16th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 38 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090098425 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system includes at least: a hydrogen generator ( | 2009-04-16 |
20090098426 | Fuel Cell Operation System and Valve Open Amount Calculation Method in the Fuel Cell Operation System - FC current control in a fuel cell operation system can be roughly divided into two parts. The first part executes a total air feed amount calculation step, an FC air amount calculation step, and a bypass air amount calculation step. These steps are executed by using a stoichiometry map and a pumping hydrogen amount map. The second part calculates a control valve open amount instruction value and a bypass valve open amount instruction value according to the calculated FC air amount and the bypass air amount. Here, a control valve open amount map and the like are used. When generated power is output from the fuel cell stack by these instruction values, the actual FC current value is compared to the FC current instruction value and the control valve open amount is corrected according to a difference between them. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098427 | Fuel Cell Power Plant Diverting Air in Response to Low Demand - A fuel cell system, which may be powering a vehicle propulsion system ( | 2009-04-16 |
20090098428 | FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack consisting of a plurality of fuel cell units, a flow-distributing device, and a flow-confluence device; a fuel container; a housing encompassing and protecting the fuel cell stack and the fuel container; and a fan mounted on the housing for providing air to the cathodes of the fuel cell units. The fuel cell units have liquid inlet and liquid outlet, which are connected with the flow-distributing device and the flow-confluence device respectively. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098429 | FUEL CARTRIDGE FOR FUEL CELL, AND FUEL CELL - A fuel cartridge for a fuel cell, includes a fuel receiving container and liquid fuel to be received in the container, wherein the liquid fuel contains at least one type selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol and dimethyl ether and at least one organic compound selected from the group consisting of formic acid, formaldehyde, methyl formate, ethyl formate, methyl acetate and ethyl acetate, and a concentration of the organic compound is 40 ppm or more and 1500 ppm or less. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098430 | MEMBRANE-ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES AND LONG-LIFE FUEL CELLS - Polymer with high molecular weight which can be obtained by a method, in which a composition is polymerised by free-radical polymerisation which, based on its total weight, comprises at least 80.0% by weight of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, characterized in that the composition contains at least one monomer comprising phosphonic acid groups and/or sulphonic acid groups. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098431 | METHOD OF PRODUCING FUEL CELL SEPARATOR, AND FUEL CELL - The present invention provides a method of producing a fuel cell separator in which at least a portion of a premolded article composed of a thermosetting resin and a carbon material, or a thermoplastic resin and a carbon material is provided with hydrophilicity, including the steps of: (1) treating the premolded article for enhancing affinity with a solution of a radically polymerizable monomer having a hydrophilic group and/or a functional group which can be converted into a hydrophilic group; (2) coating the solution of the radically polymerizable monomer having a hydrophilic group and/or a functional group which can be converted into a hydrophilic group, on the treated surface; (3) irradiating the treated surface with ionizing radiation; and (4) cleaning the fuel cell separator obtained through steps 1 to 3; wherein steps 1 to 4 are sequentially carried out, or step 1, step 3, step 2, and step 4 are sequentially carried out. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098432 | Flow Distributor Plate - The present invention relates to a flow distributor plate comprising an electronically conductive region perforated by a plurality of apertures ( | 2009-04-16 |
20090098433 | Solid oxide fuel cell and separator - A solid oxide fuel cell is formed by arranging a fuel electrode layer and an air electrode layer on both surfaces of a solid electrolyte, respectively, a fuel electrode current collector and an air electrode current collector outside the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer, respectively, and separators outside the fuel electrode current collector and the air electrode current collector. In a first embodiment, a fuel gas and an oxidant gas are supplied from the separators to the fuel electrode layer and the oxidant electrode layer, respectively, through the fuel electrode current collector and the air electrode current collector, respectively. Each separator is formed by laminating a plurality of thin metal plates at least including a thin metal plate in which a first gas discharge opening is arranged in a central part and second gas discharge openings are circularly arranged in a peripheral part, and a thin metal plate with an indented surface. Gases discharged from the separators can be supplied to entire areas of the electrode layers through the current collectors, so that electric power generation can be performed. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098434 | FUEL CELL AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME - A fuel cell including a separator ( | 2009-04-16 |
20090098435 | FUEL CELLS - In a fuel cell stack, each separator is constructed by sequentially stacking and joining an anode-facing plate | 2009-04-16 |
20090098436 | POWER GENERATION CELL FOR SOLID ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL - Provided is a power generation cell for a solid electrolyte fuel cell, in which a lanthanum gallate-based electrolyte is used as a solid electrolyte. Use of alternative energy for replacing petroleum can be promoted and it is possible to use waste heat using the solid electrolyte fuel cell, thus the solid electrolyte fuel cell is watched in views of resource nursing and the environment. The power generation cell is typically operated at 800 to 1000° C. However, currently, the power generation cell, which is operated at 600 to 800° C. by using the lanthanum gallate-based electrolyte, is suggested. Since a current power generation cell has a large size and has an insufficient output, there are demands for size reduction and high output. In the power generation cell, Sm-doped ceria particles are separately attached to a surface of porous nickel having a network frame structure. The demands are satisfied by using the anode. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098437 | POLYBENZIMIDAZOLE-BASE COMPLEX, CROSSLINKED MATERIAL OF POLYBENZOXAZINES FORMED THEREOF, AND FUEL CELL USING THE SAME - A polybenzimidazole-base complex includes a polybenzimidazole-based material and a base, wherein a peak corresponding to NH of an imidazole ring of the polybenzimidazole-based material does not appear at a chemical shift of 12 to 15 ppm in a | 2009-04-16 |
20090098438 | ION CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL, CONDUCTIVE FILM FOR FUEL CELL, FILM ELECTRODE BONDED BODY AND FUEL CELL - A novel ion conductive material is provided. The ion conductive material composed of an amorphous material is employed. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098439 | Fuel cell and fuel cell stack - A fuel cell includes a plurality of electrolyte electrode assemblies and a pair of separators sandwiching the electrolyte electrode assemblies. The separator has first protrusions and second protrusions. The first protrusions form a fuel gas channel for supplying a fuel gas along an electrode surface of an anode in a direction indicated by an arrow B | 2009-04-16 |
20090098440 | MICROPOROUS LAYER - A component for use in assembling a membrane electrode assembly comprises a microporous layer supported on a transfer substrate, wherein the microporous layer comprises carbon particles and a hydrophobic polymer, and a polymer layer is present on the microporous layer. A process for preparing a component for use in assembling a membrane electrode assembly includes forming the microporous layer on the transfer substrate and applying a polymer layer on the microporous layer. The microporous layer may also be deposited onto a gas diffusion substrate for use in the membrane electrode assembly. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098441 | Materials for Fuel Cell Electrode and Fuel Cell - Materials of a fuel cell electrode are provided as a fuel cell electrode on front and/or rear surface of an electrolyte membrane | 2009-04-16 |
