US08447333B2
A method for processing a first data stream specifying locations of a user at different times and a second data stream specifying values of a monitored attribute at a location of interest at different times includes: receiving a location-centric trigger specifying at least one spatial predicate condition relative to the location of interest and at least one non-spatial predicate condition relevant to the location of interest, calculating a safe region that includes locations whose probability of satisfying the spatial predicate condition falls below a first threshold, calculating a safe value container that includes values whose probability of satisfying the non-spatial predicate condition falls below a second threshold, and processing the first data stream and the second data stream against the location-centric trigger, by considering only those locations that are not contained within the safe region and only those values that are not contained within the safe value container.
US08447332B2
A platform for providing location-based services is disclosed. A location data collection client running on a mobile device periodically obtains data allowing determination of the geographic location of the mobile device (e.g., GPS, cell tower, or WiFi data) and transmits that data and mobile device-specific information to a location-based services (LBS) platform server. The LBS platform server determines geographic location of the mobile device from the received data. For example, the LBS platform server accesses databases associating latitude and longitude coordinates with cell tower data or WiFi data and updates mobile device location to maintain current location information for the mobile device, which can be used as a proxy for the location of a mobile device user. The LBS platform server further includes a set of APIs allowing third-party services providers to access to the location data.
US08447323B2
A method for acquiring positioning information includes receiving, at a mobile terminal (MT), downlink data in a plurality of downlink slot frames from a serving base station transmitting the downlink data over a first time period generally corresponding to the plurality of downlink slot frames. The MT experiences a relatively silent period during which the serving base station substantially ceases transmission to the mobile terminal during a second time period that defines a transmission power modification period. The MT also receives a preamble broadcasted by various neighbor base stations, the preamble broadcasted by such base stations occurring during a third time period which at least partially overlaps the second time period. The location or position estimate of the MT can be calculated based upon at least the preamble broadcasted by the neighbor base stations.
US08447322B2
A system and method for tracking a wireless communications device of a user may include, in response to receiving a request to track the wireless communications device, notifying a plurality of wireless networks of different communications carriers to collect geographic coordinates at which a wireless communications device is located. Geographic coordinates of the wireless communications device may be collected from at least one of the wireless networks and communicated to a requestor for tracking the wireless communications device.
US08447312B2
In a mobile station, correction information is obtained from a base station for correcting a transmission timing shift in an uplink line of the mobile station, and the transmission timing shift is corrected in accordance with the correction information. Within a period in which the correction information is valid, the mobile station requests communication resource allocation information from the base station, using a random access channel having guard time. In an alternate embodiment, if a communication resource for transmitting a control channel in the uplink line is assigned to the mobile station within a period during which the correction information is valid, the mobile station instead requests the communication resource allocation information from the base station using the control channel in an uplink line from the mobile station to the base station.
US08447309B2
System(s) and method(s) are provided for intelligent routing of communication(s) to international number(s) in a messaging service. To route a communication that includes an international number, format of the communication is established. A text-only communication is delivered through a messaging service transport protocol (MSTP) suitable for text. A media-based communication intended for a plurality of recipients, e.g., a group message, is ungrouped, the international number is identified, and a new message is generated for a group of recipients that excludes a recipient associated with the international number. The new message is delivered through a MSTP suitable for media, whereas an exception handling procedure is conducted for the international number. In addition, to route the communication that includes an international number, network interoperability of predetermined MSTP can be assessed. The communication is delivered through the predetermined MSTP if it is interoperable. Conversely, the communication is routed as a media-based group message.
US08447305B2
The invention supports two types of handoffs. The first handoff is for an inter-AN cell selection where the source AN allows the AT to add a cell under the control of a different AN to its active set and then allows the AT to switch to the target AN. A bearer path is established between the source and target AN to transfer the packet data traffic using an exchange of messages to register the AT's movement from one BTS to another BTS. The A8/A10 connections remain anchored at the source AN and, hence, a bearer path is needed between the source and target AN to transfer the packet data traffic. The second handoff occurs when the source AN specifies a move of the AT to a new AN proactively. New connections are established at the target AN to support the AT, and the AT is subsequently moved to the target AN via the relevant air-interface messaging.
US08447290B2
A device for programming user-defined information into an electronic device is provided. The programmer allows a user to program customized information, such as user-selected audio, video, or Internet access information into his or her programmable device. Such electronic devices include wireless telephones, pagers, and personal digital assistants. The programmer allows a user to, among other things, customize the device to suit his or her particular taste.
US08447289B2
A wireless communication and control system including a wireless device. There is a central server for storing communication protocols and control protocols and communicating the communication protocols and selectively communicating the control protocols between the wireless device and the central server. A communication protocol configures the system for communication and control protocols configure the system as one of a selection of intelligent appliance controllers. Alternately the control protocols configure the system as one of a selection of Internet terminals. The wireless device is any hand-held communication device, such as a hand-held computing device, wireless telephone, or cellular phone.
US08447287B2
A mobile communication device and method for reducing exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy during outgoing and incoming transmissions. During outgoing transmissions, media is stored in a local storage element on the mobile communication device as the media is being created. When the device is positioned a safe distance away from the user, the media is transmitted out of storage over the network to the recipient. Alternatively for incoming transmissions, media is stored on the network as it is created. While the wireless communication device is a safe distance away from the user, the media stored on the network is transmitted to the mobile communication device, where it is locally stored. The user of the mobile communication device can then review the incoming media at an arbitrary later time out of storage. As a result, the exposure of the user of the mobile communication device to RF energy for both outgoing and incoming transmissions is either substantially reduced or eliminated altogether.
US08447278B2
A communication assistance system has a first database haying a plurality of listings therein, each having at least one contact name and a corresponding contact number. A device is configured to receive a directory assistance communication from a device of a user requesting at least one listing. A past requested listing table for at least one of said users is configured to store prior requested listings obtained from the database, as previously requested by the user. The past requested listing table is generated by the system and transmitted for storage on the device of the user so that when the user contacts the system, with the at least one listing stored on the past requested listing table being masked, the system may allow a communication connection between the device and the listing on the past requested listing table.
US08447277B2
Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for performing automated events using a multi-femto cell service platform. For example, in one embodiment, one or more femto cells may communicate directly with each other in a decentralized network for performing user specified actions based on the detection of a cellular device. In other embodiments, the multi-femto cell platform may include a central server for controlling, managing, and monitoring the plurality of femto cells. Additionally, in some embodiments, a multi-femto cell platform may be utilized in an office environment to perform automated events within the office environment, such as, but not limited to, automatically logging a user on and off of a network device based on the presence of a cellular device corresponding to the user.
US08447270B2
When a device, such as a cellular phone, enters into a region, usage information pertaining to usage of devices in the region is provided to the device. For example, restrictions pertaining to usage of cellular phones while driving can be provided. Usage information also can be provided upon request or in accordance with various factors, such as subscriber preferences, elapsed time since the last time usage information was sent to the device, elapsed time since usage regulations have been enacted or updated, and/or the frequency of which the device is in the region. A region can include a geographic region, a political boundary, a country, a state, a municipality, a county, a parish, a township, a building (e.g., school, library, movie theatre, court house, local, state, or federal government building), a public place (e.g., restaurant, bus, train, taxi), a zip code, a telephone area code, or the like.
US08447266B2
Methods and system are provided for travelling subscribers of a mobile cellular communication networks (MCC) with a service for monitoring their movement in the coverage areas of the network and informing third persons about their movements. Travelling subscribers are provided a service for monitoring their movements between the MCC networks of GSM and UMTS standards, or between the segments of the networks, and for informing the recipients selected by the subscriber, or another authorized person, about the arrival of the subscriber. The service does not require modification or updating of the existing network infrastructure, or additional functionality for the infrastructure elements. Subscribers, upon their arrival at a new place, need not call relatives or send short SMS. The service is of particular value to the disabled.
US08447264B2
A system and method for using location data from actual 911 cell phone calls, to determine the coverage areas (orientation and range) of any sector (antenna) in a cell phone system. This coverage area is typically described as the area enclosed by a circular sector with the antenna at the center of the circle. The physical locations of the actually received 911 cell phone calls are determined with respect to the physical location of the antenna. These locations are typically defined in terms of latitude and longitude. A percentage of locations of the origins of the cell phone calls that is desired to be captured by the area enclosed by the circular sector are determined. Two variables are used to adjust the capture of the desired number of calls—the length of the arc (expressed in terms of the percentage of phone calls enclosed by a given length) and the radius of the circle (range of the antenna) (again expressed in terms of the percentage of calls enclosed by the resulting area). The purported coverage area of the antenna is received from the cell phone service provider. The actual determined coverage area (including the locations of received calls) and the purported coverage area can be graphically represented on a single output. This output can be used by various agencies to determine the proper routing of future emergency 911 cell phone calls to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) to assist them in determining how cell phone calls to the antenna should be routed.
US08447258B2
A method is disclosed for filtering communications channels in a telecommunications satellite to remove large unwanted interfering signals, which includes monitoring channels of an uplink signal by stepping across a channel with a first analog agile filter having a narrow bandwidth in relation to the channel, and at each step monitoring the signal within the channel step, in order to determine the presence of interfering signals, and configuring a second analog agile filter having an adjustable band stop function to block the interfering signals. The uplink signal has first and second signal paths for the uplink signal, and the method includes demultiplexing the channels of the uplink signal onto separate lines in the first path, carrying out the band stop function within the second signal path, and replacing with the remaining filtered part of the channel, by a switching operation, the demultiplexed version of the channel.
US08447256B2
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure an attenuating circuit comprises a balun configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal at first and second input ports and configured to output the RF signal. The circuit further comprises an attenuator coupled in parallel with the first and second input ports. A power level of the RF signal output by the balun is based at least partially on an impedance of the attenuator. The attenuator comprises a resistor ladder configured to receive at least a portion of the RF signal and a plurality of switches coupled to the resistor ladder. The plurality of switches are configured to open and close such that the impedance of the attenuator is a function of which switches are open and closed. Therefore, the power of the RF signal is controlled based at least on the opening and closing of the switches.
US08447247B2
An apparatus and a method for compensating for a Transmission (Tx) gain in a transmitter of a wireless communication system are provided. The apparatus includes a Tx Automatic Gain Control (AGC) for generating at least an adjustment value for controlling a Tx gain; a Tx Power Adjust (TPA) controller for generating a compensation value for compensating for Nonlinear Compensate Table (NCT) control information using frequency and temperature changes according to operations of the transmitter and the adjustment value provided from the Tx AGC; and an NCT controller for generating the NCT control information using the adjustment value provided from the Tx AGC, and compensating for the NCT control information with the compensation value output from the TPA controller.
US08447243B2
A configurable transceiver includes an RF receiver that generates a stream of inbound data from at least one received RF signal, wherein the RF receiver is configurable in response to a control signal. An RF transmitter generates at least one RF signal from a stream of outbound data, wherein the RF transmitter section is configurable in response to the control signal. A configuration controller generates the control signal based on channel data. A power management unit generates at least one receiver supply signal and at least on transmitter supply signal in accordance with a plurality of power consumption parameters, and wherein the power management unit adjusts at least one of the plurality of power consumption parameters based on the control signal.
US08447232B2
A communications system includes a multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) architecture for high capacity switched mesh networks. The MIMO architecture has a plurality of radio frequency chains. One of the plurality of radio frequency chains is configured to apply a first frequency offset to a base frequency of an output signal to generate a first transmitting frequency; and another of the plurality of radio frequency chains being configured to apply a second frequency offset to the base frequency to generate a second transmitting frequency. The system uses the carrier frequency offset to lock the clock of the master subsystem to the clock of the slave subsystem, thereby enabling bandwidth expansion to be employed on the MIMO data streams.
US08447223B2
A sheet conveying apparatus has a reference guide in which a reference surface that is elongated in a sheet conveying direction and abuts against an end portion of a sheet, an inclined surface which is provided upstream of the reference guide and which is inclined in a width direction intersecting with the sheet conveying direction so that an edge of the sheet is guided, the inclined surface intersecting the reference guide at an intersection, a sheet guide portion, a passage portion having an upstream area which is wider than the sheet guide portion in a vertical direction, a downstream area which is narrower than the upstream area in a vertical direction, and an inclined guide which is provided between the inclined surface and the reference surface, wherein a position of an upstream edge of the downstream area is provided between the intersection and the oblique conveying unit.
US08447217B2
A toner image can properly be transferred onto the second side of a paper sheet without being influenced by the toner image on the first side. There are provided a detection unit 20 for detecting overlap of the toner images on the first side and the second side of the paper sheet based on image data, and a transfer output adjustment unit 22 which changes a transfer voltage output for the second side in an area with the overlap of the toner images depending on the toner adhering amount of the first side.
US08447213B2
A printing method usable with an image forming apparatus includes initiating driving of a plurality of photosensitive bodies and a transfer belt, printing an image by transferring toner images formed on the plurality of photosensitive bodies to the transfer belt and finally transferring the toner images, which are transferred to the transfer belt, to paper, and stopping the driving of the plurality of photosensitive bodies and the transfer belt after the printing is completed. The initiating of the driving of the plurality of photosensitive bodies and the transfer belt includes applying drive initiating signals with a time interval to a first driving unit and a second driving unit to respectively drive the plurality of photosensitive bodies and the transfer belt to enable the plurality of photosensitive bodies and the transfer belt to simultaneously begin rotating/moving.
US08447212B2
An image forming apparatus includes an endless belt member; a drive unit moving the endless belt member; a first detecting unit detecting a rotating speed of the drive unit; a second detecting unit detecting an endless transport speed of the endless belt member; and a control unit controlling the rotating speed of the drive unit based on a first detection signal from the first detecting unit or a second detection signal from the second detecting unit selectively depending on a selection condition. Upon selection of the first detection signal in accordance with the selection condition, the control unit corrects the rotating speed of the drive unit using the second detection signal such that an average value of the endless transport speed of the endless belt member approaches a target average value.
US08447207B2
An aspect of the present invention is a protective sheet including: a protective portion that can be inserted between a charging member which is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of a latent image carrier and the latent image carrier, and that can cover an image forming area formed on the outer peripheral surface of the latent image carrier; and a high friction portion that is connected to an end portion of the protective portion, that can be inserted between a pressing portion for being pressed against a background area formed on the outer peripheral surface of the latent image carrier and the background area of the latent image carrier, and whose dynamic frictional force when pulled out from the latent image carrier is higher than that of the protective portion.
US08447198B2
An image forming apparatus includes an endless intermediate transfer belt rotatably stretched over a plurality of rollers, and a detector to read a pattern on the intermediate transfer belt. One of the rollers includes a first portion disposed opposite an area on the intermediate transfer belt including a pattern passing position, and a second portion not including a pattern passing position. The first portion has a diameter smaller than that of the second portion thereof, and an elastic material is superimposed on the second portion only. The detector is disposed between a second roller disposed upstream of the first roller and a third roller disposed downstream of the first roller, and opposite the intermediate transfer belt.
US08447188B2
A retro-reflective identification tag capable of modulating an optical signal whereby to support bi-directional communication with an associated remote optical interrogation device. The tag comprises a MOEMS modulating layer over a retro-reflective substrate, giving the tag a wide angle of effective operation. The tag modulator may optionally be switched on only responsive to detection of a precursor beam from the interrogation system in order to save power. The interrogation device may make use of multiple optical wavelengths for communicating with the tag.
US08447187B2
An optoelectronic interconnect which includes optical transmitter and detector having capacitances below 150 femto-Farads each suitable for transmission of optical signals at speeds at and above 20 Gigabit per second at power consumption below 10 milliWatt per Gigabit per second.
US08447186B2
A distortion compensator, an optical receiver and a transmission system including an operation selectively compensating for linear waveform distortion exerted on an optical signal via a plurality of distortion compensators and compensating for nonlinear waveform distortion exerted on the optical signal using nonlinear distortion compensators.
US08447179B2
A method applies fast and accurate autofocusing (AF) by using a contrast AF method in a digital photographing apparatus. In the digital photographing apparatus, when AF peaks of a subject of a central multi-point and a subject of a nearest multi-point are detected, further scanning is not performed. In addition, scanning is not performed on a region from which it is difficult to detect a peak, so that fast and accurate AF may be performed.
US08447170B2
A content provider transmits instructions to a content receiver to record multiple instances of content. The instances of content are included in the same frequency band of a broadcast transmitted by the content provider via a first communication link and scrambled utilizing the same control word. The content provider determines to supplement the multiple instances of content and transmits an instruction to record a supplemental instance of content from a second content provider via a second communication link. The content receiver receives the instructions and accordingly receives, descrambles, and stores the multiple instances of content and the supplemental instance of content. In some implementations, the first communication link may be a satellite communication link and the second communication link may be a different type of communication link such as a terrestrial broadcast communication link and/or an Internet protocol communication link.
US08447169B2
A process for creating an edited video media, utilizing a computer software system, which comprises the steps of, (a) obtaining some raw video footage, and uploading the footage into the computer software system, if necessary converting the raw video into digital form; (b) cataloguing the raw video footage in a database on the computer; (c) having an operator edit the raw video footage, following a predetermined and standard procedure to create a plurality of video clips; (d) having an operator edit the video clips, following a predetermined and standard procedure to create a plurality of selected shorter segments showing the highlights from at least some of the clips from step (c), and combined as another clip; (e) having an operator add a musical sound track, to the clips of steps (c) and (d); and (f) assembling the clips into a movie, adding standard titles before each clip, and a possibly a standard menu that indexes each clip.
US08447167B2
A recording/reproduction device is provided wherein service content having interactivity can be restored even when recorded. In recording mode, a transport stream from a receiving device 34 is received and a conversion device 36 converts this to a packet-multiplexed stream in a condition suitable for recording, which is then output as a converted stream. The conversion device 36 selects packets relating to a desired service from the transport stream and, of these packets, selects only packets needed for reproduction and uses these to generate a converted stream. A recording device 38 records this converted stream on a recording medium 44. In reproduction mode, the converted stream from recording medium 44 is read by means of a reading device 42 and supplied to a restoration device 40. Restoration device 40, in accordance with the content of this converted stream, restores and outputs a service content signal (for example a composite signal such as NTSC). A video/image output device 46 receives this service content signal and outputs video/images. These are recorded, still in packetized condition. Consequently, since recording can be achieved including the control data, recording/reproduction can be formed without impairing the functionality of the satellite broadcast provided by the control data.
US08447161B2
An imaging apparatus includes a setting unit and a display controller configured to control the display unit. A plurality of recording modes include a first recording mode which generates heat so that the temperature in the case reaches a predetermined temperature, and a second recording mode which generates heat so that the temperature in the case cannot reach the predetermined temperature. The display controller determines the remaining recording time based on the temperature of a case, and determines whether the set-up recording mode is the first recording mode, and determines, based on a result of the determination, whether to display a remaining recording time which is determined based on the temperature in the case, on the display unit.
US08447158B2
A repeater device comprises a determining section for determining whether the authentication with the sink device fails continuously for a predetermined time or more; a repeater information rewriting section for, when the determination is made that the authentication with the sink device has failed continuously for the predetermined time or more, rewriting the repeater information stored in the storage section into information indicating the sink device; and a second authenticating section for causing the source device to obtain the repeater information rewritten into the information indicating the sink device, and causing the source device to authenticate the repeater device.
US08447157B2
A fiber alignment device comprises a base having at least one alignment groove, a stripped portion of an optical fiber positioned in the at least one alignment groove, where a terminal end of the fiber extends beyond at least one of an end face of the base, and an end face of a cover bonded to the base to secure the optical fiber between the base and the cover, where an end face of the cover and the end face of the base are substantially non-parallel.
US08447154B2
A fiber optic cable having optical fibers such as a microstructured bend performance optical fibers disposed within a protective covering. The protective covering is highly flexible and the fiber optic cable has extremely low delta attenuation when aggressively bent compared with the conventional fiber optic cable designs. Other variations of the present invention include a connector attached to the fiber optic cable.
US08447150B2
An integrated optical circuit including an operational submicronic waveguide associated with an operational grating intended for the coupling with an optical fiber, further including an alignment grating, identical to the operational grating, associated with a blind waveguide and arranged at a known distance from the operational grating.
US08447149B2
An optoelectronic transmission device includes a base, an optical signal source positioned on the base, a light detector positioned on the base, a carrier covering the optical signal source and the light detector, a first lensed optical fiber and a second lensed optical fiber. The carrier has a first through hole, a second through hole and a reflective surface. The first lensed optical fiber is received in the first through hole. The first lensed optical fiber has a first lens opposing the reflective surface for directing first light reflected by the reflective surface into the first lensed optical fiber. The second lensed optical fiber is received in the second through hole. The second lensed optical fiber has a second lens opposing the reflective surface for directing a second light transmitted by the second lensed optical fiber to the reflective surface.
US08447146B2
A photonic interconnect method avoids high capacitance electric interconnects by using optical signals to communicate data between devices. The method can provide massively parallel information output by mapping logical addresses to frequency bands, so that modulation of a selected frequency band can encode information for a specific location corresponding to the logical address. Wavelength-specific directional couplers, modulators, and detectors, which can be fabricated at defects in a photonic bandgap crystal, can be employed for the photonic interconnect method. The interconnect method can be used for both classical and quantum information processing.
US08447142B2
Depth-of-field information is obtained from an image signal input from an external image source according to a predetermined acquisition timing. An image signal processing unit performs an image quality adjustment such that an edge enhancement level in an edge enhancement processing is increased adaptively with increasing depth of field of an image whereby the total quality of the image displayed is improved.
US08447141B2
The present invention relates to a device and method (100) of generating a depth map for an image using monocular information, the method comprising: generating (110) a first depth map for the image (205), wherein the first depth map corresponds with an estimate of a global depth profile of a scene depicted in the image, generating (120) a second depth map for the image, wherein a depth value associated with a pixel in the second depth map is based on depth values in the first depth map within a region spatially proximate to the pixel and at least one of color and luminance values of the image within the region and generating (130) a third depth map for the image using depth values from the first depth map and the second depth map, the generating scaling a depth difference, such that a difference between a depth value of the third and first depth map is scaled compared to the corresponding difference between a depth value of the second and first depth map. The invention further relates to a computer program product for use in executing the method according to the present invention.
US08447135B2
A process is proposed for using a degraded first image to generate a visually pleasing second image, which is a stationary point of an Euler's Elastica energy. The Euler's Elastica problem is converted into a well-designed constrained minimization which an Augmented Lagrangian method can be applied. The invention has applications to variational image denoising, repairing image inpainting, and image zooming. Certain embodiments of the invention have been found to be fast to converge and simple to implement.
US08447122B2
An apparatus for generating/decoding an animated image code, and a method thereof. The animated image code frame includes an image code frame which is divided into code cells expressing minimum unit data, and in which the minimum unit data is expressed in an area located inside the code cells and is formed by combining one or more color, gradation, and patterns; and a design layer which is formed by combining color or gradation used in the image code frame and color or gradation distinguishable on the basis of a threshold value, and which is displayed by overlapping the frame image. By utilizing changes in respective animated frames, an animated image code can be generated and decoded in which motion can be expressed by using a display medium.
US08447113B2
A character area extracting device includes a reflective and non-reflective area separation unit separating image data into reflective and non-reflective areas, and binarizing the image data by changing a first threshold value when it is inappropriate; a reflective area binarizing unit separating the reflective area into character and background areas, and binarizing it by changing a second threshold value when it is inappropriate; a non-reflective area binarizing unit separating the non-reflective area into the character and background areas, and binarizing it by changing a third threshold value when it is inappropriate; a reflective and non-reflective area separation evaluation unit; and a line extracting unit connecting the character areas of the reflective and non-reflective areas and extracting positional information of the connected character areas in the image data.
US08447112B2
A method for determining a confidence level to be used in identifying a vehicle. The method includes receiving a vehicle image, extracting a license plate image from the at least one vehicle image, determining a license plate number and associated confidence level based upon the license plate image, and comparing the associated confidence level against a confidence threshold. If the associated confidence level is below the confidence threshold, the method further includes extracting auxiliary data from the at least one vehicle image, corresponding the extracted auxiliary data and a set of stored auxiliary data, and updating the associated confidence level to produce an updated confidence level based upon the correspondence of the extracted auxiliary data and the set of stored auxiliary data.
US08447108B2
Provided are an apparatus and a method for extracting a target related to an algorithm separating the target and a background by using statistical characteristics of the target and the background among target extracting methods required in a weight value center tracking method, and recording media storing a program performing the method. According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively separate the target region and the background region from each other and it is possible to improve reliability in target extracting performance.
US08447104B2
A method, medium, and system compressing an image, and a method, medium, and system recovering an image. Values of colors of a pixel from among pixels making up an image are predicted from values of colors of a reference pixel corresponding to the pixel, and the predicted values of the colors of the pixel are corrected based on similarities in variations in color values in the image.
US08447103B2
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for compressing images. The invention is based on the fact that edge blocks contain much information in one direction (across the edge), but very little information in the other direction (along the edge). By encoding edges explicitly, it is possible to obtain a high quality to a very low cost for many blocks. A block is encoded by first specifying the orientation of the edge in the block, and then specifying the profile across the edge using a function with a small number of parameters.
US08447100B2
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method of detecting a human component from an input image. The apparatus includes a training database (DB) to store positive and negative samples of a human component, an image processor to calculate a difference image for the input image, a sub-window processor to extract a feature population from a difference image that is calculated by the image processor for the positive and negative samples of a predetermined human component stored in the training DB, and a human classifier to detect a human component corresponding to a human component model using the human component model that is learned from the feature population.
US08447070B1
An electronic device can utilize image capture technology to detect the presence and location of another device. Using this information, the electronic device can display, in a user interface, a graphical element representing a detected device, along with identity information and the location of the detected device relative to the electronic device. The location of each detected device relative to the electronic device can be tracked and thus the graphical element can be updated in the user interface.
US08447068B2
A method for characterizing a flue gas burnout quality of a combustion process in a combustion system having a gas burnout zone includes optically detecting in a visible wavelength range, in a flow cross section of the gas burnout zone, low-soot combustion regions, regions without combustion, and sooting regions, so as to provide a plurality of successive individual images, the regions without combustion and the sooting regions having different dynamics. The plurality of successive individual images are analyzed so as to distinguish regions of transition, to the low-soot combustion regions, of the regions without combustion and the sooting regions.
US08447066B2
A hardware, firmware, and/or software facility (“facility”) for providing information relevant to rendered documents is described. In some embodiments, the facility identifies multiple versions of an electronic document corresponding to a rendered document captured by a capture device. The facility may then provide a person utilizing the capture device with various ways to interact with one or more versions of the electronic document. In some embodiments, the facility determines that use of a rendered document is restricted, such as by copyright, to some degree. The facility may then offer the person the option to obtain unrestricted use of the rendered document. If the person accepts, the person obtains the right to store captures of the rendered document. If the person declines, the facility automatically discards captures of the rendered document. In some embodiments, the facility may automatically purchase rights to restricted-use rendered documents based upon the person's pre-defined criteria.
US08447065B2
To modify a facial feature region in a video bitstream, the video bitstream is received and a feature region is extracted from the video bitstream. An audio characteristic, such as frequency, rhythm, or tempo is retrieved from an audio bitstream, and the feature region is modified according to the audio characteristic to generate a modified image. The modified image is outputted.
US08447060B2
An earphone comprises a trumpet unit, a hollow shield, and a guide sound tube: the shield is hollow to receive the trumpet, has a sound chamber and an opening, and the opening inclines an acute angle from the trumpet unit; the guide sound tube is disposed at the opening with an end communicating with the sound chamber and another end extending to the opening. The earphone is capable of presenting the high and low pitches completely and providing a better sound quality by way of the acute angle between the opening and the trumpet unit.
US08447053B2
A flat speaker apparatus including a driving circuit module, a flat speaker and a thermally conductive connector, and with a heat dissipating structure is introduced. The flat speaker includes a porous electrode and a vibrating film. The porous electrode causes the vibrating film to vibrate according to an audio signal output from the driving circuit module for generating sound. The thermally conductive connector connects the driving circuit module and the flat speaker to conduct heat from the driving module to the flat speaker for dissipation. A method for heat dissipation of the flat speaker is also introduced herein.
US08447048B2
In the specification and drawing a control volume system is described and shown for synchronizing a sound volume of an electronic device and another sound volume of the peripheral device according to a volume specification of the electronic device and another volume specification of the peripheral device. Moreover, a control volume method and the electronic device are also disclosed in the specification and drawing.
US08447041B2
An electricity-to-sound converter reproduces a sound according to a first audio signal. A sound collector outputs a second audio signal. A first frequency band limit filter filters the second audio signal. A sound leakage evaluating block evaluates a leakage of a sound reproduced by the electricity-to-sound converter on the basis of the first audio signal and the filtered second audio signal. A multiplier multiples the first audio signal by a coefficient approximating a transmission characteristic between the electricity-to-sound converter and the sound collector when the sound reproduced by the electricity-to-sound converter leaks outside a housing to be picked up by the sound collector. A second frequency band limit filter filters the multiplied first audio signal and supplies the filtered first audio signal to the sound leakage evaluating block. The first frequency band limit filter and the second frequency band limit filter have passing bands of 1 kHz to 3 kHz.
US08447033B2
A method and system for protecting a broadcast frame are provided. A frame broadcasted through a packet switching network is protected and a wireless LAN system is included. A current frame is authenticated based on a TESLA scheme. The authentication of the broadcast frame can be performed without a time difference.
US08447031B2
An earpiece can include an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM), an Ear Canal Receiver (ECR), a transceiver, an illumination element, and a processor to provide visual operational mode indication via the illumination element. The operational mode can correspond to an active phone call, an incoming phone call, a terminated phone, a caller-on-hold condition, a recording mode, a voice mail mode, a mute mode, an audible transparency mode or an ear-plug mode. The intensity, frequency, amplitude, color or duration of the lighting can be adjusted according to the operational mode.
