Document Document Title
US08045379B2 Semiconductor device that is advantageous in operational environment at high temperatures
A semiconductor device includes an N-type insulated-gate field-effect transistor including a first insulating layer that is provided along side walls of a gate electrode, has a negative thermal expansion coefficient, and applies a tensile stress to a channel region of the N-type insulated-gate field-effect transistor. The device also includes a P-type insulated-gate field-effect transistor including a second insulating layer that is provided along side walls of a gate electrode, has a positive thermal expansion coefficient, and applies a compression stress to a channel region of the P-type insulated-gate field-effect transistor.
US08045378B2 Nonvolatile memory with correlated multiple pass programming
A group of memory cells is programmed respectively to their target states in parallel using a multiple-pass programming method in which the programming voltages in the multiple passes are correlated. Each programming pass employs a programming voltage in the form of a staircase pulse train with a common step size, and each successive pass has the staircase pulse train offset from that of the previous pass by a predetermined offset level. The predetermined offset level is less than the common step size and may be less than or equal to the predetermined offset level of the previous pass. Thus, the same programming resolution can be achieved over multiple passes using fewer programming pulses than conventional method where each successive pass uses a programming staircase pulse train with a finer step size. The multiple pass programming serves to tighten the distribution of the programmed thresholds while reducing the overall number of programming pulses.
US08045376B2 Flash memory device with multi level cell and burst access method therein
A flash memory device including memory cells, each memory cell configured to store bits, a sensing circuit configured to sequentially sense, for each memory cell, sets of the bits of the memory cell, a data rearrangement unit configured to receive words of data and to rearrange bits of the words to be stored in the memory cells, and an output circuit configured to output a group of the words using the sets of bits from one sensing, at least as early as during a subsequent sensing of sets of bits.
US08045375B2 Programming non-volatile memory with high resolution variable initial programming pulse
Multiple programming processes are performed for a plurality of non-volatile storage elements. Each of the programming processes operate to program at least a subset of the non-volatile storage elements to a respective set of target conditions using program pulses. At least a subset of the programming processes include identifying a program pulse associated with achieving a particular result for a respective programming process and performing one or more sensing operations at one or more alternative results for the non-volatile storage elements. Subsequent programming process are adjusted based on a first alternative result and the identification of the program pulse if the one or more sensing operations determined that greater than a predetermined number of non-volatile storage elements achieved the first alternative result. Subsequent programming process are adjusted based on the identification of the program pulse if the one or more sensing operations determined that less than a required number of non-volatile storage elements achieved any of the alternative results.
US08045374B2 Erase verification method of flash memory by selectively assigning deselected sectors
A suitable erase verification (ERSV) method of a flash memory apparatus is provided, which is different from the conventional ERSV method. That is, by managing the ERSV operation on the flash memory after at least once of erase operation, a flash memory controller in the flash memory apparatus selectively assigns at least one of de-selected sectors instead of all of the de-selected sectors to perform the ERSV. Therefore, by managing the ERSV operation on the flash memory, the time for the ERSV operation thereon is reduced.
US08045372B2 Flash memory device and method of operating the same
A flash memory device includes a plurality of memory cell blocks, an operating voltage generator, a block switching unit and a voltage supply circuit. Each of the plurality of memory cell blocks includes select lines and word lines, and has pass word lines included between the select lines and the word lines. The operating voltage generator outputs operating voltages to global select lines, global word lines and global pass word lines. The block switching unit connects the global word lines to the word lines and the select lines in response to a block select signal. The voltage supply circuit is connected to the select line and the pass word line, and is configured to supply the select line and the pass word line with a ground voltage in response to a block select inverse signal.
US08045369B2 Semiconductor device and driving method of the same
The invention provides a semiconductor device including a memory of a simple structure to provide an inexpensive semiconductor device and a driving method thereof. The semiconductor device of the invention includes a phase change memory including a memory cell array having a plurality of memory cells, a control circuit that controls the phase change memory, and an antenna. The memory cell array includes a plurality of bit lines that extend in a first direction and word lines that extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the plurality of memory cells includes a phase change layer provided between the bit lines and the word lines. In the semiconductor device having the aforementioned structure, one or both of a conductive layer that forms the bit lines and a conductive layer that forms the word lines transmits light.
US08045368B2 Phase-change memory device
A phase-change memory device performs a buffer program operation in response to a buffer program command sequence. The phase-change memory device includes a page buffer unit configured to store a plurality of input data corresponding to a word count value of a buffer program command sequence and selectively output the stored input data in response to a selection signal, and a page buffer control unit configured to generate the selection signal determined by counting a value representing the word count value.
US08045365B2 Apparatus and method for self-refreshing dynamic random access memory cells
A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) having DRAM cells coupled to wordlines and bitlines. In a self-refresh mode, the cells coupled with the even numbered rows retain main data previously stored therein and the assistant data, which is logically opposite to the main data, is overwritten into the cells coupled with the wordlines of the odd numbered rows. When the DRAM enters the self-refresh mode, a starting refresh address for the self-refresh mode is detected. If the detected starting refresh address does not match with a predetermined correct address set for the self-refresh operation mode, a dummy refresh cycle will be established in an entry-burst self-refresh period. During the dummy refresh cycle, a dummy refresh command is added to increment an internal row address counter that provides row addresses for self-refreshing the cells of the selected wordlines within the cell array.
US08045363B2 Variable resistance memory devices including arrays of different sizes
A variable resistance memory device may include a first array of first variable resistance memory cells and a second array of second variable resistance memory cells on an integrated circuit chip. Each of the first variable resistance memory cells may be configured to store a first data value by maintaining a first electrical resistance and to store a second data value by maintaining a second electrical resistance. The first and second data values are different, and the second resistance is greater than the first resistance. Each of the second variable resistance memory cells may be configured to store the first data value by maintaining a third electrical resistance and to store the second data value by maintaining a fourth electrical resistance. The fourth resistance may be greater than the third resistance, and the third resistance may be less than the first resistance.
US08045362B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device comprising: a memory cell array in which memory cells each containing a variable resistive element and a rectifier element connected in series are arranged at intersections of a plurality of first wirings and a plurality of second wirings; and a control circuit for selectively driving said first wirings and said second wirings; wherein said control circuit applies a first voltage to said selected first wiring, and changes said first voltage based on the position of said selected memory cell within said memory cell array to apply a second voltage to said selected second wiring, so that a predetermined potential difference is applied to a selected memory cell arranged at the intersection between said selected first wiring and said selected second wiring.
US08045360B2 Semiconductor device having single-ended sensing amplifier
A sense amplifier in a semiconductor storage device includes a memory cell for storing information on the basis of the size of the resistance value between a signal input/output terminal and a power supply terminal, the semiconductor storage device having a structure in which the bit line capacitance during signal reading from the memory cell is reduced, wherein the amplifier amplifies a signal outputted from an input/output terminal through the use of a single MOS transistor that has a single-ended structure.
US08045359B2 Switching element, method of manufacturing the switching element, and memory element array
Disclosed is a switching element including: an insulative substrate; a first electrode and a second electrode provided to the insulative substrate; an interelectrode gap between the first electrode and the second electrode, comprising a gap of a nanometer order which causes switching phenomenon of resistance by applying a predetermined voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a sealing member to seal the interelectrode gap such that the gap is retained.
US08045351B2 Method and apparatus of providing a biased current limit for limiting maximum output power of power converters
A biased current-limit circuit for limiting a maximum output power of a power converter includes an oscillator for generating a pulse signal. A waveform generator generates a waveform signal in response to a switching signal and a second-sampling signal. A sample-hold circuit is used to sample the waveform signal to generate a hold signal in response to a first-sampling signal. The sample-hold circuit further samples the hold signal to generate a current-limit threshold in response to the second-sampling signal. A current comparator is utilized to compare a current-sensing signal with the current-limit threshold to limit a maximum on-time of the switching signal.
US08045347B2 Method for operating a converter circuit, and apparatus for carrying out the method
A method for operating a converter circuit is disclosed. Such a converter circuit has a converter unit with a multiplicity of actuatable power semiconductor switches and is connected to a three-phase electrical AC mains system and in which the actuatable power semiconductor switches are actuated by means of an actuation signal (SA) formed from a control signal (SR), and the control signal (SR) is formed by adjusting an H-th harmonic component of system currents (iNH) to a system current setpoint value (iNHref), wherein H=1, 2, 3 . . . . For the purpose of reducing a harmonic component in the system voltages, the system current setpoint value (iNHref) is formed by adjusting the absolute value of an H-th harmonic component of the system voltages (uNH) to the absolute value of a prescribable system voltage setpoint value (uNHref). An exemplary apparatus carries out the method.
US08045345B2 Power converting apparatus
A detected DC voltage value estimation mechanism samples detected DC voltage values at specific intervals of a period T, stores detected DC voltage values Vn to Vn−m detected at a present time tn up to a sampling time tn−m which is m sampling cycles (m≧1) before the present time tn, and calculates a DC voltage estimation value Vn+1 at a next time tn+1 using the detected DC voltage values Vn to Vn−m, expressing a curve connecting the voltage values Vn to Vn−m by a specific function. An output voltage control into which the DC voltage estimation value Vn+1 is input corrects an output voltage command value and outputs the corrected output voltage command value to a power converter.
US08045344B2 Regulating output current from a primary side power converter by clamping an error signal
An inductor current flows through an inductor of a flyback converter. In a constant voltage mode, the pulse width of an inductor switch control signal is adjusted to maintain a constant output voltage of the flyback converter. The inductor switch control signal controls a switch through which the inductor current flows. In a constant current mode, a comparing circuit, a control loop and a clamp generator circuit are used to maintain the peak level of inductor current. The comparing circuit generates a timing signal based on the ramp-up rate of the inductor current. The control loop uses the timing signal and a feedback signal to generate a time error signal. The clamp generator circuit uses the time error signal to generate a clamp signal that adjusts the pulse width of the inductor switch control signal to clamp the peak current output by the flyback converter in the constant current mode.
US08045343B2 Server carrier assembly
A server carrier assembly includes a server carrier configured for receiving a server therein, and a cable collecting structure mounted to the server carrier. The cable collecting structure includes a bracket and at least one receiving portion extending from the bracket. A space between the bracket and the receiving portion is defined for collecting at least one cable of the server. At least one opening is defined in the bracket and configured for the cable of the server to extend there through.
US08045340B2 Data processing system
The invention relates to a data processing system with a main board, in which main board has at least one multipoint connector, in which at least one riser card is accommodated, and a first daughter card is accommodated in first riser card in such a manner that first daughter card is arranged parallel to main board. The data processing system further comprises a second multipoint connector, wherein a second riser card is accommodated in second multipoint connector, and a second daughter card is accommodated in second riser card in such a manner that second daughter card is arranged parallel to main board. The First multipoint connector and the second multipoint connectors are arranged on opposite outer sides of the main board. Each daughter card comprises a respective I/O interface which each cooperates with a common rear panel and is pointed towards the common rear panel. Relative to second daughter card, first daughter card is arranged rotated by 180° about an axis running parallel to main board.
US08045337B2 Lock for a housing
A lock for a housing may have a protrusion, an opening, a receptacle, and a ramp. The protrusion is formed in a first side wall of a first member of the housing, and the opening is defined in the first side wall. The receptacle extends from a second side wall of a second member of the housing, and is in some ways complementary in shape and in dimensions to the protrusion. The ramp is formed in the second side wall. When the first member and the second member are assembled, the protrusion and the receptacle are mated to form a water-tight seal therebetween, while the ramp is received within the opening.
US08045332B2 Multi-direction wedge clamp
A circuit card clamp (300) including a base member (316), at least one first wedge member (446), and a thermally conductive membrane (350). The base member has an elongated shape configured for insertion in a circuit card chassis slot (106). The first wedge member is movable relative to the base member in response to a first actuator (304) for engaging the circuit card chassis slot. The thermally conductive membrane is coupled to the base member and the first wedge member. The thermally conductive membrane has slack for permitting the first wedge member to move relative to the base member between a first clamped position and a second unclamped position. The thermally conductive membrane defines a thermal conductive path (206) between a circuit card (104) and the chassis slot for releasably securing a circuit card in the circuit card chassis slot.
US08045331B2 Printed circuit board, method of fabricating the same, and electronic apparatus employing the same
A printed circuit board includes a core layer, an insulation layer formed on the core layer and having a cavity formed on a part of the insulation layer, and a circuit pattern formed on the insulation layer, wherein the circuit pattern comprises one or more external terminals positioned above the cavity.
US08045327B2 Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a partition, a first cooling fan, and a second cooling fan. The partition partitions an inside of the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber communicates with a first inlet, a third inlet, and a first outlet. The second chamber communicates with a second inlet and a second outlet. The first cooling fan locates above the third inlet in the first chamber, and includes a first intake configured to draw air in the first chamber, and a second intake configured to draw air outside the housing through the third inlet, the first cooling fan being configured to discharge the air to a heat sink. The second cooling fan locates in the second chamber and is configured to draw air in the second chamber, and to discharge the air to the second outlet.
US08045325B2 Disk array structure
A disk array structure includes a housing, a connection seat, and at least two disks. The housing contains at least two transversal holding spaces, and the connection seat is assembled with the housing, containing a circuit board, at least two connectors, and a rear sheath casing. Each connector is electrically connected at an inner side of the circuit board, and the rear sheath casing is assembled at an outer side of the circuit board, containing plural connection holes and a toggle switch. Each disk is loosely installed in each holding space of the housing, with one end electrically connected with each connector of the connection seat, and the other end having a handle. The structure is carried conveniently, the disks are extracted conveniently, heat is dissipated quickly, the structure is manufactured quickly, manufacturing cost is reduced, and the structure serves as a mouse pad and is toggled for use conveniently.
US08045322B2 Solid insulated bus switchgear
A solid insulated bus switchgear including a cabinet having unit and bus rooms, first and second switching units, each having a circuit breaker, current transformer, zero-phase sequence current transformer, and instrument voltage transformer, main buses, a communication bus linked to the main buses, and connected to the first and the second switching units, and first and second leader buses, the first connected to the first switching unit, the second connected to the second switching unit. Each switching unit has a movable cart, the circuit breaker mounted on the cart, and a frame assembly. Two terminals are disposed on the back of the circuit breaker, one connected to a fixed electrode and the other connected to a movable electrode of the circuit breaker. The two terminals are connected to the communication bus and to the first or second leader bus through air bushings.
US08045321B2 Resin-coated aluminum alloy sheet material for aluminum electrolytic capacitor case, case for aluminum electrolytic capacitor, and aluminum electrolytic capacitor
A resin-coated aluminum alloy sheet material for an aluminum electrolytic capacitor case includes a resin layer that contains wax composed of at least one of polyethylene wax and carnauba wax, and has a thickness falling within a range from at least 2 μm to at most 22 μm. A total of lengths of wax particles, defined when the wax particles are cut along a straight line of 100 μm optionally drawn on the surface of the resin layer, is at least 10 μm. A number of the wax particles, featured by a cross-sectional shape having a size of at most 80% of the thickness of the resin layer and of at least 0.1 μm, is from at least 3 to at most 50. A number of the wax particles, featured by a cross-sectional shape featured by a major axis extent having a size of more than 80% of the thickness of the resin layer is less than 10.
US08045318B2 Tunable capacitor using electrowetting phenomenon
A tunable capacitor using an electrowetting phenomenon includes a first electrode; a second electrode which is spaced apart from the first electrode and faces the first electrode; a fluidic channel which is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first insulating layer which is disposed between the first electrode and the fluidic channel; and a conductive fluid which is disposed in the fluidic channel and moves along the fluidic channel when a direct current (DC) potential difference occurs between the first and second electrodes. Accordingly, it is possible to fabricate the tunable capacitor with the simplified fabrication process, good reliability and durability, and no restriction on the tuning range.
US08045317B2 Current limited voltage source with wide input current range
An integrated electronic device includes circuitry for providing a regulated output supply voltage level at an output node from an adjustable current. The circuitry includes an adjustable current source for providing the adjustable current and for adjusting the adjustable current to a magnitude of a target value in response to a configuration signal, an auxiliary adjustable current source providing an auxiliary adjustable current having a magnitude corresponding to the target value, and an output supply voltage level regulating loop coupled to the output node and adapted to keep the output supply voltage level at a preset value. A current selecting stage is adapted to receive the adjustable current and the auxiliary current. The current selecting stage is further adapted to supply a selected current corresponding to a lesser value of the adjustable current and the auxiliary adjustable current. Further, a current limiting stage is coupled to the output node for limiting the selected current to a predefined magnitude.
US08045310B2 Semiconductor device with overcurrent protection
A semiconductor device with an over-current detection feature is disclosed. According to an example of the invention the device includes: a semiconductor chip including a load current path that conducts a load current in response to an input signal activating the load current flow. A current sensor arrangement provides a measurement signal representing the load current. An evaluation circuit is configured to compare the measurement signal with a first threshold and to signal an over-current when the measurement signal exceeds the first threshold after a delay time period starting from the activation of the load current flow has elapsed.
US08045299B2 Method and apparatus for oxidizing conductive redeposition in TMR sensors
A method and apparatus for oxidizing conductive redeposition in TMR sensors is disclosed. A TMR stack having a first electrode that includes at least a pinned layer and an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer, a second electrode that includes a free layer and a tunnel barrier is formed. The TMR barrier layer is etched. Redeposition material is oxidized and the barrier is healed using an oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of ozone and water vapor.
US08045297B2 Flex cable and method for lowering flex cable impedance
A flex cable comprises a base film, a first adhesive layer coupled with the base film, and at least two signal traces coupled with the first adhesive layer. The flex cable comprises a second adhesive layer coupled with the signal traces and the first adhesive layer, and a cover film coupled with the second adhesive layer. The flex cable comprises an electrically conductive layer adjacent to the signal traces, and parallel with the base film and the cover film.
US08045295B2 Method and apparatus for providing an additional ground pad and electrical connection for grounding a magnetic recording head
Method and apparatus are presented for electrically coupling a slider to ground. In one embodiment, a bonding pad is provided on a side of the slider body separate from the bonding pad(s) used for read/write signals. This separate bonding pad is electrically coupled within the slider body to components that are to be coupled to ground. A separate conductor provided on the suspension (e.g., a trace, a flex circuit, etc.) may be electrically coupled to the separate bonding pad via gold ball bonding. The conductor is also coupled to ground in the hard-disk drive device (e.g., via the preamplifier). The use of the separated bonding pad and trace may negate the need to use a conductive adhesive to electrically ground the slider via its attachment to the tongue of a slider.
US08045291B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording head and manufacturing method thereof
A perpendicular magnetic recording head includes a main magnetic pole layer exposed to an opposing surface opposite a recording medium, applying a perpendicular recording magnetic field to the recording medium; a return yoke layer disposed in the opposing surface opposite the recording medium above or below the main magnetic pole layer, the return yoke layer receiving the recording magnetic field returning thereto after passing through the recording medium; and a planarized nonmagnetic layer filling the surroundings of the return yoke layer to planarized the return yoke layer. Inclined or curved surfaces are formed at both sides in a track width direction of the return yoke layer, the inclined or curved surfaces gradually broadening the dimension of the return yoke layer in the track width direction as the inclined or curved surfaces extend from front end surfaces thereof exposed to the opposing surface opposite the recording medium in the height direction. A cohesive layer is disposed between the return yoke layer and the planarized nonmagnetic layer to increase the cohesive properties between the return yoke layer and the planarized nonmagnetic layer compared with the case in which the return yoke layer is directly connected to the planarized nonmagnetic layer.
US08045290B2 Tape head layout having offset read and write element arrays
A tape head assembly for writing data to and reading data from a tape includes a tape head member having an engagement surface that is configured to engage the tape as the tape moves past the tape head member. A plurality of arrays of interactive elements are supported on the engagement surface. Each array is longitudinally offset from each other array. Each individual array includes a read group having only read elements and a write group having only write elements. Each read group is laterally offset from each write group within each array.
US08045289B2 Data transfer apparatus for use with tape cartridges having a helical cammed surface and tape cartridges having cammed surface for use with such data transfer apparatus
A tape cartridge includes a housing and a tape reel that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The tape reel is adapted to cooperably engage a reel drive member of a data transfer apparatus that, in use, applies a drive torque to the tape reel to rotate the tape reel about the axis of rotation. The cooperable engagement of the tape reel and reel drive member is such as to secure the tape reel to the reel drive member to at least substantially prevent tipping of the tape reel with respect to the reel drive member.
US08045288B2 Tape drive with cartridge thickness detecting sensors
The present invention is directed to provide a tape drive capable of securely pressing and holding a thin-type or a thick-type loaded tape cartridge being different in case thicknesses, so as to be vertically immovable.The tape drive D accommodates within it a loading frame 28 for receiving and supporting each tape cartridge 40A, 40B being different in case thicknesses and a holder 29 for holding the tape cartridge 40A, 40B by pressing the cartridge. The side wall 31 of the loading frame is provided with a pair of upper and lower sensors 34, 35 for identifying the thin-type and the thick-type loaded tape cartridges. The holder 29 is displaced to a height position matching with the loaded tape cartridge 40A, 40B based on the tape cartridge size detected by the sensors 34, 35.
US08045287B1 Self-servo-write method with repeatable runout compensation
A system including a self-servo-write, a position measuring module, and a compensation module. The self-servo-write module is configured to position a head of a hard disk drive to write a first set of servo wedges on a magnetic medium of the hard disk drive. The position measuring module is configured to measure a first position of the head when the head writes the first set of servo wedges on the magnetic medium. The compensation module is configured to generate first data to compensate a repeatable error based on the first position of the head measured by the position measuring module. The first data to compensate the repeatable error is written on the magnetic medium along with the first set of servo wedges.
US08045286B2 Contact type thin film magnetic head with heater for distance control
A contact type thin film magnetic head and method of using the same are provided. The contact type thin film magnetic head comprises a head element that is provided on a disk-facing surface of a slider, a magnetic disk, and heating elements disposed in a plane position different from that of the head element. A protective layer covers the heating elements and the head element. The heating elements and the protecting layer are formed on the disk-facing surface of the slider. The protective layer protrudes further toward the magnetic disk than the head element.
US08045285B1 Data synchronization for bit insertion or deletion
In an implementation, a media drive includes bit patterned magnetic media and a module. The module is to cause data encoded by one or more error correction codes to be written on the bit patterned magnetic media with a constraint that is configured to be used to synchronize the data if a bit insertion or deletion occurs.
US08045284B2 Bit patterned magnetic media data format
In an implementation, a media drive comprises bit patterned magnetic media and one or more modules. The one or more modules are to cause data to be written on the bit patterned magnetic media in a data sector that includes a synchronization mark disposed between data blocks of the data sector.
US08045281B2 Method of setting write factor in hard disk drive and hard disk drive using the same
A method of setting write factors of each head in a hard disk and a hard disk drive using the method. The method includes writing a write signal onto a test track based on a write factor initially set on the magnetic head, writing the write signals onto the tracks adjacent to the test track, measuring the write quality of the test track, changing the write factor of the magnetic head and repeating the writing of the write signal onto the test track, and setting a write factor of the magnetic head by selecting the write factor corresponding to an optimum write quality from among the write qualities of the write factors of the test track.
US08045272B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a front side that is exposed the outside. A refractor or set of refractors is positioned so as to minimize the appearance of a shield member to a viewer, thus causing a non-display region of the display apparatus to appear to be smaller than its actual size, thus increasing a size of an image display region of the display apparatus.
US08045270B2 Optical sheet and a tiled display including the same
A tiled display device including a plurality of display panels, a lenticular pattern disposed on a display panel, a base film disposed on the lenticular pattern and a prism pattern disposed on the base film.
US08045269B2 Optical filter
An optical filter has a multilayer thin film comprising first to i-th layers stacked in alternate layers of high and low refractive indices on a transparent substrate. Respective odd-numbered layers (high refractive index layers) and respective even-numbered layers (low refractive index layers) form repetitive sequences of layers each of which cyclically changes in optical thickness throughout the multilayer thin film. Each of k-th from-the-bottom alternate layers of high and low refractive indices has such an optical thicknesses as meet the following conditional expressions (1) and (2), concurrently: n×d=(.c/4)×[1+sin{(k−1)×.}×.]  (1) 0 . . . <1   (2) where .c is the center wavelength of reflection band, n is the refraction index of the layer for the d-line, d is the physical thickness of the layer, . is a factor of a pitch angle represented by 2./the number of layers a one layer-stack, . is the rate of amplitude.
US08045268B2 Imaging device, and diffraction grating lens for use in the device
In a refraction lens having an aspheric shape formed thereon and having a positive power, a diffraction grating is formed on at least one of the faces of the refraction lens. In order to reduce the curvature of field and the chromatic aberration in a well-balanced manner, the zonal pitch of the diffraction grating is constituted so as to satisfy the following conditional expression. [ eq . ⁢ 19 ] 0.21 ⁢ ⁢ m 2 ⁢ v d ⁢ λ ⁢ f h max < Λ min < 0.30 ⁢ ⁢ m 2 ⁢ v d ⁢ λ ⁢ f h max ( 1 ) Herein, Λmin is a minimum zonal pitch 12; m is an order of diffraction; νd is an Abbe number of the lens substrate material with respect to the d-line; λ is a wavelength; f is an effective focal length; and hmax is an effective radius 13 of the face on which the diffraction grating is formed.
US08045267B2 Optical element that enables recording and reproduction of a stereoscopic image as a hologram
An optical element having a set of a plurality of three dimensional cells. Each cell with a specific amplitude and a specific phase are defined and which has optical characteristics such that when a predetermined incident light is provided to the individual cell, an emitted light, resulting from changing the amplitude and the phase of the incident light in accordance with the specific amplitude and the specific phase defined for the cell is obtained.
US08045265B2 Three-dimensional image recording medium
An object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional image recording medium in which three-dimensional information of a recorded material is recorded precisely and observed more naturally. The linear images of plural parallel-projection images from different directions A to E divided into rectangles are recorded sequentially to divisional recording units of the linear image recording units M1 to M8 and in addition, the linear images of divided parallel-projection images from the same direction are recorded sequentially to each divisional recording unit arranged in the same position relative to a lens width direction of each lenticular lens unit L1 to L8 corresponding to each linear image recording unit M1 to M8 to thereby reproduce a three-dimensional image by combining the linear images of plural parallel-projection images.
US08045262B2 Laser scanning microscope
The present invention relates to a laser scanning microscope that can generate an arbitrary control signal without depending on the configuration of the hardware. A memory 64 has a bit width wider than a bit width of drive data based on a drive table for generating a drive signal X for driving a scanner, which is driven by a drive circuit 66X, to scan a designated scanning area at a designated speed, and stores the drive table, and a controller 61 sets a control signal for controlling a predetermined operation in a predetermined mechanism that has a strict time relationship with the scanning based on the drive data, in bits in the bit width of the memory 64X, excluding the bits used by the drive data, and these mechanisms perform the predetermined operation based on the control signal that is read simultaneously when the drive data is read from the memory 64X. The present invention can be applied to a confocal laser scanning microscope that observes a sample by performing scanning with laser light.
US08045248B2 Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device includes a light source, a light-beam splitting unit, a deflector, and a scanning optical system. The light-beam splitting unit splits a light beam from the light source into a plurality of light beams, so that the light beams are each incident to any one of reflecting surfaces of the deflector while having a phase difference of approximately π/2. The scanning optical system receives the light beams from the deflector and projects each of the light beams onto a corresponding target surface.
US08045246B2 Method and apparatus for bulk erasure in a holographic storage system
A method and system for bulk erasing in a holographic storage system is disclosed. The method may involve illuminating the entire volume storage region of a photorefractive crystal with a laser to achieve bulk erasure, or may involve selective erasure of a portion of a single written page. For bulk erasure of the entire photorefractive crystal the use of a separate laser or an incoherent light source is used.
US08045244B2 Holographic projection method and holographic projection device
Video image data is converted into spatial frequency information using Fourier transformation. The spatial frequency information is provided to an information display unit. The spatial frequency information as a phase distribution is displayed on the information display unit, light is irradiated onto the information display unit using a light source, and the amount of light that is irradiated by the light source is adjusted based on the video image data. And diffraction light, which is irradiated by the light source and modulated as the spatial frequency information by the information display unit, is projected onto a projecting unit.
US08045242B2 Color conversion apparatus and color conversion method
A color conversion apparatus includes: an original data analyzing unit configured to extract background color information of an original and color information of a character and line drawing object on the background; a background color changing unit configured to change the background color of the original when necessary, on the basis of the result of comparing the background color information acquired from the original data analyzing unit with a preset threshold value; and a character and line drawing color correcting unit configured to change lightness of the character and line drawing color in a way that increases a lightness difference between the background color for printing and the character and line drawing color on the background when necessary, on the basis of the background color information of the original acquired from the original data analyzing unit, the background color information for printing acquired from the background color changing unit, and the character and line drawing color information on the background acquired from the original data analyzing unit. The color conversion apparatus contributes to saving of color material, reduction in load on a printer engine, prevention of stripping of color material, and prevention of deformation of paper.
US08045240B2 Imaging apparatus having a document planar member that displays scan operation related indicia
An imaging apparatus includes an image capturing system. A controller is communicatively coupled to the image capturing system. A scanner body has a scanner opening. The image capturing system is located adjacent the scanner opening. A document planar member is positioned across the scanner opening. The document planar member is communicatively coupled to the controller. The document planar member has a transparent state wherein the document planar member is clear and having a translucent state wherein the document planar member is translucent. The controller executes program instructions to control the document planar member to display scan operation related indicia formed by controlling a first portion of the document planar member to be in the transparent state and controlling a second portion of the document planar member to be in the translucent state.
US08045238B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method and image reading apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a first log conversion unit configured to execute gradation conversion processing for copying on an image signal generated by reading an original, an output-signal converting unit configured to generate an output signal from the image signal subjected to the gradation conversion processing for copying and output the output signal to an output apparatus, a second log conversion unit configured to be provided independently from the first log conversion unit and execute gradation conversion processing for specific original detection on the image signal generated by reading the original, and a specific-original detecting unit configured to detect whether the original is a specific original from the image signal subjected to the gradation conversion processing for specific original detection.
US08045237B2 Data processing apparatus and method of using the same
In a data processing apparatus of the present invention, a disk unit storing a disk is mounted on the apparatus such that the surface of the disk is parallel to the direction of a shock or an impact. This protects the disk unit and therefore the disk from the influence of shocks and impacts as far as possible.
US08045236B2 Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating background processing of push content
Apparatus, and an associated method, for a communication device operable pursuant to a push content communication scheme. An instruction detector detects a message containing a instruction by which to operate upon push content. The message is, for instance, generated by a mobile station at which an application associated with the content is resident. Once detected by the instruction detector, a content operator operates upon the content in a manner corresponding to the instruction contained in the detected message. Once operated upon, the content is stored at a storage element, available when an application of which the content is associated, becomes active.
US08045234B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus with an image reading apparatus that may suppress the intensity level of radiated noise from the image reading apparatus in an appropriate manner, without disrupting other functions, etc. The movable image reading apparatus comprises a carriage having a light source adapted to expose an original to light, a photoelectric conversion element, and a drive circuit unit adapted to drive the photoelectric conversion element; and a plurality of guide members adapted to movably guide the carriage. The plurality of guide members are individually earthed to a housing of the image forming apparatus through a plurality of earth contacts.
US08045230B2 Image processing apparatus, method, computer program product, and image forming apparatus, detecting a halftone area based on a rearranged halftone dot detection result
A halftone pixel detection unit detects pixels near center pixels of halftone pixels by comparing a density difference between a target pixel and each of neighboring pixels of image data with a predetermined threshold. A halftone pixel rearranging unit rearranges the halftone pixels detected by the halftone pixel detection unit relative to the target pixel and a halftone-area detection unit detects a halftone area based upon a pattern of the halftone pixels that is rearranged.
US08045227B2 Print controlling device, image forming device, print controlling method, and computer readable recording medium storing control program
Disclosed is a print controlling device including a control unit to control printing according to an instruction which relates to the printing, wherein the control unit analyzes a page description language which relates to the printing, determines whether the printing is practically monochrome printing or color printing, and changes a first command of the page description language to a second command for monochrome printing when it is determined that the printing is monochrome printing.
US08045226B2 Multi-module device including a printer module
A multi-module device having first and second modules is disclosed. The first and second modules communicate through a serial bus. The first module has a memory for storing image data in a RGB format and a processing unit for converting the image data from the RGB format to a L*a*b* format, before outputting image data in the L*a*b* format through the serial bus. The second module receives the image data in the L*a*b* format, converts the image data to a CMY format and prints the image data in the CMY format.
US08045224B2 Image formation system adding pattern information to print image based on read pattern information from medium surface for determining if medium is original
An image formation system includes a medium-pattern-information-read-unit that reads pattern information of a surface of a medium; a pattern-information-image-creation-unit that creates a pattern Information image based on the read pattern information; and a print unit that adds the pattern information image to a print image to be printed on the surface of the medium and prints the print image on the medium.
US08045221B2 Image-processing device, image-processing method, and recording medium
An image-processing device includes: a color conversion unit that converts an input image data expressed by a combination of light's primary colors into an intermediate image data in which a color of each pixel is expressed by a combination of basic printing colors; a density correction unit that corrects the intermediate image data so that density of a pixel of the intermediate image data corresponds to that of a corresponding pixel of the input image data; an identifying unit that identifies an area in which the density is close to a prescribed value by analyzing the intermediate image data; and an output unit that corrects a density distribution in a pixel of the intermediate image data contained in the area in accordance with a prescribed distribution function and outputs the result.
