| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07881468B2 |
Secret authentication key setup in mobile IPv6
A method, a mobile node (MN) and a correspondent node (CN) exchanging a Secret Authentication Key (SKbm) within an IPv6 network. The MN has a pair of keys comprising a private key and a public key and a HoA. Upon displacement of the MN from a home portion to a visited portion of the IPv6 network, a CoA is set. Thereafter, an establishment message is sent from the MN to the CN through a Home Agent associated to the MN. Upon reception of the establishment message, the CN tests the HoA and the CoA and therefor sends a first portion and a second portion of a secret data. The MN thereafter sends the secret data back to the CN within a signed message. In response thereto, the CN sends an acknowledgement message to the MN comprising the SKbm encrypted using the public key of the MN. |
| US07881465B2 |
Circuit and method for calculating a logic combination of two encrypted input operands
Circuit for calculating a logic combination of two encrypted input operands recieves first and second dual-rail signals comprising data values in a calculation cycle and precharge values in a precharge cycle, and receives a dual-rail encryption signal comprising encryption values in the calculation cycle and precharge values in the precharge cycle, and outputs a dual-rail result signal comprising encrypted result values in the calculation cycle and precharge values in the precharge cycle. The data and encrypted result values are encrypted with the encryption values of the dual-rail encryption signal according to an encryption rule. A logic circuit determines the encrypted result values according to the logic combination from the data and encryption values, and outputs the encrypted result values in the calculation cycle. A precharge circuit impresses precharge values when precharge values are sensed at a single input, or stops impressing the precharge values only when the first and second dual-rail signals comprise data values and the dual-rail encryption signal comprises encryption values. |
| US07881460B2 |
Configuration of echo cancellation
A determination to enable echo cancellation is made in advance of a real-time communication session. A model sample audio file stored in memory on the computer system is played through a loudspeaker connected with the computer system. The sound generated by the loudspeaker is captured by a microphone connected with the computer system to create a captured audio signal. The captured audio signal is correlated with the sample audio signal to determine the presence of any echo effect in the captured audio signal. Characteristics of any echo in the captured audio signal, for example, frequency, delay, and gain, are parameterized and stored as initial values for use by the echo cancellation algorithm. The stored parameters are used by the echo cancellation algorithm at the initiation of a communication session until the algorithm receives enough real-time information to make any necessary ongoing adjustments. |
| US07881453B2 |
Call processing system and service control point for handling calls to a call center
A call-handling system and its method of operation are disclosed. The call-handling system comprises a communication system and a call center. The communication system receives a call, and in response, transfers a query. The call center receives and processes the query to select a packet address of a call center resource at the call center. The call center transfers a response indicating the selected packet address of the call center resource. The communication system receives the response indicating the selected packet address of the call center resource and transfers the call to the call center in voice packets having the selected packet address of the call center resource. The call center receives the voice packets having the selected packet address of the call center resource and routes the voice packets to the call center resource based on the selected packet address. |
| US07881446B1 |
Telephony system and method with enhanced validation
Inmate communications systems provide a feature-rich platform with a high degree of flexibility and security employing call control facilities located off institutional premises. Authentication processes for calling and called party verification include biometric techniques in some embodiments. Distributed processing of call control and billing provide flexible interactive call payment processes. Preferred embodiments feature voice over IP transmission and control featuring controlled access to avoid addition of unauthorized third-party call participants. Monitoring, recording and selective forwarding of calls is provided under control of system administrators. |
| US07881444B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for providing voicemail service using presence status in packet data messaging system
An apparatus, system, and method provide voicemail service using a packet data messaging service such as multimedia message service (MMS). Upon detecting that the presence status of a destination device is “unavailable”, the voicemail message is recorded at an origination mobile station and transmitted in a packet data message through a packet data messaging service center such as a multimedia messaging service center (MMS-C). If the destination device is a destination mobile station subscribing to the packet data messaging service, the packet data message is deposited in the destination mobile station. |
| US07881443B2 |
System and method for real-time, personalized, dynamic, interactive voice services for travel availability information
System and methods for real-time, interactive transmission of information about travel schedules and creation of travel schedules are provided. A user defines desired travel parameters, such as dates, times, costs and the like related to a travel component. Travel components are reviewed to determine if traveler parameters are triggered. If a travel component triggers traveler parameters, options for other travel components may be determined. A user may be contacted and communicated information about the travel component and options, thereby allowing a user to interactively create a travel schedule. |
| US07881439B1 |
Cross-channel communication of data collected by channel-specific user interfaces
A method, system, computer system and computer program product to interact with a user of a computer system or service via more than one communication channel, such as a telephone channel and a web channel. A determination can be made based upon information gathered via the multiple communication channels that communication between a server and one communication channel is related to communication between the server and another communication channel. Related information gathered via the multiple communication channels can be identified to form a more complete picture of information about the user's problem with a problem entity. A potential action to help the user find a solution can be determined from information gathered from all communication channels. An automated option can be provided via one of the communication channels, and an automated suggestion to select the option can be made via a coordinated communication channel. |
| US07881437B2 |
Systems and methods for developing a primary collimator
A method for developing a primary collimator is described. The method includes placing a primary collimator element at an intersection of a first set of at least two beams. |
| US07881433B2 |
Display control apparatus, radiation imaging apparatus, and radiation imaging system
In a display control apparatus, an image receiving portion receives a plurality of images sequentially transmitted from an X-ray imaging apparatus based on a transmission order determined by a transmission-order determining portion, and a capture-order information receiving portion also receives, from the X-ray imaging apparatus, capture-order information indicating a capture order in which each of the images was captured by the X-ray imaging apparatus. The images received by the image receiving portion are stored in an image storage memory. A display controller controls displaying of the images stored in the image storage memory on a display apparatus based on a transmission order for transmitting the images or the capture-order information in accordance with an input imaging condition and an operating status of the X-ray imaging apparatus. |
| US07881427B2 |
Breast locating means with sample container for an instrument for examining a female breast
An X-ray machine, which in one embodiment is based on a spiral CT scanner, is used for examining a breast of a female patient. The X-ray machine has a gantry, which is adapted for rotation about a rotational axis, and simultaneously, for movement in a direction parallel to the rotational axis. A cylindrical imaging region is scanned along a spiraling path provided by the gantry. The patient is positioned so that a breast to be examined projects into the imaging region. A sample receptacle located in the imaging region is adapted to accommodate a tissue sample and/or a reference material. A range of movement of the gantry is dimensioned, so that the breast and/or the contents of the sample receptacle can be imaged with the gantry. |
| US07881425B2 |
Wide-coverage x-ray source with dual-sided target
An x-ray source is disclosed comprising: an anode disk with first and second beveled annuli at a periphery of the anode disk, the anode disk rotatably coupled to a housing structure via a support shaft; first and second cathodes mounted to a yoke support structure, the yoke support structure configured to direct cathode emissions at x-ray generating material disposed on the beveled annuli; and a high-voltage insulator configured to electrically insulate the yoke support structure from the housing structure. |
| US07881424B2 |
Method for calibrating dual-energy CT system and method of image reconstruction
A method for calibrating a dual-energy CT system and an image reconstruction method are disclosed to calculate images of atomic number and density of a scanned object as well as its attenuation coefficient images at any energy level. The present invention removes the effect from a cupping artifact due to X-ray beam hardening. The method for calibrating a dual-energy CT system is provided comprising steps of selecting at least two different materials, detecting penetrative rays from dual-energy rays penetrating said at least two different materials under different combinations of thickness to acquire projection values, and creating a lookup table in a form of correspondence between said different combinations of thickness and said projection values. The image reconstruction method is provided comprising steps of scanning an object with dual-energy rays to acquire dual-energy projection values, calculating projection values of base material coefficients corresponding to said dual-energy projection values based on a pre-created lookup table, and reconstructing an image of base material coefficient distribution based on said projection values of base material coefficients. In this way, images of atomic number and density of an object as well as its attenuation coefficient images can be calculated from the images of the distribution of base material coefficients. Compared with the prior art technique, the method proposed in the present invention has advantages of simple calibration procedure, high calculation precision and invulnerability to X-ray beam hardening. |
| US07881423B2 |
X-ray CT apparatus and X-ray radiographic method
An X-ray CT apparatus is adapted for switchover between a CT mode to obtain a tomographic image of a subject and a transmission mode to obtain a transmission image of the subject, depending upon projection data acquired in an imager system thereof. The apparatus includes an image-data storage device that stores image data of the subject in a three-dimensional region, a three-dimensional image processor that performs a three-dimensional image processing on the image data and generates three-dimensional image data, for display, corresponding to a line-of-sight direction inputted from an input device, and a transmission-image generator that generates the transmission image as to the image-taking direction, from data acquired in the imager system aligned by the CPU. |
| US07881421B2 |
Accumulator
An object of the present invention is to provide an accumulator including a flow damper which is capable of performing a control so that a vortex may not be formed in a vortex chamber at the time of a large flow injection without requiring huge labors and fabrication costs. The flow damper is configured of a colliding jet controller (a bevel or a projection) for controlling a colliding jet composed of a jet from a large flow pipe and a jet from a small flow pipe flowing into a vortex chamber at the time of a large flow injection so that the colliding jet may proceed directly to an outlet without forming a vortex in the vortex chamber. The colliding jet controller is provided at a junction of an inner surface of the small flow pipe and an inner surface of the vortex chamber. |
| US07881418B2 |
Device, method and program for detecting communication frame base point through blind processing
A base point of a communication frame is detected by only using a reception signal, and an offset amount from the base point and the like are estimated. A device includes: an extraction unit for extracting self correlation processing signals from a digital communication signal having a signal frame for synchronization by using a pair of correlation processing windows of a variable size; a correlation unit for performing self correlation processing to the self correlation processing signals extracted; a matching unit for performing pattern matching processing between the correlation-processed signal, obtained through the self correlation processing, and a reference signal; and a computation unit for estimating the base point of the signal frame and an offset of the digital communication signal with respect to the base point, based on distance information of the pattern matching processing. |
| US07881416B2 |
Carrier phase synchronization system for improved amplitude modulation and television broadcast reception
Systems and methods are described for carrier phase synchronization for improved AM and TV broadcast reception. A method includes synchronizing the phase of a carrier frequency of a broadcast signal with the phase of a remote reference frequency. An apparatus includes a receiver to detect the phase of a reference signal; a phase comparator coupled to the reference signal-phase receiver; a voltage controlled oscillator coupled to the phase comparator; and a phase-controlled radio frequency output coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator. |
| US07881414B2 |
Bit rate discrimination circuit based on a low frequency component of signal
A bit-rate discrimination circuit for determining which bit-rate an input signal has, a first bit-rate or a second bit-rate higher than the first bit-rate, is disclosed. The circuit is characterized by a frequency selection unit configured to filter out a signal having the second bit-rate, and allow at least a fraction of the low frequency component of a signal having the first bit-rate to pass through; a determination unit configured to determine whether the fraction of the low frequency component of the signal having the first bit-rate has passed through said frequency selection unit; a smoothing unit configured to smooth the output of said determination unit; and a level conversion unit configured to convert the output of said smoothing unit to a logic level. According to the above arrangements, the bit-rate of the input signal can be discriminated based on the low frequency component thereof. |
| US07881413B2 |
Digital PLL with conditional holdover
Phase locked loops (PLL) providing for conditional holdover are especially suited for use in communications networks. During a holdover condition, the timing signal is generated without use of an input reference clock signal. The PLLs may either enter or remain in a holdover condition if the demonstrated or expected quality level of the output of the PLL equals or exceeds the indicated quality level of the input reference clock signal. In this manner, the timing signal has an expected quality level equal to or greater than the quality level of the reference clock signal. Accordingly, network timing errors may be reduced to levels below those associated with using the reference clock signal. |
| US07881410B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting user in a communication system
Disclosed is a method for detecting a user in a communication system. The method includes selecting i ranging sub-carrier signals among k sub-carrier signals upon which a k-point fast Fourier transform (FFT), has been performed multiplying the i ranging sub-carrier signals by a ranging code, performing k-point inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) on the i ranging sub-carrier signals multiplied by the ranging code, and (k-i) 0s, detecting a power of each of the IFFT-processed k point signals, estimating a power of a desired received signal and a power of an interference signal by using powers of the k point signals according to a predetermined scheme, and detecting a user depending on the power of the desired received signal and the power of the interference signal. |
| US07881408B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data
A digital broadcast system is disclosed. The digital broadcast system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a method for transmitting and receiving a DTV signal comprising main service data and mobile service data multiplexed with the main service data. The DTV signal results from generating a second data by de-interleaving a first data group by a DTV transmitter. |
| US07881402B2 |
Compensation for gain imbalance, phase imbalance and DC offsets in a transmitter
A method for correcting gain imbalance error, phase imbalance error and DC offset errors in a transmitter having an OFDM-based I/Q modulator is disclosed. The method employs a compensator prior to the I/Q-modulator to compensate for the gain and phase imbalance and DC offset. The compensator is efficiently updated with the estimated values of gain and phase imbalance and DC offsets obtained by performing the DFT operation in the digital baseband domain while sending a pair of orthogonal test tones to the modulator's inputs from a digital baseband chip, then down converting the RF modulated signal through a nonlinear device and a bandpass filter to a baseband signal, and finally sampling it using an A/D. The delay mismatch, which is mainly generated by lowpass filters between the I and Q branches, is also minimized in this method. |
| US07881398B2 |
FFT numerology for an OFDM transmission system
An exemplary fast Fourier transform (FFT) numerology for an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) downlink transmission system is described. The exemplary FFT numerology reduces the FFT sampling rate for a given transmission bandwidth, thereby increasing the battery life of a UE. The FFT numerology increases robustness against Doppler spread, phase noise, and frequency offset, enabling operation in channels with high delay spread, such as occurs in mountainous regions. The described numerology might provide the following without altering standard sub-frame duration: increased intercarrier spacing; reduced FFT sampling frequency across the transmission bandwidths; reduced FFT size across all transmission bandwidths; increased number of OFDM symbols per sub-frame; and/or increased cyclic prefix length choices. |
| US07881396B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a preamble for synchronization in a MIMO-OFDM communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting a preamble for frame synchronization and channel estimation in a MIMO-OFDM communication system are provided. An OFDM communication system using Q transmit antennas generates a base preamble sequence including a CP and an orthogonal sequence. If Q≦a predetermined number M, a preamble sequence for a kth antenna is S(t−(k−1)T/M). If Q>M and k≦M, the preamble sequence transmitted for the kth antenna is S(t−(k−1)T/M). If Q>M and k>M, the preamble sequence for the kth antenna is (−1)(PS-1)S(t−(k−M−1)T/M). Here, S(t) is the orthogonal sequence, T is the period of the orthogonal sequence, and PS is an index indicating a transmission period of the preamble sequence. The preamble sequences are at least twice transmitted from the Q transmit antennas. |
| US07881395B2 |
Method of transmitting using phase shift-based precoding and an apparatus for implementing the same in a wireless communication system
A method of transmitting data using a plurality of subcarriers in a multi-antenna wireless communication system is disclosed. More specifically, the method includes receiving feedback information from a mobile station (MS), performing channel encoding and modulation independently on user data to be transmitted by each antenna using the received feedback information, determining a phase shift-based precoding matrix for increasing a phase angle of the user data by a fixed amount, and performing precoding using the determined phase shift-based precoding matrix on the user data. |
| US07881392B2 |
OFDM/OFDMA timing synchronization using non-consecutive pilot subcarrier assignment
Systems and methods which are adapted determine timing with respect to an orthogonal frequency division (OFD) channel, such as may be used with respect to an OFDM or OFDMA systems through reliably identifying timing of a first arriving signal path. Embodiments use deconvolution to construct the channel impulse response associated with a received signal. The first arriving path for the received signal may readily and reliably be determined using the channel impulse response information. |
| US07881391B2 |
OFDM receiver and method for decoding OFDM symbols of two or more data streams with reduced multiplication operations
Embodiments of an OFDM receiver and methods for decoding OFDM symbols of two or more data streams with reduced multiplication operations are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, one or more terms of a modified L2-squared-norm cost function are precomputed and stored for predetermined complex symbol values of one or more tones of OFDM symbols prior to performing a searching process. During the searching process, the cost function is computed using the precomputed terms and received data symbols using shifting and adding operations, rather than multiplication operations. In other embodiments, non-L2-squared-norm cost functions are used. |
| US07881384B2 |
Method and apparatus for H.264 to MPEG-2 video transcoding
A method for transcoding from an H.264 format to an MPEG-2 format is disclosed. The method generally comprises the steps of (A) decoding an input video stream in the H.264 format to generate a picture having a plurality of macroblock pairs that used an H.264 macroblock adaptive field/frame coding; (B) determining a mode indicator for each of the macroblock pairs; and (C) coding the macroblock pairs into an output video stream in the MPEG-2 format using one of (i) an MPEG-2 field mode coding and (ii) an MPEG-2 frame mode coding as determined from the mode indicators. |
| US07881381B2 |
Video encoding/decoding method and apparatus for motion compensation prediction
A video encoding method includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included. |
| US07881380B2 |
Video encoding/ decoding method and apparatus for motion compensation prediction
A video encoding apparatus includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included. |
| US07881379B2 |
Video encoding/decoding method and apparatus for motion compensation prediction
A video encoding method includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included. |
| US07881377B2 |
Image coding apparatus and image coding method
An image coding apparatus executes intra-frame prediction with a predetermined intra-frame prediction mode for a certain block. A block selection unit judges that the current block to be coded is a prediction error calculation block or a non-prediction error calculation block. In the case where the current block is a prediction error calculation block, a mode error value calculation unit calculates the prediction error by the sum of absolute differences and for all of the intra-frame prediction modes, an inter-mode comparison unit compares the prediction errors, and as a result of the comparison, an intra-frame prediction mode having the minimum prediction errors is determined as the intra-frame prediction mode. In the case where the current block is a non-prediction error calculation block, the prediction error is not calculated. As an alternative, a prediction mode estimation unit determines the intra-frame prediction mode based on the neighboring prediction mode information stored in a storage unit. |
| US07881376B2 |
Motion compensation apparatus
A motion compensation apparatus reduces the number of pixels for reading out pixel data from the multi-frame memory, and realizes the reduction of transmission and motion compensation in sub-pixel precision pixel generation, for efficient motion compensation pixel generation. The motion compensation apparatus includes a frame memory transmission control unit which, with regard to a plurality of motion compensation blocks, transmits reference pixels required in motion compensation collectively or on a per motion compensation block basis, from a multi-frame memory which stores a reference picture used in inter-picture motion compensation prediction, to a local reference memory. |
| US07881374B2 |
Method and apparatus for 3-D subband video coding
A method of encoding and decoding a sequence of frames uses 3-D subband decomposition involving temporal filtering. Under certain conditions, for at least one pixel, the value of said pixel is approximated using one or more pixel values in the same frame. |
| US07881370B2 |
Method of selecting among n spatial video CODECs the optimum CODEC for a same input signal
The invention relates to a method of selecting among N “Spatial Video CODECs” where N is an integer number greater than 1, the optimum “Spatial Video CODEC” for a same input signal I. “Spatial Video CODEC” is understood as the combination of any transform of the input signal, followed by a quantization of the transform coefficients and a corresponding entropic coder. Firstly from all the N “Spatial Video CODECs” for the same input signal I and a same quality parameter Q, the rate R and the distortion measures D are obtained. Q is an integer value between 0 and 100, defined by any rate-distortion algorithm to provide a compression of the input sequence with constant rate or with constant distortion. Further an optimality criterion is calculated. The optimality criterion is defined as the minimization of the value Ln=f(Rn,Dn) calculated for all the n from 1 to N. n is the index of the “Spatial Video CODEC”, where f(Rn,Dn) is a function of Rn and Dn. The function f may be defined as as f(Rn,Dn)=Rn+1Dn, , 1 being the Lagrange multiplier that weights the relative influence of the rate R and of the distortion D. |
| US07881368B2 |
Method for parsing the size of contents to be reproduced in a mobile communication device
A method is provided for parsing the size of contents to be reproduced in a mobile communication device in order to accurately determine an actual size of the contents. By utilizing information related to the size of a video codec that is part of the file format of the contents, the size of the contents may be accurately determined, thereby enhancing reliability of the reproduction operation and preventing malfunction of the mobile communication device. |
| US07881365B2 |
Demodulator with configurable adaptive equalizer
An improved multi-channel receiver for satellite broadcast applications or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiver has an adaptive equalizer configurable to operate with QPSK or 8PSK modulated signals. In the equalizer, a slicer table memory responsive to an 8-level quantizer (slicer) and a select signal is configured to map the output of the quantizer into QPSK or 8PSK symbol coordinates depending on whether the QPSK or the 8PSK signal is being received. The slicer table memory may be loaded with the symbol coordinates calculated from data in the 8PSK signal. A pattern matcher determines if the 8PSK or the QPSK signal is being received and asserts the select signal to configure the slicer table memory accordingly. |
| US07881364B2 |
Method for generating a reference signal sequence using grouping
Method for generating reference signal sequence using grouping is explained. In this method, base sequences are grouped such that each group contains at least one base sequence of each length, so UE(s) can use various length sequences as a reference signal. And in this method, inter cell interference caused by using various length sequence as a reference signal sequence can be minimized by grouping sequences having the high cross correlation relation. |
| US07881363B2 |
Data transmission rate adjustment system and method thereof
A data transmission rate adjustment system and method thereof comprise a driving module and a control module. The driving module performs a predetermined mathematical calculation based on a transmission rate request to generate a divisor. The control module then performs a division that divides a reference frequency by the divisor to generate a first transmission rate so that a data receiving terminal can receive data sent from a data sending terminal through the driving module based on the first transmission rate. The driving module monitors a transmission error rate of the data received by the data receiving terminal. If the transmission error rate exceeds a predetermined value, the divisor is automatically adjusted to generate a second transmission rate. The second transmission rate is also provided to replace the first transmission rate. |
| US07881362B2 |
Method and apparatus for differentiated communication channel robustness in a multi-tone transceiver
A multi-tone transceiver including: a channel controller and a plurality of components forming a transmit path and a receive path. The channel controller configured to determine bit-loading for each successive symbol or tone set based on a 1st noise margin target for a first subset of tones in each tone set dedicated to transport of a robust communications channel (RCC) and based on a 2nd noise margin target less than the 1st noise margin target for remaining tones in each tone set dedicated to a standard communications channel (SCC). The plurality of components forming the transmit and receive paths are responsive to the channel controller to select for data modulated on a given tone at least one of smaller constellations and higher gain scaling levels when the given tone corresponds to an RCC tone as compared to an SCC tone, whereby the first set of tones dedicated to the RCC exhibit greater immunity to noise variations than the remaining tones dedicated to the SCC. |
| US07881358B2 |
Surface emitting laser
A surface emitting laser is provided with a first multilayer Bragg reflecting mirror including a first layer, a second multilayer Bragg reflecting mirror including a second layer, and an optical resonator unit that is held between these multilayer Bragg reflecting mirrors and includes an active layer. Further, the optical resonator unit contacts with the first layer and second layer respectively. The effective refraction index neff of the resonator unit is larger than either the first layer or the second layer, and an optical length neffL of the optical resonator unit has a relationship with an oscillating wavelength λ of the surface emitting laser to satisfy the following relationship: 0.5λ |
| US07881355B2 |
System and method for generating intense laser light from laser diode arrays
Laser modules using two-dimensional laser diode arrays are combined to provide an intense laser beam. The laser diodes in a two-dimensional array are formed into rows and columns, and an optical assembly images light generated by laser diodes in a column into an optical fiber. The laser light outputs of the laser modules are combined by a spectral combiner into an optical fiber to form an intense laser beam. |
| US07881354B2 |
VCSEL, manufacturing method thereof, optical device, light irradiation device, data processing device, light sending device, optical spatial transmission device, and optical transmission system
A VCSEL includes a first conductivity-type first semiconductor mirror layer on a substrate, an active region thereon, a second conductivity-type second semiconductor mirror layer thereon, and a current confining layer in proximity to the active region. A mesa structure is formed such that at least a side surface of the current confining layer is exposed. The current confining layer includes a first semiconductor layer having an Al-composition and a second semiconductor layer having an Al-composition and being formed nearer to the active region than the first semiconductor layer does. Al concentration of the first semiconductor layer is higher than that of the second semiconductor layer. When oscillation wavelength of laser light is λ, optical thickness being sum of the thickness of the first and second semiconductor layers is λ/4. The first and second semiconductor layers are selectively oxidized from the side surface of the mesa structure. |
| US07881353B2 |
Surface emitting laser element array
Provided is a surface emitting laser element array of low cost and high reliability. The surface emitting laser element array has a substrate having a semiconductor of a first conduction type; and a plurality of surface emitting laser elements each having, above the substrate, an active layer sandwiched between a first conduction type semiconductor layer area and a second conduction type semiconductor layer area and disposed between a upper reflective mirror and a lower reflective mirror, the surface emitting laser elements being separated from each other by an electric separation structure formed having such a depth as to reach the substrate. The first conduction type semiconductor layer area is arranged between the substrate and the active layer. The surface emitting laser element array further has a current blocking layer arranged between the substrate and the first conduction type semiconductor layer area; and two electrodes connected to the first conduction type semiconductor layer area and the second conduction type semiconductor layer area, respectively, and arranged on a side of the current blocking layer opposite to the substrate. |
| US07881352B2 |
Laser device
Provided is a long wavelength laser of which the operating point is stabilized and the laser oscillation is stabilized. The long wavelength laser comprises a resistor element provided to a portion where the surface current is maximum in a surface plasmon waveguide to stabilize a potential difference between a first cladding and a second cladding in the surface plasmon waveguide. |
| US07881349B2 |
External-cavity optically-pumped semiconductor-laser with a resonator stop
An optically pumped semiconductor-laser (OPS-laser) resonator includes an arrangement for delivering optical pump radiation on an OPS-chip to cause fundamental radiation to circulate in the resonator. The resonator includes second and third-harmonic generating crystals and is arranged deliver third-harmonic radiation. The resonator also includes a stop positioned and configured to stabilize the laser output. The pump radiation arrangement delivers the pump radiation at an angle to the resonator axis and includes wedged GRIN lens arranged such that the pump radiation forms a circular spot on the OPS chip. The third harmonic generating crystal acts as a polarizer for the fundamental radiation and angularly separates fundamental and third harmonic beams. |
| US07881348B2 |
Mode-locked laser device
A mode-locked laser device includes a Fabry-Perot resonator, a mode-locking element disposed within the resonator, a solid-state laser medium disposed within the resonator, and exciting means for applying excitation light to the solid-state laser medium. The opposite ends of the resonator, the mode-locking element and the solid-state laser medium are disposed to provide an average beam diameter of lasing light of not more than 150 μm on the mode-locking element and an average beam diameter of the lasing light of not more than 200 μm within the solid-state laser medium. |
| US07881344B2 |
Communication network system and wakeup method for un-wakeup node
A vehicular network communication apparatus and method detects and wakes up a sleeping network node through transmission of a pseudo-wakeup signal after an initial wake up fails for one or more nodes in a network. |
| US07881342B2 |
Dynamically and on-demand selected ancillary data over compressed multimedia packets without bandwidth expansion
A system and method for providing ancillary data over compressed multimedia packets. Ancillary data may be added to encoded or compressed packets without increasing the bandwidth required to transmit the packets over a transmission medium. After transmission, the ancillary data can be recovered and the packets restored to their original form without any loss of data or damage to original content. The ancillary data can be presented to a user on-demand, or in response to an event. The content of the ancillary data can also be correlated to the type of event that initiated the delivery or to the content of the encoded or compressed packets. |
| US07881341B2 |
Reconfigurable media controller to accommodate multiple data types and formats
A media controller is reconfigurable to handle different formats and types of data. In one embodiment, the invention includes a media access controller coupled to a higher layer to exchange data with the higher layer, a physical layer connector coupled to the media access controller to exchange data with the media access controller and having an external physical interface to exchange data with an external device, and a configuration block to reconfigure the media access controller based on the format of the data of the external device. |
| US07881337B2 |
Methods and apparatus for information management systems
Methods and apparatus for information management systems according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a system interface to communicate with an external system, such as a weapon, and a network interface to communicate with a node connected to a network, such as the Global Information Grid. The information management system may further include a data processing system in communication with the system interface and the network interface to enable the external system to provide and consume services to and from a node connected to network. |
| US07881334B2 |
Network system, communication device and program
There is provided a network system, comprising: a communication device communicating with an external device via a first network, an output device, and a first storage device stored with first data. The communication device, the output device and the first storage device communicate with each other via a second network. The communication device includes a first communication unit to communicate with the external device, a conversion unit which converts the first data into second data to be processed by the output device, a second communication unit which communicates with the output device, a second storage unit stored with information indicating correspondence between the first data and the second data, a first control unit to transmit the first data to the external device according to a transmission instruction, and a second control unit to transmit the second data. The output device includes a third communication unit which communicates with the communication device, a selection unit to select data to be outputted, an output unit which outputs the selected data, an instruction unit which issues the transmission instruction, and a third control unit to transmit the transmission instruction to the communication device. |
| US07881333B2 |
Method and apparatus for uplink rate selection in the presence of multiple transport channels in a wireless communication system
Systems and methods for selecting data rates at which to transmit data over a primary uplink in the presence of one or more secondary uplink channels. One embodiment comprises a method including determining probabilities associated with numbers of attempted transmissions of data, determining the number of times pending data transmissions have been attempted, determining probabilities associated with the data transmissions, and allocating power for transmission of the data in a succeeding frame based upon the associated probabilities. In one embodiment, a highest supportable data rate for a primary uplink is initially selected. Then, power is allocated for a minimum set of channels on the primary uplink. Then, power is allocated for pending data transmissions on the secondary uplink. A maximum power level for the transceiver is then adjusted to account for the allocated power, and the highest supportable data rate for the primary uplink is recomputed. |
| US07881326B2 |
Multiple packet routing system (MPRS)
A method and system for Multiple Packet Routing is disclosed. A first endpoint may be connected to a sound input/output device and a network. The first endpoint may be capable of breaking a call signal sent from the input/output device into a stream of packets and sending two or more duplicate streams over the network. A monitor may be connected to the network and the transmitter, and the monitor may be capable of monitoring a network characteristic and controlling a number of duplicate streams sent by the first endpoint based on the network characteristic, A second endpoint may be connected to the network, The second endpoint may be capable of receiving at least a portion of each of the two or more duplicate streams and recreating the call signal using the received portions of each of the two or more duplicate streams. |
| US07881324B2 |
Steering data communications packets for transparent bump-in-the-wire processing among multiple data processing applications
Steering data communications packets for transparent, bump-in-the-wire processing among multiple data processing applications in a link-level data communications switch, the switch including data communications ports, a port connected to a first data communications network and another port connected to a second data communications network, other ports connected to the data processing applications, the switch also including rules governing the steering, including receiving in the switch from the first network data communications packets directed to the second network, each packet containing a source network address and a destination network address and steering by the switch each packet among the applications and through an egress port, such steering carried out only in accordance with the rules, using neither the source network address of the packet, the destination network address of the packet, nor any link-level identifier of any application. |
| US07881323B2 |
Configurable ASIC for use with a programmable I/O module
An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for use with a programmable I/O module includes programmable circuitry that enables the ASIC to be configured to support various different I/O functions. The ASIC includes a pin interface, a data interface, a digital section, and an analog section. The pin interface supports analog and digital signal communication and the data interface supports digital data communication. The digital section includes registers for storing digital data such as configuration commands, signal control commands, and digital signal information. The analog section is in electrical signal communication with pin interface and digital data communication with the registers. The analog section includes multiple function-specific elements for processing an electrical signal that is communicated via the pin interface such that the analog section can be configured to establish one of multiple different function-specific processing paths in response to a configuration command received via the data interface. |
| US07881321B2 |
Multiprocessor node controller circuit and method
A multiprocessor computer system includes a first and second node controller, a number of processors being connected to each node controller, a memory connected to each node controller, a first input/output system connected to the first node controller, and a communications network connected between the node controllers. The first node controller includes: a crossbar unit to which are connected a memory port, an input/output port, a network port, and a plurality of independent processor ports. A first and a second processor port is connected between the crossbar unit and a first subset and a second subset, respectively, of the processors. The memory port includes a memory data port including a memory data bus and a memory address bus coupled to the first subset of memory chips, and a directory data port including a directory data bus and a directory address bus coupled to the second subset of memory chips. |
| US07881316B2 |
Multiple peer groups for efficient scalable computing
Multiple peer groups for performing computing, communication, and/or storage tasks. A method may be performed for example, in a computing environment including one or more agents networked together. The method includes providing data to the agents using two or more distinct peer groups. The peer groups include members from among the agents. The method further includes performing at each of the peer groups operations on the data. Each peer group is configured to perform a specific operation. The method also includes coordinating the operations at each of the peer groups such that a common computing, communication and/or storage task is accomplished by aggregating the operations at each of the peer groups. |
| US07881315B2 |
Local peer-to-peer digital content distribution
Electronic devices such as media players are configured for participation in activities relating to local, peer-to-peer distribution of digital content. In an exemplary distribution transaction, digital content items such as audio files, video files, text files, multimedia files, data files, playlists, and metadata are distributable between a source device and a sink device based on the acts of: identifying digital content item(s); determining the proximity of the source device to the sink device; and if the potential source and sink communication devices are deemed to be in proximity, establishing a peer-to-peer communication session (using a predetermined communication protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (“WiFi”), Bluetooth, or HiperLAN) between the source and sink devices. The digital content item(s) can be asynchronously distributed, via the peer-to-peer communication session, from a computer-readable medium accessible by the source communication device to a computer-readable medium associated with the sink communication device. |