20090098442 | HIERARCHICAL MESOPOROUS CARBON, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND FUEL CELL USING THE SAME - A hierarchical mesoporous carbon is provided in which a total volume of mesopores of the hierarchical mesoporous carbon is 80% or greater of a total volume of pores of the hierarchical mesoporous carbon; a volume of mesopores with a average diameter greater than 20 nm and no greater than 50 nm is 3% or greater of the total volume of the pores; and a volume of mesopores with a average diameter greater than 2 nm and no greater than 10 nm is 65% or greater of the total volume of the pores. The hierarchical mesoporous carbon, which also contains macropores, has an optimized mesoporous distribution characteristic, and has an increased total volume of pores, thereby having a significantly improved catalytic activity when used as a catalyst support. When such a supported catalyst including the hierarchical mesoporous carbon as a support is used in a fuel cell, supply of fuel and transporting of byproducts are facilitated. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098443 | BATTERY PACK AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME - A battery pack includes a battery including a battery element covered with a packaging member, a battery protection circuit board, a covering material, and a rippable portion formed in a part of the covering material. The battery element includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode which are spirally wound or stacked through a separator. The covering material collectively covers the battery and the battery protection circuit board. The rippable portion rips open due to a gas generated from the battery in the event of an abnormal condition to form a gas release hole for releasing the gas outside the battery pack. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098444 | Level Monitoring System - In order to provide an improved level monitoring system for monitoring the electrolyte fill level of an accumulator, the present invention proposes a level monitoring system having a level monitoring device and a signal output device ( | 2009-04-16 |
20090098445 | Cap assembly, secondary battery having the same, methods of manufacturing cap assembly and secondary battery - A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, in which two electrodes and a separator interposed between the two electrodes are stacked and wound, a can accommodating the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly arranged on the top of the electrode assembly. The cap assembly includes an upper cap having a protrusion formed on a bottom surface thereof and a groove formed on a top surface thereof. The groove is formed at the same position as the protrusion but on an opposite surface from the protrusion. Components of the cap assembly are welded to the protrusion, and contact resistance between the welded components is reduced. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098446 | SECONDARY BATTERY - The secondary battery of this invention includes: an electrode assembly comprising a first electrode and a second electrode which are wound or laminated with only a heat-resistant porous insulating layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a first current collector plate electrically connected to the first electrode. The first electrode includes a first electrode mixture layer formed on a first electrode core member. The second electrode includes a second electrode mixture layer formed on a second electrode core member. An end of the first electrode protrudes from an end of the second electrode and an end of the porous insulating layer at an end face of the electrode assembly. The protruding end of the first electrode has a part where the first electrode core member is exposed. The part where the first electrode core member is exposed is welded to the first current collector plate. The end of the porous insulating layer protrudes from an end of the first electrode mixture layer and an end of the second electrode mixture layer. The distance between the first current collector plate and the end of the porous insulating layer on the first current collector plate side is 3 mm or less. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098447 | RESIN COMPOSITION FOR FUEL CELL SEPARATOR, AND FUEL CELL SEPARATOR - The present invention provides a resin composition for fuel cell separator, comprising: (A) an epoxy resin; (B) a curing agent; (C) a curing accelerator; and (D) a carbon material, wherein the epoxy resin (A) or the curing agent (B) has a softening temperature of from 40 to 90° C., and wherein the carbon material (D) comprises a low crystalline artificial graphite having an average particle diameter of from 60 to 500 μm in an amount of from 5 to 100% by mass of the carbon material (D). | 2009-04-16 |
20090098448 | COMPOSITE NEGATIVE ELECTRODE ACTIVE MATERIAL FOR NON-AQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE SECONDARY BATTERY AND METHOD FOR PREPARING THE SAME, AND NON-AQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE SECONDARY BATTERY INCLUDING THE SAME - The present invention can provide a composite negative electrode active material including a fused matter of a graphite material and a graphitizable carbon material undergoing graphitization. Such a composite negative electrode active material is prepared by heating a mixture of a graphite material and a graphitizable carbon material undergoing graphitization at 700° C. to 1300° C., and crushing the obtained fused matter. The use of the composite negative electrode active material makes it possible to provide a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery being excellent in output-input characteristics and having a high energy density and a long life. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098449 | Microporous polyolefin membrane, and method of producing the same - The present invention provides a microporous polyolefin membrane of high permeability and novel structure, and also provides a method of producing the same, wherein its average pore size is gradually decreases from at least one membrane surface towards its center. The method of producing the microporous polyolefin membrane comprises the steps of extruding the solution, composed of 10 to 50 weight % of (A) a polyolefin having a weight-average molecular weight of 5×105 or more or (B) a composition containing this polyolefin and 50 to 90 weight % of a solvent, into a gel-like formed article and removing the solvent therefrom, wherein a treatment step with a hot solvent is incorporated. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098450 | MULTI-LAYER, MICROPOROUS POLYOLEFIN MEMBRANE, ITS PRODUCTION METHOD, AND BATTERY SEPARATOR - (1) a combination of a microporous layer made of a polyethylene resin and a microporous layer made of polypropylene and a heat-resistant resin having a melting point or a glass transition temperature of 170° C. or higher, or (2) a combination of a microporous layer made of a polyethylene resin and a microporous layer made of polypropylene and inorganic filler having an aspect ratio of 2 or more provides a multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane with well-balanced permeability, mechanical strength, heat shrinkage resistance, shutdown properties and meltdown properties. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098451 | LITHIUM ION SECONDARY BATTERY - In a lithium ion secondary battery including a flat-plate electrode assembly which is configured by stacking the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode in the thickness direction thereof, each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode includes a current collector and an active material layer. Each of the current collector includes a substantially rectangular current collector body, a heat radiating portion, and a lead portion, and the heat radiating portions are projected toward the outside of the electrode assembly so as not to overlap with each other in the thickness direction of the electrode assembly. In this way, heat caused inside the lithium ion secondary battery can be diffused efficiently to the outside, and safety of the lithium ion secondary battery can be further increased, without complicating the battery structure and decreasing mechanical strength of the battery. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098452 | BATTERY CASE - The present invention provides a battery including a case and a battery cell accommodated in the case. The case is divided in a thicknesswise direction of the battery cell into a first case and a second case. The first and second cases have joint portions formed along peripheries thereof for jointing with each other. The joint portion of one of the first and second cases has a joining thin wall formed to extend along a periphery thereof and project in the thicknesswise direction. The joint portion of the other of the first and second cases has a joining recess formed to extend along a periphery thereof for receiving the joining thin wall inserted therein in a state that the joint portions of the first and second cases joint with each other. The joining thin wall and the joining recess in which the joining thin wall is inserted while the joint portions of the first and second cases joint with each other are joined together by welding. The other case has a projecting wall formed at a location of an outer face thereof positioned on the outer side of the joining recess in such a manner as to extend along the joining recess. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098453 | Anode of lithium battery, method for fabricating the same, and lithium battery using the same - An anode of a lithium battery includes a carbon nanotube film, the carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of tangled carbon nanotubes. A method for fabricating an anode of a lithium battery, the method includes the steps of:(a) providing a plurality of carbon nanotubes; (b) adding the plurality of carbon nanotubes to a solvent to get a carbon nanotube floccule structure in the solvent; and (c) separating the carbon nanotube floccule structure from the solvent, shaping the separated carbon nanotube floccule structure into a carbon nanotube film, and thereby, achieving the anode. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098454 | SPHERICAL ELECTROLYTIC MANGANESE DIOXIDE AND ALKALINE PRIMARY BATTERY USING THE SAME - An object is to provide an electrolytic manganese dioxide with optimized properties, and a high capacity alkaline primary battery with excellent high-rate discharge characteristics. Disclosed is a spherical electrolytic manganese dioxide having an average circularity of 0.89 or more. The loss on heating from 200 to 400° C. of the spherical electrolytic manganese dioxide is preferably 2.5% by weight or more. Also disclosed is an alkaline primary battery including the above-described spherical electrolytic manganese dioxide as a positive electrode active material. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098455 | BATTERY STRUCTURE - A battery structure includes a main body and a pulling member. The main body has a first outer surface and a second outer surface which are parallel to each other. The pulling member is connected to the first outer surface and the second outer surface and forms a holding portion extending from the main body. When taking the battery structure out of an electronic device, a user only needs to pull the holding portion, and then the main body can be separated from the electronic device. Whatever the pulling direction is, the pulling member cannot be destroyed, so the convenience in usage and durability can be increased. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098456 | Non-aqueous electrolyte solution and lithium secondary battery including the same - A non-aqueous electrolyte solution, including a lithium salt, an organic solvent, one or more succinic acid anhydride compounds, and one or more trialkylsilyl borate compounds. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098457 | ELECTRODE FOR SECONDARY BATTERY, MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF AND SECONDARY BATTERY EMPLOYING THE SAME - Provided are an electrode for a secondary battery employing an active material layer having improved thickness uniformity by printing low-viscosity ink on the active material layer, a manufacturing method of the electrode, and a secondary battery having improved electrode capacity due to the employing of the electrode. The electrode includes a current collector, and an active material layer formed by printing ink having a viscosity not exceeding 500 mPa·s on the current collector and drying the current collector, wherein the current collector has a surface roughness (Ra) in a range from about 0.025 to 1.0 μm. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098458 | ANODE AND BATTERY - A battery capable of obtaining superior cycle characteristics and safety is provided. The battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution is impregnated in a separator provided between the cathode and the anode. The anode has an insulative coat on an anode active material layer provided on an anode current collector. The coat contains an insulating material such as a meal hydroxide and a metal oxide. The coat is in a form of plate divided into a plurality of portions. The insulation property of the coat prevents internal short circuit. A plurality of portions of the coat prevent separation of the anode active material layer and decomposition of the electrolytic solution. Further, even when short circuit occurs, heat generation is prevented by heat absorption characteristics of the coat. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098459 | ELECTROCHEMICAL ELEMENT, AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING ELECTRODE THEREOF - A method for manufacturing an electrode of an electrochemical element includes: (A) forming an active material layer on a current collector; and (B) providing lithium to the active material layer. The A step and the B step are carried out in continuous space. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098460 | NEGATIVE PLATE FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERIES AND A METHOD OF PREPARING THE SAME - In one aspect, a negative plate for a battery comprises a negative current collector coated with a negative active material. The negative current collector comprises a conductive non-woven fabric. In another aspect, a method for preparing a negative plate for a battery comprises coating a negative active material onto a negative current collector. The negative current collector comprises a conductive non-woven fabric. In yet another aspect, a battery comprises a negative plate. The negative plate comprises a negative current collector coated with a negative active material. The negative current collector comprises a conductive non-woven fabric. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098461 | POSITIVE ELECTRODE FOR AN ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATOR WITH AN ALKALINE ELECTROLYTE - An electrochemical generator comprising at least one negative electrode and at least one positive electrode, said positive electrode comprising a paste comprising an electrochemically active material, a binder and strontium sulphate SrSO | 2009-04-16 |
20090098462 | Alkaline dry battery - In order to provide an alkaline dry battery which enables to improve the operational stability of digital equipment by suppressing the progress of polarization during heavy load pulse discharge while maintaining the excellent heavy load discharge characteristics, and has an excellent reliability in terms of the leakage resistance and the safety under short-circuit conditions, the alkaline dry battery includes a positive electrode including a nickel oxyhydroxide powder and a manganese dioxide powder as positive electrode active materials, and including graphite as a conductive material; a negative electrode including zinc or a zinc alloy as a negative electrode active material; a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a negative electrode current collector inserted in the negative electrode; an aqueous alkaline solution included in the separator; a battery case housing the positive electrode, the negative electrode, the separator, the negative electrode current collector and the aqueous alkaline solution; a sealing member for sealing an opening of the battery case, wherein the positive electrode includes a calcium compound in an amount of 0.1 to 10 mol % relative to a total amount of the positive electrode active material, and the content of iron element in the calcium compound is 150 ppm or less. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098463 | Anode of lithium battery, method for fabricating the same, and lithium battery using the same - An anode of a lithium battery includes a free-standing carbon nanotube film, the carbon nanotube film comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes, the carbon nanotubes are substantially parallel to a surface of the carbon nanotube film. A method for fabricating an anode of a lithium battery, the method includes the steps of (a) providing an array of carbon nanotubes; and (b) providing a pressing device to press the array of carbon nanotubes to form a carbon nanotube film, and thereby, achieving the anode of lithium battery. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098464 | Reactive polymer-supporting porous film for battery separator and use thereof - The invention provides a reactive polymer-supporting porous film for use as a battery separator which comprises a porous substrate film and a partially crosslinked reactive polymer supported on the porous substrate film, the partially crosslinked reactive polymer being obtained by the reaction of a crosslinkable polymer having at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of 3-oxetanyl group and epoxy group in the molecule with a monocarboxylic acid. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098465 | Microporous Membrane And Manufacturing Method - A microporous membrane having excellent properties which is produced by extruding a combination of a diluent or solvent and a polyolefin resin composition comprising (a) from about 40 to about 60% of a first polyethylene resin having a weight average molecular weight of from about 2.5×10 | 2009-04-16 |
