Patents Represented by Attorney Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
  • Patent number: 8289461
    Abstract: A transflective-type liquid crystal display device with a high image quality which has a high aperture ratio and an excellent efficiency of utility of reflected light is provided at low cost. A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention is a liquid crystal display device having a transistor and a reflection section in each of a plurality of pixels; the reflection section includes a metal layer, an insulating layer formed on the metal layer, a semiconductor layer formed on the insulating layer, and a reflective layer formed on the semiconductor layer; a plurality of recesses are formed on the surface of the reflective layer; a storage capacitor is formed between at least a portion of the metal layer and at least a portion of the reflective layer; and at least one of the metal layer and the reflective layer includes two portions which are electrically isolated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Imai, Hitoshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8286604
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a starter for a small engine includes: a torque apply unit that applies a torque to a torque-accumulation spring; a rotating member that transmits the accumulated torque to a crankshaft; and a rotation regulation unit that restrains the accumulated torque from being transmitted to the crankshaft, wherein the rotation regulation unit includes: a regulation ratchet provided on a rotating body linked with the crank shaft to rotate therewith; and a pressing unit provided on an engine case to be engaged with the regulation ratchet and to regulate an operation thereof, and wherein the regulation ratchet is disengaged from the pressing unit by the torque accumulated in the torque-accumulation spring when the accumulated torque exceeds a predetermined resilient force, thereby starting the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Starting Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taro Kihara, Yoshinori Horikoshi, Hideki Hashiba, Hirotoshi Fujita
  • Patent number: 8291244
    Abstract: A device, such as an integrated circuit is described including master units, and slave units connected by an interconnect. In addition to the normal data signals and address signals passed with a transaction, there are also passed usage signals which specify the time interval until a next transaction will be sent to a slave unit. A local slave power controller is responsive to such usage signals to switch into a low power mode and pre-emptively switch back to an operational mode in time to respond to the next transaction to be received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: ARM Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Tune
  • Patent number: 8288355
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polynucleotide having at least 15 contiguous bases in the base sequence of SEQ ID NO:26 and including the base sequence of SEQ ID NO:27. Also disclosed is siRNA produced based on the polynucleotide. By means of this, a cancer cell-specific molecular-targeted therapy, which successfully controls the function of WT1, can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: International Institute of Cancer Immunology, Inc.
    Inventors: Haruo Sugiyama, Yusuke Oji
  • Patent number: 8289610
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to electrochromic (EC) devices, assemblies incorporating electrochromic devices, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to improved EC materials, EC device stacks, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) compatible process integration schemes, and/or high-throughput low cost deposition sources, equipment, and factories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 8288647
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device which can improve photoelectric conversion efficiency is provided. The photoelectric conversion device has at least one p-i-n type photoelectric conversion part which includes a first conductivity type layer, a first i-type layer, a second i-type layer and a second conductivity type layer stacked in this order, and it is characterized in that a crystallization ratio of the first i-type layer is lower than that of the second i-type layer and a change rate of a crystallization ratio in a film-thickness direction at an interface between the first i-type layer and the second i-type layer is 0.013 to 0.24 nm?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Nasuno
  • Patent number: 8288644
    Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system, wherein electrical power generated by multiple photovoltaic power generator units is gathered in a single unit group power collection control section and, in addition, supplied (transferred) to a single power converter corresponding to a single unit group power collection control section. The photovoltaic power generation system comprises generator unit groups formed by arrangement of multiple photovoltaic power generator units and unit group power collection control sections, which are connected with the photovoltaic power generator units through unit cables, and collect and control the electric power generated by the photovoltaic power generator units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiji Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8290688
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust system, an oxygen sensor in the exhaust system and a sensor malfunction monitor. In order to maintain operation during a fuel cut-off situation, the sensor malfunction monitor is arranged to control the fuel cut-off sequencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Iain Watson
  • Patent number: 8287398
    Abstract: A golf practice mat includes an impact sensor disposed in a vicinity bounding the location of where a golf ball would be placed for striking. The golf practice mat may also include, for example, a “crosshair” target imprint that is disposed on a golf club impact sensor portion of the practice surface and indicates the point/line of contact that the club face should hit the ground after the ball has been struck with the club head in a descending blow. A microcontroller receives and analyzes the output of the impact sensor and generates a display/output message that is coupled to a display that is, for example, embodied on the golf practice mat to provide user shot-related feedback. The display may indicate, for example, the user's golf club, the estimated distance the ball will travel depending upon the impact data analyzed, the club chosen by the user, input backswing data and/or a three-dimensional simulation of the resulting golf stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventors: Mark E. Nusbaum, Jan E. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 8287444
    Abstract: A male sexual impotence treatment apparatus comprises an adjustable non-inflatable restriction device (434) implanted in a male impotent patient. The restriction device directly engages a portion of the normal penile tissue of the patient, such as both of the corpora cavernosa as a single unit or one or more of the exit veins from the penis, to affect the blood flow leaving the penis. An adjustment device (436) mechanically adjusts the restriction device to temporarily restrict the blood flow leaving the penis when the patient wishes to achieve erection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Obtech Medical AG
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 8286635
