mi Photoresist composition and method of forming a black matrix using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A photoresist composition includes a binder resin combined with a black dye, a monomer, a photo-polymerization initiator and a remainder of a solvent. Full Article
mi Disperse dye mixtures, their preparation and use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides dye mixtures containing at least one dye of formula (I) and at least one dye of formula (II) where T1, T2, R1 to R9 and n are each as defined in claim 1, processes for their preparation and their use. Full Article
mi Dye composition using a 2-hydroxynaphthalene, (acylamino)phenol or quinoline coupler in a fatty-substance-rich medium, dyeing process and device therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition for dyeing keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising: a) one or more fatty substances; b) one or more surfactants; c) one or more oxidation bases; d) one or more couplers based on 2-hydroxynaphthalene derivatives or particular phenol derivatives, acylaminophenol derivatives or quinoline derivatives; f) one or more basifying agents; e) optionally one or more chemical oxidizing agents; and the fatty substance content representing in total at least 25% by weight relative to the total weight of the formulation. The present invention also relates to a process using this composition, and to a multi-compartment device that is suitable for performing the said process. Full Article
mi TWO-DIMENSIONAL MATERIAL SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device comprises a two-dimensional (2D) material layer, the 2D material layer comprising a channel region in between a source region and a drain region; a first gate stack and a second gate stack in contact with the 2D material layer, the first and second gate stack being spaced apart over a distance; the first gate stack located on the channel region of the 2D material layer and in between the source region and the second gate stack, the first gate stack arranged to control the injection of carriers from the source region to the channel region and the second gate stack located on the channel region of the 2D material layer; the second gate stack arranged to control the conduction of the channel region. Full Article
mi INTERNAL POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A control switch is connected to a power supply voltage and turns on based on a control signal to output a current. A clamp circuit is connected to a load and performs clamp control of the output voltage of the control switch. A current control element conducts or shuts off a current based on the output voltage to be clamp-controlled. A selector switch group includes switches, and performs switching based on a voltage varying with the current control by the current control element, thereby switching between paths for generating an internal power supply. The switch circuit connects or disconnects the coupling between the clamp circuit and the selector switch group. Full Article
mi SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND CIRCUIT PROTECTING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device includes a first transistor and a clamping circuit. The first transistor is arranged to generate an output signal according to a control signal. The clamping circuit is arranged to generate the control signal according to an input signal, and to clamp the control signal to a predetermined signal level when the input signal exceeds the predetermined signal level. Full Article
mi SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A REDUCED HARMONIC CONTENT TRANSMITTER FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system includes a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to generate an output signal based on an input voltage and a multi-stage delay network to receive the output signal from the VCO. Each stage of the delay network produces a phase-shifted output signal. The system includes a multi-stage digital-to-analog converter (DAC) network, where each stage of the DAC network is associated with a corresponding stage of the delay network. Each stage of the DAC network receives the phase-shifted output signal from its corresponding stage of the delay network and generates a weighted output signal based on the received phase-shifted output signal. The DAC network combines the weighted output signal of each stage. A weighting factor for each stage of the DAC network is selected to reduce harmonic content of the combination of weighted output signals. Full Article
mi TRANSMISSION CIRCUIT WITH LEAKAGE PREVENTION CIRCUIT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A transmission circuit includes: a first transistor, a first current source, a third transistor. The first transistor has a source terminal coupled to a first reference voltage terminal of the transmission circuit and a drain terminal coupled to a first output terminal of the transmission circuit. The first current source is coupled between a gate terminal of the first transistor and a second reference voltage terminal of the transmission circuit. The third transistor has a drain terminal coupled to the first output terminal of the transmission circuit, a source terminal coupled to the second reference voltage terminal of the transmission circuit, and a gate terminal for receiving a first input signal. The first transistor is of a first conducting type, and the second transistor is of a second conducting type different from the first conducting type. Full Article
