Document Document Title
US07733561B2 Suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in high power fiber amplifiers
A fiber amplifier suitable for high power, narrow linewidth applications exhibits suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) by segmenting the fiber amplifier into separate portions that exhibit different Brillouin center frequencies. By changing the center frequencies in adjoining segments of the fiber amplifier, the backward-propagating Stokes signal is essentially blocked, and SBS is suppressed. In a preferred embodiment the segmentation is added to the terminating portion of the fiber amplifier. Various techniques, including temperature modifications, can be used to impart the desired center frequency shift.
US07733560B2 Flexible electrophoretic display and method of fabricating the same
Provided is a flexible electrophoretic display. The flexible electrophoretic display includes a grayscale representation unit for representing grayscales in unit areas using reflection and transmission; upper and lower electrodes for applying a voltage to the grayscale representation unit; and a plurality of colored particles formed on the upper electrode for representing color. The upper electrode is formed of a transparent conductive material. External incident light is reflected by the colored particles formed on the upper electrode for color implementation by the flexible electrophoretic display. Thus, a compact, flexible electrophoretic display capable of displaying a high-definition image with multi-color and multi-gradation can be implemented by using multi-colored particle layers formed of metallic nano-particles.
US07733558B2 Display device with an addressable movable electrode
A display device implemented with a spatial light modulator (SLM) comprising a plurality of pixel elements arranged in array to modulate incident light and display an image, wherein each of the pixel elements comprises a movable electrode and a stationary electrode; a drive circuit connected to the movable electrode and receives image data for applying a voltage applied to control the movable electrode in accordance with image data, and a voltage application circuit for applying and controlling a voltage applied to the stationary electrode to control a moving speed of the movable electrode.
US07733555B2 Environmentally safe electrochromic mirrors
This invention recognizes the hazards of beryllium and beryllium oxide in automotive applications and offers alternative material solutions. In particular, commercial electrochromic mirrors use beryllium comprising alloys for busbars and may also use beryllium oxide for the electronics used to power and control these mirrors. Further, this can be combined by reducing other known hazards such as mercury, cadmium, lead and antimony compounds.
US07733553B2 Light modulator with tunable optical state
An electronic light modulator device for at least partially displaying a pixel of an image, the device comprising first and second reflectors defining an optical cavity therebetween, the optical cavity being selective of an electromagnetic wavelength at an intensity by optical interference, the device having at least first and second optical states, at least one of the optical states being tunable and the other not tunable.
US07733551B2 Actuator, optical scanner and image-forming device
An actuator, includes: a weight part; a supporting part supporting the weight part; a connecting part coupling the weight part rotatable to the supporting part and having an elastic part; a driving member for driving and rotating the weight part; and a semiconductor circuit for driving the weight part. The driving member is operated to torsionally deform the elastic part and rotate the weight part. The elastic part has a first silicon part that is mainly made of silicon and a first resin part that is mainly made of resin and coupled to the first silicon part. The supporting part has at least a second silicon part made mainly of silicon and coupled to the first silicon part of the elastic part. The semiconductor circuit is provided on the second silicon part of the supporting part.
US07733548B2 Image reading apparatus
A method is provided for processing image data read from a book document placed on a platen of an image reading apparatus. The method includes determining a background pixel of the image data based on a luminance difference or a color difference between neighboring pixel arrays, identifying a shadow region based on a luminance change between the neighboring background pixel arrays, discriminatively detecting a shadow of a binding portion and a shadow of a front edge in a document region with reference to a changing direction of shadow luminance, and performing a luminance correction on the shadow region according to characteristics of the shadows.
US07733546B2 Color image processing apparatus
A color image processing apparatus capable of performing effective trapping process is provided. The apparatus processes color image data expressed by plural colors and comprises a drift information storing portion storing color drift information with respect to each of the plurality of colors; a boundary detecting portion detecting a boundary portion of the image data of the plural colors; a color change detecting portion detecting a color change in the boundary portion of the image data detected by the boundary detecting portion; a color drift direction recognizing portion recognizing a color drift direction with reference to the drift information storing portion according to the color change in the boundary portion detected by the color change detecting portion; and an image correcting portion correcting the color change in the boundary portion of the image data according to the color drift direction recognized by the color drift direction recognizing portion.
US07733543B2 Document illumination apparatus, document reading apparatus and image forming apparatus permitting efficient cooling
A document illumination apparatus includes a first light source configured to emit light. A first lower reflector is configured to reflect the light emitted from the first light source. A first upper reflector is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first lower reflector to illuminate a document. A first non-reflective area is disposed between the first lower and upper reflectors.
US07733539B2 Scanning method for stitching images
A method for scanning a media sheet with a scanning apparatus includes feeding the media sheet through the first set of rollers into a scanning area, such that a first portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A first partial media sheet image of the first portion is scanned. The media sheet is fed into the second set of rollers, then out of the first set of rollers, such that a second portion of the media sheet is available for scanning. A second partial media sheet image of the second portion of the media sheet is scanned. At least the first partial media sheet image is combined with the second partial media sheet image to generate a full image of the media sheet. In a further embodiment, the number of partial scans may be increased as necessary to provide a complete image of the scanned object, e.g., the media sheet. For example, one or more intermediate scans may be performed in accordance with the present invention in addition to the scans occurring at the ends of media sheet. In another embodiment, multiple image sheets may be sequentially scanned forming a plurality of first and second partial media sheet images that are stitched together to form a panoramic image.
US07733535B2 Method and apparatus for image manipulation via a dither matrix
Efficiently processing contone image data by determining one or more characteristics of the image data and using these characteristics to manipulate the dither matrix so that the printed image is enhanced.
US07733529B2 Electronic blackboard
A copy button is pushed to output an image data to an external storage medium, such as a USB memory. Then, a process for writing the image data in the USB memory is executed, and an image corresponding to the image data is printed. When the printed image is light, a density controlling button is pushed, and then, the copy button is pushed again. The image data is called up from a RAM, and a process for causing a density of the image data to be darker is executed, via image data on which image density control has been executed is written over the data previously stored in the USB memory.
US07733525B2 Gamut mapping method and apparatus
A gamut mapping method and apparatus are provided which allow a reproduction device to properly represent colors that are not within a gamut boundary of the reproduction device but within in a gamut boundary of a source device. The gamut mapping method includes (a) setting a cut-off rate for a predetermined color component and defining a cut-off region on a standard color circle; (b) determining a gamut of a reproduction device using color data which is part of basic color data and corresponds to colors that do not belong to the cut-off region; (c) modifying a gamut of a source device according to the determined gamut of the reproduction device; (d) determining a mapping relationship between the modified gamut of the source device and the determined gamut of the reproduction device; and (e) creating a mapping table based on the determined mapping relationship.
US07733518B2 Image processing apparatus with resolution determined by pixel count and used for print image, method, program, and recording
There are provided an image generating apparatus, method, program, and recording medium that eliminate the need for specifying the size of paper on which a captured image is to be printed and are capable of printing the image on paper of a suitable size even when information about the paper size is unavailable. An MFP 101 obtains an image from a device such as a digital camera 105, extracts pixel count information from the image, and determines whether or not the image contains resolution information. If the image does not contain resolution information, the image is transformed to an image of a size that fits an A4-size sheet and the resolution of the image is determined on the basis of the pixel count information. Then, the size-transformed image is printed on an A4-size sheet with the determined resolution.
US07733516B2 Image forming apparatus and method for erasing data thereof
In one embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the invention, an overwrite data determination device for determining overwrite data so that a hard disk containing information on image forming jobs is overwritten with the overwrite data. An overwrite block size determination device for determining size of an equal-size block so that a disk memory area is divided into equal-size blocks to be overwritten with the overwrite data. The size of the equal-size block is larger than that of the overwrite data. Using the overwrite settings specified by the overwrite data determination device and the overwrite block-size determination device, a data erase control device overwrites the hard disk with meaningless data in order to erase data stored in the hard disk.
US07733508B2 Communication terminal device and communication method
A microprocessor unit of a communication terminal device determines whether or not a destination terminal is a communication terminal manufactured by a same manufacturer as the communication terminal device in accordance with a manufacturer code transmitted from the destination terminal. A display unit displays a message to notify a determination result to a transmitter and to urge the transmitter to perform a selection operation for executing or canceling a transmission of image data. When the transmitter selects a function key displayed on the display unit in accordance with the message, the microprocessor unit executes or cancels the transmission of the image data.
US07733506B2 Optical tilt monitoring apparatus
An optical arrangement includes a position sensitive optical detector, a collimated optical source, and a processor configured to monitor the inclination of an object. The collimated optical source is configured to transmit a collimated beam towards the object. The position sensitive optical detector is configured to detect the specific location of incidence of an optical signal received from the object, and the processor is configured to generate information relating to the inclination of the object from processing optical signals received at the position sensitive optical detector.
US07733503B2 Method and system for optical measurement of the shape of an article
The present invention relates to a method and system for measuring articles made of a material that is difficult to measure, such as glass. In the system, an elastic film (19) is arranged on top of an article (110). A number of measurement points have been arranged on the film that are imaged using a machine vision system. The location of the measurement points imaged are calculated with respect to one another, and based on this, the shape of the article can be measured.
US07733493B2 Fourier transform spectrometer
The invention relates to a Fourier transform spectrometer comprising a binary grating with variable depth, the grating comprising a first set of mirrors and a second set of mirrors, the mirrors of the first set of mirrors and the mirrors of the second set of mirrors being arranged in an alternating order and at least one of the sets of mirrors being carried by fingers of a comb structure of a wafer, the spectrometer further comprising an actuator for prompting a motion of the second set of mirrors and a detector for detecting a radiation reflected by the grating, the mirrors being orientated in a plane defined by said wafer and said motion of the second set of mirrors being given by a translation in a direction vertical to said wafer plane.
US07733492B1 Sagnac fourier transform spectrometer having improved resolution
Systems and methods are disclosed for a modified Sagnac interferometer having a plurality of gratings that can be reflective or transmissive. The gratings allow measurement of wavelength spectra in counter-circulating beams of the interferometer. In one embodiment, diffraction geometries at each pair of neighboring gratings are configured so that diffractive and angular contributions reinforce each other at the second of the pair of gratings. In one embodiment, diffraction geometries at the gratings are configured so that the exiting beams of the interferometer satisfy the crossing condition wherein the exiting beams are on the opposite sides of a reference beam axis for a design wavelength input beam. Also disclosed are techniques for restoring the reinforcement and/or crossing conditions when these conditions are not otherwise met.
US07733490B2 Apparatus and methods to analyze downhole fluids using ionized fluid samples
Apparatus and methods to analyze downhole fluids are described herein. A disclosed example method involves obtaining a sample of a downhole fluid, and depressurizing at least a portion of the sample. Additionally, a disclosed example method involves ionizing at least the portion of the sample, and analyzing the ionized portion of the sample to determine a parameter of the downhole fluid.
US07733487B2 Particle counting method
A particle counting method is provided whereby a liquid sample is radiated by a laser light, scattered light produced by causing the laser light to hit a particle in the liquid sample is detected by a photoelectric conversion element, and a sample value which is the output of the photoelectric conversion element is sequentially compared to a threshold preset for each particle size range, thereby counting the number of particles for each particle size range, the method comprising: a timer start-up step for starting a timer of a predetermined time when the sample value becomes smaller than a threshold of a minimum particle size for the first time and for sequentially holding the maximum value of the sample value; and a timer extension step for restarting the timer to sequentially hold the maximum value of the sample value when the sample value at the time-out of the timer start-up step is larger than the threshold of the minimum particle size.
US07733484B1 Hyperspectral scene projection/generation systems and methods
Embodiments of hyperspectral scene projection/generation systems and methods are disclosed. One method embodiment, among others, comprises dispersing a beam of light at one of a plurality of selectable wavelengths, the beam of light corresponding to a scene, and displaying a spectral image of the scene corresponding to the dispersed beam of light at one of the plurality of selectable wavelengths.
US07733479B2 Charged carbon nanotubes for use as sensors
The invention relates to charged single-wall carbon nanotubes and their use in sensing and monitoring devices. The charged single-wall carbon nanotubes, have been found to have spectral shifts in certain regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The charged single wall nanotubes are very sensitive to environmental perturbations and the nanotube's optical properties will be affected by these perturbations. Accordingly, the charged single wall carbon nanotubes can be used as sensors for a wide variety of applications, such as salt concentrations and pH, signal generators, measuring length of DNA molecules, as well as optical tags for biological detection and mapping of malignant cell activity. Optimal sensor devices are achieved in the present invention when the charged single-wall carbon nanotube carries a linear charge density close to that of DNA. The invention further describes an optical pH sensor comprising at least one charged carbon nanotube in solution.
US07733468B2 Lens meter
A lens meter capable of obtaining optical characteristics of a lens with high stability and accuracy has a measurement optical system including a target panel having measurement targets having first measurement targets and second measurement targets and a photodetector which photo-receives a measurement light bundle, a calculation means which calculates the optical characteristics including first calculation means which calculates first optical characteristics based on a detection result of the first measurement targets by the photodetector and second calculation means which calculates second optical characteristics based on a detection result of the first and second measurement targets, and display control means which displays the second optical characteristics as the optical characteristics of the lens if the calculation result by the first calculation means or the detection result by the photodetector satisfies a predetermined condition and displays the first optical characteristics if the predetermined condition is not satisfied.
US07733466B2 Measurement of constitutive properties of a powder subject to compressive axial and radial loading, using optical sensing
A method and system for measuring radial strain on powder or other granular material while the powder is subject to compressive axial and radial loading. The powder is contained within a pliable sleeve. As pressure is applied to the powder, the sleeve changes diameter. An optical emitter emits a beam of light, which is intersected by the entire diameter of the sleeve. An optical sensor receives the intersected beam, and generates a response signal that indicates the diameter of the sleeve. This change in diameter can be related to a constitutive property such as strain.
US07733464B2 Vehicle mounted night vision imaging system and method
A vehicle mounted imaging system and method, enabling selective imaging of objects in a low-visibility environment. The system includes a light source providing non-visible light pulses and a camera having an image intensifier enabled to gate selected received images. The light source may be a laser generator, which may be enabled to generate a pulse width related to the depth of a field to be imaged. The gated image intensifier may determine gating time spans according to the depth of a field to be imaged.
US07733460B2 Aligner and self-cleaning method for aligner
When a self-cleaning method for an aligner is carried out, a reflecting plate having a convex lens portion is set in an original plate holder, and exposure light rays are irradiated from a light source. The surface of the lens portion is coated with a reflective film. The light rays are reflected by the reflecting plate, diffused, and emitted onto the surface of a condenser lens, thereby breaking down and removing contaminants that are adhered to the surface of the condenser lens. The light rays also enter the interior of the condenser lens to clean away contaminants that are adhered to locations other than a normal exposure path. When a concave mirror and/or a reflecting plate having 50% transmittance is used as the reflecting plate, the emission range of the light rays (i.e., the locations that are cleaned) can be changed.
US07733456B2 Liquid crystal display device having contact structure and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of signal lines on a substrate, a plurality of pad electrodes on the substrate, each one of the plurality of pad electrodes connected to one of the plurality of signal lines, at least one insulating film on the plurality of pad electrodes, the at least one insulating film having a plurality of contact holes to expose portions of the pad electrodes, and a conductive film electrically connected to each of the plurality of pad electrodes through the contact holes.
US07733455B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display includes a pair of transparent substrates opposed to each other with liquid crystal therebetween, one of the pair of transparent substrates having a plurality of drain signal lines and a plurality of gate signal lines, and a plurality of pixel areas defined by the drain signal lines and the gate signal lines. The pixel areas includes a pixel electrode formed of a transparent electrode having a plurality of slits including a slit opened in a first direction and a slit opened in a second direction, and a counter electrode formed of a transparent electrode disposed between the transparent electrode of the pixel electrode having the plurality of slits and the one substrate.
US07733452B2 Materials for promoting alignment of liquid crystals on SiOx and other substrates
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal alignment agent, a liquid crystal device produced by using the liquid crystal alignment agent thereof, and a method for alignment of liquid crystal molecules by using the liquid crystal alignment agent. In more detail, the present embodiments relates to a novel liquid crystal alignment agent used in a method of aligning liquid crystal molecules, wherein the agent includes a molecule having a highly polar functional group grafted onto an end of the molecule.
US07733450B2 Liquid crystal display device with specific compensation film
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes first and second substrates, an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) mode liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, a first polarizer under the first substrate, a second polarizer on the second substrate, and a first compensation film between the first and second polarizers, wherein an optical transmission axis of the first compensation film is set at a 90° angle with respect to an alignment direction of the ECB liquid crystal layer.
US07733447B2 Liquid crystal display device having particular green cut filter layer and blue cut filter layer
A liquid crystal display device in which three cholesteric liquid crystal layers of selective reflection type are laminated, comprises: a first liquid crystal layer arranged on a device observation side selectively reflecting blue; a second liquid crystal layer arranged next to the first liquid crystal layer selectively reflecting green; a third liquid crystal layer arranged next to the second liquid crystal layer selectively reflecting red; and a green cut filter layer arranged between the green liquid crystal layer and the red liquid crystal layer selectively absorbing a light ray of a wavelength of 600 nm or less.
US07733446B2 Semitransmissive liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention intends to provide a manufacturing method of a semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device in which method a structure and manufacturing process thereof are simplified to enable to reduce the manufacturing cost. In order to achieve the above object, a semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device in the invention has a layer constitution in which a reflective pixel electrode is formed with a second conductive film that constitutes a source electrode, a drain electrode, a source wiring and so on and on an upper layer of the second metal film a transmissive pixel electrode made of a transparent conductive film is formed through the insulating film. A TFT array substrate can be formed through 5 times of photoengraving process.
US07733445B2 Display device for reducing chromaticity difference in white color and method for manufacturing the same
Chromaticity difference is decreased, which is caused by the difference of transmissivity when a light passes through a transparent conductive film to constitute pixels. Optical film thickness of each of transparent conductive films PXR, PXG, and PXB to constitute pixels (a product “nd” of refractive index “n” and film thickness “d”) is varied for each of color filters RF, GF, and BF for each pixel. The transparent conductive film is prepared by coating an ink (produced by dispersing fine particles of a transparent conductive film material such as ITO in a binder) via nozzle of an ink jet device, and then, by baking. Film thickness is controlled by the coating amount of the ink, and refractive index is controlled by volume ratio of the fine particles of conductive material to the binder contained in the transparent conductive film in consideration of those refractive indices.
US07733444B2 Structure of a display panel
Residual direct-current charges may be accumulated and distributed non-uniformly on the built-in color filters in a displaying panel such as the liquid-crystal-on-silicon displaying device, and thus results in the non-uniformity of the internal electric field that controls the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules. To reduce residual direct-current charges so as to cause the internal electric field to be substantially uniform, the present invention provides a structure of the display panel including a plurality of shields for respectively enclosing a plurality of color filters, wherein each shield is connected to a corresponding pixel electrode by a conductive wire.
US07733442B2 Display device and electronic apparatus
A display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and microcapsules sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, the microcapsules constituting a display area, the microcapsules encapsulating a display material whose optical properties change in response to electrical stimulation. A conductive material for conducting between the substrates is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate to constitute a vertically conducting portion. The thickness of the conductive material is set such that the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate at the vertically conducting portion is larger than the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate in the display area.
US07733437B2 Display device and mobile terminal having the same
Provided are a display device and a mobile terminal having the same. The display device comprises a transmissive liquid crystal panel, a first backlight unit on a rear side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel, a second backlight unit on a front side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel, and an optical shutter outside at least one of the first and second backlight units.
US07733436B2 Liquid crystal display module
In a liquid crystal display module of edge light system, a periphery of a liquid crystal panel, a light guide plate and a reflective sheet are laid one upon another and surrounded by a case, and a lamp and a reflecting plate are disposed between an incidence surface of the light guide plate and a side of the case. A rear side of the module is not covered by the case. The reflecting plate is of a groove type that the lamp is held in the groove while an opening of the groove is opposed to the incidence surface. The case has an opening formed in a predetermined side of the case. The reflecting plate is insertable through the opening. The reflecting plate is slid from the opening while a reflecting plate bottom is in abutment against a side of the case, thereby being detachably attachable.
US07733432B2 Liquid crystal display and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display including the first and second substrates facing each other and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates is provided. A storage electrode, a transparent insulating layer pattern, and a pixel electrode are formed on the first substrate. A common electrode having a domain divider is formed on the second substrate. The transparent insulating layer pattern includes an opening having a first area having a first width and a second area having a second width narrower than the first width. The domain divider partially overlaps the storage electrode in the second area of the opening of the transparent insulating layer pattern.
US07733428B2 Audio-visual (AV) apparatus and its control method
According to one embodiment, an audio-visual apparatus that has received operation information transmitted using infrared receives a response signal via a radio frequency from a remote controller set to a combination mode transmitting operation information using both infrared and a radio frequency. The remote controller that has received the response signal transmitted from the AV apparatus within a predetermined time is automatically set to a temporary infrared only mode transmitting operation information using infrared only in place of the combination mode.
US07733427B2 Television receiving tuner and television receiver
A television receiving tuner is provided which can smoothly designate a channel number, while preventing an unwanted search based on the channel number wrongly input. In the television receiving tuner, it is determined whether or not a numeric value input into one digit corresponds to any one of a plurality of channel numbers stored in a channel number data 28d1 in designation of the channel number, based on the numeric value input into the one digit, the numeric value(s) already input into another or other digits, and an inputtable numeric value list 28d2. If the value input is determined not to correspond to the channel number stored, a first annunciation image is displayed for announcing an inputting error of the channel number.
US07733425B2 Automatic picture conditioning based upon user input choosing a video label
A method and apparatus for optimizing picture quality of a video signal. The method includes displaying a user menu having a plurality of choices of video labels; receiving a choice of video label from the plurality via an input from a user; translating the video label into a label code; receiving at least a first video processing parameter from a look-up table corresponding to the label code; and configuring a video processor according to the first video processing parameter. The apparatus includes a microprocessor; a memory associated with the microprocessor, the memory for storing video parameters associated with video processing; a video input selector coupled to a plurality of video inputs, the video input selector also coupled to the microprocessor to receive a choice of video inputs therefrom; and a video processor connected to the microprocessor for receiving video parameters therefrom, the video processor also coupled to the video input selector to receive a video signal therefrom and to condition the video signal using the video parameters. The invention may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, microcode, and other such media.
US07733424B2 Method and apparatus for analog graphics sample clock frequency verification
A method and apparatus for an analog-to-digital video signal converter. The converter is controlled by a clock with controllable frequency and phase for sampling an analog signal. A measure of the difference between successive frames of the image is computed for a sequence of clock phases. The measure can be a count taken over pixels of the magnitude of the difference between a pixel in one frame and the corresponding pixel in a following frame exceeding a threshold value. The frequency of the clock is verified using a characteristic of the frame difference. The characteristic can be the ratio of the maximum measure to the minimum measure over the selected clock phases. Other characteristics can be used such as a difference of a maximum and a minimum measure.
US07733421B1 Vector interpolator
A vector interpolator optimizes the conversion of an interlaced signal to a non-interlaced signal. The vector interpolator improves the visual clarity of slanted features in a displayed image by adjusting the luminance value of each pixel such that the appearance of “steps” or “jaggies” in the features is reduced. For each pixel, the vector interpolator determines a similarity measure for the pixels within a predetermined area around the pixel. From the similarity measure, an angle for interpolation is selected. The luminance value is then interpolated along the selected vector corresponding to the angle and applied to the pixel.
US07733420B2 Judder detection apparatus, de-interlacing apparatus using the same, and de-interlacing method
A judder detection apparatus, a de-interlacing apparatus using the judder detection apparatus, and a de-interlacing method. The judder detection apparatus includes a judder detector to detect whether a detected pattern that is similar to a judder pattern occurs using predetermined pixel values of even and odd fields sequentially input, a pattern detector to detect whether an input image has a uniform pixel value in every other line of the even and odd fields and whether consecutive lines of the even and odd fields have a blind pattern having a difference from the uniform pixel that is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and a determiner to determine whether the detected pattern that is similar to the judder pattern is a judder based on whether the blind pattern is detected.
US07733419B1 Method and apparatus for filtering video data using a programmable graphics processor
Video filtering using a programmable graphics processor is described. The programmable graphics processor may be programmed to complete a plurality of video filtering operations in a single pass through a fragment-processing pipeline within the programmable graphics processor. Video filtering functions such as deinterlacing, chroma up-sampling, scaling, and deblocking may be performed by the fragment-processing pipeline. The fragment-processing pipeline may be programmed to perform motion adaptive deinterlacing, wherein a spatially variant filter determines, on a pixel basis, whether a “bob”, a “blend”, or a “weave” operation should be used to process an interlaced image.
US07733417B2 Multiaxial embedded camera module
A multiaxial embedded camera module is described. The embedded camera module includes an exterior container, an interior container, and an image sensing module. The exterior container is embedded in a bezel of an electrical apparatus, e.g. a notebook computer, and is rotatable on the bezel. The interior container disposed the inside of the exterior container is rotatable therein. The rotations of the exterior container and the interior container construct a desired included angle, preferably a right angle. The image sensing module is fixed in the interior container so as to be rotatable on the bezel and the exterior container. The image sensing module further utilizes a flexible printed circuit board directly to connect an image sensing unit for transmitting image signals.
US07733411B2 Image capturing apparatus performing filtering process with variable cut-off frequency
An image capturing apparatus includes an optical system having distortion aberration for expanding a central part and compressing a peripheral part of an object; a filtering device for cutting low-frequency components of each image signal; a filter setting device for assigning: first coefficients for cutting frequencies equal to or lower than a first frequency to an image area corresponding to the central part, and second coefficients for cutting frequencies equal to or lower than a second frequency higher than the first frequency to an image area corresponding to the peripheral part; a device for integrating each image signal and generating an evaluation value; a device for performing area division based on data relating to divided areas formed by dividing an effective image area, by setting each divided area for the integration device; and a device for controlling focusing based on the evaluation value with respect to each divided area.
US07733410B2 Electronic camera and focus control method which minimizes the time required for adjusting a focus
An electronic camera includes a shutter button. When the shutter button is half-depressed, a focal level of an object is determined on the basis of an image signal outputted from an imaging device, and a moving start position of a focus lens is settled on the basis of the determination result. More specifically, a correction amount of the moving start position is settled in accordance with the determination result of the focal level, and a position that subtracts the correction amount from a lens position at a time the shutter button being half-depressed is settled as the moving start position. The higher the focal level, the more reduced the correction amount. The focus lens gradually moves toward the imaging device from the settled moving start position, and a focal position is specified on the basis of the image signal outputted from the imaging device at each step.
US07733406B2 Image signal generation unit, digital camera, and image signal generation method
An image signal generation unit comprises a horizontal pixel number conversion unit for performing the conversion of horizontal direction pixels corresponding to horizontal scanning period of NTSC system, for digital image data of the chrominance difference having the picture element number configuration based on the VGA standard, and a liquid crystal encoder for generating the primary color group digital image data RGB from digital image data YUV processed by the horizontal pixel number conversion unit, and output them directly on a liquid crystal display.
US07733403B2 Method of driving CCD type solid-state imaging device and solid-state imaging apparatus
A driving section 4 supplies a reading pulse of ‘H’ to electrodes V1 and V5 simultaneously with completion of exposure to read out electric charges to empty packets below electrodes V1, V2, V5, and V6. Then, the driving section 4 supplies a driving pulse of ‘M’ to electrodes V3 and V7 and a multiplication pulse to the electrodes V2 and V6. At this time, a level of the multiplication pulse supplied to the electrodes V2 and V6 is set so that a potential difference between the electrodes V1 and V3 and the electrode V2 and a potential difference between the electrodes V5 and V7 and the electrode V6 become values required to cause avalanche multiplication. Electric charges accumulated below the electrodes V1 to V3 move into packets formed below the electrodes V2 and V6. The avalanche multiplication occurs at the time of movement. Thus, the electric charges are multiplied.
US07733401B2 Image capturing apparatus
An object of the present invention is to eliminate the influences of the leakage etc. of charges from a photodiode to a storage part during the electronic shutter operation. To achieve this object, the present invention includes: a photodiode which generates and accumulates a signal charge according to the amount of light from an object; an amplification part which amplifies a signal charge outputted from the photodiode and outputs the amplified signal to the outside; a storage part which temporarily stores the signal charge; and a transfer device which transfers the signal outputted from the photo-electric conversion device to the storage part via the amplification part.
US07733397B2 Sensor surface with 3D curvature formed by electronics on a continuous 2D flexible substrate
A method of making a curved sensor is described. The method involves projecting portions of a curved three dimensional structure such as a hemisphere onto a two dimensional substrate in an outline pattern. The outline pattern typically serves as a perimeter of a sensor. After forming a sensor in the shape of the outline pattern, the two dimensional substrate is flexed to form a three dimensional sensor structure.
US07733396B2 Process and system for processing signals arranged in a bayer pattern
Digital video signals, such as the signals generated by an image sensor in a Bayer format, are converted into an encoded format. In the Bayer format, the pixels of each line are alternately coded with two colors, and then converted into the encoded format. In the encoded format, the pixels of the digital video signals are reordered into sets of adjacent pixels, such that the sets group pixels coded with the same color. The encoded signal data results in a reduced switching activity when transmitted over a bus.
US07733394B2 Focus state display apparatus and focus state display method
A focus state display apparatus comprising focus area extraction means for extracting the image signals of a predetermined area from photographed image signals, edge enhancement processing means for enhancing the edge of the extracted image signals, time integration value calculation means for calculating an integration value of the edge-enhanced image signals in a certain period of time, focus state determination means for determining the focus state of the photographed image signals on the basis of the calculated integration value, and focus state display means for displaying the determined focus state. A user is capable of readily determining the focus state of a camera and confirming and adjusting the focus thereof with accuracy even in a display apparatus of a camera-equipped portable terminal device, where the size and resolution thereof are limited.
US07733390B2 Image-processing devices, methods, and programs, and electronic cameras and the like comprising same
Image-processing devices and methods are disclosed. Such a device includes an image-input unit, a fluctuation-extraction unit, a modulation-signal-generation unit, a level-compression unit, and a gradation-correction unit. The image-input unit inputs an image. The fluctuation-extraction unit extracts a local-fluctuation component from the input image and generates a local-fluctuation image containing a fluctuation component. The modulation-signal-generation unit produces a modulation signal used for modulating the input image to a local-fluctuation image. The level-compression unit level-compresses the modulation signal. The gradation-correction unit modulates the input image according to the modulation signal after level-compression, thereby producing a gradation-corrected image.
US07733389B2 Image capturing apparatus having electronic zoom function
An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing element which outputs a captured image signal including pixels, a magnification setting unit which sets an electronic zoom magnification, a mode setting unit which sets one of reading modes which vary in a number of the pixels included in the captured image signal according to the electronic zoom magnification, an electronic zoom unit which performs an electronic zoom process on the captured image signal based on the electronic zoom magnification, and an image quality adjuster which performs an image quality adjustment on the captured image signal based on the electronic zoom magnification.
US07733387B1 Digital camera with detachable memory for storing image data
A digital camera stores image data, which represent object images captured via a taking lens and a charge coupled device, in a built-in memory, which is provided in a camera body and which is able to store image data of plural object images. When the built-in memory is filled with the image data, a memory card is inserted into a card slot so that the memory card connects to a card connector, and then the image data stored in the built-in memory are automatically transferred to the memory card. In this case, more than ⅓ of the memory card in the insertional direction is exposed, and hence the camera can be small-sized without being restricted by standards of the memory card.
US07733386B2 Method of controlling digital photographing device and digital photographing device using the same
A method of controlling a digital photographing device for storing an image file obtained by taking a photograph in a storage medium, and reproducing an image file stored in the storage medium to display on a display unit, the method including: marking an image file corresponding to an image last displayed on the display unit when a playback mode for displaying an image on a display unit is terminated; and loading, when a playback mode is started, an image file corresponding to an image that has been last displayed on the display unit when a previous playback mode is terminated, to display on the display unit.
