| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07777981B2 |
Method for improved insitu spiral writing
A system includes a first current generator and a second current generator. The first current generator generates a first current to bias an actuator arm against a spring when a control signal is received. The first current generator discontinues the first current to release the spring and accelerate the actuator arm when servo signals are generated. The second current generator generates a second current that biases the actuator arm away from the spring when the first current is discontinued. |
| US07777979B2 |
Magnetic disk device testing method and testing device
A magnetic disk device testing method includes obtaining index values indicating the signal quality of an adjacent track at different positions scattered in the width direction in the adjacent track located in the vicinity of a target track on a magnetic disk after repeatedly writing data onto the target track, and determining a representative value of the index values indicating the signal quality of the adjacent track based on the obtained results, while incrementing the number of data write times; and estimating an index value indicating the signal quality of the adjacent track to be obtained where data is written onto the target track a larger number of times than the total number of data write times the data has been actually written in obtaining the index values, the index value being estimated with the use of the representative values decided in the representative value deciding. |
| US07777963B2 |
Method for improving the imaging properties of a projection objective, and such a projection objective
The invention relates to a method -for improving the imaging properties of a micro lithography projection objective (50), wherein the projection objective has a plurality of lenses (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8) between an object plane and an image plane, a first lens of the plurality of lenses being assigned a first manipulator (ml, Mn) for actively deforming the lens, the first lens being deformed for at least partially correcting an aberration, at least one second lens of the plurality of lenses furthermore being assigned at least one second manipulator, and the second lens being deformed in addition to the first lens. Furthermore, a method is described for selecting at least one lens of a plurality of lenses of a projection objective as actively deformable element, and a projection objective. |
| US07777960B2 |
Wide field of view head-up display system
A projection system, such as a system suitable for head-up displays in automobiles, includes a laser projection source (101) and a scanner (102). Light from the laser projection source (101) is scanned across a projection surface (104), which can be a car's windshield. The projection surface (104) includes a buried numerical aperture expander (105) capable of reflecting some light and transmitting other light. The system may also include an image projection source (551) capable of presenting high-resolution images on a sub-region (552) of the projection surface (604) that has a optical relay (650) disposed therein. |
| US07777947B2 |
Projection screen, in particular for video projection reducing the Moiré effect
A projection screen comprises a film having a projection side and provided with a number of passages adapted for permitting emitted sound waves to pass through said film. The projection screen is characterized in that these passages are arranged in such a manner that, if alignments can be detected, at least the principal ones have an angle that is not zero with regard to the vertical and horizontal edges of the screen. |
| US07777943B2 |
Astrometry and photometry with coronagraphs
In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an optical device comprises a telescope, a coronagraph device coupled to the telescope and having a focal plane occulting mask to provide a coronagraphic image, and a reticulate grid element arranged in a light path propagated through the telescope, at a location relative to the coronagraphic image, to create controlled fiducial spots in the coronagraphic image. |
| US07777942B2 |
Device for modifying the distance between a microscope objective and a microscope stage
Disclosed is a device for modifying the distance between a microscope table and a microscope objective. The vertical adjusting mechanism of the microscope table encompasses a eccentric member which is rotatable about a shaft. At least one actuating button is mounted on the shaft. The eccentric member is embodied such that the microscope table can be subjected to a fine or rough vertical adjustment using of the eccentric member and a monolithic actuating button. |
| US07777941B2 |
Greenough-type stereomicroscope
A stereomicroscope of the Greenough type includes a first monocular microscope and a second monocular microscope, which define a first beam path and a second beam path, respectively, wherein the first and second microscopes are arranged at a convergence angle to one another and comprise magnification systems for producing equal magnifications which can be varied synchronously with one another. At least one optical element in the first microscope has a different optically effective diameter compared to at least one corresponding optical element in the second microscope. |
| US07777939B2 |
Method of manufacturing electrophoretic display having organic thin film transistor control circuit and electrophoretic display manufactured using the method
A method of an electrophoretic display (EPD) having an organic thin film transistor thin film (OTFT) control circuit. The method includes: providing an EPD module including a plurality of EPD units on a common substrate, wherein each of the EPD units includes a cell having optical characteristic (or performance) that can be capacitively switched; coating a plurality of pixel electrodes on a side of the EPD module; and preparing the OTFT control circuit by directly coating a plurality of OTFT layers on the side of the EPD module supporting the pixel electrodes. |
| US07777930B2 |
Electro-optical light control element and display having a control medium with an optically isotropic phase
The invention relates to an electro-optical light control element and to electro-optical displays and display systems, e.g. television screens and computer monitors, which contain elements of this type. The inventive light control elements contain a mesogenic control medium (2) that exists in an optically isotropic phase when the light control elements are in operation. In addition to having a good contrast, a low dependency on viewing angle and very short switching times, the light control elements are particularly characterized by having relatively low drive voltages. The inventive electro-optical light control elements contain a solid dielectric layer (5) between the electrode structure (3, 4) and the mesogenic control layer. The invention also relates to the mesogenic control media, which are used in the electro-optical light control elements and which can exist in a blue phase. |
| US07777929B2 |
Electric device and method of its fabrication
An electronic device and method are presented for creating at least one predetermined stimulus at the device output. The device comprises an electrically non-conductive holey structure carrying at least two active electrically conductive cores electrically insulated from one another along their lengths, for supplying a potential difference between them, and at least one stimulus creator configured to be affected by said potential difference to provide a predetermined output of the device. |
| US07777927B2 |
Oscillator device, method of driving the same, optical deflector and image display device using the same
An oscillator device includes a first oscillator, a second oscillator configured to support the first oscillator for torsional rotation about a first rotational axis, through a first torsion spring, a supporting member configured to support the second oscillator for torsional rotation about a second rotational axis, through a second torsion spring, the second rotational axis having a predetermined angle with respect to the first rotational axis of the first oscillator, a coil disposed in relation to the second oscillator, an electrical current applying member configured to apply an electrical current to the coil, and a magnetic field generating member configured to apply a magnetic field to the coil. The coil is localized in at least one of zones of the second oscillator being quartered by extension lines of the first and second rotational axes. |
| US07777926B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
An image processing apparatus for converting inputted image data to image data in accordance with characteristics of an image forming unit, including: a first gradation correction unit which performs a gradation correction processing of the inputted image data in accordance with the characteristics of the image forming unit; a total toner amount control unit which performs a total toner amount control processing of the image data which has undergone at least the gradation correction processing executed by the first gradation correction unit; and a second gradation correction unit which performs a gradation correction processing in accordance with the characteristics of the image forming unit with respect to the image data which has undergone at least the total toner amount control processing executed by the total toner amount control unit. |
| US07777920B2 |
Image copier and image copying method
An image copier according to the invention comprises a scanner for reading an image and a printer for forming an image on sheet, and the scanner includes a document table for positioning an original document from which an image is to be read; a document holding cover holding the original document on the original document table and having a light-emitting element for detecting the size of an original document which emits light when the size of the original document is detected, a light source for irradiating the original document with light when an image on the original document is read, a light-receiving element for image reading which receives reflected light from the original document, a controller for the light-emitting element for detecting the size of an original document which controls the light-emitting element for detecting the thickness of the original document, a specific region determination unit for identifying a specific region based on the numbers of pixels in a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction of image data, and a background correction unit for performing a process of correcting the background of an image which has been read. In the image copier according to the invention, see-through copying of the bottom side can be suppressed by performing a background correction process after an image is read without blocking a sensor hole of a sensor for detecting the size of the original document from light. |
| US07777918B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of controlling the apparatus
An image forming apparatus applies a shading correction to an image read from a white reference board 18, and determines presence or absence of stripe-like noise in the image read therefrom after applying the shading correction. The apparatus exposes an area at which there is no noise in the white reference board 18 to create a white reference value for a shading correction for reading a document after that time. |
| US07777915B2 |
Image control system and method
A color image control system and method are provided for improving the image control of printing systems, including digital front-end processors, color printers and post-finishing system. This automatic image control system, including measurement and calibration, by registering the captured reproduced document with the extracted virtual device document and automatically locating a plurality of regions in which to measure captured color values, using colorimetric measurements of an aim reproduction of the document at these same region positions, and finally relating the captured color values, the colorimetric color values, and the virtual device color values to create the an accurate color mapping. One embodiment of this method combines a global regression polynomial with local mapping refinement. |
| US07777910B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method, image processing program, and computer readable storage medium storing image processing program
An image processing method of reproducing already stored moving image data while storing moving image data currently input. Input moving image data is stored in a moving image storage unit, and scene feature information of each of a plurality of scenes constituting the moving image data stored in the moving image data storage unit is extracted. In accordance with the extracted scene feature information, digest data for reproducing a digest of the moving image data is formed. In accordance with the formed digest data, a digest of the moving image data stored in the moving image data storage unit is reproduced. |
| US07777909B2 |
Information processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, option function setup method, option function setup method for information processing apparatus, option function setup method for image forming apparatus, program, and storage
In a case where only one image forming apparatus ID stored in a PC coincides with an own ID of an image input/output system itself stored in this system, it is controlled to set up the option function of the image input/output system according to information concerning validation and invalidation of an option function of the image input/output system instructed on the PC side, while in a case where only one image forming apparatus ID does not coincide with the own ID of the image input/output system itself, it is controlled not to set up the option function of the image input/output system according to the information instructed on the PC side, thereby preventing that a user unfairly duplicates a setup program with an evil intention, and thus can set up the option function to the plural image forming apparatuses by purposely duplicating the setup program. |
| US07777907B2 |
Printing system using post-printing processing apparatus
This invention relates to an image forming apparatus having ability information of an available finisher, including a detection unit which detects the stop state of post-processing by the first finisher, a search unit which, when the detection unit detects the stop of the first finisher, searches a finisher that can alternatively perform processing to be executed by the first finisher based on the ability information, and a generation unit which generates post-processing setting information for the second finisher found by the search unit. |
| US07777905B2 |
MIME type-based printer driver selection
A method for processing print data is disclosed. A particular data type for a print data stream is determined, based on data contained in the print data stream, from among a plurality of defined data types. It is determined whether there exists, within a plurality of printer drivers, a particular printer driver that is associated with the particular data type that was selected for the print data stream. If the plurality of printer drivers comprises a particular printer driver that is associated with the particular data type, then the print data stream is passed to the particular printer driver. The particular printer driver passes the print data stream toward a printing device without rendering the print data stream. The printing device is capable of understanding and processing the print data stream without such rendering being performed by any printer driver. |
| US07777902B2 |
System and method for generating resolution-independent output via visual tree object
A system and related techniques generate printing and other output operations via a resolution-independent visual tree object. According to embodiments the operating system or other resource may receive the visual tree object and related data from applications or other sources, and perform logic to scale or process the visual output for resolution, effects or other purposes directly from that object. The operating system or other resource itself may be configured to receive the componentized visual tree object and condition or render that object for output to a printer, facsimile machine, copy machine or other output device. The operating system may serialize or spool that object from the source object in native form, relieving applications of the need to prepare documents or other output objects to generate specified resolutions, effects or to adapt the output to specific output drivers. |
| US07777898B2 |
Workpiece machining apparatus
A laser machining apparatus is capable of improving workpiece machining precision. The laser machining apparatus has a movable table for supporting a workpiece to be machined, and a camera for detecting the position of the workpiece by reflection light from an alignment mark formed through the workpiece. The apparatus also includes a jig plate provided between the table and the workpiece, and has light-receiving holes that overlap with the alignment mark (through-hole) and that are larger than the alignment mark (through hole). |
| US07777896B2 |
Signal processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A signal processing apparatus comprising: an optical sensor for outputting a detection signal by detecting a surface of a recording medium on which a correction image is to be formed; and a control section configured to obtain a detection signal of the surface of the recording medium with the correction image from which a dominant frequency component has been deleted by making reverse frequency analysis of an analysis signal that has been obtained by making a frequency analysis of a detection signal outputted by the optical sensor detecting the surface of the recording medium on which the correction image it formed. |
| US07777895B2 |
Linear-carrier phase-mask interferometer
A phase-difference sensor measures the spatially resolved difference in phase between orthogonally polarized reference and test wavefronts. The sensor is constructed as a linear-carrier phase-mask aligned to and imaged on a linear-carrier detector array. Each adjacent element of the phase-mask measures a predetermined relative phase shift between the orthogonally polarized reference and test beams. Thus, multiple phase-shifted interferograms can be synthesized at the same time by combining pixels with identical phase-shifts. The multiple phase-shifted interferograms can be combined to calculate standard parameters such as modulation index or average phase step. Any configuration of interferometer that produces orthogonally polarized reference and object beams may be combined with the phase-difference sensor of the invention to provide single-shot, simultaneous phase-shifting measurements. |
| US07777892B2 |
Tomography system and method of adjusting quality of image obtained by optical tomography system
In an optical tomography system, a polarization changing system which converts linearly polarized light too non-linearly polarized light is provided in at least one of a light source unit, an optical path from the light source unit to a light dividing system, the optical path of the measuring light from the light dividing system to an object, the optical path of the reflected light from the object to the combining system and the optical path of the reference light from the light dividing system to the combining system. The polarization changing system is, for instance, a polarization-preserving optical fiber which is disposed so that the direction of polarization of the linearly polarized light and the direction of axis of polarization of the linearly polarized light differ from each other. |
| US07777891B2 |
Elasticity and viscosity measuring apparatus
Brillouin scattered light is used to measure the distribution of elasticity and viscosity in a measurement object without contact and in a noninvasive and simpler manner. Measuring light emitted from a light source is directed from a light probe onto a measurement object, and scattered light is received by the light probe. A control computer analyzes the light spectrum of scattered light received by the light probe, calculates at least one parameter selected from the center frequency and the linewidth of the elastic wave scattered components as viscoelastic information, matches the viscoelastic information with the position of a target area in the measurement object, and outputs image information. The position information of the target area in the measurement object is acquired by photographing light spots of guide light with a camera provided to the light probe. |
| US07777890B2 |
Method and power-assisted optic-fiber measuring device and gyro
The invention relates to a method and an optical-fiber measuring device including a light source with a light power P, a Sagnac ring interferometer in which propagate two counter-propagating waves, a detector receiving a light flux from the interferometer and converting it into an electrical signal representing the total phase difference δφt between the counter-propagating waves. It also includes an electronic element receiving the electrical signal from the detector and providing a first signal S1 function of the measured parameter. The electronic element includes a demodulator contributing to provide the first signal function of the measured parameter and provide a second signal S2 function of the power P of the light flux measured by the detector. The optical phase modulator generates a disturbance component δφcp adding to the phase difference δφm=δφb+δφcr. |
| US07777889B2 |
Bias-instability reduction in fiber optic gyroscopes
A computer-implementable method of reducing bias instability in a fiber optic gyroscope includes receiving, with a computer, a first data set enabling the computer to generate a model of the gyroscope, including a light source, a photodetector, and a plurality of optical components and fiber sections coupling the light source to the photodetector, and a light signal to be propagated from the light source to the photodetector. The light signal has an associated wavelength spectrum. For each wavelength of the spectrum, the relative lightwave intensity reaching the photodetector is calculated. A signal-wave intensity and a spurious-wave intensity are determined from the calculated relative lightwave intensities. A scale factor is determined from the signal-wave intensity. The spurious-wave intensity is integrated over the wavelength spectrum of the light source to obtain a total spurious-wave intensity. A rate bias error is determined based on the total spurious-wave intensity and the scale factor. |
| US07777887B2 |
Absorption spectroscopy apparatus and method
An absorption spectroscopy apparatus including an elliptical mirror centered on the midpoint between a source/detector and a mirror. The cavity between the elliptical mirror and the source/bolometer and mirror defines an interior volume of a sample cell. Electromagnetic radiation from the source/detector travels along a multi-segment path starting from the source/bolometer toward the elliptical mirror, reflecting off of the elliptical mirror and traveling toward the mirror, reflecting off of the mirror and traveling back toward the elliptical mirror and finally reflecting off the elliptical mirror for a second time and returning toward the source/bolometer. The multiple reflections combined with the focusing effects of the elliptical mirrored surface result in an efficient sampling device. Among other aspects and advantages, the apparatus of the present disclosure is able to use incoherent, non-collimated light sources while maintaining high optical throughput efficiencies. |
| US07777886B2 |
Optical system including a weak lens and a beam translation plate for selectively coupling to the lowest order mode of an optical resonator
Improved optical alignment precision to a passive optical cavity is provided by including a combination of a weak focusing element and a translation plate in the input coupling optics. Adjustment of positions and angles of these optical elements, preferably after all other input optical elements are fixed in place, advantageously provides for high-precision optical alignment to the cavity, without requiring excessively tight fabrication tolerances. Fabrication tolerances are relaxed by making the optical power of the weak focusing element significantly less than the optical power of a strong focusing element in the input optics. The position and angles of the beam with respect to the cavity can be adjusted, as can the size of the beam at the cavity. Differential adjustment of the beam size in two orthogonal directions (e.g., tangential plane and sagittal plane) at the cavity can also be provided. |
| US07777884B2 |
Method and system for optimizing sub-nanometer critical dimension using pitch offset
A method and a system are provided for calibrating metrological tools used to measure features of a semiconductor device. A critical dimension (CD) ruler defines a known pitch plus a pitch offset. A photoresist layer is measured to determine a measured pitch whereupon the measured pitch is compared to the known pitch. From the comparison, appropriate calibration steps can be taken to reduce the difference between the known pitch and the measured pitch. |
| US07777882B2 |
Method for the in-situ and real-time determination of the thickness, optical properties and quality of transparent coatings during their growth onto polymeric substrates and determination of the modification, activation and the modification depth of polymeric materials surfaces
This invention concerns the in-situ and real-time determination of thickness, optical properties and quality of transparent inorganic thin films (oxides, nitrides) and organic materials during their growth and during modification of transparent polymeric materials, with the use of Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, with measurements in the spectral region of Vis-FUV from 1.5-6.5 eV, and IR from 0.1-0.49 eV (900-4000 cm−1). This method can be used in-line for the monitoring and/or control of the processes in air and in vacuum, that concern substrates on which the thin films will be grown, and of the growth processes of transparent oxides, nitrides and other inorganic and organic films with final result the production of integrated systems with desirable properties. |
| US07777879B2 |
Rotary encoders
An optical rotary encoder uses polarization difference imaging techniques to calculate an angle of orientation of a rotatable member. The optical rotary encoder includes a light source, a polarization sensor that has a polarizer and image sensing structure, and a polarizer disk fixed between to the rotatable and interposed between the light source and the polarization sensor. |
| US07777867B2 |
Devices, methods, and systems for detecting particles in aerosol gas streams
Turbulent mixing condensation devices, methods, and systems adapted to condense a working fluid on particles from a sample gas to enlarge the particles for subsequent detection are provided. The device includes a vapor generator adapted to produce a working-fluid saturated carrier gas and a condensation chamber. The working-fluid saturated carrier gas is mixed with a sample gas containing particles to be detected and is then introduced to the condensation chamber. The operating conditions are controlled to enhance the condensation of the working fluid on the particles. The particles are typically forwarded to a particle detection device to detect at least one characteristic, for example, the size, of the particles. The flow of carrier gas to the vapor generator may be regulated to vary the degree of saturation of the carrier gas with working fluid. |
| US07777862B2 |
Optical system for increasing illumination efficiency of a patterning device
A system and method form illumination that efficiently illuminates target areas of an object. For example, target areas can be transmission areas of a diaphragm and/or active areas of a patterning device. A plurality of beams formed by a field defining element are directed onto respective entrance faces of a plurality of rods using a relay of first and second lens arrays. The rods process the beams to form illumination that impinges substantially only within a boundary of the target areas, e.g., the transmission areas and/or the active areas. The rods are arranged in number, configuration, and cross-sectional shape corresponding to a number, configuration, and a cross-sectional shape of the target areas, e.g., the transmission areas and/or the active areas. Thus, substantially all the illumination falls within the boundary of the target areas, increasing illumination efficiency. |
| US07777859B2 |
Two-stage exposure device for watermarking film
An apparatus (20) forms a latent indicium onto a sensitized medium, using an area energy source (26) for applying a substantially uniform sensitizing energy over an area of the sensitized medium and a pixel exposure source (30) for applying radiant energy to expose a pattern of pixels (14) onto the area of the sensitized medium for forming the indicium. |
| US07777858B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus and method of forming the same
A liquid crystal display device including a first substrate, a common electrode formed over the first substrate, and a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate. A common voltage-applying member applies a common voltage to the common electrode and maintains a cell gap between the first substrate and the second substrate. The common voltage-applying member includes an insulator and a conductor formed over the insulator. |
| US07777852B2 |
High aperture ratio in-plane switching mode active matrix liquid crystal display unit
In a liquid crystal display unit where a matrix pattern of pixels are defined by gate lines and crosswise data lines, transparent pixel electrodes are formed on the same layer as the data lines and corresponding transparent common electrodes are formed above the transparent pixel electrodes. On the common electrodes the liquid crystal layer is provided. In the aperture of each pixel, the common electrode has a pattern of parallel stripe portions and a peripheral portion outside of the aperture for shielding the field of the corresponding data line. Each pixel electrode cooperates with that parallel stripe portions of the corresponding common electrode to produce inner fringe fields along such parallel stripe portions and has portions that overlap the peripheral portions of the common electrode to produce peripheral fringe fields so that liquid-crystal cells can be uniformly in-plane switched by the inner fringe fields as well as by the peripheral fringe fields. |
| US07777851B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device has pixel regions defined by gate lines and data lines perpendicular to the gate lines. The gate electrodes of thin film transistors (TFTs) at a first side of the data lines project from the gate lines. Active layers are disposed on the gate electrodes. Source electrodes overlap the active layers. Drain electrodes are parallel to the gate lines, spaced from the source electrodes and overlap the active layers. Pixel electrodes formed on the pixel region are connected to the drain electrodes. This structure prevents poor picture quality by minimizing the differences between the parasitic capacitance formed between the gate electrode and the drain electrode in adjacent pixel regions even if Y- or X-axis misalignment occurs. |
| US07777845B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is provided and includes: a liquid crystal cell; a pair of polarizing plates disposed in cross-Nicol arrangement and sandwiching the liquid crystal cell. One of the pair of the polarizing plates has a protective film A for polarizer, disposed on the liquid crystal cell side, and the other of the pair has a protective film B for polarizer, disposed on a liquid crystal cell side. ReA(λ) and RthA(λ) of the protective film A, RthB(λ) of the protective film B and Δnd(λ) of the liquid crystal cell satisfy expressions (I) and (II) at a wavelength of 400 nm to 700 nm: 0.74×(Δnd(λ)−RthB(λ))≦RthA(λ)≦0.97×(Δnd(λ)−RthB(λ)) (I) 0.018×λ2/(Δnd(λ)−RthB(λ))+0.032×λ≦ReA(λ)≦0.036×λ2/(Δnd(λ)−RthB(λ))+0.032×λ (II). |
| US07777844B2 |
Liquid crystal displaying device with color pixels and in-cell retarder
A transflective liquid crystal display device is arranged to make the overall structure thinner and enhance a reflecting contrast ratio. The transflective liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer laid between the substrates, a first polarization plate located on the opposite side of the first substrate to the side where the liquid crystal layer is located, a second polarization plate located on the opposite side of the second substrate to the side where the liquid crystal layer is located, and a plurality of pixels formed between the substrates, each of the pixels having a reflective area and a transmissive area. An in-cell retarder is located between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer. An optical compensation film is located between the first substrate and the first polarization plate, between the second substrate and the second polarization plate, or both. |
| US07777837B2 |
LCD polarizers
A light polarizer for use in an LCD includes a polarizing film, a retardation film, and an auxiliary film. The auxiliary film increases the total thickness of the polarizer such that the polarizer can be easily detached from the LCD for rework without damaging the LCD. |
| US07777828B2 |
Inspection apparatus for liquid crystal display panels
Disclosed herein is an inspection apparatus for liquid crystal display panels, which can perform inspection for orientation abnormality of the liquid crystal display panels while maintaining a uniform temperature. The inspection apparatus comprises a heating chamber to heat a plurality of LCD panels received in a cassette, an inspection unit positioned near the heating chamber to receive the LCD panels heated by the heating chamber, and to inspect abnormality of each LCD panel, and a panel transferring part to withdraw each of the LCD panels from the cassette and supply each of the LCD panels to the inspection unit, and to withdraw each of the LCD panels from the inspection unit and supply each of the LCD panels to the cassette while moving between the cassette and the inspection unit. |
| US07777827B2 |
Top frame with separable portions for a liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a bottom frame, a main frame over the bottom frame and having a substantially rectangular shape, a backlight unit over the main frame, the backlight unit including a reflecting plate, a light guide plate over the reflecting plate, a lamp at one side of the light guide plate, a lamp guide covering the lamp, and optical sheets over the light guide plate, a liquid crystal panel over the backlight unit, a top frame covering edges of the liquid crystal panel and combined with the main frame and the bottom frame, wherein the top frame includes a plurality of separable portions. |
| US07777825B2 |
Liquid crystal display and a defect correcting method for the same
A liquid crystal display uses a pixel division method by which the size of a defect can be reduced much more than conventionally possible, and a defect correcting method for the liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display is provided with an active matrix array substrate including a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of source lines arranged on a transparent substrate so as to intersect with each other, and a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix, each pixel electrode including an assembly of a plurality of sub-pixel electrodes, separate TFTs respectively connected to the sub-pixel electrodes in the vicinity of an intersection portion of the gate line and the source line, the TFTs being driven by the common gate line and the common source line, and at least one opening portion being formed in a lower-layer side line placed in a lower layer at the intersection portion. |
| US07777824B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and repair structure with electrode overlapped to data line
A liquid crystal display device with a repair structure that facilitates repair of a short circuit or an open circuit. In the device, a gate line is formed on an insulating substrate and a gate electrode is integral to the gate line. A semiconductor layer is formed on the gate electrode with having an insulating film therebetween. A data line is crossed with the gate electrode, and a source electrode is integral to the data line on the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode. A drain electrode is spaced oppositely the source electrode. A protective film has a first contact hole at the drain electrode. A pixel electrode is formed on the protective film and is connected, via the contact hole, to the drain electrode. The pixel electrode has an area overlapped partially with the data line and is spaced from the gate line by a desired length (α) at one or more corners thereof. A storage electrode extends from the pixel electrode to be overlapped partially with the gate line and is spaced from the data line by a desired width (δ) at one or more corners thereof. |
| US07777823B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel
A thin film transistor array panel includes: first and second gate lines disposed on a substrate and separated from each other; a data line intersecting the first and second gate lines; first and second thin film transistors connected to the first gate line and the data line; a third thin film transistor connected to the second gate line and having a drain electrode; and a pixel electrode including a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode, wherein the first subpixel electrode is connected to the first and third thin film transistor, the second subpixel electrode is connected to the second thin film transistor and includes a projection overlapping the drain electrode, and the projection has a first pair of edge portions that meet a first edge of the drain electrode and are substantially parallel to each other. |
| US07777819B2 |
Display source
A helmet mounted display 30 includes a display source 31 arranged to be directly imaged by a primary relay optical arrangement 32 having relay optical elements 33A, 33B and 33C. Light exiting the primary relay optical arrangement 32 indicated by ray traces 34A, 34B and 34C continue towards a visor 35 which is arranged to reflect incident light to a exit pupil located in a convenient position for a viewer 36. The display source 31 includes a light source, beam splitter, reflective liquid crystal display and a display source relay optical arrangement to provide an output image at an output diffuser screen. The image at the output screen is then directly imaged by the primary relay optical arrangement 32. Should the reflective liquid crystal display require modification or replacement with a newer model, then the display source 31 can be redesigned to accommodate the new reflective liquid crystal display rather than re-engineering the primary relay optical arrangement 32 at greater expense. |
| US07777818B2 |
Receiving apparatus and a method for setting a receiving antenna thereof
In a receiving apparatus and a method for setting a receiving antenna thereof, for dissolving a problem of necessity of a large amount of time for channel search, since it needs a time for setting up the receiving antenna at each physical channel, in the channel search operation, including searching of receivable channels and also memorization of an optimal setup for each of the receiving channels, receiving conditions are obtained for all of the physical channels in each of the setups of receiving antenna, and this obtaining of the receiving condition is conducted on all of the setups of the receiving antenna. In that instance, a number of times of controlling the setup of receiving antenna is determined to be a number of combinations of the setups of receiving antenna, and thereby shortening the time necessary for the setup of the receiving antenna and the time necessary for channel preset. |
| US07777813B2 |
Color burst automatic detection device
A synchronization separation circuit extracts a synchronization timing signal from a video signal, and a burst gate pulse generator generates a timing pulse signal for gating a color burst signal period. In the color burst signal period restricted by the timing pulse signal, a first counter counts up cycles of a color burst signal at a first timing as a rising edge of the color burst signal and a second counter counts up cycles of the color burst signal at a second timing as a falling edge of the color burst signal. A color burst determination circuit receives count values to determine presence/absence of a color burst signal superimposed on the video signal. |
| US07777811B2 |
Display apparatus, display method, program, storage medium, and display system
An enlarged image is displayed using a plurality of television sets. A television set serving as a master device and television sets serving as slave devices convert an input image into partial enlarged images and display the resultant partial enlarged images so that the partial enlarged images displayed on the respective television sets form, as a whole, a complete enlarged full image. The master device and slave devices perform mutual authentication with each other. If the authentication is successfully passed, the operation mode is set so that displaying of an enlarged image is allowed. |
| US07777808B2 |
Image capturing apparatus having distance measurement function
An image capturing apparatus illuminates an object and captures an image of the object using the reflected light from the object. The image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor for capturing an image of the object by receiving reflected light, distance-measuring light-emitting devices for irradiating the object with spot light, and a control circuit for driving the distance-measuring light-emitting devices, detecting the spot light positions of the distance-measuring light-emitting devices from an image captured by the image sensor, and obtaining the distance to the object. The image sensor provided for capturing an image of the object can be used as a photodetector device for distance measurement. With this, it becomes unnecessary to separately provide a photodetector device for distance measurement, which enables miniaturization of the image capturing apparatus, as well as cost reduction. |
| US07777806B2 |
Camera, method, and program which captures a field of an object to generate an image, and image processing program and imaging device for applying image processing to an image
A digital still camera according to the present invention can obtain an image with appropriate brightness easily without an increase in memory capacity. The digital still camera of the present invention includes: an image-capturing unit which captures a field of object to generate an image; a photometry unit which measures a luminance of a predetermined area of the field of object; a calculating unit which calculates a ratio between a luminance value of a portion of the image captured according to the luminance measured by the photometry unit, and a target luminance value of the predetermined area, the portion corresponding to the predetermined area; and a correcting unit which corrects the image generated by the image-capturing unit according to the ratio. |
| US07777802B2 |
Imaging apparatus including an auto focusing function
An AF controlling unit (83) starts an outside light AF operation controlled by an outside AF unit (81) by a half-pressing of a shutter release button (61), and a change over between the outside AF operation and a CCDAF operation controlled by a CCDAF unit (82) is controlled corresponding to an elapsed time t (timer 84) from a starting of the operation of the outside light AF operation and a pressing condition (a detection of the half-pressing by a half-pressed detecting unit (62), the detection of a full-pressing by a full-pressed detecting unit (63) or a press-in releasing) of a shutter release button (61) after the starting of the outside light AF operation controlled by the outside AF unit (81) by the half-pressing of the shutter release button (61). |
| US07777795B2 |
Solid-state image pickup device
A solid-state image pickup device includes a photoelectric conversion portion for generating signal electric charges in accordance with an amount of incident light, a plurality of color filters, and a flattening layer formed on the plurality of color filters. A thickness of a projection or a recess on a surface of the flattening layer, provided on a region where color filters are adjacent to each other, is equal to or less than 0.2 μm. |
| US07777793B2 |
Signal processor having A/D conversion unit and operation part
A signal processor formed on a single semiconductor chip having an A/D conversion unit for converting an analog signal to a digital signal, includes an operation unit for performing a calculation based on a plurality of digital signals converted by the A/D conversion unit, and a selection unit for selecting one of the digital signals converted by the A/D conversion unit and a result calculated by the operation unit and externally outputting the selection. |
| US07777790B2 |
Acquisition of image sequences with enhanced resolution
A method for electronic imaging includes controlling an image sensor to capture a first sequence of first input images at a first frame rate having a first spatial resolution, and to capture a second sequence of second input images, interleaved with the first sequence and having a second spatial resolution lower than the first spatial resolution. The first and second sequences of the input images are processed to generate an third sequence of output images at a second frame rate higher than the first frame rate and having a third spatial resolution higher than the second spatial resolution. |
| US07777786B2 |
Method for calculating color correction
A device and a method for color data correction during color data transmission from a pickup device to an output device. Raw data of the pickup device are converted to uncorrected interim color values with a smaller number of pixels than the pickup device, and the uncorrected interim color values are then subjected to a color correction calculation and are finally converted into corrected interim color values for the output device. |
