| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07684166B2 |
Surge voltage protection device with improved disconnection and visual indication means
A device for protecting an electrical system against surge voltages, comprising one or more protection components (10), means (20) for disconnecting the protection component (10) and means (30) for visually indicating the state of the component (10), operationally connected to the disconnection means (20) and comprising at least one control part (40) and at least one means (50) for indicating the state of the protection component (10), combined with the control part (40), whereby the relative arrangement of the control part (40) and the disconnection means (20) is such that, when the disconnection means are opened (20), the disconnection means release the control part (40), thereby allowing the control part to move. |
| US07684149B2 |
Magnetic head and magnetic disk storage apparatus mounting the same
Embodiments of the invention provide a magnetic head which assures an improved format efficiency without increase in the magnetic field intensity applied at a read element. In one embodiment, a magnetic head incorporates a write head having a main pole and an auxiliary pole, and a read head having a read element between reader shields. An auxiliary shield as a magnetic body is provided between the main pole and reader shields or on the opposite side of the main pole with the reader shields between the main pole and the auxiliary shield. |
| US07684148B2 |
Magnetic head with a conductive underlayer above substrate
A magnetic head includes a wafer substrate and a conductive underlayer formed directly on the substrate. An insulating layer is formed above the conductive layer. A reader and/or writer thereof is formed above the insulating layer. Another magnetic head includes a substrate and an insulating underlayer formed above the substrate. A conductive underlayer is formed above the insulating underlayer. An insulating layer is formed above the conductive underlayer. At least one device is formed above the insulating layer, the at least one device being selected from a group consisting of readers, writers, and combinations thereof. Tape drive systems and methods for forming such heads are also presented. |
| US07684146B1 |
Hermetic seal for a spindle motor of a disk drive
A hermetic seal is provided for sealing discrete openings in a disk drive, such as an opening made in a base plate of the drive for a spindle motor shaft and openings made in the base plate for spindle motor lead wires. The hermetic seal for the spindle motor shaft comprises an undercut made in the portion of the spindle shaft that is secured to the base plate, and an epoxy material fills the gap between the surface defining the opening and the undercut made in the spindle motor shaft. Epoxy is also used to seal the openings made for the motor lead wires. The invention also comprises the method by which the base plate casting may be sealed by a two-time resin impregnation process which fills exposed pores on the surfaces of the castings. |
| US07684144B1 |
Multi-rate tracking with a multi-actuator servo control
In a method of multi-rate tracking with a multi-actuator servo control, a track position error is sampled at an asynchronous sample rate for operating a first actuator. The track position error is also sampled at a synchronous sample rate for operating a second actuator. The sampling from the synchronous sample rate is utilized to reduce a delay associated with the sampling at the asynchronous sample rate. |
| US07684142B2 |
Disk device, positioning control circuit and information processing apparatus using same
A disk device has a positioning control system which has a disturbance suppression function in which the disturbance is suppressed quickly to prevent vibration of the head. In a positioning system having a disturbance suppression function of a disk device, an interface circuit for setting a known disturbance frequency to an initial value from the outside is installed. An unknown disturbance frequency can be immediately suppressed, or disturbance frequency control can be started from a known disturbance frequency, and even if the frequency changes thereafter, the estimated frequency can follow up to the disturbance, and the vibration of the head can be quickly prevented. |
| US07684139B2 |
Read channel apparatus for asynchronous sampling and synchronous equalization
A read channel and method using that read channel are disclosed. The read channel comprises an analog to digital converter which asynchronously samples at a fixed rate an analog signal formed by reading a data track, where that data track was written to a data storage medium at a symbol rate and an interpolator interconnected with the analog to digital converter. The read channel further comprises a fractionally-spaced equalizer, where the interpolator provides an interpolated signal to the fractionally-spaced equalizer at an interpolation rate, where that interpolation rate is greater than the symbol rate. The fractionally-spaced equalizer forms a synchronous equalized signal. The read channel further comprises a gain control module interconnected with the fractionally-spaced equalizer, and a sequence detector interconnected with the gain control module. |
| US07684138B2 |
Magnetic disk drive, method for registering defective sector, and method for controlling flying height
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to detecting a micro-relief that exists on surfaces of a magnetic disk. A phase or frequency of a read signal obtained when data written to a minute projection or a minute concavity on a recording surface of a magnetic disk is read out, differs from that of a read signal obtained when data written to a flat recording surface is read out. The phase progresses in the minute projection, whereas the phase is delayed in the minute concavity. A micro-relief is detected by measuring a deviation value of this frequency, and then defect registration is performed. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are configured to detect a minute projection whose level does not cause TA. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also be configured to provide a highly reliable magnetic disk drive by controlling the flying height in response to a state of a minute projection and that of a minute concavity. |
| US07684134B2 |
Microscope objectives
A confocal microscope lens arrangement is provided. The confocal microscope lens arrangement includes a lens assembly housing which has a lens assembly, and an exterior housing including a distal end and a proximal end. The exterior housing is configured to allow the lens assembly housing to be placed therein, and translated between the proximal end and the distal end of the exterior housing to focus the lens assembly. The exterior housing has an aperture formed through a distal end thereof. The arrangement also includes an immersion media filling the volume of area between the exterior housing and the lens assembly housing. |
| US07684132B2 |
Lens barrel, method for fixing lens, and working apparatus for fixing lens
A third holding barrel is set to a stationary work holder, and a lens frame holding an eighth lens group is set to a movable work holder. The movable work holder is moved to insert the lens frame inside the third holding barrel. In this state, a chart image through the eighth lens group is projected on a screen. While checking the center and clarity of the projected image on the screen, position of the eighth lens group is adjusted. After the position adjustment, an adhesive is injected through openings of the third holding barrel by an injector, thereby fixing the lens frame to the third holding barrel. |
| US07684122B2 |
Zoom lens and imaging system using the same
The invention relates to a zoom lens that enables an optical path to be easily bent by a reflecting optical element, has a wide-angle design and high optical performance as represented by a high zoom ratio of about 3.4, is extremely slimmed down in the depth direction, and costs less. The zoom lens comprises a positive first lens group G1, a negative second lens group G2, a positive third lens group G3, a positive fourth lens group G4 and a negative fifth lens group G5. Upon zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lens group G1 remains substantially fixed with respect to an image plane I, and at least the second G2 and the fourth lens group G4 move. The first lens group G1 includes a reflecting optical element for bending the optical path involved, and a portion of the first lens group G1 on an object side with respect to the reflecting surface has negative refracting power. The zoom lens satisfies condition (1) with respect to the focal length of the fifth lens group G5. |
| US07684121B2 |
Variable focal length lens and lens module with the same
A variable focal length lens includes a deformable lens body and at least one lens deforming device arranged around the lens body configured for radially deforming the lens body so as to adjust an effective focal length associated with the lens body. A lens module with the variable focal length lens is provided in the present invention. The lens module can auto focus and zoom without requiring an actuator. |
| US07684115B2 |
Telescope with variable magnification
A description is given of a telescopic sight with variable magnification, comprising a fixed objective and first image plane assigned thereto, a variable system with second image plane assigned thereto, and a fixed eyepiece for viewing the second image plane and that has a stop in the vicinity of the first image plane whose aperture diameter can be varied as a function of the magnification of the variable system in order to suppress scattered and/or false light. |
| US07684113B2 |
Imaging device including an optical member having a water-repellent or water/oil-repellent coating, an antireflection coating, an infrared-cutting glass, and a lowpass filter in this order from the side of the lens
An imaging apparatus comprising an optical member in an optical path from a lens to an imaging device, said optical member comprising a water-repellent or water/oil-repellent coating, a first antireflection coating, an infrared-cutting glass, a lowpass filter, and an infrared-cutting coating in this order from the side of said lens. |
| US07684107B2 |
Internal optical isolation structure for integrated front or back lighting
An optical isolation structure is incorporated into a display between the display elements and the transparent substrate for the display elements. The optical isolation structure reflects light rays within the substrate that impact the structure at high angles relative to normal to the structure, thereby permitting the substrate to be used as an integrated light guide for distributing light over the display from a light source on the edge of the substrate. The optical isolation structure may include a single layer having an index of refraction less than the substrate or a plurality of thin-film interference layers. |
| US07684106B2 |
Compatible MEMS switch architecture
A method of fabricating a display device includes forming a switch and forming a plurality of display elements in parallel electrical communication with the switch. The switch includes an electrode, a first contact, and a second contact. The switch is responsive to voltages applied to the electrode to selectively place the first contact and the second contact in communication with one another. Forming the switch includes a first set of patterning steps. Forming the plurality of display elements includes a second set of patterning steps. The second set of patterning steps includes the first set of patterning steps. |
| US07684105B2 |
Microblinds and a method of fabrication thereof
A microblind system has an array of overhanging stressed microblinds, each having an anchor portion attached a substrate and a mobile portion. The microblinds are responsive to electrostatic forces to mutate between a deployed configuration wherein the mobile portion obscure the substrate and a curled configuration wherein the mobile portion exposes the substrate. A transparent conductive layer permits the application of an electric field to the microblinds. |
| US07684102B2 |
Oscillator device and image forming apparatus using the same
An oscillator device includes a supporting base plate, a supporting member, a movable plate supported by the supporting member for oscillating motion relative to the supporting base plate, a first functional device having a first function, a second functional device having a second function, a first wiring connected to the first functional device and formed on a first surface of the supporting member, and a second wiring connected to the second functional device and formed on a second surface of the supporting member different from the first surface thereof where the first wiring is formed, such that the width of the wirings on the supporting member can be made wide. |
| US07684101B2 |
Micro-electromechanical microshutter array
A microshutter array has a frame having a light transmissive portion. Linear microshutter elements extend across the light transmissive portion and in parallel to each other. Each microshutter element has a flat blade extended in a length direction and first and second torsion arms extending outwards from each side of the blade in the length direction, the blade extending across the light transmissive portion. There is at least one electrode associated with each linear microshutter element and extended in the length direction parallel to the microshutter element. |
| US07684100B2 |
Optical-element holding device, method of adjusting shape of optical element, optical-element shape adjusting device, method of correcting scanning line variation, optical scanning device, and image forming apparatus
An optical-element holding device includes an elastic member that presses an optical element with an elastic force in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis of the optical element and orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the optical element, and a support member that forms a pair with the elastic member and supports the optical element against a pressing force of the elastic member. At least three pairs of the elastic member and the support member are provided. |
| US07684097B2 |
Recording apparatus and phase modulation device
A recording apparatus performing at least recording with respect to a hologram recording medium is disclosed. The recording medium includes: a light emitting means for emitting light to be radiated with respect to the hologram recording medium set at a prescribed position; a spatial light modulation means configured to be able to generate reference light and signal light to be radiated to the hologram recording medium by performing light intensity modulation to incident light in the unit of pixels; a phase modulation means for performing phase modulation to radiated light from the spatial light modulation means; and an optical system configured to guide light emitted from the light emitting means with respect to the hologram recording medium through the spatial modulation means and the phase modulation means. |
| US07684095B2 |
Scanning apparatus having an ultraviolet light source
A scanning apparatus includes a scan bar configured to generate image data to reproduce a document scanned by the scanning apparatus. The scan bar includes a light source and a plurality of light sensors. The light source and the plurality of light sensors define at least one ultraviolet light channel and at least one visible light channel. The light source may emit visible light and ultraviolet light. The plurality of light sensors may be configured to allow the scanning apparatus to distinguish between the visible light and the ultraviolet light. |
| US07684093B2 |
Image reading apparatus and copying apparatus
An image reading apparatus for reading images on original documents, including: a first reading section to read the images on the original documents; a second reading section to read the images on the original documents at a position downstream of a reading position of the first reading section, in a transporting direction of the original documents; and a controller; wherein, the controller controls in such a way that: the first reading section and the second reading section alternately read images on multiple original documents sequentially from document to document; and when an original document is transported to the reading position of the second reading section without an image on the original document being read by the first reading section, a transporting speed of the original document is higher than a transporting speed while the image on the original document being read. |
| US07684092B2 |
Electro-optical device and writing circuit of electro-optical device
There is provided a writing circuit of an electro-optical device having a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixels disposed to correspond to intersections between the plurality of scanning lines and the plurality of data lines. Here, each pixel comprises: a pixel capacitor having a pixel electrode and a common electrode opposed to the pixel electrode; and a switching element for electrically connecting the corresponding data line to the pixel electrode when the corresponding scanning line is selected. The writing circuit comprises an inversion circuit for maintaining a voltage between a potential of the data line and a predetermined potential for a predetermined time, and inverting the maintained voltage with respect to a reference potential and applying the inverted voltage to the data line after the lapse of the predetermined time, in a period of time when one scanning line of the plurality of scanning lines is selected. |
| US07684091B2 |
Image reading apparatus and image reading method
Reference images on the respective surfaces of a reference document transported on a transportation path are read out by a first image reading section and a second image reading section, respectively. As a result a first reference readout image and a second reference readout image are acquired. in accordance with the difference between the changes in the sub-scanning direction in the first reference readout image and the changes in the sub-scanning direction in the second reference readout image, the reading cycle of the first image reading section X1 and the reading cycle of the second image reading section X2 are set. This makes it possible to equalize the magnifications of the respective images on the front and back sides of the document, even if the speeds of the document at the times of passing through readout positions for the front and back sides change over time, on account of the wear of a transportation roller. |
| US07684087B2 |
Bitmapped based trapping
A bitmap based trapping method that extends the dot pattern of a lighter color into a darker color is disclosed. For selected pixels with the darker color and not the lighter color, correspondingly located pixels in neighboring halftone cells are identified. If any of these correspondingly located pixels contains the lighter color and not the darker color, the lighter pixel is added to the selected pixels. |
| US07684083B2 |
Systems and methods for enhancing images produced in image forming devices with background adjustment materials deposited based on characteristic of image receiving medium
An image forming device is provided that facilitates enhanced image on an output image receiving medium based on one or more sensed or user-input characteristics of the output image receiving medium. A very light uniform toner dust layer is distributed over an entire page to be printed (including image and non-image areas), or in intended non-image areas particularly along edges of a lightweight output image receiving medium. A programmable selection of a color or other parameters of toner dusting, from a plurality of choices, is undertaken such that toner presence in non-image areas is not visually perceptible. The system may effectively print over a variety of background colors. An effective and simple user interface provides an option to the user to choose appropriate low perceptibility toner color so that a relatively higher level of the chosen color may be deposited without crossing a perceptibility threshold. |
| US07684079B2 |
Image forming apparatus and its control method
An image forming engine has color shifting amount storage units C, M, Y, and K (black) which store actual shifting amounts relative to ideal scan directions on image carriers C, M, Y, and K in image forming units C, M, Y, and K. Color shifting correction amount arithmetic units calculate color shifting correction amounts for respective color components to base on the stored color shifting amounts. Color shifting correction units C, M, Y, and K perform color shifting correction by converting coordinates upon reading out image data from bitmap memories C, M, Y, and K on the basis of the calculated color shifting correction amounts, and then perform tone correction. Data after tone correction undergo halftone processing by halftone processors. C, M, Y, and K to suppress moire. PWM processors C, M, Y, and K generate PWM signals for scanning, and output them to exposure units C, M, Y, and K of the respective image forming units. |
| US07684078B2 |
Image forming apparatus
If an edge of a sheet metal of an image forming apparatus damages an electric cable, the image signal is distorted and a correct image is not formed since the damage causes feeding failure and signal deterioration. This is remarkable in the conventional digital electrophotographic apparatus, since the drive signal to drive a laser or a light emitting diode (LED) for exposing the photosensitive body becomes higher in frequency as resolution and speed are increased and tends to generate the electric noise. In order to prevent damage of an electric cable by a metal frame, an apparatus having a holder for holding a feed cable is provided. |
| US07684074B2 |
Methods and systems for imaging device metadata management
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for imaging device file metadata management. |
| US07684066B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for controlling printing operations to a plurality of printers, and a program for implementing the control method
The print schedules of a plurality of printers are managed. Status data of the plurality of printers are monitored. When any failure has occurred in a printer that serves as an output destination of print data as a result of monitoring, an alternative printer that executes alternative print processing of the print data is selected with reference to the managed print schedules. It is determined based on printer information of the selected alternative printer and the print schedule of the print data in the printer that has caused the failure whether or not the alternative print processing by the selected alternative printer is to be executed. The alternative print processing is executed based on the determination result. |
| US07684062B2 |
Information processing apparatus, device setting method, and computer-readable memory storing device driver program therein
To provide a print set picture plane which can be easily used and understood by the user, in order to realize a technique for enabling a print setup in another set picture plane to be easily recognized, there is provided an information processing apparatus which is connected to an external device and performs a setup to control the external device by using a plurality of set sheets. In an arbitrary set sheet, various set items are set and a window to visually express the set contents which were set is switched to a window of another set sheet. |
| US07684059B2 |
Device for determining the position of an object movable along at least one displacement direction
A device for determining the position of an object that is movable along at least one displacement direction, the or each displacement direction having assigned to it one length measuring device for measuring the position of the object along the respective spatial direction, includes: at least one scale extending along a displacement direction of the object to be measured as a first component of the respective length measuring device; a scanning head for scanning the scale as a second component of the respective length measuring device such that a change in the position of the scale with respect to the scanning head along the associated displacement direction of the object to be measured is measurable, one of the two components of the respective length measuring device being moved together with the object to be measured along the respective displacement direction when the latter is moved; and a device for determining the distance of the component of the respective length measuring device, which is movable together with the object to be measured, from the object to be measured along the measuring direction of the associated length measuring device.The device for determining the distance of the component of the respective length measuring device, which is movable together with the object to be measured, from the object to be measured includes a measuring graduation as a first module and an associated measuring head as a second module, one of the two modules being provided on the object to be measured and the other of the two modules being provided on the component of the length measuring device that is movable together with the object to be measured. |
| US07684057B2 |
Linear measurement apparatus
A linear measurement apparatus includes a measuring unit including at least one first noncontact distance measuring sensor and one second noncontact distance measuring sensor supported at a frame and aligned on opposite sides of a measured object. The measuring unit measures a plurality of first gap distances to a plurality of first object positions in a plurality of parallel first measurement lines and a plurality of second gap distances to a plurality of second object positions in a plurality of parallel second measurement lines. A distance calculator calculates a plurality of candidate object lengths on the basis of the first and second gap distances, each candidate object length being a distance between one of the first object positions and one of the second object positions. A maximum selector selects a maximum object length from among the plurality of candidate object lengths. |
| US07684056B2 |
Light detecting method and light detecting apparatus
A light detecting method and apparatus wherein non-projection imaging operation of a predetermined range is carried out once within a non-projection imaging operation time thereby to obtain background information. During a remaining time after the non-projection imaging operation, light is radiated. At least two imaging operations of a predetermined range are performed thereby to acquire projection information. Information on the radiated light is extracted based on the background information and the projection information. Accordingly, the dead time that may occur before extraction of reflected light can be suppressed. |
| US07684053B2 |
Optical displacement sensor and distance measuring apparatus
An optical displacement sensor for measuring distance or surface displacement of an object by surface profile scanning includes an optical source, a first optical detector and a second optical detector. The optical source is located intermediate the first and second optical detectors. The first and second optical detectors are arranged to collect light emitted by the optical source when scattered by and/or reflected from the object. |
| US07684050B2 |
Shape measuring apparatus, shape measuring method, and exposure apparatus
A shape measuring method for measuring a surface shape of a measurement target includes dividing light from a light source into measurement light and reference light, the measurement light being obliquely incident upon a surface of the measurement target, the reference light being incident upon a reference mirror, introducing the measurement light reflected by the measurement target and the reference light reflected by the reference mirror to a photoelectric conversion element, detecting interference light formed by the measurement light and the reference light by the photoelectric conversion element while moving the measurement target, and measuring the surface shape of the measurement target based on an interference signal obtained from the measurement light that has been reflected at the same position on the surface of the measurement target. |
| US07684049B2 |
Interferometer and method for measuring characteristics of optically unresolved surface features
Disclosed is an interferometry analysis method that includes comparing information derivable from multiple interferometry signals corresponding to different surface locations of a test object to information corresponding to multiple models of the test object, wherein the multiple models are parameterized by a series of characteristics that relate to one or more under-resolved lateral features of the test object; and outputting information about the under-resolved surface feature based on the comparison. |
| US07684046B2 |
Method and apparatus for bandwidth measurement and bandwidth parameter calculation for laser light
A bandwidth meter method and apparatus for measuring the bandwidth of a spectrum of light emitted from a laser input to the bandwidth meter is disclosed, which may comprise an optical bandwidth monitor providing a first output representative of a first parameter which is indicative of the bandwidth of the light emitted from the laser and a second output representative of a second parameter which is indicative of the bandwidth of the light emitted from the laser; and, an actual bandwidth calculation apparatus utilizing the first output and the second output as part of a multivariable equation employing predetermined calibration variables specific to the optical bandwidth monitor, to calculate an actual bandwidth parameter. The actual bandwidth parameter may comprise a spectrum full width at some percent of the maximum within the full width of the spectrum of light emitted from the laser or a width between two points on the spectrum enclosing some percentage of the energy of the full spectrum of the spectrum of light emitted from the laser. The apparatus and method may be implemented in a laser lithography light source and/or in an integrated circuit lithography tool. |
| US07684044B2 |
Sensor device
It has been requested to enhance sensitivity of a surface plasmon resonance sensor in a frequency region from a millimeter wave band to a terahertz band, from 30 GHz to 30 THz. Then, the present invention provides a sensor whose sensitivity is further improved by an analyte holding portion being equipped with a semiconductor and a medium. |
| US07684034B2 |
Apparatus and methods for container inspection
Apparatus, systems, and methods to recognize features on bottom surfaces of containers on a container production line, detect defects in the containers, and correlate the defects to specific production equipment of the container production line, based in part on the recognized features. The system includes imaging apparatus, programmable processing devices, and controllers. The methods include imaging techniques and estimation techniques. |
| US07684033B2 |
Apparatus at a spinning preparatory plant for detecting foreign objects in fibre material
In an apparatus at a spinning preparatory plant for detecting foreign objects, for example, pieces of cloth, tapes, string, pieces of sheeting and the like, in fibre material, the fibre material is transportable in an air flow through a fibre transport duct or a feed chute and an optical sensor system is associated with the duct or chute, the wall surfaces of which have at least one transparent region through which the sensor system detects the fibre-air flow. To permit the at least one transparent region to be kept clean in a simple manner during operation, and to permit an unobstructed detection of the foreign objects, the transparent region projects into the fibre-air flow and the fibre-air flow is able to flow along the transparent region in force-applying contact therewith. |
| US07684029B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying a sensed light environment
In one embodiment, a sensed dataset includes data produced by a plurality of light sensors that have been exposed to a light environment. The data of the sensed dataset corresponds to different ranges of light, and at least a portion of one of the ranges of light is outside the visible (VIS) light spectrum. The sensed dataset is compared to a plurality of known datasets representative of known light environments, and at least one known dataset that is similar to the sensed dataset is identified. In response thereto, an indication of the sensed light environment is provided. Apparatus for implementing this and related methods is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the light sensors are ultraviolet, visible and infrared sensors, and the indication of the sensed light environment is used to control the color of data acquired by an image sensor, or the color of a display backlight. |
| US07684026B2 |
Fault tolerant wheel alignment head and system
A sensing head and system utilizes fault tolerant design and self-diagnosis. Alternative operation modes are provided when one or more functional modules or components fail. Unique designs provide redundant system resources. Self-diagnoses and tests are provided to isolate and identify sources of malfunctions. |
| US07684025B2 |
Auto-adjust of imaging module mechanical setup
An imaging member adjustment system for an imaging module includes an imaging field opposing the imaging module and positioning targets provided in connection with the imaging field. The imaging module includes an optical source generating an optical path, an imaging member responsive to input from the optical source, and a lens interposed between the imaging member and imaging field. At least one adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to the imaging member for adjusting the imaging member with respect to the imaging field. A controller operatively communicates with the imaging member and the at least one adjustment mechanism. In operation, the positioning targets interrupt the optical path and provide positioning information to the controller. In turn, the controller signals the at least one adjustment mechanism to adjust the imaging member in any of horizontal and vertical direction to optimize focus and alignment of the imaging member with respect to the imaging field. |
| US07684021B2 |
Method and apparatus for real-time measurement of trace metal concentration in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurry
A system (and method) for real-time measurement of trace metal concentration in a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurry, includes an electromagnetic radiation flow cell carrying a CMP slurry, a slurry pickup head coupled to the flow cell, and an analyzer for measuring properties of the slurry flowing through the flow cell. |
| US07684020B1 |
Sensor system and method for detecting and identifying rapidly moving objects
A relatively low-cost sensor can accurately detect, identify and track rapidly moving objects such as missiles, rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), mortars, explosive-driven fragments, bullets, shells, sports projectiles (baseballs, golf balls, tennis balls, arrows, etc.), and other types of objects. Systems that would incorporate such a sensor include military devices such as Active Protection System (APS), warning sensor systems, counter-fire systems; commercial devices such as an accurate baseball strike zone monitor, tennis ball line monitors, and arrow speed and flight characteristics monitors. The optical sensing system detects, identifies and tracks rapidly moving objects. The system is designed to be low-cost, rugged, highly reliable, and have a low False Alarm Rate (FAR). The system can accurately record signals from rapidly moving targets and then process this information with sufficient time to send a firing signal or take other action as appropriate. |
| US07684019B2 |
Method and device for measuring distance
The invention relates to a frequency-shifted feedback radiation source, equipped with an element for increasing the beat intensity of the emission frequency component. |
| US07684013B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination unit including a radiation source configured to generate a radiation bundle, an illumination optics with a numerical aperture NA0 and an aperture system; a projection lens having a first numerical aperture NAOB1; a support arranged between the illumination unit and the projection lens and configured to support a patterning device; a substrate support configured to support a substrate on which structures on the patterning device are imaged, wherein the first numerical aperture NAOB1 of the projection lens is smaller than the numerical aperture NA0 of the illumination unit. |
| US07684010B2 |
Lithographic apparatus, device manufacturing method, seal structure, method of removing an object and a method of sealing
A lithographic apparatus for immersion lithography is disclosed in which a seal between different parts of a substrate table is arranged to be easily applied and removed and in an embodiment, reduces transmission of forces between the different parts. |
| US07684006B2 |
Chip on glass type liquid crystal display device and method for fabricating the same
A chip on glass type liquid crystal display device and a method for fabricating the same are provided in which a surface of a pad electrode for attaching a flexible printed circuit film is embossed to increase an adhesive force between a pad electrode and a flexible printed circuit film, thereby ensuring contact between the pad electrode and the flexible printed circuit film. Unit pixels in an active region contain thin film transistors formed at intersections of gate lines and data lines. A pad electrode is formed in an inactive region. An embossing pattern is formed on the pad electrode. An adhesive is provided on the pad electrode including the embossing pattern and an external drive circuit part is connected to the pad electrode by the adhesive. |
| US07684004B2 |
Liquid crystal display panels including recesses for majority of spacers
A liquid crystal display panel comprises a color filter substrate, a thin film transistor array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sealed between the two substrates. The color filter substrate has a plurality of first spacers and a plurality of second spacers thereon. The thin film transistor array substrate has a plurality of recesses for containing the second spacers. The ratio of the number of the second spacers to the number of the first spacers is between about 10 and about 90. |
| US07684003B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates bonded to each other, first column spacers on the first substrate, protrusions on the second substrate that contact a center portion of an upper surface of the spacers, respectively, recesses formed in the second substrate surrounding the protrusions, respectively, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates. |
| US07684002B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes first and second substrates facing each other; a plurality of step portions on the first substrate; a plurality of first column spacers on the second substrate, the first column spacers contacting the step portions wherein an upper surface of the first column spacer is larger than a contact area between the first column spacer and the step portion; a plurality of second column spacers on the second substrate, the second column spacers spaced apart from the first substrate, wherein a first contact area between the first column spacers and the second substrate is smaller than a second contact area between the second column spacers and the second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates. |
| US07684001B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel having photo-alignment film and patterned pixel electrodes with micro slits disposed therein, electronic apparatus, and manufacturing method thereof
A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel is provided. A photo-alignment layer is formed on a first substrate. Patterned pixel electrodes including intersected electrodes and stripe electrodes are formed on a second substrate. A liquid crystal layer is formed between the photo-alignment layer and the patterned pixel electrodes. Each intersected electrode has a first directional portion and a second directional portion interlacing thereto. The stripe electrodes with silts connect the first and/or the second directional portions. When an electric field between the first and the second substrates is substantially zero, liquid crystal molecules near the photo-alignment layer are arranged at a pre-tilt angle, while those disposed at another side near the second substrate are substantially perpendicular to the second substrate. As the liquid crystal layer is driven, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are substantially arranged along an extending direction of the slits. |
| US07683998B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with slits in the pixel electrode having a curvilinear shape
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a gate line and a data line defining a unit pixel. A thin film transistor (TFT) is connected to the gate line and the data line. A common electrode and a pixel electrode is connected to the TFT. The pixel electrode includes a plurality of shaped slits exposing the common electrode. One or more of the slits include at least one curved end or shaped in the form of two curvilinear sides joined to form pointed ends defined by a predetermined acute angle. A middle portion of the unit pixel defines an axis of symmetry around which slits are symmetrically disposed in either a first domain or a second domain. A common line, electrically connected to the common electrode, may define the axis of symmetry. The LCD device can reduce disclination line generation and can provide improved brightness, contrast ratio and image quality. |
| US07683995B2 |
Liquid crystal display and electronic device having same
There is provided a CPA-type liquid crystal display device in which deterioration in display quality due to application of stress to a liquid crystal panel is suppressed.A liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes a first substrate; a second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer of a vertical-alignment type provided therebetween. In each picture element region, a first electrode provided on a side of the first substrate facing the liquid crystal layer includes a solid portion formed of an electrically-conductive film and a non-solid portion in which no electrically-conductive film is formed. The solid portion includes a plurality of unit solid portions each of which is substantially surrounded by the non-solid portion, the plurality of unit solid portions being arranged at least along a first direction. When a voltage is applied, with an oblique electric field generated at an edge of the non-solid portion, the liquid crystal layer within the picture element region forms a liquid crystal domain on each unit solid portion, the liquid crystal domain taking a radially-inclined orientation. The length of the unit solid portion along the first direction is 70 μm or less. |
| US07683993B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention easily provides a liquid crystal display in which conductivity between a first substrate over which a pixel electrode is formed and a second substrate over which a counter electrode is formed, can be certainly obtained even when it has a narrow frame, without adding new steps. As for a liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal is interposed between the first substrate over which the pixel electrode is formed and the second substrate over which the counter electrode is formed, when the first and second substrates are positioned so that the pixel electrode and the counter electrode are on the inside, and are attached to each other with a sealant, by providing a partition wall between the sealant and a conductive portion formed with a conductor to electrically connect the pixel electrode to the counter electrode, conductivity in a conductive portion can be certainly obtained. |
| US07683988B2 |
Transflective liquid crystal display with gamma harmonization
In a transflective liquid crystal display having a transmission area and the reflection area, the transmissive electrode is connected to a switching element to control the liquid crystal layer in the transmission area, and the reflective electrode is connected to the switching element via a separate capacitor to control the liquid crystal layer in the reflection area. The separate capacitor is used to shift the reflectance in the reflection area toward a higher voltage end in order to avoid the reflectance inversion problem. In addition, an adjustment capacitor is connected between the reflective electrode and a different common line. The adjustment capacitor is used to reduce or eliminate the discrepancy between the gamma curve associated with the transmittance and the gamma curve associated with the reflectance. |
| US07683987B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel and liquid crystal display including the panel
The present invention provides a TFT array panel having a transmissive region and a reflective region. A transmissive electrode is disposed in the transmissive region. The first reflective electrode connected to the transmissive electrode is disposed on the reflective region. The second reflective electrode separated from the transmissive electrode and the first reflective region is formed in the reflective region. A first conductor is connected to at least one of the transmissive electrode and the first reflective electrode. A second conductor is connected to the second reflective electrode. At least one of the transmissive electrode, the first reflective electrode and the first conductor overlaps at least one of the second reflective electrode and the second conductor. |