US07733381B2 Image sensing apparatus and method generating electronic mark data based on white balance detections
An image sensing apparatus and method utilizing an image sensor, an auto white balance adjustment section, a change point detection section, and an electronic mark data generation section. The image sensor senses an image of an object and outputs an image signal corresponding to the image of the object. The auto white balance adjustment section automatically adjusts white balance of the image signal corresponding to a change of the image signal. The change point detection section detects a change point of the white balance corresponding to at least an adjustment value of the white balance while the image sensor is sensing the image of the object. The electronic mark data generation section generates electronic mark data for adjusted white balance based on time information of the change point detected by the change point detection section.
US07733377B2 Camera system for communicating information related to user authorization and image data over a radio communication system
An information processing system, such as a camera system, includes a radio communication system and an information appliance (such as a camera) communicable with the radio communication system within a predetermined distance. The information appliance includes an image pickup for obtaining image data by photographing a subject, a storing part for storing information peculiar to a user of the information appliance, a radio communication part for transmitting a predetermined radio signal and for reading information from the radio communication system, and an authorization part for authorizing the user by collating information from the radio communication system read at the radio communication part with stored information peculiar to the user. The radio communication system includes storage for storing predetermined information and a transmission part for receiving a radio signal generated at the information appliance and for transmitting the stored predetermined signal as a radio signal.
US07733376B2 Remote monitor and control system for draining floodgate of seawall
Disclosed is a remote monitor and control system for draining floodgate of a seawall in that movie and audio signals of a draining floodgate are transmitted to a remote place through a communication network and each device can be remotely controlled in the remote place through two-way communications. The remote monitor and control system for draining floodgate of a seawall according to the present invention includes a spot control means, a control means, and a remote control means.
US07733372B2 Method and system for video quality measurements
A method of measuring a quality of a test video stream, the method comprising measuring a content richness fidelity feature of the test video stream based on occurrences of color values in image frames of the test video stream; measuring a block-fidelity feature of the test video stream based on distortion at block-boundaries in the image frames of the test video stream; measuring a distortion-invisibility feature of the test video stream based on distortion at pixels of the image frames of the test video stream; and determining a quality rating for the test video stream based on the content richness fidelity feature, the block-fidelity feature and the distortion-invisibility feature measured.
US07733367B2 Method and system for audio/video capturing, streaming, recording and playback
A system and method for audio/visual displaying, capturing, streaming, recording and playback is disclosed. The invention has many applications including distance learning and video capture of legal proceedings. The video deposition embodiment of the present invention facilitates paperless depositions by allowing the simultaneous, single channel recording and streaming of a deponent (witness) and his or her exhibits during a litigation deposition or similar process, such as courtroom record-making and teleconferencing. One aspect of the present invention is the paperless, digital display of rich media exhibits at the deposition on a large-format display such as an LCD, DLP, or plasma screen that is positioned next to the deponent, facing the camera, displaying exhibits in a digital (paperless) format. Another aspect of the present invention is the capability of video recording, video teleconference (VTC) and/or video streaming the combined images of both the deponent and the displayed exhibits in a single frame-of-view permitting transmission of a single video signal for storing, streaming, replaying and viewing, all in a single window.
US07733366B2 Computer network-based, interactive, multimedia learning system and process
A system and process for network-based, interactive, multi-media learning is presented. The learning system and process employs high quality, low latency audio/video links over a multicast network (such as Internet2), as well as an interactive slideshow that allows annotations to be added by both the presenter and lecture participants, a question management feature that allows participants to submit questions and receive answers during the lecture or afterwards, and a complete archiving of the data streams and metadata associated with the foregoing features.
US07733365B2 Imaging apparatus having print engine that includes MEMS device
An imaging apparatus includes a controller executing instructions to form a latent image, and a print engine. The print engine includes a laser source, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device, and a module for mounting the MEMS device. The print engine is communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to form the latent image using the laser source and the MEMS device. The module includes a base having a first support and a second support, the second support having a support guide feature; and a bracket attached to the MEMS device. The bracket has a central axis, a first end, and a second end, the second end having a bracket guide feature, the first end being affixed to the first support to form a cantilever arrangement. The support guide feature engages the bracket guide feature to form a sliding joint having a sliding axis substantially parallel to the central axis.
US07733364B2 Line head and an image forming apparatus using such a line head
A line head, includes: a substrate which is provided with a plurality of luminous element groups which respectively include a plurality of luminous elements in a first direction which emit light beams; a lens array which includes a plurality of imaging lenses which are provided corresponding to the plurality of luminous element groups; and a light shielding member which is disposed between the substrate and the lens array and includes a plurality of light guiding holes which correspond to the plurality of luminous element groups, wherein the lens array is away from the light shielding member, an inner diameter of each of the plurality of light guiding holes in the first direction is a first light guiding hole diameter, and a bore diameter of each of the plurality of imaging lenses in the first direction is a first lens diameter, and the first light guiding hole diameter is smaller than the first lens diameter.
US07733363B2 Line head and image forming device using the same
A line head includes a lens array having a plurality of positive lens systems in a first direction. Each positive lens system has a pair of lenses with positive refractive power. A light emitter array disposed on an object side of the lens array has a plurality of light emitting elements disposed corresponding to the positive lens systems. An aperture plate forms an aperture stop on the object side of the pair of lenses. A focal distance f1 of one of the pair of lenses disposed on the object side satisfies the conditional formula f1≦d0/(1+W0/D1).
US07733358B2 Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
In a display device having a light source and a storage for storing at least one reference frame of image data, a driving method includes receiving a current frame of image data; comparing grey levels between pixels of the current frame of image data and the corresponding pixels of the reference frame of image data; determining a pixel quantity of pixels having different grey levels in the current frame of image data and the reference frame of image data; and based on the determined pixel quantity, calculating and outputting a signal controlling a light emitting duty ratio and an amplitude of the light source while displaying the current frame. The display device further has a comparing unit and light source control unit for performing the driving method.
US07733357B2 Display system
One embodiment of a display system includes a control module that controls a position of an adjustable neutral density filter based on a calculated filter setting and that controls modulation of a set of frame data by an image modulator based on a calculated gain setting, and an image analysis module that calculates a gain setting and a filter setting for the set of frame data and forwards the calculated gain setting and the filter setting to said control module.
US07733354B1 Anti-aliased rendering
Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer program products, for anti-aliased rendering. A plurality of objects is received. Each object in the plurality of objects is depth-ordered. Each object is rendered from back to front into a plurality of pixels. Each pixel in the plurality of pixels has a respective color value. The rendering includes selecting an object from the plurality of objects. Respective alpha values are determined for first pixels in the plurality of pixels based on coverage of the first pixels by the selected object. The respective color value of each of the first pixels is attenuated based on the respective alpha values. The respective color value of each of the first pixels is added to based on the respective alpha values and one or more color properties associated with the selected object.
US07733348B2 Image processing apparatus, its control method and data management method
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus that can make effective use of a memory area. To accomplish this, the image processing apparatus comprises storage means having a first management record storage area for storing a first management record used for management of image data and a second management record storage area for storing a second management record linked with the first management record, and acquisition means for acquiring an area for storing the first management record and the second management record in the storage means, the apparatus managing the image data using the first management record and the second management record in the storage means, the apparatus managing the image data using the first management record and the second management record, wherein the acquisition means acquires a storing area for storing the first management record in the second management record storage area, when the storing area for storing the first management record is not acquired in the first management record storage area.
US07733345B2 Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding position interpolator
A method and an apparatus for encoding and decoding a position interpolator including key data and key value data are provided. The method for encoding a position interpolator includes (b) generating key data and key value data to be encoded by extracting, from a first animation path constituted by the position interpolator, a minimum number of break points, which can bring about an error of no greater than a predetermined allowable error limit between the first animation path and a second animation to be generated by the extracted break points, (d) encoding the key data generated in step (b), and (e) encoding the key value data generated in step (b).
US07733344B2 Method, medium and apparatus rendering 3D graphic data using point interpolation
A method and apparatus for rendering 3D graphic data is provided. The 3D graphic data is projected onto a 2D screen and points are interpolated and rendered, thereby quickly processing the 3D graphic data.
US07733337B2 Circuit for signal amplification and use of the same in active matrix devices
An amplification circuit comprises a capacitor arrangement (42) and a switching arrangement. The capacitor arrangement has a first capacitor (C2) which has a voltage-dependent capacitance and a second capacitor (C1) (which may also be voltage-dependent). The circuit is operable in two modes, a first mode in which the input voltage is provided to one terminal of at least the first capacitor, and a second mode in which the switching arrangement causes charge to be redistributed between the first and second capacitors such that the voltage across the first capacitor changes to reduce the capacitance of the first capacitor, the output voltage being dependent on the resulting voltage across the first capacitor. The invention uses a voltage controlled capacitance in combination with charge sharing between capacitors, which has the result of providing a voltage amplification characteristic. This arrangement can thus be used for the amplification of an analogue voltage, or the boosting of a fixed level (i.e. digital voltage). Thus, the circuit of the invention can be used for level shifting or amplification, for example for use in the pixels of an active matrix array device.
US07733335B2 Methods for driving bistable electro-optic displays, and apparatus for use therein
A bistable electro-optic display has a plurality of pixels, each of which is capable of displaying at least three gray levels. The display is driven by a method comprising: storing a look-up table containing data representing the impulses necessary to convert an initial gray level to a final gray level; storing data representing at least an initial state of each pixel of the display; receiving an input signal representing a desired final state of at least one pixel of the display; and generating an output signal representing the impulse necessary to convert the initial state of said one pixel to the desired final state thereof, as determined from said look-up table. The invention also provides a method for reducing the remnant voltage of an electro-optic display.
US07733332B2 Keyless entry touch pad system and method
A keyless entry touch pad system for a vehicle includes a substrate with a plurality of touch zones disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the opposite surface. An inner electrode of each pattern is aligned with one of the touch zones. Each pattern is electrically coupled to an integrated control circuit, which outputs a signal to and energizes the electrodes of the pattern such that electric fields emanates therefrom. The electrode patterns may be capacitively coupled to the integrated control circuit. When the electric field of the inner electrode is disturbed by a stimulus proximate the corresponding touch zone, the component is activated. Upon activation of the components in a predetermined sequence, a controller causes the vehicle door to unlock. A method of unlocking a vehicle is also disclosed.
US07733331B2 Support and adjustment apparatus for a data processing device display
An apparatus is described comprising: a data processing device comprising a base with a plurality of input elements configured thereon, and an adjustable display having a display screen for displaying text and graphics, the display cooperatively engaged with the base to move from between a first position, in which none, or only a subset of the input elements are accessible, to a second position, in which all of the input elements are accessible; and a first support arm having a first end and a second end, the first support arm pivotally coupled to the base at the first end at a pivot point, and engaged with a first track on the display at the second end, wherein during movement of the display from the first position to the second position, the first support arm pivots around the pivot point at the first end and runs along the first track at the second end, thereby guiding and supporting the display during the movement.
US07733329B2 Pattern detection using an optical navigation device
An optical navigation device that is capable of performing pattern detection. An optical navigation device according to the present teachings includes a image sensor that acquires a series of images of a surface and an image buffer for holding a template and a processor that detects a pattern on the surface by comparing the series of images to the template. The form factor of an optical navigation device enables its use as a pattern detection device for a wide variety of patterns on a wide variety of surfaces having a wide variety of forms.
US07733325B2 Electrophoretic display apparatus
An electrophoretic display apparatus is equipped with first and second substrates, an electrophoresis dispersing liquid, and first and second electrodes, and has a display state made to be a planar distribution state of charged migration particles. A first planar distribution state with the charged migration particles spread on the first or second substrate from the first electrode toward the second electrode, and a second planar distribution state with the charged migration particles spread on the first or second substrate from the second electrode toward the first electrode are formed alternately.
US07733321B2 Shift register and display device using same
A shift register includes plural stages of flip-flops. The last-stage flip-flop Fn and the flip-flop Fn−1 that is the preceding flip-flop thereof are reset by inputting thereto an output signal from the last-stage flip-flop. A delaying means is provided, between an output terminal Q of the last-stage flip-flop for outputting the output signal and an input terminal R of the last-stage flip-flop for receiving the output signal, for delaying an input of the output signal to the input terminal R. The flip-flop Fn is reset at same time or after the preceding flip-flop Fn−1 is reset. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent malfunctions of circuits due to a failure to reset the flip-flops.
US07733320B2 Shift register circuit and drive control apparatus
A shift register circuit includes a plurality of cascade-connected signal holding circuits each of the signal holding circuits includes an input control circuit to which an input signal is applied, and which fetches and holds the input signal, an output control circuit to which a first control clock signal is applied, and which outputs an output signal corresponding to timings of the held input signal and the first control clock signal, and a reset control circuit to which a reset signal is applied, and which initializes a signal level of the input signal held in the input control circuit. A timing at which the output signal is terminated is set to be ahead of an application start timing of the reset signal.
US07733319B2 Image display unit
A motion vector detection circuit detects a motion vector from a video signal and a one-frame delayed video signal. An interpolation video signal generation circuit uses this detected motion vector to generate an interpolation video signal which is interpolated between frames. Further, two time base emphasizing circuits respectively use a video signal of a preceding frame to perform time base emphasis with respect to the video signal and the generated interpolation video signal. The video signal and the interpolation video signal subjected to time base emphasis are written in a time-series conversion memory. Furthermore, alternately reading the interpolation video signal and the video signal in the mentioned order with a frequency which is double a write frequency can obtain an output video signal having a doubled frame frequency.
US07733318B2 Display device and method for adjusting a voltage for driving a display device
A display device includes a display panel having pixels arranged in a matrix form, a driving circuit for outputting an analog voltage according to a video signal to the pixels through signal lines, a plurality of measuring circuits each for detecting the amount of transmitted light, a single totalizing circuit for totalizing the results of measurements made by the measuring circuits, and a control circuit for adjusting a potential on a common electrode of the display panel in accordance with the result of the totalization from the totalizing circuit. The results of measurements made by the plurality of measuring circuits are totalized by the single totalizing circuit.
US07733316B2 Display device, driving method thereof and electronic appliance
A display device with high productivity and high display quality and a driving method thereof are provided by suppressing generation of a luminescent spot. A first switching element and a second switching element each of which has a different polarity are disposed in series between a power source line for supplying power to a light-emitting element and a power source line having a potential which is equal to or lower than a threshold voltage of the light-emitting element; one electrode of the light-emitting element is connected to a connecting node of the two switching elements; and in the case where a potential which is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage of the light-emitting element is applied to the light-emitting element regardless of an on/off state of the first switching element, a potential applied to the light-emitting element is set to be lower than the threshold voltage by turning the second switching element on. Thus, generation of a luminescent spot is prevented.
US07733312B2 Liquid crystal display with a structure for reducing corrosion of display signal lines
A liquid crystal display, in accordance with the present invention, includes a substrate and a plurality of driving signal lines formed on the substrate. The plurality of driving signal lines includes a plurality of voltage transmission lines. Each voltage transmission line carries one of a plurality of predetermined voltages and the voltage transmission lines are arranged on the substrate according to the magnitudes of the predetermined voltages that the voltage transmission lines carry.
US07733311B2 Methods for driving bistable electro-optic displays, and apparatus for use therein
A gray scale bistable electro-optic display is driven by storing a look-up table containing data representing the impulses necessary for transitions, storing data representing at least an initial state of each pixel of the display, storing data representing temporal and gray level prior states of each pixel, receiving an input signal representing a desired final state of at least one pixel of the display; and generating an output signal representing the impulse necessary for a transition, as determined from the look-up table, dependent upon the temporal and gray level prior states. Other similar methods for driving such displays are also disclosed.
US07733308B2 Electro-optical device, wiring substrate, and electronic apparatus
The invention provides an electro-optical device in which a voltage drop due to the wiring resistance of a cathode is reduced and therefore steady image signals are transmitted such that erroneous image display, such as low contrast, is reduced or prevented. The invention also provides an electronic apparatus including such an electro-optical device. An electro-optical device includes red, green, and blue luminescent power-supply lines to apply currents to light-emitting elements arranged in an actual display region in a matrix; and a cathode line disposed between the light-emitting elements and a cathode. The cathode line has a width larger than a width of red, green, and blue luminescent power-supply lines.
US07733305B2 Plasma display device and method for driving a plasma display panel
There are provided a plasma display device in which dark contrast can be enhanced without deteriorating an image quality and a method of driving a plasma display panel. In a case of driving a plasma display device in which a magnesium oxide layer containing a magnesium oxide crystal to be excited by the irradiation of an electron beam and performing a cathode luminescence having a peak in a wavelength range of 200 to 300 nm by a sub-field method, in order to initialize all display cells, reset discharge is caused in each of the display cells in M sub-fields of N consecutive sub-fields (0
US07733304B2 Plasma display and plasma display driver and method of driving plasma display
A plasma display includes a plurality of scan electrodes. A scan voltage is sequentially supplied to the plurality of scan electrodes, and a non-scan voltage that is higher than the scan voltage is supplied to scan electrodes to which the scan voltage is supplied. The non-scan voltage is generated by dividing a voltage that is higher than the non-scan voltage and the scan voltage. Thus, a voltage source for supplying the non-scan voltage can be eliminated.
US07733299B2 Plasma television and image display device
When a target image with an aspect ratio of 4:3 is displayed on the screen A of the PDP26 with an aspect ratio of 16:9, the rectangular black images on the left and right of the target image are not solid black. Instead, the luminance of the rectangular black images is lowered stepwise as it becomes more distant from the boundary of the target image, and finally reduced to substantially zero, or to a black image at a position away from the boundary to some extent. This prevents the luminance from sharply falling from the boundary and edge from causing due to the addition of the rectangular black image, thereby preventing burning on a part of the screen A corresponding to the position of the boundary.
US07733296B2 Driving method of three-dimensional display device
A three-dimensional display device includes an image display portion for time-sharing a left eye image and a right eye image, and a parallax barrier for separating the left and right eye images provided from the image display portion into a direction of a left eye and a right eye of a user, respectively, by using a first and a second electrode set.A method includes applying a first driving voltage to the first electrode set during a first period, and applying a second driving voltage to the second electrode set during a second period. The second driving voltage has a level different from that of the first driving voltage.
US07733280B2 Antenna system
An antenna system includes plural antennas. Each antenna is different than every other antenna. Each antenna is characterized by a principal plane. A principal plane of a first antenna is oblique to a principal plane of a second antenna. The first antenna includes a first insulating substrate extending in the principal plane of the first antenna. The first antenna further includes a first radiating element and a connected first conductor and includes a second radiating element and a connected second conductor. The first antenna further includes a coupling conductor coupling the second radiating element and the first conductor. The first antenna further includes a first coupler having a first signal conductor and a second signal conductor. The first signal conductor is coupled to the second conductor, and the second signal conductor is coupled to the first radiating element.
US07733275B2 Information apparatus and operation control method thereof
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a display unit on which an antenna is mounted, an LCD provided on the display unit, and a controller which controls the amount of radiation of an electromagnetic wave from the antenna, when the antenna is located in a downward direction of an image displayed on the LCD.
US07733274B2 Omni directional top loaded monopole
A vertical polarized omni-directional monopole antenna including a single folded sheet of metal including a ground plane portion, from which extend generally perpendicularly thereto at least four posts, which terminate in respective diagonally extending portions extending generally perpendicularly to the posts, the diagonally extending portions being joined at first and second junction portions, and a connection portion extending from the second junction portion and a coaxial cable having a first conductor coupled to the connection portion and a second conductor coupled to the ground plane portion.
US07733269B2 Positioning apparatus and positioning system
A mobile station (1) gets the carrier phase integration values and the code pseudorange which is based on the satellites' data transmitted from the satellites (SAT1-SATn). The mobile station (1) gets the data including the delay data of the ionosphere from a navigation message. And the mobile station (1) gets the data including the delay data of the ionosphere from data transmitted from a base-station, and fits data together. Utilizing these data from the two data sources, the mobile station (1) sets one linear regression equation and estimates the own position.
US07733265B2 Three dimensional integrated automotive radars and methods of manufacturing the same
The invention is a low-cost, compact radar for adaptively forming beams and independently steering the beams to improve the noise and sensitivity of the radar. The radar includes a printed circuit board, a low-cost multi-layer organic substrate, and a three dimensional (3D) radio frequency (RF) front end that is flood mounted on the substrate.
US07733263B1 Infrared camouflage coating system
A camouflage coating system for application to the surfaces of jet engine components in order to reduce their level of emitted energy there by rendering them undetectable by infrared detection systems. The camouflage coating comprises a multilayer system having a first diffusion barrier of nickel aluminide applied to the substrate surface. A second silver reflective layer superimposed on the diffusion barrier layer and a glass-ceramic protective overlay superimposed on the silver reflective layer.
US07733261B2 Hybrid analog to digital converter circuit and method
A hybrid analog to digital converter circuit for a feedback input to a digital controller of a power supply includes a high resolution, analog to digital converter circuit in communication with a voltage error signal. The high resolution analog to digital converter circuit is configured to provide a first correction signal to the digital controller when the voltage error signal is within a first error range. The hybrid analog to digital converter circuit also includes at least one flash analog to digital converter circuit in communication with the voltage error signal. The flash analog to digital converter circuit(s) is configured to provide at least a second correction signal to the digital controller when the voltage error signal is within at least a second error range.
US07733254B2 Sample and hold circuit for a current mode pipelined analog-to-digital converter
A pipelined current mode analog-to-digital converter, including: a plurality of stages each having a first sample and hold circuit configured to receive an analog signal having a current; the sample and hold circuit having at least first and second outputs; the first output having a current from a current copier configured to copy the analog signal; the second output having a current from a current mirror configured to mirror the analog signal; a current mode analog-to-digital converter configured to create a digital signal from the second output, the second output being connected to an input of the analog-to-digital converter; and a current mode digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the digital signal back to an analog signal, wherein an output of the digital-to-analog converter is subtracted from the first output of the sample and hold circuit.
US07733253B2 Superconductor multi-level quantizer
A superconductor multi-level quantizer is disclosed, which quantizer includes a number N of Josephson junction (JJ) comparators connected in parallel to a common input node. The quantizer further includes at least one flux bias device. Each flux bias device is capable to adjust the flux threshold for at least one of the JJ comparators. The quantizer is so configured a feedback current from the output is capable to shift the flux threshold for each of the JJ comparators.
US07733251B2 A/D convertion controlling device and image forming apparatus
A reference voltage generating unit generates a plurality of analog reference voltages, and an A/D converting unit converts the analog reference voltages thus generated and an analog input voltage input from an external device to digital reference values. A CPU generates, based on the analog reference voltages and the digital reference values converted from the analog reference voltages, an equation for correcting the analog input voltage to be converted to a digital value falling in a range of the digital reference values. With the equation generated, the CPU calculates the analog input voltage for the digital value obtained by conversion.
US07733247B1 Method and system for efficient data transmission with server side de-duplication
The invention provides a method and system for reducing redundant data blocks. The method includes encoding a first data block having a first length into a bitstream having a second length, transmitting the bitstream to a server device, and reducing redundant data blocks by decoding the first data block from a first plurality of data blocks and the bitstream where each block in the first plurality of data blocks has a length equal to the first length.
US07733244B2 Navigation system
A navigation system having a camera captures a front view image for guiding a driver of a vehicle to a destination. A portion of the front view image is identified as a destination image area, and the destination image area is marked by an arrow based on a processing in the navigation system. Then, the front view image with destination marking is displayed on a monitor for guiding the driver.
US07733243B2 Device and method for signaling lateral maneuver margins
The device relates to the signaling, to the pilot of a moving vehicle, for example an aircraft, of its lateral maneuvering margins taking into account obstacles placed in its maneuvering zone. This device determines, over the maneuvering zone of the moving vehicle, the contours of a first type of risk region that must be bypassed and those of two other types of risk region consisting of lateral margins surrounding the first type of risk region, of widths less than separation thresholds or their upper limit considered necessary for a lateral maneuver without space constraint and displays them for the pilot of the moving vehicle. The determination of the separation thresholds takes into account the bearing angle under which a point of the contour of a region of the first type is seen from the moving vehicle.
US07733236B2 Coaxial cable connector and method of use thereof
A coaxial cable connector is provided, the connector comprising: a connector body; a physical parameter sensing circuit, positioned within the connector body; and a status output component, configured to report an ascertained physical parameter status to a location outside of the connector body. A corresponding method of ascertaining a physical parameter status of a connector connection is disclosed.
US07733234B2 Microprocessor operated, portable early fire detection and prevention device
The present invention is a battery powered, portable microprocessor based early warning alarming smoke detector. It provides the user two different time limited unattended alarms, as well an alarm for a tipped smoke detector; an alarm for a bumped smoke detector; an alarm based on nearby or lower elevation smoke by either of the two smoke detection devices; and a low power alarm. It offers “full protection” for most of the likely scenarios encountered by residential users that could result in a fire. Since the device is microprocessor controlled, the timing intervals and magnitude of the different alarm notifications can be preprogrammed as well as the sensitivity of the smoke detector devices.
US07733230B2 Mobile readpoint system and method for reading electronic tags
A self-contained, integrated mobile readpoint unit capable of reading at least one electronic tag that includes a housing, a power source located proximate the housing, at least one reader located proximate the housing that is capable of reading from and writing to the at least one tag and receives power from the power source, and a repositionable antenna structure that includes at least one readpoint antenna capable of communicating a signal to and from the electronic tag.
US07733226B2 Infrared intrusion detection device
The invention relates to an infrared intrusion detection device. It comprises a housing 1, a window 2, which is arranged at a front side of the housing and which is transparent for at least infrared radiation emitted by an intruder, an infrared sensor arranged inside the housing for detecting the infrared radiation emitted by the intruder. Further it comprises a light guide 7, which is arranged inside the housing, which has at least one light entrance facet and which has a plurality of light exit facets 3 being arranged at the front side of the housing. A light emitter 6 is arranged inside the housing for injecting light into the at least one light entrance facet of the light guide. A light detector is provided for detecting light reflected back into the housing by an obstacle in the vicinity of the window. A signal processing unit is arranged for triggering an alarm, when an absolute difference of the intensity of back-reflected light to a predetermined value exceeds a threshold value.
US07733225B2 Intelligent security apparatus for container and mechatronic customs seal, bracket
The present invention discloses an intelligent security apparatus for container, a mechatronic customs seal and a bracket, a bracket, internally installed with an antenna, a processing circuit and power with electrical connection thereamong and mounted on a door of a container; a hole for fitting a customs seal, opened on the bracket; and a mechatronic customs seal, internally provided with a detecting wire and a chip written with ID code and inserted through the hole in the bracket and lock rod handle; wherein the mechatronic customs seal is inserted in the hole of the bracket, the detecting wire and the chip written with ID code in the mechatronic customs seal is electrically connected to the processing circuit in the bracket. The intelligent security apparatus provided by the present invention has physical seal structure and electrical real-time monitoring function at the same time. While checking the integrality of the physical structure via visual observation, the apparatus can also perform electrical real-time monitoring and recording for the seal status. By adopting the principle of integrating mechanism and electronics, the mechatronic customs seal enables electrical detection and one-off physical structure, which ensures high security; the data storing and transmitting section of the bracket are reusable, and hence solve the problem of costly traditional one-off electrical seal.
US07733223B2 Effectively documenting irregularities in a responsive user's environment
A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for accepting user-response-indicative data and environmental-regularity-indicative data from an environment and configuring a distillation recording of the environmental-regularity-indicative data and a distillation recording of the user-response-indicative data.
US07733222B2 Remotely controllable route indicating devices
A flexible audio output device includes control circuits couplable to a communications system and an audio announcement system. The communications system can transmit function specifying parameters to the device. Various forms of directional audio, or verbal messages can be emitted in accordance with received parameters.
US07733217B2 Method for data transmission in RFID or remote sensor systems
A method and apparatus for transmitting data in a radio frequency identification system, which includes a reader and at least one transponder, is provided. The reader transmits data sequences to the transponder including at least command data, associated check data, and a subsequent return link header data. Upon receiving unrecognized command data and/or unsupported parameter and address data the transponder notifies the reader of this condition. The notification takes place at times when the reader transmits end signals indicating an end of a data sequence, transmits an optional parameter and address data, or transmits the return link header data. Thus, communication between the reader and other transponders is not disrupted when a transponder cannot execute a command.
US07733216B2 Radio frequency identification tags capable of embedding receiver signal strength indications
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising an RF ID tag capable of reporting receiver signal strength indication, wherein the receiver signal strength may be indicated by an a RSSI byte included with an electronic product code (EPC) data packet. The EPC data packet may be in the standard SGTIN-64 EPC data format. Further, the RF ID tag capable of reporting signal strength may enable power control or beam steering.
US07733209B2 High temperature pressure transducer employing a metal diaphragm
A pressure transducer includes a diaphragm, having an active region, and capable of deflecting when a force is applied to the diaphragm; and a sensor array disposed on a single substrate, the substrate secured to the diaphragm, the sensor array having a first outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a first location and on the active region, a second outer sensor near an edge of the diaphragm at a second location and on the active region, and at least one center sensor substantially overlying a center of the diaphragm, the sensors connected in a bridge array to provide an output voltage proportional to the force applied to the diaphragm. The sensors are dielectrically isolated from the substrate.
US07733203B2 Auxiliary contact unit for magnetic contactor
An auxiliary contact unit for a magnetic contactor is disclosed, wherein the auxiliary contact unit is disposed at an inner lower frame thereof with a cover connected to lower hooks and supporting an upper structure, and the cover is supported at a lower surface thereof by a protrusion.
US07733198B1 Microfabricated bulk wave acoustic bandgap device
A microfabricated bulk wave acoustic bandgap device comprises a periodic two-dimensional array of scatterers embedded within the matrix material membrane, wherein the scatterer material has a density and/or elastic constant that is different than the matrix material and wherein the periodicity of the array causes destructive interference of the acoustic wave within an acoustic bandgap. The membrane can be suspended above a substrate by an air or vacuum gap to provide acoustic isolation from the substrate. The device can be fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies. Such microfabricated bulk wave phononic bandgap devices are useful for acoustic isolation in the ultrasonic, VHF, or UHF regime (i.e., frequencies of order 1 MHz to 10 GHz and higher, and lattice constants of order 100 μm or less).
US07733190B2 Oscillation circuit and oscillator
An oscillation circuit includes a cross-coupled circuit having a first active element and a second active element which are differentially connected to each other. The oscillation circuit oscillates in a resonance frequency of a resonator connected between the first active element and the second active element.
US07733189B1 Oscillator comprising foldover detection
Control circuitry is disclosed including an oscillator operable to generate an oscillator signal. A frequency of the oscillator signal increases as an amplitude of a first voltage increases up to a threshold, and the frequency of the oscillator signal decreases as an amplitude of the first voltage exceeds the threshold. The oscillator is operable to generate a foldover signal indicating when the frequency of the oscillator signal is decreasing due to the first voltage exceeding the threshold.
US07733186B2 Bias circuit and amplifier using the same
A bias circuit including: a first current source which generates a first current; a second current source which generates a second current having a temperature-to-output current characteristic that an output current characteristic increases or decreases with a change in temperature to intersect with that of the first current; a first current-voltage conversion circuit which converts the first current to a first voltage; a second current-voltage conversion circuit which has an input terminal and converts a current inputted into the input terminal to a second voltage; a comparison circuit which compares the first voltage and the second voltage and generates a third current according to a result of the comparison; an addition unit which adds the third current to the second current and inputs a resulting current to the input terminal; and a voltage-current conversion circuit which converts the second voltage to a fourth current for bias.
US07733182B2 Hybrid class AB super follower
Various embodiments of a hybrid class AB super follower circuit are provided. One embodiment is a follower circuit comprising: an input node for receiving an input voltage signal; an output node for driving a capacitive load based on the input voltage signal; a transistor M1 having a gate terminal connected to the input node for receiving the input voltage signal, a source terminal connected to the output node, and a drain terminal; a feedback loop comprising a second transistor M2, a third transistor M3 and a fourth transistor M4, wherein: the gate and source terminals of the second transistor M2 are connected to a current source I2, and the drain terminal of the second transistor M2 is connected to the output node; the source terminal of the third transistor M3 is connected to the current source I2 and the drain terminal of the third transistor M3 is connected to a current source I0; the gate terminal of the fourth transistor M4 is connected to the drain terminal of the third transistor M3, the drain terminal of the fourth transistor M4 is connected to the output node, and the source terminal of the fourth transistor M4 is connected to a ground; and a replica bias circuit for providing a voltage bias signal to the gate terminal of the third transistor.