| US07777785B2 |
Image pickup device, picked-up image processing method, and computer-readable recording medium for performing a correction process on a picked-up image
An operability in performing an image correction process on a picked-up image of an object shot at approximately the same shooting angle is improved and a process time is shortened. A CPU in a cellular phone extracts the contour of the object from one of a plurality of picked-up images sequentially picked up in a sequential image pickup mode, and calculates correction data to be used in image correction based on the extracted contour. Thereafter, the CPU performs an image correction process on the plurality of picked-up images picked up sequentially to correct the distortion of the image of the object included in each picked-up image, using the calculated correction data. |
| US07777783B1 |
Multi-video navigation
A video tracking system includes a user interface configured to facilitate tracking of a target between video cameras. The user interface includes user controls configured to assist a user in selecting video cameras as the target moves between fields of view of the video cameras. These user controls are automatically associated with specific cameras based on a camera topology relative to a point of view of a camera whose video data is currently being viewed. The video tracking system further includes systems and methods of synchronizing video data generated using the video cameras and of automatically generating a stitched video sequence based on the user selection of video cameras. The target may be tracked in real-time or in previously recorded video and may be track forward or backwards in time. |
| US07777780B2 |
Image motion display method and apparatus
In a display apparatus connected to an image processing apparatus which detects the change amount in an input image and stores, as a detected image, an image during a period with a change amount equal to or more than a predetermined amount, the change log of the change amount and the detected image are received, the change log is displayed by using a graph, and information related to the detected image is displayed on the graph in a superposed manner. |
| US07777779B2 |
Photographing apparatus, control method for lens barrel of photographing apparatus, printer, control method for printer, and printing system
In this photographing apparatus, when it is recognized that communication with an external device is possible, the operating mode is set to the communication mode, in which communication can be carried out with the external device. Once there is communication connection with the external device, signals to change the mode from the mode selecting device, which directs the operating mode of the photography apparatus, are ignored, and a shift from the communication mode to another mode is prohibited. |
| US07777776B2 |
Frequency modulator that generates frequency data for use in modulating input image data
A frequency modulation device for use in an image forming apparatus. The image formation apparatus includes an image carrier and a laser device for scanning the image carrier along a plurality of scan lines. Each scan line is divided into segments having segment boundaries in which the same segment boundary in adjacent scan lines are offset. The frequency modulation device generates frequency data for use in modulating the input image data, which is utilized by the laser device to scan the image carrier, which permits output of an electrophotograph of high image quality by suppressing segment boundaries caused by moiré fringes or color shifting to below a level at which such boundaries are not visually detectable. |
| US07777775B2 |
Optical beam scanning apparatus, image forming apparatus
In an optical beam scanning apparatus and an image forming apparatus equipped with the optical beam scanning apparatus of the present invention, a holder base is screwed to an optical housing, a holder holds a light source, and a laser drive board is screwed to the holder. Rotary adjustment of the holder about the optical axis of the light source is performed with respect to the holder base, and the holder is fixed to the holder base. According to the optical beam scanning apparatus and the image forming apparatus equipped with the optical beam scanning apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to perform rotary adjustment of the light source about the optical axis with ease even in a small space. |
| US07777774B2 |
Image forming system employing effective optical scan-line control device
An optical scanning characteristic control method is applied to an optical scanning system in which a beam is deflected, and the deflected beam is converged and directed toward a scanning surface, so that optical scanning of the scanning surface is performed by an optical spot formed thereon by the deflected beam. The method comprising the steps of a) disposing a beam deflection control device on the light path of the beam before it is incident on the scanning surface; and b) controlling a beam deflection amount of the beam deflecting device provide to an incident beam so as to control a scanning characteristic of the optical scanning. |
| US07777772B2 |
Laser processing device
In the laser processing apparatus 1, a laser head 13 is held and cooled by a cooling jacket 11, and thus can be operated stably. Also, even if the emitting direction of laser light L fluctuates when replacing the laser head 13 because of its damage or the like, a regulator 15 can adjusts the position and inclination of the cooling jacket 11 with respect to an optical system main part 4, so that the emitting direction of the laser light L can coincide with the optical axis of the optical system main part 4. Thus, the laser processing apparatus 1 can easily correct the fluctuation in the laser light emitting direction among the laser heads 13. |
| US07777770B2 |
Dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element
A dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element is provided. In one embodiment, the dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element comprises a first substrate having a first side and a second side, and a second substrate having a first side and a second side, wherein both the first substrate and the second substrate include a thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof, and wherein the second side of the first substrate is releasably attached to the second side of the second substrate. |
| US07777769B2 |
Image forming unit and image forming apparatus
An image forming unit is provided in which, through making a distance limiting member to limit a distance between an exposing unit and an image carrying body be able to contact and separate with respect to the image carrying body by a contact/separation enabling section, it is eliminated that developer remaining on the surface of the image carrying body coagulates on the distance limiting member, so it is eliminated that the surface of the image carrying body is scraped by the developer, and that a bad print occurs. The image forming unit has an image carrying body exposed by an exposing unit, a distance limiting member to limit a distance between the exposing unit and the image carrying body. The distance limiting member is installed capable of contacting with and separating from the image carrying body by a contact/separation enabling section. |
| US07777768B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is capable of printing half-toned images of high quality. The image forming apparatus includes a photoconductive body and a light emitting element array. A plurality of light emitting elements is aligned in the light emitting element array. Each light emitting element array emits light to form an electrostatic latent image of a pixel on the photoconductive drum. A controller controllably drives the plurality of light emitting elements to form the electrostatic latent image, each pixel being formed by a combination of a total of N (N>1) light emitting elements. Each element of the N light emitting elements is driven with a different amount of energy from remainders of the N light emitting elements. |
| US07777767B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of adjusting color shift
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms a color image in which a plurality of color component images are superimposed; and a formation controlling unit that allows the image forming unit to form images for adjustment of formation positions of the respective color component images. The formation controlling unit allows the image forming unit to form, for each color, a plurality of adjustment images having different tilts with respect to a main scanning direction. A shift of a detected position of each adjustment image from a reference position in which each adjustment image should be formed is calculated, a tilt and an intercept of a regression line that uses the reference positions and the calculated shifts as variables are calculated, and a shift in the main scanning direction and a shift in a sub-scanning direction are determined based on the calculated tilt and intercept. |
| US07777762B2 |
Image processing device and method for design
There is provided an integrated information management system which mutually associates the information processing applications for processing the data derived from CAD data with others. In the integrated information management system, the virtual design data generated in a CAD system, the data used in a CAE system, the data used in a DMR system, and the data used in a mockup system are stored in correspondence with the respective conditions used in case of respectively displaying these data. Then, the image acquired by compositing the respective data is generated based on the respective conditions, and the generated image is displayed on an integrated display unit, whereby it is possible for a user to manage these data as the single data by dynamically changing over the data of the respective information processing applications. |
| US07777760B2 |
Display color correcting system
A display color-correcting system is provided. Color response values are measured that go into the vertices of polyhedra in a cubic color output space of the display. A set of corresponding values for the display is built from intermediate values determined between the measured color response values. The intermediate values are determined by decomposition and interpolation of interpolation volumes in the cubic color output space. Each of the interpolation volumes is the combined volume of a selected polyhedron within the cubic color output space and a predetermined volume of space between the selected polyhedron and the next polyhedron within the cubic color output space. The set of corresponding values is converted into decoupled RGB adjustment values that specify the RGB signals independently for the display to produce corrected colors. The RGB adjustment values are saved into one or more look-up tables. |
| US07777759B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image display apparatus using same
An image processing apparatus of the present invention comprising (a) a first signal processing circuit for applying gamma correction to an n-bit (n: a natural number) digital signal inputted as a video signal and for converting the n-bit digital signal into an m-bit (m>n, m: a natural number) digital signal, and (b) a second signal processing circuit for adding a noise signal, which is used for pseudo contour reduction, into the m-bit digital signal from the first signal processing circuit and for outputting a Q-bit (Q: a natural number) digital signal, which is obtained from rounding off a less significant (m−Q) bit (Q≦n) from the m-bit digital signal, to a display section. |
| US07777757B2 |
Method for displaying an autostereoscopic image having N viewpoints
The invention relates to a method for displaying an autostereoscopic image having N viewpoints on at least a portion of a screen containing display pixels arranged in lines and columns, each display pixel containing a first, a second and a third color point aligned on the same line and each being of a different color (R.V.B.). The first display pixel of one line is constituted of color points of row 1 to 3, the second display pixel of one line is constituted of color points of row 4 to 6, the display pixel of row q of a line is constituted of color points of row (3q 2) to 3q. According to the inventive method, N is greater than 1 and the pixels of an autostereoscopic image to be displayed are displayed in such a manner that the 3 color points of each display pixel display 3 homologous color component color points of pixels of the autostereoscopic image coming from at least two pixels of the same row of at least two different viewpoints. The invention is characterized in that, for at least one group of two successive image lines comprising a first, a second and a third line, said spatial distribution of the 3 color points is offset by a step corresponding to a color point when passing from one line of the group to an adjacent line. |
| US07777756B2 |
Method and apparatus for calibrating color property of monitor
A method and an apparatus for calibrating a color property of a monitor used in a system including a color conversion module, a color measurement module and a display module. The method includes storing a target color property and measuring a color property of an image displayed on the display module using the color measurement module and generating an image control signal so as to control the color property of the image displayed on the display module based on the target color property and the measured color property of the image. The image control signal is adaptable to a color conversion scheme of the color conversion module. |
| US07777755B2 |
Display device calibration system
A display device calibration system is provided. The overall color response of a display family is characterized, and the idiosyncratic color response characteristics of the display family are determined. The idiosyncratic color response characteristics of the display family are related to respective idiosyncratic color response points. Individual idiosyncratic color response point values for an individual member of the display family are determined. The color response of the individual member of the display family is specified from the individual idiosyncratic color response point values of the individual member of the display family and the overall color response of the display family. |
| US07777751B2 |
Tiled memory array for full search motion estimation
A plurality of memory circuits and a logic circuit. The plurality of memory circuits may be configured to store a plurality of pixels. The pixels may be used in a motion estimation stage of a video encoder. The logic circuit may be configured to (i) control which of the pixels are stored in which of the plurality of memory banks and (ii) control accessing of the plurality of pixels. |
| US07777746B2 |
System and method for video choreography
An electronic entertainment system for creating a video sequence by executing video game camera behavior based upon a video game sound file includes a memory configured to store an action event/camera behavior (AE/CB) database, game software such as an action generator module, and one or more sound files. In addition, the system includes a sound processing unit coupled to the memory for processing a selected sound file, and a processor coupled to the memory and the sound processing unit. The processor randomly selects an AE pointer and a CB pointer from the AE/CB database. Upon selection of the CB pointer and the AE pointer, the action generator executes camera behavior corresponding to the selected CB pointer to view an action event corresponding to the selected AE pointer. |
| US07777743B2 |
Viewing multi-dimensional data through hierarchical visualization
A method for hierarchical visualization of multi-dimensional data is provided. A first dimension-reduction process is applied to a multi-dimensional data set to obtain a first visualization. A subset of the multi-dimensional data set associated with a selected region of the dimension-reduced first visualization is selected. A second dimension-reduction process is applied to the selected subset of the multi-dimensional data set to obtain at least one additional visualization. |
| US07777742B2 |
Systems and methods of non-rigid volume registration
A method and system of volume deformation, including accessing a tree structure for a set of deformation maps. The tree structure is traversed for each voxel in an original volume and each voxel is transformed according to each deformation map corresponding to a node of the tree structure until the entire original volume is deformed into reference volume space. Also, a method and system of generating an ordered map tree structure, including identifying a root node of a bounding box, the bounding box being a union of the root node's descendants. Child nodes are identified for each node, the child nodes being ordered so that a left child is applied before a corresponding right child, wherein each child node contains a deformation map and a corresponding bounding box. Each path originating from the root node corresponds to a complete deformation map sequence, and when a portion of two deformation maps overlap, the deformation map having a lower priority is a child of the deformation map having a higher priority. |
| US07777731B2 |
System and method for selection of points of interest during quantitative analysis using a touch screen display
A system for selecting points of interest on an anatomical image includes a main image display; a touch-screen display; a processing unit; and a network configured to interface the processing unit with the main image display and with the touch-screen display. An image displayed on the main display is concurrently displayed on the touch-screen display. The touch-screen display and the main image display concurrently display anatomical points of interest and the touch-screen display is configured to enable selecting anatomical points of interest by touching the points of interest on the touch-screen display. Touching of the points of interest can be effected by a user touching the touch-screen display, by a stylus, by a light pen, by a mouse, by a track ball, and by a joystick control. A corresponding method is also disclosed. Quantitative results are displayed on the main display. |
| US07777727B2 |
Touch detectable display device
A display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel having a first display area and a second display area. The display panel includes: a plurality of first display circuits disposed in the first display area; a plurality of second display circuits disposed in the second display area; and a plurality of touch sensing circuits disposed in the second display area. |
| US07777726B2 |
Touch panel, display device and method of producing touch panel
This invention provides a touch panel having excellent durability in a high-temperature high-moisture environment and a production method thereof. In a touch panel 1 including a pair of transparent glass substrates 1a and 2a each having a transparent electrode 1b, 2b and so arranged as to oppose each other through a seal portion 3, a thickness of the seal portion 3 is set to be not greater than 8 μm (exclusive of 0). In this way, moisture permeating through the seal portion 3 and entering a gap between the pair of transparent glass substrates 1a and 2a can be reduced. |
| US07777724B2 |
Dustfree and waterproof rolling-ball optical mouse
A dustfree and waterproof rolling-ball optical mouse includes a concave housing; a rolling ball movably engaged with the concave housing; a dustproof gasket fixed on the concave surface of the concave housing; a leakage hole of a conduit defined in a center of the concave surface of the concave housing; an aperture for allowing light through which is eccentrically defined in the bottom of the concave surface of the concave housing; and a waterproof tab formed around the edge of the aperture. |
| US07777717B2 |
Handheld electronic device and method for performing spell checking during text entry and for integrating the output from such spell checking into the output from disambiguation
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with a disambiguation routine that is operable to disambiguate text input. In addition to identifying and outputting representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input, the device is able to perform a spell check routine during input of a text entry, with the output from the spell check routine being visually integrated into the output from the disambiguation routine. |
| US07777713B2 |
Device and method for driving large-sized and high-resolution display panel
A display device is provided with a display panel, a data line driving circuitry, and a scan line driving circuitry. The display panel includes: a plurality of data lines extending in a column direction; a plurality of scan lines extending in a row direction; a plurality of pixels disposed at respective intersections of the plurality of data lines and the plurality of scan lines, and a dummy data line arranged in parallel to the plurality of data lines. The data line driving circuitry drives the plurality of data lines and the dummy data line. The scan line driving circuitry drives the plurality of scan lines. The data line driving circuitry feeds a dummy signal to the scan line driving circuitry through the dummy data line. The scan line driving circuitry drives the scan lines in response to the dummy signal. |
| US07777712B2 |
Level shift circuit and display using same
The level shift circuit and the display using same are disclosed. The level shift circuit includes a shift logic circuit and a logic controller. The shift logic circuit is capable of shifting a level of an input signal. The logic controller is capable of resetting the shift logic circuit before the shift logic circuit shifting the level of the input signal, and then enabling the shift logic circuit to shift the level of the input signal. |
| US07777710B2 |
Display device
A display device is proposed in which scan line driver circuits are not disposed on opposite sides of a scan line, but one end of the scan line is driven by a scan line driver circuit, while the other end of the scan line is driven by a scan line auxiliary circuit which has a significantly smaller circuit scale and lower power consumption than the scan line driver circuit. The scan line auxiliary circuit is controlled with a selection pulse of the scan line or a signal of the scan line driver circuit, and is electrically connected to a fixed potential through a transistor. When a potential of the scan line is switched by the scan line driver circuit, the scan line auxiliary circuit operates so that the scan line is driven from its opposite ends. |
| US07777708B2 |
Cross-talk correction for a liquid crystal display
A method for reducing cross-talk on a liquid crystal display begins by receiving pixel data defining an image comprising a plurality of pixels; the received pixel data includes an intensity value associated with each pixel. The image is compressed by reducing the range of the intensity values of all the pixels in the image; the compressing step comprising arithmetically adjusting the intensity values of the pixels. Lines in the compressed image that are disposed to create cross-talk are identified. The image is then decompressed by applying a scale factor to the adjusted intensity value associated only with the pixels in the identified lines. The scale factor is selected such that a display image rendered on a liquid crystal display from the pixel data of the decompressed image has less cross-talk than a display image rendered on a liquid crystal display from the received pixel data. |
| US07777704B2 |
System and method for controlling a multi-string light emitting diode backlighting system for an electronic display
The present invention relates to displays that use LED strings for backlighting. A lead string is provided with continuous drive voltage and the non-lead strings are provided with pulsed drive pulses. The string having the highest forward voltage is selected as the lead string. Feedback information indicative of the currents flowing through the non-lead strings is used to determine the duty cycles of the voltage pulses provided to drive the non-lead strings. The non-lead strings are controlled using pulsed drive voltages to minimize power dissipation in the circuit. |
| US07777702B2 |
System and method for driving solid-state light sources
System and method for driving solid-state light sources utilizing saturation mode current drivers. A preferred embodiment comprises charging a first drive circuit, discharging the first drive circuit into the solid-state light source, charging a second drive circuit, and discharging the second drive circuit into the solid-state light source. The alternating of the charging and discharging of two drive circuits ensures that there is a minimum amount of time without the capability of providing the drive current to solid-state light source. The use of saturation mode drive circuits ensures that it is possible to rapidly switch the solid-state light source on and off, improving the performance of the solid-state light source by minimizing the minimum amount of light producible by the solid-state light source, while reducing power consumption by eliminating the need to provide a headroom voltage. |
| US07777699B2 |
Display system having pixels
A light emitting apparatus and a method of displaying an image therewith is disclosed. The light emitting apparatus includes a spine and a rib. The rib is attached to the spine and includes a plurality of alternating nodes and connection links. At least one of the connection links is thinner in cross-section than at least one of the nodes. The light emitting apparatus then further includes a connector to attach multiple light emitting apparatuses together. The light emitting apparatus further includes a plurality of pixels, in which the pixels are configured to receive a data signal and power. |
| US07777695B2 |
Plasma display device
A plasma display device which selectively generates address discharge in each display cell in accordance with pixel data based on a video signal in an address period, applies a sustain pulse between row electrodes forming each row electrode pair in a sustain period, and applies, in the sustain period, a discharge timing control pulse to one row electrode of each row electrode pair, so that the discharge timing control pulse partly overlaps with a first sustain pulse in terms of time, which is applied to the other row electrode of each row electrode pair. |
| US07777693B2 |
Image output apparatus having a communication unit, and control method thereof
An image output apparatus has a communication unit which can communicate with a plurality of external devices, displays an image received from an external device through the communication unit, and acquires, from an external device serving as a provision source of the image being displayed, indication information related to sending of the image to an external device. The image output apparatus controls sending of the image being displayed to an external device other than the external device serving as the provision source on the basis of the acquired indication information. |
| US07777690B2 |
Radio frequency lens and method of suppressing side-lobes
An RF lens according to the present invention embodiments collimates an RF beam by refracting the beam into a beam profile that is diffraction-limited. The lens is constructed of a lightweight mechanical arrangement of two or more materials, where the materials are arranged to form a photonic crystal structure (e.g., a series of holes defined within a parent material). The lens includes impedance matching layers, while an absorptive or apodizing mask is applied to the lens to create a specific energy profile across the lens. The impedance matching layers and apodizing mask similarly include a photonic crystal structure. The energy profile function across the lens aperture is continuous, while the derivatives of the energy distribution function are similarly continuous. This lens arrangement produces a substantial reduction in the amount of energy that is transmitted in the side-lobes of an RF system. |
| US07777685B2 |
Small spherical antennas
An antenna is provided for operating within the electrically small antenna regime (i.e., ka≅0.5), and having bandwidth performance quite close to fundamental limits. The antenna of the invention, in various embodiments, is based upon spherical resonator structures that are characterized by a performance factor (Q/Qchu,) close to 1.5. The antenna combines a resonator structure determined according to the method of the invention with an appropriate transmission line feeding arrangement, such that the resonator effectively couples the transmission line mode to the radiating spherical harmonic mode in an impedance-matched manner. |
| US07777683B2 |
Ferroelectric lens
A lens (300, 500) is disclosed for steering the exit direction (Ω) of an incident electromagnetic wave. The lens comprises a main body (210, 510) of a ferroelectric material with a first main surface (207, 507) and a first transformer (220, 222). The electromagnetic wave enters and exits the lens through the transformer, and the lens comprises means (370, 380) for creating a DC-field in a first direction in the main body. The main body (210, 510) of ferroelectric material comprises a plurality (21011-210NN, 51011-510NN) of slabs of the ferroelectric material, each slab also comprising a first (403, 603) and a second electrode of a conducting material. The means for creating a DC-field can create a gradient DC-field in the first direction using the first and second electrodes, so that the dielectric constant in the main body will also be a gradient in the first direction, thus enabling steering of the existing electromagnetic wave. |
| US07777675B2 |
Deployable passive broadband aircraft tracking
In a first, preferred embodiment of the present invention, integrated tracking is provided using passive broadband. The invention takes the system for deployable passive broadband detection and extends it by incorporating the capability to decode position for ADS-B, SSR multilateration, and broadband multilateration. In a second embodiment, validation of a self-reported position is provided. The invention takes the system for deployable passive broadband detection and extends it by incorporating the capability to decode self-reported position for ADS-B, and compare it to line of calculated position, or line of precision, derived from multilateration techniques applied to various signals received from the aircraft. In a third embodiment, validation of a self-reported ADS-B position using independent surveillance is provided by the system. |
| US07777674B1 |
Mobile distributed antenna array for wireless communication
A mobile distributed antenna array can include a plurality of mobile platforms, each platform having at least one antenna element and radio equipment coupled to the at least one antenna element. The radio equipment can be capable of transmission, reception, or both of propagated radio signals. A control platform can be capable of communication with the mobile platforms to control movement of the mobile platforms to position the mobile platforms relative to each other to provide a desired array pattern. |
| US07777665B1 |
Comparing range data across the slow-time dimension to correct motion measurement errors beyond the range resolution of a synthetic aperture radar
Motion measurement errors that extend beyond the range resolution of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) can be corrected by effectively decreasing the range resolution of the SAR in order to permit measurement of the error. Range profiles can be compared across the slow-time dimension of the input data in order to estimate the error. Once the error has been determined, appropriate frequency and phase correction can be applied to the uncompressed input data, after which range and azimuth compression can be performed to produce a desired SAR image. |
| US07777662B2 |
Analogue-to-digital converter and method for using the same
An analogue-to-digital (A/D) converter converts an analogue input signal to a digital code representing the analogue input signal. The A/D converter includes a comparator for comparing the input signal with a reference signal, a search logic block for determining the digital code, and an A/D converter arranged for receiving input from the search logic block and for providing the reference signal to be applied to the comparator. At least a first portion of the A/D converter is implemented with equal capacitors and may be controlled by a thermometer coded signal. Additionally, the A/D converter may include a second portion implemented using binary weighted capacitors controlled by a thermometer coded or binary coded signal. The A/D converter may also include a plurality of A/D converters coupled by an analogue addition circuit or a weighted summing amplifier. |
| US07777655B2 |
Wideband switched current source
Traditionally, constant current source circuits (and, in particular, constant current source circuits that include cascoded current sources) had numerous drawbacks due to parasitic capacitances, especially at higher switching frequencies. Here, however, a constant current source circuit is provided which uses main and replica constant current source circuitry (with buffering therebetween) to counteract the problems created by parasitic capacitances. Thus, with these new circuits, a generally constant current can be generated, regardless of switching frequency. |
| US07777654B2 |
System and method for context-based adaptive binary arithematic encoding and decoding
A system is disclosed for context-based adaptive binary arithmetic encoding and decoding. The system comprises a calculating device configured to calculate an index value for one of a first bin to be encoded and a second bin to be decoded, a memory device to store context models in cluster, wherein the index value for one of the first bin and the second bin is related to one of the context models, and a binary arithmetic unit configured to serve as one of an encoder for encoding the first bin based on the one context model and a decoder for decoding the second bin based on the one context model. |
| US07777653B2 |
Decoding variable-length code (VLC) bitstream information
An information handling system includes a processor that may perform decoding of a variable-length code (VLC) bitstream after preprocessing the bitstream. The bitstream includes multiple VLC symbols as binary codewords. The processor analyzes incoming VLC bitstream information and generates VLC codeword symbol information in conformance with a VLC lookup table. The processor may access a 2 dimensional VLC lookup table in real time or on-the-fly. The VLC lookup table may reside in a system memory of the IHS. The single VLC lookup table may exhibit two dimensional indexing by leading zero count and bit-length possibility. |
| US07777650B2 |
Key system with two operation nodes for detecting status of keys
A key system utilizes two operation nodes to detect the status of a plurality of keys, and each operation node can output and read a high, a low, and a clock signal. When an operation node outputs a high signal and reads a return signal and then outputs a low signal and reads a return signal, the other operation node outputs a clock signal. Therefore, the two operation nodes can detect the status of six keys. |
| US07777648B2 |
Mode information displayed in a mapping application
Provided is a single repository for capturing, connecting, sharing, and visualizing information based on a geographic location, for example. Detailed information about a structure or other object information can be displayed as mode information. An object of interest can be identified by monitoring a user activity or inactivity with regard to a displayed map. If the user hovers a pointing device over an object within the displayed map for longer than a predetermined amount of time, it can be inferred that the user should be presented with additional information regarding the object. |
| US07777636B2 |
System and method for continual cable thermal monitoring using cable characteristic considerations in power over Ethernet
A system and method for continual cable thermal monitoring using cable characteristic considerations in Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Cable heating in PoE applications is detected through changes in electrical characteristics of the cable itself. By periodically monitoring the electrical characteristics such as insertion loss or cross talk of the cable, it can be determined whether the cable has exceeded certain thermal operating thresholds. |
| US07777635B2 |
Power failure management for respiratory system heater unit
A heater unit includes power failure management to detect disruptions in the electrical power supply, such as the AC supply, for the unit. The heater unit emits an audible alarm in response to detection of such a disruption, and may shut down the heater(s) and visuals display(s). The heater unit advantageously includes a power storage device, such as a super-capacitor, to temporarily power the electronic circuitry of the heater unit. Operating parameters, such as of a processor of the electronic circuitry, may be stored in a non-volatile memory response to the disruption, and recalled if the disruption terminates before the level of power has gotten too low to sustain reliable operation of the processor. |
| US07777634B2 |
Scattered light smoke detector
A scattered light smoke detector containing an optoelectronical assembly for measuring scatter signals detected below at least one forward scatter angle and at least one backscatter angle and evaluation electronics for determining an alarm value in accordance with the difference between the scatter signals. Smoke signals are produced from the scatter signals by means of a pre-processing step and a measured value is obtained from the smoke signals. The measured value is formed by a linear linking of the sum of the smoke signals to the difference between the smoke signals BW, FW or by establishing the value for the difference between the smoke signals. The linear linking is calculated according to the formula k1(BW+FW)+k2(BW−FW), in which BW and FW are smoke signals and k1 and k2 represent two constants that are influenced among others by an application factor that is dependent on the environmental conditions in the installation location of the detector. |
| US07777632B2 |
Acoustic occupancy sensor
An acoustic occupancy sensor includes and acoustic transmitter, acoustic receiver, variable bandpass filter and a controller. The acoustic transmitter transmits acoustic signals into a defined region and the acoustic receiver receives acoustic signals from the defined region. The received acoustic signal is converted to an electrical signal. A pre-amplifier amplifies the electrical signal and the electrical signal is digitized. The digitized electrical signal is demodulated by a demodulator to remove the carrier signal. The digitized electrical signal is filtered by a bandpass filter that sweeps up along a range of frequencies and down along a range of frequencies. The amplitudes of the filtered signals are averaged and analyzed to determine the presence or absence of an occupant within the defined region. |
| US07777629B2 |
Apparatus and method for preventing loss of baggage using RFID
Provided is an apparatus and method for preventing air baggage from getting lost using a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The apparatus for preventing baggage from getting lost, change, or stolen in which a baggage tag storing baggage management information is attached to the baggage and a receipt tag storing the baggage management information is issued to a baggage owner, the apparatus includes: a tag reader reading the receipt tag and the baggage tag in a predetermined area; and a determiner determining whether the tag reader reads the receipt tag including the same baggage management information as the baggage management information of the baggage tag within a predetermined time before and after the tag reader reads the baggage tag. As a result, air baggage is quickly and exactly managed, costs is reduced, and foreign confidence of an airport is increased, thereby preventing baggage from getting lost and exchanged. |
| US07777627B2 |
Item-level access tracking using tag writing events
An electronic seal may be associated with a container and configured to detect an access event associated with the container, and may be further configured to output a notification of the access event in response thereto. A tag writer may be configured to receive the notification of the access event and further configured, in response, to write a data element to a write-once memory of a tag that is attached to an item within the container, the data element signifying the access event. |
| US07777619B2 |
System and method for implementing active safety counter measures for an impaired driver
Various methods and systems are disclosed for implementing active safety countermeasures in vehicles when it is determined that the driver is impaired. |
| US07777618B2 |
Collision detection system and method of estimating target crossing location
A collision detection system and method of estimating a crossing location are provided. The system includes a first sensor for sensing an object in a field of view and sensing a first range defined as the distance between the object and the first sensor. The system also includes a second sensor for sensing the object in the field of view and sensing a second range defined by the distance between the object and the second sensor. The system further includes a controller for processing the first and second range measurements and estimating a crossing location of the object as a function of the first and second range measurements. The crossing location is estimated using range and range rate in a W-plane in one embodiment and using a time domain approach in another embodiment. |
| US07777616B2 |
Intersection information provision system and driving assist system
In an intersection information provision system, multiple cameras are installed oriented towards the direction where each road extends from the intersection. Each camera captures as an image or video the state ranging from the intersection to each road. Therefore, the area of the captured image by each camera is narrowed down. When this captured image is displayed in a display unit of a navigation apparatus in a vehicle, the driver of the vehicle can perform safety check easily. Furthermore, according to the traveling direction of the vehicle at the intersection, a display pattern of several captured images to be displayed is determined. According to the determined display pattern, multiple captured images are displayed in order. Therefore, image information required to pass through the intersection safely can be offered without shortage to the driver of the vehicle. |
| US07777608B2 |
Secure cargo transportation system
One embodiment provides a wireless communications device comprising a processing unit; a location-determining subsystem communicatively coupled to the processing unit, the location-determining subsystem to determine a current location of the wireless communications device using a global positioning system (GPS); a first wireless communications subsystem coupled to the processing unit, the first wireless communications subsystem to communicate location information using a cellular communications system; and a second wireless communications subsystem coupled to the processing unit, the second wireless communications subsystem to modulate a radio frequency (RE) field provided by a remote interrogator to wirelessly provide a random number generated on the wireless communications device as an identifier of the wireless communications device; wherein the second wireless communications subsystem is switchable between transmitting in a passive mode and transmitting in an active mode. |
| US07777603B2 |
Armature and solenoid assembly
An armature for a solenoid assembly is disclosed. The armature includes a first portion, a second portion, and a fin. The first portion has a first axial length and a first diameter, and the first portion is configured for operative connection with a pole piece. The second portion has a second axial length and a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The fin extends radially from the second portion and has an axial length that is less than the axial length of the second portion. A solenoid assembly is also disclosed. |
| US07777602B2 |
Superconducting wire and superconducting coil made therewith
Tape-shaped superconducting wires, and a superconducting coil formed from said wires, wherein a plurality of electrically separated superconducting film parts, each having a rectangular cross section and arranged in parallel, form parallel conductors, providing superconducting wires capable of containing losses incurred in the presence of alternating current (A/C). A superconducting coil is made by winding the superconducting wires, wherein the coil structure contains at least a part wherein perpendicular interlinkage magnetic fluxes acting among conductor elements of the parallel conductors by the distribution of magnetic fields generated by the superconducting coils cancel mutually in order to contain circulating current within the wires and to make shunt current uniform, thereby providing a low-loss A/C superconducting coil. |
| US07777597B2 |
Band reject filters
Band reject filters are disclosed. A band reject filter includes a first acoustic resonator and a second acoustic resonator, each of which has either shunt resonators adapted to resonate substantially at respective resonance frequencies defining a rejection frequency band or series resonators adapted to anti-resonate substantially at respective anti-resonance frequencies defining the rejection frequency band. These resonators are connected through a phase shifter which imparts an impedance phase shift of approximately 45° to 135°. Exemplary applications of the band reject filters disclosed herein include implementation as an inter-stage band reject filter for a base station power amplifier for a wireless communication system, as a radio frequency band reject filter in a duplexer for a wireless communication terminal, and in a low noise amplifier input stage. |
