Document Document Title
US07719946B2 Device and method for recording information enabling reduced response time of a recording device
A method and device for recording multiple information volumes on a record carrier, usually called multi-session recording, has a mapping unit (31) for opening a session by recording intro data including a first buffer zone at the beginning of the start zone of the volume, and a session control block (SDCB) in a remaining blank area of the start zone after the buffer zone. The session control block includes volume data indicative of the status and the contents of the session. The session is closed by recording session control data indicating that the information volume is closed in the remaining blank area, and closure data after the last user information recorded in the data zone for constituting the end zone of the volume. Further, the device has a detecting unit (32) for retrieving the session control block from said start zone.
US07719942B2 Power control method for eliminating output power offset of a pick-up head in an optical disc drive
A power controlling method for eliminating output power offset of a pick-up head in an optical disc drive. The power control method includes measuring a first predetermined power related to a first predetermined control signal in a predetermined procedure, inputting a test data containing a plurality of first bits and a plurality of second bits, activating a sample/hold circuit to form a close loop so that the first predetermined control signal can be received and utilized for driving a pick-up head to output a first power when the plurality of first bits are received, and calculating an offset power based on the first predetermined power and the first power for rectifying output power of the pick-up head.
US07719940B2 Tilt correcting apparatus and method, information recording apparatus, and information recording/reproducing apparatus
A tilt correcting apparatus makes a tilt correction in an information recording apparatus or the like capable of recording record information onto an information recording medium, on an information recording surface of which a track having a wobble is formed, by emitting laser light thereonto. The tilt correcting apparatus is provided with: a correcting device for changing an irradiation angle of the laser light; a controlling device for controlling the correcting device such that the irradiation angle is set to be each of a plurality of predetermined angles before the record information is recorded; a wobble detecting device for detecting a wobble signal corresponding to the wobble from a photo-detection signal of light from the track caused by the laser light; and a tilt determining device for determining an amount of tilt of the information recording surface, on the basis of the detected wobble signal. The controlling device controls the correcting device to correct the irradiation angle in accordance with the determined amount of tilt when the record information is recorded.
US07719936B2 Recording medium, and method and apparatus for recording data in the recording medium
A physical structure suitable for a recording medium such as a BD, and a method and apparatus for recording data in the recording medium using the physical structure are disclosed. The recording medium includes an inner area, a data area, and an outer area. The recording medium includes a test area contained in at least one of the inner area and the outer area, and a management area for storing a position information indicating a position available for testing in the test area, wherein the position information includes a start position of first data unit available for testing and a position of second data unit available for testing, wherein one or more second data units comprise first data unit. Therefore, the recording medium can be applied to a method for manufacturing a BD, and a disc test process and data recording/reproducing operations can be effectively performed.
US07719931B2 Optical disk device, loop gain setting method, and loop gain setting program
An optical disk device is disclosed that includes loop gain adjustment means for finding the first tracking loop gain of a first region, and loop gain estimation means for estimating the second loop gain of a second region on the basis of the loop gain of the first region. Accordingly, it is possible to set the optimal tracking control loop gain for all regions. As a side benefit, good tracking control stability can be ensured regardless of the region, which improves the reliability of reproduction and recording.
US07719930B2 Apparatus and method for digital contents playback
A digital contents playback and a method for playing the same are provided. The digital contents playback comprises an arrangement unit for re-arranging digital contents stored in a recording medium by selecting a “breath first arrangement mode”, a “depth first arrangements mode” and a “disk all arrangement mode”. The “disk all arrangement mode” consists of a “filename first arrangement mode” and a “physical address first arrangement mode”. The “physical address first arrangement mode” arranges digital contents stored in the recording medium in physical address sequence. The arrangement unit arranges the digital contents to be suitable for a determined mode by user's selection, and the digital contents are played in the arranged sequence. When digital contents are arranged depending on the “physical address first arrangement mode” in a playback using a compact disk as a recording medium, driving distance of an optic pick-up module for playing digital contents on the compact disk is shortened, which results in reduction of power consumption and noise.
US07719929B2 Recording and reproducing apparatus, recording and reproducing method, and storage medium for displaying symbols and reproducing desired data
When the user designates the reproduction of searching audio data, the designated searching audio data and audio volume data are read from a searching data recording portion. The searching audio data is reproduced corresponding to the audio volume data. When the user designates the reproduction of main audio data, the selected audio data is read from a disc and reproduced. In addition, number-of-reproduction-times data, audio volume data, audio quality data, and time period data for the designated main audio data that are updated in the searching data storing portion. The searching audio data corresponding to the designated main audio data is read from the disc corresponding to the audio quality data and the time period data and recorded to the searching data storing portion.
US07719928B2 Radio watch
Apparatuses, circuits, and methods for receiving at least one radio signal in a radio controlled timing apparatus using a single timing source. The present invention advantageously eliminates the need to provide an additional timing source to receive at least one radio signal, and therefore reduces the material cost and eliminates many engineering challenges.
US07719919B2 Semiconductor memory device in which word lines are driven from either side of memory cell array
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, a first row decoder which drives the memory cell array, and a second row decoder which drives the memory cell array. The first and second row decoders simultaneously drive the memory cell array.
US07719917B2 Method and apparatus for managing behavior of memory devices
A method of managing power consumption by a memory in a memory device includes determining whether the device is powered by a depletable power supply, and if it is determined that the device is powered by a depletable power supply, changing a behavior of the memory to regulate power consumed by the memory.
US07719914B2 Semiconductor memory and test system
A cell array has a word line and a bit line coupled to memory cells, and a redundancy word line and a redundancy bit line coupled to redundancy memory cells. A read unit reads data held in the memory cell. A defect detection input unit receives a defect detection signal from a test apparatus. A dummy defect output unit outputs a dummy defect signal during a predetermined period of time after the defect detection input unit receives the defect detection signal. A data output unit inverts a logic of the read data output from the read unit during an activation of the dummy defect signal. Accordingly, an artificial defect can be generated by the semiconductor memory without changing the test apparatus or a test program. As a result of this, a relief efficiency can be enhanced and a test cost can be reduced.
US07719907B2 Test circuit for semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device is capable of performing a normal operation, while detecting an internal voltage without a special bonding method during a test mode. The semiconductor memory device comprises a switching unit and an internal reference voltage generating unit. The switching unit transfers one of an internal and an external reference voltages according to whether a test mode is being performed, wherein the external reference voltage is input from outside of the semiconductor memory device. The internal reference voltage generating unit generates the internal reference voltage having the same level of the external reference voltage to thereby supply the internal reference inside the semiconductor memory device during the test mode.
US07719899B2 Circuits, systems and methods for driving high and low voltages on bit lines in non-volatile memory
An integrated circuit bit line driver system includes a plurality of bit line drivers coupled to respective bit lines of an array of non-volatile memory cells. Each of the bit line drivers includes a bias transistor through which an input signal is coupled to the respective bit line. The bit line driver system includes a bias voltage circuit that generates a bias voltage that is coupled to the respective gates of the bias transistors. The bias voltage circuit initially accelerates the charging of the transistor gates, and subsequently completes charging the gates at a slower rate. The bias voltage is generated using a diode-coupled transistor having electrical characteristics the match those of the bias transistors so that the bias voltage varies with process or temperature variations of the integrated circuit in the same manner as the threshold voltage of the bias transistors vary with process or temperature variations.
US07719895B2 Always-evaluated zero standby-current programmable non-volatile memory
In an integrated circuit device, a continuous-output, zero-standby-current non-volatile storage cell is formed by P-MOS and N-MOS transistor elements coupled in series between first and second power supply nodes (e.g., VDD and ground) and having a shared floating gate. When a positive charge is stored on the shared floating gate, the N-MOS transistor is switched to a conducting state, coupling the common-drain output of the transistor elements to the more negative power supply node to output a first logic value, and when a negative charge is stored on the shared floating gate, the P-MOS transistor element is switched to a conducting state, coupling the common-drain output to the more positive power supply node to output a second logic value.
US07719890B2 Data protection for write abort
A portion of a nonvolatile memory array that is likely to contain, partially programmed data may be identified from a high sensitivity read, by applying stricter than usual ECC requirements, or using pointers to programmed sectors. The last programmed data may be treated as likely to be partially programmed data. Data in the identified portion may be copied to another location, or left where it is with an indicator to prohibit further programming to the same cells. To avoid compromising previously stored data during subsequent programming, previously stored data may be backed up. Backing up may be done selectively, for example, only for nonsequential data, or only when the previously stored data contains an earlier version of data being programmed. If a backup copy already exists, another backup copy is not created. Sequential commands are treated as a single command if received within a predetermined time period.
US07719887B2 CMOS storage devices configurable in high performance mode or radiation tolerant mode
A radiation tolerant circuit, structure of the circuit and method of autonomic radiation event device protection. The circuit includes a charge storage node connected to a resistor, the resistor comprising a material having an amorphous state and a crystalline state, the amorphous state having a higher resistance than the crystalline state, the material reversibly convertible between the amorphous state and the crystalline state by application of heat; an optional resistive heating element proximate to the resistor; and means for writing data to the charge storage node and means for reading data from the charge storage node.
US07719883B2 Magnetoresistive element, particularly memory element or logic element, and method for writing information to such an element
A magnetoresistive element, in particular a memory element or a logic element and a method for writing information to such an element are disclosed. The element comprises a first contact of ferromagnetic material and a corresponding layer of magnetoelectric or ferromagnetic material, whereby the first contact is magnetically polarized, depending on an antiferromagnetic boundary surface polarization of the first layer. Said magnetic polarization forms binary information.
US07719879B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a word line extending along a first direction, a first and a second N-well regions, a P-well region disposed between the first and the second N-well regions, a memory cell having a first, second, third, and fourth PMOS transistors, and a first and second NMOS transistors, the first and the second PMOS transistors disposed in the first N-well region along a second direction which is different from the first direction, the first and the second NMOS transistors disposed in the P-well region, and the third and the fourth PMOS transistors disposed in the second N-well region along the second direction.
US07719874B2 Systems for controlled pulse operations in non-volatile memory
A passive element memory device is provided that includes memory cells comprised of a state change element in series with a steering element. Controlled pulse operations are used to perform resistance changes associated with set and reset operations in an array of memory cells. Selected memory cells in an array are switched to a target resistance state in one embodiment by applying a positive voltage pulse to selected first array lines while applying a negative voltage pulse to selected second array lines. An amplitude of voltage pulses can be increased while being applied to efficiently and safely switch the resistance of cells having different operating characteristics. The cells are subjected to reverse biases in embodiments to lower leakage currents and increase bandwidth. The amplitude and duration of voltage pulses are controlled, along with the current applied to selected memory cells in some embodiments. These controlled pulse-based operations can be used to set memory cells to a lower resistance state or reset memory cells to a higher resistance state in various embodiments.
US07719873B2 Memory and semiconductor device with memory state detection
A memory includes: memory elements arranged in a matrix, each memory element having such characteristics that when an electric signal at a level equal to or higher than that of a first threshold signal is applied to the memory element, the resistance thereof is changed from a high value to a low value, and when an electric signal at a level equal to or higher than that of a second threshold signal is applied thereto, the resistance is changed from the low value to the high value, the polarities of the first and second threshold signals being different from each other; electric circuits for applying electric signals to the memory elements; and detection units each for measuring a current flowing through the corresponding memory element or a voltage applied thereto from the start of the application of electric signals to detect whether the resistance is high or low.
US07719872B2 Write-once nonvolatile memory with redundancy capability
A nonvolatile memory, such as a write-once memory, includes a memory cell array that has first memory cells and at least one second memory cell. The memory also includes a first writing circuit that is capable of writing data to the first memory cells and the second memory cell, a second writing circuit, and a verify circuit which is capable of confirming whether the data is normally stored in the first memory cells. When the writing of data to one of the first memory cells fails, the second writing circuit is arranged to assign an address of the one of the first memory cells to the second memory cell. The first memory cells and the second memory cell are arranged to irreversibly change their electrical resistance when the data is stored in them. The first memory cells and the second memory cell include an organic compound layer interposed between a pair of electrodes.
US07719866B2 Control circuit for a DC-to-DC switching converter, and the use thereof for maximizing the power delivered by a photovoltaic generator
A control circuit for a switching DC/DC Converter comprising: an input for an indicator signal indicative of an output current level from said converter; a peak detector for detecting and storing a maximum value of said indicator signal; a comparator element for comparing an instantaneous value of said indicator signal with said stored maximum value, and for generating a switching signal when said instantaneous value becomes less than a predetermined fraction of said stored value; reinitializer means for reinitializing said peak detector in response to said switching signal; and means for generating a control signal that switches between a state in which it increases over time and a state in which it decreases over time in response to said switching signal. A control module for photovoltaic generator, the module including such a control circuit, and a photovoltaic generator system comprising a plurality of such modules, each controlling a respective photovoltaic generator.
US07719862B2 Power factor correction by measurement and removal of overtones
A power factor correction circuit (42/44) responsive to an input power supply signal at an input supply voltage (VAC) that varies largely sinusoidally with time at a fundamental supply frequency contains regulator/control circuitry (60, 62, and 64) for measuring and removing overtones (ILDm or IFWRm) in the input supply current (ILD) or in a rectified form (IFWR) of the input supply current. Each overtone is expressible as the product of an amplitude component (Im) and a sinusoidal function (Im sin [(m+1)ωACt]) that varies with time at an integer multiple of the fundamental supply frequency. The regulator/control circuitry measures an overtone by determining the overtone's amplitude component. After generating an adjustment factor (SADJ) largely as the product of that overtone's amplitude component and an associated sinusoidal function, the regulator/control circuitry adjusts the input supply current or its rectified form by an amount corresponding to the adjustment factor for each measured overtone.
US07719858B1 Fifteen-phase autotransformer
A polygon connected three-phase autotransformer using nine windings per phase provides a reduced power rating fifteen-phase power source suitable for 30-pulse AC to DC power converters. The windings are selected and connected in a manner that accommodates zero-sequence currents, such as the third harmonic, and minimizes total kVA rating. When the autotransformer is used to power a 15-phase AC to DC converter its kVA rating is typically less than 51% of the DC load kW. AC line current distortion is negligible and can satisfy the most exacting practical harmonic specifications. Additional isolated windings can provide means for the invention to operate as an efficient double-wound transformer.
US07719856B2 Cam shaped hinges
A hinge comprises a first member having a protrusion, wherein the protrusion has a cam profile shape; and a second member having a cavity operable to receive the protrusion, wherein a cam profile shape of the cavity corresponds to the cam profile shape of the protrusion such that, when the protrusion is in a first position, a gap is present between the second member and the protrusion and, when the protrusion is in a second position, substantially no gap is present between the second member and the protrusion.
US07719854B2 Integrated electromagnetic interference filters and feedthroughs
An assembly integrating commercially available capacitors into filtered feedthroughs. A feedthrough assembly comprises a plurality of Input/Output (I/O) conductors, wherein the I/O conductors pass through a hermetic seal such that a first end of the I/O conductors reside on a non-hermetic side of the hermetic seal and a second end of the I/O conductors reside on a hermetic side of the hermetic seal, a printed circuit interconnect substrate residing on the hermetic side of the hermetic seal, and a plurality of ceramic chip capacitors mounted on the printed circuit interconnect substrate, wherein a first end of each capacitor is connected via the interconnect to the second end of an I/O conductor and a second end of each capacitor is connected via the interconnect to a constant voltage level.
US07719851B2 Electronics module and method for manufacturing the same
This publication discloses an electronics module and a method for manufacturing it. The electronics module includes at least one component (6) embedded in an insulating-material layer (1), which has a first contacting surface, in which there are first contact terminals (7), from which the component (6) is connected electrically to the conductor structures contained in the electronics module. In addition, the component (6) has a second contacting surface opposite to the first contacting surface, in which there is at least one second contact terminal (7′), from which the component (6) is connected electrically to the conductor structures contained in the electronics module. With the aid of the invention, it is possible to achieve an electronic-module construction that saves space compared to the prior art.
US07719845B1 Chamfered memory card module and method of making same
A memory card comprising a circuit board having opposed upper and lower circuit board surfaces, multiple side edges, a chamfer extending between a pair of the side edges, a plurality of pads disposed on the lower circuit board surface, and a conductive pattern which is disposed on the upper circuit board surface and electrically connected to the pads. At least one electronic circuit device is attached to the upper circuit board surface and electrically connected to the conductive pattern of the circuit board. A body at least partially encapsulates the circuit board and the electronic circuit element such that sections of the upper circuit board surface, including one which extends along the entirety of the chamfer, is not covered by the body.
US07719844B2 Stackable self-aligning insulative guide tray for holding semiconductor substrates
A reconfigurable high performance computer includes a stack of self-aligning, injection-molded plastic, insulative guide trays. Each insulative guide tray retains at least one semiconductor substrate assembly (SSA) in a lateral dimension with respect to a set of elastomeric connectors. The trays hold the SSAs and the elastomeric connectors such that the elastomeric connectors are sandwiched between, and interconnect, adjacent semiconductor substrates proceeding down the stack. The trays also hold comb-shaped power bus bar assemblies such that power bus bars contact and supply power to circuitry of the SSAs of the stack.
US07719843B2 Multiple drive plug-in cable
The present invention enables assembly of drive boxes that stack drives more than one drive deep without requiring large numbers of PC boards or that the drive box to be pulled out of a rack to remove/replace the drives. A shielded multiple drive plug-in cable connects a single PC board to a plurality of drives in the drive box. The multiple drive plug-in cable provides power from the PC board to the drives and/or passes signal between the PC board and the drives. The multiple drive plug-in cable is configured to occupy a minimal cross-sectional area in order to maximize air flow within the drive box. The present invention reduces the cost of manufacturing the drive box, reduces EMI (electromagnetic interference), and prevents drops in signal integrity by reducing the number of PC boards required for a drive box.
US07719842B2 Method of providing flexible heat sink installations for early blade board manufacturing
An apparatus for mounting a plurality of heat sinks onto a circuit board during testing while the circuit board is tested in a fixed manufacturing station. The apparatus has a polygonal shaped frame with a size that is limited to an area on the circuit board which contains a plurality of data processing elements to be cooled. At least four apertures are on the frame, wherein each of the apertures corresponds to a different one of the plurality of data processing elements to be cooled. A slot is positioned on the frame to receive oversized processing elements. At least four pillars extend from the frame and mount into mounting holes provided on the circuit board. The apertures on the frame support the heat sinks above the data processing elements to be cooled. No additional screws, adhesives, clips or other fixing mechanisms are required to secure the heat sinks.
US07719838B2 Power inverter
The power inverter includes: a case made of a metal; a first power module provided in the case and including a DC terminal and an AC terminal; a second power module provided in the case and including a DC terminal and an AC terminal; and a cooling formation body for decreasing heat generated from the first and second power modules. The first and second power modules are disposed in a manner such that the DC terminals face each other.
US07719829B2 Anti-vibration cage for data storage device
An anti-vibration cage (10) for data storage device, includes at least a first securing piece (161) with a first pivot hole (1611) defined therein; at least a second securing piece (163) with a second pivot hole (1631) defined therein, and at least a rotatable damping member (20). A gap (1633) is formed in the second securing piece and communicated with the second pivot hole. The damping member includes a damping portion (25) configured to dampen vibration for the data storage device and a shaft (22) inserted through the damping portion. The shaft has a first end (21) and a second end (23) protruding out from the damping portion respectively. The first end of the shaft is rotatably engaged in the first pivot hole. The second end of the shaft is rotatably engaged in the second pivot hole and releasable from the gap.
US07719827B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a first unit and a second unit connected via a hinge member. The second unit has, at a lower end, a rod section having a cylindrical shape and extending laterally. The rod section has a notch portion formed by making a cut in the cylindrical shape at a position corresponding to a fixed section of the hinge member. The first unit includes: a first cover that includes a plate portion forming a part of a top surface of the first unit, and a rising portion having an arc shape fitted to a cylindrical contour of the rod section and covering a first space of the notch portion; and a second cover that has an arc shape fitted to the cylindrical contour of the rod section and covers a second space of the notch portion while covering the notch portion in combination with the rising portion.
US07719819B2 Laminated electronic component and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a laminated electronic component is performed such that a water-repellent agent is applied to end surfaces at which ends of internal electrodes are exposed so as to be filled in spaces along interfaces between insulating layers and the internal electrodes. Subsequently, an abrading step is performed such that the internal electrodes are sufficiently exposed at the end surfaces and an excess water-repellent agent is removed therefrom to enable plating films to be directly formed on the end surfaces.
US07719817B2 Electronic control systems and methods
An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared. Lockout circuitry is used to prevent one protection circuit from tripping after the other circuit has already tripped from a fault condition. The protection circuitry output is desirably configured such that it can bypass and override the normal turn on and turn off impedance and act virtually directly on the gates of the MOSFETs. Preferably, the system has a high efficiency switching type power supply in parallel with a low frequency controllably conductive device.
US07719814B2 Semiconductor device with surge protection circuit
A semiconductor device includes a memory cell to and from which data is written and read in accordance with voltage supplied, a power supply circuit generating the voltage supplied to the memory cell, a microcomputer, an external terminal, a surge protection circuit clamping at a predetermined voltage value a voltage supplied to the external terminal, and a first switch circuit switching to output to one of the power supply circuit and the microcomputer a voltage having passed through the surge protection circuit. The power supply circuit includes a voltage conversion circuit changing the magnitude of a voltage received from the first switch circuit, and a second switch circuit switching to supply the memory cell with one of the voltage received from the first switch circuit and the voltage changed in magnitude.
US07719812B2 Power converters with rate of change monitoring for fault prediction and/or detection
A power converter includes a controller having at least one input for monitoring a rate of change of an operating parameter of the power converter. The controller is configured for comparing the monitored rate of change of the operating parameter with an allowable rate of change for the operating parameter, and for generating a fault signal when the monitored rate of change of the operating parameter deviates from the allowable rate of change for the operating parameter. The operating parameter for which the rate of change is monitored may be, for example, a temperature, a current and/or a voltage in the power converter.
US07719811B2 FET monitoring and protecting system
A FET monitoring and protecting system (10) that includes a FET switch device (20). The FET switch device (20) includes a FET (22), a logic device (57), and a feedback status output (26). The logic device (57) is electrically coupled to the FET (22) and generates a feedback status signal. A counter (60) is incremented in response to an actual short circuit condition of the FET switch device (20). A controller (18) is electrically coupled to the feedback status output (26). The controller (18) permits the activation of the FET (22) in response to the feedback status signal and a value of the counter (60).
US07719810B2 Overvoltage protection circuit and electronic device
A disclosed overvoltage protection circuit includes a power source input terminal of an electronic device, the power source input terminal being configured to receive a power source voltage; an internal power source terminal configured to supply power to internal circuits of the electronic device; a voltage blocking circuit connected between the power source input terminal and the internal power source terminal, the voltage blocking circuit being configured to prevent the power source voltage received at the power source input terminal from being provided; and a constant voltage output unit connected in parallel with the voltage blocking circuit, the constant voltage output unit being configured to output a constant voltage. In the event that the power source voltage received at the power source input terminal is higher than or equal to a predetermined voltage, the voltage blocking circuit blocks the power source voltage received at the power source input terminal.
US07719808B2 Power converters with operating efficiency monitoring for fault detection
A power converter includes a controller and at least one output terminal for providing an output voltage and an output current to a load. The controller is configured for monitoring the output voltage and the output current and calculating an efficiency of the power converter based on the monitored output voltage and output current. The controller is also configured to generate a fault signal after detecting a degradation in the power converter efficiency.
US07719806B1 Systems and methods for ESD protection
A negative electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection network or circuit is described. The circuit can provide protection against a negative-going ESD transient. One embodiment, along with standard positive ESD protection networks, can discharge ESD currents in both polarities and is able to tolerate a positive/negative voltage that is higher than the maximum voltage allowed for the given fabrication process. It can be used to protect an I/O pin that can be exposed to a relatively wide signal swing range.
US07719805B2 ESD protection circuit
An ESD protection circuit connected between an input pad and an internal circuit is disclosed. The ESD protection circuit includes a main ESD protection device, a first resistor and a secondary device. The main ESD protection device is connected to the input pad for clamping a voltage of the input pad. The first resistor has a first end connected to the input pad and a second end connected to the internal circuit. The secondary device is connected to the second end of the first resistor and the main ESD protection device for clamping a voltage of the internal circuit. During an ESD event, the secondary device is turned on first to receive an ESD current and accordingly provides a trigger current to turn on the main ESD protection device.
US07719798B2 Rotational micro-actuator integrated with suspension of head gimbal assembly, and disk drive unit with the same
A micro-actuator for a head gimbal assembly includes a metal frame including a bottom support integrated with a suspension flexure of the head gimbal assembly, a top support adapted to support a slider of the head gimbal assembly, and a pair of side arms that interconnect the top support and the bottom support. The top support includes a rotatable plate, connection arms that couple the rotatable plate to respective side arms, and an electrical pad support plate that supports bonding pads. A PZT element is mounted to each of the side arms. Each PZT element is excitable to cause selective movement of the side arms.
US07719797B1 Multi-step shock limiter for head gimbal assembly
A multi-step shock limiter in a disk drive suspension assembly has a load beam and a flexure, with a plurality of limiting pairs. A first limiting pair has a clearance less than that of any other limiting pair, and is flexible. During a shock condition, vertical movement of the flexure with respect to the load beam causes the first limiting pair to engage and absorb shock. Further movement engages at least one additional pair, redistributing the shock thereamong until all pairs engage, thereby substantially anchoring the flexure to the load beam and limiting further movement of the flexure. The limiters may comprise a double tee shape having two legs and a cross member, with the first limiter defined by the cross member between the legs, and two additional limiters defined by the ends of the cross member that extend beyond the legs. The limiters engage corresponding tabs or tongues.
US07719796B2 Suspension for hard disk drive which enables easy dynamic electric testing
In a dynamic electric test, a head slider is to be fixed positively to a suspension and to be removable easily from the suspension in accordance with the result of the test. In one embodiment of the present invention a head gimbal assembly includes a head slider, a gimbal and a load beam. The head slider is disposed on a gimbal tongue and is held with an urging force of a resilient clamp at a position between the resilient clamp formed on the leading side of the head slider and connecting terminals formed on the opposite side thereof.
US07719787B2 Phase locked anti- notch filter in a servo control loop
An anti-notch filter in a servo control loop is phase locked to a nonrepeatable runout component of a servo control loop signal. The phase locked anti-notch filter may thereby more effectively track time varying characteristics of the nonrepeatable runout component so that they can be at least partially reduced in the servo control loop signal.
US07719786B1 Active fly height control using radio frequency feedback
In a method of actively controlling slider fly height, a modulated radio frequency (RF) carrier signal is received from a slider. The modulated RF carrier signal comprises an amplitude modulated component which is modulated onto the modulated RF carrier signal by vibration of the slider. The amplitude associated with the amplitude modulated component is measured. Thermal fly height control (TFC) voltage generation is controlled by feeding back on the amplitude. A TFC voltage to apply to the slider is generated such that a selected amplitude of the amplitude modulated component is achieved and maintained. The selected amplitude is associated with a particular preselected fly height of the slider above a surface of a disk. The TFC voltage is provided to the slider.
US07719784B2 Data storage device
According to an aspect of an embodiment, an apparatus, includes: a medium having inner and outer edges and including first and second servo regions extending radially, and containing first and second servo information written thereon, respectively, the first servo region extending outwardly from the inner edge to cover tracks, the first and second servo region having positioned adjacently across a circular boundary; a head for reading out said first servo information and said second servo information; and a processor for executing a process comprising: reading out the first or second servo information; and when controlling the track position across the boundary, adjusting the relation of the first and second servo information across the boundary in control the track position.
US07719781B2 Method and apparatus for phase-shift null-burst-pattern
A media includes a plurality of tracks, a preamble portion including a set of signals, a first servo burst having a first plurality of signals written substantially in phase with the preamble portion, and a second servo burst written out of phase with the preamble and the first servo portion. The media may be housed within a disk drive that includes a transducing head to read information from the media, and a read channel to read information from the disk including the information associated with the first servo burst and the second servo burst.
US07719779B2 Lens driving device
A lens driving device is provided with a holder that holds a lens, a supporting portion that supports the holder displaceably along an optical axis of the lens, and at least one magnet that is arranged symmetrically with respect to the optical axis on side surfaces of the holder. The supporting portion is provided with a coil so as to face toward the magnet. The supporting portion is also provided with a magnetic member so as to face toward the magnet.
US07719775B2 Lens barrel and imaging apparatus
A lens barrel includes a first tube and second tube, the first tube movable relative to the second tube by rotation of the second tube, an engaging unit disposed on the second tube, and a barrier driving unit disposed on an object side of the first tube that opens and close a barrier. The first tube is relatively moved in an optical axis direction by engaging with the engaging unit. The barrier is opened and closed when a first interlocking unit which is arranged on the barrier driving unit and a second interlocking unit which is arranged on the cam tube are shifted from a non-interlocking state to an interlocking state. When the first interlocking unit and second interlocking unit are in the interlocking state, at least a portion of the first interlocking unit and the engaging unit overlap with each other in a radial direction of the second tube.
US07719774B2 Zoom lens system and electronic image pickup apparatus using the same
In a zoom lens system, at a time of zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, when focused on an object at a longest distance, at the telephoto end, a first lens unit moves to be positioned more toward an object side, than at a wide angle end, at the telephoto end, a second lens unit moves to be positioned more toward an image side, than at the wide angle end, at the telephoto end, an aperture stop and a third lens unit moves to be positioned more toward the object side, than at the wide angle end, and a combined system of the first lens unit and the second lens unit at the wide angle end has a negative refracting power, and at the time of zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end, the second lens unit is positioned more toward the object side than a position of the second lens unit at the wide angle end, and the first lens unit moves to be positioned more toward the object side, than at the wide angle end, at the intermediate zoom state, and in the intermediate zoom state, the aperture stop, the third lens unit, and an object point of the third lens unit move to be positioned more toward the object side, than at the wide angle end, and the zoom lens system satisfies predetermined conditional expressions.
US07719769B2 Head mount type image display system
It is an object of the invention to provide a head mount type image display system that, albeit having a see-around and a see-through function, is small size and low weight, makes sure a large field of outside view and low power consumption with high-luminance electronic images, and is easy to use.A head mount type image display system 1 at least comprises a display device, an eyepiece optical system, an eyepiece window, an eyepiece window holder 2, a casing and a supporter 10 for fixing all these components onto a user's head. The casing covers the display device, the eyepiece window holder 2 holds the eyepiece window within a user's field of view, the eyepiece optical system forms a virtual image of an image displayed on the display device, the eyepiece window allows a light beam for forming the virtual image to be directed to a user's eye and leave it, and a member that forms the eyepiece window holder is such that, in a range of 10 mm or greater from the eyepiece window toward a base, a width of projection section in a user's visual axis direction is 4 mm or less except some projection, and has a see-around mechanism.
US07719767B2 Composite light division device and image apparatus using the same
A composite light dividing device is provided. The composite light dividing device receives a light beam mixed by lights of at least two wavebands. The composite light dividing device includes a refracting/diffracting unit, and a refracting unit. The refracting/diffracting unit is adapted for receiving the light beam and condensing the light beam into a condensed light beam, and dividing the condensed light beam at a deflection direction to obtain the lights of the wavebands. The refracting unit is adapted for deflecting the divided lights of the wavebands for outputting them from a specific direction. The composite light dividing device for example can be used in an image apparatus, and the divided lights of the wavebands can serve as primary color lights of the pixel colors.
US07719761B2 Peripheral filtering star tracker telescope
A filter or lens for a star-tracking telescope includes a clear center portion and an attenuating peripheral portion. The peripheral portion attenuates off-axis images through any radial line extending from a center of the filter or lens to a circumference edge of the filter or lens. The attenuation is for passing on-axis images with high signal to noise ratios, for attenuating off-axis images, and for attenuating but not completely blocking the off-axis images. The telescope with such a filter or lens is well suited for improved star tracking systems, and well suited for reducing off-axis glare in handheld optical apparatus such as binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and eyeglasses.
US07719754B2 Multi-thickness layers for MEMS and mask-saving sequence for same
In various embodiments described herein, methods for forming a plurality of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices on a substrate are described. The MEMS devices comprise x number of different sacrificial or mechanical structures with x number of different sacrificial structure thicknesses or mechanical structure stiffnesses and wherein the x number of sacrificial or mechanical structures are formed by x-1 depositions and x-1 masks.
US07719751B2 Electrical contact technique for electrochromic windows
A window assembly comprises a first conductive material layer, an electrochromic stack, a second conductive material layer and a seal. The first conductive material layer is formed on a substrate and comprises at least two zones electrically isolated from each other. The electrochromic stack is formed on a first selected zone of the first conductive material layer to overlap an edge of a second selected zone of the first conductive material layer. The second conductive material layer is formed on the electrochromic stack to overlap an edge of the second selected zone. A first bus bar is formed on the second selected zone to be within a sealed volume of the window assembly. A second bus bar is formed on the first selected zone to be outside the seal volume of the window assembly. The seal defines the sealed volume of the window assembly and seals the window assembly.
US07719747B2 Method and post structures for interferometric modulation
An interferometric modulator includes a post structure comprising an optical element. In a preferred embodiment, the optical element in the post structure is a reflective element, e.g., a mirror. In another embodiment, the optical element in the post structure is an etalon, e.g., a dark etalon. The optical element in the post structure may decrease the amount of light that would otherwise be retroreflected from the post structure. In various embodiments, the optical element in the post structure increases the brightness of the interferometric modulator by redirecting light into the interferometric cavity. For example, in certain embodiments, the optical element in the post structure increases the backlighting of the interferometric modulator.