US07733181B2 Amplifier circuit having dynamically biased configuration
Methods and corresponding systems for amplifying an input signal include inputting first and second differential input signals into first and second circuit legs, respectively, wherein the first circuit leg includes a first transistor coupled in series with a first variable current source, and wherein the second circuit leg includes a second transistor coupled in series with a second variable current source. The first and second variable current sources are dynamically set to provide first and second bias currents in response to the first and second differential input signals, wherein the first bias current is set inversely proportional to the second bias current. The first and second bias currents are sunk in the first and second circuit legs, respectively. First and second differential output signals are output from the first and second circuit legs, respectively.
US07733178B1 High efficiency audio amplifier
According to the invention, an audio amplifier system for use with a single-ended portable power supply that is referenced to ground, such as a small battery, has a single-channel class G amplifier section, a multiple voltage output charge pump subsystem for supplying complementary pairs of power supply voltages at selected ratiometric levels to an amplifier section, a set of switches on the power supply rails and a power-measuring comparator for selecting which complementary pair of power supply voltages is provided to the amplifier section.
US07733176B2 System and method for power amplifier output power control
A system for controlling amplifier power is provided. The system includes a voltage envelope detector that receives a voltage signal and generates a voltage envelope signal. A current envelope detector receives a current signal and generates a current envelope signal. A power amplifier level controller receives the greater of the voltage envelope signal and the current envelope signal, such as by connecting the output of the voltage envelope detector and the current envelope detector at a common point and conducting the high frequency current components to ground via a capacitor. A power amplifier level control signal is then generated based on the voltage drop across the capacitor.
US07733174B2 Feedback controlled power limiting for signal amplifiers
An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an amplifier, differential amplifiers, and FETs. The amplifier has an intermediate node and an output node, and the amplifier is adapted to receive an audio signal. Each differential amplifier amplifies the difference between an output voltage from the output node with a reference voltages. The FETs are coupled in series with one another between a first and a second voltage, and each FET receives an output from at least one of the differential amplifiers. Additionally, the intermediate node is coupled to a node between at least two FETs.
US07733173B2 Unilateral feedback power amplifier and method for realizing the same
A unilateral feedback power amplifier utilizes new feedback techniques and devices to make the amplified high-frequency signal unilateral, let the output power, power gain and impedance matching simultaneously accomplish the optimal values, and enhance the stability of the system. In this feedback amplifier, a generalized multi-port feedback circuit is in shunt with the input terminal and the output terminal of the power transistor. This generalized multi-port feedback circuit receives an amplified high-frequency signal and eliminates the reverse admittance of the amplified high-frequency signal to let the admittance value of the output amplified high-frequency signal approach zero so as to be unilateral. Moreover, the generalized multi-port feedback power amplifier differs from the conventional power amplifier of cascaded architecture in that the ground terminal of the power transistor is directly connected to the system ground. Therefore, the heat-radiating problem of the power transistor can be greatly improved.
US07733171B2 Class D amplifier having PWM circuit with look-up table
A class D amplifier includes a noise-shaping modulator, a pulse width modulator, and a pulse amplifier. The noise-shaping modulator receive a pulse code modulated (PCM) signal and produces an oversampled PCM signal. The pulse width modulator produce a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal from the oversampled PCM signal. The pulse amplifier amplifies the PWM signal to produce an amplified PWM signal. The PWM uses a lookup table to convert from PCM to PWM. A compensation circuit optimizes amplifier performance. An optional demodulator filter converts the amplified PWM signal to an analog signal. The amplifier is ideal for integrated audio applications.
US07733169B2 Slew rate and settling time improvement circuitry and method for 3-stage amplifier
An operational amplifier (1B) amplifies an input signal (Vin) to produce an output signal (Vout), and includes a 3-stage amplifier (1C) including a first amplifier stage (2) receiving the input signal, a second amplifier stage (3) driven by the first amplifier stage (2), and a third amplifier stage (4) driven by the second amplifier stage to produce the output signal. A slew detection current (Idetect) is generated when the input signal (Vin) exceeds a certain magnitude, and is converted to a control signal (41) that operates a switch (MN0) to short-circuit output conductors of the first amplifier stage to prevent signal charge from building up on capacitances associated with the output of the first amplifier stage during slewing. The three stage amplifier can be a chopper-stabilized, notch-filtered amplifier.
US07733166B2 Equalizer filters including a low-pass filter unit and an equalizer having a group delay control unit and related methods
Provided is a filter used for an equalizer, the filter including: a first low-pass filter unit receives an input signal and performs low frequency band filtering on the input signal; and an equalization unit that receives an output signal from the first low-pass filter unit. The equalization unit may comprise a plurality of serially connected biquad low-pass filter units, and may control a value of a capacitor that is used to control a group delay value that is generated during equalization. Thus, the filter can compensate for group delay without including a separate all pass filter, thereby reducing surface area and power consumption.
US07733163B1 Bias current compensation device and method
A compensation device that can include a bias-able device, a bias circuit that provides the bias-able device with a bias current, a signal conditioner selectively coupled to the bias-able device, and an emulator. The signal conditioner and emulator can divert current from the bias-able device in an operational and calibration mode, respectively. In calibration mode, the emulator generates a compensation current that is combined with a sense current so that the sense current equals the bias current.
US07733162B2 Plumping voltage generating circuit
A pumping voltage generating circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus, the pumping voltage generating circuit includes a detecting unit configured to compare a level of a pumping voltage with a level of a reference voltage to generate a detection signal, an oscillating signal generator configured to sequentially generate a first oscillating signal and a second oscillating signal in response to the detection signal, and to elevate frequencies of the first and second oscillating signals when the second oscillating signal is generated, a first pump configured to perform a pumping operation in response to the first oscillating signal, and a second pump configured to perform a pumping operation in response to the second oscillating signal, wherein output terminals of the first pump and the second pump are commonly connected, and the pumping voltage is output at the output terminals of the first pump and the second pump.
US07733155B2 Low power voltage detection circuit and method therefor
In one embodiment, a low power voltage detection circuit includes a first voltage detection device that receives power from an input voltage and a second voltage detection device receives power from an output of the low power voltage detection circuit.
US07733152B2 Control signal generating circuit enabling value of period of a generated clock signal to be set as the period of a reference signal multiplied or divided by an arbitrary real number
A pulse signal circulates around a ring of delay elements with respective traversal signals being thereby successively outputted from the delay elements. The period of a reference signal is multiplied or divided by a real number to obtain control data specifying a required period of a clock signal as a value having an integer part and a fractional part. The control data are used to select the timings of specific traversal signal, and the clock signal is generated based these selected timings, with the timing selection being repetitively adjusted in accordance with the fractional part of the control data.
US07733150B2 Method and apparatus for adaptive clock phase control for LSI power reduction
Methods and apparatus for distributing a clock signal to a digital circuit provide for: producing a clock signal; and delaying, advanced, or leaving the clock signal unchanged to produce an output clock signal as a function of a control signal, wherein an amount of delay or advancement between the clock signal and the output clock signal (phase difference) is a function of time variant changes in a magnitude of a power supply voltage to the digital circuit.
US07733148B2 Temperature independent delay circuits
Delay circuits are provided. Some embodiments of delay circuits herein include a delay line including multiple delay cells connected in series and a variable voltage supplier operative to output a voltage value proportional and/or inversely proportional to a temperature. Delay circuits may include at least one loading capacitor that includes a first end that is connected to an output port of the delay cell and a second end that is connected to an output port of the variable voltage supplier, the at least one loading capacitor including a capacitance that is decreased corresponding to an increase in temperature when a positive voltage is applied across the first end and the second end of the at least one loading capacitor.
US07733145B2 Nonvolatile latch circuit and nonvolatile flip-flop circuit
A nonvolatile latch circuit includes: a first gate part controlling to load or intercept an input signal based on a gate signal; a first logic gate functioning as an inverter or a gate outputting a constant voltage in response to the first control signal; a second logic gate functioning as an inverter or a gate outputting the constant voltage in response to the first control signal; a second gate part controlling to load or intercept the output of the second logic gate based on an inverted signal of the gate signal and sends the output of the second logic gate to an first input terminal of the first logic gate; and first and second injection type MTJ elements provided between the driving power supply and the first and second logic gates and changing in resistance depending upon a current flow direction.
US07733139B2 Delay locked loop circuit and method for eliminating jitter and offset therein
A delay locked loop circuit includes a phase-frequency detector, a sampler, a charge pump, a bias generator and a voltage-controlled element. The phase-frequency detector outputs at least one difference signal by detecting a phase difference between an input clock signal and a feedback clock signal. The sampler outputs at least one sampled signal by delaying the difference signal in accordance with the input clock signal. The charge pump generates a control voltage in accordance with the sampled signal. The bias generator generates at least one bias voltage in accordance with the control voltage. The voltage-controlled element is controlled with the bias voltage to output the feedback clock signal to the phase-frequency detector in accordance with the input clock signal. A method for eliminating jitter and offset between an input clock signal and an output clock signal in a delay locked loop circuit is also disclosed.
US07733138B2 False lock detection mechanism for use in a delay locked loop circuit
The delay locked loop circuit includes a charge pump circuit that may charge and discharge in response to an assertion of an up signal and a down signal, respectively. The delay locked loop circuit also includes a detection circuit that may assert the up signal indicating an occurrence of a transition of a first clock signal and may assert the down signal indicating an occurrence of a transition of a second clock signal. The delay locked loop circuit further includes a delay circuit that may provide a plurality of delayed clock signals and an additional delayed clock signal, each corresponding to a delayed version of the first clock signal. Further, a false lock circuit may provide a reset signal to the detection circuit dependent upon whether a predetermined number of successive clock edges associated with the delayed clock signals occur within a given clock cycle of the first clock signal.
US07733137B2 Design structures including multiple reference frequency fractional-N PLL (phase locked loop)
A design structure including a system. The system includes a fractional-N phase-locked loop (PLL). The PLL includes a PLL input and a PLL output. The fractional-N PLL further includes a multiplexer. The multiplexer includes a multiplexer output electrically coupled to the PLL input. The multiplexer further includes M multiplexer inputs, M being an integer greater than 1. Two or more reference frequencies are applied to the inputs of the multiplexer, by the selection of one from the reference frequencies, the low spur can be reached.
US07733131B2 Signal presence detector
A signal presence detection device has a first reference voltage generation device in the form of a first voltage divider, a second reference voltage generation device in the form of a second voltage divider and a third reference voltage generation device in the form of a third voltage divider. The detection device also has a signal conditioning device such as a hysteretic amplifier with an output that is coupled to the first and second voltage dividers. A comparison device is coupled to all three voltage dividers to compare a voltage of the first voltage divider to a voltage of the third voltage divider and to compare a voltage of the second voltage divider to the voltage of the third voltage divider. The comparison device is coupled at two outputs thereof to two respective inputs of an XOR device. The XOR device receives respective signals from the first and second outputs of the comparison device and produces a signal presence output that serves to indicate whether an incoming signal is present or absent.
US07733124B1 Method and apparatus for PLD having shared storage elements
A programmable logic device (PLD) includes a core region having a plurality of logical array blocks (LABs). Each one of the plurality of logical array blocks include a plurality of logic elements capable of communicating with each other through interconnections defined within each logical array block. The logic elements include a look up table (LUT), wherein a LUT of a first logic element and a LUT of a second logic element share a register. In one embodiment, more than two logic elements may share a register. Thus, the embodiments provide for the ability to vary sequential logic, e.g., registers, instead of rigidly fixing the sequential logic and consequently the ratio of combinatorial logic to sequential logic.
US07733122B2 Semiconductor device
A first operation unit stores first code information having a bit length shorter than a first set bit, receives dictionary information expressing each set bit corresponding to each code information, reads the set bit corresponding to the first code information from the dictionary information to obtain the first set bit, and further, changes setting according to the first set bit to execute any of a plurality of operations so as to obtain an operation result. A second operation unit stores second code information having a bit length shorter than a second set bit, receives the dictionary information from the first operation unit, reads the set bit corresponding to the second code information from the dictionary information to obtain the second set bit, and further, changes setting according to the second set bit so as to execute any of the operations with respect to the operation result.
US07733120B2 Impedance adjustment circuit
Disclosed is an impedance adjustment circuit including a comparator and a resistor control circuit. The comparator compares the resistance value of an external resistor and that of a replica resistor that forms a replica of a terminal resistor. The resistor control circuit includes a replica resistor control counter, a resistor-under-adjustment control signal holding circuit and a monitor circuit. The replica resistor control counter counts up and down based on the comparison result by the comparator to output a control signal to the replica resistor. The resistor-under-adjustment control signal holding circuit holds a control signal that is delivered to the terminal resistor. The monitor circuit receives the state of the counter and an output of the retention circuit and, in case the difference between the count state of the replica resistor control counter and an output of the resistor-under-adjustment control signal holding circuit is within a preset range, delivers the output of the resistor-under-adjustment control signal holding circuit as an input to the resistor-under-adjustment control signal holding circuit.
US07733119B1 Single-resistor static programming circuits and methods
Programming circuitry 200 includes a terminal 202 for coupling to a resistor having a resistance representing a corresponding programming state. Current control circuitry 204/205 selectively passes at least one exponentially weighted current through terminal 202. Detection Circuitry 201 then determines the resistance of the resistor from the at least one exponentially weighted current to determine the programming state.
US07733113B2 Semiconductor test device
A semiconductor test device of the present invention for conducting a test on a device under test, includes: a plurality of comparison units which compare a signal obtained from the device under test with a predetermined reference voltage and output a comparison result; a plurality of measuring units which are provided in correspondence with the plurality of comparison units, and measure a time from when a measurement start signal is input thereto to when the comparison result from a corresponding comparison unit is input thereto, and output a measuring result; a start signal output unit which outputs the measurement start signal at a same timing to each of the plurality of measuring units; and a computation unit which computes time differences between a plurality of signals obtained from the device under test based on the measuring results of the plurality of measuring units.
US07733103B2 Probe card
A probe card includes a probe, a circuit board, a first reinforcing plate and a second reinforcing plate. The probe makes contact with an object. The circuit board is electrically connected to the probe. The first reinforcing plate has a first tap and a second tap for providing an adjustable gap between the first reinforcing plate and an upper surface of the circuit board. The second reinforcing plate is positioned under a lower surface of the circuit board. The second reinforcing plate combined with the second tap to form an adjustable gap between the second reinforcing plate and a lower surface of the circuit board.
US07733101B2 Knee probe having increased scrub motion
Improved probing is provided using a knee probe where the knee curves away from the probe axis and then curves back to connect to the probe tip, crossing the probe axis on the way to the tip. The resulting lateral offset between the probe tip and the probe axis is a key geometrical parameter for predetermining the scrub motion provided by the probe in response to a predetermined contact force. The scrub motion preferably includes both a sliding motion and a rocking motion, where the sliding motion acts to clean the contact pad and the rocking motion acts to bring a clean part of the probe tip into contact with the freshly cleaned part of the contact pad. In preferred embodiments, the probe tip can include one or more relatively narrow “skates” for making contact to the contact pad. A dual skate configuration is especially appropriate when small dimples are at the centers of the contact pads.
US07733099B2 Monitoring pattern for detecting a defect in a semiconductor device and method for detecting a defect
A monitoring pattern for detecting a defect in a semiconductor device allows a voltage contrast inspection which may be verified by an electrical test where no special test pattern is required for the electrical test. The monitoring pattern includes a test pattern with line shapes arranged in parallel and spaced apart at predetermined linewidths and intervals, and an interconnection layer connected to the test pattern, where the test pattern is adapted to be charged with a specific potential to be displayed as a voltage contrast image when scanned with an electron beam.
US07733097B2 Method for determining a property of a fluid for a household device
Method for determining a property of a fluid for a household device includes the following steps: measurement of a physical variable of the fluid associated with the property of the fluid, in each case when a first parameter influencing the physical variable has one of at least two predetermined values, in order to obtain at least two measurement values for the first parameter, and correlation of the at least two measurement values for the first parameter, in order to obtain a first value characterizing the property of the fluid.
US07733095B2 Apparatus for wafer level arc detection at an RF bias impedance match to the pedestal electrode
Wafer level arc detection is provided in a plasma reactor using an RF transient sensor coupled to a threshold comparator, and a system controller responsive to the threshold comparator.
US07733094B2 Electrical instrument platform for mounting on and removal from an energized high voltage power conductor
An apparatus for monitoring and measuring the electrical, thermal and mechanical operating parameters of high voltage power conductors. A toroidal shaped housing, which can be mounted onto an energized conductor, contains all of the necessary electrical instruments to monitor the parameters associated with the conductor. Moreover, the housing includes the processing capability to analyze disturbance and fault events based on these parameters.
US07733091B2 Probe, system and method suitable for unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance
A probe suitable for use in unilateral nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and adapted to be embedded in a sample to be analysed, the probe comprising; a static magnetic field generator; a radiofrequency magnetic field generator adjacent to the static magnetic field generator; a circuit controlling the frequency response of the radiofrequency magnetic field generator, adjacent to the static magnetic field generator; an input cable coupled to the frequency control circuit and the frequency control circuit coupled to the radiofrequency magnetic field generator.
US07733078B2 Self-test probe design & method for non-contact voltage detectors
A non-contact voltage detector having a self-test feature is provided. The non-contact voltage detector may include an antenna, a detection circuit and a self-test circuit. The self-test circuit may be configured to send a test signal through a portion of the antenna and to the detection circuit. Alternatively, the self-test circuit may be configured to send a test signal to the detection circuit without sending it through a portion of the antenna.
US07733074B2 Control circuit of current mode DC-DC converter and control method of current mode DC-DC converter
To provide a control circuit of a current mode DC-DC converter, a current mode DC-DC converter and a control method thereof having excellent high-speed responsiveness with respect to fluctuations in output voltage. The control circuit of the current mode DC-DC converter serves as a DC-DC converter 1 that controls a peak value of a coil current and comprises a window comparator that detects whether an output voltage VOUT is within a predetermined voltage range including a target voltage, and a peak current setting unit that sets a peak current setting value of a coil current to a lower limit value or an upper limit value in response to a high or low voltage level of the output voltage VOUT, in the case that the output voltage VOUT is not within the predetermined voltage range including the target voltage.
US07733067B2 Burst frequency resonant inverter
A high frequency resonant apparatus is described that includes a closed loop resonant series circuit including a capacitor, an inductor, a load, and a switching device with an anti-parallel diode. An energy source is coupled to the closed loop series circuit. The high frequency resonant apparatus also includes a controller for turning on the switching device for a time longer than one cycle of the closed loop resonant series circuit.
US07733066B2 Power generation apparatus using AC energization synchronous generator and method of controlling the same
A power generation apparatus and method includes an AC energization synchronous generator, a switching device which connects to a network disposed on a stator side of the AC energization synchronous generator, an energizing device which applies a variable frequency AC to a secondary winding of the AC energization synchronous generator, and a first voltage detection unit which detects a voltage of the switching device on the stator side. A rotational frequency of the AC energization synchronous generator is estimated or calculated based on a frequency of a stator side voltage of the switching device, while the switching device is open.
US07733064B2 Software based thermal charging regulation loop
The present invention implements a software controlled thermal feedback system for battery charging circuitry in portable devices, specifically in cellular telephones. The charging hardware block is integrated into a mixed-signal analog base-band (ABB) circuit. In addition to standard function controls, integrated within the ABB are silicon temperature sensors used to monitor the temperature of any silicon components integrated on the ABB and detect any temperature change due to thermal heating. The temperature value is passed to the digital base band (DBB) circuit. Here, a microcontroller is programmed to perform power management functions relating to the ABB. Thermal control software, implemented on the DBB microcontroller, monitors the silicon temperature of the ABB and adjusts the power levels on the ABB accordingly to provide a controlled chip temperature.
US07733061B2 Current control circuitry and methodology for controlling current from current constrained source
Current control circuitry for controlling current supplied from a source, that may be a current-constrained source, to a load and a battery. A current limit control circuit limits current supplied by the source to the load in accord with a programmed current limit. Load current is measured, and an input charger control circuit controls magnitude of current to the battery based on the difference between measured load current and battery current programmed to be supplied to the battery, such that the sum of load current and battery current is maintained within the programmed current limit.
US07733059B2 Abnormality diagnostic device
An abnormality diagnostic device is configured to diagnose an abnormality in a battery pack having a plurality of cells connected in series. Each of a plurality of diagnostic voltage detecting circuits is configured to detect one of a voltage across a corresponding one of discharging circuits. An abnormality diagnostic control section is configured to perform a first diagnostic operation in which the switches corresponding to alternate ones of the cells are turned on and a second diagnostic operation in which all of the switches are turned on, and to determine whether a break exists in an electrical connection or an abnormality exists in one of the switches based on the voltages detected by the diagnostic voltage detecting circuits during the first diagnostic operation and the voltages detected by the diagnostic voltage detecting circuits during the second diagnostic operation.
US07733057B2 Replaceable rechargeable battery unit for a power tool, power tool, and charger
A power tool system has a power tool, a replaceable rechargeable battery unit for the power tool, and at least one coupling unit for charging the battery unit while being replaceably connected to the power tool; also a replaceable rechargeable battery unit for a power tool, a charger for charging a replaceable rechargeable battery unit for a power tool, and a power tool with a replaceable rechargeable battery unit are provided.
US07733056B2 Prevention of electro-chemical corrosion at charging contacts of a battery-powered handpiece and its charger device
The present invention relates to the prevention of electro-chemical corrosion at charging pins, especially of a battery-powered handpiece and its charging station.
US07733055B2 Battery pack and method of manufacturing the same
A battery pack, including a bare cell, a protection circuit board electrically connected to the bare cell, the protection circuit board including a checking unit to check whether the protection circuit board is operational, an upper case disposed on an upper side of the bare cell, the upper case having a checking hole defined therein to check the protection circuit board, the checking hole being formed to be opened to the checking unit, and a water penetration sensor, combined with an exterior of the checking hole, to cover the checking hole.
US07733048B2 Method and arrangement in connection with motor fed with frequency converter provided with intermediate voltage circuit
Method and arrangement in connection with a motor fed with a frequency converter provided with an intermediate voltage circuit. The method comprises steps of feeding motor voltage to the motor along a motor cable with a frequency converter for controlling the motor, rectifying the voltage of the motor cable and restricting the magnitude of the voltage of the motor cable at the end of the motor cable on the side of the motor with a clipper circuit coupled in parallel with the motor, using the rectified voltage for rotating one or more cooling fans of the motor.
US07733047B2 Motor controller and motor control method
A motor controller calculates a motor torque command based on motor speed and causes a motor to generate a torque corresponding to the motor torque command, to drive a machine load coupled to the motor. The motor controller includes a speed compensator that makes, when a speed compensation torque is calculated based on the motor speed, frequency characteristics of the speed compensation torque for the motor speed exhibit a low frequency cutoff characteristic so that steady-state gain in frequency response is less than a maximum gain value. A torque adder generates a motor torque command by adding to the existing motor torque command an externally input feedforward torque signal and the speed compensation torque.
US07733040B2 Brushless motor
In the m phase brushless motor, n (n
US07733037B2 Integrated skid with multiple-motor controller
An integrated skid system integrates the functions of multiple skids into a single skid to reduce the skid footprint and the complexity of the overall system. A multi-motor controller monitors the devices on the integrated skid to maintain proper temperature, pressure and current draw in the devices. Base on this information, the multi-motor controller can make decisions on faults and fault accommodation and communicate with a main controller regarding the operating states of the skid devices via a single serial or Ethernet-type connection.
US07733036B2 Method and circuit for driving gas discharge lamps using a single inverter
For driving one or more gas discharge lamps (2) to conduct or to block at any time and at the same time, a rectangular high voltage is generated from a high DC voltage, an alternating voltage with respect to a reference voltage (V−) is generated from the rectangular voltage, the alternating voltage is supplied to first electrodes (4) of the lamps, second electrodes (6) of the lamps are selectively connected to the reference voltage, a current flowing through each lamp is stabilized (26), the alternating voltage is filtered to provide a filtered voltage, a property of the filtered voltage is measured to provide a control signal, the control signal is used to control the frequency of the rectangular voltage, and the filtering has a response characteristic which is substantially identical to a response characteristic provided by a lamp when conducting and means for said stabilizing of current flowing through the lamp.
US07733035B2 Electronic power supply device for light-emitting diode
An electronic power supply device is provided for light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which employs electronic control to maintain the LEDs within the rated ranges of current, voltage and temperature and provides the LEDs with extremely stable current, voltage and temperature. Meanwhile, the power supply device is effective in confining the LEDs within the rated ranges of voltage, current, and temperature so that the excellent electronics protection and design of logic device realized by the power supply device effectively overcomes aging/deterioration of LEDs caused by exceeding voltage and current and burning out due to exceeding temperature and also effectively pushes the rated current and voltage of a (low-power) LED module toward the maximum values to provide the greatest luminous efficiency for upgrading the applications of the LEDs to the primary grade of lighting.
US07733034B2 Single inductor serial-parallel LED driver
An LED driver circuit is disclosed that can drive a plurality of LED strings that are arranged in parallel, each LED string having a plurality of component LEDs that are series-connected. The LED strings can be the same type of LEDs in each string, or have different types of LEDs from one string to another. The LED driver includes a voltage control loop that dynamically regulates the output voltage across the parallel arrangement of LED strings. The output voltage is dynamically adjusted to accommodate the LED string with the largest operational voltage drop. This enables LED displays to constructed using different types of LEDs strings, but still supply the LED strings in a power efficient manner. Further, each LED string also includes its own individual current regulation loop so that the current, and therefore brightness, of each LED string can be individually adjusted.
US07733033B2 Lighting unit with multiple light sources of a different color temperature
In a lighting unit for operating lamps (LA1, LA2) of a different color temperature, a number of predetermined color points can be adjusted. The color points are chosen so that the color difference calculated in the CIELAB space is the same for subsequent adjustable color points.
US07733029B2 Lighting device and a lighting method for a high pressure discharge lamp
Even in a high pressure discharge lamp causing temperature difference between electrodes when an AC current is supplied, the temperature difference is eliminated to suppress the arc movement, thereby suppressing flickering caused thereby during stable lighting.The lamp current is formed into a current waveform including a standard period current supplied at a predetermined standard period and a short period current of a period shorter than the same and, on every one-half period of the standard period current, formed into a current waveform by supplying the short period current inverting the polarity from the identical polarity to the opposite polarity in the next one-half period for 1 period, in which the duty ratio before and after the polarity inversion of the short period current and the duty ratio before and after the polarity inversion side can be decided automatically by the duty ratio.
US07733028B2 Method and system for eliminating DC bias on electrolytic capacitors and shutdown detecting circuit for current fed ballast
A system and method is provided that eliminates DC bias on at least one of a first electrolytic capacitor and a second electrolytic capacitor of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) based inverter ballast having a shutdown control circuit in association with only one of at least two BJT switches. A duty cycle dependent capacitor is connected in a series with a bus of the ballast, and a resonant circuit, including primary winding of the output transformer and a resonant capacitor. A balancing/charging resistor is connected at one end between the first electrolytic capacitor and the second electrolytic capacitor, and at another end to the duty cycle dependent capacitor and the resonant circuit.
US07733027B2 High-pressure mercury vapor lamp incorporating a predetermined germanium to oxygen molar ratio within its discharge fill
A high-pressure mercury vapor lamp suitable for sterilization purposes. Germanium and oxygen are added in small quantities to the mercury and/or the mercury halides, with a molar ratio of germanium to oxygen being greater than 1. The addition of germanium monoxide increases the GAC efficiency (GAC: short for Germicidal Action Curve) of a high-pressure mercury vapor lamp, because germanium monoxide emits a strong molecular band system in the range from 250 to 280 nm.
US07733019B2 Flat panel display device with a lens sheet having condensing lenses thereon
A flat panel display device. The device includes a plurality of self-luminant devices, each of which includes at least a light emitting layer, formed on every pixel, and a lens sheet having a plurality of condensing lenses that correspond to the self-luminant devices and direct the light emitted from the self-luminant devices toward a predetermined direction. A distance between the light emitting layer and an exterior portion of the condensing lens in the direction of propagation of the light is between 50 and 500 microns so as not to overlap images of neighboring sub-pixels, that are expanded by the condensing lenses. Therefore, a lowering of image sharpness that is caused by the condensing lenses can be prevented, while a light coupling efficiency and a brightness are improved.
US07733013B2 Display apparatus
Provided is a display apparatus, in which: among a red light emitting device, a green light emitting device, and a blue light emitting device, one or two of the organic light emitting devices include a metal translucent layer on a side closer to a second electrode with respect to a emission layer and a second reflection surface includes a surface of the metal translucent layer on a side of the emission layer; and the rest of the organic light emitting devices include a low-refractive index layer having a lower refractive index than the second electrode on the side closer to the second electrode with respect to the emission layer and the second reflection surface includes a surface of the low-refractive index layer on the side of the emission layer.
US07733012B2 Light-emitting device and aromatic compound
A light-emitting device comprising a pair of electrodes and a light-emitting layer or a plurality of organic layers comprising a light-emitting layer disposed therebetween, the light-emitting layer or at least one of a plurality of organic layers comprising the light-emitting layer comprising at least one compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein each of Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, Ar14 and Ar15 represents an aryl group or a heteroaryl group; Ar represents a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, a phenanthrene ring or an anthracene ring; at least one of Ar, Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, Ar14 and Ar15 is a condensed aryl group, a condensed or uncondensed heteroaryl group or a group comprising a condensed aryl group or a condensed or uncondensed heteroaryl group; Ar11, Ar12, Ar13, Ar14 and Ar15 are not bonded to each other to form a ring; R11 represents a substituent; and n11 represents an integer of 0 or more.
US07733008B2 Organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) including a barrier layer and method of manufacture
An Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) which is adapted to inhibit the formation and growth of non-emissive areas known as “dark spots.” The OLED comprises an anode disposed on a substrate, a cathode, an electroluminescent (EL) layer disposed between the anode and the cathode and a hole transport layer disposed between the anode and the EL layer. The OLED has one or more dielectric organic barrier layers disposed between one or more of the OLED's layers. These barrier layers are made from an organic polymer and are adapted to resist permeation by oxygen and moisture and to inhibit metal migration.
US07733007B2 Patterned light emitting devices
Light-emitting devices, and related components, systems and methods are disclosed. A light-emitting device can include a multi-layer stack of materials that includes a light-generating region and a first layer supported by the light-generating region. During use of the light-emitting device, light generated by the light-generating region can emerge from the light-emitting device via a surface of the first layer. The surface of the first layer can have a dielectric function that varies spatially as a pattern and at least about 45% of a total amount of light generated by the light-generating region can emerge from the light-emitting device emerges via the surface of the light-emitting device.
US07733006B2 Electron-emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
There is provided an electron-emitting device of a field emission type, with which the spot size of an electron beam is small, an electron emission area is large, highly efficient electron emission is possible with a low voltage, and the manufacturing process is easy. The electron-emitting device includes a layer 2 which is electrically connected to a cathode electrode 5, and a plurality of particles 3 which contains a material having a resistivity lower than that of a material constituting the layer 2, and is wherein a density of particles 3 in the layer 2 is 1×1014/cm3 or more and 5×1018/cm3 or less.
US07733005B2 Light emission device and display device provided with the same
A light emission device and a display device provided with the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the light emission device includes i) first and second substrates opposing each other, ii) a plurality of cathode electrodes that are arranged on the first substrate and spaced apart from each other, iii) a gate electrode that is electrically insulated from the cathode electrodes, iv) an insulation layer formed between the gate electrode and the cathode electrodes, wherein the insulation layer comprises first and second opposing surfaces which are directed to the first and second substrates, respectively, and wherein a plurality of opening are defined in the gate electrode and the insulation layer, v) a plurality of electron emitters that are electrically connected to each of the cathode electrodes and located in the openings, respectively, wherein the plurality of electron emitters are configured to emit electrons toward the second substrate, via the plurality of openings, respectively, vi) a phosphor layer that is formed on the second substrate, wherein the emitted electrons are configured to collide the phosphor layer and vii) an anode electrode that is located on the second substrate, wherein the second substrate is configured to emit light by way of excitation of the phosphor layer, wherein the gate electrode substantially completely covers the second surface of the insulation layer.