US08045218B2 Digital compensation method and apparatus using image-to-image distortion map relating reference mark grids
A digital image processing method. The method includes printing a first set of reference marks on one side of a substrate with a first print engine; printing a second set of reference marks on the same side of the substrate as the first set of reference marks with a second print engine; sensing both sets of reference marks on the substrate with an image sensing unit and generating a digital image of the reference marks; performing image analysis on the digital image to obtain an image-to-image distortion map where the image-to-image distortion map is a local measure of difference between the first set of reference marks and the second set of reference marks; and generating a compensated customer image by using the image-to-image distortion map to reduce registration errors when using the first and second print engines.
US08045217B2 Printing system and printing apparatus
A printer receives changes to printing conditions by a user when executing reprinting. The printer selects whether to execute reprinting based on application data held in a host computer, or execute reprinting based on printing data held in the printer. If the printer selects executing of reprinting based on application data, the reprint request is sent to the host computer. If the printer selects executing of reprinting based on printing data held in the printer, reprinting is performed based on printing data held in the printer.
US08045213B2 Automated production control method
In a method for operating at least one machine with a computer, it is possible for at least one task for the production of a printed product to be stored in the computer, which task is processed on the machine. Parameters for setting the machine are stored as parameter sets in templates and relate to one or more production steps. For the purpose of job-specific adaptation, the settings in the templates must be modified. On account of settings which have not been tried and tested and not proven worthwhile, costs arise in terms of quality; in addition the settings can be made only by specialized personnel. To increase quality and to allow less qualified personnel to operate the machines, a parameter set based on rough entered data is compared with templates and that a most similar template be used to set the production step or steps.
US08045209B2 Image processing apparatus
Detection section 22 detects the blank space area in each page for all pages of the document, determining section 23 determines image size for combining a designated stamp image in uniform size in all the pages of that document based on a detection result by detection section 22. Combining section 24 combines the stamp image determined by determining section 23 in each page of the document. For example, size of the maximum blank space area which can fit within blank space areas of all pages of the document in uniform size, is sought, image combining is carried out with an original size if the original size of the stamp image is not larger than the maximum blank space area size, and the stamp image is combined to be in a reduced size so that it fits within the maximum blank space area size if the original size of the stamp image exceeds the maximum blank space area size.
US08045208B2 Method of translating printed text using handheld display device
A method of translating printed text using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of the substrate containing printed text in a first language and generating image data using an optical sensor; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity, the substrate identity being indexed with a page description corresponding to the printed substrate; retrieving display data using the interaction data and the page description, the display data identifying the printed text translated into a second language; and displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information based on the display data. The display information comprises displayed text corresponding to the printed text translated into the second language.
US08045206B2 Setting information transmission/reception system
When a setting relating to the print quality of a printer 3 is changed (T601), sending of ssdp:byebye to PCs 2 (T603) and time measurement by a timer 37 (T605) are executed. Then, after the elapse of 30 seconds from the start of time measurement by the timer 37, ssdp:alive is sent to the PCs 2 (T615). Even if a paper size related setting change (T607) or multiple page printing (condensed printing) setting change (T609) is made during this 30-second interval, ssdp:alive is not sent to the PCs 2 for those changes executed during the 30-second interval.
US08045202B2 Information processing apparatus and print device control method
An information processing apparatus, which can be connected to a print device which has a function of saving a print job and combining a plurality of saved print jobs, spools an accepted print job. The apparatus adds first identification information indicating a print job to be combined to the print job to be combined of a plurality of spooled print jobs. The apparatus transmits the print job added with the first identification information to the print device as a save job to be saved on the print device side. The apparatus designates the print device to combine save jobs added with the first identification information. By designating to print the combined save job according to the combining designation, an interrupt of another print job is prevented in print processing of a plurality of print jobs.
US08045199B2 Method and system to share an image forming apparatus among a plurality of hosts
A method and a system to share an image forming apparatus among a plurality of hosts. The method includes generating a print enable signal to be transmitted to one of the plurality of hosts corresponding to an order of forming communication channels among one or more hosts to enable wireless communication, and performing a print job by enabling the host that receives the print enable signal to transmit print data to the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus such as a printer or multi-purpose tray is wirelessly connected to the plurality of hosts to perform print jobs and scanning jobs.
US08045198B2 System and method for processing a change history of a PDF file
A printer includes a file input section that receives an input PDF file that holds change history; a change history extraction section that extracts the change history from the input PDF file; and a print processing section that prints the extracted change history.
US08045197B2 Data processing system, data processing apparatus, and data processing program product suited for transmitting and receiving data among a plurality of image processing apparatuses
The data processing system includes a storage portion to store user data that at least includes user identification information for identifying a user, a destination designation portion to display a user identified by the user identification information stored in the storage portion so as to allow designation of the user as a destination and a data designation portion to designate data to be delivered to the destination designated by the destination designation portion, a processing method designation portion to designate a processing method for processing the data, a user identification information input portion to accept an input of user identification information, a data extracting portion to extract data whose destination is the user specified by the user identification information inputted, and a data processing portion to process the extracted data by a processing method designated by the processing method designation portion.
US08045194B2 Document management system, document management apparatus, document management method, and program
A document management system capable of reliably implementing disposal management of printed matter resulting from print output based on document data. A print history of images based on the document data printed by a printing device is managed. A deletion instruction for at least one set of document data stored in a document storage device is received. The document data targeted for deletion from the document storage device based on the deletion instruction is deleted. Management information of the document data targeted for deletion from the document storage device based on the print history managed by the management unit is deleted.
US08045183B2 Method for determining at least the position of a movable part of a drive unit such as an internal combustion engine or the similar
A method for determining at least the position of a moving part of the drive assembly, in which the part is illuminated or exposed to light and thereby the passage of light between the moving part and a part which corresponds thereto is determined. The passage of light changes or can even be briefly interrupted during the movement of the part. As a result, it is possible to obtain reliable information about the instantaneous position of the respective part. The method can be used more widely than the known capacitive determination of the position of a moving part and is, in particular, independent of the material of the part.
US08045178B2 Interferometric tracking device
An interferometric tracking device is disclosed. A first grating is optically coupled to a second grading such that the second grating is rotationally offset from the first grating. Imaging optics are adapted to image light passing through the first and second gratings onto a focal plane array. A plurality of wedge plates are optically disposed between the imaging optics and the second grating, such that the wedge plates generate a plurality of spots on the FPA when light from a point source is incident upon the first grating.
US08045174B2 Assessing a network
A network is assessed, in particular, a network having a main line and a plurality of branch lines. The method includes the steps of: (i) introducing test signals into the main line, the main line being coupled to the branch lines; (ii) imposing a modulation on test signals which propagate along the branch line, and (iii) monitoring test signals returned along the main line. The imposed phase modulation is detected interferometrically such that the test signals from the designated branch line can be distinguished with respect to the signals returned from other branch lines.
US08045172B2 Method and apparatus for determining the concentration of a substance in a liquid
In a method for determining the concentration of at least one substance in a liquid the liquid is applied onto a test strip containing at least one test zone, wherein an optical sensor arrangement is moved step-by-step in a first direction over the surface of the test strip while the test trip is at the same time irradiated with light of a predetermined wave length and wherein in each step the radiation reflected from the surface of the test strip is measured, and wherein in each measurement step the test strip surface is irradiated alternately with light of at least two different wave lengths and the irradiation is measured at the same time and the difference between the measurement signals obtained in each measurement step using irradiation light of different wave lengths is analyzed.
US08045168B2 Apparatus and method for analysing the composition of crop in a crop-conveying machine
An apparatus is provided for analysing the composition of crop in a crop-conveying machine, such as a harvesting machine. The crop in the machine is conveyed along a crop movement path, whereof a portion is illuminated by a light source (23). A camera (24) captures sequential images of crop in the crop movement path. The apparatus further comprises a control device and a processing device operatively connected to the camera and light source. The intensity and/or the colour of light output by the light source (23) is adjustable in dependence on one or more control commands generated by the control device and determined by optical characteristics generated by the processing device from one or more prior images captured by the camera (24). A portion of the image may include a reference member (26) adjacent the crop movement path.
US08045166B2 Method of particle detection, apparatus therefor, method of forming particle concentration difference in dispersion liquid, and apparatus therefor
A method of particle detection includes a shock wave generating step of irradiating a dispersion liquid having dispersed first particles having a first diameter and second particles having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, with a pulse laser, and generating a shock wave in the dispersion liquid, a migration speed difference imparting step of migrating and accelerating the first particles at a first acceleration speed, and the second particles at a second acceleration speed higher than the first acceleration speed, by the shock wave generated at the shock wave generating step, and a detecting step of detecting the first or second particles.
US08045164B2 Position finding system and method for use in aligning laser device with an optical fiber
A position finding system and method may be used to find an alignment position of a laser device relative to an optical fiber such as an angled optical fiber. The laser device may be positioned “off-axis” relative to the optical fiber such that light from the laser device is directed at an angle to an end of the optical fiber and coupled into the optical fiber. The position finding system and method may be used to find the alignment position by searching for relative high power positions at different angular orientations of the laser device and calculating coordinates of at least one alignment position from the coordinates of the relative high power positions. The relative high power positions may be positions at which the measured power coupled into the optical fiber by the laser is maximized.
US08045161B2 Robust determination of the anisotropic polarizability of nanoparticles using coherent confocal microscopy
A coherent confocal microscope for fully characterizing the elastic scattering properties of a nanoparticle as a function of wavelength. Using a high numerical aperture lens, two-dimensional scanning and a simple vector beam shaper, the rank-2 polarizability tensor is estimated from a single confocal image. A computationally efficient data processing method is described and numerical simulations show that this algorithm is robust to noise and uncertainty in the focal plane position. The measurement of the polarizability removes the need for a priori assumptions regarding the nanoparticle shape.
US08045154B2 Apparatus and method for measuring concentrations of fuel mixtures using depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence
The apparatus for measuring concentrations of fuel mixtures using depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence is a fluorometer equipped with a sample container holder that is movable in the path of the beam from the light source. Fluorescent emissions from the sample mixture pass at 90° to the excitation light path through a slit that is narrow enough that the emission intensity is effectively produced by a thin layer of the sample and focused on a monochromator, with successive thin layers receiving nonuniform excitation radiation due to reduction of intensity along the excitation light source path with increasing depth penetration and due to reabsorption of emitted fluorescence from adjacent layers. The method has a first mode in which the emission spectrum is scanned at a fixed depth, and a second mode in which the sample is moved relative to the emission monochromator slit to vary the depth while keeping the emission wavelength fixed.
US08045153B2 Spectral image processing method, spectral image processing program, and spectral imaging system
A spectral image processing system and method of performing robust unmixing on measurement noise. Based on an observed spectral image acquired from a specimen and emission spectral data of each of plural materials contained in the specimen, a contribution of each of the plural materials to the observed spectral image is unmixed by a process, including an evaluating step of evaluating reliability of each component of the observed spectral image based on a predicted spectral image of the observed spectral image, and a reflecting step of reflecting a result of the evaluation in a content of the unmixing.
US08045152B2 All optical nanoscale sensor
A composition comprising a nanoparticle and at least one adsorbate associated with the nanoparticle, wherein the adsorbate displays at least one chemically responsive optical property. A method comprising associating an adsorbate with a nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a shell surrounding a core material with a lower conductivity than the shell material and the adsorbate displays at least one chemically responsive optical property, and engineering the nanoparticle to enhance the optical property of the adsorbate. A method comprising determining an optical response of an adsorbate associated with a nanoparticle as a function of a chemical parameter, and parameterizing the optical response to produce a one-dimensional representation of at least a portion of a spectral window of the optical response in a high dimensional vector space.
US08045150B2 Semiconductor wafer inspection method
A semiconductor wafer inspection method includes: an imaging step in which a first image being an image of the chamfered surface seen from the main surface side and a second image being an image of the chamfered surface seen from the back surface side are taken; a calculation step in which a first width is obtained based on the first image, the first width being a width of the chamfered surface seen from the main surface side, a second width is obtained based on the second image, the second width being a width of the chamfered surface seen from the back surface side, and a ratio of the first width to the second width thus obtained is calculated; and a shape determination step in which a form of the chamfered surface is determined to be abnormal in a case where the ratio is out of a predetermined range.
US08045147B2 Method for determining the surface quality of a substrate and associated machine for converting the substrate
A method for determining the surface quality of a substrate passing from an initial state into a converted state during a conversion process including the steps of acquiring first information relating to surface defects detected on the initial substrate, acquiring second information relating to surface defects detected on the converted substrate, of processing the first information and the second information, and of classifying the converted substrate as a function of the first acquired information relating to the surface defects detected on the initial substrate and as a function of the second acquired information relating to the surface defects detected on the converted substrate.
US08045145B1 Systems and methods for acquiring information about a defect on a specimen
Systems and methods for acquiring information about a defect on a specimen are provided. One system includes an optical subsystem configured to acquire topography information about the defect. The system also includes an electron beam subsystem configured to acquire additional information about the defect. One method includes acquiring first data for the defect using an optical technique and second data for the defect using an electron beam technique. The first and second data is acquired while the specimen is disposed in a single vacuum chamber. The method also includes determining topography information about the defect from the first data. In addition, the method includes determining additional information about the defect from the second data.
US08045138B2 Support plate, exposure apparatus having the support plate, and a device manufacturing method using the exposure apparatus
An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate through a liquid. The apparatus includes a stage that holds the substrate and moves, and a support plate disposed on the stage and around the periphery of the substrate and supporting the liquid together with the substrate. The support plate includes a liquid-repellent structure portion on the surface of which is formed a texture repellent to the liquid, and a flat portion on the surface of which is formed a film repellent to the liquid.
US08045137B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus is disclosed wherein a liquid supply system is configured to at least partly fill a region between a substrate and a projection system of the lithographic apparatus with a liquid and having a liquid confinement structure fixed in a plane substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the projection system and configured to cooperate with a substrate table configured to hold the substrate in order to restrict the liquid to a region above an upper surface of the substrate table so that a side of the substrate to be exposed is substantially covered in the liquid during exposure.
US08045135B2 Lithographic apparatus with a fluid combining unit and related device manufacturing method
A system for tuning the refractive index of immersion liquid in an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed. Two or more immersion liquids of different refractive index are mixed together in order to achieve a desired refractive index. Further, the fluids may be conditioned and treated to maintain optical characteristics.
US08045132B2 Method and apparatus for repairing a liquid crystal panel
A method of repairing a liquid crystal panel by irradiating a defective pixel of the liquid crystal panel with laser light, comprises: in a defective pixel including a dust, irradiating at least part of the defective pixel outside the dust with laser light while the dust is not substantially irradiated with the laser light. Alternatively, a method of repairing a liquid crystal panel by irradiating a defective pixel of the liquid crystal panel with laser light, comprises: in a defective pixel including a dust, determining a non-irradiation area including the dust and an irradiation area not including the dust, and irradiating at least part of the irradiation area with laser light while the non-irradiation area is not irradiated with the laser light. An apparatus for repairing a liquid crystal panel, comprises: a laser oscillator which emits laser light; a stage on which the liquid crystal panel is mounted; an optical section which guides the laser light emitted from the laser oscillator to the liquid crystal panel mounted on the stage; and a controller which controls at least one of the stage and the optical section so that, when a dust is included in a defective pixel of the liquid crystal panel, at least part of the defective pixel outside the dust is irradiated with the laser light while the dust is not substantially irradiated with the laser light.
US08045131B2 Transmissive liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a transparent liquid crystal display device which is less in display characteristics and viewing angle dependency and can provide bright images and high contrasts. The transparent liquid crystal display device comprises at least: a backlight; a polarizer; a second optical anisotropic layer with a retardation of 50 to 180 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm; a first optical anisotropic layer with a retardation of 20 to 140 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm; a homogeneously aligned liquid crystal cell comprising upper and lower substrates facing each other and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the upper and lower substrates; a third optical anisotropic layer with a retardation of 50 to 200 nm at a wavelength of 550 nm; and a polarizer, arranged in piles in this order from the backlight, wherein the first optical anisotropic layer comprising at least a liquid crystal film with a fixed nematic hybrid liquid crystal alignment structure.
US08045129B2 Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines crossing each other on a first substrate, to define a pixel; a first thin film transistor in a portion where the gate lines and the data lines cross each other; a plurality of position detection lines on the first substrate, the position detection lines spaced a constant distance from the data lines and crossing the gate lines; a second thin film transistor for detecting a position, in a portion on the first substrate where the gate lines and the position detection lines cross each other; a protrusion pattern protruding from a second substrate and corresponding to a drain electrode of the second thin film transistor; and a transparent conductive layer on the protrusion pattern, electrically connected to the drain electrode when touching.
US08045126B2 Liquid crystal display device having column spacers and first auxiliary spacers that include a plurality of spaced apart patterns
A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates spaced apart from each other, on which a display area and a non-display area are defined, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates, a seal pattern in the non-display area between the first and second substrates, a driver in the non-display area on the first substrate, column spacers in the display area between the first and second substrates, and a first auxiliary spacer between the driver and the second substrate.
US08045119B2 Active device array substrate
An active device array substrate including a substrate, an active device array, an detecting circuit, a plurality of driver chip pads, a plurality of flexible printed circuit (FPC) pads, a plurality of connection lines and an inner shorting ring is provided. The active device array and the detecting circuit are disposed on the substrate, and the detecting circuit is electrically connected to the active device array. The driver chip pads and the FPC pads are disposed on the substrate, wherein the driver chip pads are electrically connected to the active device array. The connection lines are disposed on the substrate, and each of the connection lines is respectively connected to the detecting circuit and the corresponding FPC pad. The inner shorting ring is disposed on the substrate, and the inner shorter ring is respectively electrically connected to the corresponding FPC pad and the active device array.
US08045116B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display includes a pair of transparent substrates opposed to each other with liquid crystal therebetween, and one of the substrates has a plurality of drain signal lines, gate signal lines, and pixel regions defined by the drain signal lines and the gate signal lines. The pixel regions include a semiconductor region which constitutes a channel of a TFT element, a first electrode formed of a transparent electrode, and a second electrode formed of a transparent electrode. The second electrode is disposed between the first electrode and the one of the substrates, the second electrode is overlapped with the first electrode in the pixel region, the second electrode is overlapped with the gate signal line, and the second electrode is connected with the second electrode of an adjacent pixel region. The second electrode is not formed at a position on the TFT element.
US08045113B2 Thin film transistor substrate, liquid crystal panel and liquid crystal display device using the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) substrate including a base, a plurality of scan lines and data lines and a pixel unit is provided. The scan lines are disposed on the base. The data lines are disposed above the scan lines and are perpendicular to the scan lines to define a plurality of pixel areas. The pixel unit is disposed on the base and inside one of the pixel areas. The pixel unit comprises a TFT and a pixel electrode. The TFT comprises a source and a drain. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the drain. The pixel electrode comprises a first main electrode, a second main electrode and a plurality of branch electrodes. The first main electrode is perpendicular to the second main electrode. The branch electrodes are connected to the first main electrode and/or the second main electrode. The first main electrode substantially divides the pixel area evenly.
US08045112B2 Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes: a first panel having a pixel region including a pixel electrode therein; a second panel having a common electrode facing the first panel; a liquid crystal layer having vertically aligned liquid crystal molecules interposed between the first and second panels; a first alignment layer disposed on the pixel electrode; and a second alignment layer disposed on the common electrode. At least one of the pixel electrode and the common electrode has a micro slit pattern. At least one of the first and second alignment layers divides the pixel region into domains, is formed to have pretilt directions corresponding to a given domain, and pretilts the vertically aligned liquid crystal molecules in the given domain. A direction of summed horizontal components of a fringe field at an edge of the pixel region is substantially equal to a direction of summed horizontal components of a pretilt direction of the at least one of the first and second alignment layer.
US08045107B2 Color-tunable plasmonic device with a partially modulated refractive index
A color-tunable plasmonic device is provided with a partially modulated refractive index. A first dielectric layer overlies a bottom electrode, and has a refractive index non-responsive to an electric field. A second dielectric layer overlies the first dielectric layer, having a refractive index responsive to an electric field. An electrically conductive top electrode overlies the second dielectric layer. A plasmonic layer including a plurality of discrete plasmonic particles is interposed between the top and bottom electrodes. In one aspect, the plasmonic layer is interposed between the first and second dielectric layers. In a second aspect, the plasmonic layer is interposed between the first dielectric layer and the bottom electrode. In a third aspect, a first plasmonic layer is interposed between the first dielectric layer and the bottom electrode, and a second plasmonic layer of discrete plasmonic particles is interposed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer.
US08045104B2 In-plane switching mode liquid crystal display and method for manufacturing the same, comprising first and second black matrix lines
A liquid crystal display and a method of manufacturing the same that can reduce the increase in the black level due to light leakage, without reducing the aperture ratio while improving the contrast ratio. The liquid crystal display includes a TFT array substrate comprising a data line, a pixel electrode and a common electrode, and the data line, the pixel electrode and the common electrode have at least one bent structure; a color filter array substrate opposite to the TFT array substrate, the color filter array substrate comprising a black matrix covering an area corresponding to at least the data line and the common electrode; and a liquid crystal layer formed between the TFT array substrate and the color filter array substrate, wherein the black matrix comprises a first black matrix line covering an area where light leakage is minimal, and a second black matrix line covering an area where light leakage is excessive, the second black matrix having a line width larger than a line width of the first black matrix.
US08045103B2 Color filter substrate and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a color filter substrate which can suppress a reverse tilt domain from being generated in a liquid crystal layer near a boundary between a colored layer and a bank without forming a flattening layer on the colored layer. The color filter substrate of the present invention is a color filter substrate including a substrate, an insulating film having transparency, a bank, and a colored layer, the insulating film being arranged on the substrate, the bank and the colored layer being arranged on the insulating film, the colored layer being surrounded by the bank, wherein a thickness of the insulating film in a region overlapping with the center of the colored layer is smaller than a thickness of the insulating film in a region overlapping with an edge of the colored part.
US08045102B2 Polarizer, method of fabricating the same and liquid crystal display having the same
Disclosed are a polarizer, a method for fabricating the same, and a liquid crystal display having the same. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel and a polarizer attached to the liquid crystal panel. The polarizer includes a polarizing film, a first support film, and a second support film. The first support film has optical anisotropy and is attached to the polarizing film. The first support film has a first thickness. The second support film is attached to the polarizing film while facing the first support film and has a second thickness, which is greater than the first thickness. The polarizer is fabricated by evaporating a solvent from a solution including polymer resin to form an optical film and then elongating the optical film.
US08045100B2 Optical sheet and display apparatus having the same
An optical sheet includes a reflective polarizer and a filter layer. The reflective polarizer reflects a part of incident light and transmits another part of the incident light. The filter layer selectively reflects the transmitted light passed through the reflective polarizer. The filter layer reflects at least one of a first wave band that is an overlapped area between a green peak and a blue peak in the spectrum of incident light, and a second wave band that is an overlapped area between a green peak and a red peak in the spectrum of incident light.
US08045096B2 Lighting unit including alternately arrange first and second light sources, backlight unit, liquid crystal display device
In a lighting unit, fluorescent lights and LEDs of different spectroscopic characteristics are alternately arranged in a direction X on an irradiation plane. Light sources of equal light intensity are arranged in a certain pitch for the fluorescent lights such that a uniform light amount is achieved around end portions in the direction X. The LEDs include LEDs aligned on a bottom surface of a chassis and LEDs arranged on an inner sidewall surface of the chassis. As a result, a lighting unit having a uniform amount of light across an entire irradiation plane is achieved.
US08045093B2 Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having the same
A backlight unit for slimmed structure and exhibiting uniform brightness through the improvement of its luminance efficiency and the quality in appearance of which is improved by the removal of bright lines, and a liquid crystal display device having the same are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a plurality of light emitting lamps disposed above a cover bottom such that the light emitting lamps are arranged at regular intervals, a diffusion plate disposed above the light emitting lamps, the diffusion plate including a substrate, a light control part formed on the bottom surface of the substrate corresponding to the light emitting lamps, and lens parts mounted on the top surface of the substrate, and an optical film disposed above the diffusion plate.
US08045091B2 Backlight unit and dislay device having the same
A backlight unit according to the embodiment comprises an LED module comprising an LED; a case supporting the LED module; a fixing part fixing the LED module to the case; a reflective sheet comprising an opening for exposing the LED on the LED module and the fixing part; and a guide pin fixing the reflective sheet to the case.
US08045090B2 Display unit and electronic device
A display unit has a display module and a housing case holding the display module. The housing case has a first member made of an electrically conductive material and a second member. The second member has an inner edge portion superposed with an outer edge portion of the first member and is made of an electrically nonconductive material. The second member is positioned outside the first member and is fixed to the first member. The first member has a step in its outer edge portion. The step extends over a whole area superposed with the second member. The step has an inner wall protruding and end outer wall dented as compared with a middle portion inside the outer edge portion of the first member. The second member has an inner edge portion arranged in a recess of the outer wall of the step.
US08045088B2 Liquid crystal display device having metal shield with fixing unit and shielding unit
An exemplary liquid crystal display device (20) includes a rear frame (25) including a plurality of first through holes (251) and a shield (24) including a back frame (241). The back frame includes a plurality of second through holes (244) corresponding to the first through holes, respectively. The back frame further includes a plurality of fixing units (245), and the shield further includes a plurality of shielding units (240) corresponding to the fixing units respectively. Each of the shielding units is fixed to a corresponding one of the fixing units by insert directly into the fixing unit.
US08045087B2 Liquid crystal display device and mobile communication terminal having the same
Provided is an LCD device. The LCD device includes liquid crystal panel, a mold frame, and an impact absorbing member. The liquid crystal panel has a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates. The liquid crystal panel is seated on the mold frame. The impact absorbing member is formed between the liquid crystal panel and the mold frame.
US08045071B2 Liquid crystal apparatus
Disclosed herein is a liquid crystal apparatus, including, a pair of substrates; and a liquid crystal layer held between the substrates, the liquid crystal layer having positive dielectric anisotropy, the liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer exhibiting, when no voltage is applied thereto, an orientation direction parallel to a transverse electric field which is generated when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer.
US08045070B2 Electronic display device
An electronic display device using a barrier includes a display unit displaying an image corresponding to a two dimension (2D) or a three dimension (3D), and a barrier facing the display unit and providing a 2D image or 3D image to a user. The barrier includes first and second substrates facing each other. First and second electrodes are alternately formed on the first substrate and having first gaps therebetween. A third electrode is formed on the second substrate. A dark colored layer is formed to correspond to the first gap. A liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and second substrates.
US08045069B2 Method and system for providing multiple views directed to multiple viewing zones
A multi view display (49) is arranged to provide large viewing zones (23, 24) while producing little or no cross-talk The display may include a barrier (20) comprising a plurality of color portions (20a, 20b, 20c) that co-operate with color filters (19a-19f) in a display panel (14) to selectively direct light to the viewing zones (23, 24) A lenticular screen (30) may be arranged to create or image light lines onto imaging units (32a, 32f) of the display panel (14) that are spaced from one another, so that adjacent units (32a, 32f) are illuminated by light from different lenses (30a, 30b, 30c), directed towards different viewing zones (23, 24) A light source (35) may generate the light at positions aligned with boundaries between adjacent lenses (30a, 30b, 30c) The imaging units may be operated so that units (32a, 32b) displaying information for the first viewing zone (23) are separated from units (32d, 32e) displaying information for the second viewing zone (24) by units (32c, 32f) not used to display information Adjacent columns of units (32a, 32b) may be used to display information to one viewing zone (23) The viewing zones (23, 24) may be enlarged using a scatterer (36) A switchable diffuser (40) or barrier (48) may be provided so that the display (49) can operate in different multi-view and/or single view modes.
US08045068B2 Display apparatus with gradation pattern near display boundary
A display apparatus includes a panel located in front of a display module, a pattern formed over the panel, and a reflective layer formed to overlap the pattern. At least one portion of the pattern provided closer to an edge of the panel allows for less transmittance of light and other portions of the pattern.
US08045066B2 Fully integrated tuner architecture
An integrated receiver with channel selection and image rejection substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. A receiver front end provides programmable attenuation and a programmable gain low noise amplifier. Frequency conversion circuitry advantageously uses LC filters integrated onto the substrate in conjunction with image reject mixers to provide sufficient image frequency rejection. Filter tuning and inductor Q compensation over temperature are performed on chip. The filters utilize multi track spiral inductors. The filters are tuned using local oscillators to tune a substitute filter, and frequency scaling during filter component values to those of the filter being tuned. In conjunction with filtering, frequency planning provides additional image rejection. The advantageous choice of local oscillator signal generation methods on chip is by PLL out of band local oscillation and by direct synthesis for in band local oscillator. The VCOs in the PLLs are centered using a control circuit to center the tuning capacitance range. A differential crystal oscillator is advantageously used as a frequency reference. Differential signal transmission is advantageously used throughout the receiver.
US08045065B2 SOG signal detection circuit
A Sync On Green signal detection circuit includes a clamping circuit for clamping a voltage of a video graphics signal within a default range and then outputting a clamped input signal; a first PGA (programmable gain amplifier) for receiving and amplifying the clamped input signal by a first gain to generate a first gain signal; a first low-pass filter for receiving the first gain signal and then generating a first filtered signal; a second PGA for receiving and amplifying the clamped input signal by a second gain to generate a second gain signal, wherein the second gain is different from the first gain; a second low-pass filter for receiving the second gain signal and then generating a second filtered signal; a programmable voltage shifter for receiving and adjusting the first filtered signal and then outputting a level shifted signal; and a comparator for receiving the level shifted signal and the second filtered signal and then generating a comparison signal as a SOG signal.
US08045060B2 Asynchronous camera/projector system for video segmentation
An asynchronous camera/projector system includes a projection screen, having a key color, a projector, oriented to provide a sequenced background image to the screen, and a camera, located in front of the screen, and oriented to capture a sequenced image of the screen and a real object positioned in front of the screen. The camera and projector operate out of phase, so that the camera does not record the background image.
US08045059B2 Gain control circuit and method of controlling gain
A gain control circuit includes an automatic gain controller (AGC), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a saturation field detecting block, a sync detector and a gain control block. The AGC controls amplitude of an analog image signal including a luminance signal, a color signal and a sync signal. The ADC converts the amplitude-controlled analog image signal to a digital image signal. The saturation field detecting block determines on a per field basis whether the digital image signal is saturated. The sync detector is configured to detect the sync signal in the digital image signal. The gain control block provides a gain control signal to the AGC based on an output signal of the saturation field detecting block and an output signal of the sync detector. Therefore, the gain control circuit may prevent saturation of the analog image signal by controlling gain of the analog image signal.
US08045058B2 Method of determining input port status in television receiver and television receiver using the same
A method of determining the status of a plurality of input ports in a television receiver having a plurality of signal input ports, and including a main-screen signal processor and a sub-screen signal processor, automatically verifies the presence or absence of an input signal at each signal input port. The port status determining method includes detecting signal presence at each of the plurality of signal input ports via the sub-screen signal processor to determine whether the corresponding input signal exists, by sequentially setting an input mode in correspondence to each of the plurality of signal input ports; and recognizing as a valid input port each signal input port at which signal presence is detected.
US08045055B2 Information storage medium containing subtitles and processing apparatus therefor
An information storage medium containing subtitles and a subtitle processing apparatus, where the information storage medium includes: audio-visual (AV) data; and subtitle data in which at least one subtitle text data and output style information designating an output form of the subtitle texts are stored with a text format. With this, output times of subtitle texts included in the text subtitle data can be overlapped, a subtitle file can be easily produced, and subtitles for an AV stream can be output with various forms.
US08045053B2 Video image deinterlacing apparatus and methods of performing video image deinterlacing
A video image deinterlacing apparatus includes intrafield and interfield processors therein. The intrafield processor is responsive to field data (e.g., sequence of video image fields) depicting a time-varying video image. The intrafield processor is configured to determine edge and edge steepness characteristics for a plurality of omitted pixels within fields of the time-varying video image. The interfield processor, which is also responsive to the field data, is configured to identify pixels possessing time-invariant properties.
US08045050B2 Printing system having a cradle mounted to a printer and a camera mounted to the cradle
A cradle device on which a camera device is mounted can be mounted on a printer device. There is provided a printing system that includes a camera device having an imaging unit and a memory for storing image data photographed by the imaging unit, a cradle device having a camera mounting section mounted in the state that the camera device is electrically connected and a terminal unit or an operating unit that is provided on the back surface and is electrically connected to other electronic devices, and a printer device that has a cradle mounting section mounted in the state that the cradle device is electrically connected and prints image data inputted from the cradle device, wherein the cradle mounting section has a covering portion that covers the terminal unit or the operating unit provided on the back surface of the cradle device.
US08045049B2 Signal processor configured to process a first signal to generate a second signal
A signal processor for reducing power consumption. The signal processor includes a signal processing circuit and a first regulator connected to the signal processing circuit. The first regulator receives an external regulated voltage from an external regulator connected to the signal processor and generates an internal regulated voltage that is in accordance with an output level of a CCD image sensor. The signal processing circuit operates with the internal regulated voltage and performs a predetermined signal processing on an image signal generated by the CCD image sensor.
