Patents Issued in March 31, 2011
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Publication number: 20110073445Abstract: A control mechanism includes a control, a mounting plate, and a printed circuit board. The control includes a rotary main body, a contact member connected to the rotary main body, and at least one limiting protrusion extending from a side of the rotary main body. The mounting plate includes a through hole receiving the control, and a blocking portion extending from an inner surface of the through hole. The blocking portion defines at least one cutout. The printed circuit board includes a resilient contact. The at least one limiting protrusion is blocked by the blocking portion until the rotary main body is rotated to a portion whereby the at least one limiting protrusion aligns with the at least one cutout, such that the contact member impels the resilient contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTDInventor: WEI-JUN WANG
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Publication number: 20110073446Abstract: According to an embodiment, a switchgear operating mechanism has a roller pin rotatably fixed to a leading end of a latch lever. A latch is fixed to a solenoid lever at a position different from the rotation axis of the solenoid lever, and has a leading end engageable with the roller pin. In a state where the switchgear operating state is shifted from the closed state to the cutoff state, the solenoid lever is pushed by an electromagnetic solenoid for cutoff so as to be rotated in an opposite direction to the biasing direction of the solenoid lever return spring, and the latch lever is rotated by a biasing force of the roller pin to release an engagement between the roller pin and the leading end of the latch, which causes a cutoff spring to discharge its energy to rotate the latch lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Satoshi MARUSHIMA, Yoshikata Kobayashi, Yoshiaki Ohda, Masaharu Shimizu, Tooru Inoue
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Publication number: 20110073447Abstract: In some aspects, the present invention embodies both the method and apparatus for converting a pattern of irradiation to a visible image. An embodiment of the present invention provides an array of micro-electro-mechanical sensors with each sensor includes a deflectable micro-cantilever, responsive to absorbed incident radiation and to an applied repulsive electrostatic field. In an aspect, the sensor device also includes a null-sensing circuit coupled to a switch contact on or near the substrate, which senses when the micro-cantilever reaches its null location, by electrical connection with an upper switch contact on the micro-cantilever. Other embodiments are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: Oliver Edwards
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Publication number: 20110073448Abstract: An arrangement includes at least two separate switch pole housings and a joining facility for joining the switch pole housings. In at least one embodiment, each of the switch pole housings forms an insulating enclosure of a switching space for receiving a single switch pole of an electric switching device which has a lower wall, an upper wall, two side walls, a rear wall and a front wall and in which at least a first one of the two switch pole housings has on a first one of the side walls, facing the second one of the switch pole housings, at least one recess for receiving at least one joining device of the joining facility.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Torsten Ahlert, Jörg-Uwe Dahl, Ludvik Godesa, Marc Liebetruth
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Publication number: 20110073449Abstract: A keyboard includes a keypad portion, a base board, an illuminating device, and a circuit board. The keypad portion is mounted to the base board. The illuminating device is electrically connected to the circuit board and is further fixed to the base board surrounding the keypad portion. The circuit board is configured to supply the illuminating device with power. When powering the illuminating device, the keyboard can be used in a dark environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: HUNG YEN, TE-HUA LEE, MAN-ZHONG WANG, SHI-PEI ZHANG
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Publication number: 20110073450Abstract: An extender for a wall mounted switch enabling the switch to be operated by short or disabled people, which otherwise would be difficult for them to reach or operate. The switch extender is composed of a switch adaptor, extender arm, wall mounted base guiding fixture and a handle, preventing it from moving to direction that may damage the apparatus or switch. The arm's length should be designed according to the height of the switch and the height of the person requiring the use of this apparatus. The switch extender should include a limiting fixture to prevent damage due to access stress. A locking pin may be used to prevent a toddler from operating the switch. The switch adaptor length may be varied to provide leverage to enable a toddler to operate a ‘hard moving’ switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: GOOLIMA L.T.DInventor: Oren Wass
