US07978573B1
A sync finder includes a pulse jitter detect module to select N-bit segments of an M-bit sync pattern at predetermined positions and to compare the N-bit segments to expected N-bit segments. A pulse verifying module generates a first signal in response to the expected N-bit segments matching the N-bit segments. N and M are integers greater than 1 and M>N.
US07978569B2
A focus control section first performs a reference focus control process in which a reference optical beam is focused on a reference layer of an optical disc according to the result of receiving a reference reflection optical beam, and then switches from the reference focus control process to an information focus control process in which an information optical beam is focused on a mark layer of the optical disc according to the result of receiving an information reflection optical beam.
US07978553B2
A sensing enable signal control circuit determines a driving timing of an I/O sense amplifier based on a read-out result of data, which is stored in a dummy cell of a semiconductor memory apparatus. The sensing enable signal control circuit in a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a detection code generating unit configured to output a detection code according to a voltage level of dummy cell data, which are read out from a dummy cell through at least one read operation, in response to a column select enable signal, and a multiplexer configured to receive the detection code and a default code and output a delay code to delay a sensing enable signal.
US07978552B2
A memory includes memory cells, wherein during a first write operation in which first logical data is written in all memory cells connected to a first word line, a source line driver and a word line driver, the source line driver shifts a voltage of a selected source line corresponding to the first word line in a direction away from the voltage of the first word line and the word line driver shifts a voltage of a second word line in a same direction as a transition direction of voltage of a selected source line, and during a second write operation in which second logical data is written in a selected cell connected to the first word line, the source line driver and the word line driver shift voltages of the selected source line and the second word line in a direction approaching the voltage of the first word line.
US07978550B2
A semiconductor memory includes: a plurality of regular memory cells; a first redundant memory cell; a second redundant memory cell; a first redundancy program circuit, first defect position information indicating a position of a first defective regular memory cell being programmed into the first redundancy program circuit; a second redundancy program circuit, second defect position information indicating a position of a second defective regular memory cell being programmed into the second redundancy program circuit; a redundancy switch circuit which couples signal lines to the regular memory cell, the first redundant memory cell, and the second redundant memory cell; and a redundancy signal switch circuit which replaces the first defect position information and the second defect position information with each other when the second defective regular memory cell is located between the first defective regular memory cell and the first redundant memory cell.
US07978543B2
A semiconductor device includes: first and second input/output terminals; a first input/output line connected to the first input/output terminal; a second input/output line connected to the second input/output terminal; and a first by-path route that connects the first input/output line and the second input/output line. When in normal operation mode, the first by-path route is set in a non-conductive state. When in a test mode, the first by-path route is set into a conductive state so that a first data inputted to the first input/output terminal is outputted as a first data to the second input/output line, in correspondence with a transition of a clock signal in the first direction, and so that a second data inputted to said first input/output terminal is outputted as a second input data for said first input/output line, in correspondence with a transition of said clock signal in the second direction.
US07978537B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a source signal generator configured to generate a source signal having a predetermined pulse width in response to a command signal, and a column selection signal generator configured to generate a column selection signal by controlling a pulse width of the source signal according to a voltage level of an external supply voltage.
US07978531B2
Provided is a nonvolatile memory that realizes a high-speed verify operation. During verify writing/erasing, the writing/erasing and reading are performed at the same time. As to a circuit that performs a verify operation, for instance, there is obtained a construction where the output from a sense amplifier (102) that performs reading is connected to a switch which switches an operation voltage applied to a memory cell in accordance with a verify signal Sv, and the verify operation is finished concurrently with having the verify signal Sv switched. By obtaining such circuit construction and simultaneously performing writing/erasing and reading, it becomes possible to perform high-speed verify writing/erasing.
US07978518B2
Each memory cell string in a generic NAND flash cell block connects to a Common Source Line (CLS). A value for applying to the CSL is centrally generated and distributed to a local switch logic unit corresponding to each NAND flash cell block. For source-line page programming, the distribution line may be called a Global Common Source Line (GCSL). In an array of NAND flash cell blocks, only one NAND flash cell block is selected at a time for programming. To reduce power consumption, only the selected NAND flash cell block receives a value on the CSL that is indicative of the value on the GCSL. Additionally, the CSLs of non-selected NAND flash cell blocks may be disabled through an active connection to ground.
US07978516B2
Disclosed is a flash memory controller connected to a flash memory module. The pin-out of the flash memory controller combines ready-busy and chip-select signals. In one embodiment, the flash memory module is made up of a set of banks, each consisting of a plurality of devices, with each bank sharing a single chip-select/ready-busy connection to the controller.
US07978509B2
A phase change memory device includes a memory cell, first word line conductor and a second word line conductor, and first and second access devices responsive to the first and second word line conductors respectively. Control circuits are arranged to access the memory cell for read operations using only the first word line conductor to establish a current path from the bit line through the memory cell to a source line through the first access device, and to access the memory cell for operations to reset the memory cell using both the first and second access devices to establish a current path from the bit line through the memory cell to two source lines.
US07978493B1
Techniques for encoding and decoding fuse data to reduce sense current are disclosed. An embodiment to encode fuse sense data includes inverting each of the bits of the fuse data and using an individual fuse as a flag bit to record the data inversion. The states of the respective fuses may represent different logic states. A fuse may be blown to indicate a logic one and likewise, an unblown fuse may indicate a logic zero. A blown fuse and an unblown fuse may have different current consumption. An unblown fuse may consume more sensing current compared to a blown fuse. Another embodiment to decode the encoded fuse data includes embedded logic circuits and a separate fuse as a flag bit. Encoding and decoding fuse data may reduce fuse sensing current.
US07978490B2
According to an example embodiment, a CAM cell included in a CAM may include a phase change memory device, a connector, and/or a developer. The phase change memory device may be configured to store data. The phase change memory device may have a resistance that may be varied according to the logic level of the stored data. The connector may be configured to control writing data to the phase change memory device and reading data from the phase change memory device. The developer may be configured to control reading data from the phase change memory device in a search mode in which the data stored in the phase change memory device is compared to the search data.
US07978485B2
A thyristor power control circuit reduces EMI and maintains a holding current in the thyristor to prevent flickering at a load. The power control circuit includes a thyristor configured to receive an input AC voltage, and responsive to a gate pulse generates a modified AC voltage. A rectifier receives the modified AC voltage and generates a rectified DC voltage. A power converter coupled to the rectifier receives the rectified DC voltage and generates a controlled output current. A damping circuit coupled to an output terminal of the rectifier includes a damping resistor for maintaining the holding current in the thyristor during an ON period of the thyristor. The damping circuit includes a first capacitor coupled in series to the damping resistor and a diode coupled in parallel to the damping resistor. The diode enables the first capacitor to discharge without causing power loss at the damping resistor.
US07978478B2
A chip capacitor 20 is provided in a core substrate 30 of a printed circuit board 10. This makes it possible to shorten a distance between an IC chip 90 and the chip capacitor 20 and to reduce loop inductance. Since the core substrate 30 id constituted by provided a first resin substrate 30a, a second resin substrate 30b and a third resin substrate 30c in a multilayer manner, the core substrate 30 can obtain sufficient strength.
US07978475B2
A strain reduction fixing structure includes a counterbore formed around a through-hole on a printed circuit board through which a fixing shaft for fixing the printed circuit board to a protection plate member penetrates.
US07978472B2
Liquid-cooled electronics racks and methods of fabrication are provided wherein a liquid-based cooling apparatus facilitates cooling of electronic subsystems when docked within the electronics rack. The cooling apparatus includes a liquid-cooled cooling structure mounted to a front of the rack, and a plurality of heat transfer elements. The cooling structure is a thermally conductive material which has a coolant-carrying channel for facilitating coolant flow through the structure. Each heat transfer element couples to one or more heat-generating components of a respective electronic subsystem, physically contacts the cooling structure when that electronic subsystem is docked within the rack, and provides a thermal transport path from the heat-generating components of the electronic subsystem to the liquid-cooled cooling structure. Advantageously, electronic subsystems may be docked within or undocked from the electronics rack without affecting flow of coolant through the liquid-cooled cooling structure.
US07978470B2
A body flow path in a first housing having an MPU element communicates with an inner flow path and outer flow path formed in an inner heat-dissipating board and an outer heat-dissipating board, respectively, and a pump drives a cooling liquid to circulate in these flow paths. A beam is arranged between a pivot provided in a second housing and a pivot provided in the inner heat-dissipating board, a beam is arranged between the pivot of the inner heat-dissipating board and a pivot provided in the outer heat-dissipating board, and the inner heat-dissipating board and the outer heat-dissipating board are movable to the second housing. According to the operation of opening the second housing, a distance between the second housing and the inner heat-dissipating board, and a distance between the inner flow path and the outer flow path are increased.
US07978466B2
A computer docking station for supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer that has a docking connector includes a body having a support portion configured to support the portable computer, and a main connector moveable relative to the body between an engaged position in which the main connector is engageable with the docking connector, and a disengaged position. The computer docking station also includes a frame coupled to the body and the main connector. The frame is movable relative to the body between a first position, in which the main connector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in which the main connector is in the engaged position. The computer docking station further includes a subframe coupled to the frame. The subframe is movable with the frame from the first position to the second position and is movable relative to the frame from the second position to a third position to inhibit movement of the main connector away from the engaged position.
US07978457B2
Disclosed is an all-solid-state electric double layer capacitor comprising a solid electrolyte and a current collector, wherein the solid electrolyte is an inorganic solid electrolyte. Such a capacitor has high capacity and is free from any fear of leakage of an electrolytic solution, and also ensures high heat resistance and enables a low process cost.
US07978448B2
A hybrid circuit (42) for use with communications transceivers. The hybrid circuit (42) combines the function of an ESD protection circuit (12) with the function of a TX/RX switch (10). The input node of the hybrid circuit (42) is connecting between the source of an ESD event (60) and a device to be protected (44). The hybrid circuit (42) includes an ESD protection element (50), which is triggered by a triggering transistor (52). The gate of the triggering transistor (52) is connected to a driver (54) for turning the triggering transistor (52) on during transmission and for turning the triggering transistor (52) off during reception.
US07978447B2
A safety outlet that prevents hazardous conditions is described. Embodiments of the outlet use safe low-voltage DC power to check and ensure that an appliance is plugged into the outlet, that the appliance does not have short circuits or ground faults, and that the appliance is switched on. Some embodiments warn of unsafe conditions. Until the safety checks are performed and satisfactorily passed, embodiments of the outlet keep the AC power turned off and isolated from the outlet. Only then is the receptacle powered, after which the appliance can be used normally. Once the appliance is switched off, the power at the outlet is also turned off automatically. When an appliance is in use, some embodiments of the invention continue providing ground fault protection using GFCI technology. All this is performed automatically and quickly, nearly imperceptibly in normal use. Some embodiments may be integrated with external control systems.
US07978444B2
A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of magnetic beads is disclosed. By providing both a static magnetic field and a magnetic field that alternates in the MHz range, or beyond, the bead can be excited into FMR (ferromagnetic resonance). The appearance of the latter is then detected by a magneto-resistive type of sensor. This approach offers several advantages over prior art methods in which the magnetic moment of the bead is detected directly.
US07978443B2
A TMR element includes a lower magnetic layer, an upper magnetic layer, and a tunnel barrier layer of crystalline insulation material sandwiched between the lower magnetic layer and the upper magnetic layer. The lower magnetic layer includes a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer sandwiched between the first magnetic layer and the tunnel barrier layer. The second magnetic layer is formed from a magnetic material containing at least one of Fe, Co and Ni.
US07978436B2
A method and apparatus for improving flying height stability in a small form factor hard disk drive that typically moves at lower speeds is achieved by a slider having an ABS with an air channel and pocket. The air channel and pocket are configured to increase the amount of aerodynamic lift provided by normally smaller amounts of intake air at the inner diameter of the rotating disk and, thereby, to achieve a desired flying height profile.
US07978430B2
A method and apparatus for providing a reverse air bearing surface head with trailing shield design for perpendicular recording. A reverse air bearing surface head for perpendicular recording is provided with an inversed bevel shape to handle skew when recording data on a magnetic recording medium.
US07978427B2
An object of the present invention is to embed information while making effective use of a recording area at the time of recording data. To this end, a controller in a tape drive includes: a storage unit which stores information desired to be embedded; an acquisition unit which acquires the information stored in the storage unit; a writing unit which repeatedly writes a CQ set determined on the basis of the acquired information the number of times determined on the basis of this information; a reading unit which reads data in which information is embedded; and an identification unit which identifies information embedded in the read data, and which determines whether or not the read data can be used and the like, in comparison with this information and the information stored in the storage unit.
US07978409B2
The hard coat layer-forming composition of this invention includes (A) composite oxide fine particles with a mean particle diameter of 1 to 200 nm, containing titanium, tin and optionally silicon, and with a rutile-type crystal structure, (B) an organosilicon compound represented by the formula R1aR2bSi(OR3)4−(a+b) and/or a hydrolyzate thereof, and (C) a cyanamide derivative compound. A hard coat layer formed from the composition not only is excellent in transparency, scratch resistance, adhesion property, weathering resistance, impact resistance, etc. but also can enjoy no coloration or little coloration, particularly in bluing or yellowing, upon exposure to or irradiation with ultraviolet rays, even if an antireflection film is provided.
US07978403B2
Exemplary embodiments provide an image interferometric microscope (IIM) and methods for image interferometric microscopy. The disclosed IIM can approach the linear systems limits of optical resolution by using a plurality of off-axis illuminations to access high spatial frequencies along with interferometric reintroduction of a zero-order reference beam on the low-NA side of the optical system. In some embodiments, a thin object can be placed normal to the optical axis and the frequency space limit can be extended to about [(1+NA)n/λ], where NA is the numerical-aperture of the objective lens used, n is the refraction index of the transmission medium and λ is an optical wavelength. In other embodiments, tilting the object plane can further allow collection of diffraction information up to the material transmission bandpass limited spatial frequency of about 2n/λ.
US07978402B2
Articles transparent to infrared radiation and resistant to impact and wear are provided. The article comprises a substrate and a composite coating disposed over the substrate and extending from an interface with the substrate to an external surface. The composite coating comprises a first phase and a second phase. The second phase has a higher resistance to erosive wear than the first phase. The coating comprises a compositional gradient proceeding from a first composition at the interface of the coating with the substrate to a second composition at the external surface, the first composition comprising a higher concentration of the first phase than that of the second composition.
US07978401B2
The delay demodulation device 1 comprises: an input waveguide 2 which receives DQPSK signals; a Y-branch waveguide 3 which splits the input waveguide 2; a first Mach-Zehnder interferometer 4; and a second Mach-Zehnder interferometer 5. Both end of two arm-waveguides 8, 9 of the first Mach-Zehnder interferometer 4 and both ends of two arm-waveguides 12, 13 of the second Mach-Zehnder interferometer 5 are angled toward the center portion of a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) 1A. Because of the angle, the length of the two arm-waveguides 8, 9 of the first Mach-Zehnder interferometer 4 and the length of the two arm-waveguides 12, 13 of the second Mach-Zehnder interferometer 5 in Z-direction can be shortened, and input couplers 6,10 and output couplers 7,11 of each Mach-Zehnder interferometers in Z-direction can be shortened as well. The area occupied by each Mach-Zehnder interferometers 4, 5 are also reduced.
US07978398B2
An electrophoretic particle includes ionic liquid stored in a spherical polymer shell and a charged layer formed on an inner surface of the shell, and a display device includes the electrophoretic particle. The shell is not charged, and the charged layer in the shell is charged. Therefore, particles having different polarities from each other do not stick to each other. Since the electrophoretic particles are dispersed in air, a high response speed can be achieved, a large amount of charges can be formed by the ionic liquid and the charged layer contacting the ionic liquid, and thus, the particles can move with a low driving voltage.
US07978396B2
An optical interference display panel is disclosed that has a substrate, an optical interference reflection structure, and an opaque protection structure. The optical interference reflection structure has many color-changeable pixels and is formed on the substrate. The opaque protection structure is adhered and fixed onto the substrate with an adhesive and encloses the optical interference reflection structure between the substrate and the opaque protection structure. The opaque protection structure blocks and/or absorbs light, and light is thus not emitted outward by passing through defects in the optical interference reflection structure Moreover, the opaque protection structure and the adhesive also prevent the optical interference reflection structure from being damaged by an external environment.
US07978395B2
A capacitive MEMS device is formed having a material between electrodes that traps and retains charges. The material can be realized in several configurations. It can be a multilayer dielectric stack with regions of different band gap energies or band energy levels. The dielectric materials can be trappy itself, i.e. when defects or trap sites are pre-fabricated in the material. Another configuration involves a thin layer of a conductive material with the energy level in the forbidden gap of the dielectric layer. The device may be programmed (i.e. offset and threshold voltages pre-set) by a method making advantageous use of charge storage in the material, wherein the interferometric modulator is pre-charged in such a way that the hysteresis curve shifts, and the actuation voltage threshold of the modulator is significantly lowered. During programming phase, charge transfer between the electrodes and the materials can be performed by applying voltage to the electrodes (i.e. applying electrical field across the material) or by UV-illumination and injection of electrical charges over the energy barrier. The interferometric modulator may then be retained in an actuated state with a significantly lower actuation voltage, thereby saving power.
US07978393B2
The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.
US07978390B2
The present invention relates to an optical modulator that generates quaternary amplitude modulated light without inter-symbol-interference by splitting input light into three optical paths, generating a continuous wave signal in a first optical path, generating binary phase modulated lights using a single drive MZ type optical phase modulator in second and third optical paths, and interfering them at in-phase and at field amplitude 1:a:b.
US07978385B2
A patch image generating section 101 generates a patch image by resolving the RGB space into an arbitrary number of steps, and by converting into a CMYK space via an LUT. A patch image calorimetric section 102 outputs the patch image onto a recording medium via a printer, and carries out colorimetry of the output image with a calorimeter. As calorimetric values, calorimetric values represented in an L*a*b* space independent of the RGB space and CMYK space are obtained. A linear space generating section 104 calculates ideal spatial distribution in the color space of the LUT according to the calorimetric values supplied. A color separation evaluation value calculating section 105 compares the ideal spatial distribution in the color space of the LUT with actual measurement data of the LUT. According to the compared results, color separation evaluation values are calculated from differences between the ideal value and actual measurement values.
US07978381B2
An automatic document feeder includes an input tray, a transfer path, a roller assembly, an ejecting tray, a light emitter, a light receiver, a comparator and a discriminating unit. The light emitter successively emits multiple light beams of different intensities to the document. When the multiple light beams penetrating through the document are received by the light receiver, the light receiver outputs corresponding voltage signals. The discriminating unit is electrically connected to the light receiver for discriminating document types according to the voltage levels of the voltage signals.
US07978380B2
An image reader has an image sensor; a carriage; a positioning portion formed at a predetermined position in a longitudinal direction of the image sensor with respect to a reference position of the image sensor; a connector portion to which an electric cable is connected and which is provided between an end of the carriage and one end in the longitudinal direction of a case of the image sensor; and an engaging portion formed in the carriage. In the image recording apparatus, since the positioning portion is engaged with the engaging portion, it is possible to use a common carriage for a plurality of types of image sensors, and an operation of connecting the electric cable becomes simple.
US07978368B2
The subject application is directed to a system and method for visualization of black-component gamut sculpting. Parameter data is first received corresponding to parameters associated with the black replacement for a primary color system. Alternative color profiles are then generated according to the parameter data and characteristics of the primary color system. Image data is then received of an image defined in the primary color system. Renderings are then generated corresponding to the received image data, with each rendering uniquely corresponding to one of the alternative color profiles. Selection data is then received corresponding to a selected black replacement parameter selected in accordance with the generation of the renderings.
US07978364B2
In order to provide a technique which can shorten the processing time in large-scale variable print processing, an image processing apparatus includes: an input unit adapted to input a rendering job which includes a single fixed object common to respective pages, and a plurality of variable objects which are independent for respective pages; a designation unit adapted to designate an inclusion region that includes rendering regions respectively for the plurality of rendering objects; a transparent processing unit adapted to generate transparent processed images by executing transparent processing in correspondence with the plurality of transparency attributes for a region of the fixed object that overlaps the inclusion region; a clipping image generation unit adapted to generate a clipping image by clipping a region from the transparent processed image; and a generation unit adapted to generate rendering data by blending the clipping image and the fixed object.
US07978347B2
An information processing apparatus for forming print data to be print-processed by a printer is constructed by: designation receiving means for receiving designation of a duplex printing, discriminating means for discriminating the number of pages in the case where data to be printed has been arranged on a recording paper, and command adding means for receiving the designation of the duplex printing by the designation receiving means and, in the case where it is determined by the discriminating means that the number of pages of the recording paper on which the data to be printed has been arranged is equal to an odd number, adding a command to urge a forced paper ejection in the printer lest a blank page of the last page is logically counted in the printer. A print data forming method and a print control program for realizing such an apparatus and a memory medium which stores such a program are provided. When the last page is printed as a blank page in the printer in a duplex printing mode, the print data is formed lest the last blank page is counted up by a counter.
US07978346B1
Methods and systems for realizing high resolution three-dimensional (3-D) optical imaging using diffraction limited low resolution optical signals. Using axial shift-based signal processing via computer based computation algorithm, three sets of high resolution optical data are determined along the axial (or light beam propagation) direction using low resolution axial data. The three sets of low resolution data are generated by illuminating the 3-D object under observation along its three independent and orthogonal look directions (i.e., x, y, and z) or by physically rotating the object by 90 degrees and also flipping the object by 90 degrees. The three sets of high resolution axial data is combined using a unique mathematical function to interpolate a 3-D image of the test object that is of much higher resolution than the diffraction limited direct measurement 3-D resolution. Confocal microscopy or optical coherence tomography (OCT) are example methods to obtain the axial scan data sets.
US07978345B2
The invention teaches using a directional light source to direct light at a target having directional indicia thereon. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US07978339B2
A lithographic apparatus includes a position measurement system to determine along a measurement path a position of a first part of the lithographic apparatus with respect to a position of a second part of the lithographic apparatus. The position determination system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors to measure a temperature of a medium along the measurement path. The position measurement system corrects the determined position making use of the temperature as measured by the temperature sensors.
US07978331B2
An optical probe consists of a first component made of a first optical material having a light transmission property in the far ultraviolet region, and a second component made of a second optical material arranged in contact with the surface of the first component. For example, the second optical material has a higher refractive index in the far ultraviolet region than the first optical material. The second component is provided, on a side in contact with a sample, with a surface totally reflecting light having incident angle equal to or larger than the critical angle. Alternatively, an optical probe has an optical material having a light transmission property in the far ultraviolet region, having a surface totally reflecting a ray of light of incident angle equal to or larger than the critical angle, at a side in contact with a sample, and the refractive index is higher near the surface than at the other parts in the far ultraviolet region. Consequently, a spectroscopic measurement becomes possible on very small solute components dissolved into water or the like in the far ultraviolet region.
US07978320B2
A light angle detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first light receiving lens, a first light sensing element, a second light receiving lens, and a second light sensing element. The first and second light receiving lenses and the first and second light sensing elements are disposed such that a first straight line passing through the center of the light receiving surface of the first light sensing element and the vertex of the first light receiving lens, a second straight line passing through the center of the light receiving surface of the second light sensing element and the vertex of the second light receiving lens, and a third straight line passing through the center of the light receiving surface of the first light sensing element and the center of the light receiving surface of the second light sensing element form an isosceles triangle.
US07978313B2
Systems and methods for targeting a directed energy system are provided. A particular system includes a first laser and a second laser. The system also includes a scanning system coupled to the first laser and the second laser. The scanning system is adapted to movably direct the second laser in a pattern around a pointing location of the first laser.
US07978311B2
Methods and devices for calculating the position of a movable device are disclosed. The device may include multiple optical detectors (ODs) and the movable device may include light sources. Optics may be above the ODs. A controller may calculate the position of the light source based on data from the ODs and properties of the optics. The device may be a game console, and the light source may be a game controller. The roles of the OD and light sources may be interchanged. The rotation of the movable device may be determined using multiple light sources and/or multiple ODs on the movable device. The movable device may calculate its position and transmit it to a console. The light sources may be modulated by time or frequency to distinguish between the light sources. There may be two or more movable devices. There may be two or more consoles.
US07978301B2
A liquid crystal display device is provided with an electrode structure for effective utilization of optically isotropic liquid crystals. Such a liquid crystal display device comprises a first substrate; a second substrate; polarizing plates provided on the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and pixel electrodes and common electrodes provided on the first substrate, wherein the liquid crystal layer has such a property that optical anisotropy is induced therein by a change of an optically isotropic state caused by a voltage; wherein ones of the pixel electrodes and the common electrodes are formed in an inter-digital form, while the other ones are formed in a flat plate, and wherein an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer by a potential difference between the pixel electrodes and the common electrodes.
US07978300B2
In the liquid crystal display device and the method of manufacturing the same, the pixel electrodes 32 and the projection pattern 35 are formed on the TFT substrate 30 side, and surfaces of the pixel electrodes 32 and the projection pattern 35 are covered with the vertical alignment film 36. Also, the opposing electrode 44 and the projection pattern 45 are formed on the CF substrate 40 side, and surfaces of the opposing electrode 44 and the projection pattern 45 are covered with the vertical alignment film 46. Then, the TFT substrate 30 and the CF substrate 40 are arranged such that top end portions of the projection pattern 45 on the CF substrate 40 are brought into contact with the TFT substrate 30. Then, the liquid crystal 49 having the negative dielectric anisotropy is sealed between them. Accordingly, the step of scattering the spacers can be omitted, change in the cell thickness can be prevented, and the good display quality can be achieved.
US07978298B2
In a liquid crystal display device which presents display by forming liquid crystal domains that take radially-inclined orientation, persisting display unevenness is prevented from occurring when the panel surface is pressed, thus realizing high-quality displaying.A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate provided so as to oppose the first substrate, and a vertical-alignment type liquid crystal layer provided therebetween. The liquid crystal display device according to the present invention further includes wall-like structures regularly arranged on the liquid crystal layer side of the first substrate, such that, when a predetermined voltage is applied, the liquid crystal layer forms at least one liquid crystal domain that takes a radially-inclined orientation state in a region substantially surrounded by the wall-like structures. The second substrate includes a protrusion projecting toward the liquid crystal layer in a region corresponding to the liquid crystal domain, and the liquid crystal layer contains a chiral agent. The thickness dLC of the liquid crystal layer, the natural chiral pitch p of the liquid crystal layer, and the distance dRW from the center of the protrusion to the wall-like structure satisfy the relationships dRW>p and dLC/p≧0.15.
US07978296B2
The invention is directed to an improved flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD). In one embodiment the improved LCD includes a liquid crystal layer that completely fills a gap formed between a color filter array and a thin film transistor (TFT) array. The TFT array includes a substrate that includes one or more pixel areas. Each pixel area may be divided into at least two pixel sub-areas. Each pixel sub-area is configured to have a different electric field than its counterparts, such that mutual compensation in the sub-areas decreases distortion of a gamma curve and improves lateral visibility of the flat panel display. In one embodiment, a first pixel electrode is formed in a first of the at least two pixel sub-areas; and a second pixel electrode is formed in a second of the at least two pixel sub-areas.
US07978295B2
A vertically aligned system liquid crystal display in which deterioration in display quality such as graininess, burn-in, afterimages due to disorder in orientation of liquid crystal molecules based on a connection electrodes for interconnecting sub-pixel electrodes can be prevented, and a method for manufacturing such liquid crystal display. In the liquid crystal display, each pixel electrode (2) of a liquid crystal panel is constituted by combining at least two sub-pixel electrodes (2a), and each sub-pixel electrode (2a) is connected through a bridge (3) narrower than the sub-pixel electrode (2a). A vertically aligned system in which liquid crystal molecules tilt symmetrically to the central axis of orientation in the direction perpendicular to the surface of each sub-pixel electrode (2a) upon application of a voltage is employed. The bridge (3) is provided at a position asymmetric to the sub-pixel electrode (2a).
US07978293B2
A liquid crystal display including an upper panel having an upper alignment layer, a lower panel having a lower alignment layer, and a liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules interposed between the upper panel and the lower panel. Each of the liquid crystal molecules has different refractive indexes and different permittivities with respect to each axis direction. The upper alignment layer and the lower alignment layer are vertical alignment layers and have a rubbing direction, respectively. Before the application of an electric field, a first axis of each liquid crystal molecule is aligned in a vertical direction by the vertical alignment layer, and a second axis of each liquid crystal molecule is aligned in a direction parallel to the rubbing direction, and, after the application of the electric field, one having the largest permittivity of the axis directions of the liquid crystal molecule is aligned in parallel to the applied electric field.
US07978290B2
A liquid crystal display device including first and second substrates, liquid crystal with negative dielectric anisotropy, a polymer which determines directions in which liquid crystal molecules tilt when voltage is applied, and a plurality of picture elements located on the first substrate. At least one of the picture elements includes a switching element, a first sub picture element electrode with a plurality of band-shaped microelectrode parts and a first connecting electrode part electrically connecting the microelectrode parts with one another, and a second sub picture element electrode including a plurality of band-shaped microelectrode parts and a second connecting electrode part electrically connecting the microelectrode parts of the second sub picture element electrode with one another. A voltage applied to the second sub picture element electrode is different from a voltage applied to the first sub picture element electrode.
US07978289B2
A flexible display device may include a first panel including a multifunction film, a second panel arranged facing the first panel with a gap therebetween, the second panel including a substrate and electrodes formed on the substrate, and an electro-optical active layer disposed in the gap between the first panel and the second panel. The multifunction film may perform at least two of the following functions: aligning molecules in the electro-optical active layer, protecting the electro-optical active layer, keeping the thickness of the electro-optical active layer uniform, and serving as a flexible substrate.