US07733000B2 Electrically conductive polymer actuator, and method for manufacturing the same
To improve adhesive properties between an electrically conductive polymer membrane and a solid electrolyte membrane to each other, and thus to ensure the operation of an electrically conductive polymer actuator which effects a bending motion is aimed.The bendable electrically conductive polymer actuator of the present invention is an electrically conductive polymer actuator having a laminate structure of: a first organic polymer including at least one or more of a vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride, a perfluorosulfonic acid/PTFE copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene oxide, and polyacrylonitrile; a solid electrolyte membrane including a mixture with an ionic liquid; and an electrically conductive polymer membrane including a mixture of polyethylenedioxythiophene and polystyrene sulfonic acid on at least one face of the solid electrolyte membrane, in which a second organic polymer including a vinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene copolymer is embedded in the electrically conductive polymer membrane surface in the state being dispersed.
US07732997B2 Piezoelectric element and manufacturing method thereof, electronic device, ink jet device
Providing a manufacturing method of a piezoelectric element by which even if an electrode and a piezoelectric film stacked on a substrate are baked at a high temperature, the electrode does not oxidize and mutual diffusion between the substrate, the electrode and the piezoelectric film may be suppressed. The electrode is adapted as a laminated layer body which includes an electroconductive oxide layer, a mixture layer having an electroconductive oxide and electroconductive metal, and an electroconductive metal layer including the electroconductive metal from a substrate side, and the mixture layer above is adapted as a graded composition structure in which a ration of the electroconductive oxide is highest in an interface with the electroconductive oxide layer and lowest in an interface with the electroconductive metal layer.
US07732996B2 Piezoelectric thin film device
A piezoelectric thin film device according to the present invention comprises a lower electrode, a piezoelectric thin film and an upper electrode, in which the piezoelectric thin film is formed of an alkali niobium oxide-based perovskite material expressed by (K1-xNax)NbO3 (0
US07732995B2 Piezoelectric device and method for manufacturing the same
A piezoelectric device includes: a lower substrate; an upper substrate; an intermediate substrate sandwiched between the lower substrate and the upper substrate, the intermediate substrate including: a piezoelectric vibrating portion; a frame surrounding a periphery of the piezoelectric vibrating portion; a connecting portion coupling the piezoelectric vibrating portion and the frame; a first exciting electrode disposed on an upper surface of the piezoelectric vibrating portion; a second exciting electrode disposed on a lower surface of the piezoelectric vibrating portion; a first wiring line electrically coupled to the first exciting electrode; and a second wiring line electrically coupled to the second exciting electrode; and an inside surface coupling an upper surface and a lower surface of the frame and having a slanted surface having an interior angle with respect to one of the upper surface and the lower surface, the angle being 90 degrees or more. In the oscillator, one of the first wiring line and the second wiring line is disposed to a surface of the slanted surface.
US07732994B2 Non-linear piezoelectric mechanical-to-electrical generator system and method
A non-linear power generator system that may include a flexible beam for receiving a mechanical input, the flexible beam being supported in a bowed configuration; an electrically responsive member supported adjacent one end of the flexible beam so as to be under a compressive force exerted by the flexible beam; and the flexible beam being adapted to move towards a flattened shape from the bowed shape in response to the mechanical input, to transmit the mechanical input to the electrically responsive member, to cause a compression of the electrically responsive member that results in an electrical output signal being generated by the electrically responsive member.
US07732993B2 Ultrasonic sensor and method for manufacturing the same
An ultrasonic sensor with stabilized transmitting/receiving characteristics capable of achieving a desired directivity easily and at low cost and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The ultrasonic sensor includes a base composed of a synthetic resin. The base includes a cylindrical side portion and a ring-shaped bent portion extending inward from a first opening of the side portion. A ring-shaped recessed portion is provided in the inner surface of the bent portion adjacent to the end of the bent portion. A piezoelectric element is disposed on the recessed portion. A sound absorber and a weight are fitted and fixed in the base. An outer casing composed of a synthetic resin is provided so as to cover the outer surface of the piezoelectric element and the outer surface of the base.
US07732992B2 Curved capacitive membrane ultrasound transducer array
CMUT elements are formed on a substrate. Electrical conductors are formed to interconnect between different portions of the substrate. The substrate is then separated into pieces while maintaining the electrical connections across the separation. Since the conductors are flexible, the separated substrate slabs may be positioned on a curved surface while maintaining the electrical interconnection between the slabs. Large curvatures may be provided, such as associated with forming a multidimensional transducer array for use in a catheter. The electrical interconnections between the different slabs and elements may allow for a walking aperture arrangement for three dimensional imaging.
US07732986B2 Driving apparatus
A driving apparatus comprises: an electro-mechanical conversion element; a driving member that reciprocates in response to an extension and contraction of the electro-mechanical conversion element; and a driven member, frictionally engaged with the driving member, that moves by reciprocating the driving member, wherein the driving member comprises a shaft portion which extends in a direction of extension and contraction of the electro-mechanical conversion element in a position which lies on a side of the electro-mechanical conversion element, and the driven member is frictionally engaged with the shaft portion.
US07732985B2 Micro stage using piezoelectric element
Provided is a micro stage comprising: a body having a vertically perforated through-hole passing through a central portion thereof; a bobbin including a tip portion with an electron emission tip embedded in the center thereof, and passing through the through-hole of the body to be moved in the through-hole along a first axis perpendicular to a vertical direction; a first piezoelectric element disposed on the body and lengthened when a voltage is applied thereto to push the bobbin in one direction along the first axis; a second piezoelectric element disposed on the body and lengthened when a voltage is applied thereto to push the bobbin in the other direction along the first axis; and an upper cover that is coupled to an upper portion of the body and has a through-hole, through which the bobbin passes and communicates with the through-hole of the body, wherein the bobbin can be positioned as desired along the first axis by adjusting the voltages applied to the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element. Accordingly, the emission tip can be exactly and stably positioned using only the movable piezoelectric elements.
US07732979B2 Linear drive ultrasonic motor
A linear drive ultrasonic motor includes at least an ultrasonic vibrator having a piezoelectric element, a driven member which is driven by a frictional force between the driven member and the ultrasonic vibrator, a pressing member which presses the ultrasonic vibrator such that a frictional force is generated between the ultrasonic vibrator and the driven member, a case member which accommodates the ultrasonic vibrator, the pressing member, and the driven member, and a coupling member which is coupled with the driven member at an interior of the case member. The case member includes an opening portion for allowing a part of the coupling member to pass through.
US07732976B2 Piezoelectric actuator drive device
In a piezoelectric actuator control device for controlling operation of one or more piezoelectric actuators, when receiving a drive signal of a low level, a discharging switch is repeatedly turned on and off in order to discharge electric charge accumulated in the piezoelectric actuator. That is, the discharging switch is kept ON until a discharging current from a piezoelectric actuator reaches a peak threshold value Ip. When the discharging current reaches the peak threshold value Ip, the discharging switch is turned OFF and kept OFF until a discharging current from a piezoelectric actuator reaches a peak threshold value Ip. The device has a threshold value setting circuit for increasing the peak threshold value according to a discharging period of time.
US07732975B1 Biased gap-closing actuator
A gap-closing actuator includes a stator having one or more first electrodes, a mover having one or more second electrodes interposed among the first electrodes, and a biasing mechanism for applying a non-capacitive bias to the mover for urging the mover to move in a desired direction with respect to the stator. The non-capacitive bias is different from a capacitive force generated between the first and second electrodes when the gap-closing actuator is in operation.
US07732973B2 Electromagnetic machine with magnetic gap channels
An electromagnetic machine has a moving component, a stationary component, and a support component coupling the moving and stationary components in physical and electromagnetic proximity. The stationary component is a wound coil of insulated, electrically conductive tape defining a side face which has a plurality of spaced apart channels in it. The coil carries an electric current so that its opposite faces are north and south electromagnet pole faces and these pole faces are interrupted with spaced apart channels. The moving component is made up of a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in north-to-south pole alignment sequence and spaced apart. Non-magnetic pole surfaces of the magnets are positioned in close mutual proximity to the coil pole face. Electromotive forces are produced by electromagnetic interaction between the coil channels and the permanent magnet pole faces.
US07732971B2 Carbon brush holder
A carbon brush holder includes an insulated housing having a through hole with a first section, a second section and a stepped portion between the first and second sections. A carbon brush-holding member is inserted into the first section of the insulated housing and has a first end face, a second end face opposite to the first end face, and an insertion portion adjoined with the second end face. The insertion portion of the carbon brush-holding member extends into the second section of the insulated housing, thereby enabling the second end face of the carbon brush-holding member to be located in the second section of the insulated housing. Thus, the second end face of the carbon brush-holding member can firmly contact a conductive member that is disposed inside the second section of the insulated housing and electrically connected with a carbon brush inserted into the carbon brush-holding member.
US07732970B2 Rotor for an electric machine
A rotor for an electric machine includes a rotor carrier having a cylindrical axial support portion which extends axially with respect to an axis of rotation of the rotor, a sheet pack which includes a plurality of lamellar sheets and is attached to the axial support portion at an attachment area, and a first weld in the sheet pack at a predetermined distance away from the attachment area to fasten a plurality of the lamellar sheets together.
US07732969B2 Brushless motor
A brushless motor according to the present invention is provided with: a tubular stator case; a stator core; and a rotor. The stator core includes a tubular yoke portion and a plurality of split cores. A plurality of dovetail grooves are formed in an inner peripheral surface of the yoke portion; each split core has a coil bobbin which has a mounting hole so as to penetrate in a radial direction, and a split teeth which is mounted into the mounting hole of the coil bobbin. The coil bobbin has a winding portion, and flange portions, and a clearance portion into which a winding starting end of the coil is strayed from the winding portion is formed on the inside of the one of the flange portions by reducing the thickness of the flange portion such that.
US07732960B2 Motor having thrust system
An electric motor includes a stator, a rotor including a rotor shaft having a locating groove formed therein, a thrust system mounted on the rotor shaft, and a locator disposed in the groove for locating the thrust system in a predetermined position.
US07732959B2 Rotational coupling device
A rotational coupling device for use as a clutch and/or brake is provided having improved magnetic efficiency and structural integrity. A permanent magnet is coupled to one of a brake plate and an armature and axially aligned with a portion of the other for improved braking performance.
US07732957B2 Brushless motor
A brushless motor includes a motor drive unit, a circuit board arranged to drive the motor drive unit having through holes formed in the upper surface and the lower surface; and a motor attachment plate including a plate-shaped base portion and plate-shaped fixing portions to fix the circuit board in place. Herein, each fixing portion includes a support portion for making contact with a surface of the circuit board; an arm portion bent in a direction that is substantially parallel to the rotational axis; and a protrusion portion inserted into a through hole, having at least one overhang extension protruding from the through hole. The overhang extension of the protrusion is bent in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis.
US07732954B2 Electrical machine
An electrical machine has an armature with armature grooves for accommodating an armature winding and which is non-rotatably supported on an armature shaft, wherein at least one heat-conducting element is provided in the region of at least one end face of the armature.
US07732949B2 System for method of predicting power events in an intermittent power environment and dispatching computational operations of an integrated circuit accordingly
A system and method of predicting power events in intermittent power environments and dispatching computational operations of an integrated circuit accordingly. A power management prediction system includes a controller executing a prediction algorithm, an arrangement of computation circuitry, a non-volatile storage device containing a power requirements log and a power history log, a clock generator, an intermittent power source, and a power monitor circuit. A method of predicting intermittent power events and dispatching computational operations includes: storing power requirements of each computational operation, monitoring the intermittent power source to generate a history log, predicting a subsequent power event based on the history log, retrieving actual power requirements of one or more computational operations, comparing the predicted power event with actual power requirements, determining whether actual power requirements are satisfied, dispatching one or more computational operations that correspond to one or more actual power events, or performing an error recovery operation.
US07732944B2 Central current share coordinator, method of current sharing and battery plant employing the same
The present invention provides a central current share coordinator for use with remotely and non-remotely controllable rectifiers coupled to an output bus. In one embodiment, the central current share coordinator includes a rectifier current resolver configured to determine an existing current share condition for the remotely and non-remotely controllable rectifiers. Additionally, the central current share coordinator also includes a load share adjuster coupled to the rectifier current resolver and configured to adjust an output current of the remotely controllable rectifiers toward a target current share distribution on the output bus.
US07732941B2 Multi-module current sharing scheme
A circuit provides multi-module current sharing for circuit modules. The circuit includes an error amplifier having a negative and a positive input and an output. The positive input of the error amplifier is connected to a reference voltage. A buffered differential amplifier has an output connected to the negative input of the error amplifier and a positive and a negative input. A correction current is sourced to the negative input of the buffered differential amplifier. A resistor connected to the negative input of the buffered differential amplifier has a value that controls the amount of current correction applied to the negative input of the buffer differential amplifier by the current correction source.
US07732939B2 Multi-functional LRM performing SSPC and ELCU functions
On an aircraft, primary power distribution control and secondary power distribution control may be performed with a single line replaceable module (LRM) having an integrated architecture. The LRM may be provided with trip engines that are based on digital signal processors (DSP's). The DSP's may be programmed to allow the trip engines to perform either ELCU functions or SSPC functions. Use of the single LRM precludes a need for complex circuitry that might otherwise be required to coordinate prior-art independent ELCU and SSPC controls.
US07732931B2 Semiconductor package and method for manufacturing the same for decreasing number of processes
A semiconductor package and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having bonding pads; a first insulation layer pattern; redistribution line patterns; a second insulation layer pattern; and conductive balls. The first insulation layer pattern having first openings exposing the bonding pads. The redistribution line patterns are located on the first insulation layer pattern and are electrically connected with the bonding pads. The second insulation layer pattern covering the redistribution line patterns and having second openings having first open areas which expose portions of the redistribution line patterns and having second open areas which extend from the first open areas along the semiconductor chip. The conductive balls are electrically connected with the portions of the redistribution line patterns which are exposed through the first open areas of the second insulation layer pattern.
US07732929B2 Power semiconductor component with semiconductor chip stack in a bridge circuit and method for producing the same
A power semiconductor component (30) with power semiconductor chip stack (14) has a base power semiconductor chip (16) and a power semiconductor chip (17) stacked on the rear side of the base power semiconductor chip (16), a rewiring structure for the electrical coupling of the power semiconductor chips being arranged within the rear side metallization.
US07732927B2 Semiconductor device having a interlayer insulation film with low dielectric constant and high mechanical strength
The method includes the steps of forming a porous insulation film and wires on the substrate, the wires embedded in the porous insulation film having a portion adjacent to the wires and a remote portion spaced apart from the wires; and applying an energy beam to the remote portion to change the structure of the porous insulation film such that an Young's modulus of the porous insulation film increased so as to substantially reinforce the strength of the porous insulation film.
US07732923B2 Impurity doped UV protection layer
An ultra-violet (UV) protection layer is formed over a semiconductor workpiece before depositing a UV curable dielectric layer. The UV protection layer prevents UV light from reaching and damaging underlying material layers and electrical devices. The UV protection layer comprises a layer of silicon doped with an impurity, wherein the impurity comprises O, C, H, N, or combinations thereof. The UV protection layer may comprise SiOC:H, SiON, SiN, SiCO:H, combinations thereof, or multiple layers thereof, as examples.
US07732918B2 Vapor chamber heat sink having a carbon nanotube fluid interface
An enhanced heat transposer comprised is of a vapor chamber. The surface of the vapor chamber that holds the fluid comprises an array of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are grown in a way that enables the fluid to come into maximum contact with the CNTs. The fluid evaporates in the sealed vapor chamber when it is in touch with a hot surface. The vapor comes in contact with a hollow pin-fin structure that provides additional surface area for vapor cooling and heat transfer. The condensed vapor then drops back into the fluid container, and the cycle continues.
US07732915B2 Semiconductor sensor device with sensor chip and method for producing the same
A semiconductor sensor device includes a sensor chip. The sensor chip includes a sensor region and contact areas on its upper side and is further arranged in a cavity housing. The cavity housing includes side walls, a housing bottom, a cavity, external contacts on the outside of the cavity and contact pads on an upper side of the housing bottom facing the cavity. The sensor chip is embedded into a rubber-elastic plastic composition within the cavity of the cavity housing such that the sensor region of the sensor chip faces the housing bottom and the contact areas of the sensor chip are electrically connected to the contact pads on the housing bottom via elastic flip-chip contacts.
US07732914B1 Cavity-type integrated circuit package
A process for fabricating a cavity-type integrated circuit includes supporting a leadframe strip in a mold. The leadframe strip includes a die attach pad and a row of contact pads circumscribing the die attach pad. A package body is molded in the mold such that opposing surfaces of the die attach pad and of the contact pads are exposed. A semiconductor die is mounted to the die attach pad. Various ones of the contact pads are wire bonded to the semiconductor die and a lid is mounted on the package body to thereby enclose the semiconductor die and the wire bonds in a cavity of the integrated circuit package.
US07732912B2 Semiconductor chip packages and assemblies with chip carrier units
A microelectronic element package has one or more individual carrier units overlying a region or regions of the front or rear surface of the microelectronic element, leaving other regions of the microelectronic element surface uncovered. The carrier units can be made economically using only a small area of a dielectric film or other circuit panel material.
US07732908B2 Semiconductor device and semiconductor memory device
A plurality of semiconductor elements configuring a first element group are stacked in a step-like shape on a wiring board. A plurality of semiconductor elements configuring a second element group are stacked in a step-like shape on the first element group toward a direction opposite to the stepped direction of the first element group. The semiconductor elements are electrically connected to connection pads of the wiring board through metallic wires. Among the plurality of semiconductor elements configuring the second element group, the lowermost semiconductor element has a thickness larger than those of the other semiconductor elements.
US07732907B2 Integrated circuit package system with edge connection system
An integrated circuit package system including a plurality of substrates and a plurality of semiconductor devices formed on each of the substrates. An edge connection system is provided and an electrical edge connector on each of the substrates is for attachment to the edge connection system. A vertically stacked configuration of the substrates is formed by attaching the substrates to the edge connection system.
US07732904B2 Multi-surface contact IC packaging structures and assemblies
A cost effective, high performance, IC package assembly of the present invention comprises stair-stepped layers of redistribution circuits from at least one chip to terminals on any of multiple surfaces and levels of the IC package assembly. Critical path circuits of the assembly have no plated vias and are directly routed from interconnection terminals which are used to interconnect the package to the IC chip terminals by flip chip or wire bond methods.
US07732901B2 Integrated circuit package system with isloated leads
An integrated circuit package system comprising: forming a finger; forming a die pad adjacent the finger; applying a fill material around the finger and the die pad; forming a cavity in the finger and fill material; and attaching an integrated circuit die over the die pad adjacent the finger with the fill material.
US07732899B1 Etch singulated semiconductor package
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided various methods of simultaneously fabricating a plurality of semiconductor packages (e.g., cavity type semiconductor packages) wherein the singulation process is achieved using etching techniques as opposed to more conventional cutting techniques such as sawing or punching. Such etching techniques are inherently lower in cost and free from many of the defects induced by other cutting techniques.
US07732896B2 Semiconductor apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor apparatus comprises a plurality of transistor devices including a control terminal being inputted with a control signal and a first and a second terminals that a current flows therein according to the control signal, and a plurality of substrate conductive portions each formed in a region different from a region where the plurality of transistor devices are formed therein, wherein the transistor devices are connected to the substrate conductive portions, and each of the substrate conductive portion includes a semiconductor layer separated from other substrate conductive portions.
US07732895B2 Semiconductor device including triple-stacked structures having the same structure
In a semiconductor device, a plurality of triple-stacked structures all having the same structure are provided. Each of the triple-stacked structures includes one lower electrode layer, at least one upper electrode layer and one dielectric layer sandwiched by the lower electrode layer and the upper electrode layer.
US07732891B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has a substrate, a source region formed on the surface portion of the substrate, a first insulating layer formed on the substrate, a gate electrode formed on the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer formed on the gate electrode, a body section connected with the source region, penetrating through the first insulating layer, the gate electrode and the second insulating layer, and containing a void, a gate insulating film surrounding the body section, and formed between the body section and the gate electrode, and a drain region connected with the body section.
US07732890B2 Integrated circuit with high voltage junction structure
The high voltage integrated circuit comprises a P substrate. An N well barrier is disposed in the substrate. Separated P diffusion regions forming P wells are disposed in the substrate for serving as the isolation structures. The low voltage control circuit is located outside the N well barrier. A floating circuit is located inside the N well barrier. In order to develop a high voltage junction barrier in between the floating circuit and the substrate, the maximum space of devices of the floating circuit is restricted.
US07732889B2 Capacitor structure in a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprises an integrated circuit formed on a substrate with a signal interface and at least one isolator capacitor. The integrated circuit comprises a plurality of interleaved inter-metal dielectric layers and interlayer dielectrics formed on the substrate, a thick passivation layer formed on the plurality of the interleaved inter-metal dielectric layers and interlayer dielectrics, and a thick metal layer formed on the thick passivation layer. The thick passivation layer has a thickness selected to be greater than the isolation thickness whereby testing for defects is eliminated. The one or more isolator capacitors comprise the thick metal layer and a metal layer in the plurality of interleaved inter-metal dielectric layers and interlayer dielectrics separated by the thick passivation layer as an insulator.
US07732888B2 Integrated circuit, method for manufacturing an integrated circuit, memory cell array, memory module, and device
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a memory cell array comprises a plurality of voids, the spatial positions and dimensions of the voids being chosen such that mechanical stress occurring within the memory cell array is at least partly compensated by the voids.
US07732887B2 Schottky junction diode devices in CMOS
A Schottky junction diode device having improved performance is fabricated in a conventional CMOS process. A substrate including a material doped to a first conductivity type is formed. A first well is disposed over the substrate. The first well includes a material doped to a second conductivity type opposite that of the first conductivity type. A region of metal-containing material is disposed over the first well to form a Schottky junction at an interface between the region of metal-containing material and the first well. In one embodiment, a first well contact is disposed in a portion of the first well. A second well is disposed over the substrate wherein the second well includes a material doped to the first conductivity type. In one embodiment, the first well and the second well are not in direct contact with one another.
US07732884B2 Photoelectric conversion device and method of manufacturing the same
A photoelectric conversion device comprises a semiconductor substrate and a multilayer wiring structure, wherein the multilayer wiring structure includes a first wiring layer which serves as a top wiring layer in an effective region and contains aluminum as a principal component, a first insulation film arranged in the effective region and an light-shielded region so as to cover the first wiring layer, and a second wiring layer which serves as a top wiring layer arranged on the first insulation film in the light-shielded region and contains aluminum as a principal component, and wherein the first insulation film has, in the effective region, a first portion which is positioned above the photoelectric conversion unit, and the first portion functions as at least a part of an interlayer lens.
US07732883B2 Intermediate optical packages and systems comprising the same, and their uses
Methods and apparatuses for forming optical packages, and intermediate structures resulting from the same are disclosed, which provide an optical element over a device. The optical element is formed by applying a force to lateral portions of a liquid material layer formed below an elastomeric material layer such that the liquid material layer has a radius of curvature sufficient to direct light to a light sensitive portion of the device, after which the liquid material layer is exposed to conditions which maintain the radius of curvature after the lateral force is removed.
US07732882B2 Method and system for electrically coupling a chip to chip package
A chip and a chip package can transmit information to each other by using a set of converters capable of communicating with each other through the emission and reception of electromagnetic signals. Both the chip and the chip package have at least one such converter physically disposed on them. Each converter is able to (1) convert received electromagnetic signals into electronic signals, which it then may relay to leads on the device on which it is disposed; and (2) receive electronic signals from leads on the device on which it is disposed and convert them into corresponding electromagnetic signals, which it may transmit to a corresponding converter on the other device. Not having a direct physical connection between the chip and the chip package decreases the inductive and capacitive effects commonly experienced with physical bonds.
US07732879B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes: a gate electrode formed of polysilicon on a substrate with a gate insulating layer interposed between the gate electrode and the substrate; a source region and a drain region formed on the substrate on either side of the gate electrode; a PMD (poly-metal dielectric) liner nitride layer having a non-stoichiometric structure formed on the gate electrode, the source region, and the drain region; and an interlayer insulating layer formed on the PMD liner nitride layer.
US07732877B2 Gated diode with non-planar source region
A gated-diode semiconductor device or similar component and a method of fabricating the device. The device features a gate structure disposed on a substrate over a channel and adjacent a source and a drain. The top of the source or drain region, or both, are formed so as to be at a higher elevation, in whole or in part, than the bottom of the gate structure. This configuration may be achieved by overlaying the gate structure and substrate with a profile layer that guides a subsequent etch process to create a sloped profile. The source and drain, if both are present, may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. This configuration significantly reduces dopant encroachment and, as a consequence, reduces junction leakage.
US07732876B2 Power transistor with trench sinker for contacting the backside
A power transistor includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type extending over and in contact with a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type. Gate trenches extend into the first semiconductor region. Well regions of a second conductivity type extend over the first semiconductor region and between adjacent gate trenches. A sinker trench extends through the first semiconductor region and terminates within the second semiconductor region, and is laterally spaced from an outer one of the gate trenches with no well regions abutting sidewalls of the sinker trench. Source regions of the first conductivity type extend over the well regions. A conductive material in the sinker trench makes electrical contact with the second semiconductor region along the bottom of the sinker trench and with a drain interconnect layer extending along the top of the sinker trench.
US07732875B2 Semiconductor device fabrication method and semiconductor device fabricated thereby
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a pair of shallow silicided source and drain junctions with minimal leakage is disclosed. The semiconductor device typically has a MISFET structure with NiSi regions partially making up the source and drain regions. The fabrication method includes the steps of providing silicon surfaces having Si{110} crystal planes on both sides of this gate electrode and forming a plurality of nickel silicide (NiSi) regions, each having a rectangular planar shape whose shorter sides being equal or less than 0.5 μm in length and running along a Si<100> direction.
US07732873B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and process of manufacturing the same
In device isolation trenches, a first device-isolation insulator film is formed to have recesses thereon and a second device-isolation insulator film is formed in the recesses. The uppermost portions at both ends of the first device-isolation insulator film are located higher than the uppermost portions at both ends of the second device-isolation insulator film.
US07732871B2 MOS transistor and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed are a MOS transistor having a low resistance ohmic contact characteristic and a manufacturing method thereof capable of improving a drive current of the MOS transistor. A gate oxide layer, a gate electrode, and a spacer are formed on a silicon substrate, and a silicon carbide layer is deposited thereon. A photolithography process is performed, and the silicon carbide layer is etched except for predetermined portions corresponding to source-drain regions and the gate electrode. Then, a metal layer is formed on the resulting structure after performing a source-drain ion implantation process. The metal layer is heated to form a salicide layer on the gate electrode and the source-drain diffusion regions. Then, the unreacted metal layer is removed, thereby forming the MOS transistor.
US07732870B2 Eliminating metal-rich silicides using an amorphous Ni alloy silicide structure
The present invention provides a method for producing thin nickel (Ni) monosilicide or NiSi films (having a thickness on the order of about 30 nm or less), as contacts in CMOS devices wherein an amorphous Ni alloy silicide layer is formed during annealing which eliminates (i.e., completely by-passing) the formation of metal-rich silicide layers. By eliminating the formation of the metal-rich silicide layers, the resultant NiSi film formed has improved surface roughness as compared to a NiSi film formed from a metal-rich silicide phase. The method of the present invention also forms Ni monosilicide films without experiencing any dependence of the dopant type concentration within the Si-containing substrate that exists with the prior art NiSi films.
US07732862B2 Power semiconductor device having improved performance and method
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device is formed in a body of semiconductor material. The semiconductor device includes an offset body region.
US07732860B2 Gate metal routing for transistor with checkerboarded layout
In one embodiment, a transistor fabricated on a semiconductor die is arranged into sections of elongated transistor segments. The sections are arranged in rows and columns substantially across the semiconductor die. Adjacent sections in a row or a column are oriented such that the length of the transistor segments in a first one of the adjacent sections extends in a first direction, and the length of the transistor segments in a second one of the adjacent sections extends in a second direction, the first direction being substantially orthogonal to the second direction. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
US07732859B2 Graphene-based transistor
A graphene layer is formed on a surface of a silicon carbide substrate. A dummy gate structure is formed over the fin, in the trench, or on a portion of the planar graphene layer to implant dopants into source and drain regions. The dummy gate structure is thereafter removed to provide an opening over the channel of the transistor. Threshold voltage adjustment implantation may be performed to form a threshold voltage implant region directly beneath the channel, which comprises the graphene layer. A gate dielectric is deposited over a channel portion of the graphene layer. After an optional spacer formation, a gate conductor is formed by deposition and planarization. The resulting graphene-based field effect transistor has a high carrier mobility due to the graphene layer in the channel, low contact resistance to the source and drain region, and optimized threshold voltage and leakage due to the threshold voltage implant region.
US07732857B2 Thin film transistor substrate and display apparatus having the same
A TFT substrate with reduced pixel defect rate is presented. The TFT substrate includes a pixel electrode, a negative line to apply a reverse voltage to the pixel electrode, and a recovery transistor including a drain electrode overlapping a part of the negative line with a insulating layer disposed between the negative line and the drain electrode. A contact hole is formed on the negative line and the drain electrode, and a bridge electrode connects the negative line and the drain electrode through the contact hole.The thin film transistor substrate and a display apparatus presented herein protect a data line assembly metal layer and decrease pixel defect. An improved reverse voltage efficiency is applied to a pixel electrode to protect a drain electrode.
US07732848B2 Power semiconductor device with improved heat dissipation
A semiconductor device is disclosed that improves heat dissipation by providing blind contact elements on a dielectric layer. Embodiments are disclosed which include a substrate having at least one electrode contact area accessible at a surface of the substrate and a surface adjacent the electrode contact area, a dielectric layer disposed above the surface; an intermediate oxide layer disposed above the dielectric layer, a current conducting metallization layer disposed above the intermediate oxide layer; and at least one contact element vertically extending from the dielectric layer through the intermediate oxide layer to the metallization layer above the surface adjacent the electrode contact area, the at least one contact element having a heat conductivity that is higher than that of the intermediate oxide layer.
US07732845B2 Pixel sensor with reduced image lag
A tensile-stress-generating structure is formed above a gate electrode in a CMOS image sensor to apply a normal tensile stress between a charge collection well of a photodiode, which is also a source region of a transfer transistor, and a floating drain in the direction connecting the source region and the floating drain. The tensile stress lowers the potential barrier between the source region and the body of the transfer transistor to effect a faster and more through transfer of the electrical charges in the source region to the floating drain. Image lag is thus reduced in the CMOS image sensor. Further, charge capacity of the source region is also enhanced due to the normal tensile stress applied to the source region.
US07732844B2 Crosstalk improvement through P on N structure for image sensor
The present disclosure provides an image sensor semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first type of dopant; a semiconductor layer having a second type of dopant different from the first type of dopant and disposed on the semiconductor substrate; and an image sensor formed in the semiconductor layer.
US07732843B2 Solid state image sensor
Forming an impurity region 6 and an impurity region 5 having a lower concentration than the impurity region 6 in a lower layer region of a gate electrode close to the boundary with a signal electron-voltage conversion section of a horizontal CCD outlet makes it possible to smooth a potential distribution at the time of transfer, improve the transfer efficiency, increase the number of saturated electrons and reduce variations in the transfer efficiency and variations in saturation.
US07732830B2 Compound semiconductor light-emitting diode
A compound semiconductor light-emitting diode comprising a light-emitting layer composed of a Group III-V compound semiconductor, and a current diffusion layer provided on the light-emitting layer and composed of a Group III-V compound semiconductor, characterized in that the current diffusion layer is composed of a conductive boron-phosphide-based semiconductor and has a bandgap at room temperature wider than that of the light-emitting layer.