| US07881311B2 |
VPN composing method, interwork router, packet communication method, data communication apparatus, and packet relaying apparatus
A method serves to compose a VPN (Virtual Private Network) over a plurality of networks, each of which is managed by a different Internet Service Provider (ISP). When a packet with a first capsule header used for composing a VPN in a first ISP network is transmitted to a second ISP network, a route for outputting the packet to the second ISP network is determined based on the information both in the capsule header and in the IP header. In addition, a second capsule header used for composing a VPN in the second ISP network is determined based on the above information. |
| US07881304B2 |
Using distributed aspects to reorder online application workflows
One or more distributed aspect servers modify a sequence of online services provided by an application server that is remote from the aspect servers. A client sends a request to the application server. An aspect service is invoked if the request satisfies a criterion. The aspect service modifies the sequence of online services by performing at least one of adding a new online service, deleting one of the online services, or reordering the sequence of online services. The modified sequence of online services is provided to the client without incurring a change to the application server. |
| US07881302B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing connection identifier in a communication system
An apparatus and method for managing a Connection IDentifier (CID) in a communication system are provided. The method includes mapping a different index to at least one CID allocated by a base station (BS) and, if simultaneously transmitting packets for at least two CIDs, indexing a CID for packet transport by an index mapped to each CID and simultaneously transmitting packets for at least two CIDs. |
| US07881297B2 |
Providing communications including an extended protocol header
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing communications including an extended protocol header is presented. A message is provided in a communication protocol, the message having a header. An extension is included in the header, the extension including additional information. The message is transmitted to a recipient, wherein the recipient is capable of utilizing the additional information contained in the extension to the header to provide additional functionality. |
| US07881296B2 |
Port isolation for restricting traffic flow on layer 2 switches
This invention provides for an apparatus and method to isolate ports on layer 2 switches on the same VLAN to restrict traffic flow. The apparatus comprises a switch having said plurality of ports, each port configured as a protected port or a non-protected port. An address table memory stores an address table having a destination address and port number pair. A forwarding map generator generates a forwarding map which is responsive to a destination address of a data packet. The method for isolating ports on a layer 2 switch comprises configuring each of the ports on the layer 2 switch as a protected port or a non-protected port. A destination address on an data packet is matched with a physical address on said layer 2 switch and a forwarding map is generated for the data packet based upon the destination address on the data packet. The data packet is then sent to the plurality of ports pursuant to the forwarding map generated based upon whether the ingress port was configured as a protected or nonprotected port. |
| US07881292B2 |
Communication device and control method for the same
A communication device carries out a routing operation of data between a first network and a second network. The communication device comprises: a first interface connected to the first network; a second interface connected to the second network; and a processor that assigns an IP address to a user terminal device connected to the first interface in accordance with a DHCP. The processor changes a first lease period of the IP address set when the processor assigns the IP address to the user terminal device in accordance with the change of a network environment. |
| US07881289B1 |
Method and apparatus for porting telephone numbers of endpoint devices
The present invention enables a capability for automatically porting the telephone number of the original VoIP endpoint device to the user's new VoIP endpoint device by re-associating the original telephone number with the MAC address of the new IP endpoint device. |
| US07881283B2 |
Customizability of event notification on telephony-enabled devices
A system and method of notifying a user of events in a customizable manner during and not during a voice call is provided. According to one aspect, the notifications are configurable to be dependant on whether or not there is an active voice call. Notifications may also be configured to be different depending on whether or not the wireless device is inside a device holster. Notifications can be configured to be different for different events so that the user may be able to associate certain notifications with certain events. The user can also configure the type of events that trigger notification. Notifications include any combination of audible cues, visual cues, and vibration cues. |
| US07881279B2 |
Telecommunications network and a packet header using local node identifier information to designate routing information
A packet header for a data packet (14) includes a routing information field for containing at least one local node identifier data which identifies one or more nodes through which the data packet is intended to be transported. The packet header further contains a pointer field containing a pointer (PTR), which pointer indicates the position of individual local node identifier data in the routing information field. The pointer is operable to be incremented at each node so as to indicate the position of data, which identifies the node to which the data packet is to be subsequently transported. |
| US07881275B1 |
Rate adaptation
A medium access control device includes a memory configured to store a plurality of sets of transmission parameters and a plurality of count values. A queue module is configured to store a plurality of frames. A control module is configured to receive a first frame of the plurality of frames from the queue module. A control module is configured to transmit the first frame using a first transmission parameter set of the plurality of sets of transmission parameters until at least one of successful transmission occurs, a number of unsuccessful transmissions is equal to one of the plurality of count values associated with the first transmission parameter set, and a predetermined period expires. The control module is configured to transmit the first frame using a second transmission parameter set in response to the first frame not being transmitted based on the first transmission parameter set. |
| US07881269B2 |
Media type access category based channel management for a wireless network
A method for channel management in a wireless network is disclosed. The method begins by a mobile client device receiving active channel information corresponding to active channels from infrastructure devices. Based upon the active channel information, the mobile client device selects an infrastructure device for communicating data for at least one of the media type access categories utilizing one of the active channels. |
| US07881265B2 |
Power loading transmit beamforming in MIMO-OFDM wireless communication systems
In a wireless communication system including a plurality of sub-carriers and a plurality of eigenbeams, a method for tuning a beamformed signal. The method includes adjusting a total gain of each of the plurality of sub-carriers and eigenbeams, and applying the adjusted total gain to each of the sub-carriers and each of the eigenbeams. |
| US07881263B1 |
Method for use of azimuth and bearing data to select a serving sector for a mobile station
A method for selecting a wireless coverage sector to serve a mobile station, such as in response to a handoff request that designates a sector-identifier that represents two or more possible sectors. A serving radio access network (RAN) may identify potential sectors in the region and may then select the sector whose azimuth is closest to the geographic bearing of the mobile station from the sector's base station. Further, in the event of a tie between two or more sectors or in other circumstances, the RAN may also take into consideration how close the mobile station is to various base stations, such as selecting the sector to whose base station the mobile station is closest. In a system that uses neighbor lists to govern handoff, the invention can help to facilitate handoff in a scenario where a mobile station requests handoff to a sector not listed in the mobile station's neighbor list. |
| US07881257B2 |
Method for controlling communication channels and base station and terminal therefor
A control method allocates to a base station, at a control member of the base station, a list of channels shared by several terminals containing several sets of shared channels. For a communication session between the base station and a specific terminal, the method indicates to the terminal the list of shared channels allocated to the base station. At the base station, the method selects for the terminal one of the sets of shared channels, and independently of the control member, indicates the selected set to the terminal via a dedicated channel. |
| US07881254B1 |
Multi-band communications for a single wireless base station
A wireless network apparatus includes an infrastructure controller to exchange packets of data with a wireless base station over a wireless channel, and receives start beacon packets and stop beacon packets from the wireless base station. An ad hoc controller exchanges packets of data with one or more wireless end stations over the wireless channel. A master controller causes the infrastructure controller to exchange packets of data with the wireless base station over the wireless channel only after receiving one of the start beacon packets and before receiving a next one of the stop beacon packets, and causes the ad hoc controller to exchange packets of data with the one or more wireless end stations over the wireless channel only after receiving one of the stop beacon packets and before receiving a next one of the start beacon packets. |
| US07881253B2 |
Apparatus and method supporting a redundancy-managing interface between wireless and wired networks
A wireless network includes a leaf node, which generates a data message. The data message is routed through infrastructure nodes to a gateway infrastructure node, which is coupled to a wired network. A wireless interface module is also coupled to the wired network and communicates with the gateway infrastructure node. Multiple copies of the data message are created in the wireless network due to redundancy mechanisms supported in the wireless network, such as redundant connectivity and redundant message routing. The multiple copies of the data message are received at the gateway infrastructure node or the wireless interface module, which identifies the copies and communicates a single copy of the data message over the wired network to a destination. In this way, the redundancy mechanisms supported in the wireless network are concealed from wired components coupled to the wired network. |
| US07881244B2 |
Scalable IP-services enabled multicast forwarding with efficient resource utilization
Methods, apparatus and data structures are provided for managing multicast IP flows. According to one embodiment, a memory of a router has stored therein a data structure, which includes information relating to multicast sessions being handled by the router and including a first pointer for each multicast session, at least one chain of blocks of second pointers and one or more TCBs. Each first pointer points to a chain of blocks of second pointers. Each second pointer corresponds to an OIF of the router participating in the multicast session defined by the first pointer and defines how many times packets associated with the multicast session are to be replicated. The TCBs are configured to store control information relevant to processing or routing packets. Each second pointer points to a TCB and each TCB identifies the OIF out which packets of the multicast session are transmitted from the router. |
| US07881240B1 |
Dynamic configuration of EV-DO-A slot cycle index based on communication application
Methods and systems are provided for dynamic configuration of the EV-DO-A slot cycle index based on communication application. In an exemplary embodiment, an access terminal: (1) executes a set of communication applications, each application associated with a respective slot cycle index; (2) identifies a desired slot cycle index at least in part by determining, among the respective slot cycle indexes associated with the set of executing applications, which slot cycle index is associated with the shortest slot cycle; (3) sends a request message to an access node, requesting the desired slot cycle index; (4) negotiates with the access node to agree on a negotiated slot cycle index; and (5) checks for pages from the access node according to a slot cycle that is determined at least in part by the negotiated slot cycle index. |
| US07881234B2 |
Detecting interruptions in audio conversations and conferences, and using a conversation marker indicative of the interrupted conversation
An implementation for detecting interruptions in audio conversations between a plurality of participants comprising continuously recording the most recent predetermined time segment of the conversation stream of one participant in the conversation, monitoring the conversation stream of the participant for interruptions in said conversation stream and storing the most recent segment prior to the interruption in response to a detection of an interruption. The segment is represented by a conversation marker. The user may then select the conversation marker to playback this most recent segment, so that he may then decide whether he wishes to resume or pursue the interrupted conversation fragment. |
| US07881231B2 |
Detection of home network configuration problems
A diagnostic tool for identifying a configuration of a private network that may disrupt operations involving communication between two devices on the network. The tool, when run on a device in the network, can identify a “double NAT” configuration in which the device may be separated from other devices on the private network by a NAT device. The tool, when run on a computing device, identifies a NAT device, such as a router, to which the device is connected. The tool then identifies a list containing one or more other devices that may be connected to the NAT device. The tool tests whether these other devices also perform NAT functions and are on the private network. Both the NAT device and the devices that may be connected to the NAT device are identified and a determination is made of whether those devices are on the private network by sending requests using one or more protocols that devices on a private network conventionally use but are not conventionally used by devices on other networks. |
| US07881224B2 |
Detection of duplicated network addresses
The present invention relates to an access unit for coupling a plurality of subscribers to a data communication network, and comprising an auto-configuration control unit adapted to learn, from first auto-configuration data issued by an auto-configuration server and transiting through said access unit towards a particular subscriber coupled to said access unit, a particular network address as being dynamically assigned to said particular subscriber.An access unit according to the invention is characterized in that said auto-configuration control unit is further adapted to learn, from second auto-configuration data transiting through said data communication network, said particular network address as being newly assigned to another subscriber, and in that said access unit further comprises an auto-configuration preemption unit coupled to said auto-configuration control unit, and adapted thereupon to issue an auto-configuration control signal towards said particular subscriber, whereby a new auto-configuration session is initiated between said particular subscriber and said auto-configuration server, and further whereby a new network address is dynamically assigned to said particular subscriber. |
| US07881221B2 |
Hardware implementation of network testing and performance monitoring in a network device
An embodiment of the present invention offloads the generation and monitoring of test packets from a Central processing Unit (CPU) to a dedicated network integrated circuit, such as a router, bridge or switch chip associated with the CPU. The CPU may download test routines and test data to the network IC, which then generates the test packets, identifies and handles received test packets, collects test statistics, and performs other test functions all without loading the CPU. The CPU may be notified when certain events occur, such as when throughput or jitter thresholds for the network are exceeded. |
| US07881217B2 |
Remote gateway selection in an interplanetary communications network and method of selecting and handing over remote gateways
A method of selecting a gateway node in a remote network and for handing over to the selected gateway node. Nodes in a remote energy aware network connect through a gateway node to a backbone network in an interplanetary communications network. Each node optimizes a stability function describing communications to neighboring nodes and to the backbone. Optimization is for maximum network stability and for efficient node energy consumption. Optimization identifies a handover time and nodes initiate handover sufficiently in advance of the identified handover time to complete at that time. Nodes continually monitor and update network characterization parameters to identify a next optimal handover time. |
| US07881216B2 |
Systems and methods for analyzing communication sessions using fragments
Systems and methods for analyzing communication sessions using fragments are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: delineating fragments of an audio component of a communication session, each of the fragments being attributable to a party of the communication session and representing a contiguous period of time during which that party was speaking; and automatically assessing quality of at least some of the fragments such that a quality assessment of the communication session is determined. |
| US07881211B2 |
Limited perimeter vector matching fault localization protocol for survivable all-optical networks
The inventive Limited perimeter Vector Matching fault localization method and system is launched when alarming sinks are identified. Each alarming sink broadcasts its node ID and path length, and all nodes compare their paths to identify an executive sink, which creates an Affected Link Vector consisting of the links in its lightpath, for multicast within a limited perimeter thereabout, the perimeter comprising all nodes within a neighborhood size. Each recipient returns an outcome vector corresponding to the ALV, together with a status, which indicate if the corresponding lightpath is healthy. For failed lightpaths, corresponding cells of the binary vector are set and cleared otherwise. For healthy lightpaths, bits are inverted. The vectors are ANDed by the executive sink to identify the disconnection. The exercise could be repeated for a progressively larger limited perimeter. The affected path is restored by link restoration. Multiple fault localization exercises may be simultaneously performed. |
| US07881210B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying label distribution protocol flapping events
A method and apparatus for identifying a Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) flapping event in a communication network are disclosed. For example, the method counts a total number of LDP session up events, a total number of LDP session down events, a total number of link up events, and a total number of link down events within a predetermined time interval. The method then determines an occurrence of a LDP flapping event using the plurality of total numbers. |
| US07881207B2 |
Method and system for loop-back and continue in packet-based network
According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for transferring data in a packet-based network. The method includes a step for receiving at least a first data frame. The first data frame is associated with a first origination node and a first destination node. The method includes a step for processing information associated with the first data frame. The method includes a step for determining whether the first data frame satisfies at least one predetermined condition based on at least information associated with the first data frame. If the first data frame is determined to satisfy the at least one predetermined condition, the method includes a step for providing a second data frame based on at least information associated with the first data frame, where the second data frame is associated with a second origination node and a second destination node. |
| US07881198B2 |
Method for managing service bindings over an access domain and nodes therefor
The present invention relates to a method and nodes for managing service bindings over an access domain. For doing so, an access edge node is introduced in the access domain between a plurality of service providers and user domains, and an access node is introduced between the user domains and the access domain. The access edge node creates, modifies and removes service bindings and informs the access node of those creations, modifications and removals. Each service binding binds one of the user domain, the access node and the access edge node on data traffic handling over the access domain between the user domain and the service provider domain. More particularly, the service binding associates the user domain to a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) for the service provider domain on the access domain, controlled by the access edge node. |
| US07881196B2 |
Resource reservation in a packet switched telecommunications network
Resource reservation in a packed switched telecommunications network is provided. System and method are directed to make resource reservation especially in an Internet Protocol (IP) network for achieving Quality of Service (QoS) requirements controlling traffic preferable in a Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) of a Universal Mobile Telecommunications Network (UMTS). A sub-object of source statistics description characterizes the statistical behavior of a traffic source for example the average length of ON and OFF periods. The sub-object is used to reserve resources in a per-flow reservation method or for calculation of the number of resource units in edge nodes in case of an aggregated reservation method. |
| US07881193B2 |
Network system
A network system includes a switch device and a plurality of communication terminals. The switch device has a plurality of ports. The switch device receives a packet at its one port and transmits the packet from another port corresponding to the packet's destination. The communication terminals are connected to the ports of the switch device respectively to transmit and receive packets. The terminal transmits a connection request including connection destination information to the switch device and performs communication using unused signal lines when a “connection possible” notification is received from the switch device. Upon receiving the connection request, the switch device determines if connection to a port corresponding to the connection destination information is possible. If connection is possible, the switch device transmits a “connection possible” notification to the connection-request-making terminal and connects an unused signal line of the port connected to the terminal to a signal line of the port corresponding to the connection destination. |
| US07881189B1 |
Method for providing predictive maintenance using VoIP post dial delay information
Predictive maintenance in a communications environment can be triggered when an anomaly in the call set-up process is detected. In one arrangement, in a VoIP context, the post dial delay (PDD) associated with call set up is monitored. If a link or node has an abnormally high contribution to the PDD it may be designated for predictive maintenance. |
| US07881183B2 |
Recovery from control plane failures in the LDP signalling protocol
The invention provides a distributed back-up mechanism and a two-step method for facilitating fast control plane recovery in a switched network. In a preferred embodiment, a Label Information Database (LID) maintained at a control node of a GMPLS network is mirrored to an upstream node using the Label Distribution Protocol (LDP). After a control plane interruption resulting in the LDP restart, the control node, using the mirrored information at the upstream node, conducts first a fast coarse LID recovery wherein only the idle labels are identified, to enable the restarted LDP session to process new connection setup. A detailed LDP state information recovery performs in the background in parallel to the normal LDP operations, e.g. using on-demand LDP queries. |
| US07881181B2 |
Systems and method for orthogonal frequency divisional multiplexing
Systems and methods for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing are provided. In one embodiment, a multi-carrier modem comprises: a receiver configured to receive a waveform comprising a plurality of spectrally overlapping carrier signals from at least two of a plurality of remotes, the carrier signals are modulated using an inverse Fourier transform; a transmitter; a processor coupled to the transmitter, the processor outputs data for transmission to the transmitter, the processor applies an inverse Fourier transform to the data provided to the transmitter; a controller programmed to instruct the transmitter to transmit timing adjustments to the at least two of the plurality of remotes, the timing adjustments instruct the at least two of the plurality of remotes to adjust transmission timing so that transmitted symbols associated with frames of a predetermined multiframe structure are received in sequence from the at least two of the plurality of remotes based on the structure. |
| US07881178B2 |
Optical information recording medium, optical information recording/reproducing system, and optical information recording/reproducing apparatus
A disclosed optical information recording medium includes a guide track layer having grooves and ridges; and recording layers composed of an optical recording material and disposed above and below the guide track layer. The guide track layer is used to determine track positions on the recording layers. |
| US07881176B2 |
Floating lock device
To provide a floating lock device which can smoothly and continuously perform an operation of swinging-in and swinging-out a drive unit and switching between a floating state and lock state with a reduced space and simple configuration. The floating lock device comprises: a pick arm 130 which can be swung into and swung out of a space created by splitting trays 250 capable of housing a plurality of disks D; a drive chassis 120 which is mounted on the pick arm 130 and which has a drive unit playing the disk D; a drive mechanism which drives the pick arm 130; a floating lock mechanism of the drive chassis 120; a turning table 123 on which the disk D is mounted; and a control plate 136 which transmits drive power of the drive mechanism to the floating lock mechanism. |
| US07881172B1 |
Flexible optical write strategy
A driver includes a parameter generation module configured to generate timing parameters based upon a received bit stream. A timing encoding module is configured to determine a plurality of pulse defining parameters based on the timing parameters. A pulse generation module is configured to determine a plurality of generic pulses based on the plurality of pulse defining parameters. The pulse generation module is configured to combine the plurality of generic pulses into a plurality of enable signals. The pulse generation module is configured to selectively invert a first enable signal of the plurality of enable signals. The pulse generation module is configured to output the plurality of enable signals including the first enable signal to a laser driver. |
| US07881168B2 |
Optical pick-up apparatus for multi recording/reproducing
An optical pickup apparatus is provided for use in a recording/reproducing apparatus to record/reproduce information on/from recording media having different formats. Such an optical pickup apparatus comprises a dual wavelength laser diode; a hologram module arranged to split a light which is incident to a recording medium into a plurality of beams; and a photo-detector arranged to receive a light beam reflected from the recording medium and detect an information signal and a signal for servo control. Each of the split beams is focused on a predetermined position corresponding to a format of the recording medium. The light beams reflected from the recording medium are detected by the photo-detector to generate a focus error signal and a tracking error signal. Thus, the optical pickup apparatus records and reproduces information on and from recording media having different formats by using a hologram of a simple pattern. The optical structure of the optical pickup apparatus is simple which enables easy assembly and manufacture and provides signal regeneration when operating in a high temperature. |
| US07881167B1 |
Systems and methods of shock recovery in writable optical disc systems
Data recovery methods for use with a writable disc system having a writable media are presented including: detecting a write disruption in response to a shock event, the write disruption being defined by a disruption start point, a portion of off-track writing which may include a set of disruption cross-track points that contains at least one disruption cross-track point, and a disruption stop point; stopping a first write operation pertaining to a stream of data in response to a detected shock event, the shock event occurring while the writable disc system is performing the first write operation along a write track; determining whether a first data of the stream of data written in the first write operation located in the region of write disruption is readable; and if the first data is readable, resuming the first write operation. |
| US07881163B2 |
Recording medium changer and reproducing apparatus
A recording medium changer includes a plurality of storage trays that are arranged in alignment in a predetermined direction and each store a recording medium, and a conveying mechanism that is movable in an alignment direction of the plurality of storage trays and conveys a recording medium. The plurality of storage trays are rotatable about an axis extending in the alignment direction of the storage trays. At the time of rotation of each of the storage trays, the conveying mechanism is held in a movement preparing position retracted in the alignment direction from the storage tray that is being rotated. Each of the storage trays has a movement cutout for forming at least a part of a movement space through which the conveying mechanism is moved. |
| US07881162B2 |
Information processing apparatus and reading control method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus, has a reading unit which, if a transfer delay address is found, stores data in the transfer delay address, in a memory, and stores data in a range from the transfer delay address to an additional address located at an outer periphery in a certain distance and which, if the address to be read on the optical disc is present in the transfer delay address, reads data corresponding to the address to be read as stored in the memory, and a control unit which, if the address to be read on the optical disc is present in the additional address, reads the data corresponding to the address to be read as stored in the memory, by the reading unit, and increases a rotation rate of the optical disc up to a predetermined number of revolutions. |
| US07881161B2 |
Timepiece comprising an alarm
A timepiece equipped with an alarm mechanism having a striking device and a minute repeater mechanism provided with a striking device. The two striking devices share at least one gong and one hammer. A power source can be locked when the mechanism is at rest and unlocked when the mechanism is in operation. An adjustment system can be used to program the alarm time. A trigger system includes a control member which controls the unlocking of the power source and a cam which is kinematically connected to the movement and performs one revolution every 24 hours. A first striking mechanism is equipped with at least one hammer arranged to strike at least one gong, and a supplemental striking mechanism is equipped with at least one hammer arranged to strike at least one non-resonant object, wherein the power source drives one or the other of these striking mechanisms. |
| US07881149B2 |
Write latency tracking using a delay lock loop in a synchronous DRAM
A method and circuitry for improved write latency tracking in a SDRAM is disclosed. In one embodiment, a delay locked loop is used in the command portion of the write path, and receives the system clock as its reference input. The DLL includes a modeled delay which models the delay in transmission of the internal Write Valid signal and system clock distribution to the deserializers in the data path portion of the write path, which is otherwise controlled by the intermittently asserted write strobe signal. With the input distribution delay of the system clock (Clk) and the write strobe (WS) matched by design, the distributed system clock and Write Valid signal are synchronized to the WS distribution path by means of the DLL delay with reference to the system clock input to the DLL. By backing the distribution delay out of system clock as sent to the deserializers, the write valid signal is effectively synchronized with the write strobe, with the effect that data will be passed out of the deserializer circuitry to the memory array on time and consistent with the programmed write latency. |
| US07881148B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a clock supply portion for providing an external clock to the interior of the memory device, a clock transfer portion for transferring the clock from the clock supply portion to each of elements in the memory device and data output portions for outputting data in synchronism the clock from the clock transfer portion, wherein the clock from the clock supply portion to the clock transfer portion swings at a current mode logic (CML) level. |
| US07881146B2 |
Semiconductor memory apparatus capable of selectively providing decoded row address
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes a first bank block including a first bank group, a second bank block including a second bank group, and an address control unit that receives an address signal to selectively provide a decoded row address signal to the first bank block or the second bank block in response to a bank address signal. |
| US07881145B2 |
Semiconductor device and semiconductor system having the same
A semiconductor device according to example embodiments may be configured so that, when a read command for performing a read operation is input while a write operation is performed, and when a memory bank accessed by a write address during the write operation is the same as a memory bank accessed by a read address during the read operation, the semiconductor device may suspend the write operation automatically or in response to an internal signal until the read operation is finished and performs the write operation after the read operation is finished. |
| US07881143B2 |
Interface circuit
An interface circuit between a first device capable of being supplied with a first power and a second device capable of being supplied with a second power independent of the first power includes a first reference voltage generation unit configured to generate a first reference voltage from the first power, a second reference voltage generation unit configured to generate a second reference voltage from the second power, and a switching unit configured to switch to input respective different ones of the first and the second reference voltages to the first and the second devices. In this configuration, the memory controller can be separately powered off while electric power is being supplied to the memory which is connected to the memory controller via a bus. |
| US07881140B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling refresh with current dispersion effect in semiconductor device
A refresh control apparatus is provided which is capable of dispersing a peak current at an all-bank refresh mode and reducing the characteristic difference between the banks. The refresh control apparatus includes an internal refresh counter for outputting row address signals to select word lines when a refresh command is inputted from an external circuit, a row decoder for outputting row decoding signals to select all banks in response bank active signals and the row address signals, an enable signal control unit for sequentially outputting at a time interval sense amplifier enable signals in response to the bank active signals and the refresh command, and a sense amplifier for sequentially refreshing all of the banks at a time interval in response to the sense amplifier enable signals. |
| US07881136B2 |
Test mode signal generator for semiconductor memory and method of generating test mode signals
A test mode signal generator for a semiconductor memory device includes a test mode entry control unit that receives test entry mode setting addresses inputted in response to a test mode register set signal. The test mode entry control unit outputs a plurality of test entry mode signals and a test mode set signal according to the test entry mode setting addresses. A latch unit latches test address decoding signals in response to the test mode set signal, and outputs test mode signals by allowing the latched test address decoding signals to be controlled by the respective test entry mode signals. A test mode signal is generated for each test entry mode, so that the number of test modes is increased without increasing the number of addresses for supporting test modes. |
| US07881135B2 |
Method for QCRIT measurement in bulk CMOS using a switched capacitor circuit
A test setup for estimating the critical charge of a circuit under test (CUT) uses a charge injection circuit having a switched capacitor that is selectively connected to a node of the CUT. A voltage measurement circuit measures the voltage at a tap in the charge injection circuit before and after the charge is injected. When the injected charge causes an upset in the logical state of the CUT, the critical charge is calculated as the product of the voltage difference and the known capacitance of the capacitor. In one embodiment, (NMOS drain strike simulation) the amount of charge injected is controlled by a variable pulse width generator gating the switch of the charge injection circuit. In another embodiment (PMOS drain strike simulation) the amount of charge injected is controlled by a variable voltage supply selectively connected to the charge storage node. |
| US07881132B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and operation method thereof
A semiconductor memory device includes a delay locked loop to generate a delay control signal corresponding to a detected phase difference between reference and feedback clock signals, a delay locked loop (DLL) clock signal, and the feedback clock signal. The memory device further includes a delay time measurement device to measure a first degree of delay between the reference and feedback clock signals and output a delay measurement value, and an output enable signal generation device to delay read command information synchronized with an external clock signal by a second degree of delay between the reference and DLL clock signals. The output enable signal generation device generates the read command information as final output enable signal by synchronizing the read command information with the DLL clock signal according to the delay measurement value and column address strobe (CAS) latency information. |
| US07881130B2 |
Semiconductor memory device having write data through function
A semiconductor memory device includes a switch that turns on or off connection between a write data line pair which is an output of a write buffer and read data line pair. For a Write Data Through function, the switch is turned on in response to an activated one-shot pulse and a sense amplifier activation signal, thereby approximately equalizing data hold time tOHW in the Write Data Through function and data hold time tOHR in a read operation. |
| US07881127B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method of testing the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a clock input stage configured to receive a clock signal for a test, a control signal output unit configured to output data input-output (IO) control signals according to the clock signal, n number of IO stages for data IO, and n number of storage units connected to the respective n number of IO stages and configured to temporarily store data to be exchanged between the respective n number of IO stages and internal circuits according to the respective data IO control signals. The n number of storage units are further commonly connected to a first IO stage of the n number of IO stages and configured to sequentially input or output data through the first IO stage in a test mode according to the respective data IO control signals. |
| US07881121B2 |
Decoding method in an NROM flash memory array
A read operation method is provided for a flash memory array having a plurality of memory cells, wordlines, even bitlines, odd bitlines and a plurality of bitline transistors. The method includes pre-charging the plurality of even bitlines to about Vcc/n and pre-charging the plurality of odd bitlines to ground. The current flowing to/from a first bit location in each of the memory cells is selectively sensed. A logical state is determined from the sensed current for the first bit location in each of the memory cells. The method also includes pre-charging the plurality of odd bitlines to about Vcc/n and pre-charging the plurality of even bitlines to ground. The current flowing to/from a second bit location in each of the memory cells is selectively sensed. A logical state is determined from the sensed current for the second bit location in each of the memory cells. |
| US07881118B2 |
Sense transistor protection for memory programming
A method and apparatus for protecting a sense transistor in a sense amplifier during memory programming and erase operations, and for increasing the coupling efficiency of the memory device during the programming and erase operations may include floating a first terminal and a second terminal of the sense transistor while programming and erasing the memory device. |
| US07881117B2 |
High voltage generator circuit and flash memory device including the same
A high voltage generator circuit includes a high voltage generator configured to generate a high voltage; and a control circuit configured to control the high voltage generator so as to vary the high voltage in response to variations of a peripheral temperature. |
| US07881115B2 |
Method of programming nonvolatile memory device
According to a method of programming a nonvolatile memory device, a program operation is performed on a first page by applying a program pulse to the first page. A verification operation is performed on the program operation by applying a verification voltage to the first page. If the program operation for the first page has not been completed, a voltage selected from threshold voltages of the first page is set as a highest threshold voltage. The program operation for the first page is completed by repeatedly performing a program operation and a verification operation on the first page while a voltage level of the program pulse is increased. The sum of a program start voltage for the first page and a difference between the verification voltage and the highest threshold voltage is set as a program start voltage for a second page. |
| US07881114B2 |
NAND flash memory device having dummy memory cells and methods of operating same
A NAND flash memory device includes a control circuit configured to apply, during a program operation, a first word line voltage to non-selected ones of a plurality of serially-connected memory cells, a second word line voltage greater than the first word line voltage to a selected one of the plurality of memory cells, and a third word line voltage lower than the first word line voltage to a dummy memory cell connected in series with the plurality of memory cells. In other embodiments, a control circuit is configured to program a dummy memory cell before and/or after each erase operation on a plurality of memory cells connected in series therewith. In still other embodiments, a control circuit is configured to forego erasure of a dummy memory cell while erasing a plurality of memory cells connected in series therewith. |
| US07881109B2 |
Refresh circuit of semiconductor memory apparatus
A refresh circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a bank active signal generator configured to selectively enable a plurality of bank active signals in response to a piled signal and disable the plurality of bank active signals in response to a plurality of precharge pulses when a refresh signal is enabled; a precharge pulse generator configured to generate a plurality of preliminary precharge pulses in response to the plurality of bank active signals; a delaying unit configured to generate a plurality of preliminary delay precharge pulses by delaying the plurality of preliminary precharge pulses; and a selecting unit configured to selectively output the plurality of preliminary precharge pulses or the plurality of preliminary delay precharge pulses as the plurality of precharge pulses in response to the piled signal. |
| US07881106B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a nonvolatile memory including a first area which stores data for every n bits (n is a natural number of not less than 2), and a second area which stores data for every 1 bit, each of the first area and the second area including a plurality of memory cells each configured to store n-bit data on the basis of a threshold voltage, and a controller which sets 2n threshold voltages corresponding to n bits when writing n-bit data to a first memory cell included in the first area, and executes the n-bit data write operation when writing 1-bit data to a second memory cell included in the second area. |
| US07881104B2 |
Magnetic memory with separate read and write paths