| US07777592B2 |
Antenna sharing device and portable telephone
An antenna sharing device has a common signal terminal pair, a first terminal pair, a second terminal pair, a first filter, a second filter, a first inductor element, second inductor elements, third inductor elements. The second and third inductor elements have a plurality of inductor elements, respectively. An inductor element closest to the first terminal pair among the inductor elements included in the second inductor elements and an inductor element closest to the second terminal pair among the third inductor elements are arranged further away from the first inductor element than the other inductor elements included in the second and third inductor elements, or formed on a substrate different from a substrate on which the first inductor element is formed, or formed opposite to the first inductor element by sandwiching a shielding pattern. |
| US07777589B2 |
Balun transformer
A balun transformer includes a first conductive pattern having one end provided as an input/output port of an unbalanced signal, a second conductive pattern electromagnetically coupled to the first conductive pattern and having both ends provided as input/output ports of a balanced signal, and a first variable capacitor connected between a ground part and a middle part of an electrical length of the second conductive pattern. |
| US07777588B2 |
Transmission path for use in RF fields
A transmission path (13) for transmitting high frequency (RF) signals is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of lead segments (20, 21, 22) which are coupled to one another on one end by a capacitive coupling element (30) and on the other end by an inductive coupling element (31) and which each have an effective length of approximately λi/4, wherein λi is the wavelength of a differential mode signal to be transmitted over the path (13). By providing these element (30, 31) in the form of distributed elements which electrically extend over at least a part of adjacent lead segments (20, 21; 21, 22) a very thin transmission path (13) can be realized, which is especially suitable for use with invasive catheters. Furthermore, this path (13) can be guided through RF fields of a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system because common mode resonances are effectively suppressed. |
| US07777587B2 |
Minimum pulse width for pulse width modulation control
The rising edge of a pulse width modulated output signal occurs after an input ramp signal starts to rise. The ramp signal starts to rise after the rising edge of a periodic set signal and before the falling edge of a periodic set signal. A feedback control signal intersects a substantially linear region of the ramp signal to generate a reset signal using a PWM comparator. The periodic set signal and reset signal are input to a latching circuit to generate the pulse width modulated output signal. The minimum pulse width can approach zero while having adequate overdrive to the PWM comparator. Having the rising edge of the reset signal rise before the falling edge of the set signal can allow a zero percent duty cycle without the need for a ramp offset voltage. |
| US07777585B1 |
Passive temperature compensation for an oscillator
A technique for reducing temperature sensitivity of an LC oscillator circuit includes a passive circuit coupled in parallel with a load capacitor. In at least one embodiment, an oscillator circuit is configured to generate a periodic signal having a free-running frequency. The oscillator circuit includes a first circuit portion including at least one inductor coupled in parallel with at least one load capacitor. The first circuit portion has an inductance-capacitance product that has a first temperature sensitivity. The oscillator circuit includes a passive circuit portion coupled in parallel with the first circuit portion. The passive circuit portion includes at least one resistor in series with at least one capacitor. The passive circuit portion has a second temperature sensitivity that opposes an effect of the first temperature sensitivity on the free-running frequency of the oscillator circuit, thereby reducing temperature sensitivity of the free-running frequency. |
| US07777577B2 |
Dual path phase locked loop (PLL) with digitally programmable damping
In a method and apparatus for controlling damping and bandwidth in a phase locked loop (PLL), a loop filter is configured to have a dual path for charge pump current. A 3 dB bandwidth of the PLL is controlled by adjusting gain of a proportional current path. An integral current path includes a gating circuit to digitally control an amount of time an integral charge pump current received is passed through as an effective integral charge pump current. A resistor and capacitor (RC) circuit filters the proportional and effective integral charge pump currents, thereby providing a filtered input to a voltage controlled oscillator. Damping and hence peaking of the PLL is precisely controlled by sampling one of every p samples of the integral charge pump current to provide the effective integral charge pump current, p being an integer. |
| US07777576B2 |
Digital phase locked loop with gear shifting
An embodiment of the present invention provides a phase locked loop that operates on clock signals derived from an RF clock signal generated by the phase locked loop. A frequency reference input provides a reference clock. A controllable oscillator generates the RF clock signal. A phase detection circuit operates on the reference clock to provide digital phase error samples indicative of a phase difference between the reference clock and the RF clock. A programmable filter is connected to receive the phase error samples and connected to provide a filtered output having a gain and a phase margin to the controllable oscillator. The programmable filter includes a proportional loop gain control having a programmable loop gain coefficient (alpha—α) and an integral loop gain control having a programmable loop gain coefficient (rho—ρ). Alpha and rho are configured to be programmatically changed simultaneously and are selected such that the gain is changed and the phase margin remains substantially unchanged. |
| US07777568B2 |
High frequency receiver preamplifier with CMOS rail-to-rail capability
A folded cascode receiver amplifier with constant gain has inputs coupled to PMOS and NMOS differential transistors pairs with scaled geometries. The transconductance of both PMOS and NMOS transistors is the same whether the common mode input voltage is low or high. In a first version the transconductance of both PMOS and NMOS differential transistor pairs is reduced when the common mode input voltage is at mid-rail. Resistive means between current sources and the sources of the PMOS and NMOS transistor pairs force the current source transistors into the triode region of operation. A second version insures a constant voltage gain through control means which maintain a constant ratio of the transconductance of the output stage transistors versus the PMOS and NMOS differential transistor pairs when active. |
| US07777567B2 |
RF power amplifier stability network
A radio frequency (RF) generator for applying RF power to a plasma chamber includes a DC power supply (B+). A radio frequency switch generates the RF power at a center frequency f0. A low-pass dissipative terminated network connects between the DC power supply (B+) and the switch and includes operates at a first cutoff frequency. The switch outputs a signal to an output network which improves the fidelity of the system. The output network generates an output signal fed to a high-pass subharmonic load isolation filter that passes RF power above a predetermined frequency. A low-pass harmonic load isolation filter may be inserted between the output network and the high-pass subharmonic load isolation filter, and a high-pass terminated network may connect to the output of the output network. The high-pass terminated network dissipates RF power above a predetermined frequency. An offline short or shunt network may connect between the output of the switch and the input of the output network for shorting the output of the switch at predetermined frequencies. |
| US07777564B2 |
Amplifier using sigma-delta modulation and method for adjusting errors of the amplifier thereof
An amplifier includes a sigma-delta modulating circuit, a power stage circuit, two feedback components, an error suppressing circuit, and a selecting circuit. The sigma-delta modulating circuit generates two input voltages according to two input signals or one single-ended signal. The power stage circuit provides two output voltages according to the two input voltages or an error adjusting voltage. The two feedback components are respectively coupled to two output terminals of the power stage circuit and two input terminals of the sigma-delta modulating circuits. The error suppressing circuit is used for providing the error adjusting voltage according to the two input voltages. The selecting circuit selects outputs depending on whether the two input voltages corresponding to different logic levels or an identical logic level for adjusting the power stage circuit to suppress a mismatch error between the two feedback components. |
| US07777559B2 |
Reference voltage generator for analog-to-digital converter circuit
To mitigate kickback noise effect, the present invention provides a reference voltage generator for an analog-to-digital converter circuit. The reference voltage generator includes a bias generator, a bias converter and an output unit. The bias generator is used for generating a first bias voltage in accordance with a reference voltage. The bias converter is coupled to the bias generator and is used for converting the first bias voltage to a second bias voltage. The output unit is coupled to the bias converter and used for generating a first voltage to a load circuit in accordance with the second bias voltage. |
| US07777556B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit and semiconductor apparatus integrally having semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first power supply whose potential is controlled under control operation from an external control circuit, a second power supply whose potential is controlled under control operation from the external control circuit, and whose potential can be set independently of the first power supply, a first power-supply system comprising a circuit driven by the first power supply, a second power-supply system comprising a circuit driven by the second power supply, and a connecting circuit that performs connecting operation between a first high-potential line of the first power-supply system and a second high-potential line of the second power-supply system in response to a potential-matching signal indicating that the first power-supply system and the second power-supply system are operated by the same potential from the external control circuit. |
| US07777555B2 |
Temperature compensating circuit and method
A temperature compensating circuit including a reference circuit, a transistor and a first circuit is provided. The reference circuit has a reference current and a resistance circuit, wherein the resistance circuit includes a first terminal receiving the reference current, a second terminal and a negative-temperature-coefficient resistor. The transistor has a drain, a source and a path disposed between the drain and the source, wherein the path of the transistor is connected in series with the resistance circuit, a gate of the transistor is electrically connected to the drain of the transistor and the second terminal of the resistance circuit, and the drain of the transistor produces a bias-voltage signal. The first circuit produces an output signal having a variable frequency in response to the bias-voltage signal, wherein the temperature compensating circuit utilizes the negative-temperature-coefficient resistor to compensate the variable frequency for a temperature change in the temperature compensating circuit. |
| US07777552B1 |
Logarithmic amplifier with RMS post-processing
An RF measurement system includes an envelope detector to extract the modulation envelope of the RF input signal. The resulting baseband envelope signal is then applied to a statistics extraction circuit which provides a precise measure of the modulation envelope. The statistics extraction circuit can be implemented with any number of lower-frequency precision measurement technologies because the high-frequency carrier portion of the signal is removed, and thus, the demands on the post-envelope extraction circuit are greatly reduced. In one embodiment, the envelope detector and statistics extraction circuit may be implemented as a logarithmic amplifier followed by an RMS-responding post-processing circuit to provide accurate power measurement. Because the envelope signal is represented in the logarithmic domain, the square-law function required for RMS conversion can be accomplished by scaling the envelope signal by an appropriate factor before introducing it into a translinear loop in the RMS post-processing circuit. |
| US07777544B2 |
System and method to detect order and linearity of signals
A method comprises applying a first delay to a first signal that is ahead of a second signal in a series of signals and determining a first number of delay units that provides the first delay to change an order between the delayed first signal and the second signal that has a phase difference with the first signal. The method further comprises determining a similar number for any other pair of signals in the series of signals that have the phase difference. The method further comprises determining a maximum and a minimum from the obtained numbers and determining linearity of the seriels of signals based on a difference between the maximum and the minimum. |
| US07777542B2 |
Delay locked loop
A semiconductor memory device includes a delay locked loop for achieving a delay locked state by correcting a phase difference between a reference clock and an internal delayed clock and for indicating the state that a larger delay amount than a maximum delay amount of a delay line is required, or a smaller delay amount than a minimum delay amount of delay line is required. A control unit resets the delay locked loop according to the state of the delay line. |
| US07777538B2 |
Method and apparatus for slew rate control
Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling at least one of a rise time and a fall time of a signal. A plurality of time shifted clock signals are generated; and a received data signal is sampled using a plurality of parallel data paths, where each of the data paths are controlled by a corresponding one of the plurality of time shifted clock signals. The plurality of time shifted clock signals can be generated, for example, by at least one delay element. The plurality of parallel data paths can be substantially identical and comprise, for example, at least one latch or at least one flip flop. Compensation can optionally be provided for variations in, for example, process corner, supply voltage, aging and operating temperature. |
| US07777536B2 |
Synchronization circuit
A synchronization circuit includes a first flip-flop circuit to hold an input signal which is asynchronous to a clock signal by the clock signal, and output an output signal, a second flip-flop circuit to hold the input signal by a signal of an opposite phase to the clock signal and output a signal, a comparing unit to compare the input signal and the output signal of the first flip-flop circuit and output a signal with a high or low level depending on whether the input signal and the output signal of the first flip-flop circuit have the same level, a selection unit to select one of the output signal of the first flip-flop circuit and the output signal of the second flip-flop circuit depending on the level of the signal outputted by the comparing unit, and a third flip-flop circuit to output the output signal selected by the selection unit. |
| US07777534B2 |
Fraction-N frequency divider and method thereof
A fraction-N frequency divider includes a multi-phase clock generator, a first phase selector, a second phase selector, a glitch-free multiplexer, a control circuit, and a counter. The multi-phase clock generator is used for generating a plurality of clock signals with different phases. The first phase selector selects one of the clock signals as a first clock signal according to a first phase selecting signal. The second phase selector selects one of the clock signals as a second clock signal according to a second phase selecting signal. The glitch-free multiplexer is used for selectively outputting one of the first and second clock signals. The control circuit generates the first and second phase selecting signals and controls the clock switching timing of the glitch-free multiplexer according to a divisor setting. The counter is used for generating a frequency-divided signal according to the output of the glitch-free multiplexer. |
| US07777533B2 |
Semiconductor device
The present invention provides a semiconductor device includes arms formed by two semiconductor elements, a map memory device which stores therein a correlation map between a control value for each of the arms and an optimized dead time to be set for the control value or is capable of storing the same therein, drive control value acquiring means for acquiring a drive control value of each of the arms, and a dead time generating circuit for extracting the optimized dead time corresponding to the drive control value from the correlation map. The time taken until the other of the semiconductor elements is turned on after one thereof has received a command to turn off the same is the optimized dead time extracted by the dead time generating circuit. |
| US07777524B2 |
High voltage semiconductor device having shifters and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a high-voltage semiconductor device including a junction termination which electrically isolates a low voltage unit from a high voltage unit, and a method of fabricating the same. The high voltage semiconductor device includes a high voltage unit, a low voltage unit surrounding the high voltage unit, and a junction termination formed between the high voltage unit and the low voltage unit and surrounding the high voltage unit to electrically isolate the high voltage unit from the low voltage unit. The junction termination includes at least one level shifter which level shifts signals from the low voltage unit and supplies the same to the high voltage unit, a first device isolation region surrounding the high voltage unit to electrically isolate the high voltage unit from the level shifter, and a resistor layer electrically connecting neighboring level shifters. |
| US07777523B1 |
Level shifter flip-flop
A flip-flop or other state circuit that includes level-shifting functionality. In connection with a flip-flop, embodiments include an inverter circuit element that has a data input line as its input and a data complement line as its output. The inverter resides in voltage domain that is lower than the voltage domain associated with remainder of the flip-flop. |
| US07777519B2 |
Permutable switching network with enhanced multicasting signals routing for interconnection fabric
In one embodiment, an integrated circuit has a L-level permutable switching network (L-PSN) comprising L levels of intermediate conductors. The integrated circuit can be used in electronic devices, such as switching networks, routers, and programmable logic circuits, etc. |
| US07777518B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A buffer circuit is provided between a gate terminal of a pull-down transistor and a threshold circuit receiving a gate signal as an input signal. A voltage applied to an output terminal of a power semiconductor element from an external battery power supply is supplied to the buffer circuit through a resistive element. The buffer circuit converts the level of an on-signal output from the threshold circuit into a voltage higher than the threshold of the pull-down transistor, so that the pull-down transistor operates surely to turn off the power semiconductor element even when the level of the gate signal is low. Thus, there is provided a semiconductor integrated circuit device having a power semiconductor element which can be turned off by sure operation of a pull-down semiconductor element. |
| US07777515B2 |
Methods and systems for semiconductor testing using reference dice
Methods and systems of semiconductor testing where reference dice and non-reference dice in a wafer and/or lot are tested differently. In one embodiment of the invention, geography, lithography exposure, other characteristics, performance and/or behavior are taken into account when selecting reference dice, thereby improving the likelihood that the response of reference dice to testing is well representative of the wafer and/or lot. In one embodiment, based on data from the testing of reference dice, the test flow for non-reference dice and/or other testing may or may not be adjusted. |
| US07777514B2 |
Methods for transferring integrated circuits to a printed circuit board
The present invention implements a mechanism using an inter-connection layer to couple a plurality of integrated circuit devices to a printed circuit board, thereby eliminating the need for sockets to hold the integrated circuit devices on the printed circuit board. The mechanism of the present invention is operative for integrated circuit devices packaged in a ball grid array, a quad flat pack or a leadless quad flat pack. The present invention also provides a mechanism to efficiently transfer a plurality of integrated circuit devices from an integrated circuit device delivery tray to a burn-in board in a single process without requiring an autoloader, resulting in increased transfer reliability and both cost and space savings. |
| US07777511B2 |
Inspection apparatus having a capacitive pressure sensor between the mounting body and the support body
An inspection apparatus includes a movable mounting table for mounting thereon a target object, a probe card disposed above the mounting table and a control unit for controlling the mounting table. The target object is inspected by bringing a plurality of electrode pads of the target object mounted on the mounting table into contact with a plurality of probes of the probe card with a predetermined contact load by overdriving the mounting table. Further, the mounting table includes a mounting body whose temperature is controllable, a support body for supporting the mounting body, an elevation driving mechanism provided in the support body and pressure sensors provided between the mounting body and the support body to thereby detect the contact load. The control unit controls the elevation driving mechanism in accordance with detection signals from the pressure sensors. |
| US07777509B2 |
Method and apparatus for electrical testing
A test apparatus and device under test has a probe that can be located very close to contact pads and that requires very few solder connections. In addition, the probe can be configured to meet any appropriate and desired electrical specification while still using a same circuit board. There is no need to attach discrete components to a circuit board. Thus, by using a configurable probe, a single circuit board may be used with multiple probes or a reconfigurable probe to test for compliance with a variety of different electrical specifications having different requirements. |
| US07777508B2 |
Electrical test lead with a replaceable inline fuse
An electrical test lead for use with a multi-meter has a fuse assembly adapted to releasably hold a fuse in-line of the electrical wire connecting ends of the electrical test lead. The fuse assembly may be permanently attached to the electrical test leads or may be releasably attached at one or both ends thereof to electrical test lead sections. The fuse assembly includes a fuse holder that is preferably clear to see the replaceable fuse therein in order to determine whether the fuse has blown. The electrical test lead has a fuse assembly holding a replaceable fuse electrically connected to and situated between a first test lead section terminating in a test lead plug that is adapted to be received in a test lead receptacle of a multi-meter and a second test lead section terminating in one of an electrical test probe and a test lead receptor adapted to receive a test lead tool. |
| US07777506B2 |
High-voltage generator for an x-ray apparatus comprising a high-voltage measurement device
A high-voltage generator of an X-ray apparatus comprises a high-voltage measurement device. The measurement device comprises a compact component comprising both the measurement resistor and a film capacitor used both to protect said resistor and eliminate the parasitic effects induced by parasitic capacitances of the generator. The film capacitor is made in insulating films by a sequence of metalized strips and insulating strips. The films are positioned relative to one another in such a way that the film capacitor is formed by series-mounted discrete capacitors. To this end, between two successive films, the width of the bottom strips of the film crosses two metalized strips of the top film. |
| US07777505B2 |
Nanopore platforms for ion channel recordings and single molecule detection and analysis
A nanopore device includes a membrane having a nanopore extending there through forming a channel from a first side of the membrane to a second side of the membrane. The surface of the channel and first side of the membrane are modified with a hydrophobic coating. A first lipid monolayer is deposited on the first side of the membrane, and a second lipid monolayer is deposited on the second side of the membrane, wherein the hydrophobic coating causes spontaneous generation of a lipid bilayer across the nanopore orifice. Sensing entities, such as a protein ion channel, can be inserted and removed from the bilayer by adjusting transmembrane pressure, and adapter molecules can be electrostatically trapped in the ion channel by applying high transmembrane voltages, while resistance or current flow through the sensing entity can be measured electrically. |
| US07777498B2 |
Networked power line parameter analysis method and system
A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining power line parameter of a system. Specifically, there is provided a system for determining comprising a networked device including a voltage perturbation circuit coupled to a voltage source and configured to perturb the waveform of the voltage source, and a voltage measurement circuit coupled to the voltage source and configured to transmit voltage measurements of the waveform over a network and a remote monitoring unit, coupled to the network, and configured to receive the voltage measurements over the network and to calculate an incident energy using the voltage measurements. |
| US07777495B2 |
Method and a device for detecting signal lamps in a vehicle
Provided are a device and a method of detecting signal lamps in a vehicle, in particular in a large vehicle, being provided with a plurality of signal lamps each being capable of switching between an OFF-phase and an ON-phase. The method includes the steps of during the OFF-phase of a vehicle signal lamp to be probed inducing a probing current by connecting an electric current generator to said vehicle signal lamp circuit, where the probing current is lower than the nominal current for the lamp in question. The next step is to detect the electric voltage level over the lamp circuit and determining vehicle signal lamp characteristics such as type and condition based on said electric voltage level detection. The result of the determination is that the signal lamp is a LED lamp being connected, when the detected voltage level is within a predetermined interval between a first voltage level and a second voltage level. |
| US07777494B2 |
Arrangement for receiving and/or transmitting RF signals especially in a MRI system
An arrangement for receiving and/or transmitting RF signals and for feeding the same in a digital format between at least one RF antenna, coil and/or sensor unit (A, B) and a signal processing unit (8), by means of at least one digital cable (121, . . . 12n), especially for use in a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system is disclosed, wherein at least one of the RF antenna, coil and/or sensor units (A, B) and at least one side of the digital cables (121, . . . 12n) is provided with a digital signal connector (10c, 11a; 121a, 121b, . . . 12na, 12nb) for separably connecting both by plugging the connectors together. By transmitting the RF signals in a digital format, especially in a digital optical format, a plurality of digital cables (121, . . . 12n) with different lengths and digital connectors (121a, 121b, . . . 12na, 12nb) can be used which need not to be an inseparable part of the related RF antenna, coil or sensor, so that a great flexibility is achieved with respect to positioning of the RF antennas, coils and/or sensors for an examination, and a disturbance-free transmission of the RF signals can be ensured as well. |
| US07777492B2 |
Magnetic resonance compatible device and a method of conducting a high frequency power signal between regions of the device
The arrangement (10) is suited for transmitting an informative signal (S1), generated by suitable signal generator (1) at a first electrical site (7a) to a second electrical site (7b). The first electrical site (7a) is electrically connected to the second electrical site (7b) by means of a capacitively coupled transmission line (5a, 5b). In order to enable such capacitively coupled transmission line distributed or lumped capacitors (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) can be used. The arrangement is connectable to an accessory device (6), which may comprise a spectrometer, a further signal generator, tuning means, etc. The further signal (S2) is generated by the accessory device (6) and transported via the capacitively coupled transmission line (5a, 5b) in a direction from the second electrical site (7b) to the first electrical site (7a). The further signal (S2) can be used for feeding an amplifier (2), or for carrying the signal (S1). The arrangement further relates to a magnetic resonance compatible device, a magnetic resonance imaging system and a method of sensing magnetic resonance energy. |
| US07777483B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring a thickness of a layer of a wafer
A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the thickness of a test object. The apparatus includes an eddy current sensor having first and second sensor heads. The sensor heads are positioned to have a predetermined gap therebetween for passage by at least a portion of the test object through the gap. The sensor heads make measurements at given sampling locations on the test object as the test object is moved through the gap. The apparatus also includes a position sensing mechanism to determine positions of the sampling locations on the test object. The apparatus also includes an evaluation circuit in communication with the eddy current sensor and to the position sensing mechanism for determining the thickness of the test object at the sampling locations. |
| US07777481B2 |
Linear motion assembly having a self-energizing sensing device and method of detecting moving ferrous elements in a linear motion assembly
A self-energizing, non-contacting sensing device for detecting movement of ferrous elements, methods of use and assemblies therewith. The device includes a permanent magnet, a pair of ferrous conductors, an inductor coil and a microprocessor. The ferrous conductors are attached to the permanent magnet with free ends of the ferrous conductors being spaced from one another to provide a gap. The gap provides an open circuit in the absence of the moving ferrous elements and a substantially closed circuit in the presence of the moving ferrous elements. When the circuit alters between open and closed states, in the absence and presence of the moving ferrous elements, respectively, an electromotive force imparted on the inductor coil generates an alternating current. The microprocessor is configured to detect the alternating current produced in the inductor coil, and thus, can assess whether the ferrous elements are moving in a normal or abnormal manner. |
| US07777480B2 |
Antenna Orientation Sensor
An antenna orientation sensor, having a base, a pivoting support coupled to the base. An actuator operable to move the pivoting support through a calibration movement with respect to the base. A magnetic sensor on the pivoting support and a position sensor operable to sense the position of the pivoting support within the calibration movement. |
| US07777479B2 |
Current detector with variable output voltage level
A current detector with variable output voltage level. The current detector includes an operational amplifier, an adjusting circuit, a load circuit for detecting current running therethrough, and a clamping circuit. The operational amplifier includes a non-inverting input, an inverting input, and an output. The operational amplifier is connected to an antenna power supply and ground. The adjusting circuit is coupled to the inverting input. The load circuit has one end is coupled to the antenna power supply, and the other end coupled to the non-inverting input. The other end of the load circuit is also a detecting node. The non-inverting input is a detecting node. The clamping circuit, coupled to the output of the operational amplifier, clamps the output voltage level of the operational amplifier to a predetermined range. When the detecting node floats, the output voltage level of the clamping circuit is at logic high. |
| US07777475B2 |
Power supply insensitive PTAT voltage generator
A method and apparatus for generating a voltage that is proportional to an absolute temperature (PTAT voltage). A current generator for generating a current that is proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT current) has an internal resistance and two diodes. The PTAT current is proportional to the resistance, and the temperature coefficient of the PTAT current is defined by the ratio of diode current densities. A feedback circuit has a source follower that is connected to the current generator for driving the output node with a regulated PTAT current wherein the PTAT current is mirrored accurately, providing a constant Vref. |
| US07777473B2 |
DC-DC converter and control circuit for DC-DC converter
A DC-DC converter prevents through current from flowing in an output transistor. A first transistor receives an input voltage. A second transistor is connected to the first transistor. A comparator is connected to the second transistor. The comparator detects current flowing through a choke coil based on the potential difference between two terminals of the second transistor to generate a switching control signal for turning the second transistor on and off. The second transistor and the comparator form an ideal diode. A control circuit of the DC-DC converter generates an activation signal for turning the first transistor on and off based on a pulse signal to keep an output voltage constant. A through current prevention pulse generation circuit generates a pulse signal for turning off the second transistor from before the first transistor is turned on to after the first transistor is turned on. |
| US07777469B2 |
Converter having PWM ramp adjustable in discontinuous mode operation
A ramp adjustment circuit for a voltage converter including a gate driver for controlling series connected high- and low-side switches connected across DC voltage and coupled at an output node connected to a load through an inductor such that the converter operates in a continuous conduction mode (CCM) or a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). The circuit includes a first current generating circuit for providing a first current signal for generating a first ramp signal; a second current generating circuit for providing a second reduced current signal for generating a second ramp signal having a reduced slope when the first current generating circuit is disabled and the second current generating circuit is enabled; and a circuit for enabling the first current generating circuit and disabling the second current generating circuit when the converter is in CCM and enabling the second current generating circuit and disabling the first current generating circuit when the converter is in DCM thereby providing the first current signal when the converter is in CCM to provide the first ramp signal and providing the second reduced current signal when the converter is in DCM to provide the second reduced slope ramp signal. |
| US07777467B2 |
Voltage rising/falling type switching regulator and operation control method thereof
In a voltage rising/falling type switching regulator including a voltage rising/falling part and a control part, the voltage rising/falling part includes a switching transistor for voltage falling, a rectifier element for voltage falling, a switching transistor for voltage rising, and a rectifier element for voltage rising, the control part is arranged so that the switching transistor for voltage rising and the switching transistor for voltage falling are synchronized at a time of shifting from voltage rising operation to voltage falling operation and/or at a time of shifting from voltage falling operation to voltage rising operation, to perform voltage rising/falling operation in which each switching transistor is turned on in a 50% duty cycle. |
| US07777462B2 |
Power supply unit
To provide a power supply unit capable of realizing a multiphase power supply at low cost. For example, each of a plurality of semiconductor devices DEV[1]-DEV[n] comprises a trigger input terminal TRG_IN, a trigger output terminal TRG_OUT, and a timer circuit TM that delays a pulse signal input from TRG_IN and outputs it to TRG_OUT. DEV[1]-DEV[n] are mutually coupled in a ring shape by its own TRG_IN being coupled to TRG_OUT of one semiconductor device other than itself. Each of DEV[1]-DEV[n] performs switching operation by using the pulse signal from TRG_IN as a starting point, and feeds a current into an inductor L corresponding to itself. Moreover, DEV[1] generates the above-described pulse signal only once during startup by a start trigger terminal ST being set to a ground voltage GND, for example. |
| US07777456B2 |
Electric storage device
Electric storage device is provided which is capable of smoothly charging storage elements and reliably detecting an overvoltage of each of the storage elements. Electric storage device includes charging/discharging limiting circuit. Charging/discharging limiting circuit includes charge element, discharge, control unit, charging current detection unit, voltage detection unit, valuable reference voltage source, and voltage comparison unit. A magnitude of valuable reference voltage source that is connected to an input terminal on a first side of voltage comparison unit is adjusted by charging current detection unit. Detection signal from the voltage detection unit is given to an input terminal on a second side of voltage comparison unit. |
| US07777453B2 |
Car power source apparatus having an over-charge and over-discharge protection circuit with automatic self-test function
A car power source apparatus includes a battery array that has a plurality of battery units connected in series, a battery over-charge and over-discharge detection circuit, selection switches that sequentially input battery unit voltages to the over-charge and over-discharge detection circuit, a reference voltage circuit that inputs reference voltages to the over-charge and over-discharge detection circuit, and a control circuit that controls selection switches and the reference voltage circuit. The control circuit controls the selection switches to input battery unit voltages to the over-charge and over-discharge detection circuit to determine over-charge and over-discharge. Further, the control circuit controls selection switches not to input battery unit voltages to the over-charge and over-discharge detection circuit, but controls input of reference voltages to the over-charge and over-discharge detection circuit from the reference voltage circuit to confirm the operating condition of the over-charge and over-discharge detection circuit. |
| US07777450B2 |
Push-up type portable charging cradle including stereo sound system
A push-up type portable charging cradle having a stereo sound system is disclosed. The portable charging cradle includes a cradle body and a push-up type cradle rotatably mounted in the cradle body so that the push-up type cradle protrudes from or retracts to the top surface of the cradle body according to whether the push-up type cradle is pushed or not. |
| US07777448B2 |
Battery-recharging device
A battery-recharging device (6), which can also be used to hold a pack of batteries (5) which may be blister-packaged, for display at the point of sale. The battery-recharging device has a support (1, 17, 51), which includes a series of housings (2, 18) for the connection and linking of packs of batteries (5); a pair of terminals (7, 8, 80), which are electrically connected with the poles (21) of each battery (6) contained in the battery packs (5) and are accessible from the outside, in order to obtain electric connections with the charging and/or maintenance circuits of a battery charger, which is incorporated in the device. |
| US07777447B2 |
Battery powered welder system utilizing vehicle powered AC inverter
A system and method, in certain embodiments, adjusts a charging output based on capabilities of various power sources. The system and method may be used to charge a variety of equipment such as welders, cutters, induction heaters, tools and so forth. For example, a charging circuit configured to change an output charge level based upon capabilities of multiple power sources configured to be coupled to the charging circuit. In some embodiments, the system and method may test the capabilities of the various power sources by evaluating an actual output versus a commanded output, and reduce the commanded output if the actual output falls below a desired level. |
| US07777443B2 |
Method for providing energy saving service, method for deciding specification of electric motor, method for providing compressor version-up service, method for providing energy service using drive device for permanent magnet electric motor, compressor exchange method, and freezing/air conditioning device
An energy saving service includes: a service contract conclusion step in which a service contract is concluded with a customer who has purchased or will purchase a product with a permanent magnet motor; a driving device provision step in which a driving device which can drive a permanent magnet motor with any specifications is provided on the basis of the service contract; and a product upgrade step in which the driving device drives the permanent magnet motor so as to improve the performance of the product with the permanent magnet motor, thereby upgrading the product with the permanent magnet motor. |
| US07777440B2 |
Motor driving circuit and method for controlling a motorized roller
A motorized roller incorporating a driving motor for driving the roller and accompanied with a motor driving circuit for driving the motor, including a lock detecting structure adapted to detect a lock of at least one of the driving motor and the motorized roller and a power control structure adapted to control electric power supplied to the driving motor, wherein the power control structure is adapted to reduce the electric power supplied to the driving motor upon detection of the lock of the at least one of the driving motor and motorized roller by the lock detecting structure. |
| US07777430B2 |
Light emitting diode replacement lamp
Thermal management and control techniques for light emitting diode and other incandescent replacement light technologies using a current controller are disclosed. |
| US07777426B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for controlling a pulsed power supply
Circuit arrangement for controlling a pulsed power supply having improved dynamics compared with conventional “current mode” controllers. According to the invention, the gate signal of a switch (S1) is integrated. As soon as this integral value exceeds the output signal of a control amplifier (CCL), the switch (S1) is switched off again. The circuit arrangement is highly suitable for economically apportioning analog switching elements and functions which are implemented by a microcontroller (uC). |
| US07777421B2 |
Light emitting device
An object of the invention is to suppress the amount of heat generated by a light emitting diode and prevent the light emitting diode from being overheated without reducing the amount of emitted light even when the light emitting diode is a high-power light emitting diode. A light emitting device is configured so that one or more light emitting diodes (11) are lighted by a lighting circuit (12). A DC power is converted into a pulse power by a switching regulator (13) of this lighting circuit (12) and the voltage of a pulse power converted by this switching regulator is lowered by an output control portion (14). The pulse width of a pulse power lowered in voltage by this output control portion is adjusted by a pulse width adjusting oscillation means (16), and the current of a pulse power adjusted in pulse width by this pulse width adjusting oscillation means is limited by a limiting resistor (17). The light emitting device is configured so that a pulse power limited in current by this limiting resistor is outputted to a light emitting diode. |
| US07777420B2 |
Electron emission device
An electron emission device includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a scan electrode formed on the first substrate and having a width Sv, and a data electrode formed on the first substrate perpendicular to and crossing the scan electrode at a crossed region. A unit pixel is disposed in an area of the crossed region and has a pitch Pv. An insulating layer is disposed between the scan electrodes and the data electrodes. An electron emission region is electrically coupled the scan electrode or the data electrode, and the scan electrode and the unit pixel satisfy the following condition: 0.5≦Sv/Pv≦0.95. |
| US07777414B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
