| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08077355B2 |
Digital halftoning method utilizing diffused weighting and class matrix optimization
The present invention discloses a digital halftoning method. The method comprises steps of: (a1) dividing an original image into non-overlapping blocks; (a2) obtaining a Least-Mean-Square trained (LMS-trained) filter by comparing at least a training image and a halftone result corresponding to the training image (a3) optimizing a class matrix with the LMS-trained filter, which involves the diffused area and the diffused weightings; and (a4) processing the non-overlapping blocks by performing a dot diffusion procedure with the optimized class matrix and the diffused weightings to generate a halftone image corresponding to the original image. A detailed class matrix optimizing method as in the above-mentioned step (a3) is also disclosed. |
| US08077353B2 |
Color conversion method, color conversion table created by the color conversion method, image processing apparatus, and color conversion program
There is provided a color conversion method. The method includes: a black correction step of converting the first black corresponding to the first color data having a tone value of 0 to the second black corresponding to the second color data having a tone value of 0 so that when the first black corresponding to the first color data having a tone value other than 0 is converted to a value smaller than a quantization threshold of tone values 0 and 1 of the second color data, a conversion destination becomes greater than or equal to the quantization threshold; a recording agent limit quantity calculating step of setting an upper limit of the sum of tone values for each pixel of the second color data with respect to a predetermined print medium; and a chromatic color correcting step of converting the second chromatic color so that the second color data after conversion in the black correction step does not exceed the upper limit. |
| US08077350B1 |
Device and method for dispensing white ink
A hand-held printer includes an image processing module configured to process image data, an image sensor configured to provide an indicator representative of a print medium to the image processing module, a print module configured to receive the processed image data and the indicator and generate a corrected print job, and a print head in communication with the print module such that the print head is configured to receive the corrected print job and dispense a color neutral printing substance in response thereto. |
| US08077349B2 |
Image processing apparatus and computer readable medium storing image processing program
An image processing apparatus includes an image data input unit, a density variation detection unit and a position/size detection unit. The image data input unit inputs image data containing original image data obtained by reading an original. The density variation detection unit detects density variation from the image data input through the image data input unit. The position/size detection unit detects a position or a size of the original image data in the image data based on the density variation detected by the density variation detection unit. |
| US08077347B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method mitigating effects of pixel correction while compensating for shift in scanning position
An image forming apparatus has a scanning unit capable of forming a plurality of lines of an image simultaneously by scanning, in a main scanning direction, laser beam that has been emitted from a plurality of laser emitting devices. The apparatus has a memory for storing an error characteristic, in a sub-scanning direction with respect to an ideal scanning line in the main scanning direction, of a scanning line scanned by the scanning unit. A line on which image data is read out is changed over in accordance with a line changeover position in the main scanning direction based upon the error characteristic and a revised pixel position in the main scanning direction in the image data. |
| US08077346B2 |
Gap adjustment apparatus and image formation apparatus
The invention provides, as a first aspect thereof, a gap adjustment apparatus that includes: a recording section; a guide axis that supports the recording section in such a manner that the recording section can move while facing a recording target medium, the guide axis being able to move in such a manner that a gap between the recording section and the recording target medium can be adjusted; a cam section that is either provided directly on the guide axis or provided not directly on the guide axis so as to engage indirectly with the guide axis, the cam section being able to rotate so as to move the guide axis; a rotatable member that rotates together with the cam section; an arm section that is provided either as a part of or on the rotatable member and substantially radiates out from a rotation axis line of the rotatable member; and a rotating section that is brought into engagement with the arm section as the recording section moves in a main scan direction and rotates the rotatable member by transmitting a force to the rotatable member via the arm section. |
| US08077345B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing control program capable of processing document data
An image processing method of forming images of data onto a plurality of recording media each having an obverse surface and a reverse surface is disclosed. This method has a recognizing step of recognizing a delimiter of the data in document data and a recognizing step of, in the case where the delimiter of the data is recognized in the recognizing step when an image process is executed so as to form the image onto the obverse surface of a predetermined recording medium, recognizing an instruction showing either a mode to continue the image forming operation to the reverse surface of the recording medium or a mode to exchange the recording medium and continue the image forming operation from the obverse surface of another recording medium. |
| US08077342B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method of controlling image processing apparatus, program, and storage medium
Based on input image data, an area where dots are to be put on by an area ratio that is greater than a second area ratio and less than a first area ratio is searched for, and sheet fingerprint information is obtained from the area found by searching. |
| US08077339B2 |
Printing control apparatus, information processing apparatus, control method therefor, computer program, and computer-readable storage medium
This invention allows the user to select files to be printed from arbitrary folders, easily designate a folder selected in the past, and confirm data files in the folder, thereby improving the operability of selecting a file to be printed. For this purpose, the display window has a folder view display area for displaying the tree structure of folders, and a file view display area for displaying a list of image data files stored in a folder selected in the folder view display area. When a new folder is selected in the folder view display area, a path representing the location position of the folder is added to the folder list. When a file having a print count of “1” or more exists in the file view display area, the file name and print count of the file are added to a file list associated with a folder list. When a selected-folder view display button is clicked, a list of folders registered in the folder list is displayed. If one of the registered folders is selected, a corresponding folder in the folder view display area is selected, and the file view display area is also updated. |
| US08077336B2 |
Network system and information processing device
A network system includes a first device, a second device connectable to the first device via an IP network and an external device detachably connectable to each of the first device and the second device. The first device stores setting information. A first device control unit is provided to control the first device in accordance with the setting information. The first device further includes a first transmitting unit configured to transmit the setting information in response to receipt of a sending request. The second device retrieves the address of the first device that is stored in the external device, and transmits the sending request to the first device via the IP network. Then, with a receiving unit, the setting information transmitted from the first device via the IP network is received. A second control unit controls the second device in accordance with the received setting information. |
| US08077334B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing printing solutions in a local area network
Method of managing printing using multiple workstations, each with unique ID, and multiple printers having a type and configuration dependent on the ID, in a network including a document server and identification generator. At least one printer is connected to a workstation. The network polls a workstation upon connection to the network to determine what printers are connected to it; determines workstation ID, printer type and configuration from type and workstation location, and ID code for each connected printer using the identification generator; develops a look-up table of workstation ID, type and configuration of printer, and ID code; receives a print request from a workstation at the document server; in response to the request identifies from the look-up table the configuration of a printer that can receive the print request; and sends the print request to the identified printer with the appropriate ID code, as identified by the look-up table. |
| US08077333B2 |
Printing control apparatus and printing control method
This invention discloses a printing control apparatus capable of allowing even an inexperienced operator to execute a printing process by properly and efficiently using a plurality of printing devices in accordance with the contents of each job, printing conditions, and the like. A printing control apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of this invention determines device combinations suitable for the attributes of a printing job from performance information of the devices and the attributes of the printing job. The printing control apparatus presents the combinations so as to be able to select one of them, and displays an explanation of printing process steps using the selected combination. |
| US08077324B2 |
Surface characteristic determining apparatus
Light from the first and second different wavelength light sources is combined and supplied to a director that directs zeroth order light to a reference surface and other order, generally first order diffracted light to on a location of the sample surface which is dependent upon wavelength. Light reflected by the sample and reference surfaces interfere. A characteristic of a sample surface is determined from interference light of the first wavelength. Interference light of the second wavelength is used to enable phase-locking by adjusting the path length difference by moving the reference surface or changing the refractive index of a path portion to compensate for phase variation due to environmental effects. Non-mechanical scanning is used to scan the sample surface by using a variable wavelength source and a director providing different first order diffraction angles for different wavelengths or an acousto-optical device that provides a variable pitch acoustic diffraction grating. |
| US08077322B2 |
Signal conditioning to provide optimum gain and noise reduction for resonator fiber optic gyroscopes
A resonator fiber optic gyroscope includes a first light source configured to generate a light signal. A resonator element is configured to generate an optical signal based on the light signal. A photodetector is configured to generate a first electrical signal based on the optical signal. The first electrical signal includes an oscillating signal, a direct-current (DC) signal, an even-harmonic signal including components at even harmonics of the oscillating signal, and an odd-harmonic signal including components at odd harmonics of the oscillating signal. A filtering element is configured to attenuate the DC signal, at least one even-harmonic component, and an odd-harmonic component to produce a second electrical signal. An amplifier is configured to amplify the second electrical signal. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is configured to digitize the amplified second electrical signal. |
| US08077318B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing carbon nanotubes
An apparatus for manufacturing carbon nanotubes includes an observation device, a work stage, a laser device, and a lighting device. The observation device includes an observation tube, an observation window arranged on the top of the observation tube, a first half-reflecting, pellicle mirror installed with an angle 45° in the observation tube, and a second half-reflecting, pellicle mirror installed parallel to the first half-reflecting, pellicle mirror. The work stage is disposed under and separated from the observation tube with a certain distance. The laser device is arranged perpendicular to the observation device and corresponding to the first half-reflecting, pellicle mirror. The lighting device is arranged perpendicular to the observation device and corresponding to the second half-reflecting, pellicle mirror. The observation device, the laser device and the lighting device are optically conjugated/linked with one another. |
| US08077316B2 |
Chlorine dioxide sensor
A chemical sensor is disclosed. The sensor has a test chamber for receiving chemicals in a gaseous state, the test chamber having two substantially transparent windows at first and second ends of the test chamber. The sensor uses a pulse operated ultraviolet light emitting diode at the first end of the test chamber emitting at a wavelength close to a maximum in the absorption band of a test chemical, and an electromagnetic sensor at a second end of the test chamber, the sensor being sensitive to the light emitted by the light emitting diode. |
| US08077315B2 |
Multiple path length transmittance measuring device
A device to measure the amount of light able to transmit through a test liquid sample. A single lamp is used to illuminate a liquid sample cell containing the test water. A light detector is fixed relative to the lamp and is used to detect the amount of light from the lamp able to transmit through the liquid sample cell. The liquid sample cell is shaped in such a way as to provide at least two sets of opposed side walls that are able to transmit the light emitted from the lamp, where each set of opposed side walls defines a different path length through the liquid sample in the liquid sample cell. A rotation mechanism is used to provide relative rotation between the liquid sample cell and the lamp/light detector assembly. A microprocessor connected to the light detector calculates the light transmitted through at least two different path lengths through the liquid sample. Using these calculated transmittances the microprocessor then calculates the overall transmittance of the test water. |
| US08077313B2 |
Optical measuring device, optical measuring apparatus and fine particle measuring apparatus using optical measuring device
Disclosed herein is an optical measuring device, including: a plurality of microfluidic channels extending in parallel to each other; and a scanning section configured to scan a plurality of measuring light beams in a scanning direction in which the microfluidic channels are juxtaposed to optically measure fine particles introduced into the microfluidic channels. |
| US08077312B2 |
Calibration device for a spectrophotometric system
A method and apparatus for calibrating an NIRS system which includes a sensor portion and for evaluating an NIRS system for proper functioning is provided that includes an enclosure with at least two windows disposed in a wall of the enclosure. The windows allow the light source and one or more detectors of an NIRS system sensor to interface with the enclosure. One window is dedicated to the light source while each light detector has a window dedicated thereto. Thus, the enclosure includes a number of windows equal to the number of light detectors in the NIRS system sensor plus one. The inner surface of the wall(s) of the enclosure is of a light-absorbing color; e.g., black. A diffuse reflectance member of a light-reflecting color, e.g., white, is disposed in the enclosure spaced apart from the surface with the windows disposed therein. |
| US08077306B2 |
Defect inspection apparatus
A high speed defect inspection apparatus has a high-speed detector that includes a plurality of image sensors. The image sensors are arranged with gaps between them in the pixel direction to form two lines. The image sensors are arranged in a zigzag pattern so that they are not contiguous to each other in the scanning direction. The development cost is reduced by using an arrangement of a plurality of small-area image sensors. When an image sensor is installed, it is necessary to furnish a region required for installation. Since individual image sensors need to be arranged at fixed intervals, void regions result. A plurality of image sensors are arranged in a zigzag pattern to solve the void region problem. |
| US08077304B2 |
Light amount measuring apparatus
A light amount measuring apparatus including a light amount measuring circuit and a power supply for supplying power to the light amount measuring circuit; wherein the light amount measuring circuit includes a light receiving device for receiving light and outputting an electric signal corresponding to light amount of the received light; a first switch for switching between electrical connection and disconnection between the light receiving device and the power supply; and a drive controller for controlling the first switch so that the first switch electrically connects the light receiving device to the power supply when the light receiving device is set to an activated state and electrically disconnects the light receiving device from the power supply when the light receiving device is set to a deactivated state. |
| US08077297B2 |
Methods and systems for discriminating bands in scalograms
The present disclosure is directed towards embodiments of systems and methods for discriminating (e.g., masking out) scale bands that are determined to be not of interest from a scalogram derived from a continuous wavelet transform of a signal. Techniques for determining whether a scale band is not of interest include, for example, determining whether a scale band's amplitude is being modulated by one or more other bands in the scalogram. Another technique involves determining whether a scale band is located between two other bands and has energy less than that of its neighboring bands. Another technique involves determining whether a scale band is located at about half the scale of another, more dominant (i.e., higher energy) band. |
| US08077296B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting and counting platelets individually and in aggregate clumps
A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by a first panel and a second panel, both of which panels are transparent; 2) admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the platelets to fluoresce upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light; 3) illuminating at least a portion of the sample containing the platelets at the first wavelengths; 4) imaging the sample, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the platelets, which fluorescent emissions have an intensity; 5) identifying the platelets by their fluorescent emissions, using the image signals; 6) determining an average fluorescent emission intensity value for the individual platelets identified within the sample; 7) identifying clumps of platelets within the sample using one or more of their fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity; and 8) enumerating platelets within each platelet clump using the average fluorescent emission intensity value determined for the individual platelets within the sample. |
| US08077294B1 |
Optical autocovariance lidar
Lidar systems and methods are provided. The lidar system includes an optical autocovariance receiver and one or more chemical composition sensors or processors, in addition to a Doppler signal processor for obtaining relative wind speed information. The additional processors may include a high spectral resolution lidar signal processor and/or a differential absorption lidar processor that receive input signals from the optical autocovariance receiver. Receivers that may be incorporated into the lidar system, in addition to the optical autocovariance receiver, include a depolarization receiver, a Raman receiver, and/or an Etalon receiver. |
| US08077293B2 |
Surveying device and surveying system
The present invention provides a surveying device, which comprises rotators 53, 56 and 61 for deflecting a distance measuring light in horizontal direction and for projecting the distance measuring light in rotary irradiation, at least one extension member 62 for increasing a spreading angle in vertical direction of the distance measuring light, and a means for attaching or detaching the extension member so that the extension member can be inserted and removed to or from a distance measuring optical axis. |
| US08077291B2 |
Substrate placement in immersion lithography
A method for determining an offset between a center of a substrate and a center of a depression in a chuck includes providing a test substrate to the depression, the test substrate having a dimension smaller than a dimension of the depression, measuring a position of an alignment mark of the test substrate while in the depression, and determining the offset between the center of the substrate and the center of the depression from the position of the alignment mark. |
| US08077288B2 |
Exposure apparatus
An exposure apparatus for exposing a pattern of a reticle onto a substrate by scanning the reticle and the substrate via a projection optical system includes an illumination optical system for illuminating the reticle via a slit that has a longitudinal direction corresponding to a direction orthogonal to a scanning direction. The illumination optical system includes a corrector for correcting a slit width at each position in the longitudinal direction of the slit. The corrector is arranged at a position conjugate with the reticle, and includes a first optical filter movable in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the slit. |
| US08077285B2 |
Liquid crystal display including neighboring sub-pixel electrodes with opposite polarities in the same pixel
A liquid crystal display includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. The lower substrate includes a pixel array divided into a plurality of columns of pixel areas and a plurality of rows of pixel areas. Each pixel area includes a upper sub-pixel electrode, a lower sub-pixel electrode insulated to the upper sub-pixel electrode and a TFT switch electrically connected to the lower sub-pixel electrode. The upper sub-pixel electrode is electrically connected to a lower sub-pixel electrode of a previous column, and the lower sub-pixel electrode is electrically connected to a upper sub-pixel electrode of a next column. |
| US08077283B2 |
Display with reduced moire effect
A display has reduced moire interference. The display has a backplane with a regular array of pixels and a frontplane with a regular array of cells. The backplane and frontplane are laminated together. The width of the distribution of aperture (the total inner cell area above an active pixel area divided by total pixel area) over the display is reduced. Sinusoidally curved walls or other curved pixel edges may be used in the frontplane or backplane to control the distribution. |
| US08077275B2 |
Display substrate and a method of manufacturing the same
A display substrate includes a transistor layer, a plurality of color filters, a first blocking member, a supporting member, a circuit part, a second blocking member and a protruding member. The first blocking member is disposed between different color filters. The supporting member maintains a distance between a base substrate and a substrate facing the base substrate. A circuit part is disposed in a peripheral area surrounding a display area, and the circuit part includes a metal pattern and a contact electrode in contact with the metal pattern. The second blocking member includes substantially the same material as the first blocking member and the second blocking member covers the circuit part. The protruding member includes substantially the same material as the second blocking member, and is integrally formed with the second blocking member. |
| US08077274B2 |
Optimizing performance parameters for switchable polymer dispersed liquid crystal optical elements
Described herein are the materials, mechanisms and procedures for optimizing various performance parameters of HPDLC optical devices in order to meet differing performance requirements. These optimization tailoring techniques include control and independent optimization of switchable HPDLC optical devices to meet the demanding requirements of anticipated applications for, inter alia, the telecommunications and display industries. These techniques include optimization of diffraction efficiency, i.e., index modulation, polarization dependence control, haze, cosmetic quality, control of response and relaxation time, voltage driving for on and off switching, and material uniformity. This control and independent optimization tailors properties of switchable HPDLC optical devices according to the specific requirements of the application of the switchable HPDLC optical device. The invention disclosed herein retains the desirable attributes of the multi-functional acrylate system for forming HPDLC optical devices, but adds new materials to the acrylate system and/or new process control to the recording to optimize performance parameters as may be needed for specific applications. This results in high optical quality switchable holograms with good diffraction efficiency and low, stable switching voltage. |
| US08077272B2 |
Planar light-emitting device and liquid crystal display apparatus
A planar light-emitting device has a plurality of light-emitting units each having a lightguide plate having an upper surface as a light-exiting surface, a lower surface opposite to the light-exiting surface, a peripheral side surface extending between the respective peripheral edges of the upper surface and the lower surface, and a light entrance surface defined by a part of the peripheral side surface. Each light-emitting unit further has a light-emitting set adjacent to the light entrance surface to emit light into the lightguide plate through the light entrance surface, and a support member that fixedly supports the light source and the lightguide plate. The light-emitting units are arranged side by side so that the light-exiting or upper surfaces of their respective lightguide plates are substantially flush with each other. |
| US08077271B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display using the same
A backlight unit and a liquid crystal display using the backlight unit are disclosed. The backlight unit includes a plurality of lamps, a lower cover whose an upper portion has an opening, a lamp guide, and an optical member on the lamps. The lamps are positioned in an inside space of the lower cover. The lamp guide includes a first support unit on a surface of the inside space of the lower cover, holder units that are positioned on an upper surface of the first support unit to hold the lamps, a second support unit that is positioned on the upper surface of the first support unit to support the optical member, and a fastening unit fastening the first support unit to the lower cover. The first support unit includes a projection for increasing a reflective area. |
| US08077270B2 |
Array substrate, and method for repairing thereof, and display panel and display apparatus comprising the same
An array substrate includes: a base having an active region and a peripheral region adjoining to the active region; a plurality of signal lines disposed on the base; and at least one repair structure disposed on the peripheral region and having at least one first repair line and at least one second repair line having a first sub-line and a second sub-line. The first sub-line is located between the first repair line and the second sub-line. The signal lines have a plurality of groups; the first repair line crosses over at least two of the groups of the signal lines; and at least one of the groups of the signal lines is crossed over by only one of the first sub-line and the second sub-line. |
| US08077269B2 |
Array substrate and display panel having the same
An array substrate includes; a thin-film transistor layer including; a gate line, a data line disposed substantially perpendicular to the gate line, and a switching element connected to the gate line and the data line, a gate insulation layer disposed on the gate line, a passivation layer disposed on the thin-film transistor layer, a shielding electrode disposed on the passivation layer, an insulation layer disposed on the shielding electrode; and a pixel electrode including a micro-slit pattern, the pixel electrode being disposed on the insulation layer and electrically connected to the switching element, wherein the shielding electrode is vertically aligned with the data line and the shielding electrode blocks an electromagnetic fringe field of the data line from effecting the pixel electrode. |
| US08077267B2 |
TFT LCD array substrate wherein an air gap is formed between the insulating layer and the active layer and method of manufacturing thereof
Provided are a thin film transistor liquid crystal array substrate and a method of manufacturing the same. The thin film transistor liquid crystal display array substrate includes: a substrate, a gate scanning line and a signal scanning line formed on the substrate and intersecting each other, an insulating layer and an active layer formed between the gate scanning line and the signal scanning line, wherein an air gap is formed between the insulating layer and the active layer at the intersection of the gate scanning line and the signal scanning line. |
| US08077265B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel includes: a first base substrate; a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines disposed on the first base substrate and crossing each other; a pixel electrode pattern disposed on the first base substrate; a storage pattern disposed on the first base substrate, the storage pattern being positioned between consecutive gate lines and substantially in parallel with the gate lines; a second base substrate; a common electrode disposed on the second base substrate and alternately positioned with the pixel electrode; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second base substrates. |
| US08077264B2 |
Touch input function-equipped protection panel for electronic device display window
A touch input function-equipped protection panel for an electronic device display window which can suppress deterioration of electric properties and appearance quality in a lead wire connection part, includes a touch panel having a flexible upper electrode plate and an inflexible lower electrode plate arranged face-to-face at a prescribed gap in a manner that the electrode surfaces are directed to inside and being formed by sticking the outer circumferential parts of the respective electrode plates with an insulating adhesive layer interposed therebetween; a decorative film having a transparent window part and stuck to the surface of the upper electrode plate; and a pin-equipped lead wire for extracting an electric signal from an electrode terminal of the electrode plate through respective metal pins inserted into a plurality of through holes formed on the lower electrode plate, wherein an elastomeric binder-containing conductive adhesive layer is formed on the electrode terminal of at least one of the upper electrode plate and the lower electrode plate as an underlayer of a conductive adhesive to be injected into the respective through holes. |
| US08077262B2 |
Video receiver with DC offset cancellation
An analog video receiver implemented in an integrated circuit device. The analog video receiver includes a mixing circuit to mix an analog video signal with a sinusoid to generate a frequency-shifted analog video signal, and an offset cancellation circuit to obtain a sample of the frequency-shifted analog video signal during a first time interval and, based on the sample, generate an offset cancellation signal that, when summed with the frequency-shifted analog video signal, reduces a substantially time-invariant offset in the frequency-shifted analog video signal. |
| US08077260B2 |
Co-channel interference detector
A receiver processes a received signal for determining the presence of a co-channel interfering signal by (a) measuring a power level of a first signal in a first narrowband frequency region of a wideband frequency channel; (b) measuring power levels of signals in narrowband frequency regions adjacent to the first narrowband frequency region; and (c) determining if the first signal is an interfering signal in the wideband frequency channel as a function of the measured power levels. |
| US08077259B2 |
Video signal converter, video display device, and video signal converting method
When each value of luminance signals of three primary colors in the primary video signal is less than the output lower limit value, in short, when the gradation level is negative, the negative gradation level of the present primary color is, in accordance with its magnitude, in other words, in accordance with the absolute value of the negative gradation level, replaced with positive gradation levels of other two primary colors. Therefore, in accordance with A VIDEO SIGNAL CONVERTER of this invention, even when the primary video signal includes a signal value having a negative gradation level, in short, even when one or more of each signal value of RGB is below the output lower limit value, a color according to the combination of those gradation levels (a combination of each level of primary colors (RGB)) can be reproduced (displayed) by a display means. |
| US08077256B1 |
Scene-aware automatic-exposure control
A scene-aware auto-exposure control process stabilizes changes in a camera's auto-exposure settings so as to reduce lighting and color flicker during image capture operations. A metric, referred to as the Modified Adjusted Luminance (MAL) metric, is defined to remain relatively constant as long as the lighting of the scene being captured remains relatively constant. Thus, scene changes such as an object moving into, out of, or around in a scene do not significantly affect the MAL metric's value and do not, therefore, trigger an exposure adjustment. Once the MAL metric indicates a scene's lighting is stable, the camera's auto-exposure operation may be suppressed. As long as incoming frames indicate a stable lighting condition (based on the MAL metric), auto-exposure operation may remain suppressed. When incoming frames result in a substantially different MAL over a specified number of frames, auto-exposure operation may be restored. |
| US08077254B2 |
Portable camera having lens assembly switching mechanism
A portable camera having a lens assembly switching mechanism is provided. The portable camera includes a camera main body, a camera module, a slab module and a coupling structure. The camera main body has a camera opening formed in a first surface thereof. The camera module is disposed within the camera main body and includes a lens assembly exposed through the camera opening. The slab module is used for carrying one or more selective lens assemblies with different shooting angles. The coupling structure is disposed between the first surface of camera main body and the camera module. The slab module is movable with respect to the coupling structure while the slab module is parallel with the first surface of the camera main body, so that one of the selective lens assemblies is aligned with the camera opening for providing an adjustable shooting angle. |
| US08077252B2 |
Electronic camera that adjusts a distance from an optical lens to an imaging surface so as to search the focal point
An electronic camera includes an image sensor having an imaging surface for capturing an object scene through a focus lens. When the object scene captured by the imaging surface includes a face portion of a human, a CPU designates, as a focal-point search area a first imaging area for covering an outline of the face portion. The CPU also designates, as a frequency-component detection area, a second imaging area that is smaller than the first imaging area and is for capturing an inner side of the outline of the face portion. Subsequently, the CPU obtains a high-frequency AF evaluation value and a mid-frequency AF evaluation value detected corresponding to the frequency-component detection area, and designates, as a lens moving range, a range different depending upon a relative ratio between the high-frequency AF evaluation value and the mid-frequency AF evaluation value. Thereafter, the CPU moves the focus lens within a designated range, and references a partial image generated on the imaging surface in a manner to correspond to the focal-point search area so as to search a focal point for the face portion. |
| US08077250B2 |
Electronic still camera with capability to perform optimal focus detection according to selected mode
An electronic still camera includes a finder optical system for viewing a subject image. An imaging section obtains the subject image. A display section displays the subject image based on image data associated with the subject image obtained by the imaging section. A mode selecting section selects either a first mode in which the electronic still camera performs imaging operation using the imaging section while a user views the subject image through the finder optical system or a second mode in which the electronic still camera performs imaging operation using the imaging section while the user views the subject image on the display section. A first focus detection circuit performs a first focus detecting operation when the first mode is selected by the mode selecting section. A second focus detection circuit performs a second focus detecting operation when the second mode is selected by the mode selecting section. |
| US08077247B2 |
Imaging system, imaging apparatus, portable terminal apparatus, onboard apparatus, medical apparatus and method of manufacturing the imaging system
An imaging system is provided and includes an imaging lens and an imaging device such that the maximum diameter of an effective region of a point image covers three or more pixels of light receiving pixels, the point image being projected onto a light receiving surface through the imaging lens from an intended position. A signal processing unit executes restoration processing on first image data output from the imaging device, and the restoration processing is executed to generate second image data equivalent to the first image data output from the imaging device when the resolving power of the imaging lens is higher. The imaging lens has a first lens group having a positive power, a second lens group having a negative power, and a third lens group in which a lens positioned closest to an image side has a positive power, in order from the object side. |
| US08077246B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling imaging direction and magnification of camera
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an imaging processing method where a plurality of images are picked up while an imaging direction of a camera is being changed. The images are combined into a composite image. A target region is specified within the composite image. An imaging direction and an imaging magnification for imaging an object included in the target region in a predetermined size are calculated based on a position and a size of the target region in the composite image and an imaging parameter set for the camera when the plurality of images are picked up. Accordingly, the imaging direction and the imaging magnification for imaging the object to be imaged can be set easily. |
| US08077244B2 |
Camera having openable and closable monitors
A camera, including a camera main body; a first monitor which is openable and closable on the camera main body; and a second monitor which is openable and closable on the camera main body; wherein the first monitor and the second monitor are configured so that the second monitor is closed when the first monitor is opened, and the first monitor is closed when the second monitor is opened. |
| US08077242B2 |
Clock management of bus during viewfinder mode in digital camera device
This disclosure describes techniques for managing the clock speed of a bus during viewfinder mode in a digital camera device. The techniques involve determining a frame rate of frames displayed on a viewfinder, determining whether to adjust a clock speed of a bus based at least in part on the determined frame rate, wherein the bus is used to transfer the frames from a camera sensor to the viewfinder, and adjusting the clock speed of the bus upon determining that that the clock speed should be adjusted. The techniques may help ensure that the viewfinder delivers frames at a target frame rate. In addition, in some cases, the techniques may help to reduce power consumption by facilitating clock speed reductions in viewfinder mode. |
| US08077241B2 |
Phase adjustment method and digital camera
A signal change differential value detector detects a signal change differential value between two digital signals obtained when the analog imaging signal is converted into the digital value for each pixel using two phase adjustment sampling pulses. An analog imaging signal waveform estimator estimates a waveform of the analog imaging signal based on the signal change differential value. A timing adjuster calculates an optimal phase of the imaging pulse based on the waveform of the analog imaging signal estimated by the analog imaging signal waveform estimator. |
| US08077240B2 |
Methods for enhancing quality of pixel sensor image frames for global shutter imaging
The image quality of an image frame from a CMOS image sensor array operated in global shutter mode may be enhanced by dispersing or randomizing the noise introduced by leakage currents from floating drains among the rows of the image frame. Further, the image quality may be improved by accounting for time dependent changes in the output of dark pixels in dark pixel rows or dark pixel columns. In addition, voltage and time dependent changes in the output of dark pixels may also be measured to provide an accurate estimate of the noise introduced to the charge held in the floating drains. Such methods may be employed individually or in combination to improve the quality of the image. |
| US08077237B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling dual conversion gain signal in imaging devices
A image-sensing device includes an array of light-sensing pixels arranged in rows, a readout circuit, and a control logic coupled to the rows of pixels. Each of the pixels has a respective conversion gain that changes to a respective second value from a respective first value within a settling time when a control signal is applied to the pixel. The readout circuit is coupled to the array of pixels and samples the rows of pixels once in an array sampling process. The control logic applies the control signal to the pixels of at least one row after sampling of the pixels in at least one other row of the array has begun but at least the settling time before the at least one row is sampled. |
| US08077235B2 |
Addressing of a three-dimensional, curved sensor or display back plane
A method of forming a three-dimensional electronic device includes forming an array of pixels on a flexible two-dimensional surface, the array being formed according to a three-dimensional structure, the pixels having addressing lines accessible from at least one edge of the array, cutting the two-dimensional surface, the cuts being located to allow the two-dimensional surface to be shaped, and shaping the two-dimensional surface to form the three-dimensional surface, the array of pixels forming the three-dimensional electronic device. A three-dimensional electronic device has a flexible substrate containing an array of pixels, the substrate fabricated as a flat surface, then cut and shaped to form a three-dimensional surface, the array of pixels covering the three-dimensional surface in subarrays corresponding to segments of the three-dimensional surface, and addressing lines for each subarray being accessible along an edge of the three-dimensional surface. A method of forming a three-dimensional electronic device includes providing a flexible substrate, forming address lines on the substrate such that the address lines are accessible at an edge of the substrate, forming pixels on the address lines, the pixels being laid out in subarrays, the subarrays being determined by segments of a three-dimensional surface, and accommodating any cuts that will allow the flexible substrate to form the three-dimensional electronic device in the forming of addressing lines and pixels. |