US08447025B2
Systems and methods for retrieving household data based on an origination identifier. In an embodiment, an origination identifier of a communication is captured. The origination identifier is indexed into a master table comprising a plurality of records. Each of the records comprises an association between an origination identifier and a universal database linkage key, and each universal database linkage key comprises an index into one or more databases. A universal database linkage key associated with the captured origination identifier is retrieved and indexed into one or more databases. Household data associated with the captured origination identifier is retrieved from the one or more databases and communicated to at least one recipient.
US08447024B2
A system, computer-readable medium system, and method which provide a ENUM specification in an LNP environment where an originating device of a first service provider dials a dialed call for forwarding to a terminating device of a second service provider. There is provided a combined LNP and ENUM database having a central location which is in communication with both an originating office and a terminating office. Both the originating office and the terminating office can look up and use LNP and ENUM information from the combined database.
US08447021B2
A communication system comprising: a terminal having: an interface to a network, whereby the terminal can be connected to another party on a communication session; an output for outputting a communication stream received from another party on a communication session; and a source of play-out stream independent of a communication session; and a communication controller for managing a communication session terminated at the terminal, the communication controller being configured to: a) when it detects that the terminal has been placed on hold in a communication session, cause play-out stream from the source of play-out stream to be directed to the output; and b) when it detects that the terminal has been taken off hold in the communication session, cause communication stream from the communication session to be directed to the output.
US08447015B2
A method and system for processing messages within the framework of an integrated message system. Recipients of messages in an integrated messaging system are provided with an authentic impression of the received message. In a first step, a message received within the framework of an integrated messaging system is automatically translated. Language detection and dictation system is provided. The message contents of the incoming message as well as its segments and parameters are simultaneously utilized to generate additional information regarding the sender and the information, which is suitable to give the recipient an impression of the received message in the most authentic form possible.
US08446996B1
A gain controller for a wireless communication system sets the receiver gain during the initial time duration of a preamble, and for each subsequent symbol computes a new gain value, which is applied at the end of each symbol. An analog to digital converter resolution controller sets the resolution of the ADC to a high resolution during a preamble interval and a first symbol interval, and to a comparatively lower resolution thereafter until the end of the frame. When a new zone is entered, the first symbol of the new zone is sampled at a higher resolution than the subsequent symbols.
US08446992B2
A digital exciter is presented herein for use in RF broadcasting and wherein the exciter employs pilot signal compensation. This includes an input digital circuit for receiving a modulated digital data at an input sample rate for RF broadcasting at a desired RF frequency. The pilot frequency may be displaced from a desired location at the frequency band because of an error in the input sample rate. A digital compensator determines whether the pilot frequency is displaced and provides a digital correction signal in accordance therewith. A digital correction circuit corrects the pilot frequency in accordance with the correction signal.
US08446986B2
A method of estimating log-likelihood ratios for first and second streams of samples of a received S-FSK signal demodulated using first and second carriers includes estimating channel and noise parameters associated with first and second transmitted values for the first and second streams of samples obtained from the received S-FSK modulated signal. Current signal-to-noise ratios are estimated for current samples of the first and second streams of samples obtained from the received S-FSK modulated signal using the channel and noise parameters. The estimated current signal-to-noise ratios are compared with values of a discrete ordered set and respective pairs of consecutive values of the discrete ordered set between which the estimated current signal-to-noise ratios are comprised are identified. Log-likelihood ratios are estimated for the current samples of the first and second streams.
US08446977B2
The invention relates to information transmission methods, in particular to the communication interfaces of electronic devices. The inventive method makes it possible to increase the communication range and reliability by improving noise protection through the compensation of a noise signal during the transmission and reading of the signal in both wires of a communication line. The inventive method involves connecting the first pole of a voltage supply source to the first wire of a two-wire transmission line via a first resistor and connecting the second pole of said voltage supply source to the second wire of the two-wire transmission line via a second resistor. Moreover, the first and second resistors have the equal resistance values, and a receiver is connected to the two-wire transmission line between a transmitter and the voltage supply source and is provided with two current sensors. A reading signal is defined as the sum of absolute values of the measured currents.
US08446976B2
Phase of an output signal is based on comparison of an oscillating signal with an adjustable threshold. Here, adjustment of the threshold results in a corresponding adjustment of the phase of the output signal. For example, the adjustable threshold may comprise an adjustable bias signal for a transistor circuit whereby the oscillating signal is provided as an input to the transistor circuit and the output of the transistor circuit provides the output signal. In some aspects these phase adjustment techniques may be employed to provide one or more tunable multiphase clocks.
US08446974B2
A mechanism for jointly correcting carrier phase and carrier frequency errors in a demodulated signal. A computer system may receive samples of a baseband input signal (resulting from QAM demodulation). The computer system may compute values of a cost function J over a grid in a 2D angle-frequency space. A cost function value J(θ,ω) is computed for each point (θ,ω) in the grid by (a) applying a phase adjustment of angle θ and a frequency adjustment of frequency ω to the input signal; (b) performing one or more iterations of the K-means algorithm on the samples of the adjusted signal; (c) generated a sum on each K-means cluster; and (d) adding the sums. The point (θe,ωe) in the 2D angle-frequency space that minimizes the cost function J serves an estimate for the carrier phase error and carrier frequency error. The estimated errors may be used to correct the input signal.
US08446969B2
Peak power is reduced without causing degradation of EVM. A multi-carrier transmission apparatus comprises: a first amplitude suppression unit suppressing amplitude of an oversampled multi-carrier signal; a first Fourier transform unit transforming an output signal of the first amplitude suppression unit into a frequency domain; a first signal suppression unit suppressing a signal outside a band of the output signal from the first Fourier transform unit under a predetermined condition; and a first inverse Fourier transform unit receiving a multi-carrier signal with respect to a signal within the band, receiving the output signal of the first signal suppression unit with respect to a signal outside the band, and inverse Fourier transforming these received signals.
US08446965B2
A compression noise reduction apparatus includes a peripheral pixel state determination module, a filter strength determination module, and a deringing processing module. The peripheral pixel state determination module determines a state of a flat area and an edge area at a periphery of a filtering target pixel in decoded image. The filter strength determination module determines a filter strength to be used in filter processing in accordance with the state of the flat area and the edge area. The deringing processing module performs deringing processing using the determined filter strength.
US08446962B2
An encoder comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to (i) generate a cropped video signal in response to separating a video signal and (ii) generate overscan information describing a shape of an overscan region. The video signal conveys an image having a picture region containing image information and the overscan region. The cropped video signal conveys the picture region. The second circuit may be configured to generate a digital video bit-stream in response to compressing said cropped video signal. The overscan region is absent from the digital video bit-stream as transmitted from the encoder.
US08446960B2
The present invention is based on the finding that pictures or a picture stream can be encoded highly efficient when a representation of pictures is chosen that is having different picture blocks, wherein each picture block is carrying picture information for picture areas smaller than the full area of the picture and when the different picture blocks are carrying the picture information either in a first color-space representation or in a second color-space-representation. Since different color-space-representations have individual inherent properties with respect to their describing parameters, choosing an appropriate color-space-representation individually for the picture blocks results in an encoded representation of pictures that is having a better quality at a given size or bit rate.
US08446949B2
A distributed coded video decoding apparatus includes a key picture decoding unit for reconstructing a key picture, a side information generation unit for generating side information using the key picture and/or previously reconstructed WZ pictures, a side information update unit for updating the side information using the side information and corrected reconstructed video, a channel code decoding unit for decoding quantization symbols, a video reconstruction unit for reconstructing a current WZ picture using the quantization symbols and the side information, and a video correction unit for calculating the reconstructed data reliability using channel code decoded data reliability of the decoded data and/or the reconstructed video reliability determining whether to correct the reconstructed video and determining a correction value based on the calculated the reconstructed data reliability and then correcting the reconstructed video.
US08446946B2
A video processing method is implemented by transmitting and receiving devices, and includes: obtaining a standard resolution source image frame from an image sequence, and detecting a network bandwidth; when an encoding bit rate of the source image frame exceeds the network bandwidth, decreasing a resolution thereof to obtain reduced image frame content and generating a relay image frame containing the same and having an encoding bit rate not exceeding the network bandwidth; generating an encoded image frame by encoding the source or the relay image frame, and sending the encoded image frame to the receiving device; and decoding the encoded image frame to obtain the source or the relay image frame, and recovering from the relay image frame, when obtained, a restored image frame corresponding to the reduced image frame content and having the standard resolution. A video processing system is also disclosed.
US08446932B2
A waveform reconstruction system and method for using the same are disclosed. The system includes an RF down-converter that receives a signal and outputs a down-converted signal. A demodulator demodulates the down-converted signal to generate a recovered digital data stream. A pattern detector detects a predetermined pattern in the recovered digital data stream. A delay generator delays the down-converted signal and outputs a delayed copy thereof. A signal processing circuit combines the delayed copy with previously received delayed copies of the down-converted signal to reconstruct an averaged waveform from the plurality of delayed copies having the predetermined pattern.
US08446927B2
A semiconductor laser device includes a p-type clad layer and an n-type clad layer, a p-side guide layer and an n-side guide layer interposed between the p-type clad layer and the n-type clad layer, and an active layer interposed between the p-side guide layer and the n-side guide layer. The active layer includes at least two quantum well layers and a barrier layer interposed between the quantum well layers adjoining to each other. Each of the p-type clad layer and the n-type clad layer is formed of a (Alx1Ga(1-x1))0.51In0.49P layer (0≦x1≦1). Each of the p-side guide layer, the n-side guide layer and the barrier layer is formed of a Alx2Ga(1-x2)As layer (0≦x2≦1). Each of the quantum well layers is formed of a GaAs(1-x3)Px3 layer (0≦x3≦1). The (Alx1Ga(1-x1))0.51In0.49P layer has a composition satisfying an inequality, x1>0.7. The Alx2Ga(1-x2)As layer has a composition satisfying an inequality, 0.4≦x2≦0.8.
US08446919B2
A service switching method, system, and device are provided. The method includes: receiving a control message for switching between a unicast service and a multicast service; and reusing access line resources of the multicast service when the multicast service is switched to the unicast service, or reusing access line resources of the unicast service when the unicast service is switched to the multicast service according to the control message.
US08446910B2
Embodiments described herein achieve even traffic load-balancing among physical ports in a port channel with 2N ports of a networking switch. Embodiments may derive an upper limit of hash values given all the possible number of ports within a port channel. Based on the determined upper limit of hash values, embodiments provide the steps to evenly distribute hash values among ports in a port channel when adding or deleting a port to achieve even traffic load-balancing among ports in a port channel all the time.
US08446882B2
An efficient link adaptive scheme according to a channel status in a broadband wireless communication system is disclosed. In applying an adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) scheme, modulation and coding selection (MCS) subsets are determined from all or part of MCS set in accordance with a service type or channel status, whereby feedback overhead is reduced and efficient link adaptation is performed in conjunction with a downlink power control scheme.
US08446878B2
A method and mobile stations for performing a zone switch, are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes: receiving, at the mobile station and from a target base station configured to operate in accordance with a first and a second protocol, a ranging response message of the first protocol including zone switch parameters used to perform zone switch from a first zone of the target base station corresponding to the first protocol to a second zone of the target base station corresponding to the second protocol; and performing, at the mobile station, the zone switch from the first zone to the second zone using the zone switch parameters.
US08446869B2
An operation method of the femto BS includes configuring a subframe set including at least two types of subframes among subframes having predefined different structures, and, if a duration of a subframe carrying the subframe set arrives, transmitting one of the subframes included in the subframe set according to predefined order. The subframes having the predefined different structures include a first type subframe including a synchronization signal and a Master Information Block (MIB), a second type subframe including the synchronization signal, a third type subframe including the synchronization signal and system information, a fourth type subframe including the synchronization signal, the MIB, and the system information, and a fifth type subframe including the system information.
US08446868B2
Systems and methodologies are described herein that facilitate processing and pruning of blind decoding results (e.g., associated with grant signaling) within a wireless communication environment. As described herein, blind decoding results associated with grant signaling and/or other suitable signaling can be pruned in various manners, thereby reducing false alarm probabilities associated with such results. For example, techniques are provided herein for constraining respective decoding candidates to possible radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) values, performing validity checking on payload of respective decoding candidates, and selecting a most likely decoding candidate from a previously pruned set of candidates. Further, techniques are described herein for generating filler bits (e.g., padding bits, reserved bits, etc.) in a grant message according to a predefined pattern, thereby enabling checking of such bits to further reduce false alarm rates.
US08446864B2
A node and method for handling barring of services in an Evolved Packet System (EPS) enabled network using an amended full Access Point Name (APN). The Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of the APN is amended to include an extension, which indicates that the corresponding APN is to be excluded from Operator Determined Barring (ODB).
US08446850B2
A network element (for providing multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) over a communication system that comprises a broadcast multicast service centre (BM-SC) wherein the network element comprises logic for allocating broadcast control plane traffic to at least one first radio network control entity dedicated to handle control plane traffic and allocating broadcast data plane traffic to at least one second radio network control entity dedicated to handle data plane traffic.
US08446846B1
In Voice-over-IP or like systems, audio mixers are used for implanting conferencing applications for IP networks. In such systems, a problem exists as how to pass through user signal events, such a DTMF digits, in-band as well as out-of-band telephony events (RFC 2833/4733) because they are not handled well in such systems. In accordance with the invention, a signalling event in incoming audio packets or user signalling event received out-of-band is detected at one of the inputs. A meta-data representation of the signal event is attached to the audio and passed through the mixer for regeneration, as in-band or out-of-band telephony events, on the other side of the mixer.
US08446842B2
A method and an apparatus for identifying sub-graphs similar to a sample sub-graph from a network, in particular for identifying similar community structures from a network, are disclosed. Specifically, when a sample sub-graph is a community structure, it usually contains a plurality of nodes densely associated with each other. The method proposes first screening the network via key nodes of community structures so as to find sub-graph candidates that are potentially similar to the sample sub-graph, then strictly comparing the sub-graph candidates with the sample sub-graph to find similar sub-graphs of the sample sub-graph.
US08446837B2
A data filtering method for removing invalid data in 3G data stream which is received. The data filtering method includes the following steps. At first, a step (a) of receiving a 3G data stream continually is performed. Then, a step (b) of determining whether the 3G data stream comprises a complete filtering unit is performed. If the 3G data stream comprises a complete filtering unit, a step (c) of determining whether the 3G data stream includes invalid data is performed. If the 3G data stream includes invalid data, a step (d) of marking the invalid data according to a predetermined protocol is performed. Finally, a step (e) of filtering out the marked invalid data is performed.
US08446835B2
The invention relates to a method and a termination node for bundling multiple messages into a packet having a predetermined maximum size. The total size of messages received from an upper layer is checked if it is large enough to fill the maximum-sized packet. If not, the receipt of further messages is waited for a bundling delay time and if the bundling delay time has expired the messages received during said delay time are bundled into the packet. In order to ensure primarily a maximal bundling efficiency and secondarily a lowest possible delay time for the received messages before they are bundled the bundling delay time is calculated in response to an average arrival rate and an average size of the previously received messages such that the bundling delay time corresponds to an average time to fill the packet of the predetermined maximum size.
US08446829B2
A Call Server in a network is able to monitor an offered rate of incoming calls per Access Gateway (AGW). A calculated GlobalLeakRate can be distributed between the AGWs in proportion to the traffic rate they offer. A leak rate calculation method is used to calculate the GlobalLeakRate control parameter of the ETSI_NR restrictor at an overloaded Control Server The leak rate calculation is based on the POTS call rejection rate. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the calculation is based on bringing the call reject rate close to a configurable low target reject level. An MGC is able to identify the end of an overload event with a greater degree of confidence and an AGW is able respond appropriately if the AGW is prematurely instructed to stop the control.
US08446827B2
A radio communication terminal includes a link-usage level calculating section that calculates usage level of a radio link, and a data reception continuation/suspension determining section that determines continuation of data reception or suspension of data reception according to the level of usage calculated by the link-usage level calculating section. The link-usage level calculating section calculates a current usage level indicating a level of usage of the radio link associated with current data reception in the radio communication terminal. The data reception continuation/suspension determining section determines continuation of data reception when the current usage level is equal to or higher than a reference level of usage being a threshold and determines suspension of data reception when the current usage level is lower than the reference level of usage.
US08446810B2
An information recording medium includes a track on which a data sequence is recordable, and at least one of a PIC area in which a recording condition for recording the data sequence on the track is recorded. The recording condition includes a parameter for adjusting a position of a trailing end of a cooling pulse in a recording pulse waveform for forming the recording mark. The parameter is classified using a combination of a length of the recording mark, a length of a first space located adjacently previous to the recording mark and a length of a second space located adjacently subsequent to the recording mark. A recording apparatus is provided for recording a data sequence on an information recording medium based on the recording condition recorded on the information recording medium. An evaluation apparatus is provided for evaluating an information recording medium having the recording parameter recorded thereon.
US08446805B2
A disc-shaped information recording medium includes a laminate of recording layers on and from which an information signal can be optically recorded and reproduced from one side of the medium. Data areas are provided in the recording layers, respectively. The information signal can be recorded on and reproduced from the data areas while a laser beam emitted from an optical pickup is applied to the data areas. Optical recording test areas are provided in the recording layers, respectively. A test signal can be recorded on and reproduced from the optical recording test areas to decide optimum power values of the laser beam for signal recording. The test areas are out of overlap as viewed in a direction of propagation of the laser beam.
US08446803B2
According to one embodiment, an information storage medium includes an organic dye material which records information with a light beam having a wavelength equal to or smaller than 620 nm.
US08446792B2
A temperature sensing circuit activates a sensing signal when sensing that a temperature inside a semiconductor integrated circuit is lower than a predetermined temperature. A heat generation control circuit activates a heat generation control signal when the sensing signal is activated. When the heat generation control signal is activated, a current is generated inside a memory circuit to raise the temperature inside the semiconductor integrated circuit.
US08446791B2
A process-tolerant large-swing sense amplifier with latching capability includes top-array and bottom-array access. The sense amplifier provides improved tolerance to process variation, reduces design complexity, reduces power consumption, and reduces the physical footprint of the circuit. In addition, the sense amplifier provides write-through functionality through the read data bus.
US08446782B2
A semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of memory layers arranged in multilayer, each memory layer including a cell array, the cell array containing a plurality of first parallel lines, a plurality of second parallel lines arranged crossing the first lines, and a plurality of memory cells connected at intersections of the first lines and the second lines; a pulse generator operative to generate pulses required for data access to the memory cell; and a control means operative to control the pulse generator such that the pulse output from the pulse generator has energy in accordance with the memory layer to which the access target memory cell belongs.
US08446780B2
A control circuit during an erase operation sets a voltage of a first line connected to a selected cell unit to a voltage larger than a voltage of a gate of a first transistor included in the selected cell unit by an amount of a first voltage, sets a voltage difference between a voltage of a first line connected to an unselected cell unit and a voltage of a gate of a first transistor included in the unselected cell unit to a second voltage which differs from the first voltage, applies in the selected cell unit and the unselected cell unit a third voltage to a gate of at least one of dummy memory transistors in a dummy memory string, and applies a fourth voltage to a gate of another one of the dummy memory transistors in the dummy memory string, the fourth voltage being lower than the third voltage.
US08446779B2
A non-volatile memory device includes a floating gate with pyramidal-shaped silicon nanocrystals as electron storage elements. Electrons tunnel from the pyramidal-shaped silicon nanocrystals through a gate oxide layer to a control gate of the non-volatile memory device. The pyramidal shape of each silicon nanocrystal concentrates an electrical field at its peak to facilitate electron tunneling. This allows an erase process to occur at a lower tunneling voltage and shorter tunneling time than that of prior art devices.
US08446774B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell, a bit line, a source line, and a sense amplifier. The memory cell has a stacked gate including a charge accumulation layer and a control gate. The bit line is electrically connected to a drain of the memory cell. The source line is electrically connected to a source of the memory cell. The sense amplifier, during erase verification to determine whether or not a threshold voltage of the memory cell in an erased state is at a threshold level, reads the data from the memory cell and senses the data with a first voltage applied to the control gate of the memory cell, with a positive second voltage higher than the first voltage applied to the semiconductor substrate and the source line, and with a third voltage higher than the second voltage applied to the bit line.
US08446763B2
A semiconductor memory device, a method of manufacturing the same, and a cell array of a semiconductor memory device are provided. The semiconductor memory device includes: a first gate insulation layer and a second gate insulation layer, being spaced a predetermined distance from each other, on a portion of a semiconductor substrate; a select gate on the first gate insulation layer; a floating gate on the second gate insulation layer; a third gate insulation layer on the floating gate; a control gate on the third gate insulation layer; a first ion implantation region in the semiconductor substrate between the select gate and the floating gate; a second ion implantation region in the semiconductor substrate at a side of the select gate opposite the first ion implantation region; and a third ion implantation region in the semiconductor substrate at a side of the floating gate opposite the first ion implantation region.
US08446759B2
A method and device for performing a program operation of a phase change memory (PCM) cell. The method includes the steps of applying one or more programming pulses according to a predefined programming scheme to achieve a target resistance level of the PCM cell, wherein the programming scheme is operable to perform in a first programming mode one or more annealing steps to approach the target resistance, wherein the programming scheme is operable to perform in a second programming mode one or more melting steps, wherein the programming scheme is operable to start in the first programming mode and to switch to the second programming mode if the target resistance level of the PCM cell has been undershot in the first programming mode.
US08446758B2
Some embodiments include a device having memory elements and methods of storing information into the memory elements. Such methods can include increasing a temperature of a portion of a memory element for a time interval during an operation to change a resistance state of the memory element. After the time interval, the methods can include decreasing the temperature of the portion of the memory element. Decreasing the temperature can be performed using a signal having a first negative slope and a second negative slope. Other embodiments are described.
US08446753B2
A method of selecting a reference circuit for a write operation is disclosed. The method comprises selecting a reference circuit for a write operation based on an output of a row decode circuit and a column decode circuit. The reference circuit is programmed concurrently with a write operation of at least one of a plurality of memory cells in a memory array without requiring an external reference circuit write command.
US08446752B2
An electronic device that includes a first programmable metallization cell (PMC) that includes an active electrode; an inert electrode; and a solid electrolyte layer disposed between the active electrode and the inert electrode; and a second PMC that includes an active electrode; an inert electrode; and a solid electrolyte layer disposed between the active electrode and the inert electrode, wherein the first and second PMCs are electrically connected in anti-parallel.
US08446748B2
What is disclosed is a novel memory array and process for creating a memory array to reduce wireline variability. The method includes accessing a routing design of a memory array with a plurality of memory cells. Each memory cell in the array includes one or more access devices, and a group of wires electrically connected between one or more of the memory cells and peripheral circuitry (PC). The group of the group of wires is divided into at least one subgroup (N). Next, a capacitance (C1, C2 . . . CN) of each wire in the subgroup (N) is calculated. Continuing further, a maximum capacitance (CMAX) of wires in the subgroup (N) is determined. An add-on capacitance to be added to a number (NA) of the wires in the subgroup (N) is calculated.
US08446747B2
A power converter includes a bus capacitor connected between a positive line and a negative line of a power supply bus and multiple switching legs connected between the positive line and the negative line of the power supply bus. Each switching leg includes two field-effect type transistors connected in series. The power converter also includes a first switch connected to the positive line of the power supply bus, upstream of the bus capacitor, a second switch connected to the positive line of the power supply bus, downstream of the bus capacitor, and a controller that controls the first switch and the second switch.
US08446743B2
This patent document discloses power electronic transformers having a high-frequency link. An example apparatus include a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the transformer is configured to receive a primary power signal having a first frequency, a primary converter configured to selectively oscillate polarity of the primary windings with respect to the secondary windings at a second frequency, the second frequency substantially substantially higher than the first frequency, a secondary converter coupled to the secondary winding, the secondary converter configured to provide a load power signal using a high frequency power signal generated using the secondary winding. The secondary converter can be configured to reduce current flow in the primary winding when the polarity of the primary winding is switched, the reduced current follow is configured to reduce disturbances resulting from leakage inductance of the transformer.
US08446739B2
An electronic circuit device comprising an attaching material between an electronic component and a circuit board is disclosed. A bonding resin is situated on a side of an electronic component and flowed between the electronic component and a circuit board. The flow action may be facilitated by thermoplasticity and capillary action.
US08446734B2
The invention relates to a circuit board having high density circuit and excellent connection reliability and lamination reliability. A resin fabric cloth (4) is provided by arranging single fibers (4a) or fiber bundles composed of a plurality of single fibers, which single fiber has a linear thermal expansion coefficient smaller than that of silicon, at least in two directions and alternately weaving them. In the board, the resin fabric cloth is covered with a resin portion (5) made of a resin material having a linear thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of silicon.
US08446727B2
There is provided an electronic component which comprises an insulating member on which an electronic element is mounted, and a thermal diffusion member on which the insulating member is mounted, wherein a thermal expansion coefficient of the insulating member is lower than a thermal expansion coefficient of the thermal diffusion member, and the insulating member is mounted in an embedded manner in a recess formed on a surface of the thermal diffusion member.
US08446724B2
In an electric connection box, a heat insulation wall is vertically extended in a case. This forms, between the heat insulation wall and the inner wall of the case, an ascending flow path where air can ascend and a descending flow path where air can descend. An upper communication opening and a lower communication opening that connect between the ascending flow path and the descending flow path are arranged at the upper end and the lower end, respectively, of the heat insulation wall. A relay is placed in the ascending flow path. Among the regions of the case, a region forming the descending flow path is provided with a heat radiation wall section for releasing heat of air in the descending flow path to the outside of the case.
US08446720B2
A mounting apparatus for mounting an expansion card to a rear panel of an electronic device includes a latching member, an operation member, and two connection members. The latching member includes four drive plates, a connection plate, and four latching portions. Each of the drive plates defines a rail therein. The operation member includes four pins, a handle, and a resilient portion. The resilient portion includes a latch block. The two connection members pass through the latching member and the rear panel. Each of the four pins is slidably received in the rail to rotate the latching member, each of the four latching portions is received in a first block plate of the expansion card, the latch block of the operation member is received in a latch of the rear panel, thereby mounting the expansion card to the rear panel.
US08446717B2
A laptop computer includes a first chassis accommodating a display section; a second chassis accommodating an operation control section; and a hinge mechanism coupling the first and second chassis. The hinge mechanism includes a hinge bracket inside an escutcheon part of the first chassis and having a base end side coupled with a hinge axle. A slanted extension part is provided to a side edge portion of the escutcheon part from a side corresponding to a tip of the hinge bracket to a side corresponding to the base end of the hinge bracket. A slanted part which corresponds to the slant of the extension part is provided to a side edge portion of the one side of the second chassis. The hinge bracket is fixed to the first chassis with a tip portion of the hinge bracket abutting a slanted back surface of the extension part.
US08446716B2
A combinative outer frame for a flat panel display (FPD) and a FPD and a manufacturing method of the FPD are provided. The outer frame for the FPD includes a front frame, a support frame, and an elastic pad. The support frame is disposed opposite to the front frame and includes a ridge which protrudes upon it; two sides of the elastic pad are joined to the front frame and the support frame respectively so that the ridge is pressed into it. This design causes tighter joining between different components of a frame, so as to prevent dust from invading FPD modules.
US08446709B2
An identification system is provided for an electrical system. The electrical system includes a switchgear enclosure, a number of electrical switching apparatus, and a racking mechanism movably coupling the electrical switching apparatus to the enclosure. The identification system includes a control mechanism having a controller and a plurality of software programs. The controller includes a number of inputs from a corresponding one of the electrical switching apparatus, and a number of outputs to the racking mechanism. Each software program provides functionality to the outputs to control racking movement of a predetermined type of electrical switching apparatus. Responsive to the inputs from the electrical switching apparatus, the controller identifies the predetermined type of electrical switching apparatus, and then automatically selects a corresponding one of the software programs to control movement of the electrical switching apparatus. Thus, the same controller is operational with different predetermined types of electrical switching apparatus.
US08446704B2
A timing device without a neutral line is disclosed, comprising a hot line (L line) input, a hot line (L line) output, a second filter module, a triac, a current limiting module, a current rectifying module, a SCR, a first filter module, a MCU, a display module, an operation interface module, and a power input module provides the power required for entire operations. And, the operation interface module can input the control signal into the MCU and further output a signal to the second filter module for filtering to conduct the SCR and finally through the current rectifying module and the current limiting module to conduct the triac. Therefore, the current can enter into the AC output for providing electronic power.
US08446690B2
A perpendicular magnetic recording write head that a write pole, an electrically conductive coil coupled to the write pole for generating magnetic flux in the write pole in the presence of electrical write current, and a spin torque oscillator (STO) that injects auxiliary magnetic flux to the write pole in a direction generally orthogonal to the write pole to facilitate magnetization switching of the write pole. The STO comprises a stack of layers including electrodes, a pinned ferromagnetic layer having a fixed, a free ferromagnetic layer having a magnetization free to rotate, and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the pinned and free layers. The free layer may be oriented either substantially orthogonal to the write pole or substantially parallel to the write pole, in which latter embodiment a flux guide may be located between the free layer and the write pole for directing the auxiliary magnetic flux from the free layer to the write pole.
US08446689B2
A high speed magnetic data writer containing a stitched pole tip that works in conjunction with the main pole is disclosed, together with a process for their manufacture. The material composition of each of these two sub-structures is slightly different; one sub-structure is optimized for high magnetic damping while the other sub-structure is optimized for high saturation magnetization.
US08446686B2
According to one embodiment, an information storage apparatus, includes: a recording medium with a first servo pattern having absolute position information and a second servo pattern having relative position information; a record reproducing head; a standard position detector calculating a standard position of the second servo pattern where an absolute position on the recording medium is specified, from a positional relationship between the first servo pattern and the second servo pattern; a head position controller positioning the record reproducing head in a target position on the recording medium, using the absolute position information of the first servo pattern, the standard position, and the relative position information of the second servo pattern; and a record signal generator generating a record signal to record a third servo pattern having absolute position information on the recording medium in the target position by the record reproducing head.