US08045046B1 Four-dimensional polynomial model for depth estimation based on two-picture matching
Camera depth estimation is performed in response to picture matching based on blur difference computed between images captured at different focal positions. A blur difference model is stored in the camera based on characterization of the camera with a series of matching curves in which blur difference varies depending on the focal length, aperture, subject distance, and lens focus position. A four-dimensional polynomial model is created to fit the matching curves for use in estimating subject distance. During operation, images are captured for use in estimating subject distance. Motion compensation is applied and blur difference is determined. Blur difference is utilized in the polynomial model to estimate subject distance. Subject distance estimates can be output or utilized within an auto focus process to provide accurate focus adjustments.
US08045045B2 Image pickup apparatus, control method for the same, and program for implementing the control method
An image pickup apparatus which is capable of optimizing the responsiveness of linear changes in focus to operations of a ring member without sacrificing the operability of the ring member, while using a small-sized, low-cost ring member for manual operations. The rotating operation state of a focus ring 600 is detected by ring rotation sensors 603, 604. A camera microcomputer 116 causes a focus lens 105 to be moved and stopped in an optical axis direction thereof based on results of the detection by the ring rotation sensors 603, 604. The camera microcomputer 116 controls the responsiveness of linear changes in focus to the rotating operation state of the ring member detected by the ring rotation sensors 603, 604 in accordance with at least the depth of focus.
US08045044B2 Camera module comprising three members
A camera module includes an actuator body movably supporting a lens assembly along the direction of an optical axis of a lens, a sensor board on which an image pickup device is mounted, a base member disposed between the actuator body and the sensor board. The base member consists of one member which acts as an actuator base and a sensor base.
US08045041B2 Multi-layer solid state imaging device
An image pickup device includes a color separation prism composed of prism members and which separates light into color components, solid-state image sensors fixed to the prism members, respectively, image sensor boards on which the solid-state image sensors are mounted, respectively, an image control board to which image pickup signals generated by the image sensor boards, respectively, are inputted, and a flexible board which is connected to the image control board. The flexible board includes a signal transmission layer connected to each of the image sensor boards and which contains transmission paths for transmitting the image pickup signals to the image control board, and a heat radiating layer formed of a high heat conductivity material which is connected to each of the solid-state image sensors and fixed to the signal transmission layer via an insulating layer to transfer heat generated in the solid-state image sensors.
US08045040B2 Correction of non-uniform sensitivity in an image array
An improved non-uniform sensitivity correction algorithm for use in an imager device (e.g., a CMOS APS). The algorithm provides zones having flexible boundaries which can be reconfigured depending upon the type of lens being used in a given application. Each pixel within each zone is multiplied by a correction factor dependent upon the particular zone while the pixel is being read out from the array. The amount of sensitivity adjustment required for a given pixel depends on the type of lens being used, and the same correction unit can be used with multiple lenses where the zone boundaries and the correction factors are adjusted for each lens. In addition, the algorithm makes adjustments to the zone boundaries based upon a misalignment between the centers of the lens being used and the APS array.
US08045035B2 Imaging apparatus, imaging control method and recording medium readable by computer
A timing signals generator, a frequency divider, an oscillator, and a signals processing IC generates driving signals and transfer signals of a CCD. When the CCD is exposed through a long time exposure in which exposure is performed for not less than a predetermined time, each of a clock frequency of driving signals during an exposure period and a clock frequency of each of driving signals and transferring signals during a transferring period is adjusted to be lower than a clock frequency of thereof in an exposure state in which exposure is performed for less than the predetermined time period.
US08045025B2 Image pickup device adaptable to display fewer vertical pixels
In an image pickup device, in order to enable signal charge read-out from the image pickup element in a thinning-out manner from the pixels of predetermined rows, even in case the image display unit has a number of pixels in the vertical direction smaller than the number of pixels that can be outputted from the image pickup element in a single image pickup operation, and also to form a color image even from the thinned-out image signal from the image pickup element, the signal charges are read in thinning-out manner from the pixels of predetermined rows, then there is formed a line-sequential color difference signal consisting of a signal S(odd) in which color signals (Ye+Mg) and (Cy+G) are repeated in this order and a signal S(even) in which color signals (Ye+G) and (Cy+Mg) are repeated in this order and an image signal corresponding to a row in every four rows in the vertical direction is outputted from the image pickup element.
US08045023B2 Apparatus and method for intermediate image-formation of information propagating as wave motion passing through open hole and for image pick-up
An opening is made in a surface intercepting a wave propagating through space. An image of an object is formed on an intermediate surface from the wave passing through this opening. After wave conversion, that is to say, after the entity of a wave is converted into a detectable wave from which a two-dimensional image can be picked up, an image is picked up with a two-dimensional image pick-up device. Distortion caused by the two-dimensional image pick-up device is corrected using a calibration grid pattern provided on the intermediate surface. The intermediate surface provides a wave converting function, distortion calibrating function, distortion-free wide field of view ensuring function, and wave entity converting function, and a place of detection elements themselves.
US08045021B2 Memory organizational scheme and controller architecture for image and video processing
This disclosure describes an organizational scheme for memory that is useful for image processing. A memory controller architecture is also described, which takes advantage of the organizational scheme. The organizational scheme and controller architecture is particularly useful for high performance, high quality image processing of images that form a video sequence, but may also be applied in other image processing settings. The described techniques and organizational structure of the memory also allows the memory to be shared for other storage applications of a video device.
US08045015B2 Image pickup apparatus, white balance control method thereof, and storage medium
An image pickup apparatus capable of, when adjusting the white balance in development processing, eliminating the need for performing integration processing and calculation processing for white balance adjustment even when white balance is set to an arbitrary mode, thereby significantly reducing the processing time. In the image pickup apparatus, a calculation unit is adapted to, in a case where an integration parameter to be set in an integration unit is identical with or close to an integration parameter stored in a storage unit, calculate a white balance control value using a white balance integration value read out from the storage unit, without performing calculation processing using a white balance integration value acquired by an integration unit.
US08045014B2 Auto white balance correction value calculation device, method, program, and image pickup device
A normal AWB (auto white balance) correction value is calculated based on inputted image data. Further, a face area is identified from the inputted image data and a face AWB correction value is calculated based on image data in the face area. Then, first feature data and second feature data are extracted from the inputted image data and image data in the face area, respectively. A total AWB correction value is calculated in accordance with at least one of the face AWB correction value and the normal AWB correction value based on a comparison result of the first feature data and the second feature data. Thus, an erroneous correction can be prevented in an AWB correction using a face detection function.
US08045012B2 Image-pickup apparatus
An image-pickup apparatus includes: an image-pickup device for converting light into an electric signal and outputting a first image data; a transmitting unit for successively transmitting the first image data to an apparatus in the exterior of the image-pickup apparatus; and a storage unit for storing a second image data extracted from the first image data per frame unit under a predetermined condition.
US08045010B2 Imaging apparatus, imaging pickup unit connectable to a lens unit, and a lens unit connectable to imaging pickup unit
An imaging apparatus including a lens unit and an image pickup unit. The lens unit includes an optical system that projects a subject image onto an imaging device, the imaging device that converts the subject image into an electric signal, an imaging device driving part that drives the imaging device, an signal processing device that converts the electric signal from the imaging device into a digital signal, and a first connection part that connects the lens unit to the imaging pickup unit mechanically and electrically. The imaging pickup unit includes an electric power supply part, a second connection part that connects the lens unit to the imaging pickup unit mechanically and electrically, voltage supply lines that supply output voltage to the lens unit, and a voltage generating circuit that generates the output voltage supplied to the voltage supply lines.
US08045009B2 Image-exposure systems and methods using detecting motion of a camera to terminate exposure
Image-exposure systems and methods are disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes a motion detecting device, and logic configured to determine when to terminate an image-exposure based on detected motion of a camera.
US08045007B2 Image capturing system and image capturing method
An image capturing system can provide an image having the desirable composition captured by an image capturing apparatus to the user is provided.The image capturing system includes: an image capturing unit; a composition storage section for storing a plurality of compositions of the image captured by the image capturing unit; plurality of position indication units for indicating a position at which a main subject should be located in order to capture an image having the composition stored in the composition storage section; and a composition presentation section for presenting the composition of the image captured by the image capturing unit for the plurality of position indication units when the main subject is located at the position indicated by the position indication unit. The image capturing unit is fixedly installed in a predetermined position. The plurality of position indication units have a plurality of position indication mark units drawn on the positions at which the main subject should be located in each of the plurality of compositions stored in the composition storage section.
US08045001B2 Compound-eye imaging device
A compound-eye imaging device comprises a flash control means for controlling a flash unit to alternatively emit two kinds of near-infrared lights having different wavelengths while multiple single-eye images are read using a rolling shutter; a single-eye image reading means for reading, from the single-eye images, a single-eye image (hereafter “pre-change single-eye image”) imaged under a first illumination condition before an illumination condition change by the flash control means, and a single-eye image (hereafter “post-change single-eye image”) imaged under a second illumination condition after the illumination condition change; and an eye position detecting means for detecting eye positions in the single-eye images based on a comparison between the read pre-change and post-change single-eye images. This imaging device can further comprise: a face extracting means for extracting a face area based on the detected eye positions; and a personal identification means for performing personal identification based on the extracted face area.
US08045000B2 System and method for displaying an image stream
A system and method may display an image stream, where an original image stream may be divided into two or more subset images streams, each subset image stream being displayed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. The images may be displayed fused. The images may be collected from an ingestible capsule traversing the GI tract.
US08044996B2 Surface construction using combined photographic and structured light information
The invention relates to topographic construction that combines photographic and structured light information. The dual modality construction acquires structured light information for an object and photographic images from multiple views about the object. Topographic construction then processes the structured light information and photographic data in the multiple images to generate a surface representation of the object in each modality. The photographic and structured light surface representations are then combined to output a dual modality surface topography.
US08044994B2 Method and system for decoding and displaying 3D light fields
A method and system acquire and display light fields. A continuous light field is reconstructed from input samples of an input light field of a 3D scene acquired by cameras according to an acquisition parameterization. The continuous light is reparameterized according to a display parameterization and then prefiltering and sampled to produce output samples having the display parametrization. The output samples are displayed as an output light field using a 3D display device. The reconstruction can be performed by interpolating the input samples having the different views.
US08044992B2 Monitor for monitoring a panoramic image
A system and method to monitor a target area of a panoramic images by shooting the target area, sequentially shifting the shooting direction. A unit image of a generated panoramic image and a corresponding unit image of another panoramic image generated before the first panoramic image are compared and the change, if any, in the luminance level is detected. Then, the detected difference of luminance level is compared with a predetermined threshold value and predetermined information is displayed on the display screen with the generated panoramic image. It is possible to define small regions in the area for which a large threshold is predetermined and/or small regions in the area for which no such comparison is made on a unit image basis.
US08044982B2 Electro-optical device
A driving circuit of an electro-optical device that includes scanning lines divided into two or more groups and two or more common electrodes that correspond to the two or more groups of scanning lines. The driving circuit includes a data line driving circuit and a common signal supply circuit. The driving circuit divides one field of one of the pixels into sub-fields and applies the one of the pixels with on or off voltages during the sub-fields to achieve a desired gray-scale level. During one specific sub-field, the data line driving circuit supplies a data signal of an off voltage regardless of the gray-scale level for the pixel. After the specific sub-field ends, the common signal supply circuit switches a voltage applied to a common electrode of that corresponds to the group of scanning lines that includes the selected scanning line.
US08044978B2 Image display apparatus and high quality image providing method thereof
An image display apparatus and a method of providing a high quality image are provided. The image display apparatus includes an image signal processing unit which analyzes an input image signal and outputs an average picture level (APL) and histogram information of one frame; and a controlling unit which calculates contrast control information and average signal level (ASL) information corresponding to the APL and the histogram information. The image signal processing unit enhances the contrast of the input image signal based on the contrast control information output from the controlling unit, and outputs a resulting image signal. Accordingly, a high quality image can be provided to users.
US08044976B2 Extended rotation and sharpening of an object viewed from a finite number of angles
A method of continuously rotating a subject object top over bottom over top on a display screen encompasses jumping to a view having a longitude that is 180 degrees from the previous and displaying the image in an up-side-down orientation. Upon pausing, or completing the rotation by releasing the mouse button, a higher resolution image loads and displays thereby improving the sharpness or allowing the user to zoom in on additional detail.
US08044972B2 Synchronized viewing of tomosynthesis and/or mammograms
Systems and methods that visualize medical data having image rendering circuits configured to substantially concurrently display a first image view of breast tissue using a stack of primary tomosynthesis image data and a second image view of breast tissue using a reference image data set, the second image view rendered from at least one of a 2D X-ray mammogram reference image data set or a reference stack of tomosynthesis image data. The first view is visualized based on: (a) anatomical and/or geometric position properties of the reference image data set of the patient; (b) properties of a current view of the reference image data set of the patient; or (c) anatomical and/or geometric position properties of the reference image data set and properties of a current view of the reference image data set.
US08044969B2 Reflectance spectra estimation and colour space conversion using reference reflectance spectra
A Personal Computer (PC) adjusts a color of an image received from a digital camera to produce an estimated reflectance spectrum and/or to convert the color to a new color space. First, an input compensation transform is generated, e.g. based on a Macbeth color chart in the image, to compensate for the sensitivity of the camera used to generate the image to different wavelengths of light and the illumination spectrum incident on an object of interest to which the image relates. In order to estimate the reflectance spectrum, a reflectance spectrum estimation transform is then generated by the PC. In order to convert the color of the image to the new color space, a color space conversion transform is generated by the PC. Both the reflectance spectrum estimation transform and the color space conversion transform are based on the input compensation transform and reference reflectance spectra stored in a reference reflectance spectra database.
US08044962B1 Inversion of post-skinning features
A computer-implemented method includes identifying a representation of a feature of an animated character by inverting an skinned representation of the feature in one position. The inversion includes a non-linear inversion of the skinned representation of the feature. The method also includes skinning the identified feature representation to produce the animated character in another position.
US08044959B2 Graphical display with integrated recent period zoom and historical period context data
A system and method are provided for displaying a data series. In one embodiment, a graphical interface is provided including at least one axis that is divided into a plurality of axis regions. Preferably, each axis region uses a different linear scale, and the plurality of axis regions forms a continuous non-linear scale. The graphical interface also displays the data series in relation to the plurality of axis regions, and the data series is plotted in relation to each axis region based on a scale resolution corresponding to each respective axis region.
US08044954B2 System and method for automatic construction of tooth axes
System and method for automatic construction of the tooth's axes in terms of three orthogonal unit vectors are disclosed. Three dimensional data for a tooth is used to automatically construct the tooth's axes. System and methods for automatic construction of the axes for different types of teeth such as incisors, canines, premolars, and molars are disclosed.
US08044950B2 Driver circuit usable for display panel
A driver circuit usable for a display panel can generate an output signal in response to an input pulse signal supplied to only one input signal terminal thereof. The driver circuit includes a pulse generating circuit for generating an output signal at the output terminal. The pulse generating circuit has a first and second differential input stage for respectively driving a push-pull construction of output transistors in response to the input pulse signal supplied through the input signal terminal with respect to the push-pull output, whereby to simplify the circuitry, operate at a high slew rate, and decrease electric current consumption.
US08044948B2 Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
An LCD groups pixels in each row into a plurality of blocks, and calculates difference in gray between every two image data applied to a pair of adjacent odd and even pixels in each block including pixels in a row for each of first to third colors. It is determined that a block is first or second dot block depending on a sign of the gray difference when a magnitude of the gray difference between the odd pixel and the even pixel in each pair in the block for at least one color is equal to or larger than a critical value. A current block in a current row and in columns is determined to be a one-dot block when the current block is the first dot block and a previous block in a previous row and in the columns is the second dot block. When the number of the one-dot blocks is a predetermined percentage of the number of the total blocks, it is determined that a one-dot pattern is generated and one-dot inversion of the LCD is changed into another inversion. In this way, a pattern generating flicker is determined and the inversion type is changed for reducing the flicker.
US08044947B2 Method to transmit a coded information and device therefore
A method for transmitting a coded information to a user via a graphical display. The method comprises the step of obtaining coded information by a scanner, which has to be positioned near the graphical display. The coded information is transmitted to a number of code points that are arranged in the direction of the fast refresh rate of the display.
US08044946B2 Semiconductor device
The present invention intends to realize a narrow frame of a system on panel. In addition to this, a system mounted on a panel is intended to make higher and more versatile in the functionality. In the invention, on a panel on which a pixel portion (including a liquid crystal element, a light-emitting element) and a driving circuit are formed, integrated circuits that have so far constituted an external circuit are laminated and formed. Specifically, of the pixel portion and the driving circuit on the panel, on a position that overlaps with the driving circuit, any one kind or a plurality of kinds of the integrated circuits is formed by laminating according to a transcription technique.
US08044942B1 Touch screen protector
The invention relates to a touch screen protector for a hand held electronic device having a front face that includes a touch screen portion and an outer perimeter. The touch screen protector of the invention comprises a plastic film having front and back sides, an outer perimeter that corresponds to that of the device, and a transparent window; and a spacer provided along the outer perimeter of the plastic film surrounding the transparent window, having a thickness sufficient to space the plastic film near but not in contact with the touch screen portion, and an exposed adhesive for removably mounting the protector upon the outer perimeter of the front face to form an enclosed air space between the transparent window of the plastic film, the spacer and the touch screen portion of the device.
US08044937B2 Text input method and mobile terminal therefor
A method for inputting text in a mobile terminal having a touch screen is provided. When detecting a touch-down, the mobile terminal displays a character of the touch-down point and nearby characters in an enlarged size and indicates the character of the touch-down point in the enlarged display. When a drag event occurs before a touch-up event, the mobile terminal determines the dragging distance and direction, changes the touch-down point to a new location according to the dragging distance and direction, and indicates another character at the new location. When a touch-up event occurs at the new location, the mobile terminal then inputs the other character indicated at the new location.
US08044926B2 Information display panel
In an information display panel, in which one or more groups of display media having light reflectance and charge characteristic, constituted by at least one group of particles, are sealed between opposed two substrates, at least one substrate being transparent, and, in which the display media, to which an electrostatic field is applied, are made to move so as to display information, in order to seal a space between one substrate and the other substrate, a gap-space maintaining member is formed at either one or both of an outer side and an inner side with respect to a sealing-agent arranging portion arranged at an outer peripheral portion of an information display region of the panel.
US08044925B2 Method for driving field sequential LCD backlight
The present invention provides a method for driving a backlight module of a liquid crystal display. The backlight module includes three light sources, a first light source, a second light source, and a third light source, that illuminate different color light respectively. The method includes sequentially turning on the three light sources, wherein the first light source and the second light source are turned on twice and the third light source is turned on once.
US08044924B1 Backlight dimming and LCD amplitude boost
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide m Methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption of backlit displays are described. Power consumption is reduced by dimming backlighting by a first scale factor and boosting pixel values by a second scale factor to compensate for the dimming. The scale factors may be constant values. Alternately, one or both of the scale factors may be determined based on pixel values for one or more frames to be displayed and/or one or more frames that have been displayed. For example, scale factors may be calculated based on an average linear amplitude of one or more frames of pixel values or from a maximum pixel value of one or more frames of pixel values. A graphical processing system is described including an integrated circuit capable of transforming a pixel value from a gamma-compensated space to a linear space.
US08044923B1 Backlight dimming and LCD amplitude boost
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide m Methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption of backlit displays are described. Power consumption is reduced by dimming backlighting by a first scale factor and boosting pixel values by a second scale factor to compensate for the dimming. The scale factors may be constant values. Alternately, one or both of the scale factors may be determined based on pixel values for one or more frames to be displayed and/or one or more frames that have been displayed. For example, scale factors may be calculated based on an average linear amplitude of one or more frames of pixel values or from a maximum pixel value of one or more frames of pixel values. A graphical processing system is described including an integrated circuit capable of transforming a pixel value from a gamma-compensated space to a linear space.
US08044921B2 Apparatus and method for dynamically controlling backlight
An apparatus for dynamically controlling backlight source receives a pixel input data, and outputs a pixel output data and a PWM signal. The apparatus includes image analysis unit for receiving the pixel input data and outputting image data after performing image analysis. An information unit stores relation data including luminance adjusting data and PWM adjusting data corresponding to gray level range. A luminance calculation unit receives the image data from the image analysis unit and the relation data from the information unit, and calculates a required gray level corresponding to a required luminance, and outputs a required pixel luminance data and a required PWM data according to the required gray level. A PWM adjusting unit receives the required PWM data and outputs the PWM signal. A multiplication unit receives the pixel input data and performs luminance adjustment according to the required pixel luminance data for outputting the pixel output data.
US08044918B2 Back light apparatus and control method thereof
A back light apparatus includes a back light part which emits light to a liquid crystal display panel, and includes a plurality of LEDs respectively corresponding to a plurality of colors, a detecting part which detects the light emitted from the plurality of the LEDs, a driving part which drives the LEDs to emit, and a controller which controls the driving part to make color ratios substantially equal to a reference value if the reference value is not equal to the color ratio between at least two colors among the plurality of colors of the light detected in the detecting part.
US08044915B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus and method of preventing malfunction in same
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a plurality of pixels arranged in matrix form including respective transistors, a plurality of gate bus lines, each of which is coupled to gates of the transistors arranged in a corresponding single row, a plurality of data bus lines, each of which is coupled to one end of channels of the transistors arranged in a corresponding single column, a gate driver configured to successively drive the plurality of gate bus lines, and a timing control circuit configured to supply to the gate driver a timing signal indicative of a start of the successive driving of the plurality of gate bus lines and to mask the timing signal for a predetermined time period following the supplying of the timing signal.
US08044911B2 Source driving circuit and liquid crystal display apparatus including the same
A source driving circuit includes a source driver circuit, an intermediate voltage generator, and a switching control unit. The source driver circuit receives display data and generates a source driving voltage corresponding to the received display data The intermediate voltage generator generates an intermediate source driving voltage. The switching control unit receives a plurality of control signals for selectively applying the source driving voltage and the intermediate source driving voltage to data lines of a display as a driving voltage and controls an order of transition to final levels of a common electrode voltage and the driving voltage. The common electrode voltage may be applied to a common electrode of a liquid crystal capacitor coupled to the data line of the display.
US08044909B2 Liquid-crystal display apparatus, control method thereof, and computer program
A liquid-crystal display apparatus comprising, a liquid-crystal display device driven by an AC voltage, an image divider configured to temporally divide input image data into N (N≧2) for each frame, a correction unit configured to correct a driving voltage for driving the liquid-crystal display device based on a difference between adjacent divided image data obtained by the N division, a polarity inverter configured to invert a polarity to make drive polarities of adjacent divided image data different, out of the divided image data obtained by the N division including the divided image data for which driving voltage is corrected by the correction unit, a driver configured to drive the liquid-crystal display device using the polarity-inverted divided image data, and an inversion order alteration unit which alters an inversion order for the drive polarities.
US08044908B2 Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a timing controller generating a voltage compensation control pulse and a gate control signal, a voltage compensation signal generator generating a voltage compensation signal, the voltage level of which is gradually reduced during one frame period, in response to the voltage compensation control pulse, a power unit outputting a gate-on voltage to a plurality of gate lines by gradually increasing the level of the gate-on voltage in response to the voltage compensation signal, and a gate driver sequentially supplying the gate-on voltage to the plurality of gate lines in response to the gate control signal.
US08044904B2 Display device
The present invention reduces moving image blurring while suppressing the lowering of brightness, lowering of contrast and the increase of electricity necessary for light emission. A display device includes a first gradation voltage generation circuit which generates a first gradation voltage based on gradations of display data amounting to 1 screen displayed during 1 frame period, and a second gradation voltage generation circuit which generates a second gradation voltage based on the gradations of display data amounting of 1 screen displayed in 1 frame period, wherein the gradations of the respective pixels on the display data are displayed by performing a display based on the first gradation voltage and a display based on the second gradation voltage during 1 frame period.
US08044901B2 Liquid crystal display device having spontaneous polarization
When the applied voltages are 7 V and 5 V, a transmittance of equal to or more than 50% is obtained when conditions of |2Ps·A|≦|7Clc·A| and |2Ps·A|≦|5Clc·A| are satisfied among the magnitude Ps (nC/cm2) of the spontaneous polarization per unit area of the liquid crystal material, the electrode area A (cm2) of the pixels and the capacity of liquid crystal Clc (nF/cm2) per unit area, and a transmittance of equal to or more than 80% is obtained when conditions of |2Ps·A|≦|4.5Clc·A| and |2Ps·A|≦|3Clc·A| are satisfied thereamong. A sufficiently high transmittance is obtained without the provision of a storage capacitor.
US08044897B2 Light source control apparatus
A light source control apparatus and a method for controlling light source are provided. The light source control apparatus is used to controlling N light-emitting devices connected in series. N+1 nodes are sequentially defined at two terminals of each light-emitting device mentioned above, where N is a natural number. The light source control apparatus includes a testing circuit and a compensation circuit. The testing circuit is coupled to the nodes to transmit a testing current to light-emitting devices between Ith node and Jth node, where I and J are natural numbers, and N+1>=J>I>=1. The compensation circuit is coupled to the nodes to measure a brightness of light-emitting devices between Ith node and Jth node, decide a value of a compensation current according to an intensity of the brightness, and provide the compensation current to light-emitting devices between Ith node and Jth node.
US08044895B2 Display device and driving method of the same
A problem in that a light emitting element slightly emits light is solved by an off current of a thin film transistor connected in series to the light emitting element, thereby a display device which can perform a clear display by increasing contrast, and a driving method thereof are provided. When the thin film transistor connected in series to the light emitting element is turned off, a charge held in the capacitance of the light emitting element itself is discharged. Even when an off current is generated at the thin film transistor connected in series to the light emitting element, this off current charges this capacitance until the capacitance of the light emitting element itself holds a predetermined voltage again. Accordingly, the off current of the thin film transistor does not contribute to light emission. In this manner, a slight light emission of the light emitting element can be reduced.
US08044894B2 Display apparatus and driving method therefor, and electronic device
After a sampling transistor is turned ON at a first timing when a control signal has risen, during a sampling period from a second timing when a video signal has risen from a reference potential to a signal potential to a third timing when the control signal has fallen and is turned OFF, the sampling transistor samples and writes the signal potential in a holding capacitance, and negatively feeds back a current flowing into a drive transistor during the sampling period to the holding capacitance and applies mobility correction of the drive transistor on the written signal potential. A signal driver adjusts the second timing for the video signal supplied to respective signal lines to correct a backward shift of the third timing due to a transmission delay along a scanning line of the control signal output from the control scanner.
US08044890B2 Plasma display device and driving method thereof
A method for driving a plasma display device including first electrodes and second electrodes. In one embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes are divided into a plurality of groups including first and second groups. During a first period of a sustain period, a second voltage is applied to the first and second groups of the first electrodes while a first voltage is applied to the second electrodes, the second voltage being higher than the first voltage. During a second period of the sustain period, while the second voltage is applied to the second electrodes, the first voltage is applied to the first group of the first electrodes, and the first voltage is applied to the second group of the first electrodes a period of time after when the first voltage is initially applied to the first group of the first electrodes.
US08044886B2 Method of driving plasma display panel and plasma display apparatus thereof
The present invention relates to a plasma display apparatus and, more particularly, to a method of driving a plasma display panel. The plasma display apparatus includes a plasma display panel including a plurality of scan electrodes and sustain electrodes formed on an upper substrate, and a plurality of address electrodes formed on a lower substrate, and a driver for supplying driving signals to the plurality of electrodes. The plurality of scan electrodes are divided into first and second groups and then supplied with scan signals, and scan bias voltages supplied to the first and second groups in at least any one period of an address period are different from each other. In at least one of a plurality of subfields constituting one frame, a width of a first sustain signal of a plurality of sustain signals supplied during a sustain period is larger than a width of each of the remaining sustain signals.
US08044876B2 Substrate provided with an electroconductive element having an antenna function
A rigid substrate including at least one electrically conducting element that provides an antenna function to transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals, the electrically conducting element having a pattern with a fractal geometry. The electrically conducting element is formed from an electrically conductive ink or enamel that is printed directly on the substrate.
US08044873B2 Antennas with periodic shunt inductors
An antenna may be formed from conductive regions that define a gap that is bridged by shunt inductors. The inductors may have equal inductances and may be located equidistant from each other to form a scatter-type antenna structure. The inductors may also have unequal inductances and may be located along the length of the gap with unequal inductor-to-inductor spacings, thereby creating a decreasing shunt inductance at increasing distances from a feed for the antenna. This type of antenna structure functions as a horn-type antenna. One or more scatter-type antenna structures may be cascaded to form a multiband antenna. Antenna gaps may be formed in conductive device housings.
US08044868B2 PCB type dual band patch antenna and wireless communication module incorporating the same PCB type dual band patch antennna
The invention provides a PCB type dual band patch antenna and a wireless communication module incorporating the antenna. The antenna includes a substrate. A ground pattern is formed on the substrate. A radiating patch is formed on the substrate to be spaced apart from the ground pattern at a predetermined distance. The radiating patch includes an input arm and a main radiator which are divided by a slot with ‘L’ and inverse ‘L’ shapes combined. The main radiator has an open terminal opposing the input arm across the slot. Also, a feeding part is connected to the input arm of the radiating patch to apply an electrical signal to the radiating patch. Further, wireless devices are integrally mounted on the PCB substrate used for the antenna, thereby achieving a high efficiency and wide-bandwidth dual band patch antenna and a minimal-sized and low-cost wireless communication module.
US08044865B2 Polanar multi-directional antenna
The planar multi-directional antenna mainly contains a flat casing and a double-layered circuit board housed inside the casing. The circuit board's two major sides are patterned in a symmetrical manner and traces are routed and extended along the circumference of the circuit board for producing multi-directional reception field pattern. A raised metallic plate is configured in the center on a first major side for avoiding the coupling effect from current converging in the center and for overcoming the dielectric loss by using air. A ferrite core is configured at the feeding terminal of the antenna as a means of impedance conversion. A SMD inductor and a SMD capacitor are provided on the other major side for increasing the antenna's capability of receiving signals of larger wavelength.
US08044864B2 Antenna and associated measurement sensor
An antenna which comprises four elementary IFA antennae, each elementary IFA antenna comprising a ground plane (1), a roof (2), a short-circuit (3) between the ground plane and the roof and an excitation means (4), the four elementary IFA antennae being distributed around an axis (Oz) in a first set of two IFA antennae having substantially equivalent elementary radiations and a second set of two IFA antennae having equivalent elementary radiations, the excitation means (4) of the four elementary IFA antennae being fed by radiofrequency signals of like amplitude whereof the phases follow a law which is substantially progressive in quadrature by rotation around the axis.
US08044862B2 Antenna system having electromagnetic bandgap
An antenna system includes an antenna transmitting and receiving a signal; a power feeding line feeding electric power to the antenna; and a metal conductor ground electrically connected to the power feeding line. Further, the metal conductor ground includes an electromagnetic bandgap.
US08044859B2 Reference beacon methods and apparatus for TDOA/FDOA geolocation
A method and apparatus for estimating bias errors in a time-difference-of-arrival/frequency-difference-of-arrival (TDOA/FDOA) geolocation system using a reference signal transmitter in which position and/or motion information of the reference signal transmitter is encoded into the reference signal. The motion information may include the velocity and/or acceleration of the reference signal transmitter. The reference signal is received by multiple collection platforms operating in conjunction with a geolocation system and a reference correction processing system. The reference correction processing system receives, via the multiple collection platforms, the position and/or motion information, which is immediately and unambiguously associated with specific reference signal transmissions. The geolocation system estimates the position and/or velocity of the reference signal transmitter using conventional TDOA/FDOA techniques. The estimated position and/or velocity of the reference signal transmitter is compared to the information contained in the reference signal to estimate bias errors.
US08044858B2 Regional navigation satellite supplementary system
A device of a supplementary navigation satellite is provided. The device includes a unit for generating navigation signals, the signal strength of the navigation signals being dimensioned in such a way that it is still possible to receive signals of other satellite navigation systems.
US08044855B2 GPS receiver apparatus and information acquisition method thereof
The first reception operation is started in response to an acquisition request. Power supply to a RF unit and a demodulator is stopped after synchronization with the GPS signal is established. Based on information acquired from a sub-frame in the GPS signal, a time point to start the second reception operation is determined. Elapsed time is counted using a counter clock synchronized with transmission timing of the navigation message, while a reception frequency of the satellite, a PRN code unique to the satellite, and a frequency and a phase of the PRN code are retained. When the elapsed time arrives at the time point, the power supply to the RF unit and the demodulator is restarted.
US08044852B2 Position determination based on hybrid pseudorange solution data
Embodiments provided herein recite methods and systems for position determination based on hybrid pseudorange solution data. In one embodiment, navigation satellite system (NSS) pseudorange data is received for high yield pseudoranges. In addition, NSS pseudorange data is received for high accuracy pseudoranges. The high accuracy pseudoranges and selected ones of the high yield pseudoranges utilized by a hybrid PVT processor to determine a hybrid NSS-based location solution.
US08044851B2 Method for suppressing multipath errors in a satellite navigation receiver
A method of multipath error suppression in a satellite navigation receiver, including steps of navigation satellites signals searching, receiving and processing complex signals from each satellite, tracking found signals with a following-up open loop and determining coordinates, receiver velocity and exact time based on measurements of direct and reflected signal delay and Doppler frequency, the method including: forming, on the basis of navigation parameters, a two-dimensional accumulated power grid, calculating single-path signal corrections using the centered accumulated power grid determining, whether a multipath is presented, and performing, in case of positive result of this determination, improvement of corrections using weights, wherein, performing improvement of corrections using weights is carried out by forming a likelihood function on the basis of a centered accumulated powers vector, and correction is performed according to the found likelihood function global maximum.
