para ASYNCHRONOUS SUCCESSIVE APPROXIMATION ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER AND RELATED METHODS AND APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An ultrasound device including an asynchronous successive approximation analog-to-digital converter and method are provided. The device includes at least one ultrasonic transducer, a plurality of asynchronous successive-approximation-register (SAR) analog-to-digital converters (ADC) coupled to the at least one ultrasonic transducer, at least one asynchronous SAR in the plurality having a sample and hold stage, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a comparator, and control circuitry, wherein a DAC update event following at least one bit conversion is synchronized to a corresponding DAC update event of at least one other ADC in the plurality of ADCs. Full Article
para ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING STATUS OF KEYS THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electronic apparatus and a method for detecting status of keys thereof are provided. The electronic apparatus comprises a key module, a key control circuit, a conversion circuit with calibration mechanism and a processor. The key control circuit detects whether any of keys in the key module is pressed. If the detection result is affirmative, the press status of each of the keys is scanned by the key control circuit to obtain a coarse scan result. The conversion circuit with calibration mechanism is configured to perform the other system function of the electronic apparatus. When the processor determines that at least one of the keys is not pressed according the coarse scan result, the conversion circuit with calibration mechanism is switched to assist a re-scan operation of the press status of the at least one of the keys. Full Article
para Three phase sulfur separation method with interface control By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 08:00:00 EST A liquid separator system having a gas phase zone, an aqueous phase zone and a denser liquid zone is used to separate mixtures of fluids. The separator can be used for separating molten sulfur from liquid redox solution or reslurry water. The system includes a vessel with a top part and a bottom part. The vessel has a larger diameter at the top part than at the bottom part. The system also includes an inlet for introducing a redox solution or reslurry water and molten sulfur, which is denser than redox solution or reslurry water, into the vessel. An outlet near the bottom part of the vessel allows a flow of the molten sulfur from the vessel. An interface control structure senses an interface level between the redox solution or reslurry water and the molten sulfur, and the interface control structure controls the flow of molten sulfur from the outlet. The interface control structure is adjusted to optimally alter the vertical height of the interface level within the vessel so that the residence time of the molten sulfur in the vessel does not decrease as the sulfur production throughput decreases, and so that the interface area of the molten sulfur and the redox solution is reduced as the sulfur throughput decreases. A pressure controller monitors the pressure in the vessel and adds or removes gas from a gas phase zone in the vessel to maintain a predetermined pressure regardless of the vertical height of the interface. Full Article
para Method for preparing uranium concentrates by fluidized bed precipitation, and preparation of UO3 and U3O8 by drying/calcining said concentrates By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST Method for producing a uranium concentrate in the form of solid particles, by precipitation from a uranium-containing solution using a precipitating agent, in a vertical reactor comprising a base, a top, a central part, an upper part, and a lower part, the solid particles of the uranium concentrate forming a fluidized bed under the action of a rising liquid current which circulates from the base towards the top of the reactor successively passing through the lower part, the central part and the upper part of the reactor, and which is created by introducing a liquid recycling current (flow) at the base of the reactor, said liquid recycling current being tapped at a first determined level (A) in the upper part of the reactor and sent back without settling to the base of the reactor, excess liquid being also evacuated via an overflow located at a second determined level (B) in the upper part of the reactor; a method in which the upper limit (C) of the fluidized bed of solid particles is controlled so that it is positioned at a level below the first and second determined levels. Full Article
para Crystallization apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:00:00 EDT A reaction-crystallization apparatus for carrying out reaction and/or solvent extraction and/or crystallization of soluble salts has an upper section having a top and a decanter. The decanter has a vertical vessel having a horizontal weir at the top of the upper section. The top of the upper section has an outlet for removing a light phase at the top of the decanter. The apparatus has a lower section, including a crystallizer. The crystallizer includes: a coaxial draft tube; a feed pipe; an agitator inside the draft tube; and at least one outlet at the bottom for crystal slurry removal. The apparatus has an intermediate section sandwiched between the lower section and the upper section such that the sections are in fluid communication and includes at least one coaxial vertical baffle with a gap between the draft tube and the coaxial vertical baffle and is adjustable by moving the baffle. Full Article