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Publication number: 20110073451Abstract: A shaft assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing and a pivotal shaft. The shaft assembly includes a paddle assembly comprising an elongated body including a first end and a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end. A number of paddles extend radially outwardly from the elongated body. A support bracket is coupled to the housing of the circuit breaker. The first end of the elongated body is coupled to and supported by the pivotal shaft, and the second end of the elongated body is coupled to and supported by the support bracket. The support bracket is preferably an accessory mounting bracket. The paddle assembly preferably further includes a separate molded member. When the separate molded member moves, the elongated body moves. However, the elongated body is pivotable independently from the separate molded member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: ANDREW L. GOTTSCHALK, ROBERT MICHAEL SLEPIAN, THOMAS ALAN WHITAKER
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Publication number: 20110073452Abstract: A key button structure includes a button body, a fixing member and a housing. The housing comprises a first housing and a second housing placed in the first housing. The first housing and the second housing together define an accommodating space. The first housing has a window defined therethrough communicating with the accommodating space. The fixing member and the button body are integrally and detachably assembled within the accommodating space of the housing. The button body is exposed through the window.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITEDInventors: SHI-XU LIANG, YUNG-CHANG YEN
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Publication number: 20110073453Abstract: A modular cost-effective drive system for electrical switching devices of medium-voltage installations is specified. The drive system, by the addition or omission of individual components, can be used both as a three-position disconnector with a snap-action or storage drive function and as a two-position circuit breaker which can also be expanded by a brief interruption function.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Martin Böttcher, Marcus Kampf
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Publication number: 20110073454Abstract: A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches and a plurality of single-piece keycaps. Each keycap identifies a row of keyboard characters. Each keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. The key assembly further comprises a plurality of actuators for activating the dome switches. Each actuator has a first side which is engaged by one of the character representing portions of the keycap. Each actuator has a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion. In a rest state in which the keycap is not depressed, at least some of the actuators preload at least some of the dome switches by exerting a force upon the dome switches.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Chao Chen, Steven Andrew Prsa, Joseph Michael Hofer, Michael Welker, Todd Andrew Wood
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Publication number: 20110073455Abstract: A key structure and a keyboard including multiple key structures are provided. The key structure includes a keycap, a base plate and a scissors-type support member between the keycap and the base plate. The scissors-type support member includes an inner frame having a convex part and an outer frame having a recess. The convex part is accommodated within the recess. By controlling relative positions between the convex part and the recess, the keycap is stably moved in the vertical direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventor: Yu-Chih Cheng
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Publication number: 20110073456Abstract: According to one aspect, a keypad for an electronic device includes a plurality of switches and a plurality of keycaps. Each keycap has a plurality of external contact portions defining a full row of the keypad. Each external contact portion corresponds to one of the switches and includes at least one of a text-entry character and a functional character. Each of the external contact portions is movable to actuate the corresponding switch. The keypad further includes a plurality of keycap supports. Each keycap support is disposed between adjacent external contact portions. After one of the external contact portions has been moved to actuate the corresponding switch, at least one of the keycap supports engages the keycap having the one of the external contact portions to inhibit the keycap from actuating at least one of the other switches.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: Chao Chen
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Publication number: 20110073457Abstract: In a multidirectional operating switch, an operating body has a support having a spherically convex surface on the lower end of a central cylinder, and a holding base has a retainer having a spherically concave surface disposed opposite to the support. Through the movement of the support sliding over the retainer, the holding base retains the operating body rockably in multiple directions. The rotational center of the rocking movement of the operating body coincides with the position at which the push element is in contact with the push section disposed at the lower end of the operation button.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Takayoshi KISHIMOTO, Mitsuo Kodama, Masaki Kontani