US07719746B2 High performance chirped electrode design for large area optoelectronic devices
An electro-optic device with a doped semiconductor base and a plurality of pixels on the semiconductor base, each pixel including: a multiple quantum well formed on the semiconductor base, an oppositely doped semiconductor layer on the multiple quantum well, and a top electrode on the semiconductor layer, the top electrode shaped to produce an approximately uniform lateral resistance in the pixel. An embodiment is a large area modulator for modulating retro-reflector systems, which typically use large area surface-normal modulators with large lateral current flow. Uniform resistance to each part of the modulator decreases location dependence of frequency response. A chirped grid electrode balances semiconductor sheet resistance and metal line resistance components of the series resistance.
US07719744B2 One dimensional spatial light modulator and image output device employing the same
A one-dimensional (1D) spatial light modulator (SLM) and an image output device employing the same are provided. The 1D SLM includes: a light deflector including a light guide that is formed of a photonic crystal material having a refractive index that can be varied according to an applied voltage and allows incident light to continue along an original propagation path or deflects the incident light from the original propagation path on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and an electrode portion individually applying a voltage to the light guide; and a light blocking member facing a light exiting surface of the light deflector and blocking a portion of light exiting the light deflector.
US07719743B2 Reflective light modulator and projector device
A reflective light modulator is provided. The reflective light modulator includes: a transparent electrode passing through light from a light source; a driving substrate configured to reflect the light from the transparent electrode; a light-modulating material sandwiched between the transparent electrode and the driving substrate; and a transparent glass substrate. The transparent glass substrate is arranged in contact with the surface of the transparent electrode substrate on the light source side. Furthermore, the transparent glass substrate has a thermal conductivity of 0.003 cal/(cm·sec·K) or more at 20° C.
US07719742B2 MEMS device package and method of manufacturing the same
A MEMS device package and a method of manufacturing the same. The MEMS device package includes a device substrate having a surface on which a MEMS active device is formed, and multiple sealing pads arranged around the MEMS active device so that the sealing pads provide electric paths for the MEMS active device. In addition, the MEMS device package may include a cap substrate bonded to the device substrate through the multiple sealing pads, the cap substrate including a trench, within which the MEMS active device is positioned, and via holes. One or more outer electrode pads may be formed on one surface of the cap substrate to be electrically connected with the multiple sealing pads through the via holes. Because there are several bonding and sealing areas between the device substrate and the cap substrate, the sealing intensity is strengthened.
US07719739B2 Light scanning apparatus, method of controlling the same and image forming apparatus equipped with the same
A light scanning apparatus makes a light beam scan along a main scanning direction on an effective scanning region which has a predetermined width. The apparatus comprises: a light source which emits the light beam; a deflector which includes an oscillation mirror which oscillates about an oscillatory axis which is orthogonal or approximately orthogonal to the main scanning direction, deflects the light beam emitted from the light source using the oscillation mirror, and makes the light beam scan a second scanning range which contains but extends beyond a first scanning range which corresponds to the effective scanning region; a detector which detects the scanning light beam which moves through a position which is outside the first scanning range but is within the second scanning range, and outputs a signal; and a controller which controls a mirror drive signal fed to the oscillation mirror based on the output signal from the detector and accordingly adjusts the amplitude of the oscillation mirror. In the apparatus above, the controller stops driving the oscillation mirror when confirming based on the output signal that the oscillation mirror is under abnormal control.
US07719736B2 Components for optical qubits in the radio frequency basis
In the field of optical quantum information processing, manipulation of single photon qubits in frequency modes employs a frequency beamsplitter employs an asymmetric two-path interferometer, reversible down to the quantum limit. A first partially transmitting mirror splits photons into first and second paths. A time delay element introduces a differential time delay into the second path. And a second partially transmitting mirror mixes the two paths again to form two outputs. A half-wave plate utilizes two of the beam splitters.
US07719734B2 Hologram recording device
A hologram recording device records holograms by interference between an recording beam and a reference beam. The device includes an objective lens exhibiting a predetermined aberration. It is supposed that the laser beam applied to the beam splitter has an light intensity of 1, the recording beam and the reference beam emitted from the beam splitter have light intensities of P and 1−P, respectively, the optical magnification for the recording beam traveling from the beam splitter to the objective lens is a, and N pixels are used for modulation of the recording beam in the spatial light modulator. When the recording beam at the predetermined region has an amplitude 1/k times the amplitude of the reference beam, and the amplitude of the recording beam is X times as great as when there is no aberration, the predetermined aberration of the objective lens is determined to satisfy the formula: 0 < X < a ⁡ ( 1 - P ) 0.6 ⁢ P × 1 kN .
US07719731B2 Image reading apparatus correcting noise in image data
An image reading apparatus includes, with the purpose of accurately correcting noise in an image due to dust on a platen, three line sensors spaced from each other in a sub scanning direction to scan an original in the sub scanning direction, a platen between the original and the three line sensors, a moving mechanism for moving the platen, a noise detection processor detecting a noise pixel from each of multiple data output from the three line sensors, a second pixel extractor extracting a second pixel present in first data for correcting the noise pixel, based on a value of a first pixel present in second data different from the first data and corresponding to the same location on the original as the noise pixel, and a corrector correcting the noise pixel based on the extracted second pixel.
US07719729B2 Anamorphic recording method and apparatus
A method for a film transfer device includes receiving a digital image in the film transfer device, wherein the digital image comprises a plurality of square pixels, wherein the digital image comprises a first number of pixels in a horizontal direction and a second number of pixels in a vertical direction, and wherein the digital image comprises a non-anamorphic version of an image, and optically converting the digital image into an optical output image to film media in the film transfer device, wherein the optical output image is associated with a plurality of non-square pixels, wherein the optical output image is associated with the first number of pixels in the horizontal direction and the second number of pixels in the vertical direction, and wherein the optical output image comprises an anamorphic version of the image.
US07719725B2 Print control apparatus, print apparatus, print control method, computer-readable medium and computer-data signal
A print control apparatus includes a print request receiving unit and a print control unit. The print request receiving unit receives a print request, including print target information, to a print apparatus. If a condition is satisfied under which print target information should have information regarding security added thereto for printing, the print control unit adds the information regarding security to the print target information and causes the print apparatus to print the print target information to which the information regarding security is added. If the condition is not satisfied, the print control apparatus stores the print target information included in the print request in a storage unit, and when an operation receiving unit provided in the print apparatus is operated to instruct to print the stored print target information, the print control apparatus causes the print apparatus to print the stored print target information.
US07719724B2 Black-level feedback device, image reading device, and black-level feedback control method
A first set-value calculating unit calculates a first set value of a black-level feedback based on a reflection amount that increases a speed of tracking to a black-level target value in a black-level feedback control. A second set-value calculating unit calculates a second set value of a black-level feedback based on a reflection amount that slows down a tracking to a black-level target value as compared to the speed of tracking of the first set-value calculating unit. A selecting unit selects and outputs any one of the first set value and the second set value and outputs selected value as a set value. A controlling unit controls selection of any one of the first set value and the second set value by the selecting unit based on the black differential value and a gain of the image data.
US07719723B2 Exposed image input device, printer apparatus, and image data input control program product
To print on the front side, image data saved in an image memory is read pixel by pixel along a main scanning direction x. Correction data for each block of pixels then is referred to, and the image data is read while being shifted in a sub-scanning direction y by a value of the correction data and is inputted to an exposing device. To print on the rear side, upon reading image data along the main scanning direction x, the image data in the image memory is read along the main scanning direction from a side opposite the one read at the time of printing on the front side. Positive and negative signs of deviation amounts specified by the correction data are reversed and the positions of the pixels to be read are shifted successively in a sub-scanning direction opposite to the one used while printing on the front side.
US07719722B2 System and method of halftoning for multi-pass rendering
A system and method for halftoning for multi-pass rendering of an image in which different pixel locations are rendered in each pass which reduces the effects of inter-pass mis-registration errors. The method of halftoning includes restricting a substantial majority of the pixels turned on to render a tone to the minimum number of passes required to produce the tone. The halftoning method can include generating a stochastic halftone turn-on sequence and re-ordering the turn-on sequence. The halftoning method can also use error diffusion, adding a zero mean bias signal to either the image input pixels or the threshold values. The halftoning method is applicable to color or black and white rendering.
US07719721B2 Information processing method and information processing apparatus
Setting of growing directions of dots in a dither matrix is facilitated. During defining of the growing directions of the dots corresponding to cells in the dither matrix, a target cell in the dither matrix is defined. When the growing directions of the dots in cells located within a range of one cell from the target cell are not set, the target cell is set as a reference point. When the growing direction of the dot in the cell located at the immediate left or the immediate right of the target cell is set, the growing direction of the dot in the target cell is set based on setting states of the growing directions of the dots in the cells located at the immediate left and the immediate right of the target cell and the reference point.
US07719720B2 Image processor and method for selecting a procedure of dithering thereof
Selecting a corresponding procedure of dithering according to a general pattern of gray levels of sub-pixels of each color of an input image. This will enable the input image to be displayed on a display with a lower bit depth.
US07719719B2 Sharpening a halftoned image
Images that include halftone structures are sharpened. A copy of received halftone image data is blurred, thereby reducing a detectability of edges of the halftone structures. Edges remaining in the blurred image data are detected. An edge enhancement image is generated based on the detected edges. The original received halftone image data is combined with the edge enhancement image, thereby generating sharpness enhanced image data having halftone structures. The sharpness enhanced image data having halftone structures can be rendered through a halftone screen that is compatible with a halftone screen that was used to generate the originally received image data. Alternatively, the sharpness enhanced image data having halftone structures is rendered according to error diffusion techniques, such as, rank order error diffusion in order to achieve or maintain dot or halftone structure compaction.
US07719717B2 Image recording apparatus and method, image reproducing apparatus and method, and recording medium on which image processing program is recorded
The present invention is intended to record image data having a wide dynamic range is a file together with image data having a narrow dynamic range. First, an image recording apparatus separately gradation-converts image data to be recorded into primary data having a narrow dynamic range and secondary data having a wide dynamic range. Then, the image recording apparatus calculates data that determines correlation between the primary data and secondary data and employs the calculated data as tertiary data. The image recording apparatus records the primary data and the tertiary data in a file. On the other hand, an image reproducing apparatus reads out primary data and tertiary data that were recorded in the above manner and reproduces secondary data having a wide dynamic range based on the primary data and the tertiary data.
US07719716B2 Scanner characterization for printer calibration
Colors similar to those which would be used in calibrating a target printer are printed on a printer of the same model and with the same materials set as anticipated for the printer calibration. These all lie within a substantially reduced portion of the gamuts of both the printer and scanner. A scanner characterization is derived only for those portions of color space corresponding to the printed colors. This may be done using spline fitting in one or more dimensions. While generic scanner calibrations generally have errors in excess of ΔE=7, with these techniques values generally less than 1.7 were obtained. This is sufficient for printer calibration.
US07719715B2 Tone characteristics-conversion determining apparatus, tone characteristics-conversion determining method, tone characteristics-conversion determining program, image processing apparatus, and image display apparatus
A tone-conversion-characteristic determining apparatus determines tone-conversion characteristics for use in converting tone characteristics of original data so that targeted tone characteristics are obtained when display is performed by a display device. The apparatus includes a tristimulus value determining unit that, on the basis of tristimulus values corresponding to a tone value of each of a plurality of colors capable of being displayed by the display device, determines a tristimulus value which is greater than the other tristimulus values, and a tone-conversion-characteristic determining unit that, on the basis of the tristimulus value determined by the tristimulus value determining unit, determines the tone-conversion characteristics so that the targeted tone characteristics are obtained.
US07719712B2 Variable drive for printhead
A driver for driving simultaneously a variable number of firing resistors for a printhead includes a drive circuit for supplying a drive signal for firing the variable number of firing resistors, and a circuit for adjusting a voltage or current magnitude of the drive signal in dependence on the variable number of firing resistors to be fired simultaneously.
US07719711B2 Image data processing apparatus and method
There is provided a decoding apparatus and a decoding method which are for using compressed data efficiently by making the resolutions of the individual components differ from one another. A decoding apparatus decodes compressed data that represents an image signal composed of a plurality of components as a compressed code by making the resolutions of the individual components differ from one another. The decoding apparatus basically comprises input sections 5-Y, 5-I, 5-Q which decode compressed data and take in the individual components independently, a reduction circuit 5-Y-1 which reduces and changes a size corresponding to the processing unit and resolution of any one of the components, and a conversion section 5-6 which converts into a decoded image signal in a specific format by using reduced components and uncompressed components.
US07719710B2 Image forming system
An image forming system, which forms an image relating to subject data on a recording medium having a holding unit holding identification information specific to the storage medium, including: a detection unit which detects identification information held by the holding unit of an arbitrary recording medium on which an image is recorded; and a control unit which acquires subject data corresponding to the detected identification information and forms an image relating to the acquired subject data on the recording medium.
US07719709B2 Print control apparatus, print control system, print control method, and recording medium having print control program
A print control apparatus which transmits print data to a printing apparatus according to a print instruction for a logical printer. The print control apparatus includes a logical printer information management unit which manages logical printer information that is provided for each logical printer and is used to store information including a network address of a printing apparatus corresponding to a logical printer, a printing apparatus search unit which searches for printing apparatuses connected to a network, and a print data transmitting unit which transmits print data to a network address of a printing apparatus found by the printing apparatus search unit if no network address corresponding to a logical printer specified in a print instruction is registered in the logical printer information.
US07719705B2 Method, system of devices and computer for programmes for generating and processing a document data stream containing structured fields
In a method and system to generate a function presenting document data stream, at least one structured field is provided that comprises at least one data region. The structured field is provided with a padding region. Coded additional control data are stored in the padding region.
US07719704B1 Handling different types of telecommunication signals
A digital telecommunication station is provided, operative in a telecommunication network to receive at least two different types of signals and divert signals of at least one of these types from the transmission path along which signals of the other types are transmitted.
US07719702B2 System for preparing an icon symbolizing a plurality of printing conditions
The CPU of a personal computer displays a list of one-click icons, each representing one or a plurality of printing functions, in the icon display area, and selects one one-click icon from the list of the one-click icons displayed in the icon display area, to automatically set a plurality of printing functions corresponding to the selected one-click icons.
US07719701B2 Information processing device, printing condition setting method, and computer product in which a graphical representation emulating a print output is displayed
The CPU of a personal computer displays a list of one-click icons, each representing one or a plurality of printing functions, in the icon display area, and selects one one-click icon from the list of the one-click icons displayed in the icon display area, to automatically set a plurality of printing functions corresponding to the selected one-click icons.
US07719696B1 Position-detecting mechanism and position-detecting sensor
This invention provides a position-detecting mechanism and a position-detecting sensor, the calibration of the sensor easy, the deviation of a web from the reference line of the sensor easy to find. The position-detecting mechanism comprises (i) a light-emitting means 13 to emit a beam of visible light to a subject of measurement and (ii) a regulating means 14 to regulate the beam so that its cross section will be in a certain shape at the place of the subject of measurement and detects the position of the subject of measurement. Because the light-emitting means 13 emits a beam of visible light, the spot lit up by the beam on a subject of measurement is visible to the operator. Accordingly, the operator can judge the position of the subject of measurement by using his eyes alone without using a scale and easily, safely judge its position even while it is running on its production line.
US07719695B2 Sensor device with a radiation directing surface
A sensor device includes a source of radiation and a reflective surface having a contour that directs radiation reflected from the surface along a field having at least two parallel sides. In a disclosed example, the reflective surface contour is at least partially curvilinear. A disclosed example includes a laser diode as the source of radiation and the reflective surface directs the reflected radiation in a direction that is generally perpendicular relative to a path that light follows as it emanates from the laser diode. The reflective surface in one example shapes the reflected radiation from a source that provides radiation along a path with obliquely oriented sides, the reflected radiation has at least two parallel sides. A disclosed sensor device is useful for measuring at least one feature of a part or object placed within a field of view of a sensing element that can detect the reflected radiation.
US07719693B2 Interferometry system chamber viewing window
A stroboscopic imaging interferometer system includes an environmental chamber having a novel viewing window equipped with a rigidly integrated beam splitter and piezo actuated reference mirror for illuminating a device providing an object beam and reference mirror for providing a reference beam, upon the reflection of both beams, produces interference of the object beam by the reference beam for providing absolute phase observations of the device, that may be a MEMS device under test.
US07719692B2 Methods, systems and computer program products for optical coherence tomography (OCT) using automatic dispersion compensation
Methods, systems and computer program products for generating parameters for software dispersion compensation in optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems are provided. Raw spectral interferogram data is acquired for a given lateral position on a sample and a given reference reflection. A trial spectral phase corresponding to each wavenumber sample of the acquired spectral interferogram data is postulated. The acquired raw spectral data and the postulated trial spectral phase data are assembled into trial complex spectrum data. Trial A-scan data is computed by performing an inverse Fourier transform on the trial complex spectrum data and determining the magnitude of a result.
US07719688B2 Optical device and method of making the same
An optical device includes a primary nanowire having a predetermined characteristic that affects an optical property of the primary nanowire. At least one secondary nanowire abuts the primary nanowire at a non-zero angle. The secondary nanowire(s) have another predetermined characteristic that affects an optical property of the secondary nanowire(s). A junction is formed between the primary and secondary nanowires. The device is configured to cause a portion of a light beam of a predetermined wavelength or range of wavelengths traveling through one of the primary nanowire or the secondary nanowire(s) to enter another of the secondary nanowire(s) or the primary nanowire.
US07719687B2 Apparatus for measuring reflection characteristics of object surfaces
A reflection characteristic measuring apparatus for measuring a characteristic, such as a gloss, of a sample surface. The apparatus includes at least one illuminator for illuminating a sample surface to be measured with light and a plurality of light receiving sections which are arranged axially symmetrically to each other with respect to a normal to an intended object surface and which output two-dimensional light receiving data. A deriving section derives a characteristic of the sample surface such as gloss based on a weighted average obtained by applying a weighting factor to each of the light receiving data outputted from the light receiving sections.
US07719685B2 Near-field optical apparatus and method using photodetector array
An imaging-type near-field optical microscope mainly comprises a light source and a photodetector array. The array functions as imaging array where each cell or photodetector has subwavelength dimensions. A sample under test is disposed in optical near field of the photodetectors, e.g., on surface of the array. As a result of subwavelength dimensions and near-field effect, resolution can break the diffraction limit and even reach nanoscale. The microscope has a fast speed, works with soft sample and sample in solution, and is capable of dynamic observations. In addition, the array surface doubles as a platform for molecule manipulation.
US07719684B2 Method for enhancing polarimeter systems that use micro-polarizers
This invention solves a problem of registration and improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) when using division-by-focal-plane array to produce multiple polarization images. This is achieved by processing a sequence of angular-position-dithered frames to generate a high-definition, Nyquist-sampled, integrated image for each of the polarizations. The integration method transforms individually under-sampled, high-resolution image frames into resultant high-resolution frames that meet the Nyquist sampling criterion. During the resampling transformation, each polarization or waveband is resampled to produce precise registration to the other polarizations, since registration offsets are fixed and defined by the arrangement of the polarized pixels in the focal-plane-array. In the most straight-forward implementation, these offsets would be integer pixel shifts in X and Y.
US07719682B2 Methods and systems for computing a particle size distribution of small particles in a process
Methods, systems and computer readable media for computing small particle size distributions of particles in a process stream comprising a sample dilute colloid. A reference matrix of pre-computed reference vectors is provided. Each reference vector represents a discrete particle size or particle size range of a particle size distribution of particles contained in a dilute colloid. Each reference vector represents a reference extinction spectrum over a predetermined wavelength range. A measurement vector representing a measured extinction spectrum of the sample particles in the sample colloid is provided, wherein the measured extinction spectrum has been spectrophotometrically measured over the wavelength range. The particle size distribution and particle concentrations of the particles in the sample colloid are determined using the reference matrix, the measurement vector and linear equations.
US07719681B2 Apparatus and method for measuring vapor flux density
A two-chamber electron impact emission sensor effective for monitoring vapor flux of materials in the presence of interfering species is described. The sensor includes two independent electron excitation regions and one photodetector for monitoring emission from excited species from both chambers. Copper vapor flux from an evaporation source was accurately measured in the presence of interfering H2O vapor, and Ga vapor flux from an evaporation source was accurately monitored in the presence of interfering CO2 gas. The invention permits deposition rates to be monitored using electron-impact emission spectroscopy with significantly improved accuracy in the presence of interfering gases at high partial pressures.
US07719678B2 Nanowire configured to couple electromagnetic radiation to selected guided wave, devices using same, and methods of fabricating same
Various aspects of the present invention are directed to a nanowire configured to couple electromagnetic radiation to a selected guided wave and devices incorporating such nanowires. In one aspect of the present invention, a nanowire structure includes a substrate and at least one nanowire attached to the substrate. A diameter, composition, or both may vary generally periodically along a length of the at least one nanowire. A coating may cover at least part of a circumferential surface of the at least one nanowire. The nanowire structure may be incorporated in a device including at least one optical-to-electrical converter operable to convert a guided wave propagating along the length of the at least one nanowire, at least in part responsive to irradiation, to an electrical signal. Other aspects of the present invention are directed to methods of fabricating nanowires structured to support guided waves.
US07719677B2 Multi-spectral techniques for defocus detection
A method and apparatus for improved defocus detection on wafers. The use of hyperspectral imaging provides increased sensitivity for local defocus defects, and the use of Fourier Space analysis provides increased sensitivity for extended defocus defects. A combination of the two provides improved overall sensitivity to local and extended defocus defects.
US07719673B2 Defect inspecting device for sample surface and defect detection method therefor
In a defect inspection for a semiconductor substrate, inspection objects include, in addition to a bare Si wafer, a wafer with various films formed on the surface thereof. For a sample formed with a metal film in particular, scattering light generated by surface roughness thereof is large, thus making it difficult to detect a minute defect and a minute foreign substance. It is desirable that a minute defect and a minute foreign substance be detected regardless of scattering light generated by the roughness of the sample surface. Insertion of an analyzer in an optical path of a detection optical system at such an angle that the scattering light generated by the roughness becomes minimum permits suppressing the scattering light generated by the roughness.
US07719669B2 Surface inspection method and surface inspection apparatus
Light from a light source becomes two illumination beams by a beam splitter. The beams are irradiated onto a semiconductor wafer from two mutually substantially orthogonal azimuthal angles having substantially equal elevation angles to form illumination spots. When the sum of scattered, diffracted, and reflected lights due to the illumination beams is detected, influence of the anisotropy which a contaminant particle and a defect existing in the wafer itself or thereon have with respect to an illumination direction, can be eliminated.
US07719668B2 Confocal fiber-optic laser device and method for intraocular lens power measurements
A lens power measuring system has a light source and a fiber-optic light delivery system optically coupled to the light source to receive illumination light from the light source. The fiber-optic light delivery system has a transmit/receive end. The lens power measurement system also has a microscope objective optically coupled to the fiber-optic light delivery system through the transmit/receive end of the fiber-optic light delivery system, a movable mirror arranged to intercept at least a portion of light after having passed through the microscope objective, and an optical detection system optically coupled to the fiber-optic light delivery system to receive light after having been reflected from said movable mirror. The optical detection system is constructed to be able to determine a substantially maximum signal of light reflected from the movable mirror in correspondence with a relative position of the movable mirror to a lens to be measured. Methods of measurement include methods using such a lens system.
US07719665B2 Method, apparatus, and program for measuring wavelength dispersion of optical waveguide
The invention is to provide a wavelength dispersion measuring method for an optical fiber capable of measuring a wavelength dispersion in a section extending from an incident end of the optical fiber to an arbitrary point along the way by using a scattering phenomenon in which a scattering coefficient at a local point on the optical fiber is independent of time. Incident light having a known spectral density function S(ω) is caused to be incident on the optical waveguide, and a wavelength dispersion of the section extending from the incident end of the optical waveguide to the arbitrary point along the way by a correlational function between a signal being proportional to a scattered light amplitude generated at a first halfway point and a signal being proportional to a scattered light amplitude generated at a second halfway point.
US07719664B1 Imaging semi-active laser system
A method and apparatus image a target in a SAL system. The method includes receiving on-board a platform a target designation originating from a laser source off-board the platform; homing the platform on a target responsive to the received target designation; imaging the target from the target designation; and aiming the platform at a point on the target selected from the image. The apparatus includes a receiver capable of receiving and imaging a target designation originating from a laser source off-board the apparatus; at least one flight control mechanism; and a controller. The controller is capable of processing a received target designation and issuing navigation control guidance commands to the flight control mechanism to: home the apparatus on a target responsive to a received target designation; and aim the apparatus at a point on the target selected from the image of the target.
US07719662B2 Method and system for fast calibration of three-dimensional (3D) sensors
Rapid calibration of a TOF system uses a stationary target object and electrically introduces phase shift into the TOF system to emulate target object relocation. Relatively few parameters suffice to model a parameterized mathematical representation of the transfer function between measured phase and Z distance. The phase-vs-distance model is directly evaluated during actual run-time operation of the TOF system. Preferably modeling includes two components: electrical modeling of phase-vs-distance characteristics that depend upon electrical rather than geometric characteristics of the sensing system, and elliptical modeling that phase-vs-distance characteristics that depending upon geometric rather than electrical characteristics of the sensing system.
US07719661B2 Illumination optical apparatus, exposure apparatus, and method for producing device
An illumination optical apparatus which illuminates an illumination objective surface with an exposure light includes: an illumination optical system having a curved mirror and a concave mirror and defining a position substantially conjugate with the illumination objective surface between the curved and concave mirrors; and a second aperture plate separating a space in which the curved mirror is arranged and a space in which the concave mirror is arranged into mutually different vacuum environments or pressure-reduced environments, and having an aperture through which the exposure light passes, the aperture being arranged at a position at which a cross-sectional area of the exposure light is smallest, or in the vicinity of the position. It is possible to decrease the amount of passage of minute particles such as debris in relation to any downstream-side optical system.
US07719657B2 Liquid crystal lens element and optical head device
The present application relates to a liquid crystal lens element and an optical head device, in particular order, to a liquid crystal lens capable of switching the focal length among a plurality of different focal lengths according to switching of applied voltage among a plurality of applied voltages, and an optical head device employing the liquid crystal lens, for writing and/or reading an information to/from an optical recording medium.
US07719655B2 Spacers for maintaining cell gaps in display devices
The invention includes a liquid crystal display panel including spacers and a method of making this panel. The spacers, which are positioned in the liquid crystal-filled gap between a first substrate and a second substrate, provide support to the substrates and prevent the substrate from bending when the device is used as a touch screen panel. By preventing the bending of the device, the spacers help prevent the undesirable ripple effect suffered by liquid crystal devices. In order to minimize the amount of light blocked by the spacers, the spacers are formed in a region where light is substantially intercepted anyway, such as in a contact hole. A black matrix layer is formed on the spacers. The spacers may be distributed unevenly between the substrates, depending on how much force each of the spacers will have to absorb in each area of the panel.
US07719652B2 Array substrate for in-plane switching liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
An array substrate for an in-plane switching liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, gate lines arranged in a first direction on the substrate, data lines crossing the gate lines to define a pixel region, the pixel region consists of four sub-pixel regions, a switching element at the crossing of the gate and data lines, a pixel electrode in each of the sub-pixel regions, and a common electrode alternatively arranged with the pixel electrode to form a plurality of blocks in each of the sub-pixel regions. Two of the sub-pixel regions include an n-number of blocks (n is a natural number). Two of the sub-pixel regions include an (n+2)-number of blocks.
US07719645B2 Optically anisotropic body and liquid crystal display
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display that prevents false colors and has a wide viewing angle, display screen contrast that does not decline, and excellent productivity. The liquid crystal display, comprising a liquid crystal cell, a sheet-shaped optically anisotropic body positioned on only one side of the liquid crystal cell, and a pair of light polarizers located on both sides of the liquid crystal cell, wherein the optically anisotropic body satisfies the relationship of nx>ny>nz at wavelength of 550 nm, where nx is in-plane refraction index of lag axis direction, ny is refraction index of the direction perpendicular to the lag axis in the plane, and nz is refraction index of the thickness direction; and has a local minimal value in wavelength range of 380 to 490 nm and monotonous increase in both the short wavelength and long wavelength directions from the wavelength that shows the local minimal value, in wavelength characteristics of frontal direction retardation for light in wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm.
US07719626B2 Liquid crystal display units with data and/or address lines being formed of copper alloy and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device having a signal line of low electrical resistivity and high adhesion with an underlayer, wherein a copper alloy film is formed on an underlayer, and an oxide film, silicide film or nitride film, which are additive metal elements of the copper alloy, is formed at the boundary between the underlayer and the copper alloy film whereby the signal line is formed with a multi-layer film of the copper alloy film and the oxide film, the silicide film, or the nitride film.
US07719624B2 Active device array substrate
An active device array substrate, including a substrate, a plurality of pixel units, a plurality of first lead wires, an insulating layer, a plurality of second lead wires and a passivation layer, is provided. The active device array substrate has a display area and a peripheral area. The pixel units are disposed in the display area of the substrate. The first lead wires and the second lead wires are disposed in the peripheral area, and electrically connected to the pixel units respectively. The first lead wires have two opposite first tips. Moreover, the first lead wires are covered by the insulating layer having at least a first opening to expose the two opposite first tips. Additionally, the second lead wires are covered by the passivation layer.
US07719623B2 Liquid crystal display panel and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel includes pixels arranged in matrix, and first and second scan lines and a storage capacitance line. Each pixel has a first sub-pixel, which is disposed between the first and second scan lines, and first to third thin-film transistors (TFTs) and a pixel electrode divided into first and second regions. The first TFT is electrically connected to the first scan line and the first region. The second TFT is electrically connected to the first scan line and the second region. The third TFT is electrically connected to the second scan line and the second region. The storage capacitance line is electrically connected to the third TFT. A distance between the storage capacitance line and the first scan line is longer than that between the storage capacitance line and the second scan line.
US07719622B2 Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing the same
An LCD include a gate line, a first data line and a second data line arranged to cross each other, thereby defining a unit pixel region, a TFT disposed at a region where the gate line, the first data line and the second data line cross, and having a passivation layer on an exposed channel layer, a common line disposed in parallel to the gate line, a first storage electrode integrally formed with the common line for forming a storage capacitance in the unit pixel region, a second electrode disposed to overlap with the first storage electrode, common electrodes branched from the first storage electrode and disposed at the unit pixel region, and pixel electrodes branched from the second storage electrode and alternately disposed with the common electrodes.
US07719614B2 Apparatus and method for converting frame rate without external memory in display system
In an apparatus and method for converting the frame rate of an image signal in a display system without an external memory, the display system and method are capable of down converting the frame rate of an image signal using a frame rate conversion unit without an external memory. The system and method can be used even in the case where the frequencies of input and output synchronization signals are locked to the same frame rate. The frame rate conversion unit disable-masks portions of the frames of a data enable signal or a vertical synchronization signal, thus canceling the portions of the frames, and outputs the masked data enable signal or the masked vertical synchronization signal to an LCD driving circuit unit, thereby down converting the frame rate of the image signal.
US07719609B2 Foldable portable instrument with camera
A foldable portable instrument with camera includes a first housing and a second housing connected in a foldable manner, a main display portion provided in the first housing, and a camera provided in the second housing. The camera is attached to the second housing such that a perpendicular direction with respect to a display surface of main display portion and an optical axis direction of the camera are identical when the first housing and the second housing are in an opened state. Accordingly, a foldable portable instrument with camera allowing natural image pick-up and directing the camera to a subject in a facilitated manner with a simplified configuration, when an image is picked up by the camera while it is monitored on the display portion, is obtained.
US07719606B2 System and method for effectively performing a white balance procedure for electronic cameras
A system and method for effectively performing a white balance procedure for electronic cameras includes a neutral density diffusion light filter assembly adapted to be attached over the lens of a camera-type device equipped with an electronic device that captures image data using an image sensor device. Alternatively, the diffusion filter could be inserted internally in association with the lens assembly or built into the camera body as an external window associated with an independent image sensor device. The diffusion filter acts as an illuminance integrator of broad light acceptance angle to document light conditions (incident or reflective) that exist at the time an image is captured, thereby enabling a white balance operation at point of capture and production of a computer-generated image with little or no colorcast and requiring minimal (if any) subsequent manual color adjustment.
US07719603B2 Automatic focusing method for camera performing additional scanning
An automatic focusing method for a camera, including scanning in a macro mode, scanning in a normal mode, and additional scanning. In the scanning in the macro mode, a region within a first distance is scanned if the macro mode is set by a user. In the scanning in the normal mode, a region beyond the first distance is scanned if the normal mode is set by the user. In the additional scanning, the scanning in the normal mode is performed additionally if it is determined that the position of the focus lens found in the scanning in the macro mode does not have the largest focus value, and the scanning in the macro mode is performed additionally if it is determined that the position of the focus lens found in the scanning in the normal mode does not have the largest focus value.
US07719601B2 Image pickup apparatus and mobile phone
An image pickup apparatus may include an imaging optical system operative to adjust a focal position of images corresponding to light incident from a lens, a frame arranged movably in an optical axial direction of light incident to the imaging optical system for fixing the imaging optical system by covering the periphery of the imaging optical system, a drive unit operative to move the frame in the optical axial direction to an arbitrary position within a predetermined range, an image pickup device operative to receive light incident through the imaging optical system so as to output a signal corresponding to the received light, and an urging unit inserted between a pedestal base having the image pickup device attached thereto and the frame for urging the frame in the optical axial direction as well as in a direction remote from the image pickup device.