US07978287B2
To improve display quality in a transflective liquid crystal display device.In a transflective liquid crystal display device based on the IPS system according to the present invention, when a liquid crystal layer is of positive type liquid crystal, the initial orientation direction of liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer is perpendicular to the direction in which a l-display line extends, or angularly displaced within ±2 degrees clockwise with respect to the direction in which the l-display line extends. When the liquid crystal layer is of negative type liquid crystal, the initial orientation direction of liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer is parallel to the direction in which the l-display line extends, or angularly displaced within ±2 degrees clockwise with respect to the direction in which the l-display line extends.
US07978280B2
Disclosed are a backlight module and a liquid crystal display (LCD) incorporating the same. The backlight module includes a frame having an accommodation portion, elastic plate structures, a light guide plate disposed in the frame and light emitting diodes (LEDs). The elastic plate structures extend respectively from both sides of the accommodation portion in the frame. The light emitting diodes are disposed in the accommodation portion, and are fixed between the light guide plate and the respective elastic plate structures.
US07978276B2
A method for manufacturing a thin film transistor array panel is disclosed. A gate wiring pattern is formed on an insulating substrate. A gate insulating layer is formed on the gate wiring pattern. A semiconductor pattern is formed on the gate insulating layer. A transparent conductive layer is formed on the gate insulating layer. The transparent conductive layer is patterned to form a pixel electrode. An opening is formed at a circumference of the pixel electrode. The opening minimizes misalignment during the manufacturing process and prevents shorts between a data line and the pixel electrode.
US07978271B2
A multi-domain liquid crystal display includes a first and a second transparent substrates, a liquid crystal layer interposed between them, a common electrode, a first and a second metal layers, a first and a second dielectric layer, multiple pixel electrodes and multiple auxiliary electrodes. The second metal layer is formed on the first dielectric layer, and the second dielectric layer is formed on the first dielectric layer and covers the second metal layer. The pixel electrodes are formed on the second dielectric layer, each of the pixel electrodes having at least one opening to divide itself into a plurality of sections. The auxiliary electrodes are formed on the second dielectric layer, and each of the auxiliary electrodes extends into the opening of the pixel electrode. The second metal layer is hollowed out at a position overlapping the auxiliary electrode to form at least one opening.
US07978261B2
An image pickup device provided with an electronic flash function including an image pickup unit configured to input image data corresponding to a subject, a face detection unit configured to detect a human face from the image data input from the image pickup unit, an electronic flashing unit configured to emit electronic flash light, and an electronic flash control unit configured to control the electronic flashing unit based on the detection result of the human face by the face detection unit.
US07978253B2
An image pickup device includes a system control section which determines an area with closest proximity as an AF area among AF evaluation areas in a central part of an image. In addition, a block with the same distance as the AF area is determined as a main subject block. Then the system control section calculates and memorizes an average brightness of an image data of a position corresponding to a main subject block. Then, the system control section determines a main subject area based on obtained information on the main subject block and a photographed image. Furthermore, based on information on a main subject area, an extraction processing of the main subject image, a blur processing of a background image and a composite processing are sequentially performed.
US07978241B2
A solid state image pickup device which can prevent color mixture by using a layout of a capacitor region provided separately from a floating diffusion region and a camera using such a device are provided. A photodiode region is a rectangular region including a photodiode. A capacitor region includes a carrier holding unit and is arranged on one side of the rectangle of the photodiode region as a region having a side longer than the one side. In a MOS unit region, an output unit region including an output unit having a side longer than the other side which crosses the one side of the rectangle of the photodiode region is arranged on the other side. A gate region and the FD region are arranged between the photodiode region and the capacitor region.
US07978234B2
An image sensor acquires images with resolutions being switched. A resolution switching unit switches the resolutions of the images to be output from the image sensor. An image selecting unit selects a basic image from a plurality of output images which are output from the image sensor, having different resolutions of two or more types switched by the resolution switching unit, at least including an image having a first resolution and an image having a second resolution higher than the first resolution. An image displacement estimating unit estimates a displacement between the basic image and another image. A resolution converting unit converts the resolution of any image in the plurality of output images output from the image sensor using the image having the first resolution and the image having the second resolution acquired by the image sensor and the displacement between images obtained by the image displacement estimating unit.
US07978233B2
An image processing apparatus includes an input section, an adjusting section, and a correcting section.The input section acquires image data and information about subject condition at the time of photographing the image data. The adjusting section determines a brightness enhancement amount of dark area gradation of the image data, depending on the subject condition at the time of photographing. The correcting section performs image correction of brightness enhancement on the dark area gradation of the image data according to the brightness enhancement amount determined by the adjusting section.
US07978228B2
An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing unit configured to sequentially output image data in a RAW format related to each of captured images as a result of a continuous series of image capturing operations; a signal processor configured to perform a predetermined process on the image data in a RAW format and output processed image data; image processing circuits configured to perform a luminance/color-difference conversion process and a data compression process on the processed image data and output compressed image data; and a recording controller configured to cause compressed image data output from the image processing circuits to be recorded in a predetermined recorder. The signal processor includes a selection output unit configured to selectively output the processed image data related to each of the captured images to the image processing circuits and cause the image processing related to each captured image to be shared by the image processing circuits.
US07978221B2
A method for capturing an image using an image capturing module with multiple pixels configured in a 2-dimensional matrix and a focal plane electronic shutter function which sequentially slides the exposure timing by constant interval by pixel group which is a unit of predetermined number of the pixels while scanning; the method includes an image data input process for detecting shutter operation, obtaining a reference image while skipping one or more of the pixel groups by sequentially sliding the exposure timing by the constant interval, and obtaining a target image while not skipping pixel groups to be captured, a motion data detection process for calculating the motion data of the target image based on the reference image, and a distortion compensation process for compensating for distortion in the target image according to the motion data.
US07978219B1
A wireless communication device operable as a digital image capturing device (wireless digital camera) may be used to associate processing information with a captured image. The wireless communication device may communicate information to a network server, such as a WAP server and/or a process server for processing. A process associated with the communicated information is identified and initiated to process the information.
US07978213B2
A focus adjustment method of an LED print head of an image forming apparatus, including steps of: setting one end with respect to a longitudinal direction of the LED print head on a first position where a distance between the photoconductor and the LED print head becomes shorter than a designed focal length, and setting other end with respect to the longitudinal direction of the LED print head on a second position where the distance between the photoconductor and the LED print head becomes longer than the designed focal length; outputting a pattern image having a predetermined resolution; and adjusting the position of the LED print head by moving each of the one end and the other end of the LED print head, based on information of the resolution of the outputted pattern image.
US07978207B1
A computer-implemented method for correlating an electronic object with a geo-location is discussed. The method includes selecting an object in a first application for determination of a geo-location for the selected object, graphically identifying, in a second application, a geo-location to be associated with the selected object, and updating one or more values stored with the selected object to include information relating to the geo-location.
US07978206B2
A first block represents a two or three dimensional object in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model, and has a visual presentation in a presentation of the CAD model based on a first plurality of property values denoted by a first label in a plurality of labels. User input specifying a new value for a first property value in the first plurality of property values is received. A second plurality of property values denoted by a second label is selected. The second plurality of property values differs by at least one value from the first plurality of property values and the second plurality of property values has a second property value that is satisfied by the new value. The visual presentation of the first block is updated based on the second plurality of property values.
US07978194B2
A method and apparatus for hierarchical Z buffering stenciling includes comparing an input tile Z value range with a hierarchical Z value range and a stencil code. The method and apparatus also updates the hierarchical Z value range and stencil code in response the comparison and determines whether to render a plurality of pixels within the input tile based on the comparison of the input tile Z value range with the hierarchical Z value range and stencil code. In determining whether to render the tile, a stencil test and a hierarchical Z value test is performed. If one of the test fails, the tile is killed as it is determined that the pixels are not visible in the graphical output. If the stencil test passes and the hierarchical Z test passes, the pixels within the tile are rendered, as it is determined that the pixels may be visible.
US07978193B2
Methods and apparatus render images of digital objects or prepare digital objects for subsequent processing. The method includes sorting data representative of positions of at least three vertices of polygons of a digital object, then determining whether the orientation of the vertices of each polygon from a specific reference point differs from the actual, or original, orientation of the vertices. Such a determination may be made by generating an orientation decision variable based on the relative positions of the vertices and calculating a cross product term (CPT) after the vertex data has been sorted. The CPT may also be used in other operations involving the polygon, such as in imparting appearance characteristics to the polygon. The method may be embodied as a computer program that controls the operation of a processor. Accordingly, processors, computers, and systems that render images of digital objects in accordance with the method are also disclosed.
US07978191B2
A system and method for modifying a curved cut plane of a 3D volume to locate objects or sections of interest within the 3D volume intersected by the cut plane. A cross-section of the 3D volume along an initially estimated curved cut plane is projected onto a flat viewing plane, and a panorama image of the cross-section is displayed to the user. If the initially estimated curved cut plane does not exactly intersect the object or section of interest, the user manipulates a user input device to modify the curve of the plane inward or outward in the 3D volume away from the projected plane. As the user manipulates the user input device, an affected portion of the curve is recalculated and a modified curved cut plane is reconstructed based on the recalculated curve for re-projecting a modified cross-section of the 3D volume in real time with the movement of the user input device. The user is therefore provided with instant visual feedback as the user moves the user input device to browse in and out within the 3D volume from the current projected plane.
US07978170B2
A driving apparatus of a backlight includes a controller for controlling square wave oscillation, a square wave oscillator for oscillating a constant square wave signal in accordance with a control signal from the controller, and a signal generator for generating a burst dimming signal using the square wave signal.
US07978165B2
A method for repairing a liquid crystal display device comprises: a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, adjacent to each other row-wise and column-wise; a plurality of first bus lines extended row-wise and connected to the pixels arranged row-wise; a plurality of second bus lines extended column-wise and connected to the pixels arranged column-wise; and a plurality of third bus lines extended row-wise, connected to the pixels arranged row-wise. The plurality of the pixels each includes: a pixel electrode; a first switching element connected to the pixel electrode and the second bus line, for controlling the connection between the pixel electrode and the second bus line by the first bus line; and a second switching element having one electrode connected to the second bus line and the other electrode arranged, overlapping the pixel electrode with an insulating film formed there between, for controlling the connection between said one electrode and said the other electrode by the third bus line.
US07978158B2
In the case where variations of environmental temperature or variations with time occur depending on characteristics of a light-emitting element, variations are generated in luminance. In the invention, a display device for suppressing effects due to variations of a current value of a light-emitting element, which is caused by variations of environmental temperature and variations with time.A first substrate having a pixel portion in which pixels constituted by a plurality of transistors are arranged in matrix has a source driver for supplying a video signal, a gate driver for selecting a pixel, a power source circuit, and a compensation circuit for compensating variations in characteristics of a light-emitting element. The first substrate is connected to a second substrate through a connecting wire, and the second substrate has a controller and a video memory. The controller is a piece for making a signal which is necessary for a display device to display from image data to be inputted externally such as a CPU by using a video memory as required.
US07978157B2
An electro-luminescence display device including red, green and blue reference gamma generators each having three digital analog converters or more in order to generate a reference gamma voltage of low gray level and a reference gamma voltage of high gray level, and at least one integrated circuit to generate a data signal in use of the reference gamma voltage of low gray level and the reference gamma voltage of high gray level. Each reference gamma generator includes a first digital analog converter to divide a voltage supplied to itself in order to generate i numbers of voltage levels, a second digital analog converter to divide a voltage supplied to itself in order to generate j numbers of voltage levels, and a third digital analog converter to receive two voltage levels from the second digital analog converter and to divides the two received voltage levels into j numbers of voltage levels.
US07978156B2
A pixel circuit of an organic electroluminescent display device and a method of driving the same. In the pixel circuit, a capacitor has a first electrode connected to a gate of a driving transistor, and a second electrode connected to a drain of a switching transistor. Further, a compensation voltage applying transistor is connected to the second electrode of the capacitor. The compensation voltage applying transistor compensates for a difference in IR-drops of a power supply voltage in response to a previous emission control signal. Further, the compensation voltage applying transistor cuts off the compensation voltage in an initialization period, thereby preventing a source of a data voltage and a source of the compensation voltage from being shorted with each other. Additionally, a threshold voltage compensation transistor is connected between the gate and the drain of the driving transistor. Therefore, a difference in threshold voltages of driving transistors is compensated.
US07978150B2
In a portable telephone according to the present invention, a display displays a block indicative of an operator, predetermined information and a pointer; the operator can be operated in directions opposite to each other; and the controller controls the display so as to shift the pointer to a desirable position within a predetermined information on a screen of the display in accordance with an operation of the operator and also display a mark indicative of a direction to which the pointer can be shifted and in which the predetermined information exists, adjacently to the block along a shift direction through the operator.
US07978148B2
A quadrifilar helical antenna comprising two pairs of filars having unequal lengths and phase quadrature signals propagating thereon. A conductive H-shaped impedance matching element matches a source impedance to an antenna impedance. The impedance matching element having a feed terminal at the center thereof from which current is supplied to the two filars of each filar pair disposed about an edge of the impedance matching element and symmetric with respect to a center of the impedance matching element. The impedance matching element further comprises a reactive element for matching the antenna and source impedances.
US07978144B2
A first printed circuit board for vertical polarized wave has a plurality of vertical polarized wave elements which serves as antenna elements, and a first feeder circuit which is connected to the plurality of vertical polarized wave elements. A second printed circuit board for horizontal polarized wave has a second feeder circuit which is connected to a plurality of horizontal polarized wave elements which serves as antenna elements, and is mounted with the plurality of horizontal polarized wave elements. A cutout portion is provided between the adjacent two vertical polarized wave elements of the first printed circuit board, and the first and second printed circuit boards are arranged parallel so that the horizontal polarized wave elements are arranged in the cutout portions of the first printed circuit board. A reflecting plate has a concave section extending to one direction, and the plurality of vertical polarized wave elements and the plurality of horizontal polarized wave elements are arranged alternately in one direction inside the concave section.
US07978139B2
Techniques are disclosed that allow for the detection, identification, direction finding, and geolocation of wireless emitters in a given multipath environment. For example, the techniques can be used to detect and identify a line of bearing (LOB) to an IEEE 802.11 emitter in a building or in an open field or along a roadside. Multiple LOBs computed from different geographic locations can be used to geolocate the target emitter. The techniques can be embodied, for instance, in a vehicle-based device that can survey the target environment, detect an IEEE 802.11 emitter and identify it by MAC address, and then determine various LOBs to that emitter to geolocate the emitter. In some cases, a sample array of response data from the target emitter is correlated to a plurality of calibrated arrays having known azimuths to determine the LOB to the target emitter.
US07978125B2
A method to process a radar echo signal is described. The method determines the value of at least one target motion parameter by selecting from a plurality of possible test values (VR1, . . . , VRN) one value (VR) which maximizes a functional defined over the radar echo signal. The method further performs a correction of the radar echo signal based on the value (VR) which is determined by the at least one motion parameter. The functional is the time derivative of the radar echo signal or a function dependent from the derivative.
US07978123B2
A system and a method for operating a radar system in a continuous wave mode for communicating information are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for operating a radar system, having an antenna including a plurality of active array elements, in a continuous wave mode to communicate information, the method including receiving an instruction to enter the continuous wave mode, loading a plurality of tables, where each table includes information indicative of a primary group of the active array elements to be activated and a secondary group of elements to be deactivated, receiving a communication signal to be transmitted, and providing, repeatedly, the communication signal, for a preselected period of time, to the primary group of elements of each of the plurality of tables.
US07978116B2
Apparatus and methods for pipelined analog-to-digital conversion are disclosed. In some embodiments, a pipeline analog-to-digital converter includes a plurality of multiplying digital-to-analog converter (MDAC) stages coupled in cascade. At least one of the MDAC stages includes two or more flash ADCs connected in parallel, operating alternately to generate digital signals from an analog input voltage. In one embodiment, the flash ADCs provide the digital signals in an alternating manner to a capacitor block that receives a delayed analog input voltage. In another embodiment, the at least one MDAC may include two or more capacitor blocks, each of which is associated with a respective one of the flash ADCs, forming two or more sets of a flash ADC and a capacitor block. In yet another embodiment, the at least one MDAC also include three or more capacitor blocks, each of which can be randomly selected for one of the flash ADCs.
US07978114B2
The A/D conversion apparatus includes an A/D converter for converting a potential difference between a reference voltage input and a voltage input to be measured to a digital signal and outputting the digital signal; a first switch connected between a voltage source to be measured and the voltage input to be measured; a first sampling capacitor having a first end connected to the voltage input to be measured and to a first end of the first switch, and having a second end connected to a reference power source; a second switch connected between a reference voltage source and the reference voltage input; a second sampling capacitor having a first end connected to the reference voltage input and to a first end of the second switch, and having a second end connected to the reference power source; and an impedance adjusting circuit, which is connected between the reference voltage source and a second end of the second switch, for changing, in stepwise fashion, impedance between the reference voltage source and the second end of the second switch.
US07978113B2
A circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive an analog input signal and generate first digital values at a first sampling rate. The first digital values have a first bit-width. The circuit also includes an interpolator configured to receive the first digital values and generate second digital values at a second sampling rate higher than the first sampling rate. The second digital values have a second bit-width equal to or greater than the first bit-width. The circuit further includes a digital filter configured to receive the second digital values and perform bit-width reduction in a recoverable manner to generate third digital values. The third digital values have a third bit-width less than the first and second bit-widths. The circuit could optionally include a recovery circuit configured to process the third digital values to generate recovered digital values at the first sampling rate. The recovered digital values have the first bit-width.
US07978106B1
A receiver including an automatic gain control module, a digital signal processor module, and a control module. The automatic gain control module has a gain that varies from a nominal value in response to the receiver receiving an input signal. The automatic gain control module is configured to generate a first signal in response to the gain settling at a value different from the nominal value. In response to the input signal not being an interference signal, the digital signal processor module is configured to process the input signal and generate a second signal. Subsequent to the first signal being generated and prior to the second signal being generated, the control module is configured to determine whether the input signal is an interference signal based on whether the second signal is generated within a predetermined time period subsequent to the first signal being generated.
US07978104B2
A method for the compensation of frequency-response mismatch errors in M-channel time-interleaved ADCs. The compensation is done utilizing a technique that makes use of a number of fixed filters, that approximate differentiators of different orders, and a few variable multipliers that directly correspond to parameters in polynomial models of the M channel frequency responses. A compensated M-channel time-interleaved ADC is based on and can perform the method.
US07978103B2
To provide a code amount estimating device which can perform, at high speed and with high precision, estimation of code amount obtained after arithmetic coding. The code amount estimating device includes a context index calculation unit which calculates a context index of a binary symbol included in binary data, and an estimate code amount calculation unit which calculates an estimate code amount for the binary data based on symbol occurrence probability information stored in association with the calculated context index and on a held probability interval range. The estimate code amount calculation unit estimates the code amount for the binary data according to code amount information indicating an association between (i) a combination of a binary symbol string including one or more binary symbols, symbol occurrence probability information, and a probability interval range and (ii) an estimate code amount for the binary symbol string.
US07978096B2
The subject of the present invention is a vehicle that determines a parking angle while parking and employs the parking angle when using a cross traffic alert system while backing out of a parking space. The parking angle is used to determine areas of interest and areas not of interest within the fields of view of vehicle mounted sensors. The areas of interest are those used to determine if cross traffic alerts need to be issued.
US07978095B2
An integrated circuit includes an output pad, an alarm output pad, and a test mode output pad. A first multi-bit register is programmable to store programmable data such as data that identifies a customer for whom the integrated circuit has been manufactured. A second multi-bit register is programmable to store customer specified threshold data. A first circuit selectively couples the first and second multi-bit registers to the output pad. The first circuit is operable responsive to the integrated circuit being placed into a test mode to perform parallel-to-serial conversion of either the customer identification data stored in the first multi-bit register or the customer specified threshold data stored in the second multi-bit register and drive the converted data for output through the output pad. The integrated circuit further includes a tamper detection circuit operable responsive to the customer specified threshold data to generate a tamper alarm signal. A second circuit selectively couples the tamper alarm signal to the alarm output pad and test mode output pad depending on whether the integrated circuit is in a test mode. More specifically, the second circuit operates to drive the alarm output pad with the tamper alarm signal when the integrated circuit is not in test mode and drive the test mode output pad with the tamper alarm signal when the integrated circuit is in test mode (with the alarm output pad driven to a known state).
US07978079B2
The present disclosure relates to an electronic tag, and more particularly to an electronic tag including an insulating cap. When the electronic tag is being made, the insulating cap is arranged adjacent to heat-sensitive electronic components. The insulating cap protects the electronics from the heat generated when injection molding with hot plastic.
US07978076B2
A system monitors parameters (e.g., speed, position, threshold boundaries) of mobile items attached to beacons and produces signals indicating these parameters. The system also monitors non-mobile parameters (e.g., battery life, door locks, windows) in the items. Different technologies (e.g., wireless) are provided for communicating between the beacons and a beacon controller interface. Different technologies are provided for locating and indicating item positions. The beacons and the interface provide for new beacons to be added to the system with different characteristics than the existing beacons for monitoring the operation of new beacons without affecting the operation of existing beacons. The system includes resellers, retailers, users and subscribers in a flexible relationship to enhance the ease in the system operation. Beacons can perform more than one function (e.g. tracking, threshold monitoring) simultaneously. Scenarios for the beacons can be created and monitored. Recovery personnel can intervene to resolve crises.
US07978070B2
The present invention relates to a tamper respondent covering (10) wherein the covering (10) is adapted for mounting on a surface having at least one item (14, 16) disposed thereon, said tamper respondent covering (10) comprising a covering member defining a recess (28), and at least one non-metallic detecting element having an electrical characteristic disposed on said covering member, wherein said covering member is adapted for mounting on the surface and covering and protecting said at least one item (14, 16) on the surface such that damage to said at least non-metallic detecting element results in a detectable variation to said electrical characteristic.
US07978069B2
The present invention is a security system and a method for reliably detecting an intruder without false alarms. The security system includes at least three motion detectors and processor circuitry adapted to collect a plurality of location samples and analyze them to determine if a target has transitioned from a first region to a second region, and when the target has transitioned from a first region to a second region, initiating a predetermined action. Each location sample is determined by: detecting motion from a target with each of the three motion detectors, determining the distance to the target for each of the three motion detectors, and triangulating the three determined distances to produce a two-dimensional location. The security system determines if a target has transitioned from a first region to a second protected region by comparing the plurality of location samples to perimeter location data stored in memory. Different modes of operation cause the security system to take different actions before and after the transition, such as generating an alarm or a warning signal. The security system may also include a display to show the location of one or more targets, which may be the intruder or the occupants of the premises.
US07978068B1
A method and system of facilitating communication between a finder of an article and an owner of the article including providing a unique ID to the owner and allowing the owner to register an association between the ID and owner contact information, allowing the owner to associate the ID and a virtual locale with the article, and forwarding communications of the finder of the article to the owner where the finder may provide no more information to the virtual locale than the ID and the communication.
US07978067B2
A system for remotely identifying, tracking, and monitoring transported goods includes a sensing and communications device (14) embedded in a shipping container (2). The sensing and communications device (14) includes onboard sensors (58,60,62) and wirelessly communicates with external sensors (24,26) to receive environmental and structural condition data. The device (14) communicates the data via either an RF interface (52,54) or a cellular telephone system interface (48,50) to a remote monitoring station (68). The remote monitoring station (68) analyzes the data, presents the data to a user, and enables the user to program the device (14).
US07978058B2
A digital radio broadcast receiver, a radio broadcast receiving unit and a digital radio broadcast receiving system are provided. Character information stored in a memory is displayed as image on a display device when such a condition that a vehicle speed is 0 km/h and a foot brake or a hand brake is on is satisfied, i.e., when a vehicle is halted or parked. Or, the character information stored in the memory is outputted as voice through a voice output device when such a condition that the vehicle speed is 0 km/h and the foot brake or the hand brake is on is not satisfied, i.e., when the vehicle is traveling.
US07978050B2
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for providing Quality of service to RFID. In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of providing quality of service in an RFID network comprising storing RFID priority information corresponding to the RFID network, wherein the RFID network comprises one or more tags and one or more readers mapping the RFID priority information into priority information corresponding to a second network.
US07978045B2
A multi-actuation MEMS switch for high frequency signals includes a substrate, a heater disposed on the substrate, a co-planar waveguide disposed on a lowest metal layer, and a movable membrane including at least two metal layers, and an dielectric layer disposed between the co-planar waveguide and the movable membrane. The movable membrane is a fixed-fixed beam structure with a center indentation. When heat is generated and conducted to the movable membrane or electrostatic force is generated between the movable membrane and the co-planar waveguide or both forces are generated, the movable membrane will bend toward the co-planar waveguide. The position of the movable membrane change capacitance on signal line for switching the RF signal.
US07978039B2
A semiconductor module (500) for connecting to a transformer winding (132, 133; 408; 409) includes a semiconductor component (501) that is disk-shaped and disposed between two contact plates (502). One of the contact plates (502) is acted upon using a cooling fluid on its side facing away from the semiconductor component (501).
US07978033B2
A protection switch, particularly for fast switching, includes at least one single-pole protection switch module having a housing, a movable contact mounted on a switching arm for pivoting against a fixed contact between closed and open positions, a manual operating mechanism manually setting the switching arm between the closed and open positions, and a tripping mechanism automatically resetting the switching arm into the open position upon a tripping condition. The switching arm is spring-loaded in direction of the open position and includes a latch lever latching with the manual operating mechanism, and a contact lever carrying the moveable contact. The latch lever is pivotably mounted on the housing and joined to the contact lever by a hinge. The tripping mechanism includes a trip slider to be displaced by a trip device from a ready position towards a tripping position, to load the switching arm for rotationally fixing the contact lever.
US07978024B2
Circuitry, architectures, devices and systems for multi-band radio communications using a balanced-unbalanced duplexer. An integrated balanced-unbalanced duplexer for multi-band communications may include an unbalanced multi-band port; a first balanced single-band port; a second balanced single-band port; a first unbalanced coupling arm conductively coupled to the unbalanced multi-band port; a second unbalanced coupling arm conductively coupled to the unbalanced multi-band port; a first pair of balanced coupling arms conductively coupled to the first balanced single-band port and electromagnetically coupled to the first unbalanced coupling arm; and a second pair of balanced coupling arms conductively coupled to the second balanced single-band port and electromagnetically coupled to the second unbalanced coupling arm. The architectures and/or systems generally include components embodying one or more of the concepts disclosed herein.
US07978022B2
A cable to waveguide transition apparatus having a signal accumulation form of a backshort is disclosed. The cable to waveguide transition apparatus having a signal accumulation form of a backshort, includes: a waveguide; a RF probe for transferring a radio frequency (RF) signal to the waveguide; and a backshort having the signal accumulation form for reflecting the RF signal excited from the RF probe, wherein the backshort reflects a first fundamental frequency signal excited from the RF probe to have a phase identical to a phase of a second fundamental frequency signal excited from the RF probe to an aperture of the waveguide, and reflects a first 2-order harmonic frequency signal excited from the RF probe to have a phase reverse to a phase of a second 2-order harmonic frequency signal excited to an aperture of the waveguide in order to eliminate the 2-order harmonic frequency signal.
US07978021B2
A balanced-to-unbalanced transformer includes a +90° phase shift circuit, which is disposed between a branch point connected to an unbalanced terminal and a first terminal, and a −90° phase shift circuit, which is disposed between the branch point and a second terminal. A first inductor is connected between the first terminal and a power supply terminal, and a second inductor is connected between the branch point and the power supply terminal. A power-supply-terminal-side capacitor is connected in shunt between the power supply terminal and a ground. A second-terminal-side series inductor is connected in series between the branch point and the second terminal.
US07978019B2
In a configuration with at least one RF component disposed in a signal path and including a ground connection to an external circuit environment, a coupling element is provided which electromagnetically couples to at least part of the ground connection and at the same time decouples a coupling current. By suitably feeding this coupling current back into the signal path of the component, the negative influence of the inductance of the ground connection on the signal path is thus compensated for.
US07978014B2
A digital PLL frequency synthesizer characterized by fast-locking and low-jitters is presented. The PLL comprises a phase detector, a controllable oscillator, a loop filter having an automatically-adjusted loop gain, a feedback phase integration circuit, and a reference phase integration circuit. Fast-locking is achieved by dynamically adjusting forward-path gain and integral-path gain according to the output of the phase detector and the output of the integral-path during phase tracking. A skew-compensated counter circuit is proposed, which incorporates an asynchronous counter, a data register and a sample phase generator and features high-speed and low-power operation.
US07978012B2
System for filtering an input frequency to produce an output frequency having low phase noise. A first PLL includes, in the feedback path, a frequency translation circuit which translates a frequency from a VCO in the first PLL by an offset frequency provided by the second PLL to provide either a sum or difference frequency. The first PLL locks its VCO to a crystal oscillator input frequency translated by the offset frequency due to the frequency translation circuit. A second PLL compares the input frequency to be filtered to the output of the first PLL VCO. The second PLL causes the first PLL VCO to lock to the input frequency by varying the offset frequency it provides to the frequency translation circuit. The bandwidth of the second PLL is significantly smaller than the bandwidth of the first PLL. The filtered output frequency is available from the first PLL VCO.
US07978008B2
A supply voltage control device for an amplifier that controls a supply voltage for the amplifier has been improved. The supply voltage control device includes: a supply voltage control circuit including an error amplification circuit that feeds an error current so as to control the supply voltage for the amplifier, and a direct current feed circuit that feeds a direct current (or the direct current and a current of a low-frequency component); a high-frequency component extraction unit that extracts a predetermined high-frequency component contained in a signal resulting from detection of an envelope relevant to a signal to be amplified by the amplifier; a peak hold unit that performs peak hold processing on a signal of the extracted high-frequency component; and an addition unit that adds up a signal based on the result of detection of the envelope relevant to the signal to be amplified by the amplifier, and the signal resulting from the peak hold processing, and inputs a signal resulting from the addition to the supply voltage control circuit.
US07978003B2
There is an internal voltage generating circuit for providing a stable high voltage by making a response time short. The internal voltage generating circuit includes a charge pump unit for generate a high voltage being higher than an external voltage in response to pumping control signals and a supply driving control signal; a pumping control signal generating unit for outputting the pumping control signals to the charge pump unit based on a driving signal; and a supply driving control unit for receiving the driving signal to generate the supply driving control signal to the charge pump unit.