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Publication number: 20110073458Abstract: Disclosed herein is a membrane switch sheet for a switch matrix-type key input apparatus. The membrane switch sheet is used in a switch matrix-type key input apparatus, including a plurality of switch contacts, so as to prevent the occurrence of a ghost key phenomenon. The membrane switch sheet includes at least one film wired through a single patterning process using only ink having low conductivity so as to have resistors having a same resistance value, with distances between start points of lines of a switch matrix in a column scan direction and the switch contacts being set to the same value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: Sang-Hyun han
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Publication number: 20110073459Abstract: A rotary evaporator comprising a motor, a rotary joint movably inserted to a motor rotor of the motor by a sleeve in an axial direction, a collection flask attached to the rotary joint at one end of the joint, with a condenser attached to the other end of the joint. The condenser is adapted to receive a cooling coil from an immersion cooler. The cooling coil is attached to the base unit of the immersion cooler via an insulated hose. The rotary evaporator is adapted to provide various ways to remove heat from the flask in the water bath, whether by mechanically lowering the water bath, dropping fluid from the bath into an underlying reservoir, or raising and lowering the rotary evaporator out of the bath. Where the rotary evaporator is raised and lowered, the immersion cooler can remain in place if the hose connecting the base unit to the cooling coil is sufficiently long, or the condenser includes a flexible portion that accommodates the upward and downward movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: George M. Adjabeng
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Publication number: 20110073460Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus and method with stair-like heat treatment tanks for performing a breakdown process are disclosed, in which the apparatus comprises: a mixing tank, for evenly mixing wastewater with reaction agents and thus forming a mixed solution; a plurality of heat treatment tanks, for enabling the mixed solution to circulate therein while being heating for a period of time so as to perform an organic destruction process upon the mixed solution and thus cause a discharging liquid to be formed; a heat exchanger, for enabling a heat exchanging process between the discharging liquid and the mixed solution to be performed therein; a condensation tank, for receiving and cooling the discharging liquid; a water purifier, for purifying and thus separating the discharging water into a cleaned water and a concentrated liquid for outputting; an agent recycling unit, for electrolyzing the concentrated liquid so as to recycle the reaction agents.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive YuanInventors: Jen-Chieh Chung, Ming-Hsin Wu, Yu-Chang Liu
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Publication number: 20110073461Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for removing an alcohol from a liquid mixture having high viscosity by the gravity or the centrifugal force and a gas, and the apparatus thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Chia-Ying Chiang, Yu-Shao Chen, Hwai-Shen Liu, Clifford Yi-Der Tai
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Publication number: 20110073462Abstract: A wide variety of reactions can be advantageously affected and directed by a spectral catalyst which duplicates the electromagnetic energy spectral pattern of a physical catalyst and when applied to a reaction system transfers a quanta of energy in the form of electromagnetic energy to control and/or promote the reaction system. The spectral catalysts utilized in this invention can replace and/or augment the energy normally provided to the reaction system by a physical catalyst. A spectral catalyst may also act as both a positive catalyst to increase the rate of a reaction or as a negative catalyst to decrease the rate of reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Juliana H.J. Brooks, Bentley J. Blum
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Publication number: 20110073463Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a method for seasoning a sputtering target in-situ with a substrate to be processed. New semiconductor compounds containing oxygen, nitrogen, and an element such as zinc, cadmium, tin, indium, and gallium are beginning to replace silicon as the material for active channels in TFTs. The new semiconductor compounds may be deposited by a reactive sputtering process. During the sputtering process, reactive gas reacts with the metal from the sputtering target and deposits on the substrate. Some of the reactive gas may react at the surface and lead to a buildup of a compound at the target surface. Because oxygen and nitrogen are quite reactive, an oxide or nitride compound may develop at the target surface. The oxide or nitride may be removed by seasoning the sputtering target. The seasoning may occur while the substrate is within the processing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventor: Yan Ye