| US07683981B2 |
Light emitting diode substrate, method of manufacturing the same, and liquid crystal display device using the same
A luminance control circuit for controlling the luminance levels of different colored light sources that lends itself to easy incorporation into display devices is presented. A light emitting diode (LED) substrate includes a plurality of driving thin film transistors (TFTs) including a semiconductor layer deposited on a substrate. A plurality of LEDs for generating lights of different wavelengths is mounted respectively on the plurality of driving TFTs. A plurality of thin film sensors for sensing the luminous intensities of the plurality of LEDs is formed between the plurality of LEDs and the substrate. A luminance control circuit for controlling the driving TFTs has of a plurality of controlling TFTs including a semiconductor layer deposited on the substrate and is connected to the plurality of thin film sensors. |
| US07683975B2 |
Automatic focusing apparatus
An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic focusing apparatus which can reduce the time required to detect focused position in accordance with the operating environment by adjusting the voltage applied to a liquid crystal lens. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal lens whose focal length varies with an applied voltage, a liquid crystal lens driving unit which applies a prescribed voltage to the lens, an optical-to-electrical converter which produces an image signal from an optical image passed through the lens, a temperature sensor which detects temperature near the lens, and a control unit which extracts a plurality of focus signals by adjusting the prescribed voltage and controlling the driving unit based on the temperature or on the image signal acquisition period of the converter, and which controls the driving unit based on the extracted plurality of focus signals so that a maximum focus signal is achieved. |
| US07683974B2 |
Detection device for video/audio interface outlet and earphone line outlet
A detection device and method commonly used for a video interface outlet and earphone line outlet is used to allow the detection device to detect whether a three- or four-terminals plug is inserted in the outlet. The detection device detects whether the impedance value of the video output terminal of the plug is larger than the preset value. If yes, the detection device control a video signal output terminal to output a video signal. If the impedance is not larger than the preset value, the detection device then controls the video signal output not to output a video signal and only to output an audio signal. |
| US07683972B2 |
Video signal processing apparatus which generates plural clocks and performing video signal processing using the plural clocks
A video signal processing apparatus is provided with a first clock generation circuit for generating a first clock synchronized with an input signal; a second clock generation circuit for receiving a set value to be a reference of an output frequency, adding the set value for every reference clock, extracting data according to the cumulative value, converting the data into an analog signal, reducing quantization noise, and multiplying the analog signal, thereby to obtain a second clock; and a clock switch circuit for generating a sync signal that is switched to the second clock, by using a sync signal generated with the first clock; and video signal processing is carried out using the second clock that is generated according to the resolution of a pixel display. |
| US07683971B2 |
Image conversion apparatus to perform motion compensation and method thereof
An image conversion apparatus to perform a motion compensation and a motion compensation method. The image conversion apparatus includes a first buffer, a second buffer, and a third buffer that store sequentially incoming video fields in sequence, a motion estimator that estimates a motion vector between a first field stored in the first buffer and a third field stored in the third buffer, a motion compensator that compensates for a motion between the first field and the third field using the motion vector output from the motion estimator and thereby outputs an interpolated field, an output unit that outputs at least one of the interpolated fields output from the motion compensator and a second field stored in the second buffer, and a field selector that selects a field to be output from the output unit according to a film mode of the sequentially incoming video fields. |
| US07683962B2 |
Camera using multiple lenses and image sensors in a rangefinder configuration to provide a range map
An electronic camera for producing an output image of a scene from a captured image signal includes a first imaging stage comprising a first image sensor for generating a first sensor output and a first lens for forming a first image of the scene on the first image sensor, and a second imaging stage comprising a second image sensor for generating a second sensor output and a second lens for forming a second image of the scene on the second image sensor, where the lenses have different focal lengths. A processing stage uses the sensor output from one of the imaging stages as the captured image signal and uses the images from both imaging stages to generate a range map identifying distances to the different portions of the scene. |
| US07683960B2 |
Double-sealed imaging apparatus
An imaging portion of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention has a cover glass adhered by an adhesive to an imaging surface side of a CCD in a state of sandwiching leads (adhesion area B1), and has a slight airtight air gap formed on the imaging surface side of the CCD so as to render a circumference of the cover glass larger than the CCD. As for a circuit board, a concave portion for accommodating the CCD is formed, and a periphery of the cover glass is adhered to a top surface of the circuit board by the adhesive (adhesion area B2). Thus, the air gap is doubly sealed so that its airtightness is improved and influence of temperature change is reduced so as to prevent condensation on a back side of the cover glass and so on. |
| US07683959B2 |
Method of taking an image with multiple photographing modes and digital photographing apparatus using the method
A method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus that can easily determine a quality of a photographed image from an image displayed on a display panel included in the digital photographing apparatus, and the digital photographing apparatus using the method. The method includes: performing photographing operation in two or more photographing modes to obtain photographed images in response to a single activation of a shutter button; and displaying simultaneously: (1) a plurality of first images obtained by reducing the photographed images or by reducing the photographed images that are corrected, and (2) a plurality of second images that correspond to parts of the first images. |
| US07683955B2 |
Photocurrent sensing circuit converting an illumination of visible light into an electric signal as well as photosensor and electronic device with the photocurrent sensing circuit
A photocurrent sensing circuit includes a logarithmic compression circuit; a cancellation circuit logarithmically compressing a current substantially equal in temperature coefficient of the photocurrent to convert the same into a voltage, and performing an addition or a subtraction on the converted voltage and a voltage converted from a photocurrent by logarithmically compression; a logarithmic operation circuit logarithmically compressing the voltage received from the cancellation circuit to produce a first voltage, logarithmically compressing a voltage proportional to a thermal voltage of the photocurrent to produce a second voltage, logarithmically compressing a current having thermal dependence of nearly zero to produce a third voltage and performing an addition or a subtraction of each of the second and third voltages with respect to the first voltage to produce a fourth voltage; and an inverse logarithmic transformation circuit performing inverse logarithmic transformation on the fourth voltage to output a current. |
| US07683953B1 |
Intra-pixel fixed-pattern-noise cancellation circuit and method
A pixel sensor comprises a first reset transistor having a drain coupled to a first potential, a gate coupled to a first reset line, and a source. A second reset transistor has a drain coupled to the first reset transistor source, a gate coupled to a second reset line, and a source coupled to a photodiode cathode. A source-follower transistor has a drain coupled to the first reset transistor source, a gate coupled to the photodiode cathode, and a source. A row-select transistor has a drain coupled to the source-follower transistor source, a gate coupled to a row-select signal line, and a source coupled to a column output line. An array of these pixel sensors further comprises timing and readout circuits that control the transistors in the pixel sensor to effect a reset operation that cancels the fixed pattern of threshold variations of the source-follower transistors. |
| US07683951B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus and digital camera for white balance correction
A solid-state imaging apparatus comprises: a solid-state imaging device having pixels that image light originating from a subject, by dividing the light into color signals; and a signal processor that subjects photographed image data output from the device to white balance correction at a gain corresponding to light source type(s). The device further comprises a sensor that detects light in a wavelength range which induces a difference having a predetermined value or more between radiant energy of a first light source and that of a second light source on the surface of the device. The processor comprises: a mixing ratio estimation unit that determines a mixing ratio between illumination light originating from the first light source and that originating from the second one, through use of a detection signal output from the sensor; and a gain computation unit that computes a gain where the white balance correction is to be effected, according to the mixing ratio. |
| US07683942B2 |
Information recording apparatus and control method thereof
Controlling an information recording apparatus for recording information in a detachable, re-writable storage medium which has a storage size exceeding a maximum allowable size of a first file system. When externally input information is stored in a single storage medium having a first storage area initialized by the first file system, and a second storage area initialized by a second file system which can access an area that exceeds the maximum allowable size of the first file system, the externally input information is stored in the second area, and information derived from the externally input information is stored in the first area. Link information between the information stored in the second area and the derivative information stored in the first area is recorded in the second area as management information. |
| US07683940B2 |
Streaming non-continuous video data
A method and apparatus for providing a plurality of sequential image data samples for display, is disclosed. A first one of the image data samples is accessed and then a second one of the image data samples is accessed. The first and second image data samples may then be provided for display, where one or more further data samples are provided in the event that the first and second image data samples are not contiguous. These further data samples indicate that image data samples are not available between the first and second image data samples. |
| US07683936B2 |
Angular velocity detection apparatus
An angular-velocity detector includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The first sensor is used for detecting motion around an axis of a second direction perpendicular to a first direction. The second sensor is used for detecting motion around an axis of the first direction. The controller performs an operation that corrects an output error caused by an angle of inclination of the second sensor by using a first correction coefficient that is a ratio of a second amplitude to a first amplitude. The first amplitude is amplitude of output value from the first sensor when the angular-velocity detector is in first motion around an axis of the second direction without second motion around an axis of the first direction. The second amplitude is amplitude of output value from the second sensor when the angular-velocity detector is in the first motion without the second motion. |
| US07683924B2 |
Intelligent system for identifying visitor and providing communication service using mobile terminal and method thereof
An intelligent system for identifying and communicating to a visitor using a wireless terminal and a method thereof are disclosed. The system includes: a doorphone processor for processing a bell signal event, setting and releasing of a session connection, and processing voice/video data; a terminal recognizer for determining a location of a resident based on a location of a wireless terminal when a bell is activated; a information manager for storing and managing contact addresses of terminals; and a proxy server for requesting a session connection to one of the terminals, selected by the resident, based on the contact addresses, exchanging voice and image of the visitor and voice of the resident between the video doorphone device and the selected terminal through a session channel connected by the resident's allowance of the session connection request, and releasing the session by a request of the selected terminal. |
| US07683922B2 |
Exposure head and an image forming apparatus using the exposure head
An exposure head, includes: a first imaging optical system and a second imaging optical system which are arranged in a first direction; a light emitting element which emits light to be imaged by the first imaging optical system; and a light emitting element which emits light to be imaged by the second imaging optical system, wherein an inter-optical-system distance in the first direction between the first imaging optical system and the second imaging optical system satisfies the following expression: m1·L1+m2·L2>2P1−(m1·dp1+m2·dp2) where m1 represents an absolute value of the optical magnification of the first imaging optical system, L1 represents a width in the first direction of the light emitting element to be imaged by the first imaging optical system, dp1 represents a pitch between the light emitting element in the first direction in the light emitting element to be imaged by the first imaging optical system, m2 represents an absolute value of the optical magnification of the second imaging optical system, L2 represents a width in the first direction of the light emitting element to be imaged by the second imaging optical system, and dp2 represents a pitch between the light emitting element in the first direction in the light emitting element to be imaged by the second imaging optical system. |
| US07683919B2 |
Gradation control device, optical display device, gradation control program, optical display device control program, method of controlling gradation and method of controlling optical display device
In a projection-type display device 1, a display control device 2 that controls a first DMD 50 and a second DMD 70 is composed by comprising an interface circuit 2a, a mirror device drive circuit 2b for controlling the driving of the micromirrors of second DMD 50, a mirror device drive circuit 2c for controlling the driving of the micromirrors of second DMD 70, a CPU 2d that controls computations and the entire system based on a control program, a ROM 2e that contains the control program of CPU 2d and so forth in a predefined area, and a RAM 2f for containing data read from ROM 2e and so forth and computation results required for the computation process of CPU 2d. |
| US07683914B1 |
Triangulation based raster image interpolation
A method of smoothing a triangulated raster image includes the steps of: triangulating the image to create triangles having vertices, each of which is centered on a pixel of the image; comparing the costs of a first and a second orientation of an edge of each pair of adjacent triangles that forms a quadrilateral; swapping the edge of the pair of triangles to the lower cost orientation; and iterating the comparing and swapping until a stopping point is reached. The cost function used may include a cost factor that causes a triangle edge orientation that aligns with a both a color and an intensity of a color intensity contour line of the image to have a lower cost than a triangle edge orientation that does not so align. |
| US07683912B2 |
Image display apparatus, image display method and computer-readable recording medium storing image display program
An image display apparatus in which image signals of a plurality of primary colors are transformed by an image processing section into color space that includes lightness and chromaticity. When the chromaticity (color vividness) in this color space is being corrected, the correction method is changed in accordance with the optical modulation state of the display apparatus. If optical modulation is performed, then correction is made to lower the chromaticity, while correction is made to raise the chromaticity when there is no optical modulation. |
| US07683909B2 |
Image management device and method for managing plurality of images
The present invention provides an image management device and an image management method, both capable of easily performing comparison and reference of images in which taken images and processed images generated from the taken images are intermingled. For that purpose, based on the discrimination results of the attributes of the images by an attribute discrimination unit, an image classification unit classifies the processed images in order that the processed images may be mutually associated or processed images may be associated with taken images related to the processed images. A classified image list is displayed by an image list display unit, and images selected from the list are displayed on an image display unit. Furthermore, the image list displayed on the image list display unit is changed by classification switching by an image classification switching unit. |
| US07683906B2 |
Frame buffer control for smooth video display
Video frame buffers are controlled using a sequence of new-frame-indicators (e.g., FLIP) and no-new-frame-indicators (e.g., NOFLIP) in a frame indicator queue that is accessed with each display refresh. Video samples are loaded into a chain of video frame buffers that is “rotated” during the vertical blanking signal of the display to swap an old frame buffer out for a new frame buffer. The rotations of the frame buffer chain are controlled based on the frame indicators in the frame indicator queue to present new video samples to the display in a regular pattern, thereby providing smooth video playback. |
| US07683904B2 |
Manual component asset change isolation methods and apparatus
A method for a computer system includes receiving and storing a first model of an animation asset in a first version location of the animation asset, providing a link between a named version of the animation asset to the first version location of the animation asset, wherein a name of the named version is specified by a first user, thereafter receiving and storing a second model of the animation asset in a second version location of the animation asset, providing the first model of the animation asset from the first version location of the animation asset in response to a specification of the named version of the animation asset by a second user, and providing the second model of the animation asset from the second version location of the animation asset in response to a specification of the animation asset by the second user. |
| US07683901B2 |
System and method for adaptive tile depth filter
An efficient system and method for adaptive tile depth filter (ATDF) is disclosed. The key concept of this system and method is to consider more occlusion conditions in order to achieve a better performance of filter before the conventional Z test process in three dimensional graphics pipeline. Two occlusion criteria, Zmax and Zmin (depth range in a tile), are introduced first for occlusion and non-occlusion fragments in a tile. The points between Zmax and Zmin are in uncertain fragment which may need to go through the later Z test. Moreover, a new technique, coverage mask, can further filter the points in the uncertain fragment to a final uncertain fragment and non-occlusion fragment. Besides, the coverage mask can be used to efficiently decide which tile needs the further sub-tile depth filter. |
| US07683898B2 |
Highly efficient LCD driving voltage generating circuit and method thereof
A highly efficient LCD driving voltage generating circuit and method consumes a relatively small amount of power, as compared to conventional means. The LCD driving voltage generating circuit comprises a DC-DC converter for boosting an input voltage in response to a clock signal and for outputting the boosted voltage as a first driving voltage; a voltage controlled oscillator for generating the clock signal at a frequency that changes in response to the level of a control voltage; and a control voltage generator for generating the control voltage in response to the difference between a reference voltage and a feedback voltage derived from the first driving voltage. In this manner, as the feedback voltage becomes lower than a reference voltage, the frequency of the clock signal input into a DC-DC converter increases. If the feedback voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage, this indicates that the level of the first driving voltage is lower than a predetermined value, and thus current consumption of the LCD panel is large. It is possible to decrease power consumption and increase boosting efficiency by changing the frequency of the clock signal used for boosting of a DC-DC converter according to the current consumption of the LCD panel. |
| US07683896B2 |
Pixel skew compensation apparatus and method
A two-stage pixel skew compensation circuit for use with digital display monitors. The first stage of the compensation circuit aligns the edges of the pixels received on the color component signal lines of an analog video signal. The second stage of the de-skew compensation circuit realigns the pixels themselves so that no skew exists between the digitized video color components. The digitized video signals drive a digital video monitor. |
| US07683893B2 |
Controlling display in mobile terminal
The present invention relates to controlling a display in a mobile terminal including a touch screen having a display area that operates as a touch input area. The present invention includes displaying data information on the display area, wherein the data information is distinguished with graphic icons, and displaying a frame on the display area to at least partially overlap the data information and defining a first area within the frame and a second area outside of the frame to define the data information into at least two parts, wherein when at least one of the first area and a frame boundary is touched, a predetermined function associated with the data information displayed in the first area is performed. |
| US07683891B2 |
Equalizing reference surface capacitance with uneven thickness
One embodiment in accordance with the invention includes a capacitive sensing apparatus that includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense an object proximate to a physical capacitive sensing reference surface. The capacitive sensing apparatus also includes a plurality of dielectric materials disposed between the capacitive sensor and the physical capacitive sensing reference surface. Note that at least one of the plurality of dielectric materials has a non-uniform thickness. The plurality of dielectric materials can be configured such that capacitive coupling between the capacitive sensor and the object proximate to the physical capacitive sensing reference surface is substantially constant across the physical capacitive sensing reference surface. |
| US07683887B2 |
Display system
A touch-panel-integrated liquid crystal display device (display system) includes a liquid crystal display device, and a touch panel input device, provided on a liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display device, which has upper and lower electrodes (conductive thin plates) for detecting a position via which information is inputted from the outside. The display system includes a liquid crystal display device driving section for driving the liquid crystal display device and a noise canceling signal generator (signal application section) for applying, to the touch panel input device, a noise canceling signal having an amplitude and a phase that are equal to an amplitude and a phase of a driving signal applied from the liquid crystal display device driving section to the liquid crystal panel. |
| US07683882B2 |
Computer mouse for automating input operations
A computer navigation device includes a movement sensor and a trigger device activated by a timer. The computer navigation device periodically transmits to a host computer a pre-defined signal corresponding with the signal that would otherwise be generated by the movement sensor on detection of specific movements of the computer navigation device. |
| US07683878B2 |
Systems for providing dual resolution control of display panels
Systems for providing dual resolution control of display panels are provided. A representative system incorporates two pairs of shift registers, each of the shift registers outputting a shifting signal; two pairs of logic gates; and a switching network coupled among the shifting registers and the logic gates. In a low resolution mode, the switching network causes the shift registers to output shifting signals, with corresponding pulses of the shifting signals of the shift registers of the first pair temporally overlapping with corresponding pulses of the shifting signals of the shift registers of the second pair; and wherein, responsive to the shifting signals, the logic gates output panel control signals, with corresponding pulses of the panel control signals of the logic gates of the first pair not temporally overlapping with corresponding pulses of the panel control signals of the logic gates of the second pair. |
| US07683876B2 |
Time division driving method and source driver for flat panel display
A source driver and method of driving a flat panel display is provided. As a circuit unit including a multiplexer and a channel selection unit, a source driver performs a single operation to drive one source line in a segment of a horizontal scan period and repeats the single operation multiple times to drive a plurality of source lines in the horizontal scan period. |
| US07683873B2 |
Liquid crystal display driver device and liquid crystal display system
There is provided a display driver device (liquid crystal driver) causing no degradation in display image quality even when a plurality of signal lines (source lines) of a display panel are divided into a plurality of groups as a countermeasure against EMI. With a liquid crystal display driver device (the liquid crystal driver) for generating image signals to be impressed to respective signal lines of a display panel upon receiving display image data, and outputting the image signals in a lump, corresponding to every one line, according to an output timing signal inputted from outside, output amplifiers, in the last stage of the liquid crystal driver, for outputting the image signals, respectively, are divided into a plurality of groups, and the output amplifiers of respective groups are caused to undergo a periodical change in output sequence while the respective image signals are slightly staggered in output timing by the group. |
| US07683869B2 |
Drive method for display of grid array pixels
A method to drive a display with grid array pixels is comprised of writing image data containing a range of grayscale code into multiple pixels; at least a time of a pixel row being divided into frame time and black picture time; each code in the grayscale range being mapped to that in and adjusted range to drive the display without changing gamma voltage or with increased gamma voltage of the greatest grayscale code to present the luminance desired; pixel response time being shorter than frame time; and black picture data being written into the pixel row during the black picture time. |
| US07683866B2 |
Display driver for reducing flickering
A display capable of rendering flickering hard to visually recognize and reducing power consumption is obtained. This display comprises first and second pixel portions including subsidiary capacitors having first electrodes connected to pixel electrodes and second electrodes respectively, first and second subsidiary capacitance lines connected to the second electrodes of the first and second pixel portions respectively and a signal supply circuit supplying first and second signals having first and second voltages to the first and second subsidiary capacitance lines respectively. |
| US07683865B2 |
Detachable liquid crystal display device
A detachable liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal module and a cradle. The liquid crystal module includes a liquid crystal panel; an optical sheet provided on a rear surface of the liquid crystal panel; an interface disposed on a rear surface of the liquid crystal panel; a power receiver disposed on the rear surface of the liquid crystal panel; a memory card; and a timing controller for receiving second image data from external devices and permitting the first image data stored in the memory card to be displayed in the liquid crystal panel. The cradle includes a lamp emitting light; an inverter for supplying alternating current to the lamp; a connector for receiving third image data from external equipment; and an interface converter for applying the third image data to the interface of the liquid crystal module. |
| US07683863B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and pixel circuit thereof
An OLED display and pixel circuit thereof are provided. The pixel circuit includes first and second switches, first and second PMOS transistors, a capacitor and an OLED. The first switch, controlled by a first scan signal, has a first end receiving a data signal and a second end. The second switch, controlled by a second scan signal, has a third end coupled to the second end and a fourth end. The first PMOS transistor has a source coupled to a high voltage, a drain coupled to the fourth end and a gate coupled to the second end. The second PMOS transistor has a gate coupled to the second end and a source coupled to the high voltage. The capacitor is coupled to the gate of the first PMOS transistor and the high voltage. The OLED has a positive end coupled to a drain of the second PMOS transistor. |
| US07683861B2 |
Arrangement for driving LED lighting sources
A driving arrangement for a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), comprising a first power supply line (Vcc), a second power supply line (GND) and a set of signal lines (1a, 1b, 1c) for carrying brightness intensity and or chromatic information for the plurality of light emitting diodes (54). In a first possible configuration of use, the first (Vcc) and second (GND) power supply line jointly supply power to an “active” lighting source and the light emitting diodes (54) are driven as a function of the brightness intensity information provided via the signal lines (1a, 1b, 1c). In a second possible configuration of use for driving a “passive” source, the second power supply line (GND) is not used and the brightness of the light emitting diodes (54) is controlled by switching signals applied via the first power supply line (Vcc) and the set of signal lines (1a, 1b, 1c). |
| US07683859B2 |
Plasma display panel driving method and plasma display panel apparatus capable of displaying high-quality images with high luminous efficiency
Set-up, write, sustain and erase pulses are variously applied to a plasma display panel using a staircase waveform in which the rising or falling portion is in at least two steps. These staircase waveforms can be realized by adding at least two pulses. Use of such waveforms for the set-up, write and erase pulses improves contrast, and use for the sustain pulses reduces screen flicker and improves luminous efficiency. This is of particular use in driving high definition plasma display panels to achieve high image quality and high luminance. |
| US07683858B2 |
Cosmetic enhancement mirror
Cosmetic enhancement mirror methods and related systems. |
| US07683848B2 |
Antenna for a level meter employing the radar principle
In an antenna for a level meter employing the radar principle, a fastening device is provided for detachably mounting a dielectric insert in the antenna. The fastening device may be a continuous clamping collar that clamps the dielectric insert in place in the antenna. This offers a simple, universally employable possibility for fastening a dielectric insert in the antenna. |
| US07683847B2 |
Antennas
This invention relates to a radiating element 20 for use in array antennas. The radiating element 20 is of simplified design and comprises a front region 26 and a rearward region 28 that are preferably substantially rectangular, which permit higher frequency limits than more conventional Vivaldi elements while maintaining the lower frequency limit. Additionally, by deployment of an array of a plurality of such elements 20 such that no gaps are formed between adjacent elements 20 along the array antenna, very wide bandwidth can be obtained using the array. |
| US07683841B2 |
Antenna device
An antenna device including a circuit board; a pair of first antenna elements disposed symmetrically to each other about both wide surfaces of the circuit board and a pair of second antenna elements disposed symmetrically to each other about the both wide surfaces of the circuit board; a feeding terminal installed on each of the first antenna elements and each of the second antenna elements; and; and a feeding controller which feeds power selectively to at least one of the first and second antenna elements. |
| US07683837B2 |
Patch antenna
A dielectric substrate has a first face which is formed with a cavity, and a second face opposite to the first face. The dielectric substrate formed with a substrate hole which connects the cavity and the second face. An antenna radiation electrode is comprised of a conductive film and is formed on the first face of the dielectric substrate. A ground electrode is comprised of a conductive film, is formed on the second face of the dielectric substrate and is formed with a ground hole which is substantially concentric with the substrate hole and has a diameter larger than that of the substrate hole. One end of a feeding pin is connected to the antenna radiation electrode and the other end of the feeding pin is extended toward the second face of the dielectric substrate through the substrate hole and the ground hole. |
| US07683834B2 |
Undulating transmit patterns for multiple simultaneous transmitters to support signal separation at a receiver
A communications system includes multiple mobile wireless communications devices transmitting at a same time to a fixed receiver assembly. Each mobile wireless communications device transmits a source signal defined by a respective character set comprising a plurality of symbols. At least one of the symbols in the respective character sets is transmitted at a different power level so that the transmitted source signal from each mobile wireless communications device appears with linearly independent power level time periods. The linearly independent power level time periods are used by the fixed receiver assembly to populate a mixing matrix for signal separation processing. |
| US07683832B2 |
Method for fusing multiple GPS measurement types into a weighted least squares solution
A method of calculating position data for an airborne aircraft using a GPS-based airborne navigation system includes the processing of a position component of a relative state function by fusing a plurality of different types of measurement data available in the GPS-based system into a weighted least squares algorithm to determine an appropriate covariance matrix for the plurality of different types of measurement data. |
| US07683831B2 |
Global navigation satellite system
Each of a first and a second navigation satellite system (NSS) are adapted to operate according to a first and a second specification, respectively, and each includes a first and a second plurality of space vehicles (SV), respectively. Each of the first and the second plurality of SVs are adapted to be identified by a first and a second plurality of unique corresponding identifications (IDs), respectively. A processor is adapted to receive and identify a first plurality of corresponding signals transmitted from the first plurality of SVs in response to the first plurality of unique corresponding IDs. The processor is adapted to receive and identify a second plurality of corresponding signals transmitted from the second plurality of SVs in response to the second plurality of unique corresponding IDs. The processor is adapted to determine position location information in response to receiving and identifying the first plurality of corresponding signals and the second plurality of corresponding signals. |
| US07683825B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring distance between a target and a receiver in a ranging system
A method of measuring distance between a target and a receiver in a ranging system may comprise transmitting a first pulse at a first time determined by a sampling clock in a receiver, receiving the first pulse, sampling the first pulse at a predetermined amplitude threshold using the sampling clock and determining the time of arrival of the first pulse in terms of a number of periods of the sampling clock after the first pulse was transmitted. This may be repeated for a second pulse and the average times of arrival of the first and second pulses are determined to obtain an averaged estimated time of arrival. The distance between the target and the receiver may be determined by multiplying the averaged estimated time of arrival by the speed of propagation of the transmitted pulses. There is also disclosed an apparatus for measuring distance. |
| US07683816B2 |
System for displaying images
A system for displaying images is provided. A capacitor type digital-to-analog converter is coupled between a first node and a second node and generates a first analog signal according to a digital signal with N bit data. An analogue buffer is coupled between the second node and a third node and generates a second analog signal according to the first analog signal and a bias voltage. A first switch is coupled between a predetermined voltage and the second node. A second switch is coupled between the first node and the third node. A third switch is coupled between the third node and an analog output signal. The second switch is turned on and the third switch is turned off when the first switch is turned on, and the first and second switches are turned off when the third switch is turned on. |
| US07683813B2 |
Digital-to-analog converter carrying out calibration operation for current source cells
A current cell matrix type of digital-to-analog (D/A) converter to prevent deterioration of a.c. characteristics on a current path for digital-to-analog conversion includes a array of current source cells arranged in a matrix configuration. Each current source cell includes a current source transistor to generate the cell current. During the regular operation, the cell current is flowed on output lines via a first transistor connected in cascode to the current source transistor. During the calibration operation, the cell current is flowed into a current comparator via a second transistor connected in cascode to the current source transistor. This prevents parasitic capacitance from being additively caused in switches for the first transistor and in another switch for the second transistor to prevent deterioration of a.c. characteristics on the current path. |
| US07683812B2 |
Pattern matching apparatus
This invention relates to a pattern recognition correlator implemented entirely in the electronic domain. The correlator has a serial to parallel conversion means to convert input serial binary data into at least one input parallel binary electrical signal and a comparator to compare the or each input parallel data signal with a reference parallel binary data signal. The serial to parallel conversion means may comprises a demultiplexer to effectively slow the data update rate and a series of latch circuits to provide the parallel data signal. The comparator may be arranged to perform bit addition and may be arranged such that a zero total sum is an indication of correlation. The bit addition may be performed b an array of logic gates. |
| US07683811B2 |
Storage and retrieval of compressed data in mixed mode
Methods of storing and retrieving compressed data and uncompressed data in a mixed mode are described. Generally, the method comprises the steps of compressing a fixed amount of input data within a sequence of frames to provide storage and retrieval in a sequential manner and random manner. The sequence of frames includes at least a first frame and a final frame. Each frame includes a first portion for storing uncompressed data and a second portion for storing compressed data. The uncompressed data is stored within a first portion of the first frame. The compressed data is stored within a second portion of the first frame. |
| US07683808B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing system
For providing a user a plural number of trans-coding services with using a plural number of trans-coding services, at high speed, within a home network environment, an information processing apparatus is provided with a function of providing a list of formats, on which format conversion can be made, to a home server, and a function of managing the format conversion processes with using process identifiers, which are shared in common with the server and the information processing apparatus, each of the process identifiers being tied with information of a format conversion method, wherein the format conversion is executed upon a part of contents divided within the home server, following the process identifier designated by the home server, to grasp performances of the information processing apparatuses by measuring throughput per a unit time in the format conversion, and an adjustment is made on an amount of data to be transferred from the home server to the information processing apparatus in the next time, thereby enabling high speed processing of the format conversions. |
| US07683807B2 |
Variable-length-code decoding device
A variable-length-code decoding device decodes bit streams encoded in conformity with a plurality of coding systems. The device includes a decoding unit (100) decoding variable length codes encoded by the plurality of coding systems, a stream input unit (10) inputting the variable length codes, and an interface (30) interfacing the decoding unit with the stream input unit. The stream input unit and the interface are shared in the plurality of coding systems. The necessity of providing stream input units for every coding systems is removed, thereby an increase in circuit area can be suppressed. Since the interface connects the stream input unit and the decoding unit, application of this invention to other coding systems or to other combinations of coding systems is easily realized. |
| US07683804B2 |
Methods for determining need for treating a vehicle travel surface
Methods for determining need for treating a vehicle travel surface include sensing, at a first time, a characteristic of a vehicle travel surface from a mobile sensor. Sensed characteristics include temperature, friction coefficient, material volumetric buildup, e.g., composition, such as an amount or percentage of ice or snow, density, depth, freeze point and chemical concentrations. The sensed characteristic is recorded as a first measurement in a database, and GIS information correlating a location with the first measurement is attached. The characteristic of the vehicle travel surface is sensed at a second time, at the location, and recorded in the database, for example as a second measurement. GIS information correlating the location with the second measurement may be attached, and the first and second measurements compared. |
| US07683801B2 |
Multicolor visual feedback for portable, non-volatile storage
An improved portable storage device is disclosed having an interface, a controller in communication with this interface, a memory in communication with the controller, and a light-emitting-diode assembly in communication with the controller. The light-emitting-diode assembly has a first and a second light-emitting-diode element, the first and second light-emitting-diode elements emitting a first and a second color of light, respectively. The first light-emitting-diode element and said second light-emitting-diode element each independently controlled by the controller via pulse-width-modulation, to produce a third color which appears to be in between the first and second colors in wavelength, this third color indicative of the percent completion of an I/O task or the usage of the memory. |
| US07683800B2 |
Dog bark door bell notification and personal protection system