US08446685B2
One aspect of the embodiment utilizes a servo frame interval correction apparatus which includes a detection unit for detecting a first servo frame formed on said recording medium. The apparatus includes an acquiring unit acquiring a detection time interval between said first servo frame and a second servo frame detected subsequently to the first servo frame from a table storing a detection time interval between a specific servo frame and a servo frame detected subsequently to the specific servo frame. The apparatus includes a differential calculation unit calculating a differential between the detection time interval acquired by said acquiring unit and a reference time interval; and a correction unit correcting an estimated position of said second servo frame based on the differential calculated by said differential calculation unit.
US08446679B2
A zoom lens system includes a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, and a negative third lens group, in that order from the object side, wherein upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group decreases, wherein the following condition (1) is satisfied: −2.45
US08446675B1
An image waveguide includes an in-coupling region for receiving input light into the image waveguide and an out-coupling region for emitting output light from the image waveguide. The in-coupling region includes at least one in-coupling structure orientated to direct the input light into the waveguide for propagation towards the out-coupling region as guided light. The out-coupling region includes a two dimensional array of out-coupling mirror structures orientated to reflect the guided light out of the waveguide as the output light.
US08446669B2
An apparatus for adjusting a microscope stage. The microscope stage of the apparatus defines a plane on which an object to be examined can be placed. The apparatus further includes a first shaft and a second shaft rotationally coupled to the first shaft. The microscope stage is guided between the first and second shafts such that a rotational movement of at least one of the first and second shafts has a direct effect on the microscope stage.
US08446668B2
A microscope apparatus includes an illumination optical system that illuminates a sample with illumination light from a light source; an imaging optical system that converges light emitted from the sample to form a sample image by an objective lens; an aperture member disposed in the illumination optical system in the vicinity of a conjugate plane of a rear focal plane of the objective lens and having an aperture for limiting illumination light; and a filter member that includes a phase plate disposed in the imaging optical system in the vicinity of the objective lens rear focal plane or in the vicinity of the conjugate plane of the objective lens rear focal plane and having first and second phase areas introducing a 180-degree phase difference into the light from the sample; a phase boundary portion between the first and second phase areas being disposed in a conjugate aperture of the aperture.
US08446666B2
The present invention discloses a non-quarter wave multilayer structure having a plurality of alternating low index of refraction material stacks and high index of refraction material stacks. The plurality of alternating stacks can reflect electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet region and a narrow band of electromagnetic radiation in the visible region. The non-quarter wave multilayer structure, i.e. nLdL≠nHdH≠λ0/4, can be expressed as [A 0.5 qH pL(qH pL)N 0.5 qH G], where q and p are multipliers to the quarter-wave thicknesses of high and low refractive index material, respectively, H is the quarter-wave thickness of the high refracting index material; L is the quarter-wave thickness of the low refracting index material; N represents the total number of layers between bounding half layers of high index of refraction material (0.5 qH); G represents a substrate and A represents air.
US08446664B2
An electrophoretic medium comprises a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase. The discontinuous phase comprises a plurality of droplets, each of which comprises a fluid and at least one charged particle disposed within the fluid and capable of moving through the fluid upon application of an electric field to the electrophoretic medium. The continuous phase surrounds and encapsulates the discontinuous phase and comprising a polymeric binder and a salt, the salt having an anion containing at least one fluorine atom and having a water solubility of at least about 0.25 per cent by weight at 25° C.
US08446663B2
There are provided an electronic paper display device and a method for manufacturing the same. The electronic paper display device includes a first substrate having a first electrode made of transparent material and formed thereon; a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate with a predetermined space and having a second electrode formed thereon; a display element layer formed between the first substrate and the second substrate and having a plurality of display elements arranged thereon, the display elements having optical characteristics changed by voltage applied to the first and second electrodes; and vibration parts formed on the first substrate or the second substrate and configured to apply vibrations to the display elements by the voltage applied to the first and second electrodes.
US08446657B2
Embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for producing polarized light, having a modulator crystal, where the modulator crystal incorporates a birefringent electro-optic material. The modulator crystal has an optic axis, a first polarization axis, and a second polarization axis, where the first polarization axis and second polarization axis are each perpendicular to the optic axis and perpendicular to each other. The apparatus can also include an electrode pair, where application of an electric field modulates light passing through the modulator crystal that is polarized along the first polarization axis. Embodiments pertain to a method and apparatus for modulating light. The apparatus incorporates a modulator crystal having an electro-optic material. The device also has at least two electrode pairs, where each electrode pair modulates light passing through the modulator crystal that has a direction of travel that has a component parallel to the optic axis.
US08446647B2
An image reading device includes: a line illuminator for irradiating a document G; an erecting equal-magnification lens array operative to condense light reflected by the document G and including a stack of a first lens array plate and a second lens array plate each provided with an arrangement of a plurality of lenses on both sides thereof; a line image sensor operative to receive the light condensed by the erecting equal-magnification lens array; a housing for securing the line illuminator, the erecting equal-magnification lens array, and the line image sensor in their places; and a first light shielding member, a second light shielding member, and a third light shielding member operative to prevent light not contributing to imaging from entering the lenses. The first light shielding member, the second light shielding member, and the third light shielding member are formed as one piece with the main part of the housing.
US08446645B2
An image reading apparatus including a sheet conveyance unit that conveys the sheet via a conveyance path; a reading unit, which is movable within a reading area; an image data generation control unit that is configured to control: the reading unit to read the sheet at the reading position while conveying the sheet through the reading position so as to generate an entire image data of the sheet; and generate an entire image data of the sheet; a determination data generation control unit that is configured to: control the reading unit to read the sheet by the image data generation control unit; and generate a partial image data of the sheet including the leading end portion as a determination data; and a determination unit that determines whether or not a state of conveyance of the sheet is normal based on the determination data.
US08446644B2
Disclosed herein is a scanner apparatus. The scanner apparatus includes a light source, a reflecting means and an imaging means. The light source is located under an object, and radiates light so that the light is reflected from the object. The reflecting means is placed under the light source at a specific angle of inclination with respect to a surface of the object, and folds the path of the light when the light radiated by the light source is reflected from the object. The imaging means is placed along the path of the light reflected from the reflecting means, and condenses light reflected from the reflecting means and then acquires an image of the object.
US08446638B2
In summary, the present invention provides a method, apparatus and program product for calculating an estimate of the amount of toner coverage required for printing print data defined in a compressed data stream. The estimate is obtained with reduced processing by obtaining coverage data from a partially decompressed formed of the data stream and using this to obtain the coverage estimate, thus removing the need to do a full de-compression of the data stream. For example the coverage data is a count of toned pixels for at least one intensity level.
US08446635B2
A method and apparatus sense the replacement of a used component with a new component within the apparatus using sensors within the apparatus. The method/apparatus can then automatically display a message on a graphic user interface of the apparatus in response to the sensing of the replacement. This message provides information for recycling the used component, and the message provides a shipping option for shipping the used component to an appropriate recycling location. If the shipping option is selected, the method/apparatus retrieves a shipping address from memory within the apparatus and prints a shipping label for shipping the used component to the recycling location using a printing engine operatively connected to the apparatus.
US08446632B2
An image forming apparatus having: a plurality of image forming sections each of which forms images of respective colors; an intermediate transfer belt; and a control section which executes a color registration correction process and a deviation correction process, wherein the color correction process includes: forming test images on the intermediate transfer belt by the plurality of image forming sections; measuring the test images thereafter; and correcting image forming positions of the image forming sections in response to the measurement results; and wherein the deviation correction process includes: detecting a deviation of the intermediate transfer belt; and correcting the detected deviation, and wherein, when an amount of correction in the deviation correction process exceeds a predetermined level during the execution of the color registration correction process, the control section executes the color registration correction process again.
US08446629B2
There is described an image forming apparatus, which makes it possible to prevent a final print product from getting its appearance worse due to such a drawback that a reference mark still remains on the final print product. The apparatus includes: a setting section to make the display section display a setting screen for inputting setting information therefrom, the setting information being in regard to a post-processing use page including a reference mark to be used for post processing; an image processing section to create image data representing a second image of the post-processing use page, based on the setting information inputted from the setting screen; and a print processing section to print the first images of the pages included in the document and the second image of the post-processing use page onto first paper sheets and a second paper sheet being separate from the first paper sheets, respectively.
US08446613B2
An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printing device includes an input unit for inputting a search condition for searching for a desired printing device, a display unit for displaying at least one printing device that satisfies the search condition, a selection unit for selecting a printing device from the at least one printing device displayed by the display unit, and a setting unit for setting the search condition input by the input unit as a printing setting for the printing device selected by the selection unit in accordance with selection of the printing device by the selection unit.
US08446606B2
Display control is made so as to obtain an optimum setting picture plane in accordance with a change in designation of an outputting method of a distribution printing, a multiple-address printing, an automatic substitute printing, or the like without allowing the user to be conscious thereof.
US08446599B2
Methods and structures for processing JDF elements for a printing system by translating JDF elements into corresponding command language strings for output to a printer. The command language strings are associated with a priority value. The generated command language strings are output in an order based on the associated priority values so that the intended semantic and scope of the JDF elements may be maintained in the generated command language strings. The translation may use one or more translation tables to match a JDF element path name for a received JDF element with one or more entries in one or more translation tables. The matching table entries may specify a corresponding command language string and a priority value to be output to a printer. The generated command language strings and associated priority values may be stored in a memory structure to permit output in the desired order.
US08446596B2
A signal processing apparatus includes a first signal processing unit and a second signal processing unit. The first signal processing unit executes a first predetermined operation with respect to first and second signal groups and to extract a first component having a predetermined characteristic when an optical signal output device is in a normal state, the first signal group whose amplitude or direct current component gradually increases with a predetermined direction displacement of a displacement detection target, the second signal group whose amplitude or direct current component gradually decreases with the predetermined direction displacement of the displacement detection target. The second signal processing unit executes a second predetermined operation with respect to the first and second signal groups and to extract an output containing a second component, which is peculiar to an optional position of the displacement detection target.
US08446585B2
The optical assemblies disclosed herein advantageously utilize a beamsplitting apparatus in association with (i) the illumination path or (ii) the collection path of a color measurement instrument. Thus, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide one or more initial beams of light to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to illuminate a target using at least a first and second of the plurality of resultant beams. Alternatively, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide light received from a target to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to detect at least a first and second of the plurality of resultant beams of light. Advantageously, each of the first and second resultant beams is a product of a distinct set of one or more spectral constraints exacted by the beamsplitting apparatus.
US08446584B2
A Mueller ellipsometer of the type having a first rotating element on an incident beam side of a sample and a second rotating element on a reflected beam side of the sample and a detector having an integration time, having a controller for selectively and separately adjusting (1) a first angular frequency of the first rotating element and (2) a second angular frequency of the second rotating element.
US08446579B2
An inspection device is for inspecting a spatial light modulator having a plurality of optical elements arrayed two-dimensionally and controlled individually. The inspection device includes a Fourier transform optical system which is arranged optically downstream the spatial light modulator and which forms a Fourier transform plane optically in a Fourier transform relation with an array plane where the plurality of optical elements are arrayed, a photodetector having a detection surface arranged on or near the Fourier transform plane, and an inspection unit which inspects optical characteristics of the plurality of optical elements, based on a result of detection by the photodetector.
US08446577B2
A method for determining an angular orientation of a sensor relative to a source. The method including: amplitude modulating at least two synchronized polarized Radio Frequency (RF) carrier signals with a predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation of their electric field components and their polarization states to provide a scanning polarized RF reference source with a desired scanning range, pattern and frequency; detecting the scanning polarized RF reference source at the sensor; and using peak detection or pattern matching analysis on a signal detected at the sensor to determine the angular orientation of the sensor relative to scanning polarized RF reference source.
US08446567B2
A calibration method to calibrate an encoder position measurement system of a stage, the encoder position measurement system including an encoder grid and at least two sensor heads cooperating with the encoder grid, each sensor head providing a sensor head output signal showing a position sensitivity in a horizontal and a vertical direction, the method including a) moving the stage such that the sensor heads are moved with respect to the encoder grid, or vice versa; b) during the moving, measuring the position of the stage with respect to the encoder grid by the two sensor heads; c) determining a vertical position data map from the sensor head output signals of the dual sensor heads; d) calculating a horizontal position data map from the vertical position data map; and e) calibrating the encoder position measurement system applying the calculated horizontal position data map.
US08446566B2
The invention relates to a method of loading a first object on a second object in a lithographic apparatus. The method includes: a) loading the first object on the second object, b) waiting a predetermined time interval and c) performing a relaxation action. The first object may be a substrate and the second object a substrate table. The first object may also be a substrate table and the second object a support structure, supporting the substrate table.
US08446564B2
A detection method for detecting a property of an extended pattern formed by at least one line generally extending in a first direction. The extended pattern is formed on a substrate or on a substrate table and preferably extends over a length of at least 50× the width of the line. The extended pattern is focus sensitive. The detection method includes moving the substrate table in a first direction and measuring along that first direction a property of the extended pattern. The property can be a result of a physical property of the extended pattern in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In a next step a calibration of the substrate table position can be derived from the measured position of the extended pattern.
US08446559B2
A method of forming a stereoscopic liquid crystal display comprises providing an LCD panel, the LCD panel having a display area and a non-display area; disposing a lenticular plate on the LCD panel wherein a space is defined between a surface of the LCD panel and a surface of the lenticular plate; forming a seal between the surface of the LCD panel and the surface of the lenticular plate, the seal formed around the perimeter of the display area; forming a hole in the lenticular plate, the hole providing an air conduit that communicates with the space between the surface of the LCD panel and the surface of the lenticular plate; evacuating air from between the space; and filling the hole with a finishing material to maintain the vacuum between the lenticular plate and the LCD panel.
US08446544B2
A light emitting module and a display device having the same, are discussed. The light emitting module according to an embodiment comprises a board, a plurality of light emitting devices on the board, and a phosphor film covering the light emitting devices and covering and extending along areas between the light emitting devices.
US08446538B2
A display substrate may include a substrate, a first pixel electrode, a first switching element, and a second switching element. The first pixel electrode may be disposed in a first pixel area of the substrate and may include high and low electrodes. Short sides of the first pixel area may be defined by first and second data lines adjacent to one other. A long side of the first pixel area may be defined by a first gate line. The high electrode may be adjacent to the first data line, and the low electrode may be adjacent to the second data line. The first switching element may be electrically connected to the first gate line and the first data line, and may contact the high electrode. The second switching element may be electrically connected to the first gate line and the second data line, and may contact the low electrode.
US08446533B2
In an AV system in which a television apparatus and a recorder are individually connected to an AV amplifier through an HDMI, in the case where sound is output from the AV amplifier, if insertion of headphones into the television apparatus is detected, control information to switch the destination of the audio data is transmitted from the television apparatus to the AV amplifier. The AV amplifier switches the destination of the audio data that is input from the recorder from a speaker output section to the television apparatus in accordance with the control information. Thus, even if the headphones are inserted into the television apparatus while the AV amplifier is outputting sound reproduced by the recorder, the sound can be output from the headphones.
US08446531B2
A system and method for detecting a sampling clock offset of an analog-to-digital converter used to digitize an analog image signal. A method comprises buffering samples of an analog image signal, computing a value of an autocorrelation function using the buffered samples and a delayed version of the buffered samples, and repeating the computing a value for delays in a range of delays. The method also comprises computing a sampling frequency offset from the values of the autocorrelation function and changing a sampling frequency using the sampling frequency offset.
US08446526B2
It is an object to suppress a disturbance or distortion of an insertion image in the vicinity of an effective image edge portion such as an edge portion of a screen or the like caused by a moving compensation type frame rate conversion (FRC). An image processing device is provided with a moving vector detection circuit (2) for detecting a moving vector of an input image signal, an effective image edge portion judging circuit (5) for judging if a moving vector detecting position is adjacent to the effective image edge portion, and a vector switching circuit (3) for switching a vector in accordance with the judging result. The vector switching circuit (3) fixes the vector to 0 vector in the case where the moving vector detecting position is adjacent to the effective image edge portion. In the case where the position is in other region, the vector switching circuit (3) outputs the moving vector detected by the moving vector detection circuit (2) to an insertion vector allocation circuit (4).
US08446525B2
A technique for deinterlacing an interlaced video stream is disclosed. A embodiment of a method includes calculating a pixel using edge detection, calculating a pixel using vertical interpolation, calculating a pixel using weaving, calculating a confidence level, calculating a motion value, blending the edge pixel calculation with the vertical interpolation calculation to generate a first output pixel calculation, the blending being based on the confidence level, and blending the first output pixel calculation with the weaving calculation to generate a second output pixel calculation, the blending being based on the motion value.
US08446512B2
An optical system includes, in order from its object side a negative first lens unit, a positive second lens unit, a negative third lens unit, and a positive fourth lens unit. The air gaps between the lens units are variable during zooming. The first lens unit includes one positive lens, the second lens unit includes one negative lens, the third lens unit consists of one or two lens components, and the fourth lens unit consists of one lens component, where the term “lens component” refers to a single lens or a cemented lens. The system satisfies the condition “0
US08446510B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for measuring the skin condition of a face detected from an image and improving the face image. The apparatus for improving a face image in a digital image processor comprises a digital signal processor measuring the skin condition of a face detected from an image, correcting a rough portion of the skin of the detected face according to the measured skin condition and displaying the corrected image.
US08446508B2
A solid state imaging device improving and stabilizing imaging characteristic by optimizing a location of a positive hole accumulation layer to an electrode at the periphery of a light receiving portion, and having light receiving portions formed on a substrate and electrodes formed on the substrate at the periphery of the light receiving portion, each electrode including at least a first electrode to which a positive voltage is applied and a second electrode to which only 0 volt or a negative polarity voltage is applied, each light receiving portion having a signal charge accumulation region formed on the substrate and a positive hole accumulation region formed in a surface layer portion of the signal charge accumulation region, each positive hole accumulation region arranged at a distance from the first electrode and arranged so as to overlap the second electrode, and method of producing the same and a camera.
US08446499B2
An image capturing apparatus includes an infrared cutoff filter, an image capturing device having a plurality of pixels for detecting light transmitted through the infrared cutoff filter, and four optical filters disposed on a light-detecting surface of the image capturing device. The four optical filters include a first filter for transmitting light having a wavelength longer than a first wavelength, a second filter for transmitting light having a wavelength longer than a second wavelength, a third filter for transmitting light having a wavelength longer than a third wavelength, and a fourth filter for transmitting light having a wavelength longer than a fourth wavelength. The infrared cutoff filter transmits light having a wavelength shorter than a fifth wavelength. A processor calculates blue-, green-, red-, and infrared-component pixel signals from pixel signals that are produced by the pixels of the image capturing device.
US08446490B2
A digital video capture system for capturing a digital video sequence and for producing a corresponding video summary, comprising: an image sensor; an optical system; a processor, a softcopy display and a means for providing a user with an option to view either a stored digital video sequence or a video summary on the softcopy display. The processor performs the steps of: capturing a digital video sequence; automatically analyzing the digital video sequence at the time the digital video sequence is captured to determine one or more feature values; compressing the digital video sequence; storing the compressed digital video sequence; automatically analyzing the feature values to identify one or more key video snippets, assembling the key video snippets to form a video summary; and storing a representation of the video summary.
US08446485B2
An image processing apparatus, including: an image obtaining means that obtains an image; a color area detecting means that detects a predetermined color area from the image thus obtained by the image obtaining means; an area specifying means that specifies an area to be adjusted based on saturation and brightness of the color area thus detected by the color area detecting means; and a color adjusting means that adjusts at least one of a hue, the saturation and the brightness of a pixel in the process area thus specified by the area specifying means.
US08446475B2
A miniature camera lens actuation apparatus comprises a support structure, a camera lens element supported on the support structure by a suspension system; and an SMA actuator connected between the support structure and the movable element to drive movement of the camera lens element. The control circuit may include a drive circuit and a sensor circuit which have separate electrical connections to the SMA actuator to reduce the impact of the resistance of the electrical connections on the sensing. The control circuit may vary the drive signal in response to a temperature signal indicative of the ambient temperature. An endstop limits movement to prevent extension of the SMA actuator in its unheated state beyond a maximum length which is at or below the length corresponding the local maximum resistance of the resistance-length curve. Control of position is effected using resistance of the SMA actuator as a measure of position. The control employs a ‘ratcheting’ method to prevent a failure condition and an initial calibration step to derive a range of target resistance values. In manufacture, the position of a lens holder is adjusted relative to a carrier to provide focussing on the image sensor of an image of an object at a distance in the range from infinity to the hyperfocal distance when the SMA actuator is heated to a predetermined temperature greater than ambient temperature.
US08446474B2
For automatically transmitting an image file, a system transmits the file automatically through specifically specifying information for file transmission such as an address of a destination. The system includes a memory for storing a data file and an automatic transmission control file for briefly describing information of a file name of the file to be transmitted and a destination address, and a communication unit for transmitting the data file according to the automatic transmission control file. Therefore, the system can transmit the data file automatically only by having a memory storing the data file and automatic transmission control file connected to the communication unit.
US08446468B1
Systems and methods for moving object detection using a mobile infrared camera are described. The methods include receiving multiple frames, each frame including an image of at least a portion of a planar surface, stabilizing two consecutive frames of the plurality of frames, the stabilizing comprising determining a transformation mapping a succeeding frame of the two consecutive frames to a preceding frame of the two consecutive frames and based on the transformation, warping the two consecutive frames to a reference frame of the plurality of frames, and detecting a movement of an object in the two consecutive frames, the movement based on a change in positions of the object in the preceding frame and the successive frame.
US08446467B2
A combination speed-detection, video-recording, and timing device that can be hand-held. The device contains one or more speed detection means, including, but not limited to, a radar detection or laser detection device. The device includes a camera able to capture video in digital form, and a timing device, similar in function to a stopwatch. The device is pointed at the object whose speed is to be measured, or the events to be recorded, and can be operated by means of a trigger on a handle. The device may further include a display, along with display controls. Storage means is used to store the speed, video and timer data. The device may contain its own power supply, or may be externally powered.
US08446462B2
A method is provided for sharing a display. The method includes displaying periodically a first image sequence on the display in synchronicity with a first signal, and displaying periodically a second image sequence on the display in synchronicity with a second signal. The method also includes selecting by a user the first image sequence for viewing, and shuttering periodically a set of goggles for the user in synchronicity with the first signal. A method is provided for sharing a display. The method includes displaying periodically a private image sequence on the display in synchronicity with a first signal, and displaying periodically a non-private image sequence on the display. In the method, the private image sequence and the non-private image sequence combine to form a public image sequence on the display. A system is provided for sharing a display.
US08446454B2
Dynamically adapting a continuous presence (CP) layout in a videoconference enhances a videoconferencing experience by providing optimum visibility to regions of interest within the CP layout and ignoring regions of no interest. Based on the CP layout, a CP video image can be built, in which a conferee at a receiving endpoint can observe, simultaneously, several other participants' sites in the conference. For example, more screen space within the CP layout is devoted to presenting the participants in the conference and little or no screen space is used to present an empty seat, an empty room, or an unused portion of a room. Aspect ratios of segments of the CP layout (e.g., landscape vs. portrait) can be adjusted to optimally present the regions of interest. The CP layout can be adjusted as regions of interest change depending on the dynamics of the video conference.
US08446451B2
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for providing continuous presence video stream in a cascading video conference, i.e., a video conference that is conducted over more than one MCU. A cascading continuous presence composition controller (CCCC) selects which endpoints from among all of the endpoints participating in the conference should be displayed in the layout, regardless of which endpoints are associated with which MCU. The CCCC can be resident on one of the MCUs, resident on a cascading conference server, or can be distributed among all of the MCUs involved in a cascading conference.
US08446443B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an optical-path deflecting unit that deflects optical paths of optical beams in one group out of two groups, the optical beams being provided in a sub-scanning direction at a predetermined pitch; a scanning unit that scans a surface to in a main scanning direction with the one group of which the optical paths have been deflected and another group of which the optical paths are not deflected; and a control unit that controls the optical-path deflecting unit to deflect optical paths of the optical beams in the one group so that irradiation positions of the optical beams in the one group and irradiation positions of the optical beams in the another group are alternately arranged at regular intervals.
US08446442B2
A thermal print head includes a substrate, a glaze layer formed on the substrate and provided with a heating resistor support portion extending in a primary scanning direction and having an arc-like cross-sectional shape when seen in a direction perpendicular to the primary scanning direction, an electrode layer including a plurality of individual electrodes, each provided with a first strip-shaped portion arranged along the primary scanning direction, each of the first strip-shaped portions formed on the heating resistor support portion, and a common electrode provided with a plurality of second strip-shaped portions arranged along the primary scanning direction, each of the second strip-shaped portions formed on the heating resistor support portion; and a resistor layer including heating portions heated by applying an electric current from the electrode layer and electrode covering portions each configured to cover a gap between the first and second strip-shaped portions.
US08446428B2
An image processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit which processes and displays an image; a recognizing unit which recognizes a pointing operation input from a pointing device; and a control unit which executes during an execution a predetermined function when a first pointing operation which selects the predetermined function and a second pointing operation which confirms whether to execute the selected predetermined function are input from the pointing device, and controls the image processing unit to process the image in response to the execution of the predetermined function. With this configuration, it is possible to more precisely detect a pointing operation input from a pointing device according to user's intention and allow a user to serve the user's intention using the pointing device.
US08446427B2
An information display apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives character sequence information arranged in a plurality of lines; an image acquisition unit that acquires a line image in which an end of an nth line and a start of an (n+1)th line of the received character sequence information are connected into a single line, n representing an integer of 1 or more; and a display unit that displays the acquired line image within a predetermined display range of a screen.
US08446416B2
Disclosed is a system for producing images including techniques for reducing the memory and processing power required for such operations. The system provides techniques for programmatically representing a graphics problem. The system further provides techniques for reducing and optimizing graphics problems for rendering with consideration of the system resources, such as the availability of a compatible GPU.
US08446403B2
Disclosed is a decoder, receiving the first and the second reference voltage groups and selecting a reference voltage in accordance with a received digital signal, including a first sub-decoder receiving the first reference voltage group, a second sub-decoder receiving the second reference voltage group 20B, and a third sub-decoder receiving a reference voltage selected by the second sub-decoder and outputting the selected reference voltage to the first sub-decoder or an output terminal of the decoder. The first sub-decoder includes a transistor of a first conductivity type having a back gate supplied with a first power supply voltage, the second sub-decoder includes a transistor of the first conductivity type having a back gate supplied with a second power supply voltage, and the third sub-decoder includes a transistor of the first conductivity type having a back gate supplied with a first power supply voltage.
US08446397B2
An object is to reduce degradation of display quality due to variation in luminance of light-emitting elements, which is caused by variation in voltage because of wiring resistance of current supply lines, and to improve the display quality. In a voltage program period, a terminal serving as a source of a transistor for driving an EL element is electrically connected to a first wiring to which a first potential is supplied. In a light-emitting period, the terminal serving as the source of the driving transistor is electrically connected to a second wiring to which a second potential is supplied. Accordingly, voltage between a gate terminal and the source terminal of the driving transistor can be held without being adversely affected by wiring resistance of the current supply lines.
US08446381B2
An automotive control/display panel for multiple onboard systems includes a touch-screen for displaying system related information and a peripheral frame defining operator finger guide zones. The touch-screen is selectively reconfigurable to establish virtual display and control buttons on the screen within associated finger guide zones. The information and functionality of the virtual control and display buttons is varied to relate to a particular onboard system as a function of the previous actuation of a virtual selection button. The peripheral frame also defines virtual knobs disposed adjacent the touch-screen.
US08446369B2
When characters are allocated to a keyboard, a plurality of consonants are divided into a plurality of groups according to pronunciation position in the oral cavity, and the groups are allocated to corresponding columns on the keyboard of (3) rows and (10) columns. A plurality of vowels are allocated to the corresponding columns according to the pronunciation position in the oral cavity. In this instance, the consonants and the vowels of which the pronunciation position are near the lips are allocated to the middle area of the area of (3) rows and (10) columns, and the consonants and the vowels of which the pronunciation position are near the vocal chords are allocated to the outer part of the area of (3) rows and (10) columns. The consonants and the vowels are allocated to the corresponding rows of the area of (3) rows and (10) columns according to usage frequency.
US08446364B2
An interactive display system including a wireless pointing device including a camera or other image capture system. Pairing of the pointing device is performed by a computerized display system displaying a visual pairing code at its display, for capture by the pointing device. The pairing code may be displayed in a form that is human-readable, human-perceptible but not human-readable, or human-imperceptible. In response to detecting the pairing code, the pointing device transmits a wireless signal to the computerized display system including the pairing code. If the pairing code received by the display system matches that originally displayed, the computerized display system authorizes the pointing device as a source of control signals in the graphical user interface manner. Various additional handshaking approaches in combination with the visual pairing procedure are disclosed.
US08446360B2
The disclosure addresses a force sensor that is scalable in size and adaptable to a variety of form factors, including those suitable for use in an input device for a computer or other processing system, and in some cases including those of the configuration normally referred to as a computer mouse. The force sensor will include at least two structural members that are cooperatively attached one another as to be displaced from one another in response to a force acting upon one of the structural members. In some examples, the engagement between the two structural members will be specifically configured to allow such displacement in response to forces acting laterally on the force sensor. The force sensor will also include one or more sensing mechanisms to provide a measurement of the sensed deflection.
US08446355B2
To provide a plural-viewpoint display device having an image separating optical element such as a lenticular lens or a parallax barrier, which is capable of achieving a high image quality by suppressing deterioration in the display image quality caused when a block division driving method is employed, and to provide a terminal device, a display panel, and a driving method thereof, which can be preferably used for those devices. A pixel group configured with pixels for displaying a right-eye image includes a pixel connected to a data line phase-deployed in the first phase of a block division driving method, and a pixel connected to a data line phase-deployed in the third phase, and a pixel connected to a data line phase-deployed in the second phase. In this manner, it is designed to have no deviation in the phase deployment orders in the pixel groups for each viewpoint.