To provide a structure of a light emitting element superior in light emission efficiency to a top surface. A structure where two electrodes are arranged in a surface parallel to a substrate with a light emitting layer interposed therebetween, is provided. An electrode is not disposed below the light emitting layer. Therefore, by providing a reflective film below the light emitting layer, light emission efficiency to a top surface can be improved. For example, a film with a reflective index lower than that of the light emitting layer is provided, and light toward the lower side of the light emitting layer is reflected at an interface of the stack where the refractive index has a gap; accordingly, light emission efficiency to the top surface can be improved. In addition, a metal film with a high reflectance (a reflective metal film with a fixed potential or in a floating state) can be disposed below the light emitting layer. |
| US07777411B2 |
Light-emitting device, method of producing light-emitting device, exposure unit, and electronic device
A light-emitting device includes a substrate, pixel electrodes provided on the substrate, a negative electrode facing the pixel electrodes, and a hole injection layer and a luminescent layer that are provided between the pixel electrodes and the negative electrode so as to be laminated, from the substrate side, in that order, wherein an insulating layer having liquid repellency for a hole injection layer-forming material is provided between the adjacent pixel electrodes so as to separate the pixel electrodes from each other and to overlap with the peripheries of the pixel electrodes in plain view, the hole injection layer is provided on the pixel electrodes separated by the insulating layer, and the level of the top surface of the hole injection layer is substantially the same as the level of the top surface of the insulating layer provided on the peripheries of the pixel electrodes. |
| US07777410B2 |
Organic electroluminescence structure having a height difference between surfaces of a control device and an organic electroluminescence device
An organic electroluminescence structure comprises a first substrate, an organic electroluminescence device, and a control device. Forming either a lifting layer under the control device or a recess under the organic electroluminescence device, or forming both of them, creates a difference between their tops, in order to reduce the dark spots and promote the yield of the end product. The lifting layer preferably has a thickness greater than about 0.5 micro meters and the recess has a depth ranges of about 0.1 micro meters to about 100 micro meters. Alternatively, the height difference between the upper surfaces of the control device and the organic electroluminescence device is controlled to be greater than about 2 micro meters or substantially equal to 2 micro meters. |
| US07777409B2 |
Semiconductor device including a flexible support
The invention relates to a semiconductor device including a plurality of thin film transistors provided on a base member having a curved surface. The surface may be bent in either a convex shape or a concave shape. All channel length directions of the plurality of thin film transistors may also be aligned in the same direction. Further, the channel length direction may be different from the direction in which the base member is bent. A pixel portion and a driver circuit portion may also be provided on the base member. The invention also includes a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including forming a layer to be peeled including an element of a substrate, bonding a support member to the layer to be peeled, and bonding a transfer body to the layer to be peeled. |
| US07777407B2 |
Organic light emitting devices comprising a doped triazine electron transport layer
The present invention relates to organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) containing an electron transport layer comprising a triazine. The triazine can be doped with at least one of organic and inorganic materials. A display device comprising the OLEDs is also disclosed. |
| US07777401B2 |
Plasma spark plug for an internal combustion engine
An essentially-elongated spark plug for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, including: an essentially-capacitive lower part including two coaxial electrodes; an essentially-inductive upper part including a central mandrel, a coaxial winding around the mandrel, and an external tubular casing that serves as electromagnetic armor; and an insulant disposed radially between the casing and the winding. The essentially-inductive upper part includes a second internal casing of electromagnetic armor, which is disposed radially between the insulant and the external casing. |
| US07777400B2 |
Plasma display apparatus having a bent chassis base
A plasma display assembly having increased structural rigidity without using a reinforcing member is disclosed. The plasma display assembly includes a PDP, a chassis base and at least one or more circuit boards so as to provide the electromechanical structures to produce an image. The chassis base supporting the PDP at a rear side thereof includes a base part and at least one extended bent part. The base part is formed substantially parallel to the PDP. The extended bent part is formed in at least one of upper, lower, left and right edges of the base part, and includes a first bent part bent with respect to the base part to extend rearwardly, a second bent part bent with respect to the first bent part to extend in a direction parallel to the chassis base, and a third bent part bent with respect to the second bent part to extend forwardly. The circuit boards are arranged to be connected to at the rear side of the chassis base and drive the PDP during operation. |
| US07777398B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator
A piezoelectric actuator includes external conductors formed on an outer surface of a piezoelectric component. The external conductors each include a thick-film conductor and a conductive reinforcer. The thick-film conductor is provided with a first thick-film conductor formed on the outer surface of the piezoelectric component, second thick-film conductors which are formed on part of an outer surface of the first thick-film conductor and which are in surface-contact with the outer surface of the first thick-film conductor. The conductive reinforcer is attached to outer surfaces of the second thick-film conductors. |
| US07777395B2 |
Continuous drop emitter with reduced stimulation crosstalk
A continuous drop emitter includes a liquid supply chamber containing a liquid held at a positive pressure. First and second nozzles are in fluid communication with the liquid supply chamber and emit first and second continuous streams of a liquid. First and second stream break-up transducers independently synchronize the break up of the first and second continuous streams of the liquid into first and second streams of drops. An acoustic damping material is located adjacent to or within the liquid supply chamber for damping sound waves generated within the liquid chamber by the first and second stream break-up transducer. The continuous drop emitter can be configured with a Helmholtz resonant chamber tuned to a critical stimulation frequency having an acoustic damping material located therein. |
| US07777394B2 |
Ultrasonic transducer driving circuit and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
With the aim of quickly returning the voltage of an output line to an ultrasonic transducer from a positive voltage or a negative voltage to the ground voltage and reducing the circuit size, immediately after turning on and turning off of a positive FET in accordance with a positive pulse signal, a negative FET goes on for only a pull-back period allowing for the output line to return to the ground voltage. Also, immediately after turning on and turning off of the negative FET in accordance with a negative pulse signal, the positive FET goes on for only a pull-back period allowing for the output line to return to the ground voltage. |
| US07777393B2 |
Ultrasound system
An ultrasound system for providing megasonics and ultrasonics to a liquid at different frequencies and/or sweeping frequencies with associated generators, transducers, operations between resonance and anti-resonance, non-resistive output with phase shift, multiple/sweep/single frequency modes, individually controlled sections, gate drive power control, variable inductive compensation for temperature changes, parallel inductor matching, stacked ceramics and non-volatile memory storage of fault, error and failure history. |
| US07777388B2 |
Distributed coil stator for external rotor three phase electric motors
A distributed coil stator (102) for external rotor electric motors includes a core having a cylindrical surface bounded by a first end surface and a second end surface, wherein a first set of openings (110) aligned in a first circular path (111) extends within the core from the first end surface to the second end surface, a second set of openings (114) aligned in a second circular path (115) positioned concentrically within the first circular path extends within the core from the first end surface to the second end surface, and a third set of openings (118) aligned in a third circular path (119) positioned concentrically within the second circular path extends within the core from the first end surface to the second end surface. |
| US07777375B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for producing an electric motor
Certain exemplary embodiments comprise an electric motor that comprises a stiff shaft. The electric motor can have an output rating that is greater than approximately 200 horsepower. The electric motor can have a ratio of a rotor core length to an outside stator diameter that is greater than approximately 0.7. |
| US07777371B2 |
Linear drive apparatus having cores and coils which are positioned on opposite sides of the cores
The conventional linear drive apparatus has the problem that in constructing a linear motor of a multiphase structure by connecting a plurality of armature units, the length of the armature becomes longer in proportion to the number of the phases, thus limiting the locations where the apparatus can be installed. The problem is solved by a linear drive apparatus comprising a plurality of armature units 3 formed by a magnetic material on which a conductor coil 4 is disposed, and an armature comprising an arrangement of the armature units 3. The armature units 3 comprise a plurality of opposing portions having opposing magnetic pole teeth. The magnetic pole teeth of adjacent opposing portions are arranged in an interdigitated manner. A secondary member 6 is disposed between magnetic pole teeth of the opposing portions. The armature units 3 comprise the coil 4 arranged on opposite sides thereof in an alternating manner. |
| US07777366B2 |
Energy saving system for use with swimming pool filter systems
A load control system and apparatus to control the load to different elements is disclosed. The load control system is attached to both an air conditioner and a pool filter system. The pool filter system has a predetermined run time and is only operating when the air conditioner is not. When the air conditioner turns on, the load to the pool filter system is disconnected. When the air conditioner turns off, the load is returned to the pool filter which resumes running at the point in the run time where the pool filter had previously left off. The load control system provides a more efficient and better use of energy resources. |
| US07777365B2 |
Polyphase power distribution and monitoring apparatus
A polyphase power distribution and monitoring apparatus having sets of outputs for each phase of power and monitors for each phase of power disposed in the housing. Each monitor provides a visible display of current for an associated phase of power and an audible alarm for each phase of power if the current exceeds a predetermined value or falls below a predetermined value. In three-phase wye power systems, the apparatus preferably includes a neutral line monitor, including a neutral line current display and audio alarm, for the neutral line of the wye power circuit. The apparatus preferably is lightweight, elongated, portable, and mountable to the side of an electronic equipment rack. It may also include additional power monitoring systems such as network power monitoring tools for remotely monitoring the apparatus. |
| US07777362B2 |
Method of operating a wind power station
When planning and setting up wind power installations, the visual detractions to be expected on the part of the wind power installation on the environment play an increasingly important part in approval and acceptance. The shadow casting caused by the wind power installation on the adjoining properties is often perceived by the residents as being very troublesome. A wind power installation is provided by means of which shadow casting regulation is improved. That is achieved by a method of operating a wind power installation wherein a first light intensity is detected in a region of direct light irradiation and a second light intensity is detected in a shadowed region, and wherein the wind power installation is shut down if the difference between the first light intensity and the second light intensity is greater than a predetermined value. |
| US07777352B2 |
Semiconductor device with semiconductor device components embedded in plastic package compound
A semiconductor device includes semiconductor device components embedded in plastic package compound, with a buffer layer being arranged on surfaces of the semiconductor device components of the semiconductor device. The buffer layer includes a thermoplastic material. |
| US07777350B2 |
Semiconductor stack package having wiring extension part which has hole for wiring
A semiconductor stack package includes a first printed wiring board; a plurality of semiconductor chips stacked on the first printed wiring board, wherein among the semiconductor chips, the uppermost semiconductor chip has an electrode pad for providing power supply, a ground pad for providing grounding, and a signal pad for signal transmission in a center area on the upper surface of the chip; connection lands formed on the first printed wiring board on the outside of the stacked semiconductor chips; a wiring extension part which is formed on the uppermost semiconductor chip, and has wiring circuits extending from the center to the periphery thereof, wherein at least one of the electrode pad and the ground pad is electrically connected to one end of one of the wiring circuits; and a wire for connecting the other end of the relevant wiring circuit of the wiring extension part and one of the connection lands on the first printed wiring board. |
| US07777348B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprises a package board, a first semiconductor chip which is rectangular in shape, has a plurality of first pads arranged along its short side and is placed on the package board, and a second semiconductor chip which is rectangular in shape, has a plurality of second pads arranged along its short side and is placed on the first semiconductor chip so that a vertex of the second semiconductor chip at which its long side and its short side along which no pads are arranged meet falls on a vertex of the first semiconductor chip at which its long side and its short side along which no pads are arranged, and the long sides of the first and second semiconductor chips intersect each other. |
| US07777347B2 |
Semiconductor device
A first semiconductor chip, a spacer of plane shape, and a second semiconductor chip are put on a module substrate, sequentially. These semiconductor chips have a relation that every side of the first semiconductor chip is shorter than the first side and the second side of the second semiconductor chip, and longer than the third side and the fourth side of the second semiconductor chip. The border of the spacer is parallel to the third side and the fourth side and is placed inside the border of the first semiconductor chip. Even if the second electrode pad of the second semiconductor chip approaches the border of the first semiconductor chip, since a spacer secures space between the border portion of the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip, the wire combined with the second electrode pad does not contact the first semiconductor chip. |
| US07777345B2 |
Semiconductor device having through electrode and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device having a through electrode and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first insulating layer formed on a semiconductor substrate. A wiring layer having a first aperture to expose a portion of the first insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer. A second insulating layer is formed on an upper portion of the wiring layer and in the first aperture. A conductive pad having a second aperture to expose a portion of the second insulating layer is formed on the second insulating layer. A through hole with a width narrower than widths of the first and second apertures is formed through the first and second insulating layers and an upper portion of the semiconductor substrate. A through electrode is formed in the through hole. |
| US07777342B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
Embodiments relate to a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same. Embodiments may include forming a lower porous oxide layer on a semiconductor substrate having a conductive layer, forming a pyrolytic polymer layer on the lower porous oxide layer, forming an upper porous oxide layer on the pyrolytic polymer layer, forming a via hole by sequentially etching the upper porous oxide layer, the pyrolytic polymer layer, and the lower porous oxide layer, forming a trench having a width larger than a width of the via hole by sequentially etching the upper porous oxide layer and the pyrolytic polymer layer in such a manner that the trench is connected with the via hole, forming metal interconnections by filling the via hole and the trench with a metal thin film, and forming a vacuum between the upper and lower porous oxide layers by removing the pyrolytic polymer layer. |
| US07777337B2 |
Semiconductor device having damascene interconnection structure that prevents void formation between interconnections
A semiconductor device includes a first insulating layer having a through hole; a first interconnection having a first conductive layer, a first barrier layer, and a first main interconnection; and a second interconnection connected to one of the first conductive layer and the first barrier layer. Accordingly, a problem wherein copper in the first main interconnection transfers from a connection portion thereof to the second interconnection due to electromigration, so that a void is formed at the connected portion resulting in the first interconnection being disconnected from the second interconnection, can be prevented. |
| US07777329B2 |
Heatsink apparatus for applying a specified compressive force to an integrated circuit device
An apparatus is provided having an integrated circuit device disposed on a printed circuit board and a heat dissipation device on the integrated circuit device. An actuation screw in a spring plate is urged against a portion of the heat dissipation device by tightening the actuation screw. The actuation screw may be prevented from being tightened beyond a mechanical constraint corresponding to a pre-set calibration for the specific compressive force, which may be greater than or equal to a minimum compressive force corresponding to the greater of a minimum thermal interface pressure and a minimum contact interface pressure. Additionally, a method is provided in which the actuation screw is tightened, but prevented from being tightened beyond the mechanical constraint. |
| US07777326B2 |
Routing structure of re-distribution layer and method for re-distributing routing structure in integrated circuit
A routing structure of an RDL of a chip is provided. The routing structure comprises a power route, a plurality of first stripes, a ground route, and a plurality of second stripes. The power route is arranged in a first direction and comprises a plurality of first bumps and a plurality of first line segments. Each of the first line segments connects adjacent first bumps. The first stripes are arranged in a second direction and connected to the power route. The ground route is disposed at one side of the power route in a third direction, and comprises a plurality of second bumps and a plurality of second line segments. Each of the second line segments connects adjacent second bumps. The second stripes, are arranged in a forth direction and connected to the ground route. The first stripes and the second stripes are interleaved without intersecting one another. |
| US07777321B2 |
Stacked microelectronic layer and module with three-axis channel T-connects
A method for interconnecting stacked layers containing integrated circuit die and a device built from the method is disclosed. The stacked layers are bonded together to form a module whereby individual I/O pads of the integrated circuit die are rerouted to at least one edge of the module. The rerouted leads terminate at the edge. Channels are formed in a surface of the module or on the surface of a layer whereby the rerouted leads are disposed within the channel. The entire surface of the edge or layer is metalized and a predetermined portion of the metalization removed such that the rerouted leads within each channel are electrically connected to each other. |
| US07777319B2 |
Three dimensional integrated circuits
A three-dimensional semiconductor device, comprising: a first module layer having a plurality of circuit blocks; and a second module layer positioned substantially above the first module layer, including a plurality of configuration circuits; and a third module layer positioned substantially above the second module layer, including a plurality of circuit blocks; wherein, the configuration circuits in the second module control a portion of the circuit blocks in the first and third module layers. |
| US07777318B2 |
Wafer level packaging integrated hydrogen getter
A wafer-level package that employs one or more integrated hydrogen getters within the wafer-level package on a substrate wafer or a cover wafer. The hydrogen getters are provided between and among the integrated circuits on the substrate wafer or the cover wafer, and are deposited during the integrated circuit fabrication process. In one non-limiting embodiment, the substrate wafer is a group III-V semiconductor material, and the hydrogen getter includes a titanium layer, a nickel layer, and a palladium layer. |
| US07777316B2 |
Semiconductor device
Provided is a semiconductor device in which an insulating region surrounding an element region is provided in an end portion of a semiconductor region with a super junction structure. Since a depletion layer in the element region ends in the insulating region, the end portion of the element region is not formed in a curved surface shape. In other words, the depletion layer has no curved surface in which internal electric fields are concentrated. For this reason, there is no need to take a measure to cause the depletion layer to spread in a horizontal direction by proving a terminal region. Since the terminal region is unnecessary, a chip size can be reduced. Alternatively, an area of the element region can be expanded. |
| US07777312B2 |
Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same and a mounting structure of a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is disclosed which includes a tab (5) for use in supporting a semiconductor chip (8), a seal section (12) as formed by sealing the semiconductor chip (8) with a resin material, more than one tab suspension lead (4) for support of the tab (5), a plurality of electrical leads (2) which have a to-be-connected portion as exposed to outer periphery on the back surface of the seal section (12) and a thickness reduced portion as formed to be thinner than said to-be-connected portion and which are provided with an inner groove (2e) and outer groove (2f) in a wire bonding surface (2d) as disposed within the seal section (12) of said to-be-connected portion, and wires (10) for electrical connection between the leads (2) and pads (7) of the semiconductor chip (8), wherein said thickness reduced portion of the leads (2) is covered by or coated with a sealing resin material while causing the wires (10) to be contacted with said to-be-connected portion at specified part lying midway between the outer groove (2f) and inner groove (2e) to thereby permit said thickness reduced portion of leads (2) and the outer groove (2f) plus the inner groove (2e) to prevent occurrence of any accidental lead drop-down detachment. |
| US07777309B2 |
Amplifier chip mounted on a lead frame
This invention provides a high frequency power module which is incorporated into a mobile phone and which incorporates high frequency portion analogue signal processing ICs including low noise amplifiers which amplify an extremely weak signal therein. A semiconductor device includes a sealing body which is made of insulation resin, a plurality of leads which are provided inside and outside the sealing body, a tab which is provided inside the sealing body and has a semiconductor element fixing region and a wire connection region on a main surface thereof, a semiconductor element which is fixed to the semiconductor element fixing region and includes electrode terminals on an exposed main surface, conductive wires which connect electrode terminals of the semiconductor element and the leads, and conductive wires which connect electrode terminals of the semiconductor element and the wire connecting region of the tab. In such a semiconductor device, a circuit formed in the semiconductor element in a monolithic manner is comprised of a plurality of circuit parts and, in a specified circuit part (a low noise amplifier) which forms a portion of the circuit parts, all grounding electrode terminals out of electrode terminals of the semiconductor element are not connected to the tab through wires but are connected with the leads through wires. |
| US07777302B2 |
Method of controlling grain size in a polysilicon layer and in semiconductor devices having polysilicon structure
A method of modulating grain size in a polysilicon layer and devices fabricated with the method. The method includes forming the layer of polysilicon on a substrate; and performing an ion implantation of a polysilicon grain size modulating species into the polysilicon layer such that an average resultant grain size of the implanted polysilicon layer after performing a pre-determined anneal is higher or lower than an average resultant grain size than would be obtained after performing the same pre-determined anneal on the polysilicon layer without a polysilicon grain size modulating species ion implant. |
| US07777299B2 |
Integrated circuit devices including passive device shielding structures and methods of forming the same
Integrated circuit devices include a semiconductor substrate and a flux line generating passive electronic element on the semiconductor substrate. A dummy gate structure is arranged on the semiconductor substrate in a region below the passive electronic element. The dummy gate includes a plurality of segments, each segment including a first longitudinally extending part and a second longitudinally extending part. The second longitudinally extending part extends at an angle from an end of the first longitudinally extending part. Ones of the segments extend at a substantially same angle and are arranged displaced from each other in an adjacent nested relationship. |
| US07777296B2 |
Nano-fuse structural arrangements having blow protection barrier spaced from and surrounding fuse link
A nano-fuse structural arrangement, includes, for example, a semiconductor substrate having an electrically conductive region formed thereon; an electrically conductive elongated nano-structure having a maximum diameter of less than approximately 50 nm and a maximum length of approximately 250 nm and being formed on the electrically conductive region; a barrier having barrier parts completely spaced from and completely surrounding elongated outer surfaces of the nano-structure, the spaces between the barrier and surfaces consisting essentially of a vacuum and being approximately equally spaced, so that the electrically conductive elongated nano-structure is blowable responsive to an electrical current flowable there through in a range of approximately 4 μA to approximately 120 μA. |
| US07777294B2 |
Semiconductor device including a high-breakdown voltage MOS transistor
On a semiconductor substrate, a well is formed. In the well, one MOS transistor including a gate electrode, a source region, a source field limiting layer and a source/drain region, and another MOS transistor including a gate electrode, a drain electrode, a drain field limiting layer and a source/drain region are formed. The one and another MOS transistors are connected in series through the source/drain region common to the two transistors. Accordingly, a semiconductor device can be provided in which increase in pattern layout area is suppressed when elements including a high-breakdown voltage MOS transistor are to be connected in series. |
| US07777291B2 |
Integrated circuits having interconnects and heat dissipators based on nanostructures
The present invention provides for nanostructures grown on a conducting or insulating substrate, and a method of making the same. The nanostructures grown according to the claimed method are suitable for interconnects and/or as heat dissipators in electronic devices. |
| US07777287B2 |
System and apparatus providing analytical device based on solid state image sensor
An analytical system-on-a-chip can be used as an analytical imaging device, for example, for detecting the presence of a chemical compound. A layer of analytical material is formed on a transparent layer overlying a solid state image sensor. The analytical material can react in known ways with at least one reactant to block light or to allow light to pass through to the array. The underlying sensor array, in turn, can process the presence, absence or amount of light into a digitized signal output. The system-on-a-chip may also include software that can detect and analyze the output signals of the device. |
| US07777281B2 |
Non-volatile transistor memory array incorporating read-only elements with single mask set
A memory array has memory elements of identical topology or footprint arranged in rows and columns. Some of the memory elements are EEPROM cells and other memory elements are read only memory cells but all are made using a mask set having the same length and width dimensions. In the mask set for EEPROMs a principal mask is used for formation of a depletion implant. In the case of one type of read-only memory element, this mask is mainly blocked, leading to formation of a transistor with a non-conductive channel between source and drain. In the case of another read only memory element, the same mask is unblocked, leading to formation of a transistor with a highly conductive or almost shorted channel between source and drain. These two read only memory elements are designated as logic one and logic zero. By having rows of read-only memory elements with rows of EEPROMs on the same chip, a more versatile memory array chip may be built without sacrificing chip space. |
| US07777278B2 |
Lateral semiconductor component with a drift zone having at least one field electrode
A semiconductor component is described. In one embodiment, the semiconductor component includes a semiconductor body with a first side and a second side. A drift zone is provided, which is arranged in the semiconductor body below the first side and extends in a first lateral direction of the semiconductor body between a first and a second doped terminal zone. At least one field electrode is provided, which is arranged in the drift zone, extends into the drift zone proceeding from the first side and is configured in a manner electrically insulated from the semiconductor body. |
| US07777274B2 |
Power semiconductor component having a field electrode and method for producing this component
A power semiconductor component includes a semiconductor body and a field electrode. The semiconductor body has a drift zone of a first conduction type and a further component defining a junction therebetween. The junction is configured to cause a space charge zone to propagate when a reverse voltage is applied to the junction. The field electrode is arranged adjacent to the drift zone, and is insulated from the semiconductor body by at least a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a first section and a second section, the first section arranged nearer to the junction and having a higher dielectric constant than the second section. |
| US07777270B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing the same
It is made possible to provide a memory device that can be made very small in size and have a high capacity while being able to effectively suppress short-channel effects. A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a first insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate; a semiconductor layer formed above the semiconductor substrate so that the first insulating film is interposed between the semiconductor layer and the semiconductor substrate; a NAND cell having a plurality of memory cell transistors connected in series, each of the memory cell transistors having a gate insulating film formed on the semiconductor layer, a floating gate formed on the gate insulating film, a second insulating film formed on the floating gate, and a control gate formed on the second insulating film; a source region having an impurity diffusion layer formed in one side of the NAND cell; and a drain region having a metal electrode formed in the other side of the NAND cell. |
| US07777269B2 |
Dual-gate device
A memory circuit having dual-gate memory cells and a method for fabricating such a memory circuit are disclosed. The dual-gate memory cells each include a memory device and an access device sharing a semiconductor layer, with their respective channel regions provided on different surfaces of the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer has a thickness such that a sensitivity parameter relating an electrical interaction between the gate electrodes of the access device and the memory device is less than a predetermined value. The dual-gate memory cells can be used as building blocks for a non-volatile memory array, such as a memory array formed by NAND-strings. In such an array, during programming of a nearby memory device in a NAND string, in NAND-strings not to be programmed, if inversion regions are allowed to be formed in the semiconductor layer, or if the semiconductor layer is allowed to electrically float, electrical interaction exists between the access devices and the memory devices to inhibit programming of the memory devices. |
| US07777265B2 |
Semiconductor device having contact barrier and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device having a contact barrier for insulating contacts with a large aspect ratio and having a fine pitch between adjacent conductive lines and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a buried contact formed in a region between two adjacent first conductive lines and two adjacent second conductive lines. Insulating lines define a width of the buried contact. To form the contact barrier, an interlayer dielectric layer formed on the second conductive lines is patterned to form a space and an insulating line having an etching ratio different from the interlayer dielectric layer is formed in the space. The interlayer dielectric layer is selectively wet etched relative to an insulating layer covering the second conductive line and the first insulating line to form buried contact hole. The buried contact hole is filled with conductive material to form a buried contact. |
| US07777264B2 |
Random access memory device utilizing a vertically oriented select transistor
A memory structure has a vertically oriented access transistor with an annular gate region. A transistor is fabricated such that the channel of the transistor extends outward with respect to the surface of the substrate. An annular gate is fabricated around the vertical channel such that it partially or completely surrounds the channel. A buried annular bitline may also be implemented. After the vertically oriented transistor is fabricated with the annular gate, a storage device may be fabricated over the transistor to provide a memory cell. |
| US07777263B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device comprising SRAM and capacitors
To provide a semiconductor integrated circuit device capable of increasing a capacitor capacitance. A semiconductor integrated circuit device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a circuit element formed on a semiconductor substrate; and capacitors formed on the semiconductor substrate and including: a lower capacitance electrode formed of a lower wiring line connected to the circuit element; a capacitance insulating film covering an upper surface and a side surface of the lower wiring line; and an upper capacitance electrode formed on the capacitance insulating film, the lower capacitance electrode including at least one of a power supply line and a ground line formed of the lower wiring line. |
| US07777262B2 |
Semiconductor device having interlayer insulating film covered with hydrogen diffusion barrier film and its manufacture method
An interlayer insulating film made of insulating material is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A hydrogen diffusion barrier film is formed on the interlayer insulating film, the hydrogen diffusion barrier film being made of material having a higher hydrogen diffusion barrier function than a hydrogen diffusion barrier function of material of the interlayer insulating film. The semiconductor substrate formed with the interlayer insulating film and hydrogen diffusion barrier film is thermally treated. In the process of forming the interlayer insulating film, the interlayer insulating film is formed under the condition that a moisture content becomes 5×10−3 g/cm3 or lower. Even if annealing is performed after the hydrogen diffusion barrier film is formed, a crack is hard to be formed in the underlying interlayer insulating film. |
| US07777260B2 |
Solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device includes: an imaging area in which light receiving portions are disposed; an interconnect layer disposed on the light receiving portions, the interconnect layer including metal interconnects having openings and first insulating films; inner-layer lenses formed over the interconnect layer in one-to-one relationship with the light receiving portions; a transparent second insulating film formed on the interconnect layer and the inner-layer lenses; top lenses formed on the second insulating film in one-to-one relationship with the light receiving portions, an upper face of each of the top lenses being a convexly curved face; and a transparent film on the top lenses, the transparent film being formed of a material having a refractive index smaller than a refractive index of the top lenses. In this way, a focal point of at least part of incident light can be situated above a semiconductor substrate. |
| US07777255B2 |
Bipolar transistor with raised base connection region and process for the production thereof
A bipolar transistor has a base with an epitaxial base layer and a raised base connection region which in a lateral direction in parallel relationship with the substrate surface encloses the emitter which is surrounded by a spacer of insulating material. The epitaxial base layer is raised in a heightwise direction perpendicularly to the substrate surface. An emitter of a T-shaped cross-sectional profile is separated laterally from the outer base portion by a spacer of insulating material. Its vertical bar of the T-shape adjoins with its lower end the inner base portion. The lateral extent of the spacer increases from its interface with respect to the base layer with increasing height above the base layer, wherein a first interface formed by the emitter and the spacer meets a second interface formed by the emitter and the inner base portion at a first angle which is either a right angle or an obtuse angle, and a third interface formed by the spacer and the outer base portion meets the second interface at a second obtuse angle which is larger than the first angle. |
| US07777253B2 |
Field-effect semiconductor device
A HEMT-type field-effect semiconductor device has a main semiconductor region comprising two layers of dissimilar materials such that a two-dimensional electron gas layer is generated along the heterojunction between the two layers. A source and a drain electrode are placed in spaced positions on the main semiconductor region. Between these electrodes, with spacings therefrom, an insulator is provided with is made from a material capable of developing a stress to reduce carrier concentration in neighboring part of the two-dimensional electron gas layer, creating a discontinuity in this layer. A gate electrode overlies the insulator via a piezoelectric layer which is made from a material capable of developing, in response to a voltage applied to the gate electrode, a stress for canceling out the stress developed by the insulator. Thus the device is physically held off by the action of the insulator while no voltage is being impressed to the gate electrode and, upon voltage application thereto, piezoelectrically turns on by the action of the piezoelectric layer. The turn-on resistance of the device is relatively low as the insulator occupies only part of the source-drain spacing. |
| US07777252B2 |
III-V hemt devices
A semiconductor device has a stacked structure in which a p-GaN layer, an SI-GaN layer, and an AlGaN layer are stacked, and has a gate electrode that is formed at a top surface side of the AlGaN layer. A band gap of the AlGaN layer is wider than a band gap of the p-GaN layer and the SI-GaN layer. Moreover, impurity concentration of the SI-GaN layer is less than 1×1017 cm−3. Semiconductor devices including III-V semiconductors may have a stable normally-off operation. |
| US07777247B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device mounting substrates including a conductive lead extending therein
A mounting substrate for a semiconductor light emitting device includes a thermally conductive mounting block. The mounting block has, in a first face thereof, a cavity that is configured to mount a semiconductor light emitting device therein and to reflect light that is emitted by the semiconductor light emitting device that is mounted therein away from the cavity. A conductive lead inserted into the mounting block extends into the cavity. The conductive lead is electrically isolated from the mounting block and has an exposed contact portion in the cavity. The conductive lead may be a plurality of conductive leads each having an exposed contact portion at different locations in the cavity. Related packaging methods also may be provided. |
| US07777245B2 |
Nitride semiconductor light emitting device
The invention relates to a high-output nitride light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a first conductivity type nitride semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductivity type nitride semiconductor layer deposited in their order on a substrate. The light emitting device also includes first and second insulation layers formed in different upper surface portions of the nitride semiconductor light emitting device, and first and second bonding pads formed respectively on the first and second insulation layers. The light emitting device further includes first and second extension electrodes extended from the first and second bonding pads and coupled respectively to the first and second conductivity semiconductor layers. The electrode arrangement according to the present invention prevents direct coupling between the bonding pads and the light emitting device, thus allowing a symmetrical structure that can achieve more uniform current spreading using only the extension electrodes. |
| US07777244B2 |
Side-view light emitting diode package having a reflector
Disclosed herein is a side-view light emitting diode package with a reflector. The side-view light emitting diode package of the present invention comprises first and second lead terminals spaced apart from each other. The package body supports the first and second lead terminals and has an elongated opening through which a light emitting diode chip mounting region and the first and second lead terminals are exposed. Reflectors are formed between the chip mounting region and sidewalls positioned in a major axis direction of the opening. Each of the reflectors has a height lower than that of the sidewall of the opening. Accordingly, light emitted from a light emitting diode chip can be reflected using the reflectors, thereby improving light emitting efficiency of the side-view light emitting diode package. |
| US07777237B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device and method of fabricating the same
The invention provides a semiconductor light-emitting device package structure. The semiconductor light-emitting device package structure includes a substrate, N sub-mounts, and N semiconductor light-emitting die modules, wherein N is a positive integer lager than or equal to 1. Each of the sub-mounts is embedded on the substrate and exposed partially. Each of the semiconductor light-emitting die modules is mounted on the exposed surface of one of the sub-mounts. |
| US07777236B2 |
Light-emitting diode arrangement comprising a color-converting material
With a light-emitting diode arrangement (1) having a light-emitting diode chip (2) arranged on a base (3), and colour conversion material (7) surrounding the light-emitting diode chip (2), which material is constituted to convert at least a part of the light emitted by the light-emitting diode chip (2) into light of another wavelength, the colour conversion material (7) is surrounded to the side by a reflector (8), the lateral distance (x) of the light-emitting diode chip (2) to the reflector (8) amounting to at most 0.5 mm. |
| US07777231B2 |
Thin film transistor and method for fabricating same
A method for forming a thin film transistor on a substrate is disclosed. A gate electrode and a gate insulation layer are disposed on a surface of the substrate. A deposition process is performed by utilizing hydrogen diluted silane to form a silicon-contained thin film on the gate insulation layer first. A hydrogen plasma etching process is thereafter performed. The deposition process and the etching process are repeated for at least one time to form an interface layer. Finally, an amorphous silicon layer, n+ doped Si layers, a source electrode, and a drain electrode are formed on the interface layer. |