US07978000B2
A combined bandgap generator and temperature sensor for an integrated circuit is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention recognize that bandgap generators typically contain at least one temperature-sensitive element for the purpose of cancelling temperature sensitivity out of the reference voltage the bandgap generator produces. Accordingly, this same temperature-sensitive element is used in accordance with the invention as the means for indicating the temperature of the integrated circuit, without the need to fabricate a temperature sensor separate and apart from the bandgap generator. Specifically, in one embodiment, a voltage across a temperature-sensitive junction from a bandgap generator is assessed in a temperature conversion stage portion of the combined bandgap generator and temperature sensor circuit. Assessment of this voltage can be used to produce a voltage- or current-based output indicative of the temperature of the integrated circuit, which output can be binary or analog in nature.
US07977998B2
An apparatus and method for testing level shifter threshold voltages on an integrated circuit includes one or more level shifter modules each including a number of level shifter circuits. Each level shifter circuit may be coupled to a first and a second voltage supply. Each level shifter circuit may also receive an input signal that is referenced to the first voltage supply, and to generate an output signal that is referenced to the second voltage supply. In addition, each level shifter module may include detection logic that may detect an output value of each of the level shifter circuits. The control circuit may be configured to iteratively change the voltage output from one of the voltage supplies, and maintaining a voltage on the other voltage supply while the input signal is provided to the level shifter circuits. The detection logic may capture the output value upon each change in voltage.
US07977988B2
A variable delay circuit 1 includes: a multistage delay circuit 20 constructed by connecting delay elements D1 to Dn in series; a selecting unit 21 which selects one delayed signal obtained by introducing different amounts of delay by passing a reference clock through one or more of the delay elements D1 to Dn; a decision unit 23 which, at decision timing synchronized to the reference clock, makes a decision on the logic state of each delayed signal sequentially selected from among the plurality of delayed signals; and a changing point detection unit 24 which detects at least two delay elements Dm and Dk where a change has occurred in the logic state of the reference clock at the decision timing, and wherein the difference (k−m) between the numbers of delay elements through which the clock signal has passed until reaching one of the two detected delay elements Dm and Dk is used as the number of delay elements that provides a desired delay time.
US07977987B2
Embodiment of the present invention relate to a method for receiving a first signal, determining a first characteristic of the first signal, the characteristic being a time based characteristic, receiving a second signal and processing the second signal through a predetermined range of delay elements, an initial minimum number of delay elements in the predetermined range being adjustable, the processed second signal having a second characteristic substantially corresponding to the first characteristic of the first signal.
US07977976B1
A synchronizer circuit for transferring data from a source clock domain to a target clock domain. A first latch in the target clock domain may capture a data value corresponding to current data received from the source clock domain. Under certain conditions, the first latch may enter into a metastable, or undefined logic state. A second latch may remain stable, and store a previous value corresponding to data that has most recently been transferred from the source clock domain to the target clock domain. The respective values output by the two latches may be compared by a detection circuit, and a value derived from the output value of the first latch and corresponding to the current data may be written to an output latch if the current data differs from the stored previous value. The detection circuit may also provide a defined logical value to the output latch even if the first latch is in a metastable state.
US07977972B2
A Multi-Threshold CMOS NULL Convention Logic asynchronous circuit (MTNCL). The MTNCL circuit provides delay-insensitive logic operation with significant leakage power and active energy reduction. The MTNCL circuit is also capable of functioning properly under extreme supply voltage scaling down to the sub-threshold region for further power reduction. Four MTNCL architectures and four MTNCL threshold gate designs offer an asynchronous logic design methodology for glitch-free, ultra-low power, and faster circuits without area overhead.
US07977970B2
An enhanced performance field programmable gate array integrated circuit comprises a field programmable gate array and other functional circuitry such as a mask-programmable gate array in the same integrated circuit. A circuit interface provides communication between the field programmable gate array, the mask-programmable gate array and the integrated circuit I/O.
US07977939B2
A system and method for non-contact engine parameter sensing. A magnetized engine component establishes a magnetic field that varies in response to stress imparted within the engine. A magnetic field sensing element spaced from the magnetized engine component is configured to provide an output indicative of a state of combustion in response to the magnetic field.
US07977936B2
A resolver interface includes separate anti-aliasing filters for sine and cosine signals. The separately filtered signals are then time share multiplexed to a single analog to digital (A/D) converter. Because all of the inputs are fed through the same A/D converter, any error, difference or shift caused by the A/D converter is shared across al of the inputs. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and processor are used to digitally filter, demodulate and compute position.
US07977935B2
A linear motion sensor has two pairs of opposed spaced apart stacks of two simple two-pole bar magnets. Each stack has one shorter outer magnet and one longer inner magnet, with the outer magnets centered on the inner magnets. The poles of the magnets are oriented the same in each pair, but opposite with respect to the other pair. The shape of the magnets results in the magnetic fields produced by each pair of magnets being substantially outside of the magnets themselves, so that the load line for the combined magnets is above the knee in its B/H material demagnetization curve. The pairs of magnets define a gap therebetween in which a magnetic field sensor is mounted for travel. The shorter magnets are about one half the length of the longer magnets such that the magnetic field in the gap varies substantially linearly as the sensor moves along the gap.
US07977933B2
A microprocessor-controlled high voltage sensor circuit controls resonant operation of an induction coil—capacitor circuit. The sensor circuit includes an input that receives a high voltage signal from the induction coil—capacitor circuit, an attenuator coupled to the input, wherein the attenuator reduces the high voltage signal to a low voltage signal, a peak detector coupled to the attenuator, the peak detector that holds the low voltage signal and detects a peak value of the low voltage signal, a clipper circuit that limits an output voltage from the peak detector so as to prevent damage to components of the high voltage sensor circuit, and a linear amplifier that receives the low voltage signal from the clipper circuit and amplifies the low voltage signal for detection of resonance conditions in the induction coil—capacitor circuit by a microprocessor coupled to the high voltage sensor circuit.
US07977931B2
Power efficient power supply regulator circuits are disclosed. The circuits are configured to modify their overhead current according to current load. This is particularly advantageous for use in display devices with widely varying current loads. Such displays include bi-stable displays, such as interferometric modulation displays, LCD displays, and DMD displays.
US07977929B2
A voltage regulator (10) having an undervoltage protection circuit 11 and a method for protecting against an output voltage out being less than a predetermined level. The voltage regulator has an undershoot limitation circuit (11) coupled between a feedback network (30) and a regulation section (42). A power factor correction circuit (46) is connected to the regulation section. An output voltage out from the power factor correction circuit (46) is fed back to the feedback network (30), which transmits a portion of the output voltage to the undershoot limitation circuit (11). If the output voltage is greater than the predetermined voltage level, a switching circuit portion (34) of the undershoot limitation circuit (11) transmits a normal control signal to the regulation circuit (42). If the output voltage is less than the predetermined voltage level, the switching circuit portion transmits an enhanced control signal to the regulation circuit. The enhanced control signal quickly brings the output voltage up to at least the minimum desired level.
US07977923B2
Described herein is a generator with an electroactive polymer transducer. The transducer has a capacitance that varies with deflection of a polymer included in the transducer. The generator also includes a generator circuit, coupled to the electroactive polymer transducer, that includes a capacitor. The generator circuit is configured such that the capacitor collects electrical energy from the electroactive polymer transducer in response to a change in capacitance of the polymer.
US07977922B1
A battery charger includes one or more channels for independently charging one or more batteries at different current levels. The battery charger also includes multiple modes for each channel for charging a battery with a continuous current or a pulse current. The battery charger supplies charging current by holding the charging voltage at a set value.
US07977915B2
A method for managing power of a power source and a system is disclosed. The method includes determining (404) a power source capacity value for the power source having a plurality of cells. Further, the method includes determining (406) a cell-capacity value for each cell of the plurality of cells. Furthermore, the method includes determining (408) a duty-cycle ratio value for each cell of the plurality of cells according to the determined cell-capacity value of the cell and the power source capacity value. Moreover, the method includes drawing (410) power from each cell of the plurality of cells according to the determined duty-cycle ratio value of the cell to achieve the power source capacity value for the power source.
US07977913B2
A battery pack comprising a rechargeable power source element; an input member for connecting the battery pack to an external power source; an output member for connecting the battery pack to an external device for power supply to the external device a micro-controller for sensing at least one characteristic of an electrical signal from the external power source, and for controlling an output signal at the output member based on the characteristics of the electrical signal.
US07977912B2
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a main body and a battery unit which supplies power to the main body. The battery unit includes a first battery having a first connecting portion connected to the main body and a second connecting portion provided independent of the first connecting portion, and a second battery connected to the first battery via the second connecting portion. The second connecting portion is configured to be connected to the second battery in two different directions.
US07977901B2
There is provided an electromechanical machine control system for variable speed controlling an electromechanical machine which can realize a desired control response and a stable control system by online regulating the gain of a linear differential controller by current feedback based on an electric parameter or mechanical parameter of the electromechanical machine. The electromechanical machine control system includes a current coordinate transformer (15) for coordinate transforming a current detection value of the electromechanical machine (13) which is inputted into a γ-axis current having the same phase as a position reference and a δ-axis current which advances 90 degrees further than the position reference, a δ-axis stabilizer (16) for implementing a linear differential control on the δ-axis current which is inputted to output a δ-axis current voltage correction amount and a δ-axis stabilizing gain regulator (17) for regulating the linear differential control gain of the δ-axis stabilizer.
US07977900B2
The object is to provide an inverter system for a vehicle-mounted air conditioner capable of reducing standby power requirements during nonuse. The voltage supply from a communication power source 80 is turned on and off on the basis of a signal from a communication driver 27a and an electric switch is changed over, whereby the voltage supply from a vehicle-mounted battery power source 50 to a DC-DC converter 26 is turned on and off and the voltage supply to a motor-control microcomputer 24 and a gate circuit 22 is turned on and off. As a result of this, during nonuse the operating state of the motor-control microcomputer 24 is shifted to a sleep mode by performing control by a host ECU 60, whereby the voltage supply is suspended and it becomes possible to reduce power consumption.
US07977889B2
Disclosed is a direct-current power supply device, including: an inductor; a switching element to intermittently supply a current to the inductor; an output terminal connected to an external unit; a rectifying element connected between the inductor and the output terminal; a PFM comparator to generate a first pulse signal having a pulse width corresponding to a voltage proportional to an output current of the external unit; a duty control circuit to generate a second pulse signal by controlling a pulse width of an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency in response to an externally-supplied current control signal; a logic circuit configured to output the second pulse signal during a period when the first pulse signal is at a predetermined level; and a drive circuit to generate a drive signal for driving the switching element based on the second pulse signal.
US07977880B2
A plasma display panel is provided with a discharge cell comprising a discharge space, a phosphor film contacting with the discharge space, a holding portion (barrier ribs and a dielectric layer) sectioning the discharge space and holding the phosphor film on an opposite side to the discharge space side, and gas filled in the discharge space and emitting ultraviolet light by discharge. The phosphor film comprises a phosphor layer emitting visible rays by excitation caused by ultraviolet light and a reflecting layer reflecting visible rays, the phosphor layer is provided between the reflecting layer and the discharge space, a film thickness of the reflecting layer is 15 μm or thinner, and a refractive index of the reflecting layer is 1.7 or higher.
US07977879B2
A plasma display panel is disclosed. The plasma display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate positioned adjacent to each other, a first barrier rib positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate and partitioning a discharge area, a sealing portion attaching the first substrate to the second substrate, and an auxiliary barrier rib. The auxiliary barrier rib may be spaced apart from the sealing portion with a predetermined distance therebetween, extended from the first barrier rib, and may include a portion with a height lower than a height of the first barrier rib positioned in the discharge area.
US07977876B2
Technology to reduce the manufacturing cost of a manufacturing process of a light emitting device is provided. The manufacturing cost of a device using a light emitting element can be reduced by using a multilayout process for forming a plurality of light emitting devices from a large-sized substrate. In particular, an existing line for manufacturing liquid crystal cells can be diverted to a process of encapsulating light emitting elements, which can greatly reduce the manufacturing cost including the investment in plant and equipment.
US07977871B2
An organic electroluminescent device and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. A first electrode, which is a pixel electrode, and a second electrode, which is a common electrode, are formed to have an uneven surface, thereby maximizing a luminous efficiency and a reflection efficiency. In addition, since a surface of a contact area between a counter electrode and a common electrode can be increased, the resistivity between the two electrodes can be reduced.
US07977869B2
An organic luminescent device having organic-compound layers is provided which takes on luminous hues with very good purity and has optical power with high efficiency, high luminance and a long life. At least one of the organic-compound layers contains a benzo[k]fluoranthene compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 is a group selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aralkyl and a heterocyclic group which may be substituted, and R1's may be the same or different; R10 to R20 are each independently a group selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, aralkyl, phenyl, a condensed bicyclic aromatic group and a heterocyclic group which may be substituted; and a is an integer of 0 or more to 9 or less.
US07977857B2
A spark plug for an internal combustion engine comprises an elongated center electrode having a center electrode tip at one end and a terminal proximate the other end, an insulator substantially surrounding the center electrode, and a ground shield. The insulator has a substantially cylindrical body with at least a first insulator section and a second insulator section. The first and second insulator sections having first and second diameters respectively and are separated by an insulator shoulder. The ground shield has an elongated base section substantially surrounding the first insulator section, a frustoconical flange protruding from one end of the base section to engage the insulator shoulder, and a ground electrode extending from the other end of the base section to define an axial spark gap with respect to the center electrode tip. The base section and the ground electrode are formed as separate components and secured together to form the ground shield.
US07977846B2
A rotor for a vehicular alternating current generator has a relief space portion formed between axial holes of a pair of pole cores and a shaft for receiving therein a plastically deformed portion produced when the shaft is press-fitted in the axial holes of the pole cores. The relief space portion is located adjacent to a pair of closely contacting inner end faces of the pole cores so that the plastically deformed portion is let to move into a radially outward direction rather than further continuing movement in an axial direction within the relief space portion. The plastically deformed portion is thus prevented from entering between the inner end faces of the pole cores.
US07977845B1
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an induction motor including a stator having a circular cross-section and an inner passage having a longitudinal axis defining a bore, a solid core steel rotor having a circular cross-section rotatably disposed within the bore of the stator, and an air gap disposed between the rotor and the stator. A copper conductive layer is disposed on the steel rotor to increase the electrical conductance of the rotor. Exemplary embodiments adhere the copper conductive layer to the steel rotor using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP). The HIP process encloses the steel rotor and the copper conductive layer in a containment vessel, and adheres the conductive layer to the rotor by applying high temperature and high gas pressure to the outside of the containment vessel.
US07977843B2
The axial gap type motor according to the present invention is provided with: a rotor and a first stator and a second stator, wherein the first and second stators includes an annular back yoke and a plurality of teeth which is provided on the annular back yoke at predetermined intervals in a peripheral direction so as to protrude toward the rotor in the direction of the rotation axis; the peripheral pitch of the plurality of teeth of the first and second stators are equal to each other; and in a case where the first stator and the second stator which sandwich the rotor therebetween in the direction of the rotation axis are seen from one side in the direction of the rotation axis, facing surfaces of the teeth of the first and second stators which face to the rotor are formed so as not to overlap completely each other.
US07977842B2
An adaptive winding configurations and control method is disclosed for the electromagnetic poles of electric machines, including motors and generators. Motors utilizing the inventive adaptive winding configuration and control method are able to dynamically adjust their operating characteristics to maintain a constant rated power over a large operating speed range with high efficiency. Generators employing the inventive adaptive winding configuration and control method are able to dynamically adjust their operating characteristics in response to a variable driving force to achieve maximum power conversion efficiency. These generators are also able to dynamically change their output voltage and current (thus charging speed) when charging batteries depending on the charged state of the battery, and on the expected duration of the input power.
US07977839B2
An energy-saving magnetic bearing device with no bias current for making the relation between the excitation current and the magnetic force of the electromagnet linear is provided. In a magnetic bearing device for supporting a rotor 1 serving as the magnetic piece in a levitating state allowing free rotation at a specified position by the magnetic force of a pair of electromagnets 2, 3, the electromagnets 2, 3 are constituted to interpose the rotor 1 and face each other. A driver 204 is a PWM (pulse width modulation) type driver for controlling the excitation current in the electromagnets 2, 3 by modulating the pulse width of a voltage driven at a specified carrier frequency fc, and includes a resonator means for electrically resonating at a frequency equal to the carrier frequency fc. When an excitation current flows in either one of the pair of opposing electromagnets 2, 3, then the other magnet is regulated so that the DC component in the electromagnet excitation current is zero, and a voltage is applied via the resonator means to the electromagnet whose DC component in the excitation current is discharged to zero.
US07977835B2
A cooling module includes a shroud (38) having an integral cover (42). The cover receives a bearing structure (40). A fan (36) is provided for moving air. A rotor and stator assembly (30) has an opened end and includes a stator (29) having permanent magnets. A rotor (31) includes a lamination stack (16), windings (21), a commutator (20); and a shaft (18). The rotor is associated with the stator so as to rotate with respect thereto. One end (34) of the shaft is coupled with the fan and another end (39) of the shaft is received by the bearing structure. A brush and connector unit (52) is associated with the cover of the shroud and includes brushes (58) associated with the commutator, and an electrical connector (62). The cover covers the opened end of the rotor and stator assembly and covers at least a portion of a brush and connector unit.
US07977830B2
A mounting structure for a vehicle driving apparatus includes a housing fixed to a vehicle body and including a first internal space and a second internal space formed below the first internal space in the state of being separated from the first internal space; a motor generator provided in the first internal space of the housing; an inverter provided in the second internal space of the housing; and a terminal electrically connecting the motor generator and the inverter. Oil used for cooling the motor generator is stored in the bottom of the first internal space. The portion in the terminal located in the first internal space is located above the highest liquid level of the oil stored in the first internal space.
US07977829B2
The invention relates to a housing (2) for an electrical machine (1), said housing comprising a housing wall (3) having an inner surface (4). At least two cooling channels (15) extend inside the housing wall. A connecting deviation channel (16) is provided between two of the cooling channels (15). The inventive housing is also provided with an inner sealing ring (18) applied to the inner surface (4). The housing wall (3) comprises at least one housing recess (17) on the inner surface (4) thereof, in the region of the inner sealing ring (18), such that, together with the inner sealing ring (18), it forms the deviation channel (16).
US07977821B2
A semiconductor power device, e.g., an Insulated Gate Bi-polar Transistor (IGBT) or a Metal-Oxide Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) may be constructed in a reusable and repairable cost-effective sealed shell. The switch may be provided with direct-pressure-contact caps which may perform as electrical conductors for a semiconductor die of the switch and also as thermal heat-sink contacts for the device. The switch may be provided with internal self-powered gate driving control and PHM incorporated in sealed shell. Embodiments of the switch may be constructed with no external gating/PHM connection pin penetrations through the shell.
US07977818B1
An apparatus and system for preventing branch circuit current overload in a non-dedicated branch circuit where current is supplied at least in part by a co-generation power system through an electrical receptacle or outlet. Co-generation systems of this type are typically used in residential applications and can include solar photovoltaic systems and wind turbines. The apparatus modulates or adjusts the current flowing into the branch circuit from the co-generation power system so that the apparatus does not cause the combination of current supplied from the utility power grid into the branch circuit and current supplied by the co-generation system into the branch circuit outlet to exceed the branch circuit current capacity.
US07977814B2
A centralized high voltage interlock system includes an electrical source, an interlock control unit electrically connected to the electrical source, at least one high voltage component disposed in direct electrical contact with the interlock control unit and a high voltage electrical interlock disposed in electrical contact with the at least one high voltage component.
US07977812B2
An ECU in an electric power system for a vehicle controls a DC-DC converter so that an alternator transmits a residual generated electric power to a sub battery while a terminal voltage of a main battery is maintained within an optimally specified voltage range. This residual generated electric power is obtained by subtracting from a maximum generating electric power of the alternator an electric power to be consumed by electric loads and an electric power with which the main battery is charged. This can suppress any fluctuation of the voltage of electric power of the electric power system, namely, the output voltage of the alternator and the voltage of the main battery, and perform a maximum regenerative electric power generation. The sub battery is efficiently changed with the regenerative electric power.
US07977810B2
A signal coupling apparatus for power line communications includes an impedance matching transformer and a transmission mode control circuit for high data rate power line communications on a three-phase four-wire distribution line. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power line communications, to minimize signal loss, and to construct an optimal high voltage distribution path.
US07977808B2
Provided is a generator for a rotor, having a simple structure and being capable of enhancing power generation efficiency. A supporting member fixes or releases a slender shaft material to or from a rotor. Rotating members are disposed respectively at both ends of the shaft material 25 so as to be rotatable around the shaft material, which is a central axis. A control unit releases the fixation of the shaft material to the rotor when the direction of rotational movement of each of the rotating members around the shaft material is coincident with the direction of rotational movement of the rotor, thereby accelerating each of the rotating members. A power generation unit generates electricity by recovering energy obtained when each of the rotating members is accelerated by the rotation of the rotor.
US07977806B2
A portable electronic device includes a case; a revolution body rotatable with respect to the case; an electric generator converting rotational kinetic energy of the revolution body into electrical energy; a gear assembly transferring rotational force of the revolution body to the electric generator, and including at least one gear; and a secondary cell storing the electrical energy generated by the electric generator.
US07977802B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a flip chip die, having a backside protrusion; mounting a wire bond die on the flip chip die, adjacent to the backside protrusion; and mounting an internal stacking module over the backside protrusion and the wire bond die.
US07977796B2
A gas or an insulating material having a relative dielectric constant of not more than 2.5 on average is interposed between a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer included in a multilayer wiring structure. Between a wiring of the first wiring layer and a wiring of the second wiring layer, a conductive connector is arranged. Between a predetermined wiring of the first wiring layer and a predetermined wiring of the second wiring layer, an insulating heat conductor having a relative dielectric constant of not more than 5 is arranged.
US07977779B2
A mountable integrated circuit package-in-package system includes: providing an interface integrated circuit package system with a terminal having a plated bumped portion of an inner encapsulation; mounting the interface integrated circuit package system over a package carrier with the terminal facing away from the package carrier; connecting the package carrier and a pad extension of the terminal; and forming a package encapsulation over the interface integrated circuit package system with the terminal exposed.
US07977770B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a first pad including a first metal and an inter-connection line including the first metal in a scribe lane region; forming a second pad including the first metal in a chip region; sequentially forming an etch-stop layer and a first insulation layer on the first pad, the inter-connection line, and the second pad; exposing the first and second pads by patterning the etch-stop layer and the first insulation layer; forming third and fourth pads including a second metal on the first and second pads; sequentially forming second and third insulation layers on the third pad, the fourth pad, and the patterned first insulation layer; and etching the first, second, and third insulation layers using the patterned photosensitive layer on the third insulation layer to expose the third and fourth pads.
US07977766B2
Trench anti-fuse structures, design structures embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing a programmable integrated circuit. The anti-fuse structure includes a trench having a plurality of sidewalls that extend into a substrate, a doped region in the semiconductor material of the substrate proximate to the sidewalls of the trench, a conductive plug in the trench, and a dielectric layer on the sidewalls of the trench. The dielectric layer is disposed between the conductive plug and the doped region. The dielectric layer is configured so that a programming voltage applied between the doped region and the conductive plug causes a breakdown of the dielectric layer within a region of the trench. The trench sidewalls are arranged with a cross-sectional geometrical shape that is independent of position between a bottom wall of the deep trench and a top surface of the substrate.
US07977765B2
An antifuse circuit includes a terminal, an antifuse transistor, and a bias transistor. The antifuse transistor is formed on a substrate. The antifuse transistor is coupled to the terminal and includes a first gate terminal coupled to receive a first select signal. The bias transistor is coupled between the substrate and a bias voltage terminal. The bias transistor has a second gate terminal and is operable to couple the bias voltage terminal to the substrate responsive to an assertion of a bias enable signal at the second gate terminal.
US07977763B2
A thin film semiconductor die circuit package is provided utilizing low dielectric constant (k) polymer material for the insulating layers of the metal interconnect structure. Five embodiments include utilizing glass, glass-metal composite, and glass/glass sandwiched substrates. The substrates form the base for mounting semiconductor dies and fabricating the thin film interconnect structure.
US07977750B2
The present invention provides a semiconductor device in which a bottom-gate TFT or an inverted stagger TFT arranged in each circuit is suitably constructed in conformity with the functionality of the respective circuits, thereby attaining an improvement in the operating efficiency and reliability of the semiconductor device. In the structure, LDD regions in a pixel TFT are arranged so as not to overlap with a channel protection insulating film and to overlap with a gate electrode by at least a portion thereof. LDD regions in an N-channel TFT of a drive circuit is arranged so as not to overlap with a channel protection insulating film and to overlap with a gate electrode by at least a portion thereof. LDD regions in a P-channel TFT of the drive circuit is arranged so as to overlap with a channel protection insulating film and to overlap with the gate electrode.
US07977742B1
A trench-gate metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) includes a field plate that extends into a drift region of the MOSFET. The field plate, which is electrically coupled to a source region, is configured to deplete the drift region when the MOSFET is in the OFF-state. The field plate extends from a top surface of a device substrate, which comprises an epitaxial layer formed on a silicon substrate. The field plate has a depth greater than 50% of a thickness of the epitaxial layer. For example, the field plate may extend to a full depth of the drift region. The field plate allows for relatively easy interconnection from the top surface of the device substrate, simplifying the fabrication process.
US07977731B2
A NOR flash memory has a plurality of memory cell transistors, wherein each memory cell transistor shares the source diffusion layer with another memory cell transistor adjacent thereto on one side thereof in the column direction and shares the drain diffusion layer with another memory cell transistor adjacent thereto on the other side thereof in the column direction, and the width of the source diffusion layer in the column direction is narrower than the width of the drain diffusion layer in the column direction.
US07977729B2
An aging device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate, first and second diffusion layers provided in a first element region, a floating gate provided above a channel region between the first and second diffusion layers, and a control gate electrode provided beside the floating gate with an interval in the lateral direction. A coupling capacitance between the floating gate and the control gate electrode is larger than a coupling capacitance between the floating gate and the semiconductor substrate.
US07977726B2
A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell and the method of manufacturing the same are provided. The DRAM cell includes a cell transistor and a cell capacitor. The cell capacitor includes a first, second and third dielectric layer, and a first, second and third capacitor electrode. The first dielectric layer is located on a first capacitor electrode. The second capacitor electrode is located on top of the first dielectric layer. The second dielectric layer is located on the second capacitor electrode. The third capacitor electrode is located on the second dielectric layer and is electrically connected with the drain. The third dielectric layer is located between the third capacitor electrode and the gate for isolating the gate from the third capacitor electrode.
US07977721B2
A method for increasing a voltage tolerance of a MOS device having a first capacitance value associated therewith is provided. The method includes the steps of: connecting at least a first capacitor in series with the MOS device, the first capacitor having a first capacitance value associated therewith, the first capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a gate of the MOS device and a second terminal adapted to receive a first signal; and adjusting a ratio of the first capacitance value and a second capacitance value associated with the MOS device such that a second signal present at the gate of the MOS device will be an attenuated version of the first signal. An amount of attenuation of the first signal is a function of the ratio of the first and second capacitance values.
US07977701B2
A GaN layer is grown on a sapphire substrate, an SiO2 film is formed on the GaN layer, and a GaN semiconductor layer including an MQW active layer is then grown on the GaN layer and the SiO2 film using epitaxial lateral overgrowth. The GaN based semiconductor layer is removed by etching except in a region on the SiO2 film, and a p electrode is then formed on the top surface of the GaN based semiconductor layer on the SiO2 film, to join the p electrode on the GaN based semiconductor layer to an ohmic electrode on a GaAs substrate. An n electrode is formed on the top surface of the GaN based semiconductor layer.
US07977700B2
A semiconductor package and a semiconductor light-emitting device including the semiconductor package. The semiconductor package includes: a frame for mounting a semiconductor light-emitting element; and a lead integral with the frame. The frame and the lead are made of a resin. A metal film is located in a predetermined area on the frame.
US07977697B2
The present invention provides a light emitting device which comprises a light emitting element, a mounting board on which the light emitting element is mounted, a metal-made reflector surrounding the side surfaces of the light emitting element on the mounting board, a conductor for electrically connecting the light emitting element with the mounting board, and a sealing resin fitted within the reflector to cover and seal the light emitting element and the conductor. The mounting board includes a metal-made base board, and an insulating board laminated on the base board and formed with a window hole extending therethrough which is larger than the outer periphery of the light emitting element. A mount for carrying the light emitting element thereon is disposed on the base board within the window hole with a clearance defined from side surfaces of the window hole. The conductor straddles the clearance, and electrically connects the wiring pattern formed on the insulating board with the light emitting element and the mount. Then, part of the clearance associated with the area that projects from the conductor to the mounting board is narrower than the rest of the clearance.
US07977695B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor light emitting device and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor light emitting device comprises a first conductive semiconductor layer comprising a first concave-convex pattern, a second concave-convex pattern on at least one pattern of the first concave-convex pattern, an active layer on the first conductive semiconductor layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer on the active layer.
US07977694B2
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) where the emission region, usually a (Al,In,Ga)N layer, is structured for efficient light extraction, are disclosed. The structuring is designed for light extraction from thin films, such as a photonic crystal acting as a diffraction grating. In addition, the structuring controls the in-plane emission and allows new modes into which light will be emitted. Various electrode designs are proposed, including ZnO structures which are known to lead to both excellent electrical properties, such as good carrier injection, and high transparency. Alternatively, the (Al,In,Ga)N layer can be replaced by structures with other materials compositions, in order to achieve efficient light extraction.
US07977687B2
A light emitting device (LED) structure formed on a Group IV-based semiconductor substrate is provided. The LED structure includes a Group IV-based substrate, an AlN nucleation layer formed on the Group IV-based substrate, a GaN epitaxial layer formed on the AlN nucleation layer, a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) multi-layer structure formed on the epitaxial layer, and an LED active layer formed on the DBR multi-layer structure.