para Procedure for the preparation of sulphur-based articles of manufacture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of articles of manufacture made of or based on sulphur, which comprises cooling of liquid sulphur in a volume of containment until the sulphur mass solidifies and forming of the product, characterized in that elastic pressure waves are applied to the cooling mass of liquid sulphur to produce a crystalline suspension of solid sulphur in liquid sulphur. Full Article
para Method and apparatus for sequencing-batch purification of potassium nitrate from solid waste produced by glass-strengthening process By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Provided is a method and an apparatus for purifying potassium nitrate from the solid waste produced by a chemical glass-strengthening process. In the method, the solid waste is melted into a liquid waste at first. Potassium nitrate of various purity grades can be obtained by batch processing the liquid waste through stepwise cooling processes of cooling the liquid waste to a first temperature facilitating the potassium nitrate contained in the liquid waste to be crystallized at a first rate and then cooling the liquid waste to a second temperature close to the freezing point of the potassium nitrate at a second rate that is slower than the first rate. The recovered potassium nitrate from the solid waste can be recycled and reused. Full Article
para Roller skating apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hand ice skating mechanism in conjunction with an athletic protective mechanism utilizing a glove portion including a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion includes a blade retaining portion and a blade assembly in communication with the blade retaining portion. Full Article
para Waistband system, method and apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Mar 2016 08:00:00 EST Embodiments provide a waistband system including a flap of material coupled to a pair of pants at or near a waistband of the pants. The flap may be rotated (e.g., folded) between an extended position in which at least a portion of the flap rises above a waistline (i.e., top edge) of the pants, and a folded down position in which the flap is substantially or completely disposed in an interior portion of the pants below the waistline. When the flap is in the extended (folded up) position, the flap may provide a user of the pants protection from snow, rain, liquids, and/or debris, above the waistline of the pants. On the other hand, the folded down position may provide more comfort and/or aesthetic appeal. Full Article
para APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPARTING ACOUSTIC EFFECT TO PIANO By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 11 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT An acoustic effect impartment apparatus for use in a piano including a plurality of keys, a plurality of strings provided in corresponding relation to the keys and a plurality of hammers each responsive to an operation of any one of the keys to strike the string corresponding to the key. The acoustic effect impartment apparatus comprising at least one elongate member disposed near at least one of the plurality of strings. The elongate member movable by means of a first actuator between a retracted configuration in which the elongate member is disengaged away from the at least one of the plurality of strings and an imparted configuration wherein the elongate member is imparted against the at least one of the plurality of strings, and the first actuator can be actuated by a piano player such that the elongate member is imparted against the at least one of the plurality of strings as said piano player strikes a key associated therewith. Full Article
para ACTION-SET ADJUSTABLE GUITAR NECK ATTACHMENT APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT This apparatus and system provides an acoustic hollow body guitar which allows for the careful adjustment of the instrument neck to body relative angle of inclination and thus the string to fret distance (action height). This adjustment has the capability of being accomplished while the guitar is in the tuned state and in the playing position. The traditional wood jointing is abandoned and replaced by a guitar neck to body hinge-less mounting bracket assembly apparatus. This system employs a single adjusting nut/dial that is accessed through either/and a port in the side of the upper bout or the sound-hole. Full Article
para APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MUSIC GENERATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method that allow non-musicians to compose and perform a musical composition. Although some existing electronic devices can provide a virtual environment to compose and play musical sound digitally, manipulating such a virtual environment can be difficult and may require specific software expertise, as well as knowledge of music theory. The present disclosure provides a platform that facilitates the creation of a musical composition without such software expertise or knowledge of music theory. The platform models a musical composition as a simultaneous playback of one or more musical contents. The platform allows players to control or modify one or more of the plurality of musical contents to generate or synthesize a musical composition. Full Article