20090098466 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SOLID ELECTROLYTE WITH HIGH ION-CONDUCTIVITY - A method for manufacturing a solid electrolyte with high ion-conductivity comprising a hybrid compound of polyvinyl alcohol and a zirconic acid compound which can prohibit gelation of the raw material solution with keeping the concentration of the raw material solution of the solid electrolyte desirable for efficient manufacture of membranes, and provides the solid electrolyte which is inexpensive, and even functions in an alkaline form is disclosed. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098467 | Holographic Sensor Based on a Volume Hologram in a Porous Medium - A sensor for the detection of an analyte, comprising a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the hologram changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, wherein the medium is obtainable by formation in situ in the presence of a pore-forming agent, wherein the agent is not present in the sensor or does not react with the analyte and the sensor. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098468 | PHOTO-MASKS AND METHODS OF FABRICATING PHOTONIC CRYSTAL DEVICES - Improved photo-masks for use in fabricating photonic crystal devices are disclosed herein. Methods of making photonic crystal devices, as well as the photonic crystal devices fabricated therefrom, are also disclosed. The photo-mask can include a body element and one or more sets of diffractive elements and/or refractive elements disposed on the body element or within the body element. Each set of diffractive elements and/or refractive elements can be configured to produce four non-coplanar beams of light when a beam of light is passed through it. Each set of four non-coplanar beams of light can be used to interferometrically produce a specific photonic crystal structure at a specific location within a photosensitive recording material. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098469 | Process for fabrication of alternating phase shift masks - Design rules are described for a phase alternating shift mask for minimum chrome width and maximum segment length, where an embodiment employs during a cleaning process of the mask a megasonic power of 50 Watts at 1 MHz, and 30 Watts at 3 MHz. Some embodiments utilize an dry etch Carbon Tetrafluoride and Dioxygen based process. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098470 | Method of Correcting Defect in Photomask - Disclosed herein is a method of correcting defects in photomasks. According to one embodiment, a light absorption layer is formed on a photomask where pin hole defects occur in a light blocking layer, and light absorption patterns are formed on the pin hole defect portions by selectively etching the light absorption layer. According to another embodiment, a light absorption layer is formed on a backside of a photomask having pin hole defects in a light blocking layer, and light absorption patterns are formed on the backside of the photomask substrate corresponding to a region having pin hole defects by etching the light absorption layer. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098471 | MASK FOR SEQUENTIAL LATERAL SOLIDIFICATION LASER CRYSTALLIZATION - A mask suitable for SLS laser crystallization includes a transparent substrate with a mask pattern thereon. The mask pattern includes a first region pattern and a second region pattern in mirror symmetry. When a laser beam irradiates on the mask to form a scanning region, the area of the scanning region is smaller than that of the mask pattern. The area of the mask pattern is larger than that of the scanning region of the laser beam. When the laser crystallization process is performed along a first direction, only a partial region on the mask is selected. When the laser crystallization process is performed along a second direction, the other region on the mask is then selected. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098472 | Pattern Evaluation Method - In a pattern evaluation method of determining whether a pattern formed on a photomask is acceptable, an aberration parameter of an image quality evaluation apparatus for determining a pattern image intensity in transferring a pattern formed on a photomask onto a wafer is acquired. An acceptance criterion value used in determining whether an abnormal pattern of the photomask including the effect of aberration of the image quality evaluation apparatus is acceptable is set through a lithographic simulation using the acquired aberration parameter. Then, using the image quality evaluation apparatus, an image intensity of the abnormal pattern of the photomask and an image intensity of a normal pattern corresponding to the abnormal pattern are obtained. It is determined whether the difference between the two acquired image intensities is within the set acceptance criterion value. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098473 | Photomask, method of lithography, and method for manufacturing the photomask - A photomask has a monitoring pattern configured to obtain information required for adjusting optical system of a projection lithography tool. The monitoring pattern encompasses a mask substrate and an asymmetrical diffraction grating delineated on the mask substrate, configured to generate a positive first order diffracted light and a negative first order diffracted light in different diffraction efficiencies. The asymmetrical diffraction grating includes a plurality of probing-phase shifters, disposed periodically on the mask substrate in parallel, and a plurality of opaque strips disposed on light-shielding faces of the probing-phase shifters. An asymmetrically recessed ridge implements each of the probing-phase shifters. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098474 | ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC PHOTORECEPTOR CONTAINING NAPHTHALENETETRACARBOXYLIC ACID DIIMIDE DERIVATIVES AS ELECTRON TRANSPORT MATERIALS IN A CHARGE TRANSPORTING LAYER AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - A laminated type electrophotographic photoreceptor including an electrically conductive substrate and a charge generating layer and a charge transporting layer disposed on the electrically conductive substrate, wherein the charge transporting layer includes a naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid diimide derivative represented by Formula 1 below, and an electrophotographic imaging apparatus including the electrophotographic photoreceptor | 2009-04-16 |
20090098475 | TONER, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, TWO-COMPONENT DEVELOPER, DEVELOPING DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - There are provided a toner, a method of manufacturing the toner, a two-component developer, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus, which are excellent in a charge rising property, environmental stability, and life stability during printing and which cause less fogging. The toner contains a core particle containing binder resin and colorant, and a coating layer which contains resin and a charge control agent and is formed on a surface of the core particle. At least a part of the resin contained in the coating layer is melt-bonded to the core particle, and the charge control agent is dispersed and immobilized in the coating layer. The dispersed charge control agent has a dispersion diameter of less than 1 μm. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098476 | Black Toners Containing Infrared Transmissive - A toner formulation is disclosed comprising a binder, an IR absorbing colorant, and one or more infrared transmissive colorants, wherein the colorants are configured to provide a low reflectivity in the visible region of the spectrum and an intermediate reflectivity in the near infrared region of the spectrum when the toner is printed and fused onto paper. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098477 | Black Toners Containing Infrared Transmissive And Reflecting Colorants - A toner formulation is disclosed comprising a binder and an IR absorbing black pigment at a concentration of 0.25-2.0% by weight, including one or more infrared transmissive pigments, wherein the infrared transmissive pigments are configured to provide a black color. Such toner formulation may provide a response to a toner patch sensor to indicate a mass per unit area of 0.1-1.5 mg/cm | 2009-04-16 |
