays, distributed alternatingly across the bearing bore, highly compressed at least approximately closed-pore areas and slightly compressed, open-pore areas, where the bearing bore diameters of the highly and slightly compressed areas are at least approximately identical. Also provided is a procedure and device for production of the bearing.
US07922390B2
The provision of calibration information for a given high energy-based scanner having a plurality of detectors can comprise forming (103) detector-level calibration information for that scanner. This can comprise calculating (201) a theoretical trajectory as pertains to relative movement as between the plurality of detectors and a calibration object as a function of known geometry parameters for this particular scanner and then causing (202) relative movement as between this plurality of detectors and a calibration object to develop a corresponding observed trajectory for the calibration object. These teachings then provide for determining (203), for each of at least some of the plurality of detectors, a value that corresponds to a difference between the theoretical trajectory and the observed trajectory to thereby provide the detector-level calibration information.
US07922388B2
A detection device is provided for detecting a temperature of an object, especially of a living being. The detection device may be connected to at least one temperature sensor and is designed to send a current for detecting the temperature to the temperature sensor and to receive at least one temperature signal, which represents a temperature of the temperature sensor. The detection device is designed to generate a temperature signal, which represents the temperature of the object, as a function of the temperature signal of the temperature sensor, and to send same on the output side. The detection device is designed to generate a heating current and to send the heating current to the temperature sensor during a heating time period, so that a total current, comprising the current for detecting the temperature and the heating current, is greater than the current for detecting the temperature, and thus to heat the temperature sensor.
US07922385B2
A piezoelectric drive device has a piezoelectric actuator that has a vibrator with a piezoelectric element, and a rotor that is rotated by the vibrator, an elastic device that can store the rotational energy of the rotor as elastic energy, and a driven body that is rotated by the elastic energy stored by the elastic device.
US07922384B2
The invention concerns a device for transporting sticky and/or wet material in horizontal direction comprising a shaftless spiral or screw having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, a stationary trough having a prismatic shape with at least at its underside a cylindrical part with a liner for supporting the outside diameter of the shaftless spiral or screw, and drive means for rotating the shaftless spiral or screw around a stationary straight centerline, the stationary trough having an inlet opening for receiving transportable material and at its underside an outlet opening for discharging transported material. According to the invention the shaftless spiral or screw is provided over its active length between the inlet opening and the outlet opening along the centreline with a pipe which is rotatable in the inside diameter of the shaftless spiral or screw.
US07922383B2
There is described a modular cabinet for storing and driving stirrer cans containing liquids, the modular cabinet comprising a bottom stand on which at least one cabinet module is mounted, and a motion transmission system constituted by driver transmission elements and by driven transmission elements, each cabinet module being made up of two upright elements and a mechanical shelf for supporting and driving stirrer cans. The driver transmission elements of the motion transmission system are disposed outside said mechanical shelf and are independent thereof, and the mechanical shelf contains only the driven transmission elements.
US07922377B2
A vehicle lamp includes a light emitting diode (LED) unit supported by a metal-made support member. The LED unit is constituted by an integrally formed aluminum diecast product including an LED support portion for supporting an LED, a reflector including a reflecting face constituted by a face thereof opposed to the LED, a rib projected from a back face of the reflector, and a connecting portion connected to the metal-made support member.
US07922376B2
A headlamp for a vehicle has a projection lens, a light source disposed behind a rear focal point of the projection lens and having an optical axis extending in a longitudinal direction, a reflector which reflects light from the light source toward the projection lens, and a rotary shade which is rotatable and shields a part of the light which is projected from the light source and reflected by the reflector. The rotary shade has a plurality of pattern forming sections, each of which respectively forms a corresponding light distribution pattern including an upper part irradiation pattern and a lower part irradiation pattern. A center of the lower part irradiating patterns is located lower than a horizontal line. A center of the upper part irradiating patterns is located above the horizontal line. The pattern forming sections form at least four different upper part irradiating patterns.
US07922372B2
A combined LED street lamp (100), comprises a lamp body and a LED bulb (107); the lamp body comprises a head portion (101), a middle portion (102), and a tail portion (103); a first gasket (104) is set between the head portion (101) and the middle portion (102), a second gasket (105) is set between the tail portion (103) and the middle portion (102); the head portion (101) and the tail portion (103) connect to the middle portion (102) with fasteners; the middle portion (102) is a profile which has the same cross section in different position along its length direction. Products with different size can be made by the same group of moulds.