US07719600B2 Image capturing apparatus, control method therefor, and program regarding foreign substance removal
This invention can more efficiently remove, at a more effective timing, a foreign substance such as dust adhering on an optical member inserted on the image capturing optical axis. An image capturing apparatus having an image sensor which photo-electrically converts an object image includes an optical element arranged on the image sensor on a side close to an object, a foreign substance removing unit which removes a foreign substance adhering to the surface of the optical element, an instruction unit which issues instructions to power on and power off the image capturing apparatus, and a control unit which controls the foreign substance removing unit to execute a foreign substance removing operation in accordance with the instruction to power off the image capturing apparatus by the instruction unit.
US07719597B2 Distortion correction device and image sensing device provided therewith
Distortion data discretely stored in a distortion data memory 8 are read out by a selector 9 and fed to a signal processor 5. For each coordinate position, the signal processor 5 calculates an approximation formula representing an image height-distortion curve based on the distortion data fed thereto, and performs distortion correction based on the approximation formula.
US07719594B2 Solid-state imaging device with OB region and camera provided with the same
A solid-state imaging device, and a camera provided with this device, that can output high quality images at high speed are realized by preventing improper OB clamping in a solid-state imaging device that performs pixel mixing in the horizontal direction. Vertical final stages, which are the transfer stages closest to a horizontal transfer component 4, are provided with provided with independent transfer electrodes V3-1, V3-2, V3-3, V6-1, V5-2, and V5-3 that are independent of other columns in a region between the horizontal transfer component and an effective pixel region, and a common transfer electrode that is common to all of the columns in the region between the horizontal transfer component 4 and the OB region. Further, in the vertical final stages, the entire region between the OB region and the horizontal transfer component, or the region minus openings formed for the wiring of V3-1 and V5-1 in the columns closest to the effective pixel region, is covered with a light blocking film.
US07719589B2 Imaging array with enhanced event detection
An imaging device comprising an array of pixels fabricated using a microelectronic technology such as CMOS is disclosed. The imaging device provides information regarding rapid increases in incident radiation. The sensor is sensitive to a variable quantity to be imaged, such as visible or non-visible radiation, and a signal representative of the quantity is output. The quantity is measured over a monitoring period, and the timing of the incidence may also be output.
US07719585B2 Solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging-device includes a base, frame-shaped ribs provided on the base and forming an internal space, a plurality of wiring members for electrically leading the internal space of a housing formed by the base and the ribs to an external portion, an imaging element fixed to the base inside the internal space, a transparent plate fixed to an upper surface of the ribs, and connecting members electrically connecting electrodes of the imaging element to the wiring members, wherein a plurality of protrusions are provided in a region of the base that faces the imaging element, and the imaging element is fixed by adhesive to the base while being supported by the protrusions. The protrusions enable the imaging element to avoid distortion caused by following the surface of the base, thereby suppressing the effect on electrical properties of the imaging element.
US07719584B2 Image sensor
An image sensor has a plurality of pixels arrayed to form a plurality of columns. The sensor includes a plurality of readout circuits which generate pixel signals based on signals supplied from the pixels of respective columns, a plurality of output channels, a plurality of column selecting switches, and a control circuit which controls the plurality of column selecting switches. The control circuit controls the plurality of column selecting switches so as to output the pixel signals of target readout pixels to output channels selected based on a selection rule in the spatial order of the pixels in the full pixel readout mode. The control circuit controls the plurality of column selecting switches so as to output the thinned-out pixel signals of target readout areas to output channels selected based on the same rule as the selection rule in the spatial order of the areas in the thinning readout mode.
US07719582B2 Solid-state imaging apparatus and its signal reading method
When pixel signals are separately read from a plurality of horizontal signal lines to achieve high-speed processing, color difference in image signals and stripes are eliminated.In the operation of reading the pixel signals from the (2n)th row, the pixel signals from R pixels on odd columns are output to an output system A through a horizontal signal line (60A). On the other hand, the pixel signals from Gr pixels on even columns are output to an output system B through a horizontal signal line (60B). In the operation of reading the pixel signals from the (2n+1)th row, the pixel signals from Gb pixels on the odd columns are output to the output system B through the horizontal signal line (60B) by the switching operation in a switching circuit (50). Similarly, the pixel signals from B pixels on the even columns are output to the output system A through the horizontal signal line (60A) by the switching operation in the switching circuit (50).
US07719579B2 Digital camera architecture with improved performance
A digital camera acquires a first image in a sequence of images by loading it into a unified memory space of the digital camera in a first order and processing it in a second order. Before the first image is completely processed, the digital camera starts acquiring a second image and overwriting at least a processed portion of the first image in the unified memory space with image data of the second image.
US07719578B2 Image pickup apparatus, image pickup element, and method for controlling image pickup apparatus
The present invention relates illustratively to a video camera for recording image pickup results constituting moving pictures, an electronic still camera, and a monitoring apparatus. The invention envisages varying the charge storage time TE or the frame period of image pickup means 3 or the processing time TC of data compressing means 8 in accordance with the processing time TC of the data compressing means 8.
US07719575B2 Pixel signal processing apparatus and pixel signal processing method
A regression analysis is carried out (8) using pixel signals having a K-th spectral characteristic as the explanatory variable and pixel signals having an L-th spectral characteristic as the purpose variable in a plurality of pixel positions in an area neighboring a pixel of interest to obtain a pixel signal having the L-th spectral characteristic (9). Pixel signals obtained by low-pass filtering (7a-7c) of the output signals of an imaging device may be used as the explanatory variable and the purpose variable. The occurrence of false colors is thereby reduced when, in a group of pixel signals from pixels arrayed on a two-dimensional plane, each pixel having one of a plurality of spectral characteristics, the missing colors at each pixel position are obtained by interpolation.
US07719573B2 Device and method for processing photographic image data
Disclosed herein is a photographing device that includes a number of light-receiving elements, a number of vertical transfer registers, a first drive-voltage applying electrode, and a second drive-voltage applying electrode. The light-receiving elements are arranged in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The vertical transfer registers transfers the electric charges accumulated in the light-receiving elements in the vertical direction. The first drive-voltage applying electrode is arranged parallel to the vertical transfer registers, for applying a drive voltage to a specific one of the vertical transfer registers. The second drive-voltage applying electrode is arranged perpendicular to the vertical transfer registers, for applying a second drive voltage to the vertical transfer registers at the same time. The electric charges accumulated in the light-receiving elements are transferred to the vertical transfer registers, due to the voltage output from the first drive-voltage applying electrode or the second drive-voltage applying electrode, or the voltages output from both electrodes. Therefore, the light-receiving elements can have different sensitivities, and the photographing device can photograph dynamic scenes in a broad dynamic range.
US07719572B2 Image pickup apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image pickup apparatus having an image capturing unit capturing an image, a first recording unit temporarily recording an original image signal output from the image capturing unit, a processing unit performing predetermined signal processing upon the original image signal output from the image capturing unit, and an instructing unit instructing the processing unit to capture a still image. When the processing unit is instructed to capture a still image by the instructing unit while performing moving image signal processing upon the original image signal output from the image capturing unit, the processing unit may cause the first recording unit to record the original image signal output from the image capturing unit. In addition, the processing unit may read out the recorded original image signal from the first recording unit and perform still image signal processing upon the read out original image signal while suspending the moving image signal processing.
US07719567B2 Wireless video surveillance system and method with emergency video access
A surveillance system and method for activating emergency communication between a third party and a system having at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, including the steps of providing base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them, wherein the emergency access is operable following a trigger event, thereby providing a secure surveillance system with emergency access having wireless communication for monitoring a target environment.
US07719566B2 Optical identification device
The invention concerns an optical identification device comprising a digital camera (4), the camera including a member for changing focal length between at least a visual observation focal length and a print recognition focal length, and the device including an automatic print recognition system (10), which is connected to the camera to be activated when the camera is in the print recognition focal length.
US07719562B2 Method and system for handling multimedia calls
A method and system for handling multimedia calls is disclosed in which an IP multimedia terminal initiates a multimedia call request to a 3G terminal via a video inter-work device; the video inter-work device negotiates with 3G network and sets up a speech bearer between the video inter-work device and the 3G terminal when the 3G network is unable to support the multimedia call, then sets up a logical speech channel between the video inter-work device and the IP multimedia terminal, and makes the multimedia call fallback to a speech call. In accordance with the disclosed handling method and system provided, a multimedia call will fallback to a speech call when the 3G terminal does not support the multimedia call initiated by an IP multimedia terminal such that an H.324M video service is made more acceptable to users and complexity in using the service is reduced while improving user experience.
US07719561B2 Optical member coupling device and optical scanning apparatus
An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source to generate a beam, a lens to transmit the beam generated from the light source, and a base member to which the lens is fixed, wherein the lens is fixed to the base member via a mount member having a same coefficient of thermal expansion as the lens. According to the present general inventive concept, an optical member, such as the lens, is not directly joined to the base member but is joined to the mount member having the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the optical member and is then coupled to the base member. Consequently, the optical member is stably coupled to the base member even when the temperature changes.
US07719556B2 Method and apparatus for imaging with multiple exposure heads
An imaging system is equipped with two or more exposure heads that are each able to image either a separate media sheet or a portion of a single media sheet loaded on a media carrier. The imaging time for any combination of media sheets is minimized by providing for the adjustment of the spacing between the dual exposure heads whenever the media configuration changes. In imaging a unitary image using two exposure heads to each image a sub-image, any discontinuity between the end of the first sub-image and the start of the next sub-image is reduced by changing the traversing speed of one of the exposure heads by a fractional amount.
US07719552B2 Image quality in a 3D image display device
A display device for displaying a three dimensional image such that different views are displayed according to the viewing angle, the display device including a display panel having a plurality of separately addressable pixels for displaying said image. The pixels are grouped such that different pixels in a group correspond to different views of the image, each pixel in a group being positioned relative to a respective discrete light source, and pixel being separately controllable to vary an optical characteristic of each pixel to generate an image according to received image data. The pixel sizes within a group vary as a function of the viewing angle of the pixels with respect to the respective light source, so that the characteristics of the different views are independent of viewing angle.
US07719550B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting luminosity of monitor based on image
A method for deciding the maximum luminosity of a monitor is provided. The monitor is used for displaying a target image including a plurality of target pixels. Each of the target pixels has a target gray level. The target image and each adjacent image respectively has a maximum gray level. The monitor is capable of displaying M default gray levels. The method first generates a reference gray level (R) for the target image selectively based on the maximum gray levels. Then, a target control voltage corresponding to R is selected from a look-up table. A gain is generated based on R and M. Respectively multiplying each of the target gray levels by the gain can generate a plurality of new gray levels. At last, the method sets the target control voltage as the control voltage of the monitor and displays the target image with the new gray levels.
US07719545B1 System and method for converting a vertex program to a binary format capable of being executed by a hardware graphics pipeline
A system, method and computer program product are provided for programmable vertex processing. Initially, a vertex program is identified including branch labels and instruction sequences with branch commands. The vertex program is then converted to a binary format capable of being executed by a hardware graphics pipeline. The vertex program may then be executed in the binary format utilizing the hardware graphics pipeline for transforming vertices. As an option, the vertex program is initially written in a textual format capable of being read by a human prior to being converted.
US07719544B2 Systems and methods for providing controllable texture sampling
Systems and methods are provided for controlling texture sampling in connection with computer graphics in a computer system. In various embodiments, improved mechanisms for controlling texture sampling are provided that enable 3-D accelerator hardware to greatly increase the level of realism in rendering, including improved mechanisms for (1) motion blur; (2) generating anisotropic surface reflections (3) generating surface self-shadowing (4) ray-cast volumetric sampling (4) self-shadowed volumetric rendering and (5) self-shadowed volumetric ray-casting. In supplementing existing texture sampling techniques, parameters for texture sampling may be replaced and/or modified.
US07719542B1 System, method and user interface controls for communicating status information
A system and method displays a gradient of color extending outward from the border of a user interface control such as a text box, list box, check box, radio button, scroll bar or message box. The display may be made in response to an event, such as a mouse over or error. A user interface control has such a gradient of color.
US07719541B2 Method and apparatus for hardware rotation
A method and apparatus for hardware rotation is described. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a direct access address translation component. The apparatus also includes a frame buffer coupled to the direct access address translation component. The apparatus further includes a 2D coordinate translation component. The apparatus also includes a 2D engine coupled to the 2D coordinate translation component and to the frame buffer. The apparatus further includes a 3D engine. The apparatus also include a 3D coordinate translation component coupled to the 3D engine and the frame buffer. As will be appreciated, further embodiments of the invention are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, and the specific details of a specific embodiment as described need not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
US07719539B2 Memory management for systems for generating 3-dimensional computer images
A 3-dimensional computer generated image is generated by subdividing the image into a plurality of rectangular areas. Object data for each rectangular area is loaded into a display list memory until that memory is substantially full. Image data and shading data for each picture element of each rectangular area are derived by an image synthesis processor from the object data. The image data is then stored in a local memory. Additional object data is loaded into the display list memory and replaces existing contents. Then, the stored image data and the shading data are retrieved, and additional image data and shading data are derived for each picture element by the image synthesis processor using the additional object data and the previously derived image and shading data. When there is no further object data to load to the display list memory, the shading data is provided for display for the rectangular areas by a frame buffer.
US07719538B1 Assignments for parallel rasterization
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, to rasterize an image by generating assignments and allocating the assignments among multiple processor threads such that no two processor threads are rasterizing concurrently into overlapping regions of a pixel array. Multiple assignments are generated. Each assignment specifies one or more graphics objects and a region of the pixel array into which the specified graphics objects are to be rasterized. Multiple processes are established for rasterizing objects into a pixel array. Each process is operable to receive an assignment and to rasterize the objects of the assignment into the region of the assignment. Assignments are selected for concurrent execution by processes so that no two selected assignments have overlapping regions. The selected assignments are concurrently executed by separate processes to rasterize the respective objects of the assignments into their respective regions.
US07719531B2 Editing text within a three-dimensional graphic
A two-dimensional text editing mode is used when editing three-dimensional text. Once the three-dimensional text is selected for editing a two-dimensional text editing mode is automatically entered such that the user may easily edit the text. The two dimensional properties that are associated with the text are displayed within an outline of the shape such that the text may be edited in place. The 2-D properties, such as font, text color, shape color, and the like, are maintained during the editing. After the two-dimensional text editing has been completed, the text is redisplayed according to its 3-D properties.
US07719529B2 Phase-tolerant pixel rendering of high-resolution analog video
Methods for recovering high-resolution images from an analog video interface by autonomously correcting for phase errors between a synchronized clock signal to a sampling analog-to-digital converter and the input video signal. A global phase adjustment first detects video transitions in the sampled video data stream in order to determine and then select the optimum clock phase over entire video frames for rendering the pixels of the video input. This corrects for long-term phase errors, such as those from timing tolerances in circuit components and timing tolerances in the video input. A local phase adjustment selects the samples used for rendering individual pixels according to an algorithm that avoids the selection of samples that may be located within video transition regions. This corrects for short-term phase errors, such as those from jitter and phase drift on the sample clock.
US07719526B2 Display device, and driving method and electronic apparatus of the display device
To reduce a pseudo contour which occurs when displaying by a time gray scale method. When gradation is expressed with an n bit, bits each of which is shown by a binary of the gray scales are divided into three bit groups, and one frame is divided into two subframe groups. Then, a (0
US07719521B2 Navigational interface providing auxiliary character support for mobile and wearable computers
A text input mechanism is provided especially for non-keyboard input devices for inputting text for languages that include large numbers of characters and that are not based on the Roman alphabets. Reading symbols of a language are presented to the user for selection. Reading symbols can be phonetic symbols for composing a pronunciation for a character in the language. Reading symbols can also be sub-characters that make up characters in the language. Upon a user specifying one or more reading symbols for a character, all characters in the language that match the specified reading symbols are dynamically identified and displayed to the user. The user can select the desired character from the displayed characters. The selected character is then entered into a computing system.
US07719519B2 Input device which emits and/or reflects optical electromagnetic radiation for use on a display screen
Embodiments of an input device are disclosed.
US07719510B2 Flat panel display, display driving apparatus thereof and shift register thereof
A flat panel display, a display driving apparatus thereof and a shift register thereof are disclosed. The shift register is adapted for driving a flat panel display. The shift register receives an input signal and a clock signal. The shift register includes a delay unit and a buffer unit. The delay unit is used to delay the input signal for a half period of the clock signal and then output the delayed input signal. The buffer unit receives the delayed input signal, and provides an extra driving power accordingly. The buffer unit is operated by a fixed first voltage and a fixed second voltage.
US07719507B2 Liquid crystal display controller and liquid crystal display control method
A liquid crystal display controller includes a circuit which generates a signal for driving a signal line with the polarity of the signal controlled by a control signal; an inductance element into which current flows in synchronization with the control signal; and a switching unit which connects selectively one of the inductance element and the circuit to the signal line. The signal line of a liquid crystal display device is driven by the inductance element, whereby the power consumption is reduced.
US07719505B2 Display device and driving method thereof
A display device including data lines, scan lines, data driver, and scan driver is provided. An image signal output from the data driver has a plurality of data sections respectively corresponding to the data lines. Each predetermined number of image sections is defined as a group, and each group of image sections has a first and second reset data. The scan driver sequentially drives the scan lines of first group according to a first start waveform. The data driver writes the first group of data sections into display units on the scan lines of first group respectively. The scan driver drives the scan lines of first group according to a second start waveform after a predetermined period. The data driver writes the first reset data and the second reset data into the display units on a first portion and a second portion of scan lines respectively.
US07719502B2 Liquid crystal display device and television receiver set
An MVA liquid crystal display device for displaying motion pictures includes a polymer layer formed on a surface of a vertical alignment film so as to tilt liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer slightly from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the liquid crystal layer. Further, the MVA liquid crystal display device of such a construction is subjected to overdriving.
US07719500B2 Reflective display pixels arranged in non-rectangular arrays
A display is formed with a plurality of reflective display pixels arranged in a curvilinear configuration, and a plurality of electrodes, where each electrode is electrically coupled to two or more reflective display pixels. In some embodiments, the array is at least partially curvilinear. The reflective display pixels include interferometric modulators.
US07719496B2 Organic thin film transistor, method of manufacturing the same, and flat panel display device with the organic thin film transistor
An organic thin film transistor that has good adhesiveness and good contact resistance as well as allows ohmic contact between an organic semiconductor layer and a source electrode and a drain electrode, and its manufacturing method. There is also provided a flat panel display device using the organic thin film transistor. The organic thin film transistor includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, an organic semiconductor layer, a gate insulating layer, and a gate electrode formed on a substrate, and a carrier relay layer including conductive polymer material formed at least between the organic semiconductor layer and the source electrode or the organic semiconductor layer and the drain electrode.
US07719493B2 Data driving circuit of display device
A data driving circuit, used to drive display devices, comprises a digital-to-analog current converter (DAC), a reset circuit connected to the output terminal of the DAC for resetting the output potential of the DAC to a specific gray scale potential, and plural stages of data driver units connected to the output terminal of the DAC and the reset circuit to drive data lines of the display devices. Each of the data driver units comprises a sample-holding circuit and a control circuit.
US07719491B2 Method for driving a plasma display panel
A driving circuit of a plasma display panel (PDP) and a reset circuit thereof are disclosed. The above-mentioned driving circuit includes a reset circuit and a sustaining circuit. The reset circuit is connected to a display cell of the PDP and generates a reset signal for the above-mentioned display cell by means of an LC resonance. The sustaining circuit provides a sustaining voltage to the above-described display cell during the sustaining period of the display cell.
US07719490B2 Plasma display apparatus
An apparatus for driving a PDP is capable of controlling a scan reference voltage when set up pulses are supplied to scan electrodes Y1 to Ym in a set up period of a reset period and when the scan reference voltage is supplied to the scan electrodes in an address period to reduce the generation of noise. The apparatus for driving the PDP comprises scan electrodes, a scan reference voltage supply comprising a resistance for applying a scan rising waveform that rises to a scan reference voltage with a second slope to the scan electrodes after a rising ramp waveform and a falling ramp waveform having a first slope have been applied to the scan electrodes, and a negative scan voltage supply for applying a negative scan pulse that falls from the scan reference voltage applied by the scan reference voltage supply to the scan electrodes.
US07719486B2 Plasma display device
A voice circuit is arranged on a chassis member. The voice circuit comprises a voice output amplifier and a high-frequency bypass unit. An output terminal of the voice output amplifier is connected to one end of a voice coil in a speaker through an interconnection, and is grounded through a high-frequency bypass unit. The voice output amplifier supplies a voice current to the voice coil through an interconnection. The resonance frequency of the high-frequency bypass unit is set to the same frequency as that of a discharge current flowing in the chassis member. A high-frequency induced current generated in the voice circuit due to the discharge current flowing in the chassis member flows to a ground terminal through the high-frequency bypass unit.
US07719484B2 Vehicle simulator having head-up display
A vehicle simulator having a projection system for projecting a generated scene and symbology onto a common viewing screen. Tracking apparatus is provided for providing position and/or angular orientation signals representative of the eye of a person viewing the projected scene and symbology. An image generation system is included for generating the scene and symbology for the projection system, such scene and symbology being generated as a function of the position and/or angular orientation signals provided by the tracking apparatus. Such symbology is representative of symbology produced by a head-up display. The image generation system generates the scene and symbology with characteristics which simulate vignetting and/or occulting effect characteristics of the head-up display. The OTW scene and symbology are projected onto a screen and are co-located while the image generator, base or data of the eye position of the user, produces the symbology to simulate the collimation, vignetting and occulting effects of the HUD optical type used in the vehicle that is simulated.
US07719482B2 Method and system for processing wireless digital multimedia
Multimedia from a source can be wirelessly transmitted in a 60 GHz system to a display. To support rapid reads of encryption, EDID, and other data written into a slave at the display by a master at the source in accordance with I2C protocol, a master simulator on the display side continually polls the slave for changes, and maintains a shadow memory in a slave simulator at the source side current, so that reads from the master may be immediately executed from the shadow memory in the slave simulator without transitting the wireless link.
US07719478B2 Optimisation of forbidden photo band antennae
The present invention relates to photonic band gap antennas. This antenna comprises according to a plane of directions x, y, a radiating source and a photonic band gap structure constituted by parallel metal rods, the rods repeating themselves nx times in the direction x and ny times in the direction y. The height of the rods seen from the radiating source is increasing. The invention is able to control the radiation pattern of the antenna in the vertical plane.
US07719471B1 Plasma-tube antenna
A gas plasma antenna with a rigid, flexible or semi-flexible substrate and an improved method of generating a uniform electron density. The antenna comprises a plasma display panel (PDP) containing a multiplicity of Plasma-tubes, each Plasma-tube containing a gas, which is ionized to produce electron density. A selected portion of each Plasma-tube acts alone or in concert with a selected portion of other Plasma-tubes to form a dipole or pattern of dipoles.
US07719467B2 Digital camera with GNSS picture location determination
A digital camera for providing a short burst of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal samples in a picture data file with an approximate time for reading by a computer apparatus some time later for determining the geographical location and an accurate time of the picture.
US07719463B2 Reflectarray and a millimetre wave radar
The reflectarray comprises an array of patch elements (10-13). Each patch element has a cut ring shape formed of a conductive ring with at least one crossing gap. The outer diameter and inner diameter and crossing gap are adjusted so that a phase shift β defined by the following relations is different from zero: φ(Eox)=φ(Eix)+α (1) φ(Eoy)=φ(Eiy)+α+β (2) where: −φ(Eox) and φ(Eoy) are the phases of the orthogonal components and of the reflected wave, respectively, −φ(Eix) and φ(Eiy) are the phases of orthogonal components and of the incident wave, respectively, −α is a phase angle.
US07719462B2 Time-of-flight radar calibration system
A time-of-flight calibration system for a radar-based measurement device is provided. The time-of-flight calibration system includes a target antenna and a waveguide, e.g. a coaxial cable. The waveguide is coupled at one end to the target antenna and terminated at its other end by a wave-reflecting impedance.
US07719458B1 Dual mode weather and air surveillance radar system
A radar system having first and second modes of operation comprising a dual antenna assembly comprising first and second antennas having respective first and second antenna waveguides coupled to a waveguide switch operable to divert RF energy to or from either said antenna waveguide, said waveguide switch coupled to a common waveguide, said dual antenna assembly mounted to an antenna support assembly, said first and second antennas being designed for use in said first and second modes respectively and operable for coupling said RF energy to a transmit medium, and for coupling reflected RF energy from transmit medium to said first or second antenna waveguide; and a control processor configured with control logic operable to control the functions of said radar system wherein said first and second antennas are mounted generally perpendicularly in the vertical plane with respect to each other and wherein said radar system operates in only one of said modes of operation at any time.
US07719456B2 Analog error correction for a pipelined charge-domain A/D converter
A technique for correcting errors in Bucket Brigade Device (BBD)-based pipelined devices, such as Analog-to Digital Converters (ADCs). The gain between pipeline stages is desired to be a specific amount, such as unity: that is, all net charge present in each stage ideally is transferred to the next stage. In practical BBD-based circuits, however, the charge-transfer gain is less than ideal, resulting in errors. The approach described herein provides analog correction of such errors due to both capacitor mismatch and to sub-unity charge-transfer gain. In certain embodiments the adjustment circuit may use an adjustable current source and Field Effect Transistor to introduce the correction. In still other embodiments, the adjustment circuit may determine a voltage-feedback coefficient.
US07719452B2 Pipelined converter systems with enhanced linearity
Signal converter system embodiments are provided to substantially reduce symmetrical and asymmetrical conversion errors. Signal-processing stages of these embodiments may include a signal sampler in addition to successively-arranged signal converters. In system embodiments, injected analog dither signals are initiated in response to a random digital code. They combine with a system's analog input signal and the combined signal is processed down randomly-selected signal-processing paths of the converter system to thereby realize significant improvements in system linearity. Because these linearity improvements are realized by simultaneous processing of the input signal and the injected dither signal, a combined digital code is realized at the system's output. A first portion of this combined digital code corresponds to the analog input signal and a second portion corresponds to the injected analog dither signal. The final system digital code is realized by subtracting out the second portion with a back-end decoder that responds to the random digital code.
US07719449B2 System and method for flexible physical layout in a heterogeneous configurable integrated circuit
A system including a serializer/deserializer (SERDES) block including a first SERDES lane, a second SERDES lane, a third SERDES lane, and a fourth SERDES lane; a physical coding sublayer (PCS) block including a layout select tag, a first PCS lane connected to the fourth SERDES lane, a second PCS lane connected to the third SERDES lane, a third PCS lane connected to the second SERDES lane, and a fourth PCS lane connected to the first SERDES lane; and a media access control (MAC) layer block including a first plurality of pins connected to the first PCS lane, a second plurality of pins connected to the second PCS lane, a third plurality of pins connected to the third PCS lane, and a fourth plurality of pins connected to the fourth PCS lane, wherein the PCS block is configured to map the first SERDES lane to the first plurality of pins, the second SERDES lane to the second plurality of pins, the third SERDES lane to the third plurality of pins, and the fourth SERDES lane to the fourth plurality of pins based on a value of the layout select tag.
US07719447B2 Variable length decoding method and device
A variable length decoding device comprises a CPU, a variable length decoding unit, an encoded data memory, a decoded data memory, and a mass memory. The variable length decoding unit comprises a decoding table memory operable to store decoding table, a standard information storage unit operable to store standard information of encoded data, and a frequency information storage unit operable to store information on frequency of usage of each table element of the decoding table. According to the structure, the decoding table is not necessary to transfer when decoding the encoded data based on the same standard of the previously-decoded encoded data. The decoding table to be stored in the decoding table memory can be composed by table elements of higher frequency of usage, thereby decreasing occurrence of cache error.
US07719445B2 Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding multi-channel audio signal
Methods of encoding and decoding a multi-channel audio signal and apparatuses for encoding and decoding a multi-channel audio signal are provided. The apparatus for decoding a multi-channel audio signal includes an unpacking extracting which extracts a pilot and data regarding a quantized CLD between a pair of channels of the plurality of channels from the bitstream, a differential decoding unit which restores a quantized CLD by adding the extracted pilot to the extracted data, and an inverse quantization unit which inversely quantizes the restored quantized CLD using a quantization table that considers the location properties of the pair of channels. The methods of encoding and decoding a multi-channel audio signal and the apparatuses for encoding and decoding a multi-channel audio signal can enable an efficient encoding/decoding by reducing the number of quantization bits required.
US07719443B1 Compressing data in a continuous data protection environment
In one aspect, a method to compress data includes compressing data using a first algorithm to form compressed data, determining a compression ratio of the data with respect to the compressed data, determining if the compression ratio is greater than a compression threshold and compressing the compressed data using a second algorithm if the compression ratio is greater than the compression threshold. The second algorithm takes longer to compress data than the first algorithm.
US07719439B2 Rotary pulser
An improved energy efficient intelligent rotary pulser for generating a mud pulse in a MWD (measurement while drilling) application. In the rotary pulser, a control circuit activates a brushless motor that rotates a windowed restrictor relative to a fixed housing to act as a shutter and window respectively. Opening of the windowed restrictor allows generally unrestricted mud flow. Closing of the windowed restrictor generally restricts mud flow. The windowed restrictor is powered both in opening and closing operations by the motor.
US07719438B2 System and method for universal remote control
Control information is exchanged between a component and a remote control device or a server using RFID or using network discovery procedures. The control information if gathered by the server is provided to the remote. In this way, the need to manually program the remote with component code information is eliminated.
US07719430B2 Apparatus and method for the virtual fencing of an animal
Virtual fencing of an animal includes a microprocessor for continuously determining the position of an animal relative to a target and whether the animal is moving relative to the target. A stimulus unit applies a sensory stimulus to the animal in response to signals received from the microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmable such that if the distance between the animal and the target is less than a predetermined distance and if the animal is moving in a direction towards the target a stimulus is applied to the animal and the stimulus is withdrawn when the animal either stops, retreats from the target, or accelerates while the distance between the animal and the target is less than the predetermined distance.
US07719429B2 Detection and control of pests
Among the embodiments of the present invention are pest control devices (1010, 1110, 1210) each operable to detect the presence of pests. The pest control device (1010, 1110, 1210) has a bait (1032) that is consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252), and a monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269). The pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252) can be altered by pest activity. The monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269) detects this alteration and reports it automatically or in response to an external stimulus or interrogation to indicate pest presence.
US07719427B2 Wireless pH measurement system
A wireless pH measurement system is disclosed, the wireless pH measurement system includes a portable module and a receiver end. The portable module comprises a signal detecting and processing portion and a wireless transmission portion. The signal detecting and processing portion comprises a sensor unit for detecting a pH signal, amplifying, filtering noise, analog/digital conversion and numerical processing to generate a pH measurement signal. The wireless transmission portion receives the pH measurement signal via a transmission interface and transmits by a Bluetooth module. The receiver end includes a Bluetooth receiver for receiving the pH measurement signal. The receiver end processes the pH measurement signal by programs, displays, analyzes and stores the pH measurement signal and transmits warning signal when an abnormal pH measurement signal is received.
US07719422B1 Wireless internet protocol-based action-oriented system for remote wireless alerting and action
The present invention provides a wireless internet protocol-based action-oriented system comprising an actuator, which may be worn on or carried by a user, and which may be activated by the user to wirelessly communicate, via an access point on a LAN, a signal to a base station server to execute an action command, such as a stoppage of nearby associated machinery or vehicles. Alternatively, sensors and/or detectors disposed on the actuator may independently transmit data to the base station server, which the base station server may then act upon. The system further includes a computer software program product, which links the actuator, access points, base station server and associated machinery and/or vehicles, and which allows the base station server to communicate with a corresponding machine or vehicle to order an execution of an action thereby. The system may further have a barcode scanner in communication with the base station server, and each actuator may further contain a barcode or unique identification number, such that actuator data may be entered into the base station server with ease and active controls set on the actuator. Thus, the actuator, in conjunction with the system and corresponding computer program product, allows a user to have the ability to immediately initiate a remote action, such as the halting of operation of industrial equipment or vehicles in communication with the system of the present invention operating over a wireless LAN, and allows system managers to easily set controls associated with each actuator.
US07719421B2 Security device and system therefor
A security system and security device for securing a piece of luggage having a locking means, the security system and security device having a housing with two or more passageways and defined therethrough and a pawl, wherein said a pawl projects into said two or more passageways, and a security strap that is adapted to be inserted into the locking means and the two or more passageways, wherein the security strap is adapted to engage with the pawl to securely link the housing to the piece of luggage.
US07719419B2 Intrusion detection using pseudo-random binary sequences
In one embodiment, a system comprises an enclosure, at least one item enclosed within the enclosure, and at least one optical medium disposed between the enclosure and the at least one item. The at least one optical medium is arranged in a pattern such that the at least one optical medium substantially encloses the at least one item. The system further comprises a generator communicatively coupled to a first portion of the optical medium. The generator generates a pseudo-random sequence of bits. The pseudo-random sequence of bits is optically transmitted over the optical medium. The system further comprises a detector communicatively coupled to a second portion of the optical medium. The detector detects any portion of the pseudo-random sequence of bits received at the second portion of the optical medium.
US07719416B2 Energy harvesting, wireless structural health monitoring system
A method of maintaining a structure includes providing a structure having a component subject to failure. A sensor, a memory and an energy harvesting device are mounted on the structure. The sensor is used and data derived from the sensor logged in the memory, wherein the memory is powered solely with energy derived from the energy harvesting device. The component is replaced if information in the memory shows that the component was subject to damaging usage.
US07719410B2 Threat assessment state processing for collision warning, mitigation and/or avoidance in ground-based vehicles
A method and apparatus is provided for detecting and avoiding an obstacle using a system of a vehicle. The method includes the steps of detecting a distance between the obstacle and the vehicle, generating an action when the distance between the obstacle and the vehicle is less than a threshold, determining whether an override of the system has been initiated, and disabling the action if it is determined that the override has been initiated. The system includes an obstacle detector, an action generator, an override mechanism, and a processor configured to implement the steps of the method set forth above.