| US08077233B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus capable of performing phase difference detection while allowing light to enter an imaging device is provided.An imaging unit (1) includes an imaging device (10) configured to perform photoelectric conversion on received light and allow light to pass therethrough and a phase difference detection section (20) configured to perform phase difference detection on received light which has passed through the imaging device (10). The imaging device (10) includes a color-purpose light receiving section (11b, 11b, . . . ) including color filters (15r, 15g, 15b) and configured to obtain color information and an brightness-purpose light receiving section (11b, 11b, . . . ) configured to obtain brightness information and receive a larger amount of light than the color-purpose light receiving section (11b, 11b, . . . ). The phase difference detection section (20) performs phase difference detection on received light which has passed through at least the brightness-purpose light receiving section (11b, 11b, . . . ). |
| US08077231B2 |
Imaging apparatus containing a solid-state imaging device and imaging method
An imaging apparatus includes: a solid-state imaging device including a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements provided in the semiconductor substrate and a spectral element which is provided over the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements that are consecutive in a straight-line manner, in which a trapezoidal opening longitudinal in a direction from a bottom side into which light incident on the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements is introduced to a top side is provided, and which makes a spectral separation occur in the longitudinal direction by interference between the incident light and light reflected from an inner side surface of the trapezoidal opening; and a polarizing element which is provided on an optical path from a photographic subject to the solid-state imaging device and which allows polarized light to be transmitted therethrough. |
| US08077230B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reducing color material related defects in imagers
A film is used on the surface of a color filter array to keep tiny particles that remain on the surface so that they do not interfere during subsequent processing steps. The particles may be the result of forming the color filter array or other structures. The film can prevent the formation of particle clusters in an imager. |
| US08077229B2 |
Image parameter correction for picked-up image and simulated image
Disclosed herein is an imaging apparatus for performing predetermined image signal processing on an image signal picked up by an image pickup device in order to convert the image signal for recording and display purposes, the imaging apparatus including, a parameter storage section, a parameter setting section, a gamma correction processing section, and a display-ready signal conversion section. |
| US08077226B2 |
Data processing apparatus having parallel processing zoom processors
A data processing apparatus includes a zoom circuit for displaying and a zoom circuit for recording. The zoom circuit for displaying performs a zoom process using a least square method or linear interpolation on image data from a YUV conversion circuit so as to create display image data. On an LCD monitor, an image based on the display image data thus created is displayed. Furthermore, the zoom circuit for recording performs a zoom process using spline interpolation or linear interpolation on image data from the YUV conversion circuit so as to create recording image data. The zoom process for recording is executed in parallel with the zoom process for displaying. The recording image data thus created is recorded in a recording medium. |
| US08077224B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging mode control method
In an imaging apparatus capable of selectively performing an imaging operation in normal imaging mode and that in composite imaging mode, an object is imaged by performing the imaging operation in normal imaging mode to generate an exposure image signal, a brightness rate of a bright portion and dark portion of the object is calculated by detecting the exposure image signal, an exposure rate, which is a ratio of a long-time exposure time and a short-time exposure time in composite imaging mode, is calculated, and the imaging mode of the imaging apparatus is switched from the normal imaging mode to the composite imaging mode based on a comparison result of the brightness rate and the exposure rate. |
| US08077222B2 |
Image processing apparatus to transmit moving image data
An image processing apparatus includes a moving image generating unit configured to generate moving image data, an instructions providing unit configured to set a frame rate of the moving image data and provide instructions to change a frame rate to the set frame rate, a control unit configured to control the moving image generating unit to generate moving image data of the frame rate set by the instructions providing unit, an additional information generating unit configured to generate additional information indicating a change of the frame rate of the moving image data in response to the instructions to change the frame rate, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the moving image data generated by the moving image generating unit and the additional information. The transmitting unit transmits the additional information before a frame rate change point in the moving image data. |
| US08077220B2 |
Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes an image readout unit which reads an image from a recording medium, a display unit which displays the image, a user interface unit which turns on an jump mode, and a control unit which changes an image displayed on the display unit. If the jump mode is on, the control unit can change an image displayed on the display unit to an image existing in a folder N folders ahead or behind of a currently selected folder, wherein N is an integer equal to or greater than 1. |
| US08077211B2 |
Image blurring correction device and imaging device using the same with a high pass filter
An imaging device includes an angular velocity sensor (11), which outputs a blurring signal, a high-pass filter circuit unit (12), which eliminates a direct current component in accordance with a first time constant, and which outputs a fluctuation portion with respect to a reference voltage as an angular velocity signal, an analog switch ASW (1), which cause a charge that is accumulated within the high-pass filter circuit unit (12) to discharge according to a second time constant, a computation unit (15), which is for performing a computation in order to correct a blurring of an image in accordance with the angular velocity signal, and a detection circuit unit (15D), which, in order to detect a change over time of the angular velocity of the camera body, samples the angular velocity signal on a per fixed time interval basis, obtains a derivative in accordance with a value thus sampled of the angular velocity signal, and detects a change over time in a size of the derivative thus obtained, wherein the time constant of the high-pass filter is switched between the first time constant and the second time constant of the high-pass filter by controlling a switching on or off of the analog switch in accordance with the result of the detection that is performed by the detection circuit unit (15D). |
| US08077209B2 |
Imaging preventing apparatus and imaging preventing method
An imaging preventing apparatus includes imaging means for obtaining an imaged image signal by performing imaging processing, image analyzing means for performing image analyzing processing on the imaged image signal obtained by the imaging means, imaging preventing operation performing means for performing a preventing operation against imaging by a different camera system, and control means for determining the possibility of being imaged by a different camera system based on the analysis result information by the image analyzing means and, if it is determined that there is a possibility of being imaged, causing the imaging preventing operation performing means to perform the preventing operation. |
| US08077204B2 |
Vehicle periphery monitoring device, vehicle, vehicle periphery monitoring program, and vehicle periphery monitoring method
A vehicle periphery monitoring device comprising a distance detecting unit which detects the distance between cameras and an object, an object image extracting unit which extracts a first image portion of the object from the acquired image, a filtering unit which performs a filtering process to the acquired image, in which a target edge width is set to be narrower as the assumed value of the width is smaller and the distance is longer, and in which a target edge direction is set to a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, and an object type identifying unit which identifies, on the basis of a shape of a second image portion extracted by the filtering process, whether or not the type of the object in real space corresponding to the second image portion is the specific type. |
| US08077201B2 |
Camera system for a motor vehicle
A camera system for a motor vehicle is described. Incident radiation is guided to a radiation receiving unit by means of one or more deflecting mirrors, where at least one deflecting mirror is configured to swivel. The swivelable deflecting mirror has a first mirror side, which is suitable for deflecting incident radiation, and a second mirror side, which is also suitable for deflecting incident radiation. The second mirror side exhibits a curvature shape that is different from that of the first mirror side. The swivelable deflecting mirror can be oriented in such a manner that incident radiation can be guided to the receiving unit by selecting one of the first or the second mirror side as an effective mirror surface. |
| US08077200B2 |
Image capture system and method of capturing labeled image
An image capture system is provided. The image capture system for capturing an image of an object includes a light emitting module, a lens, a base unit and a filter unit. The light emitting module provides a plurality of light beams to form a reference area. The base unit includes a light sensor corresponding to the lens. The filter unit includes at least one visible light passing portion and at least one invisible light passing portion. The filter unit is driven to position one of the visible light passing portion and the invisible light passing portion between the lens and the light sensor. The actual size of the object can be estimated via the reference area. |
| US08077199B2 |
Target position identifying apparatus
A target position identifying apparatus includes a color difference converting section for processing pixel values of an image of a target comprised of combination of a first color and a second color obtained from the target under influence of ambient light, thus generating a color component value of the first color, a color component value of the second color and a luminance value, a color region determining section for determining region of the first color and region of the second color, based on the first color component value and the second color component value, with using a determination condition based on either luminance of the captured image or the luminance value, a border detecting section for detecting border between the first color and the second color in the target based on result of the determination by the color region determining section and a target position calculating section for calculating the position of the target on the image based on result of the border detection by the border detecting section. |
| US08077198B2 |
Object position detection device and method thereof
The present invention discloses a fast object position detection device and a method thereof, particularly to a detection device and a method thereof which can directly apply to various image systems. The device of the present invention mainly comprises an image capturing system that captures images within the regions defined by the user, and an image processing unit determining the position of an object and obtaining related information. In the method of the present invention, a captured image is converted into 1-D distance-axis signal information; a differential value of the 1-D distance-axis signal information is used to determine a position of an object; and a difference of the 1-D distance-axis signal information of at least two adjacent time points is used to determine an approaching status of an object. |
| US08077194B2 |
System and method for high resolution videoconferencing
A system and method for high resolution video conferencing is shown and described. A transmitting station and a receiving station including video cameras or sensors, a plurality of microphones and speakers, video, audio and communication processing engines are disclosed. Video is processed and transferred through the system allowing for multiple video streams to be produced and audio is processed and transferred through the system allowing for sound to be played back with an indication of position in relation to the videoconferencing system. |
| US08077193B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus using the same
An optical scanning device configured to remove or sufficiently reduce ghost light includes an input optical system for directing a light beam from a light source to a deflecting surface of a deflector, and an imaging optical system for imaging a light beam scanningly deflected by the deflecting surface upon a surface to be scanned, wherein, in a sub-scan section, the light beam is incident on the deflecting surface of the deflector from an oblique direction with respect to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, wherein a light blocking member for blocking ghost light is disposed on a light path between the deflecting surface and the scanned surface, wherein an end portion of the light blocking member in the sub-scan direction is formed with a curved shape having a height in the sub-scan direction which height changes in accordance with the position in the main-scan direction. |
| US08077185B2 |
Mechanism to mitigate color breakup artifacts in field sequential color display systems
A system and method for displaying video images in response to each frame of field-sequential video signals. The system comprises a backlight comprising first, second and third primary color light sources. The backlight is operable to emit light for at most 5.67 milliseconds of each frame (on-time), and to emit no light during the remainder of each frame (off-time). During a portion of the on-time, at least two of the primary color light sources are on simultaneously. For another portion of the on-time, the primary color light sources are on sequentially. |
| US08077183B1 |
Stepmode animation visualization
A stepmode animation visualization emphasizes authored values of computer graphics variables. Users select all or a portion of the computer graphics variables associated with objects in a scene to be included in the stepmode animation visualization. When users activate the stepmode animation visualization, the generated values of the selected computer graphics variables are overridden with authored values of the selected computer graphics variables. For example, the stepmode animation visualization overrides each generated value of a computer graphics variable with the nearest preceding authored value of that computer graphics variable. Users may repeatedly activate and deactivate the stepmode animation visualization without reselecting computer graphics variables. The selection of computer graphics variables affected by the stepmode animation visualization is maintained. All or a portion of the animation may be looped or repeated while the stepmode animation visualization is active. |
| US08077181B2 |
Adaptive load balancing in a multi processor graphics processing system
Systems and methods for balancing a load among multiple graphics processors that perform different portions of a rendering task. A rendering task is partitioned into portions for each of two (or more) graphics processors. The graphics processors perform their respective portions of the rendering task and return feedback data indicating completion of the assigned portion. Based on the feedback data, an imbalance can be detected between respective loads of two of the graphics processors. In the event that an imbalance exists, the rendering task is re-partitioned to increase the portion assigned to the less heavily loaded processor and to decrease the portion assigned to the more heavily loaded processor. |
| US08077175B2 |
Photo mantel view and animation
A system and computer-implemented method for rendering images on a two-dimensional display, such as a computer, handheld device, or television screen, so that the images appear to be positioned in a three-dimensional space is disclosed. The images may be graphics files or standard files with an associated thumbnail image. Numerous layouts of the images on the display are disclosed. |
| US08077174B2 |
Hierarchical processor array
Apparatuses and methods are presented for a hierarchical processor. The processor comprises, at a first level of hierarchy, a plurality of similarly structured first level components, wherein each of the plurality of similarly structured first level components includes at least one combined function module capable of performing multiple classes of graphics operations, each of the multiple classes of graphics operations being associated with a different stage of graphics processing. The processor comprises, at a second level of hierarchy, a plurality of similarly structured second level components positioned within each one of the plurality of similarly structured first level components, wherein each of the plurality of similarly structured second level components is capable of carrying out different operations from the multiple classes of graphics operations, wherein each first level component is adapted to distribute work to the plurality of similarly structured second level components positioned within the first level component. |
| US08077173B2 |
Driving device for driving display panel, driving method and IC chip
A driving device that drives a display device using a subfield driving method eliminates the need to use an expensive 1-frame delay memory. A compensated sustain pulse data generator enables displaying the same frame information on the display panel even when the 1-frame delay memory is eliminated. The drive data is generated so that the data that is delayed one frame and is included in the data output from the subfield processing unit and the data that is delayed one frame and is included in the data output from the compensated sustain pulse data generator are mutually cancelling. |
| US08077171B2 |
Signal regulator module and related display device
A signal regulator module includes a floating current regulator, a signal sensor, and a feedback controller. The floating current regulator is electrically coupled to a driving circuit and the light sources of a display panel for regulating the driving signals based on a feedback signal in a photo couple means. The signal sensor is electrically coupled to the floating current regulator for generating a corresponding voltage signal based on the driving signal through a photo couple means. The feedback controller is electrically coupled to the signal sensor and the floating current regulator for generating the feedback signal based on the voltage signal and outputting the feedback signal to the floating current regulator. |
| US08077168B2 |
Scan driver for selectively performing progressive scanning and interlaced scanning and a display using the same
A scan driver that selectively performs progressive scanning and interlaced scanning and a display using the same. The scan driver includes a shift register having a plurality of flip-flops arranged in series, an odd line selection unit having a plurality of NAND gates, and an even line selection unit having a plurality of NAND gates. In response to an odd line control signal and an even line control signal input to the odd line selection unit and the even line selection unit, respectively, the scan driver performs progressive scanning or interlaced scanning. The scan driver may also include a mode selection unit to selectively perform progressive scanning or interlaced scanning in response to a mode selection signal. |
| US08077167B2 |
Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
An LCD panel including scan lines, data lines, first common lines, second common lines and pixels electrically connected to the scan lines and the data lines is provided. Each pixel has a first display region and a pair of second display regions when the pixels are driven. The first display region and the pair of the second display regions of each pixel are coupled by the first common lines and the second common lines, respectively so as to display different levels of brightness. Besides, the first display region and the second display regions of each pixel are aligned in a column direction, and the first display region of each pixel is disposed between the pair of the second display regions. |
| US08077162B2 |
Touch panel and display device
A touch panel includes: a transparent substrate on which surface acoustic wave is propagated; a transmission/reception unit that is formed in peripheral regions on the transparent substrate, each two of the peripheral regions facing each other, and transmit and receive the surface acoustic wave; a detecting unit that detects the location of an object touching a predetermined operation area; and a sheet member that faces the transparent substrate, with a space layer being interposed in between, and has first protrusions formed on a substrate-facing surface that faces the transparent substrate. In this touch panel, the substrate-facing surface of the sheet member is not brought into contact with the transparent substrate when an object does not touch the operation area, and the substrate-facing surface of the sheet member is brought into contact with the transparent substrate when the object touches the operation area. |
| US08077160B2 |
Storing baseline information in EEPROM
Pre-stored no-touch or no-hover (no-event) sensor output values can initially be used when a sensor panel subsystem is first booted up to establish an initial baseline of sensor output values unaffected by fingers or other objects touching or hovering over the sensor panel during boot-up. This initial baseline can then be normalized so that each sensor generates the same output value for a given amount of touch or hover, providing a uniform response across the sensor panel and enabling subsequent touch or hover events to be more easily detected. After the initial normalization process is complete, the pre-stored baseline can be discarded in favor of a newly captured no-event baseline that may be more accurate than the pre-stored baseline due to temperature or other variations. |
| US08077152B2 |
Magneto resistive elements and methods for manufacture and use of same
The instant disclosure provides and describes a magneto resistive element comprised of a first electrode; a second electrode; and a semi conductive/conductive organic layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, wherein the magneto resistive element has a predetermined resistance (R). The magneto resistive elements provide a magneto resistive response when influenced by an applied magnetic field. The magneto resistive elements can be integrated into a variety of systems including, without limitation, magnetic field detection systems and display devices. |
| US08077151B2 |
Information processing apparatus
The information processing apparatus of the invention includes: a display section having a display screen on one surface thereof; a main unit that supports the display section so that the display section can open and close with the one surface arranged inside, and, when opened, serves as a base to erect the display section; and an input section that is physically detachably coupled to the main unit so as to be flush with the main unit. The input section has operating members for inputting information arrayed on a top surface thereof. The length of the sum of the input section and the main unit in a direction of the depth thereof when coupled is substantially same as the length of the display section in the same direction when closed. |
| US08077149B2 |
Computer mouse with retractable cable including a circuit board within a cable reeling device
A computer mouse with retractable cable is disclosed. The internal of the computer mouse contains coil spring, reeling disc, positioning bead and conductors. The lead wire once pulls, it is positioned and a second pull will restore back to its original position. The pulling of lead wire controls the required length of the mouse. |
| US08077148B2 |
Solar powered mouse
The present invention relates to a solar powered mouse. The solar powered mouse includes a mouse body, an optical sensor, an internal light source, a secondary battery, a lens and a power management device. The lens is arranged on the mouse body for focusing the external light beams on a solar energy module of the power management device. The light energy of these light beams can be converted into electricity required for charging the secondary battery of the solar powered mouse. |
| US08077146B2 |
Display system and method for detecting pointed position
A plurality of infrared-light-emitting areas are displayed in a display screen of a liquid crystal display apparatus in a method that allows each of the infrared-light-emitting areas to be distinguished. Then, an image in a direction of a pointed position is captured by an operating device. Based on a result of distinguishing each of the infrared-light-emitting areas and a position of each of the infrared-light-emitting areas, a pointed position on the display screen is calculated. This makes it possible to properly detect the pointed position on the display screen pointed by the operating device, regardless of (i) a distance between the operating device and the display apparatus and (ii) a rotation angle of the operating device around an axis in an image capture direction of the operating device. |
| US08077145B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling force feedback interface systems utilizing a host computer
A method and apparatus for controlling and providing force feedback using an interface device manipulated by a user. A microprocessor is provided local to the interface device and reads sensor data from sensors that describes the position and/or other information about a user object moved by the user, such as a joystick. The microprocessor controls actuators to provide forces on the user object and provides the sensor data to a host computer that is coupled to the interface device. The host computer sends high level host commands to the local microprocessor, and the microprocessor independently implements a local reflex process based on the high level command to provide force values to the actuators using sensor data and other parameters. A provided host command protocol includes a variety of different types of host commands and associated command parameters. By providing a relatively small set of high level host commands and parameters which are translated into a panoply of forces, the protocol further shifts the computational burden from the host computer to the local microprocessor and allows a software developer to easily create force feedback applications. |
| US08077143B2 |
Motion based display management
A display manager is configured to handle the drawing of windows on one or more displays for an application differently based on detected motion information that is associated with a device. The display manager may not display windows for some applications while motion is detected, while the display manager may display windows for other applications even when motion is detected. Motion enabled applications may interact with the display manager and motion information to determine how to display windows while motion is detected. |
| US08077135B2 |
Source driver of LCD for black insertion technology
A source driver of an LCD includes a shift register, a set of data latches, and a detection circuit. The shift register includes a plurality of flip-flops for transmitting a start signal. The set of data latches transmits the display data signal according to output signals of the corresponding flip-flops. When the start signal is recognized as a black insertion signal, the detection circuit resets the shift register, and drives the set of data latches to output the black data signal, and transmits the black insertion signal to the next source driver. |
| US08077133B2 |
Driving circuit
In a driving circuit of a display device, a period for writing to pixels is shortened while an increase in size of an integrated circuit is avoided. In a first period of the writing period, the pixel is charged up with a gradation potential of a particular node in a node group that includes a node which is at an objective gradation potential. In the first period, a plurality of lines corresponding to the number of nodes included in the node group are connected in parallel between the particular node and the pixel. In a second period of the data-writing period, this parallel connection is cancelled and only the node corresponding to the objective gradation potential is connected to the pixel. |
| US08077132B2 |
Flat display device and method of driving the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a flat display device which achieves an excellent and stable display even when the periodicity of voltage polarity is switched at the beginning of a frame at the time of driving a signal line while providing a periodicity of every M scanning lines to the voltage polarity of signal lines in each frame. A control circuit 22 controls so as to provide a voltage polarity of the final line in the periodicity of every four scanning lines to a signal line prior to driving a signal line corresponding to the first scanning line Y(1) at the beginning of a frame. |
| US08077127B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
An LCD device includes an LCD panel and a power supply section. The LCD panel includes a first substrate having a storage electrode and a pixel electrode, a second substrate having a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates. The LCD panel has an alignment interval during which liquid crystal molecules are transitioned from a splay state to a bend state and a normal operating interval during which an image is displayed in the bend state. The power supply section supplies a first alignment voltage that is higher than the data voltage to the common electrode and supplies a second alignment voltage that is lower than the data voltage to the storage electrode, during the alignment interval. Thus, a transition speed from a transient splay state into a bend state is enhanced, so that an alignment interval may be decreased. |
| US08077125B2 |
Light-emitting device and image forming apparatus
Disclosed herein is a light-emitting device including: a plurality of light-emitting elements which emit light with light intensities according to the levels of driving currents; a plurality of current generation circuits which are provided in correspondence with the plurality of light-emitting elements, have a plurality of current sources, and combine currents output from the plurality of current sources to output the combined currents as the driving currents; and a plurality of memories which store control signals for controlling the currents output from the plurality of current sources; wherein the levels of the currents of the plurality of current sources are different from one another, and wherein at least one of the plurality of memories is commonly connected to the current sources corresponding to predetermined current in at least two of the plurality of current generation circuits. |
| US08077124B2 |
Image display device and method of driving the same
An image display device includes a display portion formed by disposing pixel circuits in a matrix, and a signal line driving circuit and a scanning line driving circuit for driving the pixel circuits through signal lines and scanning lines of the display portion. The pixel circuit includes at least: a light emitting element; a drive transistor for current-driving the light emitting element by a drive current corresponding to a gate-to-source voltage thereof; a hold capacitor composed of either one capacitor or a plurality of coupling capacitors for holding therein the gate-to-source voltage; and a write transistor adapted to be turned ON/OFF in accordance with a write signal outputted from the scanning line driving circuit, thereby setting a voltage developed across terminals of the hold capacitor at a voltage of corresponding one of the signal line. |
| US08077121B2 |
Plasma display panel display device
The present invention sufficiently reduces unwanted radiation in a plasma display panel (PDP) display device. The display device includes a PDP having a pair of electrodes, a first, a second, and a third conductive member, and a pair of driving circuits used to apply a voltage to their respective electrodes. Each conductive member has substantially the same width and height as the PDP, and the first, second, third conductive members are disposed on the rear surface of the PDP, in this order on the rear side of the PDP. The PDP and the conductive members are connected electrically to one another in the end portions of these elements, either directly or via the driving circuits, so that the direction of the current flowing in the PDP during driving and discharge coincides with the direction of the current flowing in the third conductive member, and is opposite from the direction of the current flowing in the first conductive member and the second conductive member. |
| US08077116B2 |
Antenna with active elements
A multi-frequency antenna comprising an IMD element, one or more active tuning elements and one or more parasitic elements. The IMD element is used in combination with the active tuning and parasitic elements for enabling a variable frequency at which the antenna operates, wherein, when excited, the parasitic elements may couple with the IMD element to change an operating characteristic of the IMD element. |
| US08077115B2 |
Antenna device, radio tag reader and article management system
There is provided with an antenna device includes; a first antenna element which is either a spiral antenna element or a loop-like antenna element; and a first feed point provided at a first end of the first antenna element, the first end being an outer end of the spiral antenna element or an one end of the loop-like antenna element, wherein a length from an second end of the first antenna element to the first end of the first antenna element along the first antenna element is about one half wavelength of operating frequency, the second end being an inner end of the spiral antenna element or the other end of the loop-like antenna element. |
| US08077114B2 |
Process for the production of an electrically conductive structure
The invention concerns a process for the production of an electrically conductive structure on a carrier substrate comprising at least two conductor track portions spaced in a region of a width b over the entire width b at between 500 μm and 1 μm and a multi-layer film body. A conductive layer in the form of the conductor track portions is produced on the surface of the carrier substrate. A metallic coating forming the electrically conductive structure is deposited on the conductive layer by application of a flow of current in an electrolyte which contains a dissolved coating metal. In the production of the conductive layer the conductive layer is additionally produced in the form of conductor track extensions which are arranged on both sides of the conductor track portions and which are convexly curved away from the oppositely disposed conductor track portion. |
| US08077113B2 |
Radome and shroud enclosure for reflector antenna
An enclosure for the open end of a reflector antenna includes a cylindrical shroud coupled to a distal end of the reflector antenna, the shroud generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the reflector antenna. A retaining band is coupled to an inner diameter of the shroud, proximate a distal end of the shroud. The retaining band is provided with a retaining groove open radially inward towards the longitudinal axis. The retaining groove provided with a bottom extending radially outward beyond an outer diameter of the shroud. A radome is seated within the retaining groove. |
| US08077110B2 |
Antenna structure for a wireless device with a ground plane shaped as a loop
This invention refers to an antenna structure for a wireless device comprising a ground plane and an antenna element, wherein the ground plane has the shape of an open loop. The invention further refers to an antenna structure for a wireless device, such as alight switch or a wristsensor or wristwatch, comprising an open loop ground plane having a first end portion and a second end portion, the open loop ground plane defining an opening between the first end portion and the second end portion; and an antenna component positioned within the opening defined between the first end portion and the second end portion and overlapping at least one of the first end portion or the second end portion. Further the invention refers to a corresponding wireless device and to a method for integrating such an antenna structure in a wireless device. |
| US08077108B2 |
Digital TV antenna with two conductive surfaces
A digital TV antenna has first and second conductive members with surfaces of two minimum orthogonal dimensions and a nonconductive substrate connected to the surfaces of the conductive members for supporting them at a spaced location from each other of not more than ½ inch. Wires electrically connect the conducive members to a plug for being plugged to an input of a digital TV and at least one of the two minimum orthogonal dimensions is at least eight inches. |
| US08077107B2 |
Antenna apparatus
There is provided an antenna apparatus including: a finite ground plane; a plate-like conductive element configured to include a first conductive plate disposed so as to oppose the finite ground plane and a second conductive plate that shorts a first edge of the first conductive plate to the finite ground plane; and an antenna configured to include an antenna element and a feeding point feeding power to the antenna element, which is positioned in the vicinity of a second edge in a side opposite to the first edge of the first conductive plate. |
| US08077105B2 |
Directive bar-type antenna
Disclosed is a directional bar-type antenna which comprising a plurality of bar-shaped antenna elements including a core and a coil wound around the core. The first bar-shaped antenna element is disposed at a position of a mirror image of the second bar-shaped antenna element with respect to the core of the third bar-shaped antenna element. The first and second bar-shaped antenna elements is positioned such that one end of each of the first and second bar-shaped antenna elements is close to the third bar-shaped antenna element, and the other end is far from the third bar-shaped antenna element. In the present invention, a winding direction of the coil of the first bar-shaped antenna element is preferably identical to that of the coil of the second bar-shaped antenna element, and is opposite to that of the coil of the third bar-shaped antenna element. The directional bar-type antenna of present invention can meet a need for providing asymmetrical directionality in a forward-rearward direction of an antenna for use in a specific system, such as a keyless entry system, and solve a problem in terms of cost and external appearance, in a technique of partially surrounding a bar-type antenna by a shielding member, in view of difficulty in freely controlling directionality of an antenna in an induced electromagnetic field domain, and a need to allow the bar-type antenna to have a difference between respective receiving sensitivities in forward and rearward directions in the induced electromagnetic field domain (while facilitating a reduction in size and cost). |
| US08077101B1 |
Trans-grade communication network
Methods and apparatus that provide grade-level RF transceivers for use in trans-grade wireless communication networks. The methods involve incorporating slot antennas into grade-level opening covers, such as manhole covers, to provide built-in antennas for transceivers that may be connected by transmission lines. The grade-level transceivers use coupling mechanisms to connect transceivers to the slot antennas by way of transmission feed lines. Multi-slot grade-level transceivers use switching mechanisms to switch between multiple slot antennas. Certain embodiments may also include adaptable RF circuitry. Trans-grade wireless communication networks use these grade-level transceivers to communicate between below-ground and above-ground portions of the network, which may be used in underground utility systems such as combined sewer systems. |
| US08077100B2 |
Antenna connector
An automotive glazing, comprising an antenna connector is disclosed. The glazing comprises at least a first ply of a transparent glazing material, and a ply of a plastics material extending across the ply of glazing material and having a line-like electrical conductor in contact therewith, a portion of the electrical conductor line being configured to form an antenna conductor and a portion being configured to form a coupling region. In addition, a surface contact is provided on the surface of the first ply of glazing material situated away from the plastics material, in registration with the coupling region. The coupling region and the surface contact form a transmission line acting as a bandpass filter for a frequency band f, the portion of the electrical conductor forming the coupling region having a length approximately equal to an odd multiple of a quarter of a first effective wavelength λeff in the glazing corresponding to f. Signals received by the antenna in the bandwidth are transferred between the coupling region and the surface contact by low-impedance radio frequency coupling. Preferably, the surface contact and the coupling region form a two-line transmission line. |
| US08077099B1 |
Multi-band symmetric phase center folded monopole antenna for GPS/proximity munitions fuse applications
The present invention is a folded monopole antenna assembly. The folded monopole antenna assembly includes a dielectric substrate, the dielectric substrate being configured for receiving at least one input. The folded monopole antenna assembly further includes a folded monopole antenna. The folded monopole antenna is configured for being connected with the dielectric substrate. Further, the folded monopole antenna includes at least one reactive circuit. The folded monopole antenna is further configured for receiving a signal via a received input included in the at least one received input. The antenna assembly is configured for implementation within an artillery shell and/or a munition. |
| US08077096B2 |
Slot antennas for electronic devices
Slot antennas are provided for electronic devices such as portable electronic devices. The slot antennas may have a dielectric-filled slot that is formed in a ground plane element. The ground plane element may be formed from part of a conductive device housing. The slot may have one or more holes at its ends. The holes may affect the impedance characteristics of the slot antennas so that the length of the slot antennas may be reduced. For example, the holes can be used to synthesize the impedance of the slot antennas so that the slot antennas have a resonant frequency that is different from their natural resonant frequency. The holes may affect the impedance of the slot antennas in multiple radio-frequency bands. |