US07977685B2
A light-emitting device is disclosed capable of reducing the variation of an emission spectrum depending on an angle of viewing a light extraction surface. More particularly, a light-emitting device is disclosed capable of preventing impurities from dispersing from a light-emitting element into a thin film transistor as well as reducing the variation of an emission spectrum depending on an angle of viewing a light extraction surface. The disclosed light-emitting device comprises a substrate; a first insulating layer provided over the substrate; a transistor provided over the first insulating layer; and a second insulating layer having a first opening portion so that the transistor is covered and the substrate is exposed; wherein a light-emitting element is provided inside the first opening portion.
US07977684B2
The present invention discloses a light emitting device package, comprising: a metal base; an electrical circuit layer provided at an upper side of the metal base for providing a conductive path; a light emitting device mounted in a second region having a smaller thickness than a first region on the metal base; an insulating layer sandwiched between the meta base and the electrical circuit layer; an electrode layer provided at an upper side of the electrical circuit layer; and a wire for electrically connecting the electrode layer and the light emitting device. Further, there is provided a light emitting device package which is improved in light emission efficiency since the light emitting device is placed on a small thickness portion of the metal base.
US07977673B2
To provide a semiconductor layer in which a GaN system epitaxial layer having high crystal quality can be obtained.The semiconductor layer includes a β-Ga2O3 substrate 1 made of a β-Ga2O3 single crystal, a GaN layer 2 formed by subjecting a surface of the β-Ga2O3 substrate 1 to nitriding processing, and a GaN growth layer 3 formed on the GaN layer 2 through epitaxial growth by utilizing an MOCVD method. Since lattice constants of the GaN layer 2 and the GaN growth layer 3 match each other, and the GaN growth layer 3 grows so as to succeed to high crystalline of the GaN layer 2, the GaN growth layer 3 having high crystalline is obtained.
US07977669B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a high-performance and high reliable semiconductor device and to provide a technique of manufacturing the semiconductor device at low cost with high yield. The semiconductor device is manufactured by steps of forming a first conductive layer, forming a first liquid-repellent layer over the first conductive layer, discharging a composition containing a material for a mask layer over the first liquid-repellent layer to form a mask layer, processing the first liquid-repellent layer with the use of the mask layer, forming a second liquid-repellent layer, forming an insulating layer over the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, and forming a second conductive layer over the insulating layer.
US07977661B2
An integrated circuit includes a bit line, a plurality of access devices coupled to the bit line, and a plate of phase change material. The integrated circuit includes a plurality of phase change elements contacting the plate of phase change material and a plurality of first contacts. Each first contact is coupled between an access device and a phase change element.
US07977655B2
A method for monitoring overlay of a direct-write system. The method includes providing a substrate having a pattern formed thereon by the direct-write system, generating data associated with the substrate pattern, decomposing the data by applying a transformation matrix, and determining an overlay index based on the decomposed data, the overlay index corresponding to a variation component of the substrate pattern relative to a target pattern.
US07977654B2
A writing apparatus includes a writing unit configured to a write a pattern onto a target workpiece, based on a writing data of the pattern to be written on the target workpiece, and a generation unit configured generate, after the pattern has been written, writing data of a figure code indicating a writing information of when the target workpiece is written, based on the writing information, wherein the writing unit further writes the figure code onto the target workpiece, based on the writing data of the figure code.
US07977653B2
A semiconductor device fabrication method includes preparing a substrate having a first circuit pattern of a semiconductor device; providing a mask with at least part of second circuit pattern of the semiconductor device; collimating incident direction of particles; changing at least one of the a substrate angle between a vertical axis of the substrate and the incident direction of the particles and a mask angle between a vertical axis of the mask and the incident direction so that the second circuit pattern on the mask can be aligned to the first circuit pattern on the substrate with a design margin; and selectively irradiating the particles to the substrate using the mask.
US07977651B2
There is provided a projection objective for a projection exposure apparatus that has a primary light source for emitting electromagnetic radiation having a chief ray with a wavelength≦193 nm. The projection objective includes an object plane, a first mirror, a second mirror, a third mirror, a fourth mirror; and an image plane. The object plane, the first mirror, the second mirror, the third mirror, the fourth mirror and the image plane are arranged in a centered arrangement around a common optical axis. The first mirror, the second mirror, the third mirror, and the fourth mirror are situated between the object plane and the image plane. The chief ray, when incident on an object situated in the object plane, in a direction from the primary light source, is inclined away from the common optical axis.
US07977650B2
A device and method for processing fluorescence signals emitted after excitation by radiation coming from a radiation source, by at least one fluorophore with a lifetime τ in a surrounding medium, which signals are detected by detection means, and which method includes the calculation, on the basis of detected fluorescence signals, of values of a variable, independent of τ, of the position or the distribution of fluorophore in said medium.
US07977645B1
The present invention relates to scintillator compositions and related devices and methods. The scintillator may include, for example, a mixed scintillator composition including at least two different CsXLa halide compounds and a dopant, wherein X is Na or Li. Related radiation detection devices and methods are further included.
US07977644B2
There is provided a portable radiation detector including: a housing; a wireless communication section accommodated in the housing, and carrying out wireless communication of image data of a detected radiation image; a cable whose one end portion is connected to the housing; a connector provided at another end portion of the cable, and able to be connected to an external device; and a connector holding mechanism provided at the housing, and holding the connector removably at the housing.
US07977641B2
A scintillator is provided, comprising: a composition of formula (Lu1-x-y-zCexInyM1z)2SiO5, wherein M1 is Y, Sc, Gd, or a combination thereof; 0.00001
US07977631B2
The invention relates to a method for obtaining images from slices of a specimen, the method comprising: repeatedly obtaining an image of the surface layer of the specimen (1) and removing the surface layer of the specimen, thereby bringing the next slice to the surface; characterized in that after at least one of the removals of a surface layer the specimen is exposed to a staining agent. This method is especially suited for use in a particle-optical instrument equipped with both a scanning electron microscope column (20) and a focused ion beam column (10).The specimen can e.g. be stained in situ by admitting a gas, such as OsO4 (osmiumtetroxide), to the specimen. This method also makes it possible to perform differential staining by first making an image of the specimen exposed to a first staining agent, and subsequently making an image of the specimen when it is additionally stained by a second staining agent.
US07977625B2
A method and an assembly for generating optical section images permit the three-dimensional, layered optical scanning of spatially extended objects. Illumination patterns with periodicity in at least one direction are projected into a plane and the light from the sample which is reflected and/or scattered and/or emitted fluorescence light is being imaged onto a spatially resolving detector. Initially, there is a calibration step, in which the local phase and/or the local period of the illumination patterns are determined for each location on the detector. In the sample detection mode, for the calculation of each optical section image there are two illumination patterns projected into or onto the sample and the resulting intensity distributions are used to form an image on the detector.
US07977623B2
According to one embodiment, there is provided a device and method for correcting code wheel misalignment which employs upper and lower code wheel misalignment photodetectors positioned above and below at least first and second motion detection photodetectors. According to other embodiments, there are provided a device and method for automatically setting the gain of an output circuit in an optical encoder. Still further embodiments of optical encoders combine the code wheel misalignment and automatic gain control features of the invention.
US07977622B2
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for monitoring and tuning detector and modulator resonators during operation. Aspects of the present invention use DC balanced coding of data in optical signals tune and monitor the performance of a resonator. Whether the resonator is being used as a modulator or a detector, the intensity of the light coupled into the resonator is DC balanced and varies as a function of the data being transmitted. Average intensity variations of the light scattered from the resonator are converted into an electronic feedback signal, which is used to determine appropriate levels of thermal and electronic tuning applied to the resonator.
US07977615B1
A forebody flow control system and more particularly to aircraft or missile flow control systems for enhanced maneuverability and stabilization at high angles of attack. The present invention further relates to a method of operating the flow control system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a missile or aircraft comprising an afterbody and a forebody; at least one flow effector on the missile or aircraft forebody; at least one sensor having a signal associated therewith, the at least one sensor being positioned to detect flow separation on the missile or aircraft forebody; and a closed loop control system; wherein the closed loop control system is used for activating and deactivating the at least one flow effector based on at least in part the signal of the at least one sensor.
US07977607B2
A frame for receiving a heating element for an electric heater of a ventilating, heating and/or air conditioning unit of a vehicle, in particular. The frame is shaped in the form of a hollowed-out box whose large faces, intended to be traversed by airflow conveyed by the unit, are held at a distance from each other in order to create between them a space for receiving the heating element. The frame is made of a single part in which means for holding the heating element inside the space are located in the area of the large faces.
US07977603B2
A method for manufacturing an eyeless needle by which a satisfactory hole can be formed in the end surface of a fine suture needle having a needle diameter less than 150 micrometers is proposed.In a method for manufacturing an eyeless needle by forming a hole for inserting and fixing one end of a suture thread by caulking in the end surface of the eyeless suture needle made of stainless steel, the hole is formed by irradiating the end surface of a needle material thicker by 6 to 20 micrometers than a desired needle diameter of the suture needle less than 150 micrometers with one shot of a laser beam, and subsequently, a portion thicker than the desired needle diameter is removed by electrolytic polishing or chemical polishing.
US07977601B2
An X & Y orthogonal cut apparatus for scribing a pair of parallel cuts on a planar workpiece, the workpiece plane having an X-axis and a Y-axis, where the apparatus includes a laser device generating at least two beams including a first beam and a second beam, the first beam and the second beam each having an impact point on the workpiece, the first and second impact points being positioned diagonally with respect to the X and Y axes of the workpiece, and at least one actuator to move at least one of the impact points relative to the workpiece and the workpiece relative to the impact points.
US07977595B2
Provided are an air circuit breaker capable of allowing a closing spring to be automatically discharged at a pulled-out position in a pull-out type air circuit breaker and an automatic discharging apparatus for the closing spring in the air circuit breaker, the automatic discharging apparatus for the closing spring comprising a cam shaft rotation preventing unit installed on a cam shaft allowing the closing spring to be charged or discharged and configured to restrict the rotation of the cam shaft by an elastic restoring force of the closing spring, and a unit for releasing the cam shaft rotation preventing unit connected to the cam shaft rotation preventing unit and configured to allow the cam shaft to be rotated by the elastic restoring force of the closing spring according to positions where a main body of the air circuit breaker is pulled out of a cradle.
US07977585B2
A closed-type motor has an elastic grommet with a through-hole into which a lead wire is inserted. The grommet covers an opening portion of a case. An elastic tube is connected to the grommet, and a cover covers the grommet. The grommet includes a pedestal portion abutted to the case; a tubular projection with the through-hole; and an annular groove surrounding a basal portion of the tubular projection. The tubular projection has an internal sectional area being equal to or larger than the one of the lead wire. The tube has an internal sectional area being equal to or larger than the one of the lead wire and has an inner diameter being equal to or less than an outer diameter of the tubular projection. The cover is provided with a central hole having a diameter being equal to or larger than an outer diameter of the tube.
US07977583B2
A shielded cable interface module having cable receiving grooves extending laterally to an edge of the board, each including a center conductor groove, an insulator groove, and a shield groove. A center conductor via and a shield via extend through the board. A conductor plane on the cable termination side surrounds the cable receiving grooves. The conductor plane includes a non-conductor region within the conductor plane adjacent to each of the conductor center conductor grooves. Ground vias associated with the cable receiving grooves are spaced apart from and partially surround the center conductor via outside and adjacent to the non-conductor region, the ground vias extend through the printed circuit board from the cable termination side to the system interface side.
US07977578B2
A TAB tape for a tape carrier package may have at least one opening formed in a connection portion. The at least one opening may be provided in the connection portion and a portion of the corresponding second lead. The at least one opening may be arranged near a boundary between the corresponding first lead and the connection portion. The at least one opening may be sized to reduce the change of the lead width from the first lead to the second lead.
US07977576B1
An improved pipe and utility protector comprising a rectangular piece of material composition featuring a down piece having a V-shaped cross-section along a longitudinal centerline, including an angular transition, to an offset mounting flange protruding slightly outward from the crest of the curved V-shape for attaching the embodiment to framing members. The flanges allow pieces to be attached together, joining framing members horizontally, vertically and at various angles throughout structures.
US07977575B2
A high performance data cable which has an interior support or star separator. The star separator or interior support extends along the longitudinal length of the data cable. The star separator or interior support has a central region. A plurality of prongs or splines extend outward from the central region along the length of the central region. Each prong or spline is adjacent with at least two other prongs or splines. The prongs or splines may be helixed or S-Z shaped as they extend along the length of the star separator or interior support. Each pair of adjacent prongs or splines defines grooves which extend along the longitudinal length of the interior support. At least two of the grooves have disposed therein an insulated conductor. The interior support can have a first material and a different second material. The different second material forms an outer surface of the interior support.
US07977573B1
A cable-in-conduit-conductor (CICC) joint for use with a hybrid magnet. An elongate copper member is disposed in sandwiched relation between a first and second cable that are disposed in parallel, spaced apart relation to one another. A first elongate member is disposed in overlying relation to the first cable and a second elongate member is disposed in underlying relation to the second cable. All of the parts are positioned within a joint box, and the joint box is sandwiched between first and second flat plates that are interconnected to one another by elongate bolts. Tightening the bolts compresses the parts within the joint box. A heat treatment completes the solderless joint.
US07977554B1
A novel maize variety designated X7P215 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety X7P215 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X7P215 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X7P215, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X7P215. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X7P215.
US07977541B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D5124857. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D5124857. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D5124857 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D5124857 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07977537B2
The invention provides Brassica plants and lines having an improved Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Disease Incidence (SSDI %) score and represented by, or descended from, ATCC accession number PTA-6779 or PTA-6778.
US07977533B2
The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant, have improved tolerance or are susceptible to iron deficient growth conditions. The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct disease-tolerant plants or identify and counterselect disease-susceptible plants. Soybean plants that display tolerance or improved tolerance to Phytophthora root rot infection that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.
US07977531B2
The present invention relates to absorbent articles that include absorbent compositions which exhibit swelling, deswelling, and reswelling behavior. More specifically, absorbent compositions of this invention swell and absorb fluids after exposure to aqueous fluids, deswell and release fluids from the swollen absorbent compositions, and can also reswell and absorb fluids. The swelling-deswelling-reswelling behavior allows enhanced liquid distribution in absorbent composites and absorbent articles.
US07977523B2
A catalyst, useful in the preparation of isoolefins and containing 0.1 to 20% by mass of an alkali metal oxide, an alkaline earth metal oxide and mixtures thereof; 0.1 to 99% by mass of aluminum oxide; and 0.1 to 99% by mass of silicon dioxide, is prepared by a) treating an aluminosilicate with an aqueous alkali metal salt solution, an alkaline earth metal salt solution and mixtures thereof, under acidic conditions, to obtain a treated aluminosilicate; and b) calcining the treated aluminosilicate, to obtain the catalyst.
US07977506B2
Compounds and compositions for the delivery of active agents are provided. Methods of administration and preparation are provided as well.
US07977504B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing isocyanates, which are industrially useful compounds, without using phosgene, and to provide a process for chemically recycling waste polycarbonate resin. The present invention discloses a process enabling isocyanate compounds to be produced without using phosgene as a raw material by subjecting a carbamic acid ester compound obtained by a reaction between an aromatic polycarbonate resin and an amine compound to a thermal decomposition reaction, while at the same time disclosing a process enabling chemical recycling of aromatic polycarbonate resin by recovering a divalent aromatic hydroxy compound forming aromatic polycarbonates.
US07977503B2
The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for inhibiting polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid and the like. By the method, the generation of deposit in a pipe, which is exclusively used for providing a solution of a dialkyldithiocarbamic acid copper salt to a distillation column and the like, is prevented, and the problems such as the clogging of the pipe and polymerization in the distillation column are solved. The method according to the present invention for inhibiting polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid and/or an ester thereof is characterized in comprising a step of inhibiting polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid and/or the ester thereof by using a solution of a dialkyldithiocarbamic acid copper salt dissolved in an organic solvent, wherein a content amount of copper sulfate in the solution of the dialkyldithiocarbamic acid copper salt is 100 ppm or less by mass.
US07977501B2
The present invention relates to a polyether carbonate polyol made by copolymerizing a starter molecule with carbon dioxide, at a pressure ranging from about 10 psia to about 2,000 psia, and an alkylene oxide, at a temperature ranging from about 50° C. to about 190° C. and in the presence of from about 0.001 wt. % to about 0.2 wt. % of a substantially non-crystalline double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, wherein the polyol has an incorporated carbon dioxide content of from about 1 wt. % to about 40 wt. %, wherein the ratio of cyclic carbonate by-product to total carbonate is less than about 0.3 and wherein the weight percentages are based on the weight of the polyol. The inventive polyether carbonate polyols may find use in producing polyurethane foams, elastomers, coatings, sealants and adhesives with improved properties.
US07977498B2
A process for the removal of sterols, specifically cholesterol, from a triglyceride oil, preferably a marine triglyceride oil, said process comprising contacting an oil with an absorbent, specifically TRIS YL™, clay or a mixture thereof, heating the mixture to 100° C. to 210° C., preferably 150° C. to 170° C., preferably for a time period of greater than one minute and optionally at a pressure less than 133 Pa, preferably less than 1.33 Pa.
US07977494B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing substituted pyrazolyl chlorides by chlorinating aldehydes of the formula (II) under free-radical conditions.
US07977493B2
Chemiluminescent substances are prepared by freezing or lyophilizing a solution of a peroxidized nitrogen-containing five-membered cyclic compound.The chemiluminescent substances have a sensitivity comparable to that of luminol chemiluminescence, are highly water-soluble, have no incorporation of impurities, are not degraded during storage, have high reproducibility in measurement results, and are very suitable for use in the detection and quantification of various substances in many applications, e.g., clinical applications.
US07977485B2
The invention relates to novel 2-heteroaryl carboxamides and to the use thereof for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and for improving perception, concentration, learning and/or memory.
US07977479B2
The invention relates to a method for producing melamine by decomposing urea inside a fluidised bed reactor, during which the hot reaction gas is cooled inside a gas cooler, and the obtained heat is directly used for pre-heating the fluidizing gas required for creating the fluidized bed.
US07977478B2
Crystalline polymorphic forms of vardenafil and vardenafil hydrochloride, and processes for preparing them.
US07977472B2
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating myostatin (GDF8) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of myostatin gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of myostatin genes.
US07977466B2
The present invention provides C-glycoside derivatives and salts thereof, wherein B ring is bonded to A ring via —X— and A ring is directly bonded to the glucose residue, and it is usable as a Na+-glucose cotransporter inhibitor, especially for a therapeutic and/or preventive agent for diabetes such as insulin-dependent diabetes (type 1 diabetes) and insulin-independent diabetes (type 2 diabetes), as well as diabetes related diseases such as an insulin-resistant diseases and obesity.
US07977456B2
A simple, efficient apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids useful in methods of high-throughput combinatorial organic synthesis or parallel extraction of large libraries or megaarrays of organic compounds is disclosed. The apparatus and method are useful, whether as part of an automated, robotic or manual system for combinatorial organic synthesis or purification (extraction). In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids compatible with microtiter plate type array(s) of reaction vessels is disclosed. Another application of centrifugation based liquid removal was found for washing the plates in biological assays or synthesis on modified substrates.
US07977455B2
The present invention is directed to peptide analogues of glucagon-like peptide-1, the pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, to methods of using such analogues to treat mammals and to pharmaceutical compositions useful therefor comprising said analogues.
US07977454B2
The present invention discloses a process for making an insulin-oligomer conjugate as a one-pot reaction by conjugation of insulin-ester with an activated oligomer wherein simultaneous deblocking and conjugation is carried out.
US07977445B2
Aqueous, storage-stable emulsions of α-silyl terminated polymers are useful as adhesives, sealing compounds and coating materials. The α-silyl terminated polymers correspond to the general formula (I): in which R1 is a linear or branched alkyl or alkoxy group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R2 and R3 independently of one another are linear or branched alkyl groups containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R4 and R6 independently of one another are divalent organic connecting groups, R5 is a hydrophobic divalent polymer group; and R7 is a CH2SiR1(OR2)(OR3) group, in which R1, R2 and R3 have the above meaning or R7 stands for a group that lends the polymer of the general formula (I) the property of self-emulsification in water by forming an oil in water emulsion.
US07977443B2
The invention provides a copolymer rubber excellent in processability in kneading and processability in extrusion; rubber compositions containing the rubber; and crosslinked moldings of the compositions excellent in sealing properties and shape retention. A random copolymer rubber of ethylene (A), a C3-20 α-olefin (B) and a nonconjugated polyene (C) which satisfies the following requirements (1) to (5): (1) the structural units (A) and (B) are contained at an (A)/(B) molar ratio of 40/60 to 95/5, (2) the structural unit (C) content is 0.01 to 5% by mole, (3) the limiting viscosity [η] is 1.0 to 5.0 dl/g as determined in decahydronaphthalene at 135°., (4) the Mw/Mn is 1 to 8, and (5) the P value is 0.46 to 1.00 as defined by formula (1): P=Ln(limiting viscosity [η])−5.0×105×η*(10) (1) (wherein Ln is a natural logarithm; and η*(10) is viscosity (Pa·sec) as determined at 190° C. and at 10 rad/sec.
US07977437B2
A process for preparing a polydiene, the process comprising the step of polymerizing conjugated diene monomer in the presence of a dihydrocarbyl ether, where said step of polymerizing employs a lanthanide-based catalyst system.
US07977436B2
A process and apparatus for gas phase polymerization of olefins in a fluidized bed reactor are disclosed. The process and apparatus employ a vertically oriented fines ejector in order to reduce fouling and reactor downtime.
US07977434B2
The present invention relates to a polymer for use as a bleach activator, comprising the monomer units where n is an integer from 1 to 4 and R is a branched or unbranched, saturated hydrocarbyl radical having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, to processes for the preparation and to the use thereof as laundry detergents, cleaning compositions and disinfectant compositions, and also in textile bleaching and paper bleaching.
US07977422B2
The addition of a surfactant containing a thio functionality of the formula-S—, and specifically a polyether thioether surfactant to a rubber formulation results in a rubber compound having a glossy film on the outer, exposed surface.
US07977416B2
According to the present invention, an aromatic polycarbonate resin composition comprising: a resin component (A) mainly comprising an aromatic polycarbonate; a reinforcing agent and/or a filler (B); and an aromatic sulfonic acid and/or an ester thereof (C), wherein a mixture consisting of said component (B) and said component (C) has a pH of 4 to 8 when measured in accordance with JIS-K5101, and said composition comprises 1 to 200 parts by weight of said component (B) and 0.001 to 5 parts by weight of said component (C) based on 100 parts by weight of said component (A) is provided.
US07977405B2
The present invention provides a composition suitable for a dental composition. The present invention is a composition containing: a polymerizable monomer (A) having an unconjugated carbon chain with at least four carbon atoms bonded continuously, at least two polymerizable groups, and at least two hydroxyl groups; and a polymerizable monomer (B) having one polymerizable group and at least one hydroxyl group. When a suitable component is added to this composition, the resultant composition can be used suitably for dental materials such as a primer, bonding material, composite resin, and cement.
US07977399B2
Disclosed is a curable composition which can be cured quickly by light. This curable composition is not left uncured even in portions which are not irradiated with light. A cured product of this curable composition is excellent in heat resistance, oil resistance and weather resistance. Specifically disclosed is a curable composition characterized by containing a vinyl polymer having at least one crosslinkable silyl group on average and a vinyl polymer having at least one photocrosslinkable group on average.
US07977397B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising blends of alkenyl aromatic polymers such as styrenic polymers (i.e. PS and HIPS) and bio-based or biodegradable polymers (i.e. PLA, PGA, PHA, PBS, PCL) compatibilized with styrene-based copolymers (i.e. styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymers, maleated SEBS, styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer, styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA) copolymer) or a mixture of two or more styrene-based copolymers such as SEBS and SMA. These novel compositions can be extruded and thermoformed to produce very low density food service and consumer foam articles such as plates, hinged lid containers, trays, bowls, and egg cartons with good mechanical properties.
US07977393B2
Provided is a polymer composition containing an oxocarbon and a polymer, further, a polymer composition that the oxocarbon are expressed by formula (1).
US07977389B2
The invention relates to bicontinuous microemulsions and to the use thereof as a fuel, combustion or heating fluid. Said fuels permit an increased efficiency of internal combustion systems and heating installations of any type and, simultaneously, a minimized emission of pollutants, associated with combustion, to be obtained.
US07977387B2
The invention provides novel compounds according to formula I relates to compounds with the general formula I said compounds being useful, e.g. in the treatment of inflammatory, ophthalmic diseases or cancer.
US07977377B2
The invention provides for the use of carbonic anhydrase activators; protein kinase C activators and FGF-18 to treat depressive disorders. The invention also relates to improved animal models and methods for screening and identifying compounds the treatment of depressive disorders.
US07977371B2
Objects of the present invention are to study on the synthesis of a novel pyrrole derivative having a ureido group and an aminocarbonyl group as substituents or a salt thereof, to find a pharmacological effect of the derivative or a salt thereof, and to find a medicinal agent which has a prophylactic and/or therapeutic effect on a retinal disease or the like through oral administration. A compound represented by the general formula (1) or a salt thereof has an inhibitory activity against the production of interleukin-6 and/or an inhibitory effect on choroidal neovascularization, and is therefore useful as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for a disease associated with interleukin-6, an ocular inflammatory disease and/or a retinal disease. In the formula, the ring A represents a benzene ring or the like; R1 represents a halogen atom, a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or the like; R2 represents a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group which may have a substituent, a lower alkenyl group, a lower alkynyl group which may have a substituent, a lower cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a hydroxy group, a lower alkoxy group which may have a substituent or the like; and n represents 0, 1, 2, 3 or the like.
US07977370B2
The invention relates to compounds that have an affinity to the μ-opioid receptor and the ORL 1-receptor, methods for their production, medications containing these compounds and the use of these compounds for the treatment of pain and other conditions.
US07977369B2
Methods for treating bladder cancer comprising intravesicular administration of a stabilized pharmaceutical formulation comprising 5-(1-aziridinyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-2-[(E)-3-hydroxyprop-1-enyl]-1-methyl-1H-indole-4,7-dione (EO9). More specifically, the stabilized pharmaceutical formulation is instilled in the bladder for a time sufficient to treat the cancer.
US07977364B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): in which R1, R2, R3, X, Y and A are as defined in the specification. The compounds are modulators of the estrogen receptors.
US07977361B2
The present invention relates to novel radioactively labeled bioreducible tracers of Formula I useful for detecting hypoxic tumors or ischemic tissue in vivo. In one embodiment, the tracers consist of a 2-nitroimidazole moiety, a triazole, metabolically stable linker with pharmacokinetics enhancing substituents, and a radioisotope. The preferred in vivo imaging modality is positron emission tomography.
US07977355B2
N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-4-(quinolin-8-yl(1-(thiazol-4-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamide, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and/or mixtures thereof, as well as, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods of treatment therewith, and processes of making N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-4-(quinolin-8-yl(1-(thiazol-4-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamide and intermediates thereof.
US07977354B2
The invention is related to compound which comprises at least one radical C═Y, Y being O or S, and an oxidable and non protonable nitrogen atom N wherein the distance (d) between the at least one carbon atom of the radical group C═Y and the nitrogen atom, when oxidized, is comprised between 0.3 and 0.8 nanometers. The invention is related to new heterocyclic compounds defined by formula G, their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and to their use as therapeutic agents, particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative or Alzheimer disease.
US07977346B2
The present invention relates to spiro compounds of formula I, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them as active ingredient, methods for the treatment of disease states such as cancers associated with protein tyrosine kinases, especially epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), to their method of use as medicaments and to their method of use in the manufacture of medicaments for use in the production of inhibition of tyrosine kinase reducing effects in warm-blooded animals such as humans.
US07977343B2
Novel adenine derivatives of the formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, X and Y have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are HSP90 inhibitors and can be used for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of diseases in which the inhibition, regulation and/or modulation of HSP90 plays a role.
US07977340B2
Compounds of formula (I) have antibacterial activity: wherein: m is 0 or 1; Q is hydrogen or cyclopropyl; AIk is an optionally substituted, divalent C1-C6 alkylene, alkenylene or alkynylene radical which may contain an ether (—O—), thioether (—S—) or amino (—NR)— link, wherein R is hydrogen, —CN or C1-C3 alkyl; X is —C(═O)NR6—, —S(O)NR6—, —C(═O)O— or —S(═O)O— wherein R6 is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, -Cyc, or —(C1-C3 alkyl)-Cyc wherein Cyc is optionally substituted monocyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic having 3-7 ring atoms; Z is N or CH, or CF; R2 and R3 are as defined in the description.
US07977338B2
Compounds of formula wherein the residues R1, R2, R3, R9, R10 and Q and X, Y and Z are as defined in the specification, salts thereof; their use, methods of their use, processes for their production, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, their combinations with second drug substances and the use thereof and the like. The compounds are protein kinase inhibitors and can be used for the treatment of diseases mediated by protein kinase inhibitors, e.g. for the treatment of various proliferative diseases.
US07977337B2
Disclosed are quinoline compounds having affinity for the 5-HT6 receptor and having the formula: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, n, m, p and A are defined herein, and salts thereof, compositions containing these compounds and salts and processes for making and using the same.
US07977336B2
The present invention relates to a compound represented by Formula [I]: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, are each a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, or the like; R3 and R4, which may be the same or different, are each a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, NRaRb, a phenyl group, a lower alkyl group substituted with a phenyl group, a 4-to 7-membered aliphatic heterocyclic group, a lower alkyl group substituted with a 4- to 7-membered aliphatic heterocyclic group, a 5-or 6-membered aromatic heterocyclic group, a lower alkyl group substituted with a 5-or 6-membered aromatic heterocyclic group, or the like; and R5 is a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, a halogen atom, or a lower alkyl group.