Magnetic memory having separate read and write paths is disclosed. The magnetic memory unit includes a ferromagnetic strip having a first end portion with a first magnetization orientation, an opposing second end portion with a second magnetization orientation, and a middle portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the middle portion having a free magnetization orientation. The first magnetization orientation opposes the second magnetization orientation. A tunneling barrier separates a magnetic reference layer from the middle portion forming a magnetic tunnel junction. A bit line is electrically coupled to the second end portion. A source line is electrically coupled to the first end portion and a read line is electrically coupled to the magnetic tunnel junction. |
| US07881103B2 |
Phase-change memory device and method of fabricating the same
A phase-change memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a bit line and a word line arranged on the semiconductor substrate to intersect each other, and a phase-change material strip interposed between the bit line and the word line and extending lengthwise in a direction that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the word line. |
| US07881101B2 |
Nonvolatile memory devices that include a write circuit that writes data over multiple write periods using pulses whose peaks do not coincide with each other
Nonvolatile memory devices include a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells and a write circuit that is operable to write data to the nonvolatile memory cells over a plurality of consecutive division write periods by generating a plurality of write pulses whose peaks do not coincide with one another to the nonvolatile memory cells. |
| US07881100B2 |
State machine sensing of memory cells
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, modules, and systems for sensing memory cells using a state machine. One method embodiment includes generating a first sensing reference according to a first output of a state machine. The method includes bifurcating a range of possible programmed levels to which a memory cell can be programmed with the first sensing reference. The method also includes generating a second sensing reference according to a second output of the state machine. The method further includes determining a programmed level of the memory cell with the second generated sensing reference. |
| US07881097B2 |
Storage element and memory
Disclosed is a storage element having a storage layer retaining information based on a magnetization state of a magnetic material; a fixed-magnetization layer having a ferromagnetic layer; and an intermediate layer interposed between the storage layer and the fixed-magnetization layer. In the storage element, spin-polarized electrons are injected in a stacking direction to change a magnetization direction of the storage layer so that information is recorded in the storage layer, and resistivity of the ferromagnetic layer forming the storage layer is 8×10−7 Ωm or more. |
| US07881092B2 |
Increased switching cycle resistive memory element
An integrated circuit including a resistive memory element and a method of manufacturing the integrated circuit are described. The method of manufacturing the integrated circuit includes depositing a switching layer material and intentionally forming inhomogeneously distributed defects within the switching layer material to increase a number of switching cycles of the resistive memory element. The resistive memory element includes a switching layer that selectively switches between a low resistance state and a high resistance state. The switching layer contains intentionally formed defects that increase the number of switching cycles of the switching layer. |
| US07881091B2 |
Methods of making quantum dot films
Optical and optoelectronic devices and methods of making same. Under one aspect, an optical device includes an integrated circuit an array of conductive regions; and an optically sensitive material over at least a portion of the integrated circuit and in electrical communication with at least one conductive region of the array of conductive regions. Under another aspect, a method of forming a nanocrystalline film includes fabricating a plurality of nanocrystals having a plurality of first ligands attached to their outer surfaces; exchanging the first ligands for second ligands of different chemical composition than the first ligands; forming a film of the ligand-exchanged nanocrystals; removing the second ligands; and fusing the cores of adjacent nanocrystals in the film to form an electrical network of fused nanocrystals. Under another aspect, a film includes a network of fused nanocrystals, the nanocrystals having a core and an outer surface, wherein the core of at least a portion of the fused nanocrystals is in direct physical contact and electrical communication with the core of at least one adjacent fused nanocrystal, and wherein the film has substantially no defect states in the regions where the cores of the nanocrystals are fused. |
| US07881090B2 |
Content addressable memory (CAM) array capable of implementing read or write operations during search operations
A read operation and a search operation are performed during the same cycle within a CAM system including a CAM array by: (1) forcing a non-matching condition to exist in the row of the CAM array selected for the read operation, (2) comparing the read data value with the search data value outside of the CAM array to determine whether a match exists, and (3) prioritizing the results of the search operation performed within the CAM array and the results of the comparison performed outside of the CAM array to provide a final search result. |
| US07881087B2 |
Matrix converter and control method for the matrix converter
An output voltage command signal for outputting a specified three-phase ac output voltage is generated by a line voltage control command signal generating section, and a signal representing a current flow ratio is generated by a current flow ratio generating section based on a specified input current command signal. The output voltage command signal is corrected by a command signal computing section based on the output voltage command signal generated by the line voltage control command signal generating section and the signal representing the current flow ratio generated by the current flow ratio generating section. A PWM conversion signal is generated by a PWM conversion signal generating section based on the corrected output voltage command signal and a carrier signal. Based on the generated PWM conversion signal, a three-phase ac input voltage is converted into a specified three-phase ac input voltage by a conversion section. |
| US07881085B2 |
Inverter and programming device thereof
It is possible to easily and rapidly develop an inverter application while maintaining stable quality. Executable code modules which have been sufficiently tested are installed in an inverter. An application source code is created on a programming device by using function blocks corresponding to the executable code modules and connection lines for connecting the function blocks. The source code is complied to create a connection information table for selecting the executable code modules and specifying their execution order. The connection information table is downloaded to the inverter via communication to execute the application. |
| US07881083B2 |
Switch control device, switch control method, and converter using the same
A switch control device, a switch control method, and a converter using the same are disclosed. The converter includes: a switch; an energy transfer element that converts input energy into output energy according to a switching operation of the switch; and a switch control device that generates a first signal, which is maintained at a first level during a first interval starting from a first time at which the switch is turned on by using a feedback signal corresponding to the output energy and is then gradually lowered from the first level to the feedback signal during a second interval, and controls the switching operation of the switch by using a second signal corresponding to a current flowing at the switch and the first signal. A malfunction due to an LEC can be effectively prevented, and the converter and the converter controller can be implemented to be compact and low-priced. |
| US07881080B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling inverter
An apparatus and method for controlling an inverter capable of enhancing reliability of current measurement by ensuring an optimal time for which effective voltage vectors are applied to detect a three-phase current according to a phase current and sizes of the effective voltage vectors, the apparatus comprising a space voltage modulator that generates and outputs effective voltage vectors based upon a voltage command value, and a low modulation determiner that determines whether the effective voltage vectors are located within a low modulation region, and outputs a low modulation switching control signal or a normal modulation switching control signal according to the determination. |
| US07881078B2 |
Twelve-pulse HVDC transmission
A device for transmitting electric power between alternating voltage networks includes converters interconnected by direct current lines and provided each with several six-pulse conversion bridges. The six-pulse conversion bridges of one same converter are capable of being connected to an alternating voltage network associated with the converters via inductances differently phase-shifted. A control unit is provided to energize the valves of the six-pulse conversion bridges. The device is more economical and the converters are interconnected by a plurality of direct current circuits, each direct current circuit being galvanically separated from at least an alternating voltage network. |
| US07881075B2 |
Apparatus and methods for mounting and retaining power monitoring systems
A system for mounting and retaining an electronic device in an opening in a door or panel comprises a power monitoring device for monitoring characteristics of the power transmitted through one or more power lines. An apparatus is coupled to the power monitoring device and is adapted to secure the power monitoring device within the panel opening by engaging at least one surface of the panel. The power monitoring device may include a meter base and a display module. The combined meter base/display module assembly or remote-mounted display module may be mounted and retained in the door or panel opening. |
| US07881071B2 |
Multilayer printed wiring board
A multilayer printed wiring board includes: a build-up layer that is formed on a core substrate and has a conductor pattern disposed on an upper surface; a low elastic modulus layer that is formed on the build-up layer; lands that are disposed on an upper surface of the low elastic modulus layer and connected via solder bumps to a IC chip; and conductor posts that pass through the low elastic modulus layer and electrically connect lands with conductor patterns. The conductor posts have the aspect ratio Rasp (height/minimum diameter) of not less than and the minimum diameter exceeding 30 μm, and the aspect ratio Rasp of external conductor posts, which are positioned at external portions of the low elastic modulus layer, is greater than or equal to the aspect ratio Rasp of internal conductor posts, which are positioned at internal portions of the low elastic modulus layer. |
| US07881065B1 |
Circuit with improved electrostatic discharge susceptibility
An RFID tag includes a capacitor between the ASIC ground pin and the circuit ground. The value of the capacitor is selected so that in the case of electrostatic discharge (ESD), the potential drop is primarily across the capacitor rather than the ASIC. Thus, the ASIC is protected against ESD. |
| US07881064B2 |
Flexible paddle card for installation on a motherboard of a computing system
Flexible paddle cards for installation on a motherboard of a computing system are disclosed that are oriented parallel with the motherboard when installed in the computing system and include: a printed circuit board; and three card connectors that correspond to three motherboard connectors mounted on the motherboard, two of the card connectors mounted on a first rigid region of the printed circuit board, the remaining third card connector mounted on a second rigid region of the printed circuit board, and the first rigid region and the second rigid region separated by a flexible region of the printed circuit board, the flexible region having a width that allows the printed circuit board to flex when the card connectors mate with the motherboard connectors. |
| US07881062B2 |
Extension bracket module
An extension bracket module is used for mounting an outer switch board of a computer system. The extension bracket module comprises a top plate and a panel perpendicular to each other. The top plate is levelly disposed and the outer switch board is configured facing downward and mounted onto a bottom surface of the top plate in parallel. An upper side of the panel is connected to a front edge of the top plate. Therefore, the deficit that the switch board in the prior art requires an extra longitudinal or transverse space of the computer system can be overcome through the design of the extension bracket module. |
| US07881058B2 |
Cooling system for a rotary tablet press
A cooling system for a rotary tablet press with which a rotor is driven by an electrical drive motor and the rotor and drive motor are arranged in a closed housing, and a control cabinet for the drive motor and further units in the housing, wherein arranged within the housing is a cooling machine whose evaporator is part of a first heat exchanger, whose other part is arranged in a coolant circuit for the drive motor, a fan is arranged in a channel in the housing closed relative to the housing interior, where the fan draws cool air in via an air inlet of the housing and gives it off via an air outlet of the housing, wherein the cool air is engaged in heat exchange with a condenser of the cooling machine. |
| US07881057B2 |
Data center cooling
A system for restricting mixing of air in a data center includes a plurality of racks, each of the racks having a front face and a back face. The system includes an enclosure for collecting air released from the back faces of the plurality of racks, the enclosure configured to substantially contain the air in an area between the first row and the second row and having a roof panel coupled to the first row of racks and the second row of racks configured to span a distance between the first row of racks and the second row of racks. The enclosure is configured to maintain a first air pressure inside of the enclosure that is substantially equal to a second air pressure outside the enclosure. |
| US07881056B2 |
Heat radiation structure for an electronic device
The heat sink is provided perpendicularly to a bottom of a case of an on-board information device as the electronic device and adjacent to a right side plate of the case having windows (104) and (105). The heat sink includes grooves each vertically extending from the first to the third heat generating elements at a lower portion upward, and the through holes formed at positions corresponding to the windows of the right side plate of the case and at the upper portion of the heat sink along the grooves. |
| US07881055B2 |
Physical configuration of a hand-held electronic communication device
A hand-held, electronic, bi-directional, wireless electronic communication device having a physical configuration which includes a relatively large, constantly visible display and an alphanumeric keyboard that can be concealed until needed. |
| US07881053B1 |
Heat-dissipating seat for notebook computers
A heat-dissipating seat for exclusive use with notebook computers is provided. A cooling fan is provided in a base plate of the heat-dissipating seat. The base plate is bilaterally provided with retractable extension bars for expanding the base plate. Each of the extension bars has an end fixedly provided with a rotatable leg. The heat-dissipating seat has a compact, intricate design that allows easy portability. |
| US07881046B2 |
Expansion base
An expansion base has a body and an amplifier. The body has a front, an outer surface, a container, multiple through holes and a protruding strip. The through holes are formed through the outer surface of the body. The protruding strip is formed transversely on and protrudes from the outer surface at the front of the body. The amplifier is mounted in the container of the body and has at least one woofer mounted in the container adjacent to the through holes and two speaker mounted in the container. When the notebook is placed on the protruding strip, a space is formed between a surface and the notebook for improved user-comfort and heat dissipation. The notebook is connected to the amplifier for improved sound. |
| US07881034B2 |
Surge protector with spatial variation
A surge protector with spatial variation includes a housing, a body, a lifting means, and an operating means. The housing has an opening and an accommodating space. The opening and the accommodating space are in communication with each other. The body is accommodated in the accommodating space. The wall surface of the body is provided with a plurality of outlet units. The lifting means is connected between the housing and the body, thereby driving the body to move in the accommodating space. The operating means is used to abut and fix the body. In operation, a user controls the operating means to release the body, so that the body is driven by the lifting means to move upwardly. In this way, the plurality of outlet units will be exposed to the outside of the opening, so that the user can have more outlet unit choices at various spatial elevations. |
| US07881033B2 |
High-voltage system and high-power circuit breaker with cooling
The high-voltage system has at least one feed line and at least one high-power circuit breaker, the at least one feed line having a longitudinally extended feed line inner conductor and a feed line outer conductor surrounding the feed line inner conductor, and the high-power circuit breaker having a longitudinally extended circuit breaker inner conductor and a circuit breaker outer conductor surrounding the circuit breaker inner conductor in the form of a housing, and the inner conductors and the outer conductors being electrically conductively connected to one another. At least one heat pipe is provided for the purpose of dissipating thermal energy from the circuit breaker inner conductor. The heat pipe interacts with a cooling gas flow extending along the circuit breaker inner conductor. |
| US07881024B2 |
Tunnel-type magnetic detecting element and method of manufacturing the same
A tunnel-type magnetic detecting element is provided. The tunnel-type magnetic detecting element includes a first ferromagnetic layer; an insulating barrier layer; and a second ferromagnetic layer. The first ferromagnetic layer, the second ferromagnetic layer, or both have a Heusler alloy layer contacting the insulating barrier layer. Equivalent planes represented by {110} surfaces, are preferentially oriented parallel to a film surface in the Heusler alloy layer. The insulating barrier layer is formed of MgO and the equivalent crystal planes represented by the {100} surfaces or the equivalent crystal planes represented by the {110} surfaces are oriented parallel to the film surface. |
| US07881016B2 |
Method and apparatus for spring clip latch for retaining hard disk drive actuator onto bracket of flex circuit assembly
A latching mechanism for a flex cable bracket. The latching mechanism includes a position limiter. The position limiter prevents movement of an actuator assembly installed thereon. The latching mechanism also includes a spring clip. The spring clip has spring functionality and a cantilever beam to retain the actuator assembly when installed thereon. The latching mechanism further includes an orientation position limiter. The orientation position limiter prevents a rocking motion of the actuator assembly. The position limiter and the spring clip and the orientation position limiter are integrated into structure of the flex cable bracket. |
| US07881013B2 |
Recording tape cartridge
A recording tape cartridge houses a reel including a hub around which recording tape is wound and at least part of which is formed by a resin. The rigidity (modulus of elasticity) y in the radial direction of the hub and the creep deformation ratio x of the recording tape satisfy the conditions of y≧87.3 exp(21.6x) and x>0.1. By setting the rigidity of the reel hub to match the creep deformation ratio of the recording tape so as to satisfy this relationship, creep deformation of the recording tape can be controlled at the smallest cost. |
| US07881010B2 |
Process for self-aligned flare point and shield throat definition prior to main pole patterning
A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a write pole with a flared step feature that defines a secondary flare point. The method involves depositing a magnetic write pole material on a substrate and then depositing a magnetic material over the write pole material followed by a non-magnetic material. A first mask is formed having a front edge to define the location of the secondary flare point, and one or more material removal processes are used to remove portions of the magnetic layer and non-magnetic layer that are not protected by this first mask. The first mask is replaced by a second mask that is configured to define a write pole, and an ion milling is performed to define the write pole. Shadowing from the magnetic layer and non-magnetic layer form a flared secondary flare point. |
| US07881004B2 |
Adaptive track shape control during self servo-write
In a method for implementing track shape control during a self servo-write process, an error in a targeted path for writing servo data onto a first track of a disk is detected. The error is correlated with a second error for a targeted path in a previously written track of the disk. A correction is generated for a feed-forward signal used to position a writing element which is used to write servo data for a subsequent track of the disk. |
| US07880997B2 |
Magnetic recording apparatus and magnetic recording medium
In the magnetic recording apparatus, a recording layer is formed in a concavo-convex pattern, and recording elements are formed of convex portions of the concavo-convex pattern. Furthermore, the following equation (I) BL≦ERL≦BL+2×GL (Equation (I)) is satisfied in each of tracks, where BL represents a length of the recording element in a circumferential direction, GL represents a length of a gap between the recording elements in the circumferential direction, and ERL represents an effective recording length which is a length of an effective recording area ER in the circumferential direction, the effective recording area ER being created on a magnetic recording medium by a heating head and a recording head. |
| US07880994B2 |
Vibration detection for data storage device and write processing method for data storage device
In a data storage device, a head writes data so as to protect data from off track writing to adjust tracks. A control unit acquires large ring buffer during sequential writing and performs a retry to return adjacent tracks, according to data of a return sector area of the ring buffer when a write error occurs. A write error due to a detection mistake of an off track error can be prevented. |
| US07880991B2 |
Write timing system for hard disk drives with bit patterned media
A hard disk drive with a patterned disk that has a plurality of data fields. Each data field includes a sync field and a plurality of sync marks. Data is written onto the patterned disk in accordance with a write clock. The write clock is generated and synchronized by the sync field and the sync marks. The sync marks are dispersed throughout the data field so that the write clock is resynchronized as data is written onto the field. |
| US07880984B2 |
Lens module
An exemplary lens module includes a barrel and a first lens. The barrel includes a cylindrical sidewall. The sidewall defines an accommodating space therein and has an opening defined therein. The opening communicates with the accommodating space. The first lens is received in the accommodating space of the barrel. The first lens has a first adjusting notch defined at a periphery thereof. The first adjusting notch is exposed at the opening of the barrel. |
| US07880983B2 |
Lens driving device
A lens driving device is provided to reduce a number of required high-accuracy components and also eliminate the unevenness of maximum displacement of a lens holder with respect to a base. An outer edge of a lower spring plate is clamped by a lower casing served as a base and a lower spacer. A first protrusion is formed on a sidewall of the lens holder and protruding outward therefrom. A second protrusion protruding toward the lens holder is formed on an inner circumference of the lower spacer and extends to a position above and separating from the first protrusion by a distance S. The first protrusion props against the second protrusion when the lens holder is moved toward an imaged-object side and reaching a displacement of the distance S. |
| US07880979B2 |
Aperture stop and manufacturing method thereof
An aperture stop includes a body and a black film. The body is stainless steel and the black film is disposed on at least two corresponding ends of the body. A manufacturing method of the aperture stop is also provided. The aperture stop is produced using the characteristics of the stainless steel body. |
| US07880978B2 |
Objective lens system
A high performance fixed focal length optical imaging system for example for a cine camera is operable to receive radiation from an object space and deliver the received radiation through the optical system so as to form an image at an image surface in an image space. The imaging system has the advantage of providing high relative illumination and high contrast at elevated spatial frequencies even when using a fast aperture. |
| US07880972B2 |
Projection optical system
A projection optical system for projecting, while enlarging, an image formed on an image formation surface onto an image projection surface from an oblique direction relative thereto has at least three optically powered reflective surfaces and a refractive lens surface having a non-rotation-symmetric free-form curved surface and disposed between the first and second reflective surfaces as counted from the image formation surface side. |
| US07880971B2 |
Light-collimating film
A light-collimating film includes a transparent substrate, multiple reflective elements, and multiple micro structures. The transparent substrate has a light incident surface and a light-emitting surface opposite the light incident surface. The reflective elements are formed on the light incident surface, wherein each two adjacent reflective elements define a longitudinal aperture. The micro structures are arranged on the light-emitting surface in a direction parallel to longitudinal axes of the longitudinal apertures and overlap the longitudinal apertures to form multiple rows of micro structures. The micro structures include a first side portion to deflect a first light beam incident thereon toward a first virtual central plane of the micro structure which equally divides the micro structure, and a second side portion to deflect a second light beam incident thereon toward a second virtual central plane of the micro structure which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal aperture. |
| US07880969B2 |
Optical integrator for an illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
The disclosure relates to an optical integrator configured to produce a plurality of secondary light sources in an illumination system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus. The disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing an array of elongated microlenses for use in such an illumination system. Arrays of elongated microlenses are often contained in optical integrators or scattering plates of such illumination systems. |
| US07880968B1 |
Tunable Michelson and Mach-Zehnder interferometers modified with Gires-Tournois interferometers
Optical filters tunable for both center wavelength and bandwidth, having applications such as in astronomy, remote sensing, laser spectroscopy, and other laser-based sensing applications, using Michelson interferometers or Mach-Zehnder interferometers modified with Gires-Tournois interferometers (“GTIs”) are disclosed. A GTI nominally has unity magnitude reflectance as a function of wavelength and has a phase response based on its resonator characteristics. Replacing the end mirrors of a Michelson interferometer or the fold minors of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with GTIs results in both high visibility throughput as well as the ability to tune the phase response characteristics to change the width of the bandpass/notch filters. A range of bandpass/bandreject optical filter modes, including a Fabry-Perot (“FP”) mode, a wideband, low-ripple FP mode, a narrowband notch/bandpass mode, and a wideband notch/bandpass mode, are all tunable and wavelength addressable. |
| US07880966B2 |
Optical article including a layer siox as main component and manufacturing method of the same
An optical article including a layer that has SiOx as a main component and is formed on an optical substrate, directly or with at least one different layer interposed between the layer and the optical substrate, a surface of the layer, which is in the opposite side to the optical substrate, being nitrided. |
| US07880962B2 |
Optical and infrared periscope with display monitor
The present invention includes a periscope, which has two camera objectives. The cameras are housed on top of the viewing monitor inside of a housing cell, so as to efficiently utilize the cabin space of the vehicle. One camera objective is a day camera bullet that may be used during day time or low light viewing. Another camera objective is the night board camera that may be used for night time viewing. Both cameras are electronically connected to a flat panel display, so that the optical picture may be displayed by others. In addition, the periscope of the present invention utilizes a heater sensor system that allows the day or night camera to be operated at or below temperatures of 32° Fahrenheit. The periscope of the present invention also implements an 18 mm image intensifier tube, which has the capability of detecting and amplifying low light level images during night time viewing and surveillance, under moonlight or starlight. |
| US07880956B2 |
Electrophoretic display having electromagnets
An electrophoretic display includes a display panel and a scanning device. The display panel includes a magnetic rotating ball layer and a soft magnetic layer. The magnetic rotating ball layer includes a plurality of magnetic rotating balls. Two magnetic poles of each magnetic rotating ball have white and black colors respectively. The soft magnetic layer includes a plurality of soft magnetic bodies each facing at least one of the rotatable magnetic rotating balls. The scanning device is movably attached to the display panel and includes a plurality of electromagnets facing the soft magnetic layer. The electromagnets are spatially corresponding to a row of the soft magnetic bodies. Each electromagnet magnetize corresponding one soft magnetic body when the electromagnets are moved along the display panel. Each magnetic rotating ball corresponding to one soft magnetic body is driven by one soft magnetic body to display white or black colors. |
| US07880954B2 |
Integrated modulator illumination
A spatial light modulator includes an array of elements to modulate light in accordance with image data. The modulator has a display panel having first and second surfaces arranged adjacent to the array of elements such that the second surface is directly adjacent the array of elements to allow a viewer to view an image produced by modulation of light The modulator may also include a light source to provide light to the display panel and illumination dots on the first surface of the display panel to reflect light from the source to the array of elements. |
| US07880948B2 |
Scanning projection device
Scanning projection device PJ two-dimensionally deflects a beam emitted from light source unit 1 and performs scanning with deflection element 3, and projects the beam obliquely on screen SC with projection optical system 7. By defining a range of an incident angle to screen SC properly, projection optical system 7 does not disturb an observation of images, and a correction of a spot shape does not become difficult. Further, by defining a ratio of scan-angle magnifications between in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction properly, difference in resolution between in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction can be reduced, and a high-quality and excellent image can be displayed, even when a beam obliquely projected. |
| US07880943B2 |
Patterned optical structures with enhanced security feature
A security article is a substrate having a diffractive grating thereon, coated with a windowed high index layer and a color shifting coating visible through the window. The color shifting coating is disposed on the high index layer or on the opposite side of the substrate. Alternatively, a thin film color shifting structure conforming the diffractive grating is disposed between the grating and the windowed high index layer, also conforming to the shape of the diffractive grating. Alternatively, an ink with low density of color shifting pigments is applied over the high index layer conforming to the shape of the diffractive grating. The resulting color shifting image provides a reference to a holographic image. |
| US07880940B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image reading apparatus for reducing storage capacity of storage unit thereof
An image processing apparatus including: a storage unit including a plurality of memory modules, the storage unit storing image data having been subjected to a main scanning shift processing into the memory modules; and a control unit dividing a first memory area at a center position of main scanning, the first memory area set to increase a total storage capacity as a shift amount in a sub scanning direction becomes larger, the control unit superposing the divided first memory areas so as to counteract memory un-use areas to set a second memory area, the control unit selecting the memory modules corresponding to the second memory area to read and write the image data, the control unit thereby performing sub scanning shift processing of the image data. |
| US07880929B2 |
Image data conversion into substitute ink quantities to differentiate an area in a first image where a second image is embedded
An image data conversion apparatus for embedding a second image into image data corresponding to a first image, comprising an embedded image acquisition unit that acquires a second image for embedding in the first image, an embedment area acquisition unit that receives a location of an embedment area where the second image may be embedded in the first image, an ink set memory unit that stores a first and second set of inks and associated quantities, wherein the second set of inks and may be substituted for the first set of inks, and an ink amount data conversion unit that converts the image data into converted ink quantity data that corresponds to the image data such that the second image embedded in the first image can be observed by making a differentiation between portions of the first image where the first and second set of ink are used. |
| US07880927B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method, program, and recording medium
An image forming apparatus, an image forming method, a program, and a recording medium that succeed in reducing recording agent consumption without causing image quality degradation are provided. A modification region processing section detects, out of image data, A locations where a region identification signal provided from a region separation processing section changes from a ground region mode to a character region mode, and vice versa, as the boundary between the ground region and the character region, and thereby specifies a modification region which is continuous with the ground region and overlaps with a part of a periphery of the character region which is contiguous to the ground region. The modification region is assigned color data indicating a color that can be represented by the recording agent for use in ground region formation thereby to generate image data. |
| US07880926B2 |
Imaging apparatus performing flash photography for persons
The present invention provides an imaging apparatus comprising: an image pickup device which acquires the image of an object; an illuminating device which emits an illuminating light at a prescribed level of luminescence; an extracting device which extracts the face of a person from the image obtained from the image pickup device; a determining device which determines the facial expression and/or attributes of the person from the facial image of a person extracted from the extracting device; a corrective information storage device in which information on the quantity of correcting of the level of luminescence of the illuminating light according to the facial expression and/or attributes of the person is stored; and a correcting device which corrects the level of luminescence of the illuminating light with a quantity of correction matching the facial expression and/or attributes determined by the determining device. |
| US07880916B2 |
Image recording apparatus and method for selecting and automatically deleting an image file
An image recording apparatus records image files on a recording medium. The image recording apparatus automatically selects disused files and automatically deletes them at the appropriate timing. A storage device acquires an image file from, e.g., an imaging component or an external terminal and records the image file together with time information on a recording medium. A controller monitors the recording area of the recording medium and automatically deletes image files for which the time information is old in accordance with the monitored usage status of the recording area. |
| US07880913B2 |
Methods and systems for segmenting logical pages into work units for processing on multiple compute systems
Methods, systems, and software products are disclosed for transforming print jobs. A transform system of the invention includes a segmenting system and a plurality of compute systems. The segmenting system receives a print job comprising logical pages in a first encoding, and segments the print job of logical pages into work units. A plurality (some or all) of the work units each includes multiple logical pages. The segmenting system then transmits the work units to the compute systems. Responsive to receiving a work unit, a compute system converts the logical pages in the work unit to a second encoding thus performing the transform. |
| US07880912B2 |
Network printing system having automated selection of a destination printer
A network printing system is provided having a plurality of network printers, a plurality of computer terminals, and at least one processor in operative communication with the plurality of printers and the plurality of computer terminals. The at least one processor executes application software for receiving a print data request having a print job from at least one of the plurality of computer terminals. The at least one processor includes an automated selection service module for analyzing printer-related data corresponding to each of the plurality of printers, selecting at least one of the plurality of printers in accordance with the analysis and transmitting the print data request to the at least one selected destination printer. The at least one processor further includes a printer notification module for generating and transmitting a notification message to a user specifying the at least one selected destination printer. |
| US07880908B2 |
Print system, image sensing apparatus, print apparatus, and control methods thereof
A print apparatus which prints image data on a recording sheet, comprises a first calculation unit adapted to calculate the number of printable sheets from a battery remaining amount of the print apparatus, a second calculation unit adapted to calculate the number of printable sheets from a recording sheet remaining amount or ink remaining amount, a determination unit adapted to determine the number of sheets printable by the print apparatus based on the number of printable sheets calculated by the first calculation unit and the number of printable sheets calculated by the second calculation unit, and a display unit adapted to display the number of printable sheets determined by the determination unit. |
| US07880898B2 |
Method for measuring three-dimensional objects by single-view optical shadowgraphy, using the optical laws of light propagation
According to the invention, to measure an object (32), for example a hollow, translucent or transparent sphere with respect to a visible light, using Snell-Descartes laws, relating to the propagation of light through the object, an equation is established which associates optogeometric parameters of the object with the result of an observation performed directly on an image of the object, said image being acquired by observing said object, by single-view optical shadowgraphy, said image is acquired, the observation is performed, and at least one geometric or optical parameter of the object is determined using the equation and the result of the observation. |
| US07880897B2 |
Light wave interferometer apparatus
The light wave interferometer apparatus is provided and includes: a luminous flux, which is sent from the light source and divided into two portions by the luminous flux separation and composition unit, are combined with each other again under the condition that the divided luminous fluxes hold wavefront information corresponding to the surface shapes of the aspherical lens to be inspected and the reference aspherical lens by the respectively corresponding basis spherical lenses. Therefore, a wavefront difference of the aspherical lens to be inspected with respect to the reference aspherical lens is made to be interference fringe information and formed on an image pickup plane of the interferometer CCD camera. The basis spherical lenses have the basis spherical surfaces, the curvatures of which are equal to each other. |
| US07880892B2 |
Optical tomographic imaging apparatus and optical tomographic imaging method
In an optical tomographic imaging apparatus, a wavelength of a light beam emitted from the light source is selected by a light source section filter, and the light beam emitted from the light source is split into a measurement light beam and a reference light beam. The measurement light beam is reflected from a measurement subject when the measurement light beam is irradiated, is amplified. A specific wavelength from the amplified reflected light beam is selected by an amplifying section filtering mechanism having a filter characteristic identical to a time variation characteristic of the light source section filter, and then the reflected light beam is multiplexed with the reference light beam. A tomographic image of the measurement subject is acquired from detection result of an interference light beam between the reflected light beam and the reference light beam which have been multiplexed. |
| US07880891B1 |
Total internal reflection holographic microscope
The present invention provides for a digital holographic microscope using a holographic interferometer and incorporating a TIR sample mount and microscopic imaging optics. The microscope uses phase shifting from frustrated internal reflection within a prism to measure nanometric distances. The invention also provides for a numerical reconstruction algorithm of an inclined surface of the object/prism. |
| US07880890B2 |
MEMS michelson interferometer and method of fabrication
An interferometer system includes an optical bench and at least two mirror structures, being patterned from one or more layers on the optical bench and erected to extend substantially perpendicularly to the bench to define two interferometer arms to provide a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) interferometer. The MEMS interferometer is further implemented in a Fourier transform spectrometer, which includes a common housing containing the interferometer and a gas cell, possibly including a preconcentrator. |
| US07880888B2 |
Photoelectric sensor for sensing a target
Disclosed herein is an exemplary photoelectric sensor having an emitting portion for emitting light toward a target and a receiving portion for receiving, through a receive lens, reflected light that is at least some of the emitted light that is reflected by the target. The sensor further includes a refraction block having a block first surface and a block second surface wherein the reflected light received from the receive lens is refracted by at least one of the block first surface and the block second surface as it passes through the refraction block. The sensor also includes a photodetector for receiving the reflected light refracted by the refraction block and provides a detection signal indicative of the reflected light received. |
| US07880885B1 |
Portable evaluation of window transmission
An apparatus and method for evaluating window transmission loss comprising taking a plurality of photographs through a filter of a window to be evaluated, determining a percentage of the window shown in each photograph that is undamaged, and computing an estimate of transmission loss for the window from the percentages determined. |
| US07880884B2 |
System and method for coating and shielding electronic sensor components
Embodiments described herein may include devices and methods of manufacturing sensors for monitoring physiological parameters of a patient. Specifically, embodiments disclose the use of conductive and nonconductive coating materials to increase comfort of sensor and increase accuracy of the parameters measured. The sensor may include a flexible circuit and an optical device with an active face. A generally opaque, nonconductive coating may be disposed over the optical device, except for the active face, which allows for passage of light to the active face. The nonconductive coating may comprise a medical grade silicone of a specified thickness. A second conductive layer may be disposed on a portion of the conductive layer, to provide a Faraday shield for the optical device. |
| US07880879B2 |
Optical measuring device
An optical measuring device is provided. The optical measuring device irradiates a sample flowing in a channel with light, and detecting light emitted from the sample, wherein the light is applied while scanned at least from one side wall to another side wall of the channel in a direction of width of the channel, and scattered light at a preset threshold value or higher is detected as scattered light from edge parts in the direction of width of the channel. |