| US08077087B2 |
Methods and apparatus for phased array
Methods and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a phased array system. The phased array system may include an array structural frame defining an array of module-receiving mounting locations. The phased array system may further include multiple array modules. Each array module may be adapted to be mounted in one of the mounting locations, and may include an antenna and a power source. The power source may supply power to the array module during an array transmit operation. |
| US08077084B2 |
Supporting an assisted satellite based positioning
For supporting a satellite based positioning of a mobile arrangement (30,40) with assistance data, a communication network converts parameters of a dedicated orbit model describing a movement of a satellite (50,60), which dedicated orbit model is defined for a particular satellite based positioning system, into parameters of a common orbit model describing a movement of a satellite (50,60). Alternatively or in addition, the network replaces a reference value that is based on a satellite based positioning system time in available parameters of an orbit model by a reference value that is based on a communication system time. After the parameter conversion and/or the reference value replacement, the parameters are provided as a part of assistance data for the satellite based positioning. |
| US08077081B2 |
Ground collision instrument for aircraft and marine vehicles
Radar return processing systems and methods are operable to process radar information when an installation vehicle is operating in proximity to a surface area of interest. An exemplary embodiment reduces energy of an output pulse emitted from a radar system; receives a plurality of radar returns from a plurality of objects that reflect the reduced energy output pulses emitted from the radar system; determines a surface area of interest based upon at least a current location of the installation vehicle; and filters the radar returns generated by objects that are located outside of the surface area of interest. Optionally, some systems and methods may reduce a sweep range of an antenna from which the reduced energy output pulses are emitted. |
| US08077079B2 |
Radiolocation using path loss data
Determining the location of a station or potential rogue access point in a wireless network including accepting an ideal path loss model and calibrating the ideal model using path loss measurements between access points at known locations. The calibrating determines a calibrated path loss model between the access points. The method further includes determining path losses between the wireless station of unknown location and at least some of the access points. In the case the wireless station is a client station, the determining includes receiving measurements from the wireless station of unknown location measuring the received signal strengths as a result of respective transmissions from at least some of the access points at known respective transmit powers. In the case the wireless station is an potential rogue access point, the determining includes receiving measurements from at least some of the access points measuring the received signal strength at each of the access points resulting from transmission by the potential rogue access point for each of a set of assumed transmit powers for the potential rogue. The method further includes determining the likely location or locations of the wireless station using the measured path loss and the calibrated path loss model. |
| US08077077B2 |
Recognition system for vehicle
In a recognition system for a vehicle, forward vehicle information and infrastructural information are checked together and with respect to information that can be considered to pertain to one and the same vehicle. Pieces of information on position and speed are averaged to acquire the information of the vehicle. Pieces of information that can be considered to pertain to one and the same vehicle are searched for and integrated into one. Further, estimated values of speed and position in the future are corrected using traveling information and outputted to a drive assisting device. |
| US08077073B2 |
Pulse detecting equipment
A pulse detecting equipment includes a log compression processor (105) for logarithm-converting signal levels of a reception signal received at an antenna and input therefrom, with maintained frequency components of the reception signal as input, an AD converter (106) for converting the reception signal as logarithm-converted in signal level, from an analog form into a digital form, a first detector (110) for limiting the reception signal as converted into the digital form to a band of a prescribed first frequency, to obtain a signal, to detect signal levels thereof, a second detector (111) for limiting the reception signal as converted into the digital form to a band of a prescribed second frequency smaller than the first frequency, to obtain a signal, to detect signal levels thereof, and a pulse detector (113) for use of a result of comparison between signal levels detected at the first detector and signal levels detected at the second detector, to detect pulses of a prescribed frequency as a signal transmitted to own equipment. |
| US08077071B2 |
Assemblies and systems for simultaneous multispectral adaptive camouflage, concealment, and deception
Systems and assemblies for simultaneous adaptive camouflage, concealment and deception are provided. The assemblies that can be used in the systems include a vinyl substrate layer and a miniaturized thermoelectric device array secured to the vinyl substrate layer. The miniaturized thermoelectric device array is configured to provide an adaptive thermal signature to a side of the miniaturized thermoelectric device array that faces outward from the vinyl substrate layer. A flexible image display matrix can be secured on the vinyl substrate layer. The flexible image display matrix can be configured to display visual images. A laminate layer can be secured over the vinyl substrate layer covering the flexible image display matrix and the miniaturized thermoelectric device array to provide protection and strengthen the assemblies. One or more nanomaterials can be disposed on the vinyl substrate layer or the laminate layer to provide thermal or radar suppression. |
| US08077066B2 |
ΔΣ modulator
Disclosed herein is a ΔΣ modulator including: at least one integrator; a quantizer for quantizing a signal output by the integrator and outputting the quantized signal as a digital signal; and a compensation section configured to compensate the ΔΣ modulator for a non-ideal characteristic caused by an internal loop delay, wherein the compensation section is a feedback path formed to start at the output node of the quantizer and end at the input node of the integrator immediately preceding the quantizer, and the feedback path formed to start at the output node of the quantizer and end at the input node of the integrator realizes a frequency-independent part in combination with the integrator and an internal DA converter which adopts the NRZ technique to suppress the signal amplitude at the quantizer input. |
| US08077065B2 |
Data processing device and data processing system
In AD conversion of a voltage under measurement, data continuity is ensured between the result of conversion after amplification by using an amplifier circuit and the result of direct conversion without using the amplifier circuit. In AD conversion operation using a DA converter circuit, an amplifier circuit, and an AD converter circuit under the direction of a control circuit, an analog signal output from the DA converter circuit is directly converted by the AD converter circuit, and also the analog signal is converted therein after amplified by the amplifier circuit with an expected gain of 2n (“n” represents a positive integer). Based on resultant data thus obtained, a gain of the amplifier circuit and an offset thereof are calculated. An analog signal under measurement to be enhanced in bit precision is subjected to amplification by the amplifier circuit and conversion by the AD converter circuit, the offset calculated as mentioned above is subtracted from the result of the conversion, and the result of the subtraction thus performed is multiplied by a ratio of the expected gain to the gain calculated as mentioned above so as to cancel a gain error. Then, based on data with the gain error canceled, acquisition of bit-extended conversion result data is performed to ensure continuity between data having different degrees of bit precision. |
| US08077063B2 |
Method and system for determining bit stream zone statistics
An input bit stream is received and zone statistics such as zones count, zones center bit positions, and zones lengths are determined, where a zone is a set of non-transitioning bits in the input bit stream. Beginning and ending bit positions for each zone are determined simultaneously, and each beginning bit position is associated with an ending bit position. Zone statistics are calculated using the determined beginning and appropriate ending bit positions. |
| US08077059B2 |
Database adapter for relational datasets
The invention is a database adapter providing improved methods for storing and retrieving relational data. Suitable source data is structured as a table with a fixed number of columns of predetermined types and a variable number of rows. The invention reduces the space and time used to store data and the time taken to retrieve stored data. The invention is best implemented inside Object Relational Database Systems, but can also be implemented in any database that can execute routines written in programming languages such as C#, C or Java. Functionally, the invention combines the concept of nested tables with fast compression techniques so that nested tables are practical for solving a wide class of problems. |
| US08077051B2 |
Fault detection system with redundant product teach verification
Some embodiments for a fault detection apparatus may include one or more monitors to detect at least three operating states of a sensor, such as pass, fail, and inoperative so as to enable a manufacturing facility to differentiate between situations in which a container does not have the appropriate machine-readable label and situations wherein the sensor is actually inoperative. The fail state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system not matching a predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The pass state may be indicative of an object on a conveyor system matching the predetermined description, identity or characteristic. The inoperative state may be indicative of a sensor output associated with a malfunction in the sensor itself. The fault detection apparatus may also include a fail-to-safe controller configured to detect these operating states. |
| US08077050B2 |
Transport system evaluator
An evaluating apparatus arranged to evaluate an item-transport system having a flow path. The apparatus includes one or more position markers adjacent the path and an evaluating device for sensing the markers and conditions of the transport system. The evaluating device has at least one evaluation sensor configured to (A) sense conditions of the transport system and (B) produce evaluation-sensor data based on the sensed conditions. The evaluating device also has a position-marker sensor configured to sense the position markers and produce position-marker data. The apparatus further includes a distance meter configured to produce distance data and at least one computing device configured to determine a particular location at which the evaluating device was along the path of the item-transport system when a particular condition of the item-transport system was sensed based on the evaluation-sensor data, the position-marker data, and the distance data. |
| US08077049B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating power distribution event and location
A system, device, and method of providing information for a power distribution system is provided. In one embodiment, a method of using a device that receives power from the low voltage power of the power distribution system and experiences a power loss during a local power outage may perform the processes of monitoring a voltage of the low voltage power line, detecting a voltage reduction below a threshold voltage for a predetermined time period, storing information of the voltage reduction in a non-volatile memory prior to the power outage, and transmitting a notification to a remote computer system prior to the outage. The monitoring may comprise making a plurality of measurements of the voltage during a time interval and averaging the plurality of voltage measurements. In addition, the method may include transmitting an alert message upon power up after the outage to indicate a power restoration local to the device. |
| US08077045B2 |
Merchandise securing device having a recessed closure
The invention relates to a merchandise securing device (1) comprising at least one merchandise securing element (4, 5, 15) and a closing mechanism (6) with a fastening element (8) that can be inserted into a clamping element (18, 19, 20) of the closing mechanism (6) similar to a needle. Such a merchandise securing device (1) is provided with a housing contour that is essentially flat in the attachment area (14) in which the merchandise securing device (1) is fixed to the merchandise. The merchandise securing device (1) comprises a recessed closing mechanism (6) while the at least one merchandise securing element (4, 5, 15) located in or on the merchandise securing device (1) uses acoustomagnetic (AM) technology and/or radio frequency (RF) technology and/or radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. |
| US08077040B2 |
RF-enabled pallet
The inventions involve material handling apparatus developed to operate in radio frequency rich environments. Articles are provided having at least one large compartment capable of enclosing at least one electronic device or a package populated with a plurality of devices. RFID tags are also provided having three antenna arrays situated on three planes to improve electromagnetic and electrostatic coupling with an external distributed network of devices. Pallets are provided with cellular communications devices to provide track and trace functionality. Sensors and actuators are used in connection with the material handling apparatus. |
| US08077037B2 |
Security system for a portable article
A security system for portable articles is provided. The security system includes a central unit and one or more remote units. Each remote unit has a tethering system which attaches one or more portable articles to the remote unit. When a portable article is detached from the remote unit, a remote alarm signal is generated, which is conveyed to the central unit via a radiofrequency transmission. The central unit confirms receipt of an alarm transmission, and activates a dialer, which contacts one or more individuals via telephone. |
| US08077035B2 |
Automatic timing adjustment system for occupancy sensors
A lighting control system for a space equipped with lamps for illuminating the space comprises a power circuit for supplying power to the lamps, a controllable switch in the power circuit for turning the lamps on and off, an occupancy sensor for detecting motion within the space and generating a motion-detected control signal in response to the detection of such motion, and a timer for measuring a time-out interval following the generation of the motion-detected control signal by the occupancy sensor and producing a time-out control signal in response to completion of the measurement of the time-out interval. A processor receives the control signals from the occupancy sensor and the timer and produces a switch-off control signal for the controllable switch to turn the lamps off in response to the time-out control signal, modifies the time-out interval by a time-out offset value in response to preselected events, counts the number of times the switch-off control signal is produced, without the receipt of the motion-detected control signal, within a predetermined time following the end of the time-out interval, and decrements the time-out interval by the offset value in response to the count reaching a predetermined value. |
| US08077033B2 |
Disaster vulnerability assessment in buildings
The number and identities of people in a building along with personal data that is useful in disaster response planning are determined from a database receiving information from the building's security access card readers and from user information extracted from wireless network access points. This information is used in the event of a disaster alarm to quickly compute vulnerability indicia for each of several locations in a building and each of several buildings in a group. |
| US08077031B2 |
Position locating by polyhedral morphing
Objects are located within at least one mapped field region. Environments for location tracking are mapped through a configuration setup flexibly supporting multiple objects with precision and speed. Host and Repeater devices are located at vertices of polyhedra defining spaces. Polyhedra edge lengths are defined as the modified physical distance between two devices. This morphing employs parameters measured by or input to the system. Morphed three dimensional subzones are defined within the volume of the polyhedra defined by the devices at the vertices. |
| US08077027B2 |
System and method for analyzing faulty event transmissions
A system and method are disclosed for recording and evaluating faults in event transmissions between security system components. A panel in a monitored building may send event signals to a receiver located in a central monitoring facility. Event signals may represent a status of individual alarms or sensors in the building, or they may provide a status of the system as a whole. If the quality of the transmission is substandard or in a format that is unacceptable to the receiver, the signal data associated with the event is recorded for analysis. Recording is controlled by a line card associated with the receiver, and the signal data is stored in local or remote memory. Signal data can be manually or automatically analyzed to determine the source of the fault. In addition, recorded signal data can be used to build customized software to recognize signals from previously unrecognized or faulty panels. |
| US08077024B2 |
Vehicle comprising a distance control system
The invention pertains to a vehicle (01) with a distance control system, wherein the distance control system features at least one distance sensor (08) for measuring the distance of the vehicle (01) from surrounding objects (02, 03, 05). A distance sensor (08) is arranged on at least one side of the vehicle (01) in the central region thereof, particularly in or on the exterior rearview mirror (06, 07). |
| US08077022B2 |
System and method for activating vehicular electromechanical systems using RF communications and voice commands received from a user positioned locally external to a vehicle
A system and method for activating electromechanical systems of a vehicle may include at least one antenna coupled to a vehicle and configured to receive wireless communications signals. At least one microphone may be coupled to the vehicle and configured to receive sounds external to the vehicle. A control unit may be in communication with the antenna(s) and be configured to receive the wireless communications signals. A voice recognition system may be in communication with the microphone(s). A transponder/keyfob may be utilized to determine when a user is locally external to the vehicle and, in response to determining that the user is locally external to the vehicle, the microphones may be polled to receive a voice command from the user to activate an electromechanical system. |
| US08077021B2 |
Dynamic tactile interface
A method and system for exciting a dynamic tactile interface having a plurality of electrodes includes identifying an area within an image that is capable of tactile feedback and identifying a first subset of the plurality of electrodes in the dynamic tactile interface that correspond to the plurality of areas. A voltage is applied to each of the electrodes of to the plurality of electrodes to create a desired state for each electrode corresponding to the areas capable of tactile feedback. The dynamic tactile interface can be implemented as part of a viewable display type of device, or as a device without any viewable display. |
| US08077014B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for radio frequency identification (RFID) tag association and relative positioning
Obscured radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are indirectly read by an RFID reader. Other tags operate to relay the information associated with the obscured tags from one tag to another, until the associated information is ultimately received by the RFID reader from a tag in direct communication with the RFID reader. The tags may be adapted to store the received information associated with the obscured tags and then to encode this associated information and resident information in return signal(s) transmitted to the RFID reader and/or to other tag(s). The RFID reader is adapted to decode the received return signals to obtain the information encoded therein, and to process the decoded information to identify irrelevant tags and obscured tags. |
| US08077012B2 |
RFID device with first clock for data acquisition and/or calibration of second clock
A system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first clock signal generator generating a first clock signal at a first frequency, and a second clock signal generator generating a second clock signal at a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency. The first clock signal is used to calibrate the second clock signal generator. An RFID device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a crystal controlled first clock signal generator generating a first clock signal at a first frequency, a second clock signal generator generating a second clock signal at a second frequency that is higher than the first frequency, and an activate circuit. The second clock signal generator is inactive until activated by the activate circuit. The first clock signal is used to calibrate the second clock signal generator. Methods are also presented. |
| US08077007B2 |
Blade fuse
A blade fuse includes a first terminal includes an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge includes a first portion notched away from the inner edge beneath the first portion; a second terminal includes an outer edge and an inner edge, the inner edge include a second portion notched away from the inner edge beneath the second portion; an element extending from the first portion of the inner edge of the first terminal to the second portion of the inner edge of the second terminal; and a housing covering the element. |
| US08077006B2 |
Transmission line impedance transformer and related methods
A transmission line impedance transformer may include a printed circuit board (PCB) having a dielectric layer and an electrically conductive layer thereon defining a medial interconnection portion, and first and second lateral loop portions extending laterally outwardly from opposing first and second sides of the medial interconnection portion. The PCB also may have first ferrite body receiving openings therein adjacent the first lateral loop portion and second ferrite body receiving openings therein adjacent the second lateral loop portion. The transmission line impedance transformer may also include a first ferromagnetic body extending through the first ferrite body receiving openings to surround the first lateral loop portion, and a second ferromagnetic body extending through the second ferrite body receiving openings to surround the second lateral loop portion. |
| US08077001B2 |
Superconducting magnet
A persistent current switch in a superconducting magnet, includes: a winding part in which a superconducting wire is noninductively wound; a winding-heating heater provided around the winding part; a vessel provided around the winding part with a space; and an anti-convective material provided in the space between the vessel and the winding part. |
| US08076995B2 |
Integrated digitally controlled linear-in-decibels attenuator
An integrated digitally controlled linear-in-decibels attenuator circuit in which one or more sets of selection switches establish a desired attenuation by selectively connecting the input signal electrode to one or more corresponding resistive ladder networks connected in series, thereby providing a substantially more constant signal attenuation value over a wider frequency bandwidth. With a single resistive ladder network, attenuation control is achieved using a thermometer switching code. With multiple resistive ladder networks, coarse and fine attenuation control can be achieved using thermometer and bubble switching codes, respectively. |
| US08076994B2 |
RF power transistor packages with internal harmonic frequency reduction and methods of forming RF power transistor packages with internal harmonic frequency reduction
A packaged RE power device includes a transistor having a control terminal and an output terminal and configured to operate at a fundamental operating frequency, an RF signal input lead coupled to the control terminal, and an RF signal output lead coupled to the output terminal. A harmonic reducer is coupled to the control terminal and/or the output terminal of the transistor and is configured to provide a short circuit or low impedance path from the control terminal and/or the output terminal to ground for signals at an Nth harmonic frequency of the fundamental operating frequency, where N>1. The device further includes a package that houses the transistor and the harmonic reducer, with the input lead and the output lead extending from the package. Multi-chip packages are also disclosed. |
| US08076993B2 |
Balun circuit and integrated circuit device
A balun circuit comprising first through third CPW lines becoming signal I/O ports, a first differential transmission line for linking the central conductor of the second CPW line and the ground conductor of the first CPW line and for linking the ground conductor of the second CPW line and the central conductor of the first CPW line, a second differential transmission line for linking the central conductors of the first and third CPW lines and for linking the ground conductors of the first and third CPW lines, and a joint for connecting at least two ground conductors of the first through third CPW lines. The differential transmission line has a first line formed in a dielectric layer on a substrate, a second line arranged in the underlying layer, and an underlying line at a fixed potential arranged between the substrate and the second line. |
| US08076992B2 |
Radio frequency microwave waveguide structure and method for fabrication thereof
A method for fabrication of an inaccessible RF microwave waveguide structure is provided. The method includes providing an RF microwave waveguide network including an array of waveguide components that have one or more apertures in a wall. The method also includes providing one or more dummy load elements made of a ceramic material having high-temperature stable properties. The dummy load elements are mounted in a predetermined place on the wall in the vicinity of the aperture. The method also includes providing a blocking assembly configured for covering RF microwave waveguide network. The blocking assembly is connected to the RF microwave waveguide network by using dip brazing. |
| US08076989B2 |
Differential waveguide system connected to front and rear network elements
A waveguide system comprises a differential waveguide with at least one first and one second signal conductor, which are coupled to one another within the waveguide, and a divider network with front network elements disposed at a front end of the waveguide in the signal-flow direction and with rear network elements disposed at a rear end of the waveguide in the signal-flow direction. The front network elements comprise a first parallel element, which extends in the direction from the first signal conductor to the earth conductor, and a second parallel element, which extends in the direction from the second signal conductor to the earth conductor. Alternatively, the parallel element can also be disposed between the signal conductors. |
| US08076987B2 |
Pulse width modulating circuit
A pulse width modulating (PWM) circuit includes an activating module and a pulse generating module connected to the activating module. The activating module includes a current resource and a compensation unit. The current source generates an activating current, and the compensating unit detects the activating current and compensates the activating current if the activating current changes. The activating current is input to the pulse generating module to generate pulse voltages output by the pulse generating module. |
| US08076984B2 |
Periodic signal generating circuit dependent upon temperature for establishing a temperature independent refresh frequency
A periodic signal generating circuit which is dependent upon temperature for establishing a temperature independent refresh frequency is presented. The periodic signal generating circuit includes a reference voltage generating unit and a periodic signal generating unit. The reference voltage generating unit produces a reference voltage which exhibits a variable voltage level in response to temperature. The periodic signal generating unit produces a periodic signal in response to a set voltage to determine the reference voltage and an oscillation period, wherein a transition timing of the set voltage is controlled by the reference voltage. As a result the periodic signal has a relatively constant period which can be produced regardless of the temperature variation. |
| US08076980B2 |
Temperature-compensated ring oscillator
A temperature-compensated ring oscillator includes a control signal generator and a voltage controlled oscillator. The control signal generator is configured to generate at least one control signal, and includes at least one first resistor and second resistor. A first temperature coefficient of the first resistor is negative, and a second temperature coefficient of the second resistor is positive. The voltage controlled oscillator receives the control signal, outputs an oscillation signal, and has (2k+1) cascaded inverter units, where k≧1. Each of the inverter units includes a first transistor, a second transistor and an inverter. The first transistor has a drain coupled to a first supply voltage and a gate to receive the control signal. The second transistor has a source to receive a second supply voltage and a gate to receive the control signal. The inverter is coupled between the first and the second transistors. |
| US08076974B2 |
Radio frequency (RF) power amplifier and RF power amplifier apparatus
An RF power amplifier has a final-stage amplifier stage which generates an RF transmit output signal, a signal detector which detects an RF transmit output level, a first detector, a second detector and a control circuit. The final-stage amplifier stage includes a transistor and a load element and performs saturation type nonlinear amplification and non-saturation type linear amplification. The first detector and the control circuit maintain the RF transmit output signal approximately constant with respect to a variation in load at an antenna at the saturation type nonlinear amplification. The second detector and the control circuit reduce an increase in the output voltage of the final stage transistor with respect to an overload state of the antenna at the non-saturation type linear amplification. |
| US08076973B2 |
Fully differential amplifier with continuous-time offset reduction
A fully differential amplifier circuit according to one embodiment includes a first section for generating first and second output signals on first and second outputs from first and second input signals; a first feedback loop coupled to the first section, the first feedback loop including a second section for adjusting the first output signal towards a common mode voltage level, and for reducing an offset voltage of the first output signal; a second feedback loop coupled to the first section, the second feedback loop including a third section for adjusting the second output signal towards the common mode voltage level, and for reducing an offset voltage of the second output signal; and a filter section positioned on the first and second feedback loops between outputs of the second and third sections and the first section. |
| US08076970B2 |
Adaptive demodulator
An adaptive demodulator for a contactless device, including a rectifier configured to rectify a voltage which is dependent on a signal received by the contactless device, and a voltage regulator coupled to the rectifier and configured to adjust the voltage to be within a voltage window. |
| US08076968B1 |
Low-input-voltage charge pump
In an embodiment, a charge pump of relatively simple design is provided which can generate sufficient drive voltage for a power switching device from a low-supply-voltage (e.g., 1V). In some embodiments, this charge pump performs better at lower input voltages when there are loading conditions (i.e., when the charge-pump output powers other circuit blocks such as amplifiers and LDO's). |
| US08076966B2 |
Analog switch circuit for wide frequency band
An analog switch circuit that includes a first field-effect transistor, a source of which is coupled to a first switch terminal, and a drain of which is coupled to a second switch terminal; a first capacitance storing electric charge; a second capacitance storing electric charge; a first switch circuit that couples the first capacitance between a direct current voltage node and a reference potential node; a second switch circuit that couples the first capacitance and the second capacitance in parallel; and a third switch circuit that couples the second capacitance between a gate and the source of the first field-effect transistor. |
| US08076962B2 |
Frequency synthesis system with self-calibrated loop stability and bandwidth
In a frequency synthesis system with self-calibrated loop stability and bandwidth, a detector produces a detection signal based on a difference between an input signal and a feedback signal; a charge pump produces a control signal based on the detection signal; a filter produces a tuning signal and a source current based on the control signal; a bias circuit produces first and second bias signals; a controllable oscillator produces a differential output signal with a selected specific frequency; a differential-to-single converter produces an output signal with the selected specific frequency; a programmable frequency divider produces the feedback signal; a current mirror circuit receives the source current for producing a mirror current; a compensation circuit produces a compensation current based on the mirror current for compensating the variation of the damping factor and the bandwidth-to-reference frequency ratio. |
| US08076956B1 |
Relatively low standby power
A circuit includes a first transistor stack that receives an input signal, a voltage reference, a reference potential, a clock signal and an inverted clock signal, and generates an output signal that is an inverse of the input signal. A first inverter receives the output signal from the first transistor stack. A second transistor stack receives the voltage reference, the reference potential, the clock signal and the inverted clock signal, and generates an output signal that is an inverse of an output signal from the first inverter. A pass control circuit includes first and second transistors. The first terminals of the first and second transistors are coupled together and receive the output signal of the second transistor stack, control terminals of the first and second transistors receive the clock signal and the inverted clock signal, respectively, and second terminals of the first and second transistors are coupled together and output the output signal of the second transistor stack. |
| US08076953B2 |
LED outage detection circuit
Disclosed is an outage detection circuit for detecting a defective light source, such as a LED coupled to a DC-DC converter circuit for receiving a power signal. The outage detection circuit includes a top voltage detector coupled to the LED for detecting a voltage across the LED. The top voltage detector has a top voltage terminal for supplying a top voltage signal. The detection circuit further includes a differential amplifier coupled to the top voltage terminal for receiving the top voltage signal as a first input signal and coupled to a reference voltage terminal. The reference voltage terminal is configured to supply a reference voltage as a second input signal. The differential amplifier includes an output terminal for supplying an outage detection signal. |
| US08076952B2 |
Socket for inspection
A support block is provided with a plurality of through holes for supporting probes. The probes for signals, for power supply and for grounding are secured in the through holes of the support block and electrically interconnect electrode terminals of a device to be inspected, which is provided on one face side of the support block, and wiring terminals connected to an inspection unit, which is provided on the other face side of the support block. A device guide is integrally formed with or separately fixed to the one face side of the support block, and includes an opening having a square shape in a plan view for guiding the device to be inspected. A centering mechanism adjusts a position of the device to be inspected at a center position of the opening of the device guide. |
| US08076947B2 |
Device, method, program, and recording medium for error factor determination, and output correction device and reflection coefficient measurement device provided with the device
An error factor determination device includes an error factor recording unit which records error factors Eija in a signal generation system which includes a signal generation unit for generating a signal and an output terminal for outputting the signal, a reflection coefficient deriving unit which derives a reflection coefficient Xm of the output terminal based on measurement results R1 and R2 of the signal while the signal is being output from the output terminal and the error factors Eija recorded in the error factor recording unit, and a true/false determination unit which determines whether the recorded error factors Eija are true or false based on the derived reflection coefficient Xm, and a true value of the reflection coefficient. |
| US08076945B2 |
Autosensitive detector and measurement system
This disclosure relates to an autosensitive detector and an autosensitive measurement system with a self-adjustable set-off value, and more specifically, to a probe for adaptation to an environmental parameter such as liquids adapted to reset its measured sensitivity each time the probe is enabled or turned on, which can be further desensitized by adjusting a sensitivity correction factor by a factor (F) within the range of 0.05 |
| US08076943B2 |
Impedance-based arc detector for computed tomography scanner and method of use thereof
The present disclosure relates to an impedance-based arc detector for CT scanners and method of use and diagnosis therewith, and more specifically, to a two- or three-way conductive probe detector system and associated signal processing unit to distinguish the location of arc faults on a CT scanner at either the high-voltage cable of an x-ray tube, an anode connected to the x-ray tube, a cathode also connected to the x-ray tube, a high-voltage well, or a power distribution unit of the tube. |
| US08076941B2 |
Bottom system for geophysical survey (variants)
A bottom system related to equipment deployed for seabed geo-electrical survey is proposed, in preferred embodiments comprising a basic module, including registration and power supply means, or a combination of the basic module with at least one additional module: a magnetic characteristics measuring module or/and a seismic characteristics measuring module. The additional modules are connected with other modules through hermetic connectors. The modules are attached to a load with Kevlar straps, provided with an electrochemical release system. Arms with electrodes measuring electromagnetic characteristics of seabed, are attached to the basic module, in their initial position directed upwards at minimum 15° from the vertical, and fixed with fixing elements, connected with a releasing element of a device for descending and lifting the bottom station. The arms are made telescopic for convenient transportation. Independent embodiments without additional modules include a non-conductive conical member joined to the basic module and to the load. |
| US08076940B2 |
Method and device for determining the location of a rod fixing point
The invention concerns the methods for determining, relative to a point Po, the location of a fixing point Pf of a rod T located in an environment Mi wherein prevails a permanent magnetic field Ch. The inventive method is characterized in that it consists in studying the variations of the magnetic flux which passes through the windows F when the rod is and is not subjected to a torque about its axis A, said windows having substantially the same area and being connected to the rod T respectively in different points Px, Px+1, . . . located on the portion of the rod delimited by the assumed site of the fixing point Pf, and including the point Po, and having each a given position relative to the magnetic field lines of force when the rod is not subjected to the torque. The invention also concerns a device for implementing said method. The invention is advantageously applicable to determining the location of the sticking point of a string of hollow drill rods in an oil well. |
| US08076939B2 |
Method for fast magnetic resonance radiofrequency coil transmission profile mapping
A system and method for producing an image indicative of characteristics of a radiofrequency (“RF”) coil with a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system is disclosed. The method includes acquiring MR signals while performing a pulse sequence with the MRI system and driving the RF coil at a selected transmission power. This process is repeated a plurality of times to drive the RF coil at a different transmission powers during each repetition. A plurality of images are reconstructed from the acquired MR signals and an image indicative of RF reception characteristics of the RF coil is produced from the reconstructed images. Subsequently, an image indicative of RF transmission characteristics of the RF coil is produced using the image indicative of the RF receiver response. More specifically, only one data acquisition is necessary for each RF coil element to produce the image indicative of the RF transmission characteristics for that coil element. |
| US08076938B2 |
System and method of parallel imaging with calibration to a virtual coil
A method for generating a magnetic resonance (MR) image includes acquiring calibration data from each of a plurality of RF source coils. Calibration data for a virtual coil is generated based on the calibration data from the plurality of RF source coils and a set of synthesis weights is generated based on the calibration data from the plurality of RF source coils and the calibration data for the virtual coil. Accelerated MR data is acquired from each of the plurality of RF source coils. An image can be reconstructed based on an application of the set of synthesis weights to the accelerated MR data from the plurality of RF source coils. |
| US08076934B2 |
Black-blood steady-state free precession magnetic resonance imaging
In an imaging method, periodic maintenance radio frequency pulses (α, −α) are applied to maintain a steady state magnetic resonance excitation in an imaging region. Readout (66) of imaging data from the imaging region is performed during selected intervals between maintenance radio frequency pulses. A spatially selective blood signal suppression sequence (62, 62′) is performed during selected other intervals between maintenance radio frequency pulses. The blood signal suppression sequence suppresses a blood signal in a suppression region different from the imaging region. The blood signal suppression sequence has substantially no zero the moment applied magnetic field gradient. |
| US08076932B2 |
Device and method for measuring the position of a mobile part