A door bell notification and personal protection system includes a warning notification module adapted to recognize at least one of a door bell notification from a door bell ringer or emergency transmission signal from a wireless transmitter and thereafter provide a recognition signal to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is adapted to retrieve dog barking sounds stored in a memory and provide the dog barking sounds to at least one of an amplifier or radio frequency transmitter after the microprocessor receives the recognition signal from the warning notification module. Dog barking sounds can be broadcasted using the wireless transmitter. A delay module can enable processing with a delay time after first receipt of the recognition signal. A random module can enable random retrieval of various dog barking sounds from memory for processing. A time out module can disable operation of the microprocessor at a set time after recognition signal receipt. |
| US07683799B2 |
Absolute angular position sensing system based on radio frequency identification technology
A system for determining the position of a rotating wheel using RFID. In one embodiment, the system includes a position sensing wheel mounted to one or both of a crankshaft and a camshaft in the engine. A plurality of RFID tags are disposed at predetermined intervals around the wheel, and an RFID transceiver is positioned proximate the wheel. As the wheel rotates, the RFID transceiver transmits a signal that interrogates the RFID tags, which then transmit a coded signal to the transceiver identifying the wheel's position relative to the transceiver. Therefore, regardless of the position of the wheel, the RFID transceiver can interrogate the closest RFID tag and immediately know the position of the engine so that an engine controller can provide fuel and spark to the cylinders as soon as possible. |
| US07683798B2 |
Current monitoring device for high voltage electric power lines
A current monitoring device (CMD) with a set of electromagnetic field sensors located within one or more grounded housings positioned within the combined electromagnetic fields generated by one or more electric power lines. The CMD includes electronics, typically located within the grounded housings, defining impedance networks that combine the measurements received from the field sensors to create output signal indicative of electric current values for the phase conductors. The housings can be conveniently attached and to transmission line towers, distribution line poles, and high voltage power line supports in transmission and distribution substations. The CMD controls response equipment, such as a circuit interrupter that responds to current disturbances detected by the CMD. The CMD may also include communication for sending the current values to a remote controller, such as a central control station, that implements a wide range of response equipment. |
| US07683797B2 |
Damage detection/locating system providing thermal protection
A damage locating system also provides thermal protection. An array of sensors substantially tiles an area of interest. Each sensor is a reflective-surface conductor having operatively coupled inductance and capacitance. A magnetic field response recorder is provided to interrogate each sensor before and after a damage condition. Changes in response are indicative of damage and a corresponding location thereof. |
| US07683793B2 |
Time-dependent classification and signaling of evacuation route safety
An adaptive evacuation system and method for providing a safety route to evacuees. Active smoke and heat detector information can be obtained from a fire panel. Routes and exits in proximity to the active detectors are assumed to be unsafe and closed for use in evacuation. Evacuation planning is accomplished with the remaining “safe” routes. The progression of fire and smoke and the time-dependent degradation of evacuation route safety associated with progression of fire and smoke can be predicted and initial classification and signaling of route safety can be performed. As the fire progresses, the initial time-dependent classifications are updated and initially safe routes are reclassified as unsafe and then evacuation directions are modified. |
| US07683792B2 |
In home multi disaster alarm system
An alarm unit for providing warnings of multiple types of emergency situations includes a connector for connecting the unit to host electricity, a backup power source, receiver circuitry for receiving a broadcast warning, memory for storing digital alarm files, and a speaker for amplifying an executed alarm file. The receiver circuitry receives one or a combination of early warning system broadcast alerts, emergency band radio alerts, cellular network alerts, or data network alerts. |
| US07683791B2 |
Aircraft icing sensor
An apparatus for detecting the presence of ice includes a sensor including a radio-frequency transmission line providing a characteristic impedance, a source coupled to the transmission line and operable to inject a wave into the transmission line, a summer operable to create standing wave, the standing wave including the sum of the injected wave and a reflected wave reflected by the end of the transmission line, the summer being connected between the source and the transmission line, and a detector for detecting the voltage of the standing wave. An embodiment may further include a comparator operable to compare the detected voltage with reference data for determining the presence of ice contacting the sensor. |
| US07683785B2 |
RF tags
A single sided RF tag suitable for use for electronic article surveillance comprises a tuned circuit formed on one side of a substrate. Provided by a deposited first conducting layer which comprises an inductive coil, which behaves as an antenna and is electrically connected to a first capacitor plate and a connection means to connect to a second conducting layer. A low dissipation factor dielectric layer is deposited onto said first conducting layer. A second conducting layer comprising at least one capacitor and a connection means to electrically connect to the first conducting layer is deposited on the dielectric layer. The second capacitor plate is substantially co-located above the first capacitor plate, to form the capacitor. The capacitor and coil together form a resonant circuit. The circuit pattern for the first and second layer may be formed by known metal printing techniques, such as, for example the use of a catalytic seed layer which is deposited by a pattern transfer mechanism into the circuit pattern. Alternatively the circuit pattern may be formed by standard photo-lithography etch techniques to reveal a circuit pattern from a metallised surface. The tag will preferably incorporate known methods of fusing to deactivate or detune the tag, to permit removal of articles from an enclosed area. The substrate may further include a second RF tag tuned to an alternative frequency on the opposite side of the substrate. Alternatively a plurality of tags may be built up in successive layers on one or both sides of the tag. |
| US07683780B2 |
Methods and apparatus for RFID tag placement
Systems and methods for placing RFID tags on objects are shown and described. The method includes scanning an object and analyzing one or more reflected signals from the to determine a suggested location for placement of an RFID tag. The scan can be accomplished using a scanning device having an antenna that operates in the near field of the object to measure at least one RF property of the reflected signal from the object. |
| US07683772B2 |
Integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp
An integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp has a base configured to replace an existing vehicle lamp by reception into the lamp's reflector shell. The integrated warning and vehicle lamp includes first and second arrays of LEDs arranged on a support projecting from the base. One array is used to reproduce the vehicle signal and the second array provides a warning light signal. A collimator organizes light from one or more LED in a direction aligned with the intended direction of light emission from the vehicle lamp. An interface electrical circuit connects one array of LEDs to the vehicle electrical system. A warning signal electrical circuit energizes the other array to produce a variety of warning signals and/or illumination patterns. |
| US07683771B1 |
Configurable control panel and/or dashboard display
A control panel and/or dashboard display system which allows a user to selectively configure at least one of position and characteristic, items displayed on the control panel and/or dashboard display system. A system is provided and includes an interactive database of menu items that is accessible by the user for selecting the items to be displayed on the control panel and/or dashboard display system using touch screen technology or actuatable buttons to select the desired displayed items and the appearance of the displayed items. The user has the ability to save the customized configurations to memory and to lock out change. Further provides for applications wherein said control/panel and/or dashboard display systems are used in multiple locations. |
| US07683770B2 |
Wireless sensing system
A wireless sensing system and method for wireless sensor interrogation are disclosed. The wireless sensing system includes a plurality of radio frequency sensors distributed within a predefined area, a wiring system with conductors distributed in proximity to the plurality of sensors for providing at least one of electrical power and ground distribution, and a forward communication link with an energizer air link coupled to the wiring system. The method for wireless sensor interrogation includes providing a plurality of radio frequency sensors distributed within a predefined area, providing a forward communication link including an energizer coupled to a wiring system with conductors in proximity to the plurality of sensors for providing at least one of electrical power and ground distribution, transmitting radio frequency signals through the wiring system and air linking transmitted radio frequency signals to the plurality of radio frequency sensors through the conductors. |
| US07683769B2 |
Batteryless tire inflation pressure detecting apparatus having minimum influence on environment
A batteryless tire inflation pressure detecting apparatus includes, on the body of a vehicle, antennas and a transmitter transmitting radio waves through the antennas. The apparatus also includes, on each wheel of the vehicle, a pressure sensor sensing the pressure of a tire, a transceiver, and a charging unit powering the pressure sensor and the transceiver. The charging unit is charged with electric power induced by a corresponding one of the radio waves received by the transceiver. The apparatus further includes, on the body of the vehicle, a receiver receiving pressure signals transmitted by the transceivers, a pressure determiner determining the pressures of the tires based on the pressure signals, and a controller. To minimize influence of the radio waves on neighboring devices, the controller controls the transmitter so that least two of the radio waves are transmitted at different times, or at the same with a phase difference therebetween. |
| US07683767B2 |
Control device for controlling in-vehicle unit
A vehicular control device includes (i) situation detection units that detect situation of the vehicle, occupants, or a surrounding area; (ii) a storage unit for storing a model representing association between variables indicating the situation and variables indicating presence or absence of operation needs for each in-vehicle unit, (iii) an inference execution unit that determines presence or absence of the operation needs for each in-vehicle unit using the stored model; (iv) a control unit that controls each in-vehicle unit based on a result of determination by the inference execution unit; (v) an operation detection unit that detects the operation of each in-vehicle unit; and (vi) a model learning unit that learns the stored model using the detected situation when the operation of each in-vehicle unit is detected by the operation detection unit, and an event involving the presence of operation needs for the in-vehicle unit. |
| US07683766B2 |
Method and device for locating the position of wheels of a vehicle
Method of locating the position of wheels (2-5) of a vehicle (1) equipped with an electronic module (6-9) and with transmitting antennas (12-14) positioned in such a way as to present a coverage area in which at least one wheel (2-5) is located. Furthermore, n successive transmissions are ordered, by each transmitting antenna, of an identification request signal, and the number of identification request signals received by each electronic module (6-9) is counted. Furthermore, a ratio representative of the number of counted identification request signals received by each electronic module (6-9) is calculated, relative to the number of identification request signals actually transmitted by the transmitting antenna (12-14), and an indication of presence of the electronic module in the coverage area of the transmitting antenna is provided when the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold value. |
| US07683763B2 |
Night light wake up indicator
A night light that transitions between at least two states to provide a visual indication to a child as to whether it is time for the child to get out of bed or that the child should stay in bed. The night light shows an illuminated sun to indicate that the child can get out of bed. The night light shows an illuminated moon with a border of Z's to indicate that the child should stay in bed. The transitions between modes are based on information entered into a user interface, the current time, and/or the actuation of buttons on the device. |
| US07683757B2 |
Multi-antenna system and method for remotely controlling a function
A system and method for remotely controlling a function. The system includes a transmitter and a receiver control circuit having a plurality of antennas. The transmitter transmits a wireless control signal having first and second signal portions. An antenna is selected based on the first signal portion. A function is performed when the second signal portion is received by the selected antenna and successfully decoded. |
| US07683750B1 |
Warning device for circuit breaker
A warning device for a circuit breaker includes a casing with a button and a warning light is received in the button. The button is movable relative to the casing and made of transparent or translucent material. When the main circuit is connected, the warning light is not activated. When overheat or overload, the main circuit is cut off and a weak current circuit is formed to light up the warning light. |
| US07683749B2 |
Linear electromagnetic actuator
First and second projections are formed to protrude toward a guide rail from both sides of a slide table. Third and fourth projections are formed to protrude toward the slide table from both sides of the guide rail. A plurality of balls are arranged in clearances between the first and second projections and the third and fourth projections. |
| US07683745B2 |
Ground fault circuit interrupter device
A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described. |
| US07683742B2 |
Integrated electronic circuitry comprising tunable resonator
An electronic circuit includes: an acoustic resonator of BAW or SAW type, said resonator having a series resonance frequency and a parallel resonance frequency; an active circuit which is coupled in parallel to said acoustic resonator, said active circuit having a negative capacity acting on the parallel resonance frequency of said resonator. |
| US07683737B2 |
Broadband phase shifter
A phase shifting method and a phase shifter are provided. The phase shifter comprises a first (200) and a second (202) transmission line structure in parallel, the structures having a common input, each structure comprising cascaded forward and backward transmission lines and the same number of components. The component values of the second structure are equal to the component values of the first structure multiplied by a given proportionality constant. |
| US07683736B2 |
Resonant circuit, filter, and antenna duplexer
There is provided a resonant circuit includes a resonator, an inductor connected in parallel with the resonator, and a capacitor connected in parallel with the resonator. There are also provided a filter and an antenna duplexer having the above-described resonant circuit. |
| US07683731B2 |
Ferrite waveguide circulator with thermally-conductive dielectric attachments
The present invention improves the geometry of ferrite circulators in order to increase the average power handling by decreasing the temperature rise in the ferrite and associated adhesive bonds. Embodiments of the present invention utilize dielectric attachments on the sides of the ferrite element, which maximizes the area of contact and minimizes the path length from the ferrite element out to the thermally conductive attachments. |
| US07683730B2 |
Differential crystal oscillator circuit with peak regulation
A clock circuit has a crystal. A differential amplifier has a first input coupled to a first node of the crystal and a second input of the differential amplifier coupled to a bias signal and an output of the differential amplifier coupled to a second node of the crystal. |
| US07683726B2 |
Quadrature-phase voltage controlled oscillator
A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is provided. The VCO may include a first ring oscillation circuit that may have a plurality of delay cells and may output first differential oscillation signals, and a second ring oscillation circuit that may have a plurality of delay cells and may output second differential oscillation signals. The delay cells of the first ring oscillation circuit may be respectively cross-coupled to the corresponding delay cells of the second ring oscillation circuit. Each of the delay cells may include a differential amplification circuit that may output a first differential signal based on a first control signal, and a negative resistance circuit that may be connected in parallel to a pair of output terminals of the differential amplification circuit, may receive a second differential signal, may adjust the phase of the first differential signal based on a second control signal, and may then output the first differential signal. |
| US07683718B2 |
Solid-state RF power amplifier for radio transmitters
An RF power amplifier includes first and second field effect transistors having a gate, a source, and a drain, having an output power rating of at least 200 watts, and operating with a drain-to-source voltage that is greater than 50 VDC. The transistors are configured as a push-pull amplifier. The amplifier further includes an RF signal input. A input transformer is connected to the RF signal input. The input transformer has respective balanced outputs connected to the gates of the transistors. A broadband output transformer has a first balanced input connected to the drain of one the transistors, and a second balanced input connected to the drain of the other transistor. The broadband output transformer has an input to output impedance ratio of 1:4. |
| US07683714B2 |
Differential amplifier and display device using the same
Disclosed is a differential amplifier which comprises a differential pair comprising depletion-type first and second N-channel MOS transistors, a first current source that supplies a current for the differential pair, a current mirror circuit formed by transistor pairs connected in cascode fashion in two stages, for connecting an output pair of the differential pair in folded connection, second and third current sources connected to an input terminal of the current mirror circuit and an output terminal of the current circuit, respectively, and a buffer amplifier with that has an input terminal connected to the output terminal of the current mirror circuit and has an output terminal connected to an output terminal of the differential amplifier. |
| US07683711B2 |
Voltage regulator for biasing current-to-voltage amplifiers
A voltage regulator, comprising an analog amplifier, a noise filter and a signal compensator, is disclosed. The noise filter for receives a first signal containing alternating current (AC) noise in which the noise filter substantially filters the AC noise from the first signal to thereby produce a second signal. The voltage regulator regulates the second signal to thereby generate a third signal therefrom. The third signal is substantially noise-free and is provided as a biasing voltage to the analog amplifier. The first signal is further provided to for amplification by the analog amplifier based on amplification characteristics of the analog amplifier and the amplification characteristics of the analog amplifier is determined by the biasing voltage provided to the analog amplifier. |
| US07683710B2 |
Electronic signal processor
An electronic signal processor for processing signals includes a complex first filter, one or more gain stages and a second filter. The first filter is characterized by a frequency response curve that includes multiple corner frequencies, with some corner frequencies being user selectable. The first filter also has at least two user-preset gain levels which may be alternately selected by a switch. Lower frequency signals are processed by the first filter with at least 12 db/octave slope, and preferably with 18 db/octave slope to minimize intermodulation distortion products by subsequent amplification in the gain stages. A second filter provides further filtering and amplitude control. The signal processor is particularly suited for processing audio frequency signals. Related methods include filtering the input signal with an input filter of the second or third order high pass type, amplifying the filtered signal and further filtering the amplified signal with a low pass filter, which may be of the second order type. |
| US07683694B2 |
Low noise logarithmic detector
A logarithmic detector circuit including a drive circuit to receive a modulated input signal and generate a buffered modulated signal, a signal shaping circuit coupled to the drive circuit and configured to shape a voltage range of the buffered modulated signal to generate a shaped modulated signal, and a detecting circuit to detect the shaped modulated signal to generate an output signal substantially proportional to a logarithm of an amplitude of the modulated input signal. |
| US07683688B2 |
High performance clocked latches and devices therefrom
An integrated circuit (400) includes at least one clocked latch circuit (410). The clocked latch circuit (400) includes a first stage (415) including a latch node (420) positioned between a first pull up device (416) and a first (417) and at least a second pull down device (418), wherein the first stage (415) is operative to receive inputs comprising a data signal (D), a clock signal (CLK) and a clocked complement of the data signal (CDXX). A second stage (441) includes a second pull up device (442) and a third pull down device (445) having the latch node (420) therebetween, wherein at least one gate of the first pull up device (416) and the first (417) and second pull down device (418) is directly coupled to a gate of the second pull up device (442) or the third pull down device (445). An output inverter is coupled to the latch node (420). The clocked latch circuit is operable to pull the latch node (420) low under at least one logical combination of the inputs, and pull the latch node high under at least one other logical combination of the inputs. |
| US07683687B2 |
Hysteresis characteristic input circuit including resistors capable of suppressing penetration current
In a hysteresis characteristic input circuit, first and second resistors are connected in parallel between a first power supply terminal and a connection point, and first and second MOS transistors are connected in parallel between the connection point and a second power supply terminal and are controlled by an input voltage. An inverter has an input connected to the connection point and an output adapted to generate an output voltage. A first switching element is connected in series to the second resistor, and a second switching element is connected in series to the second MOS transistor. The first and second switching elements are complementarily controlled by the output voltage. |
| US07683672B2 |
Dynamically controlled output slew rate pad driver
Disclosed is a dynamically controlled, output slew rate pad driver that generates a controlled voltage on an interface node of an interface circuit, such as an input circuit, an output circuit, or a combined input/output circuit, to control the process of slewing the controlled voltage on the interface node. The slewing occurs substantially independently of capacitive loads connected to the interface node. Prior to initiation of the slewing process, an initial charge is generated on a storage capacitor. The storage capacitor is then connected to the gate of a driver transistor to charge the input parasitic gate capacitance of the driver transistor to approximately a gate threshold voltage of the driver transistor. A constant current source is also provided that is applied to the input of an integrating amplifier and an integrating capacitor that is connected to the interface node. The constant current is integrated to provide a controlled, slewed voltage on the interface node by charging the integrating capacitor with a constant current from the constant current source. |
| US07683666B1 |
Circuit component with programmable characteristics and method of operating same
A method and apparatus involve operating a circuit that includes a first portion and a second portion, including: operating the first portion in synchronism with a clock signal; maintaining in the first portion a logical value that can vary dynamically; and operating the second portion in a selected one of first and second operational modes. The operating of the second portion includes: responding to the occurrence of a control signal during operation in the first operational mode by causing the second portion to force the logical value in the first portion to a predetermined logical state in a manner asynchronous to the clock signal; and responding to the occurrence of the control signal during operation in the second operational mode by causing the second portion to force the logical value in the first portion to the predetermined logical state in a manner synchronized with the clock signal. |
| US07683663B1 |
Authorization of an implementation of a user design in a programmable integrated circuit
A system implements and authorizes use of a user design. A non-volatile memory stores combined configuration data including first configuration data for implementing a user design and an authorization module, and second configuration data for implementing a generator of a check code. In response to a reset, a programmable integrated circuit loads the first configuration data to implement the user design and the authorization module. The implemented authorization module generates an activation code from an identifier when the check code is available from the non-volatile memory and enables the user design when the check and activation codes match. The programmable integrated circuit loads the second configuration data to implement the generator when the check code is not available from the non-volatile memory. The implemented generator erases the second configuration data from the non-volatile memory, generates the check code from the identifier, and stores the check code in the non-volatile memory. |
| US07683659B1 |
Integrated circuits with jitter-reducing balancing logic
Integrated circuits contain core logic that is powered using a power supply signal. The core logic contains simultaneously switching circuitry. The simultaneously switching circuitry contributes to noise on the power supply signal. Balancing circuitry may be provided on the integrated circuit to compensate for the simultaneously switching circuitry in the core logic. The balancing circuitry may receive an input signal that is out of phase with respect to the input to the core logic. As the balancing circuitry switches out of phase with the simultaneously switching circuitry of the core logic, the noise contribution from the core logic is compensated and power supply noise on the power supply signal is minimized. |
| US07683652B2 |
Low-voltage detection circuit
A low-voltage detection circuit detects a low voltage using a voltage follower type operational amplifier and an A/D converter instead of a conventional low-voltage detection circuit. That is, a reference voltage is applied from a reference voltage generating circuit to the A/D converter through the voltage follower type operational amplifier. The voltage follower type operational amplifier is used to reduce output impedance. The power supply voltage can be detected by a converted value (a digital value) from the A/D converter since the reference voltage is independent of the power supply voltage and the converted value varies depending on the power supply voltage. The converted value (the digital value) from the A/D converter is set in a register and statuses of a microcomputer are set as in the conventional art, using the converted value as a flag. |
| US07683649B2 |
Testing system contactor
A testing system contactor with an integral temperature measurement sensor. |
| US07683646B2 |
Probe card and method of producing the same by a fine inkjet process
A method of producing a probe card where a sintering process is not required for each ejection of a droplet and fine bumps that become probes can be formed in a short time. A liquid material containing metal ultra-fine particles is ejected onto a substrate in accordance with a fine inkjet process, and fine bumps are formed on the substrate. The manufacturing process is simplified so that energy can be saved and resources can be saved. |
| US07683645B2 |
High-frequency probe card and transmission line for high-frequency probe card
A high-frequency probe card includes a circuit board having signal circuits and grounding circuits, transmission lines each having a bi-wire structure including a first lead wire for transmitting high-frequency signal and a second lead wire connected to the grounding circuits, and signal probes. High-frequency test signal provided by a test machine to the signal circuits can be transmitted to the signal probes through the first lead wires. Since the grounding circuits and second lead wires are provided adjacent to the signal circuits and first lead wires respectively, the high-frequency signal can be efficiently transmitted and the characteristic impedance matching can be maintained during high-frequency signal transmission. The bi-wire structure of the transmission lines has a diameter equal to or less than 1 millimeter, thereby allowing installation of a big number of the transmission lines such that the high-frequency test for a big number of electronic elements can be realized. |
| US07683642B2 |
Apparatus and method for metering contact integrity
An arrangement for use in connection with an electricity meter includes an electricity meter housing and at least one connection between a first conductor and a second conductor carrying line voltage. The arrangement further includes a processing circuit that is configured to obtain a first voltage measurement within the meter housing on a first side of the at least one connection, and to obtain a second voltage measurement on a second side of the at least one connection. The processing circuit is further configured to determine a value corresponding to an impedance across the at least one connection. |
| US07683638B2 |
Capacitive fingerprint sensor and the panel thereof
A capacitive fingerprint sensor comprises a fingerprint capacitor, an integrator, a first transistor, a second transistor and a multiplexer. The fingerprint capacitor has a capacitance that is either a valley capacitance CFV or a ridge capacitance CFR, wherein CFV is smaller than CFR. The integrator has a reference capacitor Cfb. The first transistor is configured to control the fingerprint capacitor during a scan line period. The second transistor is configured to precharge the fingerprint capacitor and to redistribute the charges between the fingerprint capacitor and the reference capacitor Cfb. The multiplexer is connected to the integrator for providing a first voltage VA and a second voltage VB, wherein the first voltage VA is greater than the second voltage VB. |
| US07683636B2 |
Structure for capacitive balancing of integrated relative humidity sensor
An improved relative humidity sensor apparatus that provides a more accurate measurement of humidity in the presence of water condensation. A series capacitive sensor includes a thin porous platinum top plate, a humidity sensitive polyimide dielectric, and two metal bottom plates on a semiconductor substrate. The two capacitors can be wired in series such that the metal bottom plates form independent, electrically driven connections. The thin top layer can form a top plate. Changes in humidity affect the humidity sensitive dielectric thereby causing changes in the capacitive value. A P-well layer and a P-plus layer can be added at the perimeter of the substrate to create a path for a parasitic capacitance caused by water condensation to connect to one or more connection nodes, thereby preventing erroneous measurements of humidity in the presence of water condensation. |
| US07683630B2 |
Self test, monitoring, and diagnostics in grouped circuitry modules
A rotary capacitor electrical test system for providing a power source to a capacitor under electrical test can include at least one programmable voltage source, at least one programmable current source, and a controller for programming the voltage and current sources. Random access, non-volatile, memory can be provided for storing information and for providing read/write capability for the controller. At least one digital/analog converter can communicate between the controller and the programmable voltage and current sources. A diagnostic program is operable through the controller for testing internal integrity of basic input/output functions of at least some subsystems. A circuit health monitoring program can operate through the controller for periodically testing and determining internal integrity of at least some subsystems. A self test program can operate through the controller for determining if at least some internal subsystems are working properly on a test/fail basis. |
| US07683622B2 |
Radio-frequency transmission arrangement for a magnetic resonance system
A radio-frequency transmission arrangement for an MR system for generation of a total B1 field which has a first antenna device that generates a first portion of the total B1 field and at least one antenna insert that generates a second portion of the total B1 field, such that the resulting B1 field is generated by the first antenna device and the at least one antenna insert. |
| US07683621B1 |
System and method for tissue point tracking using magnetic resonance imaging
A system and method for MR based tracking of a tissue point includes a RF coil assembly configured to emit RF pulse sequences and a system control coupled to the RF coil assembly. The system control is programmed to cause the RF coil assembly to emit a first RF pulse comprising a first pair of two-dimensional (2D) spatially selective beams, each of the beams being directed to a respective tagging location in the subject of interest and wherein the tagging locations are equidistant from a pre-determined point-of-interest. The system control is further programmed to acquire a first series of MR images from a subject of interest, identify the first pair of 2D spatially selective beams in each MR image in the first series of MR images, and track a position of the point-of-interest based on the identified 2D spatially selective beams in the first series of MR images. |
| US07683613B2 |
High pressure/high temperature magnetic resonance tool
The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for conducting magnetic resonance measurements on fluids at high pressures and/or high temperatures. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with or as part of a downhole fluid sampling tool to perform NMR measurements on fluids withdrawn from petroleum reservoirs, or can also be used for laboratory measurements on live reservoir fluids. The apparatus can perform all of the measurements made by modern NMR logging tools, including multi-dimensional distribution functions of spin-spin (T2) and spin-lattice relaxation (T1) times and molecular diffusion coefficients. The spin densities of hydrogen and other NMR sensitive species can be computed from the distribution functions. The apparatus can also be used to predict the apparent conductivity of the fluids in the flowline from measurements of the quality factor (“Q”) of the NMR circuit. The apparent conductivity can be used to predict water cut or water salinity. |
| US07683603B1 |
Automatic disconnect system, transfer system and method
A transfer system includes an energy meter, a transfer switch, an automatic disconnect device, and a detector. The energy meter includes an input structured to receive a first power source, and a power output. The transfer switch includes a first input electrically connected to the power output of the energy meter, a second input, an output, and a mechanism structured to transfer one of the first and second inputs to the output of the transfer switch. The automatic disconnect device includes a first input structured to receive a second power source, a second input, an output, and a mechanism structured to electrically connect or disconnect the first input and the output of the automatic disconnect device responsive to the second input. The detector is structured to detect presence of the energy meter and output a corresponding signal to the second input of the automatic disconnect device. |
| US07683601B2 |
Digital acquisition device for an amplitude modulation signal
The invention relates to a digital acquisition device for an amplitude modulation signal of a carrier. The acquisition device digitally acquires a useful signal. The useful signal modulates the amplitude of a carrier HF1 which has a frequency and a phase that are known. A modulation of the amplitude of the carrier by the useful signals forms a signal to be processed. According to the invention, the device has a summing device for creating an aggregate signal from a sum of the signal to be processed and a neutralizing signal. The neutralizing signal is a product of the carrier HF1 and of a neutralizing coefficient that can evolve over time, produced by a controlled-gain amplifier device. A load amplifier device amplifies the aggregate signal and produces an amplified aggregate signal. A quadrant comparison device QC is provided for the signal of the amplified aggregate signal and the sign of the carrier which delivers a comparison signal. A sampling device produces a bitstream from the comparison signal. The bitstream forms an image of the useful signal. An integration device produces the neutralizing coefficient, from the bitstream. |
| US07683600B2 |
Output circuit
An output circuit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes: an input terminal for receiving an input signal; an output transistor connected between a first power supply and an output terminal; a current control circuit connected to the input terminal and the output transistor for controlling current outflow and inflow for the gate of the output transistor based on the input signal; a voltage generating circuit connected to the first power supply; and a switch circuit coupled between the gate of the output transistor and the voltage generating circuit, the switch circuit having alternatively an on state and an off state thereof in response to the input signal; wherein the switch circuit becomes the off state when the potential difference between the gate of the output transistor and the first power supply becomes equal to or below a predetermine value regardless of the voltage level of the input signal. |
| US07683599B2 |
Voltage control circuits
A voltage control circuit is provided. The voltage control circuit comprises a control voltage source, a current generating unit, and an output voltage generating unit. The control voltage source inputs a single end control voltage. The current generating unit coupled to the control voltage source and a ground generates a first current according to the single end control voltage. The output voltage generating unit coupled to the current generating unit, receives a reference voltage, and generates a first output voltage and a second output voltage according to the first current and the reference voltage. A value of the first output voltage is greater than a value of the second output voltage. |
| US07683591B2 |
Semiconductor device with voltage variation detector
A semiconductor device includes a comparator which includes two input terminals and compares the voltage values between the power supply voltage which is inputted to one side input terminal and the reference voltage which is inputted to the other side input terminal. A resistor element connects two signal lines that are connected to the input terminals of the comparator One end of a capacitance element is connected to a power supply terminal for applying a power supply and the other end is connected to one input terminal of the comparator. |
| US07683587B2 |
Generation device
A generation device, having a magneto generator, in which an AC control voltage is applied from a battery charged with a rectified output of the magneto generator to an armature winding of the generator through an inverter to control a battery voltage to a limit value or less, comprising: fixed point detection means for detecting a fixed point on a waveform of a phase current of the generator; phase current phase detection means for detecting a phase angle of the fixed point in relation to a reference phase; arithmetical operation means for arithmetically operating timing for generating the AC control voltage with reference to the phase of the fixed point; and inverter control means for controlling switch elements of the inverter so as to generate the AC control voltage at the timing arithmetically operated by the arithmetical operation means. |
| US07683582B2 |
System and method for thermal management of a vehicle power source
A system and method of controlling temperature of a vehicle power source. The method includes determining a representative temperature of the power source, determining an ambient zone in which the power source is operating, determining a thermal control action based on the representative temperature and the ambient zone, and adjusting the temperature of the power source based on the thermal control action. |
| US07683576B2 |
Smart lead acid battery charging/discharging management system
A smart lead-acid battery charging/discharging management system comprised of one or a plurality of identical smart battery unit with each including a controller, a lead-acid battery, and a sensor switch device working together with a alternator and a voltage regulator to upgrade charging efficiency, achieve consistent capacity among batteries, and isolate malfunctioning or failing battery to extend service life of the battery. |
| US07683563B2 |
Protective device for a power-assisted steering system
A protective device for a power-assisted steering system, such a power-assisted steering system, and a method for protecting a power-assisted steering system are described. Provided in the described power-assisted steering system is a circuit that closes a separation in the neutral point of an electric motor when the rotational speed of the electric motor exceeds a prespecified value. |
| US07683562B2 |
Chattering preventing circuit, waveform shaping circuit including chattering preventing circuit, and three-phase motor drive control circuit including waveform shaping circuit
An object of the present invention is to provide a chattering preventing circuit, a waveform shaping circuit, and a motor drive control circuit including the chattering preventing circuit or the waveform shaping circuit, to provide an FG signal free from noise caused by chattering, without using a hysteresis comparator. |
| US07683560B2 |
Brushless DC permanent magnet motor
A brushless DC motor operated by a microcontroller has a unique pole construction that enables it to reliably start and operate as a unipolar device so that a reduced number of electronic power switches can be used to reduce cost and complexity. The microcontroller calculated rotor position to eliminate the need for a separate sensor and thereby further reduce manufacturing cost. |
| US07683559B2 |
Method of recovering energy from the turntable motor in an optical disc drive and optical device
The present invention relates to a method of recovering energy from the turntable motor (12) in an optical disc drive comprising a power supply and a circuitry (10) that is capable of selectively feeding a current from the power supply into the motor in a first state and from the motor into the power supply in a second state, the method comprising the steps of: decelerating the motor, during decelerating the motor, repeatedly calculating a ratio between a duration of the first state and a duration of the second state in dependence on an angular velocity of the motor, such that a current integrated over the whole decelerating process is fed from the motor into the power supply, and after calculating the ratio, selecting the duration of the first state and the duration of the second state in accordance with the calculated ratio. The present invention further relates to an optical device. |
| US07683556B2 |
System with acceleration tube conditioning apparatus and acceleration tube conditioning method