20090098478 | Method of manufacturing multi-layer circuit board - A method of manufacturing a multi-layer circuit layer is provided. One example method includes the steps of: preparing an upper substrate and a lower substrate, wherein each of the upper and lower substrates includes a carrier layer and a seed layer, which are detachably connected to each other; forming circuits including first circuit patterns on the upper substrate and second circuit patterns on the lower substrate by plating on the seed layer; preparing a core substrate, wherein circuit patterns comprising a conductive material are formed on the core substrate; coupling the upper substrate, the core substrate, and the lower substrate by interposing adhesive members; detaching the carrier layer from the seed layer; etching the seed layer, wherein the seed layer is removed; and electrically connecting the first circuit patterns and the second circuit patterns to the third circuit patterns, respectively. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098479 | EXPOSURE METHOD AND TOOL - A method for forming a regularly repeating pattern on to a substrate comprising the steps of: applying a resist on a surface of a substrate to be processed; imprinting on the applied resist a pattern formed by exposing it to a beam of ultra violet (‘UV’) light, which has been caused to pass through a suitable mask delineating the pattern and then trough a focusing lens on to the resist, so as to cause chemical changes in the resist which makes it more or less soluble in a suitable developer solution; the imprinting step being carried out: in a repetitive series of discrete exposure steps using a mask held stationery with respect to the beam and the lens that represents only a small area of the total area of the substrate and using a single short pulse of UV radiation at each step to illuminate the mask, the radiation pulse having such an energy density at the substrate that it is below the threshold value for ablation of the resist; and the series of discrete exposure steps being repeated over the full area of the surface of a substrate, to give a full structure comprising a plurality of pixels, by moving the substrate in a direction parallel to one axis of the structure to be formed on the substrate and activating the pulsed mask illumination light source at the instant that the substrate has moved over a distance equivalent to a complete number of periods of the repeating pattern on the substrate; treating the exposed resist with a developer to cause either exposed regions (for positive resists) or unexposed regions (for negative resists) to be dissolved and subsequently washed away by the developer solution to reveal the pattern formed by the remaining resist; treating the substrate with a suitable chemical etching solution, reactive plasma or abrasive particles that removes the substrate in resist free areas; and removing remaining resist from the substrate with a suitable solvent to leave a finished patterned substrate. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098480 | PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIAL FOR FORMING CONDUCTIVE FILM, CONDUCTIVE FILM, LIGHT TRANSMITTING ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE SHIELDING FILM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - To provide a conductive film forming photosensitive material from which a conductive film having high electromagnetic wave shielding properties and high transparency simultaneously can be manufactured and which is reduced with respect to pressure properties. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098481 | PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIAL FOR FORMING CONDUCTIVE FILM, CONDUCTIVE FILM, LIGHT TRANSMITTING ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE SHIELDING FILM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - To provide a conductive film forming photosensitive material from which a conductive film having high electromagnetic wave shielding properties and high transparency simultaneously can be manufactured and which is reduced with respect to pressure properties. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098482 | METHODS FOR IMAGING AND PROCESSING NEGATIVE-WORKING IMAGEABLE ELEMENTS - An imaged and developed element, such as a lithographic printing plate, is provided by infrared radiation imaging of a negative-working imageable element having an outermost imageable layer that includes a free radically polymerizable component, a free radical initiator composition comprising a diaryliodonium borate, and an infrared radiation absorbing compound. The imageable layer also includes a polymeric binder that is represented by the following Structure (I): | 2009-04-16 |
20090098483 | POSITIVE RESIST COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR FORMING RESIST PATTERN - A positive resist composition and method for forming a resist pattern are provided which enable a resist pattern with excellent shape to be obtained. The resist composition includes a resin component (A) which exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid, an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon irradiation and an organic solvent (S) in which the components (A) and (B) are dissolved, the resin component (A) including a copolymer (A1) containing: a structural unit (a1) having an acetal-type protected group, a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester having a lactone-containing polycyclic group, which is represented by general formula (a2-1) shown below; and a structural unit (a3) derived from an acrylate ester having a polar group-containing aliphatic hydrocarbon group: | 2009-04-16 |
20090098484 | RESIST COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF FORMING RESIST PATTERN - A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid, an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, and a nitrogen-containing organic compound (D1) having a molecular weight of 200 or more, which is represented by general formula (d1) shown below (wherein each of R | 2009-04-16 |
20090098485 | POSITIVE RESIST COMPOSITION AND PATTERN FORMING METHOD USING THE SAME - A positive resist composition, which comprises: (A) a resin having a monocyclic or polycyclic alicyclic hydrocarbon structure, of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under an action of an acid; (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; (C) a resin having a repeating unit represented by formula (C) as defined in the specification; and (D) a solvent, wherein a content of the resin as the component (C) is from 0.1 to 20 mass % based on a solid content of the positive resist composition, and a pattern forming method using the same. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098486 | COMPOSITION FOR FORMING LOWER LAYER FILM AND PATTERN FORMING METHOD - A composition for forming a lower layer film comprises a polymer (A) having a naphthalene derivative structural unit shown by the following formula (1), | 2009-04-16 |
20090098487 | Method of Forming Variable Patterns Using a Reticle - A method of forming a variable pattern across a wafer using a reticle forms a plurality of first patterns on the wafer. The first pattern is repeated across the wafer and each first pattern has a first readable element. The method also forms a plurality of second patterns on the wafer. The second patterns is repeated across the wafer and each second pattern has a second readable element. The second patterns are positioned relative to the first patterns by aligning a first second pattern relative to one portion of a corresponding first pattern and then incrementally misaligning each successive second pattern in a row or a column relative to its corresponding first pattern. Thus, each corresponding first readable element and second readable element form a corresponding variable pattern. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098488 | Thick Film Layers and Methods relating thereto - Thick film layers for a micro-fluid ejection head, micro-fluid ejection heads, and methods for making micro-fluid ejection head and thick film layers. One such thick film layer is derived from a difunctional epoxy component having a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 2500 to about 4000 Daltons, a photoacid generator, an aryl ketone solvent, and an adhesion enhancing component. One such thick film layer has a cross-link density upon curing that increases the dimensional stability of the thick film layer sufficient to provide flow features therein having substantially vertical walls. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098489 | METHOD FOR FORMING RESIST PATTERN - A method for forming a resist pattern that includes the following steps (i) and (ii): (i) a step of forming a first resist layer on a substrate using a positive resist composition, and then conducting selective exposure, thereby forming a latent image of a dense pattern on the first resist layer, and (ii) a step of forming a second resist layer on top of the first resist layer using a negative resist composition, conducting selective exposure, and then developing the first resist layer and the second resist layer simultaneously, thereby exposing a portion of the latent image of the dense pattern, wherein as the negative resist composition, a negative resist composition dissolved in an organic solvent that does not dissolve the first resist layer is used. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098490 | Radiation-Sensitive, Wet Developable Bottom Antireflective Coating Compositions and Their Applications in Semiconductor Manufacturing - The present invention is directed to novel radiation-sensitive, wet developable bottom antireflective coating (DBARC) compositions and their use in semiconductor device manufacturing. The DBARC compositions contain a photoacid generator that produces a photoacid upon exposure to activating radiation. In a photolithographic imaging process, the relatively strong photoacid reduces or eliminates scumming. Further, the relatively large size of the photoacid limits its diffusion through the DBARC, thus minimizing or preventing undercut. The inventive method also limits diffusion of the photoacid by controlling the temperature of the post-exposure baking step. Use of the DBARC compositions with a photoresist in photolithography results in highly resolved features having essentially vertical profiles and no scumming and no undercut, which is critical as microelectronics and semiconductor components become increasingly miniaturized. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098491 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THERMAL DEVELOPMENT - This invention pertains to a method and an apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive element, and particularly to a method and apparatus for controlling vapor and condensate created during thermal treating of the photosensitive element. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098492 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STARTING AND OPERATING A THERMAL ABATEMENT SYSTEM - A flame sensor apparatus for use with a flame heated thermal abatement reactor is provided, including a flame sensor adapted to sense a flame within the thermal abatement reactor; and a shutter adapted to selectively block the transmission of radiation from the flame to the flame sensor. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098493 | Child resistant flint lighter with free wheel - A child resistant flint lighter having a body on which a pair of brackets are formed, a pivotal means being of bar-shaped and installed on the pair of brackets, a free wheel rotatably installed on the pivotal means, a flint wheel covering on the pivotal means, a fixed wheel covering on the pivotal means and fixed with respect to the flint wheel, a flint with respect of which the flint wheel and fixed wheel is able to rotate, and a flint spring pressing the flint on the flint wheel. In this invention, there is only one bar-shaped pivotal means needed in stead of the complex shafts in the conventional lighter. It will significantly reduce the complexity and time of manufacturing and assembling the pivotal means to the lighter. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098494 | Torch having a continuous-flame mode - A hand-held torch includes a housing. A fuel flow path is defined within the housing. A plunger is movable within the housing to control fuel flow through the fuel flow path. An engagement portion is coupled to the plunger. A latching mechanism having at least one claw is movable to engage the engagement portion when the plunger is positioned to allow fuel flow through the fuel flow path. An actuator is coupled to the latching mechanism and exposed for manipulation by a user to move the latching mechanism into engagement with the engagement portion. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098495 | DEVICE FOR LIGHTING BURNERS IN A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE, IN PARTICULAR A COOKING OR BARBECUE RANGE - A device including high voltage generating means accommodated in an electrical insulating casing, spark generating means adapted to be arranged near respective burners of a household appliance to be ignited and electrical connection means between the high voltage generating means and the spark generating means; the high voltage generating means include a single secondary winding of a transformer provided with a single high voltage output contact and a single return contact, connectable to ground; the spark generating means include for each burner a pair of electrodes reciprocally insulated and arranged side-by-side at a predetermined distance such that to allow in use the generation of sparks between the same; the electrical connection means include a single electrical wire connected to a single output of the high voltage generating means connecting in series together all the existing electrode pairs and divided by the electrodes of each pair of a plurality of segments reciprocally and electrically insulated by means of the electrodes of each electrode pair, to form a chain of electrodes coupled two-by-two. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098496 | HEAT EXCHANGER WITH NOX-REDUCING TRIANGLE - A heat exchanger having a frame and a combustion tube mounted to the frame wherein the combustion tube is configured to contain a flame produced from a fuel/air mixture introduced therein, and the combustion tube is configured to exhaust combustion products of the fuel/air mixture, the improvement comprising an insert coupled to the frame and having a longitudinal axis extending along and within the combustion tube wherein the insert has a triangular cross-section normal the longitudinal axis and configured to intersect a periphery of the flame. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger is also provided. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098497 | Method for Preheating Cement Raw Meal, and Device for Carrying Out Said Method - In a method for the preheating of cement raw meal for the production of cement-clinker, in which the cement raw meal is conveyed towards the feed side of a cement clinker kiln ( | 2009-04-16 |
20090098498 | SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING CEMENT CLINKER - The system according to the invention for producing cement clinkers from raw cement mix is composed substantially of a pre-warmer for pre-warming the raw cement mix, a calcination device for pre-calcining the pre-warmed raw cement mix, a sintering kiln for firing the pre-calcined raw cement mix to form cement clinkers, and a cooler for cooling the fired cement clinker. Additionally provided between the cooler and the calcination device is a tertiary air line via which tertiary air is supplied to the calcination device. The calcination device is additionally traversed by the waste gases of the sintering kiln and has a calcining nozzle in its inlet region. Also provided are means for setting the cross section of the calcining nozzle, which means are formed by at least one element which is arranged in a rotatable or pivotable fashion in order to set the cross section and which is exposed to the waste gases of the sintering kiln. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098499 | MAXILLOFACIAL ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCE - A maxillofacial orthotic appliance comprises: a maxilla expander fixed to the maxilla in the mouth of a human and a towed-unit which is connected to the maxilla expander and is towed in an anterior direction from the human. The towed-unit includes: a left wire whose one end is inserted into the left hole of the maxilla expander and the other end is protruding out of the mouth, a right wire whose one end is inserted into the right hole of the maxilla expander and the other end is protruding out of the mouth, a connecting tube provided on the left or right wire and extending in the direction of the distance variation, caused by the maxilla-expander adjusting mechanism, between the left and right contact parts and a connecting wire provided on the other of the left and right wires and inserted into the connecting tube slidably. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098500 | ORTHODONTIC APPARATUS AND DEVICE - An orthodontic apparatus of the type which comprises a dental cover or ferule, characterized in that, in addition to the dental cover, it comprises an elongate element made of flexible material, fixed by one of its ends to the cover, another end of it being free. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098501 | DENTAL RETRACTION DEVICE, METHOD OF PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF - The invention relates to a dental retraction device to be used for retracting the gingiva from a prepared tooth structure, the retraction device having the shape of a cord with a radial (x- and y-direction) and longitudinal direction (z-direction) and comprising an absorbing agent and optionally a retarding agent, wherein the retraction device is able to expand in the radial direction (x- and/or y-direction), but essentially does not expand in the longitudinal direction (z-direction) upon contact with fluid. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098502 | Software and Methods for Dental Treatment Planning - Computer-implemented methods to plan, display and evaluate orthodontic treatment plans. A plurality of teeth in a representation on a computer display may be moved simultaneously in accordance with a mathematically defined pattern. Software tools available to generate the treatment path may include adjusting the smile teeth, moving teeth along a curve fit to points in the mandible, individually moving a tooth, cross sectioning to check for interference and simulations of occlusal points, highlighting teeth that have moved from their original position, making notations on the teeth, and generating and saving animation sequences of before and after treatment tooth positions. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098503 | Foam-generating, hardening compositions for forming impressions of surfaces and impression trays for use therewith - Foam-generating, hardening composition for making impressions of biological surfaces include A at least one impression material based on
| 2009-04-16 |
20090098504 | Periodontal pocket depth recorder - A periodontal probe to measure and record periodontal pocket depths easily and economically by one person. The pocket depths are measured by reading markings inscribed onto the head of the instrument and data is entered into the probe via a rotary switch and an integrated pushbutton switch. The data is displayed on the probe for visual feedback. The probe also includes voice for audio feedback and commands to guide the operator through dental examination. Upon completion of dental examination, the probe is placed in a docking station and data is transferred to a Personal Computer (PC) for analysis. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098505 | PROPHY ANGLE WITH TRANSLATING PADDLE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR METERED DISPENSING OF A PROPHYLAXIS MEDIUM WITH TACTILE AND AURAL FEEDBACK - A disposable prophy angle with an accessible and replaceable internal collapsible prophylaxis bladder and a push button and plunger/paddle combination to force a metered amount of prophylaxis medium into the prophy angle while providing audible and/or tactile feedback. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098506 | Shower head attachment for mixing liquids use to clean teeth - A valve for adjusting the flow of water through an oral irrigation device is connected to a shower head by a flexible conduit. The valve is located on a handle connected to a water-dispensing pick for cleaning teeth and gums. Mixing apparatus is provided for injecting a secondary fluid, such as a mouthwash, into the flexible conduit upstream from the pick in a direct stream from the shower head. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098507 | Ultrasonic Handpiece - An ultrasonic handpiece, in particular for dental and medical applications, has a drive unit for moving a tool via a coupling head. A supply device for abrasive working fluid comprises a flexible tube, one end of which is connected to a supply duct running in the drive unit and the discharge end of which is positioned in a guiding bore of clip-like design of the coupling head. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098508 | Deconstricting airway devices - An intraoral airway having opposing trays with a soft lining or cushion to grip the maxillary and mandibular dental arches of a patient with a fixed relationship in such a manner as to gently open the mouth and thrust the mandibular component slightly forward thereby opening the oral cavity and hypopharynx for air/gas passage that is easily tolerated by fully awake patients/users as well as by sedated, anesthetized or obtunded patients. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098509 | Dental tooth extraction implement and method thereof - This application relates to the field of Dentistry, and in more particular to the atraumatic extraction of teeth. The instant invention is a wedge-shaped extraction rod to be inserted into a pre-drilled root. With a wider than thick configuration, the wedge-shaped rod allows the controlled introduction of both clockwise and counterclockwise torque around the vertical axis of the root to induce dislodgment from the natural socket seating, before the subsequent vertical removal of the root. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098510 | DENTAL IMPLANT AND PROSTHETIC DEVICE PREPARATION KIT - A preparation kit for preparing dental prosthetic devices in-house at the site of a dental procedure, without requiring an external third-party lab to prepare the final prosthetic device. The kit contains a porous block, a thermoset polymeric resin, and an initiator, where the resin and initiator are both packaged in substantially airtight and substantially opaque packaging. The resin and initiator are combined together to form a resin mixture which is then infiltrated into the pores of the porous block to form an esthetic material. A digital scan of at least a portion of a patient's jaw is used to provide the desired shape of the dental device to a cutting mechanism, which then cuts the filled or un-filled porous block based on the shape provided to it from the digital scan. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098511 | METHOD OF MAKING A DENTAL IMPLANT AND PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A method of preparing a dental implant and prosthetic device in-house at the site of a dental procedure from a preparation kit, without requiring an external third-party lab to prepare the final prosthetic device. The kit contains a porous block, a thermoset polymeric resin, and an initiator, where the resin and initiator are both packaged in substantially airtight and substantially opaque packaging. The resin and initiator are combined together to form a resin mixture which is then infiltrated into the pores of the porous block to form an esthetic material. A digital scan of at least a portion of a patient's jaw is used to provide the desired shape of the dental device to a cutting mechanism, which then cuts the filled or un-filled porous block based on the shape provided to it from the digital scan. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098512 | METHOD FOR ARRANGING A BRIDGE IN A SET OF TEETH AND A BRIDGE FOR APPLICATION IN THAT METHOD - Method for arranging a bridge ( | 2009-04-16 |
20090098513 | Coping material for prosthetic tooth crown with bio gold strip mechanically bonded at the lower brim thereof - A coping material for a prosthetic crown is provided. The coping material according to current application is comprised of two portions which are mechanically bonded each other. The first portion is the main coping portion that is located beneath of the enamel layer of a crown. The first portion is made from, including but not limited to, common metal and/or portion fused gold (PFG). The second is the portion which makes contact with gum tissue. That portion surrounds the brim of the bottom of the coping for 360 degrees. The gum contacting portion is comprised of bio-gold that is mechanically bonded to the main coping portion. Centrifuging of molten bio-gold technology is applied for mechanical bonding of the two portions. Electronic forming technology is also applied for mechanical bonding. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098514 | THREE PART DENTAL BONDING COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE - Three part bonding compositions that include an etching solution, a preparative solution, and a curable composition, as well as packaged products and methods of use for the treatment of bone substrate, i.e., teeth, are described. The etch solutions generally include an inorganic acid, an organic acid, an ethylenically unsaturated functional monomer and, optionally a solvent, and water. The preparative solutions generally include an ethylenically unsaturated functional monomer, at least one polyethylenically unsaturated functional crosslinking monomer, a photo initiator, and at least one solvent. The curable composites include reactive monomers and crosslinking agents that are effective to adhere to the surface of the treated substrate. The methods of the invention provide the ability to modify a bone or bone-like surface so that the curable composition, such as an adhesive resin, can be used in combination with a restorative material. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098515 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED REWARD-BASED LEARNING USING NONLINEAR DIMENSIONALITY REDUCTION - The present invention is a method and an apparatus for reward-based learning of policies for managing or controlling a system or plant. In one embodiment, a method for reward-based learning includes receiving a set of one or more exemplars, where at least two of the exemplars comprise a (state, action) pair for a system, and at least one of the exemplars includes an immediate reward responsive to a (state, action) pair. A distance measure between pairs of exemplars is used to compute a Non-Linear Dimensionality Reduction (NLDR) mapping of (state, action) pairs into a lower-dimensional representation. The mapping is then applied to the set of exemplars, and reward-based learning is applied to the transformed exemplars to obtain a management policy. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098516 | Interactive grammar teaching methods and system therefor - Interactive grammar teaching methods and apparatus are presented. Grammar lessons, grammar sentences, grammar exercises, and grammar tests are stored in respective repositories. Based on queries, grammar lessons are produced, and grammar exercises and tests are generated. A feedback generator receives completed grammar exercises and tests, tabulates expected answer and received answer pairs for each question. Grammar lessons may be recalled during an exercise. Test results may further be sorted by grammar lesson. Grammar lessons or lesson specific grammar exercises or tests are produced in respect of questions answered incorrectly or in respect of lessons in respect of which the level of proficiency demonstrated in a received completed grammar test is found below a desired level of proficiency. A combination of all grammar lessons and a list of grammar lessons produced, and a list of received completed grammar exercises and tests are compiled into a grammar manual and workbook. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098517 | INTERACTIVE LANGUAGE APPARATUS - Disclosed is an interactive educational apparatus, ideally suitable for children. A set of symbol pieces, preferably in the form of letter blocks are provided. An interface board is provided for accommodating one or more selected symbol pieces and a sensor on said interface board generates a signal identifying each symbol piece when placed on said interface board. Media files are stored on a storage medium and each media file has an associated tag. A processor is programmed to match a search key represented by one or more selected symbol pieces with said tags. A display device displays one or more media files having identifier tags matching said search key represented by said selected symbol pieces. These identifier tags provide a means to match up the media files with each search key generated by placement of the symbol pieces on the interface board. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098518 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTIVITY THINKING CODE LEVEL EVALUATION - A system and method are provided for identifying ranges of scores in thinking areas that are indicative of individuals that perform at top levels. A position within an organization is identified. One or more individuals are identified as people that perform at a top level in that position. Each of the identified individuals is evaluated against a full time equivalent at the position. Each of the identified individuals is also scored in particular thinking areas. In some embodiments, the scores are based on the answers given by the identified individuals to a questionnaire. Characteristics of various workers are prioritized as to their desirability in a person performing the functions of the identified position. Based on the scores in particular thinking areas for the identified individuals, the full time equivalent evaluations for the identified individuals, and the prioritization of worker characteristics, a determination is made of ranges of scores in at least one of the thinking areas that are characteristic of persons who perform at top levels in the identified position. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098519 | Device and method for employment of video games to provide physical and occupational therapy and measuring and monitoring motor movements and cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation - A device and method for providing physical, occupational, or cognitive therapy to patients which employs video game software manipulated by a game controller and running on a central processing unit such as a computer or video game console. The device and method take advantage of the wide familiarity of patients with the manipulation of game controllers to operate widely sold and popular video games to provide immediate familiarity with the system operation. An interface and software are employed along with body engageable movement tracking components to change the required controller manipulations by the user in the game, to elicit movements predetermined to provide the therapy for the user. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098520 | DRESSAGE FLEXION AND EXTENSION TRAINING DEVICE AND METHOD - An efficient and economical dressage training device and method that teaches dressage riders proper hip and elbow flexion and extension instinctively establishing muscle memory patterns in the rider. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098521 | TISSUE MIMICKING PHANTOM - A tissue mimicking phantom is disclosed, in which the tissue-mimicking phantom comprises: at least an upper gelatin layer, each configured with at least a sunken area; at least a lower gelatin layer, each disposed beneath the at least one upper gelatin layer while being configured with at least a microchannel network having blood-mimicking fluid flowing therein; and at least a micro-heater. By the use of the sunken area of the at least one upper gelatin layer to simulate shapes and depths of different trauma wounds, the healing of anyone of the trauma wounds can be accessed clinically through a physical properties test while subjecting the trauma wound under different negative pressures and different dressings. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098522 | System for Simulation and Teaching Medical Care - The present invention is a system and method for simulating portable medical diagnostic instrument where an instructor interface is configured to communicate simulated medical information to simulated portable medical diagnostic instrument for teaching purposes to allow a trainee to read the simulated information on the simulated medical diagnostic instrument in a simulated real life environment. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098523 | Punched Key and Pictorial Code for Identifying True Choice in a Multiple Choice Questions - An answer key for use in answering multiple-choice questions is configured to provide immediate feedback to an examinee as to whether correct response has been made for each question. The key comprises a substrate having a plurality of similar geometric shaped holes and at least one geometric shaped hole being different in characteristic to said plurality of similar geometric shaped holes. Under each multiple question a line coded is printed comprising a plurality of similar shaped drawings and at least one shaped drawing which are arranged in X row. The at least one shaped drawing is shaped differently from said plurality of similar shaped drawings, wherein one of the similar shaped drawings corresponds to said correct response. The correct response is identified by placing the answer key on the coded line. | 2009-04-16 |
20090098524 | Internet-based Pedagogical and Andragogical Method and System Using Virtual Reality - An interactive system and methods of instruction and administration using virtual reality or other technology to create a simulated learning environment of multi-dimensional graphical representations of participants, who interact through individual and collaborative, task-based exercises, via an artificial intelligence engine utilizing an input/output arrangement over a network such as the Internet. This system facilitates synchronous or asynchronous, individual or group instruction to anyone with access to the Internet, measures the efficacy and retention of instruction, and automates faculty processes of grading, scheduled postings, feedback, generating quantitative and qualitative reports, generating adaptive lessons that adjust to participant input, and the like, with exportable and importable academic, financial, and demographic data to address the needs of faculty, administrative staff, including registrars, admissions officers, and counselors, as well as other interested parties such as parents and guardians. | 2009-04-16 |