US08044848B2 High-speed positioning system and method
A high-speed positioning system includes a server and a positioning device. The server links to Internet for receiving and interpreting GPS signals received from a satellite system. The positioning device includes a network connecting module, a user position information generator and a satellite positioning module. The network connecting module is in communication with a connecting node of Internet for receiving a connecting node information. The user position information generator generates a user position information according to the connecting node information. The user position information is transmitted to the server through Internet. A satellite position signal is generated by the server according to the user position information and sent back to the user position information generator through Internet. The satellite positioning module is in communication with the network connecting module for receiving the satellite position signal and executing a positioning operation according to the contents of the satellite position signal.
US08044835B2 Linearized optical digital-to-analog modulator
A modulator device for converting digital data into modulation of an optical signal includes an electronic input for receiving an input data word of N bits and an electrically controllable modulator for modulating the intensity of an optical signal, the modulator including M actuating electrodes where M≧N. An electrode actuating device, most preferably a digital-to-digital converter, operates actuating electrodes so that at least one electrode is actuated as a function of values of more than one bit of the input data word. According to an alternative, or supplementary, aspect of the invention, the set of electrodes includes at least one electrode having an effective area which is not interrelated to others of the set by factors of two. In one preferred implementation, a Mach-Zehnder modulator also provides phase modulation to give QAM functionality. Another implementation employs a semiconductor laser.
US08044833B2 High speed serializer
According to one embodiment, a high speed serializer for multiplexing 2N data inputs, N being a positive integer, comprises one less than 2N multiplexing cells arranged in N stages. The stages are numbered 1 through N, and the output of the Nth stage is a serial transmission and the inputs of the 1st stage are the 2N data inputs. Each stage comprises half as many multiplexing cells as the preceding stage. Additionally, each multiplexing cell comprises a multiplexer that comprises a pair of inputs and an output. 2N-2 of the multiplexing cells in the first stage further comprise a latch, and the output of the latch is coupled to an input of the multiplexer.
US08044824B2 Electronic barrier and enforcement system and method
Disclosed are systems and methods for implementing an electronic tollway barrier system. Exemplary systems and methods use positive vehicle identification at progressive monitoring locations to determine whether a vehicle has illegally entered a controlled lane across the electronic barrier, ensure that toll locations are not circumvented, and automatically issue citations to violators of the electronic barrier.
US08044817B2 Portable electronic device distress detection system
A portable electronics distress detection system includes at least one strain gage and an alarm circuit. The strain gage is mountable to an element of the portable electronic device. The alarm circuit includes a Wheatstone bridge associated with each strain gage, with each strain gage providing a resistance input to an arm of the associated Wheatstone bridge. When a mechanical stress is imposed on the portable electronic device, the strain gage changes the resistance input to the arm of the associated Wheatstone bridge, producing a nonzero voltage output from the Wheatstone bridge. The alarm circuit activates the portable electronic device user interface if the Wheatstone bridge voltage output exceeds a predetermined set point.
US08044816B2 Apparatus, system, and method for detecting the formation of a short between a magnetoresistive head and a head substrate
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for detecting the formation of a short between a magnetoresistive (“MR”) head and a head substrate. The apparatus is presented with a logic unit containing a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of generating a baseline electric potential level between a head substrate and ground, monitoring the level of the electric potential between the head substrate and ground, and detecting the formation of a short circuit between the MR head and the head substrate by detecting a change in the electric potential level monitored by the monitoring module from the baseline level to a predetermined threshold level. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would reduce read errors on the magnetic tape storage system, the time and resources required to recover from such errors, and allow for preventative measures to obviate contamination short related failures of tape drive systems.
US08044815B2 Systems and methods for battery status indication
A method and apparatus are provided to indicate battery capacity status. Different blinking frequencies of an LED correspond to different battery states of charge. Furthermore, the present invention provides a smooth visual brightness change of the LED by providing the appropriate LED current according to human eye characteristics.
US08044814B2 Physical key to facilitate an inactive mode for a state-of-charge indicator within a battery
The invention provides a system and battery including a state-of-charge indicator (SOCI) to monitor and display the amount of charge within the battery. The SOCI is capable of operating in a hibernate mode, an active mode, and/or a sleep mode. The battery may be manufactured, shipped and/or stored with the SOCI operating in a power-saving hibernate mode. The SOCI may exit the hibernate mode and begin operating in active mode if a physical key connected to the battery is removed. In addition, the SOCI may operate in a sleep mode while the battery is not being used to conserve power. Furthermore, the invention provides a method of making a battery including a SOCI to monitor and display the state of charge of the battery.
US08044809B2 Automated consumer to business electronic marketplace system
An automated consumer to business electronic marketplace system is presented, wherein various aspects of user status, user behavior or operation of a vehicle associated with user are monitored and reported to an electronic marketplace. Suppliers of insurance products and other suppliers of automobile or personal products or services may offer users prices for products or services based on the data reported. The system may further allow the user to choose monitoring and reporting options based on discounts offered for certain reporting options.
US08044805B2 RFID tag using monopole antenna
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag using a monopole antenna is provided, in which an antenna structure is disposed on a metal plate, two ends of an RFID chip are electrically connected to the antenna structure, and the antenna structure and the RFID chip form a loop structure. The RFID tag can be disposed on a surface of an object to be measured, or disposed in an inner accommodation space of the object to be measured, so it is widely used in various applications. Additionally, the RFID tag is easily manufactured, so the production cost can be reduced. Furthermore, the RFID tag has a larger readable distance, and an electromagnetic wave emitting direction of the RFID tag is adjustable according to different included angles between the metal plate and the antenna structure, thereby causing signals to be read easily and identification ability to improve, two desirable effects.
US08044803B2 Article sales data processing apparatus
An article sales data processing apparatus comprises a wireless tag reading unit configured to read data in a wireless tag attached to an article, a processing unit configured to process sales data for the article sold as one transaction, on the basis of the data in the wireless tag read in the wireless tag reading unit, a judgment unit configured to judge whether to invalidate each of the wireless tags whose data has been read in the wireless tag reading unit, and an invalidation unit configured to invalidate the wireless tag judged to be invalidated by the judgment unit.
US08044800B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device with a built-in battery whose residual amount of the electrical energy can be detected accurately. The semiconductor device has a battery, a demodulation circuit, a control circuit which generates a signal having information about the residual amount of the electrical energy stored in the battery, and a transmission medium which displays the residual amount of the electrical energy in accordance with the signal. The demodulation circuit demodulates a signal input from an antenna which requests display of the residual amount of the electrical energy. Based on the demodulated signal, the control circuit starts to generate a signal having information about the residual amount of the electrical energy in the battery.
US08044798B2 Passive microwave speed and intrusion detection system
A passive microwave receiver, receiving a WARC protected frequency of 1420 MHz may be used for fire, temperature speed detection and intrusion detection. One or more receiver arrays can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver arrays can be placed inside a wall made of non-metallic substance and capable of passively receiving frequencies at less than 3 GHz. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of automobiles and intruders via black box emission. A passive microwave detector may be used at a highway where the highway intersects an associated antenna lobe for a distance, mounted on a wall or pole and have line-of-sight view of an intruder or automobile.
US08044797B2 System for locating items
A convenient handheld locator is provided for locating an item in an urban environment in which the locator is programmed to search for and locate specific items, with the detected item being displayed on the locator as to its identity or name, also displaying where the item is relative to the locator, as to position and range.
US08044793B2 Integrated device alerts in a process control system
An events management system coordinates the exchange of device alert or alarm information between an asset management system and one or more business systems within a process control system or plant. The events management system receives device alerts from the asset management system and uses a rules-engine and one or more state machines to send notifications containing device alert information to one of more of the business systems.
US08044784B2 Sun protection system for automotive vehicle
A sun protection system for a transportation vehicle has plurality of LCD zones laminated into one or more glazings of the vehicle. An occupant sensor detects an expanse of at least one occupant in the vehicle. A navigation system determines a vehicle location, a date and time value, and a heading. External and internal temperature sensors sense outside and inside temperatures. A controller generates respective drive signals for the respective LCD zones in a manual mode and in an automatic mode. The controller compares a temperature difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature to a temperature threshold. The respective drive signals provide substantially zero attenuation if the temperature difference is less than the temperature threshold while in the automatic mode.
US08044783B2 Tire condition detection system and induction feed method thereof
An external solenoid positioned external to a tire, and an internal solenoid provided inside a valve of the tire, which transmits and receives power by an alternating magnetic field in a predetermined high frequency band that generates an induced alternating current in the internal solenoid, is used as a new source of power for a tire pressure/temperature detection device instead of a battery. If the alternating magnetic field in a predetermined high frequency band is well matched to the physical structure and electrical structure of the tire, then, in the space between the tire and a wheel, an induced alternating magnetic field component is distributed that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire. If the internal solenoid is matched to the direction of maximum magnetic field reception, when the tire rotates, and when the position of the wheel is stopped, substantially stable power may be received.
US08044781B2 System and method for displaying a 3D vehicle surrounding with adjustable point of view including a distance sensor
A system and method relates to displaying a vehicle surrounding with an adjustable point of view, including at least one sensor device on the vehicle, a processor, and a display. The sensor device is configured to measure distances to objects of the vehicle surrounding. In addition, the processor is configured to generate a three-dimensional environment map based on the measured distances of the sensor device. Further, the display is configured to display the three-dimensional environment map having an adjustable point of view based on a particular driving situation.
US08044778B2 Injection device and case with reporting ability
A container for a product uses a location circuit for determining the location of the container, a storage element for storing a container identification code, a plurality of data acquisition components for acquiring status of at least two characteristics of at least one of the container, the product and a user of the product, and a communication interface for generating and sending a communication signal including (a) the container identification code from the storage element, (b) the location of the container from the location circuit, and (c) the status of the at least two characteristics from the data acquisition components. The container may be an auto-injector for containing a medicament, or a case for containing an item such as an auto-injector. Generally, the location circuit uses the global positioning system (GPS). The data acquisition components are chosen from a camera, and at least one sensor for sensing at least one of a thermal image, vibration, temperature, humidity, a chemical and an audio signal. The characteristic may be use of the product, or lack of use of at least one of the container and the product.
US08044777B2 Vehicular rearview mirror system
A vehicular rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an interior electrochromic reflective element that assumes an interior mirror partial reflectance level in response to an interior mirror electrochromic reflective element drive signal. The mirror assembly includes a control that has circuitry operable to provide the drive signal to the reflective element. The control includes a bus interface that interfaces with a vehicle bus of the equipped vehicle. The control is in communication with at least one other vehicle accessory via the vehicle bus. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a forward-facing camera. The control may control at least two of (a) dimming of the interior electrochromic reflective element, (b) operation of a video display, (c) operation of the forward-facing camera and (d) operation of a headlight control for controlling a headlight of the equipped vehicle.
US08044771B2 Keyless entry system
A keyless entry system includes a vehicle-side device and a portable device. The vehicle-side device includes a vehicle-side transmission unit connected to a plural transmission antenna and transmitting a request signal, and a vehicle-side reception unit receiving and transmitting an answer signal. The portable device includes a portable device-side control unit that detects the intensity of the signals transmitted from the plural transmission antennas. The vehicle-side control unit or the portable device-side control unit calculates distances between the portable device and the respective transmission antennas based on data of the intensity of the signals transmitted from the plural transmission antennas detected by the portable device-side control unit. When an added value of the distances calculated based on two of the intensity data is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the portable device is located inside the vehicle.
US08044767B2 Smart entry system for vehicle
In a lock-out prevention control, in which when a portable device is locked out in a trunk room, an alarm is conducted and a latch of a trunk latch mechanism is controlled to its unlatch state without ID verification with a portable device, in the case where an operation of door lock is conducted by the portable device after a start of the alarm (step SB8), the alarm is stopped (step SB12) and the lock-out prevention control is prohibited. The lock-out prevention control is also prohibited when a switch located in a vehicle cabin is operated (step SB9) regardless of the door lock operation by the portable device. Thereby, the vehicle security and the utility or facility can be improved.
US08044764B2 Resistor and design structure having resistor material length with sub-lithographic width
A resistor and design structure including at least one resistor material length in a dielectric, each of the least one resistor material length having a sub-lithographic width are disclosed.
US08044763B2 Surface-mounted over-current protection device
A surface-mounted over-current protection device with positive temperature coefficient (PTC) behavior is disclosed. The surface-mounted over-current protection device comprises a first metal foil, a second metal foil corresponding to the first metal foil, a PTC material layer stacked between the first metal foil and the second metal foil, a first metal electrode, a first metal conductor electrically connecting the first metal foil to the first metal electrode, a second metal electrode corresponding to the first metal electrode, a second metal conductor electrically connecting the second metal foil to the second metal electrode, and at least one insulated layer to electrically insulate the first metal electrode from the second metal electrode. The surface-mounted over-current protection device, at 25° C., indicates that a hold current thereof divided by the product of a covered area thereof and the number of the conductive composite module is at least 0.16 A/mm2.
US08044760B2 Four-layer element and method for producing a four-layer element
A multilayer element has a body in which at least one first internal electrode and at least one second internal electrode are arranged. These internal electrodes have an overlapping region, which extends up to the surface of the body on at least one side. The internal electrodes have a recess in a corner region of the body.
US08044756B2 Programmable inductor
The present invention provides a programmable integrated inductor having a compact design, having a dual turn and a parallel programmable impedance. In particular, the impedance value of the programmable changes, like a variable, programmable, as its range may be set to an unlimited number of values. The invention, thus, provides a wider range of programmable values without compromising space, at a constant equivalent given inductor area.
US08044751B2 Switchable bandpass filter having stepped-impedance resonators loaded with diodes
A switchable bandpass filter includes a first stepped-impedance resonator, a second stepped-impedance resonator wirelessly coupled to the first stepped-impedance resonator, and a first diode connected to one end of the second stepped-impedance resonator.
US08044747B2 Capacitor coupled Ethernet
A system and method for enabling power applications over a single conductor pair. In one embodiment, data transformers are coupled to a single conductor pair using one or more direct current (DC) blocking elements that preserve an alternating current path. Power is injected onto the single conductor pair after the DC blocking elements and power is extracted from the single conductor pair before the DC blocking elements. Saturation of the data transformers by the injection of power onto the single pair is thereby prevented.
US08044739B2 Capacitor switching circuit
A capacitance switching element includes first and second capacitors connected in series by transistors. The gates of the transistors are biased by a first signal through one set of resistors, and the sources and drains are biased by a second signal through a second set of resistors. The signals are level-shifted and may be complimentary. To turn the element ON, the first signal may be set to VDD and the second signal may be set to zero. To turn the element OFF, the first signal may be set to a multiple of VDD/2 and the second signal may be set to the multiple plus one of VDD/2. When the element is used in an oscillator tuning circuit, the voltage stress on the transistors is reduced and the transistors may be fabricated with thin oxide. The oscillator may be used in a transceiver of a cellular access terminal.
US08044738B2 Oscillator apparatus
An apparatus including a resonator electrode and a second electrode separated from the resonator electrode by a gap having a size that facilitates electron transfer across the gap, wherein the resonator electrode is a resonator electrode mounted for oscillatory motion relative to the second electrode that results in a size of the gap between the resonator electrode and the second electrode being time variable; a feedback circuit configured to convey an electron transfer signal dependent upon electron transfer across the gap as a feedback signal; and a drive electrode adjacent the resonator electrode configured to receive a feedback signal from a feedback circuit configured to provide a time-varying feedback signal dependent upon electron transfer across a gap.
US08044736B2 Timing oscillators and related methods
Timing oscillators as well as related methods and devices are described. A timing oscillator may include a mechanical resonating structure with major elements and minor elements coupled to the major element. The timing oscillator can generate stable signals with low phase noise at very high frequencies which allows a timing oscillator to be used effectively in a number of devices including computers and mobile phones for time and data synchronization purposes. The signal generated by the timing oscillator can be tuned using a driver circuit and a compensation circuit.
US08044734B2 Method and apparatus for mitigating VCO pulling
Techniques for mitigating VCO pulling are described. In an aspect, VCO pulling may be mitigated by (i) injecting an oscillator signal, which is a version of a VCO signal from a VCO, into a transmitter and (ii) using coupling paths from the transmitter to the VCO to re-circulate the oscillator signal back to the VCO. In one design, an apparatus includes a VCO and a coupling circuit. The VCO generates a VCO signal at N times a desired output frequency. The coupling circuit receives an oscillator signal generated based on the VCO signal and injects the oscillator signal into a transmitter to mitigate pulling of the frequency of the VCO due to undesired coupling from the transmitter to the VCO. The apparatus may include a phase adjustment circuit that adjusts the phase of the oscillator signal and/or an amplitude adjustment circuit that adjusts the amplitude of the oscillator signal.
US08044728B2 Circuit and method for measuring the performance parameters of transistors
An integrated circuit may include an inverter which may include a first transistor of a first conductivity type and a second transistor of a second conductivity type connected in parallel with the first transistor. An input of the inverter may be capable of receiving an oscillating input signal, and which may include an output of the inverter, which is connected to a capacitive device capable of being charged and discharged depending on the state of the first and second transistors being on or off. The inverter may be capable of delivering an oscillating output signal at its output. The integrated circuit may include a selector for transmitting the oscillating output signal and for masking the charging and/or discharging of the capacitive device.
US08044720B2 Amplification circuit
An amplification circuit includes a semiconductor amplification element, a current feedback circuit that is connected to a terminal close to a ground side of the semiconductor amplification element and can control gain reduction, and a voltage feedback circuit that is connected between an input terminal and an output terminal of the semiconductor amplification element and can control feedback voltage. The feedback voltage of the voltage feedback circuit may be varied according to the gain reduction controlled by the current feedback circuit.
US08044715B2 Method and system for increasing sampling frequency for switching amplifiers
The present invention is directed toward providing a system and method of reducing RF interference in switching amplifiers without degrading performance. In one embodiment, the sampling rate of coarse high voltage modulated pulsewidths are increased relative to the sampling rate of fine lower voltage modulated pulsewidths. This increase in the sampling rate of coarse high voltage modulated pulsewidths results in a reduction in EMI.
US08044714B2 Device and method for amplifying pulsed RF signals
Device and method are described for amplifying pulsed RF signals, comprising one or more transistors, each comprising a drain, a gate and a source. A device synchronizes the supply for the drain with an RF pulse.
US08044713B2 Receiving circuit and method for receiving an amplitude shift keying signal
A receiving circuit and method for receiving an amplitude shift keying signal is provided. At least one exponent signal, an exponent-removed in-phase signal, and an exponent-removed quadrature-phase signal are generated from an in-phase input signal and a quadrature-phase input signal. An amplitude is determined as a sum of several summands, whereby the summands are determined from the exponent signal and/or from the exponent-removed in-phase signal and/or from the exponent-removed quadrature-phase signal (Q′), and wherein the amplitude (A) is demodulated.
US08044701B1 Digitally tunable capacitor
The disclosed device can contain a pair of switchable capacitors, one of which has the larger capacitance of the pair. Each of the switchable capacitors can include a capacitor in series with a switch. Both switchable capacitors can be connected in a parallel circuit that has a tunable capacitance. The ratio of the capacitances of the pair can approximately equal a ratio of mutually prime integers. In a particular case, the ratio of capacitances can approximately equal a ratio of two consecutive integers. The capacitance ratio can be called a weight or weight ratio. A switch controller can drive the pair of switchable capacitors with a pair of (M+1)-ary pulse width modulated signals, each of which has the same modulation period.
US08044691B2 Method for detecting minimum operational frequency
A method of detecting a minimum operational frequency includes: generating a signal that becomes an oscillating signal at a first predetermined frequency; and generating a logic signal to provide a level transition when a frequency of the oscillating signal reaches a second predetermined frequency corresponding to the minimum operational frequency. The logic signal is generated by: providing a transistor that is activated at the second predetermined frequency; providing a capacitor; storing charges in the capacitor when the oscillating signal is below the second predetermined frequency; discharging the capacitor when the transistor is activated by the oscillating signal; and outputting the logic signal when the capacitor discharges.
US08044687B2 Wide input common mode voltage comparator
A design for a wide input common mode voltage comparator is provided which reduces the delay between outputs from component comparators. The wide input common mode voltage comparator includes a first comparator configured to receive a differential input. The first comparator is further configured to accommodate high common mode voltages. The wide input common mode voltage comparator further includes a second comparator configured to receive the differential input. The first comparator is further configured to accommodate low common mode voltages. Additionally, the threshold voltages of the active devices within the comparator are between −100 to 100 mV. Furthermore, the wide input common mode voltage comparator includes a summing circuit configured to receive the outputs of the first and second comparators to create a single-ended output.
US08044686B2 Comparator circuit for generating binarized data
A comparator circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a comparator configured to compare an input signal voltage with a reference voltage obtained by smoothing the input signal by use of a resistor and a capacitor, and output a result of the comparison, a discharge circuit configured to compare a first addition signal which is obtained by adding a positive first voltage to the input signal voltage, with the reference voltage, and discharge the capacitor when the first addition signal is lower than the reference voltage, and a charge circuit configured to compare a second addition signal which is obtained by adding a negative second voltage to the input signal voltage, with the reference voltage, and charge the capacitor when the second addition signal is higher than the reference voltage.
US08044685B2 Floating driving circuit
A floating driving circuit according to the present invention comprises an input circuit to receive an input signal. A latch circuit receives a trigger signal for generating a latch signal. The latch signal is used to turn on/off a switch. A coupling capacitor is connected between the input circuit and the latch circuit to generate the trigger signal in response to the input signal. A diode is connected from a voltage source to a floating supply terminal of the latch circuit for charging a capacitor. The capacitor is coupled between the floating supply terminal and a floating ground terminal of the latch circuit to provide a supply voltage to the latch circuit. The latch circuit is controlled by the input signal via the coupling capacitor.
US08044682B2 FPGA having low power, fast carry chain
An in-FPGA carry chain is provided that does not exhibit significant leakage current. In particular, parts of the carry chain can be switched on/off when desired. In this manner, carry chain parts can have their leakage currents substantially disabled when they are not in use, thus saving power. Additionally, there is provided a carry chain whose logic is separate from the other parts (e.g., LUTs) of the logic blocks that perform the remaining arithmetic functions, and whose inputs are the input data to be added, rather than data that is output in delayed fashion from the other parts (e.g., LUTs) of the logic blocks. Such a configuration reduces latency by allowing the carry chain to operate directly on the received input data without need to wait on results from the other parts (e.g., LUTs) of the logic blocks.
US08044678B2 Device for simulating rectified constant impedance load and method thereof
The device for simulating a rectified constant impedance load provide by the present invention is to test a power product and comprises an analog-digital converter, a digital signal processor, a digital-analog converter, and an active electrical load module in order to replacing the passive components of a traditional rectified passive load. method for simulating a rectified constant impedance load being applied to test a power product and comprising the steps of: (S1) replacing the plurality of passive components of the rectified constant impedance load with a digital control module and an active electrical load module; (S2) establishing a passive load model function in order to represent the application relationships of the plurality of the passive components; (S3) executing the operation of the passive load model function by the digital control module in order to gain a load current value, and transferring the load current value to an analog control signal via the digital control module; and (S4) controlling the active electrical load module via the analog control signal so as to draw currents from the power product.
US08044672B2 Method for measuring D-Q impedance of polyphase power grid components
A method is provided for measuring D-Q impedance of a component of a polyphase power grid connected to a grid node, and evaluating the margin of stability at a node using Nyquist diagrams generated from the measured D-Q impedance data. A generator, coupled to the polyphase power grid, is controlled to induce suppressed-carrier stimulus current into the grid node. Circuitry measures response signals of suppressed-carrier form existing within a bus voltage at the grid node and a branch current of the component being measured. The method includes measuring complex voltage components of the response signals contained in the bus voltage and complex current components of the response signals contained in the branch current to form simultaneous equations that are resolved to determine the D-Q impedance parameters Zqq, Zqd, Zdq and Zdd of the measured component.
US08044669B2 Admittance meter for monitoring a medium
An admittance meter having an electrical alternating signal source, a diode ring operated as a synchronous rectifier with at least four diodes connected in series and in the same direction in succession, a measuring sensor, and an evaluation unit. The diode ring is subjected to an alternating signal via first second feed points, which are each connected via two series-connected diodes. The measuring sensor is connected to the first feed point, and the evaluation unit is connected to a first or a second measurement point of the diode ring. The first and second measurement points are each connected via one diode to the first and second feed points, respectively.
US08044662B2 Estimating T2-diffusion probability density functions from nuclear magnetic resonance diffusion modulated amplitude measurements
In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to acquire data representing a plurality of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) echo trains associated with a material, such as a geological formation. Additional operations may include inverting a model of at least one of the plurality of NMR echo trains to provide an estimated distribution of transverse relaxation time constants, inverting models of selected ones of the plurality of NMR echo trains using the estimated distribution of transverse relaxation time constants to provide an estimated diffusion distribution, and inverting a model of selected ones of the plurality of NMR echo trains, using the estimated distributions of transverse relaxation time constants and diffusion, to provide an apparent and an intrinsic probability density function to identify fluid types in the material.
US08044660B2 Arrangement and method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a region of action
An arrangement for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles, and/or calibrating such an arrangement includes generating a magnetic selection field having a magnetic field strength pattern such that a first sub-zone having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone having a higher magnetic field strength are formed in the region of action. A driver changes the position in space of the two sub-zones in the region of action by magnetic drive field so that the magnetization of the magnetic particles changes locally. The arrangement includes a drive signal chain, a detection signal chain, and a receiver for acquiring detection signals that depend on the magnetization in the region of action. The magnetization is influenced by the change in the position in space of the first and second sub-zones. A compensation controller provides a compensation signal to the drive signal chain and/or to the detection signal chain by a coupler.
US08044657B2 Isolated magnetostrictive buffered liquid level sensor
A magnetostrictive application probe is disclosed wherein the probe includes a preassembled sensor element mounted as an application housing installation as an installable unit. The modular nature allows interchanging with various electronic assemblies, and may be an explosion proof installation.
US08044655B2 Pulse measurement apparatus and method
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a pulse measuring system that measures a characteristic of an input pulse under test, particularly the pulse shape of a single-shot, nano-second duration, high shape-contrast optical or electrical pulse. An exemplary system includes a multi-stage, passive pulse replicator, wherein each successive stage introduces a fixed time delay to the input pulse under test, a repetitively-gated electronic sampling apparatus that acquires the pulse train including an entire waveform of each replica pulse, a processor that temporally aligns the replicated pulses, and an averager that temporally averages the replicated pulses to generate the pulse shape of the pulse under test. An embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for measuring an optical or an electrical pulse shape. The method includes the steps of passively replicating the pulse under test with a known time delay, temporally stacking the pulses, and temporally averaging the stacked pulses. An embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for increasing the dynamic range of a pulse measurement by a repetitively-gated electronic sampling device having a rated dynamic range capability, beyond the rated dynamic range of the sampling device; e.g., enhancing the dynamic range of an oscilloscope. The embodied technique can improve the SNR from about 300:1 to 1000:1. A dynamic range enhancement of four to seven bits may be achieved.
US08044652B2 Constant current control circuit
A constant current control circuit is disclosed. Pads are connected with a common power supply terminal. Shunt resistors are located outward of a region containing Pch type MOS transistors. A temperature increase of the shunt resistors due to a temperature increase of the MOS transistors can be suppressed by the above structure. In particular, when the MOS transistor of one circuit system is driven, the shunt resistor of another circuit system is distant from the driving MOS transistor, and thus, it is possible to further suppress the temperature increase of the distant shunt resistor. Moreover, a power supply terminal can be provided as a single common terminal, and the number of terminals can be reduced.
US08044650B2 Methods and apparatus for current sensing in mutually coupled inductors
Methods and apparatus for current sensing in mutually coupled inductors according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a control system adapted to control current through the inductors and multiple current sensors connected to the control system. Each current sensor may comprise a series combination comprising a capacitor and a resistor. The series combination may be connected in parallel with one of the inductors, and may be adapted to generate branch inductor current signals according to a sensed current in the connected inductor. In addition, a coupling capacitor may be coupled between at least two of the current sensors to compensate a time constant of the current sensor for mutual coupling inductance between the inductors.
US08044644B2 Symmetric sample and hold over-current sensing method and apparatus
An over-current condition is detected in a synchronous DC-DC converter by sampling and holding a measured load current value. The load current is sampled while a low-side transistor is ON and then held when the low-side transistor is OFF. The held value is compared to a threshold value while the low-side transistor is OFF. The comparison occurs during the portion of the cycle when the low-side transistor is OFF so that a comparator has sufficient time in which to detect the over-current condition, even in high duty cycle applications.
US08044642B2 Power supply device capable of stably supplying output voltage with increased responsiveness
In a power supply device, a synchronous rectifier step-down converter alternately turns on and off a switch and a synchronous rectifier switch. A reference voltage generator generates a predetermined reference voltage. An error amplifier outputs an error voltage such that an output voltage of the step-down converter approaches the predetermined reference voltage. A pulse-width signal generator generates a pulse-width signal controlling turning on and off the switch and the synchronous rectifier switch based on the error voltage. A driver circuit controls turning on and off the switch and the synchronous rectifier switch based on the pulse-width signal. An inductor is connected in series with output of the step-down converter. A bypass switch short-circuits an output terminal of the step-down converter to an input terminal of the step-down converter. A mode controller controls turning on and off the bypass switch.
US08044639B2 Selector circuit
A selector circuit outputs one of a first input voltage or a second input voltage via an output terminal. A first transistor and a second transistor are provided in series between a first input terminal and the output terminal. A third transistor and a fourth transistor are provided in series between a second input terminal and the output terminal. A control unit controls the ON/OFF operations of the first transistor through the fourth transistor. The back gates of the first transistor and the second transistor are connected such that at least one body diode of the first transistor M1 and at least one body diode of the second transistor are arranged in opposing directions. The back gates of the third transistor and the fourth transistor are connected in the same way.
US08044638B2 Monitoring system for monitoring low voltage disconnecting value of secondary batteries and method for the same
A monitoring system for monitoring low voltage disconnecting value of a secondary battery includes a signal collection apparatus, an analogy-digital converter, a processor, a switch, and a controller. The signal collection is connected to a secondary battery to read voltage signals of the secondary battery at regular intervals. The analogy-digital converter is connected to the signal collection apparatus to receive the voltage signals and convert the voltage signals to digital signals. The processor is connected to the analogy-digital converter to determine whether the voltage of the secondary battery reach a low voltage disconnecting value. The switch is connected to the secondary battery to supply power to a functional unit. The controller is connected to the switch and the processor to determine status of the switch according to the determined result of the processor.
US08044637B2 Battery charging method
A charging and equalizing method for a battery having a control computer in a charging system in communication with a plurality of module processors. Charging and equalization pauses periodically for voltage measurement by the module processors. The control computer determines when to equalize battery cells in the modules based on their open circuit voltages transmitted by the module processors. A selected group of cells in each module can be equalized. Equalization is carried out in the modules until all of the module processors indicate that equalization has been completed. Charging can then resume until charging is complete or cells reach a maximum voltage given by the control computer. In an alternative embodiment, a selected group of cells may be partially bypassed while charging to reduce the charge rate of the cell.
US08044633B2 Drive device of electric motor
An electric motor has a field pole formed by a field current passing through a field winding. A voltage booting converter converts output voltage of a battery and outputs the voltage between a power source line and a grounding line. Field winding is electrically connected onto an electric current channel between battery and power source line and formed so that voltage switched by a switching element is applied to both ends. A controller controls the field current so as to adjust density of magnetic flux between a rotor and a stator by performing switching control on switching element and a switching element connected in parallel to field winding and converts the output voltage of battery into voltage in accordance with a voltage command value.
US08044632B2 Power conversion device
A power conversion device includes a converter that converts AC power to DC power, a converter controller that controls an output voltage of the converter, an inverter that converts the DC power to AC power at a variable frequency, an inverter controller that controls an output frequency of the inverter, and a current detector that detects an AC current on an input side of the converter. It is configured in such a manner that the inverter controller adjusts a slip frequency of the induction motor in response to a fluctuation of the AC current on the input side of the converter detected by the current detector. It thus becomes possible to suppress a beat current in an output current of the inverter at the occurrence of a load fluctuation as well as a power supply voltage fluctuation.
US08044631B2 Power conversion systems and methods for controlling harmonic distortion
Control systems, methods and power conversion systems are presented for controlling harmonic distortion, in which multi-sampling space vector modulation (SVM) is employed for controlling power converter switching devices, with a reference vector being sampled two or more times during each SVM period to update the SVM dwell times more than once during each SVM cycle.
US08044630B2 Device of radioelectric signals transmitter and/or receiver type
Radiofrequency device (30; 30′; 30″; 30′″) controlling means for supplying at least one electrical load (14, 14′) and comprising a radiofrequency unit (11) of radiofrequency signals transmitter and/or receiver type and connected by a first conductor (9b) to the AC mains (9), wherein the radiofrequency unit comprises a radiofrequency signal output and/or input (20) connected by an HF link (19) to a first terminal (21) of a tuning circuit (17; 17′) of the radiofrequency device, this tuning circuit being: connected by a second terminal (22) to the first conductor, connected by a third terminal (23) to an electrical ground (GND) of the radiofrequency unit, furnished with means (L1, C1; L2, C3, C4) for blocking the conduction of radiofrequency signals on the first conductor between the second terminal and the third terminal, and traversed between the second terminal and the third terminal by the AC current (I-ACT) flowing in the first conductor and supplying said electrical load.