US08446353B2
A novel driving method is provided in which source line inverting drive or dot inverting drive is performed for a case of driving a plurality of source lines by one D/A converter circuit in a source signal line driver circuit of an active matrix image display drive that corresponds to digital image signal input. In a first driving method of the present invention, two systems of grey-scale electric power supply lines are supplied to a source signal line driver circuit in order to obtain output having differing polarities from a D/A converter circuit, switches for connecting to the two systems of grey-scale electric power supply lines are prepared in each D/A converter circuit, the grey-scale electric power supply lines connected to each D/A converter circuit are switched in accordance with a control signal input to the switches, and source line inverting drive or dot inverting drive are performed.
US08446349B2
A method and system for controlling deformable micromirror devices are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display system includes multiple deformable micromirror devices, a buffer, and a controller. Each deformable micromirror device includes a plurality of micromirrors. The buffer is communicatively coupled, at a first interface speed, to each deformable micromirror device. The buffer is operable to communicate in parallel with the deformable micromirror devices. The controller is communicatively coupled, at a second interface speed, to the buffer. The controller is operable to receive a display input and, in response, generate a plurality signals each corresponding to an optical characteristic of the display input. The controller is further operable to sequentially communicate each of the plurality of signals through the buffer to a corresponding one of the deformable micromirror devices. Each deformable micromirror device receives at least a subset of the plurality of signals.
US08446347B2
In an organic electroluminescent light emitting display device comprising a plurality of pixels each of which includes an organic electroluminescent element emitting light by a current supplied thereto, a plurality of active elements including a first active element which acquires a data signal and a second active element which regulates the current supplied to the organic electroluminescent element in accordance with the data signal, and a capacitive element storing the data signal, the present invention utilizes a part of the capacitive element arranged in one of the pixels for a light shielding member which shields the plurality of active elements arranged the one of the pixels from light emitted by the organic electroluminescent element arranged therein or another pixel adjacent thereto so as to suppress image quality deterioration and smear appearing in an image display area of the organic electroluminescent light emitting display device.
US08446341B2
A light-emitting contact lens and a method and system for tracking a user's eye position using the light-emitting contact lens are disclosed. The eye position tracking can be used, for example, to allow the user to interact with a display device such that the position of the user's eye determines the image generated by the display device. Thus, as the user's eye moves, the image on the display device will be altered to represent the new position (e.g., viewing angle) of the user with regard to the display device.
US08446340B2
There is provided a binocular device, including a rigid mechanical body supporting two image sources (2, 4), one for each eye (6, 8) and two lensing devices (12, 14), one for each eye, the lensing devices having a first surface adjacent to the image sources and an opposite, second surface, each of the lensing devices projecting an image (16, 18) of one image source onto an infinite focal plane, and electronic means permitting modification of an image generated to an eye for adjusting the binocular alignment of the images. A method for aligning a binocular device is also provided.
US08446338B2
An image display apparatus which is capable of optimizing the image quality of a plurality of display devices having different optical characteristics when carrying out processing of an image signal supplied to the display devices, without providing a dedicated display driving circuit for each display device. The image display apparatus comprises a plurality of liquid crystal display panels (10, 11) having different optical characteristics. A liquid crystal driving circuit (2) processes an image signal outputted to the liquid crystal display panels (10, 11). Operative states of the liquid crystal display panels (10, 11) are detected. At least one processing characteristic of the liquid crystal driving circuit (2) is changed according to the detected operative states.
US08446336B2
A multi-directional pivoting antenna includes an antenna case, a pivotal device, and a pivot base. The antenna case is pivotally connected to the pivotal device and can be vertically turned relative to the pivotal device, and the pivotal device is fitted in the pivot base and can be horizontally turned relative to the pivot base. Therefore, when the pivot base of the pivoting antenna is mounted on an electronic device for wireless signal transmission, the pivotal device and the pivot base provide the pivoting antenna with high degrees of freedom, allowing the antenna case to be pivotally turned horizontally and vertically to different angular positions and directions, and making the pivoting antenna very convenient to use.
US08446333B2
A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and circuit board carried by the housing and having RF circuitry comprising at least one RF component and plurality of other components mounted on the circuit board. An RF metal shield is secured to the circuit board and surrounds and isolates the at least one RF component and plurality of other components within the RF metal shield. An RF absorber is positioned adjacent an area of the RF component that radiates energy to aid in reducing energy radiated from the RF component into the RF metal shield.
US08446332B2
An antenna apparatus includes: first and second receiving antennas disposed on a plane at equal distances from a reference point and face each other with the reference point therebetween; third and fourth receiving antennas disposed on the plane, a gravity center of the third and fourth receiving antennas being an equal distance from the reference point, a straight line connecting the gravity centers of the third and fourth receiving antennas is at 90 degrees with respect to a straight line connecting gravity centers of the first and second receiving antennas; fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth receiving antennas disposed on the plane, having gravity centers on straight lines different from each other and rotated by an angle of 45 degrees from the straight line connecting the gravity centers of the first and second receiving antennas and the straight line connecting the gravity centers of the third and fourth receiving antennas, respectively.
US08446326B2
The invention provides for phased array radar system that mechanically reconfigures its antenna array from a single faced aperture into two geometrically opposed arrays.
US08446317B1
In a method for beamforming in communication a system, a plurality of different antenna weight vectors are generated. Each of the plurality of antenna weight vectors is a respective base vector of a unitary matrix. At least one training signal is transmitted a plurality of times via a plurality of antennas. A respective antenna weight vector from the plurality of different antenna weight vectors is applied each time the at least one training signal is transmitted. Feedback signals are received, where the feedback signals correspond to the at least one training signal transmitted the plurality of times and received at a receiver. A transmitter antenna weight vector is generated based on a mathematical combination of at least (i) the at least one training signal and (ii) the feedback signals.
US08446313B2
This disclosure provides a slot array antenna, which includes an emission waveguide having a conductor surface where emission slot rows are formed and for guiding electromagnetic waves to be emitted from the emission slot rows, each of the emission slot rows having a plurality of emission slots are arrayed in line, and a lattice. The lattice includes a plurality of conductor walls formed in a planer shape so as to extend in a direction intersecting with the conductor surface and repeatedly arranged corresponding to the plurality of emission slots, and a base plate coupling and fixing the plurality of conductor walls thereto, the base plate being fastened to the conductor surface of the emission waveguide.
US08446309B2
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) generates an output digital value equivalent to the difference between two analog signal values. The ADC 30 receives a first analog signal level, a second analog signal level and a ramp signal. A counter 32 is operable to count in a single direction. A control stage is arranged to enable the counter 32 based on a comparison 19 of the ramp signal with the first analog signal and the second analog signal. A digital value accumulated by the counter during a period when it is enabled forms the output. The ADC can perform the conversion during a single cycle of the ramp signal. The counter 32 can be loaded with a starting digital value representing an exposure level accumulated during a previous exposure period. Techniques are described for reducing the conversion time.
US08446302B2
According to one embodiment, a multiphase circuit, a flip-flop, and a decoder are provided. The multiphase circuit generates multiphase signals of which phases are different from each other by 180/M degrees by dividing a differential oscillation signal by M (M is an integral number not smaller than 2). The flip-flop captures the multiphase signal in synchronization with an input of a reference signal. The decoder decodes an output signal of the flip-flop.
US08446301B2
Methods and devices are described for entropy coding data using an entropy coder to encode quantized transform domain coefficient data. Last significant coefficient information is signaled in the bitstream using two-dimensional coordinates for the last significant coefficient. The context for bins of one of the coordinates is based, in part, upon the value of the other of the coordinates. In one case, instead of signaling last significant coefficient information, the number of non-zero coefficients is binarized and entropy encoded.
US08446288B2
A light projection device, includes a movable projector section which illuminates or display information by projecting light while moving a projection position; a position detecting section which detects a position of a lost article instructed by a user; a view field detecting section which detects a view field of the user, and a controller section which controls said movable projection section based on the lost article detected by the position detecting section and the view field of the user detected by the view field detecting section, and either directly illuminates the lost article or projects guide information for guiding the user to the lost article within a view field of the user.
US08446286B2
A digital voltage detector system that is compatible with existing Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets is described. Adjustment of under and over voltage trip points is accommodated in accordance with conventional means. The digital voltage detector is compatible with all conventional Voltage Detector interface cables and adapters. Unlike the conventional voltage detector of existing Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets, over-voltage trips do not blow a fuse, eliminating the need to have replacement fuses or redundant conventional voltage detectors in an Armament Circuits Preload Test Set. Additionally, the digital voltage detector provides a digital voltage readout allowing the user to view the input voltage during a Presence of Voltage test. The digital voltage detector system facilitates timely and efficient execution of the Armament Circuits Preload Test series.
US08446280B2
An apparatus and method of operation is provided for a contrast media injector having a powered drive ram. The drive ram is designed to interface with a plunger of a syringe in order to move the plunger forward and backward relative to a barrel of the syringe. The syringe, having an RF data tag associated therewith, is mounted on to the contrast media injector. Electromagnetic signals are transmitted from an electromagnetic device of the injector in response to mounting the syringe. Data is electromagnetically read from the RF data tag of the syringe using the electromagnetic device of the injector. The transmitting is terminated after the electromagnetically reading. Medical fluid is then dispensed from the syringe. Electromagnetic signals are transmitted from the electromagnetic device in response to initiation of the dispensing. Data is electromagnetically written to the RF data tag of the syringe using the electromagnetic device of the injector.
US08446276B2
A monitoring system for response to incidents sensed by at least one sensor of an individual signal unit; said response comprising in a first instance, transmission to a central control facility by a said individual signal unit, of at least a unique identifying code for that individual signal unit, over a communication network; said response comprising in a second instance, transmission of data from said central control facility to one or more recipients nominated by a registered owner of said individual signal unit; and wherein registration of a said individual signal unit and configuration of sensing and of said response is via a web-based interface.The monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said response in said first instance includes digital or analogue data input to said individual signal unit.In a further form there is disclosed a method of monitoring the status of an item of interest; said method including the steps of: (i) purchase by an owner of an individual signal unit and at least one user selectable sensor for connection to said device, (j) registering said individual signal unit and said at least one sensor with a central control facility, (k) configuring a response executable by said central control facility on receipt by said facility of a signal transmitted by said individual signal unit.
US08446270B2
An electronic communication system provides text or voice messages to remote receiving devices, such as cell phones or PDA's. The remote receiving devices are equipped with velocity sensors, or position sensors from which velocity may be inferred. The remote receiving devices periodically report a velocity or current position to an alert signal control node of the communication system. The alert signal control node determines a most recent-determinable velocity for each receiving device before transmitting a message alert signal. If the velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the alert signal may be delayed until the velocity drops below the threshold. The system may be operated as a safety measure to prevent reception of distracting alert signals while driving, thereby silencing messaging devices at appropriate times.
US08446267B2
A communication system, including an apparatus, method and program, is provided for communicating a message from a vehicle to a location. The communication system detects a distance to an object that is located at the location and a speed of the vehicle. A target distance is then calculated on the basis of the detected distance to the object and the detected speed of the vehicle. A determination is made as to whether the object is configured for communication with the vehicle. According to the determination, a message is communicated to the object from the vehicle.
US08446261B2
The RFID reader reads out an RFID stored in an RFID tag in the vicinity through wireless communication. The clock acquires an RFID readout time. The location sensor acquires an RFID readout location. The memory stores the RFID in association with the readout time and the readout location. The communication I/F acquires RFID-related information from a server asynchronously with readout of the RFID. The processor generates in the memory an RFID aggregate structure, which is a data structure of RFID aggregates constructed by classifying a plurality of RFIDs stored in the memory based on the readout time and the readout location and in which RFID-related information is stored in association with the constructed RFIDs.
US08446257B2
A radio frequency (RF) charging system is capable of charging an RF device on a display panel to increase charging efficiency. The RF device generates a response signal upon receiving an RF signal. The RF charging system includes an antenna set having a plurality of antennas, a switch unit, an RF module and a microcontroller unit (MCU). The MCU controls the switch unit to select one antenna from the antenna set. The antenna is able to receive the response signal and is used for transmitting the RF signal, thereby charging the RF device.
US08446254B2
Apparatus and methods are described which are useful for determining a location characteristic between an RFID tag and an RFID tag reader or a second RFID tag. In various embodiments, signals backscattered from a singulated tag over a range of frequencies are evaluated for in-phase I and in-quadrature Q signal components. The I-Q data is processed to determine phase delay angles associated with each signal frequency. The phase delay data can be processed by a sum of squared errors method or Fourier transform method to determine a distance to the singulated tag. The methods can also be used to determine any of a location, a radial velocity, a directional velocity of the singulated tag, and proximity of the singulated tag to a second tag.
US08446250B2
This invention relates to a method and system for providing digital security by means of a reconfigurable physical uncloneable function, RPUF. The RPUF comprises a physical system constituted by distributed components arranged to generate a first response when receiving a first challenge at a point of the physical system. The physical reconfiguring of the RPUF comprises redistributing the components such that they generate a second response, which differs from said first response, when again applying the first challenge at the point. The reconfiguration step is further utilized in providing secure storage for digital items. The digital item is data of any kind, including data that needs to be accessed and updated, i.e. which is dynamic in nature. The method is exemplified by implementations such as secure storage of a key, a secure counter and a seed generator.
US08446246B2
A metal oxide sintered compact used for a thermistor includes a composite oxide represented by the general expression La(Cr1-xMnx)O3 (with x=0.0 to 0.6). Furthermore, the thermistor element 3 includes the metal oxide sintered compact 2 for a thermistor and a pair of leads 1, one terminal of each of which is fixed to the metal oxide sintered compact 2 for a thermistor.
US08446242B2
A mechanical linkage exerts a mechanical force on a permanent magnet to substantially counterbalance the magnetic force attracting the permanent magnet to a ferrous target surface.
US08446223B2
Systems and methods for calibrating real time clock are provided. A representative receiver includes a GPS device comprising a real time clock (RTC) circuitry that generates RTC clock signals and a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) that generates TCXO clock signals. A ratio counter circuitry receives both the RTC clock signals and the TCXO clock signals and determines a frequency ratio by comparing the RTC clock signals and the TCXO clock signals. A computing device receives the frequency ratio and estimates a current RTC frequency based on the received frequency ratio. The computing device is configured to calibrate an estimated RTC time being maintained at the RTC circuitry based on an estimated RTC frequency from a prior estimation, the current RTC frequency and an elapsed time of the RTC circuitry.
US08446217B2
An amplifying circuit arranged for converting an input signal into an amplified output signal comprising: an input node (11) at an input side of said circuit for receiving said input signal (pi); an output node (9) at an output side of said circuit for outputting said amplified output signal (io); a first gain element (M1) connected between said input and output nodes and provided for converting an input voltage taken from said input signal into a current for forming said amplified output signal; a negative feedback loop (3) over said first gain element, said negative feedback loop having first elements (5, 6) arranged for providing input matching; and a positive feedback loop (2) over said first gain element, said positive feedback loop having second elements (7, 8) arranged for providing additional input matching and gain enhancement of said first gain element.
US08446216B2
Presently many audio chips suffer from pop issues, which is especially serious for single ended audio drivers. An audio pop is a disturbance in the output caused by a sudden transition of chip power, particularly when a chip is powered on or powered off. Furthermore, compensation networks included in the amplifiers on audio chips for stability offer a significant path for transmitting power disturbances to the output. Hence, circuitry is developed to suppress pops in the output stages of an amplifier.
US08446214B2
A semiconductor device includes a regulator including an operational amplifier configured of a current mirror and generating the second voltage V2 from a first voltage V1; and a control circuit that generates the current control signal OVDR, makes a current that is flowed by the current mirror increase by a first transition of the current control signal OVDR, and makes the current that is flowed by the current mirror decrease by a second transition of the current control signal OVDR. The control circuit includes a slew-rate processing unit that makes a second slew rate of the current control signal OVDR related to the second transition be smaller than a first slew rate of the current control signal OVDR related to the first transition.
US08446213B2
There is provided a charge pump circuit suited for reducing the power consumption. A capacitor 201a, a capacitor 201b, a capacitor 201c, and switching elements 202a to 202k, for electrically connecting or separating capacitors 201a, 201b, and 201c, repeats: a first state where charge supplied from an input power-supply voltage VDD is accumulated in the capacitors 201a and 201b; a second state where the charge accumulated in the capacitor 201a is transferred to the third capacitor 201c, and a positive output power-supply voltage is held by the charge accumulated in the capacitor 201b; a third state where the charge supplied from an input power supply is accumulated in the capacitors 201a and 201b; and a fourth state where the charge accumulated in the capacitor 201b is transferred to the third capacitor 201c, and the positive output power-supply voltage VCC is held by the charge accumulated in the capacitor 201a.
US08446204B2
A high voltage tolerant single ended receiver circuit includes a voltage divider that is operative to divide in half single ended input signals that are greater than the threshold voltages of the voltage divider. A pass gate circuit is operative to receive single ended signals that are below the threshold voltages of the voltage divider. Output from the voltage divider is coupled to a first input of a modified Schmitt trigger circuit to control a high threshold level of the Schmitt trigger circuit. Output from the pass gate circuit is coupled to a second input of the modified Schmitt trigger circuit to control a low threshold level of the Schmitt trigger circuit.
US08446202B2
A power limiting circuit includes: a maximum value prediction filter section (MVPFS) interpolating data of one branched digital input signal; a maximum value detection section detecting maximum value of an output of the MVPFS and a time detection position thereof every constant period; a threshold subtraction section subtracting a threshold from detected maximum value and outputting a peak signal (zero when the subtraction result is negative); a coefficient selection section weighting the peak signal according to time detection position; a complex filter section limiting the weighted peak signal within a band of the input signal; a filter coefficient calculation section calculating filter coefficients of the complex filter section; a delay adjustment section delaying another of the branched input signals by a time period required for calculating the band-limited peak signal; and a subtraction section subtracting the band-limited peak signal from the other of the branched input signals subjected to delay.
US08446201B2
A novel high-speed phase splitter circuit (100) and method of operation are disclosed. This high-speed phase splitter (100) creates a differential rail-to-rail output signal from a single ended input signal, with an inherent low skew and symmetrical output. The circuit (100) uses a phase splitting input stage (110, 130) followed by several amplification stages (150, 170) that are symmetrical and balanced in nature.
US08446195B2
A method of communicating with a source synchronous device can include determining an expected number of pulses of a strobe signal to be received in response to a first read request directed to the source synchronous device and receiving the strobe signal from the source synchronous device. Pulses in the strobe signal can be counted. Responsive to detecting a last pulse of the expected number of pulses of the strobe signal, the strobe signal can be replaced with a reference signal that is phase and frequency aligned with the strobe signal.
US08446191B2
A phase locked loop (PLL) device includes a digital differentiator configured to differentiate a digital loop signal to at least partially compensate for the integration of an analog current signal by an analog integrator. A digital to analog converter (DAC) includes a current source output stage that generates the analog current signal based on an digital input signal. The analog integrator integrates the analog current signal to generate a voltage control signal for controlling a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO).
US08446189B2
A power-on reset circuit includes a clamping signal generator and a determining device. The clamping signal generator is adapted to receive a trigger signal, and generates a clamping signal with reference to the trigger signal. The clamping signal generator includes an output unit for generating the clamping signal according to a feedback signal, and a feedback unit for generating the feedback signal according to first and second intermediate signals. The first intermediate signal is generated with reference to the clamping signal. The second intermediate signal is generated according to the trigger signal. The determining device is adapted to receive the trigger signal, is coupled to the clamping signal generator for receiving the clamping signal therefrom, and is operable to generate a reset signal according to the trigger signal and the clamping signal.
US08446179B2
A non-linear effect of a rectifier element is enhanced, an input amplitude is increased by further taking advantage of a resonance circuit, and a rectification efficiency of a rectifier circuit for detection is improved, so that the gain of an amplifier circuit at a latter stage can be set low. RF input terminals 101, 102 are applied with signals at phases opposite to each other. A signal at terminal 102 is applied to a gate of transistor M1 through capacitor C3, and a signal at terminal 101 is applied to node N1 connected with a source of transistor M1 and a gate and a drain of transistor M2 through capacitor C1. 301, 302 designate terminals applied with DC biases, and L1, C15 and L2, C16 are series resonance circuits. Half-wave double voltage rectifier circuits comprised of M1, M2, C1-C3, R1 are connected in cascade at a plurality of stages.
US08446164B2
A semiconductor device test system is disclosed. The semiconductor device test system extends driver- and comparator-functions acting as important functions of a test header to an external part (e.g., a HIFIX board) of the test header, such that it can double the productivity of a test without upgrading the test header. The semiconductor device test system includes a test header for testing a semiconductor device by a test controller, and a HIFIX board for establishing an electrical connection between the semiconductor device and the test header, and including a Device Under Test (DUT) test unit which processes a read signal generated from the semiconductor device by making one pair with a driver of the test header and transmits the processed read signal to the test header.
US08446162B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes: a normal output signal counter that counts number of times a normal output signal is output by the circuit under test in response to a preset one of the input signals of the input signal set, in case where a circuit under test repeats processing on each of one or more input signals of an input signal set sequentially, a plural number of times.
US08446159B2
A current sensor is disclosed. The current sensor includes a leadframe having a die paddle, a portion of the die paddle being configured as a resistive element through which current can flow, and an integrated circuit (IC) die attached and thermally coupled to the die paddle. The IC die includes a current sensing module configured to measure a voltage drop across the resistive element and convert the voltage drop measurement to a current measurement signal and a temperature compensation module electrically coupled to the current sensing module. The temperature compensation module is configured to adjust the current measurement signal to compensate for temperature-dependent changes in the resistive element. The temperature compensation module includes a temperature-sensitive element, with a portion of the temperature-sensitive element located directly over a portion of the resistive element.
US08446154B2
A system for the measurement of degradation of electrical wire insulation quality is described. The system includes a clamping device for engaging the electrical wire to be tested for insulation degradation, the clamping device comprising a channel formed therein for placement of the electrical wire, a plurality of plates placed proximate the channel, the plates electrically connected to generate a capacitance and placed proximate the channel such that the wire insulation provides a portion of a dielectric for the generated capacitance, and a measurement device operatively attached to the plurality of plates such that the measurement device is configured to indicate an amount of degradation associated with the wire insulation based on at least one of the measured capacitance and dissipation factor.
US08446146B2
A motion sensor has an output protocol processor configured to provide a validated output signal after a determined time period, wherein the determined time period is extended if a vibration is detected.
US08446141B1
Bandgap curvature correction circuit for compensating temperature dependent bandgap reference signal
A temperature compensated bandgap reference circuit includes a bandgap voltage generator having a temperature dependent signal output and a correction circuit coupled to the output of the bandgap voltage generator and generating a second order quadratic signal which is complementary to the signal output.
US08446140B2
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a bandgap voltage reference circuit includes a group of X current sources, a plurality of circuit branches, and a plurality of switches. Each of the X current sources (where X≧3) produces a corresponding current that is substantially equal to the currents produced by the other current sources within the group. The plurality of circuit branches of the bandgap voltage reference circuit are collectively used to produce a bandgap voltage output (VGO). Each of the plurality of circuit branches receives at least one of the currents not received by the other circuit branches. The plurality of switches (e.g., controlled by a controller) selectively change over time which of the currents produced by the current sources are received by which of the plurality of circuit branches of the bandgap voltage reference circuit.
US08446138B2
A stability compensation circuit and a DC-DC converter including the same are provided. When an output voltage of the DC-DC converter decreases more than a predetermined value, the stability compensation circuit quickly charges an integral capacitor by using an additional converter or by reducing an effective resistance of a charging circuit which charges the capacitor. Since an output voltage of an integrator in the stability compensation circuit is enabled to quickly reach a control voltage, the instant decrease of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter can be quickly compensated for.
US08446136B2
A method for controlling a step down regulator includes (a) generating a first feedback signal as a function of the voltage at the output node; (b) generating a second feedback signal as a function of the voltage at the input node; (c) maintaining the on-time of the low-side switch at a fixed duration; and (d) varying the on-time of the high-side switch to be proportional to the first feedback signal and inversely proportional to the second feedback signal so that the switching frequency of the high and low side switches is approximately constant.
US08446130B2
A charging circuit for charging a battery includes a processor, a switching circuit, a voltage converter, and a power voltage detecting circuit. A first terminal of the switching circuit is connected to a power source. A second terminal of the switching circuit is connected to a first output of the processor. A first terminal of the voltage converter is connected to a third terminal of the switching circuit. A second terminal of the voltage converter is connected to the battery. The power voltage detecting circuit is connected to the power source, and a first input and a second output of the processor.
US08446122B2
An electronic device includes a keyboard including a component, a light energy collection module disposed on a surface of the component of the keyboard for collecting light energy from an external light source, and a photoelectric module coupled to the light energy collection module for receiving the light energy from the light energy collection module and converting the light energy into electrical energy.
US08446121B1
An actuator motor described herein has fast dynamic response capability, high torque density, high efficiency, and improved thermal and mechanical stability at high speed while minimizing weight. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, an actuator motor has a rotor shaft with an array of permanent magnets attached according to a Halbach array configuration. A stator includes windings that induce a torque on the rotor shaft when rotating magnetic fields interact with the optimized magnetic flux distributions of the magnets of the Halbach array. According to various embodiments, the rotor shaft is hollow, reducing weight and rotational inertia, while improving ambient cooling characteristics of the motor.
US08446120B2
A power tool includes a tool housing, an electric motor inside the housing, and a power interface facilitating a connection to a power source. At least four actively-controlled power components are configured as an H-bridge to modulate a supply of power from the power interface to the electric motor. A user-actuated input unit outputs a first signal indicative of a desired power output level to the electric motor and a second signal indicative of a desired direction of current flow to the electric motor. A control unit controls the supply of power to the electric motor using two of said power components with synchronous rectification for pulse-width modulation (PWM) of the supply of power based on the first signal, and to control the direction of current flow to the electric motor using the other two of said power components based on the second signal.
US08446114B2
A control apparatus for use with an electric power conversion system which is equipped with a dc/ac converter connected to an electric rotating machine and a capacitor joined to input terminals of the dc/ac converter. The control apparatus stores an angle of rotation (i.e., start angle θ0) of the electric rotating machine before start of control of energization of the electric rotating machine to discharge the capacitor and determines command currents idr and iqr which will result in zero (0) torque in the electric rotating machine. The control apparatus includes a command current correcting circuit which corrects the command currents idr and iqr by a difference between a current angle θ of rotation of the electric rotating machine and the start angle θ0, thereby avoiding constant rotation of the electric rotating machine when the capacitor is discharged.
US08446113B2
Methods and systems for operating an inverter having a plurality of high switches and a plurality of low switches coupled to an electric motor are provided. An event indicative of deceleration of the electric motor is detected. The inverter is alternated between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation during the deceleration of the electric motor. In the first mode of operation, each of the plurality of high switches is activated and each of the plurality of low switches is deactivated or each of the plurality of low switches is activated and each of the plurality of high switches is deactivated. In the second mode of operation, each of the plurality of high switches is deactivated and each of the plurality of low switches is deactivated.
US08446108B2
A system including a calibration module, a selection module, and a control module. The calibration module is configured to generate calibration data for a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The calibration data include current through the LEDs and corresponding luminosities of the LEDs. The selection module is configured to select one of a plurality of templates corresponding to the LEDs. The selected template includes at least one of temperature, current, and voltage characteristics of the LEDs. The control module is configured to determine a temperature of the LEDs and adjust current through the LEDs based on the temperature, the selected template, and the calibration data to maintain a luminosity of the LEDs at a predetermined luminosity.
US08446094B2
When light is incident to an antenna layer AA6 of a photocathode AA1, light of a specific wavelength included in the incident light couples with surface plasmons in the antenna layer AA6 whereupon near-field light is outputted from a through hole AA14. The intensity of the output near-field light is proportional to and greater than the intensity of the light of the specific wavelength. The output near-field light has a wavelength that can be absorbed in a photoelectric conversion layer AA4. The photoelectric conversion layer AA4 receives the near-field light outputted from the through hole AA14. A region of the photoelectric conversion layer AA4 around the through hole AA14 absorbs the near-field light and generates photoelectrons (e−) in an amount according to the intensity of the near-field light. The photoelectrons (e−) generated in the photoelectric conversion layer AA4 are outputted to the outside.
US08446082B2
According to one embodiment, a light-emitting device includes a substrate, a light reflection layer, a plurality of light-emitting elements, and a sealing member. The substrate includes an insulating layer constituted of epoxy resin using an acid anhydride as a hardening agent or one of a polyimide resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin, and a fluororesin. The light reflection layer is formed on the insulating layer. The light reflection layer includes a metallic light-reflecting surface higher in optical reflectance than the insulating layer. The light-emitting elements are mounted on the light-reflecting surface. The sealing member is constituted of a material having gas permeability and translucency, and is formed on the insulating layer to seal the light reflection layer and the light-emitting elements.
US08446077B2
A three-dimensional woven active fiber composite is disclosed. The composite includes a plurality of actuating fibers configured in a three-dimensional arrangement. The composite further includes a plurality of conductive wire electrodes that are woven through the plurality of actuating fibers. The electrodes may be configured into two dimensional electrode mats that are spaced apart along the length of the composite. Filler fibers may be used between adjacent electrode mats to help reinforce the composite. A sleeve member can also be used to help provide compressive containment for the actuating fibers and conductive wire electrodes.
US08446076B2
A piezoelectric assembly and portable electronic device having a piezoelectric assembly are described. The piezoelectric assembly comprises a first electrode for electrical communication to a current or voltage source, a second electrode for electrical communication to a reference source, a piezoelectric material in electrical communication with each one of the first and second electrodes and between the first and second electrodes, a signal electrical connector in electrical communication with the first electrode and configured to be connected to the current or voltage source, and a reference electrical connector in electrical communication with the second electrode and configured to be connected to the reference source so as to provide electrical communication between the second electrode and the reference source.
US08446070B2
A micro-electro-mechanical device includes a substrate; a piezoelectric actuator disposed on the substrate; and an elastic member affixed to the substrate at a first end thereof, and mechanically coupled to the piezoelectric actuator; wherein the elastic member comprises at least one of: a notch, a groove, and a recess.