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Publication number: 20110073464Abstract: A tooling piece in an electrochemical machining device that includes: an outer cathode surface, the outer cathode surface having a first side and, opposite of the first side, a second side; a plurality of spacer pads disposed on the first side of the outer cathode surface, the spacer pads each comprising thin, non-conducting pads of a predetermined thickness; one or more conducting strips; an electrolyte channel that is configured to direct a flow of electrolyte through an orifice cut through the outer cathode surface; and an elastomeric backing adjacent to the second side of the outer cathode surface, the elastomeric backing being configured to elastically support the outer cathode surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Yuefeng Luo, William E. Adis
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Publication number: 20110073465Abstract: A tooling piece in an electrochemical machining device that includes: an outer cathode surface, the outer cathode surface having a first side and, opposite of the first side, a second side; a plurality of spacer pads disposed on the first side of the outer cathode surface, the spacer pads each comprising thin, non-conducting pads of a predetermined thickness; one or more conducting strips; an electrolyte channel that is configured to direct a flow of electrolyte through an orifice cut through the outer cathode surface; and an elastomeric backing adjacent to the second side of the outer cathode surface, the elastomeric backing being configured to elastically support the outer cathode surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Yuefeng Luo, William E. Adis
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Publication number: 20110073466Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for producing aluminium, comprising a cathodic vessel, anode means, an electricity source for generating a direct current between the cathodic vessel and the anode means in order to obtain molten aluminium from a bath, and a subassembly for breaking a crust formed in the area of the anode means during the production. Said subassembly encompasses a chisel which is operated by means of a pneumatic cylinder comprising a sensor for sensing the lift of a piston rod of the cylinder and is electrically connected to a terminal of an electronic unit. Another terminal of the electronic unit is connected to the cathodic vessel in order to generate an alternating current between the chisel and the cathodic vessel and measure the potential and/or the alternating current there-between. The chisel has means for forming an electrode in the bottom zone as well as electronic connecting means for connecting the electrode to one terminal of the electronic unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: Peter Palsson
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Publication number: 20110073467Abstract: An electrolytic ozone cell anode spring fastening board structure includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (1), an anode electrocatalyst layer (2), a diffusion layer (3), frame body and support parts (5). A diffusion layer counterpiece (4) has one side attached to the diffusion layer (3), the other side of the diffusion layer counterpiece (4) equipped with a centered elevated step, which contacts the center of the convex side of a spherical spring board (6). In addition, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane (1), frame body and support parts (5), diffusion layer (3), diffusion layer counterpiece (4) and spring board (6) are held together by mechanical fastening means. It prevents a decrease in ozone generation rate in electrolytic ozone cell that can occur from the metal board deformation and thinning of the anode electrocatalyst layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: Mingyung Hsu
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Publication number: 20110073468Abstract: In the method and system, a number of electrolytic cells are arranged as a cell group, which cells are separated by a number of partition walls; in each cell, a number of anodes and cathodes are arranged in an alternating order, so that in each cell, next to each anode, there is arranged a cathode, and so that in each cell, each individual anode is fitted in the same anode line with the anode of the adjacent cell, and in each cell, each individual cathode is fitted in the same cathode line with the cathode of the adjacent cell, and each anode is galvanically connected to at least one cathode of the adjacent cell. The flowing direction of the current passing in the cell group is deviated in different directions in order to make the current flow mainly in the direction of the cell group.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJInventors: Henri Virtanen, Olli Järvinen, Lauri Palmu, Ilkka Laitinen