| US07880878B2 |
Particle counting and DNA uptake system and method for detection, assessment and further analysis of threats due to nebulized biological agents
The Nebulized Airborne Biohazard Stage Alert (NABSA) is a method utilizing an optical particle counter in conjunction with a fluorometer as triggers to detect and assess potential biohazard threats infused into surrounding air. In the first stage an optical particle counter is constantly passing sampled air in front of an energy source, in turn scattering light. This scattered light is evaluated to establish if the particles are above one micrometer in concentrations, and thus potentially an aerosolized threat. Such detection triggers the secondary stage in which the sample particles are tested for viability via processing through a dye with fluorescent properties affected when bonded with an entity universally found in all biological substances and a UV light source. The detection of concentrations of oversized, viable particles triggers the third stage to compare a sample of the particles to known biowarfare agents to delineate the specific agent species. |
| US07880872B2 |
Interferometric analysis method for the manufacture of nano-scale devices
The present invention features a method to determine relative spatial parameters between two coordinate systems, which may be a mold and a region of a substrate in which mold is employed to generate a pattern. The method includes sensing relative alignment between the two coordinate systems at multiple points and determines relative spatial parameters therebetween. The relative spatial parameters include a relative area and a relative shape. |
| US07880866B2 |
Method and device for measuring distance
Erroneous measurement in distance measurement using a TOF technique is prevented. Intensity-modulated light being modulated with a constant cycle is emitted toward a subject. Reflected modulated light from the subject is received by a light receiving unit, and four types of (first to fourth) detection signals with different phases are obtained. Then, whether a difference between a first sum of the first and third detection signals and a second sum of the second and fourth detection signals is smaller than a set value is determined. If it is the case, a phase difference between the modulated light and the reflected modulated light is detected using the four detection signals. Then, a distance to the subject is calculated using the phase difference. In contrast, for any block in which the difference is not less than the set value, the phase difference is not detected and the distance is not calculated. |
| US07880857B2 |
Active matrix substrate, display device, television receiver, and method for repairing defects of active matrix substrate
An active matrix substrate includes a transistor, a pixel electrode connected with one of the current-flowing electrodes of the transistor, a storage capacitor wiring, a lead wiring extending from one of the current-flowing electrodes of the transistor, and a repair wiring extending from the storage capacitor wiring. The repair wiring overlaps a portion of the lead wiring with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. As a result, TFT defects (for example, a short circuit between a source electrode and a drain electrode) can be repaired, and performance of fast display and reduction in electric power consumption can be realized. |
| US07880856B2 |
Display panel and short circuit detection device thereof
A pixel unit including a pixel electrode, a scan electrode, a common voltage electrode, a data electrode and at least one redundancy electrode is provided. During the fabricating process of the pixel unit, if a particle is simultaneously located between any two of the pixel electrode, the scan electrode and the common voltage electrode, it would cause a short circuit between the two electrodes. The pixel unit can generate a cross-shaped defect signal at the location where a short circuit happens when the pixel unit undergoes an array test or a cell test. The user can thereby quickly locate the defect and repair it. |
| US07880853B2 |
Display device
The present invention provides a display device which has a narrow screen border, and excellent display equality. The display device according to the present invention comprises a display panel comprising a glass substrate and a source driver IC which is provided along the edge of the glass substrate. The FPC is connected between the source driver ICs. At the substrate end side of the source driver IC, a bump for GND, a bump for analog power supply, a bump for digital power supply, a bump for reference voltage at the positive polarity side, and a bump for reference voltage at the negative polarity side are formed sequentially from the outer side along the flow of current. These bumps for input and the FPC are connected with the lines for input on the glass substrate. The logic signal lines and are formed along the short side of the source driver IC and along the long side at the display area side. |
| US07880846B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
In applying an alignment material to surfaces of a CF substrate and a TFT substrate, which form a liquid crystal panel, to form alignment films, an alignment film is formed so as to cover at least a display region in which pixels are arranged in a matrix fashion, while a porous alignment film, which has a porous film structure with a higher impurity adsorptive property than the former alignment film, is formed in a region outside the former alignment film, for example, in a region intermediate the display region and a seal region surrounded by a sealing material, whereby the porous alignment film formed in the region outside the display region can efficiently adsorb contaminants, such as residual impurity ions produced from the sealing material and uncured components of the sealing material, to prevent the contaminants from penetrating into the display region and being fixed therein. |
| US07880845B2 |
Liquid crystal display with a control electrode partially overlapping slits forming domains with a pixel electrode and a protrusion pattern providing higher position for the control electrode than the pixel electrode
Provided are a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a method of fabricating the LCD. The LCD includes an insulating substrate a gate line disposed on the insulating substrate, a data line insulated from the gate line and crossing the gate line, a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line, a passivation layer disposed on the thin film transistor, a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor and partitioned into a plurality of domains by a plurality of first slits, a control electrode disposed on the passivation layer and at least partially overlapping each first slit, and a plurality of domain forming members arranged parallel to the first slits in an alternating fashion and partitioning the pixel electrode into a plurality of domains. |
| US07880843B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and viewing angle control panel
A liquid crystal display device (10) of the present invention includes a backlight (3), a display liquid crystal panel (1) and a viewing angle control panel (2) for switching a viewing angle of the display liquid crystal panel (1) between a wide viewing angle mode and a narrow viewing angle mode. The viewing angle control panel (2) includes a control panel upper polarizing plate (22), a liquid crystal cell (21) and a control panel lower polarizing plate (23) stacked in this order, and phase difference plates (24, 25) are provided between the polarizing plates (22, 23) and the liquid crystal cell (21), respectively. The viewing angle control panel (2) is arranged such that Re1 in a white display portion in the wide viewing angle mode is nλ/2 (n is an integer of 1 or more), Re2 in a white display portion in the narrow viewing angle mode is nλ/2 (n is an integer of 1 or more), and Re3 in a black display portion in the narrow viewing angle mode is nλ (n is an integer of 1 or more). |
| US07880842B2 |
Liquid-crystal display device having liquid crystal cell with plural domains
A liquid-crystal display device comprising a liquid-crystal cell with plural domains and a transparent film comprising at least two domains that differ in in-plane retardation (Re) and/or thickness-direction retardation (Rth) for a visible light wavelength λ nm is disclosed. The domains of the transparent film and the domains of the liquid-crystal cell have no correlation in terms of their arrangement and/or size. |
| US07880836B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal display device which has a wide viewing angle and less color-shift depending on an angle at which a display screen is seen and can display an image favorably recognized both outdoors in sunlight and dark indoors (or outdoors at night). The liquid crystal display device includes a first portion where display is performed by transmission of light and a second portion where display is performed by reflection of light. Further, a liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal molecule which rotates parallel to an electrode plane when a potential difference is generated between two electrodes of a liquid crystal element provided below the liquid crystal layer. |
| US07880835B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, comprising an array substrate and a color filter substrate, the array substrate comprises a first substrate, shielding bars, gate lines, data lines, and pixel electrodes, the color filter substrate comprises a second substrate, wherein the array substrate and color filter substrate are divided into at least a left side region and a right side region; a plurality of first BMs are provided on the second substrate in the left side region of the color filter substrate, with respect to a central line of the data line corresponding to each of the first BMs, a length of a right side portion is longer than that of a left side portion for each of the first BMs; a plurality of second BMs are provided on the second substrate in the right side region of the color filter substrate, with respect to a central line of the data line corresponding to each of the second BMs, a length of a left side portion is longer than that of a right side portion for each of the second BMs. In the LCD panel of the present invention, the length of a side of the BM on the second substrate in different regions of the color filter substrate is increased to increase the critical dimension, so that the occurrence of light leakage can be effectively avoided when the LCD panel is flapped. |
| US07880833B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel for a display
A thin film transistor array panel includes a substrate, a first gate line and a second gate line formed on the substrate, a storage electrode line between the first gate line and the second gate line, a data line intersecting the first gate line and the second gate line, a first thin film transistor connected to the first gate line and the data line, at least one color filter formed on the first thin film transistor, wherein the color filter comprises a first portion adjacent the first gate line with respect to the storage electrode line, a second portion adjacent the second gate line with respect to the storage electrode line, and a first connection connecting the first portion and the second portion and having a narrower width than that of the first and second portions, a first sub-pixel electrode formed on the color filter and connected to the first thin film transistor, and a second sub-pixel electrode facing the first sub-pixel electrode with respect to a gap, wherein at least one of an edge of the first sub-pixel electrode and an edge of the second sub-pixel electrode crosses over the first connection of the color filter, the edge of the first sub-pixel electrode, and the edge of the second sub-pixel electrode defining the gap between the first sub-pixel electrode and the second sub-pixel electrode. |
| US07880832B2 |
Polarizing plate, display panel having the same, and display device having the same
A polarizing plate includes a base layer, a buffer layer and a plurality of conductive lattice lines. The buffer is formed on the base layer. The conductive lattice lines are formed on the buffer layer in a stripe shape to reflect and polarize incident light. The buffer layer protects the conductive lattice lines. The conductive lattice lines include a silver (Ag) layer or an aluminum (Al) layer. Therefore, the buffer layer protects the conductive lattice lines, so that the lifetime of the polarizing plate may be increased. Furthermore, the display quality of a display panel and a display device having the polarizing plate may be enhanced. |
| US07880831B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and backlight module with light source fixing structures that are elastically bent to correspond to a bowed shape
An exemplary backlight module (20) includes a back frame (25) including a bottom plate (251) and light sources (24) each including a base (241). The bottom plate includes fixing structures (254) that are configured for fixing the light sources to the bottom plate such that the bases of the light sources contact the bottom plate. A liquid crystal display device (2) using the backlight module is also provided. |
| US07880830B2 |
Double-sided liquid crystal display with grouped illuminators and laptop computer with same
An exemplary double-sided liquid crystal display includes a light guide plate, illuminators, a first liquid crystal panel, and a second liquid crystal panel. The light guide plate includes a first light emitting surface and a second light emitting surface. The first and second light emitting surfaces are configured for light emission. The illuminators are configured for providing light beams for the light guide plate. The first liquid crystal panel is configured for receiving the light beams from the first light emitting surface. The second liquid crystal panel is configured for receiving the light beams from the second light emitting surface. When the first liquid crystal panel is configured to display, the first liquid crystal panel is illuminated by only part of the illuminators. When the second liquid crystal panel is configured to display, the second liquid crystal panel is illuminated by all the illuminators. |
| US07880827B2 |
Display device with shielding adhesive layer and a method for manufacturing thereof
A display device and a manufacture method thereof are provided. The display device includes a base, a display panel, and a shielding adhesive layer. The display panel is disposed on the base. The display panel includes an active area and a border area enclosing the active area, wherein the border area has a corner portion. The shielding adhesive layer is disposed between the base and the display panel and distributed on the border area. The shielding adhesive layer does not extend to the corner portion and therefore directly exposes the corner portion to the base. |
| US07880824B2 |
Surface emitting device, liquid crystal display, and optical sheet combination
A surface emitting device includes a light emitter, a polarizer having a transmission axis along which light emerging from the light emitter is transmitted, and an optical sheet combination disposed between the light emitter and the polarizer and composed of a plurality of optical sheets. Each of the plurality of optical sheets includes an emergent surface for causing the emergent light to emerge, a spatial structure continuously arrayed on the emergent surface, a first optical axis parallel to an extension direction of the spatial structure and having a first refractive index, and a second optical axis parallel to an array direction of the spatial structure and having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index, wherein the first or second optical axis of a smaller one of the first and second refractive indices extends almost parallel to the transmission axis of the polarizer. |
| US07880821B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel for use in an ultra-high resolution display includes a transparent film substrate having one surface made of PET or the like and a transparent electrode film made of ITO film or the like that is formed on the transparent film substrate. A surface of the film substrate opposite the surface on which the transparent electrode is formed has a coating layer including a filler. The filler has an average particle size of 0.1 μm to 0.01 μm, and the coating layer is formed to have a surface having arithmetic particle roughness (Ra) of 0.1 μm to 0.01 μm, whereby the Ra of the surface of the coating layer is formed to 1/2000th to 1/4000th of the pixel pitch of a display to which the touch panel is attached. |
| US07880819B2 |
Light sensitive display
A light sensitive display. |
| US07880816B2 |
Input switching apparatus and television apparatus
On a display unit, icons representing types of video signals supplied to respective ones of a plurality of input terminals are displayed. When a user operates a remote and selects an icon representing the type of desired video signal, a video image derived from the video signal of the desired type supplied to the input terminal that corresponds to the selected icon is displayed on the display unit. In such a situation, arrangement of icons on the display unit can be changed by a user instruction given by an operation of the remote. Further, the icons also show shapes of the input terminals, and therefore, the user can easily confirm to which input terminal of which shape the device supplying the video signal of the type indicated by the icon is to be connected. |
| US07880815B2 |
Method for detecting and eliminating flash scene in digital video
Method disclosed in the present invention is proposed to detect and eliminate flash scene in digital video. Particularly, averaging shot distribution of digital video is employed as knowledge to develop the algorithm of the present invention, and which is incorporated and used to identify three general types of shot distribution for flash scene event. In the present invention, the luminance difference between two consecutive frames is instead of actually analyzing the visual content so as to reduce the computational complexity. As a result, positions of flash frames can be exactly detected from the video signal for many applications. The method comprises the steps: frames are extracted from a video sequence inputted. A luminance difference by two adjoining frames is calculated. Then a histogram is made to record the differences, and a threshold is determined accordingly. Then the flash scene is detected and categorized into three types, and finally being eliminated. |
| US07880811B2 |
Signal seperation circuit and signal transmission circuit
In a signal separation circuit for separating a plurality of pulse signals received via the same signal line, a PC-on signal detection circuit detects a PC-on signal with a first pulse width from a PC/TV-on signal received via the signal line and generates a first corresponding output signal. A TV-on signal detection circuit detects a TV-on signal with a second pulse width shorter than the first pulse width from the PC/TV-on signal and generates a second corresponding output signal. |
| US07880802B2 |
Imaging device and focus adjustment method
In response to the user's short press of one preset button, a video camera according to one aspect of the invention reads out preset values stored in an EEPROM and adjusts the pan position, the tilt position, the position of a zoom lens, the position of a focus lens based on the read-out preset values. A movable range of the focus lens is restricted to a specific limited range between a closer direction end and a background position as a previously focused position. Hill-climbing control is then performed in this restricted movable range. This arrangement effectively ensures quick adjustment of the focus position of the video camera. |
| US07880798B2 |
Apparatus and method for optically converting a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional planar image
A device and method for optically converting a three-dimensional object into a two-dimensional planar image includes a camera, a lighting source and a concentric-shaped mirror positioned about a concentric inspection surface of an object to be inspected. A planar image of the object inspection surface about 360 degrees is generated and inspected for defects, marking indicia or other qualities of interest without having to rotate the camera or object. |
| US07880796B2 |
Image pickup device and image pickup lens
An image pickup device provided on a base board, comprises an image pickup element provided on the base board and including a photoelectrically converting section in which pixels are arranged, a peripheral surface formed around the photoelectrically converting section and a side surface crossing the peripheral surface; an optical member including a lens section to form an image of an object onto the photoelectrically converting section of the image pickup element, a leg section to support the lens section and a contact surface to be brought in contact with the image pickup element, wherein the lens section, the leg section and the contact surface are made in a single body. The optical member is mounted on the image pickup element such that the contact surface is brought in contact with the peripheral surface or with a surface member when the surface member is provided on the peripheral surface. |
| US07880793B2 |
Camera with mounting rail
A camera includes a housing, a camera lens, a video camera recorder, a display, and a mounting rail. The housing is elongated and sealed. The camera lens is located at a front end of the housing. The video camera recorder is located within the housing for recording images captured by the camera lens. The display is configured for viewing the recorded images. The mounting rail extends along an exterior surface of the housing and mounts the camera to the weapon. |
| US07880790B2 |
Image-signal processing apparatus for use in combination with an image sensor
An image-signal processing apparatus (1) designed to process the signals output from a CCD image sensor (10) that reads pixel data for one screen, line by line, divides the pixel data into a plurality of channels and outputs the pixel data thus divided. The image-signal processing apparatus (1) detects and corrects the black level of each pixel data item that the image sensor (10) has output for one channel. The image-signal processing apparatus (1) detects and corrects the gain difference between channels, which pertain to the pixel data items output from the image sensor (10). Hence, the apparatus (1) can correct the black level of each pixel data item and the gain difference between channels with high accuracy, when used in combination with an image sensor that divides pixel data into a plurality of channels. |
| US07880778B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, characteristic variation correction apparatus and data processing method
An image pickup apparatus having an image pickup device structured by a plurality of pixels having different photoelectric conversion characteristics different from each other on each side of an inflection point, correcting an error of the photoelectric conversion characteristics, thereby contributing to realization of high image quality will be provided. In the image pickup apparatus having an image pickup device structured by a plurality of pixels having different photoelectric conversion characteristics different from each other on each side of the inflection point, on the basis of the inflection point of the standard photoelectric conversion characteristic and correction data, whether or not to execute a correction using the correction data to the imaged data of the pixels and whether or not to execute characteristic transformation using the characteristic transformation section to the imaged data of the pixels are decided. |
| US07880776B2 |
High resolution zoom: a novel digital zoom for digital video camera
A camera system and a method for zooming the camera system is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating an electronic image by sensing an optical image received by the camera, the sensing including electronic cropping to a window size to establish an initial resolution for the electronic image, (B) generating a final image by decimating the electronic image by a decimation factor to a final resolution smaller than the initial resolution and (C) changing a zoom factor for the final image by adjusting both of the decimation factor and the window size. |
| US07880769B2 |
Adaptive image stabilization
A method and apparatus for image stabilization takes an input image sequence including a plurality of frames, estimates frame-level motion vectors for each frame, and adaptively integrates the motion vectors to produce, for each frame, a motion vector to be used for image stabilization. A copy of the reference image of a frame is displaced by the corresponding adaptively integrated motion vector. In one embodiment, the perimeter of the image sensor is padded with a margin to be used for image compensation. In another embodiment, vertical and horizontal components are treated independently. In still another embodiment, the motion estimation circuitry associated with an MPEG-4 encoder is used to calculate macroblock level vectors, and a histogram is used to compute a corresponding frame-level vector for that frame. |
| US07880767B2 |
Security system for mass transit and mass transportation
A security system and method for mass transit and mass transportation whereby high capacity mobile vehicles such as ships, buses, planes, trains and subways transporting large numbers of passengers or cargo, are continuously monitored and secured. Sensors are utilized to detect and alert the presence of radioactive or explosive materials on board as well as within close proximity of the vehicle. Sensors are also used to identify and track cargo and people, such as drivers, operators, employees, crew, and passengers, and provide continuous location and tracking thereof from the point of initial entry to the final point of exit. Additionally, a global positioning system (GPS) provides location data, and wireless data and telecommunications link provides two-way data and voice communication with any designated remote location by using one of several modes of wireless telecommunication. Cameras provide visual observation within designated viewable areas, and may be activated by any detection of motion, and are infrared or night vision capable allowing viewing even in extremely poor light conditions. DVR recording allow a huge amount of video content from the cameras to be digitally recorded, then played back later for further analysis. Finally, the Security System may optionally have an Internet Protocol (IP) address thereby allowing authorized persons to access the system from secured Internet connection. |
| US07880766B2 |
Detection area adjustment apparatus
A detection area adjustment apparatus automatically detects the entire target detection area without producing any dead areas and without requiring cameras to be previously fixed at regular intervals, even in the case where a camera is broken. The detection area adjustment apparatus includes plural camera terminals. Each of the plural camera terminals includes a camera whose detection area is adjustable, an adjustment unit that adjusts the position of the detection area by controlling the camera, and a communication unit that communicates the detection area information indicating the detection area of the camera. The adjustment unit adjusts the position of the detection area of the camera in the current camera terminal so that the total area of the detection areas of the plural camera terminals covers the entire target detection area based on the detection area of the camera in the current camera terminal and the detection areas of the cameras in the other camera terminals. |
| US07880765B2 |
Receiving apparatus
A receiving apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives an image signal, identification information on a transmitting apparatus, and color adjusting information that are radio transmitted from the transmitting apparatus; a lock controller that locks the color adjusting information when the receiving unit receives at least one of consecutively repeated identical color adjusting information and consecutively repeated identical identification information during a predetermined period or when the receiving unit most often receives at least one of the identical color adjusting information or the identical identification information during the predetermined period; and an image processing unit that performs image processing on the received image signal based on the locked color adjusting information. |
| US07880764B2 |
Three-dimensional image display apparatus
Provided is a three-dimensional (3D) image display apparatus, which can sense a displacement of a display using a gyroscopic sensor and control a 3D image displayed on the display using the sensed result. The 3D image display apparatus includes a body, a display displaying a 3D image, a gyroscopic sensor mounted on the body and sensing the displacement of the display, and a controller selecting one of at least two-viewpoint three-dimensional image data according to the displacement of the display sensed by the gyroscopic sensor and providing the selected data to the display. Multi-viewpoint three-dimensional image data can be provided according to the displacement of the display relative to a viewer's position. |
| US07880760B2 |
Optical writing device and image forming apparatus
A first beam separation device is arranged either to allow the light beams to enter and pass or to reflect the light beams in accordance with a direction of entrance of the light beams. A second beam separation device is provided either to allow or to reflect the light beams having passed through the first beam separation device in accordance a wavelength thereof. The light beam passing through the second beam separation device scans one of plural scan objectives and the light beam reflected by the second beam separation device is further reflected by the first beam separation device and then scans the other one of the plural scan objectives. A first imaging device is provided to correct a f-theta (fθ) performance and a curvature of an imaging plane to enable the light beams to scan the plural scan objectives at a constant speed. The first imaging device is integral with the first beam separation device. |
| US07880758B2 |
Image forming apparatus
Described herein is a light source apparatus in which wasteful cost increases can be suppressed during the manufacture of various types of light source apparatuses and replacement of a broken light source can be performed at low cost, a recording apparatus using the light source apparatus, and an image forming apparatus comprising the recording apparatus, a plurality of optical units comprising optical members (a light source element and a lens) for outputting a single beam are combined separably in row form, and a holder used as means for holding the optical units in row form. |
| US07880757B2 |
Image forming device
In an image forming device, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) head is attached to a slide member. The slide member includes a slidable base side member and a leading end side member which can move with respect to the base side member in a direction that is different from a sliding direction of the base side member. The LED head is provided on the leading end side member, and a positioning pin is provided on the LED head. The LED head is positioned with respect to a photoconductive drum by the positioning pin. |
| US07880754B2 |
Thermotransfer printer, and method for controlling activation of printing elements of a print head thereof
In a method for activation of a print head operating according to the thermotransfer principle, the print head having a number of printing elements, in which the energy quantity to be supplied to a printing element is determined in a determination step, and the energy quantity is supplied to the printing element in a supply step in order to transfer ink from an ink carrier device associated with the print head onto a substrate associated with the ink carrier device. A print parameter set characteristic of the ink carrier device is read from a memory associated with the ink carrier device in a read step preceding the determination step and the energy quantity is determined in the determination step using at least the print parameter set. |
| US07880753B2 |
Driving method of display device
The present invention provides a driving method for a display device which includes a display part having pixels of M columns×N rows and a memory, wherein each pixel includes a light emitting element and a driving transistor for driving the light emitting element. At times other than a usual light emitting time, a driving voltage is applied to the driving transistor of each pixel so as to turn on the light emitting element of each pixel, a value of current which flows in the light emitting element of each pixel is detected, correction data for each pixel is calculated based on the detected value of current, and the calculated correction data for each pixel is stored in the memory. At the usual light emitting time, a driving voltage which is based on data which is obtained by adding the correction data stored in the memory to video signal data is applied to the driving transistor of each pixel. |
| US07880752B2 |
Method and apparatus for proportionally adjusting the size of images transmitted between mobile communications terminals
A plurality of image data attached to electronic mail data is stored in a memory. A control unit identifies an image having the largest width, from among images drawn by each image data. The control unit then computes a contraction scale to be used for fitting the largest image to a display area of its own display unit, and applies the contraction process to data of each of image stored in memory using the computed contraction scale. Thus contracted image data are then displayed on the display unit. |
| US07880749B2 |
Apparatus and method for data charting with an extensible visualization library
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to define an abstraction layer disposed between a business intelligence application and a set of visualization libraries. The abstraction layer provides an application programmer interface for the business intelligence application to the set of visualization libraries. A visualization settings model is defined within the abstraction layer. The visualization settings model describes a visualization that can be rendered by a visualization library in the of visualization libraries. |
| US07880745B2 |
Systems and methods for border color handling in a graphics processing unit
Systems and methods for border color handling in a graphics processing unit are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a border color register that stores at least one border color pointer. A border color pointer indicates an address in an external memory at which border color information is located. Border color information is populated within external memory and retrieved by the texture cache controller if the texture filter unit requires a border color for texture mapping operations. |
| US07880744B2 |
Geometric instance techniques for use in a hair/fur pipeline
A hair pipeline may be used to generate a user-selected geometry based upon a hair location for at least one hair with respect to a surface. A surface definition module may be used to define the surface. A display module may be used to: process a user-selected geometry and render the user-selected geometry at the hair location on the surface in place of the at least one hair. |
| US07880739B2 |
Virtual window with simulated parallax and field of view change
A system and method for simulating to one or more individual observers a view through a window using a display screen comprising a storage device containing in electronic form one or more images of a scene selected from the group consisting of one or more images of the scene at different angles and one or more images of the scene at different magnifications. A display screen is adapted to display the images to one or more individual observers, and a sensor is adapted to locate observers with respect to the display screen. A controller is adapted to select one or more of the images based on angle or distance of the individual observers with respect to the display screen and display the selected images on the display screen to simulate to the observers a view through a window of the scene. |
| US07880738B2 |
Structured documents and systems, methods and computer programs for creating, producing and displaying three dimensional objects and other related information in those structured documents
A structured document file which includes graphical and non graphical information. The graphical information includes the vector and coordinate description of a representation of at least one three dimensional object and at least one of the following group of view attributes or features: rotation, translation, view angle, lighting, colors, specific graphical representations, labels and parameters. The vector and coordinate description are stored with or independently from the one or more view attributes or features and the vector and coordinate description and the one or more view attributes are stored in a single file which can be accessed and viewed by a structured document viewer. Related authoring tools and viewers are also disclosed. |
| US07880737B2 |
Graphical method and system for making drawings directly in three-dimensions on a computer monitor or other display device
A method and system for making computer-aided drawings of an object directly in 3D. The object or its parts are bounded by m-dimensional enclosing subspaces whose boundaries are shrunk to intersect the topographical features of the enclosed object or its parts. The resulting boundary-boundary intersections define a set of key bounding dots which can be connected with mathematical entities such as lines, surfaces or solids to complete the drawing of the object or its parts. The entire drawing process is conducted directly in 3D on the display device with the user in control to view, freely rotate, move, pan, zoom, create, change or review the object anytime, akin to holding the object in hands in front, and looking over it while creating it. Drawings created by the invention can be grouped to represent assembled components, sub-assemblies, or entire systems. All or part of a drawing, if applicable, can also be grouped for structural modeling and analysis. |
| US07880736B2 |
Display control system for micromirror device
This invention provides a display control system that includes: a) a micromirror array comprising a plurality of mirrors; b) a first control function for controlling the mirrors in a first state; c) a second control function for controlling the mirrors in a second state; d) and a switchover controller for switching from the first state to second state, or from the second state to first state, wherein the switchover controller switches the state of at least two mirrors simultaneously at a same predetermined point within a frame period. |
| US07880732B2 |
Touch screen for mobile telephone
A touch screen arrangement fitted to a mobile telephone apparatus and built-on or resting on a substrate. The touch screen includes a display unit and a number of light pulse emitting units and a number of light pulse receiving units, said units being edge-related to said display unit. The light pulse emitting units and the light pulse receiving units are orientated adjacent said display unit, with the directions of said emitted and received light pulses being at right angles, or at least generally at right angles, to a planar surface on the display unit. The touch screen also includes four light pulse deflecting devices positioned close to the display surface. |
| US07880730B2 |
Keyboard system with automatic correction
There is disclosed an enhanced text entry system which determines one or more alternate textual interpretations of each sequence of inputs detected within a designated auto-correcting keyboard region. The actual contact locations for the keystrokes may occur outside the boundaries of the specific keyboard key regions associated with the actual characters of the word interpretations proposed or offered for selection, where the distance from each contact location to each corresponding intended character may in general increase with the expected frequency of the intended word in the language or in a particular context. |
| US07880725B2 |
Handheld electronic device having facilitated input and associated method
An improved handheld electronic device and an improved method facilitate the entry of data when the data is provided in a predetermined data format. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the handheld electronic device includes a user interface that facilitates the entry of data having a predetermined data format. |
| US07880722B2 |
Communication device with advanced characteristics
A communicator device which allows improved functions. The communicator device may have real movable keys which are reconfigured when the device is used in different orientations. In a sideways orientation, the device has a rectangular aspect ratio which is wider than it is tall. And in that sideways orientation, the buttons are reconfigured to the orientation they would normally have. The communicator device may also be reoriented into the other position, in which case the assignment and the indication on the buttons is also correspondingly changed. The communicator device may have a projector to project videos, and the communicator device may be able to retrieve numbers and e-mails to be used for communications from a repository on the Internet or from a search engine on the Internet. |
| US07880721B2 |
Wave receiving device and method of determining wave reception
An ultrasonic receiver receives an ultrasonic signal having a period in which an amplitude thereof progressively increases as time elapses. A pattern matching unit determines whether a comparative pattern, which is generated as a result of comparison between the respective maximum amplitude values of a plurality of successive waves of said wave signal and a threshold value set by a threshold setting unit, matches a reference pattern or not during the period of the ultrasonic signal. The pattern matching unit determines that the ultrasonic receiver has successfully received the ultrasonic signal if the comparative pattern matches the reference pattern. |
| US07880720B2 |
Gesture recognition method and touch system incorporating the same
A gesture recognition method includes detecting multiple pointers in close proximity to a touch surface to determine if the multiple pointers are being used to perform a known gesture. When the multiple pointers are being used to perform a known gesture, executing a command associated with the gesture. A touch system incorporating the gesture recognition method is also provided. |
| US07880714B2 |
Shift register and method for driving the same
A shift register and a method for driving the same are disclosed. The shift register includes a plurality of stages serially connected to each other. Each of the stages independently generates first and second scan pulses. The first scan pulse is simultaneously applied to a previous stage and to a corresponding gate line of a liquid crystal panel. The second scan pulse is applied to a next stage. The shift register prevents scan pulses applied to each stage from being distorted, and prevents a multi-output signal from being generated. |
| US07880713B2 |
Method of increasing efficiency of video display and related apparatus
A method of increasing efficiency of video display includes receiving a first frame signal, where the first frame signal includes a first blank signal and a first image data, where the first blank signal includes a first sync signal, a first front-porch signal and a first back-porch signal. The method also includes separating the first blank signal and the first image data, performing image processing for the first image data for generating a second image data, and adding a second blank signal to the second image data for generating a second frame signal, where the second blank signal includes a second sync signal, a second front-porch signal and a second back-porch signal. |
| US07880712B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
An LCD device and a method of driving the same are disclosed, to improve a picture quality by realizing a rapid response speed, wherein the LCD device comprises an image display part which includes liquid crystal cells formed in respective regions defined by a plurality of gate and data lines; a timing controller which modulates data inputted according to a first frame frequency to modulation data to realize a rapid response speed of liquid crystal, and outputs the modulation data or data to a second frame frequency; a gate driver which generates gate on voltages under control of the timing controller, and supplies the gate on voltages to the gate lines in sequence; and a data driver which converts the modulation data or data supplied from the timing controller to a data voltage, and supplies the data voltage to the data line in synchronization with the gate on voltage. |
| US07880711B1 |
Image stability in liquid crystal displays
One method for providing image stability in a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes providing a first display image to a plurality of pixel elements of the LCD at a first time, where the first display image includes a first pixel in an on state, transitioning the on state of the first pixel to an off state during a refresh cycle of the first display image, and transitioning the off state of the first pixel back to the on state during a next sequential refresh cycle of the first display image. |
| US07880700B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel of horizontal electronic field applying type and fabricating method thereof
In the liquid crystal display panel of a horizontal electric field type, a gate pattern includes a gate electrode provided at a substrate, a gate line connected to the gate electrode and a lower gate pad electrode connected to the gate line. A data line is disposed to cross the gate line and the common line, having a gate insulating film therebetween to thereby define a pixel area. A thin film transistor is positioned at each intersection between the gate line and the data line. A transparent electrode pattern includes a pixel electrode electrically connected to the thin film transistor and disposed such that at least a portion thereof is parallel to the common electrode. An opaque conductive pattern is disposed to overlap with the transparent electrode pattern. |
| US07880698B2 |
Delta pixel circuit and light emitting display