In an acceleration tube conditioning apparatus for performing a conditioning process on an acceleration tube when a high frequency power signal to be supplied to an acceleration tube is generated by a high frequency power supply, a power value collecting section collects a traveling wave power value and a reflection wave power value from a sensor which monitors the traveling wave power signal and the reflection wave power signal. A high frequency calculating section calculates a resonance frequency of the acceleration tube based on the traveling wave power value and the reflection wave power value. A high frequency adjusting section determines a high frequency value based on one of the traveling wave power value and the reflection wave power value as a selection power value, and a high frequency power supply control unit controls the high frequency power supply based on the high frequency value. The high frequency value indicates a constant value when the selection power value is smaller than a predetermined value, and indicates the calculated resonance frequency when the selection power value is larger than the predetermined value. |
| US07683552B2 |
Circuit structure for a lamp set
A circuit structure for a lamp set which includes a socket, a lamp assembly mounted onto the socket and an electrode portion. The lamp assembly surrounds a housing space inside to hold a power distribution dock connecting to the socket. The power distribution dock has a holding space to hold a power conversion element which is electrically connected to the electrode portion to receive external electric power and transform to starting power to drive the lamp assembly to generate light. The power distribution dock and the power conversion element are located in the housing space. Thus the total height of the socket is reduced and the lamp set can be shrunk to a smaller size. |
| US07683548B2 |
Method of producing an infrared lamp
A method of producing an infrared lamp for a vehicle night vision system, where the lamp has a tube which surrounds a radiation source that emits infrared radiation and light radiation. The tube has an infrared-transmitting coating. By setting specific process parameters in the coating process and/or by post-treating the coated tube, holes are formed in an irregular arrangement in the coating. The holes have at least in some areas a defined average size and a defined average surface density. |
| US07683536B2 |
OLEDs utilizing direct injection to the triplet state
The present invention relates to OLEDs utilizing direct injection to the triplet state. The present invention also relates to OLEDs utilizing resonant injection and/or stepped energy levels. |
| US07683534B2 |
Methods and structures for reducing lateral diffusion through cooperative barrier layers
A covered substrate is described, which comprises: (a) a flexible substrate layer; and (b) a plurality of cooperative barrier layers disposed on the substrate layer. The plurality of cooperative barrier layers further comprise one or more planarizing layers and one or more high-density layers. Moreover, at least one high-density layer is disposed over at least one planarizing layer in a manner such that the at least one high-density layer extends to the substrate layer and cooperates with the substrate layer to completely surround the at least one planarizing layer. When combined with an additional barrier region, such covered substrates are effective for enclosing organic optoelectronic devices, such as organic light-emitting diodes, organic electrochromic displays, organic photovoltaic devices and organic thin film transistors. Preferred organic optoelectronic devices are organic light-emitting diodes. |
| US07683531B2 |
Triode field emission display
A triode field emission display is provided. It utilizes the electrical characteristics that an edge structure may raise the electric field intensity to expose an edge of a cathode plate through an opening of a gate layer, thereby forming the edge structure at an emitter to raise the electric field intensity. Therefore, reduction of driving voltage is achieved. |
| US07683528B2 |
Structure, electron emitting device, secondary battery, electron source, and image display device
The present invention prevents the oxidization of a member of carbon fibers and improves the electric connection between the carbon fibers and the member of carbon fibers. In the present invention, a member 5 of carbon fibers 4 includes: a first element selected from the group consisting of IVa group elements and Va group elements; a second element selected from the group consisting of C, Al, Si, Cr, and Zr; and N. Preferably, the first element is Ti. More preferably, the member 5 includes Al or Si and the ratio of Al or Si to Ti is not less than 10 atm % and not more than 30 atm %. |
| US07683527B2 |
Alignment mark and plasma display panel comprising the alignment mark
An alignment mark for a plasma display panel (PDP). The alignment mark comprises a first and a second alignment patterns installed on a front and a rear substrate respectively. The second alignment pattern on the non-display area is simultaneously formed with the rib barrier formation on the display area of the rear substrate, wherein the second alignment pattern is hexagonal-honeycomb. The first alignment pattern on the front substrate is simultaneously formed with the non-transparent material fabrication, such as a bus electrode or black matrix fabrication, and corresponds to a space within the second alignment pattern. The first alignment pattern comprises at least one line segment, parallel to at least one side of the hexagonal honeycomb pattern on the rear substrate with a predetermined distance therebetween. |
| US07683526B2 |
Plasma display apparatus with glass filter having plurality of dot parts
A plasma display apparatus is provided having an improved glass filter. The plasma display includes a panel assembly, and a glass filter provided in front of the panel assembly. The glass filter includes a plurality of a dot parts disposed in front of a glass plate to adjust light transmissivity from the panel assembly and external light reflxibility. Thus, the glass filter may be produced simply, thereby lowering the production cost of the glass filter. |
| US07683522B2 |
Composite mode transducer and cooling device having the composite mode transducer
A composite mode transducer for dissipating heat generated by a heat generating element is disclosed. The composite mode transducer includes a transducing module and connection elements. The transducing module includes first and second transducing elements connected in parallel. The connection elements are connected to resonance nodes of the first and second transducing elements. The first and second transducing elements are driven by a multiple-frequency resonance circuit, to produce resonance vibration of composite modes at resonance vibration frequencies of the system. The resulting advantages by using the composite mode transducer are: elimination of local stress concentration, and enhancement of efficiency, endurance and stability of the system. Accordingly, drawbacks of the prior art are overcome. The present invention further provides a cooling device with the composite mode transducer. |
| US07683521B2 |
Radio frequency surface acoustic wave proximity detector
A proximity sensor for determining a position of an object. The proximity sensor includes a SAW device having a load end and an input end for receiving an input pulse. A sensing section connects to the load end of the SAW device. When the object is in a first position, the sensing section provides a first response indicative of the first position and, when the object is in a second position, the sensing section provides a second response indicative of the second position such that the position of the object can be determined based upon the response to the input pulse. |
| US07683520B2 |
Electric motor and rotating device that changes relative phase of rotors
This electric motor is provided with an inner periphery side rotor, an outer periphery side rotor, and a rotating device that can change a relative phase between these rotors by rotating at least one of them about a rotational axis thereof. The rotating device is provided with a first member integrally and rotatably provided to the outer periphery side rotor, and a second member integrally fixed on an inside of the inner periphery side rotor which together with the first member defines a pressure chamber on the inside of the inner periphery side rotor. The rotating device changes a relative phase between the inner periphery side rotor and the outer periphery side rotor by supplying a hydraulic fluid to the pressure chamber. The rotating device is further provided with a linking passage that leaks the hydraulic fluid supplied to the pressure chamber to an outside of the pressure chamber. |
| US07683516B2 |
Production method for rotating electric machine and stator coils, and electric power steering motor
A stator of a rotating electric machine includes a stator core, and multiphase stator coils incorporated in the stator core. The stator core is formed by connecting a plurality of split core pieces. Each of the stator coils is wound around a coil bobbin installed on the outer periphery of the tooth portion of a respective one of the core pieces, by a concentrated winding method; and around mutually adjacent tooth portions, the respective coils that have the same phase and mutually different in the winding direction are continuously wound. A crossover wire for connecting the first stator coil wound around the first tooth portion and the second stator coil wound around the second tooth portion, is located at a position further toward the central side in the axial direction of the coil bobbin than the end portion of the coil bobbin, inclusive of this end portion. |
| US07683512B2 |
Motor used to drive optical elements
A motor used to drive optical elements includes a stator, a rotor revolved relative to the stator, and a feedback apparatus used to sense the position of the rotor. The feedback apparatus is an encoder. Such described structure eliminates the system's instability caused by the drift of a conventional capacitive type transducer or an inductance type transducer. Moreover, the response of the motor used to drive optical elements has been improved greatly by utilizing a multipole motor. |
| US07683510B2 |
System and method for managing air flow in a motor
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system for managing air flow within an induction motor, such as in the rotor assembly of the motor. The system can comprise a gap blocker to substantially impede air flow through radial apertures defined by and/or near end regions of the rotor conductor bars. |
| US07683508B2 |
Vibration device
The present invention pertains to vibration devices that do not require a rotating mass. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a coil causes a plunger to move linearly. A spring device is coupled to one end of the plunger. Activation of the coil causes the plunger to move in a first direction relative to a body and coil deactivation enables the spring device to move the plunger in an opposite direction relative to the body. Activating the coil at a predetermined frequency causes vibration of the plunger. Vibratory forces are transferred via the spring device and coil onto the body at predetermined locations. Opposing spring devices may be affixed to either end of the plunger. Spring devices may be linear or non-linear. Such spring devices may be used in conjunction with magnetic spring devices. A controller and a driver circuit may be used to control system operation. |
| US07683507B2 |
Tubular electrical generators
A tubular linear generator comprises an elongate translator, containing a series of permanent magnets and one or more annular coils (not shown) contained within and affixed to a ferromagnetic sleeve. Relative movement between the translator and armature causes the generation of electricity in the coils. The sleeve is contoured in terms of permeability around its circumference at one or both its ends, as shown at, in order to reduce cogging forces between the sleeve and the permanent magnets along the translator. |
| US07683506B2 |
CI-core actuator for long travel in a transverse direction
Methods and apparatus for providing relatively long travel in a transverse direction for a magnetic levitation stage apparatus are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a linear actuator includes a first core, a second core, and at least one coil wrapped around the first core. The first core includes a body portion and a plurality of rails. The body portion has a first axis and a second axis, and the rails have longitudinal axes that are perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the second axis. The dimensions of the rails along the longitudinal axes are substantially larger than a dimension of the body portion along the second axis. The second core has a third axis that is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes and to the second axis, and is levitated relative to the first core when a current is provided through the coil. |
| US07683503B2 |
Dead battery preventing device for preventing engine start failure of vehicle having economy running function and dead battery prevention method
A dead battery preventing device enables to prevent an engine start failure (a dead battery) of a vehicle having an economy running function which is caused by the vehicle's being left in an engine stall state. The dead battery preventing device to be mounted on a vehicle having an economy running function comprises a unit for judging whether an informing condition for informing a user that the vehicle is in an engine stall state has been satisfied or not, and a unit for informing the user that the vehicle is in the engine stall state when it is judged that the informing condition has been satisfied, wherein the informing condition includes that the vehicle is in the engine stall state and that the vehicle shifted from an economy running state to the engine stall state. |
| US07683502B2 |
Automated mobile power system
An automated mobile power system is capable of storing energy in electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic subsystems for driving a range of interchangeable tools. The system charges three storage means: electrical batteries for providing electrical energy, a hydraulic accumulator for providing hydraulic energy, and an air accumulator for providing pneumatic energy. A small diesel engine provides power to recharge each subsystem as needed. Between recharging cycles, the engine is shut down. A controller unit enables use of the apparatus in one of an automatic mode, which starts and stops the engine automatically based on a plurality of sensors that detect when a recharge is necessary, or a manual mode. The apparatus may also provide a heating unit capable of heating the work area. Preferably the apparatus is either mounted into a standard pick-up truck, service body, or flat-bed vehicle, or contained in a compact housing for easy transport. |
| US07683501B2 |
Energy recovery system including a flow guide apparatus
An energy recovery system includes a ventilation system of a defined area, at least one windmill located exterior to the defined area and at least one flow guide apparatus positioned between the at least one exhaust and the at least one windmill. The ventilation system has at least one exhaust from which air from within the defined area is expelled out of the defined area by an exhaust fan as an exhaust air flow. The one or more flow guide apparatuses are positioned between the exhaust and the one or more windmills and are preferably sized and configured to redirect at least a portion of the exhaust air flow into an axial flow that moves toward one or more of the windmills. |
| US07683500B2 |
Wave energy recovery system
A novel apparatus and methods for recovering energy from water waves is provided. An embodiment of the present invention includes a buoy, a shaft, and an electric power generating device. The shaft is coupled to the buoy such that when the buoy moves vertically in response to a passing wave, the shaft rotates. The shaft is coupled to the electric power generating device such that when the shaft rotates, the generating device produces electric power. Once electric power is generated, it is delivered to shore, where it is stored, used to power a device, or delivered to a power distribution grid. |
| US07683499B2 |
Natural gas turbine generator
A turbine generator utilizing a passive high pressure fluid source such as a natural gas well head. The generator includes a core and lead wires encapsulated in a dielectric medium to isolate current-bearing components from the motivating fluid, thereby preventing carbon bridging and reducing the explosion hazard when the motivating fluid is a hydrocarbon. The turbine generator includes a rotor that utilizes the full length as an impingement surface for imparting momentum to the rotor, thereby maintaining a compact design that reduces the overall footprint of the turbine generator. Fluid exits the generator via horizontal passages that penetrate the lower extremities of the turbine generator, preventing the buildup of condensation in the unit. |
| US07683497B2 |
Turbomachinery electric generator arrangement
A turbomachinery electric generator arrangement includes a rotary compressor, a generator having a rotary armature and a stator, a combustion chamber to which compressed gas is directed from the compressor, a rotary turbine to which combustion product is directed from the combustion chamber and a bearing arrangement supporting in rotation the rotary compressor, rotary armature and rotary turbine. Compressed gas for cooling components of the arrangement is directed from the rotary compressor, typically being tapped off from a subsidiary gas output upstream of a primary gas outlet. Bearing thermal shielding and modular construction of components are also features of the arrangement. |
| US07683496B2 |
Misalignment detection devices
A misalignment detection device comprising a substrate, at least one integrated circuit (IC), and at least one detection unit is disclosed. The substrate comprises a first positioning pad and a second positioning pad adjacent to the first positioning pad. The integrated circuit is disposed on the substrate and comprises a first positioning bump and a second positioning bump adjacent to the first positioning bump. The first and second positioning bumps substantially correspond to the first and second positioning pads, respectively. The at least one detection unit is electrically coupled to the substrate, wherein the detection unit outputs a fault signal in response to a positioning shift occurring between the first and second positioning pads and the first and second positioning bumps. |
| US07683493B2 |
Intermetallic diffusion block device and method of manufacture
One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an under bump metallurgy material. The under bump metallurgy material of this embodiment includes an adhesion layer and a conduction layer formed on top of the adhesion layer. The under bump metallurgy material of this embodiment also includes a barrier layer plated on top of the conduction layer and a sacrificial layer plated on top of the barrier layer. The conduction layer of this embodiment includes a trench formed therein, the trench contacting a portion of the barrier layer and blocking a path of intermetallic formation between the conduction layer and the sacrificial layer. |
| US07683492B2 |
Semiconductor device
The present invention provides a semiconductor device which can realize the mounting of a plurality of chips at a high-speed, with high packaging density and at a low cost. In mounting a memory device chip 103 and an ASIC 104 on a wiring chip 102, connection pads 110, 116 are respectively formed along one opposing sides of the memory device chip 103 and the ASIC 104 on the wiring chip 102, the arrangement positions of the respective connection pads 110, 116 define the shortest distance assumes the shortest distance therebetween and, at the same time wiring lines which are formed on the wiring chip 102 are also shortened. Accordingly, it is possible to mount the memory device chip 103 and the ASIC 104 on the wiring chip 102 with high packaging density and, at the same time, since the wiring distance can be shortened, the high speed operation can be realized. |
| US07683491B2 |
Semiconductor device
An aspect of the semiconductor device comprising a package substrate which has a plurality of pads to which a power supply voltage is applied on an upper surface thereof, a first memory chip which is arranged on the package substrate and has a first power supply pad provided on a first side and a second power supply pad provided on a second side perpendicular to the first side, and a second memory chip which is translated in a direction along which the first and second power supply pads of the first memory chip are exposed, arranged on the first memory chip, and has the same structure as the first memory chip, wherein the first and second power supply pads are provided at diagonal corners of the first memory chip, respectively. |
| US07683489B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabricating method thereof
A semiconductor device and a fabricating method thereof are provided. A PMD layer and at least one IMD layer are formed on a semiconductor substrate. A through-electrode penetrates through the PMD layer and the IMD layer, and a connecting electrode connects to the through-electrode. |
| US07683486B2 |
Electronic apparatus interconnect routing and interconnect routing method for minimizing parasitic resistance
Method and apparatus are provided for routing interconnects of a dual-gate electronic device operating in a differential configuration. An electronic apparatus formed on a substrate is provided comprising a first interconnect (40, 42, 44) configured to couple to a first region of the substrate, a first gate (22, 24, 26, 28) coupled to the first interconnect and configured to receive a first differential input, a second interconnect (30, 32, 34, 36, 38) parallel to the first interconnect and configured to couple to a second region of the substrate, and a second gate (20) coupled to the second interconnect and configured to receive a second differential input. The first gate is parallel to the first interconnect, and the second gate is parallel to the second interconnect. |
| US07683483B2 |
Electronic device with connection bumps
Flip-chip electronic devices (40, 70, 80, 90) employ bumps (42, 72, 82) for coupling to an external substrate. Device cells (43, 73, 83, 93) and bumps (42, 72, 82) are preferably arranged in clusters (46) where four bumps (42, 72, 82) substantially surround each device cell (43, 73, 83, 93) or form a cross with the device cell (43, 73, 83, 93) at the intersection of the cross. The bumps (42, 72, 82) are desirably spaced apart by the minimum allowable bump (42, 72, 82) pitch (Lm). Typically, each device cell (43, 73, 83, 93) contains one or more active device regions (44, 74, 86, 96) depending on the overall function. Complex devices (40, 70) are formed by an X-Y array of the clusters (46), where adjacent clusters (46) may share bumps (43, 73, 83, 93) and/or device cells (43, 73, 83, 93). In a preferred embodiment, the bumps (42, 82) form the outer perimeter (48) of the device (40, 80, 90). The maximum device temperature and overall noise is reduced. |
| US07683482B2 |
Electronic component unit
A chip is bonded on a circuit board by aligning in position bumps with board electrodes with interposition of an anisotropic conductive layer between the chip and the circuit board. The anisotropic conductive layer is a mixture of an insulating resin, conductive particles and an inorganic filler. The chip is pressed against the board with a pressure force of not smaller than 20 gf per bump by virtue of a tool, while warp of the chip and the board is connected, the bumps are compressed, and the insulating resin is hardened. |
| US07683478B2 |
Hermetic seal and reliable bonding structures for 3D applications
A sealed microelectronic structure which provides mechanical stress endurance and includes at least two chips being electrically connected to a semiconductor structure at a plurality of locations. Each chip includes a continuous bonding material along it's perimeter and at least one support column connected to each of the chips positioned within the perimeter of each chip. Each support column extends outwardly such that when the at least two chips are positioned over one another the support columns are in mating relation to each other. A seal between the at least two chips results from the overlapping relation of the chip to one another such that the bonding material and support columns are in mating relation to each other. Thus, the seal is formed when the at least two chips are mated together, and results in a bonded chip structure. |
| US07683476B2 |
Semiconductor package film having reinforcing member and related display module
Semiconductor package films and a display module comprising a packaged semiconductor device punched from a semiconductor package film are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a semiconductor package film comprising a base film comprising a plurality of semiconductor device regions, an intermediate region disposed on a first surface of the base film and disposed between two semiconductor device regions, and a reinforcing member attached to a second surface of the base film opposite the first surface of the base film and attached opposite the intermediate region. Each semiconductor device region comprises a semiconductor mounting region adapted to receive a semiconductor chip, and first and second metal line regions. |
| US07683475B2 |
LED chip array module
The difficulties encountered in conventional LED multiple chip modules where wire bonding is used to connect the chips to electrodes can be overcome by using an interconnect to connect the chip to electrodes in a module where the interconnect is supported at points along its length other than at endpoints thereof, by a carrier either directly or indirectly. This improves reliability of the interconnect over conventional designs. Preferably, the contacts of the chips, and the electrodes are all within, or do not extend beyond, two parallel planes that are 400 microns apart for a compact design. |
| US07683474B2 |
LED assembly with LED position template and method of making an LED assembly using LED position template
A light emitting diode (LED) assembly and a method of making the assembly, in which a container having an open top is provided with a two sets of holes through a bottom of the container, an electrically conductive heat sink is attached to the container bottom beneath the first set of holes, and in which an electrically conductive sheet is attached to the container bottom beneath the second set of holes, where the heat sink and sheet are isolated from each other. LEDs are placed in the first set of holes so that each has a first LED terminal on and adhered to an exposed part of the heat sink through the respective one of the first holes and in which a second LED terminal is connected via a wire lead to the sheet through a respective one of the second holes. |
| US07683470B2 |
LED package
A Chip on Board (COB) package which can reduce the manufacturing costs by using a general PCB as a substrate, increase a heat radiation effect from a light source, thereby realizing a high quality light source at low costs, and a manufacturing method thereof. The COB package includes a board-like substrate with a circuit printed on a surface thereof, the substrate having a through hole. The package also includes a light source positioned in the through hole and including a submount and a dome structure made of resin, covering and fixing the light source to the substrate. The invention allows a good heat radiation effect by using the general PCB as the substrate, enabling manufacture of a high quality COB package at low costs. This in turn improves emission efficiency of the light source, ultimately realizing a high quality light source. |
| US07683469B2 |
Package-on-package system with heat spreader
A package-on-package system includes: providing a base substrate; mounting an integrated circuit on the base substrate; positioning a stacking interposer over the integrated circuit; and forming a heat spreader base around the integrated circuit by coupling the base substrate and the stacking interposer to the heat spreader base. |
| US07683466B2 |
Chip packaging overflow proof device
A chip packaging overflow proof device includes a chip disposed on a substrate; a circuit connected to the chip being provided to each of both sides of the substrate; both of the substrate and the chip being placed in a packaging base; a socket being each provided on both sides of the packaging base to receive insertion by a lid; a first cable-terminating hole being provided between the socket and the lid to permit the circuit to penetrate through; one or a plurality of retaining wall being disposed on the packaging base at where closer to the socket; a second cable-terminating hole being provided on the retaining hole; an overflow space being defined between the retaining wall and the socket; the overflow space being disposed at a level lower than that of the second cable-terminating hole; and the overflow space accepts any squeeze-out from a chip packaging colloid. |
| US07683465B2 |
Integrated circuit including clip
A semiconductor device is provided that includes a leadframe, a die, and a clip. The leadframe has a flag and a power pad. The die is coupled to the flag. The clip comprises a die retaining section and a pad section. The die is coupled to the die retaining section, and the pad section extends from the die retaining section. The pad section is coupled to the power pad. |
| US07683457B2 |
Group I-VII semiconductor single crystal thin film and process for producing same
A CaF2 buffer layer (3) is formed on a CaF2 (111) substrate (2) by an MBE method. Furthermore, a CuCl thin film is grown on the CaF2 buffer layer (3) by the MBE method while irradiating it with an electron beam to form an electro beam irradiation film (1a). Subsequently, a CuCl thin film is grown by the MBE method without the irradiation of electron beam to form an electron beam non-irradiation film (1b), thereby thus forming a CuCl thin film (a) including the electron beam irradiation film (1a) and the electron beam non-irradiation film (1b). Consequently, a CuCl thin film (1) exhibiting high planarity and crystallinity can be formed. |
| US07683453B2 |
Edge termination region for high-voltage bipolar-CMOS-DMOS integrated circuit devices
All low-temperature processes are used to fabricate a variety of semiconductor devices in a substrate the does not include an epitaxial layer. The devices include a non-isolated lateral DMOS, a non-isolated extended drain or drifted MOS device, a lateral trench DMOS, an isolated lateral DMOS, JFET and depletion-mode devices, and P-N diode clamps and rectifiers and junction terminations. Since the processes eliminate the need for high temperature processing and employ “as-implanted” dopant profiles, they constitute a modular architecture which allows devices to be added or omitted to the IC without the necessity of altering the processes used to produce the remaining devices. |
| US07683451B2 |
CMOS image sensors with light shielding patterns
An image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate including an active pixel region and an optical black region, a wiring pattern on the active pixel region and on the optical black region, and a light shielding pattern on the wiring pattern in the optical black region, the light shielding pattern including an opening therein. A dummy pattern is in the optical black region and is spaced apart from the light shielding pattern. The dummy pattern blocks light incident through the openings of the light shielding patter. An inter-metal dielectric layer fills spaces between the patterns, and a passivation layer is on the inter-metal dielectric layer. The dummy pattern includes an opening therein, and a hydrogen diffusion path is provided from the passivation layer, through the opening in the light shielding pattern and the opening in the dummy pattern, to the semiconductor substrate. The dummy pattern may be on the same level as the wiring pattern. |
| US07683443B2 |
MOS devices with multi-layer gate stack
An embodiment of a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a principal surface, spaced-apart source and drain regions separated by a channel region at the principal surface, and a multilayered gate structure located over the channel region. The multilayered gate structure includes a gate dielectric layer in contact with the channel region, a first conductor comprising a metal oxide overlying the gate dielectric layer, a second conductor overlying the first conductor, and an impurity migration inhibiting layer between the gate dielectric layer and the first conductor or between the first conductor and the second conductor. |
| US07683439B2 |
Semiconductor device having a metal carbide gate with an electropositive element and a method of making the same
A semiconductor device structure is formed over a semiconductor substrate and has a gate dielectric over the semiconductor substrate and a gate over the gate dielectric. The gate, at an interface with the gate dielectric, comprises a transition metal, carbon, and an electropositive element. The transition metal comprises one of group consisting of tantalum, titanium, hafnium, zirconium, molybdenum, and tungsten. The electropositive element comprises one of a group consisting of a Group IIA element, a Group IIIB element, and lanthanide series element. |
| US07683437B2 |
Semiconductor device having fin field effect transistor and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device including fin-FETs capable of suppressing both OFF-current resulting from the short channel effect and junction leakage, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A semiconductor device comprises: an active region defined to have a crank shape by an STI region formed on a semiconductor substrate, the active region having an upper surface higher than an upper surface of the STI region; a source region and a drain region formed on both ends of the active region, respectively; a channel region formed between the source region and the drain region in the active region; and a gate electrode covering an upper surface and side surfaces of a central portion of the active region including the channel region. |
| US07683434B2 |
Preventing cavitation in high aspect ratio dielectric regions of semiconductor device
Methods for preventing cavitation in high aspect ratio dielectric regions in a semiconductor device, and the device so formed, are disclosed. The invention includes depositing a first dielectric in the high aspect ratio dielectric region between a pair of structures, and then removing the first dielectric to form a bearing surface adjacent each structure. The bearing surface prevents cavitation of the interlayer dielectric that subsequently fills the high aspect ratio region. |
| US07683427B2 |
Laterally diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor device and method of making the same
A laterally diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (LDMOS) device as well as a method of making the same is disclosed. A gate is formed on a semiconductor substrate between a source region and a drain region with one side laterally extending onto a part of a field oxide layer and the opposite side beside the source region. A gate dielectric layer is formed between the gate and the semiconductor substrate, wherein the gate dielectric layer comprises two or more portions having different thicknesses arranged laterally in a way that the thicknesses of the portions gradually increase from one side beside the source doping region to the opposite side bordering the field oxide layer. With such structure, the hot carrier impact is minimized and the gate length can be scaled down to gain Idlin. |
| US07683422B2 |
Non-volatile memory devices with wraparound-shaped floating gate electrodes and methods of forming same
Non-volatile memory devices include memory cells therein with reduced cell-to-cell coupling capacitance. These memory cells include floating gate electrodes with open-ended wraparound shapes that operate to reduce the cell-to-cell coupling capacitance in a bit line direction, while still maintaining a high coupling ratio between control and floating gate electrodes within each memory cell. |
| US07683416B2 |
Post STI trench capacitor
A design structure for capacitor having a suitably large value for decoupling applications is formed in a trench defined by isolation structures such as recessed isolation or shallow trench isolation. The capacitor provides a contact area coextensive with an active area and can be reliably formed individually or in small numbers. Plate contacts are preferably made through implanted regions extending to or between dopant diffused regions forming a capacitor plate. The capacitor can be formed by a process subsequent to formation of isolation structures such that preferred soft mask processes can be used to form the isolation structures and process commonality and compatibility constraint are avoided while the capacitor forming processes can be performed in common with processing for other structures. |
| US07683415B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The method includes: forming a contact plug passing through an inter-layer insulation layer; sequentially forming a lower electrode layer, a dielectric layer and an upper electrode layer on the inter-layer insulation layer; patterning the upper electrode layer; patterning the dielectric layer and the lower electrode layer, thereby obtaining a capacitor including an upper electrode, a patterned dielectric layer and a lower electrode; and sequentially forming a first metal interconnection line connected with the contact plug and second metal interconnection lines connected with the capacitor. |
| US07683410B2 |
Image pickup device
An image pickup device includes a plurality of photoelectric transducers; and a diffusion-reflection layer provided in front of the plurality of photoelectric transducers, wherein a part of light incident on the diffusion-reflection layer is reflected and dispersed therefrom, and the remainder of the incident light is transmitted through the diffusion-reflection layer so as to be incident on the plurality of photoelectric transducers. |
| US07683408B2 |
Image sensor
An image sensor and a fabricating method thereof are provided. A pixel area and a peripheral circuit area can have a step difference on a semiconductor substrate. A Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) circuit can be provided on the pixel area, and an interlayer dielectric layer can be provided on the pixel area and the peripheral circuit area. A photodiode can be provided on the interlayer dielectric layer of the pixel area such that the top of the photodiode, or an intrinsic layer of the photodiode, is about even with the top of the interlayer dielectric layer of the peripheral circuit area. |
| US07683407B2 |
Structure and method for building a light tunnel for use with imaging devices
A pixel cell and imager device, and method of forming the same, where the pixel cell has a plurality of metallization and via layers formed over a photosensitive region. The metallization and via layers form a step-like light tunnel structure that augments the photosensitive region's ability to capture light impinging on the photosensitive region. |
| US07683403B2 |
Spatially aware drive strength dependent die size independent combinatorial spare cell insertion manner and related system and method
A design method for an integrated circuit adds spare cells in a System-on-Chip to allow for Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to be performed at a later stage in the design. This method can be used to provide a second version of the chip having minimal alterations performed in a short cycle time. The spare cells can be divided into combinational and sequential cells. There is an optimum spread of combinational cells in the design for post placement repairs of the chip with just metal layer changes. The method takes into account the drive strength of the spare cells as the main factor in their placement on the chip. |
| US07683402B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
Semiconductor devices whose current characteristics can be prevented from varying even if a phase shift mask is used for patterning gate electrodes of MISFETs, and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device comprising a first transistor including a first gate electrode provided above a semiconductor substrate, and a first source and a first drain provided in the semiconductor substrate, a second transistor arranged to be adjacent to the first transistor, and including a second gate electrode provided above the semiconductor substrate in parallel with the first gate electrode, and a second source and a second drain provided in the semiconductor substrate, and a third gate electrode provided between the first transistor and the second transistor and in parallel with the first and second gate electrodes. |
| US07683400B1 |
Semiconductor heterojunction devices based on SiC
A Si(1-x)MxC material for heterostructures on SiC can be grown by CVD, PVD and MOCVD. SIC doped with a metal such as Al modifies the bandgap and hence the heterostructure. Growth of SiC Si(1-x)MxC heterojunctions using SiC and metal sources permits the fabrication of improved HFMTs (high frequency mobility transistors), HBTs (heterojunction bipolar transistors), and HEMTs (high electron mobility transistors). |
| US07683392B2 |
Semiconductor device with anisotropy-relaxed quantum dots
A semiconductor quantum dot device includes: an inclined InP substrate whose principal surface normal is inclined from a [001] direction to a [1 −10] direction in a (001) plane; and semiconductor quantum dots made of InAs1-xSbx (0 |
| US07683384B2 |
Ultra-thin alphanumeric display
An alphanumeric display includes a substrate that has top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of electrical contacts on the top surface, a plurality of light-emitting electronic devices mounted on the top surface, and a plurality of electrical pads on the bottom surface. The electrical contacts are connected to at least one light-emitting electronic device, and each of the light-emitting electronic devices is electrically connected with corresponding ones of the electrical contacts. The electrical pads are electrically connected to corresponding ones of the electrical contacts for communicating to the light-emitting electronic devices external sources of electrical power and control signals. The electrical pads on the bottom surface are arranged in a pattern to facilitate connections to the device using a conductive adhesive. |
| US07683383B2 |
Light emitting device having circuit protection unit
A light emitting device having a circuit protection unit is provided. The circuit protection unit has a low-resistance layer and a potential barrier layer, wherein a barrier potential exists at the interface between the low-resistance layer and the potential barrier layer. The circuit protection unit is electrically connected with the light emitting device. When an electrostatic discharge or excessive forward current is occurred in the light emitting device, the circuit protection unit provides a rectifying function for preventing damages caused by static electricity or excessive forward current to the light emitting device. |
| US07683382B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode display includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes a light emitting element and a driving transistor coupled to the light emitting element. The pixels may be arranged in a matrix. The pixels include first pixels, second pixels, and third pixels, the driving transistors of the first to the third pixels occupy different areas, and the light emitting elements of the first to the third pixels occupy substantially equal area. |
| US07683377B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device, method of manufacturing the same, and lighting apparatus and display apparatus using the same
The present invention aims to provide a semiconductor light emitting device (1) that may be firmly attached to a substrate with maintaining excellent light emitting efficiency, and a manufacturing method of the same, and a lighting apparatus and a display apparatus using the same. In order to achieve the above object, the semiconductor light emitting device (1) according to the present invention includes a luminous layer (23), a light transmission layer (10) disposed over a main surface of the luminous layer (23), and having depressions (11) on a surface facing away from the luminous layer (23), and a transmission membrane (70) disposed on the light transmission layer (10) so as to follow contours of the depressions, and light from the luminous layer (23) is irradiated so as to pass through the light transmission layer (10) and the transmission membrane (70). |
| US07683373B2 |
Thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same, in which an amorphous silicon layer is formed on a substrate, a capping layer containing a metal catalyst having a different concentration according to its thickness is formed on the amorphous silicon layer, the capping layer is patterned to form a capping layer pattern, and the amorphous silicon layer is crystallized, such that the density and position of seeds formed at an interface between the amorphous silicon layer and the capping layer pattern is controlled, thereby improving the size and uniformity of grains, and in which polycrystalline silicon of desired size and uniformity is selectively formed at a desired position by one crystallization process, resulting in a thin film transistor having excellent and desired properties. The thin film transistor includes a substrate; a plurality of semiconductor layers formed on the substrate, the semiconductor layers including grains of different sizes obtained by crystallizing an amorphous silicon layer beneath a capping layer into a polycrystalline silicon layer using the capping layer pattern containing a metal catalyst with a predetermined distribution and having a predetermined height and width; and a gate insulating layer, a gate electrode, an interlayer insulting layer, and source and drain electrodes formed on the semiconductor layers. Therefore, the crystallization process is performed using the capping layer pattern containing the metal catalyst, which has concentration and distribution varying depending on the thickness of the capping layer pattern, thereby improving the size and uniformity of grains. In addition, the polycrystalline silicon of desired size and uniformity is selectively formed in a desired position by one crystallization process, resulting in the thin film transistor having excellent and desired properties. |
| US07683359B2 |
Structured silicon anode
A silicon/lithium battery can be fabricated from a substrate. This allows the battery to be produced as an integrated unit on a chip. The battery includes an anode formed from an array of submicron structures including silicon fabricated on a substrate and a cathode including lithium. |
| US07683358B2 |
Radiation image read-out apparatus
A reference light source produces a reference light having a predetermined light intensity. A sensitivity measuring device acquires a detection signal from an operation, in which the reference light having been produced by the reference light source is photoelectrically detected with the photomultiplier. The sensitivity measuring device measures a sensitivity of the photomultiplier in accordance with a relationship between the thus acquired detection signal and a reference signal, which has been set previously and which has a level in accordance with the predetermined light intensity of the reference light. |
| US07683355B2 |
Extreme ultra violet light source apparatus
An EUV light source apparatus capable of preventing the efficiency of generation of EUV light from decreasing due to deterioration of a window of an EUV light generation chamber. The EUV light source apparatus includes an EUV light generation chamber provided with a window, a driver laser which generates a laser beam, a concave lens which enlarges the laser beam, a convex lens which collimates the enlarged laser beam, a parabolic concave mirror which is arranged in the EUV light generation chamber and reflects the collimated laser beam to collect the laser beam to a target material, a parabolic concave mirror adjusting mechanism which adjusts position and angle of the parabolic concave mirror, an EUV light collector mirror which collects EUV light, and a purge gas supply unit which supplies a purge gas for protecting the window and the parabolic concave mirror. |
| US07683348B2 |
Sensor for ion implanter
A Faraday cup structure for use with a processing tool. The cup structure has a conductive strike plate coupled to a circuit for monitoring ions striking the strike plate to obtain an indication of the ion beam current. The electrically conductive strike plate is fronted by a mask for dividing an ion beam intercepting cross section into regions or segments. The mask including walls extending to the strike plate for impeding ions reaching the sensor and particles dislodged from the sensor from entering into the evacuated region of the processing tool. |
| US07683345B2 |
System and method employing photokinetic techniques in cell biology imaging applications
A system and method employing photokinetic techniques in cell biology imaging applications are disclosed. Systems and methods of acquiring image data of an object may comprise: selectively inducing photoactivation of material at a site on the object; performing an optical axis integration scan; simultaneously executing a time delay integration scan sequence; and processing acquired image data in accordance with one or more desired analyses. Various methodologies and applications may include, inter alia, selective photobleaching of a site on the object, diffusion rate, velocity, and wave-front propagation analyses, multi-dimensional analyses of dispersion characteristics, biomolecular binding in cellular organelles, and photoactivation assisted systematic image segmentation for the study of cellular components. |
| US07683343B2 |
Treatment system comprising a dielectric barrier discharge lamp
A treatment system or treatment reactor (1) comprising at least one dielectric barrier discharge lamp (2) with a first electrode (20) and a housing (10) for containing a medium (3) like a fluid and/or a gas and/or a solid material which is to be treated by means of the radiation generated by the lamp (2) is disclosed which is especially characterized in that at least one second electrode of at least one lamp (2) is provided in the form of at least one intermediate counter electrode (3, 4) which is positioned within a volume (31) between at least one dielectric barrier discharge lamp (2) and the housing (10). By this, influences of the treated medium on the electrical behavior of the treatment system or reactor (1) and especially power losses in the medium can be avoided or considerably be decreased. Furthermore, losses of the lamp light due to absorption and/or shadowing at an outer electrode surrounding the lamp are avoided as well. |
| US07683337B2 |
Radiographic apparatus and control method therefor
If image data is input to an image processor (step S1), the image processor generates an integrated image sum (step S2). The image processor extracts a maximum output max from the integrated image sum (step S3). The image processor compares the maximum output max with a preset threshold (step S4). In this case, the threshold is set to 80% of the saturation amount. When the saturation amount is 3 V, the threshold is 2.4 V. If the maximum value max is smaller than the threshold, imaging continues. If the maximum value max is equal to or larger than the threshold, the integrated image sum is cleared to 0 (step S5), and refresh operation is performed. |
| US07683336B2 |
Spectrometer with plastic scintillator provided with a specular reflector
A gamma-ray detector (42, 52, 72, 92) comprising a large-area plastic scintillation body (44, 64, 74, 94) and a photon detector (38, 58, 68, 78) optically coupled to the scintillation body to receive and detect photons (P1, P2, P3) generated by gamma-ray interactions. Selected portions of the scintillation body surface are provided with a reflective layer (46, 60, 80) in planar contact with the scintillation body. Other regions are not provided with a reflective layer. Thus specular reflection is promoted in at the surfaces provided with the reflective layer, while total internal reflection may occur in the regions which are not provided with a reflective layer, hi a scintillation body generally in the form of a plank, the photon detector is coupled to one end, and the regions provided with the reflective layer are the edges of the plank. The scintillation body may be shaped so that it reduced in cross section in a direction away from the photon detector. The spectrometer may include photon detectors coupled to both ends of the scintillation body. |
| US07683334B2 |
Simultaneous beta and gamma spectroscopy
A phoswich radiation detector for simultaneous spectroscopy of beta rays and gamma rays includes three scintillators with different decay time characteristics. Two of the three scintillators are used for beta detection and the third scintillator is used for gamma detection. A pulse induced by an interaction of radiation with the detector is digitally analyzed to classify the type of event as beta, gamma, or unknown. A pulse is classified as a beta event if the pulse originated from just the first scintillator alone or from just the first and the second scintillator. A pulse from just the third scintillator is recorded as gamma event. Other pulses are rejected as unknown events. |
| US07683333B2 |
Detector for nuclear medicine
A radiation imaging device suitable for SPECT or other nuclear imaging includes a detector (22) which receives radiation. A fan beam-slit collimator (20) is positioned adjacent a radiation receiving face (32) of the detector, intermediate the detector and a radiation source (12, 18). The collimator includes a plurality of slats (30) having a common focus. A body (44) adjacent the slats defines one or more elongate slits (46). The slit is arranged such that radiation passes through the slit and between the slats to the detector face. The body is at least substantially impermeable to the radiation. The fan beam-slit collimator (20) enables higher resolution or efficiency to be achieved from the detector. |
| US07683329B2 |
Method and system for determining the density and dimensional characteristics of an object and application to checking of nuclear fuel pellets during manufacturing
The system for automatic determination of the density of an object (100) comprises: an apparatus (2) to determine a significant dimension (x) of said object (100), an apparatus (30) to determine the intensity (I) of a photon beam attenuated by passing through said object (100), an acquisition, processing and analysis apparatus (200), means (70, 72, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88) of transporting the object (100), first means (74, 76, 78) of adjusting the position of the object (100), second means (90, 92, 94, 96, 98) of adjusting the position of the object (100). The method for using the system described above includes steps to calibrate components of apparatuses 2 and 30, and steps to actually determine the significant dimension of objects (100), that are done on each object (100) in said set of objects. |
| US07683324B2 |
Bolometer
Bolometers utilize an organic semiconductor diode layer assembly for temperature measurement. These bolometers are particularly sensitive to the infrared wave range so that they are employable as infrared sensors and may be combined to form one-dimensional sensor rows or two-dimensional microbolometer arrays. |
| US07683320B2 |
Transmission electron microscope
In a transmission electron microscope, an electron beam flux of a cross section constricted conically over a reference specimen is made to hit the reference specimen. The flux includes electron beams hitting the specimen at incident angles which spread conically in the direction of irradiation. The beams are focused onto a fluorescent screen at positions which are different in distance from the center according to the incident angles. A transmission image of the beam flux is gained. A Fourier transform is performed for each of inspection regions set on the transmission image. Aberration coefficients C1, C2, . . . , Ci are calculated from the obtained, Fourier-transformed images by image processing. Aberration in the imaging lenses is corrected. Consequently, the aberration can be corrected by finding the aberration coefficients C1, C2, . . . , Ci from only one transmission image. The number of transmission images or the acquisition time is reduced. |
| US07683317B2 |
Method and system for detecting hidden defects
A method for detecting hidden defects and patterns, the method includes: receiving an object that comprises an opaque layer positioned above an intermediate layer; defining an energy band in response to at least one characteristic of the opaque layer and at least one characteristic of a scanning electron microscope; illuminating the object with a primary electron beam; and generating images from electrons that arrive to a spectrometer having an energy within the energy band. A scanning electron microscope that includes a stage for supporting an object that comprises an opaque layer positioned above an intermediate layer; a controller, adapted to receive or define an energy band in response to at least one characteristic of the opaque layer and at least one characteristic of a scanning electron microscope; illumination optics adapted to illuminate the object with a primary electron beam; an electron spectrometer, controlled by the controller such as to selectively reject electrons in response to the defined energy band; and a processor, coupled to the spectrometer, adapted to generate images from detection signals provided by the spectrometer. |
| US07683311B2 |
Photonic crystal-based filter for use in an image sensor
The invention, in various exemplary embodiments, incorporates a photonic crystal filter into an image sensor. The photonic crystal filter comprises a substrate and a plurality of pillars forming a photonic crystal structure over the substrate. The pillars are spaced apart from each other. Each pillar has a height and a horizontal cross sectional shape. A material with a different dielectric constant than the pillars is provided within the spacing between the pillars. The photonic crystal filter is configured to selectively permit particular wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to pass through. |
| US07683310B1 |
Laser warning receiver to identify the wavelength and angle of arrival of incident laser light
A laser warning receiver is disclosed which has up to hundreds of individual optical channels each optically oriented to receive laser light from a different angle of arrival. Each optical channel has an optical wedge to define the angle of arrival, and a lens to focus the laser light onto a multi-wavelength photodetector for that channel. Each multi-wavelength photodetector has a number of semiconductor layers which are located in a multi-dielectric stack that concentrates the laser light into one of the semiconductor layers according to wavelength. An electrical signal from the multi-wavelength photodetector can be processed to determine both the angle of arrival and the wavelength of the laser light. |
| US07683308B2 |
Controlling spectral response of photodetector for an image sensor
A method for controlling the spectral response of light sensitive semiconductor elements in an array (8) using an electric control signal (Vop) applied to said semiconductor elements. The light sensitive semiconductor elements could be a single photon avalanche diode (81) operating in Geiger mode. An image sensor has at least one light sensitive semiconductor elements and a circuit for applying a control voltage (Vop) to said semiconductor element so as to change its spectral response. Without being limiting, the sensor could be part of a digital camera, video camera, 3D image sensors, scanner, video telephone, autofocus system, medical image acquisition system, etc. |
| US07683303B2 |
Nanoscale volumetric imaging device having at least one microscale device for electrically coupling at least one addressable array to a data processing means
The invention provides an imaging device comprised of nanoscale crossbar arrays upon a transmissive medium. The preferred embodiment employs a BOPET film as the transparent material bearing addressable nanoscale arrays, and the arrays connected to leads through micro lithographic techniques, and in turn connected to a logic device. An imaging volume is provided by stacking the array-bearing sheets. The volumetric imaging device functions omnidirectionally. By means of applying Fourier and/or geometric optics techniques to imaging data, various focal points and planes of focus can be calculated. The preferred embodiment is on the order of 1 cubic mm. Alternate embodiments include display and projection devices. |
| US07683297B2 |
Electric power supply control device, heating device and fixing device
An electric power supply part supplies electric power to a heat-generating member and a power requiring part. A control part controls electric power supplied to the heat-generating member and the power requiring part. A first mode is to supply electric power to the heat-generating member from only a main electric power supply device and to the power requiring part from both the main electric power supply device and an auxiliary electric power requiring part. A second mode is to supply electric power to the heat-generating member and the power requiring part from only the main electric power supply device and causing electric power supplied to the heat-generating member to be smaller than a rated electric power of the heat-generating member. The electric power supplied to the heat-generating member in the first mode is caused to be larger than the electric power supplied to the heat-generating member in the second mode. |
| US07683294B2 |
Multistage control system of positive temperature coefficient heater and method thereof
A multistage control system of a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for a vehicle is disclosed with a PTC heater that contains heating elements relevant to a first, second, and third stages. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) outputs a control signal to a first relay, which switches the first stage into an ON and OFF state, for controlling the operation of the first stage of the PTC heater. A heater controller outputs control signals to a second relay and third relay, respectively, for controlling the operation of the second and third stages of the PTC heater, only if the first stage of the PTC heater is in activation via the ECU, wherein the second relay and the third relay each switch the second and third stages into an ON and OFF state. |
| US07683287B2 |
Multiple arc chamber assemblies for a fault interrupter and load break switch
A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts. |
| US07683285B2 |
Method of sorting flat mail items
A sorting device has at least one mail item buffer receptacle, a number of storage pockets for mail items arranged one after another and circulating continuously in a conveyor belt and moved past one or more loading stations. Below straight transfer sections of the conveyors fixed intermediate storage receptacles open at the top are arranged to accept one or more mail items from the loaded storage pockets to be opened under control in the transfer sections. On a transport path below the intermediate storage receptacles there are also continuously circulating mail item containers open at the top as sorting end points assigned to the destination addresses or destination address groups. In the mail item containers the mail items are unloaded downwards in a horizontal position in accordance with their read destination address through controllable opening of the relevant intermediate storage receptacle at the point, in which the mail item container assigned to the address is located in the corresponding position below the intermediate storage receptacle with mail items for this mail item container. |
| US07683284B2 |
Sorting device for flat mail items
The sorting device according to the present invention has at least one mail item buffer receptacle, a number of storage pockets for mail items arranged one after another and circulating continuously in a conveyor belt and moved past one or more loading stations. Below straight transfer sections of the conveyors fixed intermediate storage receptacles open at the top are arranged to accept one or more mail items from the loaded storage pockets to be opened under control in the transfer sections. On a transport path below the intermediate storage receptacles there are also continuously circulating mail item containers open at the top as sorting end points assigned to the destination addresses or destination address groups. In the mail item containers the mail items are unloaded downwards in a horizontal position in accordance with their read destination address through controllable opening of the relevant intermediate storage receptacle at the point, in which the mail item container assigned to the address is located in the corresponding position below the intermediate storage receptacle with mail items for this mail item container. |
| US07683282B2 |
Mechanical switching contact
The invention relates to a mechanical switching contact having an insulating material support (1), on which fixed contacts (4, 5, 6) are arranged. Furthermore, a switching lever (2) is mounted such that it can rotate on the insulating material support (1) and has a pivoting arm (22). In addition, a pivotable contact housing (3) is also mounted on the insulating material support (1), which contact housing bears parallel contact fingers (9, 10), which surround the respectively connected fixed contacts (4, 5, 6) on both sides when contact is made. |
| US07683276B2 |
Electrical switching apparatus and pole shaft assembly therefor
A pole shaft assembly for a circuit breaker includes a receiving portion disposed on the exterior side of the housing, a pole shaft pivotably disposed within the receiving portion and including at least one protrusion, a number of cover members overlaying the pole shaft and the receiving portion, at least one first seal disposed between the receiving portion and a corresponding protrusion, and at least one second seal disposed between such protrusion and a corresponding one of the cover members. The seals resist undesired entry of debris between the receiving portion and the pole shaft, and control the discharge of arc gases from the circuit breaker. The first seal is formed by the interaction between the receiving portion and the corresponding protrusion. The second seal is formed by the interaction between the protrusion and the corresponding one of the cover members. |
| US07683272B2 |
Infant height and weight measuring scale with foldable and extendable supporting panels
A scale, comprising a body, wherein a supporting panel is disposed on the body; the supporting panel comprises an upper supporting panel and a lower supporting panel that can be folded and unfolded; the lower supporting panel is connected to the body via a rotatable axis disposed on a off-center position of the body, or a pair of slideways. The scale according to the invention is able to safely and effectively measure height and weight in a horizontal state, and the small size thereof is particularly useful in households. The scale is applicable to measuring the weight and height of infants, children, and adults. |
| US07683268B2 |
Semiconductor module with high process accuracy, manufacturing method thereof, and semiconductor device therewith
A semiconductor element and a passive element are embedded in an insulating resin film by thermocompression bonding. After formation of a interconnection, a layered film which contains a film insulating between elements and is provided with a recess or penetrated portion is pressure-bonded followed by formation of a member with a high resistance or a high dielectric constant by embedding a material of a member constituting an element such as a resistor and a capacitor in the recess. Furthermore, after formation of the upper layer insulating resin film, a photoimageable solder resist layer containing the cardo type polymer is formed, and interconnection formation and solder electrode formation are performed. |
| US07683266B2 |
Circuit board and circuit apparatus using the same
A circuit board and a circuit apparatus using the same which can prevent displacement and film exfoliation ascribable to thermal expansion, and suppress a drop in reliability at increasing temperatures. The circuit board of the circuit apparatus includes a metal substrate having pierced holes as a core member. Protrusions are formed on the top ends of the pierced holes, and depressions are formed in the bottom ends of the pierced holes. Wiring pattern layers are formed on both sides of this metal substrate via respective insulating layers. In order to establish electrical connection between the wiring pattern layers, a conductor layer which connects the wiring pattern layers is formed through the metal substrate via the pierced holes. The conductor layer thereby establishes electrical conduction between the wiring pattern layers. Furthermore, a semiconductor chip is directly connected to the surface side of the circuit board via solder balls. |
| US07683264B2 |
High pressure, high current, low inductance, high reliability sealed terminals
The invention is a terminal assembly having a casing with at least one delivery tapered-cone conductor and at least one return tapered-cone conductor routed there-through. The delivery and return tapered-cone conductors are electrically isolated from each other and positioned in the annuluses of ordered concentric cones at an off-normal angle. The tapered cone conductor service can be AC phase conductors and DC link conductors. The center core has at least one service conduit of gate signal leads, diagnostic signal wires, and refrigerant tubing routed there-through. A seal material is in direct contact with the casing inner surface, the tapered-cone conductors, and the service conduits thereby hermetically filling the interstitial space in the casing interior core and center core. The assembly provides simultaneous high-current, high-pressure, low-inductance, and high-reliability service. |
| US07683261B2 |
Article and method for providing a seal for an encapsulated device
An article for providing a sealing engagement between an electronic component and an encapsulate material is provided, wherein the electronic component extends from the encapsulate material. The article includes a housing including at least one opening for receiving the electronic component. The housing is filled with an encapsulate material such that it provides a seal between the housing and the electrical component. A sealing member is further disposed between the encapsulate material and the housing. A compression member is provided which exerts force onto the sealing member such that the sealing member engages the encapsulate material to provide a sealing engagement therebetween, and thereby provide a secondary seal between the housing and the electronic component. |
| US07683259B2 |
Power supply system
For improving durability of a wiring harness of a power supply system used in a sliding structure, a power supply system includes a casing; a wiring harness; a harness supporter arranged along a base of the casing so as to move freely back-and-forth in the casing; and a constant force spring arranged along the base of the casing. The wiring harness is bent and wired along an outer surface of the harness supporter, and the harness supporter is biased with a spring force by the constant force spring so as to absorb an extra length of the wiring harness. A winding part of the constant force spring is separated from a harness receiving space of the casing, and an end of the constant force spring led from the winding part is connected and fixed to the harness supporter at an outside of the casing. |
| US07683256B1 |
Lockable insert for wire access pit
A protective insert for wires in a junction box is formed by a lockable cover having a frame with an opening and a pivotable cover for covering the opening. The frame is sized to rest on an inner lip of the box, which lip normally holds a lid for the box. The lid rests on the lockable cover. The cover may be pivoted open for access to wires in the junction box and may be pivoted closed, and locked, to protect the wires from theft or vandalism. The lockable cover is held down on the lip preferably by chains fixed to the frame with stakes fixed to a free end of the chains, and by pounding the stakes into the ground at the bottom of the box. |
| US07683254B2 |
Electrical junction box incorporating an electronic component and electrical connection unit having thereof
An electrical connection unit includes an electrical junction box that incorporates a capacitor and has (a) a body that has an electronic component accommodating space accommodating the capacitor via an opening; and an electric wire receiving space receiving an electric wire electrically connected to a terminal of the capacitor, and (b) an electrically conductive grounding member that grounds a grounding terminal of the capacitor and integrally includes: a connecting portion electrically connected to the grounding terminal; a cover portion covering the opening of the electronic component accommodating space; a locking to be locked with corresponding locking portions of the body; a bending preventing portion preventing inward bending one of the locking portions of the body which may cause one of the locking portions of the grounding member to be accidentally detached from the corresponding locking portion of the body; and a grounding portion. |
| US07683252B2 |
Algorithm for providing music to influence a user's exercise performance
Aspects of the invention use music to influence a person's performance in a physical workout. A computing device receives and analyzes data indicating current physiology and movement of the user in order to provide a music piece that will influence the user to speed up, slow down, or maintain current pace so to achieve a desired exercise performance level. Information specific to the user may be considered in providing the music piece. |
| US07683250B2 |
Electronic musical apparatus
An electronic musical instrument is configured to store music data including performance data on a plurality of tracks and receive designation of a track or tracks so that when a test-listen button for receiving instruction of test-listen of the designated track(s) is pressed, the electronic musical instrument plays the performance data on the designated track(s) among the music data and plays the performance data on the other tracks at a volume lower than the volume of the designated track(s). |
| US07683248B2 |
Piano key leveling device and method
A keyboard musical instrument includes a key, a balance rail, and a key leveling tab. The key leveling tab is permanently mounted on the balance rail. The key leveling tab is non-resonating and has a varying thickness. |
| US07683247B2 |
Keyboard apparatus
A keyboard apparatus in which the radius of turning motion of a mainly operated portion of each black key in a key depressing/releasing direction is maximized so as to enhance the operability of the black key for performance. The keyboard apparatus has a key frame formed with fixing parts. In the key frame, there are arranged a plurality of key units each having a plurality of white keys and a plurality of black keys integrally connected to a common base end part held by the fixing parts of the key frame. Each of the white keys and the black keys comprises a base end part, a key main body, and a hinge part connecting the key main body to the base end part such that the key main body is swingable about the base end part in the key depressing/releasing direction, and the hinge part of each of the black keys is located rearward of the hinge part of each of the white keys. |
| US07683243B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH525374
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH525374. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH525374, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH525374 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH525374. |
| US07683239B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV390455
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV390455. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV390455, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV390455 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV390455 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV390455. |
| US07683235B2 |
Adhesive bandage carrier and bandage dispensing assembly therefor
A dispenser assembly includes a housing having a face and an aperture that allows adhesive bandage carrier to pass through it. The adhesive bandage carrier comprises a longitudinally-extending carrier strip having a plurality of longitudinally-disposed adhesive bandages removably secured to an underlying carrier strip. The bandages are located at pre-determined and equally-spaced intervals along the strip. At the same intervals, the strip includes a plurality of apertures. A first edge of the bandage overlays a portion of an aperture such that the first edge can be easily grasped when the bandage is dispensed. The dispenser assembly also includes a number of rotational elements that serve as either “feed” mechanisms for delivering a roll of adhesive bandage carrier from within the container or “take-up” mechanisms for accumulating protective material that overlays the bandage carrier. Different embodiments of the assembly afford mechanical and electrical actuation of the dispensing assembly. |
| US07683230B2 |
Methyl bromide to olefins
The specification discloses a process for the production of olefins including ethylene, propylene and butenes from methyl bromide. In a chemical reaction methyl bromide is dehydrobrominated to the olefin and hydrogen bromide. The reaction is carried out at elevated temperatures, preferably in the range of 300° C. to 500° C. A catalyst comprising a zeolite may be used. |
| US07683227B2 |
Production of aromatic hydrocarbons from methane
In a process for converting methane to higher hydrocarbons including aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is contacted with a dehydrocyclization catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions effective to convert said methane to aromatic hydrocarbons. A first portion of the catalyst is transferred from the reaction zone to a heating zone, where the first catalyst portion is heated by contacting the catalyst with hot combustion gases generated by burning a supplemental source of fuel. The heated first catalyst portion is then returned to the reaction zone. |
| US07683226B1 |
Integrated processes for making detergent range alkylbenzenes from C5-C6-containing feeds
Integrated processes for making detergent range alkylbenzenes from C5-C6-containing feeds involve feed pretreatment and/or selective hydrogenation to enable acceptable quality alkylbenzene production at attractive capital and operating costs. |
| US07683223B2 |
Method for purifying hydrogen chloride
Method for purifying hydrogen chloride gas containing aromatic organic compounds, comprising at least one step of contacting the said hydrogen chloride with a scrubbing agent containing 1,2-dichlorethane. |
| US07683215B2 |
Optically active bisoxazoline compounds, process for production of the same and use thereof
Optically active bisoxazoline compounds represented by the general formula (1), a process for producing the compounds, and a process for producing cyclopropanecarboxylic esters by using the same: wherein R1 and R2 are the same and each represents C1-6 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted phenyl or R1 and R2 are bonded each other together with the carbon atom of oxazoline ring to which they are bonded to form a ring; R3 is substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl; R4 and R5 are the same and each represent hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl, or R4 and R5 are bonded each other together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded to form a cycloalkyl ring having 3 to 6 carbon atoms; and * represents an asymmetric center. |
| US07683214B2 |
Method of producing benzophenoneimines
A process for the preparation of benzophenonimine (BPI) of the general formula I where R1 and R2 are C1- to C4-alkoxy, C1- to C2-alkylamine and C2- to C4-dialkylamine and m and n are integers from 0 to 5 and R1 and R2, independently of one another, may be identical or different, by reacting benzophenone (BP) of the general formula II where R1, R2, m and n have the abovementioned meanings, in ammonia and in the presence of titanium dioxide, the titanium dioxide being present substantially in the anatase modification. |
| US07683212B2 |
Methods for producing acetic acid
A method produces acetic acid by continuously reacting methanol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a rhodium catalyst, an iodide salt, methyl iodide, methyl acetate, and water; and thereby producing acetic acid at a production rate of 11 mol/L·hr or more while keeping the acetaldehyde content of a reaction mixture to 500 ppm or less, in which the reaction is carried out at a carbon monoxide partial pressure in a gaseous phase of a reactor of 1.05 MPa or more and/or at a methyl acetate content of the reaction mixture of 2 percent by weight or more to thereby keep the production rate of acetaldehyde to 1/1500 or less that of acetic acid. This method can reduce production of by-products without reducing the reaction rate of acetic acid even at a low water content and a low hydrogen partial pressure in a reaction system. |
| US07683205B2 |
Process for the preparation of Rivastigmine
The present invention relates to an improved process for preparation of Rivastigmine of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof comprising a step of N-methylation of compound of formula (III), wherein R1=R2=H or R1=H and R2=CH3 or an acid addition salt thereof, using paraformaldehyde in the presence of Raney Nickel and hydrogen in a suitable solvent to obtain compound of formula (II). |
| US07683203B2 |
Polymerizable compound and composition containing the polymerizable compound
The polymerizable compound of the present invention is represented by general formula (1) below and can provide a composition that is polymerizable near ambient temperature and exists in a liquid crystal phase at low temperatures. The composition and a (co)polymer of the polymerizable compound of the present invention are liquid crystal substances useful as optically anisotropic materials. (In the formula, each of rings A1 to A3 represents a benzene ring, cyclohexane ring, etc.; each of X to Z represents a C1-8 alkyl or alkoxy group, C2-6 alkenyl group, halogen atom, cyano group, or CH2═CR3—COO—; each of R1 to R3 represents a hydrogen atom, methyl group, or halogen atom; each of L1 to L3 represents —CH2CH2COO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH2CH2—, —O(CH2)f— (herein, f=1-8), etc.; n represents 0 or 1; and a to c represent such numbers that the polymerizable compound has at least one or more of any of X, Y, and Z). |
| US07683200B2 |
Compounds for preparing immunological adjuvant
The present invention provides methods for preparing TLR-4 receptor agonist E6020: and stereoisomers thereof, which compounds are useful as an immunological adjuvants when co-administered with antigens such as vaccines for bacterial and viral diseases. Also provided are synthetic intermediates. |
| US07683199B2 |
Fluorine-containing polyether phosphonic acid ester compound and process for producing the same
A fluorine-containing polyether phosphonic acid ester compound represented by the following general formula: (R2O)(R1O)P(O)(CH2)aCF(CF3)[OCF2CF(CF3)]bO(CF2)CO[CF(CF3)CF2O]dCF(CF3)(CH2)eP(O)(OR3)(OR4) (where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, cycloalkyl groups, aryl groups, alkylaryl groups, aralkyl groups, or any of the foregoing groups substituted with halogen atoms, and subscripts a, b, c, d, and e are in conditions of 2≦a+e≦8, b+d≦28, and 1≦c≦10, and subscripts b and d may be 0). The fluorine-containing polyether phosphonic acid ester compound is produced by reaction of a fluorine-containing polyether dialkyl halide represented by the following general formula: X(CH2)aCF(CF3)[OCF2CF(CF3)]bO(CF2)cO[CF(CF3)CF2O]dCF(CF3)(CH2)eX (X: Cl, Br or I)with a phosphite compound represented by the following general formula: (R1O)(R2O)P(OR) and/or (R3O)(R4O)P(OR) (R: a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group). |
| US07683198B2 |
Process for preparing diorganopolysiloxanes
Mono-hydroxyl-functional organopolysiloxanes are prepared with minimal byproducts and increased storage stability by reaction of cyclotrisiloxanes with sil(ox)anols containing less than 1 weight percent water in the presence of heterogenous alkali metal or alkaline earth metal oxide or carbonate catalysts. |
| US07683196B2 |
Isocyanate-free primer composition for glass and glass ceramics
The invention relates to a primer composition comprising a compound A1 which contains isocyanate-reactive groups. In order to produce said compound A1, a polyisocyanate A that is provided with at least three isocyanate groups, at least one silane B of formula (I), and a crosslinking agent C comprising at least three isocyanate-reactive functional groups are used. Also disclosed is the use of the inventive primer composition as a primer for adhesives, sealing compounds, or floor coverings, especially one-component moisture-hardening polyurethane adhesives or polyurethane sealing compounds based on polyurethanes or polyurethane-silane hybrids. The inventive primer composition is characterized particularly by excellent adhesion to glass and glass ceramics as well as an extended open time. |
| US07683194B2 |
Method for the production of salts of weakly coordinating anions, salts thereof and use thereof
The invention relates to a method for the production of salts of weakly coordinating anions of the type according to the following formula (1), (2) or (3): M[F—X(OR F)m]z (1), M[(FRO)mX—F—X(ORF)m]z (2), M[(FRO)mX—F—X(ORF)n—F—X(ORF)m]z (3), these salts of weakly coordinating anions and use thereof. |
| US07683193B2 |
Benzo lipoxin analogues
Benzolipoxin analogs, methods of their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds are provided. The compounds and compositions are useful in methods for treatment of various diseases, including, inflammation, autoimmune disease and abnormal cell proliferation. |
| US07683192B2 |
Colorant compounds
Disclosed is a colorant compound of the formula wherein Y is a hydrogen atom or a bromine atom, n is an integer of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, R1 is an alkylene group, an arylene group, an arylalkylene group, or an alkylarylene group, provided that no oxygen atom creates a linkage, X is —O— or —NR3— wherein R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an arylalkyl group, or an alkylaryl group, and R2 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an arylalkyl group, or an alkylaryl group. |
| US07683190B2 |
Process for the preparation of optically-active compounds
A method of preparing enatiomerically enriched 3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-dodecahydro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan, formula (I), from (E,E)-homofarnesic acid or (E)-monocyclohomofarnesic acid by (a) reacting firstly with a chiral alcohol, (b) reacting the product of (a) with an acid to cause a first cyclization, (c) producing an alcohol by reacting the product of (b) with a reducing agent and (d) causing a second cyclization by reacting the product of (c) with an acid. The product of this process gives a mixture of both enantiomers with one in excess. |
| US07683184B2 |
Heterocyclic compounds and optical recording materials
The heterocyclic compound of the present invention is represented by general formula (I) and is suitable to forming an optical recording layer in an optical recording medium to which short-wavelength light is applied for recording and playing-back. (In the formula, ring A represents a benzene or naphthalene ring optionally substituted with an alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy or amido group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a sulfonyl or sulfinyl group containing a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or an alkylamino or dialkylamino group wherein each alkyl has 1 to 8 carbon atoms; X represents CRaRb, NY, O, S, or Se atom, wherein Ra and Rb each represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, which may be united to form a 3- to 6-membered ring, and Y represents a hydrogen atom or an organic group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms; R1 and R2 each represent independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 18 carbon atoms; R3 and R4 each represent independently a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or are united to form a heterocycle free from multiple bonds; Y1 represents a hydrogen atom, an organic group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or a group represented by general formula (II); Anq− represents a q-valent anion; q represents 1 or 2; and p represents a coefficient for satisfying the electric charge neutrality.) |
| US07683180B2 |
Group 8 transition metal carbene complexes as enantionselective olefin metathesis catalysts
The invention pertains to the use of Group 8 transition metal carbene complexes as catalysts for olefin cross-metathesis reactions, and for enantioselective reactions in particular. The synthesis of these complexes and details of their use as catalysts is also provided. |
| US07683176B2 |
Triazolyl pyridyl benzenesulfonamides
Compounds are provided that act as potent antagonists of the CCR2 or CCR9 receptor. Animal testing demonstrates that these compounds are useful for treating inflammation, a hallmark disease for CCR2 and CCR9. The compounds are generally aryl sulfonamide derivatives and are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, methods for the treatment of CCR2-mediated diseases, CCR9-mediated diseases, as controls in assays for the identification of CCR2 antagonists and as controls in assays for the identification of CCR9 antagonists. |
| US07683175B2 |
Process of making optically pure L-pipecolic acid and process of making anesthetics and intermediates therefrom
The present invention describes a novel process of preparation of optically pure L-Pipecolic acid and an improved process for the conversion of L-pipecolic acid to L-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1-propyl-2-piperidinocarboxamide, its hydrochloride salt and hydrochloride monohydrate. |
| US07683170B2 |
Methods for preparing Irinotecan
Methods for manufacturing 7-ethyl-10-[4-(1-piperidino)-1-piperidino]-carbonyloxy-camptothecin are described comprising I. reacting a mixture of 1-chlorocarbonyl-4-piperidinopiperidine hydrochloride and 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin in a polar aprotic solvent with a base in the presence of catalytic amounts of a N-containing cyclic organic compound having 3 to 20 carbon atoms and optionally in the presence of a water binding agent in an amount which effectively binds any water present in the above reactants and solvents; or II. reacting: (a) 7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin in a polar aprotic solvent with phosgene, trichlormethyl-chloroformate, bis(trichloromethyl)carbonate or a alternative to phosgene and a base in the presence of catalytic amounts of a N-containing cyclic organic compound having 3 to 20 carbon atoms; and (b) subsequently with piperidinopiperidine and an amine base. |