US07922370B2
An LED module includes an LED and an elongated lens. The lens includes a center axis, a concave incident face, and an opposite convex emitting face. The emitting face includes a portion with a curvature radius at any point along a first plane larger than a distance between the point and the LED, and larger than a curvature radius at a corresponding point of the incident face on the first plane. A curvature radius at any point of the portion of the emitting face along a second plane perpendicularly intersected with the first plane at the center axis is larger than a distance between the point and the LED, while smaller than a curvature radius of a corresponding point at the incident face on the second plane. A radiating angle of the LED module in the first plane is larger than that in the second plane.
US07922361B2
The invention provides light-emitting diode illuminating equipment with high power and high heat-dissipation efficiency. The light-emitting diode illuminating equipment comprises a casing and N first packaged systems. Each of the first packaged systems comprises a first heat pipe, at least one first heat-dissipating fin, and a first diode light-emitting apparatus. Wherein a heat generated during the operation of the first diode light-emitting apparatus is conducted by the first heat pipe from the flat portion of the first heat pipe to the at least one first heat-dissipating fin, and then is dissipated by the at least one first heat-dissipating fin. In particular, the light-emitting diode illuminating equipment, according to the invention, is very suitable to be used as a street lamp.
US07922355B1
A solid state lighting device includes a light mixing cavity enclosed by a diffusive output window, heat sink walls, and a light-redirection member. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart light emitters is secured to an interior surface of the heat sink walls. The diffusive output window and light-redirection member are therefore disposed at opposite ends of the light mixing cavity. A semiconductor lighting device driver is disposed external to the light mixing cavity in electrical communication with the light emitters. Light emitted by the plurality of light emitters is reflected from the light-redirection member and from the heat sink walls prior to exiting the light mixing cavity through the diffusive output window.
US07922351B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of lighting. More particularly, the present invention relates to decorative, reconfigurable or energy and maintenance efficient fluorescent light fixtures that use energy efficient lamps and ballasts, and to an apparatus for new fluorescent light fixtures and for replacing an existing fluorescent light fixture for energy efficient use. Further, the present invention relates to a system that integrates light fixtures with a suspended grid ceiling or a solid ceiling.
US07922345B2
An outside rear view mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a mirror housing including a circumferential lateral wall defining an opening, an insertion opening and a back wall. The outside rear view mirror assembly also includes a mirror mounting bracket insertable into the mirror housing through the insertion opening. A snap-in tongue, defining a free end, extends out from the back wall for engaging the mirror mounting bracket when the mirror mounting bracket is inserted into the mirror housing to lock the mirror mounting bracket therein.
US07922342B2
A rotational member inhibitable from coming off a support member is obtained. This rotational member includes a rotational portion rotatably mounted on a support member, a pair of arcuate portions provided on a side of the rotational portion closer to the support member to extend from the rotational portion and opposed to each other and a hook portion so provided as to extend from a circumferential end of at least one of the pair of arcuate portions in an outward direction intersecting with a mounting direction for the rotational portion for engaging with the support member.
US07922338B2
An illumination device comprises: a plurality of laser light sources arranged so as to be identical in a direction of light emission; an optical element for converting laser light emitted from the laser light sources into parallel light at least in one direction; and a fly-eye lens into which the laser light converted into parallel light is entered. Placement of the laser light sources is adjusted in such a manner that incident regions of the laser light on the fly-eye lens are mutually shifted in a row or column direction of lens cells disposed in the fly-eye lens.
US07922337B2
The invention relates to a method for establishing a light beam (CLB) with substantially constant luminous intensity comprising the steps of establishing a light beam (LB) by means of a light source (SAL) and controlling an attenuation of said light beam (LB) on the basis of occurrences of luminous intensity peaks (IP) in said light beam (LB).
US07922335B2
A projector includes: a light source lamp; and a cooling device that cools the light source lamp and includes a plurality of cooling fans to deliver air toward the light source lamp. Airflow directions in which the plurality of cooling fans deliver the air toward the light source lamp are different from each other.
US07922331B2
A polarization conversion unit includes a polarization splitting element array including a plurality of polarization splitting films for splitting the incident light beam into two types of linearly-polarized light beams, a plurality of reflecting films for reflecting either one of the linearly-polarized light beams obtained by the polarization splitting films, and a translucent member provided with the polarization splitting films and the reflecting films, a plurality of retardation plates each formed of a quartz crystal member and for converting a polarization axis of either one of the linearly-polarized light beams obtained by the polarization splitting films into a polarization axis of the other of the linearly-polarized light beams, and a spacer member having a predetermined thickness and for bonding end sections of the retardation plates to a light beam exit side of the translucent member.