US07977333B2
Substituted and pyridines and pyridazines having angiogenesis inhibiting activity and the generalized structural formula wherein the ring containing A, B, D, E, and L is phenyl or a nitrogen-containing heterocycle; groups X and Y may be any of a variety of defined linking units; R1 and R2 may be defined independent substituents or together may be a ring-defining bridge; ring J may be an aryl, pyridyl, or cycloalkyl group; and G groups may be any of a variety of defined substituents. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these materials, and methods of treating a mammal having a condition characterized by abnormal angiogenesis or hyperpermiability processes using these materials are also disclosed.
US07977313B2
Compositions are provided comprising a family of peptides having binding specificity for bone, and their use to produce coating compositions. The coating compositions are used to deliver a pharmaceutically active agent to bone, and are used in methods related to bone implants, bone repair, and bone-related diseases.
US07977309B2
The present invention is directed to polynucleotides, polypeptides and peptide fragments thereof, and uses thereof for a novel cDNA sequence which has homology to motilin. Tissue distribution of the mRNA for the novel polypeptide is specific to the stomach, small intestine and pancreas. The present invention further includes agonists, antagonists, antibodies, host cells expressing the cDNA encoding the novel motilin homologs and methods for increasing gastric motility using the novel molecules.
US07977302B2
A detergent composition comprising 40 to 80% by weight soap, 2 to 10% by weight Zinc oxide, and balance of other conventional ingredients, wherein at least 25% by weight of said soap is a salt of Lauric acid.
US07977298B2
An article comprising a first pouch made of a water-soluble material containing a first solid and/or liquid composition and a second pouch made of a water-soluble material containing a second solid and/or liquid composition characterized in that at least one of the first and second pouches is made from a material which remains substantially intact when immersed in water under a first set of conditions but will readily dissolve or disintegrate when immersed in water under a second set of conditions.
US07977296B2
A composition comprising a liquid portion comprising at least one surfactant, at least one suspending agent, and at least one viscosity control agent, wherein the composition has an apparent viscosity under a shear stress of 0.5 Pa of at least about 1,000 Pa·s; and the composition has an apparent viscosity under a shear stress of 100 Pa of less than about 10 Pa·s. The composition is capable of suspending materials, but it still has desired rheological properties.
US07977295B2
Water-soluble detergents and enzymes are used for mechanically cleaning textiles or crockery. According to the invention, enzymes with a catalytic effect on typical stains are added to the washing or cleaning process, only for as long as their catalytic effect is desired. This avoids superfluous removal of the enzymes that have been used in a washing or cleaning process.
US07977290B1
A composition and method are provided. The composition is free of a non-botanical lathering agent and may include a botanical agent, a conditioning agent, a skin soothing agent, an antioxidant, an emulsifying agent, a chelating agent, and a preservative. The composition may be a skin cleansing composition free of a non-botanical lathering agent. The composition may be applied to the skin. The composition may be rinsed from the skin after it has remained on the skin for a period of time.
US07977278B2
The present invention relates to novel suspension concentrates of certain agrochemically active compounds, to a process for preparing these formulations and to their use for applying the active comprised therein.
US07977265B2
The present invention relates to the machine building industry and it is used for coating of friction surfaces by triboceramics to decrease wear and to reduce the friction coefficient. The triboceramic compound contains oxides—magnesium oxide MgO, silica SiO2, alumine Al2O3, calcium oxide CaO, ferric oxide Fe2O3, being in the chemical composition of serpentine and talc, the natural and/or synthesized heat unprocessed and/or dehydrated minerals—serpentine, talc, clinochlore, magnesite, quartz and aluminium hydroxide are introduced forming a mixture with the following composition of oxides, in mass %: SiO2-46-54; MgO-26-32, Al2O3-2-5; Fe2O3-1.0-1.5; CaO-0.1-0.3, water H2O-5 or less.
US07977263B2
A glass composition is provided for the production of high temperature glass fibers with oxides comprising 1% to 15% Fe2O3+FeO as a fluidizer to lower liquidous temperature and the fiberizing temperature of a mix of high temperature oxides. The glass composition has therein an appropriate content of high temperature oxides to produce glass fiber with high temperature limits and high burn-through properties.
US07977257B2
In a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a lower electrode is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A first zirconium oxide layer is formed on the lower electrode by performing a first deposition process using a first zirconium source and a first oxidizing gas. A zirconium carbo-oxynitride layer is formed on the first zirconium oxide layer by performing a second deposition process using a second zirconium source, a second oxidizing gas and a nitriding gas, and an upper electrode is formed on the zirconium carbo-oxynitride layer. A zirconium oxide-based composite layer having a high dielectric constant and a thin equivalent oxide thickness can be obtained.
US07977234B2
A method of fabrication of a semiconductor integrated circuit device, including polishing the entire area of an edge of a wafer, for example, uses three polishing drums in which a polishing drum polishes the upper surface of the edge of the wafer, a polishing drum polishes the central portion of the edge of the wafer and a polishing drum polishes the lower surface of the edge of the wafer, thereby preventing occurrence of obstacles which cause defoliation of thin films on the edge of the wafer.
US07977231B1
Adhesive is dispensed for conducting die bonding onto a substrate including rows of bond pads aligned along a first axis and columns of bond pads aligned along a second axis transverse to the first axis where target dispensing positions are located. A first dispensing head incorporating a first nozzle and a second dispensing head incorporating a second nozzle are provided and the substrate is fed along the first axis to a position where the first and second dispensing heads are located. Pattern recognition of a columnar section of the substrate comprising one or more consecutive columns of bond pads with an optical system may be conducted by moving the optical system along the second axis relative to the substrate. Thereafter, the first nozzle and the second nozzle are driven concurrently to dispense adhesive from the first and second nozzles onto the target dispensing positions in the same columnar section of the substrate.
US07977217B2
A method of crystallizing silicon including preparing a substrate having an amorphous silicon film formed thereon, aligning a mask having a first energy region and a second energy region over a first region of the amorphous silicon film formed on the substrate, irradiating a laser beam through the first and second energy regions of the mask onto the first region of the amorphous silicon film, crystallizing the first region of the amorphous silicon film by irradiating the laser beam through the first energy region of the mask, and activating the crystallized first region by irradiating the laser beam through the second energy region.
US07977214B2
There is provided a method of manufacturing a top contact field-effect transistor including forming a protection layer on an active layer formed in a semiconductor layer forming process, forming a photoresist film on the protection layer and pattern exposing the same in an exposure process, and developing the photoresist film passing through the exposure process using an alkaline developing liquid to form a resist pattern and removing a region exposed by the resist pattern from the protection layer to etch the protection layer in a subsequent development process; a field-effect transistor, and a method of manufacturing a display device.
US07977212B2
For manufacturing a photovoltaic module (1) having on a transparent substrate (2) a transparent front electrode layer (3), a semiconductor layer (4) and a back electrode layer (5) as functional layers, the functional layers (3-5) are removed in the edge area (10) of the substrate (2) with a laser emitting infrared radiation. Subsequently, a back cover (12) is laminated on the coated substrate (2) with an adhesive film (11).
US07977210B2
A semiconductor substrate includes a silicon carbide substrate having a first impurity concentration, a first silicon carbide layer formed on the silicon carbide substrate and having a second impurity concentration, and a second silicon carbide layer of a first conductivity type formed on the first silicon carbide layer and having a third impurity concentration, wherein the second impurity concentration is higher the an either the first impurity concentration or the third impurity concentration.
US07977205B2
A method of forming an isolation layer of a semiconductor device includes forming first trenches in an isolation region of a semiconductor substrate. Sidewalls and a bottom surface of each of the first trenches are oxidized by a radical oxidization process to form a first oxide layer. An oxidization-prevention spacer is formed on the sidewalls of each of the first trenches. Second trenches are formed in the isolation region below the corresponding first trenches, wherein each second trench is narrower and deeper than the corresponding first trench. The second trenches are filled with a second oxide layer. The first trenches are filled with an insulating layer.
US07977186B2
A substrate of a non-volatile storage system includes selected regions in which additional ions are deeply implanted during the fabrication process. NAND strings are formed over the selected regions such that end word lines of the NAND strings are over the deeply implanted ions. The presence of the deeply implanted ions below the end word lines increases a channel capacitance of the substrate under the end word lines. Due to the increased capacitance, boosting of a channel in the substrate below the end word lines is reduced, thereby reducing the occurrence of gate induced drain leakage (GIDL) and band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) and, consequently, program disturb. A shallow ion implantation may also be made to set a threshold voltage of storage elements of the NAND string.
US07977185B2
A method (and apparatus) of post silicide spacer removal includes preventing damage to the silicide spacer through the use of at least one of an oxide layer and a nitride layer.
US07977177B2
Provided are methods of forming nano-devices. One of the methods includes forming a nano-scale self-assembly material layer on a substrate formed of at least one layer, forming a mask layer on the self-assembly material layer, performing a surface treatment process on the substrate using the mask layer as a mask, and removing the self-assembly material layer. Accordingly, it is possible to fabricate nano-devices through a nano-scale substrate patterning process, ion implantation process and etching process, without using a light source.
US07977172B2
A method for fabricating a memory cell is provided. A trench is formed in a semiconductor structure that comprises a semiconductor layer, and a trench capacitor is formed in the trench. Conductivity determining impurities are implanted into the semiconductor structure to create a well region in the semiconductor layer that is directly coupled to the trench capacitor. A gate structure is formed overlying a portion of the well region. Conductivity determining ions are then implanted into other portions of the well region to form a source region and a drain region, and to define an active body region between the source region and the drain region. The active body region directly contacts the trench capacitor.
US07977163B1
A method of forming an embedded electronic component package includes coupling a substrate to a first dielectric layer, strip, or panel, and forming first electrically conductive vias and traces in the first dielectric layer. A cavity is then formed in the first dielectric layer and an electronic component is attached in the cavity. A second dielectric layer, strip, or panel, is then applied to the first dielectric layer, thereby encasing the electronic component in dielectric. Second via apertures are then formed through the second dielectric layer to expose selected electronic component bond pads and/or selected first electrically conductive vias and traces. The second via apertures are then filled with an electrically conductive material to form second electrically conductive vias electrically coupled to selected bond pads and selected first electrically conductive vias and traces.
US07977161B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package includes providing a carrier, forming a post slot and a terminal slot in the carrier, depositing a post in the post slot, depositing a terminal in the terminal slot, forming an encapsulant slot in the carrier, wherein the post extends into and is located within a periphery of the encapsulant slot and the terminal extends into the encapsulant slot, mechanically attaching a semiconductor chip to the post, electrically connecting the chip to the terminal, depositing an encapsulant in the encapsulant slot, and removing the carrier from the terminal.
US07977149B2
The invention provides a process for production of a transistor and an organic semiconductor element which allows satisfactory formation of active layers on desired surfaces, even if the active layers are organic semiconductor compound-containing active layers imparted with prescribed properties beforehand. A preferred mode of the process for production of a transistor is a process for production of a transistor provided with a source electrode and drain electrode, an active layer containing an organic semiconductor compound as a current channel between the electrodes, a gate electrode that controls the current flowing through the current channel and an insulating layer disposed between the active layer and gate electrode, wherein the process includes a pasting step in which a working liquid is situated between the active layer and insulating layer and the active layer and insulating layer are attached together.
US07977148B2
A method for manufacturing an image sensor includes forming a photolithography key in a scribe lane of a first substrate over which circuitry is formed in an active region. A photodiode is formed on an active region of a second substrate. The second substrate is bonded to the first substrate such that the photodiode is electrically connected to the circuitry. The photolithography key in the scribe lane of the first substrate is opened. A pattern is formed on the active region of the bonded second substrate using the opened photolithography key on/over the first substrate.
US07977141B2
A method of manufacturing a solid-state image pickup device according to an embodiment includes forming first and second holes in a semiconductor substrate, forming insulating films on surfaces of the first and second holes, forming a contact and an alignment mark by embedding a conducting material in the first and second holes, forming a photodiode in the semiconductor substrate, forming a wiring layer including a connecting part for connecting to the contact and a wiring for connecting to the connecting part, bonding a supporting substrate on the wiring layer, exposing the contact and the alignment mark on the surface of the semiconductor substrate by reducing the semiconductor substrate in thickness, and forming a filter and a lens on the photodiode based on the alignment mark.
US07977140B2
A method for producing a solid-state imaging device includes steps of: forming transfer electrodes on a substrate having a plurality of light-sensing portions through a gate insulating layer so that the light-sensing portions are exposed; forming a planarized insulating layer on the substrate to cover the transfer electrodes formed on the substrate; forming openings in the planarized insulating layer so that each of the transfer electrodes is partly exposed out of the planarized insulating layer at a predetermined position; forming a wiring material layer so that the openings are filled with the wiring material layer; forming a resist layer on the wiring material layer; exposing and developing the resist layer so that only the resist layer in a predetermined area covering the openings is left; and patterning the wiring material layer using the exposed and developed resist layer to form connection wirings connected to the transfer electrodes by the openings.
US07977138B1
An optical device includes a semiconductor substrate (11) on which a light receiving part (12) (or a light emitting part) and electrodes (13) are formed, and a translucent plate (2) bonded on the light receiving part (12) with a translucent adhesive (5), the semiconductor substrate (11) having a plurality of convex portions (31) formed so as to separate the light receiving part (12) and the electrodes (13) and have proper gaps (32) therebetween.
US07977134B2
A nitride-based semiconductor LED includes a substrate; an n-type nitride semiconductor layer formed on the substrate; an active layer and a p-type nitride semiconductor layer that are sequentially formed on a predetermined region of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer; a transparent electrode formed on the p-type nitride semiconductor layer; a p-electrode pad formed on the transparent electrode, the p-electrode pad being spaced from the outer edge line of the p-type nitride semiconductor layer by 50 to 200 μm; and an n-electrode pad formed on the n-type nitride semiconductor layer.
US07977129B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor optical device having an optical grating, includes the steps of: forming a semiconductor layer, an insulating layer and a first resin layer not containing silicon (Si); forming a second resin layer containing silicon (Si) on the first resin layer wherein the second resin layer has a pattern corresponding to the optical grating; etching the first resin layer using the second resin layer as a mask by a reactive ion etching that uses a mixed gas of oxygen and nitrogen where the first resin layer is cooled downto a first temperature during etching to form a protective layer on a side face of the etched first resin layer; increasing the temperature of the first resin layer upto a second temperature higher than the first temperature; etching the insulating layer using the patterned first resin layer as a mask; and forming the optical grating on the semiconductor layer by etching the semiconductor layer using the patterned insulating layer as a mask.
US07977127B2
To accommodate a plurality of optical semiconductor elements in one package with their optical axes aligned highly precisely.An optical transmission module includes an optical transmission unit, a carrier to become a base, a semiconductor optical amplification element mounted on the carrier through a first sub-carrier, first and second lenses fixed on the carrier through first and second lens holders, an element supporting member and an optical isolator fixed on the carrier, a third lens holder supported by the element supporting member, a third lens and a small carrier individually fixed in the third lens holder, and a semiconductor laser element mounted on the small carrier through a second sub-carrier.
US07977124B2
A semiconductor device includes a first wiring layer, a second wiring layer and an insulating layer provided between the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer. A capacitor has a first electrode formed on the first wiring layer and a second electrode formed on the second wiring layer in such a manner that the second electrode overlaps with the first electrode. To the first electrode, two connection wirings are connected and, to the second electrode, two connection wirings are connected. The two connection wirings are connected to each other with low DC impedance substantially only through the first electrode. Similarly, the two connection wirings are connected to each other with low DC impedance substantially only through the second electrode.
US07977117B2
The invention relates to the detection of vitamin D metabolites. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting derivatized vitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry.
US07977115B2
A method of determining whether a brine composition for freezing an item is in a desired balance. The method includes: adding an effective amount of dye into the brine composition, cooling the dye composition to a pre-determined temperature, and comparing the color of the brine composition to a pre-established correlation of color and brine composition at the pre-determined temperature, thereby determining whether the brine composition is in the desired balance.
US07977113B2
A biological agent detector detects the presence of any biological agents, such as anthrax or other biological warfare agents, in a sample of air. The biological agent detector includes a bio-concentrator that concentrates an aerosol and a pyrolyzer portion including two detecting devices. One detecting device operates in a sample collection mode and collects a sample of air when the other detecting device operates in a sample analysis mode and analyzes a sample of air. After a predetermined amount of time, the detecting devices switch functions, providing continuous sampling of air.
US07977093B2
An in vitro method for the obtention of a food- or auto-antigen specific Tr1 cell population from a leukocyte or a PBMC population, includes stimulating the PBMC or leukocyte population with the food- or auto-antigen, and recovering the food- or auto-antigen specific Tr1 cell population from the stimulated cell population. Preferably, the PBMC or leukocyte population is re-stimulated at least once with the same antigen after step (1), in the presence of IL-2 and at least one interleukin selected from the group consisting of IL-4 and IL-13. The in vitro method may further include a third step of expanding the recovered antigen-specific Tr1 cell population, advantageously by contacting them with feeder cells capable of expressing factors necessary for the expansion. Preferably, the feeder cells are recombinant insect feeder cells.
US07977089B2
A bioreactor for cultivating living cells in a liquid medium. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bioreactor has a first substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, defining a chamber therebetween for receiving the cells and the liquid medium. The bioreactor further has a barrier dividing the chamber into a first subchamber and a second subchamber, wherein the barrier has a porosity to allow the first subchamber and the second subchamber in fluid communication and allow at least one predetermined type of cells to permeate between the first subchamber and the second subchamber.
US07977084B2
The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having at least one exogenous gene insertion and/or one or more gene disruptions that confer production of primary alcohols. A method for producing long chain alcohols includes culturing these non-naturally occurring microbial organisms.
US07977083B1
Recombinant microorganisms are useful for producing xylitol by fermentation of arabinose. The recombinant microorganisms are produced by transformation of host microorganisms with heterologous polynucleotide sequences coding for each of L-xylulose reductase, D-tagatose 3-epimerase, and L-arabinose isomerase, which transformants express the heterologous polynucleotides at a sufficient functional level to be effective to produce xylitol from arabinose. Production of xylitol is effected by contacting these recombinant microorganisms with a substrate comprising arabinose under conditions effective to produce xylitol from arabinose.
US07977080B2
The invention provides novel polypeptides having phospholipase activity, including, e.g., phospholipase A, B, C and D activity, patatin activity, phosphatidic acid phosphatases (PAP)) and/or lipid acyl hydrolase (LAH) activity, nucleic acids encoding them and antibodies that bind to them. Industrial methods, e.g., oil degumming, and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided.
US07977077B2
Enzymatic pathways for production of aminoshikimate, kanosamine, intermediates, and derivatives thereof; nucleic acid encoding and cells containing the enzymes; compositions containing aminoshikimate, kanosamine, an intermediate or derivative thereof; and use of the cells and pathways for biosynthetic production of aminoshikimate, kanosamine, intermediates, and derivatives thereof.
US07977072B2
Disclosed is an improved sandwich immunoassay for identifying partial proANP peptides in cardiac and sepsis diagnosis by using two antibodies which specifically bond to partial sequences in the mid-regional area of NT-proANP, extending from amino acid 53 to amino acid 83 of NT-proANP.
US07977070B2
Methods, apparatus, systems, computer programs and computing devices related to biologically assembling and/or synthesizing peptides and/or proteins are disclosed.
US07977069B2
DNA encoding a cholecystokinin octapeptide sulfated form (CCK-8S) G-protein coupled receptor, a complementary strand thereof, a vector containing the DNA, a transformant containing the vector, a pharmaceutical composition, and a reagent kit are provided. Such DNA and constructs are useful in identifying a compound that inhibits or promotes a function of the protein and/or expression of a DNA encoding the protein. Such DNA and constructs are also useful for identifying an anti-depressant drug or a compound that has an anti-depressant action.
US07977067B2
Described herein are methods for the production of monoclonal antibodies in filamentous fungi host cells. The monoclonal antibodies are expressed as full-length fusion proteins that retain functional antigen binding and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity capabilities. Improvements in the cleavage of the glucoamylase-light chain fusion protein to yield a mature antibody are also provided. The antibodies produced in filamentous fungi show equivalent pharmacokinetic disposition to antibodies produced in mammalian cells.
US07977064B2
The invention provides modulators of Dvl PDZ-ligand interaction, and methods of identifying and using these modulators.
US07977061B2
Disclosed herein is a method for measuring the contractility of intestinal tissue upon treatment with GLP-2 or a GLP-2 ligand. Also disclosed is an assay which directly measures the activity of GLP-2 or GLP-2 ligands ex vivo and permits the screening of putative GLP-2 ligands in native tissue.
US07977051B2
The present invention is directed to cellulase compositions which share unique highly conserved regions with a known useful cellulase. More specifically, the present invention relates to a series of newly discovered enzymes from fungi and bacteria which are related by virtue of having at least one of five important conserved amino acid sequences which are also present in EGIII.
US07977046B2
An improved method for selecting among DNA constructs conferring herbicide tolerance for those which confer superior vegetative and reproductive tolerance in crop plants. Additionally, an improved method for selecting among DNA constructs conferring herbicide tolerance for those which confer superior tolerance in vegetative tissues of crop plants but little or no tolerance in male reproductive tissues of crop plants for the purpose of producing male sterile plants useful in a hybrid crop production system.
US07977042B2
The present invention provides a perfusion solution comprising specific metabolic agents, antioxidant agents, and membrane stabilizer agents that can help improve preservation, organ viability, and in some cases recover organs that would otherwise being unusable for transplantation. In a further embodiment, the perfusion solution can be used in combination with hypothermic machine perfusion. It has been found that combination of the perfusion solution and hypothermic machine perfusion can help prevent or reduce further damage to the organ and restore the organ's anti-oxidant system, stabilize the cellular cytoskeleton and cellular membranes, inhibit arachidonic acid pathway, provide oncotic support, reduce interstitial edema formation, and help restore energy stores within the organ. As a result, the method can be used to improve the viability of otherwise marginal donor organs.
US07977041B2
Three-dimensional physiological matrices, methods, apparatus and kits for the expedited design, testing and evaluation of oncological remedies are provided. Key aspects of the inventions include matrices, and especially gel matrices, comprising one or more physiological fibers, which are adapted and arranged to provide conditions which permit behaviors, such as the movement of cells away from the margins of samples of target tissue through the matrix, to be evaluated in a manner that produces data useful for evaluating the oncological status and characteristics of the cells. In a further key aspect, the invention permits the in vitro testing and analyses of one or more conventional, experimental or theoretical therapies with respect to specific target tissues or cells. Among such therapies are therapeutic compounds and combinations thereof, radiation therapies, combinations of therapeutic compound and radiation and numerous other possible therapies.
US07977040B2
The present invention provides a heat developable photosensitive material comprising at least a photosensitive silver halide, a non-photosensitive organic silver salt, a reducing agent for silver ions and binder on one surface of a support.
US07977030B2
A photosensitive resin composition, a photosensitive resin laminate, and a method for forming a pattern capable of realizing high hardness while using an epoxy group-containing acrylic resin are provided. In a photosensitive resin composition including (A) an epoxy group-containing acrylic resin, (B) a photopolymerization initiator, and (C) a sensitizer, an onium salt having a specific structure is used as the component (B), and at least one kind selected from 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene, 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene, and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene is used as the component (C).
US07977013B2
The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.
US07977011B2
(1) In a fuel cell stack structure wherein a stack is formed by stacking cells each of which is formed by sandwiching an MEA between two separators, an adhesive layer 33a is provided between the two separators sandwiching the MEA, without a constant thickness structure or pseudo constant thickness structure provided between the separators. (2) An adhesive layer 33b is provided between adjacent cells, without a bead gasket provided therebetween. (3) The adhesive layers 33a, 33b have a Young's modulus of 100 MPa or less.
US07977005B2
A fuel cell including an anode-side catalyst coated membrane and a cathode-side catalyst coated membrane. At least a portion of a reduced-permeability layer is disposed between the ionically conductive membrane and the anode-side and cathode-side gas diffusion media, wherein the reduced-permeability layer is formed of a material that has a permeability that is less than a permeability of the ionically conductive member. The reduced-permeability layer may also be formed of a material that is softer than the ionically conductive membrane.
US07977002B2
There is disclosed a fuel cell system including a fuel cell for generating electric power by a reaction of a fuel gas an oxidation gas, and a power storage device, and being configured to perform a scavenging operation when an operation of the fuel cell is stopped for discharging a moisture from the fuel cell by supplying a gas into the fuel cell by using the power supplied from the power storage device. The fuel cell system further includes control means for setting an operating condition of the fuel cell so that a moisture content of the fuel cell when it is in operation is less than a target moisture content set in accordance with a state of the power storage device.
US07976999B2
The fuel cell system is provided which detects a freeze among specific components and portions thereof by evaluating various conditions upon starting operation of the fuel cell system. If a freeze is detected through those evaluations, the start of the system is prohibited in order to prevent some deterioration in the fuel cell system.
US07976998B2
The present invention relates to a process for the deionization of a cooling medium in a fuel cell (11) circulating in a cooling circuit (20), in which the cooling medium is subjected to at least intermittent, but preferably continuous, electrochemical deionization. To this end, at least one electrode deionization cell (23) , through which a diluate stream (27) serving as cooling medium and a concentrate stream (28) flow, is arranged in the cooling circuit. The concentrate stream (28) may be part of a secondary cooling circuit.
US07976990B2
A technique includes operating a fuel cell, which produces an effluent flow. The technique includes routing the effluent flow through an electrochemical pump to extract fuel from the effluent flow to produce a first feedback flow. The technique includes using the effluent flow to produce a second feedback flow separate from the first feedback flow and routing the second feedback flow through a venturi to the fuel cell.
US07976977B2
Provided is an electrochemical device comprising multi-stacked unit cells of full cells or bicells and a separation film disposed therebetween, whereby the separation film and separators are alternately stacked between electrode layers with an opposite polarity. Herein, as the separation film is formed of a material having a higher thermal shrinkage rate than that of the separator, the thermal stability of the device can be secured by stable induction of shutdown via thermal behavior of the separation film, without causing short-circuiting due to thermal shrinkage of the separator even when a temperature of a battery suddenly rises by internal or external factors.
US07976970B2
Method and apparatus for establishing a fuel cell unit (10) in the form of an extruded monolith having channels (14), of which every second constitutes a fuel channel (14a) and every other second an oxygen channel (14b). The channels (14) are designed in such a manner that the fuel channels (14a) are displaced laterally in relation to the oxygen channels (14b), in such a way that all the fuel channels (14a) protrude a certain distance from the end points of all the oxygen channels 14b) and all the oxygen channels (14b) protrude a certain distance from the end points of all the fuel channels (14a). The distance is less than the length of respective channels. The invention also relates to a fuel cell device that includes several of the fuel cell units (10) that together establish an enhanced system of fuel cell units that lend themselves to compact.
US07976964B2
The invention includes a disk drive with a magnetic recording disk with an upper and lower sublayer in at least one magnetic layer of a laminated magnetic layer structure that includes a spacer layer that substantially decouples the magnetic layers. The lower sublayer has a lower boron content than the upper sublayer and a preferred embodiment is CoPtCrBTa. The upper sublayer is deposited onto the lower sublayer and is preferably CoPtCrB with a higher boron content than the lower sublayer. The composition of the lower sublayer gives it a very low moment with low intrinsic coercivity which would not be useful as a recording layer on its own. The upper sublayer is a higher moment alloy with high intrinsic coercivity. An embodiment of the invention includes a laminated magnetic layer structure which is antiferromagnetically coupled to a lower ferromagnetic layer.
US07976958B2
A novel metal complex compound for an organic EL device is provided which has at least one partial structure represented by the general formula (1): M1L1 (1) in which the partial structure M1L1 is represented by the general formula (2): wherein M1 represents a metal atom selected from Ir, Pt, Rh, and Pd; Y1 represents an alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms; and at least one of hydrogen atoms directly bonded to the carbon atoms forming the alkylene group Y1 is substituted with a fluorine atom.
US07976951B2
A laminate includes a backing material coated with an adhesive composition. The adhesive composition includes a silylated polyurethane obtained from the silylation of a polyurethane prepolymer derived from the reaction of polybutadiene polyol and polyisocyanate; and an additional adhesive component.
US07976950B2
The transparent conductive film according to the present invention comprises graphene platelets which overlap one another to form a multilayer structure. The average size of the graphene platelets is 50 nm or more and the number of layers of the graphene platelets is 9 or less. The transparent conductive film has an electrical resistivity of 1.0×10−6 (Ωm) or less and a light transmission at a wavelength of 550 nm of 80% or more.
US07976947B2
A powder coating composition for coating on thermoplastic composites comprising an intimate mixture comprising: A) 50 to 99 wt % of at least one ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer with a vinyl acetate content in the range of 10 to 30 wt %, B) 1 to 50 wt % of at least one thermoplastic and/or thermosetting binder resin, and C) 0 to 20 wt % of at least one pigment and/or filler, wherein the wt % amounts are based on the total weight of the powder coating composition A) to C); and the powder coating composition has excellent adhesion to the thermoplastic composite and enhanced impact resistance.
US07976939B2
A large, high density foam glass tile which can be used as a facade on both exterior and interior building walls. The foam glass tile can also be used with other materials to form a panel or a composite. The present invention may be used on the critical surfaces of buildings at high risk for terrorist attacks, in combination with cement, steel or other high strength building materials. The present invention may also be used in surfaces of typical buildings. The present invention has the advantage of absorbing a substantial portion of a shock wave caused by an explosion. The present invention also has the advantage of being more resistant to earthquakes.
US07976938B2
Disclosed is a decorative panel having a composite structure bonded by an elastomeric cementitious coating. The cementitious coating bonds together a foam core and glass fiber mesh to form a highly durable and lightweight decorative panel. The panel can further include a finish coat of a substantially maintenance free pigmented coating. The panel may be attachment to the exterior surface of barriers and bridges. The lightweight construction of the panel adds little weight to the structure it adorns while matching or exceeding the wear characteristics of the attached structure.