A device for measuring the position of a mobile part (4), includes: at least one magnetic node (10) capable of modulating the amplitude of an excitation magnetic field according to the amplitude of a magnetic field to be measured, the magnetic node having a magnetic cycle for magnetic induction that depends on the hysteresis-free magnetic field in an operation range [Hmin; Hmax], and in which the magnetic cycle of the magnetic node (10) is characterised in that the absolute value of the third derivative of the magnetic induction relative to the magnetic field is maximal for a zero magnetic field. |
| US08076931B2 |
Current and magnetic field sensors, control method and magnetic core for said sensors
The invention relates to a magnetic field sensor comprising at least one magnetic core (10) in which the magnetic cycle of the magnetic core is characterised in that the absolute value of the third derivative of the magnetic flux density in relation to the magnetic field is maximum for a zero magnetic field. |
| US08076930B2 |
Thin film 3 axis fluxgate and the implementation method thereof
There is provided a thin film tri-gate fluxgate for detecting a component of a magnetic field in directions of three axes, the thin film tri-gate fluxgate comprising: two first thin film fluxgates of a bar-type disposed on a plane for detecting horizontal components of the magnetic field in direction of dual axis; and a plurality of second thin film fluxgates for detecting a vertical component of the magnetic field, wherein each of the first thin film fluxgates and the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates comprises a drive coil for applying a power, a pickup coil for detecting a voltage and, a magnetic thin film, and wherein the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates are substantially perpendicular to each of the first thin film fluxgates wherein a length of the magnetic thin film of each of the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates is shorter than that of each of the two first thin film fluxgates, and wherein two end portions of each of the plurality of the second thin film fluxgates is wider than a center portion thereof. |
| US08076925B2 |
Optical sensor assembly for installation on a current carrying cable
An optical sensor assembly has a base unit, an optical current sensor, and a magnetic concentrator. The optical current sensor is mounted on the base unit and includes a polarized light input, a reflective prism, and a light output. The magnetic concentrator defines an airgap and is mounted on a concentrator housing such that the magnetic concentrator fits around the current carrying cable when the base unit is hung from the current carrying cable by hooks and when the concentrator housing is moved to a closed position. The reflective prism of the base unit is operably positioned in the airgap of the magnetic concentrator when the concentrator housing is in the closed position. The assembly further includes a voltage sensor operably positioned in the base unit for measuring the voltage of the current carrying cable. |
| US08076924B2 |
Substance identification and location method and system
This invention relates to a method and system for remote detection of a targeted substance by the appropriate application of a probing signal that induces molecular resonance in the target substance to create an identifiable signature or response. In the preferred embodiment, signals transmitted are an Infrared laser beam, amplitude modulated in the range of 100 kHz frequency. The probing signal stimulates molecular resonance of the target substance which produces characteristic electron signal responses that are detected by IR detectors. A software program is used to process the electrical response signals and to compare them with electrical response signals stored in a database of known substances, thus allowing the target substance to be identified. The system may also be used to locate targeted substances. Also disclosed is an artificial ground device that provides a positive ground that provides consistent responses. |
| US08076922B2 |
Inductor assembly having a core with magnetically isolated forms
An embodiment of an inductor assembly includes a core, a first conductor, and a second conductor. The core includes first and second members, a first group of one or more forms extending between the members, a second group of one or more forms extending between the members, and an isolating region that magnetically isolates the first group of forms from the second group of forms. The first conductor is wound about a first one of the forms in the first group, and the second conductor is wound about a second one of the forms in the second group. Such an inductor assembly may allow both coupled and uncoupled inductors to be disposed on a common core, thus potentially reducing the cost and size of the inductors as compared to the coupled inductors being disposed on one core and the uncoupled inductors being disposed on another core. |
| US08076919B2 |
Switch-mode power supply
Disclosed is a Power Factor Correction Controller, which comprises a boost converter, a current sensing unit, an arithmetic unit, and a switch driving unit. The current sensing unit can sense or derive the current that pass through the energy delivery device, which is normally implemented by a diode or a switch. The current sensing unit can also sense the inductor current, or the switch current. With the current sensing unit, the arithmetic unit can calculate the optimum switch on-time or when to turn off the switch, without direct-sensing of the load. The disclosed method reduces the system cost by removing the needs to sense the load condition as in the prior arts. The disclosed method also improves the system response by sensing the delivered current at energy delivery side, rather than the receiver side as in the prior arts. |
| US08076917B2 |
Buck switching regulator with improved mode transition and control method thereof
The present invention discloses a buck switching regulator with improved mode transition, and a method for controlling a buck switching regulator. The method comprises: providing a switching regulator including: an output power stage for converting an input voltage to an output voltage, the output power stage being controlled by a first PWM signal during a fixed-frequency PWM mode (FPWM mode), and being controlled by a first voltage signal during a pulse skipping mode (PSK mode), wherein the first PWM signal is generated according to the first voltage signal; and in a transition from the PSK mode to the FPWM mode, proving a second voltage signal as a starting point of the first voltage signal, the second voltage signal being substantially close to a target of the first voltage signal in the FPWM mode. |
| US08076916B2 |
Power supply module
A power supply module includes an inductor circuit, a switch circuit, a sensor circuit, and a controller. The inductor circuit includes an inductor and a voltage feedback wire returning the terminal voltage of the inductor. The switch circuit is electrically connected to the inductor circuit for driving the inductor circuit. The sensor circuit is electrically connected to the switch circuit and the voltage feedback wire, in which the sensor circuit controls the switch circuit and generates a current feedback signal according to the terminal voltage of the inductor. The controller is electrically connected to the sensor circuit, in which the controller controls the sensor circuit according to the current feedback signal. |
| US08076915B2 |
Switching converter
To improve conversion efficiency at a DC-DC conversion time by providing driving units respectively for a plurality of switches and controlling the switches corresponding to a load current, an input voltage, an output voltage and an input/output voltage difference. When synchronously rectifying a plurality of first switches and a plurality of second switches by setting the first switches and the second switches alternately in an ON-state, the plurality of first switches are driven repeatedly in the ON- or OFF-state corresponding to a required output, the plurality of second switches are driven in the ON- or OFF-state in synchronization with the first switches, the driving of part of the plurality of first switches and part or all of the plurality of second switches is stopped corresponding to a load current value, an input voltage value, an output voltage value or an input/output voltage difference value. |
| US08076907B2 |
Method and apparatus for exporting power in a renewable energy system employing a battery charger
A method of charging a battery in a system involving a renewable energy source and operable to supply at least some electrical energy from the renewable energy source to a third party involves causing a charge controller operably connected to the renewable energy source to receive the electrical energy from the renewable energy source and operably connected to the battery, to charge the battery, using only the electrical energy from the renewable energy source, according to a charging sequence. The charging sequence includes at least a bulk charge period wherein the battery is charged at a relatively constant charging current, an absorption period following the bulk charge period wherein the battery is charged in an absorption mode, and a float period following the absorption period wherein the battery is charged in a float charging mode. |
| US08076906B2 |
Battery system configured to survive failure of one or more batteries
The battery system includes a battery pack having a plurality of power sources arranged in parallel groups that are connected in series. Each parallel group includes a plurality of power sources connected in parallel. Each power source includes a battery. The system also includes electronics configured to repeatedly charge the battery pack according to a charging protocol. The charging protocol is configured such that the voltage of any one battery in the battery pack does not exceed its maximum operational voltage after failure of a battery in the battery pack. |
| US08076903B2 |
Electric power storage and delivery system and method of operation
An electrical energy storage and delivery system for supplying electrical energy to a system load and method of operation. The system including an energy storage module comprising a charger coupled to a high power battery module and a high energy battery module; a first matrix switch coupled to the charger and a second matrix switch; and an energy shuttle coupled to a status signal of at least the energy storage module and the system load. The second matrix switch coupled to the first matrix switch, the high power battery module, the high energy battery module and a system load connection. The energy shuttle configured to transmit a plurality of control signals to set an interconnection state of the first matrix switch, the charger and the second matrix switch. |
| US08076901B2 |
Charging system and method for electronic device controlled by audio output
A charging system and method for an electronic device controlled by audio output are used for controlling an external charging power supply to charge the electronic device. An electric quantity detection software runs on the electronic device, for detecting an electric quantity of the electronic device and generating audio signals indicating a message of performing a charging operation or a message of stopping the charging operation. An audio output interface is disposed on the electronic device for outputting the audio signals. A decoding device is connected to the audio output interface for receiving the audio signal and controlling the external charging power supply to perform the charging operation or to stop the charging operation on the electronic device. The charging system and method for the electronic device can effectively control the electric quantity of the electronic device, without requiring any charging control circuits. |
| US08076896B2 |
Inverter controller and method for operating the same
An inverter controller comprising an AC motor as a load. A rectifying circuit converts AC power from an AC power source into DC power. A smoothing capacitor smoothens a DC voltage from the rectifying circuit. An inverter circuit converts DC power supplied via the smoothing capacitor into a desired frequency. A current detection circuit detects a output current of the inverter circuit. A voltage detection circuit detects a terminal voltage (Vpn) of the smoothing capacitor. A voltage command calculation circuit calculates a voltage command to the AC motor. A speed command calculation circuit calculates a speed command to be used when it is determined that the AC power source is in a power failure state or when the terminal voltage (Vpn) reaches a certain value. |
| US08076895B2 |
Method and device for generating signals for controlling multi-phased rotating electric motor
A method wherein the signals (SW1, Sw2, Sw3) controlling the power supply (10) of the phase windings (4) of the motor consist of signals (So1, So2, So3) that are out-of-phase by a phase angle (f) which is continuously variable in relation to synchronization signals (Si1, Si2, Si3) generated by sensors (1) detecting the position of the rotor. According to the method, a processing unit (5) comprises inlets (8) for receiving the synchronization signals and outlets (6, 7) for transmitting the out-of-phase signals. The synchronization signals are binary signals presenting synchronization fronts and the rising and falling fronts of the out-of-phase signals are generated, following a level switching time depending at least on the phase angle, from at least one reference front selected from the synchronization fronts such that the switching time is minimum. |
| US08076893B2 |
Displacement actuation and sensing for an electrostatic drive
An electrostatic drive includes a first electrode and a second electrode responsive to a drive signal. The drive signal includes an actuation signal constituent and a sensing signal constituent. The sensing signal constituent is at a frequency higher than a natural mechanical resonant frequency of the electrostatic drive. In response to the actuation signal constituent, displacement between the first electrode and the second electrode changes, which is evaluated by detecting a change in an electrical characteristic of the drive as a function of the sensing signal constituent. |
| US08076890B2 |
AC motor driving apparatus and control method
Provided is an AC motor driving apparatus and an AC motor control method capable of utilizing the conventional PWM system as-is even in an ultra-compact AC motor having an extremely few turns of exciting coil and preventing occurring of vibration and noise. The AC motor driving apparatus has an inverter converting a DC voltage to an AC voltage and supplying the AC voltage to an AC motor; a PWM device controlling a magnitude and a frequency of an output voltage of the inverter and means for changing a time constant of the AC motor in accordance with a carrier frequency of the PWM device. Between the PWM device and the AC motor, there is provided a condenser and/or a coil for adjusting the time constant, and the capacity thereof is adjusted in accordance with the carrier frequency of the PWM device. |
| US08076888B2 |
Method for protecting an electronic device driven by DC motor and circuit for detecting positioning signals thereof
A method for protecting an electronic apparatus driven by a DC motor and a detection circuit for detecting positioning signals thereof. The electronic device includes an optical encoder, a code strip, and a DC motor. While moves along the code strip, the optical encoder outputs a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal for the control of the DC motor. The method includes the steps described below. First, states of the first and second positioning signals are detected. If the states of the first and second positioning signals are normal, the DC motor is controlled according to the first and second positioning signals. If the first positioning signal or the second positioning signal is abnormal, a preventive method is performed. |
| US08076887B2 |
Wiper controller
A wiper controller which detects the raindrops adhered onto the windshield glass G of the vehicle to control the wiper based on the detected result is provided with a wiped water measurement unit for calculating an amount of water wiped by the wiper, a wiper operation time counter for counting the actual wiper operation time based on the ON/OFF signal of the wiper motor for driving the wiper, a delay time calculation unit which obtains the wiper operation delay time by comparing the actual wiper operation time with the reference wiper operation time, and an operation change determination unit for determining with respect to the need for changing the wiper operation based on the wiper operation delay time and the amount of water wiped by the wiper. The change in the rainfall state is derived from the wiper operation delay time and the amount of water wiped by the wiper to appropriately control the wiper in response to the change in the rainfall state. |
| US08076885B2 |
Integrated overload and low voltage interrupt module
A power management module for a winch system comprises an overload and low voltage interrupt module within a housing. The overload interrupt determines operating current for the winch system and provides an interrupt signal when the current is greater than a threshold. The low voltage interrupt determines voltage of a power source and provides an interrupt signal when the voltage is less than a threshold. A method of operating the power management module comprises determining operating current of the winch system with an overload interrupt module and voltage of a vehicle power source with a low voltage interrupt module. The overload and low voltage interrupt modules are located within a housing. The overload interrupt provides an interrupt signal when the operating current is greater than a threshold. The low voltage interrupt provides an interrupt signal when the voltage is less than a threshold. |
| US08076884B2 |
Control apparatus for electric vehicles
A motor control apparatus for an electric vehicle has an AC motor system including a power conversion unit and a motor/generator. The power conversion unit performs conversion between DC power and AC power to drive the motor/generator. The motor control apparatus further includes a decoupling control section configured to perform decoupling control, which restricts interference between system voltage control and motor torque control, by correcting a control state amount of one of the system voltage control and the motor torque control by a control state amount of the other of the system voltage control and the motor torque control. |
| US08076883B2 |
Drive system and method for operating a drive system for an electronically operated vehicle
A drive system for an electrically operated vehicle includes an electric drive unit operable as a motor and as a generator, a first power source circuit with a control device for controllably outputting power, a second chargeable and dischargeable power source circuit having at least one capacitor and which is connected in parallel to the drive unit, an electric intermediate circuit connected to the first and the second power source circuits and to the drive unit, a third chargeable and dischargeable power source circuit with at least one battery and which is connected to the intermediate circuit, a first detection device for detecting an electrical voltage of the intermediate circuit, which detection device is connected to the control device, and a second detection device for detecting a characteristic value of the vehicle speed and which is connected to the control device. |
| US08076882B2 |
Motor drive architecture with active snubber
A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling a system comprising at least one electric motor. The motor drive circuit includes a reconfigurable active snubber. Under given resonance conditions, the active snubber is configured to use a resistive element to dissipate electrical transients across the commutation circuit. |
| US08076880B2 |
Motor control device
A motor control device has a three-phase bridge circuit, a driving circuit, and a microcomputer. The three-phase bridge circuit has three pairs of MOSFETs for U, V, and W phases of a three-phase AC motor as a control target. The microcomputer has a dead time set value storage unit and a PWM signal generation unit. The PWM signal generation unit generates a PWM signal with a dead time including a response characteristics of the pair of MOSFETs for each of U, V, and W phases of the AC motor based on a three-phase voltage instruction value supplied from an outside device and the dead time set value stored in the dead time set value storage unit. The PWM signal generation unit outputs the PWM signal for each phase to the driving circuit. This independently adjusts the dead time for the MOSFETs for each phase. |
| US08076875B2 |
Switched reluctance motor and connection method for sensor shutter thereof
The present invention relates to a switched reluctance motor and a connection method for a sensor shutter thereof. The switched reluctance motor in accordance with the present invention includes a stator; a rotor rotating with respect to the stator centering around a rotational shaft; and a sensor shutter having a sensing part through which a light can be passed and connected to an end portion of the rotational shaft, and a stopping ring is connected to the end portion of the rotational shaft so as to prevent the sensor shutter from being separated. Accordingly, the sensor shutter can be quickly and easily connected and the length of the rotational shaft can be decreased. |
| US08076869B2 |
Quantum dimming via sequential stepped modulation of LED arrays
In one method of and apparatus for varying the luminosity of illumination, each of a plurality of light sources has an on state in which it emits light and an off state in which it does not emit light. Each of the plurality of light sources is switched cyclically between the on state and the off state in a sequence over a cycle period. The switching sequence is selected such that the number of said light sources that are on is uniform over the cycle. The luminosity of the illumination is varied by varying the proportion of each cycle for which each light source is switched on. |
| US08076864B2 |
Circuit configuration for starting and operating at least one discharge lamp
A circuit arrangement for starting and operating at least one discharge lamp is provided. |
| US08076860B2 |
Power converter and power conversion method with reduced power consumption
A power converter and power conversion method converts an input AC signal to a voltage usable by a load while reducing power consumption, thereby making the converter and method suitable for a wider range of applications. A rectifier receives the AC input signal and outputs a rectified voltage Vs, a controller has a power input connected to Vs and outputs two out-of-phase signals, two transistors are connected in series between Vs and a ground and each of the two transistors has a gate connected to a respective one of the two out-of-phase signals, and a transformer that has a primary coil connected to a node between the two transistors and a secondary coil connected to a load feeds back current from the secondary coil to the power input of the controller to reduce power consumption. |
| US08076859B1 |
Emergency sign power supply with battery charger
An emergency sign power supply with battery charger is provided. In some embodiments the battery charging circuit is formed by a single diode and a single resistor. |
| US08076847B2 |
Nitride phosphor and production process thereof, and light emitting device
To provide a phosphor containing a comparatively much red component and having high light emitting efficiency, high brightness and further high durability, the nitride phosphor is represented by the general formula LXMYN((2/3)X+(4/3)Y):R or LXMYOZN((2/3)X+(4/3)Y−(2/3)Z):R (wherein L is at least one or more selected from the Group II Elements consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Zn, M is at least one or more selected from the Group IV Elements in which Si is essential among C, Si and Ge, and R is at least one or more selected from the rare earth elements in which Eu is essential among Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er and Lu.); contains the another elements. |
| US08076840B2 |
Organic electro-luminescence display and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed is an organic EL display panel and a manufacturing the same, the EL display panel including an organic EL display panel including a bulkhead for insulating an emitting cell from an anode strip, the emitting cell having an ITO strip, a supplement electrode, an organic EL layer, and the anode strip, and at least one supplement bulkhead for coupling the bulkheads for preventing the sealant is injected along the bulkhead to the emitting cell thereby an inferior device is reduced and yield is increased. |
| US08076828B2 |
Piezoelectric ceramic composition and piezoelectric ceramic electronic component
A piezoelectric ceramic includes a main constituent represented by the general formula {(1−x) (K1-a-bNaaLib)(Nb1-cTac)O3}−xM2M4O3}, and as accessory constituents, 2α mol of Na, (α+β) mole of an M4′ element, and γ mol of Mn with respect to 100 mol of the main constituent, where 0.1≦α≦β, 1≦α+β≦10, and 0≦γ≦10, M2 is Ca, Ba, and/or Sr, the M4 element and the M4′ element are Zr, Sn, and/or Hf, 0≦x≦0.06, 0≦a≦0.9, 0≦b≦0.1, and 0≦c≦0.3. Even in the case of using Ni as the main constituent in an internal electrode material of a piezoelectric element and carrying out co-firing, favorable piezoelectric properties can be obtained without defective polarization. |
| US08076827B2 |
Acoustic wave device and method for fabricating the same
An acoustic wave device includes a substrate, a device chip that has a piezoelectric substrate and is flip-chip mounted on a surface of the substrate, a first insulation layer that has a dielectric constant lower than that of the piezoelectric substrate and is provided on a surface of the device chip opposite to another surface that faces the substrate, and a metal seal part that seals the device chip. |
| US08076824B2 |
Ultrasonic probe
An electronic radial ultrasonic probe comprising an electronic radial array which comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducers being continuously arrayed circularly around an insertion axis as center and also for which a transmission/reception of an ultrasonic wave is controlled by electronically selecting the plurality of ultrasonic transducer, comprises: a support member equipped on the electronic radial array; a lock member featured with a cavity in which the support member is inserted and with a lock groove for locking a balloon which is mounted in a manner to cover the electronic radial array and in which an ultrasonic medium is filled; and a filler member which is constituted by an adhesive material converting from a fluid state to a solid state, and is filled in the cavity. |
| US08076823B2 |
Ultrasonic actuator
An ultrasonic actuator may be provided in which generation of a stress is prevented in the connection face of the piezoelectric element between the electrodes and the conductive members. The ultrasonic actuator includes a piezoelectric element (P1) and flexible cables (F1). The piezoelectric element (P1) includes: a piezoelectric layer (1); a power supply electrode (2) provided on a principal surface of the piezoelectric layer (1); a counter electrode (3) provided to face the power supply electrode (2) with the piezoelectric layer (1) interposed therebetween; a power supply external electrode (4) which is provided on a short-side surface of the piezoelectric element (P1), and is electrically coupled to the power supply electrode (2); and a counter external electrode (5) which is provided on a short-side surface of the piezoelectric element (P1), and is electrically coupled to the counter electrode (3). The flexible cables (F1) include a first flexible cable (F11) connected to the power supply external electrode (4), and a second flexible cable (F12) connected to the counter external electrode (5). |
| US08076819B2 |
Rotary machine stator
According to one embodiment, a rotary machine stator includes a cylindrical stator core, an insulating film, and a ring-shaped insulator. The stator core includes a slot and a slot opening. The insulating film is formed cylindrical to be in close contact with the inner surface of the slot. The insulating film includes a gate on both ends that is bent to form a film opening as wide as or wider than the slot openings. The insulating film is inserted in the slot such that a film axial direction end of the insulating film protrudes from an axial direction end of the stator core. The insulator is attached to both ends of the stator core. The insulator includes an insulator slot and an insulator opening in substantially the same shape as the slot and the slot opening, respectively, and a lock to lock the film axial direction end. |
| US08076817B2 |
Electric motor with bar winding and connection plates
A multiphase synchronous electrical machine for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy and electrical energy into kinetic energy has a rotor extending along an axis, and a stator, which is provided with a stator pack having slots and with an electrical winding, which extends in part in the slots and in part in a position corresponding to two heads arranged on opposite sides of the stator pack and has bars housed in the slots and connected to one another in a position corresponding to the heads and connection plates, which are welded to the bars, are packed with respect to one another and to the stator pack in an axial direction and are shaped in such a way as to define a prolongation of the stator pack. |
| US08076815B2 |
Pole tooth with end face laminate for connection of pole tooth halves and corresponding method for production of a pole tooth
Electrical machines having pole teeth which can be equipped with a permanent magnet are intended to be capable of being assembled more easily. Provision is made for this purpose for two pole tooth halves (1,2) to be provided for each pole tooth, each of which two pole tooth halves has two opposing end sides. At least one end-side plate (3), which connects in each case one end side of the two pole tooth halves (1,2) to one another, is used for forming a pocket (5) between the two pole tooth halves (1,2), into which pocket a permanent magnet can be inserted. A space for the permanent magnet can therefore be kept free during assembly of the pole tooth or during winding thereof. Since the permanent magnet only needs to be inserted into the pocket (5) relatively late, the entire assembly process can be simplified. |
| US08076814B2 |
Brushless high-frequency alternator and excitation method for DC, single-phase and multi-phase AC power-frequency generation
A method is disclosed for arranging and exciting the stator, rotor and various windings of a multi-stage brushless high frequency alternator so that the resulting multiple high frequency sub-phase armature winding outputs can be rectified and commutated into desired phases of power-frequency alternating current (AC) electrical output, including single-phase, split-phase, three-phase and other multiple phase output. Power frequency currents in field windings control output amplitude, output frequency, and output phase. If desired, DC power output can be accommodated as zero power-frequency operation. Devices incorporating this arrangement are suitable of generating fixed frequency electrical power while accommodating variable speed rotation of a generator shaft and offer multiple advantages over existing techniques. The capability to generate speed independent electric power allows natural power sources such as windmills and hydro-power stations to be efficiently coupled to fixed frequency power grids. |
| US08076813B2 |
Hermetic motors with windings coupled to on-winding motor protectors via welded terminals
A hermetic motor includes a stator having at least one winding formed by a winding wire, and an on-winding motor protector having at least one contact. To improve the reliability and reduce the cost of the hermetic motor, the winding wire is directly coupled (without a lead wire) to the motor protector contact. Additionally, a common wire extending from the motor protector to a cluster block (if applicable) can be the same type of wire as the winding wire. |
| US08076811B2 |
Flux-switching magnetic motor/generator machine
A flux-switching magnetic machine is provided having a drive element and a driven element. The drive element is configured to generate a composite magnetic field comprising a fixed component and a variable component, the fixed component being generated by spaced fixed field members and the variable component being generated by spaced armature windings. The driven element has a plurality of magnetisable portions configured to be coupled to the composite magnetic field generated by the drive element, such that the driven element moves in response to changes in this field. The number of fixed field members is greater than the number of armature windings. |
| US08076810B2 |
Method for assembling an electric motor and motor obtained using this method
A method for assembling an electric motor of the type having a stator unit (5) and a rotary unit (6) housed in a containment compartment (2a) delimited by a casing (2), includes exposing the compartment (2a) to a different pressure relative to the outside environment and checking for the passage of fluid between the outside environment and the compartment (2a) in order to test the motor (1) hermetic seal. |
| US08076809B2 |
Additives for improving motor oil properties
An electric submersible motor is provided that includes a plurality of rotors and bearings mounted on a shaft, and a stator external to said rotors. A running clearance is located between an inner diameter of the stator and external diameter of the rotors, and includes a lubricating oil that includes a base hydrocarbon oil and a plurality of nanoparticles. Also provided is an improved lubricant oil and method of preparation thereof are provided. The lubricant oil includes a hydrocarbon containing base oil and a plurality of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may be present in an amount up to 30% by volume. |
| US08076808B2 |
Flat type vibration motor
Disclosed herein is a flat type vibration motor. The motor includes a bracket having a shaft mounted to the central portion of the bracket, with a lower substrate and a magnet being adhered to the upper surface of the bracket. A casing covers the upper portion of the bracket, and defines an internal space. An upper substrate has on a lower surface thereof a commutator. A coil and a weight are adhered to the upper surface of the upper substrate. A resin member is provided on some portion of the upper substrate and has a bearing holding hole. A bearing is held in the bearing holding hole and rotatably supported by the shaft. A brush is secured at a first end thereof to the lower substrate and contacts at a second end thereof to the commutator to form a contact part. |
| US08076807B2 |
Connection system comprising an external cable guide on wiper motor housings
The invention relates to a connection system comprising an external cable guide for electrically connecting at least two components (4, 5) that are arranged at a distance from each other on a motor subassembly (1), the positions of said components being fixed in relation to the housing parts (2, 3) of the motor subassembly (1). Said connection system also comprises at least one electric cable (6) connecting the components (4, 5) that are arranged on the motor subassembly (1) and a support element (7) on the outer side of the housing (2, 3) of the motor subassembly (1) that defines the geometric path of the electric cable (6). |
| US08076803B2 |
Controlled motion system
A controlled motion system with movers mounted on a hybrid track system comprised of at least one smart section and at least one dumb section. The smart sections control each mover independently, while the dumb sections drive all movers at the same speed. The transition between these sections is characterized by positive control of the movers at all points in the transition. A soft magnetic composite core for the smart sections is disclosed. Also, a single-sided mover for smart sections that is constrained against loads in all direction, except for the direction of motion, is disclosed. |
| US08076799B2 |
UPS system having a function of parallel operation
A UPS system includes one or more UPS units with identical or different capacities. A control circuit, used to control a DC/AC inverter of the UPS unit, includes a voltage feedback control circuit and a current feedforward control circuit. The voltage feedback control circuit is used to control the amplitude and the waveform of load voltage. The current feedforward control circuit is used to operate the DC/AC inverter of the UPS unit as a virtual fundamental resistor and a virtual harmonic resistor which are serially connected to an output terminal of the DC/AC inverter such that each UPS unit can be distributed to provide an output current according to the capacity ratio of the UPS system. |
| US08076795B2 |
Device for supplying an ignition current from an energy reserve to at least one ignition power module
A device for supplying an ignition current from an energy reserve to at least one ignition power module, a voltage regulator being provided between the energy reserve and the at least one ignition power module, setting a voltage on the at least one ignition power module at a predetermined level. |
| US08076794B2 |
Multi-voltage vehicle electrical supply system for a motor vehicle and method for operating the same
A multi-voltage vehicle electrical system for a motor vehicle is provided, including at least one multi-voltage generator, a first energy store, whose energy may be fed into a first low-voltage vehicle electrical system branch having low-voltage consumers, and a second energy store, whose energy may be fed into a second high-voltage vehicle electrical system branch having high-voltage consumers, as well as at least one controllable switching device, using which the energy generated by the multi-voltage generator may be distributed to the first and the second vehicle electrical system branches, the first and the second energy stores being connected in series to one another and the first vehicle electrical system branch being connected to a node between the first and the second energy store and to a reference potential of the first energy store. |
| US08076792B2 |
Power line communication apparatus
A power line communication apparatus includes power lines disposed independently and individually, for connecting various loads to a battery by way of fuses, respectively, an inductor disposed at an end portion of each of the above-mentioned power lines on a side connected to the above-mentioned battery, and an information unit for transmitting information by way of each of the above-mentioned power lines. |
| US08076788B2 |
Off-chip vias in stacked chips
A microelectronic assembly includes first and second stacked microelectronic elements, each having spaced apart traces extending along a front face and beyond at least a first edge thereof. An insulating region can contact the edges of each microelectronic element and at least portions of the traces of each microelectronic element extending beyond the respective first edges. The insulating region can define first and second side surfaces adjacent the first and second edges of the microelectronic elements. A plurality of spaced apart openings can extend along a side surface of the microelectronic assembly. Electrical conductors connected with respective traces can have portions disposed in respective openings and extending along the respective openings. The electrical conductors may extend to pads or solder balls overlying a face of one of the microelectronic elements. |
| US08076786B2 |
Semiconductor package and method for packaging a semiconductor package
A wire bonding structure includes a chip and a bonding wire. The chip includes a base material, at least one first metallic pad, a re-distribution layer and at least one second metallic pad. The first metallic pad is disposed on the base material. The re-distribution layer has a first end and a second end, and the first end is electrically connected to the first metallic pad. The second metallic pad is electrically connected to the second end of the re-distribution layer. The bonding wire is bonded to the second metallic pad. |
| US08076782B2 |
Substrate for mounting IC chip
An object of the present invention is to provide a substrate for mounting an IC chip which is a component for optical communication having an IC chip and an optical component integrally provided thereon, which can ensure a short distance between the IC chip and the optical component, which is excellent in electric signal transmission reliability and which can transmit optical signal through an optical path for transmitting optical signal.The substrate for mounting an IC chip of the present invention is a substrate for mounting an IC chip comprising: a substrate and, as serially built up on both faces thereof, a conductor circuit and an interlaminar insulating layer in an alternate fashion and in repetition; a solder resist layer formed as an outermost layer; and an optical element mounted thereto, wherein an optical path for transmitting optical signal, which penetrates the substrate for mounting an IC chip, is disposed. |
| US08076778B2 |
Method for preventing Al-Cu bottom damage using TiN liner
A semiconductor device and related method for fabricating the same include providing a stacked structure including an insulating base layer and lower and upper barrier layers with a conductive layer in between, etching the stacked structure to provide a plurality of conductive columns that each extend from the lower barrier layer, each of the conductive columns having an overlying upper barrier layer cap formed from the etched upper barrier layer, wherein the lower barrier layer is partially etched to provide a land region between each of the conductive lines, forming a liner layer over the etched stacked structure exposing the land region, and etching the liner layer and removing the exposed land region to form a plurality of conductive lines. |
| US08076776B2 |
Integrated circuit package having security feature and method of manufacturing same
An integrated circuit package comprises a package substrate (210, 410), an electrically insulating material (220, 420) adjacent to the package substrate, and a mark (230, 420) on the electrically insulating material. The mark is such that a visual contrast between the mark and the electrically insulating material is maximized when the mark and the electrically insulating material are exposed to coaxial illumination. In one embodiment the electrically insulating material over the package substrate has a first surface roughness and a mark on the solder resist material has a second surface roughness that is no more than approximately twenty times greater than the first surface roughness. |
| US08076771B2 |
Semiconductor device having metal cap divided by slit
In order to reduce a thermal stress applied by a metal cap to a semiconductor chip: a semiconductor chip (2) is bonded to a flat portion (11) of a metal cap (1); side wall portions of the metal cap (1) serve as external connection terminals (13); and a slit (7) is formed in the metal cap (1) so as to cross the semiconductor chip (2), so a bonding region between the semiconductor chip (2) and the metal cap (1) is divided into small bonding regions to reduce thermal stresses applied to the respective bonding regions. Therefore, peeling can be prevented in respective bonding regions, whereby a small-size semiconductor device in which the semiconductor chip is bonded to the metal cap with improved bonding reliability is obtained. |
| US08076769B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element; a plate member disposed opposite to an electronic-circuit forming portion of the semiconductor element; and an elastic body arranged in a compressed state between the semiconductor element and the plate member, wherein the elastic body includes at least one first protruding portion at one end in an extension direction of the elastic body, the first protruding portion being formed opposite to the electronic-circuit forming portion of the semiconductor element, and the semiconductor element and the plate member are fastened by an adhesive agent. |
| US08076766B2 |
Stacked semiconductor memory device