| US07777219B2 |
Dual panel type organic electroluminescent display device
A dual panel type organic electroluminescent display device includes first and second substrates and a plurality of pixel regions and a plurality of power supply terminals at upper and lower sides of the plurality of pixel regions thereon, and further includes a plurality of dummy pixel regions each having substantially the same structure as each pixel region in the plurality of power supply terminals. |
| US07777211B2 |
Substantially transparent object detection system and method
A system for detecting the presence of a substantially transparent object includes a radiation source producing radiation at a predetermined bandwidth, and a radiation receiver is positioned to receive radiation from the radiation source. An opening is formed between the radiation receiver and the radiation source sized to allow a substantially transparent object such as a sample or reagent tip to slide between the radiation receiver and the radiation source. At least one polarizing filter is positioned between the radiation receiver and the opening, whereby a change in intensity of radiation received by the radiation receiver due to the presence or absence of the transparent object can be detected. |
| US07777210B2 |
Laser irradiation method in which a distance between an irradiation object and an optical system is controlled by an autofocusing mechanism and method for manufacturing semiconductor device using the same
The present invention is to provide a laser irradiation method for performing homogeneous laser irradiation to the irradiation object even when the thickness of the irradiation object is not even. In the case of irradiating the irradiation object having uneven thickness, the laser irradiation is performed while keeping the distance between the irradiation object and the lens for condensing the laser beam on the surface of the irradiation object constant by using an autofocusing mechanism. In particular, when the irradiation object is irradiated with the laser beam by moving the irradiation object relative to the laser beam in the first direction and the second direction of the beam spot formed on the irradiation surface, the distance between the irradiation object and the lens is controlled by the autofocusing mechanism before the irradiation object is moved in the first and second directions. |
| US07777208B2 |
Infra-red lighting system and device
A chemiluminescent system and device is disclosed wherein a first polymeric sheet having a shaped cavity therein is sealed around its periphery to a second polymeric sheet and the cavity contains a cured PVC plastisol having admixed an oxalate solution and finely divided semiconductor laser crystals and a sealed receptacle containing a liquid component of a chemiluminescent activator. Placed over the plastisol or container is a light filter having a dye or dyes, pigment or pigments compounded into the filter, the dyes or pigments are chosen from those that absorb certain parts of the spectrum such that all light emissions up to 1050 nm are absorbed and anything beyond 1050 nm is transmitted. The devices generate a chemiluminescent light at wavelengths chosen to stimulate the semiconductor laser crystals. The semiconductor laser crystals absorb the chemiluminescent light and re-emit energy at wavelengths in the IR. By choosing the proper light absorbing dyes or pigments in the filter element, the emitted wavelength(s) that the activated device emits can be between 1 micron and 2.5 microns but no visible light. |
| US07777204B2 |
System and method of electron beam writing
A system and method for improved electron beam writing that is capable of taking design intent, equipment capability and design requirements into consideration. The system and method determines an optimal writing pattern based, at least in part, on the received information. |
| US07777199B2 |
System and method for capturing image sequences at ultra-high framing rates
An imaging system for capturing a sequence of images from a target at ultra-high framing rates is disclosed. The imaging system includes an illumination system operable to emit at least first and second light pulses at first and second wavelengths, respectively. The first and second light pulses sequentially illuminate the target whereupon at least first and second propagated light pulses emanate from the target. The system also includes at least first and second image sensors operable to receive the first and second propagated light pulses, respectively, to thereby capture the sequence of images from the target. Various exemplary embodiments of the imaging system and associated method are provided. |
| US07777195B2 |
Charged particle beam instrument and method of detecting charged particles
A charged particle beam instrument (10) is provided, the instrument comprising a charged particle optical column (12), a voltage source, a detector (14) and a sample holder (18), the column (12) being operable to direct a beam of primary charged particles at a sample (20) on the sample holder (18) to cause secondary charged particles to be released from the sample, the voltage source being operable to establish in the vicinity of the sample an electric field that has a component that draws the secondary charged particles towards the detector (14), and the detector being operable to detect secondary charged particles, wherein the instrument further comprises a further voltage source (16) variable between a first voltage that establishes a component of the electric field that draws the secondary charged particles away from the sample, so as to prevent at least some of them from colliding with the sample (20) or sample holder (18), and a second voltage that establishes a component of the electric field that draws the secondary charged particles towards the sample, so as to prevent at least some of them from colliding with the column (12), thereby increasing the number of secondary charged particles detected by the detector (14). |
| US07777194B2 |
Charged particle beam apparatus
A charged particle beam apparatus in which discharge is less likely to occur between a charged particle source, and an extraction electrode, and an acceleration electrode without the need for increasing the capacity of a high voltage power supply for extraction. The charged particle beam apparatus includes a charged particle source which emits charged particles, an extraction electrode which extracts the charged particles from the charge particle source and an acceleration electrode which accelerates the extracted charged particles. A surge absorber is electrically connected between at least two of the charged particle source, the extraction electrode, and the acceleration electrode. |
| US07777192B2 |
Cassette system
A lightweight cassette system comprises a cassette for detecting radiation image and a control unit for communicating with a console, the control unit being connected to the cassette. The control unit, which includes electronic components such as an interface circuit, a cassette controller, and a communication unit, is separably connected to the cassette which includes a radiation detector by connectors and a cable. |
| US07777190B2 |
Drive system for scanning device and method of scanning a patient
A scanning device and a drive system for a scanning device having a first detector and a second detector are provided, which include a base and a mounting plate movably supported by the base. The mounting plate is configured to movably support the first detector and the second detector. The drive system also includes a drive device configured to move the mounting plate with respect to the base, and a linear actuator configured to move the second detector with respect to the mounting plate. |
| US07777188B2 |
Sensor system and support structure
The disclosed system and apparatus for a sensor support structure generally includes a substantially reflective support strut having discontinuous protrusions on the support surface presented to the field of view of the sensor. These discontinuous protrusions may be suitably configured such that ambient thermal radiation is generally reflected away from the support strut and divergent from acceptance in the sensor's optical train. |
| US07777186B2 |
Pixel interconnect insulators and methods thereof
According to one embodiment, an infrared focal plane comprises an array of pixels configured to detect optical radiation in a predetermined radiation band are positioned on a support substrate. The pixels are connected to pixel contacts on a read-out integrated circuit via pixel interconnects comprising bonding bumps. According to some embodiments, indium migration is blocked by a patterned electrical insulator comprising a plurality of intersecting walls defining a plurality of cells that surround each pixel interconnect. The patterned electrical insulator may be dimensioned such that it does not physically contact the support substrate, the array of pixels or pixel interconnects. In this manner, pixel-pair defects due to indium migration resulting from cryogenic thermal-cycling may be prevented, thereby extending the thermal-cycling lifetime of the focal plane array. |
| US07777185B2 |
Method and apparatus for a high-resolution three dimensional confocal scanning transmission electron microscope
A confocal scanning transmission electron microscope which includes an electron illumination device providing an incident electron beam propagating in a direction defining a propagation axis, and a precision specimen scanning stage positioned along the propagation axis and movable in at least one direction transverse to the propagation axis. The precision specimen scanning stage is configured for positioning a specimen relative to the incident electron beam. A projector lens receives a transmitted electron beam transmitted through at least part of the specimen and focuses this transmitted beam onto an image plane, where the transmitted beam results from the specimen being illuminated by the incident electron beam. A detection system is placed approximately in the image plane. |
| US07777182B2 |
Method and apparatus for ion cyclotron spectrometry
An ion cyclotron spectrometer may include a vacuum chamber that extends at least along a z-axis and means for producing a magnetic field within the vacuum chamber so that a magnetic field vector is generally parallel to the z-axis. The ion cyclotron spectrometer may also include means for producing a trapping electric field within the vacuum chamber that includes at least a first section that induces a first magnetron effect that increases a cyclotron frequency of an ion and at least a second section that induces a second magnetron effect that decreases the cyclotron frequency of an ion. The cyclotron frequency changes induced by the first and second magnetron effects substantially cancel one another so that an ion traversing the at least first and second sections will experience no net change in cyclotron frequency. |
| US07777181B2 |
High resolution sampling system for use with surface ionization technology
The present invention is a device to restrict the sampling of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces with mass spectrometry and thereby sample from a defined area or volume. In various embodiments of the present invention, a tube is used to sample ions formed with a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment of the present invention, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions to either individual tubes or a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes in combination with electrostatic fields improve the efficiency of ion collection. |
| US07777179B2 |
Two-grid ion energy analyzer and methods of manufacturing and operating
An ion energy analyzer is described for use in diagnosing the ion energy distribution (IED) of ions incident on a radio frequency (RF) biased substrate immersed in plasma. The ion energy analyzer comprises an entrance grid exposed to the plasma, an electron rejection grid disposed proximate to the entrance grid, and an ion current collector disposed proximate to the electron rejection grid. The ion current collector is coupled to an ion selection voltage source configured to positively bias the ion current collector by an ion selection voltage, and the electron rejection grid is coupled to an electron rejection voltage source configured to negatively bias the electron rejection grid by an electron rejection voltage. Furthermore, an ion current meter is coupled to the ion current collector to measure the ion current. |
| US07777178B2 |
Plasma generating apparatus and method using neutral beam
A plasma generating apparatus and method using a neutral beam, capable of readily generating plasma at the same gas flow rate by changing the structure of an ion gun, without a separate ignition device, are provided. The apparatus includes a plasma generating part formed of a quartz cup, a radio frequency (RF) applying antenna disposed at the periphery of the plasma generating part, a cooling water supply part disposed at the periphery of the plasma generating part, and an igniter in direct communication with the plasma generating part, wherein a gas for generating plasma is supplied into the igniter, and the igniter has a higher local pressure than the plasma generating part at the same gas flow rate. The ion gun is also cheaper to manufacture since it does not require a separate power supply. |
| US07777175B2 |
Touch-sensitive momentary-contact switch and operating device having at least one touch-sensitive momentary-contact switch
A touch-sensitive momentary-contact switch includes an infrared-radiation-emitting transmitter, an infrared-radiation-receiving receiver and at least one visible-light-emitting signal element. The transmitter, receiver and signal element radiate into a single light-guiding element. Due to optical beam guidance, a separation of a transmission channel and a reception channel in the light-guiding element is effected in such a way that at a top-side area of the light-guiding element remote from the transmitter and the receiver, a superimposition of a region that can be irradiated by the transmitter and a region that can be detected by the receiver is produced only on a small portion of the area. An operating device for a domestic appliance including at least one touch-sensitive momentary-contact switch, is also provided. |
| US07777171B2 |
In-pixel summing of charge generated by two or more pixels having two reset transistors connected in series
An image sensor includes (a) a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel comprises: (i) at least one photosensor; (ii) at least one transfer gate connecting the photosensor to a floating diffusion; (iii) an output transistor connected to the floating diffusion; (iv) a first reset transistor connected between the floating diffusion and a summing node; (v) a second reset transistor connected to the summing node; and (b) a first summing transistor connecting together the summing nodes of two or more pixels. |
| US07777169B2 |
Imager pixel with capacitance circuit for boosting reset voltage
A pixel cell in which a capacitance is coupled between a storage node and a row select transistor and another capacitance is coupled between a storage node and a voltage supply or ground source potential to boost a reset voltage. |
| US07777168B2 |
Image sensor circuit and method comprising one-transistor pixels
A pixel is formed in a semiconductor substrate of a first doping type, a first layer of the second doping type covering the substrate, a second layer of the first doping type covering the first layer. A MOS-type transistor is formed in the second layer and has a drain area and a source area of the second doping type. The pixel includes a first area of the second doping type, more heavily doped than the first layer, crossing the second layer and extending into the first layer and connected to the drain area. The pixel further includes a second area of the first doping type, more heavily doped than the second layer and bordering the source area. |
| US07777167B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus and radiation imaging system having a light source with light for calibration of conversion elements
A radiation imaging apparatus including: a plurality of conversion elements being arranged in one-dimensional or two-dimensional array on a substrate, and converting an incident radiation into an electric signal; and a light source for calibration emitting a light to the conversion elements. During a light output adjustment period for driving the light source, a driving level of the light source is adjusted based on a control signal produced by comparing an output signal from a conversion element with a predetermined initial output signal. |
| US07777164B2 |
Apparatus for microwave cooking of a food product
A cooking apparatus includes a susceptor surface configured to contact a plurality of locations around greater than 180 degrees of the circumference of the food product. Such contact provides for greater surface area contact between the food product and the susceptor for more uniform cooking and crispness. Further, the weight of the food product is used in conjunction with the configuration of the cooking apparatus to increase the surface area contact between the food product and the susceptor. A line of weakness is disposed along the base of the cooking apparatus to allow the side walls of the cooking apparatus to pivot about the line of weakness to open and close the apparatus to allow for insertion and/or removal of the food product. The construction of the cooking apparatus facilitates cool handling of the cooking apparatus after microwave cooking is complete. |
| US07777159B2 |
Kettle controller
The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for boiling a liquid such as water. The liquid is heated at full power when the measured temperature of the liquid is below a first predetermined threshold. When the temperature is above the first predetermined threshold and below a second predetermined threshold, partial power, which may be based on the duty cycle, is applied to the heater. When the measured temperature of the liquid reaches the second predetermined threshold, power is removed from the heater after a predetermined time. When the increase of the measured temperature is less than a predetermined temperature change during a predetermined time duration, it is determined that the liquid is boiling and power is removed to the heater. If the level is too high or too low, an alarm may be activated and/or power removed from the heater. |
| US07777153B2 |
Connection between two components
A method of connecting two components includes providing an assembly including a first component and a second component, optically sensing a connection region between the first component and the second component to produce an image, defining a substantially elliptical path in a three-dimensional space based on the image, and initiating relative movement between the assembly and welding means such that the welding means is positioned, by relative movement, along the substantially elliptical path to produce a weld between the first component and the second component. |
| US07777146B2 |
Safety switch
A safety switch assembly having a handle pivotably attached to a casing to allow selective operation of an electrical contact assembly. The handle is attached to the casing with a movable pivot such that excessive grip pressure renders the safety switch inoperable until the safety switch is reset. The handle is moveable responsive to grip pressures that range from no actuation to a first grip pressure. Actuation of the handle in this range controls operation of the electrical contact assembly. Gripping of the switch with a grip pressure greater than the first grip pressure moves the pivot such that the safety switch is rendered inoperable, or non-conductive, until manipulation of a reset actuator returns the pivot to a pivot position associated with the first operating zone. Such a construction provides a safety switch that can be rendered inoperable and reset to allow subsequent operation. |
| US07777145B2 |
Toggle-style dimmer apparatus and method
A switch for controlling delivery of electrical current to a light. The switch may include a frame, a controller connected to the frame, and a toggle connected to the frame to pivot through a range of motion having a first extreme and a second extreme, opposite the first extreme. The toggle may toggle between a first position proximate the first extreme and a second position proximate the second extreme. The switch may further include a sensor connected to the frame and positioned to detect the toggle in the second position, and a tactile switch connected to the frame and positioned to be actuated by the toggle pivoting past the first position toward the first extreme. The switch may also include a controller connected to the sensor and tactile switch to receive inputs therefrom and to execute logic to control the delivery in accordance with the inputs. |
| US07777141B2 |
Latch-release actuating apparatus
A latch-release actuating apparatus includes a switch element, a base member, and a cover member. The switch element is depressed via the cover member. In the latch-release actuating apparatus, a key top member and the cover member are formed to be long to extend horizontally from an upper region of the push button. The key top member is arranged on a back surface of the cover member so that a longitudinal direction of the key top member coincides with a longitudinal direction of the cover member. Furthermore, claws and retaining portions to which the claws are retained are arranged between the base member and both longitudinal ends of the key top member, thereby constituting a regulating unit for restricting separation of the key top member from the push button when the claw abuts on the retaining portion. |
| US07777136B2 |
Multi-layered interconnect structure using liquid crystalline polymer dielectric
A multi-layered interconnect structure and method of formation. In a first embodiment, first and second liquid crystal polymer (LCP) dielectric layers are directly bonded, respectively, to first and second opposing surface of a thermally conductive layer, with no extrinsic adhesive material bonding the thermally conductive layer with either the first or second LCP dielectric layer. In a second embodiment, first and second 2S1P substructures are directly bonded, respectively, to first and second opposing surfaces of a LCP dielectric joining layer, with no extrinsic adhesive material bonding the LCP dielectric joining layer with either the first or second 2S1P substructures. |
| US07777133B2 |
Joint structure of copper wire and aluminum wire, and joint method
A joint structure of electric wires includes: a copper wire which includes a conductor formed of copper; an aluminum wire which includes a conductor formed of aluminum or aluminum alloy; and a joint terminal provided with a conductor press-fitting part having a U-shape in cross section. The conductor press-fitting part includes a bottom plate and a pair of conductor caulking pieces which are upwardly extended from both side edges of the bottom plate, and is inwardly folded to caulk the conductors of the copper wires and the aluminum wires so as to enclose the conductors. The conductor press-fitting part is press-fitted to the conductors of the aluminum wire and the copper wire in a state that the conductor of the aluminum wire is disposed on the upper face of the bottom plate, and the conductor of the copper wire is disposed on the conductor of the aluminum wire. |
| US07777131B2 |
Composition and method for restoring an electrical cable and inhibiting corrosion in the aluminum conductor core
Composition and method for enhancing the dielectric strength of an in-service solid dielectric shielded electrical cable and preventing corrosion of a central aluminum conductor of the cable by supplying the cable with an alkoxysilane composition. In one embodiment, the alkoxysilane composition includes dimethyldi(n-butoxy)silane. |
| US07777126B2 |
Thermoelectric device with thin film elements, apparatus and stacks having the same
A thermoelectric device at least includes a ring-shaped insulated substrate and plural sets of thermoelectric thin film material pair (TEP) disposed thereon. The ring-shaped insulated substrate has an inner rim, an outer rim and a first surface. The sets of TEP electrically connected to each other are disposed on the first surface of the ring-shaped insulated substrate. Each set of TEP includes a P-type and an N-type thermoelectric thin film elements (TEE) electrically connected to each other. Also, the N-type TEE of each set is electrically connected to the P-type TEE of the adjacent set of TEP. When a current flows through the sets of TEP along a direction parallel to the surfaces of P-type and N-type thermoelectric thin film elements, a temperature difference is generated between the inner rim and the outer rim of the ring-shaped insulated substrate. |
| US07777119B2 |
Electromagnetic musical instruments
Electromagnetic (EM) musical instrument systems and methods for configuring and using the instrument are provided. The EM musical instrument could include an EM resonant body to receive an excitation signal. The excitation signal varies the associated sound produced by the EM musical instrument. The EM musical instrument could also include a first circuit to convert an audio signal into an associated electrical signal, a second circuit to convert the electrical signal to an associated EM signal, and a third circuit to apply the EM signal to a body of an EM musical instrument to produce an associated sound. The EM musical instrument could include a body having a top plate of EM resonant material. The instrument could include a center medium defining a cavity coupled to a sound hole of the top plate and a bottom plate of EM resonant material coupled to the center medium. The instrument could further include a port coupled to the body and configured to apply the received excitation signal to the body. |
| US07777118B2 |
Electromagnetic musical instrument systems and related methods
An electromagnetic (EM) musical instrument system includes an excitation signal generator to generate an excitation signal. The system also includes an excitation signal applier coupled to the excitation signal generator. The excitation signal applier receives the excitation signal and transmits a corresponding excitation signal to an EM musical instrument. The excitation signal applier is further configured to modulate the corresponding excitation signal to produce audio effects. An EM musical instrument, in response to receiving the corresponding excitation signal, generates an EM output signal associated with a produced sound. The system also includes an EM output receiver coupled to the EM musical instrument to receive the EM output signal. |
| US07777113B1 |
Support for a practicing drum or electronic drum
A support for a practicing drum or electronic drum includes a pipe element with several stands. The pipe element is penetrated with a vertical bar. The support has a bar element whose both ends have first and second adjusting structures, respectively. The vertical bar goes through the first adjusting structure. The second adjusting structure has a side bar whose end is disposed with an instrument, such as drum or cymbal. The first and second adjusting structures enable the bar element and the side bar to change their orientations and positions. An instrument pedal is disposed underneath the pipe element. The instrument pedal and the pipe element are connected by a connecting structure to achieve firm positioning. |
| US07777112B2 |
Method and apparatus for tuning a musical drum
A drumhead with an outer ring member anchored to the outer periphery of a drum and having a threaded interior surface. An inner ring member having a threaded exterior surface matingly threaded to the interior surface of the outer ring. Rotating the inner ring in a first direction relative to the outer ring, increases the tension exerted on the drum skin. Similarly, rotating the inner ring in a second direction relative to the outer ring decreases the tension exerted on the drum skin. Vertical pressure is exerted on the drum skin and drum ring when the inner ring is rotated in a first direction relative to the outer ring. Conversely, the pressure is released on the drum skin and the drum ring when the inner ring is rotated in a second direction relative to the outer ring. |
| US07777108B2 |
Music string
A string for musical instrument is disclosed, the string formed from precipitation hardening stainless steel, where Ti has been added to improve the precipitation hardening properties. The string has a superior resistance to relaxation and is corrosion resistant, thus improving its tuning stability and maintaining its tone quality, thus prolonging its service life. |
| US07777107B1 |
Maize variety PHW4C
A novel maize variety designated PHW4C and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHW4C with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHW4C through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHW4C or a trait conversion of PHW4C with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHW4C, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHW4C and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods. |
| US07777105B2 |
Cotton cultivar PM 3225 B2RF
A cotton cultivar, designated PM 3225 B2RF, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of cotton cultivar PM 3225 B2RF, to the plants of cotton PM 3225 B2RF and to methods for producing a cotton plant produced by crossing the cultivar PM 3225 B2RF with itself or another cotton variety. The invention further relates to hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar PM 3225 B2RF with another cotton cultivar. |
| US07777104B2 |
Soybean cultivar 26650228
A soybean cultivar designated 26650228 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 26650228, to the plants of soybean 26650228, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 26650228 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 26650228 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 26650228, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 26650228 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 26650228 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US07777103B2 |
Soybean cultivar 6900358
A soybean cultivar designated 6900358 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 6900358, to the plants of soybean 6900358, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 6900358 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 6900358 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 6900358, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 6900358 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 6900358 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US07777101B2 |
Resistance to physiological disorders in lettuce
Provided is a method for screening a population of plants for the presence therein of individuals that show a reduced susceptibility to ethylene and physiological disorders, in particular Russet Spotting and Yellowing, as compared to a control plant, wherein a population of seeds is germinated in darkness and in the presence of ethylene to obtain seedlings that, when having a longer hypocotyl as compared to the original ethylene-sensitive control under ethylene, are selected as plants showing a reduced susceptibility to ethylene and physiological disorders, in particular Russet Spotting or Yellowing. Also provided are plants thus selected. |
| US07777100B2 |
DNA sequences from tcd genomic region of Photorhabdus luminescens
Nucleotide sequences for seven genes, tccC4, tcdA3, tcdA2, tcdB2, tccC3, tcdA4, tccC5, from the tcd genomic region of Photorhabdus luminescens W-14, are useful in heterologous expression of orally active insect toxins. |
| US07777096B2 |
Isolation of proteins involved in posttranscriptional gene silencing and methods of use
The present disclosure includes methods of using viral and plant proteins to regulate silencing in plants such as monocots. Some embodiments include methods of increasing expression of transgenes in plants. Such methods may include selecting a protein involved in post-translational gene silencing (PTGS), for e.g., a protein active in PTGS or a suppressor of PTGS, in a plant and transforming the plant with a nucleic acid encoding the protein involved in PTGS wherein expression of the protein involved in PTGS increases expression of the transgene in the plant. One non-limiting example of such a protein is the Sorghum Mosaic Virus (SrMV) P1/HC-Pro. Methods of the disclosure may be used to regulate silencing of transgenes and to increase expression of transgenes in a variety of plants such as sugarcane, corn, sorghum, and/or rice. |
| US07777093B2 |
Superabsorbent polymer with high permeability
The invention relates to absorptive, crosslinked polymers which are based on partly neutralized, monoethylenically unsaturated monomers carrying acid groups wherein the absorptive crosslinked polymer may be coated with a thermoplastic polymer, and have improved properties, in particular in respect of their capacity for transportation of liquids in the swollen state, and which has a high gel bed permeability and high centrifuge retention capacity. |
| US07777092B2 |
Skin plate adhesive product and method for its manufacture
A skin plate product is provided, which can be better tailored with respect to controlling the properties of the first and second surfaces by cutting holes in an adhesive matrix with a laser and subsequently filling these holes with a second material. Preferably at least one zone of the second material extends from the top surface to the bottom surface of the adhesive, with an exposed part of the second material at the top surface having a different pattern than an exposed part of the second material at the bottom surface. The zones are formed as bodies of frustums of cones having their basis at the same surface. |
| US07777091B2 |
Polyurethane foam dressing with improved moisturization
The present invention relates to a polyurethane foam dressing material with improved moisturizing rate. More precisely, the present invention relates to a hydrophilic dressing material in which a wound contact layer (10) having a sponge structure composed of multiple open cells (12) and pores (15) passing through the cells (12) is laminated with a protective film (20). The lamination is characteristically performed at 150˜250° C. under a pressure of preferably 0.25˜1 kgf/cm2, the moisturizing rate of the wound contact layer (10) is 300˜1200% and the pore area (membrane opening) takes 10˜35% of the total cell area.The polyurethane foam dressing material of the present invention prevents the invasion of foreign materials, releases absorbed exudation after changing it into water vapor or arresting the absorbed exudation inside the foam to maintain constant moisturizing, has excellent exudation absorption capacity, has a wound healing effect resulting from not adhering to a wound, is easy to change, and enhances the wound healing effect by maintaining optimum moisturizing conditions resulting from the improved moisturizing rate. |
| US07777090B2 |
Polyurethane foam dressing for wound filler and method for manufacturing thereof
A polyurethane foam dressing for a wound filler, which includes a hydrophilic polyurethane foam including a plurality of open cells with a diameter of 50 to 400 μm and a plurality of pores with a diameter of 10 to 80 μm, and a method of manufacturing the same including mixing and agitating 40 to 75 wt % pre-polymer, 15 to 45 wt % foaming agent, 5 to 35 wt % crosslinking agent, and 0.5 to 15 wt % additive containing a surfactant, a moisturizing agent, and a pigment, injecting the resulting mixture into a mold, and foaming the resulting mixture injected into the mold. |
| US07777088B2 |
Carbon dioxide fractionalization process
A process comprising receiving a hydrocarbon feed stream comprising carbon dioxide, separating the hydrocarbon feed stream into a light hydrocarbon stream and a heavy hydrocarbon stream, separating the light hydrocarbon stream into a carbon dioxide-rich stream and a carbon dioxide-lean stream, and feeding the carbon dioxide-lean stream into a hydrocarbon sweetening process, thereby increasing the processing capacity of the hydrocarbon sweetening process compared to the processing capacity of the hydrocarbon sweetening process when fed the hydrocarbon feed stream. Included is an apparatus comprising a first separation unit that receives a hydrocarbon feed stream containing carbon dioxide and produces a heavy hydrocarbon stream and a light hydrocarbon stream, and a second separation unit that receives the light hydrocarbon stream and produces a carbon dioxide-rich stream and a carbon dioxide-lean stream, wherein the apparatus is configured to feed the carbon dioxide-lean stream to a physical solvent, membrane, or carbon dioxide recovery process. |
| US07777087B2 |
Liquid phase alkylation with multiple catalysts
A process is disclosed for producing an alkylaromatic compound in a multistage reaction system comprising at least first and second series-connected alkylation reaction zones, each containing an alkylation catalyst. A first feed comprising an alkylatable aromatic compound and a second feed comprising an alkene are introduced into the first alkylation reaction zone. The first and second alkylation reaction zones are operated under conditions of temperature and pressure effective to cause alkylation of the aromatic compound with the alkene in the presence of the alkylation catalyst, the temperature and pressure being such that the aromatic compound is at least partly in the liquid phase. The alkylation catalyst in the first alkylation reaction zone, which may be a reactor guard bed, has more acid sites per unit volume of catalyst than the alkylation catalyst in the second reaction zone. |
| US07777082B2 |
Preparation of annular unsupported catalysts
A process for preparing annular unsupported catalysts by thermally treating annular shaped unsupported catalyst precursor bodies, wherein the side crushing strength of the annular shaped unsupported catalyst precursor bodies is ≧12 N and ≦23 N; such precursor bodies per se; annular unsupported catalysts having a specific pore structure; and a method of using such annular unsupported catalysts for the catalytic partial oxidative preparation in the gas phase of (meth)acrolein. |
| US07777080B2 |
Carboxylic acid derivatives containing phosphorous groups and organically polymerizable groups
The invention relates to carboxylic acid derivates which contain at least one organically polymerisable group and at least one group which contains phosphorous and is reactive or that modulates the properties of the molecule. The invention also relates to a method for production of the inventive molecules and the use thereof in dentistry and for influencing the properties of materials. |
| US07777078B2 |
Copper electrolytic solution and electrolytic copper foil produced therewith
The present invention provides a copper electrolytic solution used to obtain a low-profile electrolytic copper foil with a low surface roughness on the rough side (the opposite side from the glossy side) in the production of an electrolytic copper foil using a cathode drum and, more particularly, to provide a copper electrolytic solution used to obtain an electrolytic copper foil that has excellent transmission loss characteristics at a high frequency, can be finely patterned, and has excellent elongation and tensile strength, both at ordinary and high temperatures. The copper electrolytic solution of the present invention contains (A) at least one quaternary amine salt selected from the group consisting of (a) quaternary amine salts obtained by a reaction between epichlorohydrin and an amine compound mixture composed of a secondary amine compound and a tertiary amine compound, and (b) polyepichlorohydrin quaternary amine salts, and (B) an organic sulfur compound. |
| US07777077B2 |
Dual-acting antihypertensive agents
The invention is directed to compounds of formula I: wherein Ar, r, R3, X, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of formula I have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and a process and intermediates for preparing such compounds. |
| US07777076B2 |
Macrocyclic inhibitors of BCL proteins
Macrocyclic compounds of formula (I), in which B1 and X1 taken together are alkylene which is unsubstituted or substituted with ═O and having one CH2 moiety unreplaced or replaced with CH═CH, O, NH or N(alkyl), which inhibit the activity of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family protein members, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases during which are expressed one or more than one of an anti-apoptotic family protein member are disclosed. |
| US07777074B2 |
Amino acid compounds
An Amino Acid Compound is described. The Amino Acid Compound may comprise an Amino Acid and one of a Nitrate and a Nitrite. The Amino Acid may be one of Agmatine, Arginine, Beta Alanine, Citrulline, Creatine, Glutamine, L-Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Norvaline, Ornithine, and Valine. |
| US07777069B2 |
Prodrugs of carbamate inhibitors of IMPDH
The present invention relates to novel compounds, methods of preparing these compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. These compounds are carbamate prodrugs that convert to active inhibitors of the IMPDH enzyme in vivo. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for activation and subsequent inhibition of the IMPDH enzyme activity. Consequently, these prodrugs may be advantageously used as therapeutic agents for IMPDH mediated processes. This invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the activity of IMPDH using the compounds and compositions of this invention. |
| US07777066B2 |
Glycero-compound having triple bond and membrane material containing the same
The present invention provides a chemically stable and novel glycero-compound having one or two triple bonds, one molecule of a glycerol and one or two molecules of a fatty alcohol having a triple bond being linked through an ether bond, an organic group being linked to residual hydroxyl groups of the glycerol, which can be used as a membrane material for forming a vesicle membrane due to its high intermolecular cohesive force, and also provides a membrane forming material containing the same. The glycero-compound has a triple bond represented by the following general formula (1): wherein n and m each represents a number of 1 to 17 and the total (n+m) is a number of 4 to 18, n and m may be the same or different, and R represents a hydrogen atom, a metal atom, a phosphoric acid group, or an organic group which may be linked through a phosphoric acid group. |
| US07777064B2 |
Adhesive compositions containing cyclic siloxanes and methods for use thereof
The invention is based on the discovery that certain well-defined functionalized cyclic siloxanes are useful as thermosetting resins for the electronic packaging industry. The functionalized cyclic siloxane compounds described herein can be cured in a variety of ways, depending on the polymerizable moiety incorporated into the compound. Invention cyclic siloxanes are readily prepared via hydrosilation of polyalkyl(hydro)cyclosiloxanes with appropriately functionalized alkenes and/or alkynes. |
| US07777062B2 |
Method for production of a B/N/C/Si ceramic from a borazine precursor, ceramics made by said method and use of the ceramic made by said method
B-tris(silylvinyl)borazine is pyrolysed as a borazine precursor for the production of a B/N/C/Si ceramic. A high-temperature ceramic is obtained by means of a further pyrolysis at higher temperatures after a pre-pyrolysis, which is of high purity and essentially free of pores. The ceramic furthermore contains essentially no oxygen and is particularly suitable as a coating material and for the production of heating elements. |
| US07777060B2 |
Platinum analogs with bis-nitrile-containing ligands
Disclosed herein are novel platinum-based analogs possessing two nitrile substituent groups (bis-nitrile) covalently-bonded to the platinum. Also disclosed herein are the reaction schemes for the synthesis of said platinum complexes, as well as quantitative in vitro IC50 data. |
| US07777057B2 |
Derivatives of dioxan-2-alkyl carbamates, preparation thereof and application thereof in therapeutics
A compound corresponding to general formula (I): in which R1 represents a phenyl or naphthalenyl group optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, (C1-C3)alkyl, (C1-C3)alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, benzyloxy, (C3-C6)cycloalkyl-O— or (C3-C6)cycloalkyl(C1-C3)alkoxy groups; R2 represents either a group of general formula CHR3CONHR4 in which R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C3)alkyl, (C3-C5)cycloalkyl or (pyridin-4-yl)methyl group; or a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl group; or an (imidazol-2-yl)methyl group; or a (benzimidazol-2-yl)methyl group; or a phenyl group optionally substituted with one or more halogen atoms or cyano, nitro, (C1-C3)alkyl, (C1-C3)alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or trifluoromethoxy groups; and n represents a number ranging from 1 to 3; in the form of a base, of an addition salt with an acid, of a hydrate or of a solvate. Also disclosed and claimed are the pharmaceutical compositions derived therefrom and their therapeutic use in treating a wide variety of diseases. |
| US07777052B2 |
Process for the preparation of Fipronil, an insecticide, and related pyrazoles
This invention relates to a process for the preparation of 5-amino-1-phenyl-3-cyano-4-trifluoromethyl sulphinyl pyrazoles as defined by Formula-I, wherein: R1=trifluoromethyl or trifluoromethoxy, and R2, R3=individually hydrogen, chlorine or bromine, the process comprising the step of oxidizing a compound of Formula-II, wherein: R1=trifluoromethyl or trifluoromethoxy, and R2, R3=individually hydrogen, chlorine or bromine, in a medium comprising at least one oxidizing agent and trichloro acetic acid, and/or the reactions product (s) of the at least one oxidizing agent and trichloro acetic acid, and at least one melting point depressant. The preferred pyrazole is Fipronil, preferably prepared using hydrogen peroxide and dichloro acetic acid at room temperature. |