US07976937B2
A dual-layer coating for application in a steam-generating device is disclosed. A impermeable first layer thermally insulates the heated surface, while a second, porous layer enlarges the contact area, leading to an efficient conversion of liquid into vapor.
US07976934B2
Disclosed is a cloth and solid piece assembly, which comprises a cloth which is subjected to an embossing process to have a receiving portion formed through the embossing process in such a manner as to protrude from a surface of the cloth in a direction perpendicular to the surface to have an opening oriented in a direction opposite to the protruding direction, a solid piece received inside the receiving portion, and an adhesive material. The adhesive material is received inside the receiving portion and bonded to an inner peripheral surface of the receiving portion while plugging the opening of the receiving portion, so as to fix the solid piece inside the receiving portion. The cloth and solid piece assembly can reliably suppress peeling of a bonded region between the adhesive material and the cloth, in a simple structure.
US07976928B2
An annular mount base 11 continuously protruded from one face of a panel main body 3 and surrounding a through hole 9 has a dual structure of an inner mount base portion 17 and an outer mount base portion 19 which are joined to each other by four parts of a joint mount base portion 21. A skin layer 23 is formed at the surface of a door inner panel 1. An expanded layer 25 with a large number of pores is formed inside the panel main body 3. The mount base 11 and a part of the panel main body 3 between the inner mount base portion 17 and the outer mount base portion 19 are formed of a solid layer 27 having no expanded layer 25. Whereby, a lightweight resin molded article including a high-rigidity mount base is provided.
US07976916B2
A refrigerated display case having a transparent insulating glazing unit for displaying cold or frozen products. The glazing unit has an antifrosting absorbent layer that inhibits the formation of visible condensation or frost.
US07976910B2
A liquid crystal includes about 50 wt % to about 65 wt % of a negative compound material, and about 40 wt % to about 50 wt % of a neutral compound material. A liquid crystal display apparatus comprises a first substrate having a pixel area, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a plurality of liquid crystals disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein each liquid crystal comprises about 50 wt % to about 65 wt % of a negative compound material having a dielectric anisotropy of a negative polarity, and about 40 wt % to about 50 wt % of a neutral compound material.
US07976905B2
The present disclosure provides for a method for transferring fluid. The method provides for the steps of: a) providing a fluid transfer component comprising a first surface, a second surface, a non-random pattern of distinct pores, the pores connecting the first surface and the second surface, the pores being disposed at preselected locations to provide a desired pattern of permeability, b) providing a fluid receiving component comprising a fluid receiving surface, c) motivating a fluid into contact with the first surface and subsequently through the distinct pores to the second surface, d) bringing the second surface and the fluid receiving surface into fluid transfer proximity, e) transferring fluid from the second surface to the fluid receiving surface.
US07976902B2
There is provided a chromium-free coating composition for forming an insulation film, the composition having excellent corrosion resistance and excellent film adhesion and film strength after stress relief annealing (SRA), including, based on a 100 g phosphate solution having a solid content of 60% by weight, in which monoaluminum phosphate and monozinc phosphate are mixed at a 1:1 ratio: 0.5˜5 g of a solid in which cobalt hydroxide and strontium hydroxide are mixed at a 1:1 ratio: 100˜300 g of an emulsified polyester resin or an emulsified epoxy resin having a solid content of 20% by weight; 3˜10 g of aluminum silicate having a solid content of 20% by weight; and 0.1˜6 g of a titanium chelate.
US07976901B2
A polishing sheet which can improve waviness at a face of a material to be polished and which has a long life is provided. The polishing pad 1 has a polyurethane sheet 2 made of polyurethane resin. The polyurethane sheet 2 has a polishing layer which is disposed inside a surface layer and which is allowed to wear away by polishing and whose thickness is larger than a thickness of the surface layer. The polishing layer has an approximately uniform foam structure in a direction of the thickness of the polishing sheet 2 by being formed foams whose space volume is larger than that of foams formed at the surface layer and which are communicated so as to form a network by continuous holes.
US07976896B2
A spin chuck rotatably holds a semiconductor wafer, while resist is dropped on a surface of the semiconductor wafer through a resist application nozzle and thus applied thereon, and before the resist applied on the wafer dries, a cleaning liquid is supplied through a bevel cleaning nozzle to a portion of the wafer located at a peripheral portion thereof in a vicinity of a beveled portion to remove the resist adhering to the beveled portion. Thereafter, a film of the resist that is formed on the surface of the wafer is dried.
US07976889B2
Improved doughs containing dehydrated potato products, food products made from said doughs, and the methods for making the same are disclosed. Although the improved doughs contain non-ideal dehydrated potato products, processing efficiency and finished product quality are comparable to that of finished products made with doughs containing dehydrated potato products having from 40% to 60% broken cells and from 16% to 27% free amylose.
US07976887B2
Volatile components are obtained by steam extraction of tasty materials. Coffee beans following roasting or tea leaves following tea manufacturing are used as tasty materials. Steam extraction includes of processing in which steam is contacted with a tasty material followed by recovery of the steam after that contact. Saturated water vapor or super heated steam is used for the steam, while super heated steam is used preferably. The coffee beans are preferably those that have been obtained by roasting raw coffee beans using super heated steam. The food or drink contains the aromatic components, and preferably contains the volatile components as well as an aqueous extract of the tasty material.
US07976878B2
The use of Winter savory or its purified extracts rich in rosmarinic acid, the use of rosmarinic acid and the extracts containing it for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of premature ejaculation.
US07976873B2
Chronic otitis media and other bacterial ear conditions may be treated by applying a solvating system containing a metal ion sequestering agent and surfactant to a bacterial biofilm in the middle or inner ear. The solvating system disrupts the biofilm and aids in its removal.
US07976872B2
A process for uniformly distributing a pharmaceutically active particulate material in a pharmaceutically inert particulate material includes steps of providing a first layer of a pharmaceutically inert particulate material, disposing a layer of a pharmaceutically active particulate material on the first layer of pharmaceutically inert particulate material, passing the layers of particulate material through a static mixer, and discharging the blended mixture from the static mixer. The process is particularly useful for blending a low dose, high potency drug having a propensity to stick to process equipment surfaces with pharmaceutically inert particulate materials, such as diluents and/or excipients.
US07976867B2
A dermal, transdermal, mucosal or transmucosal delivery device is provided. The device includes a backing layer, defining an ingredient containing reservoir, a cover for the reservoir having at least one opening therethrough, an adhesive layer and a liner layer. Upon removal of the liner layer, the device may be placed over the desired area of the skin or mucosa and adhesively applied thereto allowing the ingredients to flow from the reservoir through the at least one opening to the dermis or mucosa.
US07976866B2
A bandage and method for vital bleaching of human skin discolored as a result of bruising (ecchymosis) provides transdermal delivery of hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent in gel or other form. The bandages provide delivery and application by waterproof and light-proof strips and pads carrying hydrogen peroxide in sufficient concentration for safe oxidation of bruised tissue with resultant eradication of visible discoloration, and amelioration of associated tenderness.
US07976865B2
A medical tape preparation which comprises a support and, superposed on one side thereof in the following order, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a release liner. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer can contain a large amount of an oleophilic oily matter. The tape preparation is excellent in adhesion, cohesiveness, and stability even when no crosslinking agent is used. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in the medical tape preparation comprises a blend of two tacky polymers, which are a tacky polymer (A) comprising a copolymer obtained from 2-acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate and other vinyl monomer(s) as constituent ingredients and a tacky polymer (B) comprising a copolymer which is obtained from a C4-10-alkyl (meth)acrylate and other vinyl monomer(s) as constituent ingredients and is different from the tacky polymer (A).
US07976860B2
The present invention relates to an implant having a structured material component and having a protein matrix which has a pore structure. The structured material component is moreover at least partly anchored in the protein matrix. The implant also has on at least one its surfaces a protein membrane crosslinked with the protein matrix.
US07976859B2
Compositions of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are disclosed that are generally in the form of an elastic, hydrophilic, water-insoluble viscous cohesive mass of material that has many important medical uses including uses as a filler for implants. The present invention also involves a process for producing such compositions.
US07976858B2
A method of intra-articular drug delivery may include selecting an attachment zone in a synovial joint; affixing a drug release device in the attachment zone, the drug release device comprising a base affixable in the attachment zone, a sustained-release drug carrier, and a drug, the device positioned so that the device releases the drug into the synovial fluid of the synovial joint, and so that agitation of the synovial fluid facilitates elution of the drug from the drug release device.
US07976853B2
The present invention provides a production method of a preparation coated with pioglitazone hydrochloride, which is useful as a therapeutic agent for diabetes and the like, and which is superior in the characteristics of the preparation such as dissolution property of pioglitazone hydrochloride.
US07976844B2
The present invention relates to compositions and fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium sp. antigens, and nucleic acids encoding such compositions and fusion proteins. The compositions of the invention increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection.
US07976837B2
The present invention is intended to clarify the relationship between PAR-2 and cerebral infarction and thereby provide an efficient method of preventing and treating cerebral infarction, as well as a pharmaceutical composition therefore. Namely, the present invention relates to a method of preventing and treating cerebral infarction by activating PAR-2 and/or promoting expression of PAR-2 gene. The present invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating cerebral infarction, comprising one, or two or more of the active ingredients selected from the group consisting of a PAR-2 activator and/or a PAR-2 gene expression promoter; as well as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. It further relates to a method of screening an active ingredient for preventing and treating cerebral infarction using as an indicator the PAR-2 activation promoted by a test substance.
US07976836B2
The present invention provides a method of extracting and recovering embryonic-like stem cells, including, but not limited to pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, from an exsanguinated human placenta. A placenta is treated to remove residual umbilical cord blood by perfusing an exsanguinated placenta, preferably with an anticoagulant solution, to flush out residual cells. The residual cells and perfusion liquid from the exsanguinated placenta are collected, and the embryonic-like stem cells are separated from the residual cells and perfusion liquid. The invention also provides a method of utilizing the isolated and perfused placenta as a bioreactor in which to propagate endogenous cells, including, but not limited to, embryonic-like stem cells. The invention also provides methods for propagation of exogenous cells in a placental bioreactor and collecting the propagated exogenous cells and bioactive molecules therefrom.
US07976832B2
A topical skin protectant formulation containing a barrier cream and an active moiety for protecting warfighters and civilians against all types of harmful chemicals, specifically chemical warfare agents (CWA). The active moiety is an amine, polyalkenimines and/or derivatives. The topical skin protectant offers a barrier property and an active moiety that serves to neutralize chemical warfare agents into less toxic agents.
US07976831B2
The present disclosure relates to methods for treating hair fibers, wherein the hair fibers are not fixed with an oxidizing composition, comprising the following steps: applying to the hair fibers at least one reducing composition containing no ceramide, comprising at least one reducing agent chosen from thiols and at least one cosmetic active agent chosen from polymeric active agents; increasing the temperature of the hair fibers with a heating iron at a temperature of at least 60° C., wherein the temperature of the hair fibers may be increased before or after optionally rinsing the hair fibers.
US07976828B2
A composition comprising at least one plant derived oil having a melting point of about −15 to about 38° C. in an amount of about 5% or less by weight; and at least one active chosen from antiperspirant actives and deodorant actives in an amount of about 0.5 to about 16% by weight of the composition on an active weight basis. The composition can be used as an antiperspirant and/or deodorant when applied to an axillary area of a person.
US07976822B2
Zeolites may be natural or synthetic and are inorganic crystalline aluminosilicates, with a highly regular structure of pores and channels rendering them suitable for molecular sieving, adsorption, ion exchange, dehydration, and rehydration processes for example. They generally have a definite crystalline structure as evidenced by x-ray diffraction. The present invention relates to the area of zeolites and its method of production. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to a novel zeolite ICS-3 in its “as synthesized” and its calcined forms and the method of producing both these forms.
US07976820B2
An improved method and composition for producing aluminum hydroxide crystals in a Bayer process pregnant liquor, involve the addition of an emulsified crystallization modifier comprising a C8-C10 fatty acid, precursors, salts or blends thereof. The alkyl chain of the fatty acid crystallization modifier is free of functional groups. The modifier yields a commercially viable product in the presence and absence of a hydrocarbon oil which dissolves the fatty acid. Further, the modifier, prepared in either an emulsified form or as a fatty acid neat, facilitates formation of oxalate aggregates greater than 200 μm which may be readily screened out with minimum trihydrate loss.
US07976811B2
The invention relates to a process for the production of P4O6 of high purity by reacting oxygen, or a mixture of oxygen and an inert gas, with gaseous or liquid phosphorus to generate said reaction product in a reaction unit. The reaction product is kept in the reaction unit at an average temperature in the range of 1600 and 2000 K by removing the heat created by the exothermic reaction of phosphorus and oxygen. A residence time of at least 1 second of the reaction product passing the reaction unit is maintained. The reaction product is then conventionally cooled in a quenching unit connected with the reaction unit. The final reaction product contains P4O6 with a very low content of elemental phosphorus.
US07976799B2
The present invention relates to the use of lithium salts and/or magnesium salts for the precipitation of aluminum oxides present in aqueous media.
US07976796B1
A centrifuge tube assembly includes an elongate tubular receptacle having a capped upper end. The capped upper end includes a single inlet/outlet port formed therethrough for communication with an interior of the tubular receptacle. A flexible aspiration pipe is communicably engaged with the inlet/outlet port for extending longitudinally through the cylindrical receptacle. A sealing diaphragm is attached to a distal end of the pipe. The diaphragm is longitudinally movable within the tubular receptacle and sealably interengages an interior wall of the receptacle. Biological products are introduced into and aspirated from the receptacle below the diaphragm by the fluid conducting pipe.
US07976793B2
A system controls aspiration and dispensation of a liquid in a pipette. The system includes a computing device and the pipette. The computing device includes a pipetting module and a first communication interface. The pipetting module defines an operation to perform at the pipette. The first communication interface sends electronic signals to the pipette, the electronic signals defining the operation to perform at the pipette. The pipette includes a sampling tube, a piston assembly, a piston drive mechanism, a second communication interface, and a microprocessor. The piston assembly mounts to the sampling tube and includes a piston rod that fits within the sampling tube. The piston drive mechanism includes a control rod having a surface that contacts the piston assembly. The piston drive mechanism moves the piston rod of the piston assembly within the sampling tube thereby causing regulation of a liquid in the sampling tube. The second communication interface receives the electronic signals from the computing device. The microprocessor controls the piston drive mechanism and performs the operation defined by the electronic signals.
US07976788B2
A reductant decomposition reactor for use in exhaust systems is provided that includes a middle tube portion formed with a reductant injector mount, an inlet tube, an outlet tube and a mixer. The inlet tube is formed at a first end of the middle tube portion and the outlet tube is formed at a second end of the middle tube portion and both are configured to create a sealed connection to different portions of the exhaust system. The mixer fits between the middle tube portion and the outlet tube and is configured to decompose the reductant in an exhaust stream. The injector mount comprises a tube like section that connects at a first end to the middle tube portion and at a second end to an injector port of the injector mount, and is configured to reduce recirculation flow patterns in the reactor, create a high velocity flow at an inner surface of the injector mount and thereby reduce the formation of reductant deposits.
US07976776B2
Compositions are disclosed comprising mercury, titanium, copper and one or more of tin, chromium and silicon, useful for the release of mercury in applications requiring the same, in particular in fluorescent lamps. A process for the preparation of these compositions is also disclosed.
US07976773B2
A degassing apparatus having duplex vacuum vessels for removing impurity gases from molten steel by backflow of molten steel thereby homogenizing molten steel composition. The apparatus includes duplex vacuum vessels of first and second vacuum vessels fixedly arranged at a predetermined interval to a floor which is provided horizontally at a predetermined height from a bottom; first and second ladle carriages arranged to run on first and second rails, respectively, to reciprocate between a treatment position directly under the first and second vacuum vessels and a tapping position where refined molten steel is tapped, each of the first and second ladle carriage loaded with a corresponding one of first and second ladles; and first and second lifting cylinders each for raising and lowering each of the first and second ladles in the treatment position so that a bottom end of each of the first and second vacuum vessels is immersed by molten steel in each of the first and second ladles. The apparatus can remove limiting factors of suspending a continuous vacuum degassing refining process and thus prolong lifetime of the vacuum vessel and save manufacturing cost.
US07976769B2
A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure is disclosed wherein a green honeycomb body having a first contour is differentially altered such that the green honeycomb body has a second contour which is wider at a first end than at a second end. In one aspect, the altering is accomplished by removing a part of the green honeycomb body, such as with a removal tool. In another aspect, the altering is accomplished by exposing different regions of the honeycomb body to different drying environments.
US07976756B2
A process for producing mosaics, tiles or various figures where the construction of these items retains the article or design inside the mosaic, tile or figure. The article or design may be of many different themes, such as underwater life including fish, shells and sea plants. Other themes might include, but not be limited to, trees, flowers, vegetables, fruits, etc. These finished mosaics, tiles or figures can be displayed anywhere that will allow the mounting of a tile such as in bathrooms, on walls, ceilings, floors, swimming pools (interior or exterior), etc.
US07976750B2
Method of encapsulating optoelectronic components, by embedding the components to be encapsulated between a first transparent polymer layer and a second polymer layer, which is filled with unactivated foaming agent, and then activating the foaming agent, so that the two polymer layers join to one another, in particular weld to one another, and the components are enclosed between the two polymer layers.
US07976749B2
An injection moulding process for making a completely recyclable, multilayered article which contains: i) a rigid layer formed of a thermoplastic polymer and ii) a foamed skin layer formed of a thermoplastic polymer compatible with the material of the rigid layer, by injection moulding of the rigid layer into a mould composed of two sides, lifting one side of the mould, or change one side of the mould to obtain a small gap of between 3 to 4 mm between the rigid layer and the side of the mould lifted or changed and injecting the foamed skin layer into the gap formed in step b).
US07976741B2
A method of manufacturing a light guide plate containing a plurality of light-guiding micro structures comprises the steps of: preparing a mold that has a concave hole formed by a plurality of light-guiding micro structures; pouring a mixture of ultraviolet curable resins and glass microbeads into the mold; attaching a carrier onto the mixture; using a rolling tool to roll the surface of the carrier, such that the mold is filled up with the mixture uniformly, while the air among the mold, the carrier and the mixture is discharged; and finally projecting the ultraviolet light onto the ultraviolet curable resin, such that the ultraviolet curable resin can be cured at the carrier and removed from the mold, so as to form a light guide plate having a plurality of light-guiding micro structures.
US07976738B2
An oxide sintered body substantially containing zinc, tin and oxygen; containing tin at an atomic number ratio, Sn/(Zn +Sn), of 0.23 to 0.50, and being composed mainly of a zinc oxide phase and at least one kind of zinc stannate compound phase, or being composed of at least one kind of zinc stannate compound phase; provided by a method for manufacturing the oxide sintered body by formulating an aqueous solvent to raw material powder containing powder of a zinc stannate compound, or mixed powder of tin oxide powder and zinc oxide powder, and after mixing the resulting slurry for equal to longer than 15 hours, by subjecting the slurry to solid-liquid separation, drying and granulation, and subsequently compacting by charging the granule into a mold, followed by sintering the resultant compact under sintering atmosphere at 1300 to 1500° C. for equal to or longer than 15 hours.
US07976719B2
An aqueous dispersion for use as a finishing agent for textiles, wherein the dispersion contains a pyrogenically produced, aggregated silicon dioxide powder and a cationic polymer which is soluble in the dispersion, wherein the cationic polymer is present in a quantity such that the particles of the silicon dioxide powder exhibit a positive zeta potential.
US07976717B2
Provided are a method and an apparatus for forming a nanometer-order polarization-reversed region in a ferroelectric single crystal, and a device using the ferroelectric single crystal.The method according to the present invention for forming a polarization-reversed region in a ferroelectric single crystal includes the steps of grounding a first surface of the ferroelectric single crystal, and irradiating a second surface of the ferroelectric single crystal opposite to the first surface with an ion beam. The ion beam is irradiated such that the charge density Q (μC/cm2) accumulated on the second surface irradiated with the ion beam satisfies the following relationship: 0.7×Ps≦Q≦5×Ps where Ps is the spontaneous polarization (μC/cm2) of the ferroelectric single crystal.
US07976714B2
Methods for producing a MEMS device from a single silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. An SOI wafer includes a silicon (Si) handle layer, a Si mechanism layer and an insulator layer located between the Si handle and Si mechanism layers. An example method includes etching active components from the Si mechanism layer. Then, the exposed surfaces of the Si mechanism layer is doped with boron. Next, portions of the insulator layer proximate to the etched active components of the Si mechanism layer are removed and the Si handle layer is etched proximate to the etched active components.
US07976708B2
The present invention relates to a process of enriching element content in stable isotopes of light elements in ion-exchange chromatography. The process comprises development of band of light elements in a chromatographic column; elution of said band in a discontinuous basis so as to disconnect said chromatographic column at particular stage; and finally the process comprises of regeneration step.
US07976703B2
The present invention provides a treating unit of activated sludge for wastewater treatment and a treating apparatus having the same. The treating unit is constructed by a cage-shaped supporting structure which defines an interior space for containing the microbial cell therein. The present invention provides a measure for simultaneous removal of organics and nitrogen compounds from the wastewater under a condition of controlled aeration, and makes the configuration of treating apparatus as well as the treating process more simplified. It is also an alternative to replace the traditional A2O process. According to the present invention, the design of sludge return, which is essential for the conventional activated sludge treatment, is not needed. Moreover, the present invention is compatible with the conventional activated sludge treatment process and is advantageous in its short start-up period during which a stable operation is achievable.
US07976700B2
A water separation unit includes a water separation portion. The water separation portion includes a component separation wall, a liquid chamber, and a gas chamber. The separation wall divides the water separation portion between the liquid chamber and the gas chamber. Liquid fuel is led to the liquid chamber. The separation wall includes a separation membrane, which water selectively permeates to be separated from liquid fuel in the liquid chamber. Water passing through the separation wall is temporarily stored in the gas chamber. A fuel supply apparatus supplies liquid fuel in a fuel tank to an internal-combustion engine. The apparatus includes the water separation unit. The water separation portion is disposed integrally in one of the fuel tank and a passage leading from a filler opening into the fuel tank, such that the liquid chamber is located above the gas chamber in a vertical direction of the water separation portion.
US07976694B2
An apparatus and method for hybrid machining a workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece is powered as an anode, a cutter is powered as a cathode and a cutting fluid or coolant is circulated therebetween. The cutter is made of a conductive material and a non-conductive abrasive material. The hybrid machine performs a roughing pass machining operation in which material is removed from the workpiece at a relatively high rate using a high-speed electro-erosion (HSEE) process. Then, the hybrid machine performs a finish pass machining operation in which material is removed from the workpiece using precision electro-grinding (PEG) process at a different differential electrical potential and/or flushing rate than the roughing pass machining operation to provide a smooth finish without thermal effects on the workpiece.
US07976689B2
The invention relates to a gas sensor for determining the oxygen concentration in a gas mixture, especially in the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines. Said gas sensor comprises a pump cell having an outer pump electrode, exposed to the gas mixture, and an inner pump electrode, exposed to the gas mixture via a diffusion barrier, and a solid electrolyte body interposed between the outer pump electrode and the inner pump electrode. The gas sensor also has a reference electrode, exposed to a reference gas, and a sensor heating device. The outer pump electrode is connected to a circuit arrangement via a pump current line, the inner pump electrode via a measuring line, the reference electrode via a reference current line and the sensor heating device via two heating lines. The invention is characterized in that the pump current line and one heating line are electrically interconnected and grounded, the pump current can be supplied via the measuring line and the Nernst voltage can be tapped between the measuring line and the reference pump current line and the reference pump current flows from the reference electrode to the outer pump electrode.
US07976682B2
A pulp washer including: a cylindrical assembly of trays to receive pulp, wherein the assembly rotates the trays through at least one wash stage; a housing having a header to direct pulp to the trays and the at least one wash stage, wherein the housing has at least one access port aligned with one or more of the trays; a screen plate in each tray of the assembly, wherein the screen plate has apertures sized to retain pulp fibers and allow liquid to pass through the plate, and a screen hinge attached to a side edge of the screen plate and to the tray, wherein the screen plate pivots about the hinge to allow a cleaning spray to be applied to an outer screen plate surface and a back screen plate surface.
US07976681B2
An apparatus to produce a fibrous web having a three-dimensional surface structure, especially a paper, cardboard or tissue web, includes a headbox, a forming element, especially a forming roll, a structured fabric and a dewatering fabric, whereby the structured fabric and the dewatering fabric run together and form a stock infeed nip and are carried over the forming element whereby the structured fabric is the inside fabric and the dewatering fabric is the outside fabric and whereby fibrous suspension is fed into the stock infeed nip by way of the headbox. At least one catch pan is provided in the area of the outfeed nip which is formed between the forming element and the structured fabric coming off it for water, fibers, fines and/or similar substances accumulating in the area of this outfeed nip.
US07976677B2
This invention relates to an improved bleaching process for bleaching pulp comprising at least one bleaching stage which comprises treating a hardwood pulp with a bleaching agent comprising ClO2 in the presence of a weak base such as, for example, Mg(OH)2 preferably at pH from about 3.5 to about 6.5. The invention is also relates a bleaching process for bleaching pulp having two or more bleaching stages, at least one of which and preferably two of which comprises treating a hardwood pulp with a bleaching agent comprising ClO2 in the presence of a weak base such as, for example, Mg(OH)2 preferably at pH from about 3.5 to about 6.5.
US07976673B2
An apparatus for providing a plasma etch of a layer over a wafer is provided. A capacitively coupled process chamber is provided. A gas source is provided. A first and a second electrode are provided within the process chamber. A first radio frequency power source is electrically connected to at least one of the first and second electrodes, where the first radio frequency power source provides radio frequency power. A second radio frequency power source is electrically connected to at least one of the first and second electrodes. A first modulation control is connected to the first radio frequency power source, to provide a controlled modulation of the first radio frequency power source.
US07976668B2
The present invention relates to a process for the production of wood-base materials which have at least one thin veneer layer adhesively bonded over the surface to a substrate or to further veneer layers, which process comprises the following steps: i. impregnation of a veneer with an aqueous curable composition which comprises a) at least one curable urea compound selected from urea compounds H which have at least one N-bonded group of the formula CH2OR, where R is hydrogen or C1-C4-alkyl, and/or a 1,2-bishydroxyethane-1,2-diyl group bridging the two nitrogen atoms of the urea, precondensates of the urea compound H, and reaction products or mixtures of the urea compound H with at least one alcohol which is selected from C1-C6-alkanols, C2-C6-polyols and oligoethylene glycols, and b) at least one catalyst K effecting crosslinking of the urea compound; ii) gluing of the impregnated veneer and/or the substrate with a glue composition and iii) processing of the glued veneer to give a wood-base material at elevated temperature with curing of the crosslinkable urea compound, the impregnated veneer comprising the crosslinkable urea compound in substantially uncrosslinked form before the gluing in step ii).
US07976666B2
A method for producing a laminate (E) of a low air permeable resin/rubber composition comprising: laminating a laminate (D) of a low air permeable resin (A) layer having an air permeation coefficient of 1.0×10−12 cc·cm/cm2·sec·cmHg or less and an average thickness d (μm) of 0.05
US07976662B2
An elastic laminate that contains a nonwoven web bonded to an elastic layer is provided. The elastic layer contains one or more elastomeric polymers that are generally polar in nature, such as polyurethanes. To the contrary, the nonwoven web is formed from a material that is non-polar in nature. Nevertheless, one or more surfaces of the nonwoven web are fluorinated so that the resulting surface tension is increased. In this manner, the present inventors have discovered that, despite the difference in polarity between the layers, good attachment may be achieved without necessarily requiring an adhesive. Not only will such layers remained attached, but the functionality of the resulting laminate is also not adversely affected.
US07976655B2
Discarded or recycled carpets or other textiles can be converted into wood-like materials, in sheets comparable to plywood. The carpets or textiles are shredded, combed, and layered across a conveyor to form a low-density mat, which is compressed and needle-punched to create a cohesive but flexible mat. An adhesive is applied to at least one and preferably two or more mats, by an applicator that spreads a liquid prepolymer onto one or more surfaces of the mat(s). The mat(s) travel through a press while the adhesive cures and hardens, and the use of foaming adhesives can ensure uniform permeation through dense fiber mats. The hardened sheets can be sawed, nailed, and otherwise handled like wood, and are strong, durable, and highly resistant to damage by water or insects.
US07976653B2
Ammonium dinitramide based liquid monopropellants exhibiting stabilised combustion characteristics and improved storage life, containing ammonia, a base weaker than ammonia, or a base which is sterically hindered, added in an amount of 0.1 to 5% of the total weight of the other components of the propellant.
US07976651B2
Disclosed are a weldable steel of high strength and high toughness and a method of producing members of machine parts. The steel consists essentially of, by weight %, C: 0.10-0.16%, Si: 0.05-0.50%, Mn: 1.3-2.3%, Cu: up to 0.5%, Ni: up to 0.5%, Cr: up to 0.5%, Mo: up to 0.3% and Ti: 0.025-0.035%, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities, and satisfying the condition that the weld-cracking susceptibility, Pcm, defined by the formula 1A below is less than 0.35, and the condition that the manganese equivalent, Mneq, defined by the formula 2A below is larger than 2.0. Pcm=C(%)+Si(%)/30+Mn(%)/20+Ni(%)/60+Cr(%)/20+Mo(%)/15+Cu(%)/20 1A Mneq=Mn(%)+Cu(%)+Ni(%)/2+Cr(%)+Mo(%) 2A
US07976646B1
Methods for producing electronic grade metal nanostructures having low levels of contaminants are provided. Monolayer arrays, populations, and devices including such electronic grade nanostructures are described. In addition, novel methods and compositions for production of Group 10 metal nanostructures and for production of ruthenium nanostructures are provided, along with methods for recovering nanostructures from suspension.