US08044628B2 Controller for motor
A controller is provided for a permanent magnet field motor including two rotors concentrically provided around a rotating shaft and a phase changing device for changing an angle of relative displacement in a circumferential direction between two rotors to serve as a power source for driving driven wheels of an all-wheel drive vehicle having two main driving wheels and at least two driven wheels, the controller including a drive control portion to control driving of the motor according to a drive mode of the all-wheel drive vehicle; and a phase instruction portion to issue an instruction, when the drive mode of the all-wheel drive vehicle is a main-driving-wheel drive mode, to set the angle of relative displacement at an angle at which a magnetic flux generated at each of the two rotors is weakened, as compared with that generated at each of the two rotors in an all-wheel drive mode.
US08044623B2 Drive control circuit for electric motor
The drive control circuit for an electric motor is provided. The drive control circuit includes: an original drive signal generator that generates an original drive signal; an excitation interval setter that is able, for each half cycle of respective length π in each 2π excitation cycle of the original drive signal, to arbitrarily set excitation intervals during which to excite coils of the electric motor to any one of a plurality of intervals which include at least either one of a symmetrical interval centered on a center of each half-cycle and an unsymmetrical interval; and a drive signal shaping circuit that generates a drive signal for driving the electric motor, by validating the original drive signal during the excitation intervals and invalidating the original drive signal during non-excitation intervals other than the excitation interval.
US08044619B2 Prevention of concurrent PWM or PSM commutations of power signals driving a voice coil motor (VCM) to reduce S/N ratio degradation of low level signal lines of a R/W head
A method of preventing concurrent or quasi-concurrent commutations of a pair of phase shift modulation (PSM) drive signals of an output bridge stage driving an electrical load includes establishing a threshold level of a programmed current level to be transmitted though the electrical load. The method also includes, if the programmed current level is lower than the threshold level, enhancing a time offset between commutation edges of the pair of PSM drive signals by a minimum time.
US08044616B1 Method and apparatus for initializing operation of a disk drive
A system for controlling a disk in a disk drive includes a motor control circuit and a first circuit that retrieves firmware speed control instructions from non-volatile memory. During retrieval of the firmware speed control instructions, at least one of the motor control circuit determines a position of the disk, one of the first circuit and the motor control circuit spins up the disk and the motor control circuit ramps up a speed of the disk. The first circuit performs speed control of the disk based on the firmware speed control instructions.
US08044615B2 Method for controlling AC linear motors, device for driving AC linear motors, and system of AC linear motors
Provided is a method for controlling a plurality of AC linear motors of identical specifications which are connected each other and operated synchronously so that they appear to operate as a single linear motor having desired power.The method for controlling, as an AC linear motor set, a plurality of AC linear motors of identical specifications which are connected to each other, includes the steps of firmly connecting the AC linear motors in such a manner that pole pitches of movers of the AC linear motors and pole intervals of adjacent movers are identical; and setting any one of the AC linear motors to be a master AC linear motor and using a command signal generated based on a feedback signal of the master AC linear motor and current difference information obtained by comparing phase current of the master AC linear motor with phase current of another AC linear motor to control the AC linear motor set.
US08044612B2 Method and apparatus for networked illumination devices
An intelligent light source converts color and luminous flux data to luminous flux levels of individual color sources and automatically compensates for variations in operating conditions.
US08044611B2 LED control device
An LED controller is provided that can easily control light-on testing of LEDs. A super voltage can be added to a signal including a low voltage and a high voltage. When the super voltage is not detected, LED driving circuit is operated in normal mode. When the super voltage is detected, LED driving circuit is operated in test mode. In test mode, the LEDs are turned on by a test signal directly input to LED driving circuit instead of by light emission data sent from shifter register to storage circuit. Accordingly, light-on testing of LEDs can be carried out easily.
US08044609B2 Circuits and methods for controlling LCD backlights
A circuit for controlling light sources comprises a converter, a feedback circuit and a current distribution controller. The converter is operable for converting an input voltage to an output current and for providing the output current to the light sources. The feedback circuit is coupled to the light sources for generating feedback signals indicative of currents flowing through the light sources respectively. The current distribution controller is coupled to the feedback circuit for generating control signals based on the feedback signals respectively so as to regulate the currents of the light sources respectively, and for controlling the converter to regulate the output current based on the feedback signals.
US08044607B2 Circuit unit
The invention relates to a circuit unit for a semiconductor unit which produces radiation, with a forward voltage Uf being applied during operation to the semiconductor unit which produces radiation, and with a forward current If flowing through the semiconductor unit which produces radiation, with the circuit unit regulating the forward current If such that an actual value Vact which depends on the forward current If and the forward voltage Uf assumes a predetermined nominal value Vnom. The invention also relates to a radiation source.
US08044602B2 Method of driving discharge lamp, driving device, and projector
A method for driving a discharge lamp that supplies an AC current to a discharge lamp having a first electrode and a second electrode so as to produce discharge and to cause the discharge lamp to emit light includes, during a steady operation in which the AC current is supplied to the discharge lamp, changing a difference between the absolute values of average current values for two polarities during one cycle of the AC current in accordance with a predetermined pattern.
US08044600B2 Brightness-adjustable LED driving circuit
A brightness-adjustable LED driving circuit includes a rectifying and filtering circuit, a power factor correction power conversion circuit, and a detecting and controlling circuit. The rectifying and filtering circuit is used for filtering and rectifying a brightness adjusting voltage into a first DC voltage. The power factor correction power conversion circuit is electrically connected to the rectifying and filtering circuit and at least one LED string for generating an output current required for powering the at least one LED string. The detecting and controlling circuit detects phase data of the brightness adjusting voltage and the output current generated by the power factor correction power conversion circuit. The detecting and controlling circuit generates a control signal to the power factor correction controller according to the phase data of the brightness adjusting voltage, so that the magnitude of the output current is changed according to the phase data of the brightness adjusting voltage.
US08044598B2 Light-emitting device
The amplitude of a potential of a signal line is decreased and a scan line driver circuit is prevented from being excessively loaded. A light-emitting device includes a light-emitting element; a first power supply line having a first potential; a second power supply line having a second potential; a first transistor for controlling a connection between the first power supply line and the light-emitting element; a second transistor, which is controlled in accordance with a video signal, whether outputting the second potential applied from the second power supply line or not; a switching element for selecting either the first potential applied from the first power supply line or the output of the second transistor; and a third transistor for selecting whether the first potential or the output of the second transistor which is selected by the switch is applied to a gate of the first transistor.
US08044597B2 Drive circuit of fluorescent display
A drive circuit for a fluorescent display that can prevent generation of reactive power in a Zener diode used to generate a cutoff bias voltage. In one embodiment, the drive circuit operates as a single ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) circuit and includes an input side closed circuit, an output side closed circuit, and a coupling capacitor connecting the two closed circuits. The input side closed circuit includes an input power source, a first inductor and a switching element. The output side closed circuit includes a second inductor, a diode and a second capacitor. A filament of the fluorescent display is connected to the second capacitor. One end of a Zener diode is connected to a negative potential side of the filament and the other end of the Zener diode is connected to an input power source.
US08044587B2 White light emitting diode package for incandescent color
The present invention relates to a white light emitting diode (LED) package that includes a blue LED chip to emit blue light; a yellow phosphor excited by the blue light and emit yellow light, the yellow light to produce a primary white light in combination with the blue light; a red LED chip to emit red light, the red light to adjust the primary white light into secondary white light of an incandescent color; and a package member comprising at least a partial transmissive part covering the blue LED chip, the red LED chip, and the yellow phosphor. The primary white light falls in a region of (0.413, 0.502), (0.335, 0.376), (0.37, 0.371), and (0.439, 0.48) based on a CIE color coordinate standard.
US08044585B2 Light emitting diode with bumps
A light-emitting diode includes a package, a light-emitting diode chip and a lens. The light-emitting diode chip is mounted on the package. The lens is mounted on the package and envelops the light-emitting diode chip, wherein the lens has a plane region surrounding the package and a bumpy region with a plurality of bumps fully arranged thereon adjacent to the plane region.
US08044583B2 Organic electroluminescent device without cap and getter
An organic electroluminescent device is provided. The structural components of the organic electroluminescent device can be excluded from external conditions without using a cap and whose thickness can be remarkably reduced without installing a getter. The organic electroluminescent device as embodied has the structure that a protective layer with a multi-layered structure is formed on the entire structure of the structural components to exclude the structural components completely from external conditions. The protective layer is consisted of an organic material layer formed on the structural components of the device, an inorganic material layer formed on the organic material layer, and a coating layer formed on the inorganic material layer. The coating layer formed on the inorganic material layer is made from titanium aluminum nitride (TiN).
US08044580B2 Light emitting device and manufacturing method of the same
A light emitting device structure is provided so as to increase the amount of light which is taken out in a certain direction after emitted from a light emitting element, as well as a method of manufacturing this light emitting device. In the present invention, an upper end portion of an insulating material 19 that covers an end portion of a first electrode 18 is formed to have a curved surface having a radius of curvature, a second electrode 23a is formed to have a slant face as going from its center portion toward its end portion along the curved surface. Light emitted from a light emitting layer having an organic material 20 that is formed on the second electrode 23a is reflected at the slant face of the second electrode 23a to increase the total amount of light taken out in the direction.
US08044579B2 Electroluminescent device with liquid-repellent portion and electronic apparatus
An electroluminescent device includes a first substrate being provided with a plurality of luminescent elements, a second substrate facing the first substrate with the plurality of luminescent elements therebetween, a desiccating agent covering the face of the first substrate at the side facing the second substrate or of the second substrate at the side facing the first substrate, and a liquid-repellent portion surrounding the desiccating agent and being repellent to a coating liquid for forming the desiccating agent.
US08044578B2 Organic electroluminescence display device and method of fabricating the same
The display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a spacer and a connection electrode. The first substrate includes an organic electroluminescence diode device, and the second substrate faces the first substrate and includes a thin film transistor. The connection electrode is configured to electrically connect the thin film transistor and the organic electroluminescence diode device. The display device further includes a first buffer pattern configured to separate two adjacent pixel regions and a second buffer pattern overlying the first buffer pattern and having a predetermined shape. The first buffer pattern is etchable to produce a cavity between the two adjacent pixel regions. The cavity can be enlarged to the extent that the shape of the second buffer pattern is maintained.
US08044575B2 Color conversion type organic EL display
A color conversion type organic EL display can comprise an organic EL substrate that includes a substrate, a lower reflective electrode, a bank, and an organic EL layer sandwiched between the lower reflective electrode and an upper transparent electrode. The color conversion type organic EL display can further comprise a color filter substrate in which a black matrix and a color filter are formed in a pattern on a transparent substrate by a photo process, and which has a pixel region separated by the black matrix. The organic EL substrate and the color filter substrate can be bonded together and positioned such that the pixel region of the EL substrate and the pixel region of the color filter substrate are opposed.
US08044571B2 Electrode stacks for electroactive devices and methods of fabricating the same
A cathode stack with a getter layer is disclosed. The cathode stack includes an electron injection layer, a capping layer and a getter layer. An organic electroactive device including a cathode stack with a getter layer is also presented. A method of fabricating an electroactive device with a cathode stack including a getter layer is also provided.
US08044567B2 Light source incorporating a high temperature ceramic composite and gas phase for selective emission
A light source includes a base, a light-transmissive envelope coupled to the base, a composition disposed within the light-transmissive envelope, and a gas phase contained by the envelope for suppressing vaporization of the composition at operating temperatures greater than about 2000 Kelvin. The composition includes a first region and a second region and operable to suppress or reflect photons having a wavelength greater than about 700 nm and to emit or transmit photons having a wavelength between about 400 nm and about 700 nm.
US08044559B2 Discharge lamp of the short arc type and a light source device having the discharge lamp of the short arc type
A discharge lamp of the short arc type has a bulb with an arc tube and sealing tubes extending at opposite sides of the arc tube and which contains a discharge gas and a pair of opposed electrodes supported on lead pins which protrude from the outer end of the sealing tubes, the lead pins being affixed to graded glass in the sealing tube. A cooling fin surrounds the outer surface of one of the sealing tubes; and is formed of a pair of plate-shaped bodies each of which has a curved portion that contacts an outer surface of the sealing tube a strip-shaped portion extending radially from each of opposite edges of the curved portion. The strip-shaped portions of the plate-shaped bodies positionally overlap, and cooling openings are formed in the strip-shaped portions of only one of the plate-shaped bodies. Preferably, a gap is formed between the plate-shaped bodies.
US08044556B2 Highly efficient, charge depletion-mediated, voltage-tunable actuation efficiency and resonance frequency of piezoelectric semiconductor nanoelectromechanical systems resonators
A nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) device and method for using the device provide for a movable member that includes a region of low conductivity over which an electric field is developed. A region width is within a factor of ten (10) of a thickness of the NEMS device. The region is formed between a junction that incorporates piezoelectric material. A first voltage is applied across the region which alters a width of an active portion of the region thereby adjusting a movement of the movable member induced by a second voltage. The second voltage is applied across the region to produce a strain on the active portion of the region. The strain results in a defined movement of the movable member.
US08044553B2 Temperature compensated surface acoustic wave device and method having buried interdigital transducers for providing an improved insertion loss and quality factor
A SAW device having metal electrodes on a surface of the piezoelectric substrate includes a dielectric layer deposited on the surface. Depositing the layer results in seams extending upward from the electrodes extending above the surface of the substrate. An additional seam results from one seam extending from one electrode joining a second seam extending from an adjacent electrode within the dielectric layer and is generally formed above the height of the electrodes. The additional seam is removed through planarization or the like. The dielectric layer may be further planarized for providing a thickness of the dielectric layer above the electrodes as desired.
US08044551B2 Stator for electric motor and manufacturing method thereof
A stator for an electric motor is provided. The stator includes segmented cores each having one yoke and at least one pole protruding from the yoke in a radial direction, bobbins formed to receive the at least one pole therein, having blocking walls that extend from one side of ends of the at least one pole in a circumferential direction thereby to block a space between the at least one pole, and coupled to the at least one pole, and stator coils wound on the bobbins. A temperature of the segmented cores and the stator coils are prevented from rising and a noise occurrence is reduced.
US08044549B2 Spool assembly for an electric machine
An electric machine includes a housing, a stator mounted within the housing, and a rotor including a spool assembly. The spool assembly includes a spool having a main body portion having a first end portion that extends substantially uninterrupted to a second end portion through an intermediate portion. The spool further includes a first plurality of mounting elements provided on the first end portion and a second plurality mounting elements provided on the first end portion. A star member is secured to the first end portion of the spool.
US08044545B2 Direct-current motor
To provide a DC motor in which the rattling and the axial deviation of a rotor are restrained without increasing the axial dimension of the motor.This DC motor comprises a stator (2) on which coils (4) are provided, a rotor (8) so disposed as to be opposed to the inner periphery of the stator (2) and having magnetic poles, a current-carrying part provided at one end of the rotor (8) and transferring the current fed from a power supply to the coils (4) of the stator (2), a sleeve bearing (6) holding the rotor (8), and a ball bearing (7) holding the rotor (8) and having a load-carrying capacity larger than that of the sleeve bearing (6). The outer ring of the ball bearing (7) is positioned by the stator (2), and the inner ring of the ball bearing (7) is positioned by the rotor (8).
US08044544B2 Rolling bearing, spindle support structure of main motor for railway vehicle, and bearing structure
A cylindrical roller bearing 41 comprises an inner ring 42, an outer ring 43 having the same axial width as the inner ring 42 and having an insulation layer 43a formed on an outer diameter surface and both end faces thereof, cylindrical rollers 44 arranged between the inner ring 42 and the outer ring 43, a retainer 45 retaining intervals of the cylindrical rollers 44, and a sealing seal 46 as a sealing member having a roughly channel-shaped configuration in cross section projecting from both end faces of the inner ring 42 and the outer ring 43. Thus, a relation between a length L3 of the roller 44 and an axial width W3 of the inner ring 42 and the outer ring 43 satisfies L3/W3≧0.4, and a relation between a bearing volume V3 of the cylindrical roller bearing 41 and an internal space capacity C3 of the cylindrical roller bearing 41 satisfies 0.25≦C3/V3≦0.55.
US08044543B2 Stator and wire winding method therefor
A stator, with a stator core, a plurality of windings with a plurality of in-phase windings and anti-phase windings, a plurality of slots, an insulating plate, a plurality of cylinders, and a plurality of teeth. The teeth protrude from the stator core. The winding is received in the slot and wraps around the tooth. The insulating plate is disposed on the surface of the stator core. The cylinders are disposed on the insulating plate. A transition line is disposed between two adjacent teeth and hangs on the cylinder. A plurality of supporting mechanisms is disposed on the cylinders.
US08044541B2 Multi-degree-of-freedom actuator and stage device
A multi-degree-of-freedom actuator includes a movable element having a plurality of permanent magnets, and a stator including a stator core and a plurality of coils. The permanent magnets are arranged in the X direction such that the number P of poles is an even number of two or more. The coils are of two types: X-direction driving coil and Z-direction driving coil. The Z-direction driving coils the number of which is P are disposed at positions opposite to magnetic poles of the permanent magnets. The X-direction driving coil or coils the number of which is P/2 are each disposed at a position opposite to an intermediate point between two adjacent ones of the magnetic poles of the permanent magnets.
US08044539B2 Intelligent solar energy collection system
A street-lighting and solar energy collection system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of lighting/solar energy collecting units, an AC and DC power transmission means and a control unit. The system operates in one of the two operation modes. In the first operation mode as the street-lighting system, the units receive AC power from the power grid for lighting. In the second operation mode as the solar energy collecting system, the units transmit generated DC electricity to a centralized DC to AC converter in the control unit. The control unit further provides a means for switching the system in between two modes. When the system is operated as the solar energy collection system, it is disconnected from the power grid. The generated DC electricity from each unit is converted by the AC to DC converter in the control unit and is subsequently injected into the power grid. Communication devices in the units and in the control unit form an ad hoc communication network. Instructions for operations can be sent from the control unit to the units. Further, the operation status from each unit can be collected and be sent to the control unit.
US08044538B2 Multi-cellular photovoltaic panel system with DC-DC conversion replicated for groups of cells in series of each panel and photovoltaic panel structure
A photovoltaic energy conversion system includes a distributed control structure for groups of cells of each multi-cellular panel, the components of which are entirely physically integrated in the photovoltaic panel. Each multi-cellular photovoltaic panel has a DC bus, supplied in parallel by a plurality of DC-DC converters, each provided with a controller that controls the working point of the photovoltaic cells coupled to the input of the DC-DC converter for a maximum yield of electric power by implementing a relatively simple MPPT algorithm. The controller includes a logic circuit and A/D converters of analog signals representing the input voltage and the input current generated by the group of cells that is coupled to the input of the DC-DC converter and optionally also of the output voltage of the converter, and a relatively simple D/A converter of the drive control signal of the power switch of the DC-DC converter.
US08044534B2 Method of controlling DC/DC converter, method of controlling DC/DC converter apparatus, and method of controlling driving operation of electric vehicle
When a DC/DC converter switches between a primary voltage control mode, a secondary voltage control mode, and a current limiting mode as operation modes, an I-term resetting processor outputs an I term depending on the duty ratio in the operation mode before being switched to a PID processor. The PID processor performs a PID control process based on the input I term. A drive duty ratio setter outputs a drive duty ratio immediately after the control mode switching, which is substantially equal to the duty ratio in the operation mode before being switched. As a result, the duty ratios in the operation mode before being switched and the operation mode after being switched are made continuous with respect to each other.
US08044533B2 Solar module and method of controlling operation of a solar module
A solar module includes a solar generator for converting incident radiation into electrical power and a solar inverter for feeding the power generated by the solar generator into a power supply system or a load. A variable bias load is connected in parallel with the solar generator and a control device, which drives the variable bias load, detects a presently available power of the solar generator as well as a present no-load loss of the solar inverter, compares the detected power of the solar generator and the detected no-load loss of the solar inverter and enables the power of the solar generator to be fed into the power supply system or the load by the solar inverter only when the detected power of the solar generator exceeds the detected no-load loss of the solar inverter. A method of controlling operation of a solar module is also provided.
US08044531B2 Engine starting device
An engine starting device includes an ignition switch configured to cause turning-on and off of a main power source line connecting a power source for a vehicle and an engine control unit (ECU). The ignition switch includes a stationary contact and a movable contact that is rotatable relative to the stationary contact. The stationary contact includes a main contact configured to be connected to a power source input section of the ECU and a starter contact configured to be connected to a starter. The engine starting device also includes a relay provided on a sub power source line that is connected in parallel to the main power source line, the relay connecting the power source of the vehicle and a sub power source input section of the ECU, the relay being excited by the start of the ECU and providing electric continuity between the power source and the ECU.
US08044528B2 Wind power facility having activation circuit for a speed-limited and voltage-source-protective operation of a pitch-drive series-wound motor at generator torques
A wind power facility includes an activation circuit for a speed-limited and voltage-source-protective operation of a pitch-drive series-wound motor at generator torques. The activation circuit can comprise a pitch-drive series-wound motor, in which armature winding and exciter winding are connectable separately from one another, a load resistor RII, which is switched essentially in series to the exciter winding and parallel to the armature winding, and a voltage source, such as a battery or accumulator. A first terminal contact of the armature winding can be connected via a first power converter component to a first terminal contact of the exciter winding and a first terminal contact of the load resistor, and the first terminal contact of the armature winding can be connected via a second power converter component to a second terminal contact of the exciter winding. The first power converter component can transmit in motor operation and block in generator operation, and the second power converter component can transmits in generator operation and block in motor operation.
US08044527B2 Electric power generation with magnetically geared machine
A power generation system includes: a prime mover; an electrical machine coupled to the prime mover and configured for converting mechanical power to electrical power, the electrical machine having a power factor of less than or equal to 0.7; a reactive power supply assembly coupled to the electrical machine and configured to supply reactive power to the electrical machine; and a power electronic converter coupled to the reactive power supply assembly and configured for transferring power from the electrical machine to a grid.
US08044525B2 Substrate with check mark and method of inspecting position accuracy of conductive glue dispensed on the substrate
The invention relates to a substrate with a check mark and a method of inspecting position accuracy of conductive glue dispensed on the substrate. The method is implemented on the substrate having at least one transfer pad and at least one check mark arranged near the border of the transfer pad. After the conductive glue spot is dispensed on the transfer pad, the method includes first capturing an image by a video capturing element, then determining whether the conductive glue spot exist in the image and determining whether the conductive glue spot from the image matches a predetermined standard, if not, generating a report and a warning.
US08044524B2 Adhesive for connection of circuit member and semiconductor device using the same
An adhesive for connecting circuit members, which is interposed between a semiconductor chip having protruding connecting terminals and a board having wiring patterns formed thereon for electrically connecting the connecting terminals and the wiring patterns facing each other and bonding the semiconductor chip and the board by applying pressure/heat, containing a resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin, a crosslinkable resin and a hardening agent for forming a crosslink structure of the crosslinkable resin; and composite oxide particles dispersed in the resin composition.
US08044522B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a substrate; and a chip formed on the substrate and electrically connected to the substrate by a wire. The chip includes a wiring layer electrically connected to the wire; and a protective layer formed on the wiring layer. The wiring layer includes a wiring portion having the protective layer formed in an upper layer thereof and being electrically connected to another layer at a lower layer thereof; a bonding portion connected to one end of the wire at an exposed surface thereof, the exposed surface not having the protective layer formed in an upper layer thereof; and a connecting portion configured to join the wiring portion and the bonding portion. The connecting portion includes an etched portion formed by digging out the wiring layer.
US08044518B2 Junction member comprising junction pads arranged in matrix and multichip package using same
A second semiconductor chip and a junction member are mounted on a first semiconductor chip formed with a plurality of first pads on a surface thereof. A resin encapsulating body is provided which seals the first semiconductor chip, the second semiconductor chip and the junction member. The second semiconductor chip includes a plurality of second pads arranged in a central part thereof. The junction member includes first junction pads, second junction pads and connecting portions which connect the first junction pads and the second junction pads respectively. Electrical connections of the second semiconductor chip from the second pads include connections to connecting terminals and connections to the connecting terminals or the first semiconductor chip from the second junction pads via the first junction pads.
US08044510B2 Product and method for integration of deep trench mesh and structures under a bond pad
A structure includes a substrate. A trench structure is arranged within the substrate. A film is placed under an interlevel dielectric pad and between portions of the trench structure.
US08044509B2 Semiconductor device
In a non-leaded type semiconductor device, a tab, tab suspension leads, and other leads are exposed to one surface of a seal member. A semiconductor element is positioned within the seal member and fixed to a surface of the tab with an adhesive. The tab is formed larger than the semiconductor element so that outer peripheral edges of the tab are positioned outside outer peripheral edges of the semiconductor element. A groove is formed in the tab surface portion positioned between the area to which the semiconductor element is fixed and wire connection areas to which the wires are connected, the groove being formed so as to surround the semiconductor element fixing area, thereby preventing peeling-off between the tab to which the semiconductor element is fixed and the resin which constitutes the package.
US08044505B2 Prepreg, method for manufacturing prepreg, substrate, and semiconductor device
A prepreg which can meet a demand for thickness reduction is provided. The prepreg has first and second resin layers having different applications, functions, capabilities, or properties, and allows an amount of a resin composition in each of the first and second resin layers to be set appropriately depending on a circuit wiring portion to be embedded into the second resin layer. Further, a method for manufacturing the above prepreg, and a substrate and a semiconductor device having the prepreg are also provided. The prepreg according to the present invention includes a core layer including a sheet-shaped base member and having one surface and the other surface which is opposite to the one surface, the first resin layer provided on the one surface of the core layer and formed of a first resin composition, and the second resin layer provided on the other surface of the core layer and formed of a second resin composition, wherein at least one of a requirement that a thickness of the first resin layer is different from that of the second resin layer and a requirement that a constitution of the first resin composition is different from that of the second resin composition is satisfied.
US08044497B2 Stacked die package
The formation of electronic assemblies is described. One embodiment includes first and second semiconductor die structures each including a front side and a backside, the front side including an active region and the backside including metal regions and non-metal regions thereon. The first and second semiconductor die structures include a plurality of vias, the vias forming electrical connections between the active region and the backside metal regions. The first and second semiconductor die structures are stacked together with at least one of the metal regions on the backside of the first semiconductor die structure in direct contact with at least one of the metal regions on the back side of the second semiconductor die structure. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08044496B2 QFN semiconductor package
A QFN semiconductor package includes a die attach pad; a semiconductor die mounted on the die attach pad; an inner terminal lead disposed adjacent to the die attach pad; a first wire bonding the inner terminal lead to the semiconductor die; an extended, outer terminal lead disposed along periphery of the QFN semiconductor package, wherein the extended, outer terminal lead is disposed beyond a maximum wire length which is provided for a specific minimum pad opening size on the semiconductor die; an intermediary terminal disposed between the inner terminal lead and the extended, outer terminal lead; a second wire bonding the intermediary terminal to the semiconductor die; and a trace interconnecting the intermediary terminal to the extended, outer terminal lead.
US08044495B2 Metallic leadframes having laser-treated surfaces for improved adhesion to polymeric compounds
A leadframe for the assembly of a semiconductor chip has regions (112) with an original smooth surface of glossy appearance and regions (113, 114, 210) of a frosty appearance with rough surface contours. The regions of rough surface contours include two-dimensional arrays of spots (401) comprising a central area (402) below the original surface (400) and a piled ring (403) above the original surface. The piled ring (403) consists of the leadframe material in amorphous configuration.
US08044494B2 Stackable molded packages and methods of making the same
A first packaged integrated circuit (IC) includes a package substrate, at least one IC die attached to a first surface of the package substrate, a plurality of conductive members on the first surface at least partially surrounding the at least one IC die and electrically connected to the at least one IC die, an encapsulant over the first surface surrounding the at least one IC die and the plurality of conductive members, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of conductive members is exposed by the encapsulant. A second packaged IC may be stacked onto the first packaged IC. The second packaged IC includes at least one IC die and a plurality of conductive members, each conductive member of the plurality of conductive members of the second packaged IC is in contact with a corresponding conductive member of the plurality conductive members of the first packaged IC.
US08044493B2 GaAs semiconductor substrate for group III-V compound semiconductor device
A GaAs semiconductor substrate includes a main surface (10m) having an inclined angle of 6° to 16° with respect to a (100) plane (10a), and a concentration of chlorine atoms on the main surface (10m) is not more than 1×1013 cm−2. Further, a method of manufacturing a GaAs semiconductor substrate includes a polishing step of polishing a GaAs semiconductor wafer, a first cleaning step of cleaning the polished GaAs semiconductor wafer, an inspection step of inspecting a thickness and a main surface flatness of the GaAs semiconductor wafer subjected to the first cleaning, and a second cleaning step of cleaning the inspected GaAs semiconductor wafer with one of an acid other than hydrochloric acid and an alkali. Thereby, a GaAs semiconductor substrate that allows to obtain a group III-V compound semiconductor device having high properties even when at least one group III-V compound semiconductor layer containing not less than three elements is grown on a main surface, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided.
US08044489B2 Semiconductor device with fluorine-containing interlayer dielectric film to prevent chalcogenide material layer from exfoliating from the interlayer dielectric film and process for producing the same
A semiconductor device having a phase-change memory cell comprises an interlayer dielectric film formed of, for example, SiOF formed on a select transistor formed on a main surface of a semiconductor substrate, a chalcogenide material layer formed of, for example, GeSbTe extending on the interlayer dielectric film, and a top electrode formed on the chalcogenide material layer. A fluorine concentration in an interface between the interlayer dielectric film and the chalcogenide material layer is higher than a fluorine concentration in an interface between the chalcogenide material layer and the top electrode.
US08044485B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device made of a group-III nitride semiconductor having excellent properties is provided. The semiconductor device has a horizontal diode structure of Schottky type or P-N junction type, or combined type thereof having a main conduction pathway in the horizontal direction in a conductive layer with unit anode portions and unit cathode electrodes being integrated adjacently to each other in the horizontal direction. The conductive layer is preferably formed by depositing a group-III nitride layer and generating a two-dimensional electron gas layer on the interface. Forming the conductive layer of the group-III nitride having high breakdown field allows the breakdown voltage to be kept high while the gap between electrodes is narrow, which achieves a semiconductor device having high output current per chip area. Further, an electrode pad layer provided on an insulation protecting layer relieves electric field concentration at a junction of each unit anode portion and each unit cathode electrode, which achieves higher breakdown voltage.
US08044482B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes an insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, a contact wiring formed in the insulating film, a protective film formed on the contact wiring and the insulating film, an opening portion formed in the protective film, the contact wiring being exposed through the opening portion, and an electrode pad formed in the opening portion, the electrode pad being electrically connected to the contact wiring. A region where the contact wiring is not provided is present below the opening portion.
US08044480B2 Production of a radiation detector
The invention relates to a method of producing a radiation detector comprising a photosensitive receiver (1; 30; 41) associated with a radiation converter (5) which is fixed by bonding to the photosensitive receiver (1; 30; 41). The method uses a film of adhesive (6; 61; 62) protected on each of its faces by a protective film and in carrying out the following operations in succession. A one protective film is removed. The film of adhesive (6; 61; 62) is laminated to the first element (5). The second protective film is removed. The second element (1; 30; 41) is brought into contact with the film of adhesive (6; 61; 62). The invention also relates to a tool for producing a radiation detector and to a method of employing this tool.
US08044475B2 Chip package
A chip package includes a bump connecting said semiconductor chip and said circuitry component, wherein the semiconductor chip has a photosensitive area used to sense light. The chip package may include a ring-shaped protrusion connecting a transparent substrate and the semiconductor chip.
US08044465B2 Method for producing partial SOI structures comprising zones connecting a superficial layer and a substrate
The invention relates to a method for producing a semiconductor structure comprising a superficial layer, at least one embedded layer, and a support, which method comprises: a step of forming, on a first support, patterns in a first material, a step of forming a semiconductor layer, between and on said patterns, a step of assembling said semiconductor layer with a second support.
US08044463B2 Method of manufacturing a trench transistor having a heavy body region
A trenched field effect transistor is provided that includes (a) a semiconductor substrate, (b) a trench extending a predetermined depth into the semiconductor substrate, (c) a pair of doped source junctions, positioned on opposite sides of the trench, (d) a doped heavy body positioned adjacent each source junction on the opposite side of the source junction from the trench, the deepest portion of the heavy body extending less deeply into said semiconductor substrate than the predetermined depth of the trench, and (e) a doped well surrounding the heavy body beneath the heavy body.
US08044461B2 Planar TMBS rectifier
A monolithically integrated trench FET and Schottky diode includes a plurality of trenches extending into a FET region and a Schottky region of a semiconductor layer. A trench in the Schottky region includes a dielectric layer lining the trench sidewalls, and a conductive electrode having a top surface that is substantially coplanar with a top surface of the semiconductor layer adjacent the trench. An interconnect layer electrically contacts the semiconductor layer in the Schottky region so as to form a Schottky contact with the semiconductor layer.