| US07777049B2 |
Crystalline forms of Rizatriptan benzoate
The present invention is directed to the novel polymorphic Form A and Form B of Rizatriptan benzoate, processes for the preparation thereof and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these crystalline forms. |
| US07777045B2 |
Process for the preparation of a 2-ethylaminopyridine derivative
Process for the preparation of a 2-ethylaminopyridine derivative of general formula (I) or a salt thereof Process for the preparation of a N-[2-(2-pyridinyl)ethyl]carboxamide derivative of general formula (II) or a salt thereof Intermediate of general formula (III) |
| US07777039B2 |
Process for the preparation of aripiprazole
The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of 7-[4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butoxy]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolin-2-one (Aripiprazole) having dimer impurity less than 0.15%, particularly, the present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of 7-(4-chlorobutoxy)-3,4-dihydrocarbostyril of formula (I) having dimer impurity less than 0.5% which includes a step of reacting 7-hydroxy-tetrahydroquinolinone of formula (III) with 1-bromo-4-chlorobutane in the presence of a base in a solvent. |
| US07777035B2 |
Azaindazole compounds and methods of use
Methods are provided for the synthesis of 1-[4-(substituted phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl ] -2- [3-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-pyrazolo [3,4-b]pyridin-1-yl]-ethanone compounds via construction of the imidazole portion onto the corresponding aldehyde or nitrile compounds. |
| US07777034B2 |
Crystalline ammonium salts of rosuvastatin
Provided are alkyl ammonium crystalline salts of rosuvastatin that provide for purification of rosuvastatin and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. |
| US07777029B2 |
Bifunctional chelators for sequestering lanthanides
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a bifunctional chelator for lanthanide. The method comprises the steps of providing a starting material which has an amino and carboxyl group; protecting the amino with an amino protecting group and the carboxyl with a carboxyl protecting group to produce a protected compound; reacting the protected compound with cyclen to generate a monoalkylated cyclen; reacting the monoalkylated cyclone with an activated compound to generated tetra-alkylated cyclone; removing the amino protecting group with a first protecting group removal reagent; and removing the carboxyl protecting groups with a second protecting group removal reagent to yield a bifunctional chelator having three more carboxyl groups and one or more amino groups. |
| US07777024B2 |
Process for preparing a pentopyranosyl nucleic acid conjugate
The invention relates to a process for preparing a conjugate that includes a pentopyranosyl nucleic acid and a biomolecule. The process includes the steps of providing a pentopyranosyl nucleic acid having at least two pentopyranosyl nucleotide subunits that are covalently linked between carbon 4 and carbon 2 of their respective pentopyranosyl rings. The pentopyranosyl nucleic acid also has an electrophilic reactive group. A biomolecule having a nucleophilic reactive group is also provided. The electrophilic reactive group of the pentopyranosyl nucleic acid and the nucleophilic reactive group of the biomolecule are reacted to form a covalent bond. |
| US07777020B2 |
Nucleotide sequences derived from the env gene of HIV-1
This invention encompasses an env nucleic acid product produced by a process comprising providing a sample containing HIV-1 nucleic acid and amplifying the nucleic acid using primer pairs. |
| US07777019B2 |
Mutated Anti-CD22 antibodies with increased affinity to CD22-expressing leukemia cells
Recombinant immunotoxins are fusion proteins composed of the Fv domains of antibodies fused to bacterial or plant toxins. RFB4 (Fv)-PE38 is an immunotoxin that targets CD22 expressed on B cells and B cell malignancies. The present invention provides antibodies and antibody fragments that have improved ability to bind the CD22 antigen of B cells and B cell malignancies compared to RFB4. Immunotoxins made with the antibodies and antibody fragments of the invention have improved cytotoxicity to CD22-expressing cancer cells. Compositions that incorporate these antibodies into chimeric immunotoxin molecules that can be used in medicaments and methods for inhibiting the growth and proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cells. |
| US07777014B2 |
Functional correction of the -786C/T-variance of the human eNOS-gene
The present invention relates to decoy oligonucleotides with the nucleic acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 to 34 and their use as pharmaceutical agents. The present invention also discloses a method for diagnosis of the −786C/T-variance in the eNOS-gene. |
| US07777013B2 |
Labeled nucleotide analogs and uses therefor
Labeled nucleotide analogs used in place of naturally occurring nucleoside triphosphates or other analogs in template directed nucleic acid synthesis reactions and other nucleic acid reactions, and various analyses based thereon, including DNA sequencing, single base identification, hybridization assays and others. |
| US07777012B2 |
Method of preparing a protein aggregate and a pharmaceutical preparation
The invention relates to a method of preparing a protein aggregate, wherein an aqueous protein solution is acidified with a pH that lies above the isoelectric point of the protein. In accordance with the invention, a first protein, which through acidification is able to form a protein aggregate, is acidified in the presence of a second protein in the aqueous solution in order to form a coaggregate comprising the first and second protein, wherein the second protein under identical temperature conditions and pH does not form a protein aggregate in the absence of the first protein. Acidification preferably occurs with the aid of CO2. |
| US07777008B2 |
ILT3 binding molecules and uses therefor
The present invention provides binding molecules that specifically bind to ILT3, e.g., human ILT3 (hILT3), on antigen presenting cells, such as for example, monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells (DC), e.g., monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC). The binding molecules of the invention are characterized by binding to hILT3 with high affinity and downmodulating immune responses in vitro, e.g., downmodulating alloimmune responses; the production of inflammatory cytokines by dendritic cells, e.g., monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC); the upregulation of costimulatory molecules by DC, e.g., MDDC; and/or calcium flux in monocytes. In addition, the binding molecules upregulate the expression of inhibitory receptors on dendritic cells, e.g., immature dendritic cells. Surprisingly, these same binding molecules which downmodulate immune responses in vitro, are immunostimulatory in vivo. Various aspects of the invention relate to binding molecules, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods of using the binding molecules of the invention to detect human ILT3 or to modulate human ILT3 activity, either in vitro or in vivo, are also encompassed by the invention. |
| US07777007B2 |
PRO9907 antibodies
The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. |
| US07777006B2 |
Method for purification of alpha-1-antitrypsin
A streamlined method for purifying alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) from an AAT-containing protein mixture, such as a Cohn fraction IV precipitate, is provided. In the method of the invention, contaminating proteins are destabilized by cleavage of disulfide bonds with a reducing reagent, such as a dithiol, which does not affect AAT. The destabilized proteins are then preferentially adsorbed on a solid protein-adsorbing material, without the addition of a salt as a precipitant. Separation of the solid adsorbent from the solution leaves a purified AAT solution that is directly suitable for chromatographic purification, without the need for extensive desalting as in prior art processes. A process incorporating this method, which provides pharmaceutical grade AAT in high yield on a commercial scale, is also described. |
| US07777002B2 |
Methods for arbitrary peptide synthesis
Methods, apparatus, systems, computer programs and computing devices related to biologically assembling and/or synthesizing peptides and/or proteins are disclosed. |
| US07776999B2 |
Cyanine-based probe\tag-peptide pair for fluorescence protein imaging and fluorescence protein imaging methods
A molecular probe comprises two arsenic atoms and at least one cyanine based moiety. A method of producing a molecular probe includes providing a molecule having a first formula, treating the molecule with HgOAc, and subsequently transmetallizing with AsCl3. The As is liganded to ethanedithiol to produce a probe having a second formula. A method of labeling a peptide includes providing a peptide comprising a tag sequence and contacting the peptide with a biarsenical molecular probe. A complex is formed comprising the tag sequence and the molecular probe. A method of studying a peptide includes providing a mixture containing a peptide comprising a peptide tag sequence, adding a biarsenical probe to the mixture, and monitoring the fluorescence of the mixture. |
| US07776987B2 |
Resin compositions for extrusion coating
A composition is disclosed which is particularly suited for use in extrusion coating. The composition comprises a polymeric material having a rheology such that the slope S of a natural log-natural log plot of loss modulus (or G″) versus storage modulus (or G′) is greater than [0.635*(melt index)+13.2]/[(melt index)+16.6], and wherein the polymeric material has a CDF RI fraction less than 0.23 of a GPC chromatogram which has a molecular weight above 85,000 g/mol, and a CDF LS fraction of more than 0.07 at a conventional GPC molecular weight of 1,750,000 g/mol or greater. The compositions exhibit reduced neck-in when used in extrusion coating and the neck-in is independent of melt strength, thereby facilitating improved extrusion processes. |
| US07776985B2 |
Glass adhesion promoter
A glass adhesion composition containing a copolymer having an acid and a substituted amide, silanol, or amine oxide functionality. The substituted amide, silanol, or amine oxide functionality provide excellent adhesion of the copolymer to glass, silica, sand and other silicon-based substances. The copolymer is useful as a fiberglass binder, and also useful in providing protective coatings on glass sheets. A fiberglass sizing composition is also provided having a copolymer that includes at least one acid group derived from at least one acid monomer, a hydrophobic comonomer, and a crosslinker. Additives can be added to the compositions to provide other functionality such as corrosion inhibitors, hydrophobic additives, additives for reducing leaching of glass, release agents, acids for lowering pH, anti-oxidants/reducing agents, emulsifiers, dyes, pigments, oils, fillers, colorants, curing agents, anti-migration aids, biocides, plasticizers, waxes, anti-foaming agents, coupling agents, thermal stabilizers, flame retardants, enzymes, wetting agents, and lubricants. |
| US07776984B2 |
Process for agglomeration of superabsorbent polymer fine particles
Among other things, a process for producing an agglomerated superabsorbent polymer particle and an agglomerated superabsorbent polymer particle are disclosed. The process comprises the steps of: (A) bringing superabsorbent polymer fine particles having at least about 40 wt. %, a particle size of less than about 150 μm into contact with a fluid comprising to more than about 10 wt. % a cross-linkable, uncrosslinked polymer based on polymerized, ethylenically unsaturated, acid group-bearing monomers or salts thereof; and (B) cross-linking the uncrosslinked polymer by heating the superabsorbent polymer fine particles and the fluid to a temperature from about 20 to about 300° C., so that the cross-linkable, uncrosslinked polymer at least partially crosslinks. |
| US07776982B2 |
Silicon-containing fluorochemical surface-treating agent
There is provided a surface treatment agent which comprises a fluoropolymer having repeating units derived from a fluorine-containing monomer of the formula: wherein (a) the fluoropolymer contains a silicon atom, and/or (b) the surface treatment agent contains a fluorine-free polymer which is different from the fluoropolymer and which is a silicon-containing polymer. The surface treatment agent imparts excellent water- and oil-repellency and soil resistance to textiles while retaining the feeling of the textiles, even if the surface treatment agent contains a fluorine-containing acrylate polymer substituted at its α-position by a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom or the like. |
| US07776980B2 |
Monocyclopentadienyl complexes
Monocyclopentadienyl complexes in which the cyclopentadienyl system bears at least one bridged keto, thioketo, imino or phosphino group, a catalyst system comprising at least one of the monocyclopentadienyl complexes and a process for preparing polyolefins by polymerization or copolymerization of olefins in the presence of the catalyst system. |
| US07776979B2 |
Prepolymerized catalyst for olefin polymerization, process for polymerizing olefin by using the catalyst and polyolefin produced by the process
The present invention relates to a prepolymerized catalyst for olefin polymerization, a process for polymerizing an olefin by using the catalyst and a polyolefin produced by the process, in which a Ziegler-Natta catalyst is prepolymerized sequentially using α-olefin and vinyl saturated cyclic hydrocarbon, and then an olefin is polymerized using the prepolymerized Ziegler-Natta catalyst, thereby producing a polyolefin with high yield. Therefore, the polymerized polyolefin has high Isotactic index, bulk density, and crystallinity. |
| US07776978B2 |
Process for producing fractionable 1-butene polymers
A process for producing a 1-butene polymer comprising the step of polymerizing 1-butene in the presence of a catalyst system obtainable by contacting: b) at least a metallocene compound of formula (Ia) in the meso or meso-like form: wherein M is an atom of a transition metal p is an integer from 0 to 3, X, same or different, is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a hydrocarbon group. L is a divalent C1-C40 hydrocarbon radical R1 and R2, equal to or different from each other, are C1-C40 hydrocarbon radicals; T, equal to or different from each other, is a moiety of formula (IIa), (IIb) or (IIc): wherein R3 and R5 are a C1-C40 hydrocarbon radical; R4 and R6, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or C1-C40 hydrocarbon radicals and R7 and R8, equal to or different from each other, are hydrogen atoms or C1-C40 hydrocarbon radicals b) at least a metallocene compound of formula (Ib) in the racemic (rac) or racemic-like form c) an alumoxane or a compound capable of forming an alkyl metallocene cation. |
| US07776975B2 |
Aqueous polymerization process for preparing an aqueous polymer dispersion
The present invention relates to a process for preparing an aqueous polymer dispersion containing polymer particles dispersed in an aqueous medium. The process includes providing first polymer particles; adding a hydrophobic polymerization blocker or a styrenic monomer polymerization blocker to the aqueous medium containing the first polymer particles; and preparing second polymer particles in the presence of the first polymer particles. The aqueous polymer dispersion contain first polymer particles and the second polymer that differ according to at least one attribute such as particle diameter, molecular weight, composition, glass transition temperature, or morphology; or contain polymer particles having a broad polydispersity. The aqueous polymer dispersion prepared by the process of this invention is useful in a wide range of applications, including paints, adhesive, binders for nonwovens, and binders for paper coatings. |
| US07776974B2 |
Olefin polymerization process
A slurry process for polymerizing ethylene is disclosed. The process comprises polymerizing ethylene in a first reactor in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst comprising an activator and a supported dimethylsilyl-bridged indeno[1,2-b]indolyl zirconium complex to produce an ethylene homopolymer, removing some of the unreacted hydrogen, and reacting the homopolymer slurry in a second reactor with ethylene and a C3-C10 α-olefin to produce polyethylene. The polyethylene has weight-average molecular weight greater than 150,000, broad molecular weight distribution, low long-chain branching, and it provides pipes or molded articles with good environmental stress crack resistance. |
| US07776973B2 |
Process for the catalytic polymerization of olefins, a reactor system and its use in the same process
The invention relates to a process for the catalytic polymerization of olefins, wherein olefins are contacted with a particulate catalyst in a fluidized bed and in a moving bed such that the residence time in the fluidized bed and the residence time in the moving bed are independently controlled, to a reactor system comprising a fluidized bed reactor provided with a reactant inlet, a product outlet and means for maintaining a fluidized bed in the fluidized bed reactor and with a moving bed reactor provided with an inlet directly connected to the fluidized bed reactor and an outlet connected to the fluidized bed reactor such that the residence time in the fluidized bed reactor and the residence in the moving bed reactor are independently controlled, and to its use for the catalytic polymerization of olefins. |
| US07776971B2 |
Processes for the synthesis of dentritic macromolecules from conventional monomers
The inventive subject matter relates to novel synthetic processes which use a multifunctional compound (the “TERMINI compound”) having a masked or protected functional group, wherein the TERMINI compound is capable of quantitatively and irreversibly interrupting a living polymerization or a chain organic reaction. After deprotection or demasking of the functional group of the TERMINI compound, the same living polymerization or organic reaction resumes with 100% efficiency, or a different living polymerization or organic reaction resumes with 100% chemoselectivity, respectively. Once incorporated into a growing molecule, the TERMINI compound generates a branching point upon resumption of the polymerization or reaction. |
| US07776969B2 |
Allophanate-modified stabilizers and the polymer polyols prepared from these stabilizers
This invention relates to novel ethylenically unsaturated macromers, preformed stabilizers prepared from these novel macromers, polymer polyols prepared from either the novel ethylenically unsaturated macromers or the preformed stabilizers, and to processes for the preparation of these compositions. |
| US07776965B2 |
Monovinylarene conjugated diene copolymer compositions for acrylate blends
The present invention relates to monovinylarene-conjugated diene copolymer compositions adapted for blendability with acrylate polymers. In some embodiments, such compositions are provided that are particularly resistant to blocking when stored in pellet form. |
| US07776962B2 |
Less shear-thinning polyvinyl acetals
Low shear-thinning polyvinyl acetals having a solution viscosity in 30% strength by weight solution in methyl ethyl ketone which changes by not more than 10% in a shear rate range from 1 to 100 s−1. The preparation of the low shear-thinning polyvinyl acetals involves acetalation of partly hydrolyzed or completely hydrolyzed vinyl ester polymers comprising ≧50 mol % of vinyl alcohol units with one or more aldehydes, optionally in the form of the hydrates, hemiacetals or full acetals, wherein from 0 to 60% by weight of the aldehyde, based on the total amount of the aldehyde, is initially introduced over the course of the first one to ten minutes of the acetalation and is prereacted over the course of from 1 to 30 minutes, and the remaining proportion is then metered in continuously over the course of at least 20 minutes. |
| US07776961B2 |
Oxygen absorber
The present invention provides an oxygen absorber which exhibits a high oxygen-absorbing ability even if a transition metal salt as a catalyst for making oxygen-absorbing ability high is not added thereto and further keeps a high mechanical strength even after the absorber absorbs oxygen. An oxygen absorber containing a cyclized conjugated diene polymer as an active ingredient. About the cyclized conjugated diene polymer, the percent decrease in unsaturated-bond amount is preferably 10% or more and the weight-average molecular weight preferably ranges 1,000 to 1,000,000. The oxygen absorber may further contain a thermoplastic resin. The content of an antioxidant in the oxygen absorber is preferably 500 ppm or lower. The oxygen absorber is in a film, sheet or powder form. |
| US07776957B2 |
Aqueous formulations containing polyaromatic compounds with acid groups
The present invention relates to a process for preparing aqueous formulations (A) comprising at least one polyaromatic compound bearing acid groups, in particular a sulfonated polyaromatic compound, and also aqueous formulations (A) which have been prepared by the process of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for preparing dried formulations (B) by removing the water from the aqueous formulations (A) and also the dried formulations (B) themselves. The present invention further provides a formulation (C) comprising the dried formulation (B) of the invention and water or the formulation A of the invention and a water-comprising formulation (D) comprising the aqueous formulation (A) or the formulation (C) of the invention and additionally at least 2% by weight of an organic solvent. Furthermore, the present invention relates to dry formulations (E) which are obtained by removing water and solvent from the water-comprising formulations (D) of the invention. The present invention further provides for the use of the water-comprising formulations (D) of the invention and of the dry formulations (E) obtained from these for producing a polymer electrolyte membrane and also the polymer electrolyte membrane itself and a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) and also a fuel cell comprising the polymer electrolyte membrane of the invention. |
| US07776955B2 |
Polyurethane-graphite oxide composite material, method for its preparation and its use as a flame retardant and as a fire-proof seal
A polyurethane-graphite oxide composite material or nano composite is described, containing graphite oxide in expanded form present optionally, together with a phyllosilicate in expanded form in a polyurethane matrix, a method for the preparation of this composite material as well as its use as a fire retardant or as a flame-retardant seal for openings and/or bushings in walls, floors and/or ceilings of buildings. |
| US07776954B2 |
Photocatalytic coating compositions
De-polluting, self-cleaning coating compositions are disclosed which comprise an extender that comprises a mixture of calcium carbonate and one or more alternate extenders. The coatings of the invention exhibit improved durability and opacity without affecting the photocatalytic removal of NOx compounds. |
| US07776951B2 |
Rubber composition and tire comprising thereof
There is provided a rubber composition in which strength and weather resistance are improved and the use of petroleum resource is suppressed as much as possible, and a tire comprising thereof. A rubber composition comprising 3 to 12 parts by weight of a pigment derived from resources other than petroleum, 10 parts by weight or less of carbon black and 30 parts by weight or more of silica based on 100 parts by weight of rubber components comprising an epoxidized natural rubber and/or a natural rubber. |
| US07776948B2 |
Composite counterweight and method of making same
A composite material comprises a particulate material generated as a waste by-product of an industrial process, and a binder for binding the particulate material into a uniform mass. The particulate material and binder are combined in preselected proportions and compressed to form a counterweight having a preselected density and a fixed configuration. A counterweight is manufactured by selecting a first proportion of a particulate material generated as a waste by-product of an industrial process, selecting a second proportion of a binder for binding the particulate material into a uniform mass, combining the first proportion of the particulate material with the second proportion of the binder into a uniform mass, forming the counterweight from the uniform mass, and incorporating the counterweight into a finished product. |
| US07776946B2 |
Aqueous emulsion polymerization of fluorinated monomers using a fluorinated surfactant
The present invention provides an aqueous emulsion polymerization of fluorinated monomers including gaseous fluorinated monomers using a perfluoro ether surfactant as an emulsifier. The perfluoro ether surfactants correspond to formula (I) Rf—O—CF2CF2—X (I) wherein Rf represents a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group having 1, 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms and X represents a carboxylic acid group or salt thereof. In a further aspect, the invention also provides an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising the perfluoro ether surfactant and the use of such dispersion in the coating or impregnation of substrates. |
| US07776942B2 |
Polyester polymer and copolymer compositions containing particles of titanium nitride and carbon-coated iron
Polyester compositions are disclosed that include polyester polymers or copolymers having incorporated therein titanium nitride particles and carbon-coated iron particles to improve the reheat properties of the compositions. The compositions may also exhibit reduced yellowness, and improved resistance to the effects of UV light. Processes for making such compositions are also disclosed. The particles may be incorporated in the polyester by melt compounding, or may be added at any stage of the polymerization, such as during the melt-phase of the polymerization. A range of particle sizes may be used, as well as a range of particle size distributions. The polyester compositions are suitable for use in packaging made from processes in which a reheat step is desirable, or decreased yellowness is desired, or increased resistance to the effects of ultraviolet light is desired, or any combination of the foregoing. |
| US07776927B2 |
Emulsions and techniques for formation
The present invention generally relates to emulsions such as multiple emulsions, and to methods and apparatuses for making emulsions, and techniques for using the same. A multiple emulsion generally describes larger droplets that contain one or more smaller droplets therein which, in some cases, can contain even smaller droplets therein, etc. Emulsions, including multiple emulsions can be formed in certain embodiments with generally precise repeatability, and can be tailored to include any number of inner droplets, in any desired nesting arrangement, within a single outer droplet. In addition, in some aspects of the invention, one or more droplets may be controllably released from a surrounding droplet. |
| US07776925B2 |
Reversing, postponing or preventing the occurrence of GTN tolerance and/or generation of reactive oxygen species from mitochondria
A patient in need of nitroglycerin therapy is treated with nitroglycerin and agent that prevents inhibition of or reverses inhibition of mtALDH and/or the generation of reactive oxygen species from mitochondria, e.g., a mitochondrial antioxidant which is not a reducing agent or a dithiol, e.g., ebselen or uric acid. Nitroglycerin dosage can be regulated and inhibiting agent dosage can be regulated and tolerance postponed by monitoring blood level of active mtALDH and dosing in response to determined level of active mtALDH. |
| US07776920B2 |
Mandelic hydrazides
Novel mandelic hydrazides of the formula (I), in which R1-R11 have the meanings indicated in claim 1, are SGK inhibitors and can be used for the treatment of SGK-induced diseases and complaints, such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome (dyslipidaemia), systemic and pulmonary hypertonia, cardiovascular diseases and kidney diseases, generally in fibroses and inflammatory processes of any type. |
| US07776917B2 |
Non-standard amino acid conjugates of amphetamine and processes for making and using the same
Disclosed are amphetamine prodrug compositions comprising at least one non-standard amino acid conjugate of amphetamine, a salt thereof, a derivative thereof, or a combination thereof. Methods of making and using the same are also disclosed. |
| US07776911B2 |
Antimalarial drug containing synergistic combination of curcumin and artemisinin
A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of malaria in mammals is disclosed. The composition comprises of a synergistic combination of curcumin and artemisinin. |
| US07776905B2 |
Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters
Compounds of the present invention and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention. |
| US07776904B2 |
Azabicyclo [3.1.0] hexylphenyl derivatives as modulators of dopamine D3 receptors
The present invention relates to novel compounds of formula (IA) or a salt thereof: wherein: A is attached to the phenyl group at the meta position or the para position relative to the cyclopropyl group, and is selected from the group consisting of: —SO2NR5—, —SO2CR2R3—, —CR2R3SO2— and —NR5SO2—; R1 is hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, haloC1-6alkyl or C2-6alkylene; R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen or C1-6alkyl; R4 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-6alkyl, haloC1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy or haloC1-6alkoxy; R5 is hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, or a phenyl optionally substituted by R4; and R6 is hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, haloC1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy or haloC1-6alkoxy; processes for their preparation, intermediates used in these processes, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy, as modulators of dopamine D3 receptors, e.g. to treat substance related disorders, as antipsychotic agents premature ejaculation or cognition impairment. |
| US07776903B2 |
Pharmaceutical preparations containing substituted 2,5-diaminomethyl-1H-pyrroles
Pharmaceutical preparations containing substituted 2,5-diaminomethyl-1H-pyrrole compounds corresponding to formula I, and the use of these compounds for the production of pharmaceutical preparations and in related treatment methods. |
| US07776901B2 |
Imidazolic compounds and use thereof as alpha-2 adrenergic receptors
The invention provides methods of treating a memory deficiency in a subject in need of such treatment, where the methods comprise administering to a subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (1): wherein: R1 is hydrogen, fluorine or a methoxyl group, R1 being in position 2, 3, 4 or 5 of the aromatic carbocycle; R2 is hydrogen or a methyl group; R3 is hydrogen, a methyl group or an ethyl group; and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt as well as the isomers and the tautomers thereof. The memory deficiency may be correlated with a memory deficiency induced by scopolamine. |
| US07776897B2 |
Triazole derivative or salt thereof
There is provided a compound which can be used for therapy of diseases in which 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) participates, in particular diabetes, insulin resistance.It has been found that a triazole derivative wherein the triazole ring is substituted with a trisubstituted methyl group in the 2-position or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has a strong 11β-HSD1 inhibitory activity. Moreover, the triazole derivative of the invention exhibits an excellent blood-glucose level-lowering action and hence can be used for therapy of diabetes, insulin resistance. |
| US07776895B2 |
Inhalation devices for delivering phenethanolamine derivatives for the treatment of respiratory diseases
The invention provides inhalation devices comprising a compound which is 4-{(1R)-2-[(6-{2-[(2,6-dichlorobenzyl)oxy]ethoxy}hexyl)amino]-1-hydroxyethyl}-2-(hydroxymethyl)phenol; or a salt or solvate thereof, inhalation devices comprising formulations and combinations of the compound or a salt or solvate thereof, and methods for the treatment or prophylaxis of a clinical condition in a mammal by employing the inhalation devices. |
| US07776894B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibiting growth and metastasis of melanoma
There are provided methods of inhibiting growth and metastasis of melanoma, methods of sensitizing melanoma cells to apoptosis, and methods of treating a subject having melanoma using acetyl isogambogic acid, celastrol, or a derivative thereof. There are further provided derivatives of celastrol and compositions comprising acetyl isogambogic acid, celastrol, or a derivative thereof. |
| US07776893B2 |
Use of PDE4 inhibitors for the treatment of diabetes mellitus
The invention relates to the use of certain known PIDE4 inhibitors for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and accompanying disorders thereof. |
| US07776891B2 |
VLA-4 antagonists
Compounds of Formula (I) are antagonists of VLA-4, and as such are useful in the inhibition or prevention of cell adhesion and cell-adhesion mediated pathologies. These compounds may be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions and are suitable for use in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. |
| US07776889B2 |
Spirocyclic thrombin receptor antagonists
Heterocyclic-substituted tricyclics of the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound, isomer or racemic mixture wherein represents an optional double bond, the dotted line is optionally a bond or no bond, resulting in a double bond or a single bond, as permitted by the valency requirement and wherein An, En, Mn, Un, Gn, Jn, Kn, R9, R10, R11, R32, R33, B and Het are herein defined and the remaining substituents are as defined in the specification, are disclosed, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing them and a method of treating diseases associated with thrombosis, atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart failure, and cancer by administering said compounds. Combination therapy with other cardiovascular agents is also claimed. |
| US07776882B2 |
2-amino-3,4-dihydro-quinoline derivatives useful as inhibitors of β-secretase (BACE)
The present invention is directed to 2-amino-3,4-dihydro-quinoline derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of β-secretase, also known as β-site cleaving enzyme and BACE, BACE1, Asp2 and memapsin2. |
| US07776881B2 |
Hyperlipemia therapeutic agent
A hypertriglyceridemia therapeutic agent made up of a synergistically effective blood-triglyceride decreasing amount of a combination of a pitavastatin and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or an ester thereof. |
| US07776880B2 |
Derivatives of pyrrolizine, indolizine and quinolizine, preparation thereof and therapeutic use thereof
The disclosure relates to a compound of formula (I): wherein m, n, Ar, and R are as defined in the disclosure, to compositions containing them and to their therapeutic use. The disclosure also relates to processes for preparing these compounds and to certain intermediate compounds. |
| US07776878B2 |
Heterocyclic benzylamino derivatives, their manufacture and use as pharmaceutical agents
Objects of the present invention are the compounds of formula (I) their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, enantiomeric forms, diastereoisomers and racemates, the preparation of the above-mentioned compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their manufacture, as well as the use of the above-mentioned compounds in the control or prevention of illnesses such as cancer. |
| US07776874B2 |
Amido compounds and their use as pharmaceuticals
The present invention relates to inhibitors of 11-β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1, antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The compounds of the invention can be useful in the treatment of various diseases associated with expression or activity of 11-β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1 and/or diseases associated with aldosterone excess. |
| US07776873B2 |
Method for treating damage to gastric mucosa
Provided is a method for treating damage to the gastric mucosa with a cytoprotective agent, comprising administering to a human in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount for treating damage to gastric mucosa of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of revaprazan as the cytoprotective agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Revaprazan or its salt has an excellent treatment effect for gastrointestinal mucosal damage by potentiating a defensive factor in the gastrointestinal mucosa, simultaneously with acting as an acid pump antagonist. |
| US07776871B2 |
Method of treating movement disorders using barbituric acid derivatives
A method of treating movement disorders comprises administering to a human or animal subject in need of treatment a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound according to the following formula: wherein R3 and R4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, phenyl and lower alkyl substituted phenyl, and R1 and R2 are each independently either a hydrogen atom or a radical of the formula wherein R5 and R6 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, lower alkyl, phenyl and lower alkyl substituted phenyl, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and metabolites thereof. |
| US07776870B2 |
Methods for modulating Lyn kinase activity and treating related disorders
The present invention relates to compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and formulations comprising the compounds or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that are useful in modulating lyn kinase activity. In particular, the compounds or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are useful for treating or preventing a disease or disorder including cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, dyslipoproteinemia, a disorder of glucose metabolism, metabolic syndrome (i.e., Syndrome X), a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-associated disorder, septicemia, a thrombotic disorder, type II diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis, hypertension, renal disease, inflammation, or impotence. |
| US07776867B2 |
Furanopyrimidines
The present invention relates to furanopyrimidine compounds having the general Formula I: and stereoisomers, tautomers, solvates, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives, and prodrugs thereof. The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula I, methods of treating various diseases and conditions in a mammal, including inflammation, inhibition of T cell activation, proliferation, arthritis, organ transplant, ischemic or reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, stroke, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, lupus, hypersensitivity, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, dermatitis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Sjogren's syndrome, autoimmune hyperthyroidism, Addison's disease, autoimmune diseases, glomerulonephritis, allergic diseases, asthma, hayfever, eczema, cancer, colon carcinoma and thymoma, comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula I. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing medicaments, which comprise one or more compounds of Formula I. |
| US07776865B2 |
Substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines as protein kinase inhibitors
In its many embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of amino-substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine compounds as inhibitors of protein and/or checkpoint kinases, methods of preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions including one or more such compounds, methods of preparing pharmaceutical formulations including one or more such compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more diseases associated with the protein or checkpoint kinases using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions. An illustrative compound is shown below: |
| US07776863B2 |
Methods of treating HIV infection
The invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using Compound 1 in combination with other agents for treating patients with AIDS or HIV infection. |
| US07776862B2 |
Pyridyl and phenyl substituted piperazine-piperidines with CXCR3 antagonist activity
The present application discloses a compound, or enantiomers, stereoisomers, rotamers, tautomers, racemates or prodrug of said compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or esters of said compound, or of said prodrug, said compound having the general structure shown in Formula 1: and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and esters thereof. Also disclosed is a method of treating chemokine mediated diseases, such as, palliative therapy, curative therapy, prophylactic therapy of certain diseases and conditions such as inflammatory diseases (non-limiting example(s) include, psoriasis), autoimmune diseases (non-limiting example(s) include, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis), graft rejection (non-limiting example(s) include, allograft rejection, xenograft rejection), infectious diseases (e.g, tuberculoid leprosy), fixed drug eruptions, cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, ophthalmic inflammation, type I diabetes, viral meningitis and tumors using a compound of Formula 1. |
| US07776861B2 |
Therapeutic agents useful for treating pain
A compound of formula: where Ar1, Ar2, X, R3, and m are as disclosed herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (a “Cycloheteroalkenyl Compound”); compositions comprising an effective amount of a Cycloheteroalkenyl Compound; and methods for treating or preventing pain, UI, an ulcer, IBD, IBS, an addictive disorder, Parkinson's disease, parkinsonism, anxiety, epilepsy, stroke, a seizure, a pruritic condition, psychosis, a cognitive disorder, a memory deficit, restricted brain function, Huntington's chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, retinopathy, a muscle spasm, a migraine, vomiting, dyskinesia, or depression in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a Cycloheteroalkenyl Compound are disclosed herein. |
| US07776858B2 |
Methods of treatment of chronic pain using eszopiclone
The invention relates to the use of eszopiclone for the treatment of low-level, chronic pain and fatigue associated with pain. |
| US07776853B2 |
2-amino-benzoxazinone derivatives for the treatment of obesity
The use of a compound comprising formula (I): or a salt, ester, amide or prodrug thereof in the inhibition of an enzyme whose preferred mode of action is to catalyse the hydrolysis of an ester functionality, e.g. in the control and inhibition of unwanted enzymes in products and processes. The compounds are also useful in medicine e.g. in the treatment of obesity and related conditions. The invention also relates to novel compounds within formula (I), to processes for preparing them and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. In formula (I) A is a 6-membered aromatic or heteroaromatic ring; andR1 is a branched or unbranched alkyl (optionally interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, reduced arylalkyl, arylalkenyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heteroarylalkenyl, reduced aryl, reduced heteroaryl, reduced heteroarylalkyl or a substituted derivative of any of the foregoing groups. |
| US07776850B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of asthma and related disorders
The present invention provides methods for the treatment of respiratory tract mucositis in individuals in need of such treatment, the method comprising the systemic administration to the individual of therapeutically effective amounts of at least one anti-fungal agent and at least one anti-bacterial agent, wherein the treatment does not involve the cessation of use of emollients by the individual. The present invention also provides compositions suitable for use in the treatment of respiratory tract mucositis. |
| US07776846B2 |
Enhancement of activity and/or duration of action of selected anti-inflammatory steroids for topical or other local application
Methods and compositions for enhancing the activity and/or duration of action of soft anti-inflammatory steroids of the haloalkyl 17α-alkoxy-11β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one-17β-carboxylate type and the corresponding Δ1,4 compounds and of anti-inflammatory steroids of the hydrocortisone and prednisolone type are described. The enhancing agents have the formula: wherein R is H or C1-C4 alkyl; Z1 is carbonyl or β-hydroxymethylene; X1 is —O— or —S—; R5 is —OH, —OR6, —OCOOR6 or —OCOR7 wherein R6 is C1-C4 alkyl and R7 is C1-C4 alkyl, fluoromethyl or chloromethyl; and the dotted line in ring A indicates that the 1,2-linkage is saturated or unsaturated; with the proviso that when R is C1-C4 alkyl, then R5 is —OH. |
| US07776840B2 |
Methods of use of biomaterial and injectable implant containing biomaterial
This invention relates to the use of a biomaterial for the treatment, repair and/or enhancement of bodily tissue insufficiencies of the vocal chords, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, post-operative regions, sexual organs and/or weight supporting areas of the feet as well as other conditions of the bones and joints. The biomaterial for use in the invention may comprise an injectable bioresorbable polysaccharide composition wherein the polysaccharide may be succinochitosan glutamate. This invention also relates to the use of a biomaterial comprising an injectable bioresorbable polysaccharide composition in which resorbable particles may be in suspension, the said particles comprising or consisting essentially of chitin and/or chitosan, which may be free of any additional formulation modifying agents, and a process for manufacturing the same. The invention also includes the use of various medicaments in the biomaterial formulations to enhance the treatment of the affected area of the body. |
| US07776839B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions including alginates and methods of preparing and using same