A stacked semiconductor memory device includes an interface chip and a plurality of core chips, in which the interface chip and the plurality of core chips are stacked. The core chips are mutually connected by a plurality of data through electrodes. The core chips each include a plurality of memory arrays. In response to an access request, the plurality of memory arrays corresponding to a predetermined data through electrode are activated, and the plurality of activated memory arrays and the predetermined data through electrode are sequentially connected. Thereby, even though it requires approximately ten-odd ns for transferring the first data, similarly to the conventional case, it is possible to transfer the subsequent data at high speed determined by the reaction rate (1 to 2 ns) of the through electrode. As a result, it becomes possible to increase a bandwidth while suppressing the number of through electrodes. |
| US08076765B2 |
Stackable semiconductor device packages including openings partially exposing connecting elements, conductive bumps, or conductive conductors
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device package includes: (1) a substrate unit; (2) connecting elements disposed adjacent to a periphery of the substrate unit and extending upwardly from an upper surface of the substrate unit; (3) a semiconductor device disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the substrate unit and electrically connected to the substrate unit; and (4) a package body disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the substrate unit and covering the semiconductor device. A lateral surface of the package body is substantially aligned with a lateral surface of the substrate unit. The package body defines openings that at least partially expose respective ones of the connecting elements. At least one of the connecting elements has a width WC, and at least one of the openings has a width WU adjacent to an upper surface of the package body, such that WU>WC. |
| US08076763B2 |
Electrical shielding in stacked dies by using conductive die attach adhesive
In example embodiment, there is an integrated circuit (IC) device (5) assembled in a package (5) having a plurality of die including a first device (20) and at least one additional device (30). The IC comprises a substrate (10). A first device die (20), having bonding pads including ground connections, is die attached to the substrate (10). An additional device die (30), having bonding pads including ground connections is disposed on top of the first device die (20). The additional device die is die attached to the first device die. The ground connections of the first device die are connected to the ground connections of the additional device die in order to minimize the electrical interference between the device dies. An additional feature of the embodiment is, ground connections of the first device are connected to the ground connections of the additional device with a conductive adhesive (25). |
| US08076761B1 |
Reduced inductance IC leaded package
The present invention is directed a novel method and apparatus for reducing crosstalk in a lead frame based electrical device package. One cause of the crosstalk in the lead frame package is the mutual inductance between adjacent lead fingers. A conductive sheet or mesh is introduced into the lead frame package such that one edge of the conductive sheet is below the die attach pad and electrically connected to the die and another edge is below the lead fingers and electrically connected to the ground lead of the package. Such arrangement significantly reduces the inductive coupling between adjacent lead fingers by coupling the lead fingers with the conductive sheet. The conductive sheet includes an array of through holes allowing the encapsulant material from the two sides of the sheet to flow smoothly together into one body. |
| US08076758B2 |
Wafer structure
A wafer structure includes a plurality of dies, an edge portion, a passivation layer, and a UV-blocking metal layer. Each of the dies having an integrated circuit formed thereon, and the circuit includes an upmost metal layer that includes bonding pads. A composite dielectric layer corresponding to dielectric layers of the integrated circuit is disposed on the edge portion, and a cavity is formed in the composite dielectric layer over the edge portion. The passivation layer is located over the whole wafer and covers the upmost metal layer. The UV-blocking metal layer is located on the passivation layer and covers the edge portion and at least a portion of each of the dies. The cavity, the passivation layer, and the UV-blocking metal layer result in an alignment mark. |
| US08076757B2 |
Semiconductor device having electrical devices mounted to IPD structure and method of shielding electromagnetic interference
A semiconductor device has an IPD structure formed over a substrate. First and second electrical devices are mounted to a first surface of the IPD structure. An encapsulant is deposited over the first and second electrical devices and IPD structure. A shielding layer is formed over the encapsulant and electrically connected to a conductive channel in the IPD structure. The conductive channel is connected to ground potential to isolate the first and second electrical devices from external interference. A recess can be formed in the encapsulant material between the first and second electrical devices. The shielding layer extends into the recess. An interconnect structure is formed on a second surface of the IPD structure. The interconnect structure is electrically connected to the first and second electrical devices and IPD structure. A shielding cage can be formed over the first electrical device prior to depositing encapsulant. |
| US08076750B1 |
Linearity improvements of semiconductor substrate based radio frequency devices
The present invention relates to using a trap-rich layer, such as a polycrystalline Silicon layer, over a semiconductor substrate to substantially immobilize a surface conduction layer at the surface of the semiconductor substrate at radio frequency (RF) frequencies. The trap-rich layer may have a high density of traps that trap carriers from the surface conduction layer. The average release time from the traps may be longer than the period of any present RF signals, thereby effectively immobilizing the surface conduction layer, which may substantially prevent capacitance and inductance changes due to the RF signals. Therefore, harmonic distortion of the RF signals may be significantly reduced or eliminated. The semiconductor substrate may be a Silicon substrate, a Gallium Arsenide substrate, or another substrate. |
| US08076749B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a first insulating layer; a semiconductor layer provided on the first insulating layer; a first semiconductor region selectively provided in the semiconductor layer; a second semiconductor region selectively provided in the semiconductor layer and spaced from the first semiconductor region; a first main electrode provided in contact with the first semiconductor region; a second main electrode provided in contact with the second semiconductor region; a second insulating layer provided on the semiconductor layer; a first conductive material provided in the second insulating layer above a portion of the semiconductor layer located between the first semiconductor region and the second semiconductor region; and a second conductive material provided in a trench provided in a portion of the semiconductor layer opposed to the first conductive material, being in contact with the first conductive material, and reaching the first insulating layer. |
| US08076748B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is provided having a high performance resistance element. In an N-type well isolated by an insulating film, two higher concentration N-type regions are formed. An interlayer insulating film is also formed. In a plurality of openings in the interlayer insulating film, one electrode group having a plurality of electrodes is formed on one N-type region, while a second electrode group having a plurality of electrodes is formed on the other N-type region. The relationship between the two N-type regions is between an island region and an annular region surrounding the island. The annular region of the N-type well between the island region and the annular region serves as a resistor R. Thus, discharge channels for charges applied excessively because of ESD or the like evenly exist in the periphery (four regions) of the one N-type region. |
| US08076746B2 |
Back-illuminated image sensors having both frontside and backside photodetectors
A back-illuminated image sensor includes a sensor layer of a first conductivity type having a frontside and a backside opposite the frontside. One or more frontside regions of a second conductivity type are formed in at least a portion of the frontside of the sensor layer. A backside region of the second conductivity type is formed in the backside of the sensor layer. A plurality of frontside photodetectors of the first conductivity type is disposed in the sensor layer. A distinct plurality of backside photodetectors of the first conductivity type separate from the plurality of frontside photodetectors are formed in the sensor layer contiguous to portions of the region of the second conductivity type. A voltage terminal is disposed on the frontside of the sensor layer. One or more connecting regions of the second conductivity type are disposed in respective portions of the sensor layer between the voltage terminal and the backside region for electrically connecting the voltage terminal to the backside region. |
| US08076743B2 |
Image sensor
Embodiments relate to an image sensor and a method of manufacturing the image sensor. An image sensor according to the embodiment includes: silicon patterns that are formed on a flexible substrate; a device isolation pattern that is formed between the silicon patterns; a circuit layer that is formed on the silicon patterns and has a first isolation pattern directly connected with the device isolation pattern; and a wiring layer that is formed on the circuit layer and includes a second isolation pattern corresponding to the first isolation pattern, and a wiring electrically connected with the circuit layer. The embodiments provide a flexible image sensor that can be applied to a variety of products and a method of manufacturing the flexible image sensor. |
| US08076742B2 |
Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
An image sensor according to embodiments may include a semiconductor substrate, photodiodes disposed over the semiconductor substrate, a dielectric layer formed over the photodiodes, a color filter layer formed over the dielectric layer, a planarization layer formed over the color filter layer, a phase change material formed over the planarization layer, and a plurality of microlenses formed over the planarization layer, wherein the phase change material is positioned in the microlens. Further, a method for manufacturing an image sensor according to embodiments may include forming a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate with a plurality of photodiodes, sequentially forming a color filter layer and a planarization layer over the dielectric layer, forming a phase change material over the planarization layer, forming a patterned phase change material by partially etching the phase change material, and forming microlenses over the planarization layer and the phase change material. |
| US08076741B2 |
Photo sensing element array substrate
A photo sensing element array substrate is provided. The photo sensing element array substrate includes a flexible substrate and a plurality of photo sensing elements. The photo sensing elements are disposed in array on the flexible substrate. Each of the photo sensing elements includes a photo sensing thin film transistor (TFT), an oxide semiconductor TFT and a capacitor. The photo sensing TFT is disposed on the flexible substrate. The oxide semiconductor TFT is disposed on the flexible substrate. The oxide semiconductor TFT is electrically connected to the photo sensing TFT. The capacitor is disposed on the flexible substrate and electrically connected between the photo sensing TFT and the oxide semiconductor TFT. When the photo sensing element array substrate is bent, it remains unaffected from normal operation. |
| US08076739B2 |
Micromechanical component and method for producing a micromechanical component
A micromechanical component includes a substrate that has a front side and a backside, the front side having a functional pattern, which functional pattern is electrically contacted to the backside in a contact region. The substrate has at least one contact hole in the contact region, which extends into the substrate, starting from the backside. |
| US08076738B2 |
Integrally fabricated micromachine and logic elements
Embodiments of the invention are related to micromachine structures. In one embodiment, a micromachine structure comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a sensing element. The sensing element is mechanically movable and is disposed intermediate the first and second electrodes and adapted to oscillate between the first and second electrodes. Further, the sensing element comprises a FinFET structure having a height and a width, the height being greater than the width. |
| US08076731B2 |
Semiconductor device including a halo layer and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention includes: a semiconductor substrate 10; a convex region 12 provided on the semiconductor substrate 10; a gate insulating film 100 provided on the convex region 12; a channel region 101 located in the convex region 12 under the gate insulating film 100; source/drain regions 115 provided on both sides of the convex region 12 and having extensions 115a on both sides of the channel region 101; and a halo layer 110 provided between the convex region 12 and the source/drain region 115 so as to contact with the convex region 12. |
| US08076730B2 |
Transistor level routing
System and method for transistor level routing is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a semiconductor device including a first semiconductor device formed on a first active area in a substrate, the first semiconductor device having a first gate stack comprising a first high-k dielectric layer, a first metal layer and a first poly-silicon layer. The semiconductor device further includes a second semiconductor device formed on a second active area in the substrate, the second semiconductor device having a second gate stack comprising a second high-k dielectric layer, a second metal layer and a second poly-silicon layer. An electrical connection connects the first semiconductor device with the second semiconductor device and overlies the first active area, the second active area and a portion of the substrate between the first active area and the second active area. The electrical connection includes a high-k dielectric layer and a metal layer but not a poly-silicon layer and the metal layer is arranged directly over the high-k dielectric layer. |
| US08076728B2 |
Integrated circuit arrangements with ESD-resistant capacitor and corresponding method of production
A circuit arrangement including a capacitor in an n-type well is disclosed. A specific polarization of the capacitor ensures that a depletion zone arises in the well and the capacitor has a high ESD strength. An optionally present auxiliary doping layer ensures a high area capacitance of the capacitor despite high ESD strength. |
| US08076725B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
An impurity buried layer constructed by two buried regions formed by impurities of identical type exist, a buried region formed by an impurity having a slow diffusion speed is provided on the entire surface of a transistor formation region, and a buried region formed by an impurity having a fast diffusion speed is provided inwardly from beneath the inside end of an isolation insulating film serving as a region on which an electric field concentrates partially. |
| US08076720B2 |
Trench gate type transistor
The invention provides a trench gate type transistor in which the gate leakage current is prevented and the gate capacitance is reduced. A trench is formed in an N− type semiconductor layer. A thin silicon oxide film is formed on a region of the N− type semiconductor layer for the active region of the transistor in the trench. On the other hand, a silicon oxide film which is thicker than the silicon oxide film is formed on a region not for the active region. Furthermore, a leading portion extending from inside the trench onto the outside thereof forms a gate electrode contacting the silicon oxide film. This provides a long distance between the gate electrode at the leading portion and the corner portion of the N− type semiconductor layer, thereby preventing the gate leakage current and reducing the gate capacitance. |
| US08076716B2 |
Electronic device including a trench and a conductive structure therein
An electronic device can include a transistor. In an embodiment, the transistor can include a semiconductor layer having a primary surface and a conductive structure. The conductive structure can include a horizontally-oriented doped region lying adjacent to the primary surface, an underlying doped region spaced apart from the primary surface and the horizontally-oriented doped region, and a vertically-oriented conductive region extending through a majority of the thickness of the semiconductor layer and electrically connecting the doped horizontal region and the underlying doped region. In another embodiment, the transistor can include a gate dielectric layer, wherein the field-effect transistor is designed to have a maximum gate voltage of approximately 20 V, a maximum drain voltage of approximately 30 V, and a figure of merit no greater than approximately 30 mΩ*nC. |
| US08076713B2 |
Non-volatile memory devices having a multi-layered charge storage layer
A non-volatile memory device includes a substrate having a first region and a second region. A first gate electrode is disposed on the first region. A multi-layered charge storage layer is interposed between the first gate electrode and the substrate, the multi-layered charge storage including a tunnel insulation, a trap insulation, and a blocking insulation layer which are sequentially stacked. A second gate electrode is placed on the substrate of the second region, the second gate electrode including a lower gate and an upper gate connected to a region of an upper surface of the lower gate. A gate insulation layer is interposed between the second gate electrode and the substrate. The first gate electrode and the upper gate of the second gate electrode comprise a same material. |
| US08076712B2 |
Semiconductor memory comprising dual charge storage nodes and methods for its fabrication
A dual charge storage node memory device and methods for its fabrication are provided. In one embodiment a dielectric plug is formed comprising a first portion recessed into a semiconductor substrate and a second portion extending above the substrate. A layer of semiconductor material is formed overlying the second portion. A first layered structure is formed overlying a first side of the second portion of the dielectric plug, and a second layered structure is formed overlying a second side, each of the layered structures overlying the layer of semiconductor material and comprising a charge storage layer between first and second dielectric layers. Ions are implanted into the substrate to form a first bit line and second bit line, and a layer of conductive material is deposited and patterned to form a control gate overlying the dielectric plug and the first and second layered structures. |
| US08076710B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming multiple conductive patterns 13a, forming an intermediate insulating film 16 on all of device isolation insulating films 6 and the conductive patterns 13a, forming a second conductive film 17 on the intermediate insulating film 16, patterning the second conductive film 17, the intermediate insulating film 16, and the multiple conductive patterns 13a, individually, to make the conductive patterns 13a into floating gates 13c and to make the second conductive film 17 into multiple strip-like control gates 17a. In the method, an edge, in a plan layout, of at least one of each of the conductive patterns 13a and each of the device isolation insulating films 6 is bent in a region between the control gates 17a adjacent in a row direction. |
| US08076709B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
In a situation where a memory cell includes an ONO film, which comprises a silicon nitride film for charge storage and oxide films positioned above and below the silicon nitride film; a memory gate above the ONO film; a select gate, which is adjacent to a lateral surface of the memory gate via the ONO film; a gate insulator positioned below the select gate; a source region; and a drain region, an erase operation is performed by injecting holes generated by BTBT into the silicon nitride film while applying a positive potential to the source region, applying a negative potential to the memory gate, applying a positive potential to the select gate, and flowing a current from the drain region to the source region, thus improving the characteristics of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device. |
| US08076706B2 |
Ferroelectric memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A ferroelectric memory device includes: a substrate; a first insulating film formed above the substrate, the first insulating film including a plug; a ferroelectric capacitor formed above the first insulating film; the ferroelectric capacitor including a lower electrode formed above the plug, a ferroelectric film formed on the lower electrode, an upper electrode formed on the ferroelectric film; a hydrogen barrier film formed on the ferroelectric capacitor, a first thickness of the hydrogen barrier film formed on the upper electrode being greater than a second thickness of the hydrogen barrier film formed on a side surface of the ferroelectric capacitor; and the hydrogen barrier film including a first hydrogen barrier film and the second hydrogen barrier film, the first hydrogen barrier film formed on an upper surface of the upper electrode and a side surface of the upper electrode, the second hydrogen barrier film formed above the ferroelectric capacitor. |
| US08076703B2 |
Semiconductor device and methods for fabricating same
A semiconductor device is provided which includes a substrate including an inactive region and an active region, a gate electrode structure having portions overlying the active region, a compressive layer overlying the active region, and a tensile layer overlying the inactive region and located outside the active region. The active region has a lateral edge which defines a width of the active region, and a transverse edge which defines a length of the active region. The gate electrode structure includes: a common portion spaced apart from the active region; a plurality of gate electrode finger portions integral with the common portion, and a plurality of fillet portions integral with the common portion and the gate electrode finger portions. A portion of each gate electrode finger portion overlies the active region. The fillet portions are disposed between the common portion and the gate electrode finger portions, and do not overlie the active region. The compressive layer also overlies the gate electrode finger portions, and the tensile layer is disposed adjacent the transverse edge of the active region. |
| US08076701B2 |
Large scale patterned growth of aligned one-dimensional nanostructures
A method of making nanostructures using a self-assembled monolayer of organic spheres is disclosed. The nanostructures include bowl-shaped structures and patterned elongated nanostructures. A bowl-shaped nanostructure with a nanorod grown from a conductive substrate through the bowl-shaped nanostructure may be configured as a field emitter or a vertical field effect transistor. A method of separating nanoparticles of a desired size employs an array of bowl-shaped structures. |
| US08076700B2 |
P-N junction for use as an RF mixer from GHZ to THZ frequencies
This disclosure describes a semiconductor device that can be used as a mixer at RF frequencies extending from a few tens of GHz into the THz frequency range. The device is composed of narrow bandgap semiconductors grown by solid source molecular beam epitaxy. The device can comprise a GaSb substrate, a AlSb layer on the GaSb substrate, a In0.69Al0.31As0.41Sb0.59 layer, on the AlSb layer and wherein the In0.69Al0.31As0.41Sb0.59 comprises varying levels of Te doping, a In0.27Ga0.73Sb layer on the In0.69Al0.31As0.41 Sb0.59 layer, wherein the In0.27Ga0.73Sb layer is Be doped, wherein the first section of the In0.69Al0.31As0.41Sb0.59 layer has is Te doped, wherein the second section of the In0.69Al0.31As0.41Sb0.59 layer has a grade in Te concentration, and wherein the third section of the In0.69Al0.31As0.41Sb0.59 layer is Te doped. |
| US08076699B2 |
Integrated HEMT and lateral field-effect rectifier combinations, methods, and systems
Integrated high efficiency lateral field effect rectifier and HEMT devices of GaN or analogous semiconductor material, methods for manufacturing thereof, and systems which include such integrated devices. The lateral field effect rectifier has an anode containing a shorted ohmic contact and a Schottky contact, and a cathode containing an ohmic contact, while the HEMT preferably has a gate containing a Schottky contact. Two fluorine ion containing regions are formed directly underneath both Schottky contacts in the rectifier and in the HEMT, pinching off the (electron gas) channels in both structures at the hetero-interface between the epitaxial layers. |
| US08076694B2 |
Nitride semiconductor element having a silicon substrate and a current passing region
It is an object of the present invention to provide a nitride semiconductor element, which uses Si as a substrate, and whose voltage in the forward direction (Vf) is lower than in the prior art. In the nitride semiconductor element which has a nitride semiconductor layer over an Si substrate, at least a portion of the Si substrate and the nitride semiconductor layer are included in an current pass region, and the electrical conductivity type of the current pass region on the Si substrate is p-type. Furthermore, in the nitride semiconductor element which has a nitride semiconductor layer over an Si substrate, at least a portion of the Si substrate and the nitride semiconductor layer are included in an current pass region, and the majority carriers of the current pass region of the Si substrate are holes. |
| US08076689B2 |
Light emitting diode
A light emitting diode includes an epitaxial layer, an electrode, electrically conductive members, a light incident layer, a light reflecting layer, an adhesive, and an electrically conductive permanent substrate. The epitaxial layer has first and second surfaces. The electrode is disposed on the second surface of the epitaxial layer. The electrically conductive members are formed on the first surface of the epitaxial layer and are spaced apart from each other. The light incident layer is formed on the first surface of the epitaxial layer at regions where none of the electrically conductive members are formed. The light reflecting layer is formed on the light incident layer and the electrically conductive members, and has indented parts and non-indented parts. The adhesive is disposed in the indented parts of the light reflecting layer. The permanent substrate is bonded to the light reflecting layer through the adhesive and through wafer bonding. |
| US08076682B2 |
Contact for a semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor structure includes a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A p-electrode is disposed on a portion of the p-type region. The p-electrode includes a reflective first material in direct contact with a first portion of the p-type region and a second material in direct contact with a second portion of the p-type region adjacent to the first portion. The first material and second material are formed in planar layers of substantially the same thickness. |
| US08076677B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device
A semiconductor light emitting device includes a semiconductor light emitting element, a lead electrically connected to the semiconductor light emitting element, and a resin package covering the semiconductor light emitting element and part of the lead. The resin package includes a lens facing the semiconductor light emitting element. The lead includes an exposed portion that is not covered by the resin package. The exposed portion includes a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion has a first mount surface oriented backward along the optical axis of the lens, and the second portion has a second mount surface oriented perpendicularly to the optical axis of the lens. |
| US08076674B2 |
Display device
A current pixel circuit of a display device includes a switching transistor which may be turned on in response to the current selection signal to transfer a data signal, a driving transistor for outputting a current corresponding to the data signal, and first and second transistors being turned on in response to the previous selection signal. In the display device, the gate electrodes of the switching transistor of a previous pixel and the first and second transistors of the current pixel are coupled to one scan line for transferring the previous selection signal. Accordingly, the transistors are arranged in the order of the switching transistor of the previous pixel and the first and second transistors of the current pixel on the scan line at an area between two adjacent data lines. |
| US08076671B2 |
Light emitting element and light emitting device using the element
An object of the present invention is to provide a high-efficiency white light emitting element having a spectrum in a wide wavelength range. Another object is to provide a white light emitting element in which chromaticity of white color is hard to change over time. Still another object is to provide a white light emitting element in which the shape of an emission spectrum does not tend to depend on current density. A first light emitting element 310 and a second light emitting element 320 are serially laminated over a substrate 300. The first light emitting element 310 has a light emitting layer 312 between a first anode 311 and a first cathode 313, and the second light emitting element 320 has a light emitting layer 322 between a second anode 321 and a second cathode 323. Here, the light emitting layer 312 shows a first emission spectrum 330 having peaks both in a blue to blue green wavelength range and in a yellow to orange wavelength range, and the light emitting layer 322 shows a second emission spectrum 340 having peaks both in a blue green to green wavelength range and in an orange to red wavelength range. |
| US08076670B2 |
LED with conductively joined bonding structure
An LED is disclosed that includes a conductive submount, a bond pad having a total volume less than 3×10−5 mm3 conductively joined to the submount, a first ohmic contact on the bond pad opposite from the submount, an epitaxial region comprising at least a p-type layer and an n-type layer on the first ohmic contact, and an electrode to the epitaxial region opposite from the first ohmic contact. |
| US08076669B2 |
Organic light emitting display and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting display includes an organic light emitting diode formed on a substrate, coupled to a transistor; a photodiode formed on the substrate and including a semiconductor layer including a high-concentration P doping region, an intrinsic region with defects and a high-concentration N doping region; and a controller that uniformly controls the luminance of light emitted from the organic light emitting diode by controlling a voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode according to the voltage outputted from the photodiode. |
| US08076665B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is comprised of a semiconductor substrate, conductive layers stacked above the semiconductor substrate, which is comprised of a conductive polysilicon, and a metal layer provided above the conductive layers. Both ends of the conductive layers have stairsteps respectively. The conductive layers are connected in series by a metal layer which is provided on the stairsteps. The conductive layers connected in series comprise a resistance element. |
| US08076663B2 |
Phase change memory structures
Methods, devices, and systems associated with phase change memory structures are described herein. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce thermal crosstalk associated with phase change memory cells, which can provide various benefits including improved data reliability and retention and decreased read and/or write times, among various other benefits. One or more embodiments can reduce the number of processing steps associated with providing local interconnects to phase change memory arrays. |
| US08076662B2 |
Electric field induced phase transitions and dynamic tuning of the properties of oxide structures
Phase transitions (such as metal-insulator transitions) are induced in oxide structures (such as vanadium oxide thin films) by applying an electric field. The electric field-induced phase transitions are achieved in VO2 structures that scale down to nanometer range. In some embodiments, the optical and/or dielectric properties of the oxide structures are actively tuned by controllably varying the applied electric field. Applying a voltage to a single-phase oxide material spontaneously leads to the formation of insulating and conducting regions within the active oxide material. The dimensions and distributions of such regions can be dynamically tuned by varying the applied electric field and/or the temperature. In this way, oxide materials with dynamically tunable optical and/or dielectric properties are created. |
| US08076661B2 |
Thermally switched optical downconverting filter
A thermally switched optical downconverting (TSOD) filter is a self-regulating device including a downconverter that converts incoming light at a variety of wavelengths into longer-wavelength radiation and then directs it using one or more bandblock filters in either the inward or outward direction, depending on the temperature of the device. This control over the flow of radiant energy occurs independently of the thermal conductivity or insulating properties of the device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. The TSOD filter is energy-efficient as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. The TSOD filter has unique aesthetic and optical properties not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls. |
| US08076657B2 |
Ion radiation therapy system having magnetic fan beam former
An improved beam forming system for ions used in radiation treatment employs a magnet system of successive quadrupole magnets to convert an ion pencil beam to a fan beam with reduced neutrons production compared with conventional beam spreading techniques using scattering foils. |
| US08076656B2 |
Writing apparatus and writing data conversion method
A writing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store writing data, an acquiring unit configured to acquire information on a pattern defined based on the writing data, a selecting unit configured to select a format of a plurality of formats having different number of bits to be used, based on acquired information on the pattern, for each predetermined region, a converting unit configured to convert data in the predetermined region defined by the writing data, by using a selected format, and a writing unit configured to write a predetermined pattern on a target workpiece, based on converted data in the predetermined region. |
| US08076655B2 |
Method of cleaning optical surfaces of an irradiation unit in a two-step process
The present invention provides a method of cleaning optical surfaces in an irradiation unit in order to remove contaminations deposited on said optical surfaces. The method includes a cleaning step in which a first gas or gas mixture is brought into contact with said optical surfaces thereby forming a volatile compound with a first portion of said contaminations. In an operation pause of the irradiation unit prior to the cleaning step, a pretreatment step is performed, in which a second gas or gas mixture is brought into contact with said optical surfaces. Said second gas or gas mixture is selected to react with a second portion of said contaminations different from said first portion to form a reaction product, which is able to form a volatile compound with said first gas or gas mixture. |
| US08076649B2 |
Charged particle beam writing apparatus and optical axis deviation correcting method for charged particle beam
A charged particle beam writing apparatus includes a stage on which a target object is placed; an emitting unit configured to emit a charged particle beam to the stage side; a blocking unit arranged between the emitting unit and the stage and configured to block the charged particle beam emitted; a deflector having electrodes through which a current flows by applying a voltage and configured to deflect the charged particle beam passing between the electrodes onto the blocking unit by applying a predetermined voltage across the electrodes; an optical axis adjusting unit configured to correct optical axis deviation of the charged particle beam generated by continuously repeating irradiation (beam-ON) of the charged particle beam on a target object and blocking (beam-OFF) of the beam by applying a two-step voltage to the deflector; and a control unit configured to control the optical axis adjusting unit such that an amount of the optical axis deviation is corrected. |
| US08076647B2 |
X-ray detector, a corresponding x-ray imaging device and a method for improving the resolution of a scintillator-based x-ray detector
A device with high efficiency and high spatial resolution for detection of individual x-rays includes a detector for x-rays with energy exceeding 20 keV based on a columnar scintillator having a number of columns, and a semiconductor readout circuit coupled to the scintillator, where the detector is configured for providing a detector resolution that is independent of scintillator thickness. This may be accomplished by estimating a misalignment of the columns of the columnar scintillator with respect to the direction of incoming x-rays and either physically aligning the columns of the columnar scintillator to the direction of incoming x-rays or computationally correcting for the estimated misalignment. |
| US08076645B2 |
Compton imaging camera
A gamma ray detector is provided that increases a detectable energy range. A position-sensitive gamma ray detecting element for low energy gamma rays 101 that can detect an interaction position and energy of a gamma ray is disposed in front of a pair of position-sensitive gamma ray detecting elements for high energy gamma rays 102 and 103 that can detect an interaction position and energy of a gamma ray. |
| US08076638B2 |
Drift tube structure for ion mobility spectrometer
A drift tube structure for ion mobility spectrometer is disclosed comprising electrode sheets and insulation parts arranged in alternation, with each electrode sheet being a mesh metal sheet having a radian or taper portion which is convexly curved toward an ion input. Further, the radian or taper portion of the electrode sheet has meshes of higher transparency. With the above structure of the present invention, an electric field having a periphery of uniform focusing center can be formed in the migration zone. The circular ring configuration of the electric field periphery can shield the migration electric field from any influence of external electric fields. The electrodes are each meshlike and have a circular hole at the center, thus they can focus and collect as many as possible ions that do not move along the central axis, and those ions moving along the central axis can pass through the electrodes transparently. |
| US08076627B2 |
Shape memory alloy for MCP lockdown
An image intensifier tube includes a microchannel plate (MCP) having conductive input and output surfaces disposed in a housing. A conductive lower support is in electrical contact with the output surface of the MCP, and a conductive upper support is disposed above the input surface of the MCP. A shape memory alloy (SMA) lockdown is disposed between the input surface of the MCP and the upper support. The SMA lockdown is configured to provide a lockdown for the MCP in the housing. An SMA upper surface is configured to provide an axial force against the upper support, and an SMA lower surface is in contact with the input surface of the MCP. |
| US08076625B2 |
Field level tracker controller
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for improving the total power output from a field of solar energy systems. The invention provides a field level tracker controller which calculates an improved positioning of individual solar energy systems and communicates those configurations to trackers in the field. An algorithm stored in the controller calculates the improved configuration for the solar energy systems based on factors such as solar movement, shade patterns generated by surrounding structures, and measured output of the energy systems. Improved positioning may include individual energy systems being directed to a stowed position to maximize the power output of the field as a whole. |
| US08076624B1 |
Non-cooperative laser target enhancement system and method
A system and method forming near diffraction limited size beacon for adaptive optical system using a temporally partially coherent laser source. Comprises projection of laser beams through turbulent medium having non-cooperative target using combination of adaptive optical system and short temporal coherence length laser source forming controllable focused laser target beacon. Combines adaptive optical system technology using any wavefront sensing technique making complex field measurements with short coherence length and associated broad spectral bandwidth. The partially coherent laser source forms narrow (near diffraction limited) size region of coherent laser light at target. The coherent region of return dominates signal for any measurement technique computing average of field over wavelength bandpass and can be used to pre-compensate either the partially coherent laser beam, a long coherence length beam of different wavelength or wavelength in bandpass, or both. Pre-compensation of the partially coherent laser beam can lead to signal-to-noise ratio enhancements. |
| US08076623B2 |
Projectile control device
A spin-stabilized projectile is steered by taking air from an air intake at the front of the projectile, and expelling the air along an outer surface of the projectile to alter its trajectory toward the desired impact location. Air taken in through the air intake is directed toward a rotor that is able to rotate relative to the rest of the projectile. The rotor has an outlet that may direct the air taken in at the air inlet out in a direction having both radial and circumferential components. The force produced in the radial direction provides a steering force substantially normal to the projectile axis, used to steer the projectile. The force produced in the circumferential direction is used to provide impetus to spin the rotor. A brake is used to control the rotational speed of the rotor, to control the direction that the air is expelled from the projectile. |
| US08076622B1 |
Low profile, conformal global positioning system array for artillery
The present invention is a device which includes an antenna and circuitry. The antenna may receive a circularly-polarized signal as first and second linearly-polarized signals. The circuitry is connected to the antenna and is configured for combining the first and second linearly-polarized signals to produce at least two reception patterns. The reception patterns are created by summing the first and second linearly-polarized signals via phase shifting. The reception patterns are optimized for at least two substantially different directional orientations. Further, the antenna may simultaneously allow/provide spec-compliant Global Positioning System operation and spec compliant Height of Burst operation. |
| US08076618B2 |
Modular fluid warmer
The present invention provides a modular fluid warmer and a method of stacking a plurality of modular fluid warmers. As each of the modular fluid warmers is independently operated, the modular fluid warmers are energy efficient. Further, each modular fluid warmer may be equipped with sensors and a controller that reduces the required amount of user interaction with the modular fluid warmer. |