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Publication number: 20110073469Abstract: A electrochemical deposition system which has a 3-D stacked architecture comprises a factory interface for receiving semiconductor wafers, a mainframe comprising a mainframe transfer robot and a plurality of wafer holder assemblies which disposed on the top thereof, a plurality of electroplating cells disposed within the mainframe, a plurality of cleaning cells disposed within the mainframe and located below the electroplating cells, a plurality of thermal treatment chambers disposed in between the mainframe and the factory interface, and a fluid distribution system fluidly connected to the electroplating cells and the cleaning cells, wherein the mainframe transfer robot transfers the semiconductor wafer from the factory interface and within the electroplating cells, the cleaning cells, and the thermal treatment chambers. As a result, the system of the present invention is expandable to accommodate newly-added processing units without overmuch increased footprint.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2008Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Yue Ma, Chuan He, Zhenxu Pang, Guangtao Shi, Jiexu Xia, Voha Nuch, Hui Wang
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Publication number: 20110073470Abstract: A multi-layer cathode block (30) for an electrolytic cell (10) has at least a surface layer (32) with a surface expansion index and a second layer (34) with a second expansion index. The surface layer (32) includes a surface wetting agent in a first total amount. The second layer (34) includes a wetting agent in a second total amount. The surface layer (32) is directly superposed to the second layer (34). The second wetting agent in the second layer (34) includes metal boride precursors that react together to generate a metal boride component in situ when the cathode block (30) is exposed to start-up and operation conditions of the electrolytic cell (10). The second total amount is lower than the first total amount and is selected so as to minimize the difference between the expansion indexes of the surface layer (32) and the second layer (34).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: RIO TINTO ALCAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITEDInventors: Jean Camiré, Jules Bergeronère, Pierre-Yves Brisson, Simon Leclerc
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Publication number: 20110073471Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a coating material on a surface of a substrate by an ion plasma deposition process using a hollow cathode is disclosed. The cathode may be a substantially cylindrical hollow cathode. A plasma arc is formed on the outer circumference of the cathode to remove coating material from the cathode, which is then deposited on a surface of a substrate. An internal arc drive magnet is contained within the hollow bore of the cathode and cooling is provided to the magnet during operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Scott Andrew Weaver, William Thomas Carter, Paul Mario Marruso
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Publication number: 20110073472Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a housing, a sputter mechanism, an evaporation mechanism, and a workpiece transport assembly. The housing defines a receiving space. The workpiece transport assembly includes a fixing plate, a first transport member, and a first shaft. The fixing plate is secured to the housing via the receiving space and divides the receiving space into a sputter chamber and an evaporation chamber. The sputter mechanism is mounted in the sputter chamber, and the evaporation mechanism is mounted in the evaporation chamber. The fixing plate defines a through hole. The sputter chamber communicates with the evaporation chamber via the through hole. The first transport member is configured to transport at least one workpiece. The first shaft is secured to the first transport member and rotatably mounted to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: Shao-Kai Pei
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Publication number: 20110073473Abstract: A three-dimensionally ordered macroporous sensor apparatus and method of forming the same. A direct opal film associated with a number of pores can be formed by vertical deposition of one or more nanospheres on a glass substrate. The thickness of the direct opal film can be controlled by concentration of the nanospheres. A mixture of a precursor/monomer of a sensing material and a complexing agent can be filled into the pores associated with the direct opal film, such that the mixture permeates the interstitial spaces between the pores. The nanospheres may then be removed in order to form a three dimensionally-ordered macroporous electrode with an inverse opal structure. Optionally, the sensing material can be coated on an inverse opal backbone structure formed from an external inactive material and utilizing a coating operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Zhi Zheng, Linan Zhao, Marilyn Wang
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Publication number: 20110073474Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device, including: a piezoelectric substrate; an interdigitated transducer electrode disposed on the substrate; an oxide film disposed on surface of the interdigitated transducer electrode; and a hydrophobic film disposed on a surface of the oxide film.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTDInventors: Eun Chol CHO, Hun Joo LEE, Soo Suk LEE
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Publication number: 20110073475Abstract: An analyte sensor configured to be implanted in the body of the user unassisted by an introducer sharp.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.Inventors: Kevin Thomas Kastanos, Gary Ashley Stafford, Craig V. Murray