US08044460B2 Electronic device with connecting structure
A connecting structure for an electronic device includes an edge region of the device, a first trench and a second trench running toward the edge region, a first electrode within the first trench, and a second electrode within the second trench, the first and second electrodes being arranged in a same electrode plane with regard to a main surface of a substrate of the electronic device within the trenches, and the first electrode extending, at an edge region side end of the first trench, farther toward the edge region than the second electrode extends, at an edge region side end of the second trench, toward the edge region.
US08044456B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and producing method thereof
A cell array includes a memory cell region in which memory cells are formed and a peripheral region that is provided around the memory cell region. In the memory cell region, first lines are extended in parallel with a first direction, and the first lines are repeatedly formed at first intervals in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In the peripheral region, each of the first lines located at (4n−3)-th (n is a positive integer) and (4n−2)-th positions in the second direction from a predetermined position has a contact connecting portion on one end side in the first direction of the first line. In the peripheral region, each of the first lines located at (4n−1)-th and 4n-th positions in the second direction from the predetermined position has the contact connecting portion on the other end side in the first direction of the first line. The contact connecting portion is formed so as to contact a contact plug extended in a laminating direction.
US08044453B2 Non-volatile memory device with a charge trapping layer
A non-volatile memory device includes field insulating layer patterns on a substrate to define an active region of the substrate, upper portions of the field insulating layer patterns protruding above an upper surface of the substrate, a tunnel insulating layer on the active region, a charge trapping layer on the tunnel insulating layer, a blocking layer on the charge trapping layer, first insulating layers on upper surfaces of the field insulating layer patterns, and a word line structure on the blocking layer and first insulating layers.
US08044446B2 Image sensor with compact pixel layout
Solid-state image sensors, specifically image sensor pixels, which have three or four transistors, high sensitivity, low noise, and low dark current, are provided. The pixels have separate active regions for active components, row-shared photodiodes and may also contain a capacitor to adjust the sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range. The low dark current is achieved by using pinned photodiodes.
US08044445B2 Photoelectric conversion device and method of manufacturing the same
A photoelectric conversion device includes a thin film transistor that is placed on a substrate, a photodiode that is connected to a drain electrode of the thin film transistor and includes an upper electrode, a lower electrode and a photoelectric conversion layer placed between the upper and lower electrodes, a first interlayer insulating film that covers at least the upper electrode, a second interlayer insulating film that is placed in an upper layer of the first interlayer insulating film and covers the thin film transistor and the photodiode, and a line that is connected to the upper electrode through a contact hole disposed in the first interlayer insulating film and the second interlayer insulating film.
US08044444B2 CMOS image sensor and fabricating method thereof
A fabricating method of a CMOS image sensor includes the steps of: forming a transfer gate on a semiconductor substrate where a device isolation layer is formed; forming a first n-type ion implantation region for a photodiode beneath a surface of the semiconductor substrate, the first n-type ion implantation region being aligned at one side of the transfer gate and having a first width and a first ion implantation depth; forming a second n-type ion implantation region aligned at one side of the transfer gate, the second n-type ion implantation region enclosing the first n-type ion implantation region and having a second width wider than the first width and a second ion implantation depth deeper than the first ion implantation depth and a second depth; forming a p-type ion implantation region between a surface of the semiconductor substrate and the first n-type ion implantation region, the p-type ion implantation region being aligned at one side of the transfer gate and partially overlapped with the first n-type ion implantation region; forming spacers on both sidewalls of the transfer gate; and forming a floating diffusion region at the other side of the transfer gate.
US08044440B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The invention is directed to providing a smaller semiconductor device formed as an optical sensor including a light receiving portion and a light emitting portion. A light receiving portion and a light emitting portion are disposed on a front surface of a semiconductor substrate for forming a semiconductor die, and a supporting body is attached to these so as to face these with an adhesive being interposed therebetween. A first opening exposing the light receiving portion from the front side of the supporting body is provided, and in a separated position therefrom, a second opening exposing the light emitting portion from the front side of the supporting body is provided. A first electrode and a second electrode are further disposed on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, and bump electrodes electrically connected to these are disposed on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US08044439B2 Light-emitting device and manufacturing method of the same
A light-emitting device (1) is provided having a current blocking layer (9) of buried structure, a portion of the current blocking layer (9) having an oxygen concentration higher than that of a light-emitting layer, the current blocking layer being of a thickness of not less than 5 nm and not more than 100 nm. It includes an etching stop layer (24) below the current blocking layer (9), the etching stop layer being good in oxidation resistance. The light-emitting device (1) and its manufacturing method are provided such that the device has its current confinement effect improved and its output increased at lower forward voltage.
US08044438B2 Liquid crystal display and substrate thereof
Disclosed are a liquid crystal display and a substrate for the same. The substrate comprises first wires formed in one direction on the substrate; second wires intersecting and insulated from the first wires; pixel electrodes formed in pixel regions defined by the first wires and the second wires; and switching elements connected to the first wires, the second wires and the pixel electrodes, wherein an interval between two adjacent second wires has a predetermined dimension that repeatedly varies from one set of adjacent second wires to the next, and a side of the pixel electrodes adjacent to the second wires is shaped in a pattern identical to the second wires such that the pixel electrodes have a wide portion and a narrow portion. The liquid crystal display comprises a first substrate; first wires formed in one direction on the first substrate; second wires intersecting and insulated from the first wires; pixel electrodes formed in pixel regions defined by the crossing of the first wires and the second wires, and a side of the pixel electrodes adjacent to the second wires is shaped in a pattern identical to the second wires such that the pixel electrodes have a wide portion and a narrow portion; switching elements connected to the first wires, the second wires and the pixel electrodes; a second substrate provided opposing the first substrate; a black matrix formed on the second substrate; common electrodes formed on the second substrate; and domain controlling means for controlling the formation of domains of the pixel electrodes.
US08044436B2 Avalanche photodiode having controlled breakdown voltage
Avalanche photodiodes and methods for forming them are disclosed. The breakdown voltage of an avalanche photodiode is controlled through the inclusion of a diffusion sink that is formed at the same time as the device region of the photodiode. The device region and diffusion sink are formed by diffusing a dopant into a semiconductor to form a p-n junction in the device region. The dopant is diffused through a first diffusion window to form the device region and a second diffusion window to form the diffusion sink. The depth of the p-n junction is based on an attribute of the second diffusion window.
US08044433B2 GaN-based high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with an embedded gate electrode having a first recess portion and a second recess portion to improve drain breakdown voltage
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a GaN-based semiconductor layer formed on the substrate, a gate electrode embedded in the GaN-based semiconductor layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on both sides of the gate electrode, a first recess portion formed between the gate electrode and the source electrode, and a second recess portion formed between the gate electrode and the drain electrode. The first recess portion has a depth deeper than that of the second recess portion.
US08044423B2 Light emitting device package
Provided is a light emitting device package. The light emitting device package comprises a base substrate, a frame, and a light emitting device. The base substrate comprises a plurality of electrode pads. The frame is formed of silicon, attached on the base substrate, and has an opening. The light emitting device is electrically connected to the electrode pad in the opening.
US08044421B2 Light emitting device with tension relaxation
A light emitting device is provided, comprising a light emitting diode 10, where the light emitting surface 11 thereof is bound to an optical element 13 by means of a bonding material 12 comprising a phosphate glass or an oxide glass having Tg<250° C. In operation of the device, when the temperature approaches or exceeds Tg of the bonding material, the bonding material gets fluidic and can thus relax any thermally induced stresses between the light emitting diode and the optical element.
US08044420B2 Light emitting diode package structure
The present invention relates to a method for forming a package structure for a light emitting diode (LED) and the LED package structure thereof. By employing the same sawing process to cut through the trenches of the leadframe, the package units are singulated and different lead portions are simultaneously separated from each other in each package unit. Therefore, the overflow issues of the encapsulant can be avoided without using extra taping process.
US08044419B2 White phosphors, methods of making white phosphors, white light emitting LEDS, methods of making white light emitting LEDS, and light bulb structures
Phosphor compositions, white phosphor compositions, methods of making white phosphor compositions, tinted white phosphor compositions, methods of making tinted white phosphor compositions, LEDs, methods of making LEDs, light bulb structures, paints including phosphor compositions, polymer compositions including phosphor compositions, ceramics including phosphor compositions, and the like are provided.
US08044413B2 Loudspeaker system for motor vehicles utilizing cavities formed by supporting structures
In order to produce a powerful bass, bass boxes require a relatively large installation volume, for which insufficient space is frequently available in the interior of a motor vehicle, in particular in a passenger motor vehicle. When drivers and front-seat passengers require the sound installation to have a powerful bass, a bass box requires a volume in the order of magnitude of at least 10 to 15 liters. In order to restrict the physical space which is required for this purpose in the vehicle interior, the active sound transducer of the loudspeaker system is acoustically coupled on its rear face to a resonant area which is formed at least in parts by the cavity within a supporting structure of the vehicle. In this case, the sound transducer is acoustically coupled in the area surrounding an area of the vehicle in which at least two elements of the supporting structure meet one another, such that at least a portion of the resonant area is jointly formed by the cavities in these at least two elements of the supporting structure.
US08044412B2 Package for a light emitting element
A high-brightness LED module includes a substrate with a recess in which a light emitting element is mounted. The recess is defined by a sidewalls and a relatively thin membrane. At least two micro-vias are provided in the membrane and include conductive material that passes through the membrane. A p-contact of the light emitting element is coupled to a first micro-via and an n-contact of the light emitting element is coupled to a second micro-via.
US08044408B2 SiC single-crystal substrate and method of producing SiC single-crystal substrate
The invention provides a high-quality SiC single-crystal substrate, a seed crystal for producing the high-quality SiC single-crystal substrate, and a method of producing the high-quality SiC single-crystal substrate, which enable improvement of device yield and stability. Provided is an SiC single-crystal substrate wherein, when the SiC single-crystal substrate is divided into 5-mm square regions, such regions in which dislocation pairs or dislocation rows having intervals between their dislocation end positions of 5 μm or less are present among the dislocations that have ends at the substrate surface account for 50% or less of all such regions within the substrate surface and the dislocation density in the substrate of dislocations other than the dislocation pairs or dislocation is 8,000/cm2.
US08044403B2 Display device
An integrated circuit, which is configured such that a MOS transistor and a bipolar transistor are integrated at the same time, is formed on an insulating substrate which includes a display device. An electronic device or a display includes a plurality of semiconductor devices which are formed by using a semiconductor thin film and are formed in the semiconductor thin film that is provided on an insulating substrate and is crystallized in a predetermined direction. The plurality of semiconductor devices include a MOS transistor and at least either one of a lateral bipolar thin-film transistor and a MOS-bipolar hybrid thin film transistor.
US08044401B2 Thin film transistor, method of fabricating the same, organic light emitting diode display device including the same and method of fabricating the same
A thin film transistor includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, including a channel region and source and drain regions and crystallized using a metal catalyst, a gate electrode disposed to correspond to a predetermined region of the semiconductor layer, a gate insulating layer disposed between the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer to insulate the semiconductor layer from the gate electrode, and source and drain electrodes electrically connected to the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer, respectively. The metal catalyst within 150 Å from a surface of the semiconductor layer in a vertical direction is formed to have a concentration exceeding 0 and not exceeding 6.5×E17 atoms per cm3 in the channel region of the semiconductor layer. An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device includes the thin film transistor.
US08044391B2 Thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same
A thin film transistor includes a multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit including a plurality of coaxial silicon nanowires on a substrate, the multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit including a central portion and end portions of the central portion; a gate electrode on the central portion; and a source electrode and a drain electrode on the respective end portions, respectively, so as to electrically connect to the multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit.
US08044383B2 Thin P-type gallium nitride and aluminum gallium nitride electron-blocking layer free gallium nitride-based light emitting diodes
A light emitting diode (LED) having a p-type layer having a thickness of 100 nm or less, an n-type layer, and an active layer, positioned between the p-type layer and the n-type layer, for emitting light, wherein the LED does not include a separate electron blocking layer.
US08044380B2 Nitride semiconductor light emitting device and fabrication method thereof
Provided is a nitride semiconductor light emitting device including: a first nitride semiconductor layer; an active layer formed above the first nitride semiconductor layer; and a “C (carbon)”-doped second nitride semiconductor layer formed above the active layer. According to the present invention, the crystallinity of the active layer is enhanced, and the optical power and the operation reliability are enhanced.
US08044379B2 Well-aligned, high aspect-ratio, high-density silicon nanowires and methods of making the same
A method of producing silicon nanowires includes providing a substrate in the form of a doped material; formulating an etching solution; and applying an appropriate current density for an appropriate length of time. Related structures and devices composed at least in part from silicon nanowires are also described.
US08044378B2 Method of manufacturing photo interrupter including a positioning member with at least one positioning pin integrally provided with a connecting part, and photo interrupter manufactured thereby
A method of manufacturing a photo interrupter includes forming a frame including a first frame part and a second frame part which are disposed at an interval to be facing each other, mounting at least one light-emitting element on a first board and attaching the first board to the first frame part of the frame, mounting a light-receiving element on a second board and attaching the second board to the second frame part of the frame, the light-receiving element being mounted on the second board to be facing the light-emitting element so that the light-receiving element receives light emitted from the light-emitting element, and providing a positioning member on the frame by integrally forming the positioning member with the frame.
US08044374B2 Ion implantation apparatus
A hydrogen ion implanter for the exfoliation of silicon from silicon wafers uses a large scan wheel carrying 50+ wafers around its periphery and rotating about an axis. In one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the wheel is fixed and the wheel is formed with tensioned spokes supporting a rim carrying the wafer supports. The spokes may be used for carrying cooling fluid to and from the wafer supports. In one embodiment, a ribbon beam of hydrogen ions is directed down on a peripheral edge of the wheel. The ribbon beam extends over the full radial width of wafers on the wheel.
US08044373B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus is disclosed having a projection system housing supporting internally one or more lens elements, and a movement damper connected to the projection system housing, the movement damper configured to damp movement of the projection system housing at an eigenfrequency of at least one of the one or more lens elements and/or of the projection system housing.
US08044368B2 Lens coil cooling of a magnetic lens
A magnetic lens for a charged particle beam device and a charged particle beam device are provided. The magnetic lens includes a coil with coil windings to be excited for generation of a magnetic field, a pole piece to guide the magnetic field, a heat shield, which is connected to a cooling system, and a thermal insulation layer provided between the heat shield and the coil.
US08044367B2 Scintillator for neutron detection and neutron detector
A scintillator for neutron detection, comprising a metal fluoride crystal containing, as constituent elements, a metal having a valence of 2 or higher, such as calcium, aluminum or yttrium; lithium; and fluorine, the metal fluoride crystal containing 1.1 to 20 atoms per unit volume (atoms/nm3) of 6Li, having an effective atomic number of 10 to 40, containing a lanthanoid such as cerium, praseodymium or europium, and being represented by, for instance, LiCaAlF6, LiSrAlF6 and LiYF4. The scintillator for neutron detection has high sensitivity to neutron rays, and is reduced in a background noise attributed to γ rays.
US08044366B2 Method for the determination of the neutron multiplicity counter dead time parameter
A method is provided for simplifying the calibration of neutron multiplicity counters. The method includes multiplicity counter dead time correction algorithms that preclude the need for extended calibration steps with known radiation sources. The algorithms include approximations that allow calculation of the counter's efficiency without knowledge of sample source activity or origin.
US08044364B2 Dosimetry device for charged particle radiation
A dosimetry device for charged particle radiation that can be exclusive of cables and connectors between substrates is provided. A plurality of first electrodes are formed on one surface of a printed circuit board, a second electrode substrate having a second electrode opposing each of the plurality of first electrodes through an ionized space is provided, and a signal processing circuit is provided on the other surface opposing the surface of the printed circuit board. The signal processing circuit includes at least one amplifying circuit, a plurality of integrating capacitors corresponding to the amplifying circuit for integrating charge at each corresponding one of the first electrodes, and at least one selector switch that switchably connects each of the integrating capacitors to the amplifying circuit. The printed circuit board may be a multi-layer printed circuit board.
US08044361B2 Radiation detection unit and radiographic inspection apparatus
Plural detection boards are stacked and fixed. The detection board has a wiring board, a semiconductor detection device fixed on an upper surface of the wiring board and configured to detect radiation, and a spacer fixed on the upper surface of the wiring board. Each of the detection boards is provided so that the semiconductor detection device and the spacer have a designated positional relationship. In addition, the spacers are stacked and matched in an X-Y plane surface with each other so that the detection boards are fixed by fixing members.
US08044359B2 Three dimensional dosimetry using solid array geometry
A dosimeter comprising an ionizing radiation detector array is used to generally encompass a three dimensional geometric shape such as that employed as a phantom in radiation dosimetry measurements. The ionizing radiation detector array may include passive or active detectors. The active detectors in the array may comprise diodes, ionization chambers, luminescent sensors or amorphous silicon. The three dimensional geometric shape may comprise a shape defined by a closed directrix, wherein each of a plurality of detectors within the ionizing detector array is within an envelope defined by a generatrix of the directrix. The closed directrix may be an open or closed cylinder, or a structure having a cross section described by a polygon. The plurality of detectors may only be positioned on or at least proximate the envelope.
US08044357B2 Radiation dosimeter and radiation dose computing program
Light emitted in correspondence to ionizing radiation incident from a scintillator is fed through an optical fiber to a photoelectron multiplier tube by which it is converted to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is amplified by a signal amplifying circuit, and any light emission events of given or higher intensity are discriminated by a discriminator and counted by a counter. The count value is fed to a computer. The computer converts the count value to a dosage on the basis of an exponential relationship lying between the light emission intensity and the number of emission events, thereby attaining detection of the dosage.
US08044356B2 Survey meter
A survey meter for measuring a radioactive contamination caused in an inner surface of a pipe includes a radiation detecting section and a signal processing section. The radiation detecting section includes a rod-shaped light guide unit, a reflecting portion connected to one end surface of the light guide unit, a photoelectric transfer unit, for outputting an electronic signal, connected to another one end surface of the light guide unit, and a scintillator unit provided to a circumference of the light guide unit. The signal processing section includes a pulse height discriminator for outputting a logic signal at a time when a pulse height value of the electronic signal outputted from the photoelectric transfer unit is higher than a threshold value, a counter unit for counting the logic signal, a contamination judging unit for judging whether a radioactive contamination is caused or not, and a display unit for displaying the value counted by the counter unit and a contamination judging result judged by the contamination judging unit.
US08044354B2 Method for classifying resins types in carbon fiber reinforced plastic materials using IR spectroscopy
In one embodiment, a method of classifying a polymer containing surface is provided including collecting one or more spectra of infrared energy reflected from the surface over a spectrum of wavelengths; performing multivariate processing at one or more wavelengths; comparing results of the multivariate processing with one or more predetermined material classification models derived from model material infrared energy spectra collected from one or more model material surfaces, the one or more model material surfaces each having a known polymer material composition; and, sorting the polymer containing surface into the proper class based on a similarity of the results of the multivariate processing at one or more wavelengths with the predetermined material classification models.
US08044352B2 Electron microscopy
Using, as a detector, a CCD detector having a CCD element to which a scintillator is closely fixed, a backscattered or scanning transmission image is obtained by the following method. The detector is disposed directly under an objective lens to obtain the backscattered electron image. When one point of a specimen is irradiated with an electron beam, backscattered or transmission electrons generated from the specimen collide with the scintillator to form a luminescent pattern. This pattern is detected by the CCD detector, and stored in a memory. This processing is sequentially repeated for each irradiation position to obtain all the patterns in an electron beam scanning range. Arithmetic processing is performed on each pattern to convert it into an image. Usually, image data for one pixel is calculated from one pattern. By sequentially repeating this, a backscattered or transmission electron image in the electronic beam scanning range can be obtained.
US08044350B2 Miniaturized ultrafine particle sizer and monitor
An apparatus for measuring particle size distribution includes a charging device and a precipitator. The charging device includes a corona that generates charged ions in response to a first applied voltage, and a charger body that generates a low energy electrical field in response to a second applied voltage in order to channel the charged ions out of the charging device. The corona tip and the charger body are arranged relative to each other to direct a flow of particles through the low energy electrical field in a direction parallel to a direction in which the charged ions are channeled out of the charging device. The precipitator receives the plurality of particles from the charging device, and includes a disk having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, wherein a predetermined voltage is applied to the top surface and the bottom surface to precipitate the plurality of particles.
US08044342B2 Method and system for calculating extent of a formation treatment material in a formation
A method and system for calculating extent of a formation treatment material in a formation. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising releasing neutrons into a formation from a neutron source of a logging tool within a borehole having an axis, sensing energies of gammas produced by materials in the formation, the sensing by a gamma detector on the logging tool, generating a measured spectrum of the energies of the gammas sensed by the gamma detector, determining elemental concentrations of materials in the formation based on a basis spectrum, and calculating axial extent of a formation treatment material in the formation in relation to the axis of the borehole based on the elemental concentrations of at least some materials in the formation.
US08044340B2 Encoder and light receiving device for encoder
An encoder is provided in which the absolute angle can be detected with high accuracy even when the irradiated position of light to be detected with respect to a scale is displaced from a reference, and a photodetecting device for an encoder used for such an encoder. In the encoder 1, by passing light to be detected through a straight-line light transmitting portion 17, a bright portion 19 to which the light to be detected is irradiated is formed in an area of a scale plate 11 containing mutually separate parts of arranged lines L1 and L2 and also a dark portion 20 to which no light to be detected is irradiated is formed in the other area.
US08044334B2 High-pressure discharge lamp light source device having a power supply device with a switching state for switching from a direct current drive in a standby state to an alternating current drive in an operating state and projector
To stabilize the arc bright point position of a discharge lamp and suppress deformation of an electrode when an ultrahigh-pressure discharge lamp is operated with extremely low electric power, the lamp is operated by supplying power from a power supply device having a step-down chopper circuit and a full bridge circuit, a rectangular wave alternating current being supplied when it is operated with rated power or dimmed power (about 60 to 80% of rated power), a DC current being supplied during standby power operation of at most 0.5×P (W) with respect to the maximum operating power P (W). Moreover, the high-pressure discharge lamp light source device may be mounted on a projector for projecting images and the mode being changed to standby power operation when there is no change in an image signal, for example, for a prescribed period of time.
US08044332B2 Hybrid architecture active wavefront sensing and control system, and method
According to various embodiments, provided herein is an optical system and method that can be configured to perform image analysis. The optical system can comprise a telescope assembly and one or more hybrid instruments. The one or more hybrid instruments can be configured to receive image data from the telescope assembly and perform a fine guidance operation and a wavefront sensing operation, simultaneously, on the image data received from the telescope assembly.
US08044330B2 Electrically conductive adhesive
Disclosed is an electrically conductive adhesive that includes an electrically conductive powder, a heat-curable silicone resin, and a solvent.
US08044323B2 Apparatus for improving residual stress of piping technical field
A weld zone of T-piping and its neighborhood are efficiently laser-heated to remove residual stress. For this purpose, the weld zone of a T-piping (50) is irradiated and heated with a laser beam emitted from a laser head (10) to remove residual stress. At this time, a rotating travel cart (3) travels along a ring rail (2) to adjust the position of the laser head (10) in a θ-direction, a vertical slide (4) slides to adjust the position of the laser head (10) in a Z-direction, a radial slide (5) slides to adjust the position of the laser head (10) in an L-direction, an arcuate piece slide (7) slides along an arcuate piece to adjust the α-direction of the laser head (10), a laser head support portion (9) turns to adjust the β-direction of the laser head (10), and oscillation adjusts the position of the laser head (10) in a γ-direction.
US08044322B2 Vertical stent cutting process
A system and method for processing a tubular member for producing a medical device, wherein the tubular member is oriented in a longitudinally vertical position during processing.
US08044311B2 Seating detection switch
A thin, film-form seating switch able to detect whether an occupant sits on the seat or not, wherein, with a spacer (5) in-between, a film-form substrate (3) is disposed on one surface of the spacer and a film-form member (7) on the other surface, a first conductor (13) equipped with a first terminal (9) and a first electrode (11A) conductive with this and a second conductor (19) equipped with a second terminal (15) and a second electrode (17A) conductive with this are fixed to one surface of the film-form substrate, and a third conductor (21A) for letting the first electrode conduct with the second electrode when an occupant is seated is fixed to the film-form member (7). The above arrangement solves a conventional problem that it is troublesome to connect the connection terminals of wires or the like provided on a wiring harness or the like to respective terminals that are separately provided on a film-form substrate and a film-form member.
US08044306B2 Wiring board and method of manufacturing the same
A wiring board has a base substrate, a conductive pattern formed on the base substrate, an insulation layer formed on the conductive pattern and the base substrate and including a resin-impregnated inorganic cloth, a conductive pattern formed on the insulating layer, a via formed in the insulation layer and connecting the conductive pattern formed on the base substrate and the conductive pattern formed on the insulating layer, and a through-hole connected to the conductive pattern formed on the base substrate, penetrating through the base substrate and having a hole diameter in a range of 10 μm to 150 μm.
US08044303B2 Trace carrier
A trace carrier is provided. The trace carrier includes a first insulating tube, a second insulating tube, a trace pair, and a sealed hollow insulating cylinder. The trace pair is passing through the first insulating tube and the second insulating tube, and is coiled up in an inner space of the first insulating tube and the second insulating tube. The sealed hollow insulating cylinder encapsulates the first insulating tube, the second insulating tube, and the trace pair, but the four terminals of the trace pair are exposed to the outside of the sealed hollow insulating cylinder.
US08044301B2 Printed circuit board provided with heat circulating medium and method for manufacturing the same
A printed circuit board includes a lower plate provided with an internal circuit wiring and having a recessed part at a surface thereof and a plurality of projection patterns at a lower surface of the recessed part; an upper plate having the same structure of the lower plate and adhered to the lower plate so that surfaces formed with the recessed part are opposite to each other; a heat circulation medium injected into an internal space formed by the recessed parts of the lower and upper plates.
US08044298B2 Electrical wire and method of fabricating the electrical wire
An electrical wire includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and a third conductor. The first conductor is formed as an electrifiable conductor for delivering electrical power. The second and third conductors are respectively formed on opposing sides of the first conductor, such that the first conductor is at least substantially entrapped by the second and third conductors. A distance between the first conductor and each of the second and third conductors is no greater than approximately 0.030 inches.
US08044295B2 Solar cell with high-temperature front electrical contact
A solar cell has an active semiconductor structure and a back electrical contact overlying and contacting an active semiconductor structure back side. A front electrical contact is applied overlying and contacting the active semiconductor structure front side. The front electrical contact has multiple layers including a titanium layer overlying and contacting the active semiconductor structure front side, a diffusion layer overlying and contacting the titanium layer, a barrier layer overlying and contacting the diffusion layer, and a joining layer overlying and contacting the barrier layer. The front electrical contact may be applied by sequentially vacuum depositing the titanium layer, the diffusion layer, the barrier layer, and the joining layer in a vacuum deposition apparatus in a single pumpdown from ambient pressure. A front electrical lead is affixed overlying and contacting an attachment pad region of the front electrical contact.
US08044294B2 Thermoelectric materials and devices
New thermoelectric materials comprise highly [111]-oriented twinned group IV alloys on the basal plane of trigonal substrates, which exhibit a high thermoelectric figure of merit and good material performance, and devices made with these materials.
US08044282B1 Maize variety PH12K5
A novel maize variety designated PH12K5 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH12K5 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH12K5 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH12K5 or a locus conversion of PH12K5 with another maize variety.
US08044278B1 Maize variety inbred PH13JD
A novel maize variety designated PH13JD and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13JD with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13JD through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH13JD or a locus conversion of PH13JD with another maize variety.
US08044277B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV511443
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV511443. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV511443, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV511443 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 CV511443.
US08044270B2 Soybean cultivar S070161
A soybean cultivar designated S070161 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S070161, to the plants of soybean S070161, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S070161, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S070161 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 S070161, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S070161, 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 S070161 with another soybean cultivar.
US08044267B2 Rucola plants with cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS)
The present invention discloses rucola plants, including an E. sativa plant, with cytoplasmic inherited male sterility (CMS) for hybrid breeding purposes. The present invention includes plants that comprise CMS-cytoplasm from cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis) transferred to E. sativa by a wide interspecific cross.
US08044266B2 AXMI-008, a delta-endotoxin gene and methods for its use
Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin and delta-endotoxin-associated polypeptides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin and delta-endotoxin-associated nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:3, 5, and 7, and the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 2, 4, and 6, as well as variants and fragments thereof.
US08044262B2 Generation of plants with improved drought tolerance
The present invention is directed to plants that display a pathogen resistance and increased drought tolerance phenotype due to altered expression of a PRDT1 nucleic acid. The invention is further directed to methods of generating plants with a pathogen resistance and increased drought tolerance phenotype.
US08044260B2 Method of meristem excision and transformation
The present invention relates to excision of explant material comprising meristematic tissue from cotton seeds. Methods for tissue preparation, storage, transformation, and selection or identification of transformed plants are disclosed, as are transformable meristem tissues and plants produced by such methods, and apparati for tissue preparation.
US08044257B2 Absorbent article containing lateral flow assay device
An absorbent article that contains a lateral flow assay device for testing a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, mucous, saliva, etc., is provided. The lateral flow assay device includes a chromatographic medium (e.g., porous membrane) that defines a detection zone that provides a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the analyte. The device may also include a control zone that provides a signal indicative of whether a sufficient amount of bodily fluid has been provided and tested. Regardless of its specific configuration, the lateral flow assay device is integrated into the absorbent article to provide a user or caregiver with rapid information about a health condition. For example, the device may be integrated into a diaper to provide information about the presence of enzymes or other compounds often encountered with a patient having a urinary tract infection. This information may provide an early warning system to allow the user or caregiver to seek additional testing and/or treatment. Alternatively, semi-quantitative or quantitative results may be derived from the test.
US08044254B2 Process for enhanced olefin production
A processing scheme and arrangement for enhanced olefin production involves cooling or treating an olefin cracking reactor effluent stream by contacting the olefin cracking reactor effluent stream with a quench oil stream in a single contact cooler contact zone to produce a cooled vapor stream and to form a heated quench oil stream. A pressure differential across the single contact cooler is less than about 3.5 kPa. The heated quench oil stream can be subsequently cooled and returned to the single contact cooler.
US08044253B2 Xylene production processes with integrated feedstock treatment
A process for aromatic transalkylation and olefin reduction of a feed stream is disclosed. Transalkylation conditions provide a product having increased xylene concentration and reduced olefin concentration relative to the feed. The process may be used in a xylene production facility to minimize or avoid the necessity of feedstock pretreatment such as hydrotreating, hydrogenation, or treating with clay and/or molecular sieves.
US08044252B2 Catalytic isomerization between E and Z isomers of 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene
A process is disclosed to increase the Z/E ratio of 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene. The process involves contacting a starting material comprising 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene with a catalyst on AlF3 or carbon, wherein the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of SbClwF5-w, TiClxF4-x, SnClyF4-y and TaCl2F5-z wherein w is from 0 to 4, x is from 0 to 3, y is from 0 to 3, z is from 0 to 4, to obtain a product wherein the Z/E ratio of 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene is increased relative to the Z/E ratio of 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene in the starting material.A process is also disclosed to decrease the Z/E ratio of 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene. The process involves contacting a starting material comprising 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene with a catalyst on AlF3 or carbon, wherein the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of SbClwF5-w, TiClxF4-x, SnClyF4-y and TaClzF5-z wherein w is from 0 to 4, x is from 0 to 3, y is from 0 to 3, z is from 0 to 4, to obtain a product wherein the Z/E ratio of 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene is decreased relative to the Z/E ratio of 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene in the starting material.
US08044250B2 Manufacture of 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane via catalytic hydrogenation
A process for producing hydrofluorocarbon compounds represented by the following formula: CF3CHFCHm+1Fn wherein m is 0 or 2; n is 0 or 2; and m+n=2. The process has the step of contacting, i.e., reacting, hydrogen with a precursor compound represented by the following formula: CF3CF═CHmFn wherein m is 0 or 2; n is 0 or 2; and m+n=2. The contact is carried out in the presence of a solid catalyst and in the presence or absence of an inert gas. The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of: Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Ru, Rh, Ag, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Sn, and any combinations thereof. For the hydrogenation of 1234yf to 254eb, Pd can also be used as catalyst in addition to the other above-referenced metals. These metals are preferably supported on a carrier such as activated carbon.
US08044249B2 Specific branched aldehydes, alcohols, surfactants, and consumer products based thereon
A process for preparing a detergent alcohol mixture comprising the steps of providing one or more poly-branched poly-olefins, wherein the poly-branched poly-olefins must contain one non-branched terminal olefin and one or more additional branched olefins in the molecule; hydroformylating said poly-branched poly-olefins to produce a poly-branched olefin containing aldehyde product with one or more olefins or mixture thereof; reducing the aldehyde product of step (b) in the presence of hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst to form a poly-branched detergent alcohol mixture; and removing said poly-branched alcohol mixture from said catalyst and branched aldehydes, alcohols and surfactants produced from the products of this process.