| US08076617B2 |
Nanoamorphous carbon-based photonic crystal infrared emitters
Provided is a tunable radiation emitting structure comprising: a nanoamorphous carbon structure having a plurality of relief features provided in a periodic spatial configuration, wherein the relief features are separated from each other by adjacent recessed features, and wherein the nanoamorphous carbon comprises a total of from 0 to 60 atomic percent of one or more dopants of the dopant group consisting of: transition metals, lanthanoids, electro-conductive carbides, silicides and nitrides. In one embodiment, a dopant is selected from the group consisting of: Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, La and other lanthanides, Hf, Ta, W, Rh, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, and Hg. In one embodiment, a dopant is selected from the group consisting of: electro-conductive carbides (like Mo2C), silicides (like MoSi2) and nitrides (like TiN). |
| US08076616B2 |
Cook and hold system and method with ribbed tray
A cook and hold system having an oven, a food warmer and a metallic food tray. The metallic food tray is used in the oven to hold the food products during cooking and then is rapidly transferred to the food warmer for holding. The food warmer has doors that cover the food warmer inlets so as to retain moisture and heat so that the food products are moist and warm when removed from the food warmer. The food tray has a bottom with parallel ribs that provide grill markings on the food products and a trapping of cook byproducts, such as moisture, grease and particles in the bottom spaces along side the ribs. These byproducts help to preserve heat and moisture when the food tray is transferred from the quick cook oven to the food warmer. |
| US08076615B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A substrate processing apparatus comprises: an outer tube; a manifold connected to the outer tube and made of a non-metal material; an inner tube disposed in the manifold at a more inner side than the outer tube and configured to process a substrate therein; a heating device installed at a more outer side than the outer tube and configured to heat the inside of the outer tube; a lid configured to open and close an opening of the manifold, with a seal member intervened therebetween; and a heat absorption member installed in the manifold, with a bottom end of the inner tube intervened therebetween, and configured to absorb heat from the heating device, the heat absorption member being made of a non-metal material. |
| US08076612B2 |
Method for the continuous laying of a conductor on a printed circuit board and device for carrying out said method
A method provides for welding a conductor to a conductive film which is suited for connection to a circuit board support in order to produce a printed circuit board. The depth or diameter of the conductor is preferably greater than the thickness of the conductive film. At least during the welding process, the conductive film is maintained in contact with a thermal isolation plate having a thermal conductivity less than that of the conductive film. After being placed on the circuit board support, the conductive film is partly etched away to electrically isolate electrical contact points. |
| US08076610B2 |
Laser punching machine
Punching machine for the execution of holes on metal plates comprising a laser cutting head slidably supported by a pair of slides movable along a pair of Cartesian axes in a relatively restricted space with high velocities and accelerations. Movable balancing masses are operatively associated to the first and to the second slide. |
| US08076606B2 |
Equipment and method for fusing together laminar bands
Equipment (1) with which to fuse to each other at least two superposed laminar bands (2) and comprising two compressing members (3, 4) subtending between themselves a compression gap (5) through which said laminar bands (2) are guided. Additionally the equipment (1) comprises a laser (7) configured in a manner to transmit laser radiation (8) passing through the first compression member (3) and the compression gap (5) in the direction of the second compression member (4). According to the invention, the second compression member (4) is constituted by a resiliently borne sheetmetal-like support (9) which mechanically resiliently loads the laminar bands (2) in the compression gap (5) in the direction of the first compression member (3). |
| US08076601B2 |
Input key structure for electronic device
An input key structure for an electronic device includes a first magnetic body, a circuit board and a second magnetic body. The circuit board has a switch. The second magnetic body rotates relative to the first magnetic body to selectively locate between an initial position parallel with the second magnetic body and a target position contacted with the switch. The second magnetic body is structured to cooperate with the first magnetic body to generate a magnetic attractive force to automatically adjust the second magnetic body to the initial position when the second magnetic body is rotated away from its initial position to the target position. |
| US08076600B2 |
Contact actuating mechanism for switching device
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a contact actuating mechanism is provided with a rotary contact to make and break electrical contacts. An operating knob is connected an operating lever and to a connecting link through a U-shaped pin. The operating lever is engaged with a lock lever. The connecting link is also coupled to the rotary contact through a pivot so that the operating knob is moved to displace the connecting link to move the rotary contact to make and break with electrical contacts. |
| US08076595B2 |
Method for transmitting measurement values in a multi-module force-measuring device, multi-module force-measuring device, and force measuring module
A method and associated apparatus transmits measurement values in a multi-module force-measuring device, in particular a multi-module weighing device, with at least two force-measuring modules. Each of the force-measuring modules includes a force-measuring cell and a signal-processing unit. The signal-processing unit transmits the measurement values generated by the force-measuring cell by way of a signal line to a signal-evaluating unit. Under the method, each measurement value is converted into a bit sequence by the respective signal-processing unit. The first force-measuring module's bit sequence is transmitted to the signal-evaluating unit, and the bit sequences of the signal-processing unit of the further force-measuring modules are transmitted by way of the signal-processing unit of the first force-measuring module to the signal-evaluating unit. |
| US08076593B2 |
Apparatus and method for supporting and shielding a wireless device
A receptacle for supporting a transponder on a support structure includes a housing having a first housing portion securable to the transponder and a second housing portion securable to the support structure. The first housing portion is pivotally secured to the second housing portion. The first housing portion and second housing portion include a shield for attenuating the transmission of electromagnetic signals. The first housing portion has a first position wherein the first housing portion and second housing portion form a chamber for enclosing the transponder and restricting the transmission of electromagnetic signals from the chamber. The first housing portion has a second position wherein the first housing portion and the transponder are displaced from the second housing portion thereby opening the chamber and exposing the transponder to permit the transmission of electromagnetic signals to and from the transponder. |
| US08076590B2 |
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board includes a first signal via, a second signal via, and a first ground via. A distance between the first ground via and the first signal via is substantially equal to a distance between the first ground via and the second signal via. |
| US08076586B2 |
Heat conduction from an embedded component
This publication discloses a circuit-board construction and a method for manufacturing an electronic module, in which method at least one component (6) is embedded inside an insulating-material layer (1) and contacts (14) are made to connect the component (6) electrically to the conductor structures (14, 19) contained in the electronic module. According to the invention, at least one thermal via (22), which boosts the conducting of heat away from the component (6) is manufactured in the insulating-material layer (1) in the vicinity of the component (6). |
| US08076579B2 |
Watertight structure for spliced portion
A watertight structure for a spliced portion includes a container that has an open top adapted to receive a spliced portion of electrical wires and that is elongated in a longitudinal direction of the electrical wires, and a lid to be mounted on the container. The container is provided with a bottom wall and upward inclined portions that extend in a longitudinal direction. The container is provided with a spliced portion positioning section having a narrow width. The spliced portion positioning section is provided on opposite outer sides with receiving portions to be engaged with locking pieces projecting from the lid. |
| US08076568B2 |
Collector grid and interconnect structures for photovoltaic arrays and modules
An interconnected arrangement of photovoltaic cells is achieved using laminating current collector electrodes. The electrodes comprise a pattern of conductive material extending over a first surface of sheetlike substrate material. The first surface comprises material having adhesive affinity for a selected conductive surface. Application of the electrode to the selected conductive surface brings the first surface of the sheetlike substrate into adhesive contact with the conductive surface and simultaneously brings the conductive surface into firm contact with the conductive material extending over first surface of the sheetlike substrate. Use of the laminating current collector electrodes allows facile and continuous production of expansive area interconnected photovoltaic arrays. |
| US08076561B2 |
Methods and apparatus for vibrato effects in keyboard percussion musical instruments
Improved methods and apparatus of producing vibrato on keyboard percussion/tone bar instruments such as the vibraphone and marimba are provided. Means are disclosed for real time control of the expressive qualities of both the speed and strength of the vibrato of such instruments, while eliminating the need for an electrical motor. According to certain embodiments, methods and apparatus are disclosed to easily produce a change of dynamic level (crescendo and diminuendo) after a single strike of a tone bar or chord. |
| US08076553B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH866785
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH866785. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH866785, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH866785 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH866785. |
| US08076546B2 |
Soybean cultivar S090253
A soybean cultivar designated S090253 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090253, to the plants of soybean S090253, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S090253, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S090253 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 S090253, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090253, 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 S090253 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08076544B2 |
Soybean cultivar S080202
A soybean cultivar designated S080202 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080202, to the plants of soybean S080202, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080202, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080202 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 S080202, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080202, 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 S080202 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08076543B2 |
Soybean cultivar S080172
A soybean cultivar designated S080172 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080172, to the plants of soybean S080172, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080172, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080172 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 S080172, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080172, 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 S080172 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08076542B2 |
Soybean cultivar S080206
A soybean cultivar designated S080206 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080206, to the plants of soybean S080206, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080206 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080206 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 S080206, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080206 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 S080206 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08076541B2 |
Soybean cultivar 84460075
A soybean cultivar designated 84460075 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 84460075, to the plants of soybean 84460075, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 84460075 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 84460075 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 84460075, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 84460075 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 84460075 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08076540B2 |
Soybean cultivar 7733084
A soybean cultivar designated 7733084 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 7733084, to the plants of soybean cultivar 7733084, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 7733084, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 7733084 . 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. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean, cultivar 7733084. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 7733084, 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 cultivar 7733084 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08076539B2 |
Lettuce cultivar 10-0702022-B
A lettuce cultivar, designated 10-0702022-B, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar 10-0702022-B, to the plants of lettuce cultivar 10-0702022-B and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar 10-0702022-B with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar 10-0702022-B, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar 10-0702022-B and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 10-0702022-B with another lettuce cultivar. |
| US08076537B2 |
Method of breeding germinable transgenic broadleaved tree species
Methods of breeding germinable transgenic broadleaved tree species are disclosed which include the following steps: (1) the main stem of a tree is cutoff at the height of 50-160 cm above the ground; (2) the transection is dipped with 0.3-0.5 OD600 of a suspension of recombinant Agrobacterium containing exogenous target genes for 3 minutes to 24 hours; (3) selective breeding is performed on the third day after infection by dipping the transection infected by recombinant Agrobacterium in step 2 with antibiotics having lethal effect on the Agrobacterium every other 1-2 days to obtain transgenic regeneration plants. In the practical application, the method will have the following active effects: (1) it accelerates the transfer of good exogenous genes to germinable tree species, particularly poplar and facilitates the improvement of varieties thereof; (2) it provides a new way of asexual propagation of germinable broadleaved tree species and increases the productivity and the level of intensive cultivation of germinable broadleaved tree species, so it can be used to solve the ecological problems such as vegetation restoration and to meet the requirement of the market for wood. |
| US08076535B2 |
Modulating plant sugar levels
This document provides methods and materials related to plants having modulated (e.g., increased) levels of sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose, and/or sucrose). For example, this document provides plants having increased sugar levels as well as methods and materials for making plants and plant products having increased sugar levels. |
| US08076534B2 |
Chlamydomonas glucan dikinase gene, enzyme and modified starch, uses, methods for production thereof
The present invention relates the nucleotide sequence from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii encoding a glucan dikinase enzyme and to methods of use; to modified starch, as well as production and uses thereof. The starch has modified properties of viscosity and a modified phosphate content. |
| US08076533B2 |
Methods and compositions for controlling plant pests
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 polypeptide 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 nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:13-24 or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-12 and 25-44, as well as variants and fragments thereof. |
| US08076532B2 |
Transgenic mouse defective in WW45 function and use in screening compounds for anti-tunour activity
Mechanisms regulating cell proliferation stop and differentiation initiation during the development stage of mammalian embryo, and the proteins involved therein, are presented. Differentiation regulators, methods of regulating differentiation, transgenic organisms with loss of expression of the differentiation regulator, and methods of preparing the transgenic organisms, are provided. |
| US08076531B2 |
Transgenic animal with monocyte chemotactic protein 1 promoter
The present invention relates to a transgenic animal, which comprises in its genome a recombinant polynucleotide encoding one or more reporter proteins and a monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) promoter, wherein the one or more reporter proteins are expressed under the control of the MCP-1 promoter. A method for monitoring endogenous expression of MCP-1 in vivo is also provided, which is useful for identifying a regulator of the expression of MCP-1 or an anti-inflammatory agent. |
| US08076530B2 |
Absorbent article with water-absorbing agent or agents
An absorbent article comprising an absorbent core, which comprises a primary water-absorbing agent that can serve as a acquisition and preferably temporarily storage material for fluids, such as urine, and that has a CRC of up to 20 g/g and that comprises a compound that includes a constitutional unit derived from polyalkyleneglycol and that is other than an unsaturated monomer and that comprises a polyvalent metal salt. The absorbent article is preferably an infant (toddler, baby) diaper, including training pant, or adult incontinent article (e.g. a pad, diaper). |
| US08076523B2 |
Oligomerisation in the presence of both a tetramerisation catalyst and a further oligomerisation catalyst
This invention relates to a process for the oligomerization of at least one olefinic compound in the form of an olefin or a compound including art olefinic moiety by contacting the at least one olefinic compound with at least two different catalysis, namely a tetramerization catalyst and a further oligomerization catalyst. The tetramerization catalyst comprises a combination of a source of a transition metal and a ligating compound of the formula (R1)mX1(Y)X2(R2)n. The invention also relates to an oligomerization catalyst comprising the combination of (i) source of transition metal for both a tetramerization catalyst and a trimerization catalyst; (ii) a ligating compound for a tetramerization catalyst: (iii) a different ligating compound for a trimerization catalyst: and (iv) optionally an activator. |
| US08076522B2 |
Fuel compositions
A fuel composition exhibiting a reduced acceleration time, the fuel composition comprising a blend comprising a non-Fischer-Tropsch derived diesel base fuel and from about 0.2 v/v % to 3 v/v % Fischer-Tropsch derived kerosene fuel product, the blend exhibiting a reduced acceleration time that is at least 0.20% less than a theoretical acceleration time. |
| US08076518B2 |
Chain extenders
This invention provides chain extender compositions. These compositions comprise (i) an aliphatic secondary diamine, and (ii) a component selected from the group consisting of: (a) a cycloaliphatic primary diamine; (b) an aliphatic secondary diamine; (c) an aliphatic secondary diamine and an aliphatic primary diamine; (d) an aliphatic diimine; and (e) a combination of any two or more of (a) through (d), with the proviso that when (ii) is (a), (i) is a noncyclic aliphatic secondary diamine. Processes for producing polyurethanes, polyureas, and polyurea-urethanes are also provided. |
| US08076514B2 |
Phenyl compounds and their use in the treatment of Type II diabetes
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein A is (xx); X is selected from CH, CF and N, R5 is selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 fluoroalkyl, and —OR12, R9 is selected from H and —C(O)NR1OR1 1, R12 is selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl and C3-C6 cycloalkyl for use as inhibitors of the DPP-IV enzyme in the treatment or prevention of conditions including Type II diabetes. |
| US08076509B2 |
Process for producing acrylic acid
The present invention provides a process for producing acrylic acid from glycerin with a catalyst having a prolonged life. In the process for producing acrylic acid from glycerin, a molar ratio of oxygen to glycerin in a raw material gas is set to be not lower than 0.8 and not higher than 20. |
| US08076503B2 |
Process for production of optically active aminophosphinylbutanoic acids
The present invention is a process for producing optically active aminophosphinylbutanoic acids represented by the formula (2), comprising asymmetrically hydrogenating a compound represented by the formula (1) in the presence of a ruthenium-optically active phosphine complex, a process for the production thereof, and a compound useful in a herbicide such as L-AHPB that can be produced with good efficiency and high asymmetric yield. |
| US08076501B2 |
Photogenerated reagents
This invention describes reagent precursors and methods for chemical and biochemical reactions. These reagent precursors that can be activated in solution upon irradiation to generate reagents required for the subsequent chemical reactions. Specifically, photogenerated reagents (PGR) are useful for controlling parallel combinatorial synthesis and various chemical and biochemical reactions. |
| US08076498B2 |
Method for preparing fatty acid esters with alcohol recycling
A method produces fatty acid esters by transesterification of fats and oils with the aid of an alcohol, at a high pressure and temperature. Unreacted alcohol is separated inline from the reaction mixture and continuously recycled into the transesterification process. The separation is performed by obtaining a vapour phase and higher density phases of the reaction mixture and concentrating the alcohol in the vapour phase. |
| US08076496B2 |
Chemoselective ligation
The present invention features a chemoselective ligation reaction that can be carried out under physiological conditions. In general, the invention involves condensation of a specifically engineered phosphine, which can provide for formation of an amide bond between the two reactive partners resulting in a final product comprising a phosphine moiety, or which can be engineered to comprise a cleavable linker so that a substituent of the phosphine is transferred to the azide, releasing an oxidized phosphine byproduct and producing a native amide bond in the final product. The selectivity of the reaction and its compatibility with aqueous environments provides for its application in vivo (e.g., on the cell surface or intracellularly) and in vitro (e.g., synthesis of peptides and other polymers, production of modified (e.g., labeled) amino acids). |
| US08076495B2 |
Process for the preparation of aromatic N-gylcidyl amines
A process for the preparation of aromatic N-glycidylamines is described, wherein an amine which contains at least one aromatic aminehydrogen atom is heated with at least 0.7 equivalent of epichlorohydrin per aminehydrogen equivalent of the aromatic amine, using a divalent or polyvalent metal salt of nitric acid, as a catalyst, dissolved in propylene carbonate, and the product is then dehydrochiorinated. |
| US08076487B2 |
Pyridone derivative and herbicide
A pyridone derivative represented by Formula [1] or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof: wherein R1 is a C1-6 alkyl group, a C2-6 alkenyl group, a C2-6 alkynyl group, or the like; R2 and R3 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a nitro group, a cyano group, or the like; and A is a group represented by Formula A-1, Formula A-2, Formula A-3, Formula A-4, or Formula A-5: The compounds represented by general formula [1] control various weeds growing in upland fields, orchards, paddy fields, and non-crop lands while showing high safety to useful plants and crops. |
| US08076485B2 |
Methylphenidate derivatives and uses of them
The present invention provides methods of using compounds of formula I: and salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein n, R1 and R2 are defined herein. The invention also provides certain novel compounds of formula I and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. |
| US08076479B2 |
Process and intermediates for the synthesis of (3-alkyl-5-piperidin-1-yl-3,3a-dihydro-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl)-amino derivatives and intermediates
Disclosed is a process for the synthesis of compounds of Formula I by sequentially aminating, first with a primary amine and then with a secondary amine, an intermediate compound of the structure of Formula E1, wherein R1 is a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyloxy functional group of the structure (—R2a—OH), R2a is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, R2 is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, and R3 is an alkylene-heterocycle, said process comprising forming intermediate compound of Formula E1 by reacting, in a refluxing reaction solvent selected from alcohols having 5 or less carbon atoms and mixtures of two or more thereof, a methanol solution of a salt of a 4-alkyl-3-amino-pyrazole compound of Formula C1, with a diamidization reagent selected from dimethylmalonate, monomethylmalonyl-chloride, and malonyl dichloride in the presence of a Lewis base having sufficient proton affinity to abstract a proton from the 1-position nitrogen on the pyrazole ring. |
| US08076478B2 |
Polyamine derivative and polyol derivative
A novel polyamine derivative, or polyol derivative, having a piperidylaminotriazine skeleton; salts of such compounds; a process for producing them; an organic material stabilizer comprising any of such compounds; a method of stabilizing an organic material; and a stabilized organic material. Compounds of the general formula: (1) (wherein X is N(R4) or an oxygen atom; R1 is an n-valent hydrocarbon group; R2 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl; R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl, an alkoxy or an acyl; R4 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl; and n is an integer of 3 to 16) are effective in the stabilization of an organic material against deterioration by light, heat, oxygen, ozone and electromagnetic waves, such as X-rays and γ-rays. |
| US08076474B2 |
Methanesulfonate salts of abiraterone-3-esters and recovery of salts of abirater one-3-esters from solution in methyl tert-butyl ether
A salt of a compound of formula (I) may be made with methanesulfonic acid. The salt and salts with other acids may be prepared by recovering from methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). |
| US08076471B2 |
RNAi expression constructs
The present invention provides compositions and methods suitable for expressing 1-x RNAi agents against a gene or genes in cells, tissues or organs of interest in vitro and in vivo so as to treat diseases or disorders. |
| US08076468B2 |
Nucleic acid molecules encoding Streptomyces 1AG3 serine proteases
Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to an isolated protease, and cleaning compositions containing the same. In some embodiments, the protease may comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the wild type Streptomyces 1AG3 protease. Isolated nucleic acid encoding the subject protease, recombinant nucleic acid containing the same and host cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid are also provided. |
| US08076467B2 |
Nucleic acid inhibitors of glutamate receptors
The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid ligands or aptamers that bind to and inhibit the activation of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors. Also disclosed is a novel combination of technologies, i.e., SELEX and laser pulse photolysis for the selection and screening of aptamers that inhibit receptor function and are useful therefore, in the treatment of diseases associated with excessive activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors. |
| US08076464B2 |
Methods for carbon isotope labeling synthesis of ketones and amines by Suzuki coupling reactions using carbon-isotope monoxide
Methods and reagents for synthesizing carbon-isotope labeled ketones and amines by carbonylation via Suzuki coupling reaction using carbon-isotope labeled carbon monoxide are provided. The resultant carbon-isotope labeled ketones and amines are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, especially for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Associated kits for PET studies are also provided. |
| US08076459B2 |
Multispecfic deimmunized CD3-binders
The present invention provides a cytotoxically active CD3 specific binding construct comprising a first domain specifically binding to human CD3 and an IG-derived second binding domain. Furthermore, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CD3 specific binding construct is provided. Further aspects of the invention are vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences, a process for the production of the construct and composition comprising the construct. The invention also provides the use of the constructs for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of particular diseases, a method for the treatment of particular diseases and a kit comprising the binding construct of the invention. |
| US08076458B2 |
Anti-claudin-4 antibody
An object of the present invention is to provide a monoclonal antibody which is useful as a diagnostic agent or a therapeutic agent for a disease relating to a polypeptide encoded by Claudin-4 (hereinafter referred to as “CLDN4”) gene or a polypeptide encoded by a Claudin-3 (hereinafter referred to as “CLDN3”) gene, or a method for using the same. Accordingly, the present invention provides a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment thereof, which specifically recognizes three-dimensional structure of an extracellular region of CLDN4 and binds to the extracellular region; a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment thereof, which specifically recognizes three-dimensional structure of both of extracellular regions of CLDN3 and CLDN4 and binds to the extracellular regions; a hybridoma which produces the antibody; a DNA which encodes the antibody; a vector which comprises the DNA; a transformant obtained by transforming the vector; a process for producing an antibody or an antibody fragment thereof using the hybridoma or the transformant; and a diagnostic agent or a therapeutic agent for a disease relating to a polypeptide encoded by CLDN4 gene and/or CLDN3 gene using the antibody or the antibody fragment. |
| US08076456B2 |
Fusion proteins comprising canine thymic stromal lymphopoietin protein and uses thereof
The present invention discloses a canine TSLP protein and a nucleic acid that encodes that protein. Peptide fragments of the protein that comprise specific epitopes of the canine TSLP protein are also disclosed. The canine TSLP protein and related peptide fragments may be used as an antigen for immunological assays, as well as for vaccines that induce anti-TSLP antibodies. The present invention further discloses methods of making and using the canine TSLP gene, the canine TSLP protein, and the related peptide fragments. |
| US08076434B1 |
Amphoteric polymer and process for producing the same
The present invention has an object to provide an amphoteric polymer having high anti-soil redeposition ability and solubility with surfactants, and a process for producing the same. The amphoteric polymer includes: a structure unit (a) derived from a cationic group-containing monomer (A); and a structure unit (b) derived from a carboxyl group-containing monomer (B). The structure unit (a) is present at a level of 1 to 99% by mass based on 100% by mass of all structure units derived from all monomers in the amphoteric polymer, and the structure unit (b) is present at a level of 1 to 99% by mass based on 100% by mass of all the structure units derived from all the monomers in the amphoteric polymer. |
| US08076431B2 |
High melt flow fluoropolymer
The present invention relates to a partially-crystalline copolymer comprising tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene in an amount corresponding to hexafluoropropylene index (HFPI) of from about 2.8 to 5.3, and preferably from about 0.2% to 3% by weight of perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether), said copolymer having less than about 50 ppm alkali metal ion, having a melt flow rate of within the range of about 30±3 g/10 min, and having no more than about 50 unstable endgroups/106 carbon atoms and which can be extruded at high speed onto conductor over a broad polymer melt temperature range to give insulated wire of high quality. |
| US08076429B2 |
Supertransparent high impact strength random block copolymer
A high impact strength random block copolymer including (a) about 65-97 wt. % of a crystalline propylene/ethylene copolymer A containing from about 0.5 wt. % to about 6 wt. % derived from ethylene and from about 94 wt. % to about 99.5 wt. % derived from propylene, and (b) about 3-35 wt. % of a propylene/ethylene copolymer B containing from about 8 wt. % to about 40 wt % derived from ethylene and from about 60 wt % to about 92 wt. % derived from propylene. The crystalline to amorphous ratio Lc/La of the random block copolymer ranges from about 1.00 to about 2.25. The random block copolymer is characterized by both high toughness and low haze. |
| US08076428B2 |
Ethylene copolymer having multiple pitch molecular weight distribution and the method of preparing the same
Disclosed are an ethylene polymerization process, a catalyst for use in the process, a production method employing the catalyst, and a product produced thereby. More specifically, disclosed is a process of producing an ethylene copolymer from ethylene and an alpha-olefin comonomer, in which the produced ethylene copolymer has a multimodal molecular weight distribution and excellent processability and physical properties, and thus can increase the value and productivity of products, including pipes and films. Particularly, the produced ethylene copolymer has a trimodal or higher molecular weight distribution or density distribution, and thus, when it is a linear low-density copolymer, it has an excellent effect of improving the impact strength of films, and when it is a medium-density ethylene copolymer, it can be produced into pipes, which have slow crack growth rate and can be used even at high temperature. |
| US08076427B2 |
Release fluid compositions
Use of release fluids or agents constituting hyperbranched polymers. The three-dimensional structure imparts characteristics that make the hyperbranched polymers useful in xerographic processes. The hyperbranched polymer release fluids or agents may be used with a fuser member having a substrate, an outer layer covering the substrate, and a release coating on the outer layer, wherein the release coating includes a hyperbranched polymer. |
| US08076422B2 |
Coextrudable hot-melt adhesive
A hot-melt adhesive for resealable packaging, containing 30 to 90 wt. % of at least one copolymer based on ethylene and/or propylene together with C4 to C12-α-olefins, which is obtainable by metallocene-catalyzed polymerization, with a melt index of 5 to 100 g/10 min (DIN ISO 1133), 5 to 50 wt. % of tackifier resins with a softening point of 80 to 140° C., 0 to 15 wt. % of waxes with a melting point of 120 to 170° C., 0.1 to 20 wt. % of additives and auxiliaries, the adhesive having a viscosity of 25,000 mPa·s to 250,000 mPa·s, measured at a temperature of 170 to 190° C. |
| US08076419B2 |
Method for making propylene impact copolymers with balanced impact strength and stiffness
Disclosed is a propylene impact copolymer comprising a first polypropylene having an MFR1 within the range from 15 to 40 dg/min; a second polypropylene having an MFR2 within the range from 50 to 190 dg/min; an elastomeric polymer; and wherein the propylene impact copolymer has an MFRICP within the range from 6 to 18 dg/min; a 1% Secant Flexural Modulus of greater than 150 kpsi (1030 MPa); and an Izod Impact at 25° C. of greater than 10 ft-lbs/in (530 J/m). The impact copolymer may be produced in a two or three tandem-reactor system wherein the catalyst composition used in the second reactor to produce the second polypropylene is different from the catalyst composition used in the first reactor to produce the first polypropylene. |
| US08076414B2 |
Adhesion promoter composition
A composition for improving the adhesion of a paint to a surface, wherein the composition comprises an unsaturated polyester, a modified acrylic resin, a polymerization inhibitor, an aromatic solvent and either divinylbenzene, isopropenyl-2-methyl benzyl isocyanate or an acrylic monomer. |
| US08076412B2 |
Water-soluble polymer alkanals
The present invention is directed to alkanal derivatives of water-soluble polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol), their corresponding hydrates and acetals, and to methods for preparing and using such polymer alkanals. The polymer alkanals of the invention are prepared in high purity and exhibit storage stability. |
| US08076409B2 |
Dispersant and compositions thereof
The present invention provides a dispersant and compositions thereof. The dispersant is a residue of a non-aromatic hydrocarbyl substituted carboxylic acid containing three or more acid groups (A), wherein the dispersant may be represented by the Formula and salts thereof: [U—(Y)x-T-N(R1)c-A]d-Z(Q1)j-Wc, wherein the variables are defined herein. |
| US08076403B2 |
Process for grinding minerals in aqueous dispersion using a dispersing agent comprising homopolymers and/or copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid
The process of the present invention produces an aqueous dispersion of mineral materials, suitable for use in pigments and other coatings, by introducing a fully neutralized dispersing agent to an aqueous dispersion of coarse mineral materials, grinding the aqueous dispersion and, during grinding, adding a partially neutralized dispersing agent to the aqueous dispersion. The process of the present invention produces aqueous dispersions of very fine particles, having a solids content of at least 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous dispersion, and wherein 95% or more of the particles are below 2 microns. |
| US08076402B2 |
Bisphenol monoester compound
A bisphenol monoester compound represented by the formula (1): (in the formula (1), Rs each represent independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R′ represents an alkyl group of a carbon number of 1 to 6, or a hydrogen atom). |
| US08076401B2 |
Transparent polymer mixtures which contain alkoxysilane-terminated polymers
Room temperature, moisture curable, transparent, and non-yellowing polymer blends contain at least one alkoxysilyl-terminated polymer bearing an end group -A-(CH2)m—SiR1a—(OR2)3-a where A is a divalent linker group, contain a silica filler of high surface area as the sole filler, and is catalyzed by a catalyst which is free or substantially free of amine groups. |
| US08076400B2 |
Material composition and optical elements using the same
Provided are an optical material composition and an optical element that not only exhibit desirable anomalous dispersion properties but are also easy to process. The material composition for use in the optical element contains 5 weight % to 50 weight % of niobium (V) oxide fine particles (A), 49 weight % to 94 weight % of an organic compound (B) having one or more polymerizable functional groups in one molecule thereof, and 0.05 weight % to 5 weight % of a polymerization initiator (C). |
| US08076399B2 |
Binder composition and asphalt mixture
A binder composition and asphalt mixture that are suitably used to prepare asphalt pavements are disclosed. The binder composition comprises a resin of vegetable origin, an oil of vegetable origin and a polymer, and the polymer comprises functional groups chosen from carboxylic acid anhydride, carboxylic acid and epoxide groups. |
| US08076398B2 |
Supramolecular polymer-containing bituminous composition
The present invention relates to a bituminous composition comprising at least one bitumen and at least one polycondensate capable of forming a supramolecular assembly comprising one or more associative group(s). The present invention also relates to the use of such bituminous composition for the preparation of asphalt mixtures useful for the coating of rolling surfaces, for the preparation of water-proofing coatings, and the for the preparation of adhesive formulations. |
| US08076395B2 |
Low temperature curable epoxy compositions containing urea curatives
A heat curable epoxy composition comprising the contact product of an epoxy resin, an epoxy curing agent and an accelerator for the epoxy curing agent, the curing agent or the accelerator comprising a urea compound which is the reaction product of an isocyanate and an alkylated polyalkylenepolyamine having one primary or secondary amine and at least two tertiary amines of the general formula: where R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represent hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, n and m independently are integers from 1 to 6 and; X is an integer from 1 to 10. |
| US08076393B2 |
Ink composition, inkjet recording method, and printed material
An ink composition includes (A) at least one polymerizable compound selected from the group consisting of a monofunctional radically polymerizable monomer having an aliphatic cyclic structure, an N-vinyllactam, and an aromatic monofunctional radically polymerizable monomer, (B) a radical polymerization initiator, (C) a pigment, and (D) a graft copolymer having a repeating unit represented by the formula below in a graft chain: wherein R denotes a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, X denotes a single bond, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, —CONR1—, —OCO—, or a phenylene group, R1 denotes a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, L denotes a single bond or a divalent linking group, Z denotes —NR2R3, R2 and R3 independently denote a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, and R2 and R3 may be bonded to each other to form a ring. |
| US08076390B2 |
Antifouling polymeric agent for marine applications
The present invention provides a composition for use as an antifouling agent and a method of decreasing fouling of a surface in a marine environment. The composition is a polymeric matrix, the polymeric matrix comprising subunits of at least one structural monomer and at least one ionic monomer. The ionic monomer comprising a salt, that is an anion that is a conjugate base of an acid having a pKa less than about 9 and at least one cation that is a cationic biocide. One embodiment includes guanidinium counterions that undergo ion exchange to slowly release a biocidal component. |
| US08076389B2 |
Adhesive composition for hard tissue
An adhesive composition including an etchant for a hard tissue surface, at least one multifunctional crosslinkable (meth)acrylate monomer with a functionality greater than 4, and water. The adhesive composition is a water-in-oil emulsion. |
| US08076388B2 |
Self-setting polymeric cyanoacrylate composites