US07732825B2 AC light emitting diode
Disclosed herein is an AC light emitting diode. The light emitting diode comprises a plurality of light emitting cells two-dimensionally arranged on a single substrate. Wires electrically connect the light emitting cells to one another to thereby form a serial array of the light emitting cells. Further, the light emitting cells are spaced apart from one another by distances within a range of 10 to 30 μm, and the serial array is operated while connected to an AC power source. Accordingly, the excellent operating characteristics and light output power can be secured in an AC light emitting diode with a limited size.
US07732824B2 Self-light-emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
Failure light emission of an EL element due to failure film formation of an organic EL material in an electrode hole 46 is improved. By forming the organic EL material after embedding an insulator in an electrode hole 46 on a pixel electrode and forming a protective portion 41b, failure film formation in the electrode hole 46 can be prevented. This can prevent concentration of electric current due to a short circuit between a cathode and an anode of the EL element, and can prevent failure light emission of an EL layer.
US07732821B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor device
The SiC semiconductor device includes a substrate of a first conduction type made of silicon carbide, a drift layer of the first conduction type made of silicon carbide, the drift layer being less doped than the substrate, a cell portion constituted by a part of the substrate and a part of the drift layer, a circumferential portion constituted by another part of the substrate and another part of the drift layer, the circumferential portion being formed so as to surround the cell portion, and a RESURF layer of a second conduction type formed in a surface portion of the drift layer so as to be located in the circumferential portion. The RESURF layer is constituted by first and second RESURF layers having different impurity concentrations, the second RESURF layer being in contact with an outer circumference of the first RESURF layer and extending to a circumference of the cell portion.
US07732819B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
An object is to provide a semiconductor device of which a manufacturing process is not complicated and by which cost can be suppressed, by forming a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor film typified by zinc oxide, and a manufacturing method thereof. For the semiconductor device, a gate electrode is formed over a substrate; a gate insulating film is formed covering the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film; and a first conductive film and a second conductive film are formed over the oxide semiconductor film. The oxide semiconductor film has at least a crystallized region in a channel region.
US07732818B2 Display device, manufacturing method thereof, and television receiver
The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a display device comprising the steps of forming a first film pattern using a photosensitive material over a substrate, forming a second film pattern in such a way that the first film pattern is exposed by being irradiated with a laser beam, modifying a surface of the second film pattern into a droplet-shedding surface, forming a source electrode and a drain electrode by discharging a conductive material to an outer edge of the droplet-shedding surface by a droplet-discharging method, and forming a semiconductor region, a gate-insulating film, and a gate electrode over the source electrode and the drain electrode.
US07732815B2 Semiconductor thin film, thin film transistor, method of manufacturing the semiconductor thin film, method of manufacturing the thin film transistor, and manufacturing device of semiconductor thin film
A semiconductor thin film according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a polycrystallized semiconductor thin film formed by applying laser light to an amorphous semiconductor thin film; and crystal grains arranged into a lattice shape with a size that is about ½ of an oscillation wavelength of the laser light.
US07732811B2 Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device
A light-emitting element disclosed in the present invention includes a light-emitting layer and a first layer between a first electrode and a second electrode, in which the first layer is provided between the light-emitting layer and the first electrode. The present invention is characterized by the device structure in which the first layer comprising a hole-transporting material is doped with a hole-blocking material or an organic compound having a large dipole moment. This structure allows the formation of a high performance light-emitting element with high luminous efficiency and long lifetime. The device structure of the present invention facilitates the control of the rate of the carrier transport, and thus, leads to the formation of a light-emitting element with a well-controlled carrier balance, which contributes to the excellent characteristics of the light-emitting element of the present invention.
US07732802B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
Disclosed is a semiconductor light emitting device. The semiconductor light emitting device comprises a substrate comprising a reflective pattern with a valley, a first nitride semiconductor layer on the substrate, an air gap formed between the reflective pattern and the first nitride semiconductor layer, an active layer on the first nitride semiconductor layer, and a second nitride semiconductor layer on the active layer.
US07732799B2 Semiconductor memory device with three dimensional solid electrolyte structure, and manufacturing method thereof
The semiconductor memory device includes a variable resistance device having a solid electrolyte in a three-dimensional structure. The variable resistance device includes a first electrode; the solid electrolyte, which has at least two regions with different heights, formed on the first electrode; and a second electrode made of a conductive material formed on the solid electrolyte to cover the regions with different heights. In addition, a multibit semiconductor memory device is provided which includes a bias circuit that can control the intensity of a current and time the current is supplied to the variable resistance device inside a memory cell in multiple steps to configure multibits.
US07732796B2 Inspection system for inspecting an imprinted substrate on a printing press
An inspection system for inspecting an imprinted substrate on a printing press has a light source, a contact image sensor, and a processor. The light source is configured to illuminate a portion of the substrate which has been imprinted with different colors at a plurality of printing units of the printing press. The contact image sensor has a plurality of sensing elements. Each sensing element senses light reflected by a corresponding region on the substrate to produce data representative of the corresponding region printed on the substrate. The processor is configured to receive the data representative of the imprinted substrate and to compare the data representative of the corresponding region printed on the substrate with stored reference data.
US07732791B2 Semiconductor testing method and semiconductor tester
A semiconductor testing method capable of quickly counting semiconductor cells in which a seemingly horizontal or vertical line is drawn with a mouse, and raster rotation is performed in alignment with the closer axis. After that, the stage is horizontally moved, pattern matching is performed on an image on a position where the image should be disposed, and an angle is adjusted. The stage is moved evenly along the X-axis and the Y-axis, achieving a movement to a destination like a straight line. In synchronization with the smooth movement of the stage, a cell is surrounded in a rectangular frame by a ruler, and the number of cells is displayed with a numeric value.
US07732790B2 Ion implanting apparatus for forming ion beam geometry
An ion implanting apparatus is provided, which prevents a failure of the processing object caused by a scattering of the deposited particles of the ion species on an inner surface of a through hole of a member that forms a beam geometry of an ion beam. Since at least an inner surface of the through hole 222 of the member 220 having a through hole and being capable of forming a beam geometry is coated with a thermal spraying film, unwanted deposition of the ion species on the inner surface of the through hole 222 is inhibited. Moreover, since a deposition film generated on the surface of the thermal spraying film has an unoriented poly-crystalline structure that exhibits extremely higher inter-layer adhesiveness, a failure of the processing object caused by a scattering of the particles peeled-off from the deposition layer is prevented.
US07732785B2 Radiation analysis devices, radiation analysis methods, and articles of manufacture
Radiation analysis devices include circuitry configured to determine respective radiation count data for a plurality of sections of an area of interest and combine the radiation count data of individual of sections to determine whether a selected radioactive material is present in the area of interest. An amount of the radiation count data for an individual section is insufficient to determine whether the selected radioactive material is present in the individual section. An article of manufacture includes media comprising programming configured to cause processing circuitry to perform processing comprising determining one or more correction factors based on a calibration of a radiation analysis device, measuring radiation received by the radiation analysis device using the one or more correction factors, and presenting information relating to an amount of radiation measured by the radiation analysis device having one of a plurality of specified radiation energy levels of a range of interest.
US07732782B2 Corona detection device
A corona detection device includes a bandpass filter having a primary passband that includes at least wavelengths in the range of about 250 nm to about 400 nm and a secondary passband that includes wavelengths in the range of about 675 nm to about 850 nm. The corona detection device also includes an image intensifier in optical communication with the bandpass filter. The image intensifier is configured to generate an image based on radiation passed through the primary passband and the secondary passband of the bandpass filter.
US07732781B2 Hand-held, mechanically cooled, radiation detection system for gamma-ray spectroscopy
In one embodiment, a radiation detection system is provided including a radiation detector and a first enclosure encapsulating the radiation detector, the first enclosure including a low-emissivity infra-red (IR) reflective coating used to thermally isolate the radiation detector. Additionally, a second enclosure encapsulating the first enclosure is included, the first enclosure being suspension mounted to the second enclosure. Further, a cooler capable of cooling the radiation detector is included. Still yet, a first cooling interface positioned on the second enclosure is included for coupling the cooler and the first enclosure. Furthermore, a second cooling interface positioned on the second enclosure and capable of coupling the first enclosure to a cooler separate from the radiation detection system is included. Other embodiments are also presented.
US07732780B2 Combined cold plate and radiation shield
A combined cold plate for RF shield is optimized both for cooling a device and also for shielding it against RF. One embodiment uses a two-part material so that it has improved thermal characteristics from one part and RF shielding characteristics from another part.
US07732775B2 Apparatus and method for radiation imaging
The radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation source for irradiating an object, a radiation image detector having a radiation-receiving plane that receives radiation from the radiation source through the object, for detecting a radiation image of the object, a shape information acquiring device for acquiring shape information that represents a shape of the object and a shape information display device that displays the shape information such that it reproduces a position of the object as occurs when the shape information is acquired. The radiation imaging method takes a first radiation image of a first object and generates shape information which represents the shape of the first object, inverts the shape information and displays inverted shape information such that it reproduces a position of the first object and takes a second radiation image of a second object.
US07732768B1 Image alignment and trend analysis features for an infrared imaging system
In one embodiment, a thermographic imaging device having a visual compare mode that allows a user to compare a live image of a subject to a previously captured image of the same subject to aid the user in aligning the live image with the previously captured image. In this manner, a user can capture a series of images of the subject with the device located and oriented at a common location and orientation that is consistent throughout the series. In another embodiment, trend analysis software that includes a thermographic tool copying feature for copying one or more thermographic tools from a tooled thermographic image file to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files. In some embodiments, the software includes a trend-graphing feature that generates one or more trend plots after one or more tools have been copied to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files.
US07732765B2 Scanning electron microscope
A technique executes autofocus adjustment stably even when a plurality of patterns or foreign matter capable of being imaged only by a specific detector are included independently. Such an image as a concavo-convex image having a weak contrast can be picked up. The technique can automatically focus such an image even when it is difficult to find a focus position in the image. A scanning electron microscope includes a plurality of detectors for detecting secondary signals from a specimen when irradiated with an electron beam, and a calculation unit for combining the signals obtained from the detectors. At least two of the detectors are provided to be symmetric with respect to the electron beam. The focus of the electron beam is adjusted based on the signals of the detectors or on a signal corresponding to a combination of the signals.
US07732761B2 Method for measuring a pattern dimension using a scanning electron microscope
To provide a consistent, high-speed, high-precision measurement method based on an electron beam simulation by reflecting the apparatus characteristics of a CD-SEM in an electron beam simulation, the present invention discloses a method for measuring a measurement target pattern with a CD-SEM, the method comprising the steps of performing an electron beam simulation on various target pattern shapes, which is reflected apparatus characteristic and image acquisition conditions; creating SEM simulated waveforms; storing a combination of the created SEM simulated waveforms and pattern shape information corresponding to the created SEM simulated waveforms as a library; comparing an acquired actual electron microscope image with the SEM simulated waveforms; selecting the SEM simulated waveform that is most similar to the actual electron microscope image; and estimating the shape of the measurement target pattern from the pattern shape information corresponding to the selected SEM simulated waveform.
US07732751B2 Optical systems and methods using microelectromechanical-systems mirrors exceeding thirty microns
A detector and aperture determine radiation characteristics, including angular direction throughout a specified range, of external articles. Preferably an afocal aperture element enlarges/reduces the article and volume FOR. Mirror(s) along a path between detector and aperture, rotatable about plural axes, make the detector address varying regions. Preferably each mirror is MEMS, exceeding five to thirty microns. The detector “sees” articles throughout the range, at constant magnification. Other aspects rotate magnetically controlled dual-axis MEMS mirrors, each with electrical coils opposed across an axis, and anther magnet whose field interacts with coil-current fields, generating force components: one includes oppositely directed forces, torquing the mirrors; another thrusts mirrors outward from the array rest plane, causing variable “piston”. Alternatively, other forces pull mirror(s) outward—and the second component attracts them inward. Components are adjusted to steer a beam in a desired direction, and wavefronts from adjacent mirrors are in phase for finer diffraction limit.
US07732746B2 Image sensor and method of fabricating the same
Provided is an image sensor including an overcoating layer and at least two micro lenses formed on the overcoating layer. The image sensor is characterized in that the overcoating layer positioned below a clearance between the micro lenses is etched such that curved surfaces of the micro lenses extend to the etched overcoating layer, and a contamination in the bonding pad can be prevented.
US07732743B1 Low-photon-flux image acquisition and processing tool
A camera system uses a highly sensitive camera such as an intensified charge-coupled-device camera to acquire images. An image acquisition and processing tool can place the camera in a low-sensitivity mode and a high-sensitivity mode. In the low-sensitivity mode, a reference image may be acquired of a target that is illuminated by a light-emitting-diode. In the high sensitivity mode, low-photon-flux image data frames are acquired using a charge-coupled-device image sensor in the camera. The image acquisition and processing tool displays the acquired image data frames on top of the reference image in real time, so that a user is provided with immediate visual feedback. The image acquisition and processing tool has image preprocessing filters for enhancing image quality such as a sensor noise threshold filter, a cosmic ray filter, and a photon shape optimization filter. Pipeline filters may be used to further process acquired image data frames.
US07732741B1 Folding articulating wing mechanism
A locking mechanism for securing an articulated folding wing assembly in a fully extended position by means of a tapered locking plunger urged by a coiled compression spring to contact a complementary mating surface formed on the wing assembly. The spring urged locking plunger is released from a retracted position by rotation of the wing assembly from the folded position to the extended position. A folding mechanism for rotating the wing assembly through a compound angle from the folded position to a rigid and positively locked fully extended position is provided wherein the extended wing may be rotated about its longitudinal axis to provide directional control to the vehicle.
US07732739B2 Substrate heat treatment apparatus and substrate transfer tray used in substrate heat treatment
A degassing from a susceptor heated at a high temperature in a vacuum atmosphere is suppressed. The susceptor is disposed between a heater and a substrate and partitions a space in the chamber into a first chamber space where the heater is placed and a second chambers space where the substrate is placed, and the surface of the susceptor facing the second chamber space is coated with a pyrolytic carbon layer (15) of thickness of 10 μm to 50 μm.
US07732733B2 Ferritic stainless steel welding wire and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a ferritic stainless steel welding wire which allows prevention of wire breaking, fine refining of crystal grains, and increased cracking resistance.A wire rod used essentially consists of, in mass %, 0.03% or less of C, 3% or less of B, 3% or less of Mn, 2% or less of Ni, 11 to 20% of Zr, 3% or less of Mo, 1% or less of Co, 2% or less of Cu, 0.02 to 2.0% of Al, 0.2 to 1.0% of Ti, 0.02% or less of O, 0.04% or less of N, at least one of Nb and Ta, the mass % thereof being eight times the total mass % of the C and N to 1.0 mass %, and the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities. When the number of crystals per square mm (mm2) of a cross section of the wire rod is defined as m, a grain number of the crystal expressed by an exponent (G) in an expression of m=8×2G is set to 3 to 10 by the heat treatment.
US07732731B2 Method and system for laser processing targets of different types on a workpiece
A method and system for laser processing targets of different types on a workpiece are provided. The method includes setting a laser pulse width of one or more laser pulses to selectively provide one or more laser output pulses having one or more set pulse widths based on a first type of target to be processed. The method further includes setting a pulse shape of the one or more output pulses to selectively provide the one or more output pulses having the set pulse shape based on the types of targets to be processed. The method still further includes delivering the one or more output pulses having the one or more set pulse widths and the set pulse shape to at least one target of the first type. The method finally includes resetting the laser pulse width of one or more laser pulses to selectively provide one or more laser output pulses having one or more reset pulse widths based on a second type of target to be processed.
US07732728B2 Apparatuses for adjusting electrode gap in capacitively-coupled RF plasma reactor
A plasma processing chamber includes a cantilever assembly configured to neutralize atmospheric load. The chamber includes a wall surrounding an interior region and having an opening formed therein. A cantilever assembly includes a substrate support for supporting a substrate within the chamber. The cantilever assembly extends through the opening such that a portion is located outside the chamber. The chamber includes an actuation mechanism operative to move the cantilever assembly relative to the wall.
US07732721B2 Nickel alloy precision force transducer with strain gauge elements
A precision force transducer having a spring element (1) whose load-dependent deflection is converted into an electrical signal by means of strain gauge elements (10). The spring element (1) is made of a precipitation-hardenable nickel-based alloy with a nickel content in the range of 36 to 60 percent and a chromium content in the range of 15 to 25 percent. The strain gauge elements (10) are composed of a polymer-free layered film system. This makes it possible to produce a precision force transducer that features great accuracy, low creep and low moisture sensitivity.
US07732718B2 Combination weighing apparatus with conveying unit including trough and spiral member
A combination weighing apparatus includes a dispersion unit, conveying units and weighing units. The dispersion unit is arranged to radially disperse product material. The conveying units are arranged around a periphery of the dispersion unit. The weighing units are arranged around a periphery of the conveying units. Each of the conveying units includes a trough. At least one of the troughs has a cross-sectional diameter that gradually increases generally from the inside end to the outside end so that the one of the troughs and an adjacent one of the troughs are kept in contact with each other from the inside ends to the outside ends. At least one of the conveying units has a spiral member disposed over a bottom surface of the trough. The spiral member is configured and arranged to convey the product material supplied from the dispersion unit toward the outside end of the trough.
US07732713B2 Method to build robust mechanical structures on substrate surfaces
A robust mechanical structure is provided to prevent small foundation structures formed on a substrate from detaching from the substrate surface. The strengthened structure is formed by plating a foundation metal layer on a seed layer and then embedding the plated foundation structure in an adhesive polymer material, such as epoxy. Components, such as spring probes, can then be constructed on the plated foundation. The adhesive polymer material better assures the adhesion of the metal foundation structure to the substrate surface by counteracting forces applied to an element, such as a spring probe, attached to the plated foundation.
US07732712B2 Wiring board and method for manufacturing the same
A wiring board includes: a semiconductor chip; an insulating layer in which the semiconductor chip is embedded; a wiring connected to the semiconductor chip; and reinforcing layers for reinforcing the insulating layer, the reinforcing layers respectively formed on a front face side of the insulating layer and a rear face side of the insulating layer.
US07732710B2 Multifunction clips and ground/mounting strap for wiring device
The instant invention overcomes the difficulties encountered with respect to mounting electrical wiring devices to a common box and then positioning the devices relative to each other prior to attaching a wall plate. Some of the difficulties encountered are positioning the wiring devices to be in alignment with each other, locating the wiring devices to be parallel to each other, adjusting the spacing between the different devices to be equal and uniform and fixing all of the devices to be flat against the wall. The alignment pins, when engaged by the close clearance locating openings, accurately positions the wiring devices to allow a wall plate to be placed around the wiring devices without requiring any initial or subsequent adjustment. Each set of alignment pins on the alignment plate can be located on a vertical axis which accurately defines the center for the wiring device. The opening in the wiring device receives and holds captive a set of alignment pins. The alignment pins accurately position, align and locate all of the wiring devices mounted to the alignment plate, and the plate allows the wiring devices to be positioned against a flat surface.
US07732706B1 Solar cell circuit and method for manufacturing solar cells
The invention is a novel manufacturing method for making multi-junction solar cell circuits that addresses current problems associated with such circuits by allowing the formation of integral diodes in the cells and allows for a large number of circuits to readily be placed on a single silicon wafer substrate. The standard Ge wafer used as the base for multi-junction solar cells is replaced with a thinner layer of Ge or a II-V semiconductor material on a silicon/silicon dioxide substrate. This allows high-voltage cells with multiple multi-junction circuits to be manufactured on a single wafer, resulting in less array assembly mass and simplified power management.
US07732702B2 Modular structures facilitating aggregated and field-customized musical instruments
This invention allows for easy field-customization of mainstream and exotic electronic musical instruments with extensive support for the easy creation of aggregated instruments. This invention leverages extensive functional customization of instruments within mainstream accepted instrument modalities as well as opening a wide range of completely new instrument modalities. The invention further facilitates entirely new manufacturing, marketing, and sales paradigms permitting a broad range of open industry development and commerce, thus making an individual musician's creation of new exotic instrument arrangements an economically viable sector for both mass manufacturing and the niche cottage industry. New opportunities are provided for the creation of multiple-vendor standardizations, multiple-vendor manufacturing, multiple-vendor competitive features, etc. while offering the music equipment user and music industry as a whole, access to an extensive range of instrument customization, diversification, and education. The principles of the invention thus create a rich environment for instrument, user, feature, music, and market.
US07732699B2 Central processing unit for singing room machinery and MP3
A central processing unit (CPU) for an MP3 player and a karaoke system makes it possible to reduce the size of the MP3 and the karaoke system by integrally building various kinds of storage units in a DSP and an RISC processor for executing control commands and generating control signals. The CPU 100 includes a display device 160; a microphone 140; a loudspeaker 170; a data storage unit 130 for storing real-time recorded data inputted through the microphone and wave sample data for synthesizing sounds of musical instruments, and also storing a background image, a caption, and font data, which are visually and aurally provided to the user; a main storage unit 120 for sharing the sample data of the data storage unit 130; an RISC processor 102 for storing sound sources, which output information corresponding to sound pitches and volumes of musical instruments, in the form of a MIDI file; a DSP 101 for synthesizing the data outputted from the main storage unit and the RISC processor to provide the music desired by the user; a codec HO for converting an output of the DSP; and an USB input/output terminal 103 for connecting the CPU to external devices.
US07732694B2 Portable music player with synchronized transmissive visual overlays
A portable music player apparatus that outputs visual content to a head-worn transmissive display, the visual content being modulated in time with playing musical content and overlaid upon the user's direct view of his or her physical surroundings. In this way, the user is provided with an enhanced visual view of his or her physical surroundings, the enhanced visual view including transmissive visual content that is generally synchronized in time with the playing music content. This provides the user with an improved music listening experience in which he or she feels present within a visually enhanced version of the physical world that has changing visual qualities that are perceptually synchronized in time with one or more features of the playing music. The displayed visual content may include time-varying translucency and/or color-tinting such that the user's direct view of the physical world changes in brightness and/or color tinting in a manner choreographed with the playing music.
US07732688B2 Portable instrument stand
A portable instrument stand has a base, two legs retractably mounted in the base, two arms foldably mounted in the base and a main cover mounted pivotally on the base. While unfolding the instrument stand, the legs, the main cover and the arms are sequentially unfolded in the base to allow a guitar or the like to be held on the arms. While folding the instrument stand, the arms and the legs are respectively stored in the base and the main cover is mounted on the base. The instrument stand is light, aesthetically pleasing, and has no sharp protrusions that may damage instruments being carried with the instrument stand or a person carrying the stand so is convenient.
US07732679B2 Cotton variety 05H210
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 05H210. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 05H210. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the cotton variety 05H210 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 05H210 with itself or another cotton variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07732677B2 Soybean variety D5567891
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D5567891. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D5567891. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D5567891 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D5567891 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07732675B2 Soybean variety D5231451
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D5231451. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D5231451. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D5231451 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D5231451 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07732672B2 Soybean variety D5142326
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D5142326. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D5142326. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D5142326 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D5142326 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07732671B2 Soybean cultivar 7041461
A soybean cultivar designated 7041461 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 7041461, to the plants of soybean 7041461, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 7041461 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 7041461 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 7041461, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 7041461 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 7041461 with another soybean cultivar.
US07732667B2 Transgenic plants and progeny and seed thereof
The present subject matter provides a method for enhancing the abiotic stress tolerance of a plant. Polynucleotides isolated from rice (Oryza sativa) and encoding polypeptides for abiotic stress tolerance are also described.
US07732660B2 Methods and means for producing efficient silencing construct using recombinational cloning
Methods and vectors and kits are provided for producing chimeric nucleic acid constructs capable of producing dsRNA for silencing target nucleic acid sequences of interest using recombinational cloning.
US07732659B2 Injecting Drosophila embryos
The present invention provides systems that allow reliable multiplexed transformation of Drosophila embryos. The present invention provides methods and reagents that allow preparation of injection-quality nucleic acid samples and that allow simultaneous preparation of multiple such samples. The present invention provides systems for simultaneous processing of multiple injected embryos. The present invention provides methods for transformation of Drosophila embryos involving use of virginator strains that can be used to increase the efficiency of setting up the crosses needed to produce the eggs for the injections and for the crosses needed to screen for transformants.
US07732651B2 Method of making an alkylated aromoatic using acidic ionic liquid catalyst
A process for alkylating an aromatic compound containing no hydroxyl groups comprising reacting at least one non-hydroxyl containing aromatic compound with at least one olefinic oligomer in the presence of an acidic ionic liquid catalyst, wherein the olefinic oligomer has a carbon range of from about C12 to about C70 and is synthesized by oligomerizing at least one monoolefin monomer in the presence of an acidic ionic liquid catalyst.
US07732647B2 Process for the purification of fluoromethyl 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl ether (sevoflurane)
A process for purifying crude fluoromethyl 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl ether (sevoflurane). The crude sevoflurane is repeatedly washed with water under conditions and for a time sufficient to reduce the level of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) to no more than 200 ppm or no more than 100 ppm.
US07732646B2 Crosslinking agent based on linear hydroxypolyallyl ether
An allyl type crosslinking agent for use in production of a super water-absorbent polymer comprising a polymerizable compound having a carbon-carbon double bond or a salt thereof. The crosslinking agent comprises a linear hydroxypolyallyl ether having at least one hydroxyl group and at least two allyl groups obtained by allyletherification of hydroxyl groups in a linear polyol compound selected from the group consisting of erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol. This allyl type crosslinking agent is highly soluble in an aqueous solvent, and can give an excellent super water-absorbent polymer, which cannot be obtained in the prior arts, having high levels of both of water absorptivity under atmospheric pressure and water absorptivity under pressurized conditions.
US07732643B2 Transition metal complex, catalyst for olefin polymerization, and process for producing olefin polymer with the same
The present invention relates to a transition metal complex represented by the formula (I): wherein M represents a Group 4 transition metal; —Y— represents (a): —C(R1)(R20)-A-, (b): —C(R1)(R20)-A1(R30)—, (c): —C(R1)=A1-, or (d): —C(R1)=A1-A2-R30; A represents a Group 16 element and A1 and A2 each represents a Group 15 element; R1 to R9, R20, and R30 are the same or different and each represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, etc.; and X1 and X2 are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-10 alkyl group, etc., and an intermediate product thereof, and a catalyst for olefin polymerization which comprises said transition metal complex as a component.
US07732639B2 Process for the preparation of acrylic acid comprising a partial oxidation of propane to propylene
The invention relates to a method for preparing acrylic acid by oxidizing propylene and then acrolein, involving the recycling of gases that had not reacted by means of a partial oxidation of the propane, in parallel, at the end of the acrylic acid recovery step, then returning, to the propylene-converting reactor, a gas rich in both propane and propylene having been subjected to a second passage in the acrylic acid recovery column.
US07732638B2 Method of amidocarbonylation reaction
A novel method of an amidocarbonylation reaction among an aldehyde compound, an amide compound, and carbon monoxide, which comprises using a palladium-supporting crosslinked-polymer composition containing palladium clusters having a major-axis length of 20 nm or shorter to conduct the amidocarbonylation reaction. Thus, an N-acyl-α-amino acid can be more efficiently and selectively synthesized in a dean reaction system. Also provided is a catalyst for use in the method.
US07732628B2 Functional biopolymer modification reagents and uses thereof
Hydrazino, oxyamino and carbonyl-based reagents and methods for incorporation into oligonucleotides during their solid phase synthesis are provided. Modified oligonucleotides are provided that incorporate the reagents provided herein. Immobilized oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide conjugates that contain covalent hydrazone or oxime linkages are provided. Methods for preparation of surface bound oligonucleotides are provided. Methods for the preparation of oligonucleotide conjugates are also provided.
US07732626B2 Fused cyclic compounds
The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the description, or a salt thereof. The compound or a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof has a GPR40 receptor function modulating action and is useful as an insulin secretagogue or an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of diabetes and the like.
US07732614B2 2,6-quinolinyl derivatives, processes for preparing them and their uses
The present invention concerns 2,6-quinolinyl derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals.
US07732613B2 Met kinase inhibitors
The present invention is directed to compounds that are useful for treating cancer having one of the following Formulas:
US07732612B2 7-amino alkylidenyl-heterocyclic quinolones and naphthyridones
The present invention relates to compounds having a structure according to Formula I wherein n, m, z, R, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, A, E, X, Y, a and b are as defined above; or an optical isomer, diastereomer or enantiomer thereof; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or prodrug thereof.
US07732598B2 Triazine-based compound, method of making the same, and an organic light-emitting device including the same
A triazine-based compound having three biphenyl groups, represented by Structure 1, below, wherein R1 through R18 are each independently one of: hydrogen, a substituted C1-30 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-30 alkyl group, a substituted C6-50 aryl group, an unsubstituted C6-50 aryl group, a substituted C4-50 heteroaryl group, and an unsubstituted C4-50 heteroaryl group, and at least one of R1, R2, R7, R8, R13 and R14 is one of: a substituted C1-30 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C1-30 alkyl group, a substituted C6-50 aryl group, an unsubstituted C6-50 aryl group, a substituted C4-50 heteroaryl group, and an unsubstituted C4-50 heteroaryl group.
US07732596B2 Fused heterocycle derivative, medicinal composition containing the same, and medicinal use thereof
The present invention provides nitrogen-containing fused cyclic derivatives represented by the following general formula or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or prodrugs thereof, which exhibit an excellent inhibitory activity in human SGLT and are useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with hyperglycemia such as diabetes, postprandial hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetic complications or obesity, in the formula one of R1 and R4 represents a group represented by the following general formula (S) (in which R5 and R6 represent H, OH, a halogen atom, etc.; Q represents an alkylene group etc.; and ring A represents an aryl group etc.), and the other represents H, OH, an amino group, etc.; R2 and R3 represent H, OH, an amino group, a halogen atom, and an optionally substituted alkyl group, etc.; A1 represents O, S, etc.; A2 represents CH or N; G represents a group represented by the following general formula (G-1) or (G-2) (E1 represents H, F or OH; and E2 represents H, F, a methyl group, etc.), and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and pharmaceutical uses thereof.
US07732594B2 Method on clinical applications in head neck cancer by using DSG3 molecule for predicting malignant degree of cancer, serving as a molecular target and using RNA jamming sequence on inhibition-specific of DSG3 expression
The present invention provide a method for analyzing the DSG3 overexpression in tumor tissues with clinical features of cancer cells to validate that overexpression is relates to size, depth and migration of tumor. Therefore, DSG3 overexpression is capable for using in clinical applications, determining malignant degree of tumor, serving as molecular target in Head Neck Cancer (HNC). Moreover, a jamming sequence, RNA, is designed to act on DSG3 mRNA and is effective inhibition-specific DSG3 expression, and then inhibits cell growth, invasion and migration in HNC.
US07732593B2 Methods and compositions for controlling efficacy of RNA silencing
Based at least in part on an understanding of the mechanisms by which small RNAs (e.g., naturally-occurring miRNAs) mediate RNA silencing in plants, rules have been established for determining, for example, the degree of complementarity required between an RNAi-mediating agent and its target, i.e., whether mismatches are tolerated, the number of mismatches tolerated, the effect of the position of the mismatches, etc. Such rules are useful, in particular, in the design of improved RNAi-mediating agents which allow for more exact control of the efficacy of RNA silencing.
US07732589B2 Primers for amplifying hsp 65 gene of mycobacterial species, hsp 65 gene fragments and method of identifying mycobacterial species with the same
The present invention relates to a pair of primers specific to mycobacterial species, a polynucleotide of an hsp 65 gene fragment, and a method for the identification of mycobacterial species by using the same. More specifically, the 604-bp hsp 65 gene fragment can be applied to identification methods of mycobacteria such as the comparative sequence analysis method, the probe hybridization method, and PCR-RFLP, which can resolve the problems of a conventional identification method based on bio-chemical characteristics, where the genus mycobacterium covers various species and has a low growth rate, and of the problems of 16s rDNA. Thus, according to the identification method of the present invention, the mycobacterial species can be identified simply, economically, and accurately.