para Water intrusion prevention method and apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and device are presented that creates a channel adjacent a nailing flange of a window in between the window and the rough opening that receives the window. The channel is created by establishing a barrier that prevents foam insulation inserted into the space between the window and the rough opening from reaching the nailing flange. The channel then ensures proper drainage of water that enters the window cavity down to the window sill. A gasket is presented that can be attached to the window or the rough opening to create the barrier. Alternatively, a disintegrating object or a wicking object can be used to impede the flow of insulation foam and to create the appropriate channel. The present invention is equally applicable to doors or other framed objects received into the exterior shell of a building. Full Article
para Suspension ceiling with parallel vanes for building structures By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A suspended ceiling system for a building structure includes a plurality of parallel struts for supporting a plurality of parallel vanes suspended from the struts in perpendicular relationship thereto. The vanes can be suspended in downwardly spaced relationship to the struts or in contiguous relationship therewith and occur in different forms including illuminated vanes, adjustable vanes and the like. Full Article
para METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADMINISTERING GASES INCLUDING NITRIC OXIDE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of modulating oxygen saturation levels can include measuring oxygen saturation levels in a patient, administering inhaled nitric oxide, adjusting the dose of oxygen in real time to a second dose based on the inhaled nitric oxide. Full Article
para BREATHABLE GAS INLET CONTROL DEVICE FOR RESPIRATORY TREATMENT APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A breathable gas inlet control device permits flow regulation at the inlet of a flow generator for a respiratory treatment apparatus such as a ventilator or continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may implement a variable inlet aperture size based on flow conditions. In one embodiment, an inlet flow seal opens or closes the inlet to a blower in accordance with changes in pressure within a seal activation chamber near the seal. The seal may be formed by a flexible membrane. A controller selectively changes the pressure of the seal activation chamber by controlling a set of one or more flow control valves to selectively stop forward flow, prevent back flow or lock open the seal to permit either back flow or forward flow. The controller may set the flow control valves as a function of detected respiratory conditions based on data from pressure and/or flow sensors. Full Article
para A PATIENT TUBE SECUREMENT APPARATUS FOR SECURING A PATIENT TUBE TO A PATIENT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A patient tube securement apparatus is disclosed that may be used for oral or nasal intubation of a patient. The apparatus may comprise an endotracheal tube securement apparatus for securing an endotracheal tube to a patient, the apparatus comprising a dermal patch arranged to be positioned on the skin of the patient, and at least one tube holder on the dermal patch.The apparatus may comprise a patient tube securement apparatus for securing a patient tube to a patient, the apparatus comprising a dermal patch arranged to be positioned on the skin of the patient, and at least one tube holder on the dermal patch.Examples are provided in which the tube holder is adjustably mounted on the dermal patch such that the position of the tube holder on the dermal patch can be adjusted without removing the dermal patch from the skin of the patient. Full Article
para ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING SLEEP By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a capsule container configured to contain at least one capsule, a discharge structure configured to discharge a material included in the capsule, a transceiver configured to transmit data to an external device or to receive data from the external device, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to receive, user state information and biometric information from the external device via the transceiver, select at least one capsule in the capsule container on the basis of the received user state information and biometric information, determine a spray amount of a material contained in the selected at least one capsule, and spray the material via the discharge structure. Full Article
para METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ANESTHESIA APPARATUS, ANESTHESIA APPARATUS OPERATING ACCORDING TO THE METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and a control program for operating an anesthesia apparatus, as well as an anesthesia apparatus (12), which operates according to the method are provided. The anesthesia apparatus includes a breathing gas feed unit (22) intended for displacing a breathing gas volume in a breathing circuit (10). A piston (23) brings about the displacement of the breathing gas. Switching over between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation during the return of the piston (23) allows for a presetting of a corresponding piston return velocity. The piston return velocity depends on a volume flow in an exhalation branch (34) of the breathing circuit (10) in the first mode of operation. The piston return velocity depends on a minimally necessary piston return velocity in the second mode of operation. Full Article
para BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A mask with cushion that has an outer film is disclosed. The film may be self-skinning or a film formed about or glued to the cushion body. In another form the cushion may be formed with at least a portion having a plurality of adjacent voids having honeycomb-like structure. Full Article
para APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TRANSMITTING WIRELESS SIGNALS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, an antenna structure having a feed point for coupling to a dielectric core of a cable that propagates electromagnetic waves without an electrical return path, and a dielectric antenna, substantially or entirely devoid of conductive external surfaces, coupled to the feed point, the dielectric antenna facilitating receipt, at the feed point, the electromagnetic waves for propagating the electromagnetic waves to an aperture of the dielectric antenna for radiating a wireless signal. Other embodiments are disclosed. Full Article
para TRANSMISSION APPARATUS, WIRELESS COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A transmission apparatus includes a first metal plate including a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first through hole penetrating from the first surface to the second surface, the first metal plate; a first board being disposed on the first surface side of the first metal plate, the first board including a first patch antenna positioned inside the first through hole; and a second board being disposed on the second surface side of the first metal plate, the second board including a second patch antenna positioned inside the first through hole and opposed to the first patch antenna, wherein an interval between the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna is set in accordance with a distance for wireless communicating between the first patch antenna and the second patch antenna in a near field. Full Article
para METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THIN-FILM TRANSISTOR, THIN-FILM TRANSISTOR SUBSTRATE, AND FLAT PANEL DISPLAY APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of manufacturing a thin-film transistor includes forming an oxide semiconductor on a substrate, stacking an insulating layer and a metal layer on the substrate to cover the oxide semiconductor, forming a photosensitive pattern on the metal layer, forming a gate electrode by etching the metal layer using the photosensitive pattern as a mask, where a part of the gate electrode overlaps a first oxide semiconductor region of the oxide semiconductor, forming a gate insulating film by partially etching the insulating layer using the photosensitive pattern as a mask, where the gate insulating film includes a first insulating region with a first thickness under the photosensitive pattern and a second insulating region with a second thickness less than the first thickness, and performing plasma processing on the gate insulating film so that a second oxide semiconductor region of the oxide semiconductor under the second insulating region becomes conductive. Full Article
para DISPLAY APPARATUS AND VEHICLE UTILIZING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT This disclosure relates to the technical field of display apparatus, and in particular to a display apparatus and a vehicle utilizing the same. The display apparatus comprises a transmitting device for forming privacy images on a front windshield of a vehicle body and polarized glasses for viewing the privacy images. In the above technical solutions, privacy images are formed on the front windshield of the vehicle body by the transmitting device, such that the formed images will not interfere with the driver's driving. Meanwhile, the passengers can view the images on the front windshield by wearing the polarized glasses. By using the above transmitting device to form privacy images on the front windshield, an area of display is enlarged to facilitate the passengers' viewing. Passengers sitting in the rear portion of the vehicle can clearly view the images, and the visual effect during the passengers' viewing is improved. Full Article
para SEMICONDUCTOR APPARATUS, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME, AND LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first thin film transistor supported on the substrate and having a first active layer that primarily contains a first oxide semiconductor, and second thin film transistor supported on the substrate and having a second active layer that primarily contains a second oxide semiconductor with a higher mobility than the first oxide semiconductor. The first active layer and the second active layer are positioned on the same insulating layer and contact the same insulating layer. Full Article