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Publication number: 20110073476Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Bayer HealthCare LLCInventors: Igor Gofman, Robert S. Sams
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Publication number: 20110073477Abstract: Matrix polymers and dynamic coating polymers, compositions thereof and related methods, systems and apparatus for microchannel separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Annelise E. Barron, Cheuk Wai Kan, Christopher P. Fredlake
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Publication number: 20110073478Abstract: Electrophoretic systems, formulations and methods are described which allow a user to perform electrophoresis experiments under conditions of high voltage and with reduced run time. An electrophoretic system, formulation or method may be run at 50% higher field strength than comparable systems already in use in the art. The presently described systems and formulations may be run at voltages above 225 V, above 250 V, above 275 V, above 300 V, above 325 V or above 350 V. The time required for performing an electrophoresis experiment may be reduced to less than about 30 minutes, less than about 20 minutes, less than about 15 minutes or less than about 12 minutes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Timothy UPDYKE, Jennifer Miller
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Publication number: 20110073479Abstract: Multi-layer structures are electrochemically fabricated from at least one structural material (e.g. nickel), that is configured to define a desired structure and which may be attached to a substrate, and from at least one sacrificial material (e.g. copper) that surrounds the desired structure. After structure formation, the sacrificial material is removed by a multi-stage etching operation. In some embodiments sacrificial material to be removed may be located within passages or the like on a substrate or within an add-on component. The multi-stage etching operations may be separated by intermediate post processing activities, they may be separated by cleaning operations, or barrier material removal operations, or the like. Barriers may be fixed in position by contact with structural material or with a substrate or they may be solely fixed in position by sacrificial material and are thus free to be removed after all retaining sacrificial material is etched.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Adam L. Cohen, Michael S. Lockard, Dale S. McPherson
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Publication number: 20110073480Abstract: A process of manufacturing low-profile connector includes the steps of (a) forming connector main body, (b) laser activation, (c) plating, and (d) post-treatment. The connector main body for low-profile connector so manufactured includes integrally formed pin terminals to effectively reduce the costs for researching and developing production engineering and making molds, to simplify processing procedures and save a lot of time and labors that are otherwise needed to process metal pins and separated half shells, and to effectively reduce the stock of components and save the warehousing management cost. Moreover, the present invention provides simplified and automated manufacturing process to omit manual assembling and accordingly, save labor cost for subsequent assembling and enable mass production.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: Chin-Yeh Chou
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Publication number: 20110073481Abstract: Arrangements for plating a single surface of a thin foil are described. In one aspect, a metal foil is wrapped tightly at least partially around a plating solution drum. The drum is partially immersed in a plating solution such that the waterline of the metal plating solution is below a break point where the metallic foil strip begins to unwind from the plating solution drum. With this arrangement, one side of the metallic foil strip is exposed to the metal plating solution, while the opposing back side of the metallic foil strip does not come in substantial contact with the metal plating solution. In this manner, the exposed side of the foil is plated while the back surface of the foil is not plated. The drum may be rotated to convey the foil through the plating solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Jaime A. BAYAN, Nghia Thuc TU, Will K. WONG
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Publication number: 20110073482Abstract: A plating apparatus for use in forming a plated film in trenches, via holes, or resist openings that are defined in a surface of a semiconductor wafer, and forming bumps to be electrically connected to electrodes of a package, on a surface of a semiconductor wafer. The plating apparatus has a plating tank for holding a plating solution, a holder for holding a workpiece and bringing a surface to be plated of the workpiece into contact with the plating solution in the plating tank, and a ring-shaped nozzle pipe disposed in the plating tank and having a plurality of plating solution injection nozzles for injecting the plating solution to the surface to be plated of the workpiece held by the holder to supply the plating solution into the plating tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Fumio Kuriyama, Takashi Takemura, Nobutoshi Saito, Masaaki Kimura, Rei Kiumi