US08446065B2
A tubular actuator including a flexible tube or roll, operable to shift between first and second configurations so as to define a stroke, and utilizing active material activation to produce, modify, and/or retain the stroke.
US08446063B2
A claw-pole-type stepping motor includes a stator annularly disposed therein and having a coil, a rotor rotatably disposed inside the stator and having a multiply magnetized permanent magnet and a shaft, an outer yoke provided in the stator and having a cup shape opening toward an axially outside direction an outer circumferential portion provided in the outer yoke and having a cylindrical shape and an inner circumferential portion including first pole teeth, an inner yoke provided in the stator and having second pole teeth provided in an inner circumference thereof and an outer circumferential portion fixed to an inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential portion of the outer yoke, in which the first pole teeth and the second pole teeth are engaging with each other via a gap in an axial direction and are disposed with respect to the permanent magnet of the rotor via a gap, a fixed portion of the inner yoke and the outer yoke is positioned at the axial inside of an opening end of the cup shape of the outer yoke and the opening end protrudes beyond the fixed portion toward the axially outer direction.
US08446061B2
A rotating electric machine comprises a stator and a rotor. In the rotor, numerous slots are formed along a circumferential direction. In the each of slots, a first stator coil and a second stator coil are inserted and insulated by an insulator inserted before inserting the coils in the slots. The insulator encircles the first and second stator coils so as to be formed into an S shape. The center portion thereof extends over the area between the first and second stator coils. One end of the insulator is held between one surface of the center portion of the insulator and the first stator coil. Other end of the insulator is held between another surface of the center portion of the insulator and the second stator coil.
US08446046B2
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if its not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if its a valid secondary device, and restricting power if its not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.
US08446037B2
An energy storage means for a drilling rig has a source of power, an AC bus connected to the source of power, a DC bus, a load connected to the DC bus, a rectifier connected to the AC bus and to the DC bus for converting AC power from the source of power to DC power to the load, and an energy storage system connected to the DC bus. The energy storage system can be batteries, capacitors or combinations thereof. A diode is connected between the energy storage means and the DC bus so as to supply power to the load when the DC voltage is less than a DC source voltage. The energy storage system has a nominal voltage slightly lower than a voltage of a AC-to-DC conversion by the rectifier.
US08446033B1
A Savonius rotor wind power generator system and method utilizes a large diameter rotor increased in sized to produce a proportional decrease of the rotation rate while the peripheral speed remains constant. The large diameter rotor operating at low rotation rates (less than 10 rpm) produces high torque, and electrical power is generated by means of a multiplicity of generators positioned around its periphery that are sized and have gear ratios matched to selectable ranges of wind speed to allow efficient automated electrical power generation over a range of wind speeds from about three meters per second to more than 40 meters per second. The arrangement, sizing, and control of these generators enable production of synchronous AC power generation over a much larger range of wind speeds than can be achieved with conventional horizontal axis turbines.
US08446029B2
A turbomachinery device operable in either a compressor mode or a turbine mode. The device includes an impeller that rotates in the same direction in both modes, and the general flow direction remains the same in both modes. An inlet flow-guiding device may be included to direct fluid into the impeller. The impeller is coupled to a motor/generator, which operates as a motor to add power to the impeller in the compressor mode, and as a generator in the turbine mode to extract mechanical power from the impeller and convert it into electrical power. An outlet flow-guiding device may also be included. The inlet and outlet flow-guiding devices can be inlet and outlet guide vanes that are variable in setting angle or are extendable and retractable into and out of the flow path, or can be other types of flow-guiding devices.
US08446022B2
A shock absorber includes a resilient element; a gear set comprising a first non-return gear and a second non-return gear; and an electric generator driven by the first non-return gear to generate a power when the resilient element is compressed and driven by the second non-return gear when the resilient element is loosened.
US08446021B2
A microfluidic component having at least one first polymer layer, which is provided with a microstructure for at least one fluid, and having at least one second polymer layer. It is provided that at least one semiconductor component is situated on the first and/or the second polymer layer. Furthermore, a manufacturing method for such a microfluidic component is described.
US08446013B2
A wiring substrate includes a substrate body including a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface, a trench being open toward the first substrate surface, the trench having an inner bottom surface and an inner side surface, a through-hole having a first end communicating with the inner bottom surface of the trench and a second end being open toward the second substrate surface, a first conductive layer having a first surface toward the trench and being filled inside at least a portion of the through-hole from the second end, a second conductive layer covering the first surface and at least a part of the inner bottom surface of the trench, and a third conductive layer covering the second conductive layer and being filled inside the trench.
US08446010B2
The present invention provides a multilayer wiring capable of reducing the area of the wiring layer while preventing the property deterioration due to the parasitic capacitance, a semiconductor device, a substrate for display device, and a display device. The multilayer wiring of the present invention includes: a first conductor; a second conductor; and a third conductor. The first conductor is positioned in a (n+1)th conductive layer. The second conductor is positioned in a (n+2)th conductive layer, is electrically connected to a conductor in a layer below the (n+1)th conductive layer through at least a first connection hole in a (n+1)th insulating layer directly below the (n+2)th conductive layer, and is positioned so as not to overlap with the first conductor in a plan view of the main face of the substrate. The third conductor is positioned in a (n+3)th conductive layer, is electrically connected to a second conductor through a second connection hole in a (n+2)th insulating layer directly below the (n+3)th conductive layer, and is positioned on the second connection hole toward the first conductor. The second connection hole overlaps with the first connection hole in a plan view of the main face of the substrate.
US08446006B2
Structures and methods to reduce maximum current density in a solder ball are disclosed. A method includes forming a contact pad in a last wiring level and forming a plurality of wires of the contact pad extending from side edges of the contact pad to respective ones of a plurality of vias. Each one of the plurality of wires has substantially the same electrical resistance.
US08446004B2
A light emitting die package and a method of manufacturing the die package are disclosed. The die package includes a leadframe, at least one light emitting device (LED), a molded body, and a lens. The leadframe includes a plurality of leads and has a top side and a bottom side. A portion of the leadframe defines a mounting pad. The LED device is mounted on the mounting pad. The molded body is integrated with portions of the leadframe and defines an opening on the top side of the leadframe, the opening surrounding the mounting pad. The molded body further includes latches on the bottom side of the leadframe. The lens is coupled to the molded body. A composite lens is used as both reflector and imaging tool to collect and direct light emitted by LED(s) for desired spectral and luminous performance.
US08445995B2
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate having an upper surface and a bottom surface. First openings are formed in the substrate. An oxidization process is performed to oxidize the substrate having the first openings therein to form an oxide-containing material layer, and the oxide-containing material layer has second openings therein. A conductive material is filled into the second openings to form conductive plugs. A first device layer is formed a first surface of the oxide-containing material layer, and is partially or fully electrically connected to the conductive plugs. A second device layer is formed on a second surface of the oxide-containing material layer, and is partially or fully electrically connected to the conductive plugs.
US08445993B2
A semiconductor wafer is disclosed. One embodiment provides at least two semiconductor components each having an active region, and wherein at least one zone composed of porous material is arranged between the active regions of the semiconductor components.
US08445992B2
A lateral avalanche photodiode structure including a substrate, a PN diode and a metal layer is provided. The substrate has at least one first electrode area, at least one light receiving area, and at least one second electrode area which are arranged horizontally. The first electrode area is also an avalanche area, and the light receiving area is between the first electrode area and the second electrode area. The PN diode is disposed in the substrate in the first electrode area. The metal layer is disposed on the substrate and covers the first electrode area and the second electrode area, but does not cover the light receiving area.
US08445985B2
A solid state imaging device including a semiconductor layer comprising a plurality of photodiodes, a first antireflection film located over a first surface of the semiconductor layer, a second antireflection film located over the first antireflection film, a light shielding layer having side surfaces which are adjacent to at least one of first and the second antireflection film.
US08445984B2
According to one embodiment, a micro-optical device includes an electro-optical circuit and an annular frame disposed on a surface of a substrate. The electro-optical circuit has an active region that is encapsulated by a window and an interconnect region adjacent at least one edge of the electro-optical circuit. The annular frame extends around an outer periphery of the window and is separated from the window by a gap, the annular frame and the electro-optical circuit form a cavity for placement of a plurality of bonding wires the interconnect that electro-optical circuit to the substrate.
US08445977B2
Vibration beams are provided on a substrate in parallel with the substrate and in parallel with each other, and provided in vacuum chambers formed by a shell and the substrate. Each of vibration beams has a sectional shape with a longer sectional thickness in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate than a sectional thickness in a direction parallel to the surface of the substrate. A first electrode plate is provided in parallel with the surface of the substrate and connected to one end of each of the vibration beams. A second electrode plate is provided in parallel with the surface of the substrate and between the vibration beams. Third and fourth electrode plates are provided on opposite sides of the vibration beams. Asperities are provided in opposed side wall portion surfaces of the vibration beams and the second, third and fourth electrode plates.
US08445971B2
A method for fabricating a field effect transistor device includes forming a gate stack on a substrate, forming a spacer on the substrate, adjacent to the gate stack, forming a first portion of an active region on the substrate, the first portion of the active region having a first facet surface adjacent to the gate stack, forming a second portion of the active region on a portion of the first portion of the active region, the second portion of the active region having a second facet surface adjacent to the gate stack, the first facet surface and the second facet surface partially defining a cavity adjacent to the gate stack.
US08445951B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit device, includes a first electrode including a first semiconductor layer formed on a substrate, a side surface insulating film formed on at least a part of a side surface of the first electrode, an upper surface insulating film formed on the first electrode and the side surface insulating film, a second electrode which covers the side surface insulating film and the upper surface insulating film, and a fin-type field effect transistor. The first electrode, the side surface insulating film, and the second electrode constitute a capacitor element. A thickness of the upper surface insulating film between the first electrode and the second electrode is larger than a thickness of the side surface insulating film between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the fin-type field effect transistor includes a second semiconductor layer which protrudes with respect to the plane of the substrate.
US08445947B2
An integrated circuit including a semiconductor layer; and a MOS transistor including first and second power terminals and a bulk insulated from the semiconductor layer, the first power terminal being intended to receive an oscillating signal, the transistor gate and the bulk being connected to the first power terminal.
US08445945B2
Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.
US08445905B2
An object is to increase an aperture ratio of a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a driver circuit portion and a display portion (also referred to as a pixel portion) over one substrate. The driver circuit portion includes a channel-etched thin film transistor for a driver circuit, in which a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed using metal and a channel layer is formed of an oxide semiconductor, and a driver circuit wiring formed using metal. The display portion includes a channel protection thin film transistor for a pixel, in which a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer are formed using an oxide conductor and a semiconductor layer is formed of an oxide semiconductor, and a display portion wiring formed using an oxide conductor.
US08445899B2
Provided is an organic electronic panel wherein warping (deformation) of a metal member is suppressed when the metal member is used as a packaging board, an electrical short-circuit due to the warping is eliminated, and generation of light emission failure and deterioration of power generating performance are eliminated. In the organic electronic panel, the packaging board is composed of a metal foil, and a polymer film is laminated on the metal foil surface on the reverse side of the side having the adhesive layer. The thickness of the polymer film is not more than that of the metal foil, and heat is applied at the time of bonding/laminating the packaging board or at the time of hardening the adhesive layer.
US08445884B2
A memristor having an active region includes a first electrode. The first electrode comprises a nanostructure formed of at least one metallic single walled nanotube. The memristor also includes a second electrode formed of at least one metallic single walled nanotube. The second electrode is positioned in a crossed relationship with respect to the first electrode. The memristor further includes a switching material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, in which the active region is configured to form in the switching material at a cross point of the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08445882B2
Example embodiments, relate to a non-volatile memory element and a memory device including the same. The non-volatile memory element may include a memory layer having a multi-layered structure between two electrodes. The memory layer may include first and second material layers and may show a resistance change characteristic due to movement of ionic species therebetween. The first material layer may be an oxygen-supplying layer. The second material layer may be an oxide layer having a multi-trap level.
US08445874B2
Disclosed are embodiments of an ion beam sample preparation apparatus and methods for using the embodiments. The apparatus comprises an ion beam irradiating means in a vacuum chamber that may direct ions toward a sample, a shield blocking a portion of the ions directed toward the sample, and a shield retention stage with shield retention means that replaceably and removably holds the shield in a position. The shield has datum features which abut complementary datum features on the shield retention stage when the shield is held in the shield retention stage. The shield has features which enable the durable adhering of the sample to the shield for processing the sample with the ion beam. The complementary datum features on both shield and shield retention stage enable accurate and repeatable positioning of the sample in the apparatus for sample processing and reprocessing. A retention stage lifting means allows the creation of a loading chamber that is isolated from the main vacuum chamber where sample ion beam milling takes place. A heat sink means is configured to conduct heat away from the sample undergoing sample preparation in the ion beam.
US08445871B2
Mutual compatibility is established between the measurement with a high magnification and the measurement in a wide region. A pattern measurement apparatus is proposed which adds identification information to each of fragments that constitute a pattern within an image obtained by the SEM, and which stores the identification information in a predetermined storage format. Here, the identification information is added to each fragment for distinguishing between one fragment and another fragment. According to the above-described configuration, it turns out that the identification information is added to each fragment on the SEM image which has possessed no specific identification information originally. As a result, it becomes possible to implement the SEM-image management based on the identification information.
US08445869B2
The invention relates to a charged particle multi-beamlet system for exposing a target using a plurality of beamlets. The system has a charged particle source, an aperture array, a beamlet manipulator, a beamlet blanker, and an array of projection lens systems. The charged particle source is configured to generate a charged particle beam. The aperture array is configured to define separate beamlets from the generated beam. The beamlet manipulator is configured to converge groups of the beamlets towards a common point of convergence for each group. The beamlet blanker is configured to controllably blank beamlets in the groups of beamlets. Finally, the array of projection lens systems is configured to project unblanked beamlets of the groups of beamlets on to the surface of the target. The beamlet manipulator is further adapted to converge each of the groups of beamlets towards a point corresponding to one of the projection lens systems.
US08445868B2
The present application relates to compositions having at least one oligofluoranthene. The compositions may, for example, emit blue or green light when exposed to a blue or ultraviolet radiation. Methods of making the compositions are also disclosed, as well as methods and apparatuses for producing light and detecting nitroaromatics using the compositions.
US08445866B2
Phosphor compositions are provided that can be incorporated into or onto plastic substrates as covert security features. The plastic substrates can be transparent and the phosphor compositions have a refractive index that effectively matches the refractive index of the plastic substrate to maintain the transparency. The phosphor compositions have absorption in the infrared, thus enabling excitation and detection of the compositions with an infrared emitting source.
US08445864B2
A system includes a UV light source and an optical medium coupled to receive UV light from the UV light source. The optical medium is configured to emit UV light proximate to a surface to be protected from biofouling. A method corresponds to the system.
US08445847B2
A technique for an infrared radiation thermometer used for thermography detects measurement abnormality of the infrared radiation thermometer and estimates the causes of the measurement abnormality such as contamination of an objective lens and a malfunction in a mechanism section of the infrared radiation thermometer. The measurement abnormality detector has a dummy lens 21 placed in the periphery of the objective lens 11 of the thermometer 10 so as to be at a position and in an attitude that are more susceptible to contamination than the objective lens 11, a laser displacement meter 22 for projecting light to the dummy lens 21 at each predetermined time or at a predetermined timing, receiving the light reflected by the dummy lens 21, and measuring the quantity of the received light, and determination means 50 for calculating the attenuation rate of the projected light on the basis of the quantity of the received light measured by the laser displacement meter 22, estimating the degree of contamination of the dummy lens 21 on the basis of the calculated attenuation rate, and judging, on the basis of the degree of contamination of the dummy lens 21, the necessity of warning for contamination of the objective lens 11 and measurement abnormality of the thermometer 10.
US08445846B2
The present invention relates to a beam optical component including a charged particle lens for focusing a charged particle beam, the charged particle lens comprising a first element having a first opening for focusing the charged particle beam; a second element having a second opening for focusing the charged particle beam and first driving means connected with at least one of the first element and the second element for aligning the first opening with respect to the second opening. With the first driving means, the first opening and the second opening can be aligned with respect to each other during beam operation to provide a superior alignment of the beam optical component for a better beam focusing. The present invention also relates to a charged particle beam device that uses said beam optical component for focusing the charged particle beam, and a method to align first opening and second opening with respect to each other.
US08445839B2
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for calibrating a first self-powered neutron detector for long term use in a nuclear reactor core with a second self-powered neutron detector, where the emitter material of the second self-powered neutron detector has a neutron absorption cross-section that is greater than the neutron absorption cross-section of the first emitter material for the first self-powered neutron detector.
US08445829B2
An active photosensing pixel is disclosed, in which a two-terminal photosensing transistor has a first terminal coupled to a first node, a second terminal coupled to a selection line and a control terminal connected to the second terminal. A driving transistor has a first terminal coupled to a first reference voltage, a second terminal coupled to an output line and a control terminal connected to the first node. A reset capacitor has a first terminal connected to the control terminal of the two-terminal photosensing transistor, and a second terminal connected to the first node.
US08445828B2
A high dynamic range CMOS image sensor is disclosed. The pixels of the image sensor incorporate in-pixel memory. Further, the pixels may have varying integration periods. The integration periods are determined, in part, by the signal stored in the in-pixel memory from previous integration periods.
US08445821B2
The invention provides a built-in cooking device comprising a door 2a having a size large enough to cover the front side of a cooking device body including a lower portion thereof, and on an inner lower surface of the door 2a facing the lower portion of the cooking device body is formed an air inlet portion 15a and an air outlet portion 15b composed of an air guide portion having a recessed portion for the air inlet and outlet portions, by which directions of the inlet air and outlet air moving in forward and rearward directions along the recessed portion of the door 2a are changed to the perpendicular direction. The present device has eliminated the front-side air inlet and outlet using an air inlet and outlet grill using an inlet and outlet air blow duct layer structure disposed on the bottom side of the device, and the rear side of a duct constituting the present air inlet and outlet portion is disposed along a warm wall surface of the heating chamber.
US08445815B2
A laser processing machine head, a laser processing machine head monitoring system, and a method of monitoring an optical element of a laser processing machine feature a light-transmissive optical element and an optical element holder defining a cavity in which the optical element is retained against rotation. A light source mounted to the holder directs a beam of light into the optical element through a peripheral surface of the optical element. A light receiver is responsive to light from the light source reflected through the optical element. Monitoring a signal from the light receiver allows a status of the optical element to be assessed.
US08445811B2
A device for the laser weld joining of sheet metal strips includes the following elements: a main frame, a laser welding unit including a laser beam generator for welding the sheet metal strips to be joined and a welding head, a clamping jaw unit supported by the frame and used to clamp the sheet metal strips, and a shearing unit for shearing the head and tails of the sheet metal strips to be joined. The shearing unit includes upper blades mounted to a blade holder and lower blades which can move in relation to the upper blades and which are designed to shear a strip, as well as a blade connecting structure fixed to the frame, the above-mentioned welding head being mobile between the blade holder and the lower blades.
US08445799B2
A control switch for an associated vehicle has a control configured to selectively adjust operation of a predetermined vehicle function. The control is configured to rotate in a first direction a first rotational displacement to a first position. The predetermined vehicle function has a first operation through the first rotational displacement. The control is configured to rotate in the first direction a second rotational displacement larger than the first rotational displacement from the first position to a second position. The predetermined vehicle function has a second operation through the second rotational displacement.
US08445797B2
A safety interlocking device for a switch includes a supporting member, an annular member, a locking lever, a limiting rod and a resilient member. A driving shaft of the switch is arranged through the supporting member and the annular member, the annular member rotates synchronously with the driving shaft, and the annular member is coupled to a wing block. The locking lever is hooked onto the safety device, the limiting rod is rotated when pushed by the safety device, and the rotation of the limiting rod rotates the locking lever. When the safety device is closed, the switch is turned on and the locking lever hooks onto the safety device so that the latter cannot be opened; and when the switch is turned off, the locking lever releases the safety device, while one end of the limiting rod limits the rotation of the annular member, thus limiting the switch's turn-on operation.
US08445785B2
A polybutylene naphthalate-based resin composition contains polybutylene naphthalate resin, a polyester block copolymer, and magnesium hydroxide; and an electric wire uses a polybutylene naphthalate-based resin composition, with an insulated coating layer formed on a conductor, by using a polybutylene naphthalate-based resin composition containing polybutylene naphthalate resin, a polyester block copolymer, and magnesium hydroxide as an insulating material.
US08445740B2
A process for recovering ethylene is disclosed, the process including: recovering a ethylene-containing stream comprising methane, ethylene, and nitrogen oxides from at least one of an ethylene production process and an ethylene recovery process; separating the ethylene-containing stream via extractive distillation using at least one C2+ hydrocarbon absorbent to produce an overheads fraction comprising methane and nitrogen oxides and a bottoms fraction comprising the at least one C2+ hydrocarbon absorbent and ethylene; wherein the separating comprises operating the extractive distillation at temperatures and pressures sufficient to prevent any substantial conversion of nitrogen oxides to N2O3.
US08445731B2
Provided is a process for producing a bisphenol compound stably at a high conversion and with high selectivity over a long period. A process for producing a bisphenol compound by feeding a phenol compound and a carbonyl compound continuously to a reactor packed with an acid catalyst, characterized in that the acid catalyst is a sulfonic-acid-form cation-exchange resin in which part of the sulfo groups have been modified with at least any one of 2-pyridylalkanethiol compounds and 3-pyridylalkanethiol compounds.
US08445729B2
Process for the preparation of hydroperoxides of alkylbenzenes characterized by the fact that the alkylbenzene reacts with oxygen in the presence of a catalytic system which includes an N-hydroxyimide or an N-hydroxysulfamide and a polar solvent.
US08445728B2
The invention relates to a method for reprocessing a liquid product of a hydroformylation reaction, wherein the liquid phase produced in a release stage is supplied to a separating device from which a liquid flow containing rhodium is guided away via a filter, where solids thereby separated are taken out of the process and the filtrate obtained is guided back into the hydroformylation reaction.
US08445726B2
The present application relates to a process for preparing unsymmetric secondary tert-butylamines which, as well as the tert-butyl radical, also comprise an alkyl, cycloalkyl or benzyl radical. They are prepared by reacting corresponding aldehydes with tert-butylamine and hydrogen in the presence of hydrogenation catalysts (reductive amination) in the liquid phase.
US08445724B2
A process for the manufacture of iodixanol by performing a purification process of the crude product in a solvent comprising 1-methoxy-2-propanol. The crude product may be obtained in aqueous solution from dimerization of 5-acetamido-N,N′-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-2,4,6-triiodo-isophthalamide (“Compound A”).
US08445716B2
A process is described for preparing fesoterodine and/or fesoterodine fumarate comprising the esterification of (R)-feso deacyl with isobutyric acid or a precursor thereof, such as an isobutyryl halide or the isobutyric acid anhydride to give fesoterodine, in a mixture of water at alkaline pH and/or at least one organic solvent. This process allows obtaining products with high yields and purities, and in particular a product having a content of (R)-2-[3-(diisopropylamino)-1-phenylpropyl]-4-isobutyroyloxymethyl-phenyl isobutyrate less than 1% by mole and a content of (R)-2-[3-(diisopropylamino)-1-phenylpropyl]-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenol less than 0.05% by mole.
US08445707B1
The disclosure herein provides the compounds of Formulas 1, 2 and 3 and their pharmaceutical acceptable salts, as well as polymorphs, solvates, and hydrates thereof. These salts may be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions. The pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated for oral administration, transdermal administration, and/or injection. Such compositions may be used for the treatment of metabolic conditions, cystinosis, non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis, hypertriglyceridemia, and/or neurodegenerative disorders, and/or their associated complications.
US08445702B2
The present invention provides a metal chelator and methods that facilitate binding, detecting, monitoring and quantitating of zinc ions in a sample. The metal chelating moiety of the zinc-binding compound is an analog of the well-known calcium chelator, BAPTA (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid), wherein the chelating moiety has been modified from a tetraacetic acid moiety to a tri- di- or monoacetic moiety. This change in acetic acid groups on the metal chelating moiety results in the selective bindings of zinc ions in the presence of calcium ions, both of which are present in biological fluids and intracellular cytosolic fluid and organelles.
US08445692B2
The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter compounds present in, e.g., coffee. Also, the invention relates to the discovery of specific compounds and compositions containing that function as bitter taste blockers and the use thereof as bitter taste blockers or flavor modulators in, e.g., coffee and coffee flavored foods, beverages and medicaments. Also, the present invention relates to the discovery of a compound that antagonizes numerous different human T2Rs and the use thereof in assays and as a bitter taste blocker in compositions for ingestion by humans and animals.
US08445691B2
The present invention relates to novel heterocyclic thiosubstituted alkanol derivatives, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds and to their use as biologically active compounds, in particular for controlling harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials and as plant growth regulators.
US08445690B2
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I), methods for preparing these compounds, compositions, intermediates and derivatives thereof and for treating a condition including but not limited to ankylosing spondylitis, artherosclerosis, arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis, childhood arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis), bone-related diseases (including those related to bone formation), breast cancer (including those unresponsive to anti-estrogen therapy), cardiovascular disorders, cartilage-related disease (such as cartilage injury/loss, cartilage degeneration, and those related to cartilage formation), chondrodysplasia, chondrosarcoma, chronic back injury, chronic bronchitis, chronic inflammatory airway disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, disorders of energy homeostasis, gout, pseudogout, lipid disorders, metabolic syndrome, multiple myeloma, obesity, osteoarthritis, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteolytic bone metastasis, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, Paget's disease, periodontal disease, polymyalgia rheumatica, Reiter's syndrome, repetitive stress injury, hyperglycemia, elevated blood glucose level, and insulin resistance.
US08445685B2
A novel process for preparing thiazolidinediones, preferably Pioglitazone, as described. Also described are novel intermediates involved in its synthesis and process for their preparation and use in medicine.
US08445676B2
The present invention provides compounds of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The formula I compounds inhibit tyrosine kinase activity of such as Jak2 and CK2, thereby making them useful as antiproliferative agents for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
US08445665B2
This application relates to iRNA agents and methods of making and using the agents. The iRNA agent comprises a sense sequence and an antisense sequence. The antisense strand and/or the sense strand may contain formula (8) or its L-nucleoside or 2′-5′ linkage isomer: The iRNA agents of the invention can present increased nuclease resistance.
US08445662B2
The present invention is related to a M. tuberculosis fusion protein, polynucleotide coding for said protein, and a vector and host cell that contain said polynucleotide. The present invention also involves the preparation of said fusion protein, and the use thereof in preventions and treatment of tuberculosis.
US08445653B2
The present invention provides a lyophilized preparation of amrubicin, which contains L-cysteine or a salt thereof and has a water content of 0 to about 4% by weight within the preparation, and is stable even in a long-term storage, and further provides a method for production of said preparation. Said preparation is useful as a chemotherapeutic agent for cancers.
US08445651B2
The invention discloses a method for producing a charge control agent and a toner containing the charge control agent. The preparation method includes the technical proposal that in aqueous medium, an azo compound is reacted with a salicylic acid chromium complex, which is used as a complexing agent to synthesize a specific azo chromium complex. The preparation method is characterized by complex synthesis engineering. The toner of the invention includes a charge control agent obtained from the method described herein. Provided is a method for obtaining a charge control agent and a toner with excellent chargeability in that no flying or fogging is observed, even during image formation at high printing speeds. The toner is relatively free from the influences of variations in the environmental temperature and humidity, which ensures stable image printing with high picture quality for long periods of time.
US08445632B2
Antimicrobial peptoid compounds and related compositions as can be used against bacteria effectively and selectively.
US08445629B2
A method for producing an acid group-containing polyarylene sulfide of the present invention includes a reaction step of reacting a polyhaloaromatic compound (a), an alkali metal hydrosulfide (b), and an alkali metal carboxylate (c) in the presence of a solid alkali metal sulfide and a lithium ion.
US08445628B2
Disclosed is a copolymer resin composition including a lactic acid copolymer, the lactic acid copolymer containing monomer units represented by the following chemical formulas [1], [2], and [3], wherein a content of a monomer unit represented by the chemical formula [3] is 50 mol % or more and 95 mol % or less, a weight-average molecular weight of the lactic acid copolymer is 20,000 or more and 1,000,000 or less, and a deflection temperature of the lactic acid copolymer under load is 65° C. or higher and 100° C. or lower at a bending stress of 1.80 MPa.
US08445627B2
The invention provides new aliphatic diester-di-acid-containing PEA polymer compositions with significant improvement in hydrolytic degradation rates as compared to aliphatic di-acid-containing PEA polymers. The di-acids used in the invention PEA compositions include non-toxic fatty aliphatic homologs. These molecules inherently contain two-ester groups, which easily can be cleaved by biotic (enzymatic) and abiotic hydrolysis. Additional di-acid-type compounds useful for active polycondensation are α,ω-alkylene dicarboxylates composed of short aliphatic non toxic diols and di-acids. In addition, the invention PEA polymer compositions optionally can include a second monomer, such as a C-protected L-lysine-based monomer, to introduce additional chain flexibility into the polymer. The invention PEA polymer compositions are useful for delivery of bioactive agents when administered internally.
US08445624B2
A subject for the invention is to provide a polycarbonate having excellent mechanical strength, heat resistance, a low refractive index, a large Abbe number, reduced birefringence, and excellent transparency. The invention relates to a polycarbonate characterized by being obtained by subjecting one or more dihydroxy compounds including a dihydroxy compound having at least one linking group —CH2—O— in the molecule thereof to melt polycondensation with a carbonic acid diester, and by having a reduced viscosity of from 0.40 dL/g to 1.70 dL/g and a formic acid content lower than 5 ppm by weight.
US08445619B2
Process for making a film or pipe by compounding an uncompounded polyolefin powder having a particle size distribution such that D95 is less than 355 μm and (D90−D10)/D50 is less than 1.2, where D95, D90, D50 and D10 are defined such that 95 wt %, 90 wt %, 50 wt % or 10 wtl % of the polymer particles have a diameter of less than D95, D90, D50 and D10 respectively, to form pellets; and then forming the pellets into a film or pipe.