para DISPLAY APPARATUS AND RELATED MANUFACTURING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A display apparatus may include a display panel, a touch electrode, a connecting pad, a first inorganic insulation layer, and a second inorganic insulation layer. The display panel may display an image according to image data. The touch electrode and the connecting pad may be formed of the same conductive material and may be spaced from each other. The first inorganic insulation layer may be positioned between the display panel and the touch electrode and may directly contact each of the touch electrode and the connecting pad. The second inorganic insulation layer may directly contact each of the first inorganic insulation layer and the touch electrode. The touch electrode may be covered by the second inorganic insulation layer. The connecting pad may be positioned between two portions of the second inorganic insulation layer and have a side not covered by the second inorganic insulation layer. Full Article
para DISPLAY APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A display apparatus includes a liquid crystal layer between first and second substrates. The first and second scan lines along a first direction are disposed adjacently above the first substrate. A first region defined by the first and second data/scan lines includes the first and second sub-pixel regions. The first sub-pixel region includes a first TFT (connected to the first scan line and the first data line) and a first electrode electrically connected to the first TFT. A first common electrode disposed above the first substrate includes the first and second portions connected to each other. The first portion is positioned between the first electrode and the first data line, and the second portion is positioned between the second electrode and the first data line, wherein a width of the first portion in the first direction is greater than a width of the second portion in the first direction. Full Article
para Composite material used for catalyzing and degrading nitrogen oxide and preparation method and application thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention discloses a composite material used for catalyzing and degrading nitrogen oxide and its preparation method and application thereof. The invention of the hollow g-C3N4 nanospheres/reduced graphene oxide composite-polymer carbonized nanofiber material is prepared as follow: 1) the preparation of silica nanospheres; 2) the preparation of hollow g-C3N4 nanospheres; 3) the preparation of graphene oxide; 4) the preparation of surface modified hollow g-C3N4 nanoparticles preparation; 5) the preparation of composites; 6) the preparation of composite-polymer carbon nanofiber material. The raw materials used in the process is low cost and easy to get; the operation of the invention is simple and convenient without the use of expensive equipment in the whole process; the composite has high adsorption efficiency of ppb level nitrogen oxide with good repeatability. Full Article
para MICROFLUIDIC APPARATUS HAVING AN OPTIMIZED ELECTROWETTING SURFACE AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Microfluidic devices having an electrowetting configuration and an optimized droplet actuation surface are provided. The devices include a conductive substrate having a dielectric layer, a hydrophobic layer covalently bonded to the dielectric layer, and a first electrode electrically coupled to the dielectric layer and configured to be connected to a voltage source. The microfluidic devices also include a second electrode, optionally included in a cover, configured to be connected to the voltage source. The hydrophobic layer features self-associating molecules covalently bonded to a surface of the dielectric layer in a manner that produces a densely-packed monolayer that resists intercalation and or penetration by polar molecules or species. Also provided are microfluidic devices having an electrowetting configuration that further include a section or module having a dielectrophoresis configuration; systems that include any of the microfluidic devices in combination with an aqueous droplet and a fluidic medium immiscible with the medium of the aqueous droplet; related kits; and methods of manipulating droplets, optionally containing micro-objects such as biological cells, within the microfluidic devices. Full Article
para ELECTROLYTIC LIQUID GENERATING DEVICE, LIQUID MODIFYING DEVICE PROVIDED WITH ELECTROLYTIC LIQUID GENERATING DEVICE, AND ELECTRIC APPARATUS USING ELECTROLYTIC LIQUID GENERATED BY MEANS OF ELECTROLYTIC LIQUID GENERATING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Electrolytic liquid generating device (1) includes laminated body (41) in which conductive film (46) is laminated to be interposed between mutually adjacent electrodes (44, 45), and electrolytic part (40) which electrolyzes liquid. Furthermore, electrolytic liquid generating device (1) includes a passage having inflow port (71) in which liquid to be provided to electrolytic part (40) flows and outflow port (72) from which electrolytic liquid generated in electrolytic part (40) flows out. The passage is formed such that liquid flowing direction (X) crosses laminated direction (Z) of laminated body (41). Full Article