A delta pixel circuit and a light emitting display are able to minimize a color separation phenomenon by adjusting an emitting point of a plurality of emitting diodes (or devices), reduce the number of driving circuits, and have a high aperture ratio. A first, second, and third light emitting diodes are arranged in a delta pattern and respectively correspond to a red color, a green color, and a blue color. A driving circuit is commonly connected with the first, second, and third light emitting diodes and is for supplying a current to each of the diodes. A switching circuit is connected between the driving circuit and the first, second, and third light emitting diodes and selectively supplies the current to the first, second, and third light emitting diodes. |
| US07880697B2 |
Organic light-emitting diode display device and method for driving the same
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel includes a plurality of pixels displaying a plurality of colors. Each pixel has an OLED element. A gamma voltage-generating section generates a reference gamma voltage based on a gamma curve in which the lowest gradation of the total number of gradations is mapped as a negative data voltage with respect to a reference voltage. A data conversion section converts a first data signal into a second data signal that includes data corresponding to the lowest gradation. A source drive section converts the second data signal into a third data signal by using the reference gamma voltage to provide the OLED display panel with the third data signal. |
| US07880693B2 |
Display
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a display that includes a plurality of pixel circuits, a scanner, and a drive interconnect. The plurality of pixel circuits are arranged in a matrix and each includes at least one transistor of which the conduction state is controlled through the reception of a drive signal to a control terminal. The scanner outputs a drive signal to the control terminals of the transistors included in the pixel circuits. The drive interconnect is connected to the control terminals of the transistors in the pixel circuits in common and allows transmission of a drive signal output by the scanner. The drive interconnect includes a configuration that averages signal delay due to interconnect resistance differences dependent upon the distance from a drive signal output terminal of the scanner. |
| US07880692B2 |
Driver circuit of AMOLED with gamma correction
A driver circuit of an AMOLED (active matrix organic light emitting diode) with gamma correction includes a voltage selector, an operational amplifier, a MOS transistor, and a resistive element. The voltage selector selects one of a plurality of gamma voltages. The operational amplifier receives the selected gamma voltage and a feedback signal to generate a control signal. The MOS transistor provides the feedback signal and conducts a current associated with a current type pixel circuit in response to the control signal. The resistive element is coupled to a first voltage end and an inverted input end of the operational amplifier for determining the current with the selected gamma voltage. |
| US07880690B2 |
Electronic circuit, method of driving electronic circuit, electro-optical device, method of driving electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
To provide an electronic circuit, a method of driving the electronic circuit, an electro-optical device, a method of driving the electro-optical device and an electronic apparatus, capable of reducing deviations in threshold voltages of transistors. A pixel circuit 20 is constructed with three transistors of a driving transistor Trd, an adjusting transistor Trc and a switching transistor Trs, and two capacitors of a first capacitor C1 and a second capacitor C2. Further, a source of the adjusting transistor Trc is connected to a voltage supply line VL for supplying a driving voltage Vdd through a control transistor Q in common with the sources of the adjusting transistors Trc of other pixel circuits, the voltage supply line VL being provided at the right end side of an active matrix part. |
| US07880689B2 |
Drive circuit
There is provided a drive circuit of a display device using a capacitive load which includes a clamp circuit connected to a power source potential and clamping a potential of the capacitive load to the power source potential such that an electric power is supplied to the capacitive load in a temporally dispersed manner. For example, the clamp circuit includes a plurality of switches parallelly connected between the capacitive load and the power source potential, the plurality of switches being turned on at different times. |
| US07880688B2 |
Foldable electronic book
An electronic book comprising a first housing portion; a second housing portion; a cylindrical spine interposed between the first and second housing portions and pivotally connecting the first housing portion to the second housing portion; a flexible display screen fast with inner faces of the first and second housings and spanning the spine; first and second microprocessor circuitry respectively positioned in the first and second housing portions behind the flexible display screen; a scan head for scanning a data card, the scan head provided on the first microprocessor circuitry on a surface opposite the flexible display screen, the scan head facing away from the flexible display screen; and an internal cartridge for holding a card fed pass the scan head, the internal cartridge having a clear backing window through which an un-scanned surface of the card is visible. The spine defines a recess to accommodate a curvature of the screen when the first and second housing portions are pivoted about the spine in a closed condition. |
| US07880685B2 |
Switched-resonance antenna phase shifter and phased array incorporating same
Controlled phase shift in the operation of an RF antenna element is achieved by selectively choosing between different modes of antenna element resonance. Additional phase control resolution is achieved by combining this with other types of phase shifters. Such phase shifters are especially useful within a phased array of RF antenna radiator elements. |
| US07880680B2 |
Tag device, antenna, and portable card
A tag device that performs high-quality radio communication without radio wave radiation or receiving characteristics being deteriorated near a person's body and without hindering communication by another IC tag. A main loop section sends and receives radio waves. The main loop section is a metal foil and has the shape of a long thin loop. The area of the main loop section is smaller than the area of a dielectric substrate. The main loop section covers part of surfaces of the dielectric substrate and part of sides of the dielectric substrate so as to put the dielectric substrate inside the loop. The main loop section is mounted in a horizontal direction of the dielectric substrate. Each of capacitive load sections is a metal foil and has a load corresponding to a capacitance component. The capacitive load sections are located at both end portions of the main loop section which covers part of the front side of the dielectric substrate and are located at both end portions of the main loop section which covers part of the reverse side of the dielectric substrate. A control unit is connected to the main loop section and controls information via the radio waves. |
| US07880678B2 |
Removable antennas for electronic devices
A removable antenna is provided for an electronic device such as a laptop computer. An antenna resonating element is mounted within the antenna. Magnetic coupling structures are used to magnetically attach the antenna to the electronic device. The magnetic coupling structures couple the antenna resonating element to circuitry in the electronic device. The electronic device may have an antenna receptacle that holds the antenna in a stowed position and allows the antenna to extend to an extended position. A user may extend the antenna by sliding the antenna or by rotating the antenna to its extended position. The coupling structures may allow the antenna to break away from the electronic device without damage. |
| US07880677B2 |
Method and system for a phased array antenna embedded in an integrated circuit package
Aspects of a method and system for configurable antenna in an integrated circuit package are provided. In this regard, a phased array antenna embedded in a multi-layer integrated circuit (IC) package may be utilized for transmitting and/or receiving signals. An IC enabled to transmit and/or receive signals may be bonded to the multi-layer IC package and may communicate a reference signal and/or one or more phase shifted versions of said reference signal to the antenna. One or more phase shifters (fabricated, for example, in planar transmission line) may be embedded in the multi-layer IC package and may be controlled via an IC bonded to the multi-layer IC package. The phased array antenna may comprise a plurality of antenna elements which may each comprise an interconnection for communicatively coupling to an associated transmitter and/or receiver, a feeder line, a quarter wavelength transformer, and a radiating portion (e.g., a folded dipole). |
| US07880675B1 |
Multipath mitigation
Mitigation of the effects of multipath signals is provided. Such mitigation can include electronically steering the main beam of a receive pattern associated with a phased array antenna away from a transmitting antenna. In addition, a phase taper is applied to groups of antenna elements to create a null in the main beam, bifurcating that beam. The multipath signal may be placed in or towards the null, while the direct path signal may be placed on one of the halves of the main beam adjacent the null, such that the signal strength of the multipath signal is attenuated as compared to the signal strength of the direct path signal. |
| US07880674B2 |
Tracking system for flat mobile antenna
Tracking system for flat mobile antenna, which includes: sensors for angular velocity (1), which sense the rotation of the antenna around their axes; sensors, sensing the orientation of the antenna according to vertical axis (2); control block (3), which calculates necessary corrections of the direction of antenna beam and which is connected to outputs of sensors (1, 2) and with inputs of driving block (4) and beam control block (5); at least one motor (7), which changes the orientation of the antenna and which is connected to the output of driving block (4) and which drives the antenna panel (8); block for electronic beam steering (5), which is connected to antenna panel (8); power supply block, which converts the voltage from the electrical network of the vehicle into suitable values for providing of power supply of all blocks of the system. |
| US07880666B2 |
System for measuring turbulence remotely
A system for detecting turbulence along a path that is subject to turbulence. The system may make use of at least one transmitter to transmit electromagnetic (EM) energy along the path and at least one receiver to receive the EM energy. At least one of the transmitter and the receiver moves along the path. The receiver may have an antenna responsive to incident EM energy to produce a received signal, and an input for accepting a velocity signal indicating a velocity that the receiver or the transmitter is moving. The receiver processes the received signal using the velocity signal to remove a shift associated with the received signal because of relative motion between a source of the EM energy and the receiver or transmitter that is moving along the path. Thus, the receiver determines an alteration of the EM energy caused by the turbulence and outputs a signal indicative of the turbulence. |
| US07880665B1 |
System and method for adaptation of a radar receiver in response to frequency drift in a transmission source
A system and method for adaptation of a radar receiver in response to frequency drift in a transmission source is disclosed that utilizes a stable local oscillator established at a single, non-fluctuating frequency and compensates for transmission frequency fluctuation in the signal processor module. The disclosed system and method use mathematical processing techniques to compensate for variations in transmitter frequency during baseband processing of radar reflectivity signals. The system estimates the frequency of the transmitter to a high degree of accuracy and mathematically converts the reflectivity signal energy to a baseband intermediate frequency which is adjusted to compensate for fluctuations in transmitter frequency. A digital down converter circuit and numerically controlled oscillator circuit are also utilized to convert reflectivity signal energy to baseband and compensate for transmitter frequency drift. These new systems allow the stable local oscillator frequency to remain constant and thereby increase receiver stability. |
| US07880656B2 |
RF chip including shared converter and transceiver including the RF chip
The invention generally relates to a radio frequency (RF) chip and/or a baseband chip for use in a wireless transmitter and/or receiver. Embodiments of the invention solve a problem caused by a mismatch in amplitude and/or phase between in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signals in such communication devices. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a communication device including: a baseband signal processing unit configured to output a plurality of analog baseband signals through a corresponding plurality of channels; and a radio frequency (RF) processing unit coupled to the plurality of channels, the RF processing unit configured to convert the plurality of analog baseband signals into a plurality of digital signals using a shared analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the RF processing unit further configured to generate an RF signal based on the plurality of digital signals. |
| US07880651B2 |
Sample and hold circuit and digital-to-analog converter circuit
Disclosed is a sample and hold circuit including a differential circuit, an amplifier stage and a sampling voltage supply circuit. The differential circuit includes first and second capacitance elements, electric charge of which is distributed by a first switch, a first MOS transistor having a gate connected via a second switch to one end of the first capacitance element and also connected via a third switch to an output terminal, and having a source connected to a first current source, a second MOS transistor having a gate connected to one end of the second capacitance element and having a source connected to a second current source and also connected via a forth switch to the source of the first MOS transistor, and a load circuit connected between the drains of the first and second MOS transistors and a terminal of a second power supply. The amplifier stage receives an output of the differential circuit and has an output connected to the output terminal. The sampling voltage supply circuit delivers a sampling voltage to the one end of at least one of the first and second capacitance elements. |
| US07880646B2 |
Handheld electronic device and method for disambiguation of compound text input and employing different groupings of data sources to disambiguate different parts of input
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate compound text input. The device is able to assemble language objects in the memory to generate compound language solutions. The device is able to generate compound language solutions by employing different groupings of data sources to generate different portions of the compound language solutions. |
| US07880644B2 |
Method and system for influencing the traffic flow within a route section
A method for influencing the traffic flow of vehicles within a route section (10) in which the actual speed of a first vehicle travelling within the route section (10) is measured, at an actual speed which is the same as or higher than a predefined limiting value, signal-generating means (26, 28) which are assigned to the vehicle transmit at least one signal which can be received, in particular by another vehicle which is travelling in the route section (10) or the driver of the other vehicle, and which represents the fact that the limiting value has been reached or exceeded, and the signal which represents the fact that the limiting value has been reached or exceeded is received by a suitable receiver, in particular a receiver of the other vehicle, and triggers the recording and/or storage of a corresponding item of information, which represents the fact that the limiting value has been reached or exceeded, in a suitable storage medium, in particular in a storage medium of the other vehicle, and a system for carrying out the method. |
| US07880641B2 |
Configurable smart utility meter box
The invention relates to a meter box for housing a utility meter and configured for associating a customer service line to a utility service line. The meter box may be configured to fit within an existing meter box and may be configured with side sections in a telescopic arrangement. Flow control components at an input of the meter box prevent backflow.The meter box comprises an electronic module that includes a variety of selectable features including datalogging, AMR, environmental monitoring, and resource monitoring. A remote monitor is provided for allowing a customer to view selected data including consumption data, pressure, pH, temperature, warnings, remote turnoff, and provide secured bill paying services. Imaging/audio components provide visual and audio data which may include an image of an analog readout for a meter register, images of the metering environment, and sound data for metering environment. |
| US07880638B2 |
Distributed intelligence ballast system
A ballast for use in a multi-ballast lighting system wherein the ballasts are coupled together by a digital communication network. The ballast comprises a power circuit portion for providing an electrical current to power a lamp. The ballast further includes a sensor input circuit for receiving at least one sensor input from a sensor device, a processor receiving an input from the sensor input circuit and providing control signals to control the operation of the ballast, and a communication port coupled to the processor and to the communication network for exchanging data. The ballast processor is operative to receive a serial data that has a portion defining whether the message is in a first or a second format, the first format comprising a DALI standard format and the second format comprising a format providing extended functionality. The ballast processor is capable of processing messages in either the first or second formats. |
| US07880636B2 |
Information display system for aircraft
In current passenger aircraft, signs are used to represent specific information, which reproduce the information as writing or a pictogram. According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an information display system for aircraft is specified, comprising a light source, a projection unit, and a housing. For this purpose, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projection unit is implemented in the form of a liquid crystal display, so that, in combination with a high-performance light-emitting diode and a suitable lens, static and dynamic information may be presented on arbitrarily shaped projection surfaces. The flexibility of the onboard information display is thus advantageously increased. |
| US07880633B2 |
Device and method for monitoring the position of a cable in a cable operated transportation system and a cable operated transportation system
A cable position monitoring device is provided, for monitoring the position of a cable guided in the rollers of a roller assembly of a cable operated transportation system comprising at least one first and at least one second cable roller defining a reference roller, the cable position monitoring device comprising a movement-magnitude detecting device for determining a first movement-magnitude of the at least one first cable roller and a second movement-magnitude of the reference roller, and an evaluating device for comparing the first and second movement-magnitudes and for determining a mutual movement-magnitude deviation between the first and second movement-magnitudes which corresponds to a safe-to-operate status of the transportation system. An improved cable operated transportation system as well as a method for monitoring the position of a cable of a cable operated transportation system are also provided. |
| US07880632B2 |
Measuring arrangement
A measuring arrangement for assembly on or in a tool, in particular, in an injection moulding tool, comprising two or more sensors for the simultaneous measurement of measured parameters, each sensor generating a measurement signal in the operating state, at least two measurement signals being of different types from each other. The measuring arrangement comprises a signal converter with an output interface, all measured signals being converted into the same type of output signal in the signal converter. Said output signals can be transmitted through the output interface by means of a detachable signal line to an analytical unit. |
| US07880627B2 |
Fan detecting apparatus
A fan detecting apparatus for detecting at least two fans includes a processing unit, at least two airflow switches, and at least two indicating units. The processing unit includes a first terminal configured to output a driving signal, a second terminal configured to receive the driving signal, and a third terminal, the processing unit alarming when the second terminal does not receive the driving signal from the first terminal. The at least two airflow switches are serially coupled between the first and second terminals, monitor airflow from at least two fans in a computer room, and turn on or off according to strength of airflow from the at least two fans. The indicating units are respectively coupled between corresponding airflow switches and the third terminal of the processing unit, and indicate status of corresponding fans according to on or off status of the airflow switches. |
| US07880623B2 |
Multiple-link water detection unit and system
A multiple-link leak detector apparatus to be used on a floor or other substantially flat surface and in conjunction with an appliance, plumbing fixture or other potential water leak source. The leak detector apparatus includes a multiple-link sensor having two or more bodies linked together, each link body having at least two spaced apart sensor elements, and an electronics module associated with the sensor elements. The multiple-link sensor is shaped and dimensioned to rest atop the floor and can be positioned beside or around an appliance, plumbing fixture or other potential water leak source. The sensor elements extend longitudinally along the link body, wherein the sensor elements are operative to sense the presence of water on the floor. Finally, the electronics module is coupled to the sensor elements to trigger an alert in response to the presence of water on the floor. |
| US07880619B2 |
Electromagnetic enhancement and decoupling
Apparatus and methods for providing a substantially surface independent tagging system are disclosed. A resonant dielectric cavity is defined between upper and lower conducting layers, and closed at one end by a conducting base portion. Incident radiation couples into the cavity and is resonantly enhanced. An electronic device or tag paced at the edge of the cavity experiences a high electric field strength on account of this enhancement and is driven into operation. |
| US07880618B2 |
Methods and systems of determining physical characteristics associated with objects tagged with RFID tags
Methods and systems of determining physical characteristics associated with objects tagged with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising receiving an electromagnetic signal transmitted by a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to an object (the receiving the electromagnetic signal in response to an interrogating signal), and determining orientation of the object based, at least in part, on the electromagnetic signal. |
| US07880613B1 |
System, device and method for reminding a user of a forgotten article
A system, device and method for reminding a user of a forgotten article are disclosed. According to one aspect, a reminder system includes an object identification discrimination module operable to identify at least one object identification tag proximally located to the object identification discrimination module in response to activating a discrimination operating mode of the object identification discrimination module. The reminder system further includes at least one object identification tag identifiable by the object identification discrimination module when proximally located to the object identification discrimination module. |
| US07880608B2 |
System and method for person or object position location utilizing impulse radio
A System and Method for Person or Object Position Location Utilizing Impulse Radio, comprising a plurality of reference impulse radios; an object or person to be tracked having a mobile impulse radio associated therewith; an architecture with an associated positioning algorithm associated with said plurality of impulse radio reference radios and said mobile impulse radio; and display means for displaying the position of the person or object whose position is to be determined. |
| US07880607B2 |
Intelligent risk management system for first responders
A risk management system (100) for first responders (102) equips first responders with physiological and environmental sensors (104) in order to track the stress conditions and stress responses of the first responders. Data from the sensors is digitized and filtered and processed through a feature extraction system (202, 704) that may include noise filters, (710) derivative filters (706), integrators (708) and derived signal generators (712) that use stored data on first responders, before being fed into a pattern recognition system (402, 900) that assesses the risk state of the first responder. Data from multiple first responders in a team can be aggregated to obtain team risk assessments. |
| US07880604B2 |
Self-configuring emergency event alarm system with autonomous output devices
The present Self-Configuring Alarm System uses a decentralized (ad hoc or mesh) architecture where any node is capable of autonomously reporting the alarm event directly to all other nodes in the ad hoc network independent of where the alarm event occurred. In addition, the Self-Configuring Alarm System includes a plurality of autonomous output devices which function to provide an audible alarm that directs the occupants to the location of the hazard and/or provides an indication of the nature of the detected hazard or whether an indication of the hazard has been received at a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that serves the dwelling or locale. The alarm networks and output networks may not be coextensive in their coverage areas. |
| US07880600B2 |
Capacitive pressure sensor
A capacitive pressure sensor comprises a pair of conductive plates surrounding a compressible dielectric to form a capacitor. Changes in pressure create changes in the capacitance of the capacitor, which in turn may be measured to determine the changes in pressure. The pressure sensor may be constructed to be temperature and centripetal force compensated so that it may be positioned in a tire. A further embodiment uses the conductive plates to form a radiating element for the sensor such that it may wirelessly communicate with a remote interrogator. |
| US07880597B2 |
Hybrid vehicle battery information display device
A hybrid vehicle battery information display device 1 includes a battery service life display unit 2 which estimates a degree of battery degradation with respect to a useful life of a battery 16 from data on vehicle travel and the like based on battery degradation data measured from a vehicle travel test 19, to display information on a battery service life; a travel fuel consumption display unit 3 which evaluates, from the vehicle travel test 19, a degradation degree of actual travel fuel consumption data due to the battery degradation for each drive pattern based on test travel fuel consumption data set for each drive pattern, to display information on a travel fuel consumption; and a display control unit 4 which controls the display of information on the battery service life. |
| US07880591B2 |
Consumer abuse detection system and method
A technique is provided for detecting whether consumer abuse has occurred in an electronic device. In accordance with this technique, a system is provided for detecting the occurrence of a consumer abuse event and storing a record thereof. In one embodiment, the system provides one or more sensors coupled to an abuse detection circuitry for detecting the occurrence of an abuse event. The system may further provide a memory, wherein upon detecting an abuse event, the abuse detection circuitry may store a record of the abuse event into the memory. The system may further provide an interface by which a diagnostic device may access the memory and analyze the abuse event records to determine if an abuse event occurred in the electronic device. |
| US07880588B2 |
Resistive and capacitive modulation in an electromagnetic transponder
The selection of at least one back-modulation element of an electromagnetic transponder from among a plurality of resistive and/or capacitive modulation elements of the load of an oscillating circuit of the transponder, including selecting the modulation element(s) according to a binary message received from a read/write terminal. |
| US07880587B2 |
Communication system and anti-collision method
In a receiving method for the contactless reception of identification information (I1,12), which is stored in a data carrier (3, 3′) and which can be received from the data carrier (3, 3) in a contactless manner in the form of information units (IU, IU′) with a communication device (2), it is envisaged that firstly an information unit (R.IU) is received and that secondly it is detected that the received information unit (R.IU) represents a collision of two different information units (IU, IU′) occurring essentially simultaneously, of which two different information units (IU, IU′) the one information unit (IU) originates from a first data carrier (3) and the other information unit (IU′) originates from a second data carrier (3′), and that thirdly a received information unit (R.IU) that represents a collision is replaced with a first replacement information unit (R.IU1) established by the communication device (2), which is used instead of the information unit (R.IU) representing the collision, as the information unit (IU) that originates from the first data carrier (3), and that fourthly, the first replacement information unit (R.IU1) is delivered in a contactless manner. |
| US07880584B2 |
Lockbox key with callback feature
An access device is provided for a system that has a plurality of locks that are each configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock and a computer that is disposed at a remote location from the locks and that is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device includes at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the locks over a secondary wireless path. The at least one key is also configured to send a predefined text message for receipt by the computer and wherein the predefined text message provides an indication to the computer as to at least one other key whereto the predefined text message is to be sent. |
| US07880581B2 |
PTC thermistor
A PTC thermistor includes two electric conducting plates connected with different electrodes and an intermediate insulating plate clamped between the two electric conducting plates. The intermediate insulating plate has its surface bored with openings at locations respectively corresponding with those of each PTC thermal resistance member for the PTC thermal resistance member to be engaged therein. The intermediate insulating plate can surely separate and insulate the two different-electrode electric conducting plates and stably fix the PTC thermal resistance members in position. |
| US07880580B2 |
Thermistor having doped and undoped layers of material
According to some embodiments, a first layer of doped material may be provided to form a resistor. A second layer of undoped material may then be formed on the first layer. The first layer might comprise, for example, a layer of doped silicon carbide while the second layer comprises a layer of undoped silicon carbide. The resistance of the resistor may then be measured to determine a temperature. |
| US07880577B1 |
Current doubler rectifier with current ripple cancellation
A ripple reduction circuit for use in a current doubler rectifier has first and second inductors coupled via a first coupling coefficient. The first and second inductors generate a first and a second ripple current, respectively. A third inductor is coupled to the first and second inductors; and an impedance is connected in series with the third inductor, wherein the circuit generates a third ripple current opposing the combination of the first and second ripple currents generated by the first and second inductors. |
| US07880575B2 |
Coil bus for a transformer
A transformer having high and low voltage coils mounted to legs of a core is provided. Each low voltage coil includes conductor sheeting having opposing first and second ends and opposing first and second side edges. A pair of coil bus bars is provided for each low voltage coil. Each coil bus bar has first and second portions, wherein the first portion has a width that is more than one and a half times greater than a width of the second portion. Each coil bus bar is secured to the conductor sheeting of its low voltage coil such that the first portion of the coil bus bar is disposed at the first side edge of the conductor sheeting and the second portion of the coil bus bar is disposed at the second side edge of the conductor sheeting. |
| US07880574B2 |
Superconducting magnet and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus using the same
A superconducting magnet includes: first and second torus coolant containers substantially symmetrically, vertically arranged to have a space and a symmetrical plane therebetween for storing a coolant. Each of the first and second torus coolant containers includes therein a main coil bobbin with a main coil for generating a measurement magnetic field, a shield coil bobbin with a shield coil for generating a shielding magnetic field for suppressing outside leak of the measurement magnetic field, a plate member vertically reinforced at a plane thereof opposite to a plane thereof facing the symmetrical plane for supporting the shield coil bobbin and the main coil bobbin. The main coil bobbin is further supported by the shield coil bobbin, to cause the main coil to generate the measurement magnetic field having a substantially uniform magnetic field intensity at a middle region of the space. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus using the superconducting magnet is also disclosed. |
| US07880572B2 |
Lever switch
First rotator (25) and second rotator (29) rotating according to a rocking operation of outer lever (23) are provided. Magnetism of magnets (26) and (30) mounted on these rotators are detected by magnetic detecting elements (32) and (33) and output as a detected signal. Control portion (34) detects a rotation angle of each rotator from this detected signal and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the detected rotation angle. |
| US07880569B2 |
Rotating data transmission device
A rotating data transmission device for computer tomographs, for transmission from a rotating part to a stationary part that is rotatably supported relative to the rotating part, comprises at least a rotating high-speed data transmitter unit, a rotating high-speed transmission line, a stationary high-speed data receiver unit. The rotating high-speed data transmitter unit contains a rotating pattern controller and the stationary high-speed data receiver unit contains a stationary data analyzer for analyzing patterns generated by the rotating pattern controller. Furthermore unit controllers are provided to control the units. |
| US07880567B2 |
Overlay electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure, and particularly, an overlay EBG structure in which a plurality of vias and a plurality of plates are formed at intervals on a central signal line in such a manner that the vias and plates extend vertically from a substrate in order to reduce leakage loss of an electromagnetic wave through the substrate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an electromagnetic wave passing through a transmission line from being lost through the substrate, to obtain desired frequency characteristics by adjusting the dimensions of the vias and plates, and to manufacture the overlay EBG structure using an existing CMOS process without having to perform any additional process. |
| US07880566B2 |
Balanced lattice filter device
A lattice-type filter circuit includes first and second balanced signal terminals; first and second balanced signal terminals; a first resonator connected to a series arm between the first balanced signal terminal on the input side and the first balanced signal terminal on the output side; a second resonator connected to a series arm between the second balanced signal terminal on the input side and the second balanced signal terminal on the output side; a first resonant circuit including impedance elements, being connected to a lattice arm between the first balanced signal terminal on the output side and the second balanced signal terminal on the input side; and a second resonant circuit including impedance elements, being connected to a lattice arm between the second balanced signal terminal on the output side and the first balanced signal terminal on the input side. |
| US07880562B2 |
Balanced-output triplexer
A balanced-output triplexer includes: a first filter provided between an input terminal and a pair of first balanced output terminals; a second filter provided between the input terminal and a pair of second balanced output terminals; and a third filter provided between the input terminal and a pair of third balanced output terminals. Each of the first to third filters has a pair of output resonators that are interdigital-coupled to each other and connected to the corresponding pair of balanced output terminals. |
| US07880558B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting load impedance of a distributed amplifier
The application discloses a method and apparatus for adjusting internal load impedances, by section, at feed points present on a distributed amplifier's output transmission line. The method includes determining a summing-point load impedance (Zx) at an off-chip output transmission line of the distributed amplifier. The method further includes determining a driving-point load impedance (Zd) at an output of an on-chip power transistor. The driving-point load impedance diverges and disperses over frequency from that summing-point load impedance due to reactance of at least one on-chip component coupled to the output of the on-chip power transistor. The method then includes determining and providing an offset to summing-point load impedance (Zx) based on the driving-point load impedance (Zd) such that the driving-point load impedance (Zd) converges to the summing-point load impedance (Zx) of that distributed amplifier section. |
| US07880557B2 |
Hybrid marchand/back-wave balun and double balanced mixer using same
A hybrid Marchand/back-wave balun includes a first pair of coupled sections having a first primary section and first secondary section; a second pair of coupled sections having a second primary section and second secondary section; a first reactance interconnecting the first and second primary sections and a second reactance interconnecting the first and second secondary sections; one of the reactances being open at high frequency and shorted at low frequency, the other reactance being shorted at high frequency and open at low frequency for selectively providing low frequency Marchand/high frequency back-wave function and high frequency Marchand/low frequency back-wave function; and a double balanced mixer using same. |
| US07880551B2 |
Systems and methods for distributing a clock signal
Systems and methods for distributing a clock signal are disclosed. In some embodiments, systems for distributing a clock signal include a plurality of resonant oscillators, each comprising an inductor; and a differential clock grid that distributes the clock signal. The differential clock grid is coupled to the plurality of resonant oscillators and the clock signal, and the inductances of the inductors are configured such that a resonant frequency of the plurality of resonant oscillators is substantially equal to the frequency of the clock signal. |
| US07880550B2 |
Voltage translation using feedback to adjust output voltage range
Apparatus are provided for a voltage-controlled oscillator module. A voltage-controlled oscillator module comprises an input node for receiving an input voltage, a voltage-controlled oscillator, and voltage translation circuitry coupled between the input node and the voltage-controlled oscillator. The voltage translation circuitry is configured to generate a control voltage based on the input voltage and the voltage-controlled oscillator generates an oscillating signal at an oscillation frequency in response to the control voltage. Biasing circuitry is coupled to the voltage translation circuitry, and the biasing circuitry is configured to adjust the ratio of the control voltage to the input voltage. |
| US07880546B2 |
Amplifier and the method thereof
An amplifier amplifying an input signal and the method thereof. The amplifier comprises first and second transconductor circuits. The first transconductor circuit, coupled to the first transistor, receives the first noise voltage to generate a first noise current. The second transconductor circuit, coupled in parallel to the first transconductor circuit, receives the second noise voltage to generate a second noise current such that the first and second noise currents cancel each other out to reduce a noise component in the output current when summing up together, and the first and second transconductor circuits are operated in a current mode. |
| US07880544B2 |
Differential amplifier and applications thereof
A differential amplifier includes a first pair of differential amplifiers and a second pair of differential amplifiers. These first and second pairs of differential amplifiers are connected between first power rails and are arranged to receive a differential input signal. Third and fourth pairs of differential amplifiers are connected between second rails and also connected to the differential input signal. A current summer sums a first output current of the first pair of differential amplifiers, a second output current of the second pair of differential amplifiers, a third output current of the third pair of differential amplifiers and a fourth output current of a fourth pair of differential amplifiers to produce an output signal. |
| US07880543B2 |
Data transmitting circuit and transmitting method
A data transmitting circuit includes a reflection suppressive component generating circuit for generating a reflection suppressive component for suppressing the reflection caused by the discontinuity in the characteristic impedance on a transmission line, and a data output circuit for amplifying the reflection suppressive component and the data to be currently transmitted to a receiving side and outputting them to the transmission line. |
| US07880541B1 |
Low noise, low power instrumentation amplifier
An instrumentation amplifier includes a pair of buffered operational amplifiers that accept a pair of input signals, and a differential operational amplifier that outputs an output signal indicative of a difference between the input signals. A low pass filter provides passive band limiting of the output signal. Each operational amplifier is implemented as a multi-path amplifier that includes a low frequency path and a high frequency path between an input and an output of the operational amplifier. Further, each multi-path amplifier includes a differential input transconductance stage within the low frequency path and a differential input transconductance stage within the high frequency path. Within each multi-path amplifier, the differential input transconductance stage of the high frequency path is noisier than, but consumes less power than, the differential input transconductance stage of the low frequency path. Each multi-path amplifier provides noise shaping that results in an increase in noise above a crossover frequency of the multi-path amplifier. |
| US07880540B2 |
Amplifying system and related method
An amplifying system includes an amplifier operated according to a supply voltage, and a detector coupled to the amplifier for generating a first control signal to the amplifier to disable an output stage of the amplifier when the supply voltage reaches a threshold. |
| US07880538B2 |
Switched-capacitor amplifier arrangement and method
A switched-capacitor amplifier arrangement and a method to amplify a signal are presented. A forward path has at least one switched capacitor (10) controlled by a clock signal, thus providing an amplification phase (1) of the forward path and an additional clock phase (2). A damping means (22) is connected to the forward path, the damping means being designed for attenuation of the signal peak at the beginning (2p) of the amplification phase. This avoids an undesired feed forward effect at the beginning of the amplification phase of an SC circuit. |
| US07880537B2 |
Operational amplifier, line driver, and liquid crystal display device
An operational amplifier capable of offset cancel in a shorter period, as well as a line driver capable of shortening one horizontal period and a liquid crystal display device are provided. In the operational amplifier of the invention, a time necessary for feed back control can be shortened than usual by a constitution that an output voltage VO in one horizontal period H1 which is one horizontal period before is defined as a reference voltage in an offset cancel preparatory period HC2, thereby changing the output voltage VO(2) only by the offset voltage VO(2) by the feed back control. In the line driver of the invention, the operational amplifier not used for the output of display data D1 to D6 conducts offset cancel operation and it is successively shifted on every one horizontal period. Since it is no more necessary to incorporate the offset cancel preparatory period in the output period, one horizontal period can be shortened further. |
| US07880536B2 |
Simplified sallen-key low-pass filter circuit
Circuits, methods and devices for providing low-pass filtering are implemented according to a number of different embodiments. In one such embodiment a Sallen-Key low-pass filter circuit is implemented that comprises a first resistor and a second resistor connected in series, the first resistor being connected between the second resistor and an input of the circuit. The second resistor is directly connected between the first resistor and an output of the circuit. |