mi SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND HIGH FREQUENCY ANTENNA SWITCH By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An integrated circuit includes a drive circuit with a first inverter circuit with a first transistor of a first conductivity type and a second transistor of a second conductivity type. The drains of the first and second transistors are connected. An output circuit is provided having a third transistor of the second conductivity with a gate connected to the drains of the first and second transistors. A capacitor is connected between the gate and a drain of the third transistor and has a capacitance greater than 0.5 pF and less than or equal to 3.0 pF. A gate width of the first transistor when divided by a gate width of the third transistor has a value of less than 1/100. The output circuit is configured to output a transmission signal from the drain of the third transistor. Full Article
mi TRANSMITTER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A transmitter includes: a main pull-up driver suitable for pull-up driving an output node; and an auxiliary pull-up driver suitable for pull-up driving the output node based on a voltage of the output node, wherein the auxiliary pull-up driver compensates for non-linear driving current characteristics of the main pull-up driver. Full Article
mi POWER-DOMAIN OPTIMIZATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT One example discloses an apparatus for power management, including: a circuit having a first power-domain and a second power-domain; wherein the first and second power-domains include a set of operating parameter values; a circuit controller configured to incrementally sweep at least one of the operating parameter values of the first power-domain; a circuit profiler configured to derive a total power consumption profile of the circuit based on the circuit's response to the swept operating parameter value; wherein the circuit controller sets the operating parameter values for the first and second power-domains based on the total power consumption profile of the circuit. Full Article
mi CLOCK GENERATION CIRCUIT AND SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEM USING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A clock generation circuit may include a reference clock generator configured to generate a pair of first reference clocks in an offset code generation mode, a correction code generator configured to generate a reference correction code according to a duty detection signal based on a phase difference between the pair of first reference clocks, and an offset code generator configured to generate an offset code based on the reference correction code and a preset reference code. Full Article
mi SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A PLURALITY OF POWER SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A power conversion system may include a plurality of power devices and a sensor operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of power devices and configured to detect a voltage, current, or electromagnetic signature signal associated with the plurality of power devices. The power converter may also include circuitry operably coupled to the plurality of power devices and the sensor. The circuitry may send a respective gate signal to each respective power device of the plurality of power devices, such that each respective gate signal is delayed by a respective compensation delay that is determined for the respective power device based on a respective time delay of the respective power device and a maximum time delay of the plurality of power devices. Full Article
mi DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A DYNAMIC REFERENCE SIGNAL FOR A DRIVER CIRCUIT FOR A SEMICONDUCTOR POWER SWITCH By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A device (442) for producing a dynamic reference signal (UREF) for a control circuit for a power semiconductor switch comprises a reference signal generator (442) for providing a dynamic reference signal (UREF), which has a stationary signal level after elapse of a predefined time following a switching process of the power semiconductor switch, a passive charging circuit (450) which is configured to increase a signal level of the dynamic reference signal in reaction to a switching of a control signal of the power semiconductor switch from an OFF state to ON state for at least one part of the predefined time above the stationary signal level, in order to produce the dynamic reference signal and an output (A) for tapping the dynamic reference signal (UREF). Full Article
mi SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor apparatus may include a noise determination circuit, a strobe signal control circuit, and a reception circuit. The noise determination circuit may sense and determine noise of a reference voltage, and generate an up control signal and a down control signal. The strobe signal control circuit may adjust a transition timing of a strobe signal in response to the up control signal and the down control signal, and output a control strobe signal. The reception circuit may generate internal data signal in response to external data signal, the reference voltage, and the control strobe signal. Full Article
mi CATALYST COMPOSITION FOR ALKALINE ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY CONVERSION REACTION AND USE THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A catalyst composition and a use thereof are provided. The catalyst composition includes a support and at least one RuXMY alloy attached to the surface of the support, wherein M is a transition metal and X≧Y. The catalyst composition is used in an alkaline electrochemical energy conversion reaction, and can improve the energy conversion efficiency for an electrochemical energy conversion device and significantly reduce material costs. Full Article