US08445614B2
Dimensionally stable silicone hydrogel contact lenses are described. The lenses are derived from a polymerizable composition including a first siloxane monomer represented by formula (1): wherein m of formula (1) represents one integer from 3 to 10, n of formula (1) represents one integer from 1 to 10, R1 of formula (1) is an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and each R2 of formula (1) is independently either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; the lenses also include units derived from a second siloxane monomer represented by formula (2): wherein R1 of formula (2) is selected from either hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 of formula (2) is selected from either of hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; m of formula (2) represents an integer of from 0 to 10; n of formula (2) represents an integer of from 4 to 100; a and b represent integers of 1 or more; a+b is equal to 20-500; b/(a+b) is equal to 0.01-0.22; the configuration of siloxane units includes a random configuration, the second siloxane monomer having a number average molecular weight of at least 3,000 daltons that is present in the polymerizable composition in an amount such that ratio of the first siloxane monomer to the second siloxane monomer is at least 2:1 based on unit parts by weight. Batches of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and methods of making silicone hydrogel contact lenses are also described.
US08445612B2
An initiator for the terminal group of the polymer product of an atom or group radical transfer polymerisation has an activated carboxyl or an amine group which is reacted with an amine or carboxyl (respectively) group containing biologically active compound. The initiator is preferably 4-(3-(2-bromo, 2-methyl-propionate)phenyl)-propionic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester or 2-bromo, 2-methyl-propionic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester. The monomers preferably comprise a zwitterionic monomer such as 2-methacryloxyethyl-2′-trimethyl ammoniumethyl phosphate inner salt.
US08445607B2
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a particulate bimodal polyethylene product having a median particle diameter of less than 300 μm in a serially connected double loop reactor, wherein said polymerization catalyst applied in the polymerization process comprises a particulate metallocene-alumoxane catalyst immobilized on a porous silica support, wherein said polymerization catalyst has a median particle diameter of less than 50 μm; and whereby the ratio of the median particle diameter of the obtained bimodal polyethylene product to the median particle diameter of the applied polymerization catalyst is less than 30.
US08445597B2
A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition for PDP front filters includes 100 parts by weight of a high molecular weight acrylic polymer A having a COOH or OH group, a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 400,000 to less than 800,000, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of not more than 5 and a glass transition temperature (Tg-A) of −40 to −10° C., and 5 to 20 parts by weight of a low molecular weight acrylic polymer B having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 10,000 to 50,000, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of not more than 5 and a glass transition temperature (Tg-B) of 40 to 120° C.; and is crosslinked to a gel fraction of 50 to 90% and has a 90° peel strength of 5 to 15 N/25 mm. The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition does not cause bonding failures such as lifting even when exposed to thermal cycles.
US08445585B2
This invention relates to binder mixtures comprising mass fractions of from 70% to 98% of chain-extended epoxy amine adducts A and from 2% to 30% of carboxy functional polyesters B that contain a limited amount of aromatic constituents in mass fractions of up to 15% and have an acid number of from 4 mg/g to 50 mg/g, a method of making these binder mixtures, and a method of use thereof in coatings for metals, wood, cardboard, plaster, and concrete.
US08445583B2
A conjugated diene polymer is provided that comprises a conjugated diene-based constituent unit and a constituent unit of formula (I) below, at least one terminus of the polymer being modified by a compound having a linkage of formula (II) below. wherein X1, X2, and X3 independently denote a group as defined in the specification.
US08445582B2
It is an object of the invention to provide polypropylene adhesives which have excellent adhesion to polar materials and exhibit particularly excellent adhesion after high-speed cast film processing, stretching or extrusion coating, and are excellent in blushing resistance, and multilayer structures having the adhesives. The adhesive resin composition is a grafted resin composition comprising a polypropylene component (A), an ethylene/propylene/α-olefin copolymer component (B), an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer component (C), and an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a derivative thereof (D), and which contains the component (A) at 5 to 80 parts by mass, the component (B) at 5 to 70 parts by mass and the component (C) at 1 to 40 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the components (A), (B) and (C) combined and has an ethylene/propylene/α-olefin ratio in n-decane-soluble components of 5-95/5-95/1-50 mol % and a graft ratio of 0.01 to 5 wt %.
US08445575B2
Disclosed is a molded or extruded thermoplastic article having high heat stability, including a thermoplastic polyamide composition including (a) a polvamide resin; (b) 0.25 to 20 weight percent of one or more polyhydroxy polymer(s) having a number average molecular weight of at least 2000; (c) 0.1 to 3 weight percent of one or more co-stabilizer(s) selected from the group consisting of secondary aryl amines, hindered amine light stabilizers, hindered phenols, and mixtures thereof; (d) 0 to less than 10 weight percent of one or more reinforcement agents; and (f) 0 to 20 weight percent of a polymeric toughener; wherein the composition has an air oven aging retention of elongation at break of at least 50 percent, as compared to that of an unexposed control of identical composition and shape.
US08445571B2
A processing agent for polyurethane elastomer fibers contains a specified type of dispersion medium having a mineral oil as its essential component in an amount of 80-99.99 mass % and a dispersoid of a specified type made of urethane compound in an amount of 0.01-20 mass % for a total of 100 mass %, having its average particle diameter adjusted to 0.01-500 μm as measured by a specified method such that packages with superior roll shape and unwinding property can be obtained.
US08445570B2
The present invention provides a polybutylene terephthalate resin composition, having performance of high durability and the like in a cold cycle environment, and having high strength. Specifically, relative to 100 parts by weight of a polybutylene terephthalate resin (A) having 30 meq/kg or less of the amount of terminal carboxyl groups, there are added a carbodiimide compound (B) in an amount of 0.3 to 1.5 equivalents of the carbodiimide functional group when the amount of carboxyl terminal group in the polybutylene terephthalate resin (A) is set as 1, 20 to 100 parts by weight of a fibrous filler (C), and 5 to 15 parts by weight of an elastomer (D).
US08445565B2
Disclosed is a flame retardant agent, including a nitrogen-based lignin formed by reacting 1 part by weight of lignin, 0.8 to 2.4 parts by weight of a nitrogen-containing compound, and 0.3 to 0.9 parts by weight of an aldehyde under an alkaline condition. The flame retardant agent can be added to thermoplastic or thermosetting resins to form flame retardant materials.
US08445564B2
The present invention provides composite materials derived from aqueous binder compositions comprising defatted soy flour of no greater than 43 micron mesh particle size, polymer particles of at least one emulsion (co)polymer, one or more amino resin, and, optionally, one or more reducing sugar. Also provided are methods of making and using composite materials containing the binder compositions.
US08445558B2
A hardenable dental composition that includes a polymerizable component and an organogelator.
US08445556B2
The present invention provides a process to preparing a polyurethane or polyurethane/urea closed cell foam. This foam, when compared to neoprene foam, exhibits a low water absorption and an additional quality of chlorine content of not greater than 0.5% based on the total weight of the closed cell foam.
US08445555B2
The present invention provides trimerization catalyst compositions having at least one carbanion compound and methods to produce a polyisocyanurate/polyurethane foam using such trimerization catalyst compositions.
US08445552B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to solid surface sheets and methods of making solid surface sheets, wherein the method comprises dissolving post-consumer recycled polystyrene in a first liquid resin precursor to form a blend, solidifying the blend via curing, grinding the solidified blend into recycled particles, adding the recycled particles and filler into a second liquid resin precursor to produce a solid surface precursor, and molding and curing the solid surface precursor to produce the solid surface sheet.
US08445538B2
Glucagon receptor antagonist compounds are disclosed. The compounds are useful for treating type 2 diabetes and related conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are also included.
US08445536B2
A composition for increasing blood flow is provided, wherein side effects such as lowering of blood pressure are reduced and blood flow is effectively increased in the capillaries. A composition containing arginine in an amount from 25 mg/kg body weight to 150 mg/kg body weight is also provided. A food composition or a feeding stuff containing the composition is also provided. Method of using the above compositions to increase blood flow is also provided.
US08445527B2
The present invention provides a method of treating a HCV infection in a subject in need thereof by administering a compound of Formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or stereoisomers thereof.
US08445522B2
Disclosed is a harmful arthropod control composition comprising, as an active ingredient, a fused heterocyclic compound represented by formula (1) [wherein A1 and A2 independently represent a nitrogen atom or the like; R1 and R4 independently represent a halogen atom or the like; R2 and R3 independently represent a halogen atom or the like; R5 and R6 independently represent a linear C1-C6 hydrocarbon group which may be substituted, or the like (provided that both R5 and R6 cannot represent a hydrogen atom simultaneously); and n represents 0 or 1]. The harmful arthropod control composition has an excellent efficacy to control harmful arthropods.
US08445517B2
The present invention is directed to methods, kits and compositions for modulating the activity of Stat molecules (e.g., Stat1, Stat3 and Stat5). The compounds of the invention are useful for treating and/or preventing disorders characterized by Stat dysregulation, such as hyperproliferative disorders. Further, the compounds of the present invention are also useful in culturing stem cells and treating ischemic disorders.
US08445514B2
This invention is directed to a compound of Formula (I): and forms thereof, wherein A, B, E, G, X and L2 are as defined herein and their use as urotensin II receptor antagonists.
US08445512B2
The invention relates to substituted quinoline-3—Carboxamides, to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and also to these compounds for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of pain and further diseases and/or disorders.
US08445510B2
Compounds of Formula I, as shown below and defined herein: pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, synthesis, intermediates, formulations, and methods of disease treatment therewith, including treatment of cancers, such as tumors driven at least in part by at least one of RON, MET or ALK. This Abstract is not limiting of the invention.
US08445509B2
The present invention provides a fused heterocyclic derivative having a strong kinase inhibitory activity and use thereof.The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula wherein each symbol is as defined in the present specification, or a salt thereof.
US08445506B2
The present invention provides a novel cyclohexane solvate form of lopinavir, and a process for its preparation thereof. The present invention also provides a novel desolvated crystalline form of lopinavir, process for its preparation and to pharmaceutical composition containing it. Thus, for example, lopinavir cyclohexane solvate was heated at 100° C. for 10 hours to give lopinavir desolvated crystalline form H1.
US08445493B2
The present invention provides novel tetrasubstituted pyridazine hedgehog pathway antagonists useful in the treatment of cancer.
US08445486B2
Compounds of formula I wherein: R1 is and R2, R4, and R6-9 are defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. These compounds inhibit PI3 kinase and mTOR, and may be used to treat diseases mediated by PI3 kinase and mTOR, such as a variety of cancers. Methods for making and using the compounds of this invention are disclosed. Various compositions containing the compounds of this invention are also disclosed.
US08445484B2
The present invention refers to 3-aza-bicyclo [3.2.1] octane derivatives of general formula (I) their preparation, use and pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of pathologies associated with microbial pathogens expressing aspartylprotease activity.
US08445478B2
The invention relates to azetidine derivatives having the formula (I): Wherein R′, R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, R, Y, A and B are as defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the same and therapeutic use thereof.
US08445460B2
The invention relates to soluble, highly branched glucose polymers which are obtained by enzymatic treatment of starch, having a reducing sugars content of less than 3.5%, exhibiting a proportion of α-1,6-glucosidic linkages of between 20% and 30%, a Mw, determined by light scattering, of between 20·103 and 30·103 daltons, and an osmolality of less than 25 mOsm/kg. The invention likewise relates to a method of obtaining these polymers and to their use in the pharmaceutical and food industries, more particularly in the field of enteral and parenteral nutrition, and in the field of peritoneal dialysis.
US08445452B2
This invention relates to a fulvic acid and antibiotic combination for use in the treatment of various diseases and conditions. The invention further relates to the use of the combination for the treatment of various diseases and conditions, including bacterial infection. In particular, the bacteria are antibiotic resistant bacteria.
US08445450B2
The present invention relates compounds of the formula (I) oligosaccharide-spacer-A (I), wherein the oligosaccharide is a negatively charged oligosaccharide residue comprising two to twenty five monosaccharide units, the charge being compensated by positively charged counterions, and wherein the oligosaccharide residue is derived from an oligosaccharide which has (AT-III mediated) anti-Xa activity per se; the spacer is an essentially pharmacologically inactive flexible linking residue having a chain length of 10 to 70 atoms; A is the residue —CH[NH—SO2—R1][CO—NR2—CH(4-benzamidine)-CO—NR3R4].
US08445443B2
The present invention discloses cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins where a macromolecule transduction domain (MTD) is fused to a tumor suppressor p18. Also disclosed are polynucleotides encoding the cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins, an expression vector containing the cell permeable p18 recombinant protein, and a pharmaceutical composition for treating p18 deficiency or failure which contains the cell permeable p18 recombinant protein as an effective ingredient. The cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins of the present invention are capable of efficiently introducing a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor p18 into a cell, and thus, can activate cell signaling mechanisms involved in the activation of ATM and p53 that induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to DNA damage or oncogenic signals. Therefore, the cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins of the present invention can be effectively used as an anticancer agent.
US08445439B2
The present invention provides an itch suppressant containing cholecystokinin 2 receptor agonist such as a peptide having an amino acid sequence homologous with a partial amino acid sequence of at least seven C-terminal amino acids of the peptide having the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ:ID No. 1 as an active ingredient as a rapid-acting itch suppressant effective in treating skin illnesses associated with strong itch such as atopic dermatitis having few side effects. [SEQ: ID No. 1] Val-Ser-Gln-Arg-Thr-Asp-Gly-Glu-Ser-Arg-Ala-His- Leu-Gly-Ala-Leu-Leu-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Gln-Ala- Arg-Lys-Ala-Pro-Ser-Gly-Arg-Met-Ser-Ile-Val-Lys- Asn-Leu-Gln-Asn-Leu-Asp-Pro-Ser-His-Arg-Ile-Ser- Asp-Arg-Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2
US08445438B2
Disclosed herein is a composition for the treatment and/or prevention of Alzheimer's disease and the delivery thereof. The composition comprises a PEG hydrogel having bound thereto a capture peptide, wherein the capture peptide is capable of binding beta-amyloid. In another embodiment, the capture peptide is attached to a solid support.
US08445434B2
A fusion protein comprising at least one IGF1 variant component and a fusion component (F), and, optionally, a signal sequence, exhibits improved stability relative to the native IGF1 or IGF2 polypeptide. The fusion component (F) may be a multimerizing component, such as an immunoglobulin domain, in particular, the Fc domain of IgG or a heavy chain of IgG. IGF1 variants were shown to have improved ability to increase muscle mass in a subject suffering from muscle atrophy caused by cachexia, immobilization, aging, chronic disease, cancer, hereditary condition, an atrophy-causing agent, and the like. IGF1 variants are also effective in decreasing blood glucose in a subject suffering from diabetes or hyperglycemia.
US08445432B2
Neurturin polypeptides which possess reduced heparin and heparan sulfate binding affinity but retain neurotrophic activity, nucleic acids which encode the neurturin variants and vectors and host cells which express the enhanced neurturin polypeptides. Use of the enhanced neurturin polypeptides, nucleic acids and host cells in the treatment or prevention of disease.
US08445426B2
The present invention relates to the fields of life sciences and food, feed or pharmaceutical industry. Specifically, the invention relates to novel peptides, pilus structures, polynucleotides as well as vectors, host cells, products and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polynucleotides, peptides or pilus structures. The invention also relates to gene clusters and antibodies. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for producing the peptides or pilus structures or producing the products comprising the peptides or pilus structures. Furthermore, the present invention relates to treatments as well as uses and methods for screening bacterial strains, for reducing or inhibiting the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria, promoting the adhesion of bacterial cells to the mucus and for modifying immune response in a subject. Still, the present invention relates to methods for detecting probiotic bacterial strains or pathogen strains.
US08445419B2
The present disclosure relates to methods of treating food products by applying an antimicrobial composition and processing the food product using selected processing methods.
US08445408B2
Pyrimidine derivatives and their use for controlling undesired plant growth Compounds of the formula (I) and their use in the field of crop protection are described.
US08445406B2
A liquid herbicidal composition is provided, comprising: a. 20 to 35 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a water-soluble herbicidal ingredient; b. a C12-C16 alkyl ether sulfate; c. an organic solvent; and d. an alkyl polyglucoside. The composition is stable; i.e., it occurs in a substantially continuous, single phase at temperatures as low as −20° C. It also has a viscosity of no more than 2000 cps at temperatures as low as 0° C.
US08445401B2
It has been demanded to produce titanium dioxide having an excellent photocatalytic activity and an excellent super-hydrophilic property by a simple procedure suitable for the production on an industrial scale. Rutile-type titanium dioxide having an excellent photocatalytic activity can be produced by carrying out the anodic oxidization of the surface of a base material comprising titanium or a titanium alloy by applying a voltage (e.g., a high voltage) or carrying out the anodic oxidation of the surface of the base material under high current density conditions. Further, a film is produced on the surface of the base material by the anodic oxidation technique by applying a voltage or the anodic oxidization technique under high current density conditions, and the film is subjected to heat treatment, thereby producing rutile-type titanium dioxide having excellent crystallinity.
US08445400B2
The present invention provides a novel glycerol-based heterogeneous solid acid catalyst by simultaneous partial carbonization and sulfonation of crude glycerol obtained as a by-product during the biodiesel process. Solid acid catalyst with similar activity is also prepared from glycerol pitch (by-product of fat splitting) and technical grade glycerol. These glycerol-based solid acid catalysts are employed for esterification of fatty acids and fatty acid present in the high and low free fatty acid (FFA) containing vegetable oils like rice bran, karanja and jatropha; fatty acid distillate; deodorizer distillate and acid oil which are being used as raw materials for the preparation of biodiesel. These catalysts are highly active, reusable and simplify the biodiesel process particularly for fatty acids or high FFA containing vegetable oils by replacing the traditional homogeneous mineral acid catalysts.
US08445396B2
A laminated ceramic capacitor suitable for intermediate to high voltage applications uses a dielectric ceramic represented by {100(BaTiO3+aBaZrO3)+bR+cMg+dMn+eSi} where R is a rare earth element; 0≦a≦0.2, 8.0≦b≦12.0, 1.0≦c≦10.0, 0.1≦d≦3.0, and 1.0≦e≦10.0, and includes first grains of 0.7 μm or more in grain size and an average first grain size (Aave) and area ratio of the ceramic (SA), and second grains of 0.6 μm or less in grain size and an average second grain size (Bave) and area ratio (SB), 0.8 μm≦Aave≦2.0 μm, 0.1 μm≦Bave≦0.5 μm, Aave/Bave≧3.0, 0.3≦SA≦0.9, 0.1≦SB≦0.7, and 0.8≦SA+SB≦1.0.
US08445391B2
A leather-like sheet composed of a microfine-fiber entangled body made of bundles of microfine fibers and an elastic polymer impregnated therein. The bundles of microfine fibers are composed of microfine monofibers having an average cross-sectional area of 0.1 to 30 μm2 and have an average cross-sectional area of 40 to 400 μm2. The bundles of microfine fibers exist in a density of 600 to 4000/mm2 on a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the microfine-fiber entangled body. The elastic polymer contains 30 to 100% by mass of a polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer is composed of a soft component having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than −5° C., a crosslinkable component, and optionally a hard component having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of higher than 50° C. and another component. The polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer is bonded to the microfine fibers in the bundles of microfine fibers. The leather-like sheet has a flexibility and hand such as dense feeling each resembling natural leathers and a high quality appearance. The leather-like sheet is highly stable in quality such as fastness and surface abrasion resistance and excellent in practical performance.
US08445389B2
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods for treating a silicon-containing material on a substrate surface and performing a chamber clean process. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a substrate containing a silicon material having a contaminant thereon within a process chamber and exposing the substrate to an etching gas containing chlorine gas and a silicon source gas while removing the contaminant and maintaining a temperature of the substrate within a range from about 500° C. to less than about 800° C. during an etching process. The method further includes exposing the substrate to a deposition gas after the etching process during a deposition process and exposing the process chamber to a chamber clean gas containing chlorine gas and the silicon source gas after the deposition process during a chamber clean process. The chamber clean process limits the etching of quartz and metal surfaces within the process chamber.
US08445387B2
Memory cell structures, including PSOIs, NANDs, NORs, FinFETs, etc., and methods of fabrication have been described that include a method of epitaxial silicon growth. The method includes providing a silicon layer on a substrate. A dielectric layer is provided on the silicon layer. A trench is formed in the dielectric layer to expose the silicon layer, the trench having trench walls in the <100> direction. The method includes epitaxially growing silicon between trench walls formed in the dielectric layer.
US08445383B2
A heterojunction between thin films of NCD and 4H—SiC was developed. Undoped and B-doped NCDs were deposited on both n− and p− SiC epilayers. I-V measurements on p+ NCD/n− SiC indicated Schottky rectifying behavior with a turn-on voltage of around 0.2 V. The current increased over eight orders of magnitude with an ideality factor of 1.17 at 30° C. Ideal energy-band diagrams suggested a possible conduction mechanism for electron transport from the SiC conduction band to either the valence band or acceptor level of the NCD film.
US08445375B2
A semiconductor component and methods for manufacturing the semiconductor component that includes a double exposure of a layer of photoresist or the use of multiple layers of photoresist. A metallization structure is formed on a layer of electrically conductive material that is disposed on a substrate and a layer of photoresist is formed on the metallization structure. The layer of photoresist is exposed to light and developed to remove a portion of the photoresist layer, thereby forming an opening. Then, a larger portion of the photoresist layer is exposed to light and an electrically conductive interconnect is formed in the opening. The larger portion of the photoresist layer that was exposed to light is developed to expose edges of the electrically conductive interconnect and portions of the metallization structure. A protection layer is formed on the top and edges of the electrically conductive interconnect and on the exposed portions of the metallization structure.
US08445374B2
A method creates a structure that comprises a carrier connected to an integrated circuit chip by pillars and openings. Thus, in this structure, at least one conductive pillar extends a distance or height from the surface of the integrated circuit chip and a barrier surrounds the lower portion of the conductive pillar such that the barrier covers at least some portion of the height of the pillar that is closest to the chip surface. There is at least one opening in the carrier that is large enough to accommodate the conductive pillar and the barrier, and the conductive pillar and the barrier are positioned in opening. A solder is used in the bottom of the opening to connect the conductive pillar to the bottom of the opening. The barrier prevents the solder from contacting the portion of the conductive pillar protected by the barrier.
US08445373B2
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a method of activating an indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film deposited, directly or indirectly, on a substrate. The ITO thin film is baked in a low oxygen environment at a temperature of at least 450 degrees C. for at least 10 minutes so as to provide for (1) a post-baked resistivity of the ITO thin film that is below a resistivity of a corresponding air-baked ITO thin film, (2) a post-baked visible spectrum absorption and transmission of the ITO thin film that respectively are below and above the absorption and transmission of the corresponding air-baked ITO thin film, and (3) a post-baked infrared reflectivity of the ITO thin film that is above the reflectivity of the corresponding air-baked ITO thin film. The substrate with the activated ITO thin film may be used in a photovoltaic device, for example.
US08445367B2
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a plurality of sacrificial layers and a plurality of insulating interlayers are repeatedly and alternately on a substrate. The insulating interlayers include a different material from a material of the sacrificial layers. At least one opening through the insulating interlayers and the sacrificial layers are formed. The at least one opening exposes the substrate. The seed layer is formed on an inner wall of the at least one opening using a first silicon source gas. A polysilicon channel is formed in the at least one opening by growing the seed layer. The sacrificial layers are removed to form a plurality of grooves between the insulating interlayers. A plurality of gate structures is formed in the grooves, respectively.
US08445365B2
A method of processing a polycrystalline film on a substrate includes generating laser pulses, directing the laser pulses through a mask to generate patterned laser beams, each having a length l′, a width w′, and a spacing between adjacent beams d′; irradiating a region of the film with the patterned beams, said beams having an intensity sufficient to melt and to induce crystallization of the irradiated portion of the film, wherein the film region is irradiated n times; and after irradiation of each film portion, translating the film and/or the mask, in the x- and y-directions. The distance of translation in the y-direction is about l′/n−δ, where δ is a value selected to overlap the beamlets from one irradiation step to the next. The distance of translation in the x-direction is selected such that the film is moved a distance of about λ′ after n irradiations, where λ′=w′+d′.
US08445355B2
Metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors and methods for fabricating MIM capacitors. The MIM capacitor includes an interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer with apertures each bounded by a plurality of sidewalls and each extending from the top surface of the ILD layer into the first interlayer dielectric layer. A layer stack, which is disposed on the sidewalls of the apertures and the top surface of the ILD layer, includes a bottom conductive electrode, a top conductive electrode, and a capacitor dielectric between the bottom and top conductive electrodes.
US08445353B1
A method for integrating a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor and a thin film resistor in an integrated circuit is provided that includes depositing a first metal layer outwardly of a semiconductor wafer substrate. A portion of the first metal layer forms a bottom plate for a MIM capacitor. A second metal layer is deposited outwardly of the first metal layer. A first portion of the second metal layer forms a top plate for the MIM capacitor and a second portion of the second metal layer forms contact pads for a thin film resistor.
US08445349B2
In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes forming a plurality of memory cell transistors and a plurality of selection transistors on a substrate. The method further includes burying first and second insulators successively between memory cell transistors and between a memory cell transistor and a selection transistor, and forming the first and second insulators successively on side surfaces of selection transistors, the side surfaces facing a space between the selection transistors. The method further includes burying third to fifth insulators successively between the selection transistors via the first and second insulators. The method further includes removing the second and fourth insulators by a first etching so that the second and fourth insulators partially remain between the selection transistors. The method further includes removing the second and fourth insulators remaining between the selection transistors by a second etching performed after the first etching.
US08445346B2
A method of fabricating a memory device includes providing a substrate having an insulating layer, forming first, second, and third conductive layers on the insulating layer, forming a mask on the third conductive layer, etching through the third conductive layer and a first portion thickness of the second conductive layer using the mask to provide an etched sidewall portions of the third conductive layer and an etched upper surface of the second polysilicon layer, and forming a liner layer along the etched sidewall portions and the etched upper surface.
US08445341B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate; a nitride based compound semiconductor layer placed on the substrate; an active area which is placed on the nitride based compound semiconductor layer, and is composed of an aluminum gallium nitride layer (AlxGa1-xN) (where 0.1<=x<=1); an isolation region which performs isolation of the active area mutually; a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode which have been placed on the active area surrounded by the isolation region; and a trench region formed by etching for a part of the active area under the gate electrode. The semiconductor device is highly reliable, high performance and high power and a fabrication method for the same is also provided.
US08445339B2
A method for forming a conductor structure is provided. The method comprises: (1) providing a substrate; (2) forming a patterned dielectric layer with a first opening which exposes a portion of the substrate; forming a patterned organic material layer on the dielectric layer with a second opening which corresponds to the first opening and expose the exposed portion of the substrate; (3) forming a first barrier layer on the organic material layer and the exposed portion of the substrate; (4) forming a metal layer on the first barrier layer; and (5) removing the organic material layer, the first barrier layer thereon and the metal layer thereon.
US08445337B2
A method of modifying a wafer having semiconductor disposed on an insulator is provided and includes establishing first and second regions of the wafer with different initial semiconductor thicknesses, forming pairs of semiconductor pads connected via respective nanowire channels at each of the first and second regions and reshaping the nanowire channels into nanowires each having a respective differing thickness reflective of the different initial semiconductor thicknesses at each of the first and second regions.
US08445335B2
A method of forming a pixel structure is provided. A pixel electrode made of transparent conductive material is formed to electrically connect a data line and a source electrode of a switching element of the adjacent sub-pixel region so that a plurality of sub-pixels can share the same data line. The number of data lines can be reduced, and the aperture ratio (AR) can be improved.
US08445332B2
A method of fabricating a single crystal silicon rod may include forming an insulation layer on a substrate, forming a hole in the insulation layer, selectively growing silicon in the hole, forming a silicon layer on the hole and on the insulation layer, forming a rod pattern on the silicon layer in a direction that is non-radial with respect to the hole, and melting the silicon layer and crystallizing the silicon layer by illuminating a laser beam on the silicon layer where the rod pattern is formed to generate a nucleation site at a position corresponding to the hole. According to the method, a single crystal silicon rod having no defects may be formed.
US08445329B2
Various circuit boards and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes forming a first interconnect layer of a circuit board. The first interconnect layer includes a first conductor structure. A first via is formed in the first interconnect layer and in electrical contact with the first conductor structure. The first via has a first oval footprint.
US08445325B2
A semiconductor device includes a first die having top, bottom, and peripheral surfaces. A bond pad is formed over the top surface. An organic material is connected to the first die and disposed around the peripheral surface. A via hole is formed in the organic material. A metal trace connects the via hole to the bond pad. A conductive material is deposited in the via hole. A redistribution layer (RDL) has an interconnection pad disposed over the top surface of the first die.
US08445324B2
The present disclosure relates to a method of fabricating a micromachined CMOS-MEMS integrated device as well as the devices/apparatus resulting from the method. In the disclosed method, the anisotropic etching (e.g., DRIE) for isolation trench formation on a MEMS element is performed on the back side of a silicon wafer, thereby avoiding the trench sidewall contamination and the screen effect of the isolation beams in a plasma etching process. In an embodiment, a layered wafer including a substrate and a composite thin film thereon is subjected to at least one (optionally at least two) back side anisotropic etching step to form an isolation trench (and optionally a substrate membrane). The method overcomes drawbacks of other microfabrication processes, including isolation trench sidewall contamination.
US08445322B2
A stacked semiconductor package having a unit package, cover substrates, adhesive members and connection electrodes is presented. The unit package includes a substrate, a first circuit pattern and a second circuit pattern. The first circuit pattern is disposed over an upper face of the substrate. The second circuit pattern is disposed over a lower face of the substrate. The lower and upper faces of the substrate oppose each other. The first and second semiconductor chips are respectively electrically connected to the first and second circuit patterns. The cover substrates are opposed to the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip. The adhesive members are respectively interposed between the unit package and the cover substrates. The connection electrodes pass through the unit package, the cover substrates and the adhesive members and are electrically connected to the first and second circuit patterns.