| US07880534B2 |
Reference circuit for providing precision voltage and precision current
A reference circuit for providing a precision voltage and a precision current includes a bandgap voltage reference circuit, a positive temperature coefficient calibrating circuit, a threshold voltage superposing circuit and precision current generator interconnected in cascade. From the bandgap voltage reference circuit, a bandgap voltage is outputted as the precision voltage, and a PTAT current is outputted to the positive temperature coefficient calibrating circuit along with the bandgap voltage for generating a PTAT voltage. In response to the PTAT voltage from the positive temperature coefficient calibrating circuit, the threshold voltage superposing circuit generates a first voltage which is equal to the PTAT voltage plus a threshold voltage. Then the precision current generator outputs a reference current as the precision current in response to the first voltage. |
| US07880531B2 |
System, apparatus, and method for selectable voltage regulation
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for generating, regulating, and modifying various voltage levels on a semiconductor device using a current mirroring digital-to-analog voltage regulator. The voltage regulator operates by mirroring a reference current onto a selectable current level and controlling the selectable current level with a digital input to a plurality of switched CMOS devices connected in parallel. The switched CMOS devices generate the selectable current level responsive to the digital input and proportional to the reference current. The selectable current level is combined with an output of a voltage divider to generate a monitor signal. The monitor signal is compared to a reference voltage and the results of the comparison controls a charge pump to generate a pumped voltage. The pumped voltage is fed back to the voltage divider, which includes a feedback resistor and a reference resistor connected in series between the pumped voltage and ground. |
| US07880529B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for controllably coupling qubits
A coupling system may include first and second magnetic flux inductors communicatively coupled to a Josephson junction of an rf SQUID. The coupling system may allow transverse coupling between qubits. A superconducting processor may include at least one of the coupling systems and two or more qubits. A method may include providing first, second and third coupling structure to control the coupling system. |
| US07880527B2 |
Level converter
A level converter for providing an output signal at a circuit output based on an input signal includes an output coupling circuit formed to provide an output signal based on a first partial output signal and a second partial output signal, a driver circuit formed to provide the second partial output signal such that the second partial output signal is switchable between two different signal levels depending on the state of the input signal, wherein an input of the driver circuit is capacitively coupled to the input of the level converter in order to allow for switching between the signal levels of the second partial output signal by the capacitive coupling in response to a change in the state of the input signal, and a holding circuit formed to keep the state of the second partial output signal constant in case of a constant state of the input signal. |
| US07880526B2 |
Level Shifter, standard cell, system and method for level shifting
Implementations are presented herein that include a level shifter circuit. |
| US07880525B2 |
Signal processing device having a variable current source
A signal processing device suppresses a DC offset without omission of a low-frequency component of a signal in a receiver in a direct conversion system. The signal processing device includes an input terminal 29, a gain amplifier 31 that amplifies an input signal to generate an output signal, comparators 32 and 33 each of which compares an output signal level with a reference value, a capacitor 37, current source circuits 34 and 35, one of which charges or discharges electric charges stored in the capacitor when the output signal level falls outside a reference range according to results of comparisons by the comparators, a variable current source 36 through which current to be flow is controlled according to a potential at the capacitor, and a load circuit 38 that is connected between the input terminal and the variable current source and supplies a bias to the input terminal, together with the variable current source. When the output signal level falls within the reference voltage, the bias at the input terminal does not vary. Thus, a low-frequency component of the input signal is not omitted. |
| US07880523B2 |
Method and apparatus for pulse width modulation
An apparatus and method of providing a pulse width modulated signal that is responsive to a current are disclosed. A circuit according to aspects of the present invention includes a capacitor to convert a first current to a first voltage on the capacitor during a first time duration and to discharge a second current from the capacitor to change the first voltage to a second voltage during a second time duration. A comparator is also included and is coupled to an output of the capacitor to compare a voltage on the capacitor to a reference voltage during the second time duration to change a pulse width of a periodic output signal in response to an input current. |
| US07880520B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
During a period of preparation for actual operation, a reference clock is supplied to both a comparison clock input portion and a feedback clock input portion of a phase comparator while a feedback loop of a PLL (phase-locked loop) is interrupted, and a delay of a reset signal within the phase comparator is adjusted so as to reduce a detection dead zone of phase differences in the phase comparator. |
| US07880515B2 |
Driving circuit for capacitive load and fluid injecting device
A driving circuit that drives a capacitive load includes a drive signal generator that generates a drive signal driving the capacitive load via a transistor pair in response to an analog signal, and a power-source voltage generator that generates a high-voltage power-source voltage and a low-voltage power-source voltage and that supplies the high-voltage power-source voltage and the low-voltage power-source voltage respectively to collectors of the transistors of the transistor pair via a high-voltage output terminal and a low-voltage output terminal. The power-source voltage generator includes multiple power sources connected in parallel, a backcurrent prevention diode connected between the adjacent power sources, and a switch unit that connects the adjacent power sources in series under the on-off control of a controller each time the drive signal rises above a predetermined threshold value or falls below a predetermined threshold value. |
| US07880514B2 |
Output buffer with high driving ability
An output buffer including a first differential input stage, a primary output stage, and a secondary output stage is provided herein. The first differential input stage respectively receives a first and a second input signals via a first and a second input terminals. The primary output stage includes a first and a second output stages. The first output stage provides at least one first level voltage according to the first and the second input signals, and the second output stage controlled by the first level voltage drives an output terminal of the output buffer to a target level. The secondary output stage includes a comparator and a third output stage. The comparator compares the induced currents in the first differential input stage, and thereby generates a control voltage. The third output stage controlled by the control voltage drives the output terminal of the output buffer to the target level. |
| US07880513B2 |
Repeater circuit with staged output
A repeater circuit. The repeater circuit includes a first output stage having two output circuits, a second output stage having two additional output circuits, two activation circuits, and two deactivation circuits. Responsive to detecting a logical transition of an input signal, one of the activation circuits is configured to activate a corresponding output circuit, and responsive thereto another corresponding output circuit is configured to be activated. The output circuits drive an output signal on the output node. A corresponding one of the deactivation circuits is configured to deactivate the corresponding output circuit after a delay time has elapsed, whereas the other corresponding output circuit is deactivated in response thereto. A keeper circuit is configured to continue providing the output signal on the output node after deactivation of the corresponding output circuits. |
| US07880512B2 |
Output driver circuit
In an output driver circuit, a replica circuit includes seventh and eighth transistors corresponding to first and second transistors, respectively, ninth and tenth transistors corresponding to third or fifth, and fourth or sixth transistors in a driver circuit, respectively, and a resistor corresponding to a termination resistor. A reference voltage and a voltage of a node between the ninth transistor and the resistor are input to an operational amplifier, and an output signal of the operational amplifier is input to gates of the first and seventh transistors. |
| US07880510B2 |
Semiconductor device for receiving external signal having receiving circuit using internal reference voltage
A semiconductor device includes a reference voltage generating unit configured to produce a reference voltage by dividing a voltage difference between a positive clock terminal and a negative clock terminal, and a logic determination unit configured to determine a logic level of an external signal based on the reference voltage. |
| US07880506B2 |
Resolving metastability
A logic circuit latch including an input stage for receiving a logical input signal and a pair of differential amplifiers, each having an input operatively coupled to the input stage, and at least one of them having an output arranged to supply the logical output of the latch. Each of the differential amplifiers includes a transistor connected as a load, and an output of each of the differential amplifiers is coupled to bias the load transistor of the other differential amplifier. If the latch switches from the transparent state to the closed state while the logical input signal is transitioning between logical levels, the differential amplifiers drive up the logical output of the latch if the logical input signal transitions from a first to a second logical level, and drive down the logical output of the latch if the input signal transitions from the second to the first logical level. |
| US07880505B2 |
Low power reconfigurable circuits with delay compensation
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a circuit includes a semiconductor device including a plurality of logic blocks and a plurality of programmable interconnects. A delay detector generates a delay signal responsive to a measured delay of an output signal, wherein the output signal is from at least one of the plurality of logic blocks. A biasing circuit responsive to the delay signal to adjust subsequent measured delays toward a predetermined value. |
| US07880504B2 |
Logic stages with inversion timing control
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes logic circuits connected in a plurality of stages, a voltage-level inverting unit that is inserted in a signal transmission path of the logic circuits and inverts a voltage level input to the logic circuits, and an inversion-timing control unit that controls inversion timing for the voltage level inverted by the voltage-level inverting unit. |
| US07880503B2 |
Method of driving gate lines, gate line drive circuit for performing the method and display device having the gate line drive circuit
A method of driving gate lines is used to activate the gate lines by outputting output signals of stages to the gate lines. A first node is boosted up based upon a carry signal or the vertical start signal from a previous stage. A gate signal that is pulled up is outputted through an output terminal of a present stage based upon a first clock signal which is boosted up. An off-voltage is outputted through the output terminal of the present stage in response to an output signal from a next stage or the vertical start signal. The first node is discharged in response to the output signal from the next stage or a carry signal from a last stage. A positive ripple voltage at the first node is removed by providing a negative ripple voltage to the first node. |
| US07880502B2 |
Logic circuit
A logic circuit with a simple configuration and good current efficiency is provided. The logic circuit includes a two-terminal bistable switching element (1) having characteristics which maintain states, a first switching element (25) one end of which is connected to one terminal of the two-terminal bistable switching element (1), a second switching element (29) one end of which is connected to the other terminal of the two-terminal bistable switching element (1) via a resistance element (27), and first and second pulse input terminals (33, 37) respectively connected to the one terminal and the other terminal of the two-terminal bistable switching element (1). A bias voltage is applied across the other end of the first switching element (25) and the other end of the second switching element (27), and a trigger pulse is input from the first and second pulse input terminals (33, 37). |
| US07880485B2 |
High-sensitive resistance measuring device and monitoring method of solder bump
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a high-sensitive resistance measuring device of solder bumps comprises a resistance variation detection unit which detects a differential voltage (ΔV=V1−V2), which is obtained by subtracting a second voltage (V2) generated in a reference bump connection unit by a constant current (I) from a second constant current source from a first voltage (V1) generated in a monitored bump connection unit by the constant current I from a first constant current source, as a resistance variation voltage representing a resistance variation (ΔR) of the monitored bump connection unit. |
| US07880484B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating the condition of a coating on an underground pipeline
Methods are provided for reducing interference from stray currents in buried pipelines/metal structures during MEIS testing or other current-sensing applications in the pipeline. Methods are also provided for measuring bulk complex electrical impedance between a buried pipe and the soil, thereby rendering an indication of the quality of the anti-corrosive coating. Methods are also provided for measuring the complex propagation constant of AC voltages propagating along an attenuative pipeline. This information is useful for assessing the general condition of the anti-corrosive coating involved, or to enhance MEIS inspection of the pipeline. Methods are also provided for enhancements to MEIS testing, including (a) canceling magnetometer offset effects associated with the Earth's magnetic field after the magnetometer is positioned for measurement, (b) implementing a separate sensing connection to the pipe so as to avoid interference from voltage loss in the pipe feed-line connection, (c) providing a power amplifier to excite the pipe with large-amplitude signals. |
| US07880480B2 |
Occupant detection system and method for calibrating
A method includes measuring a first frequency response of an electrode at a first frequency across a range of environmental conditions, measuring a second frequency response of the electrode at a second frequency across the range of environmental conditions, and comparing the first and second frequency responses measured to define a data set representing an effect of the environmental conditions. An occupant detection system includes an electrode and a detector circuit. The detector circuit is configured to measure an actual frequency response of the electrode and compare the actual frequency response to the data set to determine the effect of the current environmental condition. |
| US07880476B1 |
Method to and apparatus for detecting and locating a fault in an electrical conductor wire
The present invention provides a new technique for solving the problem of detecting and locating soft faults, such as frays, in electrical conductor wires. This new technique utilizes the nonlinear ferroelectric capacitive properties of piezoelectric ceramic elements, such as PZT, in conjunction with an antenna coil, to realize a tuned antenna receiver circuit with significantly increased reception sensitivity. The present invention consists of a battery powered, hand-held transmitter, with an output terminal for physical connectors, and a battery powered, hand-held receiver. Soft faults are detected and accurately located, to within a half inch distance of the actual soft fault, as the receiver is passed along the path of the electrical conductor wire, by the operator, who determines a reduction or cessation of the visible and audible indicators. The ultrasonic frequency piezoelectric transducer also enables the receiver to be used as an ultrasonic frequency detector for detecting electrical arcing from powered transmission lines. |
| US07880467B2 |
Packed array of MRI/NMR devices and an MRI/NMR method of analyzing adjacent lines of goods simultaneously
An industrial quality and process control (QPC) system, includes inter alia at least one packed array of MRI/NMR devices of substantially no fringing magnetic fields, adapted to analyze adjacent lines of goods simultaneously. |
| US07880465B2 |
Method and apparatus for contrast inflow dynamic MR angiography
A system and method for MR imaging includes a computer programmed to determine first and second view-ordering sequences. The first and second view-ordering sequences comprise values corresponding to respective views of first and second k-space data sets, respectively, wherein the values corresponding to a central view of each the first and second k-space data sets are positioned such that acquisition of k-space data in each central view is acquired from a first and second anatomical region, respectively, as a contrast agent passes therethrough. The positions of the values corresponding to the central views of the first and second k-space data sets within the respective sequences are different. The computer is further programmed to acquire MR data according to the first and second view-ordering sequences over a series of cardiac cycles to fill data in the first and second k-space data sets, respectively. |
| US07880463B2 |
Automated disk clamping method for spinstand for testing magnetic heads and disks
A mechanism for placing and removing a vacuum clamping device for a magnetic disk on a spinstand, comprised of automated vertical and horizontal movement arranged such that a vacuum disk chuck, comprised of a base (9) and cap (6), can be used without operator interaction. Linear actuators provide the horizontal (2) and vertical (3) movement forces to accurately move a chuck cap (6) over a magnetic disk (7) that has been placed on a chuck base (9). The same actuators remove the cap and move it away from the disk to allow quick replacement of the disk. The interface between the mechanism and disk chuck cap is designed such that the cap is securely held during motion, and does not create particles. |
| US07880462B2 |
Pulsed coil drive circuit for a sampled inductive transducer
A pulsed coil drive for a sampled inductive transducer has at least one drive coil connected in a series circuit with a capacitor having a first terminal connected to the negative terminal of a voltage source. The series circuit is normally open during the intervals between pulses. Sampling occurs once per pulse. Each pulse's sampling interval is preceded by a pre-sampling interval and followed by a post-sampling interval. The supply voltage that is applied across the series circuit during both the pre- and post-sampling intervals is applied by switching a first terminal of the coil's free terminal to the voltage source's positive terminal through a p-channel MOSFET. During the sampling interval, the series circuit is shorted by switching the coil's free terminal to the voltage source's negative terminal through an n-channel MOSFET. |
| US07880458B2 |
Method and device for driving power converters
A device and method for driving a converter circuit that supplies a charge via a first electronic switch and a second electronic switch alternately turned on and off. A generator module generates a memory signal, indicating the duration of a first dead-time interval. A delay module, sensitive to the memory signal controls turning-on of the first electronic switch with a delay, with respect to turning-off of the second electronic switch, so that a second dead-time interval has a duration substantially equal to the duration of the first dead-time interval. |
| US07880456B2 |
DC/DC voltage regulator with automatic current sensing selectability for linear and switch mode operation utilizing a single voltage reference
A switch-mode DC/DC converter and a linear low drop out (LDO) DC/DC regulator are connected in parallel to drive a single load. Both regulators share a common voltage reference, feedback network, input supply and output such that the regulated voltage is identical during each mode of operation. During heavy loads the switch-mode regulator is in operation and the linear regulator is disabled for the highest efficiency possible. Conversely at light loads the linear regulator is in operation with the switch-mode regulator disabled, also maximizing the efficiency. Each regulator senses load current to automatically transition between the appropriate voltage regulators at fixed load current levels. The presented invention also includes a make before break transition scheme of the voltage regulators to minimize the voltage transients. |
| US07880455B2 |
Short circuit current ratcheting in switch mode DC/DC voltage regulators
A regulator with a high side pass device and a low side pass device coupled in series to the high side pass device is disclosed. The apparatus further includes a control module coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device to control the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is operable to lock out the high side pass device under certain conditions. |
| US07880445B2 |
System and method of charging a battery using a switching regulator
In one embodiment the present invention includes a system and method of charging a battery using a switching regulator. In one embodiment, a switching regulator receives an input voltage and input current. The output of the switching regulator is coupled to a battery to be charged. The switching regulator provides a current into the battery that is larger than the current into the switching regulator. As the voltage on the battery increases, the current provided by the switching regulator is reduced. The present invention may be implemented using either analog or digital techniques for reducing the current into the battery as the battery voltage increases. |
| US07880444B2 |
Process for balanced charging of a lithium ion or lithium polymer battery
The invention relates to a method for the balanced charging of n cells which form a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery and which are connected in series. The invention is characterised in that the method consists in monitoring the charge levels of the different cells (1) from the moment (t1) following the beginning of the battery (2) charging operation until said operation ends normally or is interrupted; and, as a function of the pre-evaluation of said charge levels, either powering of all the cells (1) uniformly or balancing the cell (1) charge levels by powering same in a differentiated manner as a function of the current charge levels thereof. |
| US07880441B2 |
DC-DC converter for carrying out constant output power control and maintaining a secondary battery at a set drooping voltage
In a DC-DC converter using, as an input source, a fuel cell, a solar cell, or the like, having a relatively large output impedance in a power-supply mode, an arbitrary load and secondary battery based on magnetic coupling in which voltage values are determined by a turns ratio between those wound around a winding, are provided as outputs, a second converter is connected between an output of the secondary battery and the load. In addition, a current control circuit connected to the secondary battery is configured to perform control so that, when a current in the load decreases due to an operation of the magnetic coupling, by increasing a charging current which flows into the secondary battery, and, when the current in the load increases, by decreasing the charging current to the secondary battery, an output voltage of the secondary battery is maintained at a set drooping voltage. |
| US07880440B2 |
Switching power supply
To provide a smaller and more efficient switching power supply, the switching power supply includes: a high frequency transformer; a primary side switching circuit adapted to switch a current flowing through a primary winding of the high frequency transformer to thereby generate predetermined voltages in a secondary winding and an auxiliary winding of the high frequency transformer; a secondary side rectifier adapted to rectify a voltage generated in the secondary winding to supply the rectified voltage to a load; a charging circuit adapted to rectify a current flowing through the auxiliary winding and to switch the rectified current to thereby charge a secondary battery at a constant current; and a switch, provided between the secondary battery and the load, which supplies, when the voltage supplied to the load is interrupted, the voltage of the secondary battery to the load without going through the high frequency transformer. |
| US07880437B2 |
Quick conditioning memory backup battery
A quick conditioning cycle system to avoid performance degradation at the end of calibrating cycle. The quick conditioning cycle system discharges a battery to a level where battery remaining capacity is still high enough to backup memory at a guaranteed period of time. During the quick learning cycle, the battery pack is discharged from a full charge. If measured capacity exceeds a predetermined threshold (Cpc), calibration stops. Otherwise, the quick conditioning cycle system reports a defected battery when measured capacity is less than Cpc and continues discharging to a full conditioning cycle, if desired. |
| US07880436B2 |
System and method for predictive management of energy supply to a transport device
An energy management system for a transport device, in particular for a motor vehicle running on fuel and electricity, includes an energy source, an intermediate energy store and an electric energy consumer, in particular an electric drive. Control and/or regulation of the provision of energy, which is dependent on information relating to future energy requirements and supplied by means of at least one part of the transport device, can be carried out by the energy management system by means of the intermediate energy store and/or the energy requirements. |
| US07880435B2 |
Multi-battery charger with individual battery bypass control
The present invention discloses a battery charger and a method for charging a plurality of batteries. The battery charger includes: a current source for supplying a source current which has a charge current portion and a diverted current portion; bypass sections; voltage clamp sections; sense sections; a feedback section for processing information from the sense sections; and a controller for modifying the source current based on the information from the feedback section. Each bypass section is connected to a battery for diverting the diverted current. Each voltage clamp section is connected to the bypass section for clamping a voltage across the battery when the voltage increases to a predetermined level. Each sense section is connected to the bypass section for determining the diverted current and/or the charge current. |
| US07880428B2 |
Controller for induction motor
A controller for an induction motor includes a storage device which stores values in a plurality of addresses, a first counter which transits circularly among first to N-th states, a second counter which transits circularly among first to fourth states, a calculating section which calculates calculation values, and a signal generation section which generates PWM signals and synchronous interruption signals at constant time pitch such that pulse widths of the PWM signals are adjusted based on the calculation values respectively. An inverter supplies electric power to an induction motor based on the PWM signals. The first counter transits from one to next of the first to N-th states synchronously to each of the synchronous interruption signals. The second counter transits from one to next of the first to fourth states synchronously to each transition of the first counter from the N-th state to the first state. The calculating section, synchronously to each of the synchronous interruption signals, calculates one of the calculation values based on the first counter and the second counter from one of the values stored in one of the plurality of addresses. |
| US07880425B2 |
Electric motor drive systems, motor vehicles, and methods of phase current regulation
In various embodiments, an electric motor drive system (400, FIG. 4) and a motor vehicle (1000, FIG. 10) include an inverter (404, FIG. 4) adapted to generate (604, FIG. 6), based on inverter control inputs, a number, N, of phase current waveforms (118, FIG. 1), and a phase current sampling apparatus (408, FIG. 4) having a same number, N, of current sensors (502, 503, 504, FIG. 5). Each of the current sensors is adapted to receive one of the phase current waveforms, and the current sensors are adapted simultaneously to sample the phase current waveforms and to generate digital values representing amplitudes of the phase current waveforms. The system and motor vehicle also include a controller (410, FIG. 4) adapted to receive the digital values, to perform an evaluation of the digital values, and to generate the inverter control inputs (462, FIG. 4) based on the evaluation. |
| US07880422B2 |
Image forming apparatus appropriately setting current value for driving motor
When a printing instruction is provided, a CPU causes a stepping motor M to drive a developer and calculates the value of a load of the stepping motor M before printing operations are performed. Then, CPU determines whether the value of the load is within a predetermined range stored in advance. If the value is not within the predetermined range, CPU causes a display to display an error message. |
| US07880421B2 |
Energy-conserving ventilating fan
An electrically driven fan arrangement, suitable for energy-conserving installations, includes a fan, an electric motor (110) serving to drive the fan, and associated control apparatus, namely: a sensing apparatus (140) for sensing a volumetric air flow rate (125) generated by the fan (120) and for generating a measured volumetric air flow value (Vmess), and a volumetric flow rate control arrangement (160) for automatically controlling the volumetric air flow rate (125) generated by the fan (120) to a predetermined target volumetric air flow value (V_s). The volumetric flow rate control arrangement (160) is configured to generate a target rotation speed value (N_s) for the electric motor (110). A rotation speed controller (170), which automatically controls the rotation speed of the electric motor (110) to the target rotation speed rate (N_s) generated by the volumetric flow rate control arrangement (160), is also provided. |
| US07880419B2 |
MVDC power transmission system for sub-sea loads
A system for the transmission of a direct current (DC) at a medium voltage level includes a system DC link configured to carry power from a source to a load module. The load module includes a DC-to-DC voltage step-down converter, a DC-to-AC inverter coupled downstream to the DC-to-DC voltage step-down converter, and a system AC link for carrying power from the load module to a motor system on a load side of the system AC link. The system is effective for delivering power over distances that are greater than 30 kilometers, and for delivery of power from an on-shore to offshore and sub-sea load. |
| US07880417B2 |
Motor controller and electric power steering apparatus
In a motor controller, in the case that occurrence of a failure of electric current flow is detected in any phase of a motor, a phase electric current command value changing in accordance with a secant curve or a cosecant curve with an asymptotic line at a predetermined rotation angle corresponding to the phase in which the failure of electric current flow has occurred is calculated. The calculated phase electric current command value is limited in such a manner as to become within a predetermined range. In the case that a rotation angle of the motor exists in a range in which the phase electric current command value is limited, the execution of an anomaly detection of a control system utilizing an electric current deviation of a d/q coordinate system is inhibited. |
| US07880414B2 |
Control and motor arrangement for use in model train
A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals. |
| US07880413B1 |
Model railroad velocity controller
Control over velocity of a model train may be determined based upon the speed of rotation of a control knob. A processor receives electronic pulses indicating rotation of the knob beyond a predetermined increment of angular distance. The processor calculates the amount of power ultimately conveyed to the model train based not only upon the number of pulses received, but also upon the elapsed time between these pulses. The shorter the elapsed time between pulses, the greater the change in power communicated to the train. Initially, a user can rapidly rotate the knob to attain coarse control over a wide range of velocities, and then rotate the knob more slowly to achieve fine-grained control over the coarse velocity. Utilizing the control scheme in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, in a compact and uninterrupted physical motion, a user can rapidly exercise both coarse and fine control over velocity of a model train. |
| US07880412B2 |
Control apparatus for electric vehicles
In a hybrid vehicle control apparatus, a motor control unit executes input power control on a MG unit to stabilize a system voltage. This input power control for MG unit is executed independently from torque control on an AC motor so that the input power control and the torque control are stabilized. The motor control unit further adjusts a current control gain for torque control in accordance with an input power amount of the MG unit. As a result, the current control gains of a q-axis current and a d-axis current for torque control are varied in correspondence to variations in torque variation rate in the q-axis direction and the d-axis direction in accordance with the input power amount, so that the torque is restricted from varying with variations in the q-axis current or the d-axis current. |
| US07880410B2 |
Rotary, limited rotation bi-directional, direct current actuator
An actuator (20) comprises a rotor (22); an electromagnetic circuit (24) configured to produce bidirectional torque on the rotor; and, a rotation limitation assembly (26). The rotor (22) comprises a rotor shaft and plural magnets (80) affixed to the rotor shaft. In an example embodiment the rotation limitation assembly (26) comprises at least one stationary clockwise boundary (40) configured to limit clockwise rotation of the rotor (22); at least one stationary counterclockwise boundary (42) configured to limit counterclockwise rotation of the rotor (22); and a rotor stop arm (50) connected to the rotor and configured to selectively abut the clockwise boundary (40) and the counterclockwise boundary (44) and thereby limit the rotation of the rotor to a predetermined angle about an axis of the rotor shaft. |
| US07880403B2 |
Method of detecting an arc in a glow-discharge device and apparatus for controlling a high-frequency arc discharge
In a method of detecting arc discharge in a glow-discharge apparatus GD that has a high-frequency power source PS, a cutting pulse is output for time T1 to the high-frequency power source PS to stop a supply of power to the glow-discharge apparatus GD, when dVr/dt-dVf/dt increases over a first level, where Vf and Vr are a traveling-wave voltage and a reflected-wave voltage applied to the glow-discharge apparatus GD, respectively. Arc discharge is determined to have developed in the glow-discharge apparatus, when Vr/Vf increases to a second level or a higher level within a preset time To after the supply of power to the glow-discharge apparatus is stopped |
| US07880402B2 |
Plasma lamp with field-concentrating antenna
An electrodeless plasma lamp is described comprising a lamp body including a solid dielectric material. The lamp includes a bulb received at least partially within an opening in the solid dielectric material and a radio frequency (RF) feed configured to provide power to the solid dielectric material. A conductive material is provided adjacent to the bulb to concentrate the power proximate the bulb. The conductive material may be located below an upper surface of the solid dielectric material. The conductive material may modify at least a portion of an electric field proximate the bulb so that the portion of the electric field is oriented substantially parallel to an upper surface of the lamp body. |
| US07880399B2 |
Ballast for at least one fluorescent high pressure discharge lamp, method for operating said lamp and lighting system comprising said lamp
The invention relates to a ballast for a high-pressure discharge lamp, in particular for a motor vehicle headlight lamp or a projection lamp, which ballast is, according to the invention, in the form of a Class E converter. |
| US07880396B2 |
Projector device employing ballast with flyback converter
A projector device employing ballast with a flyback converter is disclosed. For example, one embodiment comprises a lamp driver circuit including a power stage circuit including a flyback converter to output a direct current signal to a bridge circuit, the bridge circuit to reconstruct the direct current signal to an alternating current signal, a control circuit coupled with the power stage circuit and the bridge circuit, the control circuit to receive the direct current signal from the power stage circuit and to provide a frequency control signal to the bridge circuit, and a lamp igniter circuit comprising at least one charge pump and being coupled with the bridge circuit, wherein in response to the frequency control signal being provided to the bridge circuit, the bridge circuit is configured to increase the voltage of the alternating current signal provided to the lamp igniter circuit to power the lamp igniter circuit. |
| US07880392B2 |
Plasma producing method and apparatus as well as plasma processing apparatus
Plasma producing method and apparatus wherein a plurality of high-frequency antennas are arranged in a plasma producing chamber, and a high-frequency power supplied from a high-frequency power supply device (including a power source, a phase controller and the like) is applied to a gas in the chamber from the antennas to produce inductively coupled plasma. At least some of the plurality of high-frequency antennas are arranged in a fashion of such parallel arrangement that the antennas successively neighbor to each other and each of the antennas is opposed to the neighboring antenna. The high-frequency power supply device controls a phase of a high-frequency voltage applied to each antenna, and thereby controls an electron temperature of the inductively coupled plasma. |
| US07880388B2 |
External electrode fluorescent lamp having conductive layer and backlight module utilizing same
An exemplary external electrode fluorescent lamp includes a fluorescent tube having two electrodes fixed at two ends thereof, and two inner caps respectively holding the electrodes. Each inner cap includes an electrode receiving portion configured for receiving the electrode, a conductive layer provided at inner surfaces of the electrode receiving portion, a lead receiving portion integrally formed with the electrode receiving portion, and a conductive lead received in the lead receiving portion. The conductive layer contacts the conductive layer. A backlight module employing the external electrode fluorescent lamp is also provided. |
| US07880386B2 |
Plasma display panel
A plasma display panel is disclosed. The plasma display panel includes a front substrate, a rear substrate facing the front substrate, barrier ribs positioned in an active area, and a sealant disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate in a dummy area. The rear substrate includes a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer in the dummy area includes a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness. The first thickness is different from the second thickness. |
| US07880385B2 |
Photomultiplier including an electronic-multiplier section in a housing
The present invention relates to a photomultiplier having a fine structure capable of realizing high detection accuracy by effectively suppressing cross talk among electron-multiplier channels. The photomultiplier comprises a housing whose inside is maintained vacuum, and, in the housing, a photocathode, an electron-multiplier section, and anodes are disposed. The electron-multiplier section has groove portions for cascade-multiplying photoelectrons as electron-multiplier channels, and the anodes are constituted by channel electrodes corresponding to the groove portions respectively defined by wall parts. In particular, at least parts of the respective channel electrodes are located in spaces sandwiched between pairs of wall parts defining the corresponding groove portions. |
| US07880382B2 |
Organic electroluminescence panel and manufacturing method of the same
An organic EL panel is provided which enables transparent sealing accompanied by low moisture permeability, and can be used also for sealing a top emission panel without deterioration for a long period of time even in the case of a panel having a narrow frame area. In an organic EL panel produced by covering the face of a supporting substrate 1, which is provided with an organic EL element 101, via an adhesive layer 8 by a sealing substrate 9 to permit sealing, a first partition 4 that protrudes toward the sealing substrate 9 is formed on one face of the supporting substrate 1 so as to surround the circumference of the organic EL element 101, and further, a second partition 10 that protrudes toward the supporting substrate 1 is formed on the face of the sealing substrate 9 opposing to the one face of the supporting substrate 1 so as to surround the circumference of the organic EL element 101. |
| US07880379B2 |
Phosphorescent organic electroluminescent device having no hole transporting layer
The invention relates to the improvement of phosphorescing organic electroluminescent devices characterized in that the emission layer, which consists of a matrix material which is doped with at least one phosphorescing emitter, directly adjoins an electrically conducting layer. |
| US07880378B2 |
Luminous device
Provided is a means for improving the capability of injecting electrons from a cathode in a luminous element and solving problems about the production process thereof. In the present invention, a material having a smaller work function than a cathode material is used to form an inorganic conductive layer between the cathode and an organic compound layer. In this way, the capability of injecting electrons from the cathode can be improved. Furthermore, the film thereof can be thicker than that of a conventional cathode buffer layer formed by using an insulating material. Therefore, the film thickness can easily be controlled, and a decrease in production costs and an improvement in yield can be achieved. |
| US07880374B2 |
Display device including gas discharge tubes sandwiched between a front support member and rear support members
A display device (10) includes a plurality of gas discharge tubes (11R, 11G, 11B, . . . ) sandwiched between a front support plate (31) and a plurality of rear support plates (321, 322, . . . 328). The display device further includes: a plurality of display electrodes (2) formed on a surface of the front support plate facing the plurality of gas discharge tubes to extend across tube axes of the plurality of gas discharge tubes; a plurality of signal electrodes (3) formed on surfaces of the plurality of rear support plates facing the plurality of gas discharge tubes to extend along the longitudinal direction of the plurality of gas discharge tubes. Another rear support plate (330) for supporting the plurality of rear support plates is disposed on surfaces of the plurality of rear support plates opposite to the surfaces facing the plurality of gas discharge tubes. |
| US07880373B2 |
Field emission electron source and method for making the same
A field emission electron source includes at least one electron emission member. Each electron emission member includes a conductive body and an electron emission layer formed on the conductive body. The conductive body has an upper portion. The electron emission layer is formed on, at least, the upper portion of the conductive body. The electron emission layer includes a glass matrix; and at least one carbon nanotube, and a plurality of metallic conductive particles and getter powders dispersed in the glass matrix. A method for making such field emission electron source is also provided. |
| US07880372B2 |
LED lamp system and method of making same
An LED lamp system includes a light emitting diode (LED) lamp, a printed circuit board on which the LED lamp is mounted, a connection terminal including a soldering part inserted and soldered to the printed circuit board, a body part extending parallel to the printed circuit board, and a branch part extending from the body part in a predetermined direction, a case to which the printed circuit board is fixed, the case including a holding portion for holding the branch part of the connection terminal, and a cover for enclosing the LED lamp and the printed circuit board in association with the case. |
| US07880371B2 |
Dielectric composite and a method of manufacturing a dielectric composite
A composite for a transducer facilitates an increased actuation force as compared to similar prior art composites for transducers. The composite facilitates increased compliance of the transducer in one direction, an improved reaction time as compared to similar prior art composites for transducers, and provides an increased lifetime of the transducer in which it is applied. |
| US07880370B2 |
Piezoelectric composite with tapered beam