US07922326B2
An ophthalmic lens for providing a plurality of foci has an optic including an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and an optical axis. The ophthalmic lens further includes a central phase plate, an intermediate phase plate surrounding the central phase plate, and an outer refractive region. The central phase plate comprises a first base curvature having a first radius of curvature and is configured such that the lens is able to direct light to a first focus and a second focus corresponding different diffraction orders of the phase plate. The intermediate phase plate is configured to change the overall resultant distribution of light directed to the second focus. The outer refractive region has no diffractive optical power and surrounds the intermediate phase plate. The outer refractive region is configured to direct light to the second focus and has an aspheric shape configured to reduce an optical aberration.
US07922318B2
An inkjet recording apparatus, includes: recording head having nozzles that jet ink onto recording medium, wherein ink is cured by irradiating active energy ray and/or applying thermal energy; ink curing device for curing ink jetted onto recording medium, having an active energy ray irradiating unit and/or thermal energy applying unit; and controller that performs image recording by repeating a recording process plural times to form a single band in which process the recording head jets ink and then the active energy ray irradiation and/or thermal energy application is performed. Herein the controller controls the active energy ray irradiating unit and/or thermal energy applying unit such as to change at least one of operating parameters being an active energy ray irradiation amount, active energy ray irradiation timing, and thermal energy application amount, at least a first time and a last time of the repeated times of the recording process.
US07922316B2
An inkjet recording apparatus is provided, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus contains a recording head with a filter, an ink that comprises a colorant, a humectant, a surfactant, and a wetting agent is discharged from the recording head, the viscosity of the ink at 25° C. is 6 mPas to 13 mPas, and the fluid resistance of the filter against the ink is 4.4×109 Pas/m3 and 2.2×1010 Pas/m3.
US07922311B2
An ink-jet head has a passage component made of resin and a filter plate through which ink is filtered. The filter plate is fixed to the passage component and has a melting point higher than that of the passage component. The filter plate has an annular region and an inner region, and holes are formed through the filter plate in the annular and inner regions. The passage component has a filter support face that is in contact with the annular region but out of contact with the inner region. A holder is formed on the filter support face. The holder penetrates through at least one of the holes formed in the annular region and covers the other face of the filter plate.
US07922309B2
An ink refill kit for injecting ink into an ink cartridge includes an ink bottle and an injector. The ink bottle stores ink. The injector siphons the ink from the ink bottle and injects the ink into the ink cartridge. The ink bottle includes an opening, an inner bottom surface, and a single deepest portion. The opening allows the injector to pass therethrough. The inner bottom surface is provided on an inner bottom of the ink bottle. The single deepest portion is provided in the inner bottom surface opposite the opening and having a depth greater than that of the inner bottom surface.
US07922304B2
An ink-jet head includes a channel unit in which a channel is formed, a piezoelectric unit, and a wiring unit stacked on the piezoelectric unit. The wiring unit has a substrate, an individual supply-terminal group which includes a plurality of individual supply-terminals, a common supply-terminal, and an isolative covering layer, which is stacked on a surface of the substrate facing the piezoelectric unit. In the covering layer, a trap groove which runs between the individual supply-terminals and the common supply-terminal, and surrounds the individual supply-terminal group is formed. Accordingly, there is provided a liquid droplet jetting head which is capable of preventing a shorting between the individual drive electrodes of the piezoelectric unit, and between the individual supply-terminals of the wiring unit, due to the liquid entered from outside.
US07922303B2
An ink-jet head has a flow channel unit having a number of laminated plates, including a first, second, and third plate, which together form a common ink chamber, nozzles, and pressure chambers. The first plate has apertures which place the common ink chambers in fluid communication with the pressure chambers, and also has first recesses extending away from the second plate, and second recesses extending toward the third plate. The surface of the third plate has recesses extending away from the first plate. An opposite surface of the first plate has a number of openings which place the first and second recesses in fluid communication with the third recesses of the third plate. In another ink-jet head, a surface of the second plate has recesses extending away from the first plate, a portion of which are configured to be in fluid communication with recesses on the first plate.