US07976644B2
The present invention provides a method of production of grain-oriented electrical steel sheet comprising making a slab heating temperature 1280° C. or less, annealing hot rolled sheet by (a) a process of heating it to a predetermined temperature of 1000 to 1150° C. to cause recrystallization, then annealing by a temperature lower than that of 850 to 1100° C. or by (b) decarburizing in annealing the hot rolled sheet so that a difference in amounts of carbon of the steel sheet before and after annealing the hot rolled sheet becomes 0.002 to 0.02 mass % and performing the heating in the temperature elevation process of the decarburization annealing under conditions of a heating rate of 40° C. or more, preferably 75 to 125° C./s while the temperature of the steel sheet is in a range from 550° C. to 720° C. and utilizing induction heating for rapid heating in the temperature elevation process of decarburization annealing.
US07976642B2
The present invention relates to a box cleaner including an ultrasonic cleaning bath having a receiving space to be filled with DIW and an ultrasonic wave generator arranged at a bottom thereof; a tray for loading a wafer shipping box thereon; a lift for providing a driving force to put the tray into the ultrasonic cleaning bath and take the tray out of the ultrasonic cleaning bath; and a drying system for drying the cleaned shipping box, wherein a gas sprayer is installed in the ultrasonic cleaning bath for spraying gas into the cleaned shipping box to push the DIW out of the shipping box, thereby draining the DIW.
US07976636B2
Disclosed is a multiple nozzle evaporator in which a material to be evaporated in the evaporator can be deposited on a substrate with an improved efficiency of use of the material, thereby forming a large-area uniform thin film. The evaporator includes a rectangular post-shaped crucible with an open top face; and a nozzle having a body portion having a rectangular post-like shape with a height smaller than that of the crucible and assembled to an upper portion of the crucible, and a plurality of evaporation tubes penetrating through the body portion between top and bottom faces of the body portion. The evaporation tubes are divided into four groups of which evaporation tubes are inclined toward respective four corners of a top face of the nozzle unit. An evaporated material spouts toward peripheral areas of a substrate due to the inclined evaporation tubes, thereby improving the uniformity of a thin film to be deposited and the efficiency of use of the evaporated material, and preventing condensation of the evaporated material at a spouting portion.
US07976632B2
A vacuum processing apparatus includes a transfer unit disposed at a center thereof, plural processing chambers, each processing chamber having a processing table for supporting an object to be processed and carrying out processing using a gas, and a mass flow controller unit interposed between two of the processing chambers for supplying gas to the chambers.
US07976623B2
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an ink-jet ink can comprise a dye and a liquid vehicle carrying the dye. The liquid vehicle can include a sulfonated aromatic compound present in the ink-jet ink at an effective concentration to cause improvement of ozone fastness of said ink-jet ink.
US07976618B2
A motor vehicle has a filter device for purifying untreated gases. The filter device has a filter housing and at least one filter element, in particular an adsorber element, which is arranged therein, with an auxiliary filter that is positioned outside and above the filter housing being provided. The auxiliary filter, which is disposed in an auxiliary filter housing, has at least one auxiliary filter element which is connected in a communicating fashion to and in series with the filter element in the filter housing.
US07976617B2
A multi-channel circulation oxygen generator, comprising a body shell, a top cover set and a base set; the body shell is provided with at least two big tanks for loading molecular sieve substances at its internal, having a set of gas passage, a set of gas intake passage, a gas storage tank and a set of gas outtake passage at its surrounding, and providing with a plurality of orderly arranged heat dissipation ribs shaped at its outer surface; the top cover set caps the top side of the body shell, and its bottom side corresponding to the big tank is provided with filtration and one way barricading parts, connecting to the inside of the big tank; the base set joins the bottom of the body shell, having switching solenoid valves to control the big tanks for alternating between the intake and outtake of air.
US07976616B2
The invention is a discharge electrode in an electrostatic precipitator having a power supply connected to at least one collection electrode and a flow of gas across the collection electrode. The discharge electrode has a plurality of conductive fibers electrically connected to the power supply and fiber tips exposed to the flow of gas. The fiber tips preferably extend from a composite in which the fibers reinforce a matrix material, but alternatively can be a large number of filaments extending from a composite rod.
US07976615B2
An electro-kinetic air mover for creating an airflow using no moving parts. The electro-kinetic air mover includes an ion generator that has an electrode assembly including a first array of emitter electrodes, a second array of collector electrodes, and a high voltage generator. Preferably, a third or leading or focus electrode is located upstream of the first array of emitter electrodes, and/or a trailing electrode is located downstream of the second array of collector electrodes. The device can also include an interstitial electrode located between collector electrodes, an enhanced collector electrode with an integrally formed trailing end, and an enhanced emitter electrode with an enhanced length in order to increase emissivity.
US07976612B2
A device for removing droplets in a plasma generator including a tubular traveling passage through which plasma and droplets travel under mixed state is formed, an aperture having a passing hole at an eccentric position is provided in the tubular traveling passage, and a magnetic field generator passing the plasma through the eccentric passing hole of the aperture arranged on an outer circumference of the tubular traveling passage. The plasma further passes through the eccentric passing hole of the aperture after being bent in the tubular traveling passage by a magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generator and the droplets are removed by colliding against the wall face of the aperture at the time of bending.
US07976602B2
A filter has a housing and a filter element with a first filter medium, wherein the filter element is arranged in the housing. A releasable lid is provided at an end face of the housing and closes off the housing. The releasable lid and the filter element together form a unitary component and the releasable lid forms a terminal disk at a first end of the filter element. The releasable lid forming the terminal disk of the filter element is glued to an end face of the first filter medium. The unitary construction of the filter element and the lid simplifies changing the filter element.
US07976599B2
A clean bench comprising a worktable on which polycrystalline silicon is placed, a box part which includes side plates to surround three sides except a front face of a working space above the worktable, and a ceiling plate which covers an upper side of the working space. Supplying holes are formed in the ceiling plate of the box part, which supply clean air onto an upper surface of the worktable. An ionizer is provided, which ionizes the clean air supplied from the supplying holes to the working space and removes static electricity on the worktable. Suction holes are formed in the side plate of the box part, which suction air from the working space.
US07976596B2
A method of producing a high-density abrasive compact material includes the steps of providing an electrically conductive mixture of a bonding powder material and abrasive particles or grit; compressing the electrically conductive mixture; and subjecting the compressed electrically conductive mixture to one or more high current pulses to form the abrasive compact is provided.
US07976595B2
A method of gasification burner online feeding for a coal-water slurry gasifier, where a coal-water slurry line and an oxidizer line are both protected by shield gas. The method may realize online, pressurized and continuous feeding of the gasification burners which are fixed after they stalled for other reasons than their own, thus greatly reducing the probability of accidental shutdown of gasifiers and improving the reliability of long-term service of the multi-nozzle opposed gasifier.
US07976592B2
In a plate type reformer and a fuel cell system including the plate type reformer, the plate type reformer includes: a plate type combustion reactor including a distributing plate having a distributing chamber with a plurality of distributing holes adapted to supply an oxidizing agent, and a combustion plate having a combustion chamber with an oxidizing catalyst layer adapted to generate heat energy in response to the oxidizing agent supplied through the distributing holes of the distributing plate reacting with fuel; a plate type preheater including a channel adapted to introduce a mixed fuel of fuel and water is introduced, the plate type preheater adapted to preheat the mixed fuel with the heat energy generated in the plate type combustion reactor; and a plate type reforming reactor with a reforming catalyst layer adapted to generate hydrogen gas from the mixed fuel preheated by the plate type preheater, the plate type reforming reactor effecting a reforming reaction using the heat energy of the plate type combustion reactor. The plate type combustion reactor is arranged and stacked between the plate type preheater and the plate type reforming reactor and adapted to directly transfer the heat energy from the plate type combustion reactor to the plate type preheater and the plate type reforming reactor.
US07976583B2
Short-chain perfluoroalkylethyl methacrylates copolymerized with vinyl chloride and/or vinylidene chloride, a C12-C22 alkyl (meth)acrylate and one or more thermally crosslinkable or isocyanate-reactive monomers are useful for oil-, water- and soil-repellent finishing of fibrous substrates under particularly mild conditions.
US07976581B2
A method of controlling electric power generation during idle charge in a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes determining whether an idle charge condition is satisfied; if the idle charge condition is satisfied, calculating a first charge power amount based on whether a load is applied, a gear shift position, and a state of charge of a battery; calculating a target charge speed based on the first charge power amount; calculating an altitude correction coefficient based on atmospheric pressure; calculating a second charge power amount based on the altitude correction coefficient and the first charge power amount; and controlling an amount of power generation and an amount of battery charge based on the second charge power amount.
US07976580B2
A first carpometacarpal joint implant. One embodiment of the invention includes proximal and distal components. The proximal component includes a fixation portion for attachment to one or more elements of a patient's distal carpal row, a ball-type joint portion cantilevered off the fixation portion, and a skid having a concave surface opposite the ball-type joint for engaging a patient's scaphoid bone. The distal component has a fixation portion for attachment to a patient's thumb metacarpal, and a socket-type joint portion that cooperates with the ball-type joint portion of the proximal component.
US07976579B2
An intervertebral disc augmentation implant for implantation between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises a core member having a first height dimension along an axis defined by the pair of vertebral bodies and a cavity running perpendicular to the axis, a first post and a second post each having a bottom portion with a plurality of teeth, and a plug having a tapered portion with engaging mechanisms that are configured to mate with the bottom portions of the first and second post. The first and second posts are disposed substantially in the center of the core member along the axis. The bottom portions of the first and second post extend into the cavity at opposite sides of the cavity. The plug is inserted and advanced in the cavity between the bottom portions of the first and second post, thereby expanding the core member from the first height dimension to a second height dimension.
US07976570B2
A bone plate includes an upper surface, a bone contacting surface, and at least one hole extending through the upper and bone contacting surfaces. The bone plate defines a longitudinal axis. The at least one hole defines a central axis and is elongated in a direction substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis. The hole may include a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion, and the threaded portion may extend through an angle of between about 190° and about 280° with respect to the central axis.
US07976558B2
The present invention relates to a compression device for stimulating the efflux of a body fluid from a body part. The device has a compression unit with a pressure-application region made of a deformable material, the region being formed to generate a repulsive force between the body part and the compression unit. The repulsive force passes through a force maximum then decreases to serve as an indication that the body part is guided sufficiently firmly and far enough onto the compression unit.
US07976552B2
A ligation apparatus includes an insertion tube extending toward one direction, a clamp part which is provided on a distal side of the insertion tube and clamps a living organ, a first control mechanism which is connected to the clamp part via a first control shaft member inserted inside the insertion tube and controls opening-and-closing action of the clamp part by advancing and retracting the first control shaft member, a ligation part which ligates the living organ by closing a pair of arm members provided on the distal side of the insertion tube; and a second control mechanism which is connected to the ligation part via a second control shaft member inserted inside the insertion tube, and closes the pair of arm members and releases the ligation part by advancing and retracting the second control shaft member.
US07976547B2
A cement restrictor for use in surgical procedures such as total hip replacement, for example, includes a pressure transducer and a transmitter electrically coupled to the pressure transducer. The cement restrictor is configured to be placed at a distal end of a pre-drilled bone canal in a patient's femur, for example, such that the pressure transducer may generate an output signal in response to the presence of bone cement injected into the bone canal and around the cement restrictor. The transmitter is configured to transmit this output pressure signal to an external receiver outside the patient's body.
US07976545B2
Broaching instruments divided into multiple parts to reduce the size of incisions necessary to perform a total hip arhroplasty, minimizing trauma to tissue surrounding the hip joint. One approach is to divide the broach head into first and second segments for insertion through posterior and anterior incisions, respectively, and interconnection within the patient. Methods of preparing the proximal medullary canal of a femur for receiving a hip stem implant utilize the multi-part broaching instruments and two-incision techniques to introduce the broaching instruments into the patient for broaching the canal in preparation for receiving the implant.
US07976541B2
Probes that are sensitive to electrode/tissue contact and that are configured to connect an electrode to a power supply and/or provide an indication when the desired level of electrode/tissue contact has been achieved.
US07976523B2
An absorbent product capable of preventing the absorbing rate from significantly lowering with the elapse of time, from the start of use to a final stage when the absorbing capacity of the product reaches a limit, is provided. The absorbent product has a very small re-wet amount. The absorbent product includes a liquid-impermeable surface sheet positioned on the upper side, a liquid-impermeable back sheet positioned on the lower side, and an absorber containing super absorbent polymer to absorb discharged liquid positioned between the surface sheet and the back sheet, wherein a flow passage is provided to allow a part or all of the discharged liquid supplied to the surface sheet to move to a side of the back sheet.
US07976508B2
A medication safety system includes a panel mounted to an IV pole above a multi-channel infusion pump also mounted to the IV pole. The panel includes multiple RFID readers for reading the RFID tags placed on each of the medication containers mounted to the panel. The pump includes a controller that communicates with the RFID readers at the panel to receive the information read by the RFID readers and automatically program the respective pump channel. A verification program verifies that the medication delivery information from the containers matches the patient identified for the pump and the programming parameters of the pump fall within acceptable ranges. In another aspect, the panel contains multiple vibration devices to impart vibrations to the medication of each of the containers mounted to the panel. Those vibrations are sensed by the particular pumping channel to confirm that the correct channel has been programmed for that medication. When the clinician opens the door of the pumping channel, the pump may request information from the RFID reader at the panel for that medication and may wait for receipt of the vibrations in the medication of the tubing mounted into the channel.
US07976488B2
A collapsible gastrointestinal anchor can be characterized in various embodiments by a radial force of about 0.1 Newtons (N) or greater at a compressed diameter of 25 millimeters (mm); by an average spring rate of about 13 Newtons/meter (N/m) or greater in a range of motion between a relaxed diameter and a compressive elastic deformation diameter; or by a radial force over the range of motion of about 0.1 N or greater. Typically, the anchor can be adapted to be retained within a subject's intestine, more typically in the duodenum, or particularly in the duodenal bulb just distal to the pylorus.A gastrointestinal implant device includes the collapsible gastrointestinal anchor and a floppy sleeve. The sleeve is open at both ends and adapted to extend into a subject's intestine, the anchor being coupled to a proximal portion of the sleeve.Also include are methods of implanting the gastrointestinal implant device in a subject, and methods of treating a subject for disease.The disclosed gastrointestinal invention leads to an improved ability to secure anchors and devices in the gastrointestinal tract while tending to minimize migration.
US07976474B2
An illuminated acoustical stimulation ear probe with outer ear illumination and a probe-fit status indicator.
US07976473B2
A method and apparatus for utilizing the benefits of encoded signal transmission and reception to enhance the performance of medical testing devices (100) adapted to evoke and measure biological response signals such as auditory evoked potentials (AEP), and the auditory brainstem response (ABR) signals in particular. Auditory stimuli, such as clicks, are presented to the ear of a human patient, in a predetermined encoded sequence, resulting in the generation of auditory responses and bio-electric response signals in the human patient. These response signals from the patient are acquired and observed, and are processed according to the predetermined encoded sequence in which the auditory stimuli were presented to the patient's ear in order to extract the desired auditory evoked potential signals or ABR signals.
US07976467B2
A meter is provided that includes an improved user interface that enables the user to take a specific action, leading them directly to data input options. Such a user interface could be used to input first selected information, such as whether a test was premeal or postmeal, immediately after receiving a result. Optionally, the user interface may include the ability to add an additional comment after inputting the first selected information. Provision of such a user interface would facilitate simpler capture of the first selected information each time the user performs a test, leading to an enhanced understanding of a patient's level of glycemic control. Designing a user interface to enable first selected information to be entered by a user directly after receiving a result is more likely to engage a patient by making it easy and simple to enter important information. This may enable capture of the information thought to be most pertinent e.g. premeal and postmeal information, enhancing the understanding by patients and their carers of the patient's control.
US07976466B2
Embodiments of the present invention improve the accuracy of measurements and/or in vivo calibrations of a biosensor by (1) using more than one sensor signal value and/or more than one directly sampled and measured value, such as a capillary blood glucose value, and/or by (2) delaying the acquisition of a sensor output value that is compared with a directly sampled and measured value, such as a capillary blood glucose value, during a calibration. In an embodiment of the present invention, the median of a series of measured values, or a median or mean of the medians, may be utilized to provide more consistent and accurate measurement data and/or to compensate for error or artifact.
US07976462B2
Various embodiments of the present invention comprise endoscopes for viewing inside a cavity of a body such as a vessel like a vein or artery. These endoscopes may include at least one solid state emitter such as a light emitting diode (LED) that is inserted into the body cavity to provide illumination therein. Certain embodiments of the invention comprise disposable endoscopes that can be fabricated relatively inexpensively such that discarding these endoscopses after a single use is cost-effective. The endoscope may comprise a lens holder on a distal end of the endoscope for collection of light reflected from surfaces within the body in which the endoscope is inserted. This lens holder may have an inner cavity through which light passes along an optical path. Reflective surfaces on sidewalls of the inner cavity may direct light along this optical path. The endoscope may further comprise an elongated support structure for supporting a plurality of lenses disposed along the optical path. This optical path may lead to a detector onto which images are formed.
US07976455B2
This invention is directed to a device and method of using the device for partitioning a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion. The device is particularly suitable for treating patients with congestive heart failure. The device has an inflatable partitioning element which separates the productive and non-productive portions of the heart chamber and in some embodiments also has a supporting element, which may also be inflatable, extending between the inflatable partitioning element and the wall of the non-productive portion of the patient's heart chamber. The supporting element may have a non-traumatic distal end to engage the ventricular wall or a tissue penetrating anchoring element to secure the device to the patient's heart wall.
US07976453B2
An implantable magnet that can freely turn in response to an external magnetic field, thus avoiding torque and demagnetization on the implantable magnet. The implantable magnet can be combined with an electric switching function depending on the orientation of an external magnetic field, thus protecting an implanted coil and/or implant electronics against induction of over-voltage or performing an electric switching function for other various purposes. The magnetic switch may further include, for example, a first switching contact and a second switching contact. A magnetically soft body that includes an electrically conductive surface is shiftable between a first position where the body is in simultaneous contact with the first and second switching contacts, and a second position where the body is out of contact with at least one of the first and second switching contacts. The body and the implantable magnet are positioned such that the body is shifted to one of the first position and the second position as a function of the external magnetic field resulting in a magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetically soft body.
US07976452B2
Disclosed herein are embodiments of long-term ambulatory intra-aortic balloon pump systems for providing left ventricular cardiac assistance to a patient. The systems can comprise an external drive system for supplying a compressed fluid, the drive system operating in accordance with a control program stored in memory, an intra-luminal balloon pump having an elongate inflatable chamber positionable to be lying completely within a descending aorta of the patient, and a percutaneous access device. The percutaneous access device can be a biocompatible implantable portal comprising a communicative passage through an interior bore and an exterior having a neck region adapted to promote autologous cell growth thereon in an implantable region, the neck region having a plurality of channels extending about the neck region.
US07976451B2
A system and methods for transcranial magnetic stimulation, the system including a helmet, a positioning portion, a stimulator and a cooling system, are disclosed. The helmet includes a coil for deep brain magnetic stimulation. The coil has a base portion, and return portions, which may include a protruding return portion and a contacting return portion. The coil is designed to minimize unintended stimulation of portions of the brain, while reducing accumulation of surface charges. The coil is stimulated at several locations and/or at different times so as to focus the electrical field on a specific deep neuronal structure.
US07976448B2
The invention relates to a method for assembling a composite box, in two parts, the method being implemented by a machine having: a conveyor system for bringing an envelope into position; a store for storing the blanks of the trays; means in the form of extractor arms for removing one of the tray blanks from the store and bringing it to the assembly station, facing the envelope; a device for gluing the edges of the envelope and the tongues of the tray blank during the movement towards the assembly station; a framework having two mobile carriages, a first carriage carrying a die for shaping the blank, and a second carriage carrying a tappet for driving the envelope towards the die and a stamp maintaining a counter-pressure using a suitable device against the pressing device of the die.
US07976444B2
A shoulder rehabilitation and exercise device is disclosed which enables a user to perform internal and external rotations of both right and left shoulder. The device is comprised of a base plate, hydraulic damper, restrictor arm, actuator arm, elbow cup and hand grip. A smooth, fluid-like movement is achieved during performance of arcuate internal and external shoulder rotations while also providing automatic increases and decreases in resistance to such motion in response to user effort. In certain preferred embodiments, in addition to such automatic adjustment of resistance, the device includes a means of manually adjusting resistance. The device may be utilized to perform the aforementioned internal and external rotations on a user's right or left side without need for making any adjustments to the machine. Range of motion limitations may be set to control the arcuate degree of internal and external rotations performed. Adjustment in the elevation of a user's forearm via adjustment of the actuator arm is provided. The actuator arm includes an adjustable elbow cup and adjustable hand grip. The device does not store potential energy or produce sufficient momentum to oppose a user's immediate and safe termination of motion.
US07976443B2
An adjustable weight kettlebell includes a weight lifting member that rests on top of a vertical stack of weights. A weight selector is rotatable into and out of underlying engagement of the weight plates to secure a desired amount of mass to the weight lifting member.
US07976437B1
A running surface for a common exercise treadmill has an endless belt made of a rubber like material leaving a smooth finish to its upper and lower surfaces. At least one line of spaced apart holes penetrate the belt along its entire length. The holes enable fastening elements to affix generally circular rods to the upper surface to engage fastening eyelets by means of the fastening elements which are installed into at least one strengthening endless belt positioned below and urging against the lower extremity of the endless belt. The generally circular rods have prefabricated objects such as simulated cobblestones of various sizes and configurations in immediate adjacency to the upper extremity of the endless belt.
US07976436B2
An air spring is used as a resistance device in exercise equipment having a lever arm for exercising arms and legs. In one embodiment, the equipment can be adapted to be used as a stair stepper. In another, it can be adapted to be used on a table surface for exercising hands, wrists and forearms. In still another embodiment, it can incorporate a bike pedal assembly to simultaneously aerobically exercise the legs and arms. The equipment includes resistance level regulating components and a visual indicator using a gauge or similar device to monitor resistance levels.
US07976435B2
A stationary exercise device with adjustable members for varying the stride path and the exercise intensity of a user is disclosed. The stationary device having a stationary frame and a movable frame that moves relative to the stationary frame to vary the exercise intensity of a user.
US07976420B2
The present invention provides an eccentric oscillating type speed reducer that can more effectively be cooled with an extremely simple structure.An eccentric oscillating type speed reducer 1 includes a camshaft 11 having crank portions 11a and 11b, a plurality of externally toothed gear members 12 that respectively have holes, each of which accommodates an associated one of the crank portions, and that are eccentrically moved by rotation of the camshaft, an internally toothed gear member 13 having an inner peripheral surface in which internal teeth to be meshed with external teeth formed on external peripheral surfaces of the externally toothed gear members are formed so as to set the number of the internal teeth to be slightly larger than that of external teeth, and support members 14 respectively positioned at both ends of the externally toothed gear members so as to rotatably support both ends of the camshaft. Further, support members 18 and 19 are integrally coupled to each other via a pillar portion 17. In the eccentric oscillating type speed reducer 1, a coolant passage 30 passing through the integrally coupled support members 18 and 10, and the pillar portion 17 is provided. A coolant, such as cooling water or cooling air, is passed through the coolant passage. Consequently, the eccentric oscillating type speed reducer can efficiently be cooled.
US07976410B2
The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The core is made of a material obtained by molding under applied heat a rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber containing polybutadiene having a stress relaxation time (T80) of 3.5 or less, (b) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and (c) an organic peroxide. The inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness of from 50 to 80, the outer cover layer has a Shore D hardness of from 35 to 60 which is lower than the Shore D hardness of the inner cover layer, and the outer cover layer is formed primarily of a specific, highly neutralized resin mixture. The golf ball as a whole has an excellent rebound, a good, soft feel on impact, an outstanding spin performance, and is capable of achieving an increased distance.
US07976398B2
A golf swing formation aid has a resilient cushion sandwiched between two additional resilient cushions, with sleeves to receive the arms of a golfer holding a golf club to provide between the arms a predetermined spacing during a swing of the golf club by the golfer. A differential in the resilience of the cushions allows for accommodation of the movement of the arms during the swing while maintaining the predetermined spacing. The cushions have different degrees of resilience.
US07976389B2
A tournament gaming system is disclosed including one or more gaming machines programmed for play of at least one tournament game. A plurality of gaming machines may be linked for tournament play, as through a host computer. Qualification for tournament play may be, at least in part, effectuated through participation in one or more primary games at a gaming machine programmed for tournament play. Tournament games may be conducted at a predetermined minimum rate of play. Variable rates of play responsive to specific game outcomes during tournament games are also disclosed.
US07976386B2
Systems and methods are disclosed having a mesh network such as a ZigBee mesh network, a game controller coupled to the mesh network; and a display device coupled to the mesh network.
US07976373B2
Certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments are taught which include a game comprising, a digital processor, digital storage coupled to the digital processor for storing instructions, a display coupled to the digital processor displaying a first plurality of indicia arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns such that there are a plurality of paylines through a contiguous plurality of indicia, a user interface coupled to the digital processor to select a subset of the first plurality of indicia taken along at least one column and to initiate a display of a second plurality of indicia which includes the selected subset of the first plurality of indicia on the display, and an award dispenser providing an award which is at least as large as the largest award associated with the plurality of paylines.
US07976372B2
A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players.
US07976353B2
A two piece electrical terminal is shown where one part is comprised of a contact member having a contact section in the form of a pin and retention section. A conductor connecting member is comprised of a conductor connecting section and a retaining member. The contact member has a lug extending along one side thereof and the retaining member has a complementary opening which retains the contact member and conductor connecting member together.
US07976340B1
A connector system includes a header connector, a mating connector, and a conductive grounding bridge. The header connector includes a conductive shell that defines an interior chamber and a contact disposed in the interior chamber. The mating connector includes a conductive member and an electromagnetic shield joined to a housing. The shield has an elongated protrusion extending from the shield to an outer end. The header connector and the mating connector couple with each other such that the contact engages the conductive member and the protrusion engages the shell. The grounding bridge is joined to one of the header connector and the mating connector and engages another of the header connector and the mating connector when the protrusion engages the shell. The protrusion is electrically coupled with the shell at the outer end of the protrusion and by the grounding bridge.
US07976336B2
A trigger signal-lighted connector including a terminal housing in which multiple terminals are inlaid; an adapter circuit board having multiple lines of printed circuits, each printed circuit being connected between one of the terminals and one of multiple signal wires, one of the printed circuits being connected to a grounding terminal, while another of the printed circuits being connected to a trigger signal terminal; and an insulation layer wrapping the terminal housing, the adapter circuit board and the signal wires. The insulation layer is made of transparent material and at least one light-emitting component is disposed on the adapter circuit board. One of two electrode pins of the light-emitting component is connected to the printed circuit, which is connected to the grounding terminal, while the other of the electrode pins is connected to the printed circuit, which is connected to the trigger signal terminal.
US07976335B2
A universal mounting supports high intensity LEDs in a lighting fixture with heat removal and electrical connection facilities. A holder includes a peripheral sidewall defining a cavity for accepting a printed circuit board assembly. A support member supports the printed circuit board assembly along the peripheral sidewall. Electrical contact elements are provided the printed circuit board. A thermal conduction member is in thermal communication with the printed circuit board assembly. The receptacle portion removably engages with the holder portion. A plurality of contact sockets conductively engages the electrical contact elements of the holder portion to interconnect the contact elements to external wires. An aperture in the receptacle portion accepts the thermal conduction member, wherein the thermal conduction member passes through the aperture and into a space for dissipating heat from the printed circuit board.
US07976329B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connector locking device for network cables and methods of utilizing the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, a keyed-release connector locking device comprises a locking tongue support for supporting a locking tongue of a connector, the locking tongue of the connector consisting of a member biased about a front of the connector on a top surface thereof, extending towards a rear of the connector; a first retaining mechanism for engaging a portion of a body of a terminal, the body of the terminal comprising a structure having a housing on a top surface thereof for receiving the first retaining mechanism; and a key-accessible release arm for releasing the retaining mechanism from the portion of the body of the terminal when pivotably engaged.
US07976328B2
An electrical connector for a flexible printed circuit is provided. The electrical connector comprises a connector set, a terminal and a fasten assembly. The connector set has a base, a cover and a pin. The cover is pivotally connecting to the base by the pin and adapted to open or shut the receiving space defined by the base and the cover. The terminal is adapted to be detachably inserted into the receiving space to electrically connect the connector set. The fasten assembly is disposed on the base and the terminal respectively. When the terminal is inserted into the receiving space, the fasten assembly is adapted to fasten the terminal to the base.
US07976327B2
A card connector is adapted to receive first and second electronic cards, each having a plurality of contact pads. The second card being wider than the first card. The connector includes an insulative housing with a plurality of first and second terminals mounted therein for engaging respective ones of the contact pads of the electronic cards when the cards are inserted into the connector. A cover member is pivotally mounted on the housing to permit movement of the cover member between an open position at which one of said first and second electronic cards may be inserted and a closed position at which the electronic card inserted into the cover is operatively positioned within the connector. The cover member has first and second sets of positioning members configured to position and hold electronic cards exclusively at the desired location for such card and wherein some of the positioning members of the first set also act as positioning members of the second set.
US07976323B2
A stacked card connector (100) for receiving different cards comprises: a main base (1), a subbase (2) separately assembled to the main base (1) making repairing or changing the lower contacts easier and occupying less space, a bottom cover (42) placed in a bottom of the main base, and a top shell (41) enclosing the main base (1) and the subbase from a top side of the stacked card connector; the main base and the bottom cover defining a first space (11) with a first inserting opening (15), the subbase and the main base defining a second space (12) with a second inserting opening (16), the subbase and the top shell defining a third space (21) with a third inserting opening (24), the second inserting opening and the third inserting opening arranged in a side along a top-to-bottom direction, the first inserting opening arranged in a side perpendicular to the side where the second and third inserting opening are allocated.