mi SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING CHROMIUM CONTAMINATION OF SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel system is provided. The solid oxide fuel cell system may include a chromium-getter material. The chromium-getter material may react with chromium to remove chromium species from chromium vapor. The solid oxide fuel cell system may also include an inert substrate. The chromium-getter material may be coated onto the inert substrate. The coated substrate may remove chromium species from chromium vapor before the chromium species can react with a cathode in the solid oxide fuel cell system. Full Article
mi CERAMIC-POLYMER COMPOSITE ELECTROLYTES FOR LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERIES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Composites of lithium-ion-conducting ceramic and polymeric materials make superior separators and electrolytes for use in lithium batteries. The ceramic material provides a high conductivity pathway for lithium-ions, enhancing the properties of the less conductive polymeric material. The polymeric material provides flexibility, binding, and space-filling properties, mitigating the tendency of rigid ceramic materials to break or delaminate. The interface between the polymer and ceramic can be made to have a low ionic resistance through the use of additives and coatings. Full Article
mi Method for mixing short staple and down cluster by a dry processing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EDT A method for mixing short staple and down cluster by a dry processing utilizes an air tool to blow the short staple over, so that the scattered short staple is mixed in the down cluster. Stirring blades are further applied for stirring. Chemical agents are needless, no pollution is generated, and processing time is preferably reduced since the mixture does not have to be soaked in the chemical agent. Both the processing time and the manufacturing cost are decreased. Preferably, a proportion of the short staple to the down cluster is adjustable for different needs and divergent warmth retaining effects. Full Article
mi Method and device for the dry forming of a fiber web By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 08:00:00 EDT A method and a device for the dry forming of a fiber web, in which a multiplicity of fibers or fiber mixtures are fed to a forming head by means of an air flow is described. The forming head produces a fiber stream which is introduced into a clearance of a forming zone between the forming head and a laydown belt. To obtain as uniform a construction of the fiber layer as possible during the laying down of the fibers, the fibers of the fiber stream run through the clearance within the forming zone with free sections of different lengths. To this end, the forming head and the laydown belt are held in a non-parallel arrangement, with the result that the clearance is formed by different spacings between the laydown belt and the forming outlet of the forming head. Full Article
mi Device and method for forming a uniform or profiled fleece or a uniform or profiled fiber flock mat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The device for producing a uniform or profiled fleece or a fiber flock mat includes a material dispensing device which produces a fleece and a transport device for the further transport of the fleece. The device also includes a measuring device to determine a transverse profile and a longitudinal profile of the fleece by measuring the mass per unit area of the fleece across its width, and a profile-changing device for supplying individualized fibers or fiber flocks to the fleece. A control unit controls the profile-changing device on the basis of the results of the measuring device in such a way that the profile-changing device supplies the individualized fibers or fiber flocks section by section in a targeted manner. Thus, depending on the purpose of the application, a uniform fleece or a fleece with a nonuniform transverse profile or longitudinal profile can be produced. Full Article
mi BAGGING STATION SUPPORT FRAME AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a bagging station support frame that includes a bagging station holder and a rail coupler coupled to the bagging station holder. The bagging station holder holds a bagging station. A bagging station holds a plurality of shopping bags ready to receive products purchased by a customer. The rail coupler couples the bagging station support frame to a rail. Rails are common fixtures throughout retail stores. The bagging station support frame can be coupled to a rail at various locations throughout the retail store. A bagging station coupled to the bagging station support frame will be available for customers to bag their purchases wherever the bagging station support frame with bagging station is mounted. By mounting bagging station support frames with bagging stations throughout the retail store, customers can easily bag their purchases as they shop, without having to find a checkout counter to obtain shopping bags. Full Article
mi LATERAL DAMPING AND INTERMEDIATE SUPPORT FOR ESCALATORS AND MOVING WALKS IN SEISMIC EVENTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An intermediate support structure for an escalator or moving walk having a dampening device with slots formed therein allowing a supported escalator truss to be free to move laterally to accommodate lateral displacement caused by story drift during an earthquake or seismic event. Full Article
mi Transformable bed for examinations in pediatric ophthalmology By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A transformable bed for examinations in pediatric ophthalmology, especially suitable for the use of general anesthesia when conducting eye examinations, is provided. The bed may include a fixed bed board, a movable bed board, a movable seat, a movable support, a securing strap, and a main frame. The bed may be fixedly connected to the top of the main frame, the movable bed board may be rotationally connected to the top of the main frame, and the movable seat may be rotationally connected to the top of the main frame. The securing strap may be disposed on the movable bed board, in which one end of the movable support may be removably connected to the movable bed board, and another end may be removably connected to the main frame. The transformable bed may function both as an anesthesia bed and a handcart, and may be quickly switched therebetween. Full Article