US07922300B2
An ink-jet head includes a common liquid chamber, a plurality of pressure chambers, a plurality of nozzles which eject ink, a plurality of individual ink channels communicating with the common liquid chamber, the pressure chambers and the nozzles, and a piezoelectric actuator which selectively varies the volume of the plurality of pressure chambers. The common liquid chamber is disposed on the side opposite to the nozzles with respect to the piezoelectric actuator. A through-hole which forms a part of the individual ink channels is formed in the piezoelectric actuator. This structure ensures a large region in which the nozzles can be disposed, and allows the nozzles to be arranged at higher density.
US07922293B2
Provided is a printhead having a plurality of nozzle arrangements. Each arrangement includes a wafer substrate defining a nozzle chamber, said chamber having a roof wall with an ink ejection port defined therein and an ink supply channel defined through the substrate for supplying the chamber with ink. Each arrangement also includes a magnetic paddle arranged within an electrical coil arrangement which is positioned about the inlet of the nozzle chamber such that the magnetic paddle ejects ink from the chamber via the ejection port when the coil arrangement receives electrical signals.
US07922292B2
A droplet discharge head includes: a head body having a surface opposed to an object; a plurality of nozzles aligned on the surface and discharging a droplet to each of positions of the object; and an irradiation part disposed on the surface and irradiating the object with light. In the droplet discharge head, the irradiation part includes i×j pieces of irradiation parts arranged such that i (an integer number of 1 or more) pieces of irradiation parts are aligned in an alignment direction of the nozzles and j (an integer number of 2 or more) pieces of irradiation parts are disposed in a predetermined direction that is orthogonal to the alignment direction of the nozzles and aligned along the predetermined direction.
US07922285B2
A method of cleaning an inkjet printhead, by generating a liquid foam on the ink ejection face such that particulate contaminants on the ejection surface disperse into the foam, then transferring the foam, together with the particulate contaminants dispersed within, onto a rotatable transfer surface moving relative said ejection face and, rotating the rotatable transfer surface into contact with a removal surface to remove the foam and the particulate contaminants dispersed within. Ink consumption is minimized by use of a foam and damage to the face is avoided since the rotatable transfer surface does not contact the face.
US07922283B2
A gear arrangement for a capper of an inkjet printer comprises a first gear assembly mounted to the printer so as to cooperate with a motor gear for driving rotation of the first gear assembly, the first gear assembly having a code feature; and a second gear assembly mounted to the printer so as to cooperate with the first gear assembly to be rotatable therewith, the second gear assembly, in use, cooperating with a capper for capping a printhead so that the rotation of the second gear assembly moves the capper out of and into its capping position. The code feature of the first gear assembly is arranged to cooperate with a holding feature of a mounting arrangement used to mount the second gear assembly to the printer, the code feature being configured so that the cooperation with the holding feature maintains the first gear assembly at a predetermined position during the mounting of the second gear assembly. A common shaft is mounted connecting the first gear and two second gears to the body so that each of the second gears mesh with the second gear assembly. A pin of two third gears is mounted to the body so that each of the third gears mesh with a respective one of the second gears of the first gear assembly.
US07922278B2
The invention provides an image printing apparatus including: a printing unit that performs printing on a print target medium; a moving unit that can move in a predetermined main scan direction; an edge-detecting unit that is mounted on the moving unit and outputs, by utilizing photoelectric conversion, a voltage that changes across each edge of the print target medium; a position-detecting unit that detects the position of the moving unit; a reference stage that has one edge and another edge in such a manner that the reference stage has a predetermined reference width therebetween, the reference stage being formed in such a manner that the edge-detecting unit outputs a voltage that changes across each edge of the reference stage; and a calibrating unit that commands the moving unit to move in such a manner that the edge-detecting unit passes through each edge of the reference stage, commands the position-detecting unit to detect the position of the moving unit at a point at which a voltage outputted by the edge-detecting unit changes during the movement of the moving unit as each measured position, calculates a measured width on the basis of the measured positions, and calibrates the edge-detecting unit on the basis of the measured width and the reference width.