Self-setting, absorbable bioactive polycyanoacrylate-based composites include at least one inorganic phosphate salt or a combination of at least one inorganic phosphate salt and calcium silicate in a cyanoacrylate matrix. The composites can be reinforced with single- or multicomponent absorbable, warp-knitted mesh, thus producing a broad range of absorbable, bioactive biomaterials suitable for use not only as preferred absorbable alternatives to the commercial non-absorbable polymethyl methacrylate bone cements, but also for repairing or replacing cranial and maxillofacial bone defects and other complex defects through guided bone regeneration. |
| US08076374B2 |
Glucagon receptor antagonists, preparation and therapeutic uses
The present invention discloses novel compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which have glucagon receptor antagonist or inverse agonist activity, as well as methods for preparing such compounds. In another embodiment, the invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I) as well as methods of using them to treat diabetic and other glucagon related metabolic disorders, and the like. |
| US08076373B2 |
Method for treating mammalian diseases and injuries caused by the over-expression of peroxynitrite
The present invention provides a method for treating wounds and diseases in mammals, caused by mammalian cells involved in an inflammatory response, by altering indigenous in vivo levels of peroxynitrous acid, and salts thereof. The method comprises contacting the mammalian cells with a therapeutically effective amount of a reactive oxygen species mediator, wherein the reactive oxygen species mediator is selected from the group consisting of pyruvates, pyruvate precursors, α-keto acids having four or more carbon atoms, precursors of α-keto acids having four or more carbon atoms, and the salts thereof, wherein mediation of reactive oxygen species results in mediation of peroxynitrous acid. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition for treating wounds and diseases in mammals, caused by mammalian cells involved in an inflammatory response, by altering indigenous in vivo levels of peroxynitrous acid, and salts thereof. |
| US08076365B2 |
Viral polymerase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds represented by formula (I) wherein A, B, D, E, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R9, a, b, d and e are as defined herein, their salt or ester and pharmaceutical compositions thereof useful in the treatment of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. Said compounds were found to have inhibitory activity against HCV polymerase, especially as inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase. |
| US08076362B2 |
Crystal modification A of 1-(2,6-difluorobenzyI)-1 H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxamide and dosage forms and formulations thereof
The invention relates to dosage forms and formulations comprising the novel crystal modification A of the compound I-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)-I H-I,2,3-triazole-4-carboxamide, wherein crystal modification A is characterized by characteristic lines with interplanar spacings (d values) of 10.5 Å, 5.14 Å, 4.84 Å, 4.55 Å, 4.34 Å, 4.07 Å, 3.51 Å, 3.48 Å, 3.25 Å, 3.19 Å, 3.15 Å, 3.07 Å, and 2.81 Å, determined by means of an X-ray powder pattern. Dosage forms of crystal modification A of the compound I-(2,6-difluorobenzyl)-I H-I,2,3-triazole-4-carboxamide may be for oral or parenteral administration, in the form of a solid or liquid, and in a dosage range of 20 mg to less than 500 mg. Solid dosage forms comprise a tablet or capsule, and further comprise a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier and film-coat. |
| US08076360B2 |
Indoles
The present invention is concerned with novel indol-2-yl-carbonyl-piperidine derivatives as V1a receptor antagonists, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments. The active compounds of the present invention are useful in the prevention and/or treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders and other diseases. Present invention is concerned with compounds of the general formula (I) wherein R1 to R6, R8 to R14, R12′, R13′, X and Y are as defined in the specification. |
| US08076357B2 |
Compositions of n-[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide
Pharmaceutical compositions including N-[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide (Compound 1) and methods of using such compositions are described herein. |
| US08076355B2 |
2-heteroarylcarboxylic acid amides
The invention relates to novel 2-heteroarylcarboxamides, processes for their preparation, and their use for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and for improving perception, concentration, learning and/or memory. |
| US08076354B2 |
Bicyclic heterocyclic compounds as protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors
The invention relates to new bicyclic heterocyclic derivative compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, A, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and R2 are as defined herein, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and to the use of said compounds in the treatment of diseases, e.g. cancer. |
| US08076353B2 |
Inhibition of VEGF translation
In accordance with the present invention, methods for inhibiting the translation of VEGF and methods for decreasing VEGF level by inhibiting VEGF translation are provided. In another aspect of the invention, compounds that inhibit the 5′-UTR-dependent translation of VEGF and methods for identifying such compounds are provided. |
| US08076351B2 |
Camptothecin derivatives with antitumor activity
Novel camptothecin derivatives having antitumor activity, the processes for the preparation thereof, the use thereof as antitumor drugs and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. |
| US08076350B2 |
Spirocyclic azaadamantane derivatives and methods of use
The invention relates to compounds that are spirocyclic azaadamantane derivatives derivatives, particularly spirocyclic azaadamantanyl ether or amine derivatives, compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds and compositions, processes for preparing such compounds, and intermediates obtained during such processes. |
| US08076349B2 |
Spirotropane compounds and methods for the modulation of chemokine receptor activity
Compounds according to formula (I): wherein A, R1 and R2 are as defined herein, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof are useful for the modulation of CCR5 chemokine receptor activity. |
| US08076348B2 |
Acylguanidine derivative or salt thereof
[Problem] To provide a compound which can be used in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases in which 5-HT2B receptor and 5-HT7 receptor are concerned, particularly in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or prevention of migraine.[Means for Resolution] It was found that an acylguanidine derivative having a tricyclic structure or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has a strong antagonism to 5-HT2B receptor and 5-HT7 receptor. In addition, the compound of the present invention having antagonism to both of the receptors showed superior pharmacological action in comparison with the case of the single use of an antagonist selective for either one of the receptors. Based on the above, the compound of the present invention is useful in preventing and/or treating diseases in which 5-HT2B receptor and 5-HT7 receptor are concerned, particularly in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or preventing migraine. |
| US08076346B2 |
Composition and method for improved bioavailability and enhanced brain delivery of 5,5-diphenyl barbituric acid
The present invention relates to a composition and a method of delivering a barbituric acid derivative to the central nervous system of a mammal in need of treatment for neurological conditions. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of administering an oral dosage form of a sodium salt of 5,5-diphenyl barbituric acid to enhance the bioavailability of 5,5-diphenyl barbituric acid and brain delivery of same. |
| US08076341B2 |
Compounds and use thereof
A compound of formula (I) wherein R1 is selected from H, F, Cl, Br, CF3, C1-C6 alkoxy and OH; R2 is selected from H and C1-C6 alkyl; n is 1-12; m is O or 1; Y is selected from CH2, NR3, (NR3R4)+X, O and S; R3 and R4 are independently selected from H and C1-C4 alkyl; and X″ is selected from phannaceutically acceptable anions. A method of preparing the compound, its use as a pharmaceutical, and a method of treatment. |
| US08076340B2 |
Derivatives of 5-pyridazinyl-1-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, preparation method thereof and use of same in therapeutics
The invention relates to compounds having general formula (I), wherein R is as defined herein. The invention also relates to acid addition salt, a hydrate or a solvate of compounds of formula (I). The invention further relates to the method of preparing said compounds and to the use of same in therapeutics. |
| US08076337B2 |
Antitumoral derivatives of ET-743
Derivatives of Et-743 or Et-770 or Et-729 are provided. The derivatives are of the general formula Ia.: wherein the substituent groups take various permitted meanings. |
| US08076336B2 |
Triazolopyridazines as PAR1 inhibitors, production thereof, and use as medicaments
The invention relates to novel compounds of formula I where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, Q1, Q2 and Q3 are each as defined below. The compounds of formula I have antithrombotic activity and inhibit especially protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1). The invention further relates to a process for preparing the compound of formula I and to the use thereof as a medicament. |
| US08076334B2 |
Prodrugs of thyroid hormone analogs
Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of diseases such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes and other related disorders and diseases, and may be useful for other diseases such as NASH, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer and other disorders and diseases related thereto. |
| US08076330B2 |
Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors
The present invention relates generally to pyrrolidine and thiazolidine DPP-IV inhibitor compounds. The present invention also provides synthetic methods for preparation of such compounds, methods of inhibiting DPP-IV using such compounds and pharmaceutical formulations containing them for treatment of DPP-IV mediated diseases, in particular, Type-2 diabetes. |
| US08076329B2 |
Histamine H3-receptor ligands and their therapeutic applications
The present patent application concerns compounds of formula (I) with R1 and R2 taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a mono or bicyclic saturated nitrogen-containing ring; their preparation and their use as a H3 receptor ligand for treating e.g. CNS disorders like Alzheimer's disease. |
| US08076325B2 |
1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3H-benzazepine compounds, a process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them
Compounds of formula (I): wherein: R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a group selected from cycloalkyl, benzyl and optionally substituted alkyl, R2, R3, R4 and R5 each represent a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy, methyl, —OSO2R10, —OCOR10 or optionally substituted alkoxy group, or R2 and R3, or R3 and R4, or R4 and R5 together form a group —O—(CH2)q—O—, —O—CH═CH—O— or —O—CH═CH—, R6, R7, R8 and R9 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkoxy group, or R6 and R7, or R7 and R8, or R8 and R9 together form a group —O—(CH2)q—O—, R10 represents a group selected from linear or branched C1-C6alkoxy, NR11R′11 and optionally substituted alkyl, R11 and R′11 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, or R11 and R′11 together with the nitrogen atom carrying them form an optionally substituted, monocyclic or bicyclic, nitrogen-containing heterocycle, X represents O, NH or CH2, m and p each represent 0 or 1, n and q each represent 1 or 2, in racemic form or in the form of optical isomers, and also addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in treating various pathologies. |
| US08076320B2 |
Crystalline forms of a pharmaceutical compound
Described are crystalline forms of the pharmaceutical compound “[9S-(9α,10β,12α)]-5,16-Bis[(ethylthio)methyl]-2,3,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-10-hydroxy-9-methyl-1-oxo-9, 12-epoxy-1H-diindolo[1,2,3-fg:3′,2′,1′-kl]pyrrolo[3,4-i][1,6]benzodiazocine-10-carboxylic acid methyl ester”, as well as methods for their use and preparation. |
| US08076316B2 |
Steroid compounds and formulations
The invention provides methods to treating conditions such as prostate cancer, or for ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with prostate cancer, or for agents that modulate the biological activity of the androgen receptor. The invention also provides methods and compositions suitable for therapeutic applications. |
| US08076311B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating the immune system
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the prophylaxis of blood cell disorders such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytopenia, and anaemia. The invention provides methods wherein compositions comprising at least one cytokinin compound are administered either therapeutically or prophylactically. The invention further has utility in methods of DNA repair. |
| US08076305B2 |
Biological pacemakers including mutated hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels
A composition for implantation into cardiac tissue includes a biological pacemaker that, when implanted, expresses an effective amount of a mutated hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) isoform to modify Ih when compared with wild-type HCN. Methods for implementing each of the biologocal pacemakers include implanting each of biologocal pacemakers into cardiac tissue. |
| US08076302B2 |
Pyrimidine nucleoside derivatives and salts thereof
A novel pyrimidine nucleoside derivative represented by the following formula (1) and a salt thereof, as well as a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same as an active ingredient have excellent antiviral properties and are useful as antiviral therapeutic agents: [wherein R represents a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring which may have any one of a C1-C3 alkyl group or a C1-C3 alkoxy group as a substituent, or a C1-C6 alkyl group which has one primary amino group as a substituent]. |
| US08076297B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition containing polypeptide fragments of serralysins
The present invention is related to a composition capable of inhibiting the growth of tumoral cells of different histological origins and of activated endothelial cells. The components of said compositions are polypeptide fragments of the serralisins, corresponding to the C-terminal fragment, from the internal metionine trough the end of the molecule, which could be combined among them and optionally with the prodigiosins that potentiate the antitumoral effect of the composition. The prodigiosins in the composition could be at a concentration of 0.1-100 nM. The anti-proliferative action of this composition is mediated by apoptotic mechanism. It's “in vivo” administration has antitumoral, antiangiogenic and protective effect against malignant tumors. |
| US08076295B2 |
Peptide amphiphiles having improved solubility and methods of using same
Disclosed herein are novel peptide amphiphile molecules and compositions discovered to possess improved solubility in aqueous buffers which, in turn, facilitates purification required for pharmaceutical applications, particularly for in vivo administration to human patients. In addition, gels of such peptide amphiphile compositions are shown herein to possess unexpectedly superior gelation kinetics and rheological properties, including an increased mechanical stiffness, which better mimics the mechanical properties of natural central nervous system tissues. |
| US08076293B2 |
Use of BiP or a variant, homologue, derivative or fragment thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of bone loss or bone resorption
The present invention relates to the use of BiP or a variant, homologue, derivative or fragment thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of bone loss or bone resorption. |
| US08076290B2 |
Stabilizing alkylglycoside compositions and methods thereof
The present invention relates to alkylglycoside-containing compositions and methods for increasing the stability, reducing the aggregation and immunogenicity, increasing the biological activity, and reducing or preventing fibrillar formation of a peptide, polypeptide, or variant thereof, for example insulin and Peptide T or analog thereof. |
| US08076287B2 |
Cyclic hexadepsipeptides, processes for their production and their use as pharmaceuticals
The present invention provides cyclic hexadepsipeptides and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs, and methods for obtaining the compounds, by fermentation, optionally followed by post-biosynthesis chemical modification. The present invention further provides uses of cyclic hexadepsipeptides, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs as pharmaceuticals, in particular to their use as antibacterial, antifungal or antineoplastic agents, and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a cyclic hexadepsipeptide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, together with a carrier. |
| US08076284B2 |
Analogues of antimicrobial and anticancer peptide synthesized and produced from Gaegurin 5
Antimicrobial and anticancer peptides engineered using Gaegurin 5 isolated from Korean frog (Rana rugosa), which have a smaller structure compared with previously known Gaegurin peptides and show potent antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Specifically, the antimicrobial and anticancer peptides synthesized from the shortest length of Gaegurin 5, show potent antimicrobial activity against gram positive and negative strains, good safety with very low hemolytic activity and favorable advantages such as drug absorption and drug transportation due to its advantageous structural property, which can be useful as a potent antimicrobial or anticancer agent. |
| US08076280B2 |
Emulsions containing encapsulated fragrances and personal care compositions comprising said emulsions
The present invention provides an emulsion comprising an organic discontinuous phase which is distributed throughout a continuous aqueous phase,wherein the organic phase comprises, a) an organic solvent which is a liquid at 25° C. and/or, b) an organic phase stabilising material that comprises hydrophobic moieties and is a material which is more soluble in the organic phase than the aqueous phase, and the emulsion further comprises an encapsulated fragrance, said fragrance is encapsulated in microparticles. The present invention also relates to personal care compositions comprising emulsions containing encapsulated fragrances for improved fragrance delivery.The present invention also relates a method of use that comprises application of an effective amount of a liquid or solid personal care composition comprising an emulsion that contains a fragrance encapsulated in microparticles to at least one part of the body. |
| US08076278B2 |
Self adhesive hard surface cleaning composition
The present invention relates to hard surface cleaning compositions, and their use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hard surface cleaning composition providing hygiene to a hard surface, whilst being easily positioned onto a hard surface; even a wet surface. The present invention provides a hard surface cleaning composition, which is at least partially transparent or translucent, characterized in that it comprises a surfactant system forming a liquid crystalline phase in the presence of water and biocide material. |
| US08076275B2 |
Reduced color molybdenum-containing composition and a method of making same
Antioxidant additives for lubricating oils are prepared by reacting an acidic molybdenum compound or salt thereof and a basic nitrogen compound where the temperature of the process does not exceed 120° C., resulting in a product color that is light in intensity. |
| US08076272B2 |
Method of making a synthetic alkylaryl sulfonate
A process for preparing an alkylaryl sulfonate comprising (a) reacting at least one meta-xylene compound with olefin or a mixture of olefins having from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of an acid catalyst, wherein the resulting product comprises no more than 40 weight percent of 1-alkyl-2,4 dimethylsubstituted aromatic compound and at least about 60 weight percent of 1-alkyl-3,5 dimethyl substituted aromatic compound; (b) sulfonating the product of (a); and (c) neutralizing the product of (b) with a source of alkali or alkaline earth metal or ammonia. |
| US08076269B2 |
Compressible objects combined with a drilling fluid to form a variable density drilling mud
A compressible object is described that may be utilized in drilling mud and with a drilling system to manage the density of the drilling mud. The compressible object includes a shell that encloses an interior region. The shell experiences less strain when the external pressure is about equal to the internal pressure than when the external pressure is above or below a predetermined compression interval of the compressible object includes a shell that encloses an interior region. |
| US08076266B2 |
Urea phosphite fungicide
Urea Phosphite is a new composition of matter useful as a fertilizer and as a fungicide. It is made by reacting phosphorous acid with urea. Urea Phosphite is characterized by being a liquid produced in an unprocessed reaction, and by having phosphite as a phosphorus source and urea as a nitrogen source. The reaction products may be separated, blended with an admix and spray dried, or dissolved in water. This new composition of matter avoids the pitfalls of pathological acerbation reported with the use of phosphite fertilizers and fungicides. When blended with an admix, this new composition is also believed to have the ability to break dormancy in temperate fruiting crops. |
| US08076265B2 |
Thermal transfer image-receiving sheet
It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet which solves the defects of the prior art, that is, exhibits a good slipping property between the thermal transfer image-receiving sheets in forming images and can completely prevent feeding troubles such as multi feeding particularly in a thermal transfer printer in a low temperature environment.The present invention pertains to a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet in which a receiving layer is formed on at least one side of a substrate sheet, wherein the receiving layer is formed by applying and drying a coating solution comprising a binder resin, a release agent, and a lubricant in an amount of 0.05 to 5 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the binder resin and said lubricant is a main-chain single-end or a main-chain dual-end modified silicone oil having a viscosity of 50 to 500 mm2/s at 25° C. |
| US08076264B2 |
Conductive substance-adsorbing resin film, method for producing conductive substance-adsorbing resin film, metal layer-coated resin film using the same, and method for producing metal layer-coated resin film
The invention provides a conductive substance-adsorbing resin film on which a conductive layer being excellent in adhesion to the resin film and having less unevenness at the interface with the resin film can easily be formed, a method for producing the same, a metal layer-coated resin film on which a high definition wiring excellent in adhesion to the insulating resin film can easily be formed, which is obtained by using the conductive substance-adsorbing resin film of the invention, and a method for producing a metal layer-coated resin film that is a material capable of easily producing a printed-wiring board having a high definition wiring. The invention also provides a conductive substance-adsorbing resin film including at least two resin layers, wherein at least one of the resin layers is an adsorbing resin layer having a property of adsorbing a conductive substance or a metal. This conductive substance-adsorbing resin film is allowed to adsorb a metal and subjected to plating, whereby a metal layer-coated resin film can be obtained. |
| US08076261B2 |
Preparation method for PtCo nanocube catalyst
The present invention features a method for preparing a PtCo nanocube catalyst, the method comprising dissolving a platinum (Pt) precursor, a cobalt (Co) precursor, a surface stabilizer and a reducing agent in a solvent to prepare a solution; heating the solution under an inert gas atmosphere; maintaining the temperature of the solution to obtain PtCo alloy nanocubes; adsorbing the PtCo alloy nanocubes on a carbon support to obtain a catalyst; and removing the surface stabilizer from the catalyst. The disclosed method for preparing a PtCo nanocube catalyst enables preparation of nanocubes with uniform size and cubic shape through a simple process and application for development of high-efficiency fuel cells by preventing change in shape, surface area and composition caused by agglomeration of the nanocubes. |
| US08076259B2 |
Process for the preparation of catalyst paste and products thereof
A process for the preparation of a catalyst paste comprising the following steps: a) obtaining a slurry in an organic solvent containing at least: a1) a support bearing functional groups; a2) a trialkylaluminum of formula (Ra)3Al wherein Ra, equal to or different from each other is a C1-C20 hydrocarbon radical optional containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the periodic table of the elements; a3) a compound of formula (I) (R1)x-A-(OH)y (I) wherein: A is an atom of group 13 or 15 of the Periodic Table; R1 equal to or different from each other, are C1-C40 hydrocarbon radicals optionally containing heteroatoms belonging to groups 13-17 of the periodic table of the elements; Y is 1 or 2; X is 1 or 2; provided that x+y=3; a4) a transition metal organometallic compound; b) washing the resulting slurry one or more times with oil. |
| US08076255B2 |
Castable refractory
To provide a long-life refractory capable of maintaining durability under severe conditions. The castable refractory comprises a mixture containing at least one of 2 to 10 mass % of silicon carbide and 3 to 10 mass % of chamotte, as an auxiliary raw material, and a binder material, with the remaining balance being one or more main raw materials selected from corundum, mullite, bauxite, chamotte, talc and silica, and is used in an environment exposed to an alkali component-containing hot gas atmosphere. In an alkali component-containing gas atmosphere at a high temperature (750° C. or more), silicon carbide and/or chamotte are vitrified to a thickness of 1 mm or less in the surface layer of the refractory to prevent the alkali component-containing gas from intruding inside of the refractory. |
| US08076250B1 |
PECVD oxide-nitride and oxide-silicon stacks for 3D memory application
A layer stack of different materials is deposited on a substrate in a single plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition processing chamber while maintaining a vacuum. A substrate is placed in the processing chamber and a first processing gas is used to form a first layer of a first material on the substrate. A plasma purge and gas purge are performed before a second processing gas is used to form a second layer of a second material on the substrate. The plasma purge and gas purge are repeated and the additional layers of first and second materials are deposited on the layer stack. |
| US08076247B2 |
Plasma process uniformity across a wafer by controlling RF phase between opposing electrodes
A method is provided for processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor chamber. The method includes coupling, to a plasma in the chamber, power of an RF frequency via a ceiling electrode and coupling, to the plasma, power of at least approximately the same RF frequency via a workpiece support electrode. The method also includes providing an edge ground return path. The method further includes adjusting the proportion between (a) current flow between said electrodes and (b) current flow to the edge ground return path from said electrodes, to control plasma ion density distribution uniformity over the workpiece. |
| US08076242B2 |
Methods of forming an amorphous silicon thin film
A method for forming an amorphous silicon thin film is disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes loading a substrate into a reaction chamber; and conducting a plurality of deposition cycles on the substrate. Each of at least two of the cycles includes: supplying a silicon precursor to the reaction chamber during a first time period; applying radio frequency power to the reaction chamber at least partly during the first time period; stopping supplying of the silicon precursor and applying of the radio frequency power during a second time period between the first time period and an immediately subsequent deposition cycle; and supplying hydrogen plasma to the reaction chamber during a third time period between the second time period and the immediately subsequent deposition cycle. The method allows formation of an amorphous silicon film having an excellent step-coverage and a low roughness at a relatively low deposition temperature. |
| US08076238B2 |
Electronic device and method for production
An electronic device and method for production is disclosed. One embodiment provides an integrated component having a first layer which is composed of copper or a copper alloy or which contains copper or a copper alloy, and having an electrically conductive second layer, whose material differs from the material of the first layer, and a connection apparatus which is arranged on the first layer and on the second layer. |
| US08076231B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of same
A FinFET and nanowire transistor with strain direction optimized in accordance with the sideface orientation and carrier polarity and an SMT-introduced manufacturing method for achieving the same are provided. A semiconductor device includes a pMISFET having a semiconductor substrate, a rectangular solid-shaped semiconductor layer formed at upper part of the substrate to have a top surface parallel to a principal plane of the substrate and a sideface with a (100) plane perpendicular to the substrate's principal plane, a channel region formed in the rectangular semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film formed at least on the sideface of the rectangular layer, a gate electrode on the gate insulator film, and source/drain regions formed in the rectangular semiconductor layer to interpose the channel region therebetween. The channel region is applied a compressive strain in the perpendicular direction to the substrate principal plane. A manufacturing method of the device is also disclosed. |
| US08076224B2 |
Thin-film deposition and recirculation of a semi-conductor material
A process for coating a substrate at atmospheric pressure is disclosed, the process comprising the steps of vaporizing a mass of semiconductor material within a heated inert gas stream to create a fluid mixture having a temperature above the condensation temperature of the semiconductor material, directing the fluid mixture at the substrate, the substrate having a temperature below the condensation temperature of the semiconductor material thereby depositing a layer of the semiconductor material onto a surface of the substrate, extracting undeposited semiconductor material; and circulating the undeposited semiconductor material into the fluid mixture having a temperature above the condensation temperature. |
| US08076222B2 |
Microcrystalline silicon thin film transistor
Methods for forming a microcrystalline silicon layer in a thin film transistor structure are provided. In one embodiment, a method for forming a microcrystalline silicon layer includes providing a substrate in a processing chamber, supplying a first gas mixture having a hydrogen containing gas to a silicon containing gas flow rate ratio greater than about 200:1 into the processing chamber, maintaining a first process pressure greater than about 6 Torr in the processing chamber to deposit a first microcrystalline silicon containing layer in presence of a plasma formed from the first gas mixture, supplying a second gas mixture into the processing chamber, and maintaining a second process pressure less than about 5 Torr in the processing chamber to deposit a second microcrystalline silicon containing layer in presence of a plasma formed from the second gas mixture. |
| US08076221B2 |
Fabrication method of pixel structure and thin film transistor
A method of fabricating a thin film transistor is disclosed. First, a substrate is provided and a patterned polysilicon layer is formed on the substrate. A metal layer is formed on the patterned polysilicon layer. Then, a portion of the metal layer is removed so that the remaining metal layer beside the patterned polysilicon layer forms a source and a drain. A gate insulation layer is formed on the substrate to cover the source, the drain and the patterned polysilicon layer. A gate is formed on the gate insulation layer over the patterned polysilicon layer. |
| US08076219B2 |
Reduction of watermarks in HF treatments of semiconducting substrates
A process for reducing or suppressing the appearance of watermarks in a hydrophobic surface of a semiconductor substrate prepared as a base substrate for epitaxial growth. The process includes cleaning the hydrophobic surface of the semiconductor substrate with an aqueous solution containing hydrofluoric acid (HF) and an additional acid having a pKa of less than 3, preferably hydrochloric acid (HCl), wherein the additional acid is present in the solution at a concentration by weight that is less than that of the HF; and final rinsing the cleaned hydrophobic surface of the semiconductor substrate with deionised water while subjecting the hydrophobic surface of the semiconductor substrate to megasonic waves for a time sufficient to reduce or suppress watermarks that could otherwise occur on the hydrophobic surface if the megasonic waves were not applied. |
| US08076218B2 |
Method for the production of photo-patterned carbon electronics
A method for the manufacture of carbon based electrical components is herein presented. In the method a wafer substrate is provided upon which a first layer of carbon based semiconductor is deposited. The first layer of carbon based semiconductor is introduced to a first doping agent precursor and the first doping agent precursor and first layer of carbon based semiconductor are irradiated with light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet spectrum thereby selectively doping areas of the first layer of carbon based semiconductor. |
| US08076217B2 |
Controlled quantum dot growth
The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for controlled quantum dot growth as well as a quantum dot structures. In some examples, a method is described that includes one or more of providing a substrate, forming a defect on the substrate, depositing a layer on the substrate and forming quantum dots along the defect. |
| US08076215B2 |
Method of forming an electronic device using a separation technique
A method of forming an electronic device can include forming a patterned layer adjacent to a side of a substrate including a semiconductor material. The method can also include separating a semiconductor layer and the patterned layer from the substrate, wherein the semiconductor layer is a portion of the substrate. |
| US08076214B2 |
Display substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A display substrate includes a signal line, a thin-film transistor (“TFT”), a key pattern, a light-blocking pattern, a color filter, a pixel electrode and an alignment key. The signal line and the key pattern are formed on a substrate. The TFT is electrically connected to the signal line. The light-blocking pattern is formed on the substrate and covers the signal line, the TFT and the key pattern. The color filter is formed in a unit pixel area of the substrate. The pixel electrode is formed on the color filter and is electrically connected to the TFT. The alignment key is formed on the light-blocking pattern, and a position of the alignment key on the substrate corresponds to a position of the key pattern on the substrate. |
| US08076212B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
According to the method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a surface of a lower insulating film (55) is planarized by CMP or the like, and an upper insulating film (56) and a protective metal film (59) are formed on the lower insulating film (55). Accordingly, the upper insulating film (56) and the protective metal film (59) are formed in such a manner they have an excellent coverage and the water/hydrogen blocking capability of the upper insulating film (56) and the protective metal film (59) is maximized. |
| US08076210B2 |
Method for fabricating metal-oxide semiconductor transistors
A method for fabricating a metal-oxide semiconductor transistor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate structure on the semiconductor substrate; and performing a first ion implantation process to implant a first molecular cluster having carbon, boron, and hydrogen into the semiconductor substrate at two sides of the gate structure for forming a doped region, wherein the molecular weight of the first molecular cluster is greater than 100. |
| US08076205B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor memory includes a memory cell array area provided with first and second memory cells and having a first active area and a first element isolation area constituting a line & space structure, and having a floating gate electrode and a control gate electrode in the first active area, a word line contact area adjacent to the memory cell array area and having a second active area, first and second word lines with a metal silicide structure, functioning respectively as the control gate electrodes of the first and second memory cells and arranged to straddle the memory cell array area and the word line contact area. A dummy gate electrode is arranged just below the first and second word lines in the second active area. |
| US08076202B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor device
In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a MISFET of trench gate structure, a trench is formed from a major surface of a semiconductor layer of first conductivity type which serves as a drain region, in a depth direction of the semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film including a thermal oxide film and a deposited film is formed over the internal surface of the trench, and after a gate electrode has been formed in the trench, impurities are introduced into the semiconductor substrate of first conductivity type to form a semiconductor region of second conductivity type which serves as a channel forming region, and impurities are introduced into the semiconductor region of second conductivity type to form the semiconductor region of first conductivity type which serves as a source region. |
| US08076201B2 |
Method of manufacturing flash memory device
A method of manufacturing a flash memory device according to an embodiment includes forming a second oxide layer pattern having a mask pattern buried therein on a first nitride layer pattern and a first oxide layer stack on a semiconductor substrate; forming first polysilicon patterns at sidewalls of the buried mask pattern; removing portions of the first oxide layer, the first nitride layer pattern, and the second oxide layer pattern to form a third oxide layer pattern, a second nitride layer pattern, and a fourth oxide layer pattern at lower portions of the first polysilicon patterns and the mask pattern; forming a fifth oxide layer pattern surrounding each of the first polysilicon patterns; forming second polysilicon patterns on sidewalls of the fifth oxide layer pattern; and removing the mask pattern and parts of the third oxide layer pattern and the second nitride layer pattern between the first polysilicon patterns. |
| US08076198B2 |
Method of fabricating nonvolatile memory device
A method of fabricating a nonvolatile memory device with a three-dimensional structure includes alternately stacking first and second material layers in two or more layers on a semiconductor substrate, forming trenches penetrating the stacked first and second material layers by performing a first etching process, and removing the second material layers exposed in the trenches by performing a second etching process. The first and second material layers are formed of materials that have the same main component but have different impurity contents, respectively. |
| US08076194B2 |
Method of fabricating metal oxide semiconductor transistor
A method of fabricating a MOS transistor is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming at least a gate on the semiconductor substrate; forming a protective layer on the semiconductor substrate, and the protective layer covering the surface of the gate; forming at least a recess within the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the gate; forming an epitaxial layer in the recess, wherein the top surface of the epitaxial layer is above the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and forming a spacer on the sidewall of the gate and on a portion of the epitaxial layer, wherein a contact surface of the epitaxial layer and the spacer is above the surface of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08076189B2 |
Method of forming a semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A method of forming a semiconductor device comprises forming a control electrode over a portion of a semiconductor layer, forming recesses extending into the semiconductor layer on opposing sides of the control electrode, and forming doped regions in the semiconductor layer through the recesses. The doped regions form current electrode regions of the semiconductor device and each doped region extends into the semiconductor layer from at least a base of a recess. The method further comprises forming, after forming the doped regions, strained semiconductor regions in the recesses, wherein a junction between each doped region and the semiconductor layer is formed below an interface between a strained semiconductor region and the semiconductor layer. |
| US08076187B2 |
Mask pattern, method of fabricating thin film transistor, and method of fabricating organic light emitting display device using the same
A method of fabricating a polycrystalline silicon thin film for a thin film transistor (TFT), a mask pattern used for the method, and a method of fabricating a flat panel display device using the method and the mask pattern. In one embodiment, a mask pattern includes a plurality of regions, each of the regions having at least one of one or more transparent portions or one or more non-transparent portions. A total area of the one or more transparent portions and the one or more non-transparent portions in one of the regions is substantially equal to a total area of the one or more transparent portions and the one or more non-transparent portions in at least one other of the regions. A total area of the transparent portions in the mask pattern is different from a total area of the non-transparent portions in the mask pattern. |
| US08076186B2 |
Method of laser annealing semiconductor layer and semiconductor devices produced thereby
A laser annealing method includes forming a nitrogen-doped layer on a semiconductor layer, the nitrogen-doped layer having a nitrogen concentration of at least 3×1020 atoms/cc, irradiating a first area of the nitrogen-doped layer in a low oxygen environment with a laser beam and irradiating a second area of the nitrogen-doped layer in a low oxygen environment with a laser beam, a part of the second area overlapping with the first area. |
| US08076183B2 |
Method of attaching an interconnection plate to a semiconductor die within a leadframe package
A method is disclosed for attaching an interconnection plate to semiconductor die within leadframe package. A base leadframe is provided with die pad for attaching semiconductor die. An interconnection plate is provided for attachment to the base leadframe and semiconductor die. Add a base registration feature onto base leadframe and a plate registration feature onto interconnection plate with the registration features designed to match each other such that, upon approach of the interconnection plate to base leadframe, the two registration features would engage and guide each other causing concomitant self-aligned attachment of the interconnection plate to base leadframe. Next, the interconnection plate is brought into close approach to base leadframe to engage and lock plate registration feature to base registration feature hence completing attachment of the interconnection plate to semiconductor die and forming a leadframe package. |