US07719409B1 Hitch mounting assisting system
A hitch mounting assisting system includes a hitch and a hitch connector. A housing is removably mounted on the hitch. The housing has an opening therein. A tether has a free end extending through the opening and removably coupled to the hitch connector. A shaft is rotatably mounted in the housing. A first switch and a second switch are mounted in the housing. The shaft actuates the first switch when the shaft rotates in a first direction and actuates second switch when the shaft rotates in a second direction. The tether rotates the shaft in the first or second directions relative to a direction of misalignment between the hitch and hitch connector. A display screen is in communication with the first and second switches. The display screen indicates required movement of the hitch relative to the hitch connector to align the hitch and the hitch connector.
US07719408B2 Mirror system for vehicle
An accessory system for a vehicle includes a windshield that has a mounting element adhesively attached to its inner surface, an interior rearview mirror assembly, and an accessory support adapted for mounting to and demounting from the mounting element. The accessory support includes an accessory receiving portion configured to receive an accessory. The accessory support may comprise part of the interior rearview mirror assembly or may include a mirror mounting element with the interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for mounting to the mirror mounting element of the accessory support. The accessory comprises an imaging sensor and the accessory receiving portion is configured to receive the imaging sensor in a manner that compensates for the windshield angle of the windshield so that the imaging sensor has a more generally horizontal forward field of view through the windshield when the accessory support is mounted to the mounting element.
US07719407B2 Voice alarm system
A voice alarm system, coupled to a fire monitoring system responds to received wireless signals. The signals can be emitted by a portable wireless control unit that can be carried or worn by first responders.
US07719403B2 Film resistor and a method for forming and trimming a film resistor
A thin film resistor (5) of an integrated circuit comprises an elongate resistive film (7) extending between electrical contact pads (10,11). A low impedance element (20) overlays and is electrically coupled to a portion of the resistive film (7) in an intermediate portion (22) thereof adjacent a second side edge (17) of the resistive film (7) for conducting current in parallel with the intermediate portion (22), and for reducing current density in the intermediate portion (22). First and second transverse edges (28,29) formed by spaced apart first and second slots (26,27) which extend from a first side edge (16) into the resistive film (7) define with a first side edge (16) of the resistive film (7) and the low impedance element (20) first and second trimmable areas (30,31) in the intermediate portion (22). Coarse trimming of the thin film resistor (5) is carried out by progressively extending a first trimming slot (34) into the first trimmable area (30) from the first transverse edge (28), and fine trimming is carried out by extending a second trimming slot (35) into the second trimmable area (31) from the second transverse edge (29).
US07719401B2 Temperature probe and method of making the same
A temperature probe assembly is provided. The temperature probe assembly may comprise a housing formed of a first thermally conductive material and having an inner diameter defined by an inner bore, an insert formed of a second thermally conductive material disposed in the inner bore and having an outer diameter that is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the housing at a first temperature and a temperature sensor mounted within the insert. The second thermally conductive material has a thermal coefficient of expansion that is greater than the first thermally conductive material, such that the insert is insertable into the inner bore at the first temperature and is tightly locked in the inner bore at a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature.
US07719395B2 Magnetizer and magnetizing method
A magnetizing coil generates a magnetic field to magnetize a magnet in a magnetizing area, in which a direction of the magnetic field is generally parallel to a magnetization direction of the magnet. A magnetizing yoke holds the magnet and is made of a magnetic material, which exhibits a magnetic potential that is generally equal to a magnetic potential of the magnet in the magnetic field at time of magnetizing the magnet. The magnetizing yoke and the magnet substantially fill a projected area of the magnet in the magnetizing area on each of first and second sides of the magnet that are opposite from each other in the magnetization direction of the magnet in the magnetizing area.
US07719391B2 Dielectric resonator circuits
The invention is a dielectric resonator circuit comprising a housing; first, second, and third resonators positioned substantially in a row within the housing with said second resonator positioned between the first and third resonators, wherein the resonators are positioned relative to each other such that a field generated in each resonator couples to an adjacent resonator; wherein the housing encloses the resonators and has a separating wall positioned between the first and third resonators in order to control electromagnetic coupling between the first and third resonators; and wherein said first separating wall comprises a first end and a second end along a length thereof and wherein the separating wall defines an iris at the first end, the wall comprising a main wall portion positioned substantially between the first and third resonators and an extension wall portion at the first end that extends at an angle from the main wall portion of said wall.
US07719390B2 Dual mode piezoelectric filter, method of manufacturing the same, high frequency circuit component and communication device using the same
A dual mode piezoelectric filter includes a piezoelectric material layer composed of a piezoelectric thin film of the high-cut type formed on a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode formed on one of the major surfaces of the piezoelectric material layer with a gap provided therebetween, a third electrode formed on the other major surface of the piezoelectric material layer opposite to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the gap, and an interelectrode mass load element formed in the gap or at a position opposite to the gap on a surface of the piezoelectric material layer. The relationships (ρ1×h1)≦(ρa×ha) and (ρ2×h2)≦(ρa×ha) are satisfied, where h1 is the thickness and ρ1 is the density of the first electrode, h2 is the thickness and ρ2 is the density of the second electrode, and ha is the thickness and ρa is the density of the interelectrode mass load element. A filter characteristic with a smooth passband and low losses is obtained.
US07719389B2 System and method for controlling resonance frequency of film bulk acoustic resonator devices
Disclosed is a system and method for controlling a resonance frequency of a Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator (FBAR) device. The system includes at least one switching capacitor coupled to the FBAR device and a modulator. The at least one switching capacitor includes at least one capacitor and a switch configuration disposed in series with the FBAR device and the at least one capacitor, which is switch configuration capable of opening and closing connection of the at least one capacitor with the FBAR device. The modulator is coupled to the switch configuration, which generates a switching condition signal based on the manufacturing variation in the FBAR device and the environmental effects on the FBAR device. The switch configuration performs opening and closing of the connection of the at least one capacitor and the FBAR device based on the switching condition signal.
US07719388B2 Resonator operating with bulk acoustic waves
Disclosed is a resonator that is mounted on a substrate, operates with acoustic bulk waves, and is disposed above an acoustic mirror. According to the invention, the basic mode of the acoustic bulk wave that can be generated in the resonator is suppressed while a higher mode can be excited in parallel and be utilized for the resonator by adjusting the acoustic mirror.
US07719386B2 Phase shifter having components which suppress fluctuations in the phase shifter pass characteristics
A phase shifter selectively switches between a low-pass filter 13 and a high-pass filter 12 using single pole double throw switches 10a and 10b provided on the input and output sides, respectively, and operatively linked to each other. The single pole double throw switches 10a and 10b include FETs Q1c and Q1d that connect single pole side junctions and the low-pass filter, respectively, and inductance circuits (L1c and R2c, and L1d and R2d) connected in parallel with FETs Q1c and Q1d, respectively. The inductance circuits are respectively comprised of the inductor L1c and the resistor R2c connected in series and of the inductor L1 d and the resistor R2d connected in series.
US07719385B2 Method and divider for dividing power for array antenna and antenna device using the divider
Disclosed herein are a method and divider for dividing power between and supplying the parts of the power to respective radiation elements of an array antenna, and an antenna device using the divider. The division method includes the steps of dividing power, applied to a feeding unit, into two parts at a first stage of division, and supplying a first of the two parts to at least one central radiation element, and dividing a second of the two parts and supplying sub-parts of the second part to respective peripheral radiation elements, thereby supplying relatively high power to the central radiation element and relatively low power to the peripheral radiation elements.
US07719380B2 AC coupling circuit
An AC coupling circuit is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the circuit comprises a first differential input and a second differential input. A first resistor is connected between the first differential input and the second differential input. A first capacitor is connected between the first differential input and a first differential output. A second capacitor is connected between the second differential input and a second differential output. A second resistor is connected between the first differential output and a node. A third resistor is connected between the second differential output and the node. A first potential is applied to the node.
US07719378B2 Flexible interconnect cable for an electronic assembly
A high speed flexible interconnect cable for an electronic assembly includes a number of conductive layers and a number of dielectric layers. Conductive signal traces, located on the conductive layers, combine with the dielectric layers to form one or more high speed electrical transmission line structures. The cable can be coupled to electronic components using a variety of connection techniques. The cable can also be terminated with any number of known or standardized connector packages.
US07719377B2 Alternating digital RF modulation
A pulse step modulator employs a plurality of series connected unit step power amplifier modules. Each module is turned on by a turn-on signal to provide a unit step voltage of a given value. An output circuit is connected to the modules for providing an output voltage to a load and wherein the output voltage is a multiple of the unit step voltages in dependence upon the number of modules that are turned on. The modules are sequentially turned on in a given order and are turned off in the reverse order. An encoder provides turn-on signals with each turn-on signal being applied to a selected one of the modules. The number of turn-on signals provided varies as a function of the magnitude of a time varying input signal. A controller alternately turns enables or disables (in a swapping manner) one of a pair of associated modules as the magnitude of the input signal increases and decreases.
US07719376B2 Avoidance of discontinuities when switching between modulation schemes
Modulator system (1) comprising modulators (2, 3, 4) for modulating input signals (A) according to different modulation schemes (8PSK, GMSK) cause discontinuities in the output signals (F) when switching between the schemes. By providing the modulator systems (1) with compensators (13, 22-26) for compensating amplitudes/phases of the output signals (F) of the modulator system (1) for discontinuities, these discontinuities resulting from modulation scheme changes are reduced to a large extent. This may be done before/after the pulse shapers (11, 21). The compensators (13, 22-26) comprise multipliers for multiplying pulse shaped modulated signals with complex valued waveforms (E), or for multiplying modulated signals with waveforms (S, T), or for multiplying complex valued signals (B, C, D) with complex valued phase offsets (X, Y, Z), which complex valued signals (B, C, D) are to be multiplied with mapped input signals. As a result, the output signals (F) and/or power amplifiers (33) situated after the modulator system (1) no longer need to be ramped down.
US07719374B2 Oscillator signal stabilization
An oscillator signal stabilization method is provided for a radio transceiver, for example. In the present stabilization method, amplitude variation of a radio frequency oscillator signal generated by a frequency-adjustable oscillator signal generator is stabilized in an adaptive compensation circuit having adjustable compensation parameters. The stabilized oscillator signal is fed from the compensation circuit to one or more frequency dividers for frequency division. The compensation circuit is configured to stabilize signal variations caused by component non-idealities and, thereby, prevent undesired frequency division errors in the frequency dividers.
US07719371B2 Spread spectrum clock and reference signal generator
Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and apparatus for spread spectrum functionality for a free-running, reference harmonic oscillator. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises a reference oscillator adapted to provide a reference signal having a reference frequency; and a spread spectrum controller adapted to control the reference oscillator to generate a spread-spectrum reference signal at a plurality of different reference frequencies during a predetermined or selected time period. An exemplary apparatus may also include a coefficient register adapted to store a plurality of coefficients and a plurality of controlled reactance modules responsive to a corresponding coefficient of the plurality of coefficients to modify an amount of reactance effectively coupled to the reference oscillator. An exemplary spread spectrum controller is further adapted to sequentially modify the plurality of coefficients during the predetermined time period to provide the spread spectrum reference signal.
US07719370B2 Voltage controlled oscillator
A voltage controlled oscillator that is a differential ring oscillator type voltage controlled oscillator that, by connecting in cascade differential delay elements to which differential clock signals of a mutually reverse phase are input and controlling the current that flows to the differential delay elements by a bias voltage, controls a delay amount of this differential clock signal, having a phase detection portion that outputs a detection signal by comparing an output voltage of the differential output of any differential delay element and a reference voltage that is set to a voltage that detects an abnormal operation, and a cross-coupled circuit that is provided at each of the differential delay elements and, when the detection signal is input, amplifies the potential difference between the pair of differential output terminals.
US07719368B1 Configurable reset circuit for a phase-locked loop
A method of eliminating a runaway condition in a PLL includes the steps of: determining whether the PLL is locked to an input reference signal; when the PLL is not locked to the input reference signal, determining whether a frequency of an output signal generated by the PLL exceeds a prescribed maximum frequency; and when the frequency of the output signal generated by the PLL exceeds the prescribed maximum frequency, resetting the PLL to thereby eliminate the runaway condition.
US07719364B2 High frequency power amplifier
A high frequency power amplifier includes an amplifying device for amplifying an input high frequency signal, a harmonic reflection circuit for reflecting a harmonic outputted from the amplifying device, and a harmonic generating circuit provided at an input terminal of the amplifying device, the harmonic generating circuit including a divider for dividing an input signal of a fundamental wave into two parts, a harmonic generator for generating a second harmonic from one part of the fundamental wave signal, and a combiner for combining the second harmonic generated from the harmonic generator with the other part of the fundamental wave signal to offer a combined signal to the amplifying device, wherein the harmonic reflection circuit reflects the second harmonic.
US07719359B1 Low noise variable gain amplifier
A variable gain amplifier may include a gain block, a voltage control block, and a unity gain buffer block. The gain block may include a plurality of amplifiers having a fixed gain. The voltage control block is coupled to the output of the gain block. Moreover, the voltage control block controls, based on control voltages applied to the plurality of amplifiers having fixed gain, current output by the plurality of amplifiers. The unity gain buffer amplifier is coupled to receive the current output by the plurality of amplifiers of the voltage control block. The unity gain buffer amplifier provides an output signal of the variable gain amplifier. Related systems, methods, and articles are also described.
US07719356B2 Pulse amplifier
An amplifier stage capable of delivering a peak limited voltage pulse with sharp transitions, at a desired width and duty cycle, and with high efficiency is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment relates to a circuit that includes a tuned class D amplifier that receives an input signal and generates a pulsed RF output signal in response to the input signal. The pulsed RF output signal has a greater power than that of the input signal.
US07719354B2 Dynamic biasing system for an amplifier
A dynamic biasing system (“DBS”) for dynamically biasing an amplifier with an adjusted bias signal is shown. The DBS may include a first biasing circuit that produces a bias signal and a second biasing circuit in signal communication with both the first biasing circuit and the amplifier, wherein the second biasing circuit compares the bias signal to a predetermined threshold and in response produces the adjusted bias signal.
US07719352B2 Active circuits with isolation switches
Active circuits with isolation switches are described. In one design, an apparatus includes first and second amplifiers coupled in parallel. Each amplifier receives an input signal and provides an output signal. Each amplifier has a switch that isolates the amplifier when the amplifier is turned off. The first and second amplifiers may be high and low gain amplifiers or two low noise amplifiers (LNAs). The first and second amplifiers may be for different communication systems, different frequency bands, and/or different gain ranges. In general, any number of amplifiers may be coupled in parallel, and each amplifier may have a switch to isolate that amplifier when turned off. A switch for an amplifier may be a shunt switch coupled between an internal node of the amplifier and ground. The shunt switch may be closed when the amplifier is turned off and may be opened when the amplifier is turned on.
US07719349B2 Filter circuit for wireless applications and noise reduction method
An object of the present invention is to provide a filter circuit which improves NF of a Gm-C filter. The filter circuit comprises a filter comprising at least one first operational transconductance amplifier whose mutual conductance varies depending on a first control signal and a first capacitor, a second operational transconductance amplifier whose mutual conductance is controlled by the first control signal, a third operational transconductance amplifier whose mutual conductance is controlled by a second control signal, and a second capacitor connected to output terminals of the first and second operational transconductance amplifiers and input terminals of the filter.
US07719348B2 Capactive filter device incorporating a switching arrangement
A filter device is disclosed that includes a switched capacitor circuit.
US07719347B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit and method of controlling the same
In related arts, a body voltage needs to be controlled by separately detecting external environment such as temperature. In the related art, variation such as a process parameter for each individual product has not been considered. A semiconductor integrated circuit according to the present invention includes a comparator comparing a leak current of a first conductive type transistor with a leak current of a second conductive type transistor to output a comparing result, and a conduction control signal generator outputting a signal determining a conduction state of the first conductive type transistor and a conduction state of the second conductive type transistor in a power saving control target circuit in a power saving mode based on the comparing result.
US07719344B1 Stabilization component for a substrate potential regulation circuit
A stabilization component for substrate potential regulation for an integrated circuit device. A comparator is coupled to a charge pump to control the charge pump to drive a substrate potential. A stabilization component is coupled to the comparator and is operable to correct an over-charge of the substrate by shunting current from the substrate.
US07719335B2 Self-biased phase locked loop and phase locking method
The present invention discloses a self-bias phase locked loop including a phase frequency detector, a charge pump, a loop filter, a voltage control oscillator, a divider and a bias current converter. A charging or discharging current output from the charge pump equals to a first control current. A resistor of the loop filter is controlled by a first control voltage a second control voltage which is adjusted according to the first control voltage and a second control current. The loop filter boosts or lowers the first control voltage according to the charging or discharging current output from the charge pump. The voltage control oscillator generates a bias current according to the first control voltage and increases or decreases an oscillation frequency according to the boosted or lowered first control voltage, and symmetric loads of the voltage control oscillator are controlled by the first control voltage. The first control current output from the bias current converter equals to the ratio of the bias current to a constant, and the second control current output from the bias current converter equals to the ratio of the bias current to a frequency division factor. The circuit of the self-bias phase locked loop is simple and a low jitter.
US07719328B2 Self-biased phase locked loop
The present invention discloses a self-bias PLL including a phase frequency detector, a charge pump, a loop filter, a voltage control oscillator, a divider and a bias current converter. A charging or discharging current output from the charge pump equals to a first control current. A resistor of the loop filter is controlled by a first control voltage a second control voltage which is adjusted according to the first control voltage and a second control current. The loop filter increases or decreases the first control voltage according to the charging or discharging current output from the charge pump. The voltage control oscillator generates a bias current and an oscillation voltage according to the first control voltage and increases or decreases an oscillation frequency according to the increase or decrease of the oscillation voltage. The circuit structure of the self-bias PLL is simple and the self-bias PLL has a low jitter.
US07719326B2 Dual-modulus prescaler circuit operating at a very high frequency
The dual-modulus prescaler circuit (1) is devised to operate at a very high frequency. This circuit includes an assembly formed of two dynamic D-type flip flops (12, 13), and two NAND logic gates (15, 16) arranged in negative feedback between the two flip flops. The two flip flops are clocked by an input clock signal (CK) to supply a divided output signal (OUT) whose frequency matches the input clock frequency divided by 2 or by 3 as a function of a division mode selection signal (divb) applied to the input of the first NAND logic gate (15). One non-inverted output of the second flip flop is connected to one input of the first flip flop (12). The first dynamic flip flop includes three active branches and supplies a single inverted output signal. A third flip flop (14) with three active branches receives an inverted mode selection signal (div) at input in order to supply the mode selection signal to the inverted output thereof, clocked by the non-inverted output signal of the second flip flop.
US07719325B1 Active-load dominant circuit for common-mode glitch interference cancellation
An active-load dominant circuit for common-mode glitch interference cancellation, biased between a first voltage potential and a second voltage potential with an accompanying common-mode glitch interferer. The active-load dominant circuit includes a pair of pull-up networks and a pair of active-load networks. The common-mode glitch interferer is cancelled out due to a symmetric structure of the pair of pull-up networks. At least one set signal and at least one reset signal are provided to a latch in response to a clock signal or a complemented clock signal. At least one of the set signal and the reset signal can be pulled up to the first voltage potential or pulled down to the second voltage potential. The voltage difference of the set signal and the reset signal is large enough for a latch.
US07719324B1 Low voltage differential signal (LVDS) transmitter with output power control
A low voltage differential signal (LVDS) transmitter with output power control. Internal sensing circuitry monitors output current flow through the termination impedance. When a proper termination impedance is not connected to the output, the resulting improper output current flow (e.g., zero output current when no termination impedance is connected) is detected by the sensing circuitry, which causes the supply current to the output driver circuitry to be reduced. Additionally, further in response to such detection of improper output current flow, the sensing circuitry can cause the output voltage to be limited, e.g., clamped, at a predetermined maximum magnitude.
US07719322B2 Semiconductor device having differential signal detection circuit for entry into mode other than normal operation
A semiconductor device includes a differential circuit for receiving a differential signal at an input terminal and a detection circuit for outputting a detection signal when a predetermined signal is inputted to the input terminal. The detection circuit detects whether the differential signal becomes outside an electric input standard and outputs the detection signal.
US07719321B2 Short pulse rejection circuit and method thereof
A short pulse rejection circuit may include an edge detector, a filter circuit, a comparison circuit, and a gating circuit. The edge detector may delay an input signal to generate a delayed input signal, and detect an edge of the input signal to generate an edge detection signal. The filter circuit may perform a low pass filtering on the edge detection signal to generate a first signal. The comparison circuit may compare the first signal with a reference voltage. The gating circuit may gate the delayed input signal based on an output signal of the comparison circuit. Therefore, the short pulse rejection circuit may have a sufficient setup/hold time margin of a flip-flop, and may sample an input signal even when a state of the input signal does not change during an initial operation.
US07719320B2 Method and circuit for filtering glitches
A circuit for filtering glitches that corrupt a digital input signal includes an enable path input with the digital signal and a reset signal. The enable path generates a corresponding active output signal when the reset signal is null and the digital signal assumes a logic active value, or a null output signal when the reset signal is asserted. The circuit also includes a delay line producing an internal signal as delayed replica of the output signal. The circuit further includes a disable path enabled or disabled by the internal signal, which receives the digital signal and, when enabled, asserts the reset signal when the digital signal becomes null.
US07719316B2 Clock distribution network architecture for resonant-clocked systems
Disclosed herein is a digital system that includes a distribution network to carry a reference clock and a plurality of circuit domains coupled to the distribution network to receive the reference clock for synchronous operation in accordance with the reference clock. Each circuit domain of the plurality of circuit domains includes a respective clock generator driven by the reference clock to generate a resonant clock signal, respective circuitry coupled to the clock generator to operate in accordance with the resonant clock signal, with the circuitry including a capacitive load for the resonant clock signal and a respective inductance coupled to the circuitry and the clock generator to resonate the capacitive load of the circuitry.
US07719315B2 Programmable local clock buffer
A programmable clock generator circuit receives control signals and a global clock and generates a pulsed data clock and a scan clock in response to gating signals. The clock generator has data clock and scan clock feed-forward paths and a single feedback path. Delay control signals program delay elements in the feedback path and logic gates reshape and generate a feedback clock signal. The global clock and the feedback clock signal are combined to generates a pulsed local clock signal. A scan clock feed-forward circuit receives the local clock and generates the scan clock. A data clock feed-forward circuit receives the local clock and generates the data clock with a logic controlled delay relative to the local clock signal. The feedback clock is generated with controlled delay thereby modifying the pulse width of the data and scan clocks independent of the controlled delay of the data clock feed-forward path.
US07719314B1 Slew rate control circuit for small computer system interface (SCSI) differential driver
An interface driver circuit includes a plurality of delay cells. Each delay cell includes a data input, a delayed data output configured to communicate with the data input of an adjacent one of the plurality of delay cells. A delay time input is configured to set a delay value between receiving data at the data input and generating the delayed data output. A plurality of predrivers is configured to receive an output enable signal. A plurality of predrivers is configured to receive a corresponding one of the plurality of delayed data outputs. A plurality of predrivers is configured to generate a predriver output signal based on the output enable signal and the corresponding one of the plurality of delayed data outputs. The output enable signal enables and disables the plurality of predrivers and is independent of data of each delayed data output.
US07719312B2 Apparatus for configuring I/O signal levels of interfacing logic circuits
Apparatus for configuring input/output signal levels of interfacing logic circuits operating at different voltage levels comprises: a logic circuit for operating at a first voltage level; a bank of input/output gates coupled to the logic circuit for interfacing input/output signals at a second voltage level, different from the first voltage level, to the logic circuit, the bank of gates including a port for setting the operational voltage level thereof; and a control circuit coupled to the port and governed by a control signal to configure the operational voltage level of the bank of gates to render the logic circuit and the interfacing input/output signals voltage level compatible.
US07719303B2 Liquid crystal display device and analysis device including the same
In order to provide a liquid crystal display device which can detect a defective indication due to short circuit which occurs between a common electrode and a counter electrode by a conductive impurity enters into a liquid crystal display panel, and an analysis device including the same, a blood glucose meter includes a display section and a microcomputer. For performing an inspection for a defective indication on a liquid crystal display panel of the display section, the microcomputer uses ports as input/output ports for a defective indication inspection. The microcomputer detects whether an inspection signal sent from the port can be received at the other port or not to perform the inspection for a defective indication.
US07719300B2 Method for testing a semiconductor wafer and apparatus thereof
Reliability of results of a test such as a wafer burn-in test is raised. The present invention is a method for testing a plurality of semiconductor devices in a semiconductor wafer held in a cartridge. Each of the semiconductor devices has electrodes and the cartridge has a lower cartridge portion provided with a chuck holding the semiconductor wafer thereon, and an upper cartridge portion provided with a probe assembly having probes capable of contacting said electrodes. After constituting the cartridge and before placing the cartridge in the thermostatic chamber, a contact check to determine whether or not electrical contact between the electrodes of the semiconductor devices in the cartridge and the probes of the probe assembly is appropriate is performed.
US07719295B2 Method and apparatus for implementing IC device testing with improved SPQL, reliability and yield performance
A method for testing an integrated circuit device includes subjecting the integrated circuit device to an applied magnetic field during the application of one or more test signals, the applied magnetic field inducing magnetostriction effects in one or more materials comprising the integrated circuit device; and determining the existence of any defects within the integrated circuit device attributable to the applied magnetic field.
US07719294B1 Systems configured to perform a non-contact method for determining a property of a specimen
Systems configured to perform a non-contact method for determining a property of a specimen are provided. One system configured to perform a non-contact method for determining a property of a specimen includes a focused biasing device configured to provide a stimulus to a focused spot on the specimen. The system also includes a sensor configured to measure a parameter of a measurement spot on the specimen. The measurement spot overlaps the focused spot. The system further includes a processor configured to determine the property of the specimen from the parameter.
US07719290B2 Circuit configuration and method for measuring humidity
A circuit configuration for measuring air humidity includes a measuring system which includes an oscillator unit and a signal-processing unit, as well as a frequency-determining impedance, which is determined largely by a parallel connection of a capacitive humidity sensor and a parasitic resistance. The frequency-determining impedance is connected to the oscillator unit, which includes an oscillator having an oscillation frequency that is a function of the frequency-determining impedance. The oscillator unit includes a switchable impedance, which can be connected in addition to the frequency-determining impedance, the oscillator thereby being switchable from a first frequency range to a second frequency range. An oscillator signal having the oscillation frequency of the oscillator is supplied to the signal-processing unit in which the frequency of the oscillator signal is able to be measured, and a correction value to compensate for the influence of the parasitic parallel resistance on the oscillation frequency of the oscillator is ascertainable as a function of the difference between a first measurement of the frequency of the oscillator signal in the first frequency range and a second measurement of the frequency of the oscillator signal in the second frequency range.
US07719286B2 Method and circuit arrangement for verifying electrical contacts between a first output pin of a first power switch of a power switch device and an external node and a second output pin of a second power switch of said power switch device and said node
A first voltage, which is dropped out onto a pull-down resistor that is coupled to a first power circuit breaker, is compared to an adjustable first reference voltage in order to determine a first comparative value. A second voltage, which is dropped out onto the pull-up resistor that is coupled to the second power circuit breaker, is compared to an adjustable second reference voltage in order to determine a second comparative value. Determination then occurs according to the first comparative value and second comparative value as to whether the first output pin of the first power circuit breaker and the second output switch of the second power circuit breaker are contacted to each other. The first output pin and second output pin are connected to one another by way of a node outside the power circuit breaker.
US07719285B2 Ground fault detection
The present invention relates to a ground fault detection arrangement for a synchronous three-phase electrical machine, and an electrical system comprising a ground fault detection arrangement and a synchronous three-phase electrical machine. The ground fault detection arrangement injects an off-nominal frequency voltage between a neutral point of the synchronous three-phase electrical machine and ground and measure resultant currents to detect a ground fault.
US07719284B2 Apparatus for measuring voltage
An apparatus measures a voltage of a cell while scanning a group of cells in a cell stack, in which a plurality of cells is electrically connected in series. The apparatus has a first switching device and a voltage detecting device. The first switching device is connected in series with a signal line carrying a voltage of a cell. The voltage detecting device detects the voltage of the cell, which is electrically connected with signal lines carrying voltages of cells belonging to a group. When the first switching device is electrically connected with a connecting point between two successive groups of cells, the first switching device is shared by the two groups.
US07719283B2 Switching circuit and voltage measuring circuit
A switching circuit includes a capacitor, a combination battery having a plurality of unit cells connected in series, each of the unit cells containing battery, and a plurality of change-over switches sequentially connecting both ends of the each of the unit cells to the capacitor. The change-over switch has two semiconductor switches connected in series so that the source-drain directions thereof are oriented opposite to each other.
US07719282B2 Method and apparatus for mulit-component induction instrument measuring system for geosteering and formation resistivity data interpretation in horizontal, vertical and deviated wells
An improved induction tool for evaluating formation resistivity. The tool provides electromagnetic transmitters and sensors suitable for transmitting and receiving magnetic fields in radial directions that are orthogonal to the tool's longitudinal axis with minimal susceptibility to errors associated with parasitic eddy currents induced in the metal components surrounding the transmitter and receiver coils. A magnetic lens is provided to select sensitivity to a desired reservoir formation property.
US07719281B2 Method to control a magnetic resonance system with individually controllable RF transmission channels
In a method for controlling a magnetic resonance system having a radio-frequency antenna structure and a number of individually controllable transmission channels, respective parallel radio-frequency signals are emitted via the transmission channels for generation of a desired radio-frequency field distribution in at least one specific volume region within an examination volume of the magnetic resonance system. A digital signal is generated for each of the transmission channels and is modulated on a carrier frequency. The radio-frequency signal so generated is transmitted via a radio-frequency signal path to the radio-frequency antenna structure and is amplified therein in a radio-frequency power amplifier. The digital signal is manipulated in a characteristic curve correction device on the basis of a correction characteristic curve predetermined for the respective radio-frequency signal path such that a distortion of the radio-frequency signal caused in the appertaining radio-frequency signal path is at least partially compensated. Respective individual correction characteristic curves for a specific measurement are predetermined for the various transmission channels dependent on a field distribution parameter that defines the desired radio-frequency field distribution. A magnetic resonance system implements such a method.
US07719278B2 Method and apparatus for high-gain magnetic resonance imaging
A method and apparatus for Magnetic Resonance Imaging with specialized imaging coils possessing high Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR). Imaging and/or Radio Frequency receiving coils include a ballistic electrical conductor such as carbon nanotubes, the ballistic electrical conductor having a resistance that does not increase significantly with length. Due to their enhanced SNR properties, system designs with smaller static magnetic field strength can be constructed for the same quality of imaging, leading to substantial reductions in system size and cost, as well as to enhanced imaging with existing MRI systems.
US07719274B2 Method of obtaining a magnetic resonance image in which the streak artifacts are corrected using non-linear phase correction
A non-linear phase correction method is provided. For the non-linear phase correction method, image information is acquired by gradient echo echo planar imaging (EPI). Reference information is acquired by spin echo EPI. The image information is corrected based on the reference information.
US07719272B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a bed, a static field magnet, a gradient coil, a liner and a heat transfer material. The bed includes a table-top capable of placing thereon an object. The static field magnet generates a static magnetic field. The gradient coil, formed inside the static field magnet, generates gradient magnetic fields. The liner, provided inside the gradient coil, forms a bore in which the table-top is advanced or retreated. Further, the heat transfer material is attached to the liner.
US07719263B2 Inductive position measuring device or goniometer
The invention relates to an inductive position measuring device or goniometer having two to no more than five digital oscillators, each of which contains measuring coils or reference coils. Particularly favorable for one application as a transmission sensor is a coil array for three or four oscillators that includes two measuring coils and/or two reference coils. When one plate-shaped measuring element that is sensitive for eddy currents passes through the measuring area, a measuring coil arranged in a planar manner is increasingly covered. One reference coil is arranged such that it does not touch the movement track of the measuring element, but is exposed to the same ambient conditions (temperatures) as the measuring coil. Another reference coil is arranged such that it is covered by the measuring element in the entire measuring area and therefore can compensate the fluctuations in the spacing height between the planar coil array and the measuring element that occur during operation. It is also possible to use additional height reference coils to compensate tilting of the measuring element. Pulse frequencies of the digital oscillator signals are counted asynchronously and subtracted by pairs in a digital evaluation circuit.
US07719255B2 Safe input circuit with one-channel peripheral connection for the input of a bus participant
An input circuit for an input component is disclosed for enabling the safe reading of input signals applied to the input component. The disclosed input circuit for an input component, particularly a bus input component, enables the safe reading of input signals applied to the input component, particularly according to the standards Category 4 DIN EN 954 and SIL 3 IEC 61508, which is characterized by at least one signal input circuit with a one-channel periphery connection for the connection of at least one signal generator, an evaluation circuit, which can be connected electrically to the signal input circuit via a first coupling element, and a comparison circuit, which is connected electrically to the signal input circuit, for setting a reference voltage for the activation and deactivation of the coupling element.
US07719250B2 Half bridge switching regulator and electronic device
A half bridge step-up switching regulator is configured including an output voltage adjusting switch element Q1 for adjusting an output voltage; a synchronous switch element Q2, connected in series with the output voltage adjusting switch element Q1, that is complementary ON operated when the output voltage adjusting switch element Q1 is turned OFF; a voltage detecting section 10 for detecting the voltage at a connecting node of the switch elements in time of turn-OFF of the synchronous switch element; and a soft switch control section 20 for adjusting the timing of turn-OFF of the synchronous switch element Q2 based on the voltage fluctuation detected by the voltage detecting section 10 to perform zero current switching control.