US07922277B2
A printing method includes: printing, on a medium, a correction pattern made of lines, the lines being formed by repeating in alternation a dot forming operation of forming dots on the medium by ejecting ink from nozzles that move in a predetermined movement direction, and a carrying operation of carrying the medium in an intersecting direction that intersects the movement direction; measuring, for each line of the correction pattern, the darkness of pixels located on a same line of the correction pattern; obtaining, for each line of the correction pattern, a correction value for correcting a darkness, in the intersecting direction, of an image to be printed based on the darkness of the pixels that has been measured; setting, for each line of the image, the correction value obtained; and forming, in the dot forming operation, dots of a corresponding line for which the correction value has been set such that the darkness of that line becomes a darkness that has been corrected based on that correction value.
US07922276B2
An ink jet printhead module including multiple chip control circuits is provided. The ink jet printhead module is capable of receiving multiple address signals and multiple chip selection signals from a printhead drive unit of the printing apparatus. Each of the chip control circuits is capable of receiving the address signals and a corresponding one of the chip selection signals. Each of the chip control circuits includes multiple switching circuits and an ink jetting circuit set. Each of the switching circuits is capable of receiving a corresponding one of the address signals and the corresponding one of the chip selection signals and outputting a switching signal. The ink jetting circuit set includes multiple ink jetting circuits. Each of the ink jetting circuits is capable of receiving the switching signal from the corresponding switching circuit and determining whether or not to jet out ink based on the received switching signal.
US07922269B2
A cabinet assembly is disclosed. The cabinet assembly includes a scissors lift mountable to a utility pole and including a plurality of linkages. The scissors lift is moveable between extended and retracted positions. The scissors lift includes a drive mechanism interfaced with the linkages and configured to move the scissors lift between the extended and retracted positions. The cabinet assembly further includes a cabinet mounted to the scissors lift and moveable between raised and lowered positions.
US07922268B2
A cupboard installation part with storage compartments is insertable in an upper cupboard and is pivotable from an upper position, moved into the upper cupboard, into a position moved out of the upper cupboard and displaced downward. The cupboard installation part comprises pivot levers aligned parallel, which, on the one hand, are coupled to the cupboard installation part, and, on the other hand, are able to be coupled to the upper cupboard. A supporting element is insertable and mountable in the upper cupboard, on which supporting element a first pivot lever and a second pivot lever are pivotably borne, in each case in a first pivot bearing. The two pivot levers are each pivotably connected to a support part via a second pivot bearing, on which support part the storage compartments are mountable, at least on one side. An easily mountable cupboard installation part is thereby obtained which has a very stable construction and is usable in diverse ways.
US07922257B2
A circular-shank tool including a tool holder for improving the centering of the shank of the circular-shank tool in the locking sleeve by a configuration of the retaining elements and to improve an ability of the shank to rotate in the sleeve. To achieve this, the retaining elements are distributed between two stamped edges that lie transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the locking sleeve and are stamped inwards or indented, the stamped edges extend over part of the circumference of the locking sleeve and are interspaced at a distance that corresponds to the width of the peripheral groove in the shank of the circular-shank tool and the retaining elements form a coaxial concave centering section facing the convex groove base of the peripheral groove.
US07922256B2
A circular-shank tool including a shank held in a bore of a tool holder by a locking sleeve, the shank being rotatably held in the locking sleeve. The locking sleeve has one or more retaining elements that project inwards and engage in a peripheral groove in the shank of the tool, thus indisplaceably securing the locking sleeve in an axial direction on the shank of the tool. Because the locking sleeve is mirror-symmetrical to the central transversal plane, the locking sleeve can be fixed to the shank in a position that is rotated through 180°.
US07922255B2
A construction machine for the treatment of ground surfaces includes a machine frame, a drive motor, a work drum supported from the machine frame and including exchangeable tools fastened to the work drum, a belt drive and an auxiliary drive. The belt drive includes a motor-side pulley connected to the drive motor, a drum-side pulley connected to the work drum, and at least one drive belt connecting the motor-side pulley to the drum-side pulley. The auxiliary drive may be permanently coupled to the belt drive, or the auxiliary drive may include an adjustment mechanism for moving the auxiliary drive between a coupled and an uncoupled position.
US07922251B2
According to this invention, there are provided a stopper stopping forward pivoting of a seat back at the position of a forwardly tilted state, a stopper operation mechanism, a reclining mechanism switching the seat back between a free state in which it can be pivoted with respect to a seat cushion and a lock state in which it cannot be pivoted with respect thereto, a reclining lever, and a connection lever. Through operation of operation levers the seat back is placed in the free state via the stopper operation mechanism, the connection lever, and the reclining lever, and the stopper is moved via the stopper operation mechanism. And, between the stopper operation mechanism and the reclining lever is provided a retention mechanism that retains the stopper at a position to which the stopper is moved.