An energy harvesting system includes a composite structure that includes a base spring and a first piezoelectric element. The first piezoelectric element is mounted on the base spring. The base spring has a base spring thickness, a base spring length, and a base spring width. The base spring is for vibrating around an axis parallel to the base spring width. The base spring thickness varies from position to position along a direction parallel to the base spring length. The base spring thickness varies to provide the first piezoelectric element with constant strain when the base spring vibrates around the axis parallel to the base spring width. |
| US07880367B2 |
MEMS sensor
The MEMS sensor includes a substrate, a lower thin film, opposed to a surface of the substrate at an interval, having a plurality of lower through-holes formed to pass through the lower thin film in the thickness direction thereof, an upper thin film, opposed to the lower thin film at an interval on the side opposite to the substrate, having a plurality of upper through-holes formed to pass through the upper thin film in the thickness direction thereof, and a plurality of protrusions irregularly provided on a region of the surface of the substrate opposed to the lower thin film. |
| US07880365B2 |
Actuator capable of driving with large rotational angle or large deflection angle
An actuator 100 includes: a pair of driving portions 1, 11 spaced apart from each other; a movable portion 2 provided between the pair of driving portions 1, 11; a pair of supporting portions 3, 3 for supporting the pair of driving portions 1, 11 and the movable portion 2; a pair of first elastic connecting portions 4, 4 which respectively connect the pair of driving portions 1, 11 to the pair of supporting portions 3, 3 so that each of the driving portions 1, 11 can rotate with respect to the supporting portions 3, 3; and a pair of second elastic connecting portions 5, 5 which respectively connect the movable portion 2 to the pair of driving portions 1, 11 so that the movable portion 2 can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the pair of driving portions 1, 11. |
| US07880364B2 |
Parametric resonator and filter using the same
A resonator includes a vibrator that performs mechanical vibration, an exciting unit that applies an exciting force to the vibrator, and a modulating unit that modulates a spring property of the vibrator. The vibrator vibrates when the exciting force is applied to the vibrator from the exciting unit. The modulating unit modulates the vibrator according to the exciting force. |
| US07880363B2 |
Brush holder apparatus, brush assembly, and method
Devices and methods of use for brush holder assemblies are disclosed. Brush holder assemblies including a mounting block and a brush holder are disclosed. Also illustrated is a brush holder assembly including a first portion in sliding engagement with a second portion. In some embodiments the brush holder includes a channel, such that at least a portion of the mounting block is disposed within the channel of the brush holder. |
| US07880360B2 |
Stator assembly
A stator assembly is provided and includes a laminated core and a one-part insulator having cover walls for covering edges of the laminated core, wherein first projections and a second projection both having a height smaller than the difference between the height of the cover walls and the thickness of the laminated core are formed on one side surface of the insulator in such a manner as to make contact with a part of one axial end side surface of the laminated core, whereby a gap which corresponds to the projection distance of the first and second projections and which serves as a clearance space for chips scraped by the edges of the laminated core from the surfaces of the cover walls is provided between the insulator and the laminated core, resulting in ensuring that the insulator is snap-fitted on the laminated core in good shape. |
| US07880359B2 |
Coil member, motor and manufacturing method for coil member
A coil member such as a coil bobbin may include a cylindrical drum part around which a coil is to be wound in a circular shape. The cylindrical drum part is formed by two molding dies and a flat face part is formed on an outer peripheral face of the cylindrical drum part so that a space part is formed between an innermost circumferential face of the coil to be wound and the flat face part. The flat face part is formed so that the two molding dies are separated without pressing the outer peripheral face of the cylindrical drum part, and a joining part on the drum part which is formed by the two molding dies is located on the flat face part. The coil member may be only a coil bobbin, a coil bobbin with a terminal part, or a coil bobbin which is integrated with a stator core. |
| US07880358B2 |
Rotor of permanent magnet rotating electric machine
A permanent magnet rotating electric machine has a stator provided with a plurality of windings, and a rotor in which magnets are disposed in slots formed in a rotor core along an outer circumference thereof. The rotor core is fixed on a rotary shaft rotating inside the stator, and one magnetic pole is constituted by each group of three or more of the magnets. A total angle occupied by the group of magnets constituting one magnetic pole is in the range of 150 to 165 degrees in terms of an electrical angle. |
| US07880354B2 |
Spindle motor, information recording and reproducing apparatus that makes use of same, and method for manufacturing spindle motor
A spindle motor, comprising a base having a cylindrical drawn portion formed by plastic working, a sleeve that is inserted in the drawn portion, a shaft that is inserted in a state of being rotatable relative to the sleeve, and a lubricant that fills the gap between the sleeve and the shaft, in which the sleeve is affixed with an adhesive agent to the drawn portion inner periphery, wherein there are adhesive reservoirs around the inner periphery of the drawn portion. These adhesive reservoirs are formed during a series of plastic working steps in which the cylindrical drawn portion is formed. |
| US07880349B2 |
Stator lead retainer device
A stator lead retainer assembly includes a stator lead retainer body and a stator lead retainer clip. The stator lead retainer body includes at least one through-hole extending longitudinally therethrough, each through-hole configured to receive a stator lead. The stator lead retainer clip is attached to the retainer body, and includes an aperture for receiving a stator lead. |
| US07880348B2 |
Method of installing a permanent magnet motor in a cooling tower and a shroud used in connection therewith
A method comprises providing a motor with a stator comprising a plurality of laminations stacked side to side to form a contiguous stator core with each of the laminations having a plurality of radial fins projecting outward from a periphery of the lamination, and a rotor with permanent magnets spaced about the rotor configured to synchronously magnetically couple with a rotating magnetic field in the stator. The method further comprises providing a cooling tower with a fan disposed therein having a shaft extending from a center of the fan for rotating the fan. The motor is installed in the cooling tower such that the rotor of the motor is coupled directly to the fan shaft and rotates the fan when the motor is energized during normal operation of the cooling tower. |
| US07880345B2 |
Linear actuator system and method
A linear actuator system is described that includes a linear actuator, a first motor, and a second motor. The linear actuator is configured to transmit rotational motion to linear motion. The first motor is operatively connected to the linear actuator. The second motor is also operatively connected to the linear actuator. The first motor is configured to provide a different amount of force and a different speed to the linear actuator than the second motor. Methods of operating a linear actuator are also disclosed. |
| US07880338B2 |
Power transmission control device, power transmitting device, power receiving device, non-contact power transmission system, electronic instrument, secondary coil position detection method, and primary coil positioning method
A power transmission control device used for a non-contact power transmission system includes a power-transmitting-side control circuit that controls power transmission to a power receiving device, a calculation circuit that calculates the position of a secondary coil by performing given calculations, and an actuator control circuit that controls the operation of an actuator, the actuator moving the position of the primary coil in an XY plane, the actuator control circuit scanning the primary coil for detecting the position of the secondary coil L2, the calculation circuit performing the given calculations based on data acquired by the scan for detecting the position of the secondary coil L2 to determine the position of the secondary coil L2, and the actuator control circuit moving the primary coil L1 so that the position of the primary coil coincides with the calculated position of the secondary coil. |
| US07880329B2 |
Multi-channel switching regulator
A controlling unit generates a pulse signal whose duty ratio is controlled so that the output voltage of each channel will be constant, and controls the main transistor and the rectification circuit of each channel in accordance with the pulse signal. The first synchronous rectification transistor is disposed in a direction such that the cathode of the body diode thereof is on the switching terminal side. The second synchronous rectification transistor is disposed in a direction such that the cathode of the body diode thereof is on the output terminal side. The controlling unit first turns on the first synchronous rectification transistor, and then turns on the second synchronous rectification transistor for a period of time in accordance with the pulse width of the pulse signal. |
| US07880328B2 |
Stage-fused transformer loop system and method of rapid diagnosis of fault cable or transformer failure within the system
A stage-fused underground transformer loop system, which includes a series of transformers connected sequentially by a series of cables, and a series of fused elbow terminators connected to the inlets and outlets of the transformers. The fused elbow terminators are arranged in an order of decreasing the fuse capacity starting from the feed. The fused elbow terminator includes an elbow connector having a housing and a cable connector disposed within; and a fused pin connected to the cable connector. Further disclosed is a method of rapid diagnosis of a fault cable or a transformer failure using the stage-fused transformer loop system. |
| US07880322B2 |
Fluid turbine devices and methods related to fluid turbine devices
Fluid turbine devices and methods related to fluid turbine devices are disclosed herein. One example method includes deflecting a first portion of a fluid flow from a return path of at least a portion of a vertical blade assembly, while permitting a second portion of the fluid flow to enter a drive path of the vertical blade assembly. One example fluid turbine device includes a vertical blade assembly having multiple blades and a shroud rotatable relative to the vertical blade assembly. The shroud includes a leading edge portion for deflecting a first portion of a fluid flow from entering a return path of at least a portion of the vertical blade assembly and a portion defining multiple openings configured to permit fluid from within a compartment defined by the vertical blade assembly to exhaust out of the return path. |
| US07880320B2 |
System, device, and method for controlling a wind turbine using seasonal parameters
A method for controlling an operation of a wind turbine. A plurality of operating specifications, each of which corresponds to a season, is defined. A current season is determined. An operating specification corresponding to the current season is selected. An operation of a wind turbine is controlled based at least in part on the selected operating specification. The current season may be determined, for example, based on a schedule of seasons and/or meteorological conditions. |
| US07880319B2 |
Power generating device utilizing hydrodynamic force
The power generating device (1000) has a vane (1200) rotated by hydrodynamic force from a fluid; a generator motor (100); a flow velocity measuring unit (1130); a rotation speed measuring unit; and a control unit (200). In the event that at least one of the flow velocity and the rotation speed lies within a prescribed low range at startup of the generator motor, the control unit (200) operates the generator motor as a motor to increase the rotation speed of the vane, and then operates the generator motor as a generator. |
| US07880313B2 |
Semiconductor flip chip package having substantially non-collapsible spacer
A flip chip lead frame package includes a die and a lead frame having a die paddle and leads, and has a spacer to maintain a separation between the die and the die paddle. Also, methods for making the package are disclosed. |
| US07880312B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A plurality of semiconductor memory chips are stacked on a first main surface of a wiring board, and an interposer chip is stacked on the plurality of semiconductor chips, and a semiconductor controller chip is stacked on the interposer chip. The plurality of semiconductor memory chips are independently and electrically connected with inner connecting terminals formed on the wiring board, respectively, and independently controlled by the semiconductor controller chip which is electrically connected with another inner connecting terminals formed on the wiring board via the interposer chip. |
| US07880311B2 |
Stacked semiconductor package and method for manufacturing the same
A stacked semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip module including at least two semiconductor chips, each semiconductor chip having a first face, a second face opposite to the first face, and a circuit part. A thorough portion passes through the first and second faces of the semiconductor chip. A recess part is formed in a portion of the second face where the second face and the through portion meets. A through electrode is electrically connected to the circuit part and is disposed inside of the through portion. A connection member is disposed in the recess part to electrically connect the through electrodes of adjacent stacked semiconductor chips. And the semiconductor chip module is mounted to a substrate. The stacked semiconductor package prevents both gaps between semiconductor chips and misalignment of the through electrode. |
| US07880309B2 |
Arrangement of stacked integrated circuit dice having a direct electrical connection
An arrangement of integrated circuit dice, includes first die including a first electrical coupling site and a second die comprising a second electrical coupling site, wherein the second die is stacked onto the first die such that the first electrical coupling site is at least partially exposed, wherein the first electrical coupling site and the second electrical coupling site are directly electrically connected, and a third die arranged above the first die and the second die such that a recess is formed, wherein one of the first electrical coupling sites is arranged in the recess. |
| US07880303B2 |
Stacked contact with low aspect ratio
An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate; a metallization layer over the semiconductor substrate; a first dielectric layer between the semiconductor substrate and the metallization layer; a second dielectric layer between the semiconductor substrate and the metallization layer, wherein the second dielectric layer is over the first dielectric layer; and a contact plug with an upper portion substantially in the second dielectric layer and a lower portion substantially in the first dielectric layer. The contact plug is electrically connected to a metal line in the metallization layer. The contact plug is discontinuous at an interface between the upper portion and the lower portion. |
| US07880298B2 |
Semiconductor device thermal connection
A semiconductor device thermal connection used to remove heat from a semiconductor device, such as an integrated circuit, includes a metallic barrier layer on the semiconductor device, and a high thermal conductivity material on the metallic barrier layer that joins the semiconductor device to a thermal heat spreader. The metallic barrier layer may be one or more sputtered layers, and the high thermal conductivity material may be a metallic material, for instance including indium, that is soldered onto the sputtered material. The high thermal conductivity material may form a primary thermal connection in conducting heat away from the semiconductor device. A secondary thermal connection may be made between the heat spreader and a heat sink. The secondary thermal connection may include a compressible solid carbon fiber material. A diaphragm may be used to contain the carbon fiber material, to prevent carbon fibers from coming into contact with the semiconductor device. |
| US07880297B2 |
Semiconductor chip having conductive member for reducing localized voltage drop
A semiconductor chip includes a die mounted on a packaging substrate. The die includes a semiconductor substrate; inter-metal dielectric layers on the semiconductor substrate; levels of metal interconnection, wherein at least two potential equivalent metal traces are formed in a level of the metal interconnection; a passivation layer disposed over the two metal traces, wherein two openings are formed in the passivation layer to expose portions of the two metal traces; a conductive member externally mounted on the passivation layer between the two openings; and a redistribution layer formed over the conductive member. |
| US07880294B2 |
Potential-free housing leadthrough
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement with an electronic circuit on a printed circuit board and an electrically screening housing surrounding the circuit board, wherein there are on said circuit board a HF plug-and-socket connector connected to the electronic circuit with an outer conductor part and an inner conductor part, wherein the HF plug-and-socket connector penetrates through an opening in the housing. The outer conductor part of the HF plug-and-socket connector is electrically isolated from the housing, and wherein a tunnel-like screening sleeve surrounds the outer conductor part both axially and circumferentially at least partially, the sleeve being connected electrically to the housing and capacitively to the outer conductor part of the HF plug-and-socket connector. |
| US07880286B2 |
Tape wiring substrate and chip-on-film package using the same
A chip-on-film package may include a tape wiring substrate, a semiconductor chip mounted on the tape wiring substrate, and a molding compound provided between the semiconductor chip and the tape wiring substrate. The tape wiring substrate may include a film having upper and lower surfaces. Vias may penetrate the film. An upper metal layer may be provided on the upper surface of the film and include input terminal patterns and/or output terminal patterns. The input terminal patterns may include ground terminal patterns and/or power terminal patterns. A lower metal layer may be provided on the lower surface of the film and include a ground layer and/or a power layer. The ground layer and the power layer may cover at least a chip mounting area. |
| US07880283B2 |
High reliability power module
A high reliability power module which includes a plurality of hermetically sealed packages each having electrical terminals formed from an alloy of tungsten copper and brazed onto a surface of a ceramic substrate. |
| US07880279B2 |
Transparent epoxy resin composition for molding optical semiconductor and optical semiconductor integrated circuit device using the same
In an optical semiconductor integrated circuit device using a lead frame, a transparent epoxy resin composition for molding an optical semiconductor contains (A) an epoxy resin; (B) a curing agent; (C) a thiol; and (D) an amine-based curing catalyst represented by following Chemical Formula 1: R1: a hydrogen atom (—H), an alkyl group, or a phenyl group R2: an alkyl group (—CH3, —C2H5, —C3H7). |
| US07880261B2 |
Isolation technique allowing both very high and low voltage circuits to be fabricated on the same chip
An integrated circuit (IC) fabrication technique is provided for isolating very high voltage (1000s of volts) circuitry and low voltage circuitry formed on the same semiconductor die. Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) technology is combined with a pair of adjacent backside high voltage isolation trenches that are fabricated to be wide enough to stand off voltages in excess of 1000V. The lateral trench is fabricated at two levels: the active silicon level and at the wafer backside in the SOI bulk. |
| US07880257B2 |
Image sensors including photoelectric converting units having multiple impurity regions
An image sensor includes a semiconductor layer, and first and second photoelectric converting units including first and second impurity regions in the semiconductor layer that are spaced apart from each other and that are at about an equal depth in the semiconductor layer, each of the impurity regions including an upper region and a lower region. A width of the lower region of the first impurity region may be larger than a width of the lower region of the second impurity region, and widths of upper regions of the first and second impurity regions are equal. |
| US07880247B2 |
Semiconductor input control device
A force input control device suitable for high-volume applications such as cell phones, portable gaming devices and other handheld electronic devices along with other applications like medical equipment, robotics, security systems and wireless sensor networks is disclosed. The device can be one-axis or two-axis or three-axis sensitive broadening the range of applications. The device comprises a force sensor die formed within semiconductor substrate and containing a force sensor providing electrical output signal in response to applied external force, and electrical connection elements for mounting and/or wire bonding. Signal conditioning and processing integrated circuit can be integrated within some devices. A package enclosing at least a portion of the force sensor die and comprising a force-transferring element cooperated with the sensor die for transferring an external force to the force sensor die. |
| US07880246B2 |
Microstructure with enlarged mass and electrode area for kinetic to electrical energy conversion
A microstructure has a substrate, a fixed electrode having a plurality of fixed fingers fixed to the substrate, a movable electrode having a body (28) and a plurality of fingers (22) extending from the body, the movable electrode being movable relative to the fixed fingers to vary a capacitance of the electrodes. The fixed fingers (21) extend in a first plane parallel to a main surface of the substrate, wherein the body of the movable electrode extends in a second plane adjacent to the first plane so that the body faces at least some of the plurality of fixed fingers. Such vertical integration can help enable such devices to be made more compact. |
| US07880245B2 |
Electronic device and method for manufacturing thereof
An electronic device, including a substrate, a functional structure constituting a functional element formed on the substrate, and a cover structure forming a cavity portion in which the functional structure is disposed, is disclosed. In the electronic device, the cover structure includes a laminated structure of an interlayer insulating film and a wiring layer, the laminated structure being formed on the substrate in such a way that it surrounds the cavity portion, and the cover structure has an upside cover portion covering the cavity portion from above, the upside cover portion being formed with part of the wiring layer that is disposed above the functional structure. |
| US07880244B2 |
Wafer level CSP sensor
An electronics package has a wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP) die substrate containing electronic circuits. Through-silicon vias through the die substrate electrically connect the electronic circuits to the bottom surface of the die substrate. A package sensor is coupled to the die substrate for sensing an environmental parameter. A protective encapsulant layer covers the top surface of the die substrate. A sensor aperture over the package sensor provides access for the package sensor to the environmental parameter. |
| US07880242B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a gate insulating layer with a high dielectric constant (k) and a polysilicon layer on a gate metal layer. The gate metal layer can include silicon atoms. Electron mobility can be improved, and production residue and damage can be minimized. |
| US07880241B2 |
Low-temperature electrically activated gate electrode and method of fabricating same
A gate electrode structure is provided, which includes, from bottom to top, an optional, yet preferred metallic layer, a Ge rich-containing layer and a Si rich-containing layer. The sidewalls of the Ge rich-containing layer include a surface passivation layer. The inventive gate electrode structure serves as a low-temperature electrically activated gate electrode of a MOSFET in which the materials thereof as well as the method of fabricating the same are compatible with existing MOSFET fabrication techniques. The inventive gate electrode structure is electrically activated at low processing temperatures (on the order of less than 750° C.). Additionally, the inventive gate electrode structure also minimizes gate-depletion effects, does not contaminate a standard MOS fabrication facility and has sufficiently low reactivity of the exposed surfaces that renders such a gate electrode structure compatible with conventional MOSFET processing steps. |
| US07880240B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has a high voltage circuit section disposed on a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity. The high voltage circuit section has a well region with a second conductivity, a first heavily doped impurity region with the first conductivity and disposed on the well region, a second heavily doped impurity region having a second conductivity and disposed on the semiconductor substrate, a trench isolation region disposed between the first and second heavily doped impurity regions, and an interconnect disposed over the trench isolation region. First and second electrodes are disposed above the trench isolation region, below the interconnect, and on opposite sides of a junction between the well region and the semiconductor substrate. The first electrode is disposed above the semiconductor substrate, and the second electrode is disposed above the well region. The first and second electrodes prevent parasitic formation of an inverse layer on a surface of the semiconductor substrate due to a potential of the interconnect. |
| US07880239B2 |
Body controlled double channel transistor and circuits comprising the same
By providing a body controlled double channel transistor, increased functionality in combination with enhanced stability may be accomplished. For instance, flip flop circuits usable for static RAM cells may be formed on the basis of the body controlled double channel transistor, thereby reducing the number of transistors required per cell, which may result in increased information density. |
| US07880237B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device including a SRAM cell may include a data holding unit including a driver transistor and a load transistor, and receiving and holding data; and a data transferring unit including a transfer gate transistor whose source and drain are connected between the data holding unit and one of a pair of bit lines, and whose gate is connected to a word line, the data transferring unit either transferring the data transferred from the one of the pair of bit lines to the data holding unit or receiving the data held in the data holding unit and transferring the data to the one of the pair of bit lines, wherein at least one of the driver transistor and the load transistor has higher capacitance between the gate and the source and between the gate and the drain than the transfer gate transistor. |
| US07880235B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor integrated circuit device has an SOI substrate comprising an insulating film laminated on a semiconductor support substrate and a semiconductor thin film laminated on the insulating film. A first N-channel MOS transistor, a first P-channel MOS transistor, and a resistor are each disposed on the semiconductor thin film. A second N-channel MOS transistor serving as an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection element is disposed on a surface of the semiconductor support substrate that is exposed by removing a part of the semiconductor thin film and a part of the insulating film. The second N-channel MOS transistor has a gate electrode, a source region and a drain region surrounding the source region through the gate electrode to maintain a constant distance between the drain region and the source region. |
| US07880234B2 |
NPN Darlington ESD protection circuit
An electrostatic discharge protection circuit includes a metal-oxide semiconductor transistor having a first terminal connected to an input end, and a gate connected to a supply voltage; a first bipolar junction transistor having a first terminal connected to the input end, and a base connected to a second terminal of the metal-oxide semiconductor transistor; a second bipolar junction transistor having a first terminal connected to the input end, a second terminal connected to the supply voltage, and a base connected to the second terminal of the first bipolar junction transistor; a first resistive device having a first end connected to the second terminal of the metal-oxide semiconductor transistor, and a second end connected to the supply voltage; and a second resistive device having a first end connected to the second terminal of the first bipolar junction transistor, and a second end connected to the supply voltage. |
| US07880233B2 |
Transistor with raised source and drain formed on SOI substrate
Embodiments relate to a method for fabricating a transistor by using a SOI wafer. A gate insulation layer and a first gate conductive layer on a silicon-on-insulator substrate of a substrate to form a first gate conductive pattern, a gate insulation layer pattern, and a silicon layer pattern. A device isolation insulation layer exposing the top surface of the first gate conductive layer pattern may be formed. A second gate conductive layer may be formed. A mask pattern may be formed. Then, a gate may be formed by etching. After forming a source and drain conductive layer on the silicon layer pattern, the mask pattern may be removed. A salicide layer may be selectively contacting the gate and the source and drain conductive layer may be formed. |
| US07880225B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A trench is formed so as to reach a p−-type epitaxial layer from an upper surface of a source region. A gate electrode is formed so as to bury the trench. Each of body contact trenches is formed away from the gate electrode. A body contact region is formed at the bottom of the body contact trench. An n-type semiconductor region that is a feature of the present invention is formed in a layer below each body contact region. The impurity concentration of the n-type semiconductor region is higher than a channel forming area and lower than the body contact region. |
| US07880222B2 |
Semiconductor device having plural regions and elements with varying areas depending on the region
A semiconductor device 10 includes a first transistor 11 placed on a substrate 16, a second transistor 12 placed on the first transistor 11 via a heat radiation layer 17, a third transistor 13 placed on the substrate 16, and a fourth transistor 14 placed on the third transistor 11 via a heat radiation layer 17. The first transistor 11 has a first region corresponding to a region where the second transistor is placed, and a second region which is formed so as to surround the first region and in which the rate of area occupied by the emitter region in the base region is higher than in the first region. Likewise the first transistor 11, the third transistor 13 has a region in which the rate of area occupied by the emitter region in the base region is varied. |
| US07880221B2 |
Forming metal-semiconductor films having different thicknesses within different regions of an electronic device
A method of forming an electronic device is provided that includes selectively implanting ions into a workpiece, wherein ions are implanted into a first region of the workpiece that includes a semiconductor material, while substantially none of the ions are implanted into a second region of the workpiece that also includes a semiconductor material. The method further includes depositing a metal-containing film over the first region and the second region after selectively implanting, and then reacting the metal-containing film with the semiconductor material to form a first metal-semiconductor film within the first region and a second metal-semiconductor film within the second region. The first metal-semiconductor film has a first thickness and the second metal-semiconductor film has a second thickness that is different from the first thickness. |
| US07880219B2 |
Nonvolatile charge trap memory device having <100> crystal plane channel orientation
A nonvolatile charge trap memory device and a method to form the same are described. The device includes a channel region having a channel length with <100> crystal plane orientation. The channel region is between a pair of source and drain regions and a gate stack is disposed above the channel region. |
| US07880216B2 |
Flash memory device and method of fabricating the same
In a method of fabricating a flash memory device, trenches are formed in an isolation area of a semiconductor substrate. A first insulating layer is formed on sidewalls and bottoms of the trenches. Conductive layer patterns are formed on the first insulating layers at the bottoms of the trenches. A second insulating layer is formed on the conductive layer patterns. Gate lines are formed over a semiconductor substrate including the second insulating layer. The gate lines intersect the conductive layer patterns. Junctions are formed on the semiconductor substrate between the gate lines. An interlayer insulating layer is formed over the semiconductor substrate including the gate lines. Contact holes are formed through which the conductive layer patterns and the junctions located on one side of the conductive layer patterns are exposed. The contact holes are gap-filled with a conductive material, thereby forming contact plugs. |
| US07880213B2 |
Bottom electrode of metal-insulator-metal capacitor
A structure and a method of fabricating a bottom electrode of a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor are provided. First, a transition metal layer is formed on a substrate. Thereafter, a self-assembling polymer film having a nano-pattern is formed on the transition metal layer to expose a portion of the transition metal layer. Using the self-assembling polymer film as a mask, the exposed portion of the transition metal layer is treated to undergo a phase change so that the bottom electrode can achieve a nano-level of phase separation. Thereafter, the self-assembling polymer film is removed. |
| US07880212B2 |
Method for producing a dielectric interlayer and storage capacitor with such a dielectric interlayer
A dielectric interlayer, especially for a storage capacitor, is formed from a layer sequence subjected to a temperature process, wherein the layer sequence has at least a first metal oxide layer and a second metal oxide layer formed by completely oxidizing a metal nitride layer to higher valency. |
| US07880210B2 |
Integrated circuit including an insulating structure below a source/drain region and method
An integrated circuit including an insulating structure below a source/drain region and a method. One embodiment includes a memory cell with an access transistor and a storage element. A first source/drain region of the access transistor is electrically coupled to the storage element. A first insulating structure is disposed between the first source/drain region and a first portion of a semiconductor substrate, the first portion being arranged below the first source/drain region. A channel region of the access transistor is formed between the first and a second source/drain region of the access transistor in an active area being electrically coupled to the first portion of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US07880207B2 |
Photo detector device
A photo detector device comprising a first layer comprising a first material, and a second layer arranged adjacent to the first layer, the second layer comprising strained silicon, wherein the second layer further comprises a light absorption region located substantially within the strained silicon, wherein the first or the second layer is arranged on a substrate. |
| US07880205B2 |
Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed is an image sensor. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate including unit pixels, an interlayer dielectric layer including metal interconnections formed on the semiconductor substrate, a plurality of bottom electrodes formed on the interlayer dielectric layer in correspondence with the unit pixels, the plurality of bottom electrodes includes bottom electrodes having at least two different sizes, a photodiode formed on the interlayer dielectric layer including the bottom electrodes, and color filters formed on the photodiode in correspondence with the unit pixels. |
| US07880203B2 |
Semiconductor device, electro-optical device, electronic apparatus, method for manufacturing semiconductor device, method for manufacturing electro-optical device, and method for manufacturing electronic apparatus
The invention provides, as an aspect thereof, a semiconductor device that includes: a substrate; an underlying insulation film that is formed over the substrate; and a plurality of thin-film transistors that is formed over the underlying insulation film, each of the plurality of thin-film transistors having a semiconductor film, wherein the underlying insulation film is formed in separate areas each of which includes, when viewed in plan, at least one of the plurality of semiconductor films. |
| US07880201B2 |
Optical modulator using a serpentine dielectric layer between silicon layers
The present invention is a method and an apparatus for optical modulation, for example for use in optical communications links. In one embodiment, an apparatus for optical modulation includes a first silicon layer having one or more trenches formed therein, a dielectric layer lining the first silicon layer, and a second silicon layer disposed on the dielectric layer and filling the trenches. |
| US07880200B2 |
Semiconductor device including a free wheeling diode
A semiconductor device and production method is disclosed. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a first electrode and a second electrode, located on surfaces of a semiconductor body, and an insulated gate electrode. The semiconductor body has a contact groove for the first electrode in an intermediate oxide layer. Highly doped zones of a first conduction type are located in edge regions of the source connection zone. Below the highly doped zones of the first conduction type, there are highly doped zones of a body zone with a complementary conduction type. In a central region of the source connection zone, the body zone has a net charge carrier concentration with a complementary conduction type which is lower than the charge carrier concentration in the edge regions of the source connection zone. |
| US07880197B2 |
Avalanche photodiode having doping region with monotonically increasing concentration distribution
In an electron-injection type APD, it is necessary to prevent a dark current increase and to secure the life time of the device. It is demanded to improve reliability of the APD with a lower production cost. With the InP buffer layer having an n-type doping region on the inside of a region defined by an optical absorption layer, a predetermined doping profile is achieved by ion implantation. Thus, electric field concentration in the avalanche multiplication layer is relaxed. Furthermore, a low-concentration second optical absorption layer is provided between the optical absorption layer and the avalanche multiplication layer. Responsivity of the optical absorption layer is maximized, and depletion of the lateral surface of the optical absorption layer is prevented; thus, electric field concentration is prevented. Preventing edge breakdown, the device improves its reliability. |
| US07880193B2 |
Method for forming an integral electromagnetic radiation shield in an electronic package
A method and system for fabricating an integral electromagnetic radiation shield for an electronic package is disclosed. Various embodiments include exposing a portion of at least one ground contact feature in an electronic package by removing a portion of the electronic package above the at least one ground contact feature to form at least one trench above the at least one ground contact feature; depositing electromagnetic radiation shield material in the at least one trench to substantially fill the at least one trench with a trench deposit; and depositing additional electromagnetic radiation shield material over a substantial portion of the electronic package, wherein the electromagnetic radiation shield material in the trench and over the substantial portion of the electronic package form an integral electromagnetic radiation shield which is electrically connected to the at least one ground contact feature. |
| US07880189B2 |
Dislocation-based light emitter
A light-emitting semiconductor component comprising a substrate which has a first interface between a first and a second silicon layer, whose lattice structures which are considered as ideal are rotated relative to each other through a twist angle about a first axis perpendicular to the substrate surface and are tilted through a tilt angle about a second axis parallel to the substrate surface, in such a way that a dislocation network is present in the region of the interface, wherein the twist angle and the tilt angle are so selected that an electroluminescence spectrum of the semiconductor component has an absolute maximum of the emitted light intensity at either 1.3 micrometers light wavelength or 1.55 micrometers light wavelength. |
| US07880186B2 |
III-nitride light emitting device with double heterostructure light emitting region
In a device, a III-nitride light emitting layer is disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A first spacer layer, which is disposed between the n-type region and the light emitting layer, is doped to a dopant concentration between 6×1018 cm−3 and 5×1019 cm−3. A second spacer layer, which is disposed between the p-type region and the light emitting layer, is not intentionally doped or doped to a dopant concentration less than 6×1018 cm−3. |
| US07880185B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device with a substrate having a cross sectional trapezoidal shape and an oblique surface
In an LED array chip (2), LEDs (6) are connected together in series by a bridging wire (30). The LEDs (6) each have a semiconductor multilayer structure (8-18) including a light emitting layer (14). Here, the semiconductor multilayer structure (8-18) is epitaxially grown on a front surface of an SiC substrate (4). A phosphor film (48) covers the LEDs (6). Two power supply terminals (36 and 38), which are electrically independent from each other, are formed on a back surface of the SiC substrate (4). The power supply terminal (36) is connected to a cathode electrode (32) of an LED (6a) at a lower potential end by a bridging wire (40) and a plated-through hole (42). The power supply terminal (38) is connected to an anode electrode (34) of an LED (6d) at a higher potential end by a bridging wire (44) and a plated-through hole (46). |
| US07880183B2 |
Light emitting device having a plurality of light emitting cells and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed is a light emitting device having a plurality of light emitting cells. The light emitting device comprises a thermally conductive substrate, such as a SiC substrate, having a thermal conductivity higher than that of a sapphire substrate. The plurality of light emitting cells are connected in series on the thermally conductive substrate. Meanwhile, a semi-insulating buffer layer is interposed between the thermally conductive substrate and the light emitting cells. For example, the semi-insulating buffer layer may be formed of AlN or semi-insulating GaN. Since the thermally conductive substrate having a thermal conductivity higher than that of a sapphire substrate is employed, heat-dissipating performance can be enhanced as compared with a conventional sapphire substrate, thereby increasing the maximum light output of a light emitting device that is driven under a high voltage AC power source. In addition, since the semi-insulating buffer layer is employed, it is possible to prevent an increase in a leakage current through the thermally conductive substrate and between the light emitting cells. |
| US07880181B2 |
Light emitting diode with improved current spreading performance
Disclosed is a light emitting diode (LED) for enhancing the current spreading performance. The LED includes a plurality of contact holes exposing an N-type semiconductor layer through a P-type semiconductor layer and an active layer, and a connection pattern electrically connecting exposed portions of the N-type semiconductor layer through the contact holes, thereby enhancing current spreading in the N-type semiconductor layer. In addition, disclosed is an LED including a plurality of light emitting cells spaced apart from one another on an N-type semiconductor layer and an N-contact layer between the light emitting cells. A plurality of light emitting cells are employed in the LED, so that current can be spread in the LED. |
| US07880179B2 |
Process for making contact with and housing integrated circuits
A process for producing electrical contact connections for a component integrated in a substrate material is provided, the substrate material having a first surface region, and at least one terminal contact being arranged at least partially in the first surface region for each component, which is distinguished in particular by application of a covering to the first surface region and production of at least one contact passage which, in the substrate material, runs transversely with respect to the first surface region, in which process, in order to form at least one contact location in a second surface region which is to be provided, at least one electrical contact connection from the contact location to at least one of the terminal contacts is produced via the respective contact passages. |
| US07880176B2 |