| US07683168B2 |
Compositions of novel opioid compounds and method of use thereof
Diarylmethylpiperazine compounds are described, which are useful as mu and/or delta receptor opioid compounds, without central side effects. Pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds are variously useful for peripheral or non-centrally mediated indications, including peripherally mediated and neuropathic pain, urogenital tract disorders, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, sexual disorders, premature ejaculation, cough, lung edema, cardiac disorders, cardioprotection, gastro-intestinal disorders, diarrhea, irritable bowl syndrome, functional distention, immuno-modulation and anti-tumor activity. |
| US07683166B2 |
RNA interference mediated inhibition of interleukin and interleukin receptor gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating interleukin and/or interleukin receptor gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of interleukin and/or interleukin receptor gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of interleukin and/or interleukin receptor genes. |
| US07683163B2 |
Colchicoside analogues
The present invention relates to colchicine derivatives, in particular to the 3-demethyl and 3-demethylthio-colchicine of the general formula (I) in which X is oxygen or sulfur, a method for the preparation thereof and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The compounds of formula (I) have muscle relaxing, anti-inflammatory and anti-gout activity. |
| US07683158B2 |
Pegylated factor VIII
The invention is a proteinaceous construct comprising a Factor VIII molecule having at least a portion of the B domain intact, which is conjugated to a water-soluble polymer such as polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of greater than 10,000 Daltons. The construct has a biological activity of at least 80% of the biological activity of native Factor VIII, and the in vivo half-life of the construct is increased by at least 1.5 fold as compared to the in vivo half-life of native factor FVIII. |
| US07683155B2 |
Process for producing phenolic novolak
A phenolic novolak having the contents of a monomeric phenol and a dimeric phenol and a degree of dispersion controlled can be obtained in high yield by a process for production of a phenolic novolak having a step of conducting a heterogeneous reaction of a phenol and an aldehyde in the presence of a phosphoric acid and an unreactive oxygen-containing organic solvent as a reaction cosolvent. |
| US07683153B2 |
Epoxy resin with dibasic acid (methyl ester)/ethyleneurea modifier
Acyl-ethyleneurea terminated compounds based on the reaction of ethyleneurea with dibasic acids or methyl esters of dibasic acids or cyclic anhydrides are useful as modifying agents, cure accelerators and blocking agents with tertiary amine catalysts for epoxy resins. As epoxy modifiers, they react with epoxy resins at 120 degrees C. without a catalyst to produce modified epoxies having increased viscosity and increased reactivity and solvent power. When combined with a suitable tertiary amine catalyst, they are useful as cure accelerators at a low cure temperature of about 80 degrees C. When combined with a tertiary amine, they form complexes which provide superior latency of the epoxy-hardener mixture at 20 degrees C. Heat-curable epoxy-based compositions treated with the materials of the invention and processes whereby the various novel compositions of the invention are made, are also described. |
| US07683151B2 |
Process for producing modified polymer, modified polymer obtained by the process, and rubber composition
The present invention relates to a process for producing a modified polymer, comprising modifying a polymer having an active site of an organometal type in a molecule by reacting the site thereof with a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound and adding a condensation accelerator to the reaction system in the middle of the above reaction and/or after completion thereof and a rubber composition comprising the modified polymer obtained by the process described above, preferably a rubber composition comprising 100 parts by weight of (A) a rubber component containing at least 30% by weight of the above modified polymer and 10 to 100 parts by weight of (B) silica and/or carbon black. |
| US07683147B2 |
Polymerization of olefins
Olefins are polymerized by novel transition metal complexes of selected iminocarboxylate and iminoamido ligands, sometimes in the presence of cocatalysts such as alkylaluminum compounds or neutral Lewis acids. Olefins which may be (co)polymerized include ethylene, α-olefins, and olefins containing polar groups such as olefinic esters for example acrylate esters. Also described are certain “Zwitterionic” transition metal complexes as polymerization catalysts for making polar copolymers. The resulting polymers are useful as thermoplastics and elastomers. |
| US07683145B2 |
Method for the emulsion polymerization of olefins
A method for the emulsion polymerization of one or more olefins by reacting a ligand of general formulae Ia and Ib or a mixture of at least two ligands Ia or Ib, wherein R respectively represents one or several of the following radicals; hydrogen, halogen, nitrile, C1-C12-alkyl groups, C1-C12-alkoxy groups, C7-C13-aralkyl groups, C6-C14-aryl groups, and wherein identical or different compounds of general formulae Ia and Ib can, optionally, be concatenated by one or several bridges, with a phosphine compound PR3′ and a metal compound of general formula M(L2)2 or M(L2)2 (L1)z, wherein the variables are defined as follows: M is a transition metal of groups 7-10 in the periodic system of the elements; L1 represents phosphanes (R5)xPH3-x or amines (R5)xNH3-x with identical or different radicals R5, ether (R5)2O, H2O, alkohols (R5)OH, pyridine, pyridine derivatives of formula C5H5-x(R5)xN, CO, C1-C12-alkylnitriles, C6-C14-arylnitriles or ethylenically unsaturated double bond systems, wherein x is a whole number ranging from 0-3, L2 represents halogenide ions R6xNH3-x, wherein x is a whole number ranging from 0 3 and R6 represents C1-C12-alkyl, and C1-C6-alkylane ions, allylane ions, benzylane ions or arylane ions, wherein L1 and L2 can be concatenated with each other by one or several covalent bonds, z is a number ranging from 0 4. The invention also relates to the immediate use of the reaction product in the polymerization or copolymerization of olefins in water or in a solvent mixture containing at least 50 vol. % water in the presence of an emulsifier and, optionally, in the presence of an activator. |
| US07683144B2 |
Process for chain stopping of PVC polymerization
The present invention relates to a process and composition for the chain stopping of vinyl chloride polymerization or copolymerization in the presence of a stable free nitroxyl radical and a phenolic antioxidant. A further subject of the invention is the use of a stable free nitroxyl radical together with a phenolic antioxidant as a chain stopping mixture for the vinyl chloride polymerization or copolymerization. A further aspect of the invention is the use of higher sterically hindered nitroxyl radicals alone as chain stopping agents for the vinyl chloride polymerization. |
| US07683139B2 |
Low NMP aqueous polyurethane composition with a diluent
An aqueous composition with a sediment content <5%, comprising a polyurethane dispersion wherein the polyurethane has an acid value in the range of from 25 to 65 mgKOH/g and comprises (i) 36 to 60 wt % of at least one aromatic polyisocyanate and where the polyurethane is prepared in the presence of (a) <5 wt % of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone by weight of the polyurethane, (b) at least one diluent and (c) water. |
| US07683136B2 |
Elastomeric compound
An elastomeric compound comprises 20-80 parts per hundred cross-linkable materials of liquid elastomer. The liquid elastomer has a complex dynamic viscosity less than 5 McP (5,000 N*s/m2) at a temperature between 20° C. and the maximum flow temperature TF, and the elastomeric compound the elastomeric material has a complex dynamic viscosity of less than 5 McP (5,000 N*s/m2) for at least 2 minutes at a maximum flow temperature TF. |
| US07683134B2 |
Maleated high acid number high molecular weight polypropylene of low color
A process for the manufacture of maleated polypropylenes having an acid number greater than 6, a yellowness index color of no greater than 76, and a number average molecular weight of at least 20,000. The process for making the maleated polypropylenes includes forming a mixture of molten polypropylene and molten maleic anhydride in a reactor, introducing a free radical initiator into the molten mixture to produce a product having maleic anhydride grafted onto the polypropylene, and recovering a high acid number, high molecular weight maleated polypropylene of low color from the reactor. |
| US07683133B2 |
Bearing material of medical implant and methods for making it
Disclosed is a bearing material of a medical implant, which is an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite. The composite comprises, for example, UHMWPE and a polyethylene copolymer having a polymer backbone and pendant hydrophilic groups or pendant surface active agents that are attached to the polymer backbone. Also disclosed are methods for preparing bearing materials. The bearing material has one or more advantageous properties including reduced immune response, reduced wear, and/or increased lubrication. |
| US07683131B2 |
Molding material containing a matting agent
The invention relates to a moulding composition, comprising a) 50 to 99.9% by weight of a matrix composed of a thermoplastic polymer and b) from 0.1 to 50% by weight of a matting agent in the form of a (meth)acrylate copolymer dispersed in the matrix, characterized in that the matting agent is a (meth)acrylate copolymer which has been prepared from the following monomers, b1) from 50 to 95% by weight of methyl methacrylate b2) from 5 to 50% by weight of C1-C6-alkyl acrylates b3) from 0.01 to less than 0.5% by weight of a crosslinking monomer and/or graft-linking agent having two or more ethylenically unsaturated radicals capable of free-radical polymerization, b4) from 0 to 20% by weight of one or more other, non-crosslinking ethylenically unsaturated monomers capable of free-radical polymerization, where the entirety of the constituents b1) and b2) and, where appropriate, b3) and/or b4) gives 100% by weight, and the glass transition temperature Tmg of the matting agent is at least 20° C. |
| US07683130B2 |
Filled perfluoropolymer composition comprising a low melting fluoropolymer additive
The present invention relates to plenum cables jacketed with a composition comprising perfluoropolymer, inorganic char-forming agent, and fluoropolymer additive, which composition passes the NFPA-255 burn test. |
| US07683128B2 |
Telechelic ionomer composition for golf ball and golf ball using the same
The present invention provides an ionomer composition for a golf ball providing a golf ball which is excellent in abrasion-resistance, durability and resilience, and a golf ball using the same. An ionomer composition for a golf ball of the present invention comprises a binary copolymer obtained by copolymerizing an olefin monomer having 2 to 8 carbon atoms with an unsaturated monomer having an acid functional group and/or a ternary copolymer obtained by copolymerizing an olefin monomer having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, an unsaturated monomer having an acid functional group and an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, wherein a functional group is introduced in both terminals of the copolymers. |
| US07683124B2 |
Dispersions of intrinsically conductive polymers, and methods for the production thereof
The invention relates to a dispersion which contains particles of at least one intrinsically conductive polymer, wherein the particle size is on average (weight) less than 1 μm, and which is characterized in that the dispersant is a liquid at room temperature, and a layer, film or sheet formed from this dispersion has a conductivity of >100 S/cm after removal of the dispersant. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of this dispersion. |
| US07683123B2 |
Aqueous coating composition
The invention provides an aqueous coating composition, which can simplify storage of an anti-staining agent and is excellent not only in coating stability upon mixing the anti-staining agent with an emulsion resin coating and but also in anti-staining properties. Disclosed is an aqueous coating composition comprising, as essential components, a synthetic resin emulsion (A) having a pH value of 4.0 to 10.0 and a neutral silica sol (B) having a particle diameter of 1 to 200 nm and a pH value of 5.0 to less than 8.5, wherein the neutral silica sol (B) component is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 50 parts by weight in terms of solid content relative to 100 parts by weight of the solid content of the synthetic resin emulsion (A). |
| US07683119B2 |
Process for making silicone emulsions
In a process for the production of a silicone in water emulsion in which a polysiloxane fluid, at least one surfactant and water are continuously fed to a high shear mixer in such proportions as to form a viscous oil in water emulsion which is continuously withdrawn from the mixer. The polysiloxane fluid may be a non-reactive fluid or may have reactive groups capable of taking part in a chain extension reaction. A desired emulsion particle size can be maintained by monitoring the pressure in the supply line at the inlet to the high shear mixer. |
| US07683113B2 |
Insulation compositions containing metallocene polymers
Novel additive systems for metallocene based filled cable insulation are disclosed. These systems provide excellent protection against thermal degradation, better cure state and reduced dissipation factor after prolonged heat exposure. The additives may contain one or more hindered amine light stabilizers and amine antioxidants. |
| US07683112B2 |
Phosphite composition and method for producing the same
There is provided a phosphite composition comprising 100 parts by weight of a phosphite represented by the formula (1) and 0.5 to 8 parts by weight of an aliphatic hydrocarbon lubricant having a softening point or a melting point of not higher than 115° C., wherein the content of the phosphite (1) in said composition is 30 to 99.5% by weight. |
| US07683111B2 |
Functionalized polymers and improved tires therefrom
A functionalized elastomer defined by the formula where π includes a polymer chain, θ includes a group 14 element, R1 and R2 each independently include hydrogen, a monovalent organic group, or a polymer chain, R3 and R4 each independently include a divalent organic group or a covalent bond, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 each independently include a monovalent organic group or a hydrogen atom. |
| US07683110B2 |
Preparation of cellulose ether products of increased viscosity and fineness
The present invention relates to a process for preparing cellulose ether products which is characterized in that superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are dried and milled, or mill-dried, conjointly with moist cellulose ether and also to the cellulose ether products resulting from this process. |
| US07683109B2 |
Conductive composition and production method thereof, antistatic coating material, antistatic coating, antistatic film, optical filter, and optical information recording medium, and capacitors and production method thereof
A conductive composition comprises a π conjugated conductive polymer, a dopant composed of polyanion, and at least one crosslinking site forming compound selected from (a) compounds having a glycidyl group and (b) compounds having a hydroxyl group and one selected from the group consisting of allyl, vinyl ether, methacryl, acryl methacrylamide, and acrylamide groups. An antistatic coating material comprises a π conjugated conductive polymer, polyanion, at least one crosslinking site forming compound selected form the above (a) and (b), and a solvent. An antistatic coating is formed by applying the above-mentioned antistatic coating material. In a capacitor comprising an anode composed of a valve metal porous body; a dielectric layer formed by oxidizing the suds of the anode; and a cathode formed on the dielectric layer, the cathode has a solid electrolyte layer formed by crosslinking complexes of a π conjugated conductive polymer and a dopant composed of a polyanion. |
| US07683108B2 |
Microencapsulated pigment, production process therefor, aqueous dispersion, and ink jet recording ink
Provided are ink jet ink excellent in dispersion stability and ejection stability and capable of forming images with fastness, abrasion resistance, color developability, and high density with little feathering; a microencapsulated pigment (MCP) providing the ink and a process of making the same; and an aqueous dispersion of the MCP. The MCP comprises pigment particles having a hydrophilic group on their surface (hydrophilized pigment particles) and coated with a polymer by emulsion polymerization. The process comprises emulsion polymerization in the presence of the hydrophilized pigment particles. The ink essentially contains the MCP and water. |
| US07683106B2 |
Primer for dental materials and pulp capping agent for dentin regeneration
A dental material primer and a dentin-regenerating pulp-capping agent which exhibit an excellent dentin-regenerating action, are disclosed. The dental material primer includes a hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in which collagen is immobilized and the dentin-regenerating pulp-capping agent includes a hydrolyzed ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, in which collagen is immobilized, and a binder. |
| US07683099B2 |
Method for carrying out heterogeneous catalytic exothermic gas phase reactions
The invention relates to a method for carrying out heterogeneous catalytic exothermic gas phase reactions at a high temperature and high pressure, during which the synthesis gas comprised of a mixture of make-up gas and/or of recycle gas is fed through at least two synthesis stages that are connected in-series to form a synthesis system. The product gases from the synthesis stages, with the exception of the last stage, are separated into at least two partial flows. One partial flow is cooled until the product is condensated out, and the condensate containing the product is separated from the gaseous constituents. Afterwards, the gaseous constituents are combined with the warm portion of the product gas in order to reach the inlet temperature of the next synthesis stage. In addition, the partial flow from which the product was condensated out and removed, can be heated before being remixed with the warm portion of the product gas. After heating, the temperature is less than that of the warm portion of the product gas, and the heat used for heating the partial flow from which the product was condensated out, is extracted, at least in part, from this partial flow during its cooling. |
| US07683092B2 |
Crystalline forms of antidiabetic compounds
Novel crystalline forms of two indole compounds connected to phenoxyalkylcarboxylic acid groups are selective PPAR gamma partial agonists that are useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia, obesity, dyslipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome. The novel crystal forms include a crystalline free acid dihydrate and crystalline free acid anhydrate of one compound and several crystalline forms of the free acid and the sodium salt of the second compound. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these novel crystal forms, processes to prepare the crystal forms and their pharmaceutical compositions, and uses of the crystal forms in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and other PPAR gamma modulated diseases. |
| US07683089B1 |
4-(Phenylmethyl and substituted phenylmethyl)-imidazole-2-thiones acting as specific alpha2 adrenergic agonists
Compounds of Formula 1 where the variables have the meaning defined in the specification are agonists of alpha2 adrenergic receptors. Several compounds of the disclosure are specific or selective to alpha2B and/or alpha2C adrenergic receptors in preference over alpha2A adrenergic receptors. Additionally some of the claimed compounds have no or only minimal cardivascular and/or sedatory activity. The compounds of Formula 1 are useful as medicaments in mammals, including humans, for treatment of diseases and or alleviations of conditions which are responsive to treatment by agonists of alpha2 adrenergic receptors. Compounds of Formula 1 which have no significant cardiovascular and/or sedatory activity are useful for treating pain and other conditions with minimal side effects. |
| US07683084B2 |
Thiazoline and oxazoline derivatives and their methods of use
The invention relates to a series of thiazoline and oxazoline derivatives, compositions thereof, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds. |
| US07683081B2 |
1-phenyl-2-heteroaryl-substituted benzimidazole derivatives, their use for the production of pharmaceutical agents as well as pharmaceutical preparations that contain these derivatives
New benzimidazole derivatives are described, their production and their use for the production of pharmaceutical agents for treatment and prevention of diseases that are associated with a microglia activation and T-cell-mediated immunological diseases, as well as pharmaceutical preparations that contain the new benzimidazole derivatives. |
| US07683080B2 |
Stable iansoprazole containing more than 500 ppm, up to about 3,000 ppm water and more than 200 ppm, up to about 5,000 ppm alcohol
The present invention provides a stable 2-(2-pyridylmethyl) sulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole (lansoprazole) comprising either greater than 500 ppm and not more than about 3,000 ppm water or greater than 200 ppm and not more than about 5,000 ppm alcohol, or both. The present invention provides a method of preparing a stable lansoprozole as well as a pharmaceutical composition containing same. The present invention further provides a method of purifying lansoprazole that is substantially free of sulfone and sulfide derivatives. |
| US07683077B2 |
Piperidine derivative
The present invention provides a piperidine derivative represented by the following formula or analogs thereto, which are used for agents for treating or preventing various diseases related to 5-HT7. |
| US07683072B2 |
Oxycodone hydrochloride having less than 25 ppm 14-hydroxycodeinone
In certain embodiments the invention is directed to a process for preparing an oxycodone hydrochloride composition having less than 25 ppm of 14-hydroxycodeinone. |
| US07683071B2 |
Composition and method for improved bioavailability and enhanced brain delivery of 5,5-diphenyl barbituric acid
The present invention relates to a composition and a method of delivering a barbituric acid derivative to the central nervous system of a mammal in need of treatment for neurological conditions. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of administering an oral dosage form of a sodium salt of 5,5-diphenyl barbituric acid to enhance the bioavailability of 5,5-diphenyl barbituric acid and brain delivery of same. |
| US07683070B2 |
N-(substituted arylmethyl)-4-(disubstituted methyl) piperidines and pyridines
It has now been found that certain novel N-(substituted aryl)-4-(disubstituted methyl)piperidine and pyridine derivatives have provided unexpected insecticidal activity. These compounds are represented by formula (I): wherein m, n, q, r, and s are independently selected from 0 or 1; and p is 0, 1, 2, or 3; A is C or CH; and B, D, E, R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are fully described herein. In addition, compositions comprising an insecticidally effective amount of at least one compound of formula I, and optionally, an effective amount of at least one of a second compound, with at least one insecticidally compatible carrier are also disclosed; along with methods of controlling insects comprising applying said compositions to a locus where insects are present or are expected to be present. |
| US07683068B2 |
Hydroisoindoline tachykinin receptor antagonists
The present invention is directed to certain hydroisoindoline compounds which are useful as neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists, and inhibitors of tachykinin and in particular substance P. The invention is also concerned with pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds as active ingredients and the use of the compounds and their formulations in the treatment of certain disorders, including emesis, urinary incontinence, depression, and anxiety. |
| US07683067B2 |
3-heterocyclyl-indole derivatives as inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3)
Compounds of formula Ia or Ib wherein P; R1; R2; m; and n are as defined in the application, salts thereof, processed for their preparation, new intermediates used therein, pharmaceutical formulations containing said compounds and the use of said compounds in therapy. |
| US07683066B2 |
Isoquinolines useful as modulators of ion channels
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders. |
| US07683058B2 |
Substituted pyrimidine derivatives
The present invention relates to pyrimidine derivatives of the general formula I or salts thereof and their use. |
| US07683051B2 |
Crystalline polymorph of bazedoxifene acetate
The present invention is directed to a crystalline polymorph of bazedoxifene acetate, compositions containing the same, preparations thereof, and uses thereof. |
| US07683049B2 |
Carbapenem antibacterials with gram-negative activity and processes for their preparation
The present invention provides β-methyl carbapenem compounds and pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of bacterial infections and methods for treating such infections using such compounds and/or compositions, wherein the compounds are generally of the Formulae The invention includes administering an effective amount of a carbapenem compound or salt and/or prodrug thereof to a host in need of such a treatment. |
| US07683046B2 |
Benzodiazepine compositions for treating epidermal hyperplasia and related disorders
The present invention provides, for example, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a benzodiazepine compound and an agent selected from the group consisting of a topical steroid, a keratolytic agent, a topical retinoid, a coal tar, and a vitamin D-3 analog. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for treating medical disorders, such as epidermal hyperplasia. |
| US07683045B2 |
Class of γδ T cells activators and use thereof
The present invention relates to a new class of compounds having γδ T cells activating properties referred to herein as angelyl or tiglyl phosphoesters, compositions comprising any of these compounds and methods for regulating an immune response in a subject comprising the step of administering these compounds. |
| US07683044B2 |
Sphingomyelin therapy of autoimmune disease
Autoimmune disease therapy in a patient treated with apoptosis-inducing agents is enhanced by co-administration of sphingomyelin. The combination most likely enhances an autoimmune disease cell's ability to undergo ceramide-induced apoptosis by increasing the levels of sphingomyelin in all cellular compartments, thereby providing sufficient substrate for activated sphingomyelinase. In alternative embodiments, sphingomyelin may be administered alone, in combination with corticosteroids, and/or in combination with a apoptosis-inducing agent. |
| US07683038B2 |
Percarboxylated polysaccharides, and a process for their preparation
The present invention relates to percarboxylated polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of gellan, carboxymethylcellulose, pectic acid, pectin and hyaluronic acid derivatives; the process for their preparation and their use in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, surgical and healthcare fields. |
| US07683037B2 |
Myocardial perfusion imaging method
The present invention relates to methods for myocardial imaging by administering at least one 2-adenosine N-pyrazole, 2-adenosine C-pyrazole or a combination thereof A2A adenosine receptor agonist to a human undergoing myocardial imaging. The invention also relates to methods of producing coronary vasodilation without significant peripheral vasodilation by administering at least one 2-adenosine N-pyrazole, 2-adenosine C-pyrazole or a combination thereof adenosine A2A adenosine receptor agonist to a human. |
| US07683034B2 |
Use of enzyme inhibitors of aminopeptidase N and/or dipeptidylpeptidase IV
The invention relates to a process for the-inhibition of the DNA synthesis necessary for the proliferation of human sebaceous cells (sebocytes) by the isolated or joint effect of inhibitors of alanyl aminopeptidase (APN) and dipetidyl peptidase IV (DP IV) expressed by these cells. The DNA synthesis (proliferation) of human sebaceous cells is inhibited by the administration of the inhibitors of APN and/or of DP IV depending on the dose. Our invention shows that, for a therapy and for a prevention of dermatological diseases with sebaceous hyperproliferation and modified conditions of differentiation, the application of inhibitors of the above-mentioned enzymes and of corresponding pharmaceutical preparations and dosage forms thereof is suitable. |
| US07683033B2 |
Inhibitors of serine proteases, particularly HCV NS3-NS4A protease
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or mixtures thereof that inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus NS3-NS4A protease. As such, they act by interfering with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The invention further relates to compositions comprising these compounds either for ex vivo use or for administration to a patient suffering from HCV infection and to processes for preparing the compounds. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a patient by administering a composition comprising a compound of this invention. The invention further relates to processes for preparing these compounds. |
| US07683029B2 |
Liquid aerosol formulations containing insulin and aerosol generating devices and methods for generating aerosolized insulin
Liquid aerosol formulations for generating aerosolized insulin include insulin and at least one high volatility carrier which protects the insulin from thermal degradation during vaporization of the carrier. The carrier can be a mixture of ethanol and water and the liquid aerosol formulation can be propellant free. An aerosol generating device generates the aerosolized insulin by passing the liquid aerosol formulation through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor which entrains insulin particles which mix with air to form an aerosol. The insulin particles can be dry insulin particles produced by a hand held inhaler. By controlling the concentration of the insulin in the formulation, the size of the flow passage and/or the amount of heat which heats the flow passage, the aerosol can be provided with a selected mass median aerodynamic diameter of 1 to 3 μm or less than 1 μm so as to be delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler. |
| US07683026B2 |
Method for synthesizing KPV tripeptide diamide derivatives
The object of the invention is to provide an improved method for synthesizing a KPV tripeptide diamide derivate having the formula (I) such as defined in the specification. The synthesis method according can be implemented with any of the stereoisomers of each of the Lysine (K), Proline (P) or Valine (V) amino acid residues. |
| US07683025B2 |
Synthesis and self-assembly of ABC triblock bola peptide amphiphiles
The present invention provides for bola amphiphiles compositions which have more than one lyophilic (hydrophilic) head group and a hydrophobic (hydrophobic) moiety capable of hydrogen bonding with other bola amphiphiles. These bola amphiphiles are capable of self assembling into micelles. The advantage of these bola amphiphiles is that they may self-assemble into micelles whose lyophilic head groups are located within the core and on the surface of the micelles. The lyophilic environment at the core and on the surface of the micelles may be different and may be controlled by the choice of head group moieties on the bola amphiphiles. The utility of these compositions is that they can be used to load or encapsulate polar drugs, DNA, mineralizable inorganic salts, or other molecules of interest within the polar interior of the micelle. Such compositions may also provide small water-filled ion-conducting channels within their structure suitable for use in micro electromechanical devices, as templates for nanowires or dielectrics, and as chemical sensors. |
| US07683023B2 |
Perfuming ingredients of the woody type
The present invention relates to the use as perfuming ingredient of a 3,3-dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl or a 3,3-dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-yl derivative, as well as to the compositions or articles containing this compound. |
| US07683021B2 |
Methods of removing metal-containing materials
Various methods for selectively etching metal-containing materials (such as, for example, metal nitrides, which can include, for example, titanium nitride) relative to one or more of silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, and doped silicon oxides in high aspect ratio structures with high etch rates. The etching can utilize hydrogen peroxide in combination with ozone, ammonium hydroxide, tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid and/or a persulfate. The invention can also utilize ozone in combination with hydrogen peroxide, and/or in combination with one or more of ammonium hydroxide, tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide and a persulfate. The invention can also utilize ozone, hydrogen peroxide and HCl, with or without persulfate. The invention can also utilize hydrogen peroxide and a phosphate, either alone, or in combination with a persulfate. |
| US07683018B2 |
High alcohol content gel-like and foaming compositions comprising an anionic phosphate fluorosurfactant
This invention relates to a “high lower alcohol content” (>40% v/v of a C1-4 alcohol) liquid composition able to be either dispensed as a stable foam with the use of non-propellant foam dispensing devices from non-pressurized containers or as an alcohol gel composition which does not use thickener and gelling agents that leave undesirable deposits or a sticky after-feel and that has a final viscosity less than 4,000 cps. The liquid compositions comprise an alcohol, C1-4 (>40% v/v), a fluorosurfactant of at least 0.001% by weight to prepare a foamable composition or from 0-2.0% to prepare a gel-like composition of a final viscosity less than 4,000 cps, 0-10% w/w of additional minor components added to obtain the desired performance (a foamable composition or a gel-like composition with a viscosity less than 4,000 cps), and the balance being purified water. The compositions may include emulsifier-emollients and moisturizers, secondary surfactants, foam stabilizers, fragrances, antimicrobial agents, other type of medicinal ingredients, and the like ingredients or additives or combinations thereof commonly added to alcohol gels or foams, aerosol compositions or to toiletries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and the like. |
| US07683014B2 |
Process for making a two-part solid lubricant stick
A solid lubricant and composition useful for lubricating the flanges of locomotive wheels, railcar wheels, rail track and in applications where it is desirable to reduce friction when metal contacts metal. The solid lubricant having from about twenty-five percent to about seventy percent by volume of a polymeric carrier, about five to seventy-five percent by volume of organic and inorganic extreme pressure additives, about zero to twenty percent by volume synthetic extreme pressure anti-wear liquid oil, and about zero to one percent by volume optical brightener. |
| US07683010B2 |
Doped LZO buffer layers for laminated conductors
A laminated conductor includes a metallic substrate having a surface, a biaxially textured buffer layer supported by the surface of the substrate, the biaxially textured buffer layer comprising LZO and a dopant for mitigating metal diffusion through the LZO, and a biaxially textured conductor layer supported by the biaxially textured buffer layer. |
| US07683009B2 |
Oxide superconductor thick film and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a Bi2223 based thick film that does not peel off when a thermal or a mechanical shock is applied to a base or an oxide superconductor thick film or the like in the middle of a manufacturing process and a method of manufacturing the same. An oxide superconductor paste 1 having a mixing ratio of Bi2212 composition is applied to a base 3, dried, burned, and thereafter burned at a temperature approximate to its melting point to obtain a partially molten layer 4. Next, an oxide superconductor paste 2 having a mixing ratio of Bi2223 composition is applied to the partially molten layer 4, dried, burned, compressed by a CIP, and thereafter repeatedly burned and compressed for a predetermined number of times to obtain the base 3 having a desired superconductor thick film 5 formed thereon. |
| US07683005B2 |
Photocatalyst, manufacturing method therefor and articles comprising photocatalyst
A photocatalyst having superior properties of adsorption and decomposition with respect to various substances is provided. This photocatalyst comprises a porous body coated with titanium apatite. The porous body is preferably diatomaceous earth. The photocatalyst can be formed by co-precipitation or a sol-gel method. |
| US07683004B2 |
Air-activated organotin catalysts for polyurethane synthesis
This invention relates to an organotin-based catalyst system for polyurethane synthesis that is useful in coatings applications. The catalyst has low activity in the absence of oxygen. When a coating mixture comprising the catalyst is sprayed and/or applied to a substrate as a thin film in air, the catalyst is activated. For solvent-based refinish systems comprising hydroxyl and isocyanate species at high solids levels, the catalyst system therefore provides extended viscosity stability, i.e., pot life. |
| US07682997B2 |
Barrier laminates and articles made therefrom
This invention relates to the production of durably liquidproof laminates and articles made therefrom, the laminates incorporating a barrier layer and a textile made from a composite yarn containing a core including fiberglass as a strength component and a sheath of a different material around the core. Shelters and other protective articles incorporating this laminate are also described. |
| US07682990B2 |
Method of manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
Conventionally, a MONOS type nonvolatile memory is fabricated by subjecting a silicon nitride film to ISSG oxidation to form a top silicon oxide film of ONO structure. If the ISSG oxidation conditions are severe, repeats of programming/erase operation cause increase of interface state density (Dit) and electron trap density. This does not provide a sufficient value of the on current, posing a problem in that the deterioration of charge trapping properties cannot be suppressed.For the solution to the problem, the silicon nitride film is oxidized by means of a high concentration ozone gas to form the top silicon oxide film. |
| US07682983B2 |
Manufacturing method of electronic device with resist ashing
A manufacturing method of an electronic device, includes the steps of: implanting P (phosphorous) ions into a substrate semiconductor region made of Si or SiGe by using a resist as a mask; ashing the resist while it is heated in a vacuum environment; and taking out the substrate, the substrate being ashing processed so that a temperature of the substrate is equal to or less than 130° C. |
| US07682980B2 |
Method to improve profile control and N/P loading in dual doped gate applications
A method for etching a polysilicon gate structure in a plasma etch chamber is provided. The method initiates with defining a pattern protecting a polysilicon film to be etched. Then, a plasma is generated. Next, substantially all of the polysilicon film that is unprotected is etched. Then, a silicon containing gas is introduced and a remainder of the polysilicon film is etched while introducing a silicon containing gas. An etch chamber configured to introduce a silicon containing gas during an etch process is also provided. |
| US07682979B2 |
Phase change alloy etch
A method of forming devices is provided. A phase change layer is provided. The phase change layer is etched by providing an etch gas comprising a bromine containing compound and forming a plasma from the etch gas. The phase change layer is of a material that may be heated by a current and then when cooled, either forms an amorphous material or a crystalline material, depending on how fast the material is cooled. In addition, the amorphous material has a resistance at least several times greater than the crystalline material. |
| US07682978B2 |
Plasma processing method and high-rate plasma etching apparatus
A plasma processing method for use in a processing chamber of a plasma processing apparatus having a mounting table and a ceiling portion, there being formed a plasma processing space between the mounting table and the ceiling portion, includes the steps of mounting a target object on the mounting table, setting a gap between the ceiling portion and the mounting table to be greater than about 25 mm and less than about 65 mm, and performing a plasma processing on the target object by generating a plasma in the processing space. The target object includes an opening pattern having openings and at least parts of the openings are equal to or greater than about 500 μm. |
| US07682977B2 |
Methods of forming trench isolation and methods of forming arrays of FLASH memory cells
This invention includes methods of forming trench isolation. In one implementation, isolation trenches are provided within a semiconductor substrate. A liquid is deposited and solidified within the isolation trenches to form a solidified dielectric within the isolation trenches. The dielectric comprises carbon and silicon, and can be considered as having an elevationally outer portion and an elevationally inner portion within the isolation trenches. At least one of carbon removal from and/or oxidation of the outer portion of the solidified dielectric occurs. After such, the dielectric outer portion is etched selective to and effective to expose the dielectric inner portion. After the etching, dielectric material is deposited over the dielectric inner portion to within the isolation trenches. |
| US07682974B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of: forming an etching layer (17) formed of silicon on a semiconductor substrate (10); forming a mask layer (20) with a pattern on the etching layer (17), which includes an intermediate layer (22) as a silicon oxide film and a top layer (24) as a polysilicon; and etching the etching layer (17) using the mask layer (20) as a mask, and eliminating the top layer (24). |
| US07682973B2 |
Method of forming a carbon nanotube structure and method of manufacturing field emission device using the method of forming a carbon nanotube structure
A method of forming a Carbon NanoTube (CNT) structure and a method of manufacturing a Field Emission Device (FED) using the method of forming a CNT structure includes: forming an electrode on a substrate, forming a buffer layer on the electrode, forming a catalyst layer in a particle shape on the buffer layer, etching the buffer layer exposed through the catalyst layer, and growing CNTs from the catalyst layer formed on the etched buffer layer. |
| US07682972B2 |
Advanced multilayer coreless support structures and method for their fabrication
A method of fabricating a free standing membrane including via array in a dielectric for use as a precursor in the construction of superior electronic support structures, includes the steps of fabricating a membrane of conductive vias in a dielectric surround on a sacrificial carrier, and detaching the membrane from the sacrificial carrier to form a free standing laminated array. An electronic substrate based on such a free standing membrane may be formed by thinning and planarizing laminated array, followed by terminating. |
| US07682970B2 |
Maskless nanofabrication of electronic components
The present invention relates to systems, materials and methods for the formation of conducting, semiconducting, and dielectric layers, structures and devices from suspensions of nanoparticles. Drop-on-demand systems are used in some embodiments to fabricate various electronic structures including conductors, capacitors, FETs. Selective laser ablation is used in some embodiments to pattern more precisely the circuit elements and to form small channel devices. |
| US07682956B2 |
Three-dimensional metal microfabrication process and devices produced thereby
The present invention relates, in general, to a method for three-dimensional (3D) microfabrication of complex, high aspect ratio structures with arbitrary surface height profiles in metallic materials, and to devices fabricated in accordance with this process. The method builds upon anisotropic deep etching methods for metallic materials previously developed by the inventors by enabling simplified realization of complex, non-prismatic structural geometries composed of multiple height levels and sloping and/or non-planar surface profiles. The utility of this approach is demonstrated in the fabrication of a sloping electrode structure intended for application in bulk micromachined titanium micromirror devices, however such a method could find use in the fabrication of any number of other microactuator, microsensor, microtransducer, or microstructure devices as well. |