US07922246B2
An apparatus for restraining an object in a vehicle may have a frame mounted within the vehicle, a clamp member movably mounted to the frame and a blocking member movably mounted to the frame. The frame may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The clamp member may be movable relative to the frame under quasi-static conditions to allow the object to be received between, and removed from between, the clamp member and the second end of the frame. The blocking member may be configured to move relative to the frame under dynamic loading conditions to a position that blocks movement of the clamp member sufficiently to retain the object between the clamp member and the second end of the frame under the dynamic loading conditions.
US07922244B2
A latch mechanism for child's high chair tray assembly having a tray post and socket mounting arrangement has a central, front actuation button that moves a slide link mounted underneath the tray assembly. The slide link is connected to an actuation arm slidably mounted within each respective tray post. The actuation arm includes a cam surface that pivots a latch member having a rectangular lock pin that extends below the tray post into engagement with openings in the socket receiving the tray post. The latch member is spring loaded into engagement with the socket openings. The front surface of the arm rests are sloped to cam the lock pin into the tray post to permit a passive mounting of the tray onto the high chair, but the lock pin engages the first socket opening to require a non-passive manipulation to affect positional adjustment or removal from the high chair.
US07922243B2
A vehicle roof having an opening, a folding arrangement, and a device for receiving the folding arrangement. The folding arrangement has at least two slats made of plastic which are arranged parallel to one another, and the folding arrangement can be retracted, while being folded, into the device in order to at least partially unblock the opening. The folding arrangement closes the opening completely when in the closed position. The slats are curved as a result of bracing when in the closed position and are oriented in a substantially flat and plane-parallel manner when retracted into the device.
US07922233B2
A sliding roof for a convertible vehicle may include front, middle, and rear roofs, guide rails for sliding the front, middle, and rear roofs, and lift links for lifting the front and rear roofs such that the guide rail of the middle roof slides toward the guide rail of the rear roof and packaged adjacent to the rear of the vehicle. The sliding roof may include a latch which fixes a side pillar of the front roof to a windshield frame during operation of a sunroof and fixes the side pillar to the sunroof during packaging of the roof, thus ensuring the space of a rear seat of the vehicle.
US07922232B2
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) provided with a roof (2) comprising at least one part (3) which is fully movable for the opening thereof and extends from an area adjacent to a windscreen frame (4) to the rear particularly rigid part (5) of the roof. The inventive motor vehicle is characterized in that the movable part (3) of the roof, which is otherwise in a closed position, can be raised in the back area thereof.
US07922222B2
The invention provides an engaging apparatus utilized in equipment which includes a cover and a base. The engaging apparatus includes a pivotal device and an engaging device. The pivotal device includes a retaining portion. The cover is pivotally connected to the base by the pivotal device. The engaging device is disposed on the cover, and includes an operating portion and an engaging portion. The engaging portion cooperates with the retaining portion. When the cover is positioned at a closed position with respect to the base, the engaging portion is capable of cooperating with the retaining portion to form a locked engagement.
US07922215B2
A plug connector for fluid conduits. The plug connector including a housing part with a plug socket for the fluid-tight insertion of a tubular plug-in part, a holding element for locking and a fluid seal for sealing the inserted plug-in part. The plug connector being arranged in a plug socket, the housing part being in two parts comprising a base part and an insert plate which is connected to the base part via a snap-action positive fit connection. The base part comprising a receiving part for the holding element, the fluid seal and the insert part, and a joining part for the joining connection of the housing part to a fluid conduit.
US07922214B2
A connector structure securely connectable in a locked state and releasable by an easy operation, comprising a supplying connection part for supplying a fluid and receiving connection part for receiving the supply of fluid. The connector structure also comprises a securing mechanism having an operating member moving according to a connecting operation between the supplying connection part to the receiving connection part, holding the connected state of the supplying part to the receiving part in a securely locked state and releasing the locked state of the supplying part to the receiving part by movement of the operating member according to the next pressing-in operation of the supplying part and an energizing mechanism energizing the supplying part in the separating direction thereof from the receiving part. When in the locked state, the pressurized fluid can be supplied from the supplying connection part to the receiving connection part.