para PLATING APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A plating apparatus is described. The apparatus includes: a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate in a vertical position; at least one processing bath configured to process the substrate held by the substrate holder; a transporter configured to grip and horizontally transport the substrate holder; at least one lifter configured to receive the substrate holder from the transporter, lower the substrate holder to place the substrate holder in the processing bath, elevate the substrate holder from the processing bath after processing of the substrate, and transfer the substrate holder to the transporter; and a controller configured to control operations of the transporter and the lifter. Full Article
para ELECTROCHEMICAL POLISHING APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electrochemical polishing apparatus is provided for polishing a workpiece having at least one sharp object. According to the present invention, the electrolyte is driven to flow to the sharp object and the electrochemical processing is performed for polishing the sharp object. Full Article
para Apparatuses, Systems and Methods for Sequencing Using Capillary Electrophoresis By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In one aspect, a biological sequencing device comprising a cartridge configured to be removed from the instrument is disclosed. In various embodiments the cartridge can include one or more capillaries suitable for capillary electrophoresis, a reservoir and a pump. In various embodiments the reservoir can contain a separation matrix. In various embodiments the pump can load a capillary with separation matrix. In another aspect the biological sequencing device can include one or more capillaries and an integrated valve assembly. In various embodiments the integrated valve assembly can provide a polymer to the one or more capillaries. Full Article
para METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING A SUBSTRATE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a process chamber includes: a chamber body defining an interior volume; a substrate support to support a substrate within the interior volume; a plurality of cathodes coupled to the chamber body and having a corresponding plurality of targets to be sputtered onto the substrate; and a shield rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the chamber body and having at least one hole to expose at least one of the plurality of targets to be sputtered and at least one pocket disposed in a backside of the shield to accommodate and cover at least another one of the plurality of targets not to be sputtered, wherein the shield is configured to rotate about and linearly move along a central axis of the process chamber. Full Article
para METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STABLE SUBSTRATE PROCESSING WITH MULTIPLE RF POWER SUPPLIES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatus for processing substrates are provided herein. In some embodiments, a physical vapor deposition chamber includes a first RF power supply having a first base frequency and coupled to one of a target or a substrate support; and a second RF power supply having a second base frequency and coupled to one of the target or the substrate support, wherein the first and second base frequencies are integral multiples of each other, wherein the second base frequency is modified to an offset second base frequency that is not an integral multiple of the first base frequency. Full Article
para FILM FORMATION APPARATUS AND FILM-FORMED WORKPIECE MANUFACTURING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A film formation apparatus and a film-formed workpiece manufacturing method which are capable of forming a film with a uniform thickness on a workpiece like a three-dimensional object that includes a plurality of surfaces by a simple structure are provided. A film formation apparatus includes a target 21 that is a film formation material including a plane SU3, a power supply unit 3 applying power to the target 21, a rotating unit 4 rotating a workpiece W that is a film formation object around a rotation axis AX1, and a revolving unit 5 revolving the rotating unit 4 around a revolution axis AX2 separate from the rotation axis AX1 to repeatedly make the workpiece W to come close to and move apart from the target 21. Full Article
para INTRODUCER FOR ACCESSING CORONARY SINUS VIA RIGHT PARASTERNAL MEDIASTINOTOMY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An introducer configured with a first curve having a first angle that traverses space of an atrial appendage, a central atrium, caudad to the coronary sinus, and a second curve that has an angle sufficient to align the introducer with an intrinsic curvature of the coronary sinus of a subject. Full Article
para Drug Delivery Balloon Apparatus and Methods for Use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A drug delivery balloon apparatus is disclosed herein, comprising: (a) at least two lumens, comprising a first lumen and a second lumen, (b) a balloon inflation port in fluid communication with the first lumen, (c) a drug delivery port in fluid communication with the second lumen, (d) a guidewire port in fluid communication with the second lumen, wherein the second lumen is configured to receive both a guidewire and a drug solution, (e) an occlusion balloon, (I) a drug delivery balloon, where the occlusion balloon and the drug delivery balloon are in fluid communication with the first lumen, (g) one or more drug delivery channels extending the length of the second lumen, and (h) one or more drug delivery ducts extending from the one or more drug delivery channels to an exterior surface of the second lumen. Full Article