    Abstract: A mask system for use between a patient and a structure to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a mask assembly including a frame, a cushion provided to the frame, and optionally an elbow provided to the frame. Headgear is removably attached to the mask assembly to maintain the mask assembly in a desired position on a patient's face. The headgear includes a back headgear section providing a top strap, a pair of side straps attached to the back headgear section, and an elastic strap attached between the back headgear section and the pair of side straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Fiona Catherine Carroll, Joel Edward Gibson, Errol Savio Alex D'Souza, Bryony Louise Marshall, Bruce Richard Davies
  • Patent number: 8289229
    Abstract: A head-up display apparatus allows an occupant of a vehicle to visually perceive a virtual image of an image light reflected by a windshield after passing through a cylindrical lens. The cylindrical lens is inclined against the image light to thereby reflect outside light not to reach an eye range of the occupant. The cylindrical lens is placed in a light guide portion such that (i) an action axis direction for an optical action and (ii) a horizontal direction in the display image agree with each other. Of the cylindrical lens, an inclination angle and installation depth are so set that light incident at an angle equal to or greater than an interception upper-limit incident angle and reflected by a pass-through side of the cylindrical lens does not arrive at the eye range of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiki Ishikawa, Hiroshi Ando, Takayuki Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 8287410
    Abstract: A tensioning device has a tension arm mounted on a base. A pulley is mounted on the tension arm for engaging a looped belt. By changing mounting bushings, one can select either a static mode wherein the tension arm is held stationary relative to the base, or a dynamic mode wherein, in response to a changing force applied between the pulley and the belt (due to vibrations or load changes, for example), the tension arm moves relative to the base such in a manner as to maintain the force substantially constant. Several such devices can be employed in a system for controlling the tension of a looped belt, one or more of the devices being in the static mode and one or more being in the dynamic mode. Several such systems can be employed in a complex machine such as a photocopier or medical apparatus for controlling the tension in a number of different belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: York Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hartmut Schmid, Paul O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 8286636
    Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Resmed Limited
    Inventors: Michael K. Gunaratnam, Philip R. Kwok, Robin G. Hitchcock, Lee J. Veliss, Memduh Guney, Richard Sokolov, Perry D. Lithgow, Donald Darkin, Susan R. Lynch
  • Patent number: 8289480
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprises plural picture elements including a first picture element and a second picture element; plural switching elements; and plural scanning lines. The plural switching elements include a first switching element electrically connected to the first picture element and a second switching element electrically connected to the second picture element. The plural scanning lines include a first scanning line electrically connected to the first switching element and a second scanning line electrically connected to the second switching element. The second scanning line is located between at least part of the first picture element and the first scanning line. The first scanning line is located between at least part of the second picture element and the second scanning line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tokio Taguchi, Kazuhiko Tsuda, Mutsumi Nakajima, Keisuke Yoshida, Junichi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8286634
    Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask includes a headband adapted to extend in an application position from a forehead portion of a patient around a back head portion of the patient. A strengthening element is releasably coupled to the headband to add flexural strength to the headband. The strengthening element is adapted to extend from the forehead portion laterally to respective ear portions and to descend behind the respective ear portions towards the patient's neck. The strengthening element has bracket sections positioned below respective ear portions adjacent the back head portion. A support is coupled to respective bracket sections to support the bracket sections in the back head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: MAP Medizin Technologie GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Rolf Madaus, Harald Wolfgang Vögele
  • Patent number: 8281617
    Abstract: A coated article is provided which may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered) and/or heat bent in certain example instances. In certain example embodiments, a zinc stannate based layer is provided between a tin oxide based layer and a silicon nitride based layer, and this has been found to significantly reduce undesirable mottling damage upon heat treatment/bending. This results in significantly improved bendability of the coated article in applications such as vehicle windshields and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Centre Luxembourgeois de Recherches pour le Verre et la Ceramique S.A. (C.R.V.C.), Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Jose Ferreira, Pierrot Pallotta, Richard Blacker, Muhammad Imran
  • Patent number: 8283041
    Abstract: A method is provided for making a coated article including an anti-etch layer(s) that is resistant to attacks by at least some fluoride-based etchant(s) for at least a period of time. In certain example embodiments, an anti-etch layer(s) is provided on a glass substrate in order to protect the glass substrate from attacks by fluoride-based etchant(s). In certain example embodiments, the anti-etch layer(s) is formed using at least one ion beam (possibly in combination with at least one sputtering target). In certain embodiments, a diamond-like carbon (DLC) inclusive layer(s) may be provided over and/or under the anti-etch layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 8284358
    Abstract: To provide a retardation film in which the retardation condition is adjusted to achieve a liquid crystal display without coloration over a wide viewing angle range and having a high contrast ratio, and a method of designing the same, as well as a polarizing film and a liquid crystal display using the same. A liquid crystal display comprising a liquid crystal cell and polarizing films in a Cross-Nicol relationship with each other on both sides of the liquid crystal cell; wherein at least one polarizing film includes a retardation film having reverse wavelength dispersion property; and the liquid crystal display further includes a retardation film having a wavelength dispersion property substantially the same as a liquid crystal layer configuring the liquid crystal cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Sakai
  • Patent number: RE43749
    Abstract: An ECG-prep scan is used to set an optimum time phase in both systole and diastole of the heart. At each of the different time phases, an imaging scan is started to acquire a plurality of sets of echo data. An artery/vein visually separated blood flow image is produced from the echo data. The imaging scan uses a half-Fourier technique, for example. This provides high-quality blood flow images with shorter scan time, without injecting a contrast medium. Additionally, with a readout gradient pulse applied substantially parallel with a direction of slowly flowing blood, a scan is performed in synchronism with an optimally determined cardiac time phase. The readout gradient pulse has a dephasing pulse for enhancing differences in a flow void effect depending on blood flow velocities. This enables slow-speed flows, such as blood flows in the inferior limb, to be depicted without fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Mitsue Miyazaki, Satoshi Sugiura