| US07682953B2 |
Method of forming p-type compound semiconductor layer
A method of forming a p-type compound semiconductor layer includes increasing a temperature of a substrate loaded into a reaction chamber to a first temperature. A source gas of a Group III element, a source gas of a p-type impurity, and a source gas of nitrogen containing hydrogen are supplied into the reaction chamber to grow the p-type compound semiconductor layer. Then, the supply of the source gas of the Group III element and the source gas of the p-type impurity is stopped and the temperature of the substrate is lowered to a second temperature. The supply of the source gas of nitrogen containing hydrogen is stopped and drawn out at the second temperature, and the temperature of the substrate is lowered to room temperature using a cooling gas. Accordingly, hydrogen is prevented from bonding to the p-type impurity in the p-type compound semiconductor layer. |
| US07682950B2 |
Method of manufacturing laterally crystallized semiconductor layer and method of manufacturing thin film transistor using the same method
Provided are a method of manufacturing a laterally crystallized semiconductor layer and a method of manufacturing a thin film transistor (TFT) using the method. The method of manufacturing the laterally crystallized semiconductor layer comprises: forming a semiconductor layer on a substrate; irradiating laser beams on the semiconductor layer; splitting the laser beams using a prism sheet comprising an array of a plurality of prisms, advancing the laser beams toward the semiconductor layer to alternately form first and second areas in the semiconductor layer so as to fully melt the first areas, wherein the laser beams are irradiated onto the first areas, and the laser beams are not irradiated onto the second areas; and inducing the first areas to be laterally crystallized using the second areas as seeds. |
| US07682946B2 |
Apparatus and process for plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for forming a material on a substrate during an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, such as a plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD) process. In one embodiment, a method is provided which includes flowing at least one process gas through at least one conduit to form a circular gas flow pattern, exposing a substrate to the circular gas flow pattern, sequentially pulsing at least one chemical precursor into the process gas and igniting a plasma from the process gas to deposit a material on the substrate. In one example, the circular gas flow pattern has circular geometry of a vortex, a helix, a spiral, or a derivative thereof. Materials that may be deposited by the method include ruthenium, tantalum, tantalum nitride, tungsten or tungsten nitride. Other embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus configured to form the material during the PE-ALD process. |
| US07682944B2 |
Pendeo epitaxial structures and devices
A substrate comprising a trench lateral epitaxial overgrowth structure including a trench cavity, wherein the trench cavity includes a growth-blocking layer or patterned material supportive of a coalescent Pendeo layer thereon, on at least a portion of an inside surface of the trench. Such substrate is suitable for carrying out lateral epitaxial overgrowth to form a bridged lateral overgrowth formation overlying the trench cavity. The bridged lateral overgrowth formation provides a substrate surface on which epitaxial layers can be grown in the fabrication of microelectronic devices such as laser diodes, high electron mobility transistors, ultraviolet light emitting diodes, and other devices in which low dislocation density is critical. The epitaxial substrate structures of the invention can be formed without the necessity for deep trenches, such as are required in conventional Pendeo epitaxial overgrowth structures. |
| US07682940B2 |
Use of Cl2 and/or HCl during silicon epitaxial film formation
In a first aspect, a first method of forming an epitaxial film on a substrate is provided. The first method includes (a) providing a substrate; (b) exposing the substrate to at least a silicon source so as to form an epitaxial film on at least a portion of the substrate; and (c) exposing the substrate to HCl and Cl2 so as to etch the epitaxial film and any other films formed during step (b). Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US07682937B2 |
Method of treating a substrate, method of processing a substrate using a laser beam, and arrangement
A method and arrangement for treating a substrate processed using a laser beam, wherein said substrate comprises at least a body of semiconductor material. The method comprises a step of etching said substrate for removing from said body of semiconductor material recast material deposited on said body during said laser processing. The step of etching is controlled for removing in addition to said recast layer, at least a part of said semiconductor material of said body for improving mechanical strength of said substrate. |
| US07682921B2 |
Method and apparatus for interconnecting electrodes with partial titanium coating
The present subject matter includes a capacitor stack having a plurality of anode layers, and a plurality of cathodic metal substrates partially coated in a titanium coating. Cathode portions lacking titanium enable weld interconnections which are substantially free of titanium, improving capacitor properties. In some embodiments, anodes are interspersed among cathodes, and are electrically separated from the cathodes, with portions of cathode material attached to the welding area of the anode. These portions of the cathode material are no longer electrically connected to the cathode. As the anode and these cathode portions are welded and aged, leakage current is reduced due to improved oxide growth in the welding area due to the absence of titanium. |
| US07682920B2 |
Method for making a p-i-n diode crystallized adjacent to a silicide in series with a dielectric antifuse
A method is described for forming a nonvolatile one-time-programmable memory cell having reduced programming voltage. A contiguous p-i-n diode is paired with a dielectric rupture antifuse formed of a high-dielectric-constant material, having a dielectric constant greater than about 8. In preferred embodiments, the high-dielectric-constant material is formed by atomic layer deposition. The diode is preferably formed of deposited low-defect semiconductor material, crystallized in contact with a silicide. A monolithic three dimensional memory array of such cells can be formed in stacked memory levels above the wafer substrate. |
| US07682919B2 |
Semiconductor process and PMOS varactor
A method in the fabrication of an integrated circuit including a PMOS varactor and an npn transistor, comprises the steps of (i) simultaneously forming buried n+-doped regions (31) for the PMOS varactor and the npn transistor in a p-doped substrate (10, 41); (ii) simultaneously forming n-doped wells (41) above the buried n+-doped regions (31); (iii) simultaneously forming field isolation areas (81) around the n-doped regions (41); (iv) forming a PMOS gate region (111, 194) and a p-doped base each in a respective one of the n-doped wells (41); and (v) simultaneously forming n+-doped contacts to the buried n+-doped regions (31); the contacts being separated from the n-doped wells (41). Source and drain regions may be formed in the PMOS n-well (inversion mode) or the PMOS n+-doped contact may be formed in the PMOS n-well instead of being separated from there (accumulation mode). |
| US07682910B2 |
Method of selectively adjusting ion implantation dose on semiconductor devices
A first semiconductor region and a second semiconductor region separated by a shallow trench isolation region are formed in a semiconductor substrate. A photoresist is applied and patterned so that the first semiconductor region is exposed, while the second semiconductor region is covered. Depending on the setting of parameters for the location of an edge of the patterned photoresist, the slope of sidewalls of the photoresist, the thickness of the photoresist, and the direction of ion implantation, ions may, or may not, be implanted into the entirety of the surface portion of the first semiconductor region by shading or non-shading of the first semiconductor region. The semiconductor substrate may further comprise a third semiconductor region into which the dopants are implanted irrespective of the shading or non-shading of the first semiconductor region. The selection of shading or non-shading may be changed from substrate to substrate in manufacturing. |
| US07682908B2 |
Non-volatile memory and operating method thereof
A non-volatile memory including a substrate, a first doped region, a second doped region, a third doped region, a first gate structure, and a second gate structure is disclosed. The doped regions are disposed in the substrate and the second doped region is disposed between the first doped region and the third doped region. The first gate structure is disposed on the substrate between the first doped region and the second doped region. The second gate structure is disposed on the substrate between the second doped region and the third doped region, and comprises a tunneling dielectric layer, a charge trapping structure and a gate from the bottom up. |
| US07682902B2 |
Memory structure and method of making the same
A memory structure disclosed in the present invention features a control gate and floating gates being positioned in recessed trenches. A method of fabricating the memory structure includes the steps of first providing a substrate having a first recessed trench. Then, a first gate dielectric layer is formed on the first recessed trench. A first conductive layer is formed on the first gate dielectric layer. After that, the first conductive layer is etched to form a spacer which functions as a floating gate on a sidewall of the first recessed trench. A second recessed trench is formed in a bottom of the first recessed trench. An inter-gate dielectric layer is formed on a surface of the spacer, a sidewall and a bottom of the second recessed trench. A second conductive layer formed to fill up the first and the second recessed trench. |
| US07682901B2 |
Method for fabricating nonvolatile memory device
A method for fabricating a nonvolatile memory device includes forming a tunneling insulation layer and a conductive layer for a floating gate over a substrate, partially etching the conductive layer, the tunneling insulation layer, and the substrate to form a trench, forming an isolation layer filling a portion of the trench, forming spacers on both sidewalls of the conductive layer not covered by the isolation layer, recessing a portion of the exposed isolation layer using the spacers as an etch barrier layer to form wing spacers, removing the spacers, performing a primary cleaning process on the resulting substrate using a mixed solution of H2SO4 and H2O2 and a mixed solution of NH4OH, H2O2, and H2O, and performing a secondary cleaning process on the resulting structure using a mixed solution of a HF solution and a deionized water and a mixed solution of NH4OH, H2O2, and H2O. |
| US07682898B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes a plurality of lower electrodes covering the entire surfaces of a plurality of trenches formed in a first interlayer insulating film, a capacitive insulating film covering the entire surfaces of the plurality of lower electrodes, and an upper electrode covering the surfaces of the plurality of lower electrodes from above with the capacitive insulating film interposed between the upper electrode and the plurality of lower electrodes. The upper electrode is formed with a stress-relieving part, such as a crack, a notch or a recess. |
| US07682897B2 |
DRAM fabrication method using oxidation spacers on pillar dielectric sidewalls
A process for fabricating a dynamic random access memory is provided. In this fabrication process, the steps of forming the silicon layer, and performing the ion implantation process and the removing process are repeated at least twice and the oxidation process is performed once to form an oxidation spacer that is larger than the landing area for a bit line contact in the prior art. Therefore, when defining a bit line contact opening, a larger process window is fabricated to prevent the occurrence of a short between the bit line contact and the gate of a transistor due to misalignment. |
| US07682891B2 |
Tunable gate electrode work function material for transistor applications
Described herein are metal gate electrode stacks including a low resistance metal cap in contact with a metal carbonitride diffusion barrier layer, wherein the metal carbonitride diffusion barrier layer is tuned to a particular work function to also serve as a work function metal for a pMOS transistor. In an embodiment, the work function-tuned metal carbonitride diffusion barrier prohibits a low resistance metal cap layer of the gate electrode stack from migrating into the MOS junction. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the work function of the metal carbonitride barrier film is modulated to be p-type with a pre-selected work function by altering a nitrogen concentration in the film. |
| US07682887B2 |
Transistor having high mobility channel and methods
Methods and resulting structure of forming a transistor having a high mobility channel are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a gate electrode including a gate material area and a gate dielectric, the gate electrode being positioned over a channel in a silicon substrate. A dielectric layer is formed about the gate electrode, and the gate material area and the gate dielectric are removed from the gate electrode to form an opening into a portion of the silicon substrate that exposes source/drain extensions. A high mobility semiconductor material, i.e., one having a carrier mobility greater than doped silicon, is then formed in the opening such that it laterally contacts the source/drain extensions. The gate dielectric and the gate material area may then be re-formed. This invention eliminates the high temperature steps after the formation of high mobility channel material used in related art methods. |
| US07682882B2 |
Method of manufacturing ZnO-based thin film transistor
Provided is a method of manufacturing a ZnO-based thin film transistor (TFT). The method may include forming source and drain electrodes using one or two wet etchings. A tin (Sn) oxide, a fluoride, or a chloride having relatively stable bonding energy against plasma may be included in a channel layer. Because the source and drain electrodes are formed by wet etching, damage to the channel layer and an oxygen vacancy may be prevented or reduced. Because the material having higher bonding energy is distributed in the channel layer, damage to the channel layer occurring when a passivation layer is formed may be prevented or reduced. |
| US07682877B2 |
Substrate based unmolded package
A semiconductor die package is disclosed. In one embodiment, the semiconductor die package has a substrate. It includes (i) a leadframe structure including a die attach region with a die attach surface and a lead having a lead surface, and (ii) a molding material. The die attach surface and the lead surface are exposed through the molding material. A semiconductor die is on the die attach region, and the semiconductor die is electrically coupled to the lead. The die attach surface and the lead surface can be in different planes. |
| US07682874B2 |
Chip scale package (CSP) assembly apparatus and method
In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of fabricating a chip scale package (CSP). The method includes forming conductive bumps on a top side of a semiconductor wafer; mounting the top side of the semiconductor wafer on adhesive tape; sawing the semiconductor wafer a first time such that a wide sawing kerf is obtained; molding the semiconductor wafer with a molding compound; and sawing the semiconductor wafer a second time to obtain the CSPs. Such method has improved efficiency as compared to many existing methods of fabricating CSPs. |
| US07682873B2 |
Semiconductor multi-package module having package stacked over die-down flip chip ball grid array package and having wire bond interconnect between stacked packages
A semiconductor multi-package module having stacked second and first packages, each package including a die attached to a substrate, in which the first and second package substrates are interconnected by wire bonding, and in which the first package is a flip chip ball grid array package in a die-down configuration. Also, a method for making a semiconductor multi-package module, by providing a first package including a first package substrate and having a die-down flip chip configuration, affixing a second package including a second package substrate an upper surface of the first package, and forming z-interconnects between the first and second package substrates. |
| US07682872B2 |
Integrated circuit package system with underfill
An integrated circuit package system includes: providing a package carrier; forming a first channel in the package carrier; mounting a first integrated circuit device over the package carrier and adjacent to the first channel; mounting a second integrated circuit device over the package carrier and adjacent to the first channel; and forming a contiguous underfill fillet with the first channel and under both the first integrated circuit device and the second integrated circuit device. |
| US07682865B2 |
Superlattice photodiodes with polyimide surface passivation
The subject invention comprises the realization of a superlattice photodiode with polyimide surface passivation. Effective surface passivation of type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodiodes with cutoff wavelengths in the long-wavelength infrared is presented. A stable passivation layer, the electrical properties of which do not change as a function of the ambient environment, nor time, can be realized by a solvent-based surface preparation, vacuum desorption, and the application of an insulating polyimide layer. |
| US07682864B2 |
Method for fabricating organic electroluminescent device
A method for fabricating an organic electroluminescent device (OLED) includes the following steps. First, a substrate is provided. Next, an anode layer is formed on the substrate. Next, a buffer layer is formed on the anode layer, wherein the buffer layer include a CFx film (fluorinated carbon films) containing carbon-fluoride bonded molecules. Next, a treatment process is performed on the CFx film to convert the carbon-fluoride bonded molecules into carbon-carbon bonded molecules. A plurality of organic layers is formed on the buffer layer. A cathode layer is formed on the organic layer. Because the buffer layer has a better conductivity, the organic electroluminescent device (OLED) of the present invention has a better luminous efficiency. |
| US07682863B2 |
CMOS image sensor and method for fabricating the same
A Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor includes a red photodiode formed in an first epitaxial layer, an isolation layer formed with a contact region left in a partial area of the red photodiode, a green photodiode formed in a surface of the isolation layer, a contact formed in the contact region at a predetermined spatial distance from the green photodiode, a second epitaxial layer formed on the first epitaxial layer in which the green photodiode is formed, a plurality of plugs formed in the second epitaxial layer and electrically connected to the green photodiode and the contact, a device isolation film formed in a surface of the second epitaxial layer, a blue photodiode formed in a surface of the second epitaxial layer above the green photodiode, and a well region formed in the second epitaxial layer inside the plug. |
| US07682862B2 |
Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing an image sensor that can include forming a pad electrode over a semiconductor substrate; forming a protective layer over the pad electrode; forming a via hole through the protective layer to expose a portion of the uppermost surface of the pad electrode; and then forming a gold layer over the exposed portion of the uppermost surface of the pad electrode. |
| US07682860B2 |
Protection capsule for MEMS devices
A method of making a MEMS device is disclosed wherein anhydrous HF exposed silicon nitride is used as a temporary adhesion layer to permit the transfer of a layer from a carrier substrate to a receiving substrate. |
| US07682859B2 |
Patterned strained semiconductor substrate and device
A method that includes forming a pattern of strained material and relaxed material on a substrate; forming a strained device in the strained material; and forming a non-strained device in the relaxed material is disclosed. In one embodiment, the strained material is silicon (Si) in either a tensile or compressive state, and the relaxed material is Si in a normal state. A buffer layer of silicon germanium (SiGe), silicon carbon (SiC), or similar material is formed on the substrate and has a lattice constant/structure mis-match with the substrate. A relaxed layer of SiGe, SiC, or similar material is formed on the buffer layer and places the strained material in the tensile or compressive state. In another embodiment, carbon-doped silicon or germanium-doped silicon is used to form the strained material. The structure includes a multi-layered substrate having strained and non-strained materials patterned thereon. |
| US07682858B2 |
Wafer processing method including formation of a deteriorated layer
A wafer processing method for dividing a wafer having function elements in area sectioned by dividing lines formed on the front surface in a lattice pattern into individual chips along the dividing lines, comprising a deteriorated layer forming step for forming a deteriorated layer on the side of the back surface of a position at a distance corresponding to the final thickness of the chip from the front surface of the wafer by applying a laser beam capable of passing through the wafer along the dividing lines from the back surface of the wafer; a dividing step for dividing the wafer into individual chips along the dividing lines by applying external force to the wafer in which the deteriorated layer has been formed along the dividing lines; and a back surface grinding step for grinding the back surface of the wafer divided into individual chips to the final thickness of the chip. |
| US07682846B2 |
Single and double-gate pseudo-FET devices for semiconductor materials evaluation
Several methods and structures are disclosed for determining electrical properties of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers and alternate versions of such wafers such as strained silicon:silicon/germanium:-on-insulator (SSGOI) wafers. The analyzed electrical properties include mobilities, interface state densities, and oxide charge by depositing electrodes on the wafer surface and measuring the current-voltage behavior using these electrodes. In a single gate structure, the source and drain electrodes reside on the wafer surface and the buried insulator acts as the gate oxide, with the substrate acting as the gate electrode. In a double gate structure, an oxide is used on the upper surface between the source and drain electrodes and an additional metal layer is used on top of this oxide to act as a second gate electrode. Light of broad spectrum or specific wavelength may be used to alter electrical carrier densities in the region between the electrodes to further analyze the electrical properties of the material, or alternatively, the device can be used as a detector of light having a wavelength shorter than the bandgap wavelength of the Si surface. |
| US07682839B2 |
Methods using novel chemiluminescent labels
Methods using chemiluminescent label compounds and chemiluminescent labeled conjugates are provided. The compounds comprise an acridan ring bearing an exocyclic ketene dithioacetal group and further contain a labeling substituent which permits attachment to compounds of interest. The novel chemiluminescent compounds and labeled conjugates are convenient to prepare, are highly stable, and generate chemiluminescence rapidly on demand. The compounds and conjugates are useful in assays of an analyte in a sample and in assays employing labeled specific binding pairs. |
| US07682837B2 |
Devices and methods to form a randomly ordered array of magnetic beads and uses thereof
The invention includes devices and methods for forming random arrays of magnetic particles, arrays formed using these devices and methods, and to methods of using the arrays. The invention provides an assembly (chip) with magnetic domains that produce localized magnetic fields capable of immobilizing magnetic particles such as commercially available magnetic beads. Probe or sensor molecules can be coupled to the beads, which are then dispersed on the assembly, forming a random order array. The arrays can be used for analyzing samples, targets, and/or the interaction between samples and targets. The invention finds particular use in processes such as high-throughput genotyping and other nucleic acid hybridization-based assays. |
| US07682835B2 |
Method and device of rapid antigen extraction
A system and a method of the interaction and preservation of two or more reagents used in a chemical reaction is described, in which the reagents are put in contact one with another only when a buffer (A) carrying a sample to be treated with said reagents breaks a partition barrier (4, 14) placed between two containers belonging to a device comprising a first upper container (2, 12) and a second lower container (3, 13) of a test tube (1), the bottom wall of the first container (2, 12) forming said partition barrier (4, 14) able to be perforated by the buffer (A) carrying the sample to be treated. |
| US07682833B2 |
Immunoassay device with improved sample closure
An apparatus and method for sealing a fluid sample collection device, comprising: loading a fluid sample collection device with a fluid sample, said device comprising a housing having at least one substantially planar surface that includes an orifice in fluid communication with an internal fluid sample holding camber which terminates at an internal capillary stop; and slidably moving a sealing element over at least a portion of said substantially planar surface in a way that displaces any excess fluid sample away from the orifice, seals the fluid sample within said holding chamber, and inhibits the fluid sample from prematurely breaking through the internal capillary stop. |
| US07682831B2 |
Method of measuring lipid in specific lipoprotein
A method of measuring a lipid in a specific lipoprotein characterized by using a polycyclic polyoxyalkylene derivative at least in the step of determining the specificity of the measurement of the target lipid. |
| US07682826B2 |
Human embryonic stem cells and culturing methods thereof
Provided herein are human embryonic stem cells and their method of culturing. In one embodiment, the human embryonic stem cells are maintained in an environment containing an extracellular matrix isolated from feeder cells and a conditioned medium pre-conditioned by the feeder cells; the feeder cells are pre-inactivated by either gamma ray radiation or by mitomycin C treatment. The cultured human embryonic stem cells remain substantially undifferentiated and maintain their pluripotency to differentiate into three germ layer cells. |
| US07682824B2 |
Holder for PCR sample collection and preparation
A holder for PCR sample collection and preparation and method of using which has a buffer container housing removably connected to a plunger housing. A swab attached to an end of a plunger collects a sample of a specimen to be analyzed for biological warfare agents. The swab and plunger are inserted into the plunger housing, a buffer container is positioned inside the buffer container housing and the buffer container housing and plunger housing are attached. A buffer passes through the swab and elutes off the sample and the sample mixes with a reagent. The prepared sample loads into a reaction tube, by a whipping action, for analysis. |
| US07682821B2 |
Closed photobioreactor system for continued daily in situ production, separation, collection, and removal of ethanol from genetically enhanced photosynthetic organisms
The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ. |
| US07682819B2 |
Instrument for heating and cooling
An instrument and method is provided that conveniently allows rapid amplification of nucleic acids. |
| US07682818B2 |
Apparatus for separating and purifying nucleic acid and method for separating and purifying nucleic acid
The present invention provides an apparatus for separating and purifying nucleic acids, which comprises: a cylindrical syringe having a leading end part in which a first opening part is formed, a base end part in which a second opening part is formed and an accommodation part between said first opening part and second opening part, the accommodation part being able to hold liquid therein; and a solid phase-holding member connected to said leading end part, a flow hole being formed at the leading end side of the solid phase-holding member; wherein a solid phase comprised of an organic polymer having a hydroxyl group on the surface thereof is accommodated in said solid phase-holding member, the solid phase being able to adsorb and desorb nucleic acids in a sample solution; and wherein a pressure sensor capable of detecting the pressure in the accommodation part is connected. |
| US07682817B2 |
Microfluidic assay devices
A microfluidic assay device for determining the presence or absence of an analyte within a fluid test sample is provided. The present invention provides a technique for achieving continuous flow in a microfluidic device by using at least one input channel, an analysis zone, and a plurality of wicking channels disposed about the perimeter of the analysis zone. In one embodiment, for example, the wicking channels extend radially from the analysis zone. As a result of the particular configuration of the microfluidic device, an assay may performed in a “single step” without the need for active forces, such as a pressure source, electrokinetic force, etc., to induce flow of the fluid test sample through the device. Likewise, flow rate is controlled so that the dwell time of the fluid test sample within the analysis zone is long enough to allow for the desired reactions and/or detection. |
| US07682816B2 |
Thin film coated microwell arrays and methods of using same
This invention relates to microwell array compositions which are coated with one or more thin film coatings. The invention includes the process of fabricating and using thin film coated microwell arrays. |
| US07682814B2 |
Method for producing lactic acid with high concentration and high yield using lactic acid bacteria
The present invention relates to a method for producing lactic acid with high concentration and high yield using Lactobacillus paracasei CJLA0310 KCCM-10542 that is separated and identified from Kimchi. Lactic acid is a very important organic acid with a wide range of applications including food additive such as food preservative, condiment or acidifier, and industrial fields such as cosmetics, chemistry, metals, electronics, fabrics, dyeing textiles, and pharmaceutical industries. Particularly, lactic acid is an essential ingredient of polylactic acid, one of biodegradable plastics to replace recalcitrant non-biodegradable plastics which are main causes of environmental contamination. |
| US07682812B2 |
Process for producing ethanol
A process for producing ethanol including a combination of biochemical and synthetic conversions results in high yield ethanol production with concurrent production of high value coproducts. An acetic acid intermediate is produced from carbohydrates, such as corn, using enzymatic milling and fermentation steps, followed by conversion of the acetic acid into ethanol using esterification and hydrogenation reactions. Coproducts can include corn oil, and high protein animal feed containing the biomass produced in the fermentation. |
| US07682811B2 |
Systems and methods for producing biofuels and related materials
Clostridium phytofermentans cells (American Type Culture Collection 700394T) and all other strains of the species can ferment materials such as biomass into useful products and coproducts, such as ethanol, hydrogen and organic acids. Compositions that include Clostridium phytofermentans are also disclosed. |
| US07682804B2 |
Diagnostics and therapeutics for macular degeneration-related disorders
The invention relates to methods for diagnosing and treating macular degeneration-related disorders. The invention also related to methods for identifying genes that cause macular degeneration-related disorders. |
| US07682799B2 |
Cell division marker
This application relates to a newly identified animal cell structure, the midbody scar. This structure is a remnant of the midbody that is retained by one daughter cell following cytokinesis and persists through multiple subsequent cell cycles. The midbody scar can be useful as a marker of dividing cells or of a cell's replicative age. |
| US07682792B2 |
Detection of nucleic acids from multiple types of human papillomaviruses
Nucleic acid oligonucleotide sequences are disclosed which include amplification oligomers and probe oligomers which are useful for detecting multiple types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) associated with cervical cancer. Methods for detecting multiple HPV types in biological specimens by amplifying HPV nucleic acid sequences in vitro and detecting the amplified products are disclosed. |
| US07682784B2 |
Methods for drug discovery disease treatment, and diagnosis using metabolomics
The small molecule profiles of cells are compared to identify small molecules which are modulated in altered states. Cellular small molecule libraries, methods of identifying tissue sources, methods for treating genetic and non-genetic diseases, and methods for predicting the efficacy of drugs are also discussed. |
| US07682783B2 |
Methods for drug discovery, disease treatment, and diagnosis using metabolomics
The small molecule profiles of cells are compared to identify small molecules which are modulated in altered states. Cellular small molecule libraries, methods of identifying tissue sources, methods for treating genetic and non-genetic diseases, and methods for predicting the efficacy of drugs are also discussed. |
| US07682779B2 |
Method for manufacturing liquid discharge head
A manufacturing method of a liquid discharge head having therein liquid discharge ports and liquid flow passageways communicated with the discharge ports, includes: providing, by depositing, on a substrate, lamination of first and second material layers containing first and second positive type photosensitive resins, respectively, first material layer containing a light absorber absorbing a light in a specific wavelength range to which first positive type photosensitive resin is photosensitive, second positive type photosensitive resin able to be photosensitive to the light in specific wavelength range; exposing second material layer to light in specific wavelength range thereby forming a pattern made of material of second material layer; exposing first material layer to light in specific wavelength range thereby forming a pattern made of first material layer; forming a coating layer covering obtained patterns formed on substrate; forming discharge ports in coating layer; and removing patterns to eventually obtain flow passageways. |
| US07682774B2 |
Resin composition comprising catalyst precursor for electroless plating to form electromagnetic wave shielding layer, methods for forming metal patterns using the resin composition and metal patterns formed by the methods
Disclosed is a resin composition which comprises a catalyst precursor for electroless plating to form an electromagnetic wave shielding layer. The resin composition comprises an organic polymer resin, a polyfunctional monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond, a photoinitiator, a silver organic complex precursor as a catalyst precursor, and an organic solvent. Further disclosed are methods for forming metal patterns using the resin composition and metal patterns formed by the methods. The methods comprise forming a pattern, reducing the pattern, and electroless plating the reduced pattern. A patterned layer of the catalyst formed using the resin composition is highly adhesive, a loss of the catalyst during a wet process is substantially prevented, and an increase in plating rate leads to the formation of a uniform, fine metal pattern after electroless plating. Electromagnetic wave shielding materials comprising the metal pattern can be used in the formation of films for shielding electromagnetic waves. |
| US07682773B2 |
Cyanine compound, optical recording material using the same and optical recording medium
The cyanine compound of the present invention is represented by general formula (I) below and suitable as an optical recording material used in a recording layer of optical recording media on which recording and play-back are conducted with laser beam. The cyanine compound of the present invention particularly exhibits appropriate thermal decomposition behavior to attain sensitivity compatible with high-speed recording. (In the formula, each of ring A and ring B represents an optionally substituted benzene or naphthalene ring; each of R1 and R2 independently represents a C1-4 alkyl group or an optionally substituted benzyl group; at least one of R1 and R2 is an optionally substituted benzyl group; X represents O, S, or NY; each of Y, Y1, and Y2 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-30 organic group; Z represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a cyano group; Anm- represents an m-valent anion; m represents an integer of 1 or 2; and p represents a coefficient to keep an electric charge neutral.) |
| US07682767B2 |
Method of manufacturing toner, toner, and image forming method
Provided can be easily producible toner containing polyester resin particles, exhibiting excellent fixability and fine line reproduction, in which high quality images can stably be formed for a long duration, the toner manufacturing method, and the image forming method. Also disclosed is a manufacturing method of toner possessing the steps of conducting a polymerization process for acquiring polyester resin particles via condensation-polymerization of carboxylic acid and alcohol employing oil droplets after forming the oil droplets including a polymerizable composite containing at least one kind of carboxylic acid with divalence or more and at least one kind of alcohol with divalence or more in an aqueous medium containing a surfactant including a compound having a long chain hydrocarbon group and acidic group, and conducting a coagulation process for acquiring toner particles by coagulating at least the polyester particles in the aqueous medium. |
| US07682762B2 |
Process for preparing organic photosensitive pigment
Processes for making photosensitive organic pigments for use in imaging members, specifically processes for making photosensitive phthalocyanine pigments having a specific nanocrystal form. Embodiments include a copper phthalocyanine nanocrystal with good charge generation for use in the formulation of a charge generating layer and narrow particle size distribution. |
| US07682759B2 |
Methods and system for determining pitch of lithographic features
A method is provided for determining pitch of lithographic features of a mask. The method includes determining a bias based on an interaction between a plurality of reference features positioned according to a lithographic parameter of the mask, applying the bias to a plurality of lithographic features of the mask, and determining pitch of the plurality of lithographic features based on interactions between the biased plurality of lithographic features of the mask. |
| US07682757B2 |
Pattern layout for forming integrated circuit
A pattern layout for forming an integrated circuit includes a first device pattern, a second device pattern, and an auxiliary pattern. The first device pattern includes a line and a space alternately arrayed on a fixed pitch having regular intervals in a first direction. The second device pattern is disposed on the fixed pitch and separated from the first device pattern in the first direction. The second device pattern has a pattern width an odd-number times larger than the regular intervals of the fixed pitch, wherein the odd-number is set to be three or more. The auxiliary pattern is disposed on the fixed pitch and within the second device pattern and configured not to be resolved by light exposure. |
| US07682751B2 |
Lithium ion secondary battery and charging method therefor, and charge or charge/discharge control system for lithium ion secondary battery
A lithium ion secondary battery includes a positive electrode containing a composite lithium oxide, a negative electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ions, a sheet-like separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a porous electron-insulating film attached to the surface of the negative electrode. The sheet-like separator is a monolayer film made of polypropylene resin or a multilayer film whose layer to be in contact with the positive electrode is made of polypropylene resin. The porous electron-insulating film includes an inorganic oxide filler and a binder. The sheet-like separator has a thickness not less than 1.5 times the thickness of the porous electron-insulating film. |
| US07682750B2 |
Lithium ion battery comprising nanomaterials
A lithium ion battery includes a cathode (10) having a plurality of lithium-cobalt-nickel oxide nanoparticles, an anode (20) having at least one carbon nanotube array (22), an electrolyte, and a membrane (30) separating the anode from the cathode. The carbon nanotube array includes a plurality of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (23). Preferably, an average diameter of an outermost wall of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes is in the range from 10 to 100 nanometers, and a pitch between adjacent multi-walled carbon nanotubes is in the range from 20 to 500 nanometers. In the carbon nanotube array, the lithium ions are able to intercalate not only inside the multi-walled carbon nanotubes, but also in the interstices between adjacent multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Thus a density of intercalation of the carbon nanotube array is significantly higher than that of graphite. |
| US07682745B2 |
Medical device having lithium-ion battery
A medical device includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for providing power to the medical device. The lithium-ion battery includes a positive electrode comprising a current collector and an active material comprising a material selected from the group consisting of LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiNixCoyNi(1−x−y)O2, LiAlxCoyNi(1−x−y)O2, LiTixCoyNi(1−x−y)O2, and combinations thereof. The lithium-ion battery also includes a negative electrode having a current collector and an active material including a lithium titanate material. The current collector of the negative electrode includes a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, titanium, and silver. The battery is configured for cycling to near-zero-voltage conditions without a substantial loss of battery capacity. |
| US07682744B2 |
Lithium secondary battery
A lithium secondary battery having high capacity and good charge-discharge cycle performance is provided. The lithium secondary battery includes a negative electrode (2) containing silicon as a negative electrode active material, a positive electrode (1) containing a positive electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material is a lithium-transition metal composite oxide including a layered structure represented by the chemical formula LiaNixMnyCozO2, where a, x, y, and z satisfy the expressions: 0≦a≦1.3, x+y+z=1, 0 |
| US07682743B2 |
Battery
A battery capable of improving the constant output discharge capacity is provided. A battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte. The cathode contains iron sulfide. The anode contains lithium metal or a lithium alloy. A ratio of a discharge capacity per unit area of the cathode to a discharge capacity per unit area of the anode (the discharge capacity per unit area of the cathode/the discharge capacity per unit area of the anode) is more than 1 and 1.4 or less. |
| US07682742B2 |
Battery
A battery capable of improving cycle characteristics is provided. An anode contains Si as an element. Where the Li insertion amount per unit area when the anode is fully charged is A, the Li amount capable of being electronically inserted per unit area of the anode is B, and the maximum utilization ratio C % is (A/B)×100, the maximum utilization ratio C % is in the range from 35% to 85%. The surface roughness Ra value of the anode current collector is 0.2 μm or more. |
| US07682741B2 |
Composite particle for lithium rechargeable battery, manufacturing method of the same, and lithium rechargeable battery using the same
A composite particle for a lithium rechargeable battery is contained in at least one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the lithium rechargeable battery that includes the positive electrode, the negative electrode, a separator, and non-aqueous electrolytic solution. The composite particle contains a conductive agent and an active material that can reversibly store and emit lithium ions. The composite particle is a hollow body formed of an outer wall including the active material and conductive agent, and a cavity capable of retaining non-aqueous electrolytic solution. At least one opening of the cavity that can pass the electrolytic solution is formed in the surface of the composite particle. |