US08044247B2 Process for the preparation of fluoromethyl 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl) ethyl ether
The present invention refers to a process for the preparation of fluoromethyl 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl ether (sevoflurane) which includes a step that consists of reacting hexafluoroisopropanol with a formaldehyde equivalent selected among paraformaldehyde or 1,3,5-trioxane, a chlorinating agent selected from the group consisting of oxalyl chloride, phosphorus trichloride, phosphorus pentachloride, phosphorus oxychloride, sulfuryl chloride and thionyl chloride, and a strong acid selected from the group consisting of concentrated or fuming sulfuric acid resulting in the formation of the intermediate sevochlorane which is converted to sevoflurane in a second step which consists of reacting sevochlorane with an alkali metal fluoride, or a linear or branched chain tetra-alkyl quarternary ammonium fluoride in the presence of a sub-stoichiometric quantity of an alkali metal iodide, or a linear or branched alkyl chain tetra-alkyl quarternary ammonium iodide, preferably in a solvent.
US08044242B2 2-(aryloxy) acetamide factor VIIa inhibitors useful as anticoagulants
The present invention relates generally to novel 2-(aryloxy)acetamides of Formula (I): or stereoisomers, tautomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or prodrugs thereof, wherein the variables W, Y, Z, R7, R8, and R9 are as defined herein. These compounds are selective inhibitors of the serine protease coagulation factor VIIa which can be used as medicaments.
US08044240B2 Polymorphic form of N-(S)-(3,4-difluoro-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methoxyphenyl)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)cyclopropane-1-sulfonamide and uses thereof
Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a crystalline polymorph form A of N-(S)-(3,4-difluoro-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methoxyphenyl)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)cyclopropane-1-sulfonamide. Further disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline polymorph form A of N-(S)-(3,4-difluoro-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)-6-methoxyphenyl)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)cyclopropane-1-sulfonamide.
US08044239B2 Partially fluorinated ureas and amides
One aspect of the invention is a compound of formula (I) Ro-[L-(CqH2qS)pCrH2rRf]2  (I) wherein Ro is a divalent organic group having 2 to 40 carbon atoms; L is a linking group selected from —NHC(O)NH— or —C(O)NH— wherein the left side of the linking group is bonded to Ro; p is an integer of 0 or 1; q is an integer of 2 to 10; r is an integer of 1 to 10; and Rf is a linear or branched C1-C6 perfluoroalkyl group. Other aspects of the invention are a composite structure comprising a porous support and a porous nanoweb comprising fibrous structures comprised of one or more compositions of formula (I) and a method for making said composite structures.
US08044237B2 Method for production of aqueous (meth)acrylic acid
The present invention relates to recovery of aqueous (meth)acrylic acid by condensation of a (meth)acrylic acid-containing stream to produce aqueous (meth)acylic acid having a higher concentration of (meth)acrylic acid and a lower concentration of formaldehyde, i.e., not more than 0.1 weight %, than the aqueous (meth)acrylic acid produced using hithertofore known separation methods. The (meth)acrylic acid-containing stream may be the raw product stream of catalytic oxidation at least one C2-C4 alkane or alkene.
US08044225B1 Zwitterionic Group VIII transition metal initiators supported by olefin ligands
A zwitterionic Group VIII transition metal complex containing the simple and relatively small 3-(arylimino)-but-1-en-2-olato ligand that catalyzes the formation of polypropylene and high molecular weight polyethylene. A novel feature of this catalyst is that the active species is stabilized by a chelated olefin adduct. The present invention also provides methods of polymerizing olefin monomers using zwitterionic catalysts, particularly polypropylene and high molecular weight polyethylene.
US08044220B2 High shear process for the production of butadiene sulfone
Use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of sulfolene as a reactor device is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the sulfolene production process. A system for the production of sulfolene from butadiene and sulfur dioxide, the system comprising a reactor and an external high shear mixer the outlet of which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the reactor; the high shear mixer capable of providing a dispersion of sulfur dioxide gas bubbles within a liquid, the bubbles having an average bubble diameter of less than about 100 μm.
US08044219B2 Amino group-containing heterocyclic derivatives and sensitizing dyes for photoelectric conversion containing the heterocyclic derivatives
It is intended to provide novel amino group-containing heterocyclic derivatives, which have a broad absorption zone in the visible region and are suitable for sensitizing dyes for photoelectric conversion having a high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and photoelectric conversion materials, photoelectric conversion electrodes and photoelectric conversion cells using the same. Namely, a heterocyclic derivative represented by the following general formula (I) and containing an amino group at the terminus: wherein R1, R2, R4 and R5 independently represent each a hydrogen atom or a monovalent organic group optionally having one or more substituent; R3 represents an anchor group capable of binding to an inorganic porous material showing semiconductor characteristics; X represents a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group or a combination of two or more aromatic hydrocarbons being divalent or higher; Y represents a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group having a sulfur atom; Z represents a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group, a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group, a divalent unsaturated hydrocarbon group or a combination thereof; and m is an integer of from 1 to 3.
US08044217B2 White-emitting copolymers, representation, and use thereof
The present invention relates to white-emitting copolymers which are obtained by a combination of blue-, green- and red-emitting repeating units. The copolymers of the invention display better film formation and an improved efficiency when used in polymeric organic light-emitting diodes compared to materials according to the prior art.
US08044215B2 Methods for the preparation of amphillic nitrogen containing imidazolinium derivative compounds
The disclosure provides new methods for preparing nitrogen-containing amphiphiles and their use in the preparation of liposomes and other lipid-containing carriers of pharmaceutical substances, including nucleic acids used in gene therapy.
US08044211B2 P38 MAP kinase inhibitors
Compounds of formula (I) are inhibitors of p38 MAP kinase, and are therefore of utility in the treatment of, inter alia, inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and COPD: wherein: G is —N═ or —CH═; D is an optionally substituted divalent mono- or bi-cyclic aryl or heteroaryl radical having 5-13 ring members; R6 is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-C3 alkyl; P represents hydrogen and U represents a radical of formula (IA); or U represents hydrogen and P represents a radical of formula -A-(CH2)z—X1-L1-Y—NH—CHR1R2 wherein A represents an optionally substituted divalent mono- or bicyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic radical having 5-13 ring members; z, Y, L1, and X1 are as defined in the specification; R1 is a carboxylic acid group (—COOH), or an ester group which is hydrolysable by one or more intracellular esterase enzymes to a carboxylic acid group; and R2 is the side chain of a natural or non-natural alpha amino acid.
US08044210B2 Substance having antioxidant, geroprotective and anti-ischemic activity and method for the preparation thereof
The invention relates to the field of medicine, namely to new biologically active compounds, particularly to 2,4,6-trimethyl-3-hydroxypyridine derivatives and salts thereof (compound 1) having antioxidant, geroprotective and anti-ischemic action. The salts of compound (1) are prepared by reacting equimolecular quantities of 2,4,6-trimethyl-3-hydroxypyridine and dicarboxylic in solution of a lower alcohol at a temperature of 60-100° C. with following treatment of the reaction mass with an organic solvent and maintaining for 2-5 h at 10-15 ° C.
US08044202B2 Azaspiro derivatives
The present invention is concerned with novel indol-3-yl-carbonyl-azaspiropiperidine derivatives as V1a receptor antagonists, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use for the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders and other diseases. In particular, the present invention is concerned with compounds of the general formula (I) wherein R1 to R6, U, V, W, X, Y and Z are as defined in the specification.
US08044200B2 Synthesis and purification of pteroic acid and conjugates thereof
Methods for purifying pteroic acid, analogs of pteroic acid, and derivatives of pteroic acid are described. Methods for synthesizing and purifying conjugates of vitamins, including FITC conjugates of folic acid, folic acid analogs, and derivatives of folic acid and folic acid analogs are also described. Purified forms of pteroic acid, derivatives and analogs of pteroic acid, and conjugates thereof are also described.
US08044199B2 N-formyl hydroxylamines compounds
Novel N-formyl hydroxylamine compounds of formula I: wherein R1 is hydrogen, alkyl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or cycloalkyl; R3 is hydrogen, halogen or alkoxy; R4 is pyridazinyl; n is 0 to 3; and wherein one or more of the ring nitrogen heteroatoms of said pyridazinyl is optionally oxidized and their derivatives are disclosed. These N-formyl hydroxylamine compounds inhibit peptidyl deformylase (PDF), an enzyme present in prokaryotes. The compounds are useful as antimicrobials and antibiotics. The compounds of the invention display selective inhibition of peptidyl deformylase versus other metalloproteinases such as MMPs. Methods of preparation and use of the compounds are also disclosed.
US08044198B2 Sirtuin modulating compounds
Provided herein are novel sirtuin-modulating compounds and methods of use thereof. The sirtuin-modulating compounds may be used for increasing the lifespan of a cell, and treating and/or preventing a wide variety of diseases and disorders including, for example, diseases or disorders related to aging or stress, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, blood clotting disorders, inflammation, cancer, and/or flushing as well as diseases or disorders that would benefit from increased mitochondrial activity. Also provided are compositions comprising a sirtuin-modulating compound in combination with another therapeutic agent.
US08044196B2 Process for producing pure form of 2-methyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,5]benzodiazepine
Disclosed is a process for producing pure form of 2-methyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,5] benzodiazepine. The process comprises of reacting 2-(2-aminoanilino)-5-methylthiophene-3-carbonitrile with N-methyl piperazine in conjunction with N-methylpiperazine acid salt, to produce 2-methyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,5] benzodiazepine. Also disclosed is a process for obtaining the Polymorphic Form I of 2-methyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,5] benzodiazepine by crystallizing the crude 2-methyl-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,5] benzodiazepine in a mixture of solvents.
US08044193B2 Short interfering RNAs targeted to T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) polynucleotide
Objective methods for detecting and diagnosing breast cancer (BRC) are described herein. In one embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of a BRC-associated gene that discriminates between BRC cells and normal cells. In another embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of a BRC-associated gene that discriminates among BRC cells, between DCIS and IDC cells. The present invention further provides means for predicting and preventing breast cancer metastasis using BRC-associated genes having unique altered expression patterns in breast cancer cells with lymph-node metastasis. Finally, the present invention provides methods of screening for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of breast cancer, methods of treating breast cancer and method for vaccinating a subject against breast cancer.
US08044192B2 Trichoderma promoter
A promoter for use in producing proteins in filamentous fungal host cells is provided. In one embodiment, the promoter comprises SEQ ID NO:1, or a variant or a truncated form thereof that has promoter activity in a host cell. Also provided are recombinant nucleic acids, vectors containing the promoter and host cells containing a recombinant nucleic acid or vector. Methods of producing a protein using the host cells are also provided.
US08044183B2 Process for the production of immunogenic compositions
The present invention relates to a process for producing immunogenic polypeptides, comprising reducing disulfide bonds and blocking the resulting free thiol group with a blocking agent. The immunogenic peptides comprise a fragment of MAGE A3.
US08044182B2 Adiponectin and uses thereof
The invention provides methods and reagents for regulation of metabolic events, such as those mediated by adiponectin and adiponectin agonists. The invention also provides screening assays for identification of biologically active agents, diagnostic and therapeutic agents, and other methods and reagents.
US08044181B2 Antibodies to the PcrV antigen of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The current invention provides high-affinity antibodies to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PcrV protein that have reduced immunogenicity when administered to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
US08044179B2 Methods and compositions for modulating tumor cell activity
Antibodies which target clusterin, a protein involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of carcinoma cells, are identified and characterized. The antibodies may be used to modulate tumour cell activity through binding to clusterin.
US08044176B2 Carbon nanotube binding peptides
Peptides have been generated that have binding affinity to carbon nanostructures and particularly carbon nanotubes. Peptides of or the invention are generally about twelve amino acids in length. Methods for generating carbon nanotube binding peptides are also disclosed.
US08044175B2 Peptides that specifically bind HGF receptor (CMET) and uses thereof
A polypeptide or multimeric polypeptide construct having the ability to bind to cMet or a complex comprising cMet and HGF, and methods for use are disclosed.
US08044174B2 Thrombopoietic compounds
The invention relates to the field of compounds, especially peptides or polypeptides, that have thrombopoietic activity. The peptides and polypeptides of the invention may be used to increase platelets or platelet precursors (e.g., megakaryocytes) in a mammal.
US08044168B2 Aqueous binder composition for mineral fibers
Disclosed is an aqueous binder composition for mineral fibers that comprises a water-soluble binder component produced by reacting, in one or more steps, at least one alkanolamine, at least one carboxylic anhydride and at least one polyalkylene glycol component selected from polyalkylene glycols, copolymers and derivates thereof and, optionally, treating the reaction product with a base.
US08044167B2 Process for production of high-purity diaryl carbonate
An aromatic polycarbonate that is obtained by transesterification between a high-purity diphenyl carbonate and an aromatic dihydroxy compound. A specific industrially useful process for the production of a high-purity diaryl carbonate in which a diaryl carbonate having low contents of intermediate boiling point and high boiling point impurities is produced is disclosed. As a starting material, a reaction mixture containing an alkyl aryl carbonate obtained through a transesterification reaction between a dialkyl carbonate and an aromatic monohydroxy compound is used. The process in which separation by distillation is carried out uses three distillation columns in a specified order. Moreover, it is particularly preferable if a reactive distillation column and the three distillation columns, each of which has a specified structure, and the three distillation columns are each operated under specified distillation conditions.
US08044166B2 Process for preparing pentamethylene 1,5-diisocyanate
The present invention relates to a process for preparing pentamethylene 1,5-diisocyanate, to pentamethylene 1,5-diisocyanate prepared in this way and to the use thereof.
US08044165B2 Process for producing resin for optical material
Disclosed is a process for producing effectively a high performance optical material (e.g. a lens) made of a polyurethane resin, which is transparent and colorless without a strain. In this process, the optical material is produced without causing striation or clouding by polymerizing a polymerizable composition comprising a polythiol compound and a polyiso(thio)cyanate compound, and characterized in that a water content in the composition is 10 to 300 ppm.
US08044160B2 Polyethylene composition for injection molded caps and closure articles
The present invention relates to a multimodal polyethylene composition wherein (i) the composition has an MFR2 of 0.1 to 100 g/10 min, (ii) the shear thinning index SHI(1,100) and the log MFR2 of the composition satisfy the following relation: SHI(1,100)≧−10.58 log MFR2 [g/10 min]/(g/10 min)+12.94, and (iii) the composition has an environmental stress crack resistance ESCR of 10 h or more. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for the production of said composition, an injection moulded article, in particular a cap or closure, comprising said composition and to the use of said composition for the production of an injection moulded article.
US08044159B2 Homopolymer and copolymer, and production process thereof
A homopolymer having a monomer unit such as an isopropylidene diallylmalonate unit; a process for producing said homopolymer comprising the step of homopolymerising a monomer such as isopropylidene diallylmalonate; a copolymer containing said monomer unit and an ethylene unit and/or α-olefin unit; and a process for producing said copolymer comprising the step of copolymerizing a monomer such as isopropylidene diallylmalonate with at least ethylene and/or an α-olefin.
US08044158B2 Method for the production of water-absorbing polymer articles by polymerizing drops of a monomer solution
A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a surrounding gas phase, wherein the monomer solution comprises at least 0.0002% by weight of oxygen and the oxygen content of the gas phase is at least 0.5% by volume.
US08044156B2 Multi-purpose polymers, methods and compositions
Disclosed are multi-purpose polymers that are the polymerization product of a monomer mixture comprising at least one amino-substituted vinyl monomer; at least one nonionic vinyl monomer; at least one associative vinyl monomer; at least one semihydrophobic vinyl surfactant monomer; and, optionally, comprising one or more hydroxy-substituted nonionic vinyl monomer, crosslinking monomer, chain transfer agent or polymeric stabilizer. These vinyl addition polymers have a combination of substituents, including amino substituents that provide cationic properties at low pH, hydrophobic substituents, hydrophobically modified polyoxyalkylene substituents, and hydrophilic polyoxyalkylene substituents. The polymers provide surprisingly beneficial rheological properties in acidic aqueous compositions, and are compatible with cationic materials. The multi-purpose polymers are useful in a variety of products for personal care, health care, household care, institutional and industrial care, and industrial applications.
US08044154B2 Latent hardener for epoxy compositions
Disclosed herein is a curing agent for epoxy resins that is comprised of the reaction product of an amine, an epoxy resin, and an elastomer-epoxy adduct. Additionally disclosed is a process comprising agitating a solution of an amine, an epoxy resin, and an elastomer-epoxy adduct as a dispersant at an elevated temperature in an organic medium.
US08044151B2 Wholly aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester
The present invention provides a wholly aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester consisting of the repeating units represented by formulae (I), (II), (III) and (IV): wherein: the molar proportion of the repeating unit represented by formula (I) based on the total repeating units constituting the wholly aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester is 40-80 mol %; the molar ratio of the total amount of the repeating units represented by formulae (II) and (III) to the repeating unit represented by formula (IV) is from 90/100 to 100/90; the molar proportion of the repeating unit represented by formula (II) based on the total amount of the repeating units represented by formulae (II) and (III) is 80-99.9 mol%; and the two “—O—” attached to the benzene ring in formula (III) are positioned meta or para to each other and “Ar” in formula (IV) represents a bivalent aromatic group. The wholly aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester of the present invention exhibits excellent dielectric properties in high frequency regions as well as good mechanical properties such as impact strength.
US08044146B1 Combination of main-chain and side-chain sulfonation of PFCB-6F high-temperature fuel cell membranes
A polymer useful as an ion conducting membrane for fuel cell applications includes both main chain and side chain protogenic groups. Methods for preparing the polymer include addition of the side chains both before and after addition of the protogenic groups.
US08044145B2 Cross-linkable fluoroelastomer, its composition and cross-linked rubber molded product
To provide a cross-linkable fluoroelastomer, a cross-linkable fluoroelastomer composition and a cross-linked rubber molded products thereof.A cross-linkable fluoroelastomer having a Mooney viscosity of from 20 to 300, obtainable by heat treating a mixture of a fluoroelastomer (A) and an organic peroxide (B) at a temperature of from 110 to 380° C. for from 10 seconds to 3 hours; a fluoroelastomer composition comprising the cross-linkable fluoroelastomer, a cross-linking agent (C) and a cross-linking assistant (D); and cross-linked rubber molded products thereof.
US08044144B2 Resin composition, transparent film or sheet having elasticity recovering property, and wrap film
The present invention provides a propylene-ethylene copolymer which is excellent in a balance between a heat resistance and an elasticity recovering property and has a good transparency and which is improved in peel whitening brought about by mutual adhesion in storing specific to soft materials, a resin composition for a transparent elasticity recovering film or sheet comprising the above copolymer, a transparent elasticity recovering film or sheet and a wrap film.
US08044142B2 Polyphenylene sulfide resin composition
This invention provides a polymer alloy comprising a polyphenylene sulfide resin and a polyphenylene ether resin. This polymer alloy can eliminate molding whitening which, upon molding, occurs on the surface of the molded product, can impart excellent surface appearance and flame retardance, and further can improve balance between heat resistance and toughness (impact strength) and mechanical strength. The resin composition comprises 45 to 99 parts by weight of a polyphenylene sulfide resin comprising (a) 0 to 96% by weight of a specific linear polyphenylene sulfide resin and (b) 100 to 4% by weight of a specific crosslinking-type polyphenylene sulfide resin. The resin composition further comprises (c) 55 to 1 part by weight of a polyphenylene ether resin. Further, the resin composition comprises (d) 1 to 20 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight in total of components (a) to (c), of a styrene copolymer and/or an ethylene copolymer containing any one functional group of glycidyl and oxazolyl groups.
US08044140B2 Methods and compositions for pigmented self-stratifying coatings
A coating composition may include a polyol, a silsesquioxane, a polyurethane dendrimer, a crosslinker, and a pigment in contact with a dispersing agent. A process for preparing a coating composition is further disclosed including the step of contacting a polyol, a silsesquioxane, a polyurethane dendrimer, and a crosslinker to form a coating mixture dispersed within a solvent. The process further includes adding a pigment in contact with a dispersing agent to the coating mixture, and forming a self-stratifying coating having at least one layer, wherein the pigment resides substantially within one of the at least one layer.
US08044139B2 Fiber reinforced nylon composition
The present invention relates to a fiber reinforced nylon composition, wherein the composition includes (A) 25 to 75 parts by weight of a polyarylamide resin, (B) 25 to 75 parts by weight of a reinforcing fiber having a cross-sectional aspect ratio of 1.5 or more, and (C) an impact modifier, and the impact modifier is included in an amount of 1 to 10 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of a mixture of the polyarylamide resin and the reinforced fiber. According to the present invention, the fiber reinforced nylonresin composition may exhibit minimal or no warpage, can have excellent fluidity and impact resistance, and can provide high whiteness and a glossy-coating due to minimal or no surface change after dipping in boiling water.
US08044138B2 Carboxylic acid-modified nitrile copolymer latex and latex composition for dip forming comprising the same
A carboxylic acid-modified nitrile copolymer latex is provided. The copolymer latex comprises a carboxylic acid-modified nitrile copolymer of an unsaturated monomer having at least one crosslinkable functional group selected from vinyl and epoxy groups. The use of the copolymer latex enables the production of a molded article that does not undergo long stirring and maturation, causes no allergic reactions due to the absence of sulfur and a vulcanization accelerator, has good oil resistance and high mechanical strength, and produces a soft feeling. Further provided is a latex composition for dip forming comprising the copolymer latex, and an article produced from the latex composition by dip forming.
US08044137B2 Materials formable in situ within a medical device
Certain embodiments of the invention include forming a material in situ by introducing into a space within a patient a water soluble polymer precursor of at least about 10,000 molecular weight solubilized in a flowable aqueous solution. Functional groups on the polymer precursor undergo covalent bonding in situ to form a solid and nonbiodegradable material having a swellability less than about 20% v/v and a Young's modulus of at least about 100 kPa within about 30 seconds to about 30 minutes of initiating a chemical reaction of the functional groups to form the solid material.
US08044136B2 Golf balls with cores or intermediate layers prepared from highly-neutralized ethylene copolymers and organic acids
Disclosed are golf balls comprising cores or intermediate layers prepared from thermoplastic compositions having coefficients of restitution equal to or greater than 0.83 and PGA compressions greater than 100. Also disclosed is a composition comprising or prepared from (a) at least one aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid having from 16 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein the organic acid is unsaturated and linear; (b) an ethylene acid copolymer consisting essentially of copolymerized comonomers of ethylene and from 18 to 24 weight % of copolymerized comonomers of at least one C3 to C8 α,β ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, based on the total weight of the ethylene acid copolymer, having a melt index from about 200 to about 600 g/10 minutes; wherein the combined acid moieties of (a) and (b) are nominally neutralized to a level from about 120% to about 200%; and optionally (c) filler.
US08044135B2 Polypropylene impact copolymer compositions
The present invention relates to an impact-resistant olefin polymer composition including a polypropylene matrix having a weight average molecular weight and an ethylene-containing polymer including an ethylene-propylene copolymer having a molecular weight higher than the weight average molecular weight of the polypropylene matrix, the composition containing about 20 to 35 percent xylene solubles, and the xylene solubles fraction of the composition containing less than about 39 weight percent ethylene units, based on the combined weight of olefin monomers in the copolymer. The present invention further relates to impact copolymer compositions with a melt flow rate greater than about 8 that meet or exceed all pallet testing requirements. The compositions have superior stiffness-impact balance performance and excellent gloss and are useful for a number of applications including, but not limited to pallets, water-storm chambers, automotive compounding, septic tanks, bins, pales, crates, totes and plastic containers.
US08044126B2 Polyarylene sulfide resin composition, production method thereof and surface mount electronic component
The present invention relates to a polyarylene sulfide resin composition, which comprises polyarylene sulfide (A) and polyamide (B) as essential components, and further includes an organic phosphorus compound (C), which is selected from the group consisting of an aromatic phosphite compound and an aromatic phosphonate compound, and an inorganic phosphorus compound (D), which is selected from the group consisting from a metal salt of phosphorous acid and a metal salt of hypophosphoric acid as essential components, in addition to the polyarylene sulfide (A) and the polyamide (B); a manufacturing method thereof; and a surface mount electronic component. The polyarylene sulfide resin composition has excellent heat resistance, does not decrease mechanical properties such as bending strength even if heating treatment is performed under the high temperature condition by passing through a reflow furnace, and has excellent flame retardance.
US08044125B2 Fluorine-containing polyethel compound, process for producing the same, and curable composition containing the same
A fluorinated dicarbonyl fluoride FOCCF(CF3)[OCF2CF(CF3)]lOCF2CF2O[CF(CF3)CF2O]mCF(CF3)COF (l+m is 30-130) is reacted with an aromatic amine XC6H4NHR1 (R1 is H, alkyl, or phenyl and X is I or Br) to obtain a fluorinated polyether compound of the following formula. The compound obtained is mixed with an aromatic boric ester, an organopalladium compound, and a basic inorganic or organic compound (and organophosphorus compound) to form a curable fluorinated polyether composition. This curable fluorinated polyether composition has satisfactory processability including moderate flowability at room temperature. It is applicable to various molding techniques including injection molding and RIM.
US08044119B2 Insulating material of epoxy compound, acrylic resin, ceramic particles and curing agent
An insulating material and the method of applying the insulating material to products and systems. The material, method and system may be applied to tubulars used in deep water projects. The insulating material is composed of ceramic particles, epoxy and an acrylate monomer that is a precurser to an acrylic resin, and additives. Equal volumes of a epoxy component mixtures and a curing agent component mixture when heated and mixed together create a liquid insulating material that can be applied to the outer surface of pipe involving a repetitive series of steps controlled by an operator at a main control panel. Pipe unrolled from a pipe reel is straightened and heated. In a heated retort, liquid insulating material is applied to the surface of pipe and cured to the final insulation coating. The final coated pipe can be replaced on the reel for shipment to the job site. Within the deep sea environment the hardness of the insulating material can withstand the compressive pressure, water absorption and corrosion; and the insulating properties avoid the affects of near-freezing water temperatures. A curing agent in the formulation provides flexibility to the insulation. In the underwater environment, current movements can damage and breech the connections of the systems. Flexibility in the insulation will protect the systems from the currents and ensure integrity of the systems especially critical in piping systems.
US08044114B2 Ink for recording, and ink cartridge, ink recorded matter, inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method using the same
There is provided an ink for recording, which contains: a coloring agent; a water-dispersible resin; a wetting agent; a surfactant; and water, wherein a total solid content of the coloring agent and the water-dispersible resin is 10% by mass to 30% with respect to a total mass of the ink, a ratio B/C is 0.1 to 1.6 where B is a solid content of the coloring agent in the ink, and C is a solid content of the water-dispersible resin in the ink, a viscosity of the ink is 5 mPa·s to 20 mPa·s at 25° C., and a surface tension of the ink is 35 mN/m or less.
US08044113B2 Dental root canal filling material
A dental root canal sealing composition curable in the absence of a polymerisation initiator, which comprises (i) an amino terminated prepolymer having a viscosity at 23° C. of less than 100 Pas. (ii) a compound capable of undergoing polyaddition with the aminoterminated prepolymer (i); (iii) 40 to 85 wt.-% of a filler for providing a minimum radioopacity of at least 3 mm/mm Al.
US08044108B2 Porous polymer blend structures
A porous polymer blend, and a method of producing a porous polymer blend from at least two immiscible polymers. The at least two immiscible polymer being blended together and exhibiting the absence of complete phase separation. The method of producing a porous polymer blend comprising: forming a liquid composition comprising at least two immiscible polymers dissolved in a common solvent; subjecting the liquid composition to a reduction in temperature to cause at least two immiscible polymers to phase separate into a common polymer rich phase and a common polymer poor phase; solidifying the at least two immiscible polymers in the common polymer rich phase so as to avoid complete phase separation of the at least two immiscible polymers; and removing the common polymer pore phase to provide a blend of the at least two immiscible polymers having a porous morphology.
US08044106B2 Saponified fatty acids as viscosity modifiers for viscoelastic surfactant-gelled fluids
Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities affected (increased or reduced) by the indirect or direct action of a composition that contains at least one fatty acid that has been affected, modified or reacted with an alkali metal halide salt, an alkaline earth metal halide salt, and/or an ammonium salt and a water soluble base. The composition containing the resulting saponification product is believed to either act as a co-surfactant with the VES itself to increase viscosity and/or possibly by disaggregating or otherwise affecting the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant has its viscosity broken with a composition containing naturally-occurring fatty acids in canola oil reacted with a water soluble base such as NaOH, KOH, NH4OH, and the like with an alkali halide salt such as CaCl2, MgCl2, NaCl, NH4Cl and the like.
US08044104B2 Prostaglandin derivative-containing aqueous liquid preparation
Provided is an aqueous liquid preparation comprising: (a) any one of a prostaglandin derivative being represented by the following formula (I), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a hydrate thereof; and (b) at least one polyol of glycerin, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and 1,3-butylene glycol.
US08044101B2 Nitrosation-inducible inhibitors biological macromolecules
Biomacromolecules such as proteins are inactivated by hydrophobic ANSA derivatives of the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are hydrophobic or affinity groups and R3 is selected from the group consisting of aminoacyl groups and peptidyl groups upon nitrosation. ANSA derivatives can be designed to selectively kill tumor cells and various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
US08044099B2 Synthetic bifunctional molecules containing drug moiety and pharmacokinetic modulating moiety
Bifunctional molecules and methods for their use are provided. The subject bifunctional molecules are conjugates of a drug moiety and a pharmacokinetic modulating moiety, where these two moieties are optionally joined by a linking group. The bifunctional molecules are further characterized in that they exhibit at least one modulated pharmacokinetic property upon administration to a host as compared to a free drug control. The subject bifunctional molecules find use in a variety of therapeutic applications.
US08044098B2 Use of hydroxybenzoic acids and their esters and analogues for preventing or treating virus infection
This invention provides hydroxybenzoic acids, their esters and analogues thereof that are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of virus infection such as HBV, papillomavirus and/or herpes virus infection.
US08044086B2 Oxidative degradation products of atorvastatin calcium
The present invention relates to oxidative degradation products of atorvastatin calcium and the process of the preparation thereof. The present invention also relates to atorvastatin calcium substantially free of oxidative degradation products and the pharmaceutical compositions containing such atorvastatin calcium.
US08044083B2 Kinase inhibitors and methods of use thereof
The compound of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof are useful in the treatment and prevention of various disorders mediated by kinases.
US08044077B2 Alpha-(N-sulfonamido)acetamide compounds incorporating deuterium as inhibitors of beta amyloid peptide production
The present disclosure provides novel deuterated alpha-(N-sulfonamido)acetamide compounds, their pharmaceutical composition, processes thereof and a method for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, head trauma, traumatic brain injury, and/or dementia pugilistica and/or other conditions associated with β-amyloid peptide.
US08044075B2 IL-8 receptor antagonists
This invention relates to novel compounds, compositions and combinations thereof, useful in the treatment of disease states mediated by the chemokine, Interleukin-8 (IL-8).
US08044069B2 Compounds as calcium channel blockers
The present application relates to calcium channel inhibitors containing compounds of formula (I) wherein Ar1, Ar2, L1, L2, n, R1, R4, X and Y are as defined in the specification. The present application also relates to compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions.
US08044068B2 Aminopyrrolidine compound
Disclosed is an aminopyrrolidine compound represented by the formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compound or the salt is useful as a prophylactic/therapeutic agent for mode disorder such as depression, anxiety disorder, anorexia, cachexia, pain and drug dependence, whose action relies on the MC4 receptor antagonistic effect.
US08044064B2 Fused pyrrolocarbazoles
The present invention relates generally to selected fused pyrrolocarbazoles, including pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of treating diseases therewith. The present invention is also directed to intermediates and processes for making these fused pyrrolocarbazoles.
US08044063B2 Quinazoline derivatives useful as anti-tumor medicament
The present invention relates to quinazoline derivatives of the formula (I) useful as anti-tumor medicaments, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, the definition of the substituents R1, R1′, R2, R2′ are as defined in the description. It also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing same, and a method for the preparation of quinazoline derivatives of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08044062B2 Substituted pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-one inhibitors of phospatidylinositol 3-kinase alpha
The invention is directed to Compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, as well as methods of making and using the compounds.
US08044060B2 6-cyclylmethyl- and 6-alkylmethyl pyrazolo[3,4-D]pyrimidines, methods for their preparation and methods for their use to treat impairments of perception, concentration learning and/or memory
Described are 6-cyclylmethyl- and 6-alkylmethyl-substituted pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines of the formula (I): as defined herein, processes for their preparation and their use for producing medicaments for treating impairment of perception, concentration, learning and/or memory.
US08044046B2 Medicaments for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula 1 wherein: n is 1 or 2; R1 is hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl, halogen, OH, or —O—C1-C4-alkyl; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl, halogen, OH, or —O—C1-C4-alkyl; R3 is hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl, OH, halogen, —O—C1-C4-alkyl, —O—C1-C4-alkylene-COOH, or —O—C1-C4-alkylene-CO—O—C1-C4-alkyl, or an acid addition salt thereof with a pharmacologically acceptable acid, or a solvate or hydrate thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier, and methods for using the pharmaceutical formulation in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
US08044044B2 4-(1-amino-ethyl)-cyclohexylamine derivatives
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein R0 represents H or OH; R1 represents alkoxy; U and W represent N, V represents CH and R2 represents H or F, or U and V represent CH, W represents N and R2 represents H or F, or U and V represent N, W represents CH and R2 represents H, or U represents N, V represents CH, W represents CRa and R2 represents H; Ra represents CH2OH or alkoxycarbonyl; A represents the group CH═CH—B or a binuclear heterocyclic system D, B representing a mono- or di-substituted phenyl group wherein the substituents are halogen atoms and D representing one of the following groups wherein Z represents CH or N, and Q represents O or S; and to salts of such compounds. These compounds are useful as antibacterial agents.