US07719239B2 Fast field discharge for generator over-voltage control
A voltage regulator for controlling over-voltage conditions in an electrical generator by rapidly discharging the generator field winding current into a discharge resistor upon the detection of the over-voltage. A field discharge transistor is switched by a soft switching circuit to direct the generator field winding current to the discharge resistor. A hysteresis circuit detects when a point of regulation voltage exceeds a first threshold triggering the discharge of the generator field winding current. The hysteresis circuit also detects when the point of regulation voltage goes below a second lower threshold and triggers the field discharge transistor to bypass the discharge resistor and return to a normal mode.
US07719238B2 System for controlling charge/discharge of secondary battery, and battery controller
In a charging/discharging control system for controlling an allowable power level of a secondary battery at the time of charging/discharging operations, excessive discharging or recharging of the secondary battery is prevented, and excessive suppression of the charging/discharging of the secondary battery is prevented. A vehicle ECU controls charging/discharging of the secondary battery in accordance with a predetermined allowable power level. A battery ECU detects an actual loading power level of a secondary battery; calculates a differential power level between the detected actual loading power level and an allowable power level; measures the number of times the calculated differential power level has become equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value; and downwardly revises the allowable power level when the count has become equal to or greater than a predetermined upper-limit level.
US07719231B2 Equilibrated charging method for a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery
An equilibrated charging method for n cells of a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery, connected in series. The method is characterised in carrying out a continuous monitoring of the levels of charge of the different cells (1), from the beginning of the operation of charging the battery (2) and during the process and, as a function of the analysis of the levels of charge, to carry out a uniform supply to all the cells (1), or an equilibration of the levels of charge of the cells (1), by supplying the same in different manners, as a function of the levels of charge thereof.
US07719222B2 Mobile extraction-assist robot
An all-terrain mobile robot comprising a mobile robotic platform, having either wheels or tank-treaded-like legs capable of navigating over rough terrain, wherein the robotic platform utilizes dynamic balancing behavior; a hydraulic powered anthropomorphic torso and articulated arms, wherein the hydraulic system possesses a pressure sensor for enabling the anthropomorphic torso and articulated arms to lift a payload using acute and delicate movements that reduce the chance of causing structural harm to the payload.
US07719210B2 Constant brightness control for electro-luminescent lamp
A ballast (11) includes a variable output DC converter source (12) and an inverter circuit (14) arranged to provide AC output voltage to an electro-luminescent (EL) lamp (16). A Q factor of EL lamp can characterize the age of the EL lamp. A series resonance-parallel loaded circuit and two voltage detector (18, 20) are constructed to measure the Q factor. A processor (17) controls the output of DC voltage source in accordance with a look-up table containing constant brightness algorithm based on the derived voltage and Q relationship.
US07719209B2 Lighting apparatus and method
An apparatus for controlling two light sources using an input voltage from a mains light dimmer, the light sources comprising a first light source configured to emit light having a second colour temperature, wherein the second colour temperature is higher than the first colour temperature, the apparatus comprising an input connection for receiving the input voltage from the mains light dimmer, a sensor for sensing a value voltage of the input voltage, driving means for driving the light sources, and a controller for controlling the driving means responsive to said sensing.
US07719207B2 Apparatus for controlling light emitting devices
The present invention is related to the apparatus for driving the light emitting devices with different colors. The input powers of the light emitting devices are measured and controlled by a feedback control system to maintain constant, and by setting different power inputs to the different light emitting devices different stable colors are produced.
US07719205B2 Inverter for driving light source
An inverter for driving light source is disclosed. The inverter includes a pulse control unit for producing a conduction period signal, a power switch unit driven by the conduction period signal and a power conversion unit for outputting a driving power, wherein a waveform modulation unit is further connected between the power switch unit and the power conversion unit, and the waveform modulation unit obtains the input power from the power switch unit and converts thereof into a modulation power, wherein the modulation power includes a positive edge modulation period with gradually rising voltage peak and a negative edge modulation period with gradually falling voltage peak, with the positive edge modulation period has a duration longer than that of the negative edge modulation period, and the modulation power is transmitted to the power conversion unit for being further converted into the driving power.
US07719202B2 Light emitting diode driving circuit
A LED driving circuit mainly includes a commutation unit to transform an AC input cycle signal to a DC cycle signal, a switch unit which divides a driving power signal output to a LED and has a duty voltage value, a valley filled power factor correction circuit to receive the AC input cycle signal and stop conduction of the commutation unit when the voltage value of the AC input cycle signal is lower than a cutoff voltage value, and a piezoelectric inverter to receive the driving power signal of the switch unit and regulate the signal to an AC modulated power signal within a duty range of the LED to drive the LED to emit light.
US07719199B2 Controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration and direct energy conversion
A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions they are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
US07719197B2 Finite state machine vehicle headlight controller
A headlight control system provides a several automated operational features. A problem with such systems in the past is the possibility of inadvertent operation of the vehicle without headlights under low light or other adverse conditions. Automated control is achieved through use of a finite state machine which defaults from a plurality of transient conditions to a running state which provides operational outputs to the low beam bulbs of the headlights.
US07719187B2 Static and addressable emissive displays
The various embodiments of the invention provide an addressable or a static emissive display comprising a plurality of layers, including a first substrate layer, wherein each succeeding layer is formed by printing or coating the layer over preceding layers. Exemplary substrates include paper, plastic, rubber, fabric, glass, ceramic, or any other insulator or semiconductor. In an exemplary embodiment, the display includes a first conductive layer attached to the substrate and forming a first plurality of conductors; various dielectric layers; an emissive layer; a second, transmissive conductive layer forming a second plurality of conductors; a third conductive layer included in the second plurality of conductors and having a comparatively lower impedance; and optional color and masking layers. Pixels are defined by the corresponding display regions between the first and second plurality of conductors. Various embodiments are addressable, have a substantially flat form factor with a thickness of 1-3 mm, and are also scalable virtually limitlessly, from the size of a mobile telephone display to that of a billboard.
US07719177B2 Low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp and compact fluorescent lamp
A low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp has a light-transmitting discharge vessel (10) enclosing, in a gastight manner, a discharge space (11) provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas. The discharge vessel (10) comprises discharge means for maintaining a discharge in the discharge space (13). At least a part of an inner wall (12) of the discharge vessel (10) is provided with a protective layer (16). The discharge vessel (10) is provided with a luminescent layer (17) comprising a luminescent material. The luminescent layer (17) further comprises inorganic softening particles (27) with a softening point above 450° C. The size of the softening particles (27) is in the range from 0.01 to 10 gm. Preferably, the softening particles (27) are selected from the group formed by strontium borate, barium borate, yttrium borate, yttrium-strontium borate and calcium pyrophosphate.
US07719171B2 Method of fabricating hermetic terminal and hermetic terminal, method of fabricating piezoelectric oscillator and piezoelectric oscillator, oscillator, electronic appliance, and radio clock
A method of fabricating a hermetic terminal having an annular ring, a lead arranged to penetrate through the ring in which one end side thereof is an inner lead portion electrically connected to a piezoelectric vibrating piece and the other end side thereof is an outer lead portion electrically connected to outside as the ring is between them, and a filler fixing the lead to the ring, wherein the hermetic terminal seals the piezoelectric vibrating piece inside a case, the method includes the steps of: applying plating to a hermetic terminal intermediate having the lead fixed in the ring with the filler to plate the ring and the lead; setting the hermetic terminal intermediate after subjected to plating on a holding member; and flattening an end part of an inner lead portion in the lead to form a stair portion in the hermetic terminal intermediate set on the holding member.
US07719170B1 Self-focusing acoustic transducer with fresnel lens
Techniques, apparatus and systems that use an acoustic transducer with a Fresnel lens to focus an acoustic wave for various applications, including acoustic droplet ejectors.
US07719168B2 Braking device for an electric motor
A braking device for an electric motor includes two brake pads, which are connected to brake disks, which cooperate with a brake rail. The two brake pads are rigidly connected by a connecting element, which is able to experience a certain deflection under the influence of a piezoelectric element, which is used to distance the two brake pads from each other. An assembly, which includes the two brake pads and their connecting element, is fastened on a support by a fastening device, which is elastically deformable along the direction at right angles with respect to the brake rail and to the two brake pads. The elastically deformable fastening device is formed of plates, which are connected on one end to the assembly and on the other end to the support.
US07719163B2 Actuator having fixed and movable comb electrodes
An actuator that can be driven at a reduced voltage and manufactured with ease, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The actuator includes second supporting portions 31 and 32 secured to a supporting substrate 4 through a spacer, fixed portions 33 and 34 secured to the supporting substrate 4 with no intervention of the spacer, fixed comb electrodes 331 and 341 integrally formed the fixed portions 33 and 34 and meshing with movable comb electrodes 211 and 212 in a spaced-apart relationship, and bridge portions 35 and 36 for connecting the fixed portions 33 and 34 to the second supporting portions 31 and 32. The fixed portions 33 and 34 are affixed to the supporting substrate 4 in a condition that they are deflected toward the supporting substrate 4 with respect to the second supporting portions 31 and 32 while bending the bridge portions 35 and 36, thereby initially deflecting the fixed comb electrodes 331 and 341 so as to be out of alignment with the movable comb electrodes 211 and 212 in a thickness direction of the supporting substrate 4.
US07719162B2 Electrostatic actuator and controller with PWM driving
An electrostatic actuator and a method of driving the same are provided. The actuator controls the displacement of a target object by adjusting a voltage between fixed comb electrodes and a moving comb electrode. The actuator includes an actuator control signal generator generating an actuator control signal by pulse-width modulating an actuator driving signal and a carrier signal; and an actuator unit including the fixed comb electrodes and the moving comb electrode and adjusting the voltage according to the actuator control signal. Accordingly, the displacement can be easily controlled using the pulse-width-modulated actuator driving signal even when both the voltage of the actuator driving signal and the frequency of the carrier signal are high.
US07719159B2 Apparatus and method for constructing electrodynamic machines
A method, apparatus and system producing for electrodynamic machinery are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated stator-housing structure for constructing electrodynamic machines includes one or more field pole members. Each field pole member can have a first pole face and a second pole face. Also, the members each can have a field pole core being configured to produce a flux path in a direction from the first pole face to the second pole face. In one embodiment, the integrated stator-housing structure can also include a housing structure configured to support the one or more field pole members. The housing structure is configured to mate with one or more other housing structures to form an enclosure of an electrodynamic machine. In another embodiment, the housing structure is composed of potting compound formed with the one or more field pole members in, for example, a mold. In this case, the integrated stator-housing structure includes the potting compound and the field pole members. In a specific embodiment, the flux path is straight from the first pole face to the second pole face.
US07719154B2 Single field rotor motor
A single field rotor motor comprising a rotor mounted for rotation with respect to a stator. The stator has a plurality of stator poles each having a coil for creating a magnetic pole force. The rotor has a plurality of circumferentially spaced salient rotor poles formed thereon, and has a first axial end and a second axial end. Magnetic means are provided for creating an unchanging, single polarity field on all of the rotor poles by inducing flux into the axial ends of the rotor. Circuit means for alternately charge said stator coils to alternate the polarity of a given stator pole to alternately attract and repel said rotor poles to produce rotation of said rotor.
US07719153B2 Permanent magnet machine and method with reluctance poles and non-identical PM poles for high density operation
A method and apparatus in which a stator (11) and a rotor (12) define a primary air gap (20) for receiving AC flux and at least one source (23, 40), and preferably two sources (23, 24, 40) of DC excitation are positioned for inducing DC flux at opposite ends of the rotor (12). Portions of PM material (17, 17a) are provided as boundaries separating PM rotor pole portions from each other and from reluctance poles. The PM poles (18) and the reluctance poles (19) can be formed with poles of one polarity having enlarged flux paths in relation to flux paths for pole portions of an opposite polarity, the enlarged flux paths communicating with a core of the rotor (12) so as to increase reluctance torque produced by the electric machine. Reluctance torque is increased by providing asymmetrical pole faces. The DC excitation can also use asymmetric poles and asymmetric excitation sources. Several embodiments are disclosed with additional variations.
US07719150B2 Vibration-generating stepping motor
The present invention provides a vibration-generating stepping motor including: two stator yokes; a bearing that magnetically couples the two stator yokes; a rotor frame that rotates on a circumference of the stator yokes; and an eccentric weight that shifts a gravity center of the rotor frame from a rotation center of the rotor frame.
US07719147B2 Electric motor
A multi-phase electric motor comprises a stator comprising a plurality of wire coils surrounding a non-magnetizable core; a rotor with permanent magnets embedded therein, the rotor being disposed adjacent to the stator, the rotor being mounted on a rotatable drive shaft; a power source; a position sensor operably connected to the rotor; and a control circuit operably connected to the power source, the position sensor, and the wire coils, for controlling distribution of electrical energy to the wire coils. In this motor the control mechanism transfers electrical charge from a first coil to a second coil.
US07719145B2 Enhanced internal electrical generators
Enhanced internal electrical generators are provided which include pole pieces that form air gaps flanked with conductive wire coils. Rotatable armatures supporting permanent magnets are arranged to swing or revolve relative to the air gaps such that the magnetic flux thereof is intersected by the wire coils to generate electrical voltage and current therein. These generators may be incorporated within the housing of many portable devices such as cell phones to self generate electrical current useful for operating the device or recharging its batteries or other component that stores the generated electrical energy.
US07719144B2 Vertical actuator having a gravity compensation device
A vertical actuator has a stationary part that includes an upper part made of magnetic material which is magnetically separated from a yoke which bears a coil. The upper magnetic part generates an overall reluctance force on the movable part of the actuator which, over the entire functional range of the actuator, is slightly greater than the gravitational force. When the coil is not energized, the movable part has a position of stable equilibrium which is in the upper section of this functional range.
US07719142B2 Audio and tactile switch feedback for motor vehicle
An interface comprises a switch supported in relation to a motor vehicle interior trim component. The switch is operable to actuate and de-actuate an electrically operated device of the motor vehicle. A sensory feedback component is operatively connected to the switch for producing a sensory feedback when the switch is operated.
US07719137B2 DC-DC switching converter device
A DC-DC switching converter device (101), in particular a quarter-brick or eighth-brick device having an industry standard pin out, comprises a pulse-width modulation circuit (132) for driving a power converting switch, a trim connector (109) for adjusting an output voltage of the device, where the device (101) is designed such that the pulse-width modulation circuit (132) is synchronizable to an external oscillator by an external synchronization signal applied to the trim connector. A DC-DC converting circuit comprises a plurality of DC-DC switching converters (101) featuring trim connectors (109) for adjusting output voltages of the converters (101), whereby the converters (101) are connected such that they share a common input bus. It further features a system EMI (electromagnetic interference) filter common to all the DC-DC switching converters (101) and an external oscillator delivering an external synchronization signal to the plurality of DC-DC switching converters (101). The external oscillator is designed such that a frequency of the external synchronization signal is higher than a free running frequency of each of the plurality of DC-DC switching converters (101). The external oscillator is connected to the trim connectors (109) of the DC-DC switching converters (101).
US07719136B2 Power source control circuit, power supply device, and control method for the same
A control circuit for a power supply device, a power supply device, and the like are provided in which the power supply device has a plurality of DC/DC converters provided for generating voltage while the mutual relationship of potential between the voltage outputs is maintained. The control circuit 20 in the power supply device 10 which outputs different direct current voltages (VCC, VBGP, and VBGN) includes a voltage setting unit 22 for determining the setting level of a second direct current voltage VBGP which has a potential relationship with the setting level of the first direct current voltage VCC which is one of a plurality of the different direct current voltages.
US07719135B2 Multi-level power supply system for a complementary metal oxide semiconductor circuit
There is provided a circuit for managing a multi-level power supply. The circuit includes a comparator that compares a voltage level (Vs1) of a lower voltage supply bus to a voltage level (Vs2) of a higher voltage supply bus, and a switch that routes current from the lower voltage supply bus to the higher voltage supply bus if Vs2
US07719133B2 Digital wiring system for vehicles
The invention relates to a simplified digital wiring system for vehicles. The invention comprises a synchronisation generator (2) which is connected to a plurality of multiplexer modules (1a, 1b, 1b′) via a synchronisation (6) and, at other times, data line. In turn, the aforementioned multiplexer modules (1a, 1b, 1b′) are connected to a plurality of inputs and/or outputs for receiving/transmitting data from/to electroelectronic devices, such that the synchronisation generator selects a multiplexer module so that said module manages the inputs and/or outputs thereof and, in this way, can control the operations of the different electroelectronic devices (13-19). Moreover, the multiplexer modules can be connected to the synchronisation generator (2) in parallel (1a) or in series (1b, 1b′). The invention is advantageous in that the multiplexer modules (1a, 1b, 1b′) are connected using a single synchronisation (6) and data (7) line, thereby simplifying the wiring.
US07719131B2 Apparatus for monitoring a supply system, in particular a motor-vehicle electrical system, and method for monitoring a supply system of this type
In order to monitor an electrical supply system, in particular of a motor vehicle, which is at least partially mounted on a carbon-fiber supporting structure, a monitoring unit is provided and electrically connected to the carbon-fiber supporting structure at preferably a plurality of measurement points. Voltage values are tapped off at the measurement points and compared with permissible voltage values. If the voltage values exceed permissible maximum limits, on account of a short circuit for example, this is judged to be an indication of an impermissible current across the carbon-fiber supporting structure, and a power source is disconnected from the supply system, in particular.
US07719128B2 System and method for controlling a wind turbine during loss of grid power and changing wind conditions
An apparatus and method for controlling a wind turbine having a plurality of blades such that the blade angle of each blade is continuously adjusted during loss of grid power relative to a wind direction relative to an orientation of the nacelle (i.e., yaw offset) and a rotor azimuth while keeping the orientation of the nacelle of the wind turbine substantially constant. The wind turbine is capable of pitching the blades a full 360 degrees and generating power from the rotation of the rotor shaft during loss of grid power.
US07719122B2 System-in-package packaging for minimizing bond wire contamination and yield loss
A system-in-package (SiP) package is provided. In one embodiment, the SiP package comprises a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the substrate having a set of bond wire studs on bond pads formed on the second surface thereof; a first semiconductor chip having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the first semiconductor chip is mounted to the second surface of the substrate by means of solder bumps; an underfill material disposed between the first semiconductor chip and the substrate, encapsulating the solder bumps; a second semiconductor chip having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the second semiconductor chip is mounted to the second surface of the first semiconductor chip; and a set of bond wires electrically coupled from the second semiconductor chip to the set of bond wire studs on the substrate.
US07719120B2 Multi-component integrated circuit contacts
An integrated circuit connection is describe that includes a first, securing member and a second, connection member. The first member, in an embodiment, is a spike that has a portion of its body fixed in a layer of an integrated circuit structure and extends outwardly from the integrated circuit structure. The second material is adapted to form a mechanical connection to a further electrical device. The second material (e.g., solder), is held by the first member to the integrated circuit structure. The first member increases the strength of the connection and assists in controlling the collapse of second member to form the mechanical connection to another circuit. The connection is formed by coating the integrated circuit structure with a patterned resist and etching the layer beneath the resist. A first member material (e.g., metal) is deposited. The resist is removed. The collapsible material is fixed to the first member.
US07719119B2 Semiconductor device, electronic apparatus comprising the same, and method for fabrication of substrate for semiconductor device used therein
A semiconductor device has upper electrodes and external terminals which are protruding above the both surfaces of a substrate for semiconductor device and connected to each other by penetrating electrodes, a first insulating film covering at least a metal pattern except for the portions of the first insulating film corresponding to the upper electrodes, a second insulating film covering at least another metal pattern except for the portions of the second insulating film corresponding to the external terminals, and a semiconductor element connected to the upper electrodes and placed on the substrate for semiconductor device. The solder-connected surface of the external terminal is positioned to have a height larger than that of a surface of the second insulating film. The semiconductor element is placed on the first insulating film and covered, together with the upper electrodes, with a mold resin.
US07719117B2 Semiconductor device having multilayer wiring structure
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a lower wiring layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, a first interlayer insulating film formed on the lower wiring layer and including a first upper surface and a second upper surface, the first upper surface being higher than the second upper surface relative to a surface of the semiconductor substrate, a contact plug formed in the interlayer insulating film and including a first bottom surface contacting to the lower wiring layer, a third upper surface flush with the second upper surface and a fourth upper surface flush with the first upper surface, an upper wiring layer formed on the first and third upper surfaces and including a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and a second interlayer insulating film formed on the second and fourth upper surfaces.
US07719107B2 Semiconductor device and electronic apparatus equipped with the semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprises an IC chip body and a package substrate that has thereon many external electrodes arranged in a two-dimensional grid configuration. Groups of signal lines that are likely to emit noise (noisy signal lines) are separated and spaced apart from groups of signal lines that are susceptible to noise (noise susceptible signal lines). Each of the noisy signal lines and noise susceptible signal lines is connected to an associated member of an associated IC pad group separated and spaced apart from other IC pad groups. Further, each of the noisy signal lines and noise susceptible signal lines is connected to an associated member of an associated external electrode group selected from the multiplicity of external electrodes arranged in a two-dimensional grid configuration on the package substrate. Thus, groups of potentially interfering signal lines are mutually separated and spaced apart from one another, thereby suppressing the noise.
US07719106B2 Semiconductor device, electronic card and pad rearrangement substrate
A semiconductor device comprises a substrate, an external terminal provided on the substrate, an internal wiring pattern electrically connected to the external terminal, a semiconductor chip mounted on the substrate and electrically connected to the internal wiring pattern, and an antenna pattern. The antenna pattern provided at each of adjacent two corner portions of the substrate and is grounded.
US07719105B2 High speed electrical interconnects and method of manufacturing thereof
A high speed electrical interconnection system is provided. The interconnection system comprises one or more electrical signal lines, or differential pairs of signal lines, and an inhomogeneous dielectric system. The dielectric system further comprises a homogeneous dielectric layer interposed between the electrical signal lines, and electrical conducting planes including a periodic array etched in the conducting material of the conducting plane. The inhomogeneous dielectric system exhibits a lower dielectric constant as compared to the dielectric constant of the homogeneous dielectric layer, resulting in lower microwave loss, reduced signal propagation delay, reduced signal skew, and increased signal bandwidth. The interconnection system may be implemented for connecting one or more high speed electron elements on-chip, off-chip, chip-chip connection on multilayer printed circuit boards, high speed die-package, high speed connectors, and high speed electric cables.
US07719091B2 Diode with improved switching speed
A diode having a first semiconductor region of a first polarity and a second semiconductor region of an opposite polarity at least partially surrounding the first semiconductor region. A metal contact coupled to the second semiconductor region at least partially surrounding the first semiconductor region. The diode offers improvements in switching speed.
US07719089B2 MOSFET having a channel region with enhanced flexure-induced stress
A semiconductor device is provided that includes a semiconductor substrate, an n-channel MOSFET formed on the substrate and a p-channel MOSFET formed on the substrate. A first layer is formed to cover the n-channel MOSFET, wherein the first layer has a first flexure-induced stress. A second layer is formed to cover the p-channel MOSFET, wherein the second layer has a second flexure-induced stress.
US07719087B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a GaAs chip; and a resin sealing the GaAs chip. The GaAs chip includes: a p-type GaAs layer; an n-type GaAs layer on the p-type GaAs layer; a metal electrode located on the n-type GaAs layer along an edge of the GaAs chip and to which a positive voltage is applied; a device region located in a central portion of the GaAs chip; a semi-insulating region located between the metal electrode and the device region and extending in the p-type GaAs layer and the n-type GaAs layer; and a connecting portion disposed outside the semi-insulating region and electrically connecting the p-type GaAs layer to the metal electrode.
US07719085B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device 1 includes an interconnect 12, a conductive layer 14 (first conductive layer), an insulating layer 20 (first insulating layer), another conductive layer 30 (second conductive layer), another insulating layer 40 (second insulating layer), a via plug 52 (first via plug), and another via plug 54 (second via plug). In the semiconductor device 1, the conductive layer 14, the insulating layer 20 and the conductive layer 30 constitute a MIM capacitor (capacitor element). To be more detailed, the conductive layer 14, the insulating layer 20 and the conductive layer 30 serve as a lower electrode, an insulating capacitor film and an upper electrode, respectively. The insulating layer 40 covers both the conductive layer 30 and the interconnect 12. The insulating layer 40 works as the etching stopper for the via plugs 52, 54.
US07719083B2 Integrated spiral inductor
An integrated receiver with channel selection and image rejection substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. A receiver front end provides programmable attenuation and a programmable gain low noise amplifier. Frequency conversion circuitry advantageously uses LC filters integrated onto the substrate in conjunction with image reject mixers to provide sufficient image frequency rejection. Filter tuning and inductor Q compensation over temperature are performed on chip. The filters utilize multi track spiral inductors with shields to increase circuit Q. The filters are tuned using local oscillators to tune a substitute filter, and frequency scaling during filter component values to those of the filter being tuned. In conjunction with filtering, frequency planning provides additional image rejection. The advantageous choice of local oscillator signal generation methods on chip is by PLL out of band local oscillation and by direct synthesis for in band local oscillator. The VCOs in the PLLs are centered using a control circuit to center the tuning capacitance range. A differential crystal oscillator is advantageously used as a frequency reference. Differential signal transmission is advantageously used throughout the receiver. ESD protection is provided by a pad ring and ESD clamping structure that maintains signal integrity. Also provided are shunts at each pin to discharge ESD build up. The shunts utilize a gate boosting structure to provide sufficient small signal RF performance, and minimal parasitic loading.
US07719081B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In a semiconductor device of the present invention, an epitaxial layer is formed on a P type single crystal silicon substrate. Isolation regions are formed in the epitaxial layer, and are divided into a plurality of element formation regions. An NPN transistor is formed in one of the element formation regions. An N type diffusion layer is formed between a P type isolation region and a P type diffusion layer which is used as a base region of the NPN transistor. This structure makes the base region and the isolation region tend not to be short-circuited. Hence, the breakdown voltage characteristics of the NPN transistor can be improved.
US07719080B2 Semiconductor device with a conduction enhancement layer
A semiconductor device includes a drift layer of a first conductivity type having a doping concentration and a conduction layer also of the first conductivity type on the drift layer that has a doping concentration greater than the doping concentration of the drift layer. The device also includes a pair of trench structures, each including a trench contact at one end and a region of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, at another end. Each trench structure extends into and terminates within the conduction layer such that the second-conductivity-type region is within the conduction layer. A first contact structure is on the drift layer opposite the conduction layer while a second contact structure is on the conduction layer.
US07719078B2 Semiconductor device and method of producing the same
In a semiconductor device having element isolation made of a trench-type isolating oxide film 13, large and small dummy patterns 11 of two types, being an active region of a dummy, are located in an isolating region 10, the large dummy patterns 11b are arranged at a position apart from actual patterns 9, and the small dummy patterns 11a are regularly arranged in a gap at around a periphery of the actual patterns 9, whereby uniformity of an abrading rate is improved at a time of abrading an isolating oxide film 13a is improved, and surface flatness of the semiconductor device becomes preferable.
US07719077B2 Method for the production of a semiconductor component
Disclosed is a method for the production of a semiconductor component provided with at least one first vertical power component (5,9) and at least one lateral, active component (6) and/or at least one second vertical power component (10) between which is placed at least one trench (2) filled with an insulation (4). Also disclosed is a semiconductor component produced with the method.The semiconductor component is distinguished by an eccentric or concentric arrangement of the respective functional components (5,6,9,10) which are separated from each other by a trench insulation.To produce such a semiconductor component, at least one trench (2), which completely encompasses at least one part area of the front side and then is filled with an insulation (4) is etched into a silicon substrate (1). In the further course of the method, the entire area of the silicon substrate (1) is thinned (1) from said back side to said insulation (4), i.e. to the bottom side of the insulation. Contacting of the power components (5,9,10) occurs from the back side.
US07719070B2 Non-magnetic semiconductor spin transistor
A nonmagnetic semiconductor device which may be utilized as a spin resonant tunnel diode (spin RTD) and spin transistor, in which low applied voltages and/or magnetic fields are used to control the characteristics of spin-polarized current flow. The nonmagnetic semiconductor device exploits the properties of bulk inversion asymmetry (BIA) in (110)-oriented quantum wells.The nonmagnetic semiconductor device may also be used as a nonmagnetic semiconductor spin valve and a magnetic field sensor. The spin transistor and spin valve may be applied to low-power and/or high-density and/or high-speed logic technologies. The magnetic field sensor may be applied to high-speed hard disk read heads.The spin RTD of the present invention would be useful for a plurality of semiconductor spintronic devices for spin injection and/or spin detection.
US07719067B2 Devices having vertically-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making the same
Electro-mechanical switches and memory cells using vertically-oriented nanofabric articles and methods of making the same. Under one aspect, a nanotube device includes a substantially horizontal substrate having a vertically oriented feature; and a nanotube film substantially conforming to a horizontal feature of the substrate and also to at least the vertically oriented feature. Under another aspect, an electromechanical device includes a structure having a major horizontal surface and a channel formed therein, the channel having first and second wall electrodes defining at least a portion of first and second vertical walls of the channel; first and second nanotube articles vertically suspended in the channel and in spaced relation to a corresponding first and second wall electrode, and electromechanically deflectable in a horizontal direction toward or away from the corresponding first and second wall electrode in response to electrical stimulation.
US07719066B2 Electrostatic micro switch, production method thereof, and apparatus provided with electrostatic micro switch
An electrostatic micro switch includes a fixed electrode disposed on a fixed substrate; a movable substrate elastically supported by the fixed substrate, the movable substrate including a movable electrode facing the fixed electrode. The movable substrate includes a semiconductor including a plurality of regions having different values of resistivity and a region of high resistivity is disposed near the movable electrode.
US07719063B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit having plural transistors
A layout for placing a circuit having a plurality of transistors in a small-width region. A search section inputs data on a circuit and searches for a set of routes formed so that passage through a transistor occurs only one time and so that the combination of routes covers the entire circuit network. An extraction section extracts a set of routes having the smallest number of routes. A width determination section determines the layout width from source and drain electrodes, the region between the source and drain electrodes, the region between adjacent pairs of the transistors not combined into a common electrode, the number of transistors, and the smallest number of routes. A layout determination section forms a layout in which the source, drain and gate electrodes of the transistor included in the circuit are placed in a small-width region.
US07719058B2 Mixed-signal semiconductor platform incorporating fully-depleted castellated-gate MOSFET device and method of manufacture thereof
A Mixed-Signal Semiconductor Platform Incorporating Castellated-Gate MOSFET device(s) capable of Fully-Depleted operation is disclosed along with a method of making the same. The composite device/technology platform has robust I/O applications and includes a starting semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type. One or more isolated regions of at least a first conductivity type is separated by trench isolation insulator islands. Within an isolated region designated for castellated-gate MOSFETs there exists a semiconductor body consisting of an upper portion with an upper surface, and a lower portion with a lower surface. Also within the castellated-gate MOSFET region, there exists a source region, a drain region, and a channel-forming region disposed between the source and drain regions, and are all formed within the semiconductor substrate body. The channel-forming region within the isolated castellated-gate MOSFET region is made up of a plurality of thin, spaced, vertically-orientated conductive channel elements that span longitudinally along the device between the source and drain regions. One or more of the trench isolated regions may contain at least one type or polarity of logic and/or memory computing device. Alternately or additionally, one or more type of Logic and/or memory device may be incorporated within vertically displaced regions above the active body region of the semiconductor wafer, embedded within Interlevel Dielectric Layers.
US07719053B2 Semiconductor device having increased gate-source capacity provided by protruding electrode disposed between gate electrodes formed in a trench
A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor region of the first conduction type. A first main electrode is connected to the semiconductor region. A base region of the second conduction type is formed on the semiconductor region. A diffused region of the first conduction type is formed on the base region. A second main electrode is connected to the diffused region and the base region. A first trench is formed extending from a surface of the diffused region to the semiconductor region. A second trench is formed from the first trench deeper than the first trench. A gate electrode is formed on a side of the first trench via a first insulator film. A protruded electrode is formed in the second trench via a second insulator film as protruded lower than the gate electrode.
US07719051B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor storage device and manufacturing method thereof
A charge holding insulating film in a memory cell is constituted by a laminated film composed of a bottom insulating film, a charge storage film, and a top insulating film on a semiconductor substrate. Further, by performing a plasma nitriding treatment to the bottom insulating film, a nitride region whose nitrogen concentration has a peak value and is 1 atom % or more is formed on the upper surface side in the bottom insulating film. The thickness of the nitride region is set to 0.5 nm or more and 1.5 nm or less, and the peak value of nitrogen concentration is set to 5 atom % or more and 40 atom % or less, and a position of the peak value of nitrogen concentration is set within 2 nm from the upper surface of the bottom insulating film, thereby suppressing an interaction between the bottom insulating film and the charge storage film.
US07719045B2 Capacitor for a semiconductor device and method of forming the same
In a capacitor having a high dielectric constant, the capacitor includes a cylindrical lower electrode, a dielectric layer and an upper electrode. A metal oxide layer is formed on inner, top and outer surfaces of the lower electrode as the dielectric layer. A first sub-electrode is formed on a surface of the dielectric layer along the profile of the lower electrode and a second sub-electrode is continuously formed on the first sub-electrode corresponding to the top surface of the lower electrode, so an opening portion of the lower electrode is covered with the second sub-electrode. The first and second sub-electrodes include first and second metal nitride layers in which first and second stresses are applied, respectively. Directions of the first and second stresses are opposite to each other. Accordingly, cracking is minimized in the upper electrode with the high dielectric constant, thereby reducing current leakage.
US07719043B2 Semiconductor device with fin-type field effect transistor and manufacturing method thereof.