| US07682737B2 |
Lead-zinc storage battery
A storage battery is provided such that in its charged condition the positive electrode comprises lead dioxide and the negative electrode comprises zinc. Upon discharge, the lead dioxide is reduced to lead monoxide and the zinc is oxidized to zinc oxide. The electrolyte comprises an aqueous solution of a chromate salt. |
| US07682735B2 |
Pouch type lithium secondary battery and method of fabricating the same
A pouch type lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate connected to a first electrode tap, a second electrode plate connected to a second electrode tap, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode plates. The battery also includes a pouch exterior having an electrode assembly storing portion and at least a wing portion extending from at least an end of the electrode assembly storing portion, the wing portion entirely winding around side faces of the electrode assembly storing portion. A method of fabricating a pouch type lithium secondary battery is also disclosed. |
| US07682727B2 |
Portable electronic device having a latched battery cover
A portable electronic device includes a battery for providing electricity to the portable electronic device; a housing for accommodating the battery; a battery cover for covering the battery; a latch affixed to the housing in a slidable manner along a first direction, wherein when the latch is at a first position, the latch is capable of fixing the battery cover and the housing together; and an elastic unit for lifting the battery cover when the latch is at a second position. |
| US07682726B2 |
Device for locking electrical devices, in particular power tools, with battery packs for power supply
The invention relates to a device for locking electrical devices (2) with battery packs (4) for power supply, in which the electrical devices (2) have one movable locking bar (14; 36; 38; 40; 42) and the battery packs (4) have at least two recesses (24, 26), and upon locking, the recesses (24, 26) are located one after the other in the direction of a relative motion between the electrical device (2) and the battery pack (4), and after locking, the locking bar (14; 36; 38; 40; 42) engages one of the recesses (24, 26). It is provided that the recesses (24, 26) are differently shaped or of different dimensions or are offset transversely to the direction of motion; and that in different combinations of electrical devices (2) and battery packs (4), the shape, dimensions and/or offset of the recesses (24, 26) are each adapted to the shape, dimensions or position of the locking bar (14; 36; 38; 40; 42) in such a way that the locking bar (14; 36; 38; 40; 42) engages either only the front recess (24) or only the rear recess (26) or successively the front recess and then the rear recess (24, 26, respectively). |
| US07682719B2 |
Method for adaptive prediction of stack voltage in automotive fuel cell systems
A method for revising a reference polarization curve of a fuel cell stack that identifies the relationship between the voltage and the current of the stack over time. When the stack is operating at a low load where kinetic voltage losses of the stack dominate, a first adaptation value is revised as the difference between the actual stack voltage and the stack voltage of the reference polarization curve. When the stack is operating at higher loads where ohmic voltage losses of the stack dominate, a second adaptation value is revised as the difference between the actual stack voltage and the stack voltage of the reference polarization curve. |
| US07682717B2 |
Fuel cell system with cooling and method of controlling the same
A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell that generates an electric power and heat by a reaction of a reaction gas; a heat exchanger; a coolant circuit for a coolant between the fuel cell and the heat exchanger; a coolant circulating pump for circulating the coolant in the coolant circuit; and a drive motor for driving the coolant circulating pump, the coolant receiving and carrying the heat to the heat exchanger by the coolant circuit, the coolant circulating pump, and the drive motor. A rotational speed of the drive motor is controlled according to an upper limit of the rotational speed of the drive motor which may be determined on the basis of a cooling capacity of the heat exchanger, a speed of the vehicle mounting the fuel cell system, a generated electric power, and a flow rate of the reaction gas. |
| US07682716B2 |
Method for operating fuel cell and fuel cell system
A method for operating a direct methanol fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes a fuel cell main body having a fuel electrode and an air electrode disposed in opposing positions on either side of an electrolyte film. In this method, an aqueous methanol solution is supplied directly to the fuel electrode. A quantity of the aqueous methanol solution supplied is controlled in accordance with an electric current value drawn from the fuel cell main body so as to minimize a quantity of unused methanol within a discharge fluid discharged from the fuel electrode. |
| US07682715B2 |
Vehicle equipped with fuel cell system
A vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system is disclosed including a vehicle body having a floor, and a fuel cell system disposed below the floor and including a fuel cell stack and a water supply device connected to a water storage tank. The water supply device includes component elements (a pump, a water supply conduit and a water recovery conduit) that are disposed below the floor of the vehicle body in a higher area than the water storage tank. |
| US07682714B2 |
Connecting structure of a cell monitor connector to a fuel cell stack
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cell monitor connector having a pair of terminals is connected to a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells each having two separators. One terminal of the pair of terminals is caused to contact a first fuel cell at one of the two separators of the first fuel cell, and the other terminal of the pair of terminals is caused to contact a second fuel cell located adjacent to the first fuel cell at one of the two separators of the second fuel cell having the same polarity as the one of the separators of the first fuel cell, whereby an interval of the pair of terminals can be widened. |
| US07682713B2 |
Magnetic recording medium with recording layer having a predetermined concavo-convex pattern and magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus
The magnetic recording medium includes: recording elements formed as the convex portions of the recording layer formed in the predetermined concavo-convex pattern over a substrate; and a filling elements with which a concave portions between the recording elements are filled. A surface concave portion is formed in a surface of the magnetic recording medium above the recording element. The surface concave portion has a cross-sectional shape of which a portion corresponding to a center of the recording element lying thereunder in a width direction thereof is recessed deepest toward the substrate, and has a width monotonically increasing with increase of a distance from the substrate. |
| US07682712B2 |
Stability polymeric lubricants and thin film recording media comprising same
A data/information storage and retrieval medium comprises: (a) a substrate having a layer stack thereon, the layer stack including an outer surface and comprising at least one magnetic or magneto-optical (“MO”) recording layer; and (b) a thin film or layer of a lubricant on the outer surface of the layer stack and comprised of a derivatized perfluoropolyether-based material including at least one generally linear perfluoropolyether chain and at least one phosphite antioxidant/stabilizer moiety attached to at least one end of at least one the chain. |
| US07682710B2 |
Vapour-deposition material for the production of optical layers of high refractive index
The invention relates to a vapour-deposition material for the production of optical layers of high refractive index which comprises titanium oxide and ytterbium oxide in a molar ratio of from 4:1 to 1:4, to a process for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof. |
| US07682708B2 |
Dendrimers
A compound of formula (I), where x is 3, 2 or 1, y is 0 or 1, n1 and n2, which may be the same or different, are 0 or 1 to 3, X represents a divalent mono- or poly-aromatic and/or heteroaromatic moiety, the or each Y, which may be the same or different if x is 1, represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, Z represents an aromatic group, or an inherently at least partly conjugated dendritic molecular structure comprising one or more aromatic and/or heteroaromatic groups and, optionally, alkenylene groups, connected to each other either directly or via a carbon atom of an alkenylene group, if present, to a ring carbon atom of an (hetero) aromatic group to which more than one at least partly conjugated dendritic chain is attached, said molecular structure being connected to the remainder of the molecule via a ring carbon atom, one or more of the (hetero) aromatic rings of the dendrimers optionally being substituted, Z and/or the remainder of the molecule, excluding any groups Y, being luminescent, with the proviso that when Z represents an aromatic group y must be 1. |
| US07682706B2 |
Precoated metal sheet with little affect on environment
The present invention provides a precoated metal sheet excellent in the coating material adhesion and having little affect on environment. The precoated metal sheet of the invention is a precoated metal sheet comprising a metal or plated metal sheet having stacked on the surface thereof at least a coat layer and an organic resin layer, the metal or plated metal sheet mainly comprising zinc and aluminum and the coat layer mainly comprising one or both of a metal oxide and a metal hydroxide each using a metal species exclusive of chromium. |
| US07682699B2 |
Coatings having low volatile organic compound content
The present invention provides a method of making an aqueous coating composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of an epoxy acrylate resin and a polymerized reactive diluent. The aqueous coating composition preferably has a volatile organic compound content of no greater than 0.4 kilogram per liter of solids. |
| US07682698B2 |
Multilayered film made of (meth)acrylate copolymer and polycarbonate
The invention relates to a multilayer film encompassing at least one upper layer a) and one middle layer b) composed of (meth)acrylate copolymers, and also a backing layer c) composed of polycarbonate, where the upper layer a) comprises a light stabilizer and is composed of a (meth)acrylate copolymer which can form semicompatible mixtures with the polycarbonate of the backing layer c), where a test specimen produced from a mixture composed of 20% by weight of (meth)acrylate copolymer and 80% by weight of polycarbonate has a tensile strain at break of at least 75% (ISO 527-2) at 23° C., the middle layer b) comprises a dye and, where appropriate, a light stabilizer, and is composed of an identical or different (meth)acrylate copolymer which can form semicompatible mixtures with the polycarbonate of the backing layer c), where a test specimen produced from a mixture composed of 20% by weight of (meth)acrylate copolymer and 80% by weight of polycarbonate has a tensile strain at break of at least 75% (ISO 527-2) at 23° C., and the backing layer c) is composed of polycarbonate which can, where appropriate, comprise up to 30% by weight of the material of the layers a) and b). The invention also relates to the production and uses of the multilayer film, and also to semicompatible polymer mixtures composed of (meth)acrylate copolymers and polycarbonate. |
| US07682697B2 |
Fiber reinforced thermoplastic sheets with surface coverings
A composite sheet material in one embodiment includes a porous core layer. The porous core layer includes a thermoplastic polymer, about 20 weight percent to about 80 weight percent of reinforcing fibers based on a total weight of the porous core layer, and an effective amount of a flame retardant agent. |
| US07682690B2 |
Thermal management materials having a phase change dispersion
A thermally-conductive interface interposable intermediate a first heat transfer surface and an opposing second heat transfer surface to provide a thermal pathway therebetween. The interface includes a thermally-conductive compound formed into a layer which is conformable between the first and second heat transfer surface. The compound is an admixture of: (a) a polymeric constituent forming a continuous matrix in the layer; and (b) a dispersed constituent forming discrete domains within the matrix, the domains being form-stable at normal room temperature in a first domain phase and conformable between the first and second heat transfer surface in a second domain phase, and the domains having a domain transition temperature above normal room temperature from the first domain phase to the second domain phase. The dispersed constituent may be a fusible, i.e., low temperature melting, metal or metal alloy. |
| US07682684B2 |
Covering material, for instance for floorings
A stratified-structure laminar covering material, which can be used for example as a flooring for sports facilities, comprises an outermost layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer set between the outermost layer and the bottom layer. The aforesaid layers comprise a matrix constituted by a mixture of polyolefin and thermoplastic elastomer, the matrix being substantially identical for all three layers. The matrix of the outermost layer is substantially free from fillers and has a first value of density. The bottom layer contains fillers so as to have a second value of density greater than said first value of density, and the intermediate layer contains fillers so as to have a third value of density intermediate between the first value of density of the outermost layer and the second value of density of the bottom layer. |
| US07682679B2 |
Optical information recording medium and method of manufacturing the same
A dye or dyes are selected, which are capable of absorbing a laser beam with a wavelength of 350 to 500 nm and are capable of recording sub-information using a laser beam with a wavelength of 640 to 680 nm or 750 to 830 nm. An optical information recording medium including the optical recording layer records sub-information (BCA information) of a type different from that of main information (data information) in a sub-information region (a BCA recording region) different from a main information area (a data area) using a laser beam. |
| US07682678B2 |
Optical information recording medium, recording and readout methods using the same, optical information recording device, and optical information readout device
An optical information recording medium includes a substrate formed in a concave-convex state by providing pits or grooves corresponding to recorded information, used for optically reproducing the information by irradiation of a light beam, and may also include a recording layer. The optical information recording medium includes a temperature responsive layer 21 whose reflectance and/or transmittance for the light beam changes with an increase in temperature caused by the irradiation of a light beam and a light absorption layer 22. With such an arrangement, the present invention provides an optical information recording medium enabling secure and highly accurate readout of information recorded with high density, a recording method and a readout method using the same, a readout device, and a recording device. |
| US07682677B2 |
Information recording medium and method for manufacturing the same
An information recording medium with high recording sensitivity and superior repeat overwriting capability. The information recording medium (15) comprising at least recording layer (104) recording and/or reproducing information through irradiation with a laser beam or application of an electric current, and second dielectric layer (106) on substrate (14), wherein the second dielectric layer (106) comprises M1 (provided that M1 is at least one element selected from Sc, Y, La, Gd, Dy and Yb) and O. |
| US07682671B2 |
Liquid crystalline medium and liquid crystal display
The instant invention relates to dielectrically positive liquid crystalline media comprising a dielectrically positive component, component A, comprising a dielectrically positive compound of formula I wherein the parameters have the meaning given in the specification, and optionally a second dielectrically positive component, component B, comprising one or more dielectrically positive compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of more than 3 and optionally a dielectric neutral component, component C, as well as to liquid crystal displays comprising these media, especially to active matrix displays and in particular to TN and to IPS displays. |
| US07682665B2 |
Durable coating compositions containing novel aspartic amine compounds
A coating composition comprising a binder of a. polyisocyanate crosslinking agent; b. an isocyanate-reactive component having at least one compound having the following formula: wherein X, R1, R2, p, m and n are described in the specification, or isomer or mixture of isomers thereof, two component compositions, articles coated with the novel composition and novel hydroxy amines are also part of the invention. |
| US07682663B2 |
Remote curing of polymer coating by gaseous, vaporous or aerosol initiating agent
The present invention is a method and apparatus for remote curing of resin-coated surfaces and articles by means of a vaporous curing agent. The method of the present invention includes the steps: (a) providing a surface of the substrate with a layer of a coating precursor comprising a curable material and a stabilized curing agent that is adapted to react with a gaseous, vaporous or aerosol initiating agent to activate the stabilized curing agent so as to cause the curable material to undergo a curing reaction; (b) subjecting the coating precursor to the gaseous, vaporous or aerosol initiating agent for sufficient time to initiate the curing reaction, and allowing the coating precursor to form a cured coating on the substrate. Another variation of the method of the present invention involves the reversal of the positions of the active compounds utilizing the interaction between the gaseous, vaporous or aerosol curing agent and coating precursor comprising a curable material and initiating agent. |
| US07682661B2 |
Firearm camouflage system
The present invention provides a pre-packaged kit and a method for creating unique multi-toned custom patterns or camouflage on a surface, and in particular the surfaces of a firearm. The multi-toned custom patterns or camouflage are created by separating or peeling off pre-cut stencil/templates from sheet or roll stock adhesive backed masking material and applying the stencil/templates to a surface. The surface is subsequently sprayed with coatings, finishers and sealants. Additional layers of stencil/templates are then added and sprayed with various colors or tones of coatings, finishers and sealants to complete the desired effect on the firearm surface. |
| US07682657B2 |
Sequential chemical vapor deposition
The present invention provides for sequential chemical vapor deposition by employing a reactor operated at low pressure, a pump to remove excess reactants, and a line to introduce gas into the reactor through a valve. A first reactant forms a monolayer on the part to be coated, while the second reactant passes through a radical generator which partially decomposes or activates the second reactant into a gaseous radical before it impinges on the monolayer. This second reactant does not necessarily form a monolayer but is available to react with the monolayer. A pump removes the excess second reactant and reaction products completing the process cycle. The process cycle can be repeated to grow the desired thickness of film. |
| US07682653B1 |
Magnetic disk with uniform lubricant thickness distribution
A method for manufacturing a magnetic disk is provided that includes the steps: (a) forming a layer 128 of a lubricant material on a surface of a magnetic storage medium 300, the layer 128 of lubricant material also being located on an interior and/or exterior edge of the medium 300; and (b) removing at least some of the lubricant material from the edge 160 of the medium. |
| US07682650B1 |
Method for producing functionally graded nanocrystalline layer on metal surface
An improved process for the creation or formation of nanocrystalline layers on substrates' surfaces is provided. The process involves “prescuffing” the surface of a substrate such as a metal by allowing friction to occur on the surface by a load-bearing entity making rubbing contact and moving along and on the substrate's surface. The “prescuffing” action is terminated when the coefficient of friction between the surface and the noise is rising significantly. Often, the significant rise in the coefficient of friction is signaled by a change in pitch of the scuffing action sound emanating from the buffeted surface. The “prescuffing” gives rise to a harder and smoother surface which withstands better any inadequate lubrication that may take place when the “prescuffed” surface is contacted by other surfaces. |
| US07682637B2 |
Efficient method for producing compositions enriched in total phenols
A product made by a process which results in compositions enriched in total phenols includes purification steps not involving the addition of bisulfite ions. The enriched compositions are characterized as containing monomeric, oligomeric and polymeric phenols, total phenol concentration >12% and exhibiting in vitro COX-2 inhibitory activity enhanced by a factor of at least 2.5 over a standard aspirin dose of 660 μg/mL. |
| US07682635B2 |
Aqueous dispersions of nanometric or micrometric particles for encapsulating chemical compounds
A composition comprises an aqueous dispersion of particles (p) of mean hydrodynamic diameter between 50 and 5000 nm. The particles contain (A) polymers based on cyclodextrin units, comprising on average at least four cyclodextrin units within their structure; and (B) macromolecules of polysaccharides comprising groups G capable of forming inclusion complexes with the cyclodextrins present in the structure of the polymers (A), with an average number of groups G per polysaccharide macromolecule at least equal to three. The compounds (A) and (B) are water-soluble in the isolated state. A method is also provided which relates to the preparation of these compositions, as well as their use in order to achieve the encapsulation of compounds such as active substances. |
| US07682633B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition
Provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antagonist, an agonist, a seal coat, and a sequestering polymer, wherein the antagonist, agonist, seal coat and at least one sequestering polymer are all components of a single unit, and wherein the seal coat forms a layer physically separating the antagonist from the agonist from one another. Methods for manufacturing such a pharmaceutical composition are also provided. |
| US07682632B2 |
Tamper-resistant oral opioid agonist formulations
Disclosed is an oral dosage form comprising (i) an opioid agonist in releasable form and (ii) a sequestered opioid antagonist which is substantially not released when the dosage form is administered intact. |
| US07682630B2 |
Antitumor agent and process for producing the same
The present invention relates to polymeric antitumor agent which is formed in polymeric micelle complex by intermolecular bonding or mutual interaction between styrene maleic acid copolymer (SMA) and low molecule antitumor agent which is anthracyclins drug such as pirarubicin, doxorubicm, epirbicin, daunorbicin, acralbicin, or alkaloid antitumor agent such as cis-platinum, and taxol These polymeric antitumor agents may improve specificity to cancer cells so that it improves antitumor effect, while it may not be concentrated at normal organ or tissue, so that adverse effect may be diminished. These polymeric antitumor agents may be prepared by dissolving SMA and low molecule antitumor agent in aqueous solution, then in the presence of aqueous soluble carbodiimide, amino acids, or polyamine, adjusting pH to form micelle complex and recovering polymer fraction. |
| US07682629B1 |
Floating pharmaceutical composition comprising an active phase and a non-active phase
The invention concerns a floating pharmaceutical composition consisting of at least a first phase comprising at least a high dose active principle combined with one or several carriers and at least a second phase comprising at least a gas-generating system. The invention also concerns tablets comprising such a pharmaceutical composition and a method for preparing such tablets. |
| US07682625B2 |
Method for treating wounds to promote healing
A method of treating a mammal to promote wound healing in the mammal in need thereof, comprising orally administering to the mammal an effective amount of a palatable, concentrated protein composition comprising an effective amount of hydrolyzed gelatin and tryptophan, and an ingestible carrier, the composition comprising the essential amino acids required by the mammal. Palatability is preferably achieved by the use of an effective amount of a sweetener. The method is particularly useful for treating wounds resulting from decubitus ulcers and bariatric surgery. |
| US07682622B2 |
Cosmetics
A surface of particles of a silicone resin is treated with a low-molecular organosilicon derivative, with or without a water-soluble cationic polymer to improve the hydrophilicity of the silicone resin. The thus-treated powder is quite excellent in dispersibility (readily dispersible) and in dispersion stability in an aqueous dispersion medium. The use of the surface-treated powder provides a dispersion for cosmetic, excellent in dispersibility and dispersion stability and the like. The use of the surface-treated powder, or the use of the dispersion provides further a cosmetic excellent in dispersibility and dispersion stability, and further excellent in ease of re-dispersion and dispersion stability with lapse of time when selecting aqueous cosmetic as an agent form, and also excellent in smooth feeling in comparison with ordinary products. |
| US07682619B2 |
Canine influenza virus
The present invention relates to an isolate canine influenza virus. The present invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a hemagglutinin from a canine influenza virus. The present invention also relates to the protein or polypeptide encoded by the isolated nucleic acid molecule. Vaccines and detection and treatment methods relating to canine influenza viruses are also disclosed. |
| US07682618B2 |
Generation of virus-like particles and use as panfilovirus vaccine
In this application are described filovirus-like particles for both Ebola and Marburg and their use as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent as well as a filovirus vaccine. Also described is the association of Ebola and Marburg with lipid rafts during assembly and budding, and the requirement of functional rafts for entry of filoviruses into cells. |
| US07682616B2 |
Synergistic phytoceutical compositions
Phytoceutical compositions for the prevention and treatment of circulatory disorders, feminine endocrine disorders, and dermal disorders. A specific combination of extracts of plants is taught, as well as principles for varying the formulations based on categorizing plants into one of three groups, Energy, Bio-Intelligence, and Organization and selecting several plants from each group. Such combinations have synergistic effects, with minimal side effects. |
| US07682614B2 |
Methods for inhibition of NKT cells
Molecules that interact with the NKT cell antigen receptor and its counterpart antigen presenting molecule, but which inhibit the NKT cell immune function, are administered to a patient. Conditions of particular interest include the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cancer, atherosclerosis, and allergic disease. In some embodiment of the invention, the inhibitory agent is an anergizing glycolipid, for example β-galactosylceramide. Pharmaceutical formulations of such glycolipids are provided, and find use in the treatment of diseases involving undesirable NKT cell activation. |
| US07682613B2 |
Anti-leukocyte recruitment therapy for the treatment of seizures and epilepsy
Methods are provided for the prevention and treatment of seizures and epilepsy. It is shown herein that leukocyte recruitment plays a key role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Treatment with an agent that inhibits leukocyte recruitment has therapeutic and preventative effects in blocking recurrent seizures and epilepsy. |
| US07682608B2 |
Stabilized preparations containing antibody
A stabilized antibody-containing preparation containing acetyltryptophan or an acetyltryptophan derivative or a salt thereof as a stabilizer for controlling the decrease in the biological activity of the antibody. |
| US07682599B2 |
Method for preparing NES-type zeolites using novel structure directing agents
The present invention is directed to a process for preparing NES-type zeolites using novel nitrogen-based structure directing agents. The structure directing agents used in preparing NES-type zeolites selected from the group consisting of 1,4-bis(N,N-dimethylcyclohexylammonium) butane dications and 1,5-bis(N,N-dimethylcyclohexylammonium) pentane dications. |
| US07682597B2 |
Method for extracting hydrogen from a gas that contains methane, especially natural gas, and system for carrying out said method
The invention relates to a method for extracting hydrogen from a gas containing methane, especially natural gas. Hydrocarbons contained in the gas are catalytically broken down in a reformer (4) by steam in order to form hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Catalytic conversion of the obtained carbon monoxide with steam occurs in a downstream conversion step in order to form carbon monoxide and water. Carbon dioxide is removed from the converted gas flow (8) by gas washing (7), and the washed hydrogen-rich gas flow (10) is subsequently divided in a pressure-swing adsorption system (11) into a product gas flow (12) made of hydrogen and a waste gas flow (13). The waste gas flow (13) is introduced with hydrogen (14), which is separated from the gas flow (10) after gas washing, into a reformer (4) which is essentially a carbon-free combustible gas, and is combusted there. The invention also relates to a system for carrying out the method. |
| US07682596B2 |
Titanium and dense lithium mixed oxide powder compound, method for producing said compound and compound-containing electrode
A powdery compound selected from the group consisting of Li4Ti5O12 and its derivatives selected from the group consisting of Li4−xMxTi5O12 and Li4Ti5−yNyO12 (x and y between 0 and 0.2, M and N selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Mg, Nb, Al, Ni , Co, Zr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Si and Mo), used as active material of an electrode for a lithium storage battery, consists of unitary particles having a diameter not greater than 1 μm and 10-50% volume agglomerated particles having a diameter not greater than 100 μm wherein the agglomerated particles formed by agglomeration of said unitary particles. The method for producing such a compound preferably consists in grinding the synthesized oxide for a duration comprised between 24 hours and 48 hours in a planetary mill and in then performing thermal treatment at a temperature comprised between 450° C. and 600° C. |
| US07682594B2 |
Method for producing photocatalyst
A method for preparing for a photocatalyst. The method comprises steps of providing a mixture of indium oxide and vanadium oxide and then calcining the mixture to obtain a indium vanadium quadrioxide. Further, a nickel nitrate solution is added to the indium vanadium quadrioxide to form a catalyst with a nickel oxide supported amount of about 0.1-2.0 wt. % and a post treatment is performed on the catalyst. In the post treatment, a reduction process is performed and then an oxidation process is performed. |
| US07682592B2 |
Chemical process and production unit
The invention relates to a continuous process for producing chlorine dioxide comprising the steps of continuously: a) feeding to a reactor (1) an acid, hydrogen peroxide and alkali metal chlorate; b) reacting the alkali metal chlorate with the acid and the hydrogen peroxide to form a product stream (2) containing chlorine dioxide, oxygen and alkali metal salt of the acid, c) bringing the product stream from the reactor to an eductor (3) and mixing it with motive water fed to the eductor and thereby forming a diluted product stream; d) removing oxygen from the diluted product stream; e) withdrawing part of the diluted product stream (9), before, during or after the step of removing oxygen; f) adding water (11) to the non-withdrawn part of the diluted product stream to form a recycle stream (12); and, g) bringing the recycle stream (12) to the eductor and feeding it thereto as motive water (4). The invention further relates to a production unit for the production of an aqueous solution comprising chlorine dioxide. |
| US07682590B2 |
Carbon nanotube dispersed polar organic solvent and method for producing the same
In the present invention, a nonionic surfactant is noticed for a function of dispersing a carbon nanotube, and it is found that a mixture solution of an amide-based organic solvent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or of the amide-based organic solvent, the nonionic surfactant, and the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has an excellent function as a dispersant for the carbon nanotube. Ultrasonication is required for dispersing a carbon nanotube in the dispersant. The ultrasonication may be carried out in the step of dispersing the carbon nanotube in the nonionic surfactant and/or the amide-based polar organic solvent, and then the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) may be mixed with the resultant dispersion. Alternatively, a mixture solution of the nonionic surfactant and/or the amide-based polar organic solvent, and the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is prepared, and then the ultrasonication may be carried out in the step of dispersing the carbon nanotube therein. |
| US07682589B2 |
Method for industrial manufacture of pure MgCO3 from an olivine containing species of rock
Method for industrial manufacture of pure MgCO3 comprising providing an olivine containing species of rock, to comminute the olivine containing species of rock to increase its surface, to contact the comminuted olivine containing species of rock with water and CO2. The process is conducted in at least two steps, namely a first step (R1) at a first pH where a dissolving reacting as represented the equation: Mg2SiO4(S)+4H+=2Mg2++SiO2(aq)+2H2O, takes place. Then a precipitation takes place in the second step (R2) at a higher pH as represented by the equations: Mg2++HCO3−=MgCO3(S)+H+, and Mg2++CO32−=MgCO3(S), the presence of HCO3− and H+ ions mainly provided by the reaction between CO2 and water. |
| US07682586B2 |
Thermal decomposition of urea in a side stream of combustion flue gas using a regenerative heat exchanger
This invention relates generally to the treatment of NOx in combustion flue gas. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the use of a regenerative heat exchanger (RHE) to convert urea to ammonia in a side stream of flue gas. Ammonia and/or other urea decomposition products exit the heat exchanger, are mixed with the rest of the flue gas, and enter a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit for reduction of NOx in the flue gas. The use of an RHE significantly improves the thermal efficiency of the overall process. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the regenerative heat exchanger is a dual chamber RHE. |
| US07682584B2 |
Cerium carbonate powder, cerium oxide powder, method for preparing the same, and CMP slurry comprising the same
Method of preparing cerium carbonate powder by mixing a cerium precursor solution with a carbonate precursor solution and subjecting the mixture solution to a precipitation reaction, wherein the concentration of cerium in the cerium precursor solution ranges from 1M to 10M, the molar concentration ratio of the cerium precursor to the carbonate precursor ranges from 1:1 to 1:7, and the cerium precursor solution contains at least one additive selected from the group consisting of carbonate compounds, acrylic compounds, and sulfate ion-containing compounds. The cerium carbonate powder has an orthorhombic crystal structure, a particle size of 0.05 to 1 μm, and an aspect ratio of 1 to 5. Moreover, disclosed are cerium oxide powder prepared from said cerium carbonate powder as a precursor, a preparation method thereof, and a CMP slurry containing said cerium oxide powder as an abrasive. |
| US07682583B2 |
Lean NOx trap/conversion catalyst
A process and composition for converting nitrogen oxides present in exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine utilize cobalt and at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal as a component of an adsorbent. The process involves contacting the exhaust gas with an adsorbent which adsorbs the nitrogen oxides in lean-burn conditions and recurrently reducing the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas. During such periods of reduced oxygen concentration, the nitrogen oxides are then desorbed and reduced to nitrogen, thereby reducing the concentration of the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas. The composition of the adsorbent comprises an oxide support and at least two components loaded on the support and containing cobalt and at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal. The composition demonstrates improved activity at higher temperatures and improved thermal stability. |
| US07682578B2 |
Device for catalytically reducing exhaust
An exhaust gas pollution treatment device, having an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe with an exhaust path extending between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. A gas permeable backbone member is positioned in the exhaust path and a substantially fibrous nonwoven refractory material is disposed on the backbone. |
| US07682577B2 |
Catalytic exhaust device for simplified installation or replacement
A simple catalytic device that is easily installed into vehicles, small engines, and industrial exhaust stacks is provided. The simple catalytic device has a ridged and stable backbone structure that withstands expected mechanical forces. In one example, the backbone is a highly gas permeable mesh or screen. A fibrous material is disposed on the backbone, with a catalytic material coating applied to the fibrous material. The catalytic device is constructed to be installable in an exhaust path, where it provides a catalytic conversion for non-particulate matter. |
| US07682574B2 |
Safety, monitoring and control features for thermal abatement reactor
The present invention relates to a thermal reactor apparatus used to treat industrial effluent fluids, for example waste effluent produced in semiconductor and liquid crystal display manufacturing processes. Specifically, the present invention relates to improved monitoring and control features for the thermal reactor apparatus, including a flame sensing device, an intrinsically safe flammable gas sensing device, and a sequential mode of operation having built-in safety redundancy. The improved monitoring and control features ensure the safe and efficient abatement of waste effluent within the thermal reactor apparatus. |
| US07682573B1 |
Microscope plate index apparatus
A microscope plate indexing apparatus includes a base platform and an indexing platform. The indexing platform has a slideway to slidingly receive a crystallography or other microscope plate. The indexing platform includes two projecting pins, one of which is a guide pin received in a guide groove in the base platform and the other of which is an indexing pin received in one of a plurality of indexing holes in the base platform. The indexing holes are preferably located in an indexing groove. The guide groove keeps the indexing platform aligned with the base platform during movement of the indexing pin from one indexing hole to the other and maintains the indexing platform in substantially fixed position in relation to the base platform when the indexing pin is in a selected indexing hole to insure correct alignment of the two platforms. The row of wells in the microscope plate is selected by selecting the indexing hole into which the index pin is inserted and the particular well of the row is selected by sliding the microscope plate in the slideway. |
| US07682571B2 |
Micro-fluidic heating system
Provided is a micro-fluidic heating system, which comprises a micro-fluidic control element for providing a chamber, a flow path and a valve, and a main body for heating the inside of the chamber in contact with the micro-fluidic control element, wherein the micro-fluidic control element consists of an upper substrate for providing the chamber, the flow path and the valve, and a lower substrate as a thin film bonded to the upper substrate, and the main body consists of a membrane in which heating means and suction holes are formed, and support member for supporting the membrane, and the heating means is partially in contact with the lower substrate of the chamber to heat the inside of the chamber, so that thermal transfer efficiency becomes maximized and temperature of each chamber may be independently controlled in the case of configuration having chambers arranged in array. |
| US07682565B2 |
Assay apparatus and method using microfluidic arrays
A system for holding at least one of sample and reagent for analysis. The system includes a pair of parallel covers, at least one of which is light transmissive, of which pair a light transmissive cover forms a top, and of which pair the other forms a bottom. A frame is disposed between the covers to define, in relation to the covers, an interior volume. The frame and the covers are associated with one another to form a case, the case being substantially tight to liquids. A microfluidic array is disposed in the interior volume. The array includes a sheet of material having a pair of opposed surfaces, a thickness, and a plurality of through-holes running through the thickness between the surfaces, the through-holes containing at least one of sample and reagent. |
| US07682564B2 |
Benzene detecting element and preparation process of same
The present invention relates to a benzene detecting element capable of detecting benzene selectively and highly sensitively, and a preparation process thereof. The benzene detecting element of the present invention is a mesoporous silicate for detecting benzene selectively and highly sensitively in atmospheric air, and the detecting element has a nanosized fine pore having a highly ordered periodic fine pore structure, and the wall of the nanosized fine pore has a sub-nanosized fine pore. The nanosized fine pore has a pore size of from 0.15 nm to 50 nm in radius, the sub-nanosized fine pore has a pore size of from 0.05 to 0.5 nm in radius, and at least the sub-nanosized fine pore among the fine pores is modified with an organosilicon functional group having a phenyl group, or a silanol group. The present invention also relates to a preparation process of the detecting element. |
| US07682563B2 |
Extracorporeal blood circuit priming system and method
A disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit employed during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery performs gas exchange, heat transfer, and microemboli filtering functions in a way as to conserve volume, to reduce setup and change out times, to eliminate a venous blood reservoir, and to substantially reduce blood-air interface. Blood from the patient or prime solution is routed through an air removal device that is equipped with air sensors for detection of air. An active air removal controller removes detected air from blood in the air removal device. A disposable circuit support module is used to mount the components of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit in close proximity and in a desirable spatial relationship to optimize priming and use of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit. A reusable circuit holder supports the disposable circuit support module in relation to a prime solution source, the active air removal controller and other components. |
| US07682562B2 |
Ozone-generating method for tubs
A system for decontaminating a fluid-injection system for a tub from organic growth comprises an ozone source and a pressure source, producing an ozone-enriched air output. Piping is connected to a fluid-injection system. A controller device actuates the ozone source and the pressure source such that the ozone-enriched air output is conveyed to conduits of the fluid-injection system. A switch manually actuated to stop an actuation of the ozone source, whereby organic growth in the conduits of the fluid-injection system is exposed to the ozone-enriched air output. |
| US07682561B2 |
Needleless hub disinfection device and method
A device for automatically disinfecting a portion of a medical implement, such as a needless hub or injection port. The device includes a body shaped to engage the medical implement with the portion to be disinfected exposed. A disinfectant pad is mounted on the body to permit displacement of the pad relative to the body and is biased such that when the pad is displaced from a rest position, the pad is urged toward the portion to be disinfected to contact and disinfect it. |