mi Medical examination table By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A medical examination table includes a seat, a compartment below the seat, a first extension, a second extension, a lift mechanism, a base, and a storage section formed in the base. The first extension is configured to be stored in the compartment, and is further configured to project outward relative to the seat when in an extended configuration of the first extension. The second extension is configured to be stored in the compartment with the first extension, and is further configured to project outward relative to the first extension when in an extended configuration of the second extension. The lift mechanism is configured to raise and lower the seat, the compartment, and the first and second extensions. The base is coupled to the lift mechanism. Full Article
mi MICRO-STRUCTURED FIBER OPTIC CABLE FOR DOWNHOLE SENSING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for sensing and communicating sensed downhole parameters using a hybrid micro-structured fiber optic cable are provided. The micro-structured fiber optic cable may be used to communicate and/or amplify sensor signals indicative of the sensed downhole parameters. These sensed downhole parameters may include one or more of a downhole temperature, pressure, magnetic field, electromagnetic energy, radioactivity, telemetry signal, or some other downhole measurement. The micro-structured fiber optic cable may include opto-electronic circuitry built into the internal structure of the cable for modulating the optical signal based on the sensed parameters. The opto-electronic circuitry may include diodes, triodes, and other components that are communicatively coupled to external sensors used to measure downhole parameters. The opto-electronic circuitry may include an internal sensor in the form of a functional material disposed within the micro-structured fiber optic cable for measuring downhole parameters. Full Article
mi SECURITY SYSTEM, MANAGEMENT APPARATUS, PERMISSION APPARATUS, TERMINAL APPARATUS, SECURITY METHOD AND PROGRAM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT At the time of setting authority, a management apparatus stores a database in which authority information corresponding to authority to physically drive a drive apparatus, which is a tangible object, using a terminal apparatus, and registration identification information corresponding to a subject that is given the authority are associated, and outputs information representing any of the registration identification information; and a permission apparatus receives and stores the information. At the time of exercising the authority, the terminal apparatus outputs information representing identification information, and the permission apparatus receives the information and, when the identification information corresponds to registration identification information comprised in setting information, outputs information representing authority exercise information required to exercise the authority. The terminal apparatus receives the information representing the authority exercise information and outputs a drive signal corresponding to the authority exercise information. By this drive signal, a drive apparatus, which is a tangible object, is physically driven. Full Article
mi System and Method for Determining Parking Infraction By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments are described herein for methods and systems for managing a parking area. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a parking authorization request from a parking lot user, the request specifying a parking stall identifier corresponding to a parking stall occupied by the user's vehicle, the request further specifying a parking duration parameter identifying a time duration the user's vehicle can occupy the stall; determining a parking duration rule for the stall based on the parking duration parameter, the rule indicating a parking expiration time; at a first time, receiving a first data associated with the parking stall identifier, the first data comprising an occupancy parameter indicating a presence or absence of a parked vehicle at the identified stall; if the occupancy parameter indicates a presence of a parked vehicle, generate a citation alert for the stall if the first time exceeds the parking expiration time. Full Article
mi BATTERY-POWERED WIRELESS LONG LIFE TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY SENSOR MODULE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An adaptive algorithm based battery-powered long distance wireless temperature and humidity sensor module. The sensor module uses an adaptive algorithm to transmit data on an event basis and/or a reduced basis to extend battery life to more than 10 years. It also uses a low power wireless transmitter which has frequency of sub-1 GHz and an effective transfer distance of up to 250 meters, a low power temperature and humidity sensor, and a long lasting lithium battery which has shelf life of 20 years. Full Article