US07732588B2 Tweak receptor
The present invention provides the TWEAK receptor and methods for identifying and using agonists and antagonists of the TWEAK receptor. In particular, the invention provides methods of screening for agonists and antagonists and for treating diseases or conditions mediated by angiogenesis, such as solid tumors and vascular deficiencies of cardiac or peripheral tissue.
US07732587B2 Nucleic acids encoding truncated soluble tumor necrosis factor
Disclosed are novel proteins, referred to as tumor necrosis factor binding proteins, that modulate the activity of tumor necrosis factor. Also disclosed are processes for obtaining the tumor necrosis binding proteins by recombinant genetic engineering techniques.
US07732585B2 Altered recombinases for genome modification
The present invention describes methods of identifying altered recombinases and compositions thereof, wherein at least one amino acid is different from a parent, wild-type recombinase and the altered recombinase has improved recombination efficiency towards wild-type and/or pseudo att site sequences relative to the parent, wild-type recombinase. The present invention also includes methods of modifying the genomes of cells using the altered recombinases, including methods of site-specifically integrating a polynucleotide sequence of interest in a genome of a eucaryotic cell.
US07732584B2 Nucleic acid and corresponding protein entitled 193P1E1B useful in treatment and detection of cancer
A novel gene 0193P1E1B (also designated 193P1E1B) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 193P1E1B exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 193P1E1B provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 193P1E1B gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 193P1E1B can be used in active or passive immunization.
US07732580B2 Compositions for eliciting an immune response against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
Provided are compositions and methods for stimulating an immune response against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). The compositions include a recombinant polypeptide that contains from its N-terminus to C-terminus a C-terminal fragment of MAP protein Map3527, a Map1519 protein amino acid sequence, followed by an N-terminal portion of Map3527. The method comprises administering the composition to an animal in an amount effective to stimulate an immunological response against MAP bacteria. The method is of benefit to any animal susceptible to MAP infection, but is particularly beneficial for ruminants.
US07732578B2 Super humanized antibodies
Disclosed herein are methods for humanizing antibodies based on selecting variable region framework sequences from human antibody genes by comparing canonical CDR structure types for CDR sequences of the variable region of a non-human antibody to canonical CDR structure types for corresponding CDRs from a library of human antibody sequences, preferably germline antibody gene segments. Human antibody variable regions having similar canonical CDR structure types to the non-human CDRs form a subset of member human antibody sequences from which to select human framework sequences. The subset members may be further ranked by amino acid similarity between the human and the non-human CDR sequences. Top ranking human sequences are selected to provide the framework sequences for constructing a chimeric antibody that functionally replaces human CDR sequences with the non-human CDR counterparts using the selected subset member human frameworks, thereby providing a humanized antibody of high affinity and low immunogenicity without need for comparing framework sequences between the non-human and human antibodies. Chimeric antibodies made according to the method are also disclosed.
US07732575B2 Microparticles with enhanced covalent binding capacity and their uses
Disclosed are proteins which are covalently bound to a solid support at a first temperature where they have a first configuration, and then biomolecules are attached to the bound proteins at a higher temperature at which the proteins have more exposed functional groups, each such group being capable of covalently bonding to a biomolecule. The biomolecule can be, for example, a nucleic acid, including an amine functionalized oligonucleotide. The proteins can include, BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) which can be bound using a reaction with the surface of a tosyl-activated microparticle.
US07732572B2 Cysteine variants of alpha interferon-2
The growth hormone supergene family comprises greater than 20 structurally related cytokines and growth factors. A general method is provided for creating site-specific, biologically active conjugates of these proteins. The method involves adding cysteine residues to non-essential regions of the proteins or substituting cysteine residues for non-essential amino acids in the proteins using site-directed mutagenesis and then covalently coupling a cysteine-reactive polymer or other type of cysteine-reactive moiety to the proteins via the added cysteine residue. Disclosed herein are preferred sites for adding cysteine residues or introducing cysteine substitutions into the proteins, and the proteins and protein derivatives produced thereby.
US07732568B2 Methods for preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease
The present invention relates to methods for preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). An Aβ42 mimotope is used for vaccination against AD. The mimotope induces the production of antibodies against Aβ42 but not against the native APP. The mimotope is functionally similar to, but not structurally identical with DAEFRH (SEQ ID NO: 1) which is a part of the naturally-occurring Aβ42 sequence.
US07732561B2 Random copolymers of oxazoline
The invention provides approximately monodispersible random copolymers obtained from monomeric mixtures of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline with 2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline, production method thereof and 2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline homopolymer obtained by using special initiator. Such polymers exhibit temperature-responsiveness in an aqueous solution within a broad temperature range, and are useful materials in the technical fields of surface chemistry and biomaterials.
US07732559B2 Method of making halophthalic acids and halophthalic anhydrides
A method of preparing a halophthalic acid is disclosed which comprises the steps of contacting in a liquid phase reaction mixture at least one halogen-substituted ortho-xylene with oxygen and acetic acid at a temperature in a range between about 120° C. and about 220° C. in the presence of a catalyst system yielding a product mixture comprising less than 10 percent halogen-substituted ortho-xylene starting material, a halophthalic acid product, and less than about 10,000 ppm halobenzoic acid and less than about 1000 ppm halophthalide by-products based on a total amount of halophthalic acid present in the product mixture. In addition methods for the preparation of halophthalic anhydride, and recovery of high purity acetic acid from an aqueous acetic acid stream comprising HCl, which is generated during the preparation of the halophthalic acid are also disclosed.
US07732557B2 Methods for removing catalyst residue from a depolymerization process stream
The invention relates to methods and systems for selective removal of catalyst residue from a depolymerization product stream without a water quench, as well as methods and systems for subsequent recovery of residual linear oligomer. The substantially metal-free and substantially water-free residual oligomer byproduct can then be advantageously used as recyclate in a process for preparing MPO. For example, the residual oligomer recyclate can be used as a reactant in the polymerization and subsequent depolymerization (cyclization) of low-acid polyester to form MPO.
US07732556B2 Process of producing polyesters
A problem of the invention is to provide a process of producing polyesters having a stable quality and a process of producing polyesters with a greatly reduced load against the environment.The invention relates to a process of producing polyesters by using a polycondensation reaction apparatus provided with one or more sets of an ejector, a condenser placed in the downstream portion of the ejector and a hot well tank connected to the condenser via a barometric leg and including a step of driving the ejector by a vapor composed mainly of 1,4-butanediol, condensing the vapor composed mainly of 1,4-butanediol as discharged from the ejector in the condenser placed in the downstream portion of the ejector, and making the reactor in a reduced pressure state to undergo polycondensation reaction, characterized in that the concentration of tetrahydrofuran contained in a sealing liquid in at least one hot well tank is not more than 4% by weight.
US07732555B2 Urethane polyol precursors for coating compositions
Unsymmetrical polyurethane polyol prepolymers are disclosed for use in the formation of coating compositions. The prepolymers are prepared as a reaction product of a diisocyanate with a short chain aliphatic diol and a long chain polymeric diol. The prepolymers are intended as the first component for reaction with a second component polyisocyanate in a two-component coating composition. The coating compositions exhibit excellent abrasion resistance and weatherability, and are particularly useful as coatings for polymeric window transparencies.
US07732552B2 Low VOC epoxy silane oligomer and compositions containing same
A process for producing a low VOC epoxy silane oligomer which includes the reaction of an epoxy silane with water in a water to silane molar ratio of from 0.1 to 1.5, in which the epoxy silane is the reaction product of an epoxy alkoxy-substituted silane and a diol or a dicarboxylic acid.
US07732547B2 Fluorinated cyclic olefinic graft polymer
The present invention provides a graft polymer and compositions comprising a cyclic olefin polymer characterized by having a glass transition temperature of about 60° C. to 250° C. and a molecular weight of about 400 to 300000, and a fluorocarbon alkyl group grafted on the cyclic olefin polymer.
US07732545B2 Process for preparing aqueous dispersion
An aqueous dispersion is prepared by subjecting (meth)acrylate containing a polyfluoroalkyl group and a polymerizable monomer containing no fluorine atom to an emulsification treatment in the presence of a surfactant and a polypropyleneglycol-based compound having a molecular weight of 250 to 5,000, followed by copolymerization reaction in the presence of a polymerization initiator. The resulting aqueous dispersion, even if prepared from (meth)acrylate copolymer containing mixed perfluoroalkyl groups including perfluoroalkyl groups having 12 or more carbon atoms as polyfluoroalkyl groups, has a distinguished emulsion stability and thus can be effectively used as a water and oil repellent, etc.
US07732542B2 Polymerization catalysts for producing high molecular weight polymers with low levels of long chain branching
This invention relates to catalyst compositions, methods, and polymers encompassing at least one Group 4 metallocene compound comprising bridging η5-cyclopentadienyl-type ligands, typically in combination with at least one cocatalyst, and at least one activator. The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide ethylene polymers with low levels of long chain branching.
US07732538B2 Method for carrying out a mass polymerization
A method for carrying out a mass polymerization of monomers and/or pre-polymers, which are at least partially soluble in their polymers, in particular methyl methacrylate (MMA) is provided. The method involves the addition of at least one monomer or pre-polymer in a reactor. Mass polymerization for amorphous polymers is carried out without solvents below the glass transition temperature and for crystalline polymers below the melting point, achieving a high degree of conversion of the monomers.
US07732532B2 Multi-stage propylene polymer, process for producing the same, and propylene resin composition
A multistage propylene-based polymer including the following components (A) and (B): (A) 5 to 20 wt % of a propylene homopolymer component or a copolymer component of propylene and an α-olefin with 2 to 8 carbon atoms having an intrinsic viscosity [η] of more than 10 dL/g in tetralin at 135° C.; and (B) 80 to 95 wt % of a propylene homopolymer component or a copolymer component of propylene and an α-olefin with 2 to 8 carbon atoms having an intrinsic viscosity [η] of 0.5 to 3.0 dL/g in tetralin at 135° C.
US07732530B2 Flexible propylene copolymer compositions having a high transparency
The present invention relates to a propylene copolymer composition comprising A) a propylene copolymer containing from 1 to 20% by weight of olefins other than propylene and B) at least one propylene copolymer containing from 5 to 98% by weight of olefins other than propylene, where the propylene copolymer composition is obtainable by means of a two-stage or multistage polymerization using a catalyst system based on metallocene compounds which is used in both stages.
US07732525B2 Polymers for paper and paperboard coatings
The invention is directed to the composition and use of substantially water-soluble amphoteric (co)polymers as co-binders for paper and paperboard coating applications.
US07732523B2 Elastomer composition, method for producing the same, and eraser using the same
An elastomer composition is provided which contains a matrix of poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) produced from microorganisms and crosslinked natural rubber particles dispersed like islands in the matrix. An eraser using the elastomer composition is also provided. The present invention is capable of providing an elastomer composition and eraser using the same, which can be recycled, are friendly to the environment, and corresponds to the recycling society, without relying on fossil resources.
US07732521B2 Thermoplastic articles and processes for making the same using an improved masterbatch
The present invention is directed to improved processes for making plastic articles, and articles made therefrom. In a broad aspect, the invention is directed to improved processes and articles made therefrom, that include the steps of providing as separate materials a first material that includes a polyolefin, a second material including an admixture of from about 45 to 85 wt. % of the total admixture of at least one particulated mineral filler; and from about 15 to 55 wt. % of the total admixture of at least a second polyolefin having a melt index greater than about 150 g/10 min at 190° C./2.16 kg, as measured per ISO 1133 (condition D); applying a shear force to form a molten blend; shaping the molten blend and solidifying the molten blend.
US07732519B2 Emulsion composition for silicone rubber, process for producing the same, and process for producing silicone rubber
A silicone rubber emulsion composition comprising (A) 100 parts diorganopolysiloxane having at least two silicon-bonded alkenyl groups, (E) 0 to 60 parts reinforcing silica filler, (B) 10 to 250 parts water containing a smectite clay, (C) 0.1 to 15 parts emulsifier, and (D) a cross-linking agent (e.g., an organohydrogenpolysiloxane) in an amount sufficient for cross-linking component (A) and a catalyst (e.g., a platinum-type catalyst). A method for preparing the aforementioned emulsion composition comprising mixing components (A) and (E) with other components in a high-speed stirrer-equipped mixer. A method of manufacturing a silicone rubber comprising either heating and dehydrating the aforementioned emulsion composition.
US07732513B2 Resin mold for molding curable resin and method of producing molded cured resin article
A resin mold for molding a curable resin, which has been made by molding a resin composition comprising an alicyclic structure-containing polymer and a nitrogen-containing organic compound (X) having at least one nitrogen atom which is bonded to at least one tertiary or quaternary carbon atom. A curable resin is molded and cured using a combined mold which is a combination of two resin molds (A) and (B), wherein at least one (A) of the two resin molds is made by molding a resin composition comprising an alicyclic structure-containing polymer and the nitrogen-containing organic compound (X). Preferably, the two molds (A) and (B) are made by molding resin compositions comprising an alicyclic structure-containing polymer and different amounts of the nitrogen-containing organic compound (X).
US07732511B2 Bituminous products, the mixture thereof with aggregates and the use thereof
The invention relates to anhydrous bituminous products containing one or several specific additives which make it possible to substantially reduce a temperature for producing aggregate and bituminous product mixtures in such a way that it ranges from 20 to 40° C., wherein the temperature of the aggregate and the bituminous product mixture during spreading ranges from 10 to 40° C. and the temperature in the core of the aggregate and bituminous product mixtures during compacting can be raised to 50° C. without degrading the standardized properties of the bituminous product and the bituminous product and aggregate mixture and ensuring the process continuity from transport to compacting according to the state of the art. The inventive aggregate and bituminous product mixtures are particularly suitable for tightening, building and servicing road surfaces, pavements and airfield runways.
US07732510B2 Barrier based fuel resistant binder
A fuel resistant binder is characterized by the addition of a carrier curing agent to a modified, unmodified or emulsified asphalt material formed of a mixture of hot, cold or emulsified asphalt and carrier and activator materials. The carrier curing agent preferably is a polyurethane moisture curing solution. A cross-linking material and aggregate are also mixed with the binder to form a material suitable for patching cracks and holes in pavement and the like. The activator assists the polymer material in linking with the asphalt while the carrier prevents the formation of gel or lumps within the asphalt. The carrier curing agent resists the penetration of fuel into the binder.
US07732507B2 Spirotetrathiocarbamates and spirooxothiocarbamates
Spirotetrathiocarbamates (STOCs) or oxa substituted compounds (SOTOCs) of Formula I: Formula (I) or bisSTOC or bisSOTOC compounds of Formula II: Formula (II) wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and X8, are independently O or S; and preferably at least two and up to all four of X1, X2, X3 and X4, and at least two and up to all four of X5, X6, X7, and X8 are sulfur; Z is —CmR22m wherein m=1 to 4; —C(R2)2SC(R2)2—, C(R2)2SSC(R2)2—, or —C(R2)OC(R2)2; n is from 0 to 4; M is selected from CH2Cl, CH2SC(O)R1, CH2SC(S)R1, CH2S(CH2CH2S)qH wherein q is 0, 1 or 2; —CR2═CH2, —CH2OC(O)CR2═CH2, CH2N═C═S, CH2N═C═O, CH2NR2H, CH2OH, CH2SCH2CH2CR2═CH2, phenyl, C(R2)phenyl, furan, thiophene, halogen, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heretocyclics, thiol, H, (III) or (IV) wherein A is S, O or phenyl; x is 0 or 1; R1 is C1-C22 alkyl; and R2 is H or C1-C22 alkyl have excellent optical properties. Methods for preparing these compositions and optical lenses prepared from the compounds are also provided.
US07732503B2 Recycle of electrical equipment
The conventional techniques for recycling an electrical equipment including a hardened epoxy resin and electroconductive material has involved conventional problems that a catalyst is degraded to an extent that it can be no longer reused when a water is contained in a dissolving system. Moreover, moisture, when present in the dissolving system for treating an electrical equipment including an electroconductive material of aluminum, may react with aluminum to produce an aluminate compound which is transformed into aluminum oxide (alumina) under heating, which, in turn, may cause abnormal temperature rise to melt aluminum. This may be accompanied by formation of hydrogen which can cause danger of explosion. The present invention manages moisture content in the dissolving system by drying an object to be treated, a catalyst and a solvent prior to the dissolving treatment.
US07732502B2 Fullerene based proton conductive materials
A fullerene-based proton conductor including a proton conductive functional group connected to the fullerene by an at least partially fluorinated spacer molecule. Also, a polymer including at least two of the proton conductors that are connected by a linking molecule. Further, an electrochemical device employing the polymer as a proton exchange membrane, whereby the device is able to achieve a self-humidifying characteristic.
US07732497B2 Colloidal particles for lotus effect
A composition formulated to form a non-smooth surface on a substrate surface at least after the composition has been applied to the substrate and has substantially dried or set. The composition including a first and second set of colloidal particles. Each of the first and second sets of colloidal particles includes a plurality of colloidal particles. The first set of colloidal particles can have an average particle size that is greater than the average size of the second set of particles. The number of colloidal particles in the second set of colloidal particles can be greater than the number of colloidal particles in the first set of colloidal particles. One or more of the colloidal particles can be modified to include one or more hydrocarbon chains.
US07732492B2 Nateglinide-containing preparation
The present invention provides a small-sized preparation that is easy to take, containing 26% or more of nateglinide and 28% or more of at least one disintegrant selected from the group consisting of carmellose or salts thereof, sodium carboxymethyl starch, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, partly pregelatinized starch and low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, based on the total mass of the preparation. The preparation of the present invention has high contents of nateglinide, which can be absorbed immediately to exhibit a hypoglycemic action.
US07732484B2 Use of selective adenosine A1 receptor allosteric enhancers to manipulate angiogenesis
Disclosed is the use of selective adenosine A1 allosteric enhancers to induce angiogenesis at a desired location for treating conditions in which increased angiogenesis is desired, such as stroke, heart disease and peripheral vascular disease.
US07732483B2 DNA-PK inhibitors
A compound of formula I: and isomers, salts, solvates, chemically protected forms, and prodrugs thereof, wherein: R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen, an optionally substituted C1-7 alkyl group, C3-20 heterocyclyl group, or C5-20 aryl group, or may together form, along with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring having from 4 to 8 ring atoms; Q is —NH—C(═O)— or —O—; Y is an optionally substituted C1-5 alkylene group; X is selected from SR3 or NR4R5, wherein, R3, or R4 and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-7 alkyl, C5-20 aryl, or C3-20 heterocyclyl groups, or R4 and R5 may together form, along with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring having from 4 to 8 ring atoms; if Q is —O—, X is additionally selected from —C(═O)—NR6R7, wherein R6 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-7 alkyl, C5-20 aryl, or C3-20 heterocyclyl groups, or R6 and R7 may together form, along with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring having from 4 to 8 ring atoms; and if Q is —NH—C(═O)—, —Y—X may additionally be selected from C1-7 alkyl.
US07732481B2 Prolinylarylacetamides
Novel compounds of the formula (I), in which R, R1, R2, R3, X, X′ and Y have the meaning indicated in Patent Claim 1, are inhibitors of coagulation factor Xa and can be employed for the prophylaxis and/or therapy of thromboembolic diseases and for the treatment of tumors.
US07732480B2 Bicyclic compounds as modulators of androgen receptor function and method
There are disclosed bicyclic compounds according to formula I, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods of using such compounds in the treatment of androgen receptor-associated conditions, such as age-related diseases, for example sarcopenia, wherein R1, R2, R5, X and n are defined herein.
US07732479B2 Compositions for treating amyloid associated diseases
Indole derivatives, compositions including same, and methods utilizing same for the treatment of amyloid associated diseases, such as type II diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's dementia or diseases, systemic and localized amyloidosis, and prion-related encephalopathies are provided.
US07732466B2 Substituted thiophene carboxamides, process for their preparation and their use as medicaments
The present invention relates to new substituted thiophene-2-carboxylic acid amides of general formula wherein A, and R1 to R8c are defined as in claim 1, the tautomers, the enantiomers, the diastereomers, the mixtures thereof and the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids or bases, which have valuable properties.
US07732463B2 4-(2-phenylsulfanyl-phenyl)-piperidine derivatives as serotonin reuptake inhibitors
The invention provides compounds represented by the general formula (I) wherein the substituents are defined in the application. The compounds are useful in the treatment of an affective disorder, including depression, anxiety disorders including general anxiety disorder and panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
US07732459B2 CCR1 antagonists and methods of use therefor
The invention provides compounds having the formula: wherein R1 is halogen. The invention also provides compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of treating diseases or disorders that comprise administering one or more of the compounds to a subject in need thereof. The disclosed compounds have CCR1 antagonist activity.
US07732458B2 Methods for preparing dehydrocavidine, dehydroapocavidine or their composition, their use and medicinal composition containing them
A method for preparing dehydrocavidine, dehydroapocavidine and their respective composition is provided. The composition is first prepared by isolating and purifying the quaternary ammonium alkaloid components from the medicinal plant “Yan Huang Lian” (Corydalis saxicola Bunting) through the processes of solvent extraction, water-phase organic extraction, crystallization and recrystallization, and then drying to obtain said composition containing dehydrocavidine and dehydroapocavine. When necessary, the composition or their crude extracts can be separated by chromatography to obtain dehydrocavidine or dehydroapocavidine. Dehydrocavidine, dehydroapocavidine or their respective composition can be used in manufacturing medicines for treating viral hepatitis, hepatic injury, influenza, AIDS, tumors or arrhythmia.
US07732457B2 Amino-pyridines as inhibitors of β-secretase
The present invention provides an amino-pyridine compound of formula I The present invention also provides methods for the use thereof to inhibit β-secretase (BACE) and treat β-amyloid deposits and neurofibrillary tangles.
US07732450B2 Antifungal ketoconazole composition for topical use
A pharmaceutical composition suitable for topical application comprising ketoconazole in a solution which comprises: (i) 13 to 50 wt % water; (ii) 45 to 85 wt % of an alcohol having a boiling point of less than 100° C.; and (iii) 2 to 30 wt % of a non-volatile, water miscible, non-ionic surface active agent; the ketoconazole being present in an amount of 0.5 to 3 st % relative to components (i), (ii) and (iii).
US07732443B2 Therapeutic substituted cyclopentanes
Therapeutic compounds are disclosed herein. Methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed. The compounds described herein are used to treat ocular conditions, bowel disease and baldness.
US07732441B2 Azabicycloalkane compounds
This invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. The compounds of this invention possess both β2 adrenergic receptor agonist and muscarinic receptor antagonist activity. Such compounds are useful for treating pulmonary disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
US07732440B2 Phenothiazin derivatives, method for the production thereof and use thereof as pharmaceuticals
The invention relates to compounds of the formula I, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, A and B are as defined herein, the pharmaceutical compositions and the uses as pharmaceuticals.
US07732435B2 Chromone derivatives useful as antagonists of VR1 receptors
The invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds of the formula in which all of the variables are as defined in the specification, in free form or in salt form, to their preparation, to their use as medicaments and to medicaments comprising them.
US07732434B2 Macrocyclic acyl guanidines as beta-secretase inhibitors
There is provided a series of heterocyclic-containing macrocyclic acyl guanidines of Formula (I) or a stereoisomer; or a nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, n and X as defined herein, their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. These novel compounds inhibit the processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-secretase and, more specifically, inhibit the production of Aβ-peptide. The present disclosure is directed to compounds useful in the treatment of neurological disorders related to β-amyloid production, such as Alzheimer's disease and other conditions affected by anti-amyloid activity.
US07732431B2 Pharmaceutical compositions comprising trimegestone
The invention concerns a pharmaceutical composition comprises trimegestone optionally associated with an oestrogen, characterized in that it comprises a buffer solution whereof the pH, when it is introduced in the composition, ranging essentially between 2 and 5.5. The invention also concerns the methods for making such a composition and the primary package containing them.
US07732426B2 Isocyclomaltooligosaccharide (S) , isocyclomaltooligosaccharide-forming enzyme, their preparation and uses
The present invention have objects to provide an option of non-reducing saccharide by providing a novel non-reducing saccharide composed of glucose as constituents and to provide a novel enzyme forming the non-reducing saccharide, a method and process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, a composition comprising the non-reducing saccharide, and uses thereof. The present invention solves the above objects by providing an isocyclomaltooligosaccharide(s) having a structure represented by General Formula 1, a novel isocyclomaltooligosaccharide-forming enzyme, a method and process for producing the same, a DNA encoding the enzyme, a recombinant DNA and transformant comprising the DNA, a composition comprising the isocyclomaltooligosaccharide(s) or a saccharide composition comprising the same, and uses thereof. Cyclo{→6)-[α-D-Glcp-(1→4)]n-α-D-Glcp-(1→}  General Formula 1 (In General Formula 1, “n” means a number of 4 or 5).
US07732421B2 RNAI-mediated inhibition of tumor necrosis factor α-related conditions
RNA interference is provided for inhibition of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) by silencing TNFα cell surface receptor TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) mRNA expression, or by silencing TNFα converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM17) mRNA expression. Silencing such TNFα targets, in particular, is useful for treating patients having a TNFα-related condition or at risk of developing a TNFα-related condition such as the ocular conditions dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, or ocular inflammation, or such as dermatitis, rhinitis, or asthma, for example.
US07732417B2 Methods and compositions for RNA interference using recombinant Dicer and Argonaut
The present invention provides methods for attenuating gene expression in a cell using gene-targeted double stranded RNA (dsRNA). The dsRNA contains a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under physiologic conditions of the cell to the nucleotide sequence of at least a portion of the gene to be inhibited (the “target” gene).
US07732416B2 Avermectins substituted in the 4″-position having pesticidal properties
What is described are a compound of the formula in which R1 is C1-C12alkyl, C3-C8cycloalkyl or C2-C12alkenyl; R2 is H, unsubstituted or mono- to pentasubstituted C1-C12alkyl or unsubstituted or mono- to pentasubstituted C1-C12alkenyl; R3 is C2-C12alkyl, mono- to pentasubstituted C1-C12alkyl, unsubstituted or mono- to pentasubstituted C1-C6alkoxy-C1-C6alkyl, unsubstituted or mono- to pentasubstituted C3-C12cycloalkyl, C2-C12alkenyl, C2-C12alkynyl; or R2 and R3 together are an alkylene or alkenylene bridge; with the proviso that R1 is not sec-butyl or isopropyl if R2 is H and R3 is 2-hydroxyethyl, isopropyl, n-octyl or benzyl; or, if appropriate, in E/Z isomer, an E/Z isomer mixture and/or a tautomer thereof; a process for preparing and using these compounds and their tautomers; pesticides whose active compound is selected from these compounds and their tautomers; and a process for preparing these compounds and compositions, and the use of these compounds and compositions.
US07732414B2 C-glycoside compounds for stimulating the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans
C-glycoside compounds are suited for stimulating the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans containing a D-glucosamine and/or N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residue, advantageously hyaluronic acid, and/or proteoglycans, advantageously proteoglycans containing hyaluronic acid, by fibroblasts and/or keratinocytes.
US07732411B2 Methods of therapy with thrombin derived peptides
The present invention relates to a method for promoting cardiac tissue repair comprising administering to the cardiac tissue a therapeutically effective amount of an angiogenic thrombin derivative peptide and/or inhibiting or reducing vascular occlusion or restenosis. The invention also relates to methods of stimulating revascularization. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to the use of thrombin derivative peptides in the manufacture of a medicament for the methods described herein.
US07732401B2 Inhibitor of TGF-β activation reaction
The present invention aims to provide a substance(s), especially a peptide(s) capable of inhibiting the TGF-β activation reaction. The present invention provides a peptide consisting of 11 to 50 amino acid residues, which comprises an amino acid sequence Gln-Ile-Leu-Ser-X1-X2-X3-X4-Ala-Ser-Pro (SEQ ID NO: 1) wherein each of X1 to X4 independently represents any given amino acid residue, and X1-X2-X3-X4 is a sequence that is not Lys-Leu-Arg-Leu (SEQ ID NO: 12) and is not cleavable by proteases.
US07732399B2 Sustained release formulations
The present invention relates broadly to the field of sustained release formulations. More specifically, the invention describes compositions and methods relating to formulating proteins and/or peptides with purified gallic acid esters. In one example, the gallic acid ester is PentaGalloylGlucose (PGG) and in anther example the gallic acid ester is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
US07732398B2 Medicinal uses of mu-opioid receptor agonists
The present invention provides methods for stimulating mu-opioid receptors with agonist peptides in a mammal in need thereof. The methods comprise administering to the mammal an effective amount of a selective mu-opioid receptor agonist peptide that comprises at least two α-amino acid residues. At least one of the amino acid residues has a positive charge. The amino acid residue in the first position is a tyrosine or tyrosine derivative. The amino acid in the second position is a D-α-amino acid. The present invention also provides methods of treating a mammal suffering from conditions or diseases by administering to the mammal an effective amount of the peptides.
US07732397B2 Use of cardiotrophin in liver diseases
Use of cardiotrophin in liver diseases. The invention describes the increased expression of cardiotrophin (CT-1) during the process of hepatic regeneration coinciding with maximum proliferation of hepatocytes and the role of CT-1 as a stimulator of hepatic regeneration. Furthermore, it describes the hepatoprotective role of CT-1 in various models of acute liver damage.The importance of using CT-1 in the manufacture of compositions for use in the treatment of hepatopathies is demonstrated. The invention describes such use in various forms and methods, including the recombinant protein and the use of the gene sequences that code for CT-1.
US07732395B2 Water-stabilized antimicrobial organosilane products, compositions, and methods for using the same
The present invention relates to water-stable compositions and compounds formed by mixing an organosilane, optionally having a non-hydrolyzable organic group, but having one or more hydrolyzable groups, and an acidified stabilizing solution prepared from at least one acid, at least one glycol ether, and at least one cationic surfactant, preferably at least one quaternary ammonium salt (QAS), in water. The present invention also relates to methods of treating a substrate by mixing or contacting the substrate with the product, compound, or composition of this invention for a period of time sufficient for treatment of the substrate, methods of antimicrobially treating a food article, methods of antimicrobially coating a fluid container, methods of dyeing and treating a substrate, and methods of antimicrobially coating a latex medical article. The invention also pertains to a treated substrate having adhered thereto the product, compound, or composition of this invention.
US07732392B2 Massaging bar soap
A soap bar comprising at least two different portions wherein the portions have a difference in solubility of at least 1.0%.
US07732390B2 Phenolic dimers, the process of preparing same and the use thereof
This invention relates to detergents, lubricating oil additives and compositions, and methods of preparing detergents, lubricating oil additives and compositions. More specifically, this invention relates to novel phenolic dimers.
US07732389B2 Lubricating fluids with low traction characteristics
The invention relates to lubricating fluids and oil formulations which provide exceptionally low traction, a method of lowering traction coefficients in lubricating compositions, and to uses of such compositions.
US07732388B2 Phospholipid lubricant for coating moving webs
Lubricant formulations comprising a phospholipids such as lecithins and a low hydrophobic lipophilic balance (HLB) surfactant provide improved rheological properties for coating a rapidly moving web, such as a paper web. The low hydrophobic lipophilic balance (HLB) surfactant is preferably an alcohol ethoxylate having an HLB value of between 7 and 10 or more preferably between 7.5 and 9.5. The lubricant formulations of the invention are preferably applied to the paper web as part of a coating mixture. The lubricant is well-suited for short-dwell coating methods.
US07732385B2 Lubricating oil additives, lubricating oil compositions containing such additives and processes for producing such additives and compositions
Disclosed are lubricating oil additives obtained by dissolving or reacting (A) a metal salt of a specific phosphorus compound which is insoluble or less soluble in lubricating oils in or with (B) an amine compound so as to be solved in the lubricating oils; a lubricating oil composition containing such an additive; a method of producing the additive and composition.
US07732384B2 Solid borozirconate and borotitanate cross-linkers
A process is provided to prepare solid borozirconate and solid borotitanate cross-linkers, which comprises contacting zirconium or titanium complex with alkanolamine at particular mole ratios of boron, zirconium or titanium and alkanolamine. Use of the cross-linkers in compositions for oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones are also disclosed.