Top-emitting light emitting diodes and methods of manufacturing thereof
Provided are a top-emitting nitride-based light emitting device having an n-type clad layer, an active layer and a p-type clad layer sequentially stacked thereon, comprising an interface modification layer formed on the p-type clad layer and a transparent conductive thin film layer made up of a transparent conductive material formed on the interface modification layer; and a process for preparing the same. In accordance with the top-emitting nitride-based light emitting device of the present invention and a process for preparing the same, there are provided advantages such as improved ohmic contact with the p-type clad layer, leading to increased wire bonding efficiency and yield upon packaging the light emitting device, capability to improve luminous efficiency and life span of the device due to low specific contact resistance and excellent current-voltage properties. |
| US07880168B2 |
Method and apparatus providing light traps for optical crosstalk reduction
An imager having layers of light trapping material to reduce optical crosstalk and a method of forming the same. |
| US07880153B2 |
Extreme ultra violet light source apparatus
An EUV light source apparatus capable of preventing deterioration and/or breakage of a filter for filtering EUV light. The EUV light source apparatus includes an EUV generation chamber in which EUV light is generated; a target material supply unit for supplying a target material into the EUV light generation chamber; a laser source for applying a laser beam to the target material supplied into the EUV light generation chamber to generate plasma; collection optics for collecting EUV light radiated from the plasma; a filter for filtering the EUV light collected by the collection optics; and a filter protecting member provided between the plasma and the filter, for protecting the filter by blocking flying matter flying from the plasma toward the filter. |
| US07880150B2 |
High spatial resolution imaging of a structure of interest in a specimen
For the high spatial resolution imaging of a structure of interest in a specimen, a substance is selected from a group of substances which have a fluorescent first state and a nonfluorescent second state; which can be converted fractionally from their first state into their second state by light which excites them into fluorescence, and which return from their second state into their first state; the specimen's structure of interest is imaged onto a sensor array, a spatial resolution limit of the imaging being greater (i.e. worse) than an average spacing between closest neighboring molecules of the substance in the specimen; the specimen is exposed to light in a region which has dimensions larger than the spatial resolution limit, fractions of the substance alternately being excited by the light to emit fluorescent light and converted into their second state, and at least 10% of the molecules of the substance that are respectively in the first state lying at a distance from their closest neighboring molecules in the first state which is greater than the spatial resolution limit; and the fluorescent light, which is spontaneously emitted by the substance from the region, is registered in a plurality of images recorded by the sensor array during continued exposure of the specimen to the light. |
| US07880148B2 |
Reverse-Taylor cone ionization systems and methods of use thereof
Ionization systems, methods of using ionization systems, ion source systems, methods of using ion source systems, and methods of ionization, are described herein. |
| US07880144B2 |
Liquid medium for preventing charge-up in electron microscope and method of observing sample using the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a medium; a specimen; a method for preparing the specimen; a method for observing the specimen; a sample cell; and an electron microscope capable of easily solving the problem of charge-up and further capable of observing a real shape or the like of a sample with a SEM, a TEM or the like. For the purpose of achieving the above-described object, the present invention uses an electrical conductivity-imparting liquid medium, for use in a microscope, which includes an ionic liquid as an essential component thereof and is impregnated into the entirety of a SEM or TEM sample or applied to the observation surface of a SEM or TEM sample to impart electrical conductivity at least to the observation surface of the sample. According to the present invention, the charge built up on the sample surface can be released simply by impregnating or coating the sample with the ionic liquid, and hence the problem of charge-up can be easily solved. Further, even when a sample impregnated or coated with the ionic liquid is placed under vacuum, the ionic liquid is not evaporated from the sample, and hence a biological sample can be observed as it is in an original shape. |
| US07880143B2 |
Electron beam apparatus
A plurality of primary beams are formed from a single electron source, the surface charge of a sample is controlled by at least one primary beam, and at the same time, the inspection of the sample is conducted using a primary beam other than this. Also, for an exposure area of the primary beam for surface charge control and an exposure area of the primary beam for the inspection, the surface electric field strength is set individually. Also, the current of the primary beam for surface charge control and the interval between the primary beam for surface charge control and the primary beam for inspection are controlled. |
| US07880135B2 |
Mass spectrometer
The analyst previously enters the mass of a fragment that desorbs in the first dissociation with other analysis conditions, as the precursor ion selection reference for the second dissociation through the input unit 25. When the automatic analysis is started, the controller unit 21 sequentially performs the MS1 analysis, MS2 analysis and MS3 analysis. In the course of these analyses, the data processing unit 23 determines the valence of each ion species corresponding to the peaks appearing in the mass spectrum obtained by the MS1 analysis. In addition, after the MS2 analysis, the data processing unit 23 searches for the ion species in conformity with the selection reference in consideration of the determined valence, among the ion species corresponding to the peaks appearing in the mass spectrum by the MS2 analysis. The selected ion is determined as the precursor ion for the second dissociation in the MS3 analysis. In this manner, regardless of the valence of the target ion, the precursor ions to be selected and dissociated in each stage of the MSn analysis are automatically selected according to the mass of the fragment desorbed in the dissociation in the previous stage. Therefore, the analytical efficiency is improved and the highly accurate chemical structure information can be obtained. |
| US07880134B2 |
Azimuthal elemental imaging
Measurements made by a pulsed neutron tool with two or more gamma ray detectors are used to provide a mineralogical and/or elemental image of the formation. This may be used in reservoir navigation and in furthering the understanding of the geology of the prospect. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b). |
| US07880132B2 |
Cap including a housing and optically transparent member to protect a camera module lens
A camera module lens cap is provided to protect a camera module in a mobile device where the camera module is exposed. The camera module lens cap includes an optically transparent member for positioning adjacent a camera lens, and a housing for carrying the optically transparent member. The housing includes an overhanging lip for engaging a base of the camera module. |
| US07880127B2 |
Apparatus and method for aligning an image sensor including a header alignment means
An imaging device and a method for aligning an image sensor within the imaging device are disclosed. The imaging device comprises a housing and an image sensor assembly including a header and an image sensor mounted to the header. The header of the image sensor assembly is coupled to the housing. Means for aligning the image sensor with respect to the header are provided. Means for aligning the header with respect to the housing of the imaging device are also provided. A distance separating the image sensor alignment means and the header alignment means is pre-determined such that a distance between the image sensor and the housing of the imaging device is pre-determined. |
| US07880124B2 |
Assembly packaging using induction heating
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to package a device. Heat is localized on a die having bumps on a package substrate using a first induction heater operating at a first frequency. Heat is localized on at least an integrated heat spreader (IHS), a thermal interface material (TIM), an underfill, and a sealant on the die using a second induction heater operating at a second frequency. |
| US07880122B2 |
Wafer having thermal circuit and power supplier therefor
Provided are a wafer having a thermal circuit and power supplier therefor, which enable the wafer to heat or cool itself without using any additional heating or cooling system. The wafer includes the thermal circuit that is installed on one side of the wafer to be capable of self-heating or self-cooling the wafer in order to perform a heating process or cooling process on a semiconductor device formed on the surface of the wafer and exchanges heat with the semiconductor device. Thus, a temperature of a semiconductor device can be precisely controlled, and heating and cooling energies are greatly reduced through a direct heat exchange method, thus attaining high efficiency. Since the thermal circuit is directly installed in the wafer, it is structurally simple and the costs of production and installation can be notably reduced. Also, the present invention is very advantageous for optimization, miniaturization, simplification, and environmentally friendly production of a wafer heating/cooling system. Furthermore, a temperature measuring circuit is installed on a reverse surface of the wafer so that the amount of energy that acts on an actual semiconductor device or actual temperature can be accurately measured in real time. |
| US07880107B1 |
Momentary push button switch
A switch device includes a contact member and a plunger that removably connects to the contact member. The contact member creates a first audible feedback sound in response to being placed in a first electrical state. Additionally, a switch device includes a compressible contact member including at least one removable electrical contact portion, and a movable member that removably connects to a center portion of the compressible contact member. The compressible contact member creates a first audible feedback sound in response to being placed in a compressed state by the moveable member and creates a second audible feedback sound in response to being uncompressed. |
| US07880105B2 |
Circuit breaker
A circuit breaker of different interruption speeds, and a spring operation mechanism is standardized for designing and manufacturing the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has a power transmission mechanism for driving a movable contact 63 and a fixed contact 64 and an interruption spring 26 that imparts a driving force to separate the contacts through the power transmission mechanism. A latch mechanism restricts movement of the power transmission mechanism, and a pull-out operation section releases the restriction of the power transmission mechanism by the latch mechanism. The pull-out operation section is arranged to oppose a first arm of a lever to rotate the first arm. The lever is arranged so that a tip of a second arm is able to engage with and rest on the latch mechanism, and release the restriction of the power transmission mechanism by the latch mechanism. |
| US07880102B2 |
Attachment structure
An attachment structure includes a bracket that is arranged around a steering, a rotary connector device that has an engagement portion for being provisionally fixed to the bracket in a provisionally fixed state, and a combination switch that has a guide portion for being slidably retained to the bracket in the provisionally fixed state. The rotary connector device and the combination switch are completely fastened together with the bracket by a screw member from the provisionally fixed state. |
| US07880097B2 |
Fire resistant and/or water resistant enclosure for operable computer digital data storage device
A fire and/or water resistant enclosure is provided for housing an operable digital data storage device. The enclosure is a low cost, preferably molded gypsum enclosure having various embodiments for providing resistance to fire occurring outside said enclosure and/or to water. In one embodiment, a fan cooperates with one or more hatchless ventilation passageways to cool the digital data storage device. Another embodiment provides a water resistant pouch surrounding the data storage device which may be made of flexible foil or of finned relatively robust and non-flexible thermal conductor. The enclosure in some embodiments utilizes a fan and in some embodiments operates without a fan. Similarly, the enclosure in some embodiments utilizes movable hatches and in other embodiments is hatchless in design. |
| US07880095B2 |
Gasket and display apparatus having the same
A gasket is interposed between a circuit board that generates electromagnetic waves and a conductive member, and includes an elastic member separating the circuit board from the conductive member. The gasket is electrically connected with the circuit board by a conductive layer to receive the electromagnetic waves from the circuit board. The conductive layer is covered with an insulating layer except for a contact area where the conductive layer is coupled with the circuit board. The insulating layer blocks the electromagnetic waves received from the circuit board. The electromagnetic wave noise of a display apparatus is reduced even if a contact failure occurs between the gasket and a top chassis. |
| US07880094B2 |
Differential signal layout printed circuit board
A positive differential signal trace and a negative differential signal trace are formed on different layers of a printed circuit board. A first ground trace is formed on the layer on which the positive differential signal trace is formed, and a second ground trace is formed on the layer on which the negative differential signal trace is formed. An insulation layer is positioned between the two layers and has a predetermined thickness. A differential mode impedance and a common mode impedance of differential signals are dependent on the predetermined thickness of the insulation layer, width and thickness of each differential signal trace, and a space between each differential signal trace and the corresponding ground trace formed on the same layer. |
| US07880091B2 |
Electronic device substrate, electronic device and methods for making same
An electronic device substrate having: a base material formed of a thin board; an electrical insulation layer formed on the base material and having plural openings in a thickness direction thereof; and a metal plating layer filled in the plural openings. The base material has a metal layer, a release layer formed contacting the metal layer, and a metal film formed contacting the release layer. |
| US07880089B1 |
Metal-clad cable assembly
A metal-clad cable assembly includes a conductor assembly having at least two conductors and a binder disposed around the at least two conductors. The cable assembly also includes a bare grounding conductor disposed externally to the conductor assembly and at least partially within at least one interstice formed between the at least two conductors. A metal sheath is disposed around the conductor assembly and the bare grounding conductor. The binder exerts a force on the bare grounding conductor to position the bare grounding conductor against an interior surface of the metal sheath. |
| US07880080B2 |
Junction box for output wiring from solar module and method of installing same
A junction box adapted to protect soldered electrical connections between outputs and cables wherein the connections are on a flat surface (e.g. the backing sheet of a solar module) and a method for installing the box over the connections. The junction box can have a split housing that can be spread to fit over the cables before filling the housing with a sealant which, in turn, covers and protects the connections. A separate cover is then latched onto the housing. |
| US07880074B2 |
Floor coverings to be placed underneath drums and drumkits
Apparatus is provided for covering a floor in order to place a drum or a plurality of drums on the floor. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate having an upper surface and an under surface for covering a region of a floor onto which a drum is to be assembled such that a plurality of support feet contact the upper surface of the substrate and a plurality of rigid foot locators extending from the upper surface each at a desired location for a specific one of the support feet. The foot locators are secured firmly to the substrate without fixtures that protrude from the under surface, so as not to cause floor damage and the foot locators restrict movement of the support feet thereby restricting movement of a supported drum while the drum is being played. |
| US07880069B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV729740
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV729740. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV729740, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV729740 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV729740. |
| US07880068B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV468110
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV468110. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV468110, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV468110 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV468110 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV468110. |
| US07880066B1 |
Soybean variety A1016494
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016494. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016494. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016494 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016494 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US07880065B2 |
Soybean cultivar S070150
A soybean cultivar designated S070150 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S070150, to the plants of soybean S070150, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S070150 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S070150 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 S070150, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S070150 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 S070150 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US07880062B2 |
Soybean variety 4568207
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 4568207. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 4568207. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 4568207 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 4568207 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US07880059B2 |
Production of proanthocyanidins to improve forage quality
The invention provides method and compositions for the modulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin production in plants. The methods of the invention allow creation of plants having novel phenotypes. Increased expression of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins in plants may be used to increase the nutritional value of food plants for both human and animal consumption. Increased proanthocyanidin content also reduces the potential for bloat in animals fed certain forage plants low in condensed tannin content. The invention may also be used to modify plant pigmentation, and for nutraceutical and food colorant production. |
| US07880056B2 |
Signal transduction stress-related proteins and methods of use in plants
A transgenic plant transformed by a Signal Transduction Stress-Related Protein (STSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated STSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding STSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter. |
| US07880052B2 |
Labial pad
An absorbent article having an absorbent structure sized and configured for insertion at least partially within the vestibule of a female wearer. The absorbent structure has a saturation capacity as determined by a Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 15 grams/gram, a retention capacity as determined by the Saturation Capacity and Retention Capacity Test of at least about 3 grams/gram, and an intake time for a first insult of the absorbent structure as determined by an Intake and Rewet Test of no more than about 30 seconds. |
| US07880050B2 |
Breathable interface system for topical reduced pressure
A breathable interface system including an applicator having an aperture therethrough; a drape substantially covering the applicator; a first pad section located between the drape and the applicator; a second pad section substantially covering the aperture and located between the drape and the applicator, the second pad section substantially adjacent to the first pad section; and a fabric layer located at least partially between the second pad section and the drape; and a reduced pressure conduit in communication with one of the first pad section and the fabric layer for providing reduced pressure to the aperture; wherein the drape is secured to the applicator, covering the first pad section, the second pad section, and the fabric layer in a substantially sealed environment. |
| US07880048B2 |
Process for producing propylene in the presence of a macroporous catalyst in the form of spherical beads
A process for once-through conversion of a hydrocarbon feed comprising at least olefins containing 4 carbon atoms and at least olefins containing 5 carbon atoms is described for the production of propylene, said process comprising passing said feed into at least one reaction unit provided with at least one catalyst in the form of spherical beads with a diameter in the range 1 to 3 mm, each of said spherical beads comprising at least one zeolite and at least one alumina-based support and having a pore distribution such that the macroporous volume, measured by mercury porosimetry, is in the range 0.10 to 0.20 ml/g and the mesoporous volume, measured by mercury porosimetry, is in the range 0.25 to 0.35 ml/g. |
| US07880047B2 |
Polyalphaolefins and processes for forming polyalphaolefins
The invention is directed to polyalphaolefins (PAOs) and processes for forming PAOs. In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for forming a PAO comprising polymerizing C8-C12 α-olefin monomers in the presence of hydrogen, a C8-C12 saturated hydrocarbon, e.g., a C8-C12 saturated straight-chain hydrocarbon, and a catalyst system in a reaction vessel, wherein the C8-C12 saturated straight-chain hydrocarbon has about the same number of carbon atoms as the C8-C12 α-olefin monomers. The C8-C12 saturated straight-chain hydrocarbon optionally is derived from a crude PAO product formed by the process of the invention. The invention is also directed to reaction systems for performing the processes of the invention, to processes for controlling PAO viscosity based on residence time, and to the removal of spent catalyst using a solid adsorbent particles. |
| US07880045B2 |
Process for the catalytic hydrodealkylation of alkylaromatic hydrocarbons
Process for the catalytic hydrodealkylation alone of hydrocarbons, comprising C8-C13 alkylaromatic compounds, optionally mixed with C4-C9 aliphatic and cycloaliphatic products, which comprises treating said hydrocarbon compositions, in continuous and in the presence of hydrogen, with a catalyst consisting of a ZSM-5 zeolite, as such or in a bound form, wherein the Si/Al molar ratio in the ZSM-5 ranges from 5 to 35, modified with at least one metal selected from those belonging to groups IIB, VIB, VIII, at a temperature ranging from 400 to 650° C., a pressure ranging from 2 to 4 MPa and a H2/charge molar ratio ranging from 3 to 6. |
| US07880044B2 |
Conversion of biogas to liquid fuels
Biogas is converted to a liquid fuel by passing the biogas through a liquid reaction medium that contains a petroleum fraction in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, and doing so at an elevated but non-boiling temperature. |
| US07880035B2 |
Method for producing ethyleneamines
The invention relates to a process for preparing an ethylene amine mixture, which comprises hydrogenating an amino nitrile mixture comprising at least 30% by weight of aminoacetonitrile (AAN) and at least 5% by weight of iminodiacetonitrile (IDAN) in the presence of a catalyst. Ethylenediamine (EDA) and/or diethylenetriamine (DETA) and, if appropriate, further ethylene amines can be isolated from the ethylene amine mixtures obtained. |
| US07880031B2 |
Process to produce an enrichment feed
A process is provided for producing an enriched carboxylic acid compositions produced by contacting composition comprising a carboxylic acid with an enrichment feed in an enrichment zone to form an enriched carboxylic acid composition. This invention also relates to a process and the resulting compositions for removing catalyst from a carboxylic acid composition to produce a post catalyst removal composition. |
| US07880028B2 |
Process for making 3-pentenenitrile by hydrocyanation of butadiene
The invention provides a continuous process for the production of 3-pentenenitrile, comprising: (a) contacting, in a reaction zone, a hydrogen cyanide-containing feed, a 1,3-butadiene-containing feed, and a catalyst precursor composition, wherein the catalyst precursor composition comprises a zero-valent nickel and at least one multidentate phosphorus-containing ligand selected from the group consisting of a phosphite, a phosphonite, a phosphinite, a phosphine, and a mixed phosphorus-containing ligand or a combination of such members; and (b) maintaining a residence time sufficient to convert about 95% or more of the hydrogen cyanide and to produce a reaction mixture comprising 3-pentenenitrile and 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile, wherein the 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile concentration is maintained below about 15 weight percent of the total mass of the reaction mixture. |
| US07880026B2 |
MOF synthesis method
A rapid, simple and versatile metal organic framework molecule (MOF) synthesis method particularly adapted to make non-linear MOFs includes heating MOF precursors, such as a metal or metal oxide and an organic ligand, in a microwave oven for a period sufficient to achieve crystallization. Microwave-assisted MOF synthesis yields high quality MOF crystals in a reaction time ranging from about 5 seconds to about 2.5 minutes, compared to hours and days required in conventional solvothermal and hydrothermal methods. In addition, microwave assisted methods provide MOF materials with uniform crystal size and well-defined shape. Further, microwave synthesis of MOFs allows the size and shape of MOF crystals to be tailored for use in a wide range applications by manipulating reaction conditions. Secondary growth processes may also be employed to grow larger crystals using seeds obtained from microwave-assisted synthesis methods. |
| US07880024B2 |
Ionic liquids miscible with various polar/non-polar solvents and method of preparing the same
Provided are an ionic liquid and a method of preparing the same. The ionic liquid includes at least one type of compound represented by (Cat+)(R′COO−). Here, the Cat+ is a cation selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium, quaternary phosphonium, sulfonium, imidazolium, pyridinium, pyrazolium, piperidinium, pyrrolium, pyrrolidinium, triazolium, and a mixture of two or more thereof, and R′ is a hydrocarbon comprising at least one unsaturated bond, and having 4 to 30 carbon atoms. The ionic liquid is partially or completely miscible with various polar and/or non-polar solvents, and may be used as a solvent, a solvent additive, an electrolyte, a heat carrier, a charge carrier, a heat carrier additive, a charge career additive, or a phase transfer catalyst, at room temperatures and below. Furthermore, the cost of manufacturing the ionic liquid can be reduced. |
| US07880021B2 |
Compounds and kits for the detection and the quantification of cell apoptosis
3-hydroxyflavone derivatives are useful in the detection and the quantification of cell apoptosis. Such derivatives are also useful as fluorescent probes in studying lipid asymmetry of cell plasma membrane and in detecting apopoptic cells. The derivatives can be used to monitor the evolution of diseases involving cell apoptosis. |
| US07880020B2 |
Carbamic acid compounds comprising an amide linkage as HDAC inhibitors
This invention pertains to certain active carbamic acid compounds which inhibit HDAC activity and which have the formula (1) wherein: A is an aryl group; Q1 is an aryl leader group having a backbone of at least 2 carbon atoms; J is an amide linkage selected from: —NR1C(═O)— and —C(═O)NR1—; R1 is an amido substituent; and, Q2 is an acid leader group; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, amides, esters, ethers, chemically protected forms, and prodrugs thereof. The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit HDAC, and, e.g., to inhibit proliferative conditions, such as cancer and psorias. |
| US07880016B2 |
Process for the preparation of the salts of 4-(benzimidazolylmethylamino)-benzamides
The invention relates to a process for preparing a salt of an optionally substituted 4-benzimidazol-2-ylmethylamino)-benzamidine, characterised in that (a) an optionally correspondingly substituted diaminobenzene is condensed with 2-[4-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-on-3-yl)-phenylamino]-acetic acid, b) i) the product thus obtained is hydrogenated, ii) optionally the amidino group is carbonylated, without isolating the intermediate product of the hydrogenation beforehand and iii) without prior isolation of the intermediate product of the carbonylation the desired salt is isolated. |
| US07880012B2 |
Benzamide glucokinase activators
The present invention relates to N-heteroaryl-benzamides of the formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods of using the same. The N-heteroaryl-benzamides are useful as glucokinase activators. |
| US07880007B2 |
Bicyclic substituted phenyl piperidine modulators of muscarinic receptors
The present invention relates to modulators of muscarinic receptors. The present invention also provides compositions comprising such modulators, and methods therewith for treating muscarinic receptor mediated diseases. |
| US07880001B2 |
Inhibitors of the 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 enzyme
The present invention relates to compounds which are inhibitors of the 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 enzyme. The present invention further relates to the use of inhibitors of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 enzyme for the treatment of non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, lipid disorders, metabolic syndrome, and other diseases and conditions that are mediated by excessive glucocorticoid action. |
| US07879995B2 |
Tetraphenylene compounds for organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device, which has, between a pair of electrodes, at least one organic layer including a light-emitting layer, in which the organic layer contains a specific tetraphenylene compound, and in which the light-emitting layer contains a phosphorescent material; and a specific tetraphenylene compound that can be used in the device. |
| US07879989B2 |
16836, A human phospholipase C family member, nucleic acids and uses thereof
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 13237, 18480, 2245, 16228, 7677, 26320, 46619, 33166, 16836, 46867, 21617, 55562, 39228, 62088, 46745, 23155, 21657, 42755, 32229, 22325, 46863 and 32252 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 13237, 18480, 2245, 16228, 7677, 26320, 46619, 33166, 16836, 46867, 21617, 55562, 39228, 62088, 46745, 23155, 21657, 42755, 32229, 22325, 46863 and 32252 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 13237, 18480, 2245, 16228, 7677, 26320, 46619, 33166, 16836, 46867, 21617, 55562, 39228, 62088, 46745, 23155, 21657, 42755, 32229, 22325, 46863 or 32252 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 13237, 18480, 2245, 16228, 7677, 26320, 46619, 33166, 16836, 46867, 21617, 55562, 39228, 62088, 46745, 23155, 21657, 42755, 32229, 22325, 46863 or 32252 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-13237, 18480, 2245, 16228, 7677, 26320, 46619, 33166, 16836, 46867, 21617, 55562, 39228, 62088, 46745, 23155, 21657, 42755, 32229, 22325, 46863 or 32252 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. |
| US07879988B2 |
Fluorescent proteins from Aequorea coerulscens and methods for using the same
The present invention provides nucleic acid compositions encoding a novel colorless GFP-like protein, acGFP, from Aequorea coerulscens and fluorescent and non-fluorescent mutants and derivatives thereof, as well as peptides and proteins encoded by these nucleic acid compositions. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions of the present invention are colored and/or fluorescent and/or can be photoactivated, and can be used in a variety of different biological applications, particularly for labeling. Finally, kits for use in such biological applications are provided. |
| US07879987B2 |
Chimeric and humanized antibodies to α5β1 integrin that modulate angiogenesis
The present invention provides chimeric and humanized antibodies that specifically recognize α5β1 integrin, and methods for using the antibodies for reducing or inhibiting angiogenesis in a tissue. Also provided are methods of determining therapeutically acceptable doses of the antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions including the same. |
| US07879986B2 |
Dark quenchers, probes and other conjugates incorporating the same, and their use
The specification discloses quenchers of excited state energy, probes and other conjugates comprising the same, and methods for their use. The quenchers of excited state energy have a structure comprising at least one reactive functional group for linking the quencher to a carrier molecule and at least three radicals covalently linked via exocyclic diazo bonds, the at least three radicals including at least one comprising a julolidine of the nominal formula: and the remainder of the at least three radicals being selected from the group of substituted and unsubstituted aryls, substituted and unsubstituted heteroaryls, and combinations thereof. |
| US07879983B2 |
Binding member which binds to both Lewis-y and Lewis-b haptens, and its use for treating cancer
The invention relates to the use of a binding member which binds to Lewisy and Lewisb haptens in the treatment of tumours and leukaemia. The binding member may be an antibody which binds to Lewisy and Lewisb haptens and cancer cells and induces cells death. |
| US07879982B2 |
19.5 polypeptide antibodies useful for diagnosing or treating psoriasis
The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, antibodies and methods for the diagnosis and/or treatment of psoriasis. |
| US07879980B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies to human CTLA-8 (IL-17A)
Human CTLA-8 protein, antibodies that specifically bind to human CTLA-8, and nucleic acids encoding human CTLA-8. Methods of using these molecules and diagnostic kits are also provided. |
| US07879978B2 |
Macaca fascicularis ST2L
Isolated polynucleotides encoding Macaca fascicularis ST2L (Cyno ST2L), polypeptides obtainable from expression of these polynucleotides, recombinant cells, and methods of use are disclosed. |
| US07879976B2 |
Method for stabilizing a protein
The invention relates to a method for stabilizing an aqueous protein solution against exogenous stress and to the use of a container for stabilizing an aqueous protein solution. |
| US07879975B2 |
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. |
| US07879971B2 |
Multiblock copolymer, method of preparing the same, polymer electrolyte membrane prepared from the multiblock copolymer, method of preparing the polymer electrolyte membrane, and fuel cell employing the polymer electrolyte membrane
A multiblock copolymer includes a polysulfone repeating unit, a sulfonated polysulfone repeating unit, a polydialkylsiloxane repeating unit and an ethylenic unsaturated group at a terminal of the multiblock copolymer. Also provided are a method of preparing the multiblock copolymer, a polymer electrolyte membrane prepared from the multiblock copolymer, a method of preparing the polymer electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell including the polymer electrolyte membrane. The polymer electrolyte membrane that has a high ionic conductivity and good mechanical properties and minimizes crossover of methanol can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, the structure of the multiblock copolymer can be varied to increase selectivity to a solvent used in a polymer electrolyte membrane. |
| US07879970B2 |
Conductive polymer, conductive layer, electronic device, and electronic equipment
A conductive polymer having a high carrier transport ability, a conductive layer formed using the conductive polymer, an electronic device provided with the conductive layer having a high reliability, and electronic equipment provided with such an electronic device are provided. The conductive polymer includes a linear main chain, a plurality of carrier transport structures which contribute to carrier transport and each of which is represented by the following formula (1), and a linking structure which branches off from the main chain to link each of the carrier transport structures to the main chain: General Formula (1) where each R1 independently represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group, and the R1s are the same or different. |
| US07879969B2 |
Crystallizer temperature control via fluid control
A method of crystallizing a plurality of crystallizable polymer pellets includes a step in which the pellets are contacted with a temperature adjusting fluid in a crystallizer. The fluid adjusts the temperature of the pellets by having a temperature sufficient to allow at least partial crystallization of the plurality of polymeric pellets while maintaining the average pellet temperature of the plurality of pellets below the melting temperature of the pellets. A crystallizer implementing the methods of the invention is also provided. |
| US07879966B2 |
pH-sensitive polymer
A pH-sensitive polymer which has cytotoxic or membranolytic properties at pH values below pH 6.5. Carriers for natural or synthetic biomolecules or active pharmaceutical ingredients using such a pH-sensitive polymer. |
| US07879963B2 |
Composition, article, and associated method
A composition includes a coupling agent composition and a polymer precursor. The coupling agent includes a first cycloolefin substituted with at least one anhydride group and the coupling agent is capable of bonding to a filler having a corresponding binding site. The polymer precursor includes a second cycloolefin. An associated article and a method are also provided. |
| US07879961B2 |
Resin composition for organic insulating layer, method of manufacturing resin composition, and display panel including resin composition
Disclosed herein is a resin composition for an organic insulating layer, a method of manufacturing the same, and a display panel including an insulating layer formed using the resin composition. The resin composition for an organic insulating layer is produced by polymerizing about 5 to about 35 wt % of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, an unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride, or a mixture of the unsaturated carboxylic acid and the unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride, about 5 to about 40 wt % of a styrene compound, about 5 to about 40 wt % of an epoxy compound, about 0.1 to about 10 wt % of an isobornyl compound, and about 20 to about 40 wt % of a dicyclopentadiene compound, based on the total weight of unsaturated carboxylic acid, unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydride, styrene compound, isobornyl compound, and dicyclopentadiene compound. |
| US07879960B2 |
Process for producing propylene polymer
A high molecular weight propylene polymer exhibiting high stereoregularity (isotactic) and high position selectivity can be effectively produced by polymerizing at least one monomer selected from propylene, α-olefins and polyenes in the presence of a catalyst for olefin polymerization comprising: (A) a bridged metallocene compound represented by the General Formula [I] given in claims (diphenylmethylene(3-tert-butyl-5-ethyl-cyclopentadienyl)(fluorenyl)zirconium dichloride, etc.); and (B) one or more compound(s) selected from (b-1) an organoaluminumoxy compound (b-2) a compound which reacts with the bridged metallocene compound (A) to form an ion pair, and (b-3) an organoaluminum compound. |
| US07879956B2 |
Circuit-connecting material and circuit terminal connected structure and connecting method
A circuit-connecting material for interposing between circuit electrodes facing each other and electrically connecting the electrodes, after curing by heat and pressure, either by direct contact or via conductive particles present in the material. The circuit-connecting material features the following essential components: (1) a curing agent capable of generating free radicals upon heating, (2) a phenoxy resin having a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 or more, and that is chemically modified by a carboxyl-group-containing elastomer, and (3) a radical-polymerizable substance. |
| US07879954B2 |
Resin composition and resin molded article
A resin composition contains (A) an aliphatic polyester as a first polymer, (B) a second polymer having a higher glass transition temperature than the first polymer, and (C) a silicone oil. |
| US07879949B2 |
Blends of ethylene copolymers with high-frequency weldability
Disclosed are high frequency-active blends comprising (a) copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride or its functional equivalents and (b) ethylene copolymers with polar comonomers such as ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl(meth)acrylate copolymers and ethylene/(meth)acrylate/carbon monoxide terpolymers; and films, powders, multilayer structures, and articles prepared therefrom. |
| US07879947B2 |
Gas-barrier composition, coating film and method for production of the same, and layered material
A composition having gas-barrier properties, which can produce a resin film having gas-barrier properties under high humidity conditions and high abrasion resistance, and a coating film formed by thermally treating a film-like product of the composition having gas-barrier properties and a method for producing the same are provided. A composition having gas-barrier properties, comprising a water-soluble polymer having hydroxyl group (A), a water-soluble polymer having carboxyl group (B), a metal alkoxide and/or a hydrolysis condensate thereof (C), and an esterification catalyst (E), such that the weight ratio of the component (A) and the component (B) is 97/3 to 3/97, and the component (C) is contained in an amount ranging from 1 part by weight to 400 parts by weight, while the component (E) is contained in an amount ranging from 0.01 part by weight to 100 parts by weight, relative to 100 parts by weight of a mixture of the component (A) and the component (B); and a coating film obtained by thermally treating a film-like product of the composition having gas-barrier properties. |
| US07879945B2 |
Functionalized polymers and improved tires therefrom
A method of forming a functionalized polymer, the method comprising reacting a living polymer with a compound defined by the formula where R5 includes a monovalent organic group, R6 independently includes a monovalent organic group, each R7 independently includes hydrogen or a monovalent organic group, each R8 independently includes hydrogen or monovalent organic group, R9 includes a monovalent organic group, M is silicon or tin, and x includes an integer from about 2 to about 10, where R5 and R6 may optionally each independently be alkoxy groups, and where R7, R8, and R9 are non-Zerewitinoff organic groups. |
| US07879943B2 |
Film-forming organopolysiloxane emulsion composition
An organopolysiloxane emulsion composition comprising (A-1) the reaction product of a hydroxy-terminated organopolysiloxane with an organopolysiloxane comprising trialkylsiloxy and silicate units and having silanol groups and (A-2) silica, or (A-3) the reaction product of a hydroxy-terminated organopolysiloxane with an organopolysiloxane comprising trialkylsiloxy and silicate units and having silanol groups and silica having silanol groups on its surface, (B) an emulsifier, and (C) water remains fully stable and can form an organopolysiloxane film having a rubber strength simply by drying. |
| US07879940B2 |
Polymerization initated at sidewalls of carbon nanotubes
The present invention is directed to aryl halide (such as aryl bromide) functionalized carbon nanotubes that can be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials with improved dispersion ability in polymer matrices. In this process the aryl halide is reacted with an alkyllithium species or is reacted with a metal to replace the aryl-bromine bond with an aryl-lithium or aryl-metal bond, respectively. It has further been discovered that other functionalized carbon nanotubes, after deprotonation with a deprotonation agent, can similarly be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials. Additionally or alternatively, a ring opening polymerization process can be performed. The resultant materials can be used by themselves due to their enhanced strength and reinforcement ability when compared to their unbound polymer analogs. Additionally, these materials can also be blended with pre-formed polymers to establish compatibility and enhanced dispersion of nanotubes in otherwise hard to disperse matrices resulting in significantly improved material properties. The resultant polymer-carbon nanotube materials can also be used in drug delivery processes due to their improved dispersion ability and biodegradability, and can also be used for scaffolding to promote cellular growth of tissue. |
| US07879939B2 |
Fly ash and cinder strengthened thermoplastic
Strengthened thermoplastic materials use fly ash or cinders as extenders. The extended materials use fly ash or cinders that preferably contain no more than about 2% by weight of moisture. The thermoplastic materials are preferably foamed and extruded to form extruded closed cell foam articles, for example a window blind slat, shutter louver, shutter stile, or shutter frame. Thermoplastic materials formed with the fly ash or cinders can also be formed into non-foamed products or into pellets for use in later extruding to form products. |