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device including a Fin type field effect transistor (FET) having a protrusive semiconductor layer protruding from a substrate plane, a gate electrode formed so as to straddle the protrusive semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film between the gate electrode and the protrusive semiconductor layer, and source and drain regions provided in the protrusive semiconductor layer, wherein the semiconductor device has on a semiconductor substrate an element forming region having a Fin type FET, a trench provided on the semiconductor substrate for separating the element forming region from another element forming region, and an element isolation insulating film in the trench; the element forming region has a shallow substrate flat surface formed by digging to a depth shallower than the bottom surface of the trench and deeper than the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor raised portion protruding from the substrate flat surface and formed of a part of the semiconductor substrate, and an insulating film on the shallow substrate flat surface; and the protrusive semiconductor layer of the Fin type FET is formed of a portion protruding from the insulating film of the semiconductor raised portion.
US07719039B2 Phase change memory structures including pillars
A phase change memory cell has a first electrode, a heater, a phase change material, and a second electrode. The heater is over the first electrode, and the heater includes a pillar. The phase change material is around the heater. The second electrode is electrically coupled to the phase change material. In some embodiments, a method includes forming a electrode layer over a substrate, depositing a first layer, providing nanoclusters over the first layer, and etching the first layer. The first layer comprises one of a group consisting of a heater material and a phase change material. The first layer may be etched using the nanocluster defined pattern to form pillars from the first layer.
US07719038B2 Semiconductor device having multi-channel and method of fabricating the same
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a semiconductor device having a multi-channel and a method of fabricating the same. In an aspect, the semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate in which isolation layers are formed, a plurality of trenches formed within an active region of the semiconductor substrate, and a channel active region configured to connect opposite sidewalls within each trench region and having a surface used as a channel region.
US07719037B2 Image sensor having reset transistor
An image sensor includes a reset transistor, reset gate electrodes and a potential shift circuit. The reset transistor includes a reset gate and a reset drain, and resets charges detected by a charge detection device. The reset gate electrodes control a potential of the reset gate. The potential shift circuit initializes output signals in response to a shift pulse, and outputs the output signals to the reset gate electrodes in response to a reset pulse.
US07719029B2 Negative feedback avalanche diode
A single-photon avalanche detector is disclosed that is operable at wavelengths greater than 1000 nm and at operating speeds greater than 10 MHz. The single-photon avalanche detector comprises a thin-film resistor and avalanche photodiode that are monolithically integrated such that little or no additional capacitance is associated with the addition of the resistor.
US07719021B2 Light efficient LED assembly including a shaped reflective cavity and method for making same
A method for making an efficient light emitting diode (LED) assembly by providing a thermally conductive base having a surface cavity, disposing a reflective paste in the surface cavity, and shaping the reflective paste to form a reflective cavity. The reflective cavity is shaped such that there is a mounting region and at least one reflective side wall at least partially surrounding the mounting region. Once shaped, the reflective paste is fired to set the reflective cavity in its shaped form. Next, one or more LED die may be mounted on the mounting region of the reflective cavity such that the emitted light is reflected by the side walls, thus increasing the light output of the LED assembly.
US07719014B2 Light emitting device, method of manufacturing the same, and manufacturing apparatus therefor
A light emitting device having high definition, a high aperture ratio, and high reliability is provided. The present invention achieves high definition and a high aperture ratio with a full color flat panel display using red, green, and blue color emission light by intentionally forming laminate portions, wherein portions of different organic compound layers of adjacent light emitting elements overlap with each other, without depending upon the method of forming the organic compound layers or the film formation precision.
US07719011B2 Emissive device and electronic apparatus
An emissive device includes a substrate; a switching element disposed on a surface of the substrate; an insulating layer covering the switching element; a contact hole disposed in the insulating layer; a first electrode disposed on a surface of the insulating layer and electrically connected to the switching element via the contact hole in the insulating layer; a second electrode disposed at a side opposite the substrate with respect to the first electrode; a luminescent layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a light shield disposed at a side from which light from the luminescent layer emerges and having a portion covering the contact hole when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate.
US07719006B2 Physical quantity sensor and semiconductor device having package and cover
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor chip; a package for accommodating the chip, wherein the package has a box shape with an opening and a bottom; and a cover for sealing the opening of the package. The semiconductor chip is disposed on the bottom of the package. The cover has a plate shape. The cover includes a protrusion, which is disposed at a center of the plate shape. The protrusion protrudes toward an outside of the package.
US07719003B2 Active organic semiconductor devices and methods for making the same
Techniques for disposing an organic semiconductor film on a receiver substrate, comprising the steps of: depositing an organic semiconductor film onto a donor substrate, the semiconductor film having a first surface facing the donor substrate and having an exposed second surface; bringing the exposed second surface adjacent a receiver substrate such that the semiconductor film is in contact with both substrates; and then, moving the donor and receiver substrates apart; and wherein a surface portion of the receiver substrate is maintained above its glass transition during the moving step. Active organic semiconductor devices.
US07719000B2 Organic semiconductor materials using stacking-inducing compounds, compositions comprising such materials, organic semiconductor thin films formed using such compositions, and organic electronic devices incorporating such thin films
Disclosed are organic semiconductor materials, including mixtures of relatively low molecular weight aromatic ring compounds, in which at least one nitrogen atom or oxygen atom is present as a heteroatom in the aromatic ring compounds for forming hydrogen bonds between the heteroatom(s) and adjacent molecules and thereby increase intermolecular stacking. Organic semiconductor layers formed using such organic semiconductor materials will, accordingly, exhibit increased intermolecular stacking and associated improvements in one or more electrical properties of the semiconductor layer. Organic thin film transistors incorporating such organic semiconductor layers will tend to exhibit improved transistor properties including, for example, increased carrier mobility and reduced off-state leakage current. Further, the organic semiconductor layers may be manufactured using conventional room temperature processes, for example, spin coating or printing, thereby simplifying the fabrication process.
US07718994B2 Array substrates for use in liquid crystal displays and fabrication methods thereof
Array substrates for use in TFT-LCDs and fabrication methods thereof. A transparent conductive layer, a first metal layer, a first insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, a second insulating layer and a sacrificial layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. With a first photomask, a photoresist layer with various thicknesses is formed on part of the sacrificial layer. Using the photoresist layer as an etching mask, a gate line having a gate, a channel layer on the gate, a gate pad at the end portion of the gate line, a pixel electrode and a source pad are defined. An insulating spacer is formed on the sidewalls of the gate and gate line. With a second photomask, a source line, source and drain are formed. The source pad connects the end portion of the source line. An array substrate is thus obtained with only two photomasks.
US07718988B2 Multi-bit memory device having resistive material layers as storage node and methods of manufacturing and operating the same
Provided are a multi-bit memory device having resistive material layers as a storage node, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. The memory device includes a substrate, a transistor formed on the substrate, and a storage node coupled to the transistor, wherein the storage node includes: a lower electrode connected to the substrate; a first phase change layer formed on the lower electrode; a first barrier layer overlying the first phase change layer; a second phase change layer overlying the first barrier layer; and an upper electrode formed on the second phase change layer.
US07718987B2 Electrically writable and erasable memory medium having a data element with two or more multiple-layer structures made of individual layers
A memory cell for an electrically writeable and erasable memory medium as well as a memory medium thereof is provided. The memory cell comprises a data recording element, the data recording element has a plurality of multiple-layer structure disposed one on top of another; each the multiple-layer structure comprising a plurality of sequentially disposed individual layers. At least one of the plurality of individual layers is capable of changing phase between a crystalline state and an amorphous state in response to an electrical pulse, one of the plurality of individual layers having at least one atomic element which is absent from other one of the plurality of individual layers, and the plurality of multiple-layer structure is of a superlattice-like structure to lower a heat diffusion out of the data recording element to shorten a phase change time of the respective individual layers.
US07718985B1 Advanced droplet and plasma targeting system
Methods, systems, apparatus, devices for tracking, controlling and providing feedback on droplets used in EUV source technology. The method and system track and correct positions of droplet targets and generated plasma including generating the droplet target or plasma, optically imaging the generated target, determining position coordinates, comparing the position coordinates to a set optimal position to determine if a deviation has occurred and moving the generated target back to the optimal position if the deviation has occurred. The optical imaging step includes activating a light source to image the generated target, the light source is strobed at approximately the same rate as the droplet production to provide illumination of the droplet for stroboscopic imaging. The step of moving is accomplished mechanically by moving the generated target back to the predefined position or electronically under computer control.
US07718984B2 Optimized nuclear radiation shielding within composite structures for combined man made and natural radiation environments
A composition for radiation shielding or range of compositions which compositions may be used for a variety of radiation shielding applications. With proper adhesive selection and processing, the construction forms an integral bond with the craft as compatible adhesives form strong bonds. This eliminates the potential for delaminating associated with the use of metallic layered shielding. While prior art protects electronics with a direct coating to electronic packages, this approach allows larger equipment systems, such as optics, or spectrometers, to be shielded.
US07718975B2 Multi-stage waveform detector
A waveform detector may include multiple stages.
US07718973B2 Radiation imaging apparatus and radiation imaging system
A radiation imaging apparatus comprises a read unit reading electric signals from radiation detecting elements that are arranged two-dimensionally and that convert incident radiation into electric signals. A control unit controls the radiation detecting unit such that a first radiation detecting element is switched into a state in which charge generated therein cannot be taken out (a “senseless state”) and a second radiation detecting element is switched into a state in which it charge generated therein by incident radiation can be taken out (a “sensible state”), and a signal processing unit performs a subtraction processing such that the electric signal from the radiation detecting element that is in the senseless state is subtracted from the electric signal from the radiation detecting element that is in the sensible state, to reduce conspicuous line noise in an image by means of a relatively simple configuration.
US07718972B2 Radiation detector
An emitted light in a scintillator element is sufficiently diffused in the scintillator array to be inputted into a photo multiplier tube (PMT) using a side face light guide that is optically coupled with respect to a side face of a scintillator array, except for in an end area. In the end area, the emitted light in the scintillator element is sufficiently diffused also in the side face light guide to be inputted into the PMT. In this way, also in the scintillator element in the end area, the emitted light is sufficiently diffused in the side face light guide, and thereby the precision of separation of a position calculation map in the end area may be improved, resulting in improved discriminating ability of a position in the end area.
US07718970B2 Infrared detection unit using a semiconductor optical lens
An infrared detection unit includes a base carrying an infrared sensor element, and a cap configured to be fitted on the base to surround the infrared sensor element. The cap has a top wall with a window in which a semiconductor lens is fitted to collect an infrared radiation onto the infrared sensor element. The semiconductor optical lens is formed from a semiconductor substrate to have a convex lens and a flange which surround said convex lens. An infrared barrier is formed on the semiconductor lens to block the infrared radiation from passing through the boundary between the circumference of the convex lens and the window. Accordingly, the infrared sensor element can receive only the infrared radiation originating from a detection area intended by the convex lens.
US07718969B2 Methods and systems for generating amplified terahertz radiation for analyzing remotely-located objects
A method for generating amplified terahertz radiation includes inducing a first volume of a gas to produce a seed plasma and emit pulsed seed terahertz radiation by focusing an optical seed beam in the first volume. The seed terahertz radiation is then amplified by focusing an optical gain beam to produce a gain plasma in a second volume overlapping with the pulsed seed terahertz radiation remote from the seed plasma. The method may be implemented in a system for detecting and analyzing a remotely-located object such as an explosive material, a biological agent, and a chemical agent.
US07718964B2 High time-resolution ultrasensitive optical sensor using a planar waveguide leakage mode, and methods for making same
A high time-resolution ultrasensitive optical detector, using a planar waveguide leakage mode, and methods for making the detector. The detector includes a stacking with a dielectric substrate, a detection element, first and second dielectric layers, and a dielectric superstrate configured to send photon(s) into the light guide formed by the first layer. The thicknesses of the layers is chosen to enable a resonant coupling between the photon(s) and a leakage mode of the guide, the stacking having an absorption resonance linked to the leakage mode for a given polarization of the photon(s).
US07718961B1 Photoelectron microscope
A photoelectron microscope with a magnetic projections lens incorporating a cyclotron orbit radius filter. The microscope can be used with a monochromatic source of photons to image surface potential and Fermi level shifts with sub micron spatial resolution.
US07718956B2 Use of elemental pulse neutron spectroscopy measurements for indexing bitumen viscosity in the well
Elemental analysis of an earth formation is obtained using measurements from a gamma ray logging tool. From the elemental analysis, an estimate of the carbon content and the sulfur, vanadium, nickel, titanium and/or molybdenum content of the formation is determined. A table look-up is used to estimate the viscosity from the elemental composition.
US07718950B2 High resolution thin film tactile device to detect distribution of stimuli on by touch
A sensor to detect and map various mechanical stimuli spatially distributed over the area of contact with the surface of the sensor. The sensor is a thin film including a stack of alternating layers of nanoparticles and dielectric materials sandwiched between electrodes. By applying a bias between the electrodes, the applied stimuli to the sensor is converted to light and/or device-current through the stack. The optical signal may be directly focused on a photo detector, such as a digital camera, to image the distribution of the stimuli. The electronic signal in the form of spatial distribution of device-current over the area of contact may be obtained by patterning top and bottom electrodes and analyzed using standard electronics. The sensor has applications in many fields, including medicine, forensics, basic and applied research, and robotics.
US07718945B2 Solid state imaging device including photodetecting section, row selecting section for changing the electric charge accumulating time of each row, and signal processing section
A solid-state imaging device 1 is provided with (1) a photodetecting section 11 in which M×N of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged in M rows and N columns, and a pixel Pm,n at the m-th row and the n-th column includes a photodiode PD1m,n, (2) a row selecting section 20 that selects one or more rows, out of M rows of the photodetecting section 11, instructs each pixel in the selected rows to accumulate an electric charge generated in the photodiode PD1m,n in response to the incidence of light, and instructs to output data corresponding to the amount of accumulated electric charge of each pixel by each row of the photodetecting section 11, and (3) a first signal processing section 30 that inputs data of each pixel, outputted by each row of the photodetecting section 11 by an instruction from the row selecting section 20, and outputs the data by each pixel.
US07718937B1 Steering of missiles
A beam-riding missile (10) has a freely rotating control portion (11) forming its nose and carrying a pair of fixed ailerons (13) and a pair of fixed elevators (14). Detecting means (not shown) gather information indicative of the location of the missile in the beam and steering logic circuitry (not shown) provides signals to a clutch (18) which interfers with the free rotation of the nose in such a way that the elevators are effective to maintain the chosen flight path.The clutch can be electromagnetic, piezo-electric or function on the Johnson-Raebeck effect.The combination of fixed control surfaces and steering by a single actuator leads to the possibility of useful reductions in the size, weight and complexity of the missile.
US07718936B2 Bulk material windows for distributed aperture sensors
A distributed aperture sensor system and sensing method comprising a plurality of sensors each having an aperture and window that provides electromagnetic interference shielding by a material with a bulk resistivity of less than or approximately equal to 10 ohm-cm that is substantially uniform throughout the window.
US07718935B2 Apparatus and method for inductive heating of a material in a channel
Apparatus and method for inductive heating of a material located in a channel. In one embodiment, the heating assembly comprises an interior coil, an exterior sheath inductively coupled to the coil, a dielectric material disposed between the coil and sheath, and a conductor for supplying a signal to the coil to generate the magnetic flux for inductive heating of the sheath. The heating assembly is disposed in the material in the channel, and the magnetic flux generated by the coil may also inductively couple to the material in the channel. The material may be heated from a nonflowable to a flowable state, such as heating a metal or polymer plug formed in a melt channel of a molding apparatus.
US07718934B2 Induction oven excitation arrangement for aircraft
An aircraft induction oven excitation arrangement includes at least one connection for an on-board power supply system, at least one power supply rectifier that can be connected to a phase of the power supply system, a converter that is arranged downstream of the at least one power supply rectifier and that includes a switching element, a controller that drives the at least one converter, a rectifier that is arranged downstream of the converter in order to produce an intermediate circuit voltage, an inverter that is connected to the intermediate circuit voltage. The switching element has a turn-on resistance Rdson ≦about 0.1Ω and a self-capacitance ≦about 200 pF at voltages of ≧about 200 V across the switching element.
US07718932B2 Electrostatic chuck having radial temperature control capability
An electrostatic chuck (“chuck”) is provided for controlling a radial temperature profile across a substrate when exposed to a plasma. The chuck includes a number of independently controllable gas volumes that are each defined in a radial configuration relative to a top surface of the chuck upon which the substrate is to be supported. The chuck includes a support member and a base plate. The base plate positioned beneath and in a spaced apart relationship from the support member. The gas volumes are defined between the base plate and the support member, with separation provided by annularly-shaped thermally insulating dividers. Each gas volume can include a heat generation source. A gas pressure and heat generation within each gas volume can be controlled to influence thermal conduction through the chuck such that a prescribed radial temperature profile is achieved across the substrate.
US07718931B2 Electric heater incorporating a device for detecting a cooking utensil
An electric heater (10) incorporates at least one heating element (20), at least one wall member (16) upstanding in the heater, and a device (42) is provided for detecting a cooking utensil (6) supported on an upper surface (4) of a cooking plate (2) overlying the heater. The device (42) includes at least one inductively-operating loop (44) of electrically conductive material having a plurality of portions (50, 52, 54) adapted to extend over and spaced from the at least one electric heating element (20) between fixed supporting regions (56, 58, 60, 62) on the at least one wall member (16). The at least one loop (44) of electrically conductive material is such that the plurality of portions (50, 52, 54) are substantially incapable of self-support as such at normal operating temperatures of the electric heater. The plurality of portions (50, 52, 54) are supported by elongate members (64, 66, 68) of heat-withstanding material.
US07718929B2 Cooking top plate
A substrate is made of a crystallized glass having translucency and an average linear thermal expansion coefficient of −5×10−7/° C. at 30 to 500° C. The substrate has a first surface (working surface) of a smooth surface having a surface roughness Rmax of less than 0.5 μm, and a second surface (non-working surface) of a rough surface having a surface roughness Rmax of 4 μm. A light shielding layer consisting of a light shielding film and an antioxidant film is formed on the second surface of the substrate through sputtering.
US07718928B2 Multifunction and safe electric pressure cooker
A multifunction safe electric pressure cooker includes a lid, an outer body, a warming container, a control panel, an inner tank, a sealant washer, a heating plate under the inner tank, and a control device. The control device comprises a control circuit, a pressure switch, and a temperature control device. The lid has a floating valve, a pressure discharging valve, and a safety valve. Between the heating plate and the warming container there is a spring device. Under the heating plate is a pole. The control device employs a sensor to determine whether the inner tank is placed in the cooker. Between the lid and the body sets a lid safety control switch that connected to the control circuit. The electric pressure cooker is more convenient and durable, can fry and sauté food, and includes multiple safety devices.
US07718927B2 Micro solder pot
A micro solder pot includes a dielectric substrate having at least one hole formed therein, a conductive coating coupled to the interior of the hole, and at least one heat transfer pad spaced from the hole in thermal communication with the conductive coating of the hole. When the heat transfer pad is exposed to a heat source, the conductive coating inside the hole is heated. The micro solder pot may also include a thermally activated conductive material disposed within the hole. When the heat transfer pad is exposed to a heat source, the thermally activated conductive material becomes liquidus such that a component can be inserted into the liquidus material. When the heat source is removed, the thermally activated conductive material cools to couple the component to the conductive coating in the hole.
US07718926B2 Film deposition apparatus, film deposition method, monitoring program for film deposition apparatus, and recording medium thereof
In order to detect a change in the temperature of a substrate (2) and a change of the distribution of oxygen radical concentration near a surface of the substrate (2), a lamp power in each zone of a heater (3) and a pressure in a reactor (1) are measured, the measured lamp power in each zone of the heater (3) and the measured pressure in the reactor (1) are inputted to the prediction equation of process model of a monitoring device (16)to predict the thickness profile of the substrate (2), and it is decided whether an abnormality occurs in thermal processing on the substrate (2) based on the predicted thickness profile.
US07718923B1 Defrosting windshield sunshade panel
A sunshade for an automobile placed upon a dashboard in the interior of the vehicle provides a reflective outer surface to deflect heat and sunlight through the windshield into a vehicle during hot weather conditions and also provides the outer surface with heat strip elements when enabled during cold weather to provide a radiant heat to the windshield to prevent ice build-up on the windshield maintaining a clear windshield during freezing temperatures, the heat strip elements drawings a low voltage current from a rechargeable battery supply or a 12 volt DC power from a cigarette lighter plug, or both.
US07718922B2 Optical processing apparatus
An optical processing apparatus that is capable of detecting accurately the sticking status of deposits sticking to optical means in a background of same color as deposits, preventing occurrence of defective soldering due to feeding failure of wire solder, and detecting solder failure when the leading end portion of the wire solder does not reach up to the processing area. This optical processing apparatus comprises light energy output means for producing light energy, a first optical path for guiding the light energy into a work, optical means disposed in the first optical path for shaping the light energy, a second optical path sharing part of the first optical path for guiding the light from the work to photo receiving means, and driving means for changing the relative positions of at least the optical means and the work.
US07718917B2 Hybrid laser and resistance welding system and method
An improved fusion welding system having a heating unit and welding device is adapted for increasing the efficiency of welding a plurality of workpieces. The system preferably presents a single-sided process, and includes first and second electrode wheels operable to heat a portion of the workpieces to a minimum temperature, and a translatable laser cooperatively configured to form a continuous weld within the heated portion. The preferred system provides the advantages of laser welding, such as precision, while enabling weld production at lower laser power outputs or faster welding speeds than conventional laser welding systems.
US07718915B2 Shielding gases for MAG-welding of galvanized steel sheets and welding method using the same
A shielding gas for MAG welding wherein a carbon steel solid wire is used for lap fillet welding of a galvanized steel sheet; wherein the shielding gas is a mixed gas composition consisting of 8 to 15% by volume of oxygen, 20 to 30% by volume of carbon dioxide, and residual % by volume of argon.
US07718910B2 Movable contact assembly and switch using the same
A movable contact assembly includes a movable contact having a dome shape, a base sheet contacting an upper surface of the movable contact, a columnar portion provided on an upper surface of the base sheet, and a light guide sheet provided on an upper surface of the columnar portion. The light guide sheet has a light-receiving surface for introducing light into the light guide sheet, and allows the introduced light to be emitted from an upper surface of the light guide sheet. The base sheet includes a dome portion having a concave lower surface, and a flat portion connected with an outer edge of the dome portion. The columnar portion is positioned on the upper surface of the dome portion away from the outer edge of the dome portion of the base sheet. This movable contact assembly provides a switch illuminating its upper surface and being activated easily with a preferable feeling.
US07718909B2 Contact holding sheet provided with a light guide
A contact holding sheet with a light guide without using a holding sheet with protrusions made of resin is provided. The contact holding sheet does not require a protrusion fabrication process, thereby reducing costs, and making the contact holding sheet thin without forming the protrusions on the holding sheet. The contact holding sheet includes a holding sheet opposed to a substrate, fixed contacts provided on the substrate, and dome-shaped movable contacts attached to a pressure sensitive adhesive surface of the holding sheet. The dome-shaped movable contacts face the substrate, and the movable contacts are opposed to the fixed contacts of the substrate. The protrusions are formed at central positions of the movable contacts and positioned inside holes formed in the holding sheet. The holding sheet and a light guide film are integrated with adhesion in a state where the light guide film is laid on upper portions of the protrusions.
US07718908B2 Contact arm assembly and method for assembling the contact arm assembly
A contact arm assembly and a method for assembling the contact arm assembly are provided. The contact arm assembly includes a first contact arm having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion has a first contact disposed thereon and a first spring holder portion disposed thereon. The second end portion has a first tab member for coupling a first braided strap thereto. The first contact arm has a first pivot aperture extending therethrough. The contact arm assembly further includes first and second side plates. The first side plate is disposed proximate to a first side of the first contact arm and the second side plate is disposed proximate to a second side of the first contact arm.
US07718907B2 Combination pressure switch
A combination switch includes a pressure switch moveable between open and closed positions in response to a working pressure of a fluid; an unloader valve moveable between open and closed positions; and a mechanical interconnection between the pressure switch and the unloader valve operable to move the unloader valve in unison with movement of the pressure switch.
US07718905B2 Electronic device and method of reducing multi-path fading
An electronic device has housing having plural inner surfaces, plural modules in the housing, and a communication section provided on each of the plural modules. The communication sections perform wireless communication to each other. One inner surface having the largest area among the plural inner surfaces of the housing has an electric wave absorber that absorbs an electric wave for use of the wireless communication.
US07718898B2 Precursor for manufacturing Nb3Sn superconducting wire and Nb3Sn superconducting wire
A precursor for manufacturing a Nb3Sn superconducting wire according to the present invention includes a mono-element wire including a Sn or Sn-based alloy core disposed at the, a Cu or Cu-based alloy matrix and a plurality of Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments surrounding the Sn or Sn-based alloy core, and a diffusion barrier layer and a stabilizing copper layer surrounding the Cu or Cu-based alloy matrix. In a final shape after a reduction process, the average diameter of the Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments is set to 5 μm to 30 μm, and the average distance between the Sn or Sn-based alloy core and the Nb or Nb-based alloy filaments nearest the Sn or Sn-based alloy core is set to 100 μm or less.
US07718894B2 Line guide device
A line guide device for guiding lines can comprise a plurality of links, connected to each other in articulated fashion, where at least some, or all, of the links each display a bottom element, opposite side walls and at least one cover element, the plurality of links are integrally moulded on one another in one piece, forming a continuous strand, and the line guide device can be arranged to form a lower run, a curved section and an upper run. For the purpose of low-cost manufacture and versatile utility with comparatively small cross-sections of the links, it is proposed that the bottom element (3) and both opposite side walls (4) of the links are designed in one piece as essentially rigid U-sections, and the cover element (5a, 5b) of the respective link is integrally moulded on at least one side wall (4) of said link and designed to be moveable, and can be moved into a position closing the link and a position releasing it.
US07718893B2 Adjustable plaster ring cover
A power distribution system has an electrical box configured to attach a power cable, a plaster ring releasably mounted to the box and one or more electrical devices installed into the ring. A pre-wired ground extends from a first end physically and electrically connected to a ground terminal on the electrical device. The plaster ring is movable between a closed position proximate the box and an open position distal the box. The pre-wired ground is configured as a lanyard so as to support the plaster ring as a wiring platform in the open position for connecting wires between the power cable and the electrical device or devices.
US07718891B2 Network cabinet
An apparatus for mounting electronic equipment is provided having a base frame and an equipment rail mounted to the base frame by a threaded member, which provides an electrical bond between the base frame and the equipment rail.
US07718886B1 Sensor assembly for stringed musical instruments
A sensor assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of movable strings includes a primary winding adapted to be disposed at one end of either one of a fingerboard and a neck of the stringed musical instrument. The sensor assembly includes at least one magnet disposed adjacent the primary winding and the movable strings to generate a magnetic field. The primary winding creates a primary current from a disruption in the magnetic field by the movable strings and the primary current creates a primary electromagnetic flux. The sensor assembly further includes at least one secondary being coupled to the primary winding. The at least one secondary winding transforms the primary electromagnetic flux into a secondary current adapted to pass out the stringed musical instrument.
US07718884B2 Method and apparatus for enhanced gaming
A system for seamless integration of a handheld device, as a secondary display and input device, to remotely interact with a host device. The host device receives data from a remote location. One or more handheld devices, receive data provided by the host device. Each of the handheld devices includes one or more controllers. Each of the controllers provides control input data to the associated handheld device. The handheld devices each have one or more input modules, such as a microphone, or Wi-Fi port, to receive the control input data as well as one or more output modules, such as a display screen and/or speaker that outputs processed data, such as video and/or audio data. The output data is specific to a particular one of the handheld devices.
US07718883B2 Complete orchestration system
The present invention provides a complete orchestration system to generate melodic lines of any length in real time to provide a new musical accompaniment with no repeated phrases each time a particular style is played, and which can generate accompaniment styles played by groups of any size up to full symphony orchestras. It instructs a computer processing unit to compose and orchestrate a particular style of music by merely describing, to the orchestration system, the attributes of that style. An original musical score can be generated and performed that can be synchronized to the scenes in a video production to provide a complete orchestration video system.
US07718882B2 Efficient identification of sets of audio parameters
Techniques are described of efficiently identifying sets of audio parameters to be applied during a time frame. For example, a list of indicators may be generated. Each of the indicators in the list may indicate a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) voice present in a MIDI frame. Furthermore, in generating the list, the indicators in the list may be restricted to those indicators that indicate the most acoustically significant MIDI voices in the MIDI frame. After the list is generated, a digital waveform may be generated for each of MIDI voices indicated by an indicator in the list. A combination of the waveforms of each MIDI voice may constitute an overall waveform for the MIDI frame.
US07718880B1 Piano tuning hammer
One embodiment of an improved piano tuning hammer which eliminates the tilting force which, when a tuner operates a conventional “L”-shaped tuning hammer, invariably accompanies the application of a turning force to a tuning pin mounted in a pin block. The improved hammer has an overall shape like the letter “C,” so that its handle lies substantially in the plane of the pin block, allowing the tuner to turn the pin without tilting it. The embodiment presented is lightweight and rigid, and clears the case structures of most pianos.
US07718878B2 Musical instrument stand with assisted extension
Improvements in an expandable musical instrument stand where the components of the stand are constructed with tubular sections. The tubular section telescope with an extension mechanism placed between the tubular members to assist in adjusting the playing height of the musical instrument. The expandable construction allows the musical stand to be broken down into smaller sections to make it easier to transport and simple to erect. The expandable section is ideally used with the center tube with a three or four leg stand where the legs can be collapsible on the center tube or the legs can be constructed with the same or similar construction as the center tube where they can be stacked and clamped with a collar.
US07718874B2 Guitar pick
A guitar pick having a planar and generally triangular main body with three sides. Two sides of the main body join in a rounded nose protruding outwardly from one side. A wing extends outwardly from the top of the main body so that at least a portion of the wing lies in a plane oblique to a plane of the main body. The wing may be curvilinear in shape or include plural planar sections.
US07718873B1 Stringed instrument vibrato device
A vibrato device is disclosed for an instrument that has a plurality of strings. The vibrato device includes a base plate with a pivot means formed proximately to a forward side thereof. A plurality of string attachment means are each fixed to the base plate and independently pivotable, are each fixed to one string of the instrument, and include a string biasing means that keeps the string in tension, such that each string may be independently tuned without affecting the tuning of each other string. A vibrato handle is fixed to the base plate and, when moved, causes the base plate to pivot around the pivot means. As such, all strings on the instrument may be quickly and independently tuned, while still providing for an effective two-directional vibrato effect.
US07718864B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH607807
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH607807. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH607807, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH607807 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 CH607807.
US07718861B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH220157
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH220157. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH220157, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH220157 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 CH220157.
US07718857B1 Nutritionally enhanced inbred maize line HLA22ND
An inbred maize line, designated HLA22ND, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred maize line HLA22ND, to the plants of inbred maize line HLA22ND and to methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line HLA22ND with itself or another maize line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from the inbred HLA22ND.
US07718854B2 Cotton variety 04T042
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 04T042. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 04T042. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the cotton variety 04T042 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 04T042 with itself or another cotton variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07718852B2 Canola cultivar DN040241
The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola cultivar, designated DN040241. Also included are seeds of canola cultivar DN040241, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola DN040241 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola DN040241 with itself or another canola cultivar, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola DN040241.
US07718847B2 Method of gene introduction in in-vivo spermatogenic cell
The present invention provides a method of producing a non-human vertebrate that harbours germ cells having a desired gene transferred thereto, comprising injecting the desired gene to the testis of a non-human vertebrate wherein no tight junction exists between Sertoli cells to transfer the desired gene to germ cells, so as to obtain a non-human vertebrate that harbours the germ cells having the desired gene transferred thereto. Using the method of the present invention, even in animal species and lines for which in vitro transduction has been difficult to date, it is possible to obtain an individual harbouring germ cells, particularly spermatogonial stem cells, having a desired gene transferred thereto, at extremely high efficiency. Also, the fertility of the male to receive an injection of the gene is retained, compared to in vitro transduction of germ cells, because gene transfer is achieved without reducing the number of spermatogonial stem cells in the testis and transgenic sperms and transgenic animals can easily be prepared.
US07718845B2 Production of growth hormone in the milk of a transgenic bovine and methods of purification of the growth hormone from the milk
The invention relates to a method of producing a protein of interest, comprising making a non-human transgenic mammal that produces said protein in its milk, obtaining said milk from the non-human transgenic mammal and purifying said protein of interest from the milk. Transgenic bovine animals were generated, which are able to produce human growth hormone in mammary glands. The method involves cloning of a genetic construct encoding hGH gene and beta casein promoter conveniently in an expression vector. It also includes transfection procedures into fetal bovine somatic cells, generally fibroblasts, and the nuclear transfer into enucleated bovine oocytes, generating thus transgenic embryos. The method also includes other procedures to generate transgenic embryos for the further expansion of the transgenic herd, such as the subcloning of transgenic female bovines, the superovulation of transgenic cows and their insemination with semen from a non-transgenic or a transgenic male bovine, and the superovulation of non-transgenic cows and their insemination with semen from a transgenic male bovine. Afterwards, transgenic embryos give rise to transgenic cattle that produce human growth hormone in huge amounts in their milk, from which the hormone is completely purified and analysed to fulfill all the requirements for the manufacture of a pure biopharmaceutical product.