para SENSING APPARATUS FOR SENSING CURRENT THROUGH A CONDUCTOR AND METHODS THEREFOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sensing apparatus for characterizing current flow through a conductor includes a plurality of magnetic sensors. In some embodiments, the sensors are grouped in pairs to achieve common mode rejection of signals generated in response to magnetic fields not resulting from current flow through the conductor. Sensors having different levels of sensitivity are used to collect information regarding the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the conductor, where such information is processed in order to characterize the magnetic field. In some cases the sensors are included on or in flexible material that can be wrapped around the conductor. Full Article
para METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ACCURACY IMPROVEMENT IN CURRENT COMPARATORS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Precision AC and DC voltage, current, phase, power and energy measurements and calibrations with current ranges from 1 uA to 20 kA and voltage ranges from 1V to 1000 kV are now performed with accuracies of better than one part per million. Continued demand for improved accuracy has led the inventors to address remnant magetization within the current comparators that form the basis of the measuring process within many of the measurement instruments providing the precision AC and DC measurements and calibrations. Accordingly, the inventors present current comparator and measurement system architectures together with control protocols to provide for correction of this remnant magnetization. Full Article
para APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTION OF A CURRENT LEVEL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods including a switching converter having an output stage including a power switch or first switching device to convert an input switching signal to an output switching signal and a sensor stage including a second switching device and a third switching device. In embodiments, the sensor stage may be coupled to receive the output switching signal from the first switching device and to substantially replicate a condition of the first switching device to generate a continuous signal rather than a switched signal. In embodiments, the continuous signal may allow detection of a current level. In some embodiments, the current level may indicate an overcurrent event. A digital post-processing circuit may be coupled to the switching device to count a number of overcurrent events according to various embodiments. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed. Full Article
para Method and Apparatus for Driving a Multi-Oscillator System By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments mitigate the risk of frequency-lock in systems having multiple resonators by dynamically changing the frequency at which at least one of the resonators is driven. More particularly, the drive frequency of at least one of the resonators is changed often enough that the multiple resonators do not have time to achieve frequency lock. Changes in the oscillation of the resonators may be analyzed to determine, for example, acceleration of such systems. Some embodiments implement self-test by assessing expected performance of a system with toggling drive frequencies. More particularly, some embodiments implement self-test by artificially inducing displacement of a movable member of a system. Full Article
para CAPACITANCE DETECTION APPARATUS AND INPUT APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A voltage of a first capacitor is compared with a threshold voltage and a signal corresponding to the comparison result is generated at each of a first timing during a period after the transfer of a positive charge has ended and before the transfer of a negative charge starts and a second timing during a period after the transfer of the negative charge has ended and before the transfer of the positive charge starts. In each of the case where a positive charge is transferred and the case where a negative charge is transferred, operations (digitization of an integrated value and a feedback operation) of a delta sigma modulator are performed. Full Article
para HIGH-VOLTAGE DRY APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH A CONTINUOUS MONITORING DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a high-voltage dry apparatus having a semiconductor layer (2) covered by a metal screen (3), this screen (3) being eliminated so as to expose this semiconductor layer (2) over a length, this cable being connected to an element of equipment having an outer envelope (6) mechanically connected to said screen. According to the invention, an electronic monitoring arrangement (20) is contained within said envelope (6), this electronic arrangement (20) being electrically connected to an electrical power supply arrangement (21) surrounding said semiconductor layer (2) and to the metal screen (3) of said cable on either side of said length of the exposed semiconductor layer. Full Article
para SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT AND VEHICLE APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A semiconductor device includes first and second semiconductor chips mounted on one package. In the first semiconductor chip, a current generation circuit generates a sense current in accordance with a load current and a fault current indicating that an abnormality detection circuit has detected an abnormality, and allows either one of the currents to flow through a current detecting resistor in accordance with presence or absence of detection of the abnormality. In the second semiconductor chip, a storage circuit stores a current value of the fault current obtained in an inspection process of the semiconductor device as a determination reference value. An arithmetic processing circuit sets a standard range based on the determination reference value, and determines presence or absence of detection of the abnormality based on whether or not a current value indicated by a digital signal of an analog-digital conversion circuit is included within the standard range. Full Article
para BATTERY SENSING METHOD AND APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus is provided the battery sensor for a large-scale battery system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the architecture and measurement scheme for a high-accuracy battery voltage sensor based on a calibration scheme. The present disclosure also related to the architecture and measurement method for a cell-level current sensor to effectively and reliably manage a battery pack. Full Article
para METHOD AND SYSTEM OF APPARATUSES FOR TESTING UTILITY POWER DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Test measurements on a utility power device by a switch matrix apparatus and a common voltage source as separate devices is performed. Through the switch matrix apparatus, the common voltage source selectively sends a first high voltage signal via a first lead to a first terminal of the utility power device, measures a first corresponding signal returned via a second lead of the switch matrix apparatus from a second terminal of the utility power device. While the first lead and the second lead of the switch matrix apparatus remain electrically coupled to the first and the second terminal of the utility power device, a second high voltage signal is selectively sent via the second lead to the second terminal of the utility power device, and a second corresponding signal returned from the first terminal of the utility power device via the first lead of the switch matrix apparatus is measured. Full Article
para LOAD TESTING APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A load testing apparatus includes: a resistor unit that has a resistor group including relays and resistors and is connected to a power source to be tested to perform a load test; a selection switch that is used to select whether to supply power from the power source to be tested to the resistor group; an electrical signal detection unit that detects at least one of a voltage applied to the resistor unit and a current flowing through the resistor unit; and a control unit. The relay operates in response to an on/off state of the selection switch to control power supply from the power source to be tested to the resistor group including the relay. The control unit performs determination on whether the relay normally operates based on detection information including a time-series change of at least one of the voltage and the current when the selection switch is operated, which is information from the electrical signal detection unit, and performs off control to stop power supply from the power source to be tested to the resistor unit. Full Article
para MAGNETIC SENSOR APPARATUS AND CURRENT SENSOR APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sensor apparatus adjusts output timings of a detection signal and a sensing signal for sensing an abnormality in the detection signal. Provided is a magnetic sensor apparatus comprising a magnetic sensor element, an amplifying section that amplifies and outputs an output of the magnetic sensor element, a plurality of comparing sections that compare the output of the magnetic sensor element or an output of the amplifying section to a threshold value, and a plurality of delaying sections that each delay and output a comparison result output by a corresponding comparing section among the plurality of comparing sections. Also provided is a current sensor apparatus including a current path through which a current serving as a measurement target flows and a magnetic sensor apparatus that is arranged corresponding to the current path and detects a magnetic field generated according to the current serving as the measurement target. Full Article
para MAGNETIC FIELD SENSING APPARATUS AND DETECTION METHOD THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A magnetic field sensing apparatus and detection method thereof are provided. The magnetic field sensing apparatus includes an anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR) magnetic field detector, a reference magnetic field detector, and a controller. The AMR magnetic field detector generates a first output voltage according to a detected magnetic field. The reference magnetic field detector generates a second output voltage according to the detected magnetic field. The controller identifies whether an absolute value of a field density of the detected magnetic field is larger or smaller than a predetermined value or not, and selects the first output voltage or a saturation voltage to be a magnetic field detection result accordingly. Full Article