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Publication number: 20110073483Abstract: A method and apparatus for plating a metal onto a substrate. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for electroplating a substrate. The apparatus comprises a fluid basin, an anode disposed near a bottom of the fluid basin, a restrictor disposed above the anode, and a substrate support member configured to move the substrate within the fluid basin among different elevations relative to the restrictor. Plating profiles on the substrate may be adjusted by changing the elevation of the substrate during plating.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: HOOMAN HAFEZI, Aron Rosenfeld
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Publication number: 20110073484Abstract: This invention provides a metal material with a bismuth coating being enables the subsequent coating to be accomplished at a high throwing power, and has excellent corrosion resistance, coating adhesion, and, being able to be produced with reduced damage to the environment, the metal material having a surface and a bismuth-containing layer deposited on at least a part of the surface of the metal material, wherein a percentage of bismuth atoms in number of atoms in the surface layer of the metal material with a bismuth coating is at least 10%.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Ryosuke Kawagoshi, Hitoshi Ishii
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Publication number: 20110073485Abstract: A method of electrochemical machining that includes the steps of: positioning a workpiece and a tooling piece in a first position; moving at least one of the workpiece and the tooling piece toward the other such that the workpiece and the tooling piece occupy a second position; moving at least one of the workpiece and the tooling piece away from the other such that the workpiece and the tooling piece occupy a third position; and during at least a portion of the moving of the workpiece and/or the tooling piece from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position, using a power supply to apply a voltage across a gap formed between the workpiece and the tooling piece.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Yuefeng Luo, William E. Adis
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Publication number: 20110073486Abstract: A method for altering a dimension of an element made of an amorphous metallic material is provided. The method includes providing an anode comprising the amorphous metallic material, wherein the amorphous metallic material comprises at least two primary constituents, providing a cathode disposed in a spaced-apart relationship with the anode, providing an electrolyte in contact with the anode and the cathode, and applying an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Andrew Lee Trimmer, Luana Emiliana Iorio, Pazhayannur Ramanathan Subramanian, Francis Johnson
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Publication number: 20110073487Abstract: An electrochemical desalination system includes a first and a second electrochemical device and a controller. The first and second electrochemical devices each comprises a electrochemical desalination module comprising at least one pair of electrodes and a compartment between each pair of electrodes for receiving an electrolyte solution. Each of the first and second electrochemical desalination devices comprises a plurality of successive operation cycles. Each cycle comprises a charging mode of operation for charging each pair of electrodes and for adsorbing ions in the electrolyte solution on the electrodes, and a discharging mode of operation for discharging the pair of electrodes and for desorbing ions from the pair of electrodes. The controller is configured to control the system that the first and second electrochemical desalination devices have interleaved charging and discharging modes of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Ran Niu, Hai Yang, John H. Barber, Min HU, Rihua Xiong, Wei Cai, Xin Gao, Yunfeng Liu
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Publication number: 20110073488Abstract: A two-in-one copper chloride/copper bromide disinfector and a method of controlling the same. In operation, when copper is released, the positive and negative electrodes of a copper billet are periodically reversed, while the positive and negative electrodes of a titanium plate/graphite polar plate are in an uncharged state. When chlorine/bromine is released, the positive and negative electrodes of a titanium plate/graphite polar plate are periodically reversed, while the positive and negative electrodes of the copper billet are short-connected, then connected to the negative electrode of the titanium plate/graphite polar plate, or applied thereon with an electric voltage that is lower than the electric voltage of the negative electrode of the titanium plate/graphite polar plate. With this method, the copper billet out of operation is shorted-connected to the negative electrode of the titanium plate/graphite polar plate or connected to an electric voltage that is lower than that of the negative electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Intex Recreation Corp.Inventor: Hua Hsiang Lin