US07922212B2
A barb clamp for connection to a flexible tube is taught, the flexible tube having an inner bore defined by a predetermined inner diameter for providing a fluid flow path. The barb clamp includes a barb connector having the same predetermined inner diameter as the flexible tube and a tapered end insertable into the tube. A sleeve and collet lock over the tubing and barb connector to prevent liquid material entering between the barb and tube. The tapered end of the barb connector terminates at a point so that there is no transition between the inner diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the barb connector to provide no pressure differential in the tube between the outside and inside of the barb clamp.
US07922206B2
A snowboard is provided. The snowboard includes a board having an upturned head, an upturned tail and longitudinal extending runners and/or channels along a bottom surface thereof, a seat portion extending upward from the board at a location between the head and tail, the seat portion including a top surface and opposite lateral sides, wherein the top surface is configured for seated engagement by a rider and the opposite lateral sides are configured to accommodate the legs of the rider, and a pair of hand grips extending outward from the opposite lateral sides near its top surface. The opposite lateral sides may include a waist configured to accommodate the feet of the rider.
US07922205B2
A seatbelt adaptor, a system, and a method for enabling a user to improve the buckling and unbuckling of a child in a child booster safety seat in a vehicle, for use in conjunction with a conventional seatbelt restraint system, the seatbelt adaptor comprising a central lengthening device, an adaptor latch plate, and an adaptor buckle and wherein the length of the seatbelt adaptor is suited to improve upon the latching of the buckle of the seatbelt that secures a child seated in the child booster safety seat within a vehicle.
US07922200B2
An inflatable cushion assembly includes a tether having an attachment end attached to an inflatable cushion. The tether comprises one or more seams extending along an axis and defining a pocket adjacent the attachment end. The seam includes a series of breakable stitches having a first stitch adjacent a pocket and the series of stitches successively disposed along the axis away from the pocket. A seam ripper is received in the pocket, and secured remote from the tether. Deployment of the inflatable cushion pulls the seam ripper along the axis away from the attachment end to successively break the series of stitches.
US07922198B2
An airbag includes a circumferential plane, a margin, a receiving plane and a second seam line. The circumferential plane is formed by being seamed to form a first seam line from its base end to its farthest end and has a closed cross section. The margin for the first seam line is provided on the circumferential plane. The receiving plane extends integrally from the circumferential panel and receives a passenger at an impact. The circumferential plane and the receiving plane are seamed together to form the second seam line. The second seam line crosses the first seam line and goes across the margin in a width direction of the margin. According to the airbag, its manufacturing efficiency can be improved.
US07922195B2
A vehicle occupant restraint system includes left and right inflating belts which are formed long in the vertical direction of a seat and in a belt shape enabling an occupant to be restrained; a first slider which is supported on an outer end side in the seat width direction by a support portion of one of the inflating belts in a manner to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the one inflating belt, and which retains an engaging member on an inner end side in the seat width direction; and a second slider which is supported on an outer end side in the seat width direction by a support portion of the other inflating belt in a manner to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the other inflating belt, and which retains an engageable member on an inner end side in the seat width direction.
US07922188B2
A configuration contains a ski binding and a ski boot, whereby a sole of the boot is connected to the ski binding by a maintaining element and performs a rolling off movement when the heel is lifted. The maintaining element contains at least three fixed points, whereby at least one fixed point acts as a rotational point in the region of the ski when the ski boot is lifted, at least one second point is connected to the sole of the boot in the ball region, and at least one third point is provided in the region of the tip of the sole in order to couple the ski binding to the ski boot.
US07922169B2
Sheet feeding systems and methods for using such systems to feed a sheet from a stack in a document processing system are disclosed. An exemplary sheet feeding system may include a feed roll, a retard system, a trailing edge retention system and a system for automatically an selectively separating the feed roll and the retard system. The feed roll may be configured to drive a first sheet of a stack of sheets in a process direction. The retard system may be configured to prevent one or more second sheets from being driven in the process direction. The trailing edge retention system may be configured to automatically and selectively retain one or more second sheets in the stack by applying a force to a trailing portion of at least one second sheet, thus allowing the feed roll and retard system to be separated during much of the feed cycle. As a result, wear of the feed roll and/or retard system may be reduced.
US07922164B2
At the time when an aligning unit collects and aligns a recording sheet, the front portion of a movable supporting member of a collecting tray is moved toward the recording sheet to close a space in the collecting tray. Moreover, the front portion of the movable supporting member abuts against the front end of the recording sheet. As a result, the front end of the recording sheet does not hang loose in the space.