US07732381B2 Conductive cement formulation and application for use in wells
The invention provides a cement slurry composition for cementing a well comprising a hydraulic cement, water, carbon fiber and graphite. Compositions of the current invention combine the benefits obtained from adding carbon fiber and graphite to the cement composite. The synergy achieved from combining fibers and particulates into the same sample results in a composite slurry with improved electrical properties and easy-to-optimize rheologies.
US07732379B2 Non-damaging manganese tetroxide water-based drilling fluids
A water-based drilling fluid containing Mn3O4 has been found to be effective in providing petroleum reservoirs with the ability to flow naturally and achieve a return permeability of 90% or greater without the need for acidizing treatments.
US07732376B2 Oxide superconducting film and method of preparing the same
The present invention relates to a method of preparing an oxide superconducting film, the method includes reacting a metal acetate containing metal M selected from the group consisting of lanthanum, neodymium and samarium with fluorocarboxylic acid having not less than three carbon atoms, reacting barium acetate with fluorocarboxylic acid having two carbon atoms, reacting copper acetate with fluorocarboxylic acid having not less than two carbon atoms, respectively, followed by refining reaction products, dissolving the reaction products in methanol such that a molar ratio of the metal M, barium and copper is 1:2:3 to prepare a coating solution, and coating a substrate with the coating solution to form a gel film, followed by calcining and firing the gel film to prepare an oxide superconducting film.
US07732373B2 Reversible thermosensitive recording medium, as well as reversible thermosensitive recording label, reversible thermosensitive recording member, image processing apparatus and image processing method
To provide a reversible thermosensitive recording medium comprising a support, a thermosensitive recording layer formed on the support, and a protective layer formed on the thermosensitive recording layer, wherein the thermosensitive recording layer contains an electron donative coloring compound and an electron acceptive compound, and the color tone reversibly changes depending on the temperature, and the protective layer contains a polymer of a composition containing two kinds of acrylate compounds selected from an acrylate compound having a pentaerythritol group and an acrylate compound having a dipentaerythritol group.
US07732368B2 Low cost quick response catalyst system
A catalyst system for removing one or more components from a fluid stream includes a binder layer and a plurality of catalyst structures affixed to, and protruding from, the binder layer such that the catalyst structure surface is directly exposed to the fluid stream. Methods for preparing a catalyst system, and for selectively removing components from a fluid stream via a catalyst system are also disclosed.
US07732367B2 Catalyst for methacrolein oxidation and method for making and using same
A catalyst for oxidation of unsaturated and/or saturated aldehyde to unsaturated acids is disclosed where the catalyst including at least molybdenum (Mo), phosphorus (P), vanadium (V), bismuth (Bi), and a first component selected from the group consisting of potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), thallium (Tl), or mixtures or combinations thereof, where the catalyst has at least 57% medium pores and a nitric acid to molybdenum mole ratio of at least 0.5:1 or at least 6.0:1 moles of HNO3 per mole of Mo12. Methods for making and using such catalysts are also disclosed.
US07732363B2 Regeneration of acidic catalysts
A process for regenerating a used acidic catalyst which has been deactivated by conjunct polymers by removing the conjunct polymers so as to increase the activity of the catalyst is disclosed. Methods for removing the conjunct polymers include hydrogenation, addition of a basic reagent and alkylation. The methods are applicable to all acidic catalysts and are described with reference to certain ionic liquid catalysts.
US07732362B2 Microwave dielectric ceramic
A dielectric ceramic material as claimed in claim 1 with a composition of formula x CaTiO3+(1−x)SmzRe(1−z)AlO3  (1) optionally doped with about 0.005% to about 5% of CeO2 as a dopant, wherein 0.5≦x≦0.9, 0.3≦z≦0.995, or Re may be selected from a group consisting of La, Pr, Dy, Gd, Y, Er, Ho and mixtures thereof.
US07732359B2 Optical member comprising OD-doped silica glass
An optical member comprising OD-doped silica glass, optionally doped with fluorine. The optical member is particularly advantageous for use in connection with radiation having a wavelength shorter than about 248 nm. In certain embodiments the optical member can be advantageously used for wavelength as short as about 157 nm.
US07732358B2 Inorganic matrix compositions and composites incorporating the matrix composition
A modified alkali silicate composition for forming an inorganic network matrix. The modified alkali silicate matrix is made by reacting an alkali silicate (or its precursors such as an alkali hydroxide, a SiO2 source and water), an acidic inorganic composition, such as a reactive glass, water and optional fillers, additives and processing aids. An inorganic matrix composite can be prepared by applying a slurry of the modified aqueous alkali silicate composition to a reinforcing medium and applying the temperature and pressure necessary to consolidate the desired form. The composite can be shaped by compression molding as well as other known fabrication methods. A notable aspect of the invention is that, although composite and neat resin components prepared from the invention can exhibit excellent dimensional stability to 1000° C. and higher, they can be prepared at the lower temperatures and pressures typical to organic polymer processing.
US07732352B2 Silicon wafers and method of fabricating the same
By using a two-step RTP (rapid thermal processing) process, the wafer is provided which has an ideal semiconductor device region secured by controlling fine oxygen precipitates and OiSFs (Oxidation Induced Stacking Fault) located on the surface region of the wafer. By performing the disclosed two-step rapid thermal process, the distribution of defects can be accurately controlled and an ideal device active zone can be formed up to a certain distance from the surfaces of the wafer. In addition, it is possible to maximize the internal gettering (IG) efficiency by enabling the oxygen precipitates and the bulk stacking faults to have constant densities in the depth direction in an internal region of the wafer, that is, the bulk region. In order to obtain the constant concentration profile of the oxygen precipitates and the bulk stacking faults in the bulk region, the wafer is subjected to the aforementioned two-step rapid thermal process in a predetermined mixed gas atmosphere.
US07732350B2 Chemical vapor deposition of TiN films in a batch reactor
Titanium nitride (TiN) films are formed in a batch reactor using titanium chloride (TiCl4) and ammonia (NH3) as precursors. The TiCl4 is flowed into the reactor in temporally separated pulses. The NH3 can also be flowed into the reactor in temporally spaced pulses which alternate with the TiCl4 pulses, or the NH3 can be flowed continuously into the reactor while the TiCl4 is introduced in pulses. The resulting TiN films exhibit low resistivity and good uniformity.
US07732344B1 High selectivity etching process for metal gate N/P patterning
A method for fabricating a integrated circuit with improved performance is disclosed. The method comprises providing a substrate; forming a hard mask layer over the substrate; forming protected portions and unprotected portions of the hard mask layer; performing a first etching process, a second etching process, and a third etching process on the unprotected portions of the hard mask layer, wherein the first etching process partially removes the unprotected portions of the hard mask layer, the second etching process treats the unprotected portions of the hard mask layer, and the third etching process removes the remaining unprotected portions of the hard mask layer; and performing a fourth etching process to remove the protected portions of the hard mask layer.
US07732342B2 Method to increase the compressive stress of PECVD silicon nitride films
Compressive stress in a film of a semiconductor device may be controlled utilizing one or more techniques, employed alone or in combination. A first set of embodiments increase silicon nitride compressive stress by adding hydrogen to the deposition chemistry, and reduce defects in a device fabricated with a high compressive stress silicon nitride film formed in the presence of hydrogen gas. A silicon nitride film may comprise an initiation layer formed in the absence of a hydrogen gas flow, underlying a high stress nitride layer formed in the presence of a hydrogen gas flow. A silicon nitride film formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may exhibit a compressive stress of 2.8 GPa or higher.
US07732341B2 Method of forming a hard mask and method of forming a fine pattern of semiconductor device using the same
A method of forming hard mask employs a double patterning technique. A first hard mask layer is formed on a substrate, and a first sacrificial pattern is formed on the first hard mask layer by photolithography. Features of the first sacrificial pattern are spaced from one another by a first pitch. A second hard mask layer is then formed conformally on the first sacrificial pattern and the first hard mask layer so as to delimit recesses between adjacent features of the first sacrificial pattern. Upper portions of the second hard mask layer are removed to expose the first sacrificial pattern, and the exposed first sacrificial pattern and the second sacrificial pattern are removed. The second hard mask layer and the first hard mask layer are then etched to form a hard mask composed of residual portions of the first hard mask layer and the second hard mask layer. A fine pattern of a semiconductor device, such as a trench isolation region or a pattern of contact holes, can be formed using the hard mask as an etch mask.
US07732340B2 Method for adjusting a critical dimension in a high aspect ratio feature
A method for adjusting the lateral critical dimension (i.e., length and width) of a feature formed in a layer on a substrate using a dry etching process. One or more thin intermediate sub-layers are inserted in the layer within which the feature is to be formed. Once an intermediate sub-layer is reached during the etching process, an etch process is performed to correct and/or adjust the lateral critical dimensions before etching through the intermediate sub-layer and continuing the layer etch.
US07732332B2 Chemical mechanical polishing method with inspection pre and post processing
The invention is directed to a chemical mechanical polishing process. The chemical mechanical polishing process comprises steps of providing a wafer disposed at a wafer handling region of a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and then moving the wafer into a buffer region of the chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. A first detecting process is performed for obtaining a pre-polishing condition of the wafer by using a detector in the buffer region and the wafer is moved into a chemical mechanical polishing region and performing a chemical mechanical process. A second detecting process is performed, in the buffer region, for obtaining a post-polishing condition of the wafer by using the detector of the buffer region.
US07732327B2 Vapor deposition of tungsten materials
Embodiments of the invention provide an improved process for depositing tungsten-containing materials. The process utilizes soak processes and vapor deposition processes to provide tungsten films having significantly improved surface uniformity while increasing the production level throughput. In one embodiment, a method is provided which includes depositing a tungsten silicide layer on the substrate by exposing the substrate to a continuous flow of a silicon precursor while also exposing the substrate to intermittent pulses of a tungsten precursor. The method further provides that the substrate is exposed to the silicon and tungsten precursors which have a silicon/tungsten precursor flow rate ratio of greater than 1, for example, about 2, about 3, or greater. Subsequently, the method provides depositing a tungsten nitride layer on the tungsten suicide layer, depositing a tungsten nucleation layer on the tungsten nitride layer, and depositing a tungsten bulk layer on the tungsten nucleation layer.
US07732326B2 Semiconductor device having a second level of metallization formed over a first level with minimal damage to the first level and method
A method for processing a semiconductor structure includes the steps of capping a top surface of the semiconductor structure that defines the metallization layer with a thin stop layer, forming a dielectric layer over the thin stop layer, wherein the dielectric layer defines at least one area where the thin stop layer is exposed, and removing the exposed thin stop layer to expose a top surface of the metallization layer using etchant gases substantially free from oxygen, so that the metallization layer is substantially free of damage.
US07732322B2 Dielectric material with reduced dielectric constant and methods of manufacturing the same
In a first aspect, a first method of manufacturing a dielectric material with a reduced dielectric constant is provided. The first method includes the steps of (1) forming a dielectric material layer including a trench on a substrate; and (2) forming a cladding region in the dielectric material layer by forming a plurality of air gaps in the dielectric material layer along at least one of a sidewall and a bottom of the trench so as to reduce an effective dielectric constant of the dielectric material. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US07732318B2 Fabricating method for flat display device
A fabricating method of a flat panel display device can reduce manufacturing costs of the flat panel display device. A fabricating method of a flat panel display device includes providing a conductive nanopowder thin film material having a first conductive nanopowder and a second conductive nanopowder, spreading the conductive nanopowder thin film material over a substrate, forming a conductive thin film pattern by patterning the conductive nanopowder thin film material, and forming a conductive thin film by baking the conductive thin film pattern, wherein the first conductive nanopowder is located in a middle of the conductive thin film and the second conductive nanopowder is located in an outer part of the conductive thin film.
US07732317B2 Methods of forming contact structures for memory cells using both anisotropic and isotropic etching
Methods of forming a cell of a NOR-type flash memory device are provided in which a first gate pattern having a first sidewall and a second gate pattern having a second sidewall that opposes the first sidewall are formed on a semiconductor substrate. A source/drain region is formed in the semiconductor substrate between the first and second gate patterns. An etch stop layer is formed on the first and second sidewalls that defines a gap region. A dielectric layer is formed in the gap region, and is then etched to form a contact hole. Finally, a conductive material is deposited in the contact hole.
US07732309B2 Plasma immersed ion implantation process
Methods for implanting ions into a substrate by a plasma immersion ion implanting process are provided. In one embodiment, the method for implanting ions into a substrate by a plasma immersion ion implantation process includes providing a substrate into a processing chamber, supplying a gas mixture including a reacting gas and a reducing gas into the chamber, and implanting ions from the gas mixture into the substrate. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate into a processing chamber, supplying a gas mixture including reacting gas and a hydrogen containing reducing gas into the chamber, and implanting ions from the gas mixture into the substrate.
US07732308B2 Process for depositing layers containing silicon and germanium
The invention relates to a method for depositing at least one semiconductor layer on at least one substrate in a processing chamber (2). Said semiconductor layer is composed of several components which are evaporated by non-continuously injecting a liquid starting material (3) or a starting material (3) dissolved in a liquid into a tempered evaporation chamber (4) with the aid of one respective injector unit (5) while said vapor is fed to the processing chamber by means of a carrier gas (7). The inventive method is characterized in that the mass flow rate parameters, such as the preliminary injection pressure, the injection frequency, the pulse/pause ratio, and the phase relation between the pulses/pauses and the pulses/pauses of the other injector unit(s), which determine the progress of the mass flow rate of a first silicon-containing starting material and a germanium-containing second starting material (3) through the associated injector unit (5), are individually adjusted or varied.
US07732305B2 Use of Cl2 and/or HCl during silicon epitaxial film formation
In a first aspect, a method of forming an epitaxial film on a substrate is provided. The method includes (a) providing a substrate; (b) exposing the substrate to a silicon source and a carbon source so as to form a carbon-containing silicon epitaxial film; (c) encapsulating the carbon-containing silicon epitaxial film with an encapsulating film; and (d) exposing the substrate to Cl2 so as to etch the encapsulating film. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US07732304B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to embodiments includes forming an interlayer dielectric film with a damascene pattern over a semiconductor substrate having a lower metal wire. A seed layer may be formed over the interlayer dielectric film including the damascene pattern. Impurities generated during the formation of the seed layer be removed through an annealing process using H2. A copper wire may then be formed by filling the damascene pattern.
US07732299B2 Process for wafer bonding
The present disclosure provide a method of manufacturing a microelectronic device. The method includes forming a top metal layer on a first substrate, in which the top metal layer has a plurality of interconnect features and a first dummy feature; forming a first dielectric layer over the top metal layer; etching the first dielectric layer in a target region substantially vertically aligned to the plurality of interconnect features and the first dummy feature of the top metal layer; performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process over the first dielectric layer; and thereafter bonding the first substrate to a second substrate.
US07732294B2 Post last wiring level inductor using patterned plate process
A method of a semiconductor device. A substrate is provided. At least one metal wiring level is within the substrate. An insulative layer is deposited on a surface of the substrate. An inductor is formed within the insulative layer using a patterned plate process. A wire bond pad is formed within the insulative layer, wherein at least a portion of the wire bond pad is substantially co-planar with the inductor.
US07732290B2 Carbon nanotube transistor process with transferred carbon nanotubes
During fabrication of single-walled carbon nanotube transistor devices, a porous template with numerous parallel pores is used to hold the single-walled carbon nanotubes. The porous template or porous structure may be anodized aluminum oxide or another material. A gate region may be provided one end or both ends of the porous structure. The gate electrode may be formed and extend into the porous structure.
US07732285B2 Semiconductor device having self-aligned epitaxial source and drain extensions
A method of forming a transistor with self-aligned source and drain extensions in close proximity to a gate dielectric layer of the transistor comprises forming a gate stack on a substrate, implanting a dopant into regions of the substrate adjacent to the gate stack, wherein the dopant increases the etch rate of the substrate and defines the location of the source and drain extensions, forming a pair of spacers on laterally opposite sides of the gate stack that are disposed atop the doped regions of the substrate, etching the doped regions of the substrate and portions of the substrate subjacent to the doped regions, wherein an etch rate of the doped regions is higher than an etch rate of the portions of the substrate subjacent to the doped regions, and depositing a silicon-based material in the etched portions of the substrate.
US07732284B1 Post high-k dielectric/metal gate clean
A method for fabricating a CMOS integrated circuit (IC) includes the step of providing a substrate having a semiconductor surface. A gate stack including a metal gate electrode on a metal including high-k dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor surface. Dry etching is used to pattern the gate stack to define a patterned gate electrode stack having exposed sidewalls of the metal gate electrode. The dry etching forms post etch residuals some of which are deposited on the substrate. The substrate including the patterned gate electrode stack is exposed to a solution cleaning sequence including a first clean step including a first acid and a fluoride for removing at least a portion of the post etch residuals, wherein the first clean step has a high selectivity to avoid etching the exposed sidewalls of the metal gate electrode. A second clean after the first clean consists essentially of a fluoride which removes residual high-k material on the semiconductor surface.
US07732283B2 Fabricating method of semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. Spacers can be formed on adjacent gate structures and used as an ion implantation mask for forming source/drain regions. The spacers can include a nitride layer and an oxide layer. An etch stop layer can be provided between the gate structures, and the oxide layer can be removed from the spacers. A first oxide layer formed below the nitride layer can be protected from being etched away during removal of the oxide layer from the spacers by the etch stop layer. The etch stop layer and the first oxide layer can be removed, and an interlayer dielectric layer can be deposited.
US07732282B2 Transistor of the I-MOS type comprising two independent gates and method of using such a transistor
The transistor comprises a source and a drain separated by a lightly doped intermediate zone. The intermediate zone forms first and second junctions respectively with the source and with the drain. The transistor comprises a first gate to generate an electric field in the intermediate zone, on the same side as the first junction, and a second gate to generate an electric field in the intermediate zone, on the same side as the second junction.
US07732281B1 Methods for fabricating dual bit flash memory devices
Methods for fabricating dual bit memory devices are provided. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method for fabricating a dual bit memory device comprises forming a charge trapping layer overlying a substrate and etching an isolation opening through the charge trapping layer. An oxide layer is formed overlying the charge trapping layer and within the isolation opening. A control gate is fabricated overlying the isolation opening and portions of the charge trapping layer adjacent to the isolation opening. The oxide layer and the charge trapping layer are etched using the control gate as an etch mask and impurity dopants are implanted into the substrate using the control gate as an implantation mask.
US07732275B2 Methods of forming NAND flash memory with fixed charge
A string of nonvolatile memory cells connected in series includes fixed charges located between floating gates and the underlying substrate surface. Such a fixed charge affects distribution of charge carriers in an underlying portion of the substrate and thus affects threshold voltage of a device. A fixed charge layer may extend over source/drain regions also.
US07732274B2 High voltage deep trench capacitor
A semiconductor process and apparatus provide a high voltage deep trench capacitor structure (10) that is integrated in an integrated circuit, alone or in alignment with a fringe capacitor (5). The deep trench capacitor structure is constructed from a first capacitor plate (4) that is formed from a doped n-type SOI semiconductor layer (e.g., 4a-c). The second capacitor plate (3) is formed from a doped p-type polysilicon layer (3a) that is tied to the underlying substrate (1).
US07732272B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor element
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a process of forming a gate electrode having a metallic silicide layer on a semiconductor substrate, a process of decreasing boundaries of grains on the surface of the metallic silicide layer, at least a portion of which is exposed, and a process of forming spacers comprising an oxide film on the side wall of the gate electrode; in this order. Thus, abnormal oxidation of the metallic silicide layer is avoided.
US07732270B2 Device having enhanced stress state and related methods
The present invention provides a semiconductor device having dual nitride liners, which provide an increased transverse stress state for at least one FET and methods for the manufacture of such a device. A first aspect of the invention provides a method for use in the manufacture of a semiconductor device comprising the steps of applying a first silicon nitride liner to the device and applying a second silicon nitride liner adjacent the first silicon nitride liner, wherein at least one of the first and second silicon nitride liners induces a transverse stress in a silicon channel beneath at least one of the first and second silicon nitride liner.
US07732269B2 Method of ultra-shallow junction formation using Si film alloyed with carbon
A method for forming an ultra shallow junction on a substrate is provided. In certain embodiments a method of forming an ultra shallow junction on a substrate is provided. The substrate is placed into a process chamber. A silicon carbon layer is deposited on the substrate. The silicon carbon layer is exposed to a dopant. The substrate is heated to a temperature greater than 950° C. so as to cause substantial annealing of the dopant within the silicon carbon layer. In certain embodiments the substrate is heated to a temperature between about 1000° C. and about 1100°. In certain embodiments the substrate is heated to a temperature between about 1030° C. and 1050° C. In certain embodiments, a structure having an abrupt p-n junction is provided.
US07732267B2 Flat panel display device and fabricating method thereof
A flat panel display device (FPD) and fabricating method thereof are disclosed, which reduce the number of masks during fabrication and prevent electro-chemical corrosion problems. In the FPD, a cell area and a pad area are defined on a substrate. A storage electrode traverses an active layer in parallel to a gate line. Source and drain regions of the active layer in the vicinity of both sides of a gate electrode are not formed below the storage electrode. An insulating interlayer over the substrate has first and second contact holes on the source and drain regions, respectively. A source electrode contacts the source region via a first contact hole and a drain electrode contacts the drain region via a second contact hole to directly contact a pixel electrode. A protective layer is disposed over the substrate including the pixel electrode.
US07732263B2 Semiconductor device
The present invention is to provide a semiconductor device that achieves high mechanical strength without reducing the circuit scale and that can prevent the data from being forged and altered illegally while suppressing the cost. The present invention discloses a semiconductor device typified by an ID chip that is formed from a semiconductor thin film including a first region with high crystallinity and a second region with the crystallinity inferior to the first region. Specifically, a TFT (thin film transistor) of a circuit requiring high-speed operation is formed by using the first region and a memory element for an identifying ROM is formed by using the second region.
US07732256B2 Fabrication method of non-volatile memory
A method of fabrication a non-volatile memory is provided. A stacked structure is formed on a substrate, the stacked structure including a gate dielectric layer and a control gate. Then, a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer and a third dielectric layer are respectively formed on the top and sidewalls of the stacked structure and the exposed substrate. Thereafter, a pair of charge storage layers are formed over the substrate to respectively cover a portion of the top and sidewalls of the stacked structure, and a gap exists between each of the charge storage layers.
US07732255B2 Flip chip mounting method by no-flow underfill
In a flip shop mounting method by a no-flow underfill in which resin is pre-coated on a substrate 52, and, thereafter, a semiconductor 50 with bump is mounted on the substrate 52 to join a pad electrode 53 on the substrate 52 to the bump 51, a resin 54a highly filed with the filler 55 is applied to a region except for the pad electrode 53 on the substrate 52, a resin 54b being free from the filler is applied to a pad electrode 53 portion on the substrate 52, and, thereafter, the semiconductor 50 with bump is mounted at a predetermined position on the substrate 52.
US07732250B2 Methods of forming phase changeable layers including protruding portions in electrodes thereof
A method of forming a structure in a phase changeable memory cell can include forming a bottom electrode having an interlayer dielectric layer thereon, the bottom electrode having a recess therein that extends beyond a boundary between the bottom electrode and the interlayer dielectric. A phase changeable layer can be formed in the recess including a protruding potion of the phase changeable layer that protrudes into the bottom electrode beyond the boundary.
US07732237B2 Quantum dot based optoelectronic device and method of making same
A method of forming an optically active region on a silicon substrate includes the steps of epitaxially growing a silicon buffer layer on the silicon substrate and epitaxially growing a SiGe cladding layer having a plurality of arrays of quantum dots disposed therein, the quantum dots being formed from a compound semiconductor material having a lattice mismatch with the silicon buffer layer. The optically active region may be incorporated into devices such as light emitting diodes, laser diodes, and photodetectors.
US07732236B2 III nitride semiconductor crystal and manufacturing method thereof, III nitride semiconductor device manufacturing method thereof, and light emitting device
The invention provides Group III nitride semiconductor crystals of a size appropriate for semiconductor devices and methods for manufacturing the same, Group III nitride semiconductor devices and methods for manufacturing the same, and light-emitting appliances. A method of manufacturing a Group III nitride semiconductor crystal includes a process of growing at least one Group III nitride semiconductor crystal substrate on a starting substrate, a process of growing at least one Group III nitride semiconductor crystal layer on the Group III nitride semiconductor crystal substrate, and a process of separating a Group III nitride semiconductor crystal, constituted by the Group III nitride semiconductor crystal substrate and the Group III nitride semiconductor crystal layer, from the starting substrate, and is characterized in that the Group III nitride semiconductor crystal is 10 μm or more but 600 μm or less in thickness, and is 0.2 mm or more but 50 mm or less in width.
US07732235B2 Method for fabricating high density pillar structures by double patterning using positive photoresist
A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a first photoresist layer over an underlying layer, patterning the first photoresist layer into a first photoresist pattern, wherein the first photoresist pattern comprises a plurality of spaced apart first photoresist features located over the underlying layer, and etching the underlying layer using the first photoresist pattern as a mask to form a plurality of first spaced apart features. The method further includes removing the first photoresist pattern, forming a second photoresist layer over the plurality of first spaced apart features, and patterning the second photoresist layer into a second photoresist pattern, wherein the second photoresist pattern comprises a plurality of second photoresist features covering edge portions of the plurality of first spaced apart features. The method also includes etching exposed portions of the plurality of first spaced apart features using the second photoresist pattern as a mask, such that a plurality of spaced apart edge portions of the plurality of first spaced apart features remain, and removing the second photoresist pattern.
US07732229B2 Formation of solar cells with conductive barrier layers and foil substrates
Methods and devices are provided for absorber layers formed on foil substrate. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing photovoltaic devices may be comprised of providing a substrate comprising of at least one electrically conductive aluminum foil substrate, at least one electrically conductive diffusion barrier layer, and at least one electrically conductive electrode layer above the diffusion barrier layer. The diffusion barrier layer may prevent chemical interaction between the aluminum foil substrate and the electrode layer. An absorber layer may be formed on the substrate. In one embodiment, the absorber layer may be a non-silicon absorber layer. In another embodiment, the absorber layer may be an amorphous silicon (doped or undoped) absorber layer. Optionally, the absorber layer may be based on organic and/or inorganic materials.
US07732228B2 Method for manufacturing printing head
A process for manufacturing a printing head is able to maintain an appropriate connection between a substrate and flying leads. The process includes a connecting step of connecting electric connection terminals of a substrate and flying leads provided on an electric wiring basic material and a mounting step of mounting a unit consisting of the electric wiring base material and the substrate connected together, on a printing head main body. During the connecting step, the substrate and each flying lead are electrically connected together with a predetermined distance between them. During the mounting step, the unit is fixed to the printing head main body so that the distance between each of the electric connection terminals of the substrate and the electric wiring base material is shorter than the predetermined distance. This forms a slack shape of each flying lead.
US07732227B2 Method and apparatus for wall film monitoring
A wall film monitoring system includes first and second microwave mirrors in a plasma processing chamber each having a concave surface. The concave surface of the second mirror is oriented opposite the concave surface of the first mirror. A power source is coupled to the first mirror and configured to produce a microwave signal. A detector is coupled to at least one of the first mirror and the second mirror and configured to measure a vacuum resonance voltage of the microwave signal. A control system is connected to the detector that compares a first measured voltage and a second measured voltage and determines whether the second voltage exceeds a threshold value. A method of monitoring wall film in a plasma chamber includes loading a wafer in the chamber, setting a frequency of a microwave signal output to a resonance frequency, and measuring a first vacuum resonance voltage of the microwave signal. The method includes processing the wafer, measuring a second vacuum resonance voltage of the microwave signal, and determining whether the second measured voltage exceeds a threshold value using the first measured voltage as a reference value.
US07732223B2 Magnetic memory device and method for manufacturing the same
A magnetic memory device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The magnetic memory device can include a word line, a freely switchable layer, a fixed layer, a dielectric layer, and a bit line. The freely switchable layer can be electrically connected to a diffusion region at one side of the word line, and the fixed layer can be horizontally adjacent to the freely switchable layer. The dielectric layer can be provided between the freely switchable layer and the fixed layer, and the bit line can be electrically connected to the fixed layer.
US07732221B2 Hybrid MRAM array structure and operation
This invention relates to MRAM technology and new variations on MRAM array architecture to incorporate certain advantages from both cross-point and 1T-1MTJ architectures. The fast read-time and higher signal-to-noise ratio of the 1T-1MTJ architecture and the higher packing density of the cross-point architecture are both exploited by combining certain characteristics of these layouts. A single access transistor 16 is used to read the multiple MRAM cells in a segment of a column, which can be stacked vertically above one another in a plurality of MRAM array layers arranged in a “Z” axis direction.
US07732214B2 Differentiation of acute and chronic myocardial necrosis in symptomatic patients
The present invention provides methods for diagnosing an acute cardiovascular event and for differentiating between an acute cardiovascular event and chronic heart failure based on measuring a cardiac troponin and a natriuretic peptide in a sample from a patient and comparing the measured amounts with reference amounts, as well as devices and kits for carrying out such methods.
US07732213B2 Method of evaluating patient hemostasis
A hemostasis analyzer, such as the Thrombelastograph® (TEG®) hemostasis analyzer is utilized to measure continuously in real time, the hemostasis process from the initial fibrin formation, through platelet-fibrin interaction and lysis to generate blood hemostasis parameters. The measured blood hemostasis parameters permit evaluation of a patient hemostasis condition.
US07732212B1 Method of management of analytical data and system for management of analytical data
A communication unit (12) of a service center (10) transmits and receives information such as analysis information to and from a plurality of automatically analyzing apparatuses (100). A database (16) stores the information such as the analysis information. An analysis information parsing unit (14) evaluates and parses results of analyses made by the automatically analyzing apparatuses using the analysis information stored in the database. The reagent parameter registration unit (18) registers information on reagents in the database (16). The communication unit (12), responsive to a request from an automatically analyzing apparatus, retrieves information on analysis parameters related to managed reagents from the database for transfer to the automatically analyzing apparatus. In this way, analysis parameters can be readily set for a testing item to be analyzed using a reagent.
US07732209B2 Hyperactive, non-phosphorylated, mutant transposases of mariner mobile genetic elements
The invention relates to hyperactive, non-phosphorylated, mutant transposases of mariner mobile genetic elements. The invention also relates to recombinant nucleotide sequences encoding such transposases. The invention further relates to a method of producing said transposases and to the use thereof for in vitro or in vivo transposition.
US07732204B2 Cell culture method and apparatus for mechanically stimulating cells
A cell culture assembly and a method for culturing cells that provide mechanical stimulation to cells. The cell culture assembly can include a flow chamber positioned in a fluid path and a support comprising cells positioned within the flow chamber to expose the cells to the fluid path. The cell culture assembly can further include a means for producing a steady flow of fluid in the fluid path, and a means for producing an oscillatory flow of fluid in the fluid path simultaneously with producing the steady flow of fluid in the fluid path to mechanically stimulate the cells. The method can include transporting fluid in the fluid path at a substantially steady flow rate, and transporting fluid in the fluid path at a substantially oscillatory flow rate simultaneously with transporting fluid in the fluid path at a substantially steady flow rate.
US07732196B2 Anti-angiogenic methods and compositions
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treatment of conditions requiring inhibition of angiogenesis. Such conditions include those characterized by neovascularization, such as retinopathies, macular degeneration and various malignancies.
US07732195B2 Tethered vectors for cell surface immunoglobulin display
Disclosed are mammalian cell surface display vectors for isolating and/or characterizing immunoglobulins and various uses thereof.
US07732194B2 Characterization of the I-SpomI endonuclease from fission yeast
Isolated DNAs encoding the enzyme I-SpomI and its recognition and cutting site are provided. The DNA sequences can be incorporated in cloning and expression vectors, transformed cell lines and transgenic animals. The vectors are useful in gene mapping and site-directed insertion of genes.
US07732192B2 Integrated chemical microreactor with large area channels and manufacturing process thereof
The microreactor has a body of semiconductor material; a large area buried channel extending in the body and having walls; a coating layer of insulating material coating the walls of the channel; a diaphragm extending on top of the body and upwardly closing the channel. The diaphragm is formed by a semiconductor layer completely encircling mask portions of insulating material.