A pharmaceutical composition is provided for use in the healing of cells containing about 0.0001 percent weight per volume (% w/v) to about 2% w/v of an alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid having a molecular weight in the range of greater than about 250,000 to about 1,000,000, provided that if the composition additionally contains an alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid having a molecular weight in the range of about 20,000 to about 250,000, it is present in an amount of less than 1% w/w. The use of the pharmaceutical composition for the healing cells in a mammal, preferably mucosal cells is also provided. |
| US07776838B1 |
Treatment of chemotherapeutic agent and antiviral agent toxicity with acylated pyrimidine nucleosides
The subject invention discloses compounds, compositions and methods for treatment and prevention of toxicity due to chemotherapeutic agents and antiviral agents. Disclosed are acylated derivatives of non-methylated pyrimidine nucleosides. These compounds are capable of attenuating damage to the hematopoietic system in animals receiving antiviral or antineoplastic chemotherapy. |
| US07776835B2 |
Trans-excision-splicing ribozyme and methods of use
A group I intron-derived ribozyme which binds RNA in trans, excises an internal segment from within the RNA, and splices the remaining 5′ and 3′ ends of the RNA back together (the trans-excision-splicing reaction) is disclosed. The excised segment can be as long as 28 nucleotides, or more, and as little as one nucleotide. The ribozymes of the invention are easily modified to alter their sequence specificity. Such ribozymes represent a new and potentially powerful class of generally adaptable genetic therapeutics. |
| US07776832B2 |
Anticancer treatment with a combination of taxanes and 13-deoxyanthracyclines
A 13-deoxy anthracycline and a taxane can be administered to a patient simultaneously, separately, sequentially, or consecutively to produce a therapeutic anticancer effect with reduced toxicity and side effect profile, compared to the administration of equieffective amounts of either compound alone. A composition or preparation of a 13-deoxy anthracyclines and a taxane for producing a potent anticancer therapeutic effect is also provided. |
| US07776829B2 |
Use of 15-deoxyspergualin for the treatment of hyperreactive inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases
The invention describes the use of deoxyspergualin (DSG) or an analogue thereof for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of and/or prophylaxis against hyperreactive inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases, wherein the treatment is performed in cycles. |
| US07776824B2 |
NGAL for reduction and amelioration of ischemic and nephrotoxic injuries
Use of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a therapeutic and in a method of treating, reducing, or ameliorating an injury selected from an ischemic injury, an ischemic-reperfusion injury, and a toxin-induced injury, to an organ in a patient. The invention includes administering to the patient NGAL in an amount effective to treat, reduce or ameliorate ischemic, ischemic-reperfusion, or toxin-induced injury to the organ, such as the kidney. A siderophore can be co-administered with the NGAL. The invention also relates to administering a sideophore to enhance a response to secretion of NGAL following an ischemic or toxin-induced injury to an organ in a patient. |
| US07776822B2 |
Intrathecal and intratumoral superantigens to treat malignant disease
The presence of tumor nodules in organs often results in serious clinical manifestations and the permeation by cancer cells of sheaths surrounding organs often produces clinical manifestations of pleural effusion, ascites or cerebral edema. The present invention addresses this problem by providing a method for treating tumors comprising (a) intratumoral administration of a superantigen and/or (b) intrathecal or intracavitary administration of a superantigen directly into the sheath. Intratumoral superantigen results in significant and sustained reduction of the tumor size. Intrathecal administration produces significant sustained reduction of the fluid accumulation associated with clinical improvement and prolonged survival. Useful superantigen compositions for intrathecal and intratumoral injection include tumoricidally effective homologues, fragments and fusion proteins of native superantigens. Also disclosed is combined therapy that includes intratumoral or intrathecal superantigen compositions in combination with (i) intratumoral low, non-toxic doses of one or more chemotherapeutic drugs or (ii) systemic chemotherapy at reduced and non-toxic doses of chemotherapeutic drugs. |
| US07776819B2 |
Targeted drug delivery of pain and addiction therapies using opioid receptor-mediated internalization
Drug delivery is targeted to new opioid receptors using receptor-mediated internalization. Dermorphin was successfully conjugated to DSPE-PEG3400 without affecting the affinity to its receptor. The synthesized conjugate was inserted into preformed sterically stabilized liposomes to obtain dermorphin-grafted SSL. DSPE-PEG34Qo-dermorphin and dermorphin-SSL retained their affinity and selectivity for MOR. Moreover, dermorphin-SSL and encapsulated probes were taken up by CHO-hMOR cells, but not by naive CHO cells or very closely related CHO-hDOR cells. Dermorphin-SSL can be used to deliver drugs to the intracellular component of intended cells with high fidelity. Therefore, dermorphin-SSL is useful to carry pharmaceutical agents to achieve region-specific delivery of analgesics and/or to attenuate side effects associated with opioids. |
| US07776817B2 |
Neuregulins for prevention and treatment of damage from acute assault on vascular and neuronal tissue and as regulators of neuronal stem cell migration
Neuregulin, a known neuroprotein, has been found to ameliorate or prevent damage caused by mechanical or chemical assault to blood vessels and, when administered into the cerebral spinal fluid, can ameliorate damage to neuronal tissue caused by stroke, inflammation or organophosphate neurotoxins. Additionally, neuregulin has been found to be useful for enhancement of stem cell migration from the ventricle to the site of injury to the brain. |
| US07776816B2 |
Preserving hypoxic tissue
Hypoxic tissue is preserved by prophylactically administering Stromal Derived Factor 1 Alpha (SDF-1α) before hypoxia induces cell death in the tissue. |
| US07776814B2 |
Tubulysin conjugates
The invention relates to novel tubulysin conjugates (e.g. of tubulysin A) and the use thereof in the treatment of cancer diseases. |
| US07776812B2 |
Multiple emulsion hard surface cleaning compositions
The present invention provides a cleaning composition comprising a multiple emulsion system, wherein said emulsion system comprises at least two active ingredients separated in the emulsion system by an oily or aqueous phase. Also described is the use of such multiple emulsion systems as cleaning compositions, and a method of cleaning a surface using multiple emulsion systems. |
| US07776811B2 |
Cleaner composition, article and method
A cleaner composition comprises a surfactant, a sodium source, an odor neutralizer, a fragrance, and a biocide, wherein the odor neutralizer comprises a betaine compound, aminoalcohol, a polyol, and an ionone, and wherein the cleaner composition is stable at a pH of about 9.5 to about 11.5 when stored for 24 months at a temperature of about 25° C. A spray dispenser comprises the cleaner composition and a propellant. Also described is a method of cleaning, deodorizing, or a combination thereof, automobile interiors by applying the disclosed cleaner composition to an automobile interior. |
| US07776810B2 |
Compositions containing ionic liquid actives
Compositions comprising an ionic liquid active composed of an ion active and an ionic liquid-forming counter ion, wherein the ion active is capable of delivering a fabric treating benefit, a surface treating benefit, and/or an air treating benefit. The compositions are substantially free of added water and have a viscosity less than about 5000 mPa·s at room temperature. The compositions are easily diluted with water and/or organic solvent, without formation a gel phase during the dilution process. Various products, especially a unit dose product, made with such compositions are also disclosed. |
| US07776806B2 |
Hair cleansing composition
A hair cleansing composition containing the following Components (A) to (D): (A) a sulfate surfactant represented by the following formula (1): R1—O—(C2H4O)n—SO3M (1) (wherein, R1 represents a C10-18 alkyl or alkenyl, n stands for 0 or a positive integer and M represents sodium or ammonium), composed of from 30 to 45 wt. % of a sulfate exhibiting n=0, from 18 to 27 wt. % of a sulfate exhibiting n=1, from 10 to 20 wt. % of a sulfate exhibiting n=2 and the balance of sulfates exhibiting n=3 or greater, and containing the sulfates exhibiting n=0 to 2 in a total amount of 70 wt. % or greater based on the total sulfates, (B) a C6-18 hydrophobic sulfonic acid or salt thereof, (C) a hydroxycarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid or aromatic carboxylic acid, (D) an organic solvent; and having a pH of 2 or greater but less than 6. The hair cleansing composition according to the present invention is excellent in the hair feel during shampooing and effects for straightening the flyaway or waved hair tip, which has resulted from the accumulation of damages caused, for example, by hair coloring. |
| US07776805B2 |
Copolymer, lubricating oil viscosity modifier, and lubricating oil composition
A copolymer containing a constituent unit derived from ethylene and a constituent unit derived from an α-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms and satisfying the following requirements (1) to (5): (1) the copolymer has a melting point (Tm) of −20° C. to 100° C.; (2) the melting point (Tm) and the density D (g/cm3) satisfy the following expression Tm≧1073×D−893 (1); (3) the copolymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) measured by GPC of 1.6 to 5.0; (4) the copolymer has a half-width (ΔThalf) of a melting peak measured by DSC of 90° C. or less; and (5) the half-width (ΔThalf) and the melting point (Tm) satisfy the relationship shown by the following expression ΔThalf≦−0.71×Tm+101.4 (2). |
| US07776803B2 |
Working materials with smart cutting fluids
An process for working a material in which a reverse thermal fluid is used as a cutting fluid and, as a result of heat generated during the working process, the fluid increases in temperature above its transition temperature and viscosifies and thickens. In another embodiment, the invention is an article of manufacture of a material which has been worked to increase its temperature and a reverse thermal fluid in intimate thermal contact with the material above the transition temperature of the reverse thermal fluid. |
| US07776799B2 |
Cold rolling process for metals using an aqueous lubricant comprising at least one carboxylic acid, one phosphate ester and one wax
The invention concerns a method for cold rolling metals using an aqueous lubricant comprising: (1) at least a mixture based on at least an acid selected among saturated or unsaturated mono- or poly-carboxylic acids, comprising 5 to 40 carbon atoms; at least an acid phosphate ester of formula (RO)x-P(═O)(OH)x′, wherein: R is a hydrocarbon radical, optionally polyalkoxylated; x and x′ being equal to 3; the carboxylic acid and/or the acid phosphate ester being optionally neutralized by an organic or mineral base; and (2) at least a natural or synthetic wax exhibiting a melting point not less than 50° C. and having an average particle size ranging between 0.5 and 10 μm. The use of said lubricant enables to increase the productivity of the method by at least 15% relative to a method using a conventional lubricant. |
| US07776794B2 |
Biosensor using living cells on silicon-based microarrays
The invention relates to a biosensor comprising living cells that express a chemosensor, or receptor, on their surface. When grown on a microarray comprising electrodes, the cells can be induced, by binding of a ligand to the receptor, to secrete a molecule. This secretion event is detected with millisecond temporal resolution via electrochemical oxidation of the secreted molecule on the electrode which is voltage-clamped slightly above its redox potential. The current so generated is indicative of the amount of the ligand bound to the receptor. |
| US07776784B2 |
Hydrodesulfurization catalyst and hydrodesulfurization process for gasoline fractions
A hydrodesulfurization catalyst used for hydrodesulfurization of catalytically cracked gasoline comprises a support composed mainly of alumina modified with an oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of iron, chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, yttrium, scandium and lanthanoid-based metals, with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group 6A and Group 8 metals loaded as an active metal on the support. Hydrogenation of olefins generated as by-products during hydrodesulfurization of the catalytically cracked gasoline fraction, as an important constituent base of gasoline, can be adequately inhibited to maintain the octane number, while sufficiently reducing the sulfur content of the hydrodesulfurized catalytically cracked gasoline fraction. |
| US07776780B1 |
Catalysts for oxidation of mercury in flue gas
Two new classes of catalysts for the removal of heavy metal contaminants, especially mercury (Hg) from effluent gases. Both of these classes of catalysts are excellent absorbers of HCl and Cl2 present in effluent gases. This adsorption of oxidizing agents aids in the oxidation of heavy metal contaminants. The catalysts remove mercury by oxidizing the Hg into mercury (II) moieties. For one class of catalysts, the active component is selected from the group consisting of iridium (Ir) and iridum-platinum (Ir/Pt) alloys. The Ir and Ir/Pt alloy catalysts are especially corrosion resistant. For the other class of catalyst, the active component is partially combusted coal or “Thief” carbon impregnated with Cl2. Untreated Thief carbon catalyst can be self-activating in the presence of effluent gas streams. The Thief carbon catalyst is disposable by means of capture from the effluent gas stream in a particulate collection device (PCD). |
| US07776774B2 |
Composite material and method of producing the same
There is provided a strengthened composite material that is able to improve yield, handling, and reliability when it is applied to members of semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. Five to 60 mol % ZrO2 is contained relative to Y2O3, and temperature after a sintering process is maintained between 1,200° C. to 1,500° C. for 5 minutes or longer or temperature falling speed to reach 1,200° C. is adjusted to 200° C./h or slower, thereby producing the composite material containing, as major crystalline phases, a Y2O3 solid solution in which ZrO2 is dissolved in Y2O3 and a ZrO2 solid solution in which Y2O3 is dissolved in ZrO2. |
| US07776767B2 |
Lattice intended for the constitution of a light-attenuation screen, with self-regulation of the transmitted light
This present invention concerns a lattice that is intended for the constitution of a light-attenuation screen, composed of at least two layers of crossed threads or fibres, combined to form an open grid with a given openness factor, characterised in that the layers are coated with a formulation that includes a polymer binder and a photochromic organic pigment. |
| US07776765B2 |
Tantalum silicon oxynitride high-k dielectrics and metal gates
Electronic apparatus and methods of forming the electronic apparatus include a tantalum silicon oxynitride film on a substrate for use in a variety of electronic systems. The tantalum silicon oxynitride film may be structured as one or more monolayers. The tantalum silicon oxynitride film may be formed using atomic layer deposition. Metal electrodes may be disposed on a dielectric containing a tantalum silicon oxynitride film. |
| US07776762B2 |
Zirconium-doped tantalum oxide films
Dielectric layers containing a zirconium-doped tantalum oxide layer, where the zirconium-doped tantalum oxide layer is formed of one or more monolayers of tantalum oxide doped with zirconium, provide an insulating layer in a variety of structures for use in a wide range of electronic devices. |
| US07776749B2 |
Methods of forming semiconductor constructions
The invention includes optical signal conduits having rare earth elements incorporated therein. The optical signal conduits can, for example, contain rare earth elements incorporated within a dielectric material matrix. For instance, erbium or cerium can be within silicon nanocrystals dispersed throughout dielectric material of optical signal conduits. The dielectric material can define a path for the optical signal, and can be wrapped in a sheath which aids in keeping the optical signal along the path. The sheath can include any suitable barrier material, and can, for example, contain one or more metallic materials. The invention also includes methods of forming optical signal conduits, with some of such methods being methods in which the optical signal conduits are formed to be part of semiconductor constructions. |
| US07776747B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for forming pattern in the same
A method for forming a fine pattern of a semiconductor device includes forming a first hard mask layer over a semiconductor substrate, forming a second hard mask layer pattern over the first hard mask layer, forming a spacer on a sidewall of the second hard mask layer pattern, selectively etching the first hard mask layer by using the spacer and the second hard mask layer pattern as an etching mask to form a first hard mask layer pattern, forming a first insulating film filling the second hard mask layer pattern and the first hard mask layer pattern, selectively etching the second hard mask layer pattern and the underlying first hard mask layer pattern to form a third hard mask layer pattern, removing the first insulating film and the spacer, and patterning the semiconductor substrate by using the third hard mask layer pattern as an etching mask to form a fine pattern. |
| US07776743B2 |
Method of forming semiconductor devices containing metal cap layers
Embodiments of methods for improving electrical leakage performance and minimizing electromigration in semiconductor devices containing metal cap layers are generally described herein. According to one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor device includes planarizing a top surface of a workpiece to form a substantially planar surface with conductive paths and dielectric regions, forming metal cap layers on the conductive paths, and exposing the top surface of the workpiece to a dopant source from a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) to form doped metal cap layers on the conductive paths and doped dielectric layers on the dielectric regions. According to some embodiments the metal cap layers and the doped metal cap layers contain a noble metal selected from Pt, Au, Ru, Rh, Ir, and Pd. |
| US07776742B2 |
Film-forming method
A TiN film is formed to have a predetermined thickness on a semiconductor wafer by heating the semiconductor wafer at a film formation temperature within a process container and performing a cycle including a first step and a second step at least once. The first step is arranged to supply a TiCl4 gas and a NH3 gas to form a film of TiN by CVD. The second step is arranged to stop the TiCl4 gas and supply the NH3 gas. In film formation, the semiconductor wafer is set at a temperature of less than 450° C. and the process container is set to have therein a total pressure of more than 100 Pa. The NH3 gas is set to have a partial pressure of 30 Pa or less within the process container in the first step. |
| US07776740B2 |
Method for integrating selective low-temperature ruthenium deposition into copper metallization of a semiconductor device
A method for integrating low-temperature selective Ru metal deposition into manufacturing of semiconductor devices to improve electromigration and stress migration in bulk Cu metal. The method includes providing a patterned substrate containing a recessed feature in a dielectric layer, where the recessed feature is at least substantially filled with planarized bulk Cu metal, heat-treating the bulk Cu metal and the dielectric layer in the presence of H2, N2, or NH3, or a combination thereof, and selectively depositing a Ru metal film on the heat-treated planarized bulk Cu metal. |
| US07776736B2 |
Substrate for electronic device capable of suppressing fluorine atoms exposed at the surface of insulating film from reacting with water and method for processing same
Disclosed are a substrate for electronic devices such as semiconductor devices and a method for processing the same, In the processing method, firstly a substrate for electronic devices is prepared and an insulating film (I) composed of a fluorocarbon (CF) is formed on the surface of the substrate. Then, fluorine (F) atoms exposed in the surface of the insulating film (I) are removed therefrom by bombarding the surface of the insulating film (I) with, for example, active species (KR+) produced in a krypton (Kr) gas plasma. In this connection, the substrate is kept out of contact with moisture at least from immediately after the insulating film forming step until completion of the fluorine removing step. |
| US07776730B2 |
Siloxane polymer composition, method of forming a pattern using the same, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor using the same
A siloxane polymer composition includes an organic solvent in an amount of about 93 percent by weight to about 98 percent by weight, based on a total weight of the siloxane polymer composition, and a siloxane complex in an amount of about 2 percent by weight to about 7 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the siloxane polymer composition, the siloxane complex including a siloxane polymer with an introduced carboxylic acid and being represented by Formula 1 below, wherein each of R1, R2 R3, and R4 independently represents H, OH, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, C4H9 or C5H11, R′ represents CH2, C2H4, C3H6, C4H8, C5H10 or C6H12, and n represents a positive integer so the siloxane polymer of the siloxane complex has a number average molecular weight of about 4,000 to about 5,000. |
| US07776728B2 |
Rapid thermal process method and rapid thermal process device
A rapid thermal process method contains providing a substrate, performing a pre-heating process to at least a first portion of the substrate by means of a first laser beam, and performing a rapid heating process to the pre-heated first portion of the substrate by means of a second laser beam. |
| US07776722B2 |
Manufacturing methods of semiconductor substrate, thin film transistor and semiconductor device
In manufacturing an SOI substrate, in a case where a step is present in a surface to be bonded, a substrate may warp and the contact area becomes small due to the step, an SOI layer having a desired shape cannot be obtained in some cases. However, the present invention provides an SOI substrate having a desired shape even when a step is produced on a surface to be bonded. Between steps on the surface to be bonded, dummy patterns 302 are formed at predetermined intervals, and thus the warp of the substrate to be bonded can be suppressed, the adhesion between the bonded substrates can be ensured, and an SOI layer having a desired shape can be obtained. |
| US07776720B2 |
Program-controlled dicing of a substrate using a pulsed laser
A substrate is diced using a program-controlled pulsed laser beam apparatus having an associated memory for storing a laser cutting strategy file. The file contains selected combinations of pulse rate Deltat, pulse energy density E and pulse spatial overlap to machine a single layer or different types of material in different layers of the substrate while restricting damage to the layers and maximising machining rate to produce die having predetermined die strength and yield. The file also contains data relating to the number of scans necessary using a selected combination to cut through a corresponding layer. The substrate is diced using the selected combinations. Gas handling equipment for inert or active gas may be provided for preventing or inducing chemical reactions at the substrate prior to, during or after dicing. |
| US07776719B2 |
Method for manufacturing bonded wafer
A method is provided for manufacturing a bonded wafer by an ion implantation delamination method, including bonding a base wafer with a bond wafer having a microbubble layer formed by ion implantation, delaminating the wafers along the micro bubble layer as a boundary, and removing a periphery of a thin film formed on the base wafer by the delamination. The removal step is performed by dry etching that supplies an etching gas from a nozzle, and the dry etching is performed by adjusting an inner diameter of the gas-jetting port of the nozzle, and a distance between the gas-jetting port of the nozzle and a surface of the thin film. |
| US07776718B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor substrate with reduced gap size between single-crystalline layers
It is an object to form single-crystalline semiconductor layers with high mobility over approximately the entire surface of a glass substrate even when the glass substrate is increased in size. A first single-crystalline semiconductor substrate is bonded to a substrate having an insulating surface, the first single-crystalline semiconductor substrate is separated such that a first single-crystalline semiconductor layer is left remaining over the substrate having an insulating surface, a second single-crystalline semiconductor substrate is bonded to the substrate having an insulating surface so as to overlap with at least part of the first single-crystalline semiconductor layer provided over the substrate having an insulating surface, and the second single-crystalline semiconductor substrate is separated such that a second single-crystalline semiconductor layer is left remaining over the substrate having an insulating surface. |
| US07776715B2 |
Reverse construction memory cell
A method of fabricating a memory cell comprises forming a plurality of doped semiconductor layers on a carrier substrate. The method further comprises forming a plurality of digit lines separated by an insulating material. The digit lines are arrayed over the doped semiconductor layers. The method further comprises etching a plurality of trenches into the doped semiconductor layers. The method further comprises depositing an insulating material into the plurality of trenches to form a plurality of electrically isolated transistor pillars. The method further comprises bonding at least a portion of the structure formed on the carrier substrate to a host substrate. The method further comprises separating the carrier substrate from the host substrate. |
| US07776712B2 |
Method of forming a semiconductor device
There is provided a crystalline TFT in which reliability comparable to or superior to a MOS transistor can be obtained and excellent characteristics can be obtained in both an on state and an off state. A gate electrode of the crystalline TFT is formed of a laminate structure of a first gate electrode made of a semiconductor material and a second gate electrode made of a metal material. An n-channel TFT includes an LDD region, and a region overlapping with the gate electrode and a region not overlapping with the gate electrode are provided, so that a high electric field in the vicinity of a drain is relieved, and at the same time, an increase of an off current is prevented. |
| US07776711B2 |
Method for manufacturing a transistor of a semiconductor memory device
A transistor of a semiconductor memory device including a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of active regions and a device isolation region, a plurality of first and second trench device isolation layers, which are arranged alternately with each other on the device isolation region of the semiconductor substrate, the first trench device isolation layers having a first thickness corresponding to a relatively high step height, and the second trench device isolation layers having a second thickness corresponding to a relatively low step height, a recess region formed in each of the active regions by a predetermined depth to have a stepped profile at a boundary portion thereof, the recess region having a height higher than that of the second trench device isolation layers to have an upwardly protruded portion between adjacent two second trench device isolation layers, a gate insulation layer, and a plurality of gate stacks formed on the gate insulation layer to overlap with the stepped profile of the respective active regions and the protruded portion of the relevant recess region. |
| US07776707B2 |
Method for manufacturing dielectric memory
A method includes the steps of: forming a first insulation film on a substrate; forming a hole in the first insulation film; forming a lower electrode on a bottom surface and a sidewall surface of the hole; forming a capacitor insulation film on the lower electrode; forming a second conductive layer on the capacitor insulation film; forming a second insulation film on the second conductive layer so that the second insulation film fills a recess corresponding to the hole; forming a resist mask on the second insulation film so that the resist mask covers the recess; patterning the second insulation film by using the resist mask; and patterning the second conductive layer and the capacitor insulation film by using the patterned second insulation film as a hard mask. By dry etching using a hard mask, a dielectric capacitor having a three-dimensionally stacked structure can be formed with a high yield. |
| US07776705B2 |
Method for fabricating a thick copper line and copper inductor resulting therefrom
A method of forming one or more inductors on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes forming a first dielectric material over the substrate, forming a trench in the first dielectric material, and substantially filling the trench with copper to form the one or more inductors. The first dielectric material is removed and a second dielectric material is formed over the copper. The second dielectric material is removed from an uppermost portion of the copper, thus leaving a portion of the second dielectric material on the sidewalls of the copper. |
| US07776704B2 |
Method to build self-aligned NPN in advanced BiCMOS technology
The present invention provides a method of forming a self-aligned heterobipolar transistor (HBT) device in a BiCMOS technology. The method includes forming a raised extrinsic base structure by using an epitaxial growth process in which the growth rate between single crystal silicon and polycrystalline silicon is different and by using a low temperature oxidation process such as a high-pressure oxidation (HIPOX) process to form a self-aligned emitter/extrinsic base HBT structure. |
| US07776703B2 |
Process for manufacturing semiconductor device
Reduction of damage to a semiconductor device due to a marking process while inhibiting deterioration of a mark can not be achieved in conventional processes for manufacturing semiconductor devices. A process for manufacturing the semiconductor device 100 involves irradiating the marking film 21 with an energy beam through the transparent protective film 31 after the protective film 31 is formed, and such irradiation causes a chemical modification of the material of the marking film 21 to create the marks. According to the above-described process for manufacturing the semiconductor device 100, the region for the marking or the upper surface of the marking film 21 is sheathed by the protective film 31, so that a damage to the semiconductor chip 11 due to the generations of dust, exothermic heat, gas, stress or the like during the marking operation can be reduced. This allows achieving the process for manufacturing the semiconductor device 100 that provides a manufacture of better quality of the marks. |
| US07776701B2 |
Metal oxynitride as a pFET material
A compound metal comprising MOxNy which is a p-type metal having a workfunction of about 4.75 to about 5.3, preferably about 5, eV that is thermally stable on a gate stack comprising a high k dielectric and an interfacial layer is provided as well as a method of fabricating the MOxNy compound metal. Furthermore, the MOxNy metal compound of the present invention is a very efficient oxygen diffusion barrier at 1000° C. allowing very aggressive equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) and inversion layer thickness scaling below 14 Å in a p-metal oxide semiconductor (pMOS) device. In the above formula, M is a metal selected from Group IVB, VB, VIB or VIIB of the Periodic Table of Elements, x is from about 5 to about 40 atomic % and y is from about 5 to about 40 atomic %. |
| US07776698B2 |
Selective formation of silicon carbon epitaxial layer
Methods for formation of epitaxial layers containing n-doped silicon are disclosed, including methods for the formation and treatment of epitaxial layers in semiconductor devices, for example, Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) devices. Formation of the n-doped epitaxial layer involves exposing a substrate in a process chamber to deposition gases including a silicon source, a carbon source and an n-dopant source at a first temperature and pressure and then exposing the substrate to an etchant at a second higher temperature and a higher pressure than during deposition. |
| US07776696B2 |
Method to obtain multiple gate thicknesses using in-situ gate etch mask approach
Making gates having multiple thicknesses on the same substrate in a given process flow is provided. For example, a method of making a semiconductor structure having at least two gates of different thickness involves forming a first gate layer having a first thickness; patterning a first hard mask over a portion of the first gate layer to define a first gate underneath the first hard mask having a first gate thickness; forming a second gate layer having a second thickness over the first gate layer and the first hard mask; patterning a second hard mask over a portion of the second gate layer to define a second gate underneath the second hard mask having a second gate thickness; removing portions of the first gate layer and the second gate layer that are not under the first hard mask and the second hard mask; and removing the first hard mask and the second hard mask to provide two gates of different thicknesses. |
| US07776687B2 |
Semiconductor device having a gate contact structure capable of reducing interfacial resistance and method of forming the same
A semiconductor device has a gate contact structure, including a semiconductor substrate, a polycrystalline silicon layer used as a gate electrode of a transistor, a middle conductive layer, a top metal layer having an opening exposing the polycrystalline silicon layer, and a contact plug directly contacting the polycrystalline silicon layer through the opening. |
| US07776683B2 |
Integrated circuit fabrication
A method for defining patterns in an integrated circuit comprises defining a plurality of features in a first photoresist layer using photolithography over a first region of a substrate. The method further comprises using pitch multiplication to produce at least two features in a lower masking layer for each feature in the photoresist layer. The features in the lower masking layer include looped ends. The method further comprises covering with a second photoresist layer a second region of the substrate including the looped ends in the lower masking layer. The method further comprises etching a pattern of trenches in the substrate through the features in the lower masking layer without etching in the second region. The trenches have a trench width. |
| US07776682B1 |
Ordered porosity to direct memory element formation
Disclosed are methods and systems for improving cell-to-cell repeatability of electrical performance in memory cells. The methods involve forming an electrically non-conducting material having ordered porosity over a passive layer. The ordered porosity can facilitate formation of conductive channels through which charge carriers can migrate across the otherwise non-conductive layer to facilitate changing a state of a memory cell. A barrier layer can optionally be formed over the non-conductive layer, and can have ordered porosity oriented in a manner substantially perpendicular to the conductive channels such that charge carries migrating across the non-conductive layer cannot permeate the barrier layer. The methods provide for the manufacture of microelectronic devices with cost-effective and electrically reliable memory cells. |
| US07776678B2 |
Thermally stable BiCMOS fabrication method and bipolar junction transistors formed according to the method
A method for forming BiCMOS integrated circuits and structures formed according to the method. After forming doped wells and gate stacks for the CMOS devices and collector and base regions for the bipolar junction transistor, an emitter layer is formed within an emitter window. A dielectric material layer is formed over the emitter layer and remains in place during etching of the emitter layer and removal of the etch mask. The dielectric material layer further remains in place during source/drain implant doping and activation of the implanted source/drain dopants. The dielectric material layer functions as a thermal barrier, to limit out-diffusion of the emitter dopants during the activation step. |
| US07776671B2 |
Inductor for semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
The inductor for a semiconductor device comprises a first interlayer dielectric formed on a top of a silicon substrate, at least one first metal wire formed on a top of the first interlayer dielectric, a second interlayer dielectric formed on a top of the first interlayer dielectric to cover the first metal wire, at least one second metal wire formed on a top of the second interlayer dielectric and connected to the first metal wire, and an upper protective film formed on the top of the second interlayer dielectric to cover the second metal wire, wherein the first and second metal wires are alternately arranged and are formed in a spiral structure. |
| US07776669B2 |
Thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same
A thin film transistor includes a substrate; a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, and including polycrystalline silicon having a constant directivity and a uniformly distributed crystal grain boundary; a gate insulating layer; a gate electrode; an interlayer insulating layer; and source and drain electrodes. The thin film transistor is formed by preparing a substrate including a first region, a second region, and a third region; forming an amorphous silicon layer on the first region, second region, and third region of the substrate; doping a first impurity containing boron into an amorphous silicon layer of the first region; forming a crystallization inducing material on the amorphous silicon layer of the first region; applying crystallization energy to the amorphous silicon layer, and crystallizing the amorphous silicon layers of the first region and the second region adjacent to the first region to form polycrystalline silicon layers; crystallizing the amorphous silicon layer of the third region adjacent to the second region to form a polycrystalline silicon layer using a laser crystallization method; and patterning the polycrystalline silicon layers of the first region, the second region, and the third region to form a semiconductor layer on the third region. |
| US07776664B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
To achieve electro-optical devices typified by active matrix liquid crystal display devices with higher productivity and yield and lower manufacturing cost by reducing the number of steps of manufacturing a terminal portion and a pixel portion having an inverted staggered thin film transistor, specifically by reducing the number of photomasks used in a photolithography process. In view of this object, a photomask (multitone photomask) formed in such a manner that a light-transmitting substrate is provided with a transmitting portion, a partially-transmitting portion having a function of reducing light intensity, and a light-blocking portion is employed. Moreover, a lift-off method which does not require an etching step in patterning of a source electrode and a drain electrode of the pixel portion and a source wiring that extends to the terminal portion is employed. |
| US07776663B2 |
Semiconductor display devices
In a liquid crystal display device, a first substrate includes electrical wirings and a semiconductor integrated circuit which has TFTs and is connected electrically to the electrical wirings, and a second substrate includes a transparent conductive film on a surface thereof. A surface of the first substrate that the electrical wirings are formed is opposite to the transparent conductive film on the second substrate. the semiconductor integrated circuit has substantially the same length as one side of a display screen (i.e., a matrix circuit) of the display device and is obtained by peeling it from another substrate and then forming it on the first substrate. Also, in a liquid crystal display device, a first substrate includes a matrix circuit and a peripheral driver circuit, and a second substrate is opposite to the first substrate, includes a matrix circuit and a peripheral driver circuit and has at least a size corresponding to the matrix circuit and the peripheral driver circuit. Spacers is provided between the first and second substrates. A seal material is formed outside the matrix circuits and the peripheral driver circuits in the first and second substrates. A liquid crystal material is filled inside a region enclosed by the seal material. A protective film is formed on the peripheral driver circuit has substantially a thickness equivalent to an interval between the substrates which is formed by the spacers. |
| US07776661B2 |
Nano-electromechanical circuit using co-planar transmission line
A co-planar waveguide structure is integrated with an upwardly extending resonant pillar to produce transfer cells that provide controlled transmission of electricity between adjacent structures of the co-planar waveguide in order to produce easily fabricated electronic devices operating at megahertz and gigahertz speeds for filtration, modulation, rectification, and mixing of high-frequency signals. |
| US07776657B2 |
Chip package thermal interface materials with dielectric obstructions for body-biasing, methods of using same, and systems containing same
A chip package includes a thermal interface material disposed between a die backside and a heat sink. The thermal interface material includes a first metal particle that is covered by a dielectric film. The dielectric film is selected from an inorganic compound of the first metal or an inorganic compound coating of a second metal. The dielectric film diminishes overall heat transfer from the first metal particle in the thermal interface material by a small fraction of total possible heat transfer without the dielectric film. A method of operating the chip includes biasing the chip with the dielectric film in place. |
| US07776649B1 |
Method for fabricating wafer level chip scale packages
A method for fabricating a plurality of wafer level chip scale packages is revealed. A bumped wafer is laminated with a mold plate with a protection film placed thereon to partially embed the bumps of the wafer into the protection film and to form an underfill gap between the wafer and the protection film. By a first sawing step, the wafer fixed by the protection film is singulated into a plurality of chips having sides between the active surface and the back surface and also a filling gap is formed between the sides. Then, an encapsulant is formed on the protection film where the encapsulant fills the underfill gap through the filling gap to completely encapsulate the chips and the non-embedded portions of the bumps. By separating the encapsulant from the protection film and a second sawing step, the mold plate and the protection film are removed, and the encapsulant is singulated into a plurality of individual wafer level chip scale packages. |
| US07776647B2 |
Semiconductor components and methods of fabrication with circuit side contacts, conductive vias and backside conductors
A semiconductor component includes a thinned semiconductor substrate having protective polymer layers on up to six surfaces. The component also includes contacts on a circuit side of the substrate, conductive vias in electrical contact with the contacts, and conductors on a backside of the substrate. A method for fabricating the component includes the steps of providing the semiconductor substrate with the contacts on the circuit side, forming conductive vias from the back side in electrical contact with the contacts, and forming conductors on the backside. |
| US07776646B2 |
Organic field-effect transistor and method of making same based on polymerizable self-assembled monolayers
An organic field-effect transistor and a method of making the same include a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of bifunctional molecules disposed between a pair of electrodes as a channel material. The pair of electrodes and the SAM of bifunctional molecules are formed above an insulating layer, in which each of the bifunctional molecules comprises a functionality at a first end that covalently bonds to the insulating layer, and an end-cap functionality at a second end that includes a conjugated bond. The SAM of bifunctional molecules may be polymerized SAM to form a conjugated polymer strand extending between the pair of electrodes. |
| US07776644B2 |
Phase change memory cell and method and system for forming the same
For fabricating a phase change memory cell, a layer of phase change material and a layer of a first electrode material are deposited. In addition, the first electrode material is patterned using an etchant including a low-reactivity halogen element such as bromine or iodine to form a first electrode. By using the low-reactivity halogen element, change to the composition of the phase change material and formation of undercut and deleterious halogen by-product are avoided. |
| US07776643B2 |
Solid state image pickup device and its manufacture method