US07718842B2 Process for separating meta-xylene from a feed of aromatic hydrocarbons by liquid phase adsorption using tetraline as a desorbant
The invention concerns a process for separating meta-xylene from a hydrocarbon feed comprising isomers containing 8 carbon atoms, comprising: a step for bringing said feed into contact with a faujasite type zeolite adsorbant, the percentage of water in the adsorbant being in the range 0 to 8% by weight and the adsorption temperature being from 25° C. to 250° C.; a desorption step employing a solvent selected from tetraline and its alkylated derivatives; a step for separating meta-xylene from the desorbant.
US07718840B2 Process for production of light olefins from hydrocarbon feedstock
Disclosed is a process for producing light olefins from hydrocarbon feedstock. The process is characterized in that a porous molecular sieve catalyst consisting of a product obtained by evaporating water from a raw material mixture comprising a molecular sieve with a framework of Si—OH—Al— groups, a water-insoluble metal salt, and a phosphate compound, is used to produce light olefins, particularly ethylene and propylene, from hydrocarbon, while maintaining excellent selectivity to light olefins. According to the process, by the use of a specific catalyst with hydrothermal stability, light olefins can be selectively produced in high yield with high selectivity from hydrocarbon feedstock, particularly full-range naphtha. In particular, the process can maintain higher cracking activity than the reaction temperature required in the prior thermal cracking process for the production of light olefins, and thus, can produce light olefins with high selectivity and conversion from hydrocarbon feedstock.
US07718839B2 Process for producing lower olefins from heavy hydrocarbon feedstock utilizing two vapor/liquid separators
A process for making lower olefins from a heavy hydrocarbon feed by use of a combination of two vapor-liquid separation devices, and, then, pyrolytically cracking the light fraction of the heavy hydrocarbon feed to thereby produce a lower olefin product.
US07718837B2 Promotors for controlling acidity and pore size of zeolite catalysts for use in alkylation
A metal-modified alkylation catalyst including a metal/zeolite is provided where the metal is one or two selected from the group consisting of yttrium and a rare earth of the lanthanide series other than cerium. Where two metals are used, one may be Ce or La. The metal-promoted zeolite is useful as a molecular sieve aromatic alkylation catalyst for the production of ethylbenzene by the ethylation of benzene in the liquid phase or critical phase. An alkylation product is produced containing ethylbenzene as a primary product with the attendant production of heavier alkylated by-products of no more than 10-60 wt % of the ethylbenzene.
US07718834B2 Method for the production of primary long-chain alcohols
A method for preparing linear long chain fatty alcohols having 20 to 40 carbon atoms by a growth reaction of ethylene on aluminum compounds.
US07718831B2 Method for asymmetric hydrosilylation of ketones
Method of asymmetrically hydrosilylating substrates using catalysts having a ligand of the compound of the formula (I) wherein R is optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; R′ is hydrogen, optionally substituted lower alkyl; and R″ is hydrogen, halogen, optionally substituted alkyl, hydroxy, amino (e.g., primary, secondary or tertiary), alkenyl; or an enantiomer thereof; or an enantiomeric mixture thereof with a transition metal. Particularly suitable reactions include the asymmetric hydrosilylation of ketones.
US07718830B2 Abnormal cannabidiols as agents for lowering intraocular pressure
The present invention provides a method of treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension which comprises applying to the eye of a person in need thereof an amount sufficient to treat glaucoma or ocular hypertension of a compound of formula I wherein Y, Q, Z, R, R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification. The present invention further comprises pharmaceutical compositions, e.g. ophthalmic compositions, including said compound of formula I.
US07718828B2 Process for producing 2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-enecarbaldehyde (campholytic aldehyde)
A method for the production of campholytic aldehyde starting from campholenic aldehyde in the presence of a copper catalyst and a solvent.
US07718826B2 Ionic compound
This invention relates to a novel ionic compound being low in a risk of combustion, and more particularly to an ionic compound represented by the following formula (I): (NPR12)n   (I) [wherein R1s are each independently a halogen element or a monovalent substituent, provided that at least one of R1s is an ionic substituent represented by the following general formula (II): —N+R23X−  (II) (wherein R2s are independently a monovalent substituent or hydrogen, provided that at least one of R2s is not hydrogen and R2s may be bonded with each other to form a ring; and X− is a monovalent anion); and n is 3 to 15].
US07718823B2 Toluate ester for use as reactive and non-reactive diluent in polymer applications
This invention relates to toluate ester compositions and their use as solvent, plasticizers, extender and/or diluents in binder formulations, a method of producing such ester compositions, as well as polymer compositions containing such liquid ester compositions. The method of making toluate based esters by reacting methyl-p-toluate with ethylene glycol, diethylene or triethylene glycol, butanediol, etc. More particularly, this invention relates to the mono- or di-ester of methyl toluic acid with a diol containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms that are low viscosity liquids at 25° C. The most common polymer that employs plasticizer is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Typical amounts of plasticizer in PVC are from about 3 wt. % to about 50 wt. %. Phenolic resins generally require solvents, diluents and/or extenders that reduce the volatility and viscosity of the resin, especially when it is used in building and automotive products. Typical amounts of solvent are from about 5 wt. % to about 65 wt. %.
US07718818B2 Hydroxylation of beta-dicarbonyls with zirconium catalysts
The present invention pertains to a process for preparing a compound of Formula I that is achiral, racemic or enantiomerically enriched at the hydroxylation center indicated by * comprising contacting a compound of Formula II with an oxidant selected from oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, peracids or alkyl hydroperoxides in the presence of a zirconium complex, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the disclosure. This invention also pertains to zirconium complexes useful in this procedure comprising zirconium and a ligand of Formula III or its enantiomer wherein J, R6 and n are as defined in the disclosure. This invention further pertains to a compound of Formula III or its enantiomer.
US07718817B2 Vegetable sterol ester-containing composition and additive that increases the feeling effects from a hair cosmetic
A safe additive that increases the feeling effects from a hair cosmetic is provided at low costs. The additive that increases the feeling effects has less stickiness, can be easily and uniformly mixed with hair cosmetics, and can provide feelings, effects and advantages that are similar to those of sterol wax and lanolins including lanolin itself, liquid lanolin, and hard lanolin. The additive that increases the feeling effects contains a composition (I) prepared by distillation, fatty acid esterification, decoloring, and deodorization of a by-product obtained when tocopherol is extracted, separated and purified from a vegetable oil deodorized distillate.
US07718810B2 Supports for oligomer synthesis
Universal linkers, their facile processes of manufacture and methods of using the same are provided.
US07718805B2 Process for preparing rebamipide
The invention provides an improved process for preparing rebamipide that is useful as a medicament, which makes it possible to prepare rebamipide with high purity and high yield. The invention is an improved process for preparing rebamipide of the formula (1), comprising subjecting a carbostyril amino acid compound of the formula (5) or a salt thereof containing a compound of the formula (11) as an impurity to a reduction treatment in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst in a basic aqueous solution, thereby selectively reducing the impurity compound (11) to transform into the carbostyril amino acid compound (5); and then acylating the compound (5) in a basic aqueous solution to give rebamipide (1).
US07718804B2 Quaternary nitrogen heterocyclic compounds for detecting aqueous monosaccharides in physiological fluids
Quaternary nitrogen heterocyclic boronic acid-containing compounds are described, which are sensitive to glucose and fructose, as well as a variety of other physiologically important analytes, such as aqueous chloride and iodide, and a method of using the compounds. Also disclosed is a contact lens doped with the quaternary nitrogen heterocyclic boronic acid-containing compound, and a method of using the doped contact lens to measure the concentration of analyte in tears under physiological conditions.
US07718803B2 Self-dispersible bipyridine-based metal complex and ink composition comprising the same
A self-dispersible bipyridine-based metal complex includes a bipyridine-based ligand and a metal, and an ink composition including the metal complex. The bipyridine-based metal complex may be self-dispersed without requiring a dispersing agent and may be used as a colorant per se. Furthermore, the metal complex, when binding with a common colorant, may produce various colors and exhibit enhanced durability including light resistance. In addition, the metal complex includes a hydrophilic group-containing ligand coordinating with the metal, in addition to the bipyridine-based ligand, and thus, has a bulky structure. Therefore, dispersion stability is enhanced by a self-dispersion system based on a steric hindrance due to the bulky structure of the metal complex and an electrostatic repulsive force between the charged metal and the hydrophilic group-containing ligand, thus enhancing a long-term storage stability.
US07718802B2 Substituted melanocortin receptor-specific piperazine compounds
Melanocortin receptor-specific compounds of the general formulas and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, where J is a substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic or bicyclic ring structure, L is a linker, W is a heteroatom unit with at least one cationic center, hydrogen bond donor or hydrogen bond acceptor, Q includes a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic carbocyclic ring, R6, R7, y and z are as defined in the specification, and the carbon atom marked with an asterisk can have any stereochemical configuration, and optionally with one or two additional ring substituents as defined, which compounds bind to one or more melanocortin receptors and are optionally an agonist, a partial agonist, an antagonist, an inverse agonist or an antagonist of an inverse agonist, and may be employed for treatment of one or more melanocortin receptor-associated conditions or disorders, and methods for the use of the compounds of the invention.
US07718800B2 Crystalline form of linezolid
The present invention relates to a novel crystalline form of linezolid, to processes for its preparation and to a pharmaceutical composition containing it.
US07718799B2 Crystalline form of linezolid
The present invention relates to a novel crystalline form of linezolid, to processes for its preparation and to a pharmaceutical composition containing it.
US07718798B2 Indole compound
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a glucokinase activator useful as a pharmaceutical agent such as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes, obesity and the like.The present invention provides a glucokinase activator containing a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom; R2 is a group represented by wherein each symbol is defined in the specification, or a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.
US07718797B2 Fasudil-containing preparation and method of improving stability thereof
Fasudil-containing preparations that despite the us of a container excelling in the visibility of contents without particularly blocking of light, exhibit high stability against light; and a method of improving the stability of the preparations against light of storing the same. By regulating the pH value of aqueous solution of fasudil charged in a colorless transparent container to ≦5.5, there can be provided fasudil-containing preparations excelling in stability against light; and can be provided a method of improving the stability of the aqueous solution of fasudil against light, or storing the same.
US07718796B2 Process for the preparation of caprolactam CGRP antagonist
An efficient syntheses for the preparation of (3R,6S)-3-amino-6-(2,3-difluorophenyl)-1-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)azepan-2-one.
US07718794B2 Synthesis of porphyrins designed for attachment to electroactive surfaces via one or more carbon tethers
Porphyrin compounds having a surface attachment group coupled thereto at the 5 position are described. The surface attachment group has the formula: wherein R is —CHCH2 or —CCH and Ar is an aromatic group. Methods and intermediates useful for making such compounds are also described.
US07718791B2 Separation of contaminants from Streptococcus pneumoniae polysaccharide by pH manipulation
A process for reducing the protein content and preserving the capsular polysaccharide content in a complex cellular Streptococcus pneumoniae lysate broth prior to purification is described. Utilizing pH reduction after cellular lysis has resulted in a purified polysaccharide that consistently meets the protein specification, and higher recovery yields of polysaccharide during the purification process.
US07718790B2 Kit for assessing mitochondrial toxicity
Processes and methods for the simultaneous quantification of nucleic acids in diseased cells that are based on real-time PCR are provided. The real-time PCR protocol is an excellent tool for reliable quantification of in vitro drug screening and evaluation protocols to determine the efficacy of potential anti-viral agents. Quantification using these simultaneous PCR cycle threshold (Ct) detection techniques during one-step real-time RT-PCR (Applied Biosystems, CA) eliminates the variability resulting from quantification of end-point RT-PCR products. In addition, the mitochondrial toxicity assay is an added tool to assess potential side-effects for these chemotherapeutic agents.
US07718786B2 Process for obtaining recombined nucleotide sequences in vitro, libraries of sequences and sequences thus obtained
Ligation-mediated method of recombining polynucleotides in vitro. Polynucleotides from a library are fragmented and the fragments are hybridized to an assembly template. The hybridized fragments are iteratively re-hybridized and ligated until the ends of the hybridized fragments are adjacent to the ends of other hybridized fragments on the assembly template. A final ligation produces recombined polynucleotides.
US07718785B2 Mutations in the SLC40A1 gene associated to impaired iron homeostasis
The present invention relates to mutations in the SLC40A1 gene coding for the ferroportin 1, associated to impaired iron homeostasis or to non-HFE hereditary hemochromatosis and to methods for the diagnosis of these hereditary diseases based on the identification of said mutations.
US07718784B2 Switchable nucleic acids for diagnostics, screening and molecular electronics
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to fluorescent nucleic acid constructs and methods of using these switchable constructs to rapidly screen for target molecule interactions. More particularly, an RNA/DNA chimera comprising a fluorophore-quencher pair and a nucleic acid construct is disclosed for the rapid screening of interactions between the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein, NCp7, and a stem-loop region, SL3, of the HIV-1 RNA, or antagonists thereof. The compositions and methods disclosed herein can be used in preferred aspects of the present invention for diagnosing disease states, distinguishing the presence of infectious or toxic agents, drug discovery and design, and molecular electronic applications.
US07718783B2 ELF3 gene compositions and methods
ELF3 gene compositions associated with cancer are provided, including ELF3 mRNA intron retention, a novel ELF3 5′ untranslated region, and a novel Alu, Alukwd. Methods and kits using primers or probes to detect the presence of these ELF3 gene compositions are also provided. Methods for determining whether a cell comprises a virus are also provided.
US07718780B2 Preparation of monoclonal antibody to N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 and determination of NDRG2 using protein chip
The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody specific for N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG 2) protein, a cell line producing the monoclonal antibody, a method for measuring a quantity and quality of NDRG 2 protein, and a protein chip using the same. In the present invention, NDRG 2, a cancer-related factor is specifically expressed in dendritic cells differentiated from a monocyte of human peripheral blood. Accordingly, the monoclonal antibody specific for the NDRG 2 protein, the protein chip comprising the same and the method for measuring a quantity and quality of the NDRG 2 protein by using the same can be applied to elucidate characteristics of the dendritic cell and perform a research on the NDRG 2. Therefore, the present invention may help clinically to investigate and treat intractable diseases and cancers using the dendritic cell.
US07718773B2 Phosphate-binding protein, pharmaceutical compositions containing same and use thereof
A protein includes or is formed by: (i) SEQ ID NO: 1; (ii) any sequence that is derived from sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, for example, by the substitution, removal or addition of one or more amino acids, on the condition that the derivative sequence binds to the phosphate; (iii) any sequence that is homologous to sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, preferably having a homology of at least approximately 80% with sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, on the condition that the homologous sequence binds to the phosphate; or (iv) any fragment of one of the aforementioned sequences on the condition that the fragment binds to the phosphate, such as any fragment comprising at least approximately 20 contiguous amino acids in sequence SEQ ID NO: 1.
US07718765B2 Methods of treating fibrosing diseases by induction of immune tolerance
The present invention has demonstrated for the first time that orally administered type I collagen (CI) induced tolerance to CI in patients suffering from systemic sclerosis (SSc) and ameliorated clinical manifestations of the disease. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of treating a fibrosing disease by oral administration of a tissue protein, for example, collagen, derived from the tissue undergoing fibrosis.
US07718764B2 Biologically active peptide VAPEEHPTLLTEAPLNPK derivatives
Peptides derived from the peptide CMS-010, which has the formula VAPEEHPTLLTEAPLNPK, are disclosed with their use as pharmaceutical compositions. A method is also disclosed for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising providing a peptide derived from CMS-010 and mixing said peptide with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier.
US07718762B2 Cancer vaccines containing epitopes of oncofetal antigen
Disclosed are fragments of oncofetal antigen, otherwise known as immature laminin receptor protein that specifically stimulate one T cell subclass. The fragments may be formulated into compositions for potentiating T cell-mediated responses in mammalian cancer patients. They also have therapeutic uses in vitro.
US07718760B2 π-Conjugated polymer and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a π-conjugated polymer containing a repeating unit expressed by the following General Formula (I): where, in the General Formula (I), Y and Ar represent one of a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon and a substituted or unsubstituted divalent group of aromatic heterocyclic ring, Y1 represents one of a substituted or unsubstituted unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon and a substituted or unsubstituted divalent group of aromatic heterocyclic ring and R represents one of a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group and a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group.
US07718755B2 Aliphatic diol-based polycarbonates, method of making, and articles formed therefrom
The above-described and other deficiencies of the art are met by a method of making a polycarbonate polymer comprising isosorbide carbonate units, comprising melt reacting a dihydroxy compound comprising an isosorbide of the general formula (2a): and an activated carbonate, in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of a sodium salt capable of providing a hydroxide ion, wherein the polycarbonate polymer comprises greater than or equal to 50 mol % isosorbide carbonate units, and wherein the polycarbonate polymer has a Mw of greater than or equal to about 40,000 g/mol as determined by gel-permeation chromatography relative to polystyrene standards. Polycarbonates comprising the isosorbide carbonate unit, including isosorbide homopolycarbonate and an isosorbide-based polyester-polycarbonate, are also disclosed, as are a thermoplastic composition and an article including the isosorbide-based polycarbonate polymer.
US07718753B2 Organic superacids, polymers, derived from organic superacids, and methods of making and using the same
One embodiment of the invention contemplates a proton exchange membrane for use in a variety of fuel cells. The proton exchange membrane may comprise a solid phase organic based copolymer material in which a first structural unit is derived from a polymerizable organic super acid. The organic super acid may comprise an acid group such as a sulfonic acid group or a carboxylic acid group.
US07718749B2 Curable composition
The invention aims to improve surface tackiness of a curable composition comprising a reactive silicon group-containing polyoxypropylene polymer without decreasing coating workability, strength, adhesion and appearance. As one embodiment of a means for resolution, a curable composition comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of a reactive silicon group-containing polyoxypropylene polymer, (B) from 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of a silane coupling agent, (C) from 0.1 to 80 parts by weight of an epoxy group-containing compound, (D) from 0.1 to 60 parts by weight of a tertiary amine, and (E) from 0.1 to 30 parts by weight of a primary or secondary amine having a melting point of 20° C. or more is mentioned.
US07718747B2 Fiber and process for obtaining same from high-modulus, extrudable polyethylene
A fiber and a process for obtaining same from a high-modulus polyethylene, extrudable in state-of-the-art equipment and in the absence of previous solubilization in any kind of organic solvent is described, the process comprising providing such a polyethylene, introducing it in a state-of-the-art extruder, extruding it according to a temperature pattern, obtaining an extrudate that is directed to a cooling bath to have its temperature reduced, then directing the extrudate to a first stretcher where it is stretched or drawn into a fiber of improved tenacity, at a first velocity v1, then heating the fiber at nearly 90° C. and then directing said fiber to a second stretcher to be drawn at a final velocity v2, wherein v1
US07718745B2 Heterogenisation of catalyst components
Provided is a method for the production of an olefin polymer, which method comprises polymerizing an olefin monomer in the presence of a metallocene catalyst, which catalyst comprises one or more alkyl moieties having a terminal olefin group, and is selected from a catalyst of formula (I): R″ (CpRq)XMQp wherein Cp is a substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl or fluorenyl ring; R″ is a structural bridge between Cp and X imparting stereorigidity to the component; each R is the same or different and is selected from a hydrocarbyl group having from 1-20 carbon atoms, a halogen, an alkoxy group, an alkoxyalkyl group, an alkylamino group or an alkylsilylo group; q is an integer from 0-8; X is a heteroatom from group VA or group VIA; M is a metal atom from group 11113, IVB, VB or VIB in any of its theoretical oxidation states; and each Q is a hydrocarbon having from 1-20 carbon atoms or is a halogen; p is an integer which is the oxidation state of M minus 2; wherein the alkyl moiety having a terminal olefin group is a substituent on R″, Cp and/or X; and from a catalysts of formula (II): (L)nM(Q)p wherein L is an heteroatom containing ligand; n is an integer of 1, 2, or 3; M is selected from Ti, Zr, Sc, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Pd, or a lanthanide metal; each Q is independently a hydrocarbon having 1-20 carbon atoms or a halogen; and p is the valence of M minus the sum of the coordination numbers of all L; wherein the alkyl moiety having a terminal olefin group is a substituent on L, and/or Q.
US07718744B2 Method for polymerizing cycloolefin polymer containing polar functional groups and electronic devices employing the polymerized cycloolefins
Disclosed is a method for preparing a cycloolefin polymer containing polar functional groups, comprising: preparing a catalyst mixture including i) a precatalyst, containing a Group 10 transition metal having a ligand containing oxygen ions bonded to the metal; ii) a first cocatalyst which is an organic compound containing a Group 15 element; and iii) a second cocatalyst which is capable of providing an anion and weakly coordinating to the metal of the precatalyst; and subjecting a monomer solution comprising a norbornene-based compound containing a polar functional group to an addition polymerization reaction in the presence of an organic solvent and the catalyst mixture, at a temperature of 80-200° C., the total amount of the organic solvent being 50-800% by weight based on the total weight of the monomer contained in the monomer solution, and the product yield of the polymer being 50% by weight or more based on the total weight of the monomer.
US07718742B2 Industrial syntheses process of high tran-1, 4-polyisoprene
A synthesis process of trans-1,4-polyisoprene, using bulk precipitation polymerization of isoprene catalyzed by supported titanium catalyst TiCl4/MgCl2. The process includes prepolymerizing carried out in a prepolymerization reactor with an anchor agitator; polymerizing carried out in a polymerization reactor with a helical ribbon agitator; and devolatilizing and drying carried out in a vacuum rake dryer. Not only does the process require lower energy consumption and thus a lower production cost, but it also eliminates the emission of three wastes.
US07718740B2 Mixtures based on thermoplastic elastomers
The invention relates to a mixture comprising by weight, to give a total of 100%, 99-10% a polyamide block and polyether block copolymer (A) predominately consisting of lauryl lactam radicals, 1-99% at least on type of polymer (B) selected from polyamides other than polyamide 12, copolyamides which do not consist of the lauryl lactam radicals and the polyamide block and polyether block copolymers whose polyamide blocks do not predominantly consist of the lauryl lactam radicals. The articles, for example, films, foils, strings and tubes made from the inventive mixture are also disclosed.
US07718736B2 Base resistant FKM-TPV elastomers
A processable rubber composition contains a double cured fluorocarbon elastomer dispersed in a matrix of a thermoplastic polymeric material. The cured elastomer contains repeating units derived from one or more fluorine-containing monomers, and further contains low levels of a peroxide cure site that contains at least one of a C—Cl bond, a C—Br bond, a C—I bond, and an olefin. In one embodiment the matrix forms a continuous phase and the vulcanized elastomeric material is in the form of particles forming a non-continuous phase. In various embodiments, the processable compositions are thermally processed into molded articles that exhibit a high degree of base resistance, especially a high degree of resistance to degradation of physical properties upon exposure to fluids containing strong nucleophiles such as amines.
US07718735B2 Polypropylene resin composition
Disclosed is a polypropylene resin composition including from 50 to 94% by weight of polypropylene resin, from 1 to 25% by weight of ethylene-α-olefin copolymer rubber including ethylene units and units of C4-12 α-olefin, the copolymer having a density of 0.850-0.870 g/cm3 and an MFR of 0.05-1 g/10 min, and from 5 to 25% by weight of inorganic filler, wherein the polypropylene resin is a propylene-ethylene block copolymer satisfying given requirements or a polymer mixture of the propylene-ethylene block copolymer and a propylene homopolymer. Molded articles made from the composition have good balance between rigidity and impact resistance and have good appearance.
US07718724B2 Thermoplastic composite materials for wear surfaces and methods for making same
The present techniques provide a method for making wear surfaces comprising a thermoplastic matrix blended with ceramic particles. The wear surfaces may optionally contain other materials, such as friction modifying additives. Wear surfaces formed according to these techniques may be used to protect such surfaces as the side rails of conveyor belts, the teeth of buckets used on front end loaders, rock or debris chutes, and self dumping hoppers, among others.
US07718722B2 Alkylthio- and aryl(heteroyl)thio-substituted p-phenylenediamines, their manufacture and their use in rubber
A composition comprising alkylthio- or aryl(heteroyl)thio-substituted p-phenylenediamine, its method of preparation, and its use as an antidegradant in natural or synthetic rubber.
US07718721B2 Poly(arylene ether)/polyolefin composition, method, and article
A thermoplastic composition includes the product of melt kneading a composition including a poly(arylene ether), a polyolefin, an acid-functionalized hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, and a polyamine compound. The composition exhibits substantially improved chemical resistance compared to a corresponding composition lacking the polyamine compound. Methods of preparing the composition and articles prepared for the composition are also described. The composition is particularly useful for fabricating halogen-free tubes for sheathing automotive wiring harnesses.
US07718717B2 Tyre rubber composition based on a reinforcing metal hydroxide
A rubber composition usable for the manufacture of tyres, based on at least a diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler and a coupling agent, characterised in that said filler comprises a synthetic metal hydroxide covered with silica, the metal of the hydroxide being selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe, Mg and mixtures of these metals. Use as reinforcing filler, in a diene rubber composition, of such a metal hydroxide. The metal hydroxide is preferably constituted of aggregates (secondary particles) of anisometric form, the primary particles possibly themselves being of anisometric form, for example in the form of rods, which imparts to the compositions of the invention anisotropic properties which are advantageous for separating their mechanical properties. Use of such a rubber composition for the manufacture of rubber articles, in particular of tyres or semi-finished products made of rubber intended for these tyres, in particular of treads.
US07718716B2 Chromonic nanoparticles containing bioactive compounds
A chromonic nanoparticle mixture prepared by combining (i) a continuous water-soluble polymer phase and (ii) a discontinuous chromonic phase comprising a chromonic material; and non-covalently crosslinking the resulting chromonic nanoparticles with a polyvalent cation salt.
US07718702B2 Cannabinoid receptor ligands
There are disclosed compounds of the formula a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or stereoisomer of the compound or of said prodrug; which exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunodulatory activity. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds and methods of using the compounds for the treatment of various diseases and conditions.
US07718700B2 Growth factor-binding compounds and methods of use
Growth factor binding compounds having a plurality of acyclic isophthalic acid groups attached to a non-peptide organic scaffold and pharmaceutical compositions of the same are disclosed. Methods of administering and using the growth factor binding compounds or the growth factor binding compositions are also taught. These novel growth factor binding compounds are useful for treating angiogenesis, excessive cellular proliferation, tumor growth, and a combination thereof as well as inhibiting growth factor binding to cells and phosphorylation.
US07718698B2 Process for decreasing environmental pollutants in an oil or a fat
The invention relates to a process for decreasing the amount of environmental pollutants in a mixture comprising a fat or an oil, being edible or for use in cosmetics, the fat or oil containing the environmental pollutants, which process comprises the steps of adding a volatile working fluid to the mixture, where the volatile working fluid comprises at least one of a fatty acid ester, a fatty acid amid, a free fatty acid and a hydro-carbon, and subjecting the mixture with the added volatile working fluid to at least one stripping processing step, in which an amount of environmental pollutant present in the fat or oil, being edible or for use in cosmetics, is separated from the mixture together with the volatile working fluid. The present invention also relates to a volatile environmental pollutants decreasing working fluid, for use in decreasing an amount of environmental pollutants present in a fat or oil, being edible or for use in cosmetics. In addition, the present invention relates to a health supplement, a pharmaceutical and an animal feed product prepared according to the process mentioned above.
US07718696B2 Methods of treating diabetes using carnitine conjugates as dual prodrugs
Compounds of Formula 1 are dual prodrug compounds of the formula The various terms in Formula 1 are selected to optimize the physiochemical and biological properties such as, lipophilicity, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics of compounds of Formula 1. These compounds are useful for the treatment of diabetes.
US07718695B2 Inclusion compounds of fumagillol derivative or its salt, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same
The present invention relates to an inclusion compound of fumagillol derivative or its salt with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin or sulfobutylether-7-β-cyclodextrin, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same. The inclusion compound according to the present invention has superior water solubility and stability while exhibiting low toxicity, rendering it valuable as an anticancer agent or inhibitor of tumor metastasis.
US07718694B2 Compositions and methods for therapy for diseases characterized by defective chloride transport
Compositions and methods for therapy of cystic fibrosis, asthma, and other conditions characterized by defective chloride transport are provided. The compositions comprise one or more compounds such as flavones and/or isoflavones, ascorbate and/or derivatives thereof capable of stimulating chloride transport in epithelial tissues. Therapeutic methods involve the administration (e.g., orally or via inhalation) of such compositions to a patient afflicted with cystic fibrosis, asthma, and/or another condition responsive to stimulation of chloride transport.
US07718692B2 Hetero-substituted acetanilide derivatives as analgesic agents
Hetero-substituted acetanilide derivatives are disclosed as analgesic agents. The compounds of the invention are useful in methods for treating a disease or condition in a mammal characterized by pain and/or fever.
US07718689B2 Benzoisoindole derivatives and their use as EP4 receptor ligands
A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, wherein R1 to R8, X, and Y are as defined in the specification; a process for preparing such compounds; a pharmaceutical composition comprising such compounds; and the use of such compounds in medicine.
US07718683B2 Triazolyl phenyl 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.
US07718671B2 Substituted arylthiourea derivatives useful as inhibitors of viral replication
Substituted arylthiourea compounds of Formula I, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such compounds, useful as antiviral agents, are provided herein. Certain substituted arylthioureas disclosed herein are potent and/or selective inhibitors of viral replication, particularly Hepatitis C virus replication. Pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more substituted arylthiourea compounds and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, or diluents are provided herein. Such pharmaceutical compositions may contain a substituted arylthiourea as the only active agent or may contain a combination of a substituted arylthiourea derivative and one or more other pharmaceutically active agents. Methods of treating Hepatitis C viral infections in mammals are also provided herein.
US07718668B2 Salts of 6-heterocycle substituted hexahydrophenanthridine derivatives
The invention relates to salts of 6-heteroaryl substituted hexahydrophenanthridine PDE4-inhibiting compounds, which can be used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of pharmaceutical compositions for use, e.g., in treatment of airway disorders.
US07718667B2 Fused aminopiperidines as dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors for the treatment or prevention of diabetes
The present invention is directed to novel substituted fused aminopiperidines which are inhibitors of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme (“DPP-IV inhibitors”) and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved, such as diabetes and particularly Type 2 diabetes. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved.
US07718665B2 Benzothienopyridines for use as inhibitors of Eg5 kinesin
Compounds of the formula (1) in which R1, R2, R3, R4 and X have the meanings indicated in the description, are novel effective compounds with Eg5 inhibitory, anti-proliferative and/or apoptosis inducing activity.
US07718661B2 Acetylenyl-pyrazolo-pyrimidine derivatives
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 to R3, A, M, L, E, G, and J are as defined in the description and claims. The invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods for treating CNS disorders.
US07718659B2 Heteroarylacetamide inhibitors of factor Xa
The invention is concerned with novel heteroarylacetamides of formula (I) Rd—C(O)—N(Re)—Rc—CH2—C(O)—N(Ra)(Rb)  (I) wherein Ra to Re are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds inhibit the coagulation factor Xa and can be used as medicaments.
US07718654B2 Substituted pteridines for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
The invention relates to new pteridine compounds of formula 1 wherein R1, R2 , R3 and R4 have the meanings given herein, which are useful for the treatment of respiratory or gastrointestinal complaints or diseases, inflammatory diseases of the joints, skin or eyes, diseases of the peripheral or central nervous system, or cancers. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions which contain these compounds.
US07718653B2 Pyrimidine derivatives for inhibiting Eph receptors
A compound of formula (I) where one of A1, A2 or A3 is N, and the others are independently selected from CH or N; ring B is a fused 5 or 6-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring which is optionally substituted as defined in the specification, and R1, R2, R3, R4, and n are as defined in the specification. The compounds are inhibitors of EphB4 or EphA2 and therefore may be useful in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of conditions such as cancer.
US07718651B2 Inhibitors of FtsZ and uses thereof
The invention relates to inhibitors of FtsZ polymerization and uses thereof.
US07718650B2 Aryl sulfonamide compounds for treating obesity
The present invention relates to substituted bis-arylsulfonamide and arylsulfonamide compounds of the general formula (I) or the formula (II), which compounds are potentially useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of medical conditions relating to obesity, type II diabetes and/or disorders of the central nervous system.
US07718649B1 Physical states of a pharmaceutical drug substance
An amorphous form of imipramine pamoate, morphologically pure forms, and mixtures of amorphous and morphologically pure imipramine pamoate characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, fourier transform infrared, and powder x-ray diffraction, and pharmaceutical compositions formed therefrom.
US07718636B2 Use of 2-methylene-19-nor-20(S)-1alpha,25dihydroxy vitamin d3 to inhibit mammary tumor
This invention provides pharmaceutical uses for 2-methylene-19-nor-20(S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Administration of this compound increases the life expectancy of human beings, especially elderly human beings. In particular, it increases the survival rate of females lacking estrogen, especially post-menopausal females, and reduces mortality resulting from spontaneous development of malignant tumors in both males and females.
US07718633B2 Prodrugs of HIV protease inhibitors
A compound of the formula is disclosed as a prodrug of an HIV protease inhibitor. Methods and compositions for inhibiting HIV protease activity and treating HIV infection are also disclosed.
US07718632B2 RNAi inhibition of alpha-ENaC expression
The invention relates to compositions and methods for modulating the expression of alpha-ENaC, and more particularly to the downregulation of alpha-ENaC expression by chemically modified oligonucleotides.
US07718631B2 Treatment tool for cancer: RNA interference of BCAS2
The present invention provides three BCAS2 related nucleotide sequences. The present invention also provides a composition comprising a nucleotide sequence of small interfering RNA of BCAS2 gene. The present invention further provides a method for treating p53 containing cancer comprising administrating a subject with an effective amount of the said composition.
US07718628B2 Antisense modulation of kinesin-like 1 expression
Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of kinesin-like 1. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding kinesin-like 1. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of kinesin-like 1 expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of kinesin-like 1 are provided.