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Publication number: 20110073489Abstract: According to embodiments, a cleaning liquid includes an oxidizing substance and hydrofluoric acid and exhibiting acidity. A cleaning method is disclosed. The method includes producing an oxidizing solution including an oxidizing substance by one selected from electrolyzing a sulfuric acid solution, electrolyzing hydrofluoric acid added to a sulfuric acid solution, and mixing a sulfuric acid solution with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The method includes supplying the oxidizing solution and hydrofluoric acid to a surface of an object to be cleaned.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, SHIBAURA MECHATRONICS CORPORATION, CHLORINE ENGINEERS CORP. LTD.Inventors: Naoya Hayamizu, Makiko Tange, Yoshiaki Kurokawa, Nobuo Kobayashi, Masaaki Kato, Yusuke Ogawa, Hiroki Domon
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Publication number: 20110073490Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cleaning method is disclosed. The method can produce an oxidizing solution including an oxidizing substance by electrolyzing a dilute sulfuric acid solution. In addition, the method can supply a highly concentrated inorganic acid solution individually, sequentially, or substantially simultaneously with the oxidizing solution to a surface of an object to be cleaned.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, CHLORINE ENGINEERS CORP. LTD., SHIBAURA MECHATRONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Naoya Hayamizu, Makiko Tange, Masaaki Kato, Hiroki Domon, Yusuke Ogawa, Yoshiaki Kurokawa, Nobuo Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20110073491Abstract: The present invention describes an electrochemical cell, comprising at least an anode half-cell with an anode, a cathode half-cell with a cathode, and an ion exchange membrane arranged between the anode half-cell and the cathode half-cell, the anode and/or the cathode is a gas diffusion electrode. And a gap is provided between the gas diffusion electrode and the ion exchange membrane, and the half-cell with the gas diffusion electrode has an electrolyte feed and an electrolyte discharge as well as a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The electrochemical cell preferably has an electrolyte feed that is hermetically connected to the gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AGInventors: Andreas Bulan, Michael Großholz, Volker Michele, Hans-Joachim Brockhaus, Hans-Dieter Pinter, Fritz Gestermann, Rainer Weber
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Publication number: 20110073492Abstract: A sensor and method sense and quantify microorganisms and other biological materials. The sensor and method use high device temperatures to pyrolize and/or thermolyze biological materials, then gas-phase voltammetry is used to analyze the pyrolysis or thermolysis products to detect and identify the source biological material. The sensor and method are capable of differentiating between biological agents, such as pollen, bacteria, fungi, and their spores and the state of an organism such as living, diseased, or non-living. The sensor and method may operate at temperatures sufficient to be self-cleaning and self-decontaminating or at non-elevated temperatures to detect and identify combinations of volatile metabolites to detect and identify their biological sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: STREAMLINE AUTOMATION, LLCInventors: Alton J. Reich, Stephen J. Doherty
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Publication number: 20110073493Abstract: An adhesive composition for use in devices and methods for measuring a presence or a concentration of a particular component, such as an antigen, in a sample, such as blood, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment of an adhesive composition, the composition includes an adhesive, water, a poloxamer, and an anticoagulant. The adhesive can include particular properties, such as being hydrophilic, pressure-sensitive, heat-activated, and/or water soluble. The adhesive is particularly useful because it can help improve the flow of sample a device. For example, when the device is an immunosensor, the adhesive can help prevent the blood from clotting in chambers of the immunosensor. This results in a more efficient and accurate determination of the concentration of the sample. Methods of making the composition and device in which the composition can be used are provided, as are methods of using the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: LifeScan, Inc.Inventors: Ronald C. Chatelier, Dennis Rylatt
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Publication number: 20110073494Abstract: Described and illustrated herein are systems and exemplary methods of operating a multianalyte measurement system having a meter and a test strip. In one embodiment, the method may be achieved by applying a test voltage between a reference electrode and a first working electrode; measuring a first test current, a second test current and a third test current at the working electrode with the meter after a blood sample containing an analyte is applied to the test strip; estimating a hematocrit-corrected analyte concentration from the first, second and third test currents; and displaying the hematocrit-corrected analyte concentration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: David MCCOLL, Adam Craggs, Stephen MacKintosh, Steve Blythe, Marco Cardosi