A solid state image pickup device is provided which includes: charge accumulation regions disposed in a semiconductor substrate in a matrix shape; a plurality of vertical transfer channels formed in the semiconductor substrate each in a close proximity to each column of the charge accumulation regions; vertical transfer electrodes formed above the vertical transfer channels; a channel protective impurity layer formed just under the vertical transfer channel and surrounding the charge accumulation region; one or more pixel separation impurity layers formed under the channel protective impurity layer and at a position facing the channel protective impurity layer; an overflow barrier region having a peak position of an impurity concentration at a position deeper than the pixel separation impurity layer, the peak position of the impurity concentration being at a depth of 3 μm or deeper from a surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a horizontal CCD for transferring signal charges transferred from the vertical transfer channels in a horizontal direction. |
| US07776639B2 |
Suppression of dark current in a photosensor for imaging
A pixel cell having a halogen-rich region localized between an oxide isolation region and a photosensor. The halogen-rich region prevents leakage from the isolation-region into the photosensor, thereby suppressing dark current in imagers. |
| US07776635B2 |
Array substrate for in-plane switching liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
A fabricating method of an array substrate for an in-plane switching liquid crystal display device includes: forming a gate line and a common line on a substrate, the common line spaced apart from the gate line; forming a data line crossing the gate line to define a pixel region; forming a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; forming a pixel electrode and a common electrode in the pixel region, each of the pixel electrode and the common electrode including an opaque metal layer; and irradiating ultraviolet rays onto the opaque metal layer to form a metal oxide layer on the opaque metal layer. |
| US07776633B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel and method of manufacture
A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor array panel, including: forming gate lines on a substrate; forming a gate insulating layer on the gate lines; forming semiconductor layers on the gate insulating layer; forming data lines and drain electrodes on the semiconductor layers; depositing a passivation layer on the data lines and the drain electrodes; forming a first photoresist layer including a first portion and a second portion that is thinner than the first portion on the passivation layer; forming a first preliminary contact hole exposing the data lines by etching the passivation layer by using the first photoresist layer as a mask; removing the second portion of the first photoresist; forming a first contact hole by expanding the first preliminary contact hole and opening portions by etching the passivation layer by using the first portion of the first photoresist layer as a mask; depositing a conductor layer; and forming pixel electrodes in the opening portions and a first contact assistant member in the first contact hole by removing the first photoresist layer and the conductor layer located thereon. |
| US07776629B2 |
High efficiency light emitting diode (LED) with optimized photonic crystal extractor
A high efficiency, and possibly highly directional, light emitting diode (LED) with an optimized photonic crystal extractor. The LED is comprised of a substrate, a buffer layer grown on the substrate (if needed), an active layer including emitting species, one or more optical confinement layers that tailor the structure of the guided modes in the LED, and one or more diffraction gratings, wherein the diffraction gratings are two-dimensional photonic crystal extractors. The substrate may be removed and metal layers may be deposited on the buffer layer, photonic crystal and active layer, wherein the metal layers may function as a mirror, an electrical contact, and/or an efficient diffraction grating. |
| US07776624B2 |
Method for improving semiconductor surfaces
A semiconductor fabrication method. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate includes a semiconductor material. Next, a top portion of the semiconductor substrate is removed. Next, a first semiconductor layer is epitaxially grown on the semiconductor substrate, wherein a first atomic percent of a first semiconductor material in the first semiconductor layer is equal to a substrate atomic percent of the substrate semiconductor material in the semiconductor substrate. |
| US07776613B2 |
Sub-diffraction image resolution and other imaging techniques
The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The emitted light may be used to determine the positions of the first and second entities, for example, using Gaussian fitting or other mathematical techniques, and in some cases, with sub-diffraction resolution. The methods may thus be used, for example, to determine the locations of two or more entities immobilized relative to a common entity, for example, a surface, or a biological entity such as DNA or a protein. The entities may also be determined with respect to time, for example, to determine a time-varying reaction. Other aspects of the invention relate to systems for sub-diffraction image resolution, computer programs and techniques for sub-diffraction image resolution, methods for promoting sub-diffraction image resolution, methods for producing photoswitchable entities, and the like. |
| US07776608B2 |
Volume meter testing device and method of use
A test device adapted to test a concentration of an analyte in a fluid has a pickup area having a first volume for receiving the fluid. In fluid communication with the pickup area is a read area having a second volume, which is less than the first volume. Since the second volume is less than the first volume, fluid from the pickup area will flow into the read area only after the pickup area is full. The read area also contains a reagent that is adapted to indicate the concentration of the analyte in the fluid. |
| US07776605B2 |
Assay for cardiac troponin autoantibodies
The invention provides among other things methods and kits based on assaying for cardiac troponin autoantibodies, either in conjunction with an assay for cardiac troponin and/or as an independent indicator of cardiac pathology, such as myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, and/or ischemic heart disease. Assay methods of the invention can be employed among other things to identify cardiac pathology, or risk thereof, in subjects who have an autoimmune disease or who are related to an individual with an autoimmune disease. In particular embodiments, the invention also provides a method of determining whether a subject having, or at risk for, a cardiac pathology is a candidate for immunosuppressive therapy or immunoabsorption therapy. The invention also provides kits and kit components that are useful for performing the methods of the invention. |
| US07776604B2 |
Methods of selecting and developing a particulate material
The present invention relates to a method of selecting and/or developing particulate material for a composition comprising the particulate material and a matrix by using at least one homogeneous interaction parameter alone or in combination with at least one heterogeneous interaction parameter. These parameters may comprise at least one interfacial potential property value, at least one value derived from an interfacial potential property value, at least one component of an interfacial potential property value, or combinations thereof for a particulate material and for the matrix. Process and performance maps, as well as methods for mapping, are also disclosed. |
| US07776602B2 |
Methods of providing product consistency
The present invention relates to a method of providing product consistency of a particulate material or the product containing the same, by measuring and/or analyzing at least one interfacial potential property value of the particulate material. The method may be used as a QA/QC method to insure product consistency. |
| US07776601B2 |
Method for determining and monitoring ageing of blood bags
The invention concerns a method which consists in determining ageing an ageing index of a blood bag (11, 62), to determine whether the blood bag is or not suitable for transfusion to a patient. The ageing index is calculated by connecting a silicon chip provided with a loop antenna integral with the blood bag (11, 62) with an electronic communication device (2, 8, 17, 12, 20, 24), itself equipped with a loop antenna, connected to a computer (9, 13) containing appropriate computing software elements. Said ageing index is regularly calculated at the blood transfusion center (16) from the sample (1), until it is removed from storage (7) to be sent to the health-care institution (18) and to the operating theatre (19). |
| US07776598B2 |
Methods and compositions for polypeptide engineering
Methods are provided for the evolution of proteins of industrial and pharmaceutical interest, including methods for effecting recombination and selection. Compositions produced by these methods are also disclosed. |
| US07776597B2 |
Method of inducing embryonic stem cells into pancreatic cells
The present invention provided a simple three-step approach based on the combinational induction with activin A, all-trans retinoic acid and, optionally, other maturation factors which are able to induce embryonic stem cells to differentiate into insulin-producing cells. A kit used to induce embryonic stem cells to differentiate into insulin-producing cells was also provided. |
| US07776596B2 |
Vascularization enhanced graft constructs
A tissue graft construct for use in repairing diseased or damaged tissues is provided. The tissue graft construct comprises a matrix composition selected from the group consisting of urinary bladder submucosa and stomach submucosa, and extracts and hydrolysates thereof, added endothelial cells, and at least one additional preselected, exogenous population of cells which enhance initiation of the formation vessel-like structures in the graft construct. The preselected population of cells can be a population of non-keratinized or keratinized epithelial cells or a population of mesodermally-derived cells selected from the group consisting of fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, multi-potential progenitor cells, pericytes, osteogenic cells, and any other suitable cell type, preferably selected based on the tissue to be repaired. Methods for enhancing the vascularization in vivo of these tissue graft constructs and for preparing these graft constructs are also provided. |
| US07776594B2 |
Bone marrow infusion chamber and method
A method and apparatus for preparing a bone graft composite using an infusion chamber. A modular tube having a porous material contained therein and having removable end caps is provided. Bone marrow aspirate or other bone morphogenic protein containing suspensions may be infused into the tube. A filter on one end of the tube prevents the fluid from escaping while permitting air to be expelled from the tube as it is filled with bone marrow aspirate. Once infused into the tube, the bone marrow aspirate is allowed to settle to a putty or paste-like consistency, the putty and material together forming a bone graft composite. |
| US07776581B2 |
Method of producing an aspartic protease in a recombinant host organism
A polypeptide comprising an aspartic protease such as chymosin which is modified so as to comprise at least one —N—X-T-glycosylation site and a method for producing such a polypeptide. |
| US07776579B2 |
Method of degrading hardly degradable protein
Disclosed is an agent for digesting a protein highly resistant to denaturation and degradation, comprising as an active ingredient an enzyme exhibiting an activity of digesting a protein highly resistant to denaturation and degradation and having the following properties: (a) activity and substrate specificity: hydrolyzing a peptide bond of a protein highly resistant to denaturation and degradation; (b) molecular weight: 31,000 (determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using a homogeneous gel having a gel concentration of 12%); (c) isoelectric point: pI 9.3 (determined by polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing electrophoresis); (d) optimum pH: pH 9.0 to 10.0; and (e) optimum temperature for activity: 60 to 70° C. |
| US07776577B2 |
Ubiquitin protease
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules and proteins, designated 27411, 23413, 22438, 23553, 25278, 26212, NARC SC1, NARC 10A, NARC 1, NARC 12, NARC 13, NARC17, NARC 25, NARC 3, NARC 4, NARC 7, NARC 8, NARC 11, NARC 14A, NARC 15, NARC 16, NARC 19, NARC 20, NARC 26, NARC 27, NARC 28, NARC 30, NARC 5, NARC 6, NARC 9, NARC 10C, NARC 8B, NARC 9, NARC2A, NARC 16B, NARC 1C, NARC 1A, NARC 25, 86604 and 32222 nucleic acid molecules and proteins. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing said nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, nonhuman transgenic animals in which a said genes have been introduced or disrupted, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and antibodies to said proteins. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. |
| US07776576B2 |
Thermostable amylase polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding those polypeptides and uses thereof
This invention relates to amylase polypeptides, and nucleic acids encoding the polpypeptides and uses thereof. The amylases of the present invention have been engineered to have more beneficial qualities. Specifically, the amylases of the current invention show an altered thermostability. |
| US07776574B2 |
Thrombolytic enzyme and a process for its preparation
The invention relates to a thrombolytic enzyme referred to as Thrombinase having a molecular weight of 31,000 to 32,000. Such a thrombolytic enzyme can be used for dissolving blood clots. The process comprises culturing a filtrate of Bacillus sphaericus sero type H5a 5b, removing the cell, subjecting the cell supernatant to filtration, salting out the retentate, subjecting the precipitate to dialysis, reprecipitating the precipitate and then reconstituting in buffer and finally decolourizing, purifying and dialyzing. |
| US07776572B2 |
Method for reducing loss of enzyme activity during storage
Hydrophobic polymer surfaces whose level of protein binding is less than about 50-80 ng/cm2 are achieved by: (1) applying a coating solution composed of a solvent and a non-ionic surfactant having a HLB number of less than 5 to the surface; and (2) drying the surface to remove the solvent and thereby bring the surfactant into direct contact with the hydrophobic polymer. The combination of a low HLB number and the drying step have been found to produce low binding surfaces which can withstand multiple washes with water and/or protein-containing solutions Alternatively, the low binding surfaces can be produced by applying the non-ionic surfactant to the mold surfaces which contact molten polymer and form the polymer into a desired shape, e.g., into a multi-well plate, a pipette tip, or the like. Further, the low binding surfaces may be produced by incorporating non-soluble, non-ionic surfactants having an HLB number of less than or equal to 10 into a polymer blend prior to molding the article. |
| US07776570B2 |
L-amino acid amide asymmetric hydrolase and DNA encoding the same
A recombinant microorganism is produced by introducing a DNA encoding an enzyme which hydrolyzes an amido bond of L-amino acid amide, especially L-2-alkylcysteine amide, and L-amino acid is produced by using cells or cell processed product of the obtained microorganism. |
| US07776564B2 |
Stromal cell-derived factor-1 polypeptides, polynucleotides, modulators thereof and methods of use
Disclosed herein is a newly identified SDF-1 splice variant molecule, its polypeptide sequence, and the polynucleotides encoding the polypeptide sequence, and active fragments thereof. Also provided is a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques employing, for example, vectors and host cells. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides and modulators thereof for the treatment of diseases, including cancer, immune diseases, infectious diseases, and ischemic diseases. |
| US07776560B2 |
Human tumor necrosis factor receptor TR9 antibody
The present invention relates to a novel member of the tumor necrosis factor family of receptors. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human TR9 receptor. TR9 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of TR9 receptor activity. |
| US07776553B2 |
Screening assays and methods
Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody. |
| US07776545B2 |
Diagnostic method for Celiac Sprue
Detection of toxic gluten oligopeptides refractory to digestion and antibodies and T cells responsive thereto can be used to diagnose Celiac Sprue. |
| US07776543B2 |
Microdevice containing photorecognizable coding patterns and methods of using and producing the same
This invention relates generally to the field of moiety or molecule analysis, isolation, detection and manipulation and library synthesis. In particular, the invention provides a microdevice, which microdevice comprises: a) a substrate; and b) a photorecognizable coding pattern on the substrate. Preferably, the microdevice does not comprise an anodized metal surface layer. Methods and kits for isolating, detecting and manipulating moieties, and synthesizing libraries using the microdevices are also provided. The invention further provides two-dimensional optical encoders and uses thereof. |
| US07776540B2 |
Method of treating skin inflammation
Provided are methods for diagnosing the propensity of a subject to develop skin inflammation, in particular, psoriasis. Also provided are methods of treatment with antagonists of IL-17 and/or IL-23. |
| US07776534B2 |
Episomal fusion gene
The present invention relates to an episomal structure expressing a functional oncogene, whereby said oncogene is a fusion gene of two chromosomal gene fragments. More specifically, the invention relates to a NUP214-ABL1 fusion product, important in the development of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, to methods to detect the fusion and to methods to prevent the oncogenic activity of said fusion product. |
| US07776530B2 |
Integrated nucleic acid analysis
The present invention relates to an integrated method of nucleic acid analysis, and more particularly to a simplified sample pre-treatment, which renders the method more easily automated, where the sample is provided on or applied onto a solid matrix and the subsequent amplification and detection steps are performed in one single, sealed reaction vial without removing the matrix. |
| US07776522B2 |
Methods for diagnosing oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV)
Methods for diagnosis of HPV infection in a subject are provided. HPV infection in a subject can be determined by generating mass profile data for a biological sample from the subject and correlating the mass profile data with reference mass profiles to detect the presence or absence, and/or quantity of at least one biomarker associated with HPV infection. Methods for detecting at least one biomarker associated with HPV infection in a biological sample are also provided. |
| US07776520B2 |
Use of microphthalmia for diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of melanoma
Microphthalmia (Mi) while present in melanocytes, a cells and osteoclast, is not normally present in other cells. We have found that Mi is present in the nucleus of melanoma cells. Melanoma can be diagnosed by contacting a malignant cell with a probe for Mi. If the probe identifies Mi in the nucleus of the cell, the cell is a melanoma. |
| US07776518B2 |
Detection of survivin in the biological fluids of cancer patients
The present invention includes a method for diagnosing cancer and predicting recurrent cancer comprising detecting the presence of survivin in the biological fluid of a patient. The present invention also provides kits comprising one or more agents that detect survivin polypeptide or survivin nucleic acid and a container for collecting biological fluid for testing. |
| US07776517B2 |
Method of producing a touch panel
First, a display panel having a pixel region and a controlling circuit region is formed. Then a plurality of pixels arranged in array is formed in the pixel region. A plurality of orientation patterns that do not overlap the pixels is formed. Finally an input device is provided. The input device has a sensor adapted to detect the orientation patterns and generates at least a signal adapted to input data. |
| US07776516B2 |
Graded ARC for high NA and immersion lithography
A method of forming a device using a graded anti-reflective coating is provided. One or more amorphous carbon layers are formed on a substrate. An anti-reflective coating (ARC) is formed on the one or more amorphous carbon layers wherein the ARC layer has an absorption coefficient that varies across the thickness of the ARC layer. An energy sensitive resist material is formed on the ARC layer. An image of a pattern is introduced into the layer of energy sensitive resist material by exposing the energy sensitive resist material to patterned radiation. The image of the pattern introduced into the layer of energy sensitive resist material is developed. |
| US07776515B2 |
Method for forming a pattern on a semiconductor device using an organic hard mask
A composition for the organic hard mask includes a polyamic acid compound, and a method for forming a pattern is used in a manufacturing process of semiconductor devices by coating the composition for organic hard mask film on an underlying layer, and depositing a second hard mask film with a silicon nitride SiON film thereon to form a double hard mask film having an excellent etching selectivity, thereby obtaining a uniform pattern. |
| US07776514B2 |
Pattern forming method, semiconductor device manufacturing method and phase shift photomask having dummy gate patterns
In a method for forming a plurality of gate patterns in parallel with each other on a photoresist layer within one circuit block, at least one dummy gate pattern is formed in parallel with the gate patterns when a pitch between said gate patterns is larger than a predetermined maximum pitch, so that pitches between the gate patterns including the dummy gate pattern are smaller than the predetermined maximum pitch. Then, a photolithography process is performed upon the photoresist layer by using a phase shift photomask having first and second openings whose difference in phase is π. The first and second openings alternate between the gate patterns including the dummy gate pattern to form phase edges therein. |
| US07776512B2 |
Positive photosensitive composition
A positive photosensitive composition comprises a compound capable of generating a specified sulfonic acid upon irradiation with one of an actinic ray and radiation and (B) a resin capable of decomposing under the action of an acid to increase the solubility in an alkali developer. |
| US07776511B2 |
Positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern
A positive resist composition including a resin component (A) which exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the resin component (A) including a structural unit (a0-1) represented by general formula (a0-1) shown below and a structural unit (a0-2) represented by general formula (a0-2) shown below: wherein: R represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; each of Y1 and Y3 independently represents an aliphatic cyclic group; Z represents a tertiary alkyl group-containing group or an alkoxyalkyl group; a represents an integer of 1 to 3, and b represents an integer of 0 to 2, such that a+b=1 to 3; each of c, d and e independently represents an integer of 0 to 3; each of g and h independently represents an integer of 0 to 3; and i represents an integer of 1 to 3. |
| US07776508B2 |
Antihalation compositions
Antihalation compositions and methods for reducing the reflection of exposure radiation of a photoresist overcoated said compositions. The antihalation compositions of the invention comprise a resin binder and material capable of causing a thermally induced crosslinking reaction of the resin binder. |
| US07776503B2 |
Particles and manufacturing method thereof, toner and manufacturing method thereof, and developer, toner container, process cartridge, image forming method and image forming apparatus
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing particles, where a viscous material is sprayed with a high-pressure gas for atomization while the viscous material is being discharged in a chamber, and cooling air is introduced in the chamber for granulation. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a toner, where a mixture containing at least a binding resin and a colorant is melt mixed under pressure or melt mixed with an injection of a supercritical fluid, the obtained melt-mixed substance is sprayed with a high-pressure gas for atomization while the melt-mixed substance is being discharged in a chamber, and cooling air is introduced in the chamber from an air inlet formed on the chamber. |
| US07776496B2 |
Photomask layout pattern
A photomask layout pattern including an H-shaped pattern having a first opaque line pattern in parallel with a second opaque line pattern and a central zone connecting the first and second line patterns. A zebra-crossing-like dense line and space pattern is disposed in the central zone. The pitch of the zebra-crossing-like dense line and space pattern is beyond the resolution limit of an exposure tool such that light passing the central zone has an exposure energy that is not adequate to form corresponding line/space image on a photoresist. |
| US07776495B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof in which the peripheral length of an aperture and the mechanical strength of cylinders in a cell can be increased without changing the occupation rate of patterns in the cell. By forming a slit in the middle of each mask pattern so as not to expose parts of wafer, the aperture of the wafer becomes nearly cocoon-shaped with a constriction in the middle. Thereby, the peripheral length of the aperture can be increased without changing the occupation rate of the mask patterns in a cell. Further, the shape of the bottom of the aperture also becomes nearly cocoon-shaped with a constriction in the middle, and therefore it is possible to increase the mechanical strength of cylinders. |
| US07776492B2 |
Photomask, manufacturing method thereof, and manufacturing method of electronic device
A method of manufacturing a photomask includes: ejecting droplets of a liquid containing a light-shielding material at predetermined positions on a substrate using a droplet ejection method, and drying the liquid to form a light-shielding pattern on the substrate, the light-shielding pattern containing the light-shielding material. |
| US07776491B2 |
Separator unit and fuel cell stack
A separator unit inserted into a fuel cell having an electrolyte layer interposed between a fuel electrode and an oxygen electrode is provided with a plate like separator that separates fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode from oxidizing gas supplied to the oxygen electrode, and a mesh like collector having an opening that forms one of a passage through which the fuel gas flows and a passage through which the oxidizing gas flows. The collector is provided to at least one side of the separator base in abutment against one of the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode. The separator base has a coolant passage formed therein, through which a coolant is allowed to flow, and an electrode abutment portion of the collector, which abuts against one of the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode, has an aperture ratio higher than those of other portions of the collector. |
| US07776484B2 |
Separator for fuel cell, method for producing separator, and solid oxide fuel cell
Gas discharge ports are provided in almost the entire area of a layer surface of a separator, and a gas for reaction is discharged like a shower from the separator toward a power generation cell. The separator is constructed by layering plate-shaped members containing iron-base alloy, nickel-base alloy, or chrome-base alloy as the base material. Silver, silver alloy, copper, or copper alloy is plated on both sides or one side of the base material of the plate-shaped member. The construction above can increase durability of a separator and enables the separator and a solid oxide fuel cell to be stably used for a long period. |
| US07776475B2 |
Lithium rechargeable battery and lithium rechargeable battery pack
A lithium rechargeable battery includes a positive electrode that intercalates and deintercalates lithium and a negative electrode that intercalates and deintercalates lithium and has a current collector including Cu or a Cu alloy. In addition, the battery includes a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte that transfers lithium ions. |
| US07776473B2 |
Silicon-silicon oxide-lithium composite, making method, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell negative electrode material
A silicon-silicon oxide-lithium composite comprises a silicon-silicon oxide composite having such a structure that silicon grains having a size of 0.5-50 nm are dispersed in silicon oxide, the silicon-silicon oxide composite being doped with lithium. Using the silicon-silicon oxide-lithium composite as a negative electrode material, a lithium ion secondary cell having a high initial efficiency and improved cycle performance can be constructed. |
| US07776470B2 |
Anode-to-cathode capacity ratios for SVO/CF x hybrid cathode electrochemical cells
Improvements in the performance of lithium electrochemical cells comprising a first cathode active material of a relatively high energy density but of a relatively low rate capability, for example CFx, contacted to one side of a current collector and with a second cathode active material having a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability, for example SVO, contacted to the opposite current collector side are described. An exemplary cathode has the configuration: SVO/first current collector/CFx/second current collector/SVO, and wherein the anodic coulombic capacity does not exceed the total coulombic capacities of the SVO and CFx by greater than 25%. Manganese oxide (MnO2) is another typically used cathode active material in lieu of SVO, and the present invention is applicable to lithium cells of that system as well. |
| US07776467B2 |
Inter-battery connection device
An inter-battery connection device for connecting terminals of two batteries (1a, 1b) arranged with their axes parallel to each other. The inter-battery connection device includes an inter-battery connection plate (11) that connects the battery case bottom (2) and the sealing plate (3) of the two batteries. The inter-battery connection plate (11) includes welding portions (4) at the ends of its base plate (6) for welding to the case bottom (2) and the sealing plate (3), respectively. An intermediate metal plate (7) is joined to the middle part of the base plate (6) between the welding portions (4, 4) to form an intermediate portion (5) having a greater thickness than each welding portion (4). The inter-battery connection device has reduced electric resistance while achieving improved weldability. |
| US07776454B2 |
Ti brazing strips or foils
A method for producing titanium alloy brazing strips and the resulting brazing strips and/or foils. The method uses a cold-rolling process without heat treating to generate a titanium based multi-layer alloy strip or foil made up of discrete layers of titanium and an additional layer or layers of one or more metals, such as zirconium, nickel and/or copper, for example, or alloys thereof, with the layer of titanium roll bonded without heat treating to the layers of the additional metal(s). The resulting strip or foil can include, for example, Cu/Ti/Cu, Ni/Ti/Ni, Ni/Ti/Cu, Cu/Ni/Ti/Ni/Cu, Ni/Cu/Ti/Cu/Ni, Ni/Cu/Ni/Ti/Ni/Cu/Ni, Ni/Zr/Cu/Ti/Cu/Zr/Ni and Ni/Ti/Cu/Zr/Cu/Ti/Ni among other combinations. The resulting strip or foil can be used for brazing, creating an alloy of the weight percentage of the original materials. |
| US07776452B2 |
Heat sink member and method of manufacturing the same
A heat sink member capable of suppressing development of cracks and chaps in manufacturing, suppressing enlargement of a thermal expansion coefficient and suppressing lowering of thermal conductivity is obtained. This heat sink member comprises a ply member (1) mainly composed of Cu, a substrate (2) mainly composed of Mo and a brazing layer (4) consisting of an Sn—Cu alloy (Sn: 1 mass % to 13 mass %) arranged between the ply member and the substrate for bonding the ply member and the substrate to each other. |
| US07776449B2 |
Biaxially textured composite article
A composite article that can be used as a substrate for coated conductors is disclosed. The composite substrate has at least three layers in which one or more inner layers of Ni—W alloys with 9 at. %-13 at. % W and two outer layers of Ni—W alloys with 3 at. %-9 at. % W. The content of W element gradually decreases from the inner layers to the outer layers. The composite substrate can be prepared using a process of designing and sintering composite ingot, rolling composite ingot and then annealing composite substrate. The composite substrate have a dominant cube texture on the outer layer of the whole substrate which have a weaker magnetism and higher strength than that of a single Ni-5 at. % W alloy substrate. the preformed composite ingot is prepared by filling and compacting the Ni—W mixed powders into a mold layer by layer according to the structure of composite substrate; in said mold, said preformed composite ingots are with the total thickness of 5-250 mm, the thickness of two outer layers being 2/9-⅔ of the total thickness. |
| US07776442B2 |
Particulate powder of silver and method of manufacturing same
A nanoparticle powder of silver has an average particle diameter measured by TEM observation (DTEM) of 30 nm or less, an aspect ratio of less than 1.5, an X-ray crystallite size (Dx) of 30 nm or less, a degree of single crystal grain {(DTEM)/(Dx)} of 5.0 or less, and a CV value {100×standard deviation (σ)/number average diameter (DTEM)} of less than 40%. The nanoparticle powder of silver has adhered to the particle surface thereof an organic protective agent having a molecular weight of 100 to 400. The nanoparticle powder is obtained by subjecting a silver salt to reduction treatment at a temperature of 85 to 150° C. in an alcohol having a boiling point of 85 to 150° C. and in the co-presence of an organic protective agent. |
| US07776435B2 |
Electrophotographic transfer paper
The present invention is an electrophotographic transfer paper where at least one side of the base paper is given a coating layer with a pigment and an adhesive agent to form coated paper and where the aforementioned adhesive contains a branched poly(meth)acrylamide copolymer having a cationic groups and/or anionic groups and also has a weight average molecular weight of 50,000 to 1,000,000. The electrophotographic transfer paper in the present invention has superior high-speed throughput performance despite low basis weight and a low coating weight, therefore, good for high-speed copy machine and printer properties, especially, when it contained a printability improver in the coating layer, it has a good ink adhesion property and surface strength required in offset printing. |
| US07776433B2 |
Thermal oxidative barrier coatings for organic matrix composite substrates and coated articles
A thermal oxidative barrier coating for organic matrix composites includes a bond coat having nano-particles dispersed in a polyimide matrix and a thermal barrier layer comprising a silsesquioxane or an inorganic polymer. The nano-particles may include clay platelets, graphite flakes or a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane. The coated article may be utilized in gas turbine engine applications, particularly for a flow path duct adapted for exposure to high temperature, oxygen-containing environments. |
| US07776430B2 |
Carbon foam tooling with durable skin
An article for tooling composite materials, including a carbon foam, a sealant attached to the carbon foam so as to form a monolithic fine-grain graphite-like surface; and a skin of facesheet materials. The facesheet materials include: a spray-deposited coating of metal; more preferably, a thermal or plasma spray-deposited metal; and most preferably, a plasma sprayed Invar metal. The facesheet materials may optionally include a flash coating. The facesheet materials alternately include plastics, resinous materials and carbon-carbon composite materials. |
| US07776428B2 |
Multi-layer release films
A multi-layer film includes a first layer including a blend of diene elastomer and not greater than about 40% by weight polyolefin. The multi-layer film also includes a second layer directly contacting and directly bonded to the first layer. The second layer includes a fluoropolymer. |
| US07776422B2 |
Floor mat having a retention feature
A floor mat having a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface; and a V-shaped retention feature. The V-shaped retention feature extends from the second surface and has first and second ramp surfaces disposed at an angle relative to the second surface. |
| US07776419B2 |
Optical data storage medium comprising a semi-reflective tin and tellurium based alloy layer
An optical data storage medium comprises at least one active layer of inorganic material, that is able to undergo local deformations during write operations. The active layer presents a front face which is designed to receive an optical radiation at least during read operations. The support also comprises a thin tin and tellurium based alloy layer forming a semi-reflective layer disposed on the front face of the active layer. |
| US07776418B2 |
Package closure device
A package closure device comprising a flexible single-layer element having three sections. A first section configured to adhere substantially permanently to a first location on the package. A second section, attached to the first section, configured to releasably and reattachably attach to a second location on the package so as to close an opening of the package. A third section, attached to the second section, and configured to permit a user to release the second section by applying a force to the third section. A kit of multiple package closure devices detachably connected in series so as to be formable in a roll, with perforations or other detachable connectors between the closure devices. |
| US07776417B2 |
Self-adhesive ventilating waterproofing membrane
A self-adhesive ventilating modified bituminous roofing composite in which the release liner is printed with a transfer chemical such that upon removal of the release liner, the adhesive portion of the membrane is rendered non-adhesive in a pattern that provides ventilation pathways that allow for the lateral escape of pressure or latent moisture once the substrate is affixed to the roofing surface, thereby extending the life of the roofing system. |
| US07776405B2 |
Electrospray neutralization process and apparatus for generation of nano-aerosol and nano-structured materials
The claimed invention describes methods and apparatuses for manufacturing nano-aerosols and nano-structured materials based on the neutralization of charged electrosprayed products with oppositely charged electrosprayed products. Electrosprayed products include molecular ions, nano-clusters and nano-fibers. Nano-aerosols can be generated when neutralization occurs in the gas phase. Neutralization of electrospan nano-fibers with molecular ions and charged nano-clusters may result in the formation of fibrous aerosols or free nano-mats. Nano-mats can also be produced on a suitable substrate, forming efficient nano-filters. |
| US07776403B2 |
Method for producing organic thin film
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an organic thin film, which enables rapid film formation, and enables a dense organic thin film with minimal impurities to be formed stably, and in a plurality of consecutive repetitions.The present invention provides a method for producing an organic thin film in which an organic thin film is formed on the surface of a substrate, including a step (A) of bringing the substrate into contact with an organic solvent solution containing a metal-based surfactant having at least one hydrolyzable group, and a catalyst capable of interacting with the metal-based surfactant, wherein the water content within the organic solvent solution is either set or maintained within a predetermined range. |
| US07776400B2 |
Wiper blade and method for producing the same
A wiper blade (1) comprising a base portion (3) to be attached to a wiper arm, a lip portion (4) to sweep away a water droplet or dust etc. adhered to a glass window, a thin neck portion (2) for connecting the lip portion (4) and the base portion (3), and a sweeping surface layer portion formed on a side surface of a cross section of the lip portion (4), the sweeping surface layer (7) comprising a scale-like powder (9) having good sliding property and a binder (10) comprising a water-repellency silicone-base rubber composition for binding the scale-like powder (9) to the lip portion (4). The scale-like powder (9) is laminated in a thickness direction of the lip portion (4) and the laminated scale-like powder is bound to each other with the binder (10). |
| US07776399B1 |
Method forming a polyurethane coated cellular polyvinylchloride board for use as siding
A method for forming a polyurethane coated cellular polyvinylchloride board, comprising: de-ionizing a cellular polyvinylchloride board; vacuuming the cellular polyvinylchloride board; coating the cellular polyvinylchloride board with a coating comprising a polyurethane-based paint and a catalyst to form a coated cellular polyvinylchloride board; and curing the coated cellular polyvinylchloride board. The method allows for the high speed application of a diverse number of colored coatings onto the cellular polyvinylchloride board. |
| US07776396B2 |
Controlled vapor deposition of multilayered coatings adhered by an oxide layer
An improved vapor-phase deposition method and apparatus for the application of multilayered films/coatings on substrates is described. The method is used to deposit multilayered coatings where the thickness of an oxide-based layer in direct contact with a substrate is controlled as a function of the chemical composition of the substrate, whereby a subsequently deposited layer bonds better to the oxide-based layer. The improved method is used to deposit multilayered coatings where an oxide-based layer is deposited directly over a substrate and an organic-based layer is directly deposited over the oxide-based layer. Typically, a series of alternating layers of oxide-based layer and organic-based layer are applied. |
| US07776391B2 |
Variable thickness shingles
A method of manufacturing roofing shingles comprises the steps of: coating a continuously supplied shingle mat with roofing asphalt to make an asphalt-coated sheet, the asphalt-coated sheet having at least one prime portion and at least one headlap portion, varying the thickness of the asphalt-coated sheet such that the at least one prime portion of the asphalt-coated sheet has a first thickness and the headlap portion has a second thickness, the thickness of the asphalt-coated sheet being varied by passing the asphalt-coated sheet through compression rollers, applying granules onto the asphalt-coated sheet to form a granule-covered sheet, and cutting the granule-covered sheet into shingles. |
| US07776389B2 |
Method for producing anti-glare film
A method for producing an anti-glare film includes applying a coating composition including at least a resin, a solvent, and fine particles to a substrate; drying the coating composition applied to the substrate so that a Benard cell structure is formed in the surface of the coating layer due to convection caused during volatilization of the solvent; and curing the resin contained in the coating composition having formed therein a Benard cell structure to form an anti-glare layer having fine irregularities with a moderate surface waviness. The anti-glare layer has a degree of white muddiness of 1.7 or less, as measured by quantitatively determining a diffuse reflection component of the diffused light incident upon the surface of the anti-glare layer. |
| US07776388B2 |
Fabricating magnetic recording media on patterned seed layers
Patterned media and associated methods of fabrication are provided in which vertical magnetic grains are grown on a patterned seed layer. The patterned seed layer includes a matrix of islands of a first seed material. Each island of first seed material is separated from other islands by a region of second seed material. The first seed material is selected to initiate growth of magnetic material, and the second seed material is selected to initiate growth of non-magnetic material. Subsequently, magnetic material is grown on the first seed material and non-magnetic material is grown on the second seed material. Deposition may be simultaneously. The magnetic and non-magnetic materials form well-defined vertical columns over the first and second seed materials respectively. Thus, each island behaves as an isolated magnetic unit, which switches independently from its neighbor units, which are magnetically separated by the non-magnetic material. |
| US07776385B2 |
Method of chemical protection of metal surface
A process for forming a protective layer on a metal surface includes the steps of: providing a metal material having an oxygen containing layer; applying at least two compounds to the oxygen containing layer of the metal material wherein a first compound applied is a molecularly large compound; and applying at least a second compound to the oxygen containing layer of the metal material wherein the second compound is molecularly small. |
| US07776378B2 |
Canola protein isolate functionality III
A canola protein isolate having a protein of at least about 90 wt % (N×6.25) is employed as an at least partial replacement for at least one component providing functionality in a food composition. The canola protein isolate is a dried concentrated supernatant from the settling of a solid phase of a dispersion of canola protein micelles. |