US07922158B2
A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.
US07922150B2
A valve flow-directing vessel (42) comprising a sleeve (44) having a threaded installation portion (84) for connection to a receiving member, a plunger (46) movable within the sleeve (44) between a closed position and an opened position, and an orifice insert (48/50) fixedly attached to the sleeve (44). The orifice insert (48/50) defines an orifice (132) that is sealed when the plunger (46) is in the closed position and unsealed when the plunger (46) is in the opened position. The orifice (132) is the entrance to a passageway (130) having an exit (134) communicating with a delivery passage of the receiving member, and this exit (134) is positioned beyond the threaded installation portion (84) of the sleeve (44).
US07922148B2
An electrically activated access valve arrangement having a male connector, a female connector, and a valve. In certain embodiments, the male connector includes a conductive element, and the female connector includes contacts. Insertion of the male into the female connector completes a circuit and sends an electrical signal to the valve. This transitions the valve from the normally closed position to the opened position. In certain embodiments, the male connector has a connection port that connects to a connection port of the female connector. A pump, such as an infusion pump, sends an electrical signal through the connection ports, which causes the valve to transition from the normally closed position to the opened position. The electrically activatable valve of the connectors is prevented from opening if mated with conventional male and female luers.
US07922144B2
In a fixture for a data access device having a hole, the fixture includes a fixing base, a switch and an elastic member, and the fixing base includes a bottom plate, a pair of bent boards extended out from the bottom plate, and a through groove disposed on bottom plate and corresponding to the hole, a switch disposed on a side of the bottom plate and pivotally coupled to the bent board, and a positioning pillar corresponding to the through groove and protruded from a side of the switch that faces the bottom plate, and the elastic member is elastically clamped between the bottom plate and the switch, such that if the switch is pressed, the positioning pillar will be passed into or retracted from the hole, so as to simply the fixation and installation of the data access device.
US07922137B2
The present invention provides a device for holding a laptop computer or other portable devices. The laptop is placed on a support having a generally planar surface. A pair of adjustable arm members is pivotally connected to the support. The user may adjust one or both of the arm members to accommodate portable devices of different sizes. Clips or other connectors are used to secure the laptop to the holding device. The clips connect to the arm members and to the support. The clips may have one or more components, and may be configured to slide along the arm members and the support. The support may include a number of projections that can be arranged in an X-shaped configuration. A release plate or other connector couples the holding device to an extension assembly. The release plate provides a quick release from a tilting device of the extension assembly.
US07922132B2
The present invention is directed to an accessory holder capable of supporting a plurality of accessories and positioning those accessories in three-dimensions. A preferred embodiment supports the accessories in a curvilinear shape that optimizes the viewing position by the user. The accessories include flat panel displays, touch screens, telephones, and other devices used in an office or home office environment.
US07922124B2
Systems and methods are disclosed employing electric propulsion stationkeeping in a cyclical manner to better match the cyclical pattern of power generated by the solar array system. For a typical orbit design, e.g. a geostationary orbit, North-South stationkeeping can be intermittently suspended, tolerating some additional drift but yielding in a very significant reduction in the required solar power system. If necessary, stationkeeping can be supplemented with a chemical thrusters during off periods for the electric propulsion. Because of this, the overall electrical power margin for the solar array system design can be reduced without compromising the mission performance.
US07922113B1
In a fishing reel, the combination operable for braking the reel, comprising a reel spool having an axis, two axially spaced brake discs on the spool, a brake pad between the discs, and the discs interconnected to rotate together and move relatively toward the pad, a braking lever movable by the user to effect the disc relative movement, and pad engagement by the discs, a shaft extending axially, and bodily movable to effect the discs relative movement, the shaft being non-rotatable, and means including an actuator for displacing the shaft axially in response to lever movement, thereby to cause braking engagement of the discs, with the pad.
US07922110B2
A shredding machine is disclosed for shredding sheet material such as paper documents. The machine comprises an electric cutting mechanism which is operable to shred the sheet material, and has a collection bin arranged below the cutting mechanism for collection of the resulting shreds. The collection bin is movable in a pivotal manner between a first position in which it permits operation of the cutting mechanism and collects the shreds, and a second position in which it stops operation of the cutting mechanism. The bin is configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to the weight of shreds collected in the bin and the force acting on the collected shreds by fresh shreds exiting the cutting mechanism exceeding a predetermined threshold value.