US07718626B2 ErbB3 binding protein compositions and methods of use
A method of repressing a cell-cycle gene, which is regulated by an E2F transcription factor, in a cell, wherein the method comprises contacting the cell with a cell-cycle gene-repressing amount of ErbB3 binding protein (Ebp1); a method of inhibiting prostate cancer in a mammal, wherein the method comprises administering to the mammal a prostate cancer-inhibiting amount of Ebp1; a composition comprising an Ebp1-expressing viral vector that expresses a cell-cycle gene-repressing amount of Ebp1; and a composition comprising polymer-packaged DNA comprising and expressing a cell-cycle gene-repressing amount of Ebp1.
US07718624B2 Modulation of immune response and inflammation by targeting hypoxia inducible factors
Methods for modulating inflammation by administering HIF-1α inhibitors or compounds affecting HIF-1α expression and/or transcriptional activities are disclosed. HIF-1α affecting compounds include compounds that directly inhibit HIF-1α and/or interfere into expression of other proteins and regulation of biochemical pathways that target HIF-1α for degradation in vivo. Also disclosed are methods to enhance the inflammatory response and the destruction of pathogens (e.g., viruses, bacteria) and thereby preventing or minimizing pathogen-induced tissue injury. Also disclosed are methods to enhance the anti-tumor T cell response and the destruction of cancerous tumors and thereby preventing or minimizing metastasis-induced tissue injury. Also provided are methods to accomplish the opposite goal and decrease collateral damage by overactive T cells and thereby protect tissues of vital organs in a novel anti-inflammatory treatment.
US07718621B2 Macrolones—amino substituted quinolones
A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, having antimicrobial activity, processes for their preparation, compositions containing them and to their use in medicine.
US07718619B2 Abuse-resistant amphetamine prodrugs
The invention describes compounds, compositions, and methods of using the same comprising a chemical moiety covalently attached to amphetamine. These compounds and compositions are useful for reducing or preventing abuse and overdose of amphetamine. These compounds and compositions find particular use in providing an abuse-resistant alternative treatment for certain disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADD, narcolepsy, and obesity. Oral bioavailability of amphetamine is maintained at therapeutically useful doses. At higher doses bioavailability is substantially reduced, thereby providing a method of reducing oral abuse liability. Further, compounds and compositions of the invention decrease the bioavailability of amphetamine by parenteral routes, such as intravenous or intranasal administration, further limiting their abuse liability.
US07718617B2 Methods for preserving organs and tissues
The invention relates to a method for preserving an organ or tissue comprising contacting the organ or tissue with an effective amount of a kallikrein inhibitor and solutions useful for such a method. Also provided is a method for reducing reperfusion injury of an organ during surgery and/or following removal of the organ from a subject comprising placing the organ in an organ storage and preservative solution, wherein the solution comprises a kallikrein inhibitor.
US07718607B2 Method of producing S-nitrosoprotein preparation
A protein is efficiently nitrosylated with nitrogen monoxide by merely mixing S-nitrosoglutathione as a nitrogen monoxide donor with a protein solution containing a stabilizing agent comprising at least one compound or a combination of plural compounds selected from an N-acetylamino acid, a fatty acid, and a fatty acid salt. The method that enables efficient NO addition to a cysteine residue in un-nitrosylated protein without changing the structure of protein and hence provides NO to a living organism.
US07718604B2 Use of IL-22 for the treatment of conditions of metabolic disorders
The use of IL-22 for the treatment of metabolic disorders including hyperlipidemia, obesity, hyperinsulinemia and diabetes. IL-22 may also be used in combination with insulin for diabetes.
US07718599B2 Pharmaceutical administration form for peptides, process for its preparation, and use
The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions suitable for parenteral administration comprising, peptides in the form of acetate, gluconate, glucuronate, lactate, citrate, ascorbate, benzoate or phosphate salts in dissolved or dispersed form and at least one of the acids for forming the salts in free acid form.
US07718595B2 Light duty liquid cleaning compositions and methods of manufacture and use thereof comprising organic acids
The invention encompasses liquid cleaning compositions, for example, dish washing liquids, and methods of their manufacture and use, which possess enhanced cleaning ability. The cleaning compositions of the invention include acidic light duty liquid cleaning compositions with low toxicity and antibacterial efficacy on surfaces, for example, hard surfaces.
US07718593B2 Stable, low-foaming, peroxide steam cleaning compositions and method of predicting foaming in steam cleaning compositions
There is provided an aqueous low-foaming cleaning composition comprising peroxygen compound and a surfactant system, wherein the composition has a MR foam value of about less than 16. The composition is stable and suitable for use in a steam cleaning machine. There is also provided a method for predicting foam generation in steam cleaning compositions comprising the steps of mixing the composition.
US07718591B2 Microelectronic cleaning compositions containing ammonia-free fluoride salts for selective photoresist stripping and plasma ash residue cleaning
Ammonia-free, HF-free cleaning compositions for cleaning photoresist and plasma ash residues from microelectronic substrates, and particularly to such cleaning compositions useful with and having improved compatibility with microelectronic substrates characterized by sensitive porous and low-κ to high-κ dielectrics and copper metallization. The cleaning composition contain one or more non-ammonium producing, non-HF producing fluoride salt (non ammonium, quaternary ammonium fluoride salt) in a suitable solvent matrix.
US07718586B2 Hydrocarbons having reduced levels of mercaptans and method and composition useful for preparing same
Disclosed is composition useful for reducing the concentration of mercaptans in hydrocarbons comprising: (A) a first diazo component and (B) a second component comprising a nucleophilic acceptor. The composition can be added to hydrocarbons such as fuel oil to reduce mercaptans without increasing turbidity or color. Triethylene diamine and 1,2-epoxyhexadecane are disclosed to be exemplary diazo and nucleophilic acceptor components.
US07718583B2 Particulate material for proppant flowback control
Particulate material used for proppant flowback control from the fracture, where the material is a polymer which increases its hardness under downhole conditions.
US07718579B2 Electrochemical deblocking using a hydrazine derivative
A method for electrochemical removal of acid-labile protecting groups on an electrode microarray using an organic solution is disclosed. The solution comprises a hydrazine derivative and a salt in an organic solvent. The hydrazine derivative has at least one hydrazine group having at least one hydrogen. The hydrazine derivative provides acidic reagent when an electrode is active and isolates the acidic reagent to the area around the active electrode. The salt is an organic salt or ionic liquid having a concentration sufficient to provide electrochemical conductivity under an applied voltage. During the applied voltage, acidic reagent is generated, which removes acid-labile protecting groups thereby allowing continued addition of monomers to build a custom microarray of oligonucleotides, peptides, or other polymers.
US07718574B2 Biaxially-textured film deposition for superconductor coated tapes
Methods for depositing, at a very high deposition rate, a biaxially-textured film on a continuously moving metal tape substrate are disclosed. These methods comprise: depositing a film on the substrate with a deposition flux having an oblique incident angle of about 5° to about 80° from the substrate normal, while simultaneously bombarding the deposited film using an ion beam at an ion beam incident angle arranged along either a best ion texture direction of the film or along a second best ion texture direction of the film, thereby forming the biaxially-textured film, wherein a deposition flux incident plane is arranged parallel to a direction along which the biaxially-textured film has a fast in-plane growth rate. Superconducting articles comprising a substrate, a biaxially-textured film deposited on said substrate by said methods above; and a superconducting layer disposed on the biaxially-textured film are also disclosed.
US07718569B2 Composite catalyst for the selective oligomerization of lower alkenes and the production of high octane products
The present invention relates to a) a catalytic composite comprising a support structure and a catalytic species that is deposited on the support structure, b) a process for the selective oligomerization of lower alkenes and mixtures of alkenes, which process comprises contacting the lower alkenes with the catalytic composite in a catalytic distillation apparatus and under catalytic distillation conditions, and c) a process for producing high octane products, which process comprises hydrogenating one or more catalytic distillation apparatus and under catalytic distillation conditions.
US07718568B2 Hydrothermally synthesized Mo-V-M-Nb-X oxide catalysts for the selective oxidation of hydrocarbons
Hydrothermally synthesized catalysts comprising a mixed metal oxide are utilized to produce unsaturated carboxylic acids by the vapor phase oxidation of an alkane, or a mixture of an alkane and an alkene, in the presence thereof; or to produce unsaturated nitrites by the vapor phase oxidation of an alkane, or a mixture of an alkane and an alkene, and ammonia in the presence thereof.
US07718562B2 Perovskite catalyst system for lean burn engines
A catalyst system for use with an internal combustion engine to provide emissions reductions under lean and stoichiometric operating conditions. The catalyst system comprises a first catalyst comprised of a newly developed Perovskite-based formulation having an ABO3 crystal structure designed to bring the precious metal and NOx trapping elements close together. The first catalyst acts primarily to maximize the reduction of emissions under lean operating conditions. The catalyst system also comprises a second catalyst comprised of precious metals which acts primarily to maximize the reduction of emissions under stoichiometric conditions.
US07718546B2 Method for fabricating a 3-D integrated circuit using a hard mask of silicon-oxynitride on amorphous carbon
A method for fabricating a 3-D monolithic memory device. Silicon-oxynitride (SixOyNz) on amorphous carbon is used an effective, easily removable hard mask with high selectivity to silicon, oxide, and tungsten. A silicon-oxynitride layer is etched using a photoresist layer, and the resulting etched SixOyNz layer is used to etch an amorphous carbon layer. Silicon, oxide, and/or tungsten layers are etched using the amorphous carbon layer. In one implementation, conductive rails of the 3-D monolithic memory device are formed by etching an oxide layer such as silicon dioxide (SiO2) using the patterned amorphous carbon layer as a hard mask. Memory cell diodes are formed as pillars in polysilicon between the conductive rails by etching a polysilicon layer using another patterned amorphous carbon layer as a hard mask. Additional levels of conductive rails and memory cell diodes are formed similarly to build the 3-D monolithic memory device.
US07718542B2 Low-k damage avoidance during bevel etch processing
A method for etching a bevel edge of a substrate is provided. A patterned photoresist mask is formed over the etch layer. The bevel edge is cleaned comprising providing a cleaning gas comprising at least one of a CO2, CO, CxHy, H2, NH3, CxHyFz and a combination thereof, forming a cleaning plasma from the cleaning gas, and exposing the bevel edge to the cleaning plasma. Features are etched into the etch layer through the photoresist features and the photoresist mask is removed.
US07718539B2 Method for photomask fabrication utilizing a carbon hard mask
Methods for forming a photomask using a carbon hard mask are provided. In one embodiment, a method of forming a photomask includes etching a chromium layer through a patterned carbon hard mask layer in the presence of a plasma formed from a process gas containing chlorine and carbon monoxide.
US07718537B2 Method for manufacturing a CBRAM semiconductor memory
A method for manufacturing CBRAM switching elements and CBRAM semiconductor memories with improved switching characteristics so as to remove superfluous, weak, cluster-like, or unbound selenium at the surface of a GeSe layer is solved by the present invention in that, after the generation of an active matrix material or GeSe layer, respectively, a reactive sputter etching process is performed in which the surface layer of the active matrix material or GeSe layer, respectively, is removed at least partially so as to modify the surface structure thereof.
US07718536B2 Planarization process for pre-damascene structure including metal hard mask
A planarization process for a pre-damascene structure is described, wherein the pre-damascene structure includes a metal hard mask that is disposed on a first material layer with a damascene opening therein and a second material layer that fills the damascene opening and covers the metal hard mask. A first CMP step is conducted using a first slurry to remove the second material layer outside the damascene opening. A second CMP step is conducted using a second slurry to remove the metal hard mask.
US07718533B2 Inverted variable resistance memory cell and method of making the same
An inverted variable resistance memory cell and a method of fabricating the same. The memory cell is fabricated by forming an opening in an insulating layer deposited over a semiconductor substrate, etching the top portion of the opening to have a substantially hemispherical-shape, forming a metal layer in the opening, and overlying a variable resistance material over the metal layer.
US07718529B2 Inverse self-aligned spacer lithography
Ultrafine dimensions, smaller than conventional lithographic capabilities, are formed employing an efficient inverse spacer technique comprising selectively removing spacers. Embodiments include forming a first mask pattern over a target layer, forming a spacer layer on the upper and side surfaces of the first mask pattern leaving intermediate spaces, depositing a material in the intermediate spacers leaving the spacer layer exposed, selectively removing the spacer layer to form a second mask pattern having openings exposing the target layer, and etching the target layer through the second mask pattern.
US07718524B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including the steps of: forming an interlayer insulating film on a semiconductor substrate; forming a metal mask on the interlayer insulating film; forming a pattern trench in the metal mask and the interlayer insulating film by etching away parts of the metal mask and the interlayer insulating film; forming a conductive layer on the interlayer insulating film so as to fill in the pattern trench; and polishing the excessive conductive layer and the metal mask on the interlayer insulating film so as to leave the conductive layer in the pattern trench.
US07718523B1 Solder attach film and method of forming solder ball using the same
A solder attach film includes a first cover film, a flux layer, a solder layer, and a second cover film, and it can be treated or kept in a roll shape. A solder ball forming method using the solder attach film includes preparing a semiconductor package or a semiconductor die, adhering the solder attach film, gridding, and reflowing. In the solder attach film adhering operation, the first cover film and the second cover film are removed, and the flux layer is adhered to electrically conductive pads of the semiconductor package or the semiconductor die. Subsequently, in the reflowing operation, the flux layer is volatilized and removed, and the solder layer is fused and fixed to the electrically conductive pads, so that solder balls are formed.
US07718520B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device and related method
Embodiments of the invention provide a semiconductor integrated circuit device and a method for fabricating the device. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a plurality of preliminary gate electrode structures in a cell array region and a peripheral circuit region of a semiconductor substrate; forming selective epitaxial films on the semiconductor substrate in the cell array region and the peripheral region; implanting impurities into at least some of the selective epitaxial films to form elevated source/drain regions in the cell array region and the peripheral circuit region; forming a first interlayer insulating film; and patterning the first interlayer insulating film to form a plurality of first openings exposing the elevated source/drain regions. The method further comprises forming a first ohmic film, a first barrier film, and a metal film; and removing portions of each of the metal film, the first barrier film, and the first ohmic film.
US07718517B2 Single-shot semiconductor processing system and method having various irradiation patterns
High throughput systems and processes for recrystallizing thin film semiconductors that have been deposited at low temperatures on a substrate are provided. A thin film semiconductor workpiece is irradiated with a laser beam to melt and recrystallize target areas of the surface exposed to the laser beam. The laser beam is shaped into one or more beamlets using patterning masks. The mask patterns have suitable dimensions and orientations to pattern the laser beam radiation so that the areas targeted by the beamlets have dimensions and orientations that are conducive to semiconductor recrystallization. The workpiece is mechanically translated along linear paths relative to the laser beam to process the entire surface of the work piece at high speeds. Position sensitive triggering of a laser can be used generate laser beam pulses to melt and recrystallize semiconductor material at precise locations on the surface of the workpiece while it is translated on a motorized stage.
US07718515B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device
The principal objects of the present invention are to provide structure of a semiconductor device capable of reducing a bowing of a wafer, and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device. The present invention is applied to a semiconductor device, which is fabricated with a semiconductor substrate having a silicon carbide (SiC) film. The method includes the steps of: forming the SiC film on a semiconductor wafer; discriminating a deformation condition of the semiconductor wafer; and forming grooves in the SiC film, the grooves having a shape determined in accordance with the deformation condition of the semiconductor wafer.
US07718513B2 Forming silicided gate and contacts from polysilicon germanium and structure formed
Methods of forming silicided contacts self-aligned to a gate from polysilicon germanium and a structure so formed are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes: forming a polysilicon germanium (poly SiGe) pedestal over a gate dielectric over a substrate; forming a poly SiGe layer over the poly SiGe pedestal, the poly SiGe layer having a thickness greater than the poly SiGe pedestal; doping the poly SiGe layer; simultaneously forming a gate and a contact to each side of the gate from the poly SiGe layer, the gate positioned over the poly SiGe pedestal; annealing to drive the dopant from the gate and the contacts into the substrate to form a source/drain region below the contacts; filling a space between the gate and the contacts; and forming silicide in the gate and the contacts.
US07718507B2 Bonded wafer and method of producing the same
A bonded wafer is produced by bonding an ion-implanted wafer for an active layer onto a wafer for a supporting substrate, and thereafter exfoliating the wafer for the active layer at the ion-implanted position through a heat treatment and then polishing a terrace portion of the resulting active layer with a predetermined fixed grain abrasive cloth to remove island-shaped projections on the terrace portion while controlling a scattering of terrace width and smoothness of an outer peripheral face of the active layer.
US07718502B2 Semiconductor apparatus including a thin-metal-film resistor element and a method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor apparatus includes a wiring pattern, an insulating film, and a thin-metal-film resistor element. The insulating film is formed on the wiring pattern having connection holes vertically penetrating there-through to expose part of the wiring pattern at bottom regions of the connection holes. The connection holes are arranged with a space there-between. The thin-metal-film resistor element is formed on the insulating film and extending to continuously overlay and contact surfaces of the insulating film, inner walls of the connection holes, and the wiring pattern at the bottom regions of the connection holes.
US07718499B2 Method of fabricating a semiconductor device
In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, an additive gas is mixed with an etching gas to reduce a fluorine ratio of the etching gas. The etching gas having a reduced fluorine rate is utilized in the process for etching a nitride layer formed on an oxide layer to prevent the oxide layer formed below the nitride layer from being etched along with the nitride layer. The method comprises primarily etching an exposed charge storage layer using an etching gas; and secondarily etching the charge storage layer using the etching gas under a condition that a ratio of fluorine contained in the etching gas utilized in the secondary etching step is less than a ratio of fluorine contained in the etching gas utilized in the primary etching step. Thus, the tunnel insulating layer formed below the charge storage layer is not damaged when the charge storage layer is patterned.
US07718498B2 Semiconductor device and method of producing same
A semiconductor device suitable for a source-follower circuit, provided with a gate electrode formed on a semiconductor substrate via a gate insulation film, a first conductivity type layer formed in the semiconductor substrate under a conductive portion of the gate electrode and containing a first conductivity type impurity, first source/drain regions of the first conductivity type impurity formed in the semiconductor substrate and extended from edge portions of the gate electrode, and second source/drain regions having a first conductivity type impurity concentration lower than that in the first source/drain regions and formed adjoining the gate insulation film and the first source/drain regions in the semiconductor substrate so as to overlap portions of the conductive portion of the gate electrode.
US07718493B2 Method for forming semiconductor device
A method for forming a semiconductor device of the present invention solves problems in a process for forming a fin type gate including a recess region, such as, a complicated process, low production margin, and difficulty in forming an accurate fin shape. In a process for forming an isolation dielectric film defining an active region, a nitride film pattern is formed in such a manner that the size of the nitride film is adjusted according to line width of a fin portion in a fin type active region formed in a subsequent process step, and an isolation dielectric film is formed in every region except for the nitride film pattern of a semiconductor substrate. Then, a recess is etched, and the isolation dielectric film is removed from a region where the line width of the nitride film pattern was reduced to a certain degree. Consequently, a process margin for forming a fin type active region is increased, and the shape of a fin shaped portion can be adjusted accurately, which together contribute to improved electrical properties in the semiconductor devices.
US07718491B2 Method for making a NAND Memory device with inversion bit lines
A NAND based memory device uses inversion bit lines in order to eliminate the need for implanted bit lines. As a result, the cell size can be reduced, which can provide greater densities in smaller packaging. In another aspect, a method for fabricating a NAND based memory device that uses inversion bit lines is disclosed.
US07718490B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor storage device and manufacturing method therefor
A nonvolatile semiconductor storage device includes a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of isolation regions formed in the semiconductor substrate; an element-forming region formed between adjacent isolation regions; a first gate insulating film provided on the element-forming region; a floating gate electrode which is provided on the first gate insulating film and in which a width of a lower hem facing the element-forming region is narrower than a width of the element-forming region in a section taken in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the isolation regions extend; a second gate insulating film provided on the floating gate electrode; and a control gate electrode provided on the second gate insulating film.
US07718489B2 Double-gate FETs (field effect transistors)
A semiconductor structure and method for forming the same. The structure includes multiple fin regions disposed between first and second source/drain (S/D) regions. The structure further includes multiple front gates and back gates, each of which is sandwiched between two adjacent fin regions such that the front gates and back gates are alternating (i.e., one front gate then one back gate and then one front gate, and so on). The widths of the front gates are greater than the widths of the back gates. The capacitances of between the front gates and the S/D regions are smaller than the capacitances of between the back gates and the S/D regions. The distances between the front gates and the S/D regions are greater than the distances between the back gates and the S/D regions.
US07718484B2 Method of forming a dielectic film that contains silicon, oxygen and nitrogen and method of fabricating a semiconductor device that uses such a dielectric film
In a film formation method of a semiconductor device including a plurality of silicon-based transistors or capacitors, there exist hydrogen at least in a part of the silicon surface in advance, and the film formation method removes the hydrogen by exposing the silicon surface to a first inert gas plasma. Thereafter a silicon compound layer is formed on the surface of the silicon gas by generating plasma while using a mixed gas of a second inert gas and one or more gaseous molecules, such that there is formed a silicon compound layer containing at least a pat of the elements constituting the gaseous molecules, on the surface of the silicon gas.
US07718477B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
This patent relates to a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes an insulating layer formed in a semiconductor substrate, trenches formed within the insulating layer, silicon layers formed within the trenches, gates formed on the silicon layers, and junctions formed in the silicon layers at both sides of the gates.
US07718476B2 Display apparatus and fabricating method thereof
A method of fabricating a display apparatus includes depositing a first layer on a substrate while a mask is disposed at a first distance from the substrate, and forming a second layer on the substrate while the mask is disposed at a second distance larger than the first distance from the substrate after forming the first layer. Thus, the present invention provides a method of fabricating a display apparatus, in which a single mask is used in forming an electron injection layer and a common electrode.
US07718475B2 Method for manufacturing an integrated circuit including a transistor
The present invention relates to a transistor comprising a gate channel area and a gate stack having mechanical stress arranged on the gate channel area.
US07718474B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a pair of select gate structures which are opposed to each other and which are formed in a select transistor formation area, each of the select gate structures including a gate insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate and a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film, and a pair of memory cell gate structure groups which are formed in a pair of memory cell formation areas between which the select transistor formation area is interposed and each of which has a plurality of memory cell gate structures arranged at the same pitch, the pair of select gate structures having sides which are opposed to each other, and at least the upper portion of each of the opposed sides of the select gate structures being inclined.
US07718471B1 Method and apparatus for stacked die package with insulated wire bonds
A semiconductor package has a substrate with a plurality of contact pads. A first semiconductor die is mounted to the substrate. First wire bonds are formed between each of the center-row contact pads of the first semiconductor die and the substrate contact pads. The first wire bonds include an electrically insulative coating formed over the shaft that covers a portion of a surface of a bumped end of the first wire bonds. An epoxy material is deposited over the first semiconductor die. A second semiconductor die is mounted to the epoxy material. Second wire bonds are formed between each of the center-row contact pads of the second semiconductor die and the substrate contact pads. The second wire bonds include an electrically insulative coating formed over the shaft of the second wire bonds that covers a portion of a surface of a bumped end of the second wire bonds.
US07718466B2 Performance improvements of OFETs through use of field oxide to control ink flow
An OFET includes a thick dielectric layer with openings in the active region of a transistor. After the field dielectric layer is formed, semiconductor ink is dropped in the active region cavities in the field dielectric layer, forming the semiconductor layer. The ink is bounded by the field dielectric layer walls. After the semiconductor layer is annealed, dielectric ink is dropped into the same cavities. As with the semiconductor ink, the field dielectric wall confines the flow of the dielectric ink. The confined flow causes the dielectric ink to pool into the cavity, forming a uniform layer within the cavity, and thereby decreasing the probability of pinhole shorting. After the dielectric is annealed, a gate layer covers the active region thereby completing a high performance OFET structure.
US07718461B2 Nanometer-scale electromechanical switch and fabrication process
The present invention describes nano-scale fabrication technique used to create a sub-micron wide gap across the center conductor of a coplanar waveguide transmission line configured in a fixed-fixed beam arrangement, resulting in a pair of opposing cantilever beams that comprise an electro-mechanical switch. Accordingly, a nanometer-scale mechanical switch with very high switching speed and low actuation voltage has been developed. This switch is intended primarily for application in the RF/microwave/wireless industry.
US07718460B2 Solid state imaging apparatus
A method for manufacturing a solid state imaging device includes steps of forming a photodiode layer buried in a semiconductor substrate by ion injection and of forming a shielding layer buried in the photodiode layer by ion injection. At least in the ion injection process in the step of forming the shielding layer, an ion injection pause period is provided at least one time during whole ion injection step. According to the method, crystal defects are prevented from generating even if ion injection is performed with high energy, thereby suppressing dark current without complexity in manufacturing process.
US07718459B2 Dual conversion gain pixel using Schottky and ohmic contacts to the floating diffusion region and methods of fabrication and operation
The exemplary embodiments provide an imager with dual conversion gain charge storage and thus, improved dynamic range. A dual conversion gain element (e.g., Schottky diode) is coupled between a floating diffusion region and a respective capacitor. The dual conversion gain element switches in the capacitance of the capacitor, in response to charge stored at the floating diffusion region, to change the conversion gain of the floating diffusion region from a first conversion gain to a second conversion gain. In an additional aspect, the exemplary embodiments provide an ohmic contact between the gate of a source follower transistor and the floating diffusion region which assists in the readout of the dual conversion gain output signal of a pixel.
US07718458B2 Electric field concentration minimization for MEMS
A method and resulting device for reducing an electrical field at an isolation gap in a capacitive actuator includes providing a bottom electrode layer and forming a pattern in the bottom electrode layer having an isolation gap between center and outer electrode components of the patterned electrode. A spacing material is deposited in the isolation gap, the spacing material having a greater height than a remainder of the patterned electrode, and a sacrificial material is deposited conformably on a surface of the patterned electrode and spacing material. The method also includes applying a deformable electrode to a surface of the sacrificial material, whereby removal of the sacrificial and spacing materials results in a greater spacing between the deformable electrode and the electrode layer at a region of the isolation gap than over a remainder of the spacing between the patterned electrode layer and deformable surface.
US07718455B2 Method of forming a buried aperture nitride light emitting device
A method of forming a buried aperture in a nitride light emitting device is described. The method involves forming an aperture layer, typically an amorphous or polycrystalline material over an active layer that includes a nitride material. The aperture layer material typically also includes nitride. The aperture layer is etched to create an aperture which is then filled with a conducting material by epitaxial regrowth. The amorphous layer is crystallized forming an electrically resistive material during or before regrowth. The conducting aperture in the electrically resistive material is well suited for directing current into a light emitting region of the active layer.
US07718448B1 Method of monitoring process misalignment to reduce asymmetric device operation and improve the electrical and hot carrier performance of LDMOS transistor arrays
A number of modified lateral DMOS (LDMOS) transistor arrays are formed and tested to determine if a measured value, such as a series on-resistance, substrate current, breakdown voltage, and reliability, satisfies process alignment requirements. The modified LDMOS transistor arrays are similar to standard LDMOS transistor arrays such that the results of the modified LDMOS transistor arrays can be used to predict the results of the standard LDMOS transistor arrays.
US07718447B2 System and method for estimating the crystallinity of stacked metal lines in microstructures
By performing x-ray analysis of stacked metallization layers on the basis of data reduction, the crystalline structure of individual metallization layers may be determined. Consequently, a relationship between electromigration and crystallinity, as well as a correlation between process parameters and materials and the finally obtained crystalline structures of metal lines, may be estimated in a highly efficient manner compared to measurement techniques based on charged particles.
US07718445B2 Methods and compositions for directed microwave chemistry
The present invention concerns a novel means by which specific chosen reactions can be accelerated through the use of a new type of artificial enzyme. The invention allows specific reactions to occur at an accelerated rate, even in the presence of other non-chosen molecules, which may be very similar in structure to the chosen reactant. The reactions may be stoichiometric or catalytic.
US07718440B2 Method and apparatus for biosensor spectral shift detection
Performing high-resolution determination of the relative shift of the spectral properties of a biosensor. The shift in the resonance peak of the biosensor is indicative of the amount of material bound to the surface of the biosensor. A preferred biosensor is a Guided Mode Resonant Filter Biosensor (GMRFB). In one aspect of the invention, curve fitting is used to determine the relative location of the spectrum of the unexposed biosensor with respect to those spectra that are altered (e.g., shifted) by the presence of materials bound to the surface of the biosensor. In an alternative embodiment, the cross correlation function is used to detect spectral peak offsets between a reference spectrum and a spectrum measured from an exposed biosensor. In yet another alternative, maximal likelihood estimation techniques are used to determine the spectral shift or offs.
US07718439B2 System and method for coding information on a biosensor test strip
The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.
US07718434B2 Method for determining the characteristics of crude oils and mixtures of chain molecules by diffusion and relaxation measurements
The diffusion coefficients and relaxation times of mixtures of alkanes follow simple scaling laws based on the chain length of the constituents and the mean chain length of the mixture. These scaling laws are used to determine chain sizes in a mixture from the distribution of the diffusion coefficients. These scaling laws can be used to determine the mean chain lengths (or chain lengths) of a sample (alkanes or mixtures of alkanes) and therefore the constituents of the sample.
US07718428B2 Myeloid colony stimulating factor and uses thereof
The identification of the HYAL1 hyaluronidase enzyme as a human plasma-derived myeloid colony-stimulating factor (CSF), designated CSF5-hyaluronidase, its recombinant production and methods of use are described. This protein may be used for the treatment of myelosuppression as may occur after irradiation, chemotherapy or other diseases where an increase in leukocyte levels may be beneficial. For example, CSF5-hyaluronidase may be used to enhance the immune response to viral infection or other diseases associated with immune suppression.
US07718417B2 Production of isoprenoids
The invention provides a biological method of producing isoprenoids.
US07718406B2 Substrates for TAFI (A)
The invention relates to compounds of general formula (I) and acid addition salts thereof, where the various symbols have the meanings given in the description and claims, the production and use thereof as substrate for the detection of TAFIa, a fibrinolysis inhibiting enzyme. The detection occurs by using the absorption between 400 and 412 nm, arising as a result of the formation of 3-carboxy-4-nitrothiophenol from Ellman's reagent as a function of time.
US07718404B2 α-isomaltosylglucosaccharide-forming enzyme, process and uses of the same
The object of the present invention is to provide an α-isomaltosylglucosaccharide-forming enzyme, process of the same, cyclotetrasaccharide, and saccharide composition comprising the saccharide which are obtainable by using the enzyme; and is solved by establishing an α-isomaltosylglucosaccharide-forming enzyme which forms a saccharide, having a glucose polymerization degree of at least three and having both the α-1,6 glucosidic linkage as a linkage at the non-reducing end and the α-1,4 glucosidic linkage other than the linkage at the non-reducing end, by catalyzing the α-glucosyl-transfer from a saccharide having a glucose polymerization degree of at least two and having the α-1,4 glucosidic linkage as a linkage at the non-reducing end without substantially increasing the reducing power; α-isomaltosyl-transferring method using the enzyme; method for forming α-isomaltosylglucosaccharide; process for producing a cyclotetrasaccharide having the structure of cyclo{66)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(163)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(166)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(163)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(16} using both the α-isomaltosylglucosaccharide-forming enzyme and the α-isomaltosyl-transferring enzyme; and the uses of the saccharides obtainable therewith.
US07718403B2 Amplification and analysis of whole genome and whole transcriptome libraries generated by a DNA polymerization process
The present invention regards a variety of methods and compositions for whole genome amplification and whole transcriptome amplification. In a particular aspect of the present invention, there is a method of amplifying a genome comprising a library generation step followed by a library amplification step. In specific embodiments, the library generating step utilizes specific primer mixtures and a DNA polymerase, wherein the specific primer mixtures are designed to eliminate ability to self-hybridize and/or hybridize to other primers within a mixture but efficiently and frequently prime nucleic acid templates.
US07718401B2 Expression of HIV polypeptides and production of virus-like particles
The present invention relates to the efficient expression of HIV polypeptides in a variety of cell types, including, but not limited to, mammalian, insect, and plant cells. Synthetic expression cassettes encoding the HIV Gag-containing polypeptides are described, as are uses of the expression cassettes in applications including DNA immunization, generation of packaging cell lines, and production of Env-, tat- or Gag-containing proteins. The invention provides methods of producing Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), as well as, uses of the VLPs including, but not limited to, vehicles for the presentation of antigens and stimulation of immune response in subjects to whom the VLPs are administered.
US07718397B2 Nucleic acids encoding receptor for IL-17 homologous polypeptides and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides having sequence identity with IL-17, IL-17 receptors and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Further provided herein are methods for treating degenerative cartilaginous disorders and other inflammatory diseases.
US07718392B2 Device and direct method for detecting antibiotic-inactivating factors
The present invention provides a method of determining the antibiotic susceptibility of a microorganism comprising the following steps. First, a culture of the microorganism whose susceptibility is to be determined is admixed with an antibiotic to which susceptibility is to be assayed, and a permeabilizing agent for the microorganism present in a non-growth-inhibiting microorganism-permeabilizing effective amount to form an assay culture. Next, the assay culture is incubated under appropriate culture conditions and for a time sufficient to determine the susceptibility of the microorganism to the antibiotic. In another aspect, the present invention provides an improved method for antibiotic susceptibility testing of a microorganism in a culture by admixing the culture with an antibiotic to which susceptibility is to be assayed, and incubating the culture for a time sufficient to determine the susceptibility of the microorganism to the antibiotic, the improvement comprising admixing the culture with a permeabilizing agent for the microorganism present in a non-growth inhibiting microorganism-permeabilizing effective amount.