US07976320B2
A power plug is proposed, comprising: an electrode terminal base having a pair of electrically conductive terminals and a ground terminal; a power cable having insulated wires respectively connected to the conductive terminals and the ground terminal; a conductive casing comprised of a casing body covering and connecting with the electrode terminal, an isolating portion disposed on the outer layer of the casing body for isolating outside electrical noise or electromagnetic interference, an insulating layer disposed on the inner layer of the casing body, a cable fastener disposed in the casing body for holding the cable in position and a conductive fixture electrically connecting with the electrode terminal base, thereby ensuring the quality of electric power transmission.
US07976313B2
A patient simulator system for teaching patient care is provided. The system includes a patient simulator. The patient simulator includes a patient body comprising one or more simulated body portions. A respiratory system is positioned within the patient body. The respiratory system includes a pair of lungs and is configured to simulate a respiratory pattern of a patient. A circulatory system is also positioned within the patient body. The circulatory system is configured to simulate at least one circulatory parameter of the patient. The system also includes a control system in communication with the patient simulator. The control system includes a respiratory physiological model for controlling the simulated respiratory pattern of the respiratory system and a circulatory physiological model for controlling the at least one circulatory parameter of the circulatory system. The respiratory physiological model is configured to adjust the simulated respiratory pattern of the respiratory system at least partially based on a treatment administered to the patient simulator by a user.
US07976308B2
Improved dental wedge having curved elongate body approximating the anatomical curvature of a tooth undergoing repair to hold the matrix in conformity with the anatomical curvature of said tooth. The wedges comprising a curved elongate body having proximal and distal ends and tapering from the proximal end to the distal end, the elongate body further having a bottom surface, an inside surface and an outside surface opposite the inside surface, the curvature of the elongate body being towards the inside surface, and the bottom surface adjacent the insertion portion being curved upwards relative to the remainder of the bottom surface. The elongate body may be generally triangular in cross-section, and the inside surface is concave and the outside surface is convex transversely to the elongate body.
US07976301B2
A device for removing an oblong burr from a molded part including an energy source that introduces energy into the burr for removing the burr by heating. The energy source includes an infrared transmitter that irradiates the oblong burr with infrared radiation, a sleeve for receiving the infrared transmitter with an inner face facing the infrared transmitter and an outer face remote from the infrared transmitter, and an outlet region through which energy may be transported in the direction of the burr. The sleeve has an outer coating with a surface facing the outside, and an inner face facing the infrared transmitter which at least partially encloses the sleeve. Infrared radiation emitted by the energy source is concentrated by a radiation-forming element, so that only the burr is irradiated by the infrared radiation. The radiation-forming element may be formed by a gap in the outer coating.
US07976298B2
The invention provides an article, a method and an apparatus of forming expanded plastic materials in a steam chest mold having out of die draw features. This is achieved by means of a cavity pull system. The cavity pull system allows for the provision of molded features outside the die draw and is designed to operate on a cam type system using two stainless steel rods running at a right angle to one another. A gear mechanism allows molded features, e.g. holes, to be formed at any angle on any part design where enough part geometry exists to accommodate the forming features and in the tool for mechanism components. The invention is advantageously employed in the formation of holes outside the die draw in vertically stacked injection tools for energy absorbers used in vehicle bumper fascias. The provision of out of die draw molded features is useful for fascia component locating or attachment.
US07976295B2
A compressor includes a housing, a first scroll member supported within the housing and having a first end plate with a discharge passage, and a second scroll member supported within the housing and having a second end plate with a second spiral wrap extending therefrom and meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap to form a series of pockets. A first aperture extends through the first end plate and is in communication with a first product of the series of pockets. A modulation assembly axially biases the first scroll member into engagement with the second scroll member when the first aperture is in communication with a suction pressure region of the compressor.
US07976290B2
An air pump has a bracket, a motor, a transmission device and pneumatic cylinder assembly. The bracket is formed from sheet metal and has a backplate, two side plates formed on the backplate and two top plates formed respectively on the side plates. The motor is mounted on the transmission device. The transmission device is mounted on the bracket and is connected to the motor. The pneumatic cylinder assembly is mounted on the bracket and is connected to the transmission device. The bracket formed from sheet metal is light and has a low cost.
US07976287B2
A capacity variable type twin rotary compressor may include a casing, a motor, a first cylinder having a first compression space, a second cylinder fixed to one side of the first cylinder and having a second compression space, first and second intakes respectively formed in the first and second cylinders and each connected to a gas intake pipe, first and second vane slits respectively formed in the first and second intakes first and second rolling pistons eccentrically coupled to the motor and respectively housed in the first and second compression spaces, first and second vanes slidingly received in the first and second vane slits, respectively, an expansion groove formed at the second vane slit separate from the inner space of the casing, and refrigerant switching valves that allow refrigerant of intake and discharge pressures to be supplied into the second compression space and the expansion groove, such that the second vane contacts the second rolling piston to perform a power driving or separates therefrom to perform a saving driving.
US07976282B2
A spar cap for a wind turbine rotor blade. The spar cap may include multiple preform components. The multiple preform components may be planar sheets having a swept shape with a first end and a second end. The multiple preform components may be joined by mating the first end of a first preform component to the second end of a next preform component, forming the spar cap.
US07976277B2
A component such as a turbine blade of a gas turbine engine has a cooling arrangement comprising a cascade impingement array in which cooling air flows from a supply chamber through impingement passages in webs to an internal passageway comprising first and second limbs. The cooling air flow through the limbs, provides improved heat transfer compared with continued impingement cooling in the chordwise direction of the blade.
US07976276B2
A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine is disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root, the rotor blade further defining a pitch axis. The rotor blade assembly further includes a noise reducer mounted to the rotor blade. The noise reducer includes a base plate defining a base line, a plurality of noise reduction features extending from the base line, and a plurality of apertures defined in the base plate. Each aperture is positioned on an opposite side of the base line from the plurality of noise reduction features such that the aperture is fully defined in the base plate.
US07976273B2
A tip turbine engine assembly according to the present invention includes a load bearing engine support structure (12). The engine support structure (12) includes an engine support plane (P) that is substantially perpendicular to an engine centerline (A) and first rotationally fixed member (50) disposed about the engine centerline (A) and cantilevered from the engine support plane (P). A support member extends radially outward from the first rotationally fixed member (50) and structurally supports a second rotationally fixed member (58) that is coaxial with the first rotationally fixed member. A rotor is mounted on the first rotationally fixed member and rotates about the engine centerline (A).
US07976272B2
A compressor for a turbine engine includes an inflatable bleed valve that selectively bleeds core airflow from the compressor. The bleed valve has an inlet leading from the compressor and a passageway leading from the inlet. An inflatable valve selectively obstructs the passageway based upon a controlled supply of high pressure air to the inflatable valve. The supply of high pressure air may be compressed core airflow from an area downstream of the inlet to the bleed valve.
US07976266B2
A power system includes a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine may include a first portion, a second portion, and a longitudinal axis. The power system may also include a first moveable support engaged to the first portion of the gas turbine engine. The first moveable support may be operable to at least partially constrain movement of the first portion of the gas turbine engine during operation of the gas turbine engine. Additionally, the first moveable support may be operable to at least partially support the first portion of the gas turbine engine as the first portion of the gas turbine engine is moved away from the longitudinal axis independently of the second portion of the gas turbine engine.
US07976263B2
An integrated high speed robotic mechanism is disclosed for improving transport equipment, integrating an object movement with other functionalities such as alignment or identification. The disclosed integrated robot assembly typically comprises an end effector for moving the object in and out of a chamber, a rotation chuck incorporated on the robot body to provide centering and theta alignment capability, and an optional identification subsystem for identifying the object during transport. The present invention also discloses a transfer robot system, employing a plurality of integrated robot assemblies; a transfer system where a transfer robot system can service a plurality of connected chambers such as FOUP or FOSB; a front end module (FEM); or a sorter system. Through the use of these incorporated capabilities into the moving robot, single object transfer operations can exceed 500 parts per hour.
US07976262B2
This invention relates to a FOUP opener in which a FOUP is placed and the FOUP door of the FOUP can be detached so as to allow access to the interior of the FOUP. The FOUP opener includes a port door having an attaching/detaching mechanism for attaching and detaching the FOUP door and a holding mechanism for holding the FOUP door to be detached, and a port door moving unit for moving said port door holding the FOUP door so as that the FOUP is opened. The port door has a main structure in which said attaching/detaching mechanism is arranged and a surface panel to cover said main structure. The surface panel is detachable from said main structure at a front side of the FOUP opener.
US07976255B2
A vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle.
US07976254B2
A securing device for motorcycles and ATVs. The securing device comprises an anchor member that is detachably mounted to a floor of a transport vehicle and a coupling sleeve that engages with the footpeg of the motorcycle. A lever assembly is interposed between the coupling sleeve and the anchor member so movement of the lever member between a secured and release position results in the motorcycle or ATV being urged towards or away from the floor of the transport vehicle.
US07976253B2
A chuck for use with a manual or powered driver having a housing and a rotatable drive shaft extending therefrom is provided. The chuck includes a generally cylindrical body member having a nose section and a tail section. Each of a plurality of jaws is slidably positioned in one of a plurality of angularly disposed passageways in the body. Each jaw has a jaw face formed on one side thereof and threads formed on the opposite side thereof. A nut is rotatably mounted on the body in engagement with the jaw threads so that rotation of the nut moves the jaws axially within the passageways. A locking member, in a first axial position, is rotatable with respect to the driver housing. In a second axial position, it operatively engages the housing and the nut so that the locking member is rotationally held to the housing and the nut so that the nut is rotationally held to the housing. The locking member is axially reciprocal between the first axial position and the second axial position.
US07976249B2
Side milling cutter for manufacturing a stone or rock drill in which the cutting inserts each have a bearing lug with sloped sides, as well as a method of manufacturing a stone or rock drill with such a side milling cutter, and a cutting insert therefor having a bearing lug with sloped sides.
US07976246B1
A system for deploying a deepwater mooring spread from a floating vessel using at least two cranes each having a main block, a deepwater deployment system connected to at least one of the cranes, a reel drive, a structure for supporting the reel drive and a hang-off, a plurality of neutral buoyancy polymer lines deployable by the reel drive connectable to each other and the hang-off with chains and/or with remote operated vehicle connectors, at least two suction piles with anchor chains, and at least two buoys, one for each suction pile for connecting to the neutral buoyancy polymer lines.
US07976244B2
Disclosed is a system and method for installing docks. The system comprises a scaffold portion having at least a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be removably secured to a first dock portion. The second end of the scaffold portion has a template thereon adapted for positioning pilings of a second dock portion to be installed. The scaffold includes a support structure upon which a dock builder stands during installation of the second dock portion. The method comprises installing a first dock portion, removably securing a first end of a scaffold portion of a dock installation system to the first dock portion, lowering a second end of the scaffold portion such that the first end of the scaffold portion is cantilevered at the first dock portion, using a template on a second end of the scaffold portion to arrange and position one or more components of a second dock portion to be installed, and installing the second dock portion.
US07976243B2
Apparatus and methods for forming an underground passageway and simultaneously laying therein a conduit or other elongate components comprises a rotary drill member coupled to a rotary and axially movable drill stem. The coupling is one which virtually automatically enables the drill stem to be coupled to and uncoupled from the drill member and comprises interlocking driving lugs carried by the drill stem and the drill member. The driving lugs are sandwiched between telescoped portions of the drill member and the drill stem and thereby are reinforced by such portions of the drill stem and the drill member in such manner as to preclude movement of the driving lugs in both radially inward and radially outward directions.
US07976236B2
An applicator constructed such that when the user clicks a rear end of an inner barrel, a valve mechanism is actuated by moving the inner barrel relative to an outer barrel, whereby an application liquid is supplied to an applying element arranged at a front end part of the outer barrel, and that when a valve seat member and a valve rod member move relatively to each other, the valve mechanism can take a first state in which a piston portion on the front side of the valve rod member comes into sliding contact with a front-side liquid-tight portion inside the valve seat member, a second state in which both of the piston portion on the front side of the valve rod member and piston portion on the rear side of valve rod member do not come in sliding contact with the corresponding liquid-tight portions inside the valve seat member, and a third state in which the piston portion on the rear side of the valve rod member comes into sliding contact with the rear-side liquid-tight portion.
US07976228B2
A device for hands-free self-examination is provided comprising a viewing component having a mirror which is attached to a compliant receptacle. The receptacle being configured to receive filler material thereby enabling the device to be positioned on an irregular surface such that it substantially conforms thereto and enabling the mirror to be manipulated to any orientation.
US07976221B2
A system and method for improving lubrication in a fluid dynamic bearing are disclosed. A fluid dynamic bearing is formed. The fluid dynamic bearing comprises a shaft having an axis of rotation and a surface comprising a first groove at a first depth and a second groove at a second depth, wherein the first and second grooves are for supporting a film of lubricating fluid. The fluid dynamic bearing further includes a hub having an axis coincident to the axis of rotation and a complimentary surface juxtaposed to the shaft which is conducive to supporting the lubricating fluid such that the shaft is rotatably retained.
US07976214B2
A portable watch has a watch case body having front and back sides. A time display portion is disposed at the front side of the case body for displaying time. The back side of the case body has a lid-receiving surface and a concavity that opens at the lid-receiving surface. A back lid is disposed on the lid-receiving surface to close the interior of the watch case body from the back side thereof, and the back lid has marking indicia and a projection that engages with the concavity in the back side of the watch case body to position the back lid in a predetermined position in which the marking indicia align with the 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock direction of the time display portion. A holding ring is threaded onto the watch case body with the back lid clamped therebetween to removably attach the back lid to the watch case body while maintaining the back lid in the predetermined position.
US07976206B2
A light bulb includes a bulb body, a light guide, and at least one light-emitting diode (LED). The bulb body includes a light-transmitting shell and a conductive base. The light-transmitting shell is mounted to the base. A circuit board is fixed at one side of the base and is in electrical connection with the base. The LED is mounted to the circuit board that is arranged at one side of the base, and the LED is in electrical connection with the circuit board to provide an internal light source. The light guide is arranged inside the bulb body and has an end forming a cavity that receives the LED therein, whereby the light guide is set erect on the base. As such, advantages of easy manufacturing, reduced costs, operation safety, increased angular range of illumination, and extended lifespan can be provided.
US07976198B1
An apparatus, method, and system to provide, as one example, up-light for aerial viewing from downwardly aimed wide area, high intensity, lighting fixtures. The method controls a small percentage of light from the fixture to pass up and away for up-light, with the remainder used to produce a controlled, concentrated beam to a target. Some embodiments include a substantial amount of glare and spill light control. An apparatus can include a lamp and fixture with a visor length that is shorter than most conventional spill and glare control visors. The visor allows a controlled, relatively small percentage of direct light from the fixture for a desired or needed level of aerial illumination, but efficiently directs other light to the target. Optionally, a reflective plate is positioned inside the visor to reflect a small percentage of light from the fixture upwardly for up-light. Another embodiment can shift a fraction of light in direction(s) different than the main light output of the fixture.
US07976191B2
An LED light string includes series-connected groups of individual LEDs or sets of LEDs, with each LED or set of LEDs in each group being electrically in parallel with each other LED or set of LEDs and with a parallel group device that regulates voltage within the group when LEDs in that group fail. The current to the LEDs is rectified, either in the light string plug or receptacle, preferably the latter. The color of each light in the group, or colors of each set in the group must be the same but successive groups can include LEDs of different colors. In an alternative embodiment, the LEDs can be oriented so that half light on during the first half of an alternating current cycle and the other half light during the second half of an alternating current cycle.
US07976183B2
A backlight unit capable of preventing its mis-operation and the generation of sparks due to electrical connection defects is disclosed. The backlight unit includes: a plurality of lamps emitting lights; a lamp printed-circuit board including a power supply portion electrically connected to the plural lamps and a connector wiper transferring a drive voltage to be applied to the power supply portion; a connector including a connector housing, engaged with the connector wiper and electrically connected to the connector wiper, and wires electrically connected to the connector housing; and another printed-circuit board, electrically connected to the wires, applying the drive voltage to the lamp printed-circuit board. The connector housing includes stoppers extruded toward the lamp printed-circuit board. The stoppers prevent a contact defect of the connector wiper and the lamp printed-circuit board which is caused by the connector housing.
US07976182B2
An light emitting diode lamp assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a base, a ballast circuit mounted on a circuit board and operable to provide a desired output current and a light emitting diode electrically connected to the ballast and driven by the output current of the ballast circuit to provide light. The base is filled with a thermally conductive substance and the circuit board is mounted in the base and in thermal contact with the thermally conductive substance such that heat is drawn away from the light emitting diode through the circuit board and into the thermally conductive substance to the base.
US07976175B2
A ring lamp includes a light source having a first hollow cylinder with a lighting device disposed therein. The light source has an emitting surface with a light-emitting direction oriented toward an axis of the hollow cylinder. The lamp also includes a light directing device configured to direct light emission. The light directing device includes a lens system having a lens formed as a second hollow cylinder and configured to focus light into a radial plane which is orthogonal to the axis. The lens system has a ring-shaped aperture diaphragm disposed centrally in an optical path of the light emission behind the lens. The emitting surface of the light source and the lens system have a same length, are coaxial and axially aligned with each other. A radial surface which is defined by an inner radius of the lens system and the length of the lens system spans a delimited volume.
US07976172B2
Light emitted from a lamp enters a color wheel having a region for allowing a predetermined color to pass therethrough, is reflected on a mirror, and enters a DMD. After this, the light is reflected by the DMD and enters a color sensor, which then detects the color of the transmitting light. A projection apparatus automatically synchronizes the control on the rotation of the color wheel and the control on the proceeding direction of the transmitting light by the DMD, based on a color time-division pattern of the transmitting light detected by the color sensor.
US07976170B2
According to the present invention, a plurality of video image data are converted into individual spatial frequency information using Fourier transformation. The individual spatial frequency information is provided to a plurality of information display unit corresponding to the individual spatial frequency information. The spatial frequency information corresponding to the plurality of video image data is displayed on the plurality of information display unit, light is irradiated onto the plurality of information display unit using a plurality of light sources corresponding to the plurality of information display unit. The spatial frequency information that is displayed by the plurality of information display unit is projected by using diffraction light, and a plurality of video images are synthesized on projection surfaces.
US07976169B2
An apparatus (e.g. a display) including a display substrate and a waveguide. The waveguide may guide ultraviolet light from the light source onto the display substrate. The display substrate may include light emitting material configured to emit visible light in response to absorption of the ultraviolet light.
US07976165B2
An image generation unit with a geometry according to which a light input section and a light output section are formed and/or are arranged such that a light incidence axis or direction and an image emission axis or direction are essentially collinear, parallel, or coincident with respect to each other.
US07976164B2
The application relates to a rear projector and a rear projection method. There is provided at least one projection screen, at least two beamers, each of the at least two beamers generating one view of a scene into at least one viewing direction and projecting the view onto the rear side of the projection screen, at least one switcheable diffuser which is switcheable between a transparent state and a diffuse state, wherein in the transparent state each beamer generates a different view of a scene, and wherein in the diffuse state the beamers generate one view of a scene.
US07976156B2
A wearing-orientation selectable contact lens including: an optical zone; a first diopter power region provided in the optical zone; and a second diopter power region having a lens power that is more positive than that of the first diopter power region. A superficial center of the second diopter power region is decentered on a symmetrical meridian from a geometric center of the optical zone. A circumferential positioning member is provided so as to selectively set up: a first stable state where the superficial center of the second diopter power region is positioned to one of left and right side of the eye, and a second stable state where the superficial center of the second diopter power region is positioned to another of left and right side of the eye. A visible indicator mark is provided for identifying a lens orientation of the first stable state and the second stable state.
US07976155B2
An adapter to be applied in contact with an anterior corneal surface. The adapter includes a contact glass portion having a corneal contact surface curvature that is flatter than the undeformed anterior corneal surface. When the contact glass is applied the cornea assumes a deformed state corneal curvature that is parallel to the flatter corneal contact surface curvature. A mount portion circumferentially surrounds the contact glass portion and defines a suction duct that is structured to secure the adapter to the cornea by negative pressure when the suction duct is brought into contact with a surface of the eye surrounding the contact glass portion. The suction duct is partially defined by a peripheral edge of the mount that extends outwardly away from the mount portion and toward but not intersecting or extending beyond a geometric continuation of the corneal contact surface curvature.
US07976153B2
An inkjet printer comprises a body housing a print engine configured to transport and print upon print media; a cover pivotally mounted relative to the body and able to be pivoted to form a guide which can guide print media to the print engine for printing; a support configured to support the print media guided to the print engine and pivotally mounted relative to the cover so that the support can be retracted between the cover and the body; and a stepper motor for driving a sheet feed roller and a paper transport. The stepper motor drives the paper transport when operated in a forward direction, and drives the sheet feed roller when operated in the reverse direction.
US07976152B2
An image recording apparatus comprises a plurality of drums for holding a recording medium on their perimeter faces and for being able to rotate the recording medium, and printing unit, which are arranged as opposed to the perimeter faces of the drums, for being able to make printing on the recording medium. A tension generating unit for applying a tension to the recording medium is arranged in the upstream and the downstream of the drums on the conveyance path of the recording medium. A drum in the downmost stream side of the conveyance path is used as a driving drum, and the other drums are used as driven drums.
US07976142B2
A printer ink cartridge with a spring assembly pressurising the ink to dispense it when the outlet establishes fluid communication with the printer. The cartridge has an outer portion with the spring assembly and a base portion containing a deformable ink membrane for containing ink. At least part of the base portion slides against the outer portion, and the spring assembly presses the deformable ink membrane to dispense ink as the at least part of the base portion slides within the outer portion by application of a force. The cartridge also has an ink outlet for fluid communication with the printer.
US07976139B2
A liquid ejection head includes: a plurality of nozzles which eject liquid; a plurality of pressure chambers connected respectively to the plurality of nozzles; a common flow channel which is provided to be shared by the plurality of pressure chambers and has a plurality of supply flow channel connection ports and a plurality of circulation flow channel ports; a plurality of supply flow channels through which the liquid flows from the common flow channel to the plurality of pressure chambers via the plurality of supply flow channel connection ports; and a plurality of circulation flow channels through which the liquid flow from the plurality of pressure chambers to the common flow channel via the plurality of circulation flow channel ports, wherein the plurality of supply flow channel connection ports and the plurality of circulation flow channel ports are arranged so that a pressure differential of the liquid between the supply flow channel connection port and the circulation flow channel port which are connected to the same pressure chamber is equal in respect of all of the plurality of pressure chambers.
US07976134B2
A method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head includes: inserting a piezoelectric element unit into a storage portion of a case head while causing a fixed substrate to be struck to an inner surface of the storage portion of the case head by a magnetic force; and joining the piezoelectric element unit and the case head in a state of bringing at least part of side surfaces of the piezoelectric element unit into abutment with an alignment surface of the inner surface of the storage portion.
US07976132B2
A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is provided. The nozzle assembly comprises a nozzle chamber having a roof, the roof having a moving portion moveable relative to a static portion and a nozzle opening defined in the roof, such that movement of the moving portion relative to the static portion causes ejection of ink through the nozzle opening. The nozzle assembly also comprises an actuator for moving the moving portion relative to the static portion, and a mechanical seal interconnecting the moving portion and the static portion. The mechanical seal comprises a polymeric material selected from the group comprising: polymerized siloxanes and fluorinated polyolefins.
US07976130B2
A micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit featuring a nozzle chamber capped by an ink ejection port includes a paddle located in the nozzle chamber below the ink ejection port; an actuator arm having a fixed end fixed to the substrate and a working end displaceable towards and away from the substrate; and a motion transmitting structure interconnecting the working end of the actuator arm and a proximal end of the paddle. The actuator arm and the paddle are formed of the same material.
US07976128B2
There is provided a liquid transporting apparatus which includes a substrate having an insulating surface, a plurality of liquid transporting channels, a common liquid chamber which supplies a liquid to the liquid transporting channels, a plurality of individual electrodes arranged on the plurality of liquid transporting channels respectively, an insulating layer which covers the individual electrodes, a plurality of wire portions which are connected to the individual electrodes respectively, and a driver IC which applies a driving electric potential to the individual electrodes. Accordingly, it is possible to make simple a structure of the liquid transporting apparatus, and to reduce a manufacturing cost.
US07976118B2
A solid ink printer includes a solid ink transportation control system that helps ensure a continuous supply of solid ink to a melting device within a printer. The solid ink transportation control system includes an ink loss measurement circuit configured to identify an accumulated ink mass loss of ink from an ink reservoir in a printer and to generate an ink supply replenish signal in response to the accumulated ink mass loss reaching an accumulated loss threshold, a drive motor electrically coupled to the ink loss measurement circuit, the drive motor being configured to operate in response to the ink supply replenish signal, and an ink stick drive train coupled to the drive motor, at least a portion of the ink stick drive train moving towards a melting assembly in the printer in response to the operation of the drive motor.
US07976117B2
A printhead integrated circuit assembly includes a substrate having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements formed thereon, each micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement including a nozzle chamber defined by a crown portion, a skirt portion, and a wall portion; a lever arm included with the micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement, the lever arm connected at one end to the crown and skirt portions, and at another end to an actuator, the lever arm adapted to move the crown and skirt portions with respect to the wall portion; drive circuitry for supplying a current to the actuator, the current for heating a portion of the actuator to bend the actuator through thermal expansion; containment walls extending from the substrate to surround each micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement; and a nozzle guard mounted on the containment walls to individually enclose therein, together with the containment walls, each micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement, the nozzle guard defining therethrough a plurality of apertures aligned with nozzle openings of respective micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements.
US07976112B2
A stationary drawer glide and cabinet drawer are provided. The stationary drawer glide and cabinet drawer incorporating the drawer glide allow for a user to easily slide open and closed a cabinet drawer without causing damage or warping to the cabinet drawer, even if there are heavy objects in the drawer. The drawer glide includes a fastening portion adapted to be affixed to an interior cabinet wall, and top and bottom portions for supporting a drawer. The drawer glide may be made of a material with a smooth surface with a low coefficient of friction to facilitate easy gliding of the cabinet drawer.
US07976111B2
A support structure for a clothes washing machine is provided. The support structure includes a frame supporting a washing tub rigidly attached thereto, and a drum arranged inside the tub to rotate with respect to a substantially horizontal or slightly tilted axis, the frame having supports for installing a motor for driving the drum. The frame is made up of resistant elements including metallic plate elements shaped by cutting and folding, assembled and joined together by screw or deformation attachment devices, or by welding. The frame can be linked by a suspension system to a base constructed in a similar way, or the frame can be rigidly joined to the base.
US07976110B2
A hybrid braking system that operates in conjunction with a foundation braking system, whether an air, hydraulic, electric, mechanical or electric braking system. Recovered energy is returned to the axle wheels in a controlled manner while the vehicle is in motion and certain criteria are met so as to compensate for aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance for instance but not at a rate to accelerate or launch a vehicle.
US07976108B2
A controller which controls an electric motor in such a manner that a rotational speed detected in a motor rotational speed detecting module 29 becomes a target rotational speed set in a target rotational speed setting module 37 controls, when a deviation between the rotational speed and the target rotational speed is large, a normally open solenoid valve in such a manner that a controlled variable of the normally open solenoid valve becomes smaller when the deviation is small.
US07976106B2
The invention relates to a self-propelled civil engineering machine, in particular a road-milling machine, a road recycler, or a road stabilizer, having a frame carried by a set of running gear, a working unit for performing work required for the civil engineering operation, and in particular a working drum, and a drive unit carried by the frame of the machine, to drive the working drum. A power transmitter is used to transmit the driving power from the drive unit to the working unit. The drive unit of the self-propelled civil engineering machine has a first and a second drive engine, the power transmitter being so designed that the driving powers coming from the first and the second drive engines can be transmitted to the working unit together. With the design of drive according to the invention, a particularly space-saving construction is obtained for the drive and this allows the power of the drive unit to be increased without having to exceed the preset width for transport of the self-propelled civil engineering machine.
US07976103B2
A seat assembly and a method of control. The seat assembly includes a power recliner assembly that allows a seat back to pivot with respect to a seat bottom. The power recliner assembly includes a motor for rotating a recliner mechanism. A switch assembly is electrically coupled to the motor and disables operation of the motor when in an open condition.
US07976102B2
A seat includes a first seat body and a second seat body juxtaposed to and combined with the first seat body. The first seat body has a bottom provided with a first connecting plate. The second seat body has a bottom provided with a second connecting plate movably mounted on the first connecting plate of the first seat body. Thus, the distance and angle between the second seat body and the first seat body can be adjusted freely according to users of different sizes so that the seat is designed to satisfy the requirements of different users.
US07976093B2
A pivotal vehicle-based seat for use in a passenger compartment is disclosed. The rear seat assembly is supported by a seat support that is attached to the rear bulkhead at a first end and to the bottom of the seat base at the second end. The seat support enables the seat base to pivot from a use position to a to a compact storage position.
US07976076B1
The traction material dispensing apparatus mounts within the wheel well of a fender of a vehicle and is therefore visually and physically unobtrusive. The apparatus selectively dispenses traction material both in front of and behind a vehicle tire. A driver-accessed switch controls the apparatus dispensing of material. Of importance is that the manifolds, funnels, and nozzles are gravity fed by the vessel so that agitators and pressurized material flow assistance is not needed. Flappers within each manifold are controlled by the driver-actuated switch and control delivery of the traction material to the nozzles. As with the flappers, flow from the nozzles is controlled by a miniature DC (direct current) motor powered by the vehicle's electrical system. Screens ensure breakup of any clumps and therefore proper dispersion of traction material to the roadway.
US07976065B2
A steering column attachment assembly is disclosed for adjustably locating and securing after market steering columns to an automotive vehicle. The attachment assembly comprises a penannular flexible insert having inner and outer portions. The outer portion of the flexible insert comprises a plurality of sides. The attachment assembly also comprises a strap clamp having inner and outer regions and an opening provided to the inner region for receiving the flexible insert. The inner region and outer region are formed from a plurality of sides corresponding to the plurality of sides of the outer portion of the flexible insert such that the plurality of sides of the flexible insert and corresponding plurality of sides of the inner region of the strap clamp are in contact during assembly. The strap clamp features a plurality of adjustable compression members that engage the flexible insert.