mi CANDLE WICK TRIMMING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT A candle wick trimming device including a cutting assembly having first and second elongated members that are pivotably coupled together. A distal portion of the first elongated member has a cavity defined by a floor and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom. One of the sidewalls defining the cavity forms a first cutting edge. A distal portion of the second elongated member closes the cavity when the cutting assembly is in a closed state. The second elongated member also has a second cutting edge at its distal-most end. The first and second cutting edges interact to shear a candle wick to a desired length and force the sheared portion of the candle wick into the cavity. Full Article
mi GAS FIRED RADIANT EMITTER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 20 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Gas fired radiant emitter having a premixing chamber for preparing a premix of gas and air; a perforated ceramic plate acting as burner deck; and a pilot burner having a premix gas supply flow tube and two electrodes. The premix gas supply flow tube of the pilot burner extends from the side of the perforated ceramic plate where the premixing chamber is located, into a through hole in the perforated ceramic plate. The premix gas supply flow tube has a gas exit in the through hole in the perforated ceramic plate or at the combustion side of the perforated ceramic plate. The gas fired radiant emitter has features so that in an area of the perforated ceramic plate around where the premix gas supply flow tube extends into a through hole in the perforated ceramic plate, no premix gas flows through the perforated ceramic plate. Full Article
mi METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STARTING AN INTERMITTENT FLAME-POWERED PILOT COMBUSTION SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT A flame powered intermittent pilot combustion controller may include a first power source and a second power source separate from the first power source, a thermal electric and/or photoelectric device, an igniter and a controller. The thermal electric and/or photoelectric device may charge the first power source when exposed to a flame. The controller and the igniter may receive power from the first power source when the first power source has sufficient available power, and may receive power from the second power source when the first power source does not have sufficient available power. Full Article
mi Performing Integrity Checks on Climate Control System Components By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:00:00 EDT Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a climate control system that includes an igniter and a controller having an igniter relay. The controller senses a current level through the igniter and senses voltage between terminals of a second relay of the controller. In a given one of a plurality of operational phases of the system, the controller is configured to compare the sensed current level and sensed voltage to a current level and voltage associated with a specific condition of the igniter, igniter relay, or second relay in the given phase. Based on a result of the comparing, the controller is configured to distinguish between a failure of one of the relays and a failure of the igniter. Full Article
mi ELECTRODYNAMIC COMBUSTION CONTROL WITH CURRENT LIMITING ELECTRICAL ELEMENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT An charge element disposed proximate to a combustion reaction is caused to carry a voltage while also being prevented from arc-discharging or arc-charging to or from the combustion reaction, by a current limiting element in electrical continuity with the charge element. Full Article
mi METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIFFUSE COMBUSTION OF PREMIX By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method directs fuel-oxidant premix into a reaction zone through a first total premix inlet flow area, and causes the premix to combust and form a stable flame projecting into a process chamber through an outlet from the reaction zone. At a time when the process chamber has a temperature at or above an auto-ignition temperature of the fuel, the flame is blown off to initiate diffuse combustion in the process chamber without a stable flame. The flame is blown off by directing the premix into the reaction zone through a second total premix inlet flow area greater than the first total premix inlet flow area. Full Article
mi Boot accessory for limiting foot movement in stirrups By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EDT A boot accessory for limiting how far a user can push his/her boot into a stirrup comprises an arch for hugging a front edge of the boot; a first hook disposed on the first end of the arch and a second hook disposed on the second end of the arch. The first hook curves outwardly from the first end of the arch and further a first end of the first hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. The second hook curves outwardly from the second end of the arch and further a first end of the second hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. A gap exists between the first end of the first hook and the arch and between the first end of the second hook and the arch, wherein the gaps are for engaging sides of the stirrup. Full Article
mi Method for treating equine laminitis by cryotherapy and auto-massage By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:00:00 EDT Method and devices for treating equine laminitis by cryotherapy, comprising a boot to be fitted over the horse's hoof, having a wedge shaped sole that is angled by 20° toward the front; The purpose is accomplished by the boot in conjunction with three opportunely shaped removable soles, and a cryotherapy reservoir of flexible material, that is inserted into the boot and connected to an external device for refrigeration by circulation of a fluid. Full Article