US08445317B2
Methods for fabricating a semiconductor device are provided. In the methods, first material layers and second material layers may be alternatingly and repeatedly stacked on a substrate. An opening penetrating the first material layers and the second material layers may be formed. A semiconductor solution may be formed in the opening by using a spin-on process.
US08445312B2
A method of manufacturing a crystalline silicon solar cell, subsequently including: providing a crystalline silicon substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; pre-diffusing Phosphorus into a first side of the substrate to render a Phosphorus diffused layer having an initial depth; blocking the first side of the substrate; exposing a second side of the substrate to a Boron diffusion source; heating the substrate for a certain period of time and to a certain temperature so as to diffuse Boron into the second side of the substrate and to simultaneously diffuse the Phosphorus further into the substrate.
US08445310B2
The present invention provides a stacked-layered thin film solar cell and manufacturing method thereof The manufacturing method includes the steps of: providing a substrate, a first electrode layer and a first light-absorbing layer; providing a mask with a plurality of patterns above the first light-absorbing layer; forming an interlayer made of an opaque, highly reflective material by providing the mask on the first light-absorbing layer, wherein the interlayer has a plurality of light transmissive regions corresponding to the patterns, and the light transmissive regions are provided to divide the interlayer into a plurality of units; and then depositing a second light-absorbing layer on the units and a second electrode layer on the second light-absorbing layer.
US08445309B2
A method of forming an anti-reflective surface for photovoltaic modules. A photovoltaic module including a surface configured to be illuminated is provided. The surface is contacted with an etchant, thereby modifying a portion of the surface to alter the index of refraction.
US08445307B2
Monolithic IC/MEMS processes are disclosed in which high-stress silicon nitride is used as a mechanical material while amorphous silicon serves as a sacrificial layer. Electronic circuits and micro-electromechanical devices are built on separate areas of a single wafer. The sequence of IC and MEMS process steps is designed to prevent alteration of partially completed circuits and devices by subsequent high process temperatures.
US08445292B2
The present invention provides compounds and methods for rapid labeling of N-glycans, for example, rapid fluorescent labeling of N-glycans. In one aspect, the present invention provides fluorescent carbamate or thiocarbamate compounds. Upon contacting with N-glycans, the compounds undergo facile reactions with N-glycans to form fluorescent-labeled N-glycans.
US08445290B2
A biosensor system determines analyte concentration from an output signal generated by an oxidation/reduction reaction of the analyte. The biosensor system adjusts a correlation for determining analyte concentrations from output signals at one temperature to determining analyte concentrations from output signals at other temperatures. The temperature-adjusted correlation between analyte concentrations and output signals at a reference temperature may be used to determine analyte concentrations from output signals at a sample temperature.
US08445283B2
The present invention relates to methods of producing a heterologous biological substance, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent Aspergillus niger strain in a medium suitable for the production of the heterologous biological substance, wherein (i) the mutant strain comprises a first nucleotide sequence encoding the heterologous biological substance and one or more second nucleotide sequences comprising a modification of glaA and at least one of the genes selected from the group consisting of asa, amyA, amyB, prtT, and oah, and (ii) the mutant strain is deficient in the production of glucoamylase and at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of acid stable alpha-amylase, neutral alpha-amylase A, and neutral alpha-amylase B, protease, and oxalic acid hydrolase compared to the parent Aspergillus niger strain when cultivated under identical conditions; and (b) recovering the heterologous biological substance from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to enzyme-deficient mutants of Aspergillus niger strains and methods for producing such mutants.
US08445275B2
A method of inducing dendritic cell (DC) development by administering Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (M-CSF) is provided. M-CSF induces DCs to differentiate into Subtypes, for example plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Said differentiation is independent of Fms-like-Tyrosine-Kinase 3-Ligand (FL) and/or Granulocyte-Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF). Induction with M-CSF can be achieved in vitro from hematopoietic precursors, such as bone marrow cells, or in vivo. In vitro, M-CSF-derived DCs can be used to produce cytokines and to stimulate other immune response cells. M-CSF can also be used to induce precursor cells removed from an animal to develop into DCs. In addition, these isolated DCs can be exposed to antigens to stimulate a specific immune response when reintroduced into the animal. Treatments for Cancers, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are also provided in the invention.
US08445261B2
An apparatus for holding cells. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for incubating cells having a dynamically controlled environment in which the cells are grown, which are maintained in a desired condition and in which cells can be examined while the environment is dynamically controlled and maintained in the desired condition. The apparatus also comprises an imaging mechanism for automatically determining the state of an individual cell of the cells over time. The imaging mechanism is in communication with the incubating mechanism.
US08445260B2
An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. In perfusion, organ perfusion pressure is preferably controlled in response to a sensor disposed in an end of tubing placed in the organ, by a pneumatically pressurized medical fluid reservoir, providing perfusion pressure fine tuning, overpressurization prevention and emergency flow cut-off. In the hypothermic mode, the organ is perfused with a medical fluid, preferably a simple crystalloid solution containing antioxidants, intermittently or in slow continuous flow. The medical fluid may be fed into the organ from an intermediary tank having a low pressure head to avoid organ overpressurization. Viability of the organ may be automatically monitored, preferably by monitoring characteristics of the medical fluid perfusate. The perfusion process can be automatically controlled using a control program.
US08445258B2
A process and apparatus for recycling municipal domestic waste comprises subjecting the waste to steam at 150° C.-200° C. at above atmospheric pressure but less than twice atmospheric pressure, After steam treatment, the resultant material is separated into constituent parts and biomass and/or plastics subjected to further treatment: The further treatment preferably produces bioethanol from the biomass and diesel from the plastics. As an alternative, some or all of the biomass may be gasified in order to produce hydrogen which may, in turn be fed to a fuel cell to produce an electrical output.
US08445254B2
The invention relates to compositions and methods for making and using recombinant bacteria that are capable of regulated attenuation and/or regulated expression of one or more antigens of interest.
US08445232B2
Prepared is an extract composition having an improved protein synthetic activity in a cell-free protein synthesis system using a mammalian cultured cell extract. An eukaryotic translation initiation factor and/or translational regulator are added to a cell-free protein synthesis system comprising an extract prepared from cultured mammalian cells and a template mRNA. These factors are one or more selected from the group consisting of eukaryotic translation initiation factors 4E (eIF4E), 2 (eIF2) and 2B (eIF2B), and eukaryotic translational regulator p97.
US08445227B2
The present invention relates to eukaryotic host cells having modified oligosaccharides which may be modified further by heterologous expression of a set of glycosyltransferases, sugar transporters and mannosidases to become host-strains for the production of mammalian, e.g., human therapeutic glycoproteins. The process provides an engineered host cell which can be used to express and target any desirable gene(s) involved in glycosylation. Host cells with modified lipid-linked oligosaccharides are created or selected. N-glycans made in the engineered host cells exhibit GnTIII activity, which produce bisected N-glycan structures and may be modified further by heterologous expression of one or more enzymes, e.g., glycosyltransferases, sugar transporters and mannosidases, to yield human-like glycoproteins. For the production of therapeutic proteins, this method may be adapted to engineer cell lines in which any desired glycosylation structure may be obtained.
US08445225B2
The present invention provides methods for revealing, detecting, and analyzing circulating tumor cells in the blood of a subject. Revealing detectable circulating tumor cells allows for early stage detection and diagnosis in addition to long term prognosis in subjects with cancer. Additionally, enrichment allows for robust detection and clinically meaningful analysis of low volume samples for use in clinical settings as well as innovative methods for the treatment of cancers.
US08445222B2
Disclosed herein are methods of detecting or predicting diastolic heart failure in a subject, comprising identifying a profile of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) from a body fluid of the subject that is associated herein with the existence of likely development of left ventricular dilation (LVD).
US08445220B2
Disclosed are procedures and methods for diagnosing latent and active cancers in a subject. The described methods include the use of sandwich ELISA assays containing antibodies specific for certain epitopes on the A-protein. This enables the assay to discriminate between the monomelic and homopolymeric forms of A-protein.
US08445213B2
An object of the present invention is to provide: a purified serum albumin having less lot-to-lot variation; and an immunoassay method utilizing the purified serum albumin, in which high reactivity and less non-specific reactions are achieved.The present invention provides a purified serum albumin, which is a serum albumin used as a blocking agent and/or in a suspension containing an insoluble carrier in an immunoassay method, and is composed mostly of a fraction, the fraction having an absorbance of not exceeding 9.0 mAbs when measured in the form of 1% aqueous solution at a wavelength of 463 nm by using a quarts cell having an optical path length of 1.0 cm.
US08445209B2
Nucleic acid compositions and nucleic acid amplification based methods for detecting E. coli O157:H7
Disclosed are primer and probe compositions, PCR assays, methods and kits for the specific detection of E. coli O157:H7 and not E. coli O55:H7 from a variety of samples. In some embodiments, methods for specifically detecting E. coli O157:H7 comprise: hybridizing at least a first pair of polynucleotide primers to at least a first target polynucleotide sequence, hybridizing at least a second pair of polynucleotide primers to at least a second target polynucleotide sequence, amplifying said at least first and said at least second target polynucleotide sequences, and detecting said at least first and said at least second amplified target polynucleotide sequence products, wherein the detection of both the first amplified target polynucleotide sequence product and the second amplified target polynucleotide sequence product is indicative of the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in a sample and not E. coli O55:H7.
US08445208B2
A method of using genetic polymorphisms related to pro-inflammatory mediators to predict clinical outcome in critically ill patients admitted to an ICU is provided.
US08445206B2
The present disclosure relates to a set of at least 100 single-stranded oligonucleotide probes directed against (or complementary to) portions of a genomic target sequence of interest. The present disclosure also relates to a method of detecting a genomic target sequence of interest using the set of oligonucleotide probes and a method of generating the set of oligonucleotide probes. Further, the present disclosure relates to a kit comprising the set of oligonucleotide probes and at least one further component.
US08445190B2
Methods for reducing or eliminating biomaterial-induced procoagulant activity in blood subjected to extracorporeal treatment that exposes the blood to the biomaterial are disclosed. The methods involve treatment of the blood, or the extracorporeal biomaterial, or both, with a complement inhibitor to inhibit C5a/C5aR-mediated tissue factor formation in the blood.
US08445181B2
The invention related to an antireflective coating comprising a mixture of a first polymer and a second polymer, and a thermal acid generator, where the first polymer comprises at least one fluoroalcohol moiety, at least one aliphatic hydroxyl moiety, and at least one acid moiety other than fluoroalcohol with a pKa in the range of about 8 to about 11; where the second polymer is a reaction product of an aminoplast compound with a compound comprising at least one hydroxyl and/or at least one acid group. The invention further relates to a process for using the novel composition to form an image.
US08445172B2
A method for producing a toner, containing: ultrasonically vibrating a liquid toner composition in which a toner material containing at least a binder resin and a colorant is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent; introducing the liquid toner composition to a liquid chamber, and ejecting the liquid toner composition as droplets from an ejecting plate having a plurality of holes and disposed on one surface of the liquid chamber; and drying and solidifying the droplets so as to produce a toner, wherein the ultrasonically vibrating is performed before the introducing the liquid toner composition to the liquid chamber.
US08445170B2
Provided is a binder resin for color toners which comprises at least a carboxyl group-containing vinyl resin (C), a glycidyl group-containing vinyl resin (E) and a reaction product thereof, and contains both a tetrahydrofuran (THF) soluble portion and a THF insoluble gel portion, wherein the THF soluble portion has a main peak in the molecular weight region of not less than 10,000 and less than 15,000 in the chromatogram obtained by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), the content of the THF insoluble gel portion is less than 1 mass %, and the softening point is not more than 130 degrees centigrade.
US08445163B2
The membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode facing each other and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween. The cathode includes an electrode substrate and a catalyst layer disposed on the electrode substrate, and the catalyst layer has a mesopore volume ranging from 0.013 to 0.04 cm3/g. The membrane-electrode assembly has low mass resistance and contributes to the overall increased performance of the fuel cell by having optimal pore volumes (e.g., mesopore volume) in a cathode catalyst layer to provide ease of transfer and release of materials within the membrane-electrode assembly of the fuel cell.
US08445162B2
A cathode catalyst includes a carrier including Mo, S, and I, and an active metal supported on the carrier and including a material selected from the group consisting of Ru, Pt, Rh, and combinations thereof. It is shown that such a catalyst for a cathode has improved activity over platinum catalysts.
US08445158B2
A fuel cell system (100) comprising: a fuel cell (1) configured to generate electric power using an oxidizing gas and a fuel gas; a recovered water tank (3) configured to store water recovered from an exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell; a water storage tank (4) configured to store water used as cooling water for cooling the fuel cell; a water feed flow path (g) through which the water stored in the recovered water tank is supplied to the water storage tank; a pump (8) configured to force water to flow from the recovered water tank to the water storage tank within the water feed flow path; a water purifier (7) configured to purify the water forcibly flowed by said pump in the water feed flow path by means of a built-in TOC absorber (7a) before the water is supplied to the water storage tank; and a controller (101), wherein the controller controls the pump so as to operate in a stop period of the fuel cell system such that water moves in the water feed flow path.
US08445155B2
A complex power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a fuel cell module having a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger configured to generate a direct current by means of an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, a first cycle configured to receive hot water in a first temperature range from the first heat exchanger to supply to a heat pump, and receive hot water in a second temperature range from the heat pump to supply to the first heat exchanger, and a second cycle configured to receive hot water in a third temperature range from the heat pump to discharge hot water in a fourth temperature range through the second heat exchanger, thereby enhancing a heating performance and increasing a thermal efficiency of the overall system.
US08445149B2
A fuel cell system includes a diluting apparatus which comprises a first introducing portion, a second introducing portion and an inner space and a discharge portion, and a control unit which comprises discharged fuel gas quantity detection means, a current remaining fuel gas detection means and a purge treatment means. In this fuel cell system purging the fuel gas is controlled calculating a current remaining fuel gas quantity in the inner space based on a fuel gas quantity introduced into the inner space, a flow rate of an oxidizing off-gas, a ventilation rate and a flow rate of a diluting gas.
US08445146B2
A fuel purification system includes a fuel cell stack and a fuel purification unit, such as a distillation unit. The fuel cell stack is adapted to provide heat to the fuel purification unit, and the fuel purification unit is adapted to provide a purified fuel to the fuel cell stack.
US08445138B2
A lightweight, durable lead-acid battery is disclosed. Alternative electrode materials and configurations are used to reduce weight, to increase material utilization and to extend service life. The electrode can include a current collector having a buffer layer in contact with the current collector and an electrochemically active material in contact with the buffer layer. In one form, the buffer layer includes a carbide, and the current collector includes carbon fibers having the buffer layer. The buffer layer can include a carbide and/or a noble metal selected from of gold, silver, tantalum, platinum, palladium and rhodium. When the electrode is to be used in a lead-acid battery, the electrochemically active material is selected from metallic lead (for a negative electrode) or lead peroxide (for a positive electrode).
US08445137B1
The battery includes a cathode and an anode. The anode has a first medium that includes a first active material. The anode also has a second medium including a concentration gradient of a second active material. The battery also includes an electrolytic solution in contact with the cathode and the anode. In some instances, the first medium is positioned so as to protect at least a portion of the second medium from the electrolytic solution. The first medium can also be selected so as to dissipate during discharge of the battery. The first medium can be configured to dissipate enough that one or more of the protected regions of the second medium become exposed to the electrolytic solution during the discharge of the battery.
US08445136B2
Protected anode architectures for active metal anodes have a polymer adhesive seal that provides an hermetic enclosure for the active metal of the protected anode inside an anode compartment. The compartment is substantially impervious to ambient moisture and battery components such as catholyte (electrolyte about the cathode), and prevents volatile components of the protected anode, such as anolyte (electrolyte about the anode), from escaping. The architecture is formed by joining the protected anode to an anode container. The polymer adhesive seals provide an hermetic seal at the joint between a surface of the protected anode and the container.
US08445126B2
A system and method for mitigating the effects of a thermal event within a battery pack is provided in which the hot gas and material generated during the thermal runaway of at least one non-metal-air cell of a plurality of non-metal-air cells is directed through one or more metal-air cells, the metal-air cells absorbing at least a portion of the thermal energy generated during the event before it is released to the ambient environment. As a result, the risks to vehicle passengers, bystanders, first responders and property are limited.
US08445120B2
Disclosed is a triphenylene based aromatic compound, wherein a benzene center is substituted with a triphenylene group and another aromatic group such as triphenylenyl, pyrenyl, phenylvinyl, carbazolylphenyl, or arylanthryl in the meta position of the benzene center. The meta-substituted aromatic compound of the invention has better thermal stability (Tg) than the conventional para-substituted aromatic compound. The meta-substituted aromatic compound, served as a hole transporting layer or a host material applied in a light emitting layer in an OLED, is more preferable than the conventional para-substituted aromatic compound.
US08445116B2
Coated articles and methods for applying coatings are described. The article may include a base material and a coating comprising silver formed thereon. In some embodiments, the coating comprises a silver-based alloy, such as a silver-tungsten alloy. The coating may, in some instances, include at least two layers. For example, the coating may include a first layer comprising a silver-based alloy and a second layer comprising a precious metal. The coating can exhibit desirable properties and characteristics such as durability (e.g., wear), hardness, corrosion resistance, and high conductivity, which may be beneficial, for example, in electrical and/or electronic applications. In some cases, the coating may be applied using an electrodeposition process.
US08445112B2
The present invention relates to essentially transparent glazings comprising a system of films deposited under vacuum by magnetron, and having antisun and/or low-emission properties, comprising as protective surface layer a layer based on titanium oxide and on at least one other metal oxide of high hardness from the group comprising: ZrO2, SiO2, Cr2O3. The glazings according to the invention are of “matchable” type.
US08445111B2
Certain example embodiments relate to a coated article including at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer in a low-E coating. In certain examples, at least one layer of the coating is of or includes zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2) doped with gadolinium and/or gadolinium oxide (e.g., Gd2O3 or other suitable stoichiometry). Providing a layer including Gd-doped zirconium oxide as the uppermost or overcoat layer of the coated article (e.g., over a silicon nitride based layer) advantageously results in improved durability, and chemical and heat stability in certain example embodiments. Coated articles herein may be used in the context of insulating glass (IG) window units, vehicle windows, or in other suitable applications such as monolithic window applications, laminated windows, and/or the like.
US08445110B2
A film that contains a thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer is provided. The film is both elastic and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water. The dual attributes of elasticity and water-sensitivity may be achieved by reducing the tendency of the thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer to form separate phases. Namely, phase separation may cause the elastomer to act as a barrier and limit the ability of the water-soluble polymer to contact water and thereby disperse. To minimize such phase separation, a variety of aspects of the film construction may be selectively controlled, such as the nature of the thermoplastic polyurethane and water-soluble polymer, the relative amount of each component, and so forth.
US08445109B2
A biodegradable polyurethane plastic is provided. The biodegradable polyurethane plastic includes biodegradable polyurethane impregnated with a phosphorus-containing additive, wherein the additive includes phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), and the additive is coated with natural oil. The biodegradable polyurethane plastic has excellent physical properties, and can be effectively decomposed in a short period of time because it includes biodegradable polyurethane impregnated with a phosphorus-containing additive. Further, the biodegradable polyurethane plastic can be easily decomposed biologically by synthesizing polyurethane containing phosphorus pentoxide having strong oxidizing action, can be manufactured by directly adding an additive coated with natural oil to the synthesis of polyurethane, can prevent the reaction caused by moisture because it does not come into contact with air, and can prevent a color change.
US08445108B2
The present invention provides a composite material comprising a glass cloth; and an organic-inorganic hybrid composition comprising diphenylsilanediol and alkoxy si lane, a composite film manufactured by using the same, and a method for manufacturing the composite film.
US08445105B2
An iron-based magnetic powder for dust cores has layers of phosphoric acid-based film and silicone resin film sequentially formed on the surface thereof. The phosphoric acid-based film contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Na, S, Si, and W. The iron-based powder effectively keeps insulation among iron powder particles, excels in mechanical strength even though the amount of insulating material is reduced due to achieve high-density forming, and exhibits good thermal stability necessary for electrical insulating properties even after high-temperature heat treatment.
US08445104B2
A linerless label roll of repositionable labels adapted to be printed in varying lengths comprising a web of thermally printable paper wound along a running axis and having a continuous length of adhesive on one side of the web so that when a length of the web is caused to be thermally printed it will have an adhesive on the reverse side thereof that extends in a uninterrupted manner along the entire length of the thermally printed web.
US08445098B2
A reflective article, such as a solar mirror, includes a highly transparent substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface. At least one reflective coating is formed over at least a portion of one of the surfaces, e.g., the second major surface (or, alternatively, the first major surface). The reflective coating includes at least one metallic layer. An encapsulation structure can be formed over at least a portion of the second reflective coating.
US08445094B2
A circuitized substrate which includes at least one circuit layer and at least one substantially solid dielectric layer comprised of a dielectric composition which includes a cured resin material and a predetermined percentage by weight of particulate fillers, but not including continuous or semi-continuous fibers as part thereof.
US08445092B2
A resin sheet for circuit boards (2) obtained from a macromolecular material of the energy ray curable type and used for embedding circuit chips, which has a double bond concentration of 4.5 to 25 mmol/g before being cured by irradiation with an energy ray; a sheet for circuit boards including the resin sheet for circuit boards, one face of the resin sheet being formed on a support (1); and a circuit board for displays (5) which is obtained by embedding circuit chips (3) into a face of the resin sheet for circuit boards in the sheet for circuit boards, followed by curing the resin sheet by irradiation with an energy ray. The resin sheet for circuit boards (2) can be advantageously used for producing circuit boards having embedded circuit chips for controlling each pixel of displays, in particular, flat panel displays efficiently with excellent quality and productivity.
US08445085B2
A film according to the present invention, there is provided a multi-layer laminated polymeric film comprising a substrate layer having on one side thereof a heat-sealable peelable layer and having on the opposite side thereof a shrinkable layer, wherein said shrinkable layer has a degree of shrinkage in a first dimension of about 10-80 % over the temperature range 55 to 100° C., and a ratio of shrinkage at 100° C. said first dimension relative to a second, orthogonal dimension in the range of 1:1 to 1:1; a process for making the same; and the use of said film as a lid for a container, particularly a container used for packaging ready-prepared ovenable meals.
US08445080B2
An alignment layer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a polyimide, wherein the polyimide is derived from a composition including a dianhydride-based compound, and a compound represented by a Chemical Formula 1: wherein, in the above Chemical Formula 1, X1 and X2 are independently F, Cl, or CN, and R1 is a substituted or non-substituted C1-C12 alkyl group, a substituted or non-substituted C1-C12 alkoxy group, a substituted or non-substituted C1-C12 halogen-containing alkyl group, a substituted or non-substituted C1-C12 halogen-containing alkoxy group, or a combination thereof.
US08445077B2
A method of producing a coated member in which a base material surface is at least partially coated with a diamond-like carbon film, the method includes: a diamond-like carbon film deposition process in which a diamond-like carbon film is formed on a surface of the base material by generating plasma by applying voltage to the base material in a processing chamber that stores the base material, while evacuating the processing chamber and introducing feedstock gas that contains at least a carbon compound into the processing chamber; and a hydrogenation process in which the deposited diamond-like carbon film is hydrogenated using hydrogen gas by stopping the voltage application and introducing hydrogen gas inducted instead of the feedstock gas, while the evacuation is being continued.
US08445072B2
A method of treating wooden parts is described in which a) the wooden parts are impregnated with an aqueous cyanamide solution and subsequently b) the impregnated wooden parts, where appropriate after drying, are subjected to a heat treatment of 130 to 250° C. Here it has surprisingly emerged that impregnation with cyanamide even in small amounts has a significantly positive influence on the performance properties of the treated wooden parts, such as high hardness, low water absorption and very good weathering stability, for example. Moreover, only small amounts of a toxicologically and environmentally unobjectionable impregnating agent are needed in order to obtain these advantageous properties.
US08445069B2
A coating method of forming a plurality of layers on a belt-like support continuously traveling, comprising: a step of applying a first coating liquid onto a front surface of the support to form a lower layer on the support; a drying step of removing a solvent in the lower layer until an amount of the residual solvent reaches not more than 100 mg/m2; a step of applying a second coating liquid onto the lower layer after drying to form an upper layer; and a drying step of removing moisture of the upper layer; wherein the drying step of removing moisture of the upper layer comprises: a first drying step of removing moisture in the upper layer until a moisture content of the upper layer reaches not more than 10% of moisture at the time of application within a range in which a following conditional expression (1) is satisfied: (1) temperature (Tw) of the support≦average softening temperature (T0) of the lower layer+10° C.; and a second drying step of raising the temperature (Tw) of the support to remove remaining moisture of the upper layer.
US08445067B2
A method for coating a dispersion slurry containing a solid SAP dispersed in a dispersion medium on a surface of a substrate sheet are provided. The method is characterized in that a first region and a second region are formed on the surface of the substrate sheet with a convex-and-concave pattern wherein the first region have the coating layer in thicker thickness and the second region have the coating layer in thinner thickness or does not scarcely have the coating layer, by means of positioning the rotating pattern roll over the substrate sheet via the cover film, of supplying the dispersion slurry between the substrate sheet and the cover film while rotating the rotating pattern roll, and of pushing the coating layer with the rotating pattern roll via the cover film, when the coating layer of the dispersion slurry is formed.
US08445056B2
A method for manufacturing a field emission cathode is provided. A carbon nanotube array formed on a substrate in a container and a prepolymer are provided. The prepolymer is put into the container settled for a period of over 30 minutes to fill in clearances of the carbon nanotube array, and part of the prepolymer is covering a top end of the carbon nanotube array. The carbon nanotube array is rotated at a speed to push the part of the prepolymer into the clearances of the carbon nanotube array and a prepolymer film in the carbon nanotube array is obtained. The prepolymer film is then polymerized to form a polymer film.
US08445052B2
The invention concerns a process for producing lactose-free or substantially lactose-free milk, preferably without addition of water, and the product obtainable by the process. The process comprises the steps of: a) Ultrafiltration of original milk to obtain a first permeate and a first retentate; b) Nanofiltration of said first permeate to obtain a second permeate and a second retentate; c) Mixing said first retentate with said second permeate to obtain a mixture; and d) Hydrolysing remaining lactose in said mixture to obtain a hydrolysed milk. The process provides a lactose-free product with the taste of the original milk.
US08445038B2
Disclosed is a composition for preventing or treating cerebral infarction, cerebral edema, cerebral ischemia, or vascular dementia, for improving memory impairments, or for protecting neuronal cells, comprising as active ingredient an ethanol extract from Aralia elata, Chaenomelis Fructus, and Glycyrrhizae Radix.
US08445030B2
Antiseptic compounds that act as persistent and fast acting antiseptics and disinfectants. The base of these antiseptic actions is CaF2 as the persistent part, preventing the colonization of tissue and nonliving surfaces with microorganisms through the targeted on-demand release of fluorine ions. For fighting heavy contamination and invasion of transient microbes through new application of the solution, fast acting alcohols and toxic solutions have been added in small percentage. They act fast and evaporate fast, leaving the natural protection of skin undamaged and coated with a persistent antiseptic.
US08445019B2
In a dissolving step, a poorly soluble drug and a dispersion stabilizer are dissolved in a volatile organic solvent. In a fixing step, the organic solvent, contained in a solution obtained in the dissolving step, is removed by evaporation, pellet-form residues 1 are obtained by the organic solvent removal, and the residues 1 are fixed on respective bottom surfaces of a plurality of locations of a container 30. In a water injecting step, water 2 is injected into each of a plurality of recesses 31 of the container 30. In an irradiating step, laser light L, emitted from a light irradiating unit 20, is irradiated simultaneously or successively on the residues 1 fixed on the respective bottom surfaces of the recesses 31 of the container 30, and the residues 1 are thereby pulverized and made into microparticles and a microparticle dispersion liquid, constituted of the microparticles being dispersed in the water 2, is manufactured.
US08445014B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of ion imbalances. In particular, the invention provides core-shell compositions and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of use of the core-shell compositions for therapeutic and/or prophylactic benefits are disclosed herein. Examples of these methods include the treatment of phosphate imbalance disorders, hypertension, chronic heart failure, end stage renal disease, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal insufficiency, fluid overload, or sodium overload.
US08445013B2
The present invention relates to, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid and to methods of using the same to treat or prevent cardiovascular-related diseases.
US08445010B2
The potential for substance abuse involving residual amounts of abusable substances remaining in used skin-worn patches is reduced by the provision of a system and method for combining the abusable substance with a separate anti-abuse substance agent as part of a removal or disposal procedure.
US08445006B2
Methods and compositions are provided for improving tissue growth and device integration in vivo. Substrates and devices coated with an α2β1 or α5β1 integrin-specific ligand are provided. The substrates and devices coated with an α2β1 or α5β1 integrin-specific ligand are shown to have greater tissue formation on the surface relative to controls, in particular greater bone formation.
US08445003B2
The present invention relates to, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid and to methods of using the same to treat or prevent cardiovascular related diseases.
US08444996B2
Disclosed are immunogenic conjugates which elicit an immune response to Plasmodium proteins. In particular examples, the Plasmodium proteins include sexual stage surface proteins, circumsporozoite protein (CSP), or immunogenic portions of CSP. Also provided herein are immunogenic compositions including one or more of the disclosed immunogenic conjugates and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Further provided is a method of eliciting an immune response to Plasmodium in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an immunogenic composition disclosed herein.
US08444991B2
The disclosure provides a method of preparing an immunologically-active adjuvant-bound freeze dried vaccine composition. A specific embodiment provides a stable vaccine composition comprising an aluminum-salt adjuvant, a recombinant Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin protein and a glass-forming agent. These vaccine compositions are useful in the treatment of humans and other animals at risk of infection from Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin.