US07732190B2 Modified two-component gelation systems, methods of use and methods of manufacture
Compositions, methods of manufacture and methods of treatment for post-myocardial infarction are herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least two components. In one embodiment, a first component can include a first functionalized polymer and a substance having at least one cell adhesion site combined in a first buffer at a pH of approximately 6.5. A second component can include a second buffer in a pH of between about 7.5 and 9.0. A second functionalized polymer can be included in the first or second component. In some embodiments, the composition can include at least one cell type and/or at least one growth factor. In some embodiments, the composition(s) of the present invention can be delivered by a dual bore injection device to a treatment area, such as a post-myocardial infarct region.
US07732187B2 Recombinant attenuated clostridium organisms and vaccine
The present invention discloses attenuated Clostridium perfringens organisms that express a substantially nontoxic alpha-toxin. The expressed alpha-toxin is a deletion mutein that relative to the alpha-toxin of the mature alpha-toxin of Clostridium perfringens strain 13, is missing at least nine consecutive amino acid residues including His68. The present invention also discloses attenuated organisms that encode the muteins, as well as the use of such attenuated organisms as vaccines.
US07732186B2 Recombinant methods and materials for producing epothilone and epothilone derivatives
Recombinant nucleic acids that encode all or a portion of the epothilone polyketide synthase (PKS) are used to express recombinant PKS genes in host cells for the production of epothilones, epothilone derivatives, and polyketides that are useful as cancer chemotherapeutics, fungicides, and immunosuppressants.
US07732182B2 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 and 49933 molecules and uses therefor
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 and 49933 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
US07732179B2 Mutants of pyrroloquinoline quinone dependent soluble glucose dehydrogenase
A mutant of PQQ-dependent soluble glucose dehydrogenase (s-GDH; EC 1.1.5.2) is provided with improved specificity for glucose as compared to maltose, having a substitution of threonine at position 348 by either glycine, alamine or serine, wherein said mutant additionally comprises, at least one mutation for improving the stability of the mutant and one or more mutation(s) for improving the affinity of the mutant to glucose, and/or one or more mutation(s) for further improving the specificity of the mutant for glucose as compared to maltose, and wherein position 348 correspond to the amino acid positions known from the A. calcoaceticus s-GDH wild-type sequence. Also disclosed are genes encoding such mutant s-GDH, and different applications of these s-GDH mutants, particularly for determining the concentration of glucose in a sample.
US07732177B2 Oligoadenylate Synthetase (OAS)
The invention describes novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of virus infections and cancer. The pharmaceutical compositions include mutant oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) that have either enhanced cell permeability, reduced oxidative potential, improved antiviral activity, improved enzymatic activity, or absent enzymatic activity. The pharmaceutical compositions have improved drug properties and retain or have enhanced antiviral activity relative to their native forms. The pharmaceutical compositions further include chemically modified oligoadenylate synthetases, such chemical modifications being designed to increase serum stability and reduce immunogenicity in vivo. Such chemical modifications further increase drug stability and manufacturability in vitro. Compositions composed of more than ninety novel modifications are described. Also described are antibodies to polypeptides of the invention.
US07732174B2 Multi-stage microbial system for continuous hydrogen production
A method of using sequential chemostat culture vessels to provide continuous H2 production, in which photosynthetic O2 evolution and H2 photoproduction are separated physically into two separate bioreactors, comprising: a) growing a microorganism culture able to continuously generate H2 by photosynthetically producing cells at about the early-to-late log state in a first photobioreactor operating as a sulfur chemostat under aerobic and/or conditions; b) continuously feeding cells from the first photobioreactor to a second photobioreactor operating under anaerobic conditions and sulfur deprivation conditions resulting from constant uptake of sulfate in the first bioreactor and a low rate of culture flow between the first and second bioreactors, for induction of hydrogenase and H2 photoproduction to allow for continuous cultivation of the microorganism's cells in the first photobioreactor and constant H2 production in the second photobioreactor, and c) H2 gas from the second photobioreactor.
US07732173B2 Ethanol recovery process
A process for producing and recovering light alcohols, particularly ethanol, alcohol mixtures containing ethanol, and ABE mixtures (alcohol mixtures containing acetone, butanol and ethanol), using a combination of steps including fermentation, first membrane separation, dephlegmation and dehydration by second membrane separation.
US07732168B2 Fusion partner for production of monoclonal rabbit antibodies
The invention provides a rabbit-derived immortal B-lymphocyte capable of fusion with a rabbit splenocyte to produce a hybrid cell that produces an antibody. The immortal B-lymphocyte does not detectably express endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain and may contain, in certain embodiments, an altered immunoglobulin heavy chain-encoding gene. A hybridoma resulting from fusion between the subject immortal B-lymphocyte and a rabbit antibody-producing cell is provided, as is a method of using that hybridoma to produce an antibody. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different diagnostic, therapeutic and research applications.
US07732166B2 Detection method for human pappilomavirus (HPV) and its application in cervical cancer
Embodiments of the invention provide methods, assays, and kits for detecting HPV infection and HPV associated epithelial cell abnormalities, most notably those associated with pre-malignant and malignant epithelial cell lesions. Detection of HPV DNAs, genomes, and/or oncoproteins by nucleic acid hybridization assays and immunological assays can be used in early clinical screening for HPV infection and diagnosis for cervical cancer. The polypeptides, recombinant proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, and various detection methods thereof are particularly useful for diagnosing carcinomas of the uterine cervix and those at risk of developing cervical cancer.
US07732165B2 Biomolecule partition motifs and uses thereof
The invention provides amino acid sequence motifs (e.g., biomolecule partition motifs) that can direct targeting of intracellular polypeptides to and through membranes, including cell surface membranes.
US07732161B2 Production of isoprenoids
The invention provides a biological method of producing isoprenoids.
US07732157B1 Soluble epidermal growth factor receptor-like proteins and their uses in cancer detection methods
The present invention relates to the discovery of soluble isoforms of an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, or sErbB 1/HER1 variants, the provision of the sequences of nucleic acids encoding these isoforms, purified recombinant proteins, novel antibodies specific for these isoforms, and the use of immunoassay and gene expression assay techniques to measure the concentration of these gene products in a patient biological sample. The present invention also provides methods for determining the presence of an ovarian carcinoma in the patient by assaying the concentration of soluble EGFR/ErbB1 variants in a biological sample from a patient.
US07732156B2 Sandwich immunoassay and monoclonal antibodies for COMP, Cartillage Oligomeric Matrix Protein
The present invention provides a new sensitive direct sandwich assay for determining the presence of COMP in a clinical sample. Two monoclonal antibodies directed against separate antigenic determinants of the COMP molecules are used in the assay. The invention also relates to three particularly advantageous monoclonal antibodies per se that are directed against human COMP. Cell cultures manufacturing these antibodies have been deposited according to the Budapest Treaty at Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen GmbH, and have been assigned accession numbers DSM ACC2406, DSM ACC2408 and DSM ACC2418, respectively. A diagnostic kit comprising at least two of these monoclonal antibodies also constitute a part of the present invention.
US07732154B2 Methods for measuring the insulin receptor α subunit
Presence of free insulin receptor α-subunit in blood was discovered. Furthermore, methods for measuring the insulin receptor α-subunit was provided, the method comprising the steps of contacting the insulin receptor α-subunit in a blood sample with an antibody recognizing the insulin receptor α-subunit, and detecting the binding between the two. Measurement of the free insulin receptor α-subunit in the blood is useful for evaluating risk factors for diabetes.In addition, the measurement methods of the present invention showed that concentrations of the free insulin receptor α-subunit in the blood of diabetes or cancer patients are significantly high. Free insulin receptor α-subunit in blood is useful as a marker for diabetes or cancer.
US07732148B2 Annexin A3 for prostate cancer diagnosis
A method treats urogenital and/or intestinal tract cancer and includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of at least one annexion protein, annexin of A3, to a mammal.
US07732137B2 Selecting animals for desired genotypic or potential phenotypic properties
The invention relates to methods to select animals, such as mammals, particularly domestic animals, such as breeding animals or animals destined for slaughter, for having desired genotypic or potential phenotypic properties, in particular, related to muscle mass and/or fat deposition lean meat, lean back fat, sow prolificacy and/or sow longevity. Provided is a method for selecting an animal for having desired genotypic or potential phenotypic properties comprising testing the animal, a parent of the animal or its progeny for the presence of a nucleic acid modification affecting the activity of an evolutionary conserved CpG island, located in intron 3 of an IGF2 gene and/or for the presence of a nucleic acid modification affecting binding of a nuclear factor to an IGF2 gene.
US07732136B2 Device for thermo-dependent chain reaction amplification of target nucleic acid sequences, measured in real-time
The present invention concerns a device for amplifying target nucleic acids, reaction cartridges for use in the device, and modes of use of the device.
US07732128B2 Kits for detection of ATP
Methods and kits for detecting the presence of ATP, for measuring ATP concentrations, and for detecting viable cells using a composition comprising an ATP-dependent enzyme and one or more ATPase inhibitors.
US07732124B2 Silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material and color image-forming method
A color-image forming method in a silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material, having the steps of: performing exposure of the light-sensitive material cut into sheets; and subjecting the exposed light-sensitive material sheets to photographic processing, while conveying them with conveying rollers, with the sheet conveying speed being 40.0 to 100 mm/sec; wherein the light-sensitive material to be exposed contains any of: 1) a dye-forming coupler of formula (IA), 2) a compound of formula (I), and 3) 1.4 mg/m2 or more of a compound of formula (II); wherein R′ and R″ are a substituent; Z is a hydrogen atom, or a coupling split-off group; A is an alkyl group, M is a cation, and R is an atom or group having 100 or lower total molecular weight.
US07732121B2 Near-field exposure method
A near-field exposure method includes closely contacting an exposure mask having a light blocking film with small openings, to a photoresist layer formed on a substrate having surface unevenness, and projecting the exposure light of the exposure light source onto the exposure mask so that the photoresist is exposed based on near-field light escaping from the small openings, wherein the near-field exposure is carried out under a condition that a contact region where the light blocking film and the photoresist layer are in contact with each other and a liquid region filled with a liquid between the light blocking film and the photoresist layer coexist between the light blocking film and the photoresist layer.
US07732119B2 Photosensitive self-assembled monolayer for selective placement of hydrophilic structures
A photosensitive monolayer is self-assembled on an oxide surface. The chemical compound of the photosensitive monolayer has three components. A first end group provides covalent bonds with the oxide surface for self assembly on the oxide surface. A photosensitive group that dissociates upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation is linked to the first end group. A second end group linked to the photosensitive group provides hydrophobicity. Upon exposure to the ultraviolet radiation, the dissociated photosensitive group is cleaved and forms a hydrophilic derivative in the exposed region, rendering the exposed region hydrophilic. Carbon nanotubes or nanocrystals applied in an aqueous dispersion are selectively attracted to the hydrophilic exposed region to from electrostatic bonding with the hydrophilic surface of the cleaved photosensitive group.
US07732118B2 Negative-working imageable elements and methods of use
A radiation-sensitive composition includes a radically polymerizable component, initiator composition, a radiation absorbing compound, and a polymeric binder having recurring units that are derived from various ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers provided that at least 40 mol % of the recurring units have a tertiary carbon atom in the backbone and the rest of the recurring units have a secondary or quaternary carbon atom in the backbone. This composition can be used to provide negative-working imageable elements that can be imaged and developed to provide lithographic printing plates that have desired imaging speed and excellent run length without the need for a post-exposure backing step.
US07732116B2 Photoconductors containing N-arylphthalimides
The present invention is an electrophotographic photoconductor having a photosensitive layer on a conductive substrate. The photosensitive layer contains N-arylphthalimides additives.
US07732114B2 Modified nigrosine, its production method, and toner for developing electrostatic charge images using this modified nigrosine
Modified nigrosine which has satisfactory dispersibility in resin and which reduces the residual aniline amount is offered, and its production method is also offered. Moreover, toner for developing electrostatic charge images is offered, which uses modified nigrosine colorant that resolves the aforementioned problems, which has excellent charge-imparting properties, which exhibits no fogging, which experiences no scattering of toner inside the developing apparatus, and which has little fluctuation of image density.Modified nigrosine, which is nigrosine (b) that has been modified by rosin-modified resin (a) with an acid value of 110 or less.
US07732113B2 Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus, and process for producing electrophotographic photosensitive member
In an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a support, a conductive layer formed on the support, an intermediate layer formed on the conductive layer, and a photosensitive layer formed on the intermediate layer, the conductive layer has been formed by using a conductive layer coating fluid which contains TiO2 particles coated with oxygen deficient SnO2 having an average particle diameter of from 0.20 μm or more to 0.60 μm or less, and has a volume resistivity of from more than 8.0×108 Ωcm to 1.0×1011 Ωcm or less. The electrophotographic photosensitive member can keep charging lines from occurring.
US07732103B2 Photomask, focus measurement apparatus and focus measurement method
A test photomask includes a first mask pattern and a second mask pattern formed at a center portion of the first mask pattern thereon. The first mask pattern is a pattern with light condensing effect and a nature in which an exposure-dose amount to a transfer object varies in dependence on a focus variation, which is a two-dimensional Fresnel zone pattern here.
US07732102B2 Cr-capped chromeless phase lithography
A photolithographic mask is adapted for use in imparting a pattern to a substrate. The pattern comprises a plurality of features. At least one of the plurality of features (201) is implemented in the mask as a phase shifting structure (205) with a unitary layer of opaque material (207) disposed thereon. The mask is utilized to impart the pattern to a layer over a semiconductor substrate.
US07732098B2 Lead acid battery having ultra-thin titanium grids
A lead acid electric storage battery uses conventional lead-acid secondary battery chemistry. The battery may be a sealed battery, an unsealed battery or a conventional multi-cell battery. The battery has a set of positive battery grids (plates) which are constructed with a body portion of thin titanium expanded metal having a thickness preferably in the range 0.1 mm to 0.9 mm and most preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. Typically the battery would have over 250 grids in a 12 inch long battery case.
US07732097B2 Battery
A battery capable of improving cycle characteristics is provided. A cathode contains an oxide containing lithium and manganese such as Li4Mn5O12 as a cathode material. An anode contains a carbon material as and anode material. The weight ratio of the cathode material to the anode material is in the range from 2.03 to 2.53. The electrical capacity ratio of the cathode to the anode is in the range from 0.8 to 1.0. The open circuit voltage in full charge state per a pair of cathode and anode is from 2.9 V to 3.2 V.
US07732092B2 Case for high-power rechargeable lithium battery
Disclosed herein is a case which protects a plurality of flexible lithium polymer unit cells, has a compact structure to reduce volume, has a simple assembly process, and minimizes heat generated during a high-power charging or discharging operation. The battery case includes a pouch support frame to support a pouch of a unit cell having the pouch and electrode terminals. A heat radiating part having the shape of a shelf is provided on a surface of the pouch support frame, and defines a space for dispersing heat generated from the pouch. A terminal support having the shape of a wall is provided on an edge of the heat radiating part, thus supporting the electrode terminals of the unit cell.
US07732090B2 Sealed rectangular battery
A sealed rectangular battery having a reliably operative explosion-proof valve is provided. A rectangular battery case 1 whose cross-section is oblong, the battery case having a prismatic shaped case body 5 with a bottom and a lid 6. An explosion-proof valve 2 is arranged near one of two opposing short sides of a main surface wall of the lid. The explosion-proof valve a V-cut groove 15 concavely formed in V-shaped or U-shaped in which a central bent part 15a is positioned at a central location in the main surface wall 6a of the lid, and a thin wall 16 formed by the V-cut groove. Cut grooves 18 connecting each of two ends of the V-cut groove and each of two long sides of the main surface wall of the lid which are parallel to each other, respectively, are cut and formed in the main surface wall of the lid.
US07732087B2 Catalyst for fuel cell, and membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell and fuel cell system including same
The catalyst for a fuel cell includes a carbon-based material, and Re-Ch supported on the carbon-based material, wherein Ch is selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof. The cathode catalyst has high activity and selectivity for reduction of oxidant and is capable of improving performance of a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell system.
US07732086B2 Bonded polyimide fuel cell package
Described herein are processes for fabricating microfluidic fuel cell systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are formed by bonding layers of DuPont Kapton™ polyimide laminate. A microfluidic fuel cell system fabricated using this process is also described.
US07732080B2 Catalytic membranes for CO oxidation in fuel cells
A hydrogen permeable membrane, which includes a polymer stable at temperatures of about 200 C having clay impregnated with Pt or Au or Ru or Pd particles or mixtures thereof with average diameters of less than about 10 nanometers (nms) is disclosed. The membranes are useful in fuel cells or any device which requires hydrogen to be separated from carbon monoxide.
US07732075B2 Solid oxide fuel cell component and a method of manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell component
A solid oxide fuel cell component (12) comprises a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells (24) arranged in spaced apart relationship, and in electrical series, on a surface of the porous gas permeable support structure (16). Each solid oxide fuel cell (24) comprises a dense gas tight electrolyte member (28), a porous gas permeable first electrode (26) and a porous gas permeable second electrode (30). Each electrolyte (28) is arranged in contact with a corresponding one of the first electrodes (26), each second electrode (30) is arranged in contact with a corresponding one of the electrolytes (28). Each of the first electrodes (26) is arranged in contact with the surface of the support structure (16). The interconnectors (32), the peripheral seal layer (34) and the electrolytes (28) are arranged to encapsulate all of the first electrodes (26) except for the surfaces of the first electrodes (26) in contact with the surface of the support structure (16) to prevent leakage of reactant from the first electrodes (16).
US07732070B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium, method of manufacturing the same, and magnetic storage unit
A perpendicular magnetic recording medium is disclosed that includes a substrate; a soft magnetic underlayer formed on the substrate; a seed layer of an amorphous material formed on the soft magnetic underlayer; an oxidation prevention layer formed on the seed layer; an underlayer formed on the oxidation prevention layer, the underlayer including multiple crystal grains formed of Ru or a Ru alloy having an hcp crystal structure, and a first air gap part configured to separate the crystal grains from each other; and a recording layer formed on the underlayer, the recording layer including multiple magnetic particles having a magnetocrystalline easy axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, and one of a second air gap part and a non-magnetic non-solid-solution phase, the one being configured to separate the magnetic particles from each other. The oxidation prevention layer includes a noble metal element other than Ru.
US07732064B2 Anthracene derivative, and light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic appliance using the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting substance which is resistant to repetition of an oxidation reaction. It is another object of the invention to provide a light-emitting element which is resistant to repetition of a reduction reaction. An aspect of the present invention is an anthracene derivative represented by a general formula (1). In the general formula (1), R1 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R2 represents any one of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, which may have a substituent or no substituent; Ph1 represents a phenyl group, which may have a substituent or no substituent; and X1 represents an arylene group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms.
US07732063B2 Organic electroluminescence device and organic light emitting medium
An organic electroluminescence device having a layer of an organic light emitting medium which comprises (A) a specific arylamine compound and (B) at least one compound selected from specific anthracene derivatives, spirofluorene derivatives, compounds having condensed rings and metal complex compounds and is disposed between a pair of electrodes and an organic light emitting medium comprising the above components (A) and (B) are provided. The organic electroluminescence device exhibits a high purity of color, has excellent heat resistance and a long life and efficiently emits bluish to yellowish light. The organic light emitting medium can be advantageously used for the organic electroluminescence device.
US07732060B2 Sheet for treating gaseous ingredient and electroluminescent element employing the same
A gaseous component treatment sheet of the present invention has a gas-permeable base film and a particulate remover for removing a predetermined gaseous component, and the particulate remover is dispersed in the base film. A protective layer and/or an adhesive layer can be laminated further on the base film. Since the gaseous component treatment sheet is a sheet-like member including the base film for holding the particulate remover, the size and the shape can be adjusted easily.
US07732059B2 Heat exchanger tubing by continuous extrusion
A heat exchanger tube having enhanced corrosion resistance and improved resistance to high burst pressures. The heat exchanger tube comprises an aluminum alloy that consists essentially of about 0.01-1.5% silicon, up to about 1.2% copper, up to about 2.0% manganese, about 0.01-1.0% iron, about 0.01-5.0% zinc, up to about 0.02% titanium and the balance substantially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities.
US07732057B2 Formaldehyde-free paper backed veneer products and methods of making the same
A paper backed veneer having a veneer laminated to a paper backing sheet saturated with a formaldehyde-free binder composition is generally disclosed. The formaldehyde-free binder composition includes a curable latex polymer and a crosslinking agent. The latex polymer can include functionalized groups, such as carboxyl groups, to aid curing. The crosslinking agent can be an epoxy resin. Also, a method of making paper backed veneers is generally disclosed.
US07732047B2 Fiber size, sized reinforcements, and articles reinforced with sized reinforcements
A fiber size composition contains a modified polyolefin, a hydrophilic coupling agent, a boron-containing, fluorine-containing compound, a blend of at least two fatty acids and a compound selected from phosphorus(V) compounds and sulfur(VI) compounds, the fiber size composition being substantially free of conventional lower oxidation state antioxidants and optical brighteners. Composite materials produced from reinforcing fiber materials sized with a fiber size composition according to the invention exhibit improved properties such as, for example, increased strength and/or improved color stability.
US07732046B2 Water contact indicator
The present invention discloses an adhesive article. The adhesive article comprises a first layer comprising a fluid transport substrate, comprising a low molecular weight hydrophilic polymer resin, the first layer having a first major surface and a second major surface. The adhesive article additionally comprises a second layer comprising a fluid transportable ink, the second layer being associated with the second major surface of the second layer. The adhesive article also comprises an adhesive layer.
US07732042B2 Laminated glass and interlayer film for laminated glasses
A laminated glass and an interlayer film for laminated glasses are provided, which have the high performance for mitigating the impact given externally and, particularly in the case of using it as glass for vehicles, and which have the high performance for mitigating the impact when a person's head comes into collision with the glass due to the occurrence of a personal accident. Also provided is a laminated glass, wherein at least an interlayer film for laminated glasses and a glass sheet are laminated and unified, Head Injury Criteria (HIC) values, measured according to regulations of European Enhanced Vehicle-safety Committee; EEVC/WG 17, being 1,000 or lower.
US07732039B2 Absorbent article with stabilized absorbent structure having non-uniform lateral compression stiffness
An absorbent article having a liner adapted for contiguous relationship with the wearer's body, an outer cover in generally opposed relationship with the liner, and an absorbent body disposed between the liner and the outer cover. An absorbent structure of the absorbent body has a length, a thickness, a width, a longitudinal axis and a non-uniform lateral compression stiffness across its width. The non-uniform lateral compression stiffness is such that the absorbent structure assumes a pre-determined, or non-random buckled configuration under lateral compression thereof. In one embodiment, the buckled configuration is generally symmetric about a plane normal to the absorbent structure and in which the longitudinal axis of the absorbent structure lies.
US07732036B2 Shaped absorbent pads
There is provided an absorbent pad with contoured and/or complex shapes, and/or an absorbent pad having a single, double, or multi-layer islands. There is also provided methods for manufacturing such absorbent pads.
US07732027B2 Polypropylene film and laminated material thereof
A polypropylene film comprising 70-90 wt. % polymer (a), 2-10 wt. % polymer (b), 2-10 wt. % polymer (c) and 3-20 wt. % polymer (d) and having a haze of 8-30% (wherein the polymer (a) is a block copolymer prepared by producing a polymer part (component a1) by polymerizing in a first step monomers composed mainly of propylene in the absence of an inert solvent and producing an ethylene/propylene copolymer part (component a2) in a second step by polymerization subsequently carried out in a gas phase; the polymer (b) is an ethylene-based polymer having a density of 0.91-0.97 g/cm3 and a melt flow rate of 5-30 g/10 min; the polymer (c) is an ethylene/α-olefin random copolymer having a density of 0.86-0.90 g/cm3 and a melt flow rate of 0.3-5 g/10 min; and the polymer (d) comprises two or more propylene-based polymers different in molecular weight from each other).
US07732026B2 Silicon carbide ceramic components having oxide layer
A ceramic component is provided, including a ceramic body containing silicon carbide, and an oxide layer provided on the ceramic body, the oxide layer being formed by oxidizing the ceramic body in the presence of alumina having a submicron particle size.
US07732024B2 Homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film, optical film comprising the same, and image display device
A homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film is provided with a liquid crystalline substance containing a side chain liquid crystalline compound having an oxetanyl group, as a constituent, aligned homeotropically on an alignment substrate while being in a liquid crystal state and fixed in the homeotropic alignment by allowing the oxetanyl group to react. Thus, the homeotropic alignment liquid crystal film can be stably produced without necessitating a complicated step such as light irradiation under an inert gas atmosphere and is excellent in alignment retainability after being fixed in the homeotropic alignment and in mechanical strength.
US07732023B2 Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase that includes two components, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1), and the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2): wherein R1 is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring A and ring B are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-dioxan-2,5-diyl, 1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,5-pyrimidine; Z1 is a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy or difluoromethyleneoxy; X1 and X2 are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; and p is 0, 1 or 2.
US07732021B2 Liquid crystalline medium
The invention relates to liquid-crystalline compounds of the formula I and to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds, characterised in that it comprises one or more compounds of the formula I in which R1, X, L1, L2 and L3 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1.
US07732019B2 Solution spray apparatus and solution spray method
A solution spray apparatus includes a nozzle which sprays a droplet of a solution such as EL solution, a heater is provided on the nozzle to heat the solution in the nozzle to a temperature lower than a boiling point of the solution in the nozzle, so that the droplet of the heated solution is ejected from the spray to an object.
US07732017B2 Effect paint
Emulsion paint composition for obtaining special textile or suede effect comprising a filler at least partly consisting of pre-pigmented spherical aliphatic polyurethane particles. About 3-10% of the spherical particles has a particle size between 63-90 micrometers and 25-40% of the spherical particles has a particle size between 40-63 micrometers. Before applying the paint as a semi-opaque top coat the substrate is first coated with an opaque acrylic primer of a corresponding color and subsequently dried. The top coat is applied by brush in cross way fashion to obtain a suede effect, or it can be applied by roller, while subsequently a tool is used comprising a flat side provided with stiff parallel projecting fibers such as synthetic grass fibers which are dragged over the fresh paint layer to obtain a linen effect.
US07732011B2 Method to produce tone-controlled colors in colorless crystals
The embodiments of present invention provide method for imparting tone-controlled colors into colorless crystals such as gemstones or decorative objects by coating a atomically mixed thin film comprising of a color causing reagent and a toner material onto the surface of colorless gemstones or transparent crystals and subjecting them to a heat treatment to produce colors of desired shades in the crystals. The method employed is radiation-free, eco-friendly and avoid the use of any hazardous material. The method highlights that controlling the amount of toner material could easily control the shade of color induced by the colorant material. The coating of atomically mixed single film onto the surface of crystals results in reduction of diffusion time significantly at a reasonable temperature, to impart colors to crystals such as gemstones and colorless decorative objects.
US07732010B2 Method for supporting a glass substrate to improve uniform deposition thickness
A method for supporting a glass substrate comprising providing a substrate support having an aluminum body, a substrate contact area formed on the surface of the substrate support, wherein the process of forming the substrate contact area comprises forming an anodization layer on a surface region of the aluminum body, the coating having a thickness of between about 0.3 mils and about 2.16 mils, wherein the surface region substantially corresponds to the substrate contact area, and preparing the anodization layer disposed over the surface region to a surface roughness between about 88 micro-inches and about 230 micro-inches, followed by anodizing the substrate surface to said thickness, positioning the substrate support adjacent a substrate processing region in a substrate processing chamber, wherein the substrate contact area is adjacent the substrate processing region, positioning the glass substrate on the substrate contact area.
US07732006B2 Coating composition and optical mar-resistant tintable coating
A coating composition and coating for ophthalmic lenses and other polymeric substrates having a unique combination of excellent solution stability, rapid cure rate, improved mar resistance, rapid dye absorption, and improved receptivity towards antireflective coatings. The coating comprises an abrasion resistant polymer and a dye-absorption-enhancing oligomer. The coating is tinted after curing with a dye to provide light absorbency in the coating.
US07732000B2 Food intermediate having sequestered phytosteryl esters in a polysaccharide matrix
The present invention is related to a novel food intermediate containing a phytosteryl esters complex and the method used to create the food intermediate. The food product provides beneficial hypocholesterolemic activity through increased cholesterol-uptake inhibition while simultaneously delivering a food product that is not adversely affected by its inclusion, either in taste or texture or in any undesirable side effects.
US07731998B2 Method for reducing protein exudate on meat product
A system and method for reducing protein exudate on meat product. The system utilizes input hoppers and eliminates standing time for the meats. The elimination of a standing time for curing or protein extraction eliminates the ability for visible surface protein exudate to form.
US07731995B2 Methods for using soy peptides to inhibit H3 acetylation, reduce expression of HMG CoA reductase, and increase LDL receptor and Sp1 expression in a mammal
Controlled studies demonstrate that methods using soy related peptides inhibit H3 acetylation, reduce expression of HMG CoA reductase and increase LDL receptor and Sp1 expression in mammals. The present disclosure is generally directed to using lunasin peptides and/or lunasin peptide derivatives to 1) inhibit H3 acetylation, 2) reduce expression of HMG CoA reductase, 3) increase LDL receptor expression or 4) increase Sp1 expression in a mammal. In at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an effective amount of lunasin peptides or lunasin peptide derivatives and one or more enzyme inhibitors is provided to a mammal to 1) inhibit H3 acetylation, 2) reduce expression of HMG CoA reductase, 3) increase LDL receptor expression or 4) increase Sp1 expression in a mammal.
US07731987B2 Implantable medical device comprising a pro-healing poly(ester-amide)
The present invention relates to implantable medical devices, in particular stents, comprising pro-healing poly(ester-amide)s.
US07731986B2 Therapeutic foam
A therapeutic foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins comprises a sclerosing solution foamed with a physiological gas such as carbon dioxide, oxygen or a mixture thereof. The foam has a nitrogen content of less than 0.8%. It may be generated using a pressurised canister system incorporating a fine mesh of micron dimensions through which the gas and sclerosing liquid are passed to make the foam. Alternatively, the foam may be generated by passing gas and solution between two syringes through a fine mesh. Techniques are described for minimising the amount of nitrogen in a canister or syringe based product. A technique for generating and delivering foam simultaneously using a syringe based device is also disclosed.
US07731982B2 O/W emulsifier, O/W emulsion and applications thereof
The invention concerns an O/W emulsifier, an O/W emulsion prepared therefrom and the uses thereof. According to the invention the O/W emulsifier contains (a) 70 to 90 wt. % of glyceryl oleate citrate and (b) 10 to 30 wt. % of a viscosity modifier having a viscosity in the range from 1 to 10,000 mPas.
US07731975B2 Chimeric filovirus glycoprotein
Chimeric GP molecules were constructed which contain portions of both the EBOV and MBGV GP proteins by swapping the subunits between EBOV and MBGV. The chimeric molecules were cloned into an alphavirus replicon which offers the advantage of high protein expression levels in mammalian cells and is a proven vaccine vector. These chimeric molecules fully protected guinea pigs from MBGV challenge, and conversely protected the animals from EBOV challenge. These results indicate that a protective epitope resides within the GP2 subunit of the MBGV GP protein and at least partially within the GP2 subunit of the EBOV GP protein. Additionally these results show that a construction of a single-component bivalent vaccine protective in guinea pigs is achievable.
US07731971B2 Enhanced CTL epitope-containing HIV-1 reverse transcriptase polypeptides
The present invention provides peptides and proteins for use in second generation HIV vaccines and as diagnostic tools in the treatment and control of HIV infection. The antiviral protection shown by compositions of the present invention has not been previously achieved with an HLA epitope-enhanced vaccine. These findings define a critical balance between MHC affinity and receptor crossreactivity required for effective epitope enhancement and also demonstrate construction and efficacy of such a component of a new generation vaccine.
US07731968B2 Topical delivery of vaccines
The present invention provides improved methods for delivery of substances into the skin. It has been discovered that delivery of substances such as nucleic acids, amino acids, amino acid derivatives, peptides and polypeptides simultaneously with abrasion of the skin enhances delivery and the biological response as compared to application of the substance to previously abraded skin.