mi METHOD OF PERFORMING READ/WRITE PROCESS ON RECORDING MEDIUM, PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT METHOD, STORAGE DEVICE, COMPUTER SYSTEM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM EMPLOYING THE METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 16 Feb 2017 08:00:00 EST Methods, apparatuses and systems for detecting defective sectors on a recording medium, the method including calculating a servo gain for each servo sector of a track of a recording medium of a storage device; determining whether the servo gain of each servo sector exceeds a threshold value; and upon determining that the servo gain of a servo sector exceeds the threshold value, determining data sectors included in the servo sector to be defective sectors. Full Article
mi METHODS OF FORMING MAGNETIC DEVICES WITH VARIABLE OVERCOATS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 02 Mar 2017 08:00:00 EST Methods that include depositing a first layer over the entire surface of a structure, the structure having a magnetic reader and a magnetic writer, wherein the magnetic reader and the magnetic writer are positioned adjacent to each other on a substrate and the magnetic writer includes a near field transducer (NFT); depositing a second layer over the entire surface of the first layer; depositing a photoresist material layer over the entire surface of the second layer, the photoresist material layer having a bottom surface in contact with the second layer and an opposing top surface; exposing the photoresist material layer to radiation through the bottom surface of the photoresist material layer via the NFT to form a first exposed region; and exposing the photoresist material layer to radiation through the top surface of the photoresist material layer to form a second exposed region. Full Article
mi MATERIALS FOR NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS, NEAR FIELD TRANDUCERS CONTAINING SAME, AND METHODS OF FORMING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 09 Mar 2017 08:00:00 EST A device including a near field transducer, the near field transducer including gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), or aluminum (Al), and at least two other secondary atoms, the at least two other secondary atoms selected from: boron (B), bismuth (Bi), indium (In), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), tin (Sn), manganese (Mn), tellurium (Te), holmium (Ho), lutetium (Lu), praseodymium (Pr), scandium (Sc), uranium (U), barium (Ba), chlorine (Cl), cesium (Cs), dysprosium (Dy), europium (Eu), fluorine (F), germanium (Ge), hydrogen (H), iodine (I), rubidium (Rb), selenium (Se), terbium (Tb), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), carbon (C), antimony (Sb), gadolinium (Gd), samarium (Sm), thallium (Tl), cadmium (Cd), neodymium (Nd), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb), hafnium (Hf), niobium (Nb), erbium (Er), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), palladium (Pd), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), sodium (Na), strontium (Sr), calcium (Ca), yttrium (Y), thorium (Th), beryllium (Be), thulium (Tm), erbium (Er), ytterbium (Yb), promethium (Pm), neodymium (Nd cobalt (Co), cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La), praseodymium (Pr), or combinations thereof. Full Article
mi Exit device mount with closed termination By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An exit device includes a rail having opposite first and second ends and a rear portion with a first opening adjacent the first rail end for attachment to the door surface, the first rail end further having a front portion that inhibits access to the first rail opening in a direction normal to the rail rear portion. The method for installing it includes securing a mount having a cantilevered portion extending therefrom to the door at the surface first end such that the mount cantilevered portion provides a space between the cantilevered portion and the door and placing the rail against the door surface such that the mount extends through the first rail opening, sliding the rail to engage the rail rear portion adjacent the first rail opening between the mount cantilevered portion and the door and securing the second rail end to the door surface. Full Article
mi Image forming apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An image forming apparatus includes a cover and a supporting member. The cover includes a connecting portion, the supporting member has a first path which guides the connecting portion and a second path which is bifurcated from the first path. When the connecting portion is located at an end of the first path, the cover is supported at a first opening angle, and when the connecting portion is located at an end of the second path, the cover is supported at a second opening angle which is larger than the first opening angle. When the supporting member upwardly rotates in a state where the cover is supported at the first opening angle, the cover rotates so as to interwork with the rotation of the supporting member, the connecting portion moves from the first path to the second path by its own weight of the cover. Full Article
mi METHOD OF FABRICATING A MICROELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH BURIED DARK LAYERS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) is comprised of a micromirror attached to a semiconductor device. A stack of inorganic high index materials comprised of titanium oxide, titanium nitride, and titanium is deposited above metal levels within the semiconductor device. Another stack of inorganic high index materials comprised of titanium oxide, titanium nitride, and titanium may be deposited in a continuous or dis-continuous layer within one or more of the dielectric layers. Each stack of high index material films is deposited at a depth and of thickness to achieve a minimum reflectance for the entire film system and to ensure maximum destructive interference at the targeted wavelength range. The high index material stack results in reduced light scattering during operation of the micromirror and improves contrast of the display system. Full Article