US08444982B2
The subject invention provides antibodies, or binding fragments thereof, that specifically bind to human IGF-IR. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies and binding fragments of the subject invention and vectors and host cells containing these nucleic acid molecules. The disclosure also provides methods of inhibiting cancer cell growth and metastasis in a mammal using the antibodies described herein, as well as compositions containing the antibodies, nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies, and host cells and vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules. The disclosure also features the use of the polypeptides to detect the presence of IGF-IR in a mammal, and epitopes that can be used as cancer vaccine immunogens.
US08444976B2
The invention relates to a platform technology for production of antigen binding polypeptides having specificity for a desired target antigen which is based on the conventional antibody repertoire of species in the family Camelidae, and to antigen binding polypeptides obtained using this technology platform. In particular, the invention provides an antigen binding polypeptide comprising a VH domain and a VL domain, wherein at least one hypervariable loop or complementarity determining region (CDR) in the VH domain or the VL domain is obtained from a VH or VL domain of a species in the family Camelidae.
US08444975B2
This invention relates, in part, to unique and newly identified genetic polynucleotides involved in the process of bone remodeling; variants and derivatives of the polynucleotides and corresponding polypeptides; uses of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives; and methods and compositions for the amelioration of symptoms caused by bone remodeling disorders. Disclosed in particular are, the isolation and identification of polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives involved in osteoclast activity, validation of the identified polynucleotides for their potential as therapeutic targets and use of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives for the amelioration of disease states and research purposes.
US08444964B2
The invention provides a method of preventing or reducing the severity of a cancer in a subject by stimulating the subject's immune response against the cancer. The invention provides, for example, a method of stimulating an immune response in a subject by administering to the subject tumor cells that are substantially similar to the subject's cancer cells and that are genetically modified to reduce or inhibit the expression of one or more immunosuppressive agents. The invention also provides a method of preventing or reducing the severity of cancer in a subject by stimulating the subject's immune response against the cancer by administering to the subject tumor cells that are substantially similar to the subject's cancer cells and that are genetically modified to prevent the expression of an immunosuppressive agents and, in combination with the genetically modified tumor cells, an immunostimulatory agent. The invention further provides compositions useful for practicing the claimed methods.
US08444955B2
The invention relates to conjugates of formula (V) or (VI), their use as radiopharmaceuticals, processes for their preparation, and synthetic intermediates used in such processes.
US08444952B2
The invention concerns a crystalline solid designated IM-20 which has the X-ray diffraction diagram given below. Said solid has a chemical composition expressed by the empirical formula: mXO2: nGeO2: pZ2O3: qR: sF: wH2O, in which R represents one or more organic species, X represents one or more tetravalent element(s) other than germanium, Z represents at least one trivalent element and F is fluorine.
US08444951B2
The present invention provides a process and apparatus for the gasification of a liquid fuel and includes providing a supply of a liquid fuel, a supply of oxidant, and a supply of liquid water; atomizing the liquid fuel and mixing it with the oxidant and steam; catalytically reacting the fuel-oxidant-steam mixture in a catalyst bed; initiating the catalytic reaction with an ignition source; positioning a heat exchanger in proximity with the catalyst bed so as to convert the liquid water to steam; and feeding the steam into the catalytic reaction, thereby eliminating the need for a liquid fuel vaporizer. A preferred catalyst bed includes an ultra-short-channel-length metal substrate.
US08444944B2
A method for decomposing N2O is described. The method uses, as a catalyst, an oxide based on cerium and lanthanum, which further includes at least one oxide of an element chosen from zirconium and rare earths other than cerium and lanthanum. This catalyst is stable, enabling it to be used at high temperatures.
US08444943B2
Apparatus and methods for recovering sulfur from acid gases. Acid gases containing relatively high amounts of carbonyl sulfide and/or one or more types of mercaptans can be treated in a sulfur recovery system employing an acid gas enrichment zone and a tail gas treatment zone, where partially-loaded sulfur absorbing solvent from the tail gas treatment zone is employed for sulfur absorption in the acid gas enrichment zone. Off-gas from the acid gas enrichment zone can be combined and hydrogenated with a sulfur recovery unit tail gas thereby increasing the total amount of sulfur recovery from the initial acid gas.
US08444941B2
Collection enhanced materials, flue gas additives, and methods of making the enhanced materials and flue gas additives are provided. In one embodiment, a down stream addition system configured to control material passing through a metering device from a vessel to a gaseous exhaust path extending between a unit and an exhaust flue of the unit is provided. In alternative embodiments, methods are provided for introducing at least one of a flue gas additive and a collection enhanced material to a gaseous exhaust stream exiting a unit; exposing and removing at least a portion of at least one a of flue gas additive and a collection enhanced material from a gaseous exhaust stream exiting a unit prior to entering an exhaust flue; and recycling at least a portion of material removed a from a gaseous exhaust stream exiting a unit back to the gaseous exhaust stream without passing through the unit.
US08444933B2
A microfluidic device includes a first substrate including a micro-flow path, and a valve seat protruding into the micro-flow path, a second substrate, coupled to the first substrate, and including a cavity corresponding to the valve seat, a first parylene layer disposed on an inner surface of the first substrate, and a valve gate film provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, such that the valve gate film opens and closes the micro-flow path with air pressure applied between the valve seat and the cavity, the valve gate film having a hydrophilic surface. A portion of the first parylene layer, which is disposed on a lower surface of the valve seat and contacting the valve gate film, has a hydrophobic surface.
US08444932B2
The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in a subject including a) determining the amount of fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products, in particular D-dimer in a sample of the subject; b) determining the amount of a natriuretic peptide in a sample of the subject; c) determining the amount of a cardiac troponin in a sample of the subject; and d) comparing the amounts determined in steps a) to c) to reference amounts, thereby establishing the diagnosis. Included is also a method of deciding on a therapy of a subject diagnosed with PE and a method of monitoring the therapy.
US08444928B2
A method for treating waste water is provided, in which a wastewater is treated through a distilling process to obtain a distilled liquid, and then a reactant is added into the distilled liquid during the distilled liquid flowing to a liquid collecting tank, such that the reactant reacts with the distilled liquid by utilizing the residual temperature of the distilled liquid to form a processed liquid. Meanwhile, a system for wastewater treatment is also provided, which includes a distillation unit, a guiding unit, a means for adding the reactant, and a collecting unit. Since the present invention utilizes the residual temperature of the distilled liquid for the need of the reaction, an additional heat source is unnecessary, such that the consumption of energy can be greatly reduced.
US08444921B2
As an elegant solution for minimizing false positives returned by a sensor tuned to an analyte molecule, filters constructed of carbon nanotubes are positioned relative to the sensor to limit the sensor to being exposed to molecules within a defined range of sizes, with too-big molecules being excluded from reaching the sensor by one filter, and too-small molecules being pumped out through another, finer filter before the sensor is operated.
US08444920B2
Kits and methods of using O-rings having apertures are provided herein. O-rings are useful for incubating with a sample fluid potentially having one or more biomarkers, in order to detect the presence of the biomarkers. O-rings can be readily organized in a trackable manner prior to and during incubation with the sample fluid. O-rings can also be readily transferred and organized into one or more trackable arrays for detecting the presence of bound biomarkers and measuring the signaling product generated by bound detect molecule-linked enzymes present in a homogeneous solution with a spectrophotometer.
US08444913B2
In this method, the conductive powder mass is placed on the support, and then the member is placed on the mass and a compression force is applied, urging the member against the mass and the support before heating the mass. The magnitude is increased from an initial value to a first predefined value for agglomerating the mass, which value is less than a plastic deformation threshold of the powder mass. Then, the magnitude is maintained at the first predefined value throughout a predetermined duration for agglomerating the powder mass. Finally, the magnitude is increased from the first value to a second predefined value less than a critical threshold for damaging the member but greater than a minimum threshold for sintering the mass at the predetermined temperature, the second predefined value being greater than the first predefined value.
US08444909B2
A hot-strip cooling device for cooling a hot strip that has been subjected to finish rolling while being conveyed over a run-out table. The device includes a plurality of cooling nozzles that are disposed above a steel strip and eject rod-like flows of coolant at an ejection angle tilted toward the upstream side in a steel-strip traveling direction; and purging means that is disposed on the upstream side with respect to the cooling nozzles and purges the coolant that has been ejected from the cooling nozzles and resides on the steel strip.
US08444899B2
Materials and Methods are provided for fabricating microfluidic devices. The materials include low surface energy fluoropolymer compositions having multiple cure functional groups. The materials can include multiple photocurable and/or thermal-curable functional groups such that laminate devices can be fabricated. The materials also substantially do not swell in the presence of hydrocarbon solvents.
US08444890B2
The invention is directed toward a chemical mechanical polishing/planarizing (CMP) brush with an embedded mandrel. PVA foam injected into the substantially hollow mandrel expands through apertures in the mandrel to fill a mold in the desired shape of the brush with the foam in the mandrel being integral with the outer foam covering the brush.
US08444889B2
An imprint pattern forming method includes contacting a template with a pattern in a front surface with an imprint material formed in a substrate to fill the imprint material into the pattern, curing the imprint material filled in the pattern to form an imprint material pattern, and after forming the imprint material pattern, separating the template from the imprint material pattern while applying pressure to the back surface of the template.
US08444888B2
A method for processing a crosslinkable elastomeric composition including at least one silica reinforcing filler and at least one sulfur-containing organosilane compound by using at least one processing apparatus having an internal metal surface, includes the following steps: (a) pretreating at least one portion of the internal metal surface of the at least one processing apparatus with at least one sulfur-free organosilane compound having at least one hydrolizable group; (b) feeding the crosslinkable elastomeric composition including silica to the at least one processing apparatus; and (c) processing the crosslinkable elastomeric composition.
US08444884B2
The invention relates to a polymer material comprising a halogen-free flame-proofing agent incorporated into the polymer matrix, the flame-proofing agent comprising at least ammonium polyphosphate(s) and/or derivatives thereof and an oligomer or polymer 1,3,5-triazine derivative or mixtures of a plurality thereof and at least one compound selected from phosphates, pyrophosphates, polyphosphates, organic and inorganic phosphonates, organic and inorganic phosphinates, stannates, molybdates or borates of the elements of the main groups II, III, IV or of the sub-group elements Fe, Zn, Ti, Mn, Zr, Mo, pre-condensed melamine derivatives, melamine salts and addition compounds, ethylene diamine phosphate, piperazine phosphate, piperazine polyphosphate, 1,3,5-trihydroxyethyl isocyanurate, 1,3,5-triglycidyl isocyanurate and triallyl isocyanurate. The weight ratio of constituents A to constituents B is 10:1 to 1:1, constituents A and B together amounting to between 60 and 99 wt. % and constituents C and D to between 1 and 40 wt. % of the total weight of constituents A, B, C and D. The polymer material is a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
US08444881B2
The present invention relates to methods for producing non-detonable and non-explosive parent-odor scent simulants of both detonable and entropy-burst chemical explosive materials. A detonable explosive material is a material that explosives with the aid of detonation while an entropy burst explosive material is a very sensitive energetic material that does not require detonation, but explodes through a spontaneous decomposition of its molecules into gaseous products. The invention also presents representative non-detonable, non-hazardous compositions of such simulants that can be safely and effectively utilized within a broad spectrum of biological and non-biological explosives detection programs, non-limiting examples being the training of biological search-and-detect creatures such as explosive detecting dogs and the calibration of electronic explosive detecting instruments that rely on the principles of vapor sampling for their operations.
US08444880B2
A yellow phosphor having oxyapatite structure, preparation method and white light-emitting diode thereof are disclosed. The yellow phosphor has a chemical formula of (A1−xEux)8−yB2+y(PO4)6−y(SiO4)y(O1−zSz)2, wherein A and Eu are divalent metal ions, B is a trivalent metal ion, 0
US08444879B2
Disclosed are triazine derivatives of formula wherein X1 is a bivalent radical of formula A and A′ independently from each other are unsubstituted or substituted, straight-chain or branched C1-C12alkylene, which is optionally interrupted by C5-C12cycloalkylene, N, O or S; C5-C12cycloalkylene; biphenylene; C6-C10arylene; or C5-C10arylene-(C1-C12alkylene); R1 is a radical of formula R2 and R3 independently from each other are hydrogen; C1-C12alkyl; OR7; NR7R8; C6-C10aryl; X2 is O, or NH; W1 is C1-C20alkyl; or a group Sp-Sil; Sp is a straight-chain or branched saturated or single or multiple unsaturated C3-C12 hydrocarbon; Sil is a silane; an oligosiloxane; or a polysiloxane moiety; and R4, R5 R6, R7, R8 and R9 independently from each other are hydrogen; C1-C12alkyl; or C3-C12cycloalkyl.
US08444868B2
The invention is directed to a method for removing copper oxide from a copper surface to provide a clean copper surface, wherein the method involves exposing the copper surface containing copper oxide thereon to an anhydrous vapor containing a carboxylic acid compound therein, wherein the anhydrous vapor is generated from an anhydrous organic solution containing the carboxylic acid and one or more solvents selected from hydrocarbon and ether solvents.
US08444863B2
A method of treating a hollow fiber membrane microfiltration filter having an influent side and an effluent side to improve performance of the filter is disclosed. The method entails sealing imperfections in surfaces of the filter by flushing the filter with a liquid aqueous suspension of particulates. Filter cartridge devices also are disclosed. The devices may include a bactericidal chamber. A radial flow filter may be included in the devices. The filter cartridges may include a drain tube positioned within the filter for removing of effluent generated by the filter. A plurality of filter cartridges may be positioned on the drain tube.
US08444862B2
A rotary disc filter device comprises a rotary drum and a plurality of disc-shaped filter members secured about the drum. Each disc-shaped filter member has a filtering material disposed on the outside thereof. A guide bar extends longitudinally across the disc-shaped filter members and has a movable carriage mounted thereon. One or more nozzles are operatively connected to the carriage for delivering cleaning fluid onto the filtering materials. The guide bar is rotates between a cleaning position and an adjustment position. When the guide bar is in the cleaning position, the nozzle is disposed adjacent to one of the disc-shaped filter members such that the nozzle is positioned to deliver cleaning fluid onto the filtering material. When the guide bar is in the adjustment position, the carriage is movable along the guide bar without interference from the disc-shaped filter members.
US08444861B2
A method and apparatus for treating slurries of organic solids is disclosed. A slurry of organic solids is admixed with hydrogen peroxide, followed by exposure to microwave irradiation resulting in the heating of the mixture and enhanced hydrolysis of the organic solids. The treated slurry of organic solids can then be further treated in a variety of downstream processes, including solid separation, digestion and fermentation. The supernatant portion of the treated slurry of organic solids can be a source from which to recover compounds such as nutrients (for example nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, magnesium, calcium) or industrial organic compounds (such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid), or as a source of readily biodegradable organic compounds for supplementing a biological wastewater treatment process, digester or fermenter.
US08444857B2
A method for purifying a fluorinated carboxylic acid having an etheric oxygen atom and its derivative, with small decomposition and inclusion of impurities. A liquid containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of a fluorinated compound represented by application formulae (1) and (2) is held at a heating temperature of at most 150° C. and distilled. Further, the liquid is a liquid obtained from any of a waste liquid after an aqueous emulsion of a fluoropolymer is coagulated and the fluoropolymer is separated, an aqueous liquid obtained by cleaning an exhaust gas in a step of drying and/or a step of heat treatment of the separated fluoropolymer, and a liquid obtained by cleaning an anion exchange resin which has been brought into contact with the waste liquid or an aqueous dispersion obtained from the aqueous emulsion of the fluoropolymer, with an alkaline aqueous solution.
US08444853B2
A device for magnetic treatment of a fluid flow preferably comprises a spirally-shaped conduit having spiral turns with a null step therebetween, and a cross-section for passing the flow therethrough, inner magnets internally circumferentially surrounding the turns coupled to the conduit, outer magnets externally circumferentially surrounding the turn. Each inner magnet is situated opposite to a respective counterpart outer magnet, so that the North (or South) pole of the inner magnet faces the South (or North) pole of the counterpart magnet. The magnets can be made of specific sizes, materials, covered by magnetic yokes. In a multi-layer embodiment, the device comprises a steel tube enclosed into and supporting an inner cylindrical magnet, a spirally-shaped conduit consisting of a number of layers, and rows of outer magnets consisting of magnets circumferentially surrounding predeterminedly chosen layers, and having magnetic fluxes uniformly directed either from or to the center of the cylindrical magnet.
US08444852B2
A magnetic water activator resistant to corrosion such as rusting while soft on the outside, and exhibiting excellent portability also from the view point of a profile. The magnetic water activator comprises a pair of magnetic circuit constituting members formed of a high magnetic permeability material and forming a partial annular shape in which one end of each member is coupled to each other rotatably with each recess side facing each other, a permanent magnet arranged along the recess side of each magnetic circuit constituting member, and a substantially annular elastic resin shell partially provided with a slit extending in the radial direction, and internally burying and holding the magnetic circuit constituting member and the permanent magnet in an airtight state.
US08444848B2
An apparatus for cutting a workpiece using electrochemical etching and a method of using thereof are described. The apparatus includes an electrochemical bath configured to contain an electrochemical solution, a support apparatus configured to support and immerse a workpiece in the electrochemical bath, and a non-contact cutting device configured to extend into the electrochemical bath and slice the workpiece via electrochemical etching along a cutting plane. The apparatus further includes an electromagnetic (EM) radiation source configured to illuminate a cutting surface formed between opposing sidewalls within an evolving cutting groove formed in the workpiece during slicing along the cutting plane.
US08444844B1
The present disclosure is a method and system for electrochemically co-producing a first product and a second product. The system may include a first electrochemical cell, a first reactor, a second electrochemical cell, at least one second reactor, and at least one third reactor. The method and system for for co-producing a first product and a second product may include co-producing a glycol and an alkene employing a recycled halide.
US08444842B2
An electrochemical co-deposition method and solution to plate uniform, defect free and smooth (In,Ga)—Se films with repeatability and controllable molar ratios of (In,Ga) to Se are provided. Such layers are used in fabrication of semiconductor and electronic devices such as thin film solar cells. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an alkaline electrodeposition solution that includes an In salt, a Se acid or oxide, a tartrate salt as complexing agent for the In species, and a solvent to electrodeposit an In—Se film possessing sub-micron thickness on a conductive surface.
US08444830B2
A desalination process including heating brine in a preheating chamber and transferring the brine to a rotary kiln to be sprayed against the wall structure of the rotary kiln to boil to steam and a residue of salt/impurities, the exiting steam being pressurized in a compressor and passed to an externally powered heater to be heated and then fed to a hollow wall structure of the rotating kiln in which the steam condenses to pure water to be transferred to the preheating chamber to preheat the incoming brine, the rotating kiln being arranged to rotate past a scraper to remove salt/impurities from the wall structure for collection at the base of the kiln.
US08444823B2
A method of mixing paper stock, having improved outlet consistency, includes: (a) feeding liquid and feeding paper pulp into a vessel to form a mixture; (b) providing at least one counterflow impeller that is submerged in the mixture, the counterflow impeller being capable of simultaneously inducing both upward flow and downward flow; (c) rotating the counterflow impeller such that downward flow from the impeller is partially recirculated by upward flow from the impeller to form a mixing zone; (d) sensing a parameter of the mixture discharged from the vessel; and (e) controlling the feed rate of the liquid and the feed rate of the paper pulp in the feeding step (a) based on the sensing step (d). An apparatus for mixing of paper stock, having improved outlet consistency, includes a vessel for containing liquid and paper pulp, at least one counterflow impeller, and a feedback system for controlling outlet consistency.
US08444822B2
A method of making a formed, dried lignocellulose fiber material comprising (a) providing an aqueous lignocellulose fiber pulp slurry having an effective consistency; (b) de-watering the slurry to provide a de-watered material at an effective de-watering rate under an effective pressure to prevent or reduce the formation of fissures and voids within the material; (c) drying an effective amount of the de-watered material at an effective temperature and period of time to provide the formed, dried lignocellulose fiber material having a thickness of at least 5 mm. The formed, dried lignocellulose material may be used to make a lignocellulose fiber-resin composite material of use as a cost effective structural member, as a substitute for steel, in, for example, bridges, processing equipment, and the like.
US08444805B2
The invention relates to an improved two component adhesive system, a kit comprising said two adhesive components, its use and a method for production of interior wood products, in particular form-pressed products, parquet floor elements and solid wood panels with very low formaldehyde emission and to the interior wood products obtainable having improved properties.The two-component adhesive system comprises adhesive component I comprising a 50-70 wt % melamine-formaldehyde (MF) type resin in 25-40 wt % water and adhesive component II comprising 25-40 wt % of a water based dispersion adhesive, 15-40 wt % of a formaldehyde scavenger and an acidic compound in an amount such that the pH of adhesive component II is 1.5-6.5, wherein adhesive component I and II are to be applied in a weight ratio I:II of 1:0.5 to 1:1.5 and the adhesive system has a molar ratio of formaldehyde (F) to total amino group (F/NH2) between 0.2 and 0.7.
US08444804B2
This invention relates to a method for sealing film layers to form a sealed portion and a notch within the sealed portion, comprising: providing film layers between sealing jaws comprising a heat sealing element, with a sealing face having a length and a protrusion extending partly along the length of its sealing face; inducing a temperature gradient along the of sealing face length, wherein the temperature proximate to the protrusion is higher than at a distance from the protrusion; closing the jaws and simultaneously clamping the film at a location adjacent to the sealing face; holding the jaws closed for a period of time; and opening the jaws to release the layers of film.
US08444803B2
The invention relates to a method for making the wall of a heat-insulated fluid-confinement tank, such as for a liquefied gas, that is integrated in the carrier structure (50) of a ship, wherein a prefabricated substantially rectangular block (25) is assembled on top of a flexible mat strip (35), the assembling of said block comprising the following steps: applying two longitudinal parallel strips of glue (26, 26′) on the lower surface of said block (25), said strips (26, 26′) being separated by a glue-free central longitudinal space (28); gluing said glued block (25) on a flexible mat strip (35) by pressing said glued block (25) on said flexible mat strip (35) so that after gluing, said longitudinal central space (28) is at least partially filled with glue, thus defining a substantially continuous glue layer on the lower surface of the block (25), said substantially continuous glue layer reinforcing the gluing of said flexible mat strip (35) in order to ensure tightness.
US08444802B2
A balloon catheter having a soft distal tip member having a non-tacky inner (liner) layer material and a soft flexible outer layer material, with both materials being readily thermally bondable to the catheter balloon.
US08444800B2
A manufacturing apparatus of silicon seed rod in which two silicon seed rods are joined into one long silicon seed rod by welding, having: an upper seed rod holding part holding an upper silicon seed rod vertically; an elevating device holding a lower silicon seed rod which faces a lower end of the upper silicon seed rod in a state in which the lower silicon seed rod is movable vertically; an induction-heating coil being arranged around the lower end of the upper silicon seed rod; a preheating ring being disposed below the induction-heating coil; and a moving device of the preheating ring that moves the preheating ring between a heat position in which the preheating ring is induction-heated around an upper end of the lower silicon seed rod by the induction-heating coil and a wait position which is distant from the heat position.
US08444788B2
An adhesive composition includes 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin polymer derived from an olefin monomer copolymerized with at least one co-monomer that is different form the olefin monomer; 1˜100 parts by weight of an adhesion promoting agent comprising a polybutadiene polymer, which has a molecular weight of 1,000˜10,000 and has an anhydride group grafted thereon; 0.1˜5 parts by weight of an antioxidant; and 0.5˜15 parts by weight of a curative agent. An adhesive composition includes 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin polymer derived from an olefin monomer copolymerized with at least one co-monomer that is different form the olefin monomer, where in the polyolefin polymer comprises an anhydride group grafted thereon; 0.1˜5 parts by weight of an antioxidant; and 0.5˜15 parts by weight of a curative agent.
US08444783B1
3,3,7,7-Tetrakis(difluoramino)octahydro-1,5-diazocinium intermediate salts through difluoramination followed by N-denosylation or N-deprotection, which are valuable for use as precursor(s) to HNFX as well as to other members of the rare class of 3,3,7,7-tetrakis(difluoramino)octahydro-1,5-diazocines.
US08444777B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an Al—Zn—Mg—Cu 7000-series Al alloy having high ductility as well as having high strength. For attaining this purpose, an Al alloy having a structure in which an inclusion is not included is produced by reducing an amount of oxygen contained in an Al alloy that is obtained by solidifying a preform resulting from rapid solidification by preferably spray forming a molten metal of an Al—Zn—Mg—Cu 7000-series Al alloy with an inert gas. This Al alloy has, as mechanical properties at an ordinary temperature, a tensile strength of 600 MPa or more, and an elongation of 15% or more when the tensile strength is from 600 MPa or more and less than 800 MPa or an elongation of 10% or more when the tensile strength is 800 MPa or more, and is excellent in cold workability such as rollability.
US08444772B2
A liquid processing apparatus, capable of preventing a cleaning solution from remaining on a lifting member of a target object, thereby preventing an attachment of a cleaning solution to an opposite surface of a target object, and preventing an inflow of the cleaning solution into an inert gas supply part to efficiently supply the inert gas to the object, is disclosed. The liquid processing apparatus includes a hollow-shaped support plate to support an object, a hollow-shaped rotary shaft fixedly connected to the support plate, a rotary drive part to rotate the rotary shaft in a predetermined rotating direction, and a lift pin plate arranged in a hollow of the support plate to have lift pins supporting a main body and the processed object. A cleaning solution supply part to supply a cleaning solution and an inert gas supply part to supply an inert gas are extended in a hollow of the rotary shaft. The lift pin plate includes an inclined surface, and the front end of the inert gas supply part is positioned in a position higher than that of the front end of the cleaning solution supply part.
US08444764B2
The present invention relates to a setting retarder for compounds that set hydraulically, containing at least one at least simple adduct and/or condensate, the retarder being produced by the reaction of at least one protein hydrolysate, one pure amino acid, amino acid mixture, and/or the hydrochlorides thereof having at least one mono-, di-, oligo- and/or polycarboxylic acid which is not derived from an amino acid, and/or a carboxylic acid derivative derived therefrom, wherein the carboxylic acid is selected from a group including carboxylic acid anhydrides, carboxylic acid halogenides, and/or carboxylic acid active esters.
US08444756B2
Lithium silicate materials are described which can be easily processed by machining to dental products without undue wear of the tools.
US08444749B2
A fast gas is recovered from a feed gas containing a fast gas and at least one slow gas using a gas separation membrane. A controller may control a control valve associated with a partial recycle of a permeate gas from the membrane for combining with the feed gas. A controller may control a control valve associated with the backpressure of a residue gas from the membrane.
US08444744B2
A method for extracting nickel and lithium includes solvent extraction step of using three or more extraction stages to subject a solution containing lithium and nickel to solvent extraction with 2-Ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester at a pH of 8.0 to 8.5, whereby the nickel and the lithium are co-extracted into a resultant organic phase.
US08444741B2
A method for producing a metallic honeycomb body from metallic layers with channels through which an exhaust gas stream can flow, includes providing the honeycomb body with a coating. Such honeycomb bodies are used in exhaust gas systems of preferably mobile internal combustion engines as catalyst carrier bodies, filters, mixers and/or adsorbers. The coating is provided in a two-stage application and enables the production of exceptionally advantageous coated metallic honeycomb bodies, which are distinguished by a large coating surface and a low flow resistance. At the same time, an exceptionally large surface enlargement is provided in the honeycomb body while using a smaller amount of coating. A honeycomb body is also provided.
US08444734B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for the separation of particles contained in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines in which the exhaust gas flow is guided through a filter medium in which particles can be absorbed and held back. The invention should improve the separation in a cost effective manner with respect to conventional particle filters. In accordance with the invention, the filter medium (1) is made from a metal open-pore foam having at least two layers (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) which each have a thickness, porosity and/or pore size in the flowthrough direction through the filter medium which differ from one another. In one embodiment, the particle filter includes first and second filter medium layers where the first filter medium has a mean pore size larger than a mean pore size of the second filter medium, and the first filter medium has a thickness that increases in a direction of the exhaust gas flow inlet passage of the filter housing.
US08444728B2
A chemical mechanical polishing composition, comprising, as initial components: water; 0.1 to 20 wt % abrasive having an average particle size of 5 to 50 nm; and, 0.001 to 1 wt % of an adamantyl substance according to formula (II): wherein A is selected from N and P; wherein each R8 is independently selected from hydrogen, a saturated or unsaturated C1-15 alkyl group, C6-15 aryl group, C6-15 aralkyl group, C6-15 alkaryl group; and, wherein the anion in formula (II) can be any anion that balances the positive charge on the cation in formula (II).
US08444726B2
A grinding wheel is manufactured such that (a) any one of particles for an abrasive grain layer and particles for a substrate layer are put into the press-mold die, and other particles are put onto the particles in the press-mold die, and then the substrate layer and the abrasive grain layer are integrally press-molded to form a non-baked grinding chip with an arcuate shape; (b) depressions are formed on the abrasive grain layer of the non-baked grinding chip; (c) the grinding chip on which the depressions are formed is baked; and (d) the plurality of baked-grinding chips are adhered to a core of the grinding wheel.
US08444725B2
Production of synthetic liquid hydrocarbon fuel from carbon containing moieties such as biomass, coal, methane, naphtha as a carbon source and hydrogen from a carbon-free energy source is disclosed. The biomass can be fed to a gasifier along with hydrogen, oxygen, steam and recycled carbon dioxide. The synthesis gas from the gasifier exhaust is sent to a liquid hydrocarbon conversion reactor to form liquid hydrocarbon molecules. Unreacted CO & H2 can be recycled to the gasifier along with CO2 from the liquid hydrocarbon conversion reactor system. Hydrogen can be obtained from electrolysis of water, thermo-chemical cycles or directly by using energy from carbon-free energy sources.
US08444724B2
A generally upright reactor system for gasifying a feedstock. The reactor system generally includes a main body, at least two inlet projections extending outwardly from the main body, and at least one inlet positioned on each of the inlet projections. Each of the inlets is operable to discharge the feedstock into the reaction zone.