US08044039B2 Quetiapine hemifumarate purification by crystallization
The present invention relates to a process for preparing and purifying crystalline quetiapine hemifumarate, which comprises preparing crystalline quetiapine hemifumarate via a crystalline salt, which is not a salt of fumaric acid.
US08044037B2 Modified phosphocalcic compound, injectable composition containing same
A phosphocalcic compound modified by a gem-bisphosphonic acid or one of its salts, a method for preparing same, as well as its use for preparing an injectable composition. The modified phosphocalcic compound is obtained by adding a gem-bisphosphonic acid or one of its alkali metal or alkaline earth salts to a suspension of a precursor phosphocalcic compound in ultras-pure water, while stirring the reaction medium at room temperature, then in recovering by centrifuging the formed compound. The compound is useful for making an injectable composition, for use in the treatment of bone remodeling equilibrium.
US08044035B2 Pharmaceutical compositions of pyrimidine-2,4,6-triones
A trioxopyrimidine-cyclodextrin complex formed of a trioxopyrimidine derivative or a salt thereof and a water-soluble cyclodextrin derivative has improved solubility.
US08044031B2 Method for increasing the survival of aquatic and other animals exposed to an aquatic virus, birnavirus or other RNA virus and composition for such methods
A method of increasing the survival of animals and aquatic species susceptible to birnavirus infection by treating them before, during and/or after birnavirus exposure, with a chemical compound capable of inhibiting viral replication. A method of treating aquatic species to increase their survival in the presence of a virus, particularly an aquatic birnavirus, and to increase the yield of farmed fish susceptible to viral infection. The present invention provides methods for increasing survival of virally-exposed aquatic animals by administering therapeutically effective amounts of aminoghycoside compounds to aquatic animals susceptible to birnavirus infection and/or IPNV infection, particularly in fish such as salmonoid species, which are easily exposed to IPNV. The present invention also provides methods for increasing survival of virally-exposed animals by administering therapeutically effective amounts of aminoghycoside compounds to farmed animals susceptible to birnavirus infection and/or IBDV infection, particularly in poultry such as chickens, which are exposed to IBDV.
US08044028B2 Oligopeptides and their use in cosmetics
The present invention relates to the cosmetic use of oligopeptides, cosmetic preparations which comprise such oligopeptides as well as certain oligopeptide derivatives themselves.
US08044023B2 Hepatitis C virus inhibitors
Hepatitis C virus inhibitors having the general formula are disclosed. Compositions comprising the compounds and methods for using the compounds to inhibit HCV are also disclosed.
US08044022B2 Hyaluronic acid binding peptides enhance host defense against pathogenic bacteria
Several species of bacteria capable of invasive infections, such as S. pyogenes, S. equi and P. multocida, contain hyaluronic acid (HA) in their capsules. Bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus and related Staphylococci have capsules that contain acidic polysaccharides. Bacterial capsule or bacterial surface binding peptides were synthesized and tested in a culture model of invasive bacterial infections, specifically translocation through polarized keratinocyte cultures. The peptides reduced the translocation of a variety of bacterial species, with a concomitant increase in bacterial internalization by the keratinocytes. In vivo, subcutaneous inoculation of encapsulated GAS treated with peptides delayed bacterial dissemination. In a mouse surgical wound model infected with S. aureus, treatment with peptides reduced the numbers of bacteria and inflammation at the wound site.
US08044020B2 Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for insulin treatment
Compositions and methods for treating a patient with insulin that combines insulin, a permeation enhancer, and a carrier that maintains an acidic pH, are disclosed.
US08044014B2 Liquid and stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion with a vegetable oil or mineral oil base
A water-in-oil (w/o) or oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion consists of an oily phase that includes one or more oils of vegetable and/or mineral origin, and/or synthesis oils, at least one non-ionic and/or anionic emulsifying surfactant, and an aqueous phase that includes water, characterized in that the aqueous phase includes at least one phyllosilicate, so as to obtain a fluid and stable emulsion over time. The use, the process for preparation, a concentrate of the above-mentioned emulsion as well as its process for production are also described.
US08044012B2 Detergent composition for automatic dishwashing machines
The present invention relates to a detergent composition for automatic dishwashing machines, containing (A) particles containing 0.05 to 10% by mass of (a) a polymer compound having a monomer unit with a cationic group and another monomer unit with an anionic group at a molar ratio [the total number of moles of cationic groups]/[the total number of moles of anionic groups] of 30/70 to 90/10, wherein the content of the polymer compound (a) in the detergent composition is 0.05 to 1.5% by mass.
US08044009B2 Compositions for cleaning ion implanted photoresist in front end of line applications
A front end of the line (FEOL) stripping and cleaning composition for cleaning unashed ion-implanted photoresist from a wafer substrate comprises: a) at least one organic stripping solvent, b) fluoride ions from at least one of ammonium fluoride, ammonium bifluoride or hydrogen fluoride, c) at least one acidifying agent selected from inorganic or organic acids, and d) water, with an oxidizing agent optionally also being present in the composition.
US08044007B2 Composition for keratin fibres comprising an arylated silicone
The present invention relates to a conditioning and shine enhancing composition for keratin fibers especially human hair. Accordingly the subject of the present invention is an aqueous composition comprising at least one mono alkyl quaternary ammonium surfactant at a concentration of 0.01 to 10% by weight, and at least one arylated silicone at a concentration of 0.001 to 5% by weight, calculated to total composition.
US08044003B2 Grease composition
A grease composition, which comprises (A) a perfluoropolyether base oil, (B) a thickener, and (C) barium sulfate and/or antimony oxide, where 0.1-50% by weight of the component (B) and 1-25% by weight of the component (C) are contained, has a distinguished effect on improvements of abrasion resistance, friction characteristics, load durability, high-temperature durability and corrosion resistance without any deterioration of heat resistance by adding at least one of barium sulfate and antimony oxide, each having an average primary particle size of 0.1-20 μm, as component (C).
US08043999B2 Stabilizing biphasic concentrates through the addition of small amounts of high molecular weight polyelectrolytes
This invention relates to compositions and methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore including providing a treatment composition comprising a rheological polymer, a partitioning agent, a charged polyelectrolyte, and a first liquid medium, forming a stabilized heterogeneous mixture comprising a dispersed rheological polymer-rich phase and a partitioning agent-rich phase, and injecting the treatment fluid into the well bore. The invention relates to methods and compositions for preparing a well treatment fluid, including mixing polyethylene glycol partitioning agent, a charged polyelectrolyte, a first aqueous medium, and one or more rheological polymers selected from the group consisting of guar, modified guar, cellulose, modified cellulose, heteropolysaccharide, heteropolysaccharide derivative, or polyacrylamide, to hydrate the one or more polymers and form a water-in-water emulsion, and mixing the water-in-water emulsion with a second aqueous medium to form a well treatment fluid.
US08043997B2 Lost circulation material formulation and method of use
A lost circulation material and method for well treatment employing the material that is effective at sealing or plugging small fissures and large fractures and has utility over a wide range of temperatures, including high temperatures. The material has an optimized bimodal particle distribution and optionally has a polymer flocculent or water swellable polymer.
US08043996B2 Method for treatment of underground reservoirs
A process is disclosed for treating an underground formation, which process comprises: (a) introducing into the underground formation a micellar dispersion comprising water, one or more organic acid precursors, one or more surfactants and, optionally, one or more salts, co-surfactants and/or organic liquids that are not organic acid precursors; and (b) allowing (i) the micellar dispersion to solubilize hydrocarbons, emulsions or water blocks present in the underground formation, and (ii) at least a portion of the organic acid precursor to hydrolyze in-situ to produce sufficient organic acid to substantively dissolve acid soluble material present in or adjacent to filter cakes or other damage in the underground formation.
US08043993B2 Two-sided thermal wrap around label
In an embodiment, an image element having a thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof is provided. The image element may further include an adhesive for attaching to an object such as a pharmaceutical container. Information about the object may be thermally printed on the image element.
US08043990B2 Catalyst system for polymerization of olefins
The invention relates to a catalyst system for polymerization of olefins, the catalyst system comprising a titanium-containing procatalyst carrying internal electron donor(s), an organoaluminium cocatalyst and a mixture of external electron donors, the mixture comprising a carboxylic acid ester or derivatives thereof, an alkoxy silane and a nitrogen based compound. The invention also relates to a process for polymerization of olefin(s) and to the polyolefin synthesized by the process.
US08043988B2 FAU-structural-type supported zeolite membranes, their process for preparation and their applications
The invention relates to a FAU-type zeolite membrane that comprises a FAU-type zeolite crystal layer incorporated in the surface porosity of at least one selected face of a porous substrate, in which the ratio between the thickness of said zeolite layer incorporated in the surface porosity of said selected face of the substrate and the total thickness of said zeolite layer is at least 70%. It also relates to processes for preparation and application of these membranes.
US08043986B2 Sealing glass composition, method and article
A sealing glass for an energy storage device is provided. The sealing glass includes silicon dioxide, boron oxide, aluminum oxide, sodium oxide and zirconium oxide. Methods for preparing the sealing glass and the energy storage device incorporating the sealing glass are also provided.
US08043982B2 Basalt particle-containing compositions and articles for protective coatings and ballistic shield mats/tiles/protective building components
It has been found that basalt particles, when combined with a resin binder and a reinforcing material, such as fiberglass, provide unexpected strength, fire-resistance, radiation impermeability, and projectile shielding for ballistic armor/shields, fire-resistant building panels, construction blocks and protective coatings on substrates. The armor panels can be worn, as in a bullet-proof vest, or can be used as a shield to protect a vehicle, aircraft or other structures as projectile penetration-resistant and fire and radiation resistant materials.
US08043981B2 Dual frequency low temperature oxidation of a semiconductor device
Methods and apparatus for forming an oxide layer on a semiconductor substrate are disclosed. A two frequency plasma source is used to form a plasma in a plasma reactor. In various embodiments, different quantities of power are supplied to a power source operating at the first frequency and a power source operating at the second frequency over time.
US08043976B2 Adhesion to copper and copper electromigration resistance
The present invention relates to the improved adhesion between a patterned conductive metal layer, usually a copper layer, and a patterned barrier dielectric layer. The structure with the improved adhesion comprises an adhesion layer between a patterned barrier dielectric layer and a patterned conductive metal layer. The adhesion layer improves adhesion between the metal layer and the barrier layer without increasing the copper bulk electrical resistance. The method of making the structure with the improved adhesion comprises steps of thermal expositing the patterned conductive metal layer to an organometallic precursor to deposit an adhesion layer at least on the top of the patterned conductive metal layer.
US08043975B2 Silicon dioxide deposition methods using at least ozone and TEOS as deposition precursors
Embodiments disclosed herein pertain to silicon dioxide deposition methods using at least ozone and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as deposition precursors. In one embodiment, a silicon dioxide deposition method using at least ozone and TEOS as deposition precursors includes flowing precursors comprising ozone and TEOS to a substrate under subatmospheric pressure conditions effective to deposit silicon dioxide-comprising material having an outer surface onto the substrate. The outer surface is treated effective to one of add hydroxyl to or remove hydroxyl from the outer surface in comparison to any hydroxyl presence on the outer surface prior to said treating. After the treating, precursors comprising ozone and TEOS are flowed to the substrate under subatmospheric pressure conditions effective to deposit silicon dioxide-comprising material onto the treated outer surface of the substrate. Other embodiments are contemplated.
US08043972B1 Adsorption based material removal process
Methods for accurate and conformal removal of atomic layers of materials make use of the self-limiting nature of adsorption of at least one reactant on the substrate surface. In certain embodiments, a first reactant is introduced to the substrate in step (a) and is adsorbed on the substrate surface until the surface is partially or fully saturated. A second reactant is then added in step (b), reacting with the adsorbed layer of the first reactant to form an etchant. The amount of an etchant, and, consequently, the amount of etched material is limited by the amount of adsorbed first reactant. By repeating steps (a) and (b), controlled atomic-scale etching of material is achieved. These methods may be used in interconnect pre-clean applications, gate dielectric processing, manufacturing of memory devices, or any other applications where removal of one or multiple atomic layers of material is desired.
US08043970B2 Slurry compositions for selectively polishing silicon nitride relative to silicon oxide, methods of polishing a silicon nitride layer and methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device using the same
Slurry compositions for selectively polishing silicon nitride relative to silicon oxide, methods of polishing a silicon nitride layer and methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device using the same are provided. The slurry compositions include a first agent for reducing an oxide polishing rate, an abrasive particle and water, and the first agent includes poly(acrylic acid). The slurry composition may have a high polishing selectivity of silicon nitride relative to silicon oxide to be employed in selectively polishing a silicon nitride layer in a semiconductor manufacturing process.
US08043969B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A first layer is formed over a substrate, a light absorbing layer is formed over the first layer, and a layer having a light-transmitting property is formed over the light absorbing layer. The light absorbing layer is selectively irradiated with a laser beam via the layer having a light-transmitting property. When the light absorbing layer absorbs energy of the laser beam, due to emission of gas that is within the light absorbing layer, or sublimation, evaporation, or the like of the light absorbing layer, a part of the light absorbing layer and a part of the layer having a light-transmitting property in contact with the light absorbing layer are removed. By using the remaining part of the layer having a light-transmitting property or the remaining part of the light absorbing layer as a mask and etching the first layer, the first layer can be processed into a desired shape.
US08043966B2 Method for monitoring patterning integrity of etched openings and forming conductive structures with the openings
Disclosed are embodiments of a method that both monitors patterning integrity of etched openings (i.e., ensures that lithographically patterned and etched openings are complete) and forms on-chip conductive structures (e.g., contacts, interconnects, fuses, anti-fuses, capacitors, etc.) within such openings. The method embodiments incorporate an electro-deposition process to provide both the means by which pattern integrity of etched openings can be monitored and also the metallization required for the formation of conductive structures within the openings. Specifically, during the electro-deposition process, electron flow is established by applying a current to the back side of the semiconductor wafer, thus, eliminating the need for a seed layer. Electron flow through the wafer and into the electroplating solution is then monitored and used as an indicator of electroplating in the etched openings and, thereby, as an indicator that the openings are completely etched.
US08043956B2 Wire bonding on reactive metal surfaces of a metallization of a semiconductor device by providing a protective layer
In semiconductor devices having a copper-based metallization system, bond pads for wire bonding may be formed directly on copper surfaces, which may be covered by an appropriately designed protection layer to avoid unpredictable copper corrosion during the wire bond process. A thickness of the protection layer may be selected such that bonding through the layer may be accomplished, while also ensuring a desired high degree of integrity of the copper surface.
US08043954B1 Methods of forming a conductive transparent oxide film layer for use in a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device
Methods are generally provided for forming a conductive oxide layer on a substrate. In one particular embodiment, the method can include sputtering a transparent conductive oxide layer on a substrate from a target (e.g., including cadmium stannate) in a sputtering atmosphere comprising cadmium. The transparent conductive oxide layer can be sputtered at a sputtering temperature of about 100° C. to about 600° C. Methods are also generally provided for manufacturing a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device.
US08043953B2 Semiconductor device including an LSI chip and a method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device that can be readily manufactured, can include a large number of pads, and can be thin, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor device is characterized in that the semiconductor device includes an LSI chip, an insulating layer provided on the LSI chip and made of a nonphotosensitive resin, the insulating layer including a via hole in the position corresponding to an externally connected pad, and a wiring layer extending along the insulating layer through the via hole to the externally connected pad, and at least part of the via hole is formed by irradiating the insulating layer with laser light.
US08043950B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
It is an object of the present invention to manufacture a micromachine having a plurality of structural bodies with different functions and to shorten the time required for sacrifice layer etching in a process of manufacturing the micromachine. Another object of the present invention is to prevent a structural layer from being attached to a substrate after the sacrifice layer etching. In other words, an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and high-value-added micromachine by improving throughput and yield. The sacrifice layer etching is conducted in multiple steps. In the multiple steps of the sacrifice layer etching, a part of the sacrifice layer that does not overlap with the structural layer is removed by the earlier sacrifice layer etching and a part of the sacrifice layer that is under the structural layer is removed by the later sacrifice layer etching.
US08043941B2 Laser processing method and chip
An object to be processed can be cut highly accurately along a line to cut.An object to be processed 1 is irradiated with laser light while locating a converging point within a silicon wafer 11, and the converging point is relatively moved along a line to cut 5, so as to form modified regions M1, M2 positioned within the object 1 along the line to cut 5, and then a modified region M3 positioned between the modified regions M1, M2 within the object 1.
US08043939B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor wafer
To provide a method for manufacturing an SOI substrate having a single crystal semiconductor layer having a small and uniform thickness over an insulating film. Further, time of adding hydrogen ions is reduced and time of manufacture per SOI substrate is reduced. A bond layer is formed over a surface of a first semiconductor wafer and a separation layer is formed below the bond layer by irradiating the first semiconductor wafer with H3+ ions by an ion doping apparatus. H3+ ions accelerated by high voltage are separated to be three H+ ions at a semiconductor wafer surface, and the H+ ions cannot enter deeply. Therefore, H+ ions are added into a shallower region in the semiconductor wafer at a higher concentration than the case of using a conventional ion implantation method.
US08043938B2 Method for manufacturing SOI substrate and SOI substrate
A method is demonstrated to form an SOI substrate having a silicon layer with reduced surface roughness in a high yield. The method includes the step of bonding a base substrate such as a glass substrate and a bond substrate such as a single crystal semiconductor substrate to each other, where a region in which bonding of the base substrate with the bond substrate cannot be performed is provided at the interface therebetween. Specifically, the method is exemplified by the combination of: irradiating the bond substrate with accelerated ions; forming an insulating layer over the bond substrate; forming a region in which bonding cannot be performed in part of the surface of the bond substrate; bonding the bond substrate and the base substrate to each other with the insulating layer therebetween; and separating the bond substrate from the base substrate, leaving a semiconductor layer over the base substrate.
US08043937B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor substrate
It is an object to provide a novel manufacturing method of a semiconductor substrate containing silicon carbide. The method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of performing carbonization treatment on a surface of a silicon substrate to form a silicon carbide layer; adding ions to the silicon substrate to form an embrittlement region in the silicon substrate; bonding the silicon substrate and a base substrate with insulating layers interposed between the silicon substrate and the base substrate; heating the silicon substrate and separating the silicon substrate at the embrittlement region to form a stacked layer of the silicon carbide layer and a silicon layer over the base substrate with the insulating layers interposed between the base substrate and the stacked layer; and removing the silicon layer to expose a surface of the silicon carbide layer.
US08043933B2 Integration sequences with top surface profile modification
Embodiments of the present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for processing semiconductor substrates. Particularly, embodiments of the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for forming shallow trench isolations having recesses with rounded bottoms. One embodiment of the present invention comprises forming a recess in a filled trench structure by removing a portion of a material from the filled trench structure and rounding bottom corners of the recess. Rounding bottom corners is performed by depositing a conformal layer of the same material filled in the trench structure over the substrate and removing the conformal layer of the material from sidewalls of the recess.
US08043932B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device including at least one of the following steps: forming an oxide layer on and/or over a silicon substrate. Forming a first photoresist pattern on and/or over the oxide layer. Forming a trench by etching the oxide layer and the substrate using the first photoresist pattern as a mask. Removing the first photoresist pattern. Filling the trench with a trench oxide layer. Planarizing the trench oxide layer. Forming an etch stop layer on and/or over the trench oxide layer. Forming a second photoresist pattern on and/or over the etch stop layer. Etching the etch stop layer and the trench oxide layer using the second photoresist pattern as an etch mask. Removing the second photoresist pattern and the etch stop layer.
US08043930B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor memory device includes first and second element isolation insulating films, first and second gate insulating films, first and second gate wiring and first and second mask layer. First and second upper surfaces of the first and second element isolation insulating films are higher than an upper surface of the substrate, first and second bottom surfaces of the first and second element isolation insulating films are lower than the upper surface of the substrate, a second height from the upper surface of the substrate to the second upper surface is larger than a first height from the upper surface of the substrate to the first upper surface. A height from the upper surface of the substrate to an upper surface of the first mask layer equals a height from the upper surface of the substrate to an upper surface of the second mask layer.
US08043929B2 Semiconductor substrate and method for production thereof
Hetero-semiconductor structures possessing an SOI structure containing a silicon-germanium mixed crystal are produced at a low cost and high productivity. The semiconductor substrates comprise a first layer formed of silicon having germanium added thereto, a second layer formed of an oxide and adjoined to the first layer, and a third layer derived from the same source as the first layer, but having an enriched content of germanium as a result of thermal oxidation and thinning of the third layer.
US08043927B2 Method of manufacturing a CMOS image sensor
In a method of manufacturing a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor (CIS), an epitaxial layer may be formed on a first substrate including a chip area and a scribe lane area. A first impurity layer may be formed adjacent to the first substrate by implanting first impurities into the epitaxial layer. A photodiode may be formed in the epitaxial layer on the chip area. A circuit element electrically connected to the photodiode may be formed on the epitaxial layer. A protective layer protecting the circuit element may be formed on the epitaxial layer. A second substrate may be attached onto the protective layer. The first substrate may be removed to expose the epitaxial layer. A color filter layer may be formed on the exposed epitaxial layer using the first impurity layer as an alignment key. A microlens may be formed over the color filter layer.
US08043926B2 Nonvolatile memory devices including oxygen-deficient metal oxide layers and methods of manufacturing the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes at least one switching device and at least one storage node electrically connected to the at least one switching device. The at least one storage node includes a lower electrode, one or more oxygen-deficient metal oxide layers, one or more data storage layers, and an upper electrode. At least one of the one or more metal oxide layers is electrically connected to the lower electrode. At least one of the one or more data storage layers is electrically connected to at least one of the one or more metal oxide layers. The upper electrode is electrically connected to at least one of the one or more data storage layers. A method of manufacturing the nonvolatile memory device includes preparing the at least one switching device and forming the lower electrode, one or more metal oxide layers, one or more data storage layers, and upper electrode.
US08043925B2 Method of forming capacitor of semiconductor memory device
A method of forming a semiconductor memory device includes sequentially forming an etch stop layer and then a mold layer, forming a plurality of line-shaped support structures and a first sacrificial layer filling gaps between the support structures on the mold layer, sequentially forming a plurality of line-shaped first mask patterns, a second sacrificial layer, and then second mask patterns on the support structures and on the first sacrificial layer, removing the second sacrificial layer, the first sacrificial layer, and the mold layer using the first mask patterns, the second mask patterns, and the support structures as masks, removing the first mask patterns and second mask patterns, filling the storage node electrode holes with a conductive material and etching back the conductive material to expose the support structures, and removing the first sacrificial layer and the mold layer to form pillar-type storage node electrodes supported by the support structures.
US08043923B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device include forming a gate electrode on a semiconductor substrate, forming spacers on side walls of the gate electrode, and doping impurities into the semiconductor substrate on both sides of the spacers to form highly doped impurity regions. The spacers are selectively etched to expose portions of the semiconductor substrate, and more lightly doped impurity regions are formed in the semiconductor substrate between the highly doped impurity regions and the gate electrode.
US08043919B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. A gate structure is formed on a substrate and then a first spacer is formed at a sidewall of the gate structure. Next, recesses are respectively formed in the substrate at two sides of the first spacer. Thereafter, a buffer layer and a doped semiconductor compound layer are formed in each recess. An extra implantation region is respectively formed on the surfaces of each buffer layer and each doped semiconductor compound layer. Afterward, source/drain contact regions are formed in the substrate at two sides of the gate structure.
US08043916B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device having multiple gate insulating layer
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes preparing a semiconductor substrate having first and second regions, forming a mask layer pattern on the second region, growing an oxidation retarding layer on the first region and removing the mask layer pattern. The method further includes growing a silicon oxide layer on the semiconductor substrate to form gate insulating layers having different thicknesses from one another on the first and second regions.
US08043915B2 Pitch multiplied mask patterns for isolated features
Crisscrossing spacers formed by pitch multiplication are used as a mask to form isolated features, such as contacts vias. A first plurality of mandrels are formed on a first level and a first plurality of spacers are formed around each of the mandrels. A second plurality of mandrels is formed on a second level above the first level. The second plurality of mandrels is formed so that they cross, e.g., are orthogonal to, the first plurality of mandrels, when viewed in a top down view. A second plurality of spacers is formed around each of the second plurality of mandrels. The first and the second mandrels are selectively removed to leave a pattern of voids defined by the crisscrossing first and second pluralities of spacers. These spacers can be used as a mask to transfer the pattern of voids to a substrate. The voids can be filled with material, e.g., conductive material, to form conductive contacts.
US08043914B2 Methods of fabricating flash memory devices comprising forming a silicide on exposed upper and side surfaces of a control gate
Provided are methods of fabricating flash memory devices that may prevent a short circuit from occurring between cell gate lines. Methods of fabricating such flash memory devices may include forming gate lines including a series of multiple cell gate lines and multiple selection gate lines. Each gate line may include a stacked structure of a tunnel insulating layer, a floating gate, a gate insulating layer, and/or a polysilicon layer operable to be a control gate, all formed on a semiconductor substrate. Methods may include forming a first insulating layer that selectively fills gaps between the cell gate lines from the bottom up and between adjacent ones of the cell gate lines and the selection gate lines, and does not fill a space located on outer sides of the selection gate lines that are opposite the plurality of cell gate lines. A spacer may be formed on the outer sides of the selection gate lines that are opposite to the cell gate lines, after forming the first insulating layer. A second insulating layer may be formed in a space where the spacer is formed.
US08043913B2 Method of forming trench-gate field effect transistors
A method of forming a field effect transistor includes: forming a trench in a semiconductor region; forming a shield electrode in the trench; performing an angled sidewall implant of impurities of the first conductivity type to form a channel enhancement region adjacent the trench; forming a body region of a second conductivity type in the semiconductor region; and forming a source region of the first conductivity type in the body region, the source region and an interface between the body region and the semiconductor region defining a channel region therebetween, the channel region extending along the trench sidewall. The channel enhancement region partially extends into a lower portion of the channel region to thereby reduce a resistance of the channel region.
US08043912B2 Manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having polycide wiring layer
A semiconductor device is provided with a semiconductor substrate comprising element isolation regions and an element region surrounded by the element isolation regions, a first polysilicon layer formed in the element region of the semiconductor substrate, an element-isolating insulation film formed in the element isolation region of the semiconductor substrate, a second polysilicon layer formed on the element-isolating insulation film, a first silicide layer formed on the first polysilicon layer. And the device further comprising a second silicide layer formed on the second polysilicon layer and being thicker than the first silicide layer.
US08043910B2 Integrated semiconductor structure including a heterojunction bipolar transistor and a Schottky diode
An integrated semiconductor structure includes a heterojunction bipolar transistor and a Schottky diode. The structure has a substrate, the heterojunction bipolar transistor overlying and contacting the substrate, wherein the heterojunction bipolar transistor includes a transistor collector layer, and a Schottky diode overlying the substrate and overlying the transistor collector layer. The Schottky diode includes a Schottky diode barrier layer structure that desirably is not of the same material, doping, and thickness as the transistor collector layer.
US08043909B2 Porous semiconductive film and process for its production
The present invention provides a porous semiconductive structure, characterized in that the structure has an electrical conductivity of 5·10−8 S·cm−1 to 10 S·cm−1, and an activation energy of the electrical conductivity of 0.1 to 700 meV, and a solid fraction of 30 to 60% by volume, and a pore size of 1 nm to 500 nm, the solid fraction having at least partly crystalline doped constituents which are bonded to one another via sinter necks and have sizes of 5 nm to 500 nm and a spherical and/or ellipsoidal shape, which comprise the elements silicon, germanium or an alloy of these elements, and also a process for producing a porous semiconductive structure, characterized in that A. doped semimetal particles are obtained, and then B. a dispersion is obtained from the semimetal particles obtained after step A, and then C. a substrate is coated with the dispersion obtained after step B, and then D. the layer obtained after step C is treated by means of a solution of hydrogen fluoride in water, and then E. the layer obtained after step D is treated thermally to obtain a porous semiconductive structure.
US08043907B2 Atomic layer deposition processes for non-volatile memory devices
Embodiments of the invention provide memory devices and methods for forming such memory devices. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating a non-volatile memory device on a substrate is provided which includes depositing a first polysilicon layer on a substrate surface, depositing a silicon oxide layer on the first polysilicon layer, depositing a first silicon oxynitride layer on the silicon oxide layer, depositing a silicon nitride layer on the first silicon oxynitride layer, depositing a second silicon oxynitride layer on the silicon nitride layer, and depositing a second polysilicon layer on the second silicon oxynitride layer. In some examples, the first polysilicon layer is a floating gate and the second polysilicon layer is a control gate.
US08043906B2 Method of forming a III-nitride selective current carrying device including a contact in a recess
A III-nitride device includes a recessed electrode to produce a nominally off, or an enhancement mode, device. By providing a recessed electrode, a conduction channel formed at the interface of two III-nitride materials is interrupted when the electrode contact is inactive to prevent current flow in the device. The electrode can be a schottky contact or an insulated metal contact. Two ohmic contacts can be provided to form a rectifier device with nominally off characteristics. The recesses formed with the electrode can have sloped sides. The electrode can be formed in a number of geometries in conjunction with current carrying electrodes of the device. A nominally on device, or pinch resistor, is formed when the electrode is not recessed. A diode is also formed by providing non-recessed ohmic and schottky contacts through an insulator to an AlGaN layer.
US08043898B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor package with etch removal of carrier frame and base plating layer
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package is provided, which can improve the quality of plating through reduction of plating deviation, and improve molding and soldering efficiencies in forming a molding compound and packaging the semiconductor package onto a printed circuit board.
US08043897B2 Method for forming micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) package
A method for forming a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) package includes following steps. A plurality of MEMS units are formed on a substrate, and each of the MEMS units includes at least a MEMS sensing element and a first chamber over the MEMS sensing element. The MEMS units include electric connection pads. A plurality of covering units are formed correspondingly over the MEMS units. Each of the covering units provides a second chamber over the MEMS sensing element opposite to the first chamber. The covering units are adhered to the MEMS units by an adhesive material. The MEMS units are diced into singulated units.
US08043896B2 Semiconductor chip, method of manufacturing the semiconductor chip and semiconductor chip package including an inclined via hole
In a semiconductor chip, a body has a top surface where a pattern is formed, an underside surface opposing the top surface and a plurality of side surfaces. A plurality of electrode pads are formed on the top surface of the body to connect to an external terminal. A shielding conductive film is formed on the surfaces excluding the top surface of the body where the pattern is formed. A conductive via is extended through the body to connect one of the electrode pads with the conductive film.
US08043891B2 Method of encapsulating a wafer level microdevice
The present invention discloses a method of encapsulating a wafer level microdevice, which includes: fabricating a microdevice on top side of a first silicon wafer; depositing a first capping carbon film on the top side of the first silicon wafer; implementing a backside fabricating process of wafer from bottom side of the first silicon wafer by carrying the top side of the first silicon wafer through the first capping carbon film; removing the first capping carbon film by selective gaseous reaction with carbon; and encapsulating an encapsulation wafer onto the top side of the first silicon wafer. The present invention deposits and removes the first capping carbon film by means of chemical technology, thereby protecting the microdevice on the top side of the first wafer during implementing the backside fabricating process of wafer. The top side does not need to be protected through the encapsulation wafer before implementing the backside fabricating process of wafer, which makes the wafer thinner and convenient to be handled.
US08043889B1 Patterned chemical bath deposition of a textured thin film from a printed seed layer
A chemical bath deposition (CBD) process is provided for forming a textured zinc oxide film pattern from a zinc oxide printed seed layer. The process provides a substrate and prints a zinc oxide seed layer in a pattern overlying the substrate. Using a CBD process, a textured zinc oxide film is grown overlying the zinc oxide seed layer pattern, where the textured zinc oxide film has a variation in film thickness of greater than 200 nanometers (nm). In one aspect, growing the textured zinc oxide film includes: preparing a ZnO precursor bath; maintaining a bath temperature of about 70 degrees C.; and, leaving the substrate in the bath for about an hour. In another aspect, growing the textured zinc oxide film includes forming a textured zinc oxide film with zinc oxide crystals having a pyramidal shape with a height of greater than 200 nm.
US08043880B2 Microelectronic device
One embodiment of a microelectronic component system includes a base adapted for supporting a microelectronic component, a membrane sealed to the base, and a glass lid built-up on the membrane and hermetically sealing the membrane.
US08043877B2 Electro-optic integrated circuits and methods for the production thereof
An electro-optic integrated circuit including an integrated circuit substrate at least one optical signal providing element and at least one discrete reflecting optical element mounted onto the integrated circuit substrate, cooperating with the at least one optical signal providing element and being operative to direct light from the at least one optical signal providing element. An electro-optic integrated circuit including an integrated circuit substrate, at least one optical signal receiving element and at least one discrete reflecting optical element mounted onto the integrated circuit substrate and cooperating with the at least one optical signal receiving element and being operative to direct light to the at least one optical signal receiving element.
US08043876B2 Light emitting diode package and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed are a light emitting diode package and a manufacturing method thereof. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method includes: manufacturing a package main body having a plurality of cavities, the cavities being formed in a line on one surface, through molding by putting thermoplastic polymer into a previously produced mold; forming an electrode passing through the package main body; mounting a light emitting diode chip on a basal surface of the each cavity formed in the package main body; connecting electrically the light emitting diode chip and the electrode by using a bonding means; and sealing the light emitting diode chip and the bonding means by using a molding resin.