mi METHOD FOR FORMING ORGANIC COATING ON NICKEL SURFACE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for forming an organic coating on a surface of nickel or nickel alloy is disclosed. The method includes contacting the nickel surface with a composition comprising a specific pyrazine derived compound to prevent corrosion of nickel without forming known gold emersion film on the surface of the nickel. Full Article
mi COMPOSITE POLYAMIDE MEMBRANE POST-TREATED WITH NITROUS ACID By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for making a composite polyamide membrane comprising a porous support and a polyamide layer, including the steps of: i) applying a polar solution comprising of polyiunctional amine monomer and a non-polar solution comprising a polyiunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of a porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a polyamide layer; and ii) exposing the thin film polyamide layer to nitrous acid; wherein the method is characterized by at least one of: conducting the interfacial polymerization of step i) in the presence of a subject amine-reactive compound, or applying a subject amine-reactive compound to the interfacially polymerized polyamide layer prior to step ii), wherein the subject amine-reactive compound is different from the polyiunctional acyl halide and polyiunctional amine monomers and is represented by the following formula: Full Article
mi METHOD FOR FORMING A PROTECTIVE FILM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for forming a protective film is provided. In the method, a source gas containing an organic metal gas or an organic semi-metal gas is supplied to a substrate having a plurality of recessed shapes formed in a surface so as to cause the source gas to adsorb on the surface of the substrate including the plurality of recessed shapes. Then, an oxidation gas is supplied to the surface of the substrate including the plurality of recessed shapes to oxidize the source gas adsorbed on the surface of the substrate, thereby depositing an oxidation film of the organic metal or the organic semi-metal on a flat area between the plurality of recessed shapes. Supplying the source gas to the substrate and supplying the oxidation gas to the substrate are repeated at a rate in a range of 90 to 300 cycles per minute. Full Article
mi COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR FORMING ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER SOLUTION OR COATING COMPRISING CONJUGATED HETEROAROMATIC POLYMER, ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER SOLUTION, OBJECTS COMPRISING THE ELECTROACTIVE COATING, AND SOLID ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR AND METHOD FOR FABRIC By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A composition for forming an electroactive coating includes an acid as a polymerization catalyst, at least one functional component, and at least one compound of formula (1) as a monomer: wherein X is selected from S, O, Se, Te, PR2 and NR2, Y is hydrogen (H) or a precursor of a good leaving group Y− whose conjugate acid (HY) has a pKa of less than 45, Z is hydrogen (H), silyl, or a good leaving group whose conjugate acid (HY) has a pKa of less than 45, b is 0, 1 or 2, each R1 is a substituent, and the at least one compound of formula (1) includes at least one compound of formula (1) with Z=H and Y≠H. Full Article
mi ANTIVIRAL, ANTI MICROBIAL PROTECTION FOR TOUCH SURFACES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods for preventing the transmission of viral and bacterial diseases are disclosed. Disease transmission is inhibited through the application of an antimicrobial film to touchpoints, the antimicrobial film having at least 60 percent copper and being at least 0.0001 mm. Full Article
mi SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TAILORED MICROSTRUCTURES USING TEMPLATED GRAIN NUCLEATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods for controlled microstructure creation utilize seeding of amorphous layers prior to annealing. Seed crystals are formed on an amorphous layer or layers. The material, size, and spacing of the seed crystals may be varied, and multiple seed layers and/or amorphous layers may be utilized. Thereafter, the resulting assembly is annealed to generate a crystalline microstructure. Via use of these methods, devices having desirable microstructural properties are enabled. Full Article
mi METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MICROWAVE PLASMA ASSISTED CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION REACTORS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The disclosure relates to microwave cavity plasma reactor (MCPR) apparatus and associated tuning and process control methods that enable the microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (MPACVD) of a component such as diamond. Related methods enable the control of the microwave discharge position, size and shape, and enable efficient matching of the incident microwave power into the reactor prior to and during component deposition. Pre-deposition tuning processes provide a well matched reactor exhibiting a high plasma reactor coupling efficiency over a wide range of operating conditions, thus allowing operational input parameters to be modified during deposition while simultaneously maintaining the reactor in a well-matched state. Additional processes are directed to realtime process control during deposition, in particular based on identified independent process variables which can effectively control desired dependent process variables during deposition while still maintaining a well-matched power coupling reactor state. Full Article