| US08076180B2 |
Repairable semiconductor device and method
Repairable semiconductor device and method. In one embodiment a method, provides a first body having a first semiconductor chip and a first metal layer. A second body includes a second semiconductor chip and a second metal layer. Metal of the first metal layer is removed. The first semiconductor chip is removed from the first body. The second body is attached to the first body. The first metal layer is electrically coupled to the second metal layer. |
| US08076178B2 |
Self-assembly of micro-structures
Embodiments of a method for assembling a multi-chip module (MCM) are described. During this method, a fluid that includes coupling elements is applied to a surface of a base plate in the MCM. Then, at least some of the coupling elements are positioned into negative features on the surface of the base plate using fluidic assembly. Note that a given coupling element selects a given negative feature using chemical-based selection and/or geometry-based selection. Next, the fluid and excess coupling elements (which reside in regions outside of the negative features on the surface) are removed. |
| US08076177B2 |
Scalable transfer-join bonding lock-and-key structures
Scalable transfer-join bonding techniques are provided. In one aspect, a transfer-join bonding method is provided. The method includes the following steps. A first bonding structure is provided having at least one metal pad embedded in an insulator and at least one via in the insulator over the metal pad. The via has tapered sidewalls. A second bonding structure is provided having at least one copper stud adapted to have a taper that complements the tapered sidewalls of the via, such that the via and the copper stud fit together like a lock-and-key. The first bonding structure is bonded to the second bonding structure by way of a metal-to-metal bonding between the metal pad and the copper stud that deforms the copper stud. A transfer-join bonded structure is also provided. |
| US08076176B2 |
Thermal management and method for large scale processing of CIS and/or CIGS based thin films overlying glass substrates
The thermal management and method for large scale processing of CIS and/or CIGS based thin film overlaying glass substrates. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for fabricating a copper indium diselenide semiconductor film. The method includes providing a plurality of substrates, each of the substrates having a copper and indium composite structure. The method also includes transferring the plurality of substrates into a furnace, each of the plurality of substrates provided in a vertical orientation with respect to a direction of gravity, the plurality of substrates being defined by a number N, where N is greater than 5. The method further includes introducing a gaseous species including a selenide species and a carrier gas into the furnace and transferring thermal energy into the furnace to increase a temperature from a first temperature to a second temperature, the second temperature ranging from about 350° C. to about 450° C. to at least initiate formation of a copper indium diselenide film from the copper and indium composite structure on each of the substrates. |
| US08076175B2 |
Method for making solar cell having crystalline silicon P-N homojunction and amorphous silicon heterojunctions for surface passivation
A thin silicon solar cell is described. Specifically, the solar cell may be fabricated from a crystalline silicon wafer having a thickness of approximately 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers. The solar cell comprises a first region having a p-n homojunction, a second region that creates heterojunction surface passivation, and a third region that creates heterojunction surface passivation. Amorphous silicon layers are deposited on both sides of the silicon wafer at temperatures below approximately 400 degrees Celsius to reduce the loss of passivation properties of the amorphous silicon. A final layer of transparent conductive oxide is formed on both sides at approximately 165 degrees Celsius. Metal contacts are applied to the transparent conductive oxide. The low temperatures and very thin material layers used to fabricate the outer layers of used to fabricate the outer layers of the solar cell protect the thin wafer from excessive stress that may lead to deforming the wafer. |
| US08076169B2 |
Method of fabricating an electromechanical device including at least one active element
The invention relates to a method of fabricating an electromechanical device including an active element, wherein the method comprises the following steps:a) making a monocrystalline first stop layer on a monocrystalline layer of a first substrate;b) growing a monocrystalline mechanical layer epitaxially on said first stop layer out of at least one material that is different from that of the stop layer;c) making a sacrificial layer on said active layer out of a material that is suitable for being etched selectively relative to said mechanical layer;d) making a bonding layer on the sacrificial layer;e) bonding a second substrate on the bonding layer; andf) eliminating the first substrate and the stop layer to reveal the surface of the mechanical layer opposite from the sacrificial layer, the active element being made by at least a portion of the mechanical layer. |
| US08076167B2 |
Group-III nitride semiconductor laser device, and method for fabricating group-III nitride semiconductor laser device
Provided are a group-III nitride semiconductor laser device with a laser cavity to enable a low threshold current on a semipolar surface of a hexagonal group-III nitride, and a method for fabricating the group-III nitride semiconductor laser device on a stable basis. Notches, e.g., notch 113a and others, are formed at four respective corners of a first surface 13a located on the anode side of a group-III nitride semiconductor laser device 11. The notch 113a or the like is a part of a scribed groove provided for separation of the device 11. The scribed grooves are formed with a laser scriber and the shape of the scribed grooves is adjusted by controlling the laser scriber. For example, a ratio of the depth of the notch 113a or the like to the thickness of the group-III nitride semiconductor laser device 11 is not less than 0.05 and not more than 0.4, a tilt of a side wall surface at an end of the notch 113a is not less than 45° and not more than 85°, and a tilt of a side wall surface at an end of the notch 113b is not less than 10° and not more than 30°. |
| US08076165B2 |
Method of manufacturing p-type nitride semiconductor and semiconductor device fabricated by the method
The present invention includes a first step of forming a nitride semiconductor layer by metal organic chemical vapor deposition by using a first carrier gas containing a nitrogen carrier gas and a hydrogen carrier gas of a flow quantity larger than that of the nitrogen carrier gas to thereby supply a raw material containing Mg and a Group V raw material containing N, and a second step of lowering a temperature by using a second carrier gas to which a material containing N is added, and hence solves the problems. |
| US08076151B2 |
Ultra-sensitive temperature sensing and calorimetry
Methods and apparatus for ultra-sensitive temperature sensing and calorimetry. Radiation is directed at a thin electrically conductive film having one or more small apertures. The incident radiation excites surface plasmons on a first surface of the electrically conductive film, and energy associated with the surface plasmons couples to an opposite surface of the electrically conductive film, where surface plasmon-enhanced radiation (SPER) is emitted from the aperture(s). A temperature-sensitive fluid or solid dielectric material is disposed contiguous with at least a portion of the electrically conductive film, such that a temperature change in the dielectric material alters a resonance condition for the SPER. Measurable changes in the SPER due to altered resonance conditions provide for an ultrasensitive temperature sensor that can detect small temperature changes in the dielectric material. The disclosed methods and apparatus may be used for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, nanoscale to microscale calorimetry for pharmaceutical and biotechnology products, combustion sensing, explosive detection, and biotoxin monitoring. |
| US08076140B2 |
Mammalian cell lines for increasing longevity and protein yield from a cell culture
Disclosed are compositions and methods for increasing the longevity of a cell culture and permitting the increased production of proteins, preferably recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, interleukins, interferons, hormones, and vaccines. Cells transfected with an apoptosis-inhibiting gene or vector, such as a triple mutant Bcl-2 gene, can survive longer in culture, resulting in extension of the state and yield of protein biosynthesis. Such transfected cells exhibit maximal cell densities that equal or exceed the maximal density achieved by the parent cell lines. Transfected cells can also be pre-adapted for growth in serum-free medium, greatly decreasing the time required to obtain protein production in serum-free medium. In certain methods, the pre-adapted cells can be used for protein production following transformation under serum-free conditions. The method preferably involves eukaryotic cells, more preferably mammalian cells. |
| US08076138B2 |
Evolution of whole cells and organisms by recursive sequence recombination
The invention provides methods employing iterative cycles of recombination and selection/screening for evolution of whole cells and organisms toward acquisition of desired properties. Examples of such properties include enhanced recombinogenicity, genome copy number, and capacity for expression and/or secretion of proteins and secondary metabolites. |
| US08076137B2 |
Tissue engineered cellular sheets, and methods of making same
The disclosure provides methods and compositions to build living tissue covered stents and the like. These tissue coated stents provide a barrier against cell migration to the lumen of the vessel. Since the tissue can surround and envelope the stent, foreign body responses to the stent material are reduced and delayed. The tissue coating is also relatively impermeable to transmural flow, so the wrapped stent can act as a bypass vessel. The tissue is also robust enough to act as a stand alone vessel, without requiring the presence of the metallic stent. These stents can be endothelialized to reduce thrombosis. The genetic modifications described in this disclosure allow for functional organs to be built that express agents that are anti-restenotic or anti-thrombogenic. |
| US08076134B2 |
CD4+CD25− T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells
The invention provides CD4+CD25− T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells (i.e., contact-independent Type 1-like regulatory T cells), processes for their production and their use for regulatory purposes. |
| US08076131B2 |
Settings for recombinant adenoviral-based vaccines
The present invention provides new uses of recombinant adenoviral vectors in vaccination regimens, such as prime/boost set-ups and subsequent vaccinations and applications for gene therapy. Moreover, the invention provides new assays to determine the best regimen for applying the most suitable recombinant viral vector in a vaccination or gene therapy setting. |
| US08076130B2 |
Plasmid maintenance system for antigen delivery
The present invention relates generally to a Plasmid Maintenance System for the stabilization of expression plasmids encoding foreign antigens, and methods for making and using the Plasmid Maintenance System. The invention optimizes the maintenance of expression plasmids at two independent levels by: (1) removing sole dependence on balanced lethal maintenance functions; and (2) incorporating at least one plasmid partition function to prevent random segregation of expression plasmids, thereby enhancing their inheritance and stability. The Plasmid Maintenance System may be employed within a plasmid which has been recombinantly engineered to express a variety of expression products. |
| US08076129B2 |
Reactor plate and reaction processing method
The reactor plate preferably includes a sealed reactor, a reactor flow channel connected to the reactor, a sample container constituted from a sealed container provided separately from the reactor, a sample container flow channel to be connected to the sample container, a syringe for sending a liquid, a switching valve for connecting the syringe to the reactor flow channel or the sample container flow channel, and a projecting flow channel connected to the end of the sample container flow channel located on the sample container side. The sample container has a penetrable portion through which the projecting flow channel can penetrate and which is provided to be opposed to the projecting flow channel and is located such that the projecting flow channel penetrating the penetrable portion is brought into contact with a liquid contained in the sample container. The sample container can be connected to the sample container flow channel. |
| US08076128B2 |
Automated analyzer using light diffraction
The present invention provides an automated analyzer system for performing chemical, biochemical or biological assays using changes/no changes in diffraction of light by the presence/absence of analytes which may or may not be present in a sample binding to their analyte specific receptors laid out in a preselected pattern in a disposable sensor. The analyzer is a modular, bench-top instrument that compactly integrates subsystems for sample dispensing, liquid handling, and optical generation of laser light beams and detectors for detecting for diffracted light. An internal processor is included for automating the instrument, and a user interface to provide communication with the operator. |
| US08076118B2 |
Live water compositions for bio-cycling of aquariums
Live water solutions containing natural fresh water or saltwater microorganisms, is used in the bio-cycling of aquariums and to provide a healthy aquatic environment. Live water obtained from natural bodies of water, such as an ocean, sea, lake, river, or stream is filtered through filter media having a pore size between 5 and 20 microns to remove contaminants and debris while allowing microorganisms to remain in suspension. The live water is packaged in containers for retail sale thereby providing consumers with a source of live aquarium water for use in an aquarium during initial set-up, to replace water lost to evaporation, and for effecting quick water changes. An enrichment solution is disclosed to aid in maintaining the microorganisms metabolically and physiologically viable for extended periods. In an alternate embodiment, the live water is concentrated to a salinity level not less than 0.8 aw thereby reducing volume while maintaining microorganism viability. Rapid biochemical cycling of an aquarium is achieved by introducing the live water into an aquarium whereby marine microorganisms instantly contribute to establishing a healthy aquatic environment by reducing harmful ammonia levels and through denitrification. |
| US08076111B2 |
Method for producing an organic acid
An organic acid is produced by allowing a bacterium which has an ability to produce an organic acid and has been modified so that expression of yidE gene is enhanced, or a product obtained by processing the bacterium, to act on an organic raw material in a reaction mixture containing carbonate ions, bicarbonate ions, or carbon dioxide gas to produce the organic acid, and collecting the organic acid. |
| US08076109B2 |
Processes for producing a fermentation product
The present invention relates to processes for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol, from milled starch-containing material comprising (a) saccharifying the milled starch-containing material with a glucoamylase having an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or a glucoamylase being at least 70% identical thereto, at a temperature below the initial gelatinization temperature of said starch-containing material, (b) fermenting using a fermenting organism. |
| US08076106B2 |
Method to increase the yield and improve purification of products from transaminase reactions
A process for producing high yields of enantioselective amino acids and chiral amines by reacting a keto acid or ketone and an amino acid donor in the presence of a transaminase biocatalyst to produce a keto acid by-product and an amino acid or amine product. Further reacting the keto acid by-product with a peroxide to increase the yield of additional amino acid or amine product. |
| US08076102B2 |
Compositions and methods for metabolic selection of transfected cells
The present invention relates to novel selection marker vectors, and methods for using these vectors to generate stable gene expression systems in eukaryotic cells utilizing any enzyme useful in the eukaryotic sterol/cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, such as a 3-ketosteroid reductase, as a metabolic selection marker to select transfected cells. In one embodiment, the method comprises transfecting cells that are auxotrophic for cholesterol with a vector encoding 3-ketosteroid reductase and at least one heterologous protein, and selecting cells that have the ability to survive in medium lacking cholesterol and/or producing the heterologous protein in these cells in chemically defined and/or serum-free media. |
| US08076091B2 |
Gene encoding a multidrug-resistance human P-glycoprotein homologue on chromosome 7P15-21 and uses thereof
The invention relates to an MDR family P-glycoprotein located on human chromosome 7p15-21, polynucleotide sequences encoding this P-glycoprotein and fragments thereof. This gene is utilized in methods for assessing cancer cell susceptibility to therapies directed against multidrug resistance, and for the design of diagnostic and therapeutic methods relating to cancer multidrug resistance. The invention also relates to methods for determining whether a test compound may inhibit multidrug resistance. |
| US08076089B2 |
Biomarkers for liver diseases and method for using the same
Biomarkers for liver diseases and method for using the same are provided. For detecting liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, the biomarkers are selected from any one of the amino acid sequences with SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:24 or derivatives or fragments or variants or the combination thereof or the antibodies against the amino acid sequences. Then the biomarkers are further developed into detection kits, such that by detecting the existence of autoantibodies or autoantigens in screened specimens, liver diseases are detected with higher accuracy and sensitivity. |
| US08076088B2 |
Method of detecting human β-defensins
A method of detecting β-defensin in a bodily sample from a subject includes reducing the electrostatic interaction between β-defensin and negatively charged moieties in the bodily sample prior to detecting the β-defensin with an antibody or epitope binding fragment thereof. |
| US08076078B2 |
Cystic fibrosis gene mutations
The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. Also provided are probes for detecting the mutant sequences. Methods of identifying if an individual has a genotype containing one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are further provided. |
| US08076077B2 |
Compositions and methods for prognosis and therapy of liver cancer
This invention provides a composition comprising the following polynucleotide probes: IL7R (AA485865) (SEQ ID NO:7), NDRGI (AA486403) (SEQ ID NO:8), EST1 (H50345) (SEQ ID NO:9), TRPC1 (AA017132) (SEQ ID NO:10), GFRA1 (AA512935) (SEQ ID NO:11), EST2 (AA454543) (SEQ ID NO:12), CLDN10 (R54559) (SEQ ID NO:13), DNALI1 (R93087) (SEQ ID NO:14), RBP5 (AA453198) (SEQ ID NO:15), EST3 (AA621761) (SEQ ID NO:16), EST4 (N63706) (SEQ ID NO:17), PCOLCE (AA670200) (SEQ ID NO:18), TDO2 (T72398) (SEQ ID NO:19), EST5 (T47454) (SEQ ID NO:20), HIST1H2BD (N33927) (SEQ ID NO:21), PXMP2 (N70714) (SEQ ID NO:22), ACAS2 (AA455146) (SEQ ID NO:23), ANAPC7 (T68445) (SEQ ID NO:24), EST6 (AA576580) (SEQ ID NO:25), RBP5 (N92148) (SEQ ID NO:26), ANXAI (H63077) (SEQ ID NO:27), CKB (AA894557) (SEQ ID NO:28), ITGBL1 (N52533) (SEQ ID NO:29), KPNA2 (AA676460) (SEQ ID NO:30), EST7 (W90740) (SEQ ID NO:31) and MEG3 (W85841) (SEQ ID NO:32). This invention further provides methods for determining the likelihood of recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a subject afflicted with HCC, for determining the likelihood of death of a subject afflicted with HCC or for determining whether to administer adjuvant therapy. |
| US08076075B2 |
System and method for diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders
An assay for a GCH1 allele and associated genotype for the screening, prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and treatment response of psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, and neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder, and for defining treatments of such disorders. The presence of a variant in the GCH1 gene, alone or in conjunction with a measurement of low or altered biopterin, or altered BH4 system measures, is used to screen for or diagnose subjects at high risk for developing a psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, or neurological disorders. The assay of the GCH1 genotype, with or without biopterin or a BH4 or BH4 system assay, may also be used to determine antipsychotic or mood stabilizer medication, as well as other treatments. For subjects with an impaired BH4 system, treatments to increase or normalize biopterin, BH4, or the BH4 system can also be used, such as BH4 supplementation, lithium treatment, phenylalanine treatment, or other treatments and therapies. |
| US08076072B2 |
Nucleic acid labeling compounds
Nucleic acid labeling compounds including the following are disclosed: These compounds are useful for attaching a detectable label to a nucleic acid. |
| US08076065B2 |
Methods and compositions for assessment of pulmonary function and disorders
The present invention provides methods for the assessment of risk of developing lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers using analysis of genetic polymorphisms. The present invention also relates to the use of genetic polymorphisms in assessing a subject's risk of developing lung cancer. Nucleotide probes and primers, kits, and microarrays suitable for such assessment are also provided. |
| US08076061B2 |
Method and composition for cancer diagnosis and treatment
Methods and compositions for inhibiting the onset of cancer, and cancer diagnosis and treatment are provided. The treatment method comprises inhibiting the level or function of transcriptional positive factor 4 (PC4). Also provided are methods of screening for cancer inhibition agents based on inhibition of PC4 expression or function. |
| US08076058B2 |
Color forming compositions and associated methods
Compositions and methods for production of color images which are developable at desired wavelengths are disclosed and described. The color forming composition can include a color former which is a spiro dye. The color forming composition can include a radiation antenna admixed with or in thermal contact with the color former. The color forming composition can also be optimized for development using electromagnetic radiation having a selected development wavelength. The color forming compositions are useful in forming images on a wide variety of substrates such as optical disks. |
| US08076057B2 |
Methods of making extrusion dies
Methods for making extrusion dies using a LIGA process, a German acronym for lithography (Lithographie), electroplating (Galvanoformung), and molding (Abformung), are described. The resulting extrusion dies can be used, for example, for extrusion of cellular ceramic substrates, precision extrusion of optical fiber or optical fiber precursors, or other applications where profile extrusion requires high dimensional precision and/or has otherwise intricate patterns. |
| US08076053B2 |
Upper layer-forming composition and photoresist patterning method
An upper layer-forming composition formed on a photoresist while causing almost no intermixing with the photoresist film and a photoresist patterning method are provided. The upper layer-forming composition is stably maintained without being eluted in a medium such as water during liquid immersion lithography and is easily dissolved in an alkaline developer. The upper layer-forming composition covers a photoresist film for forming a pattern by exposure to radiation. The composition comprises a resin dissolvable in a developer for the photoresist film and a solvent in which the resin is dissolved. The solvent has a viscosity of less than 5.2×10−3 Pa·s at 20° C. In addition, the solvent does not cause intermixing of the photoresist film and the upper layer-forming composition. The solvent contains an ether or a hydrocarbon. |
| US08076050B2 |
Blends of fullerene derivatives, and uses thereof in electronic devices
Disclosed are compositions of mixed fullerene derivatives with utility in organic semiconductors, and methods of making and using such compositions. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to compositions of mixed fullerene derivatives further comprising one or more additional fullerene-based components within specified ranges. In certain other embodiments, the invention relates to methods of producing mixed fullerene derivatives of a specific composition from mixed fullerene starting materials, or pure fullerene derivatives of a specific composition from mixed fullerene derivatives. In yet other embodiments, the invention relates to semiconductors and devices comprising a composition of the invention. |
| US08076045B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell
The present invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell in which an anode is formed with a hollow portion, and the hollow portion may be used as a gas diffusion path, thereby improving gas diffusion performance, and the hollow portion may be also used as a reinforcement hole for reinforcing a strength or a current collecting hole for increasing a current collecting efficiency, thereby improving a cell strength and also increasing an efficiency of producing electric energy. The solid oxide fuel cell has an electrolyte layer; an anode; a cathode; and a hollow portion formed in the anode. |
| US08076044B2 |
Fuel cell assembly and inspection device
A fuel cell assembly and inspection device comprising a first base plate on which can be mounted a fuel cell stack including a current collecting plate placed on a first end plate and a plurality of unit cells stacked on the current collecting plate, and a pressure cylinder for pressing the stack, assembles a fuel cell by fixing a second end plate to a pressed stack. The device is provided with fuel gas supply piping, fuel gas discharge piping, oxidizing agent gas supply piping, oxidizing agent gas discharge piping, cooling medium supply piping, and cooling medium discharge piping which are connected, respectively, with a fuel gas supply port, a fuel gas discharge port, an oxidizing agent gas supply port, an oxidizing agent gas discharge port, a cooling medium supply port, and a cooling medium discharge port, which are provided on the first end plate. |
| US08076041B2 |
Fuel cell
A heat insulating member is sandwiched by a first separator and a second separator. The heat insulating member functions as a heat insulating layer to prevent the temperature decrease of electricity generating cells. A first impurity removal flow path is formed in the space enclosed by the grooves on the surface of the second separator and a partition plate. A second impurity removal flow path is formed in the space enclosed by the grooves on the surface of a third separator and the partition plate. The impurity removal flow paths function as filters to remove the impurities contained in the reaction gases. A terminal functions as a current collecting layer to collect the electricity generated in the electricity generating cells. An end laminated body functions as a heat insulating layer to prevent the temperature decrease of the electricity generating cells, impurity removal layers to remove the impurities contained in the reaction gases and a current collecting layer to collect the electricity generated in the electricity generating cells. |
| US08076039B2 |
Small volume, fuel cell inlet fuel gas distributor having low pressure drop
In a fuel cell stack, an inlet fuel distributor (15, 31, 31a, 31b) comprises a plurality of fuel distributing passageways (17-23, 40-47, 64) of substantially equal length and equal flow cross section to uniformly distribute fuel cell inlet fuel from a fuel supply conduit (13, 14, 50) to a fuel inlet manifold (28). The conduits may be either channels (40-47; 64) formed within a plate (39) or tubes (17-23). The channels may have single exits (65) or double exits (52, 53) into the fuel inlet manifold. |
| US08076036B2 |
Fuel cell system, operation method thereof, and fuel cell vehicle
In order to prevent the fuel economy from being lowered by a wasteful discharge of fuel gas, in the operation method of a fuel cell system capable of performing intermittent operation for temporarily stopping power generation of the fuel cell, in the case where the secondary pressure of the tank regulator becomes at least a first threshold during intermittent operation, the intermittent operation is stopped and the normal operation is returned. In the case where the intermittent operation is stopped a number of times, subsequent intermittent operation may be prohibited. |
| US08076034B1 |
Confinement of hydrogen at high pressure in carbon nanotubes
A high pressure hydrogen confinement apparatus according to one embodiment includes carbon nanotubes capped at one or both ends thereof with a hydrogen-permeable membrane to enable the high pressure confinement of hydrogen and release of the hydrogen therethrough. A hydrogen confinement apparatus according to another embodiment includes an array of multi-walled carbon nanotubes each having first and second ends, the second ends being capped with palladium (Pd) to enable the high pressure confinement of hydrogen and release of the hydrogen therethrough as a function of palladium temperature, wherein the array of carbon nanotubes is capable of storing hydrogen gas at a pressure of at least 1 GPa for greater than 24 hours. Additional apparatuses and methods are also presented. |
| US08076032B1 |
Electrolyte including silane for use in electrochemical devices
The electrolyte includes one or more salts and a silane. The silane has a silicon linked to one or more first substituents that each include a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety or a cyclic carbonate moiety. The silane can be linked to four of the first substituents. Alternately, the silane can be linked to the one or more first substituents and one or more second substituents that each exclude both a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety and a cyclic carbonate moiety. |
| US08076028B2 |
Lithium cell with cathode including iron disulfide and iron sulfide
A primary cell having an anode comprising lithium or lithium alloy and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2), iron sulfide (FeS) and carbon particles. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent mixture. A cathode slurry is prepared comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) powder, iron sulfide (FeS) powder, carbon, binder, and a liquid solvent. The mixture is coated onto a conductive substrate and solvent evaporated leaving a dry cathode coating on the substrate. The anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added. |
| US08076025B2 |
Films for electrochemical structural elements and method for producing such films
The invention relates to a paste-like mass that can be used in electrochemical structural elements, including a heterogeneous mixture of (1.) a matrix (A) containing at least one organic polymer, precursors thereof, or prepolymers thereof, and a plasticizer, and (2.) an electrochemically activatable inorganic material in the form of a solid substance (B), the material not being soluble in the matrix and in water, with the proviso that a conductor that is soluble in the plasticizer and that is different from (B) is not present in the mixture, wherein the plasticizer is present in a quantity of up to about 5% by weight, relative to the quantity of the electrochemically activatable material. Self-supporting layers or layers that are placed on a substrate can be prepared from the paste-like mass. Composite layers having electrochemical properties are obtainable by combining such a layer wherein (B) is a positive electrode material, a layer wherein (B) has solid electrolyte properties, and a layer wherein (B) is a negative electrode material and can be used in rechargeable electrochemical cells. |
| US08076018B2 |
Battery cover assembly with a locking mechanism
A battery cover assembly for a portable electronic device, the battery cover assembly includes a housing, a removeable battery cover, and a locking mechanism. The housing defines a receiving hole. The battery cover forms a latching portion. The locking mechanism latches the cover to the housing. The locking mechanism includes a disked-shape operating member and an elastic member. The operating member rotatably engages in the receiving hole of the housing, and the operating member disposes a locking block releasably and elastically engaging with the latching portion of the battery cover. The elastic member is arranged along one portion of an outer peripheral wall of the operating member. One end of the elastic member abuts the housing, and the other end thereof abuts the operating member. |
| US08076014B2 |
Glass for use in substrate for information recording medium, substrate for information recording medium and information recording medium, and their manufacturing method
According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is glass for use in substrate for information recording medium, which comprises, denoted as molar percentages, a total of 70 to 85 percent of SiO2 and Al2O3, where SiO2 content is equal to or greater than 50 percent and Al2O3 content is equal to or greater than 3 percent; a total of equal to or greater than 10 percent of Li2O, Na2O and K2O; a total of 1 to 6 percent of CaO and MgO, where CaO content is greater than MgO content; a total of greater than 0 percent but equal to or lower than 4 percent of ZrO2, HfO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, La2O3, Y2O3 and TiO2; with the molar ratio of the total content of Li2O, Na2O and K2O to the total content of SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, HfO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, La2O3, Y2O3 and TiO2 ((Li2O+Na2O+K2O)/(SiO2+Al2O3+ZrO2+HfO2+Nb2O5+Ta2O5+La2O3+Y2O3+TiO2)) being equal to or less than 0.28. Further provided are the substrate for information recording medium, information recording medium and their manufacturing methods according to the present invention. |
| US08076008B2 |
Galvanized high strength steel sheet
A high-strength galvanized steel sheet is provided which has a tensile strength of a level of about 590 MPa and superior formability, including a coating with good appearance. The galvanized steel sheet includes a base steel and a galvanized coating layer formed over the surface of the base steel. The galvanized steel sheet has a chemical composition containing 0.005% to 0.12% of C, 0.7% to 2.7% of Si, 0.5% to 2.8% of Mn, 0.1% or less of P, 0.07% or less of S, 1.0% or less of Al, 0.008% or less of N, and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities on a mass basis, and a microstructure constituted of at least 90% of ferrite and 2% to 10% of martensite on an area basis. The ferrite has a Vickers hardness of 120 or more on average, and an inclusion is precipitated from the grain boundary with a length of 50% or less relative to the entire length of the grain boundary in the surface layer of the base steel with a depth of 3 μm from the interface between the coating layer and the base steel. |
| US08076007B2 |
Multilayered sliding member
A multilayered sliding member has a resin composition filled in pores of, and coated on the surface of, a porous sintered metal layer 2 formed on the surface of a metallic backing plate 1. The resin composition is formed by compounding a phosphate, a carbon black, a melt moldable fluororesin, and a PTFE serving as a principal component, and is preferably formed by further containing graphite and/or a low molecular weight PTFE. |
| US08076004B2 |
Sheet with transitional release material that initially allows for repositioning followed by release failure
Disclosed is a release material applied to a sheet material that provides for temporary repositioning of an adhesive over the release material. Over time the adhesion between the release material and the applied adhesive builds such that the adhesive cannot be removed from the release material without damaging the underlying sheet material. The release material includes an free nitrogen containing basic group. The release material is dispersed on a flexible substrate and the release material allows for repositioning when contacted with a pressure sensitive adhesive, which includes a free carboxylic acid group, for at least 1 minute and not more than 10 minutes. |
| US08076003B2 |
Coating composition and a method of coating
A coating composition including a compound having a first molecular group or a first combination of atoms, the first molecular group or the first combination of atoms capable of bonding to an oxidizable metal or a metal oxide, and a second molecular group or a second combination of atoms, the second molecular group or the second combination of atoms capable of interacting with a precursor of a polymer so the compound and the polymer are bound together. |
| US08076001B2 |
Crosslinked coatings comprising lactide
Crosslinked coatings comprising a reaction product of a compound containing two or more active hydrogen groups and a lactide are disclosed, as are substrates coated therewith. |
| US08076000B2 |
Tie-layer materials for use with ionomer-based films and sheets as skins on other materials
The present invention relates to new combinations of tie-layers and backing layers and/or substrates for making (1) new multilayer structures formed from one or more ionomers and one or more tie-layers, and optionally a backing layer to form laminates, (2) new composite articles made from these laminates in combination with optional substrate materials, and (3) new methods of making composite articles from these laminates by shaping and subsequently contacting them with a substrate material. |
| US08075998B2 |
Water-in-oil creams of organosilicon compounds
The invention relates to hydrocarbon-free aqueous creams of organosilicon compounds, their preparation and their use. The hydrocarbon-free water-in-oil creams of organosilicon compounds comprise the components: (A) one or more C1-C20-alkyl-C1-C6-alkoxysilanes (A1), alkoxy-containing organopolysiloxanes (A2) and/or organopolysiloxanes (A3) which comprise, in addition to other organosiloxane units, siloxane units which bear Si—C-bonded radicals containing basic nitrogen, with the proviso that the amine number of the organopolysiloxane is at least 0.01, (B) one or more emulsifiers and (C) water. |
| US08075990B2 |
Building material as well as a method for manufacturing the same and use of the building material
The present invention relates to a building material consisting of a moulded product of a base material, which moulded product is provided with at least one cavity, which cavity is filled with a filler in the form of loose particles, which loose particles have been bonded together by means of a binding agent, wherein the binding agent is present on the loose filler particles in the form of droplets. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing such a building material In addition to that the present invention relates to a use of the present building material. |
| US08075989B2 |
Perforated laminated polymeric foam articles
A polymeric foam article has at least two thermoplastic polymer foams in layered orientation, each of the thermoplastic polymer foams having an adjoining surface that contains a polymer skin, a thickness dimension perpendicular to the adjoining surface, perforations that are less than one millimeter in diameter that penetrate through the adjoining surface to a depth less than the thickness dimension of the foam, where the adjoining surface of one thermoplastic polymer foam is adjacent and adhered to the adjoining surface of another thermoplastic polymer foam with an adhesive thereby affixing the thermoplastic polymer foams to one another. |
| US08075987B2 |
Product and process for producing a molded product from recycled carpet waste
A molded article such as a floor tile is made from recycled carpet waste which includes a polyvinyl chloride component in the backing material and fiber component having a melting point above the melting point of polyvinyl chloride. A mixture of the recycled carpet material is shredded and additional polyvinyl chloride is fed to an extruder where the polyvinyl chloride is melted without melting the carpet fibers. The resulting mixture is discharged and molded, such as by injection molding, to form a molded product. The molded product includes a continuous matrix of polyvinyl chloride having recycled carpet fibers uniformly dispersed therein. The molded article contains about 45% to about 85% of polyvinyl chloride, about 5% to about 20% of recycled carpet fibers, up to about 5% of a plasticizer and up to about 5% of an ethylene copolymer by weight based on the total weight of the product. The finished product preferably contains about 10% to about 75% by weight of recycled vinyl-backed carpet and about 25% to about 90% by weight of a flexible polyvinyl chloride based on the total weight of the product. |
| US08075986B2 |
Opaque films for use in packaging
An opaque polymer film is prepared by admixing high crystalline polypropylene with a microvoid causing filler and extruding to form a sheet that is then biaxially stretched to form an opaque film. End uses for these films include soda bottles, candy wrappers and synthetic paper. |
| US08075983B2 |
Laminated glass for vehicle
The present invention provides, in a HUD device employing a high-functional windshield such as a sound-insulation glass having a multi-layer interlayer, a windshield for a vehicle which does not produce double images and has excellent visibility without deteriorating functionality of the windshield. In a laminated glass having a multi-layer interlayer having a wedge-shaped thickness profile sandwiched by glass sheets, the multi-layer interlayer has layers having different hardness, the thickness of first resin layers having high hardness is at least 0.3 mm in a region within 400 nm from a lower side, which prevents the generation of optical distortion of the laminated glass and efficiently prevents double display images. |
| US08075979B2 |
Non-fibrous high modulus ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tape for ballistic applications
A non-fibrous ultra high molecular weight polyethylene tape having a width of 1-inch or greater and a modulus of 1,400 grams per denier or greater. The non-fibrous UHMWPE tape is obtained by compression molding ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene powder at a temperature below its melting point and then drawing and stretching the entire resultant compression molded UHMWPE sheet, with no slitting or splitting of the sheet, at a draw ratio of at least 100:1. The UHMWPE tape can be produced in weights of 6,000 to 90,000 denier or greater. The UHMWPE tape of the present invention minimizes the effect of stress concentrators that are prevalent with fibers and thereby enables the tape to be drawn at much higher draw ratios than is possible with fibrous UHMWPE. When used in ballistics panels, the high modulus high molecular weight polyethylene tape of the present invention improves ballistic performance by providing enhanced dissipation of the impact energy of a projectile. |
| US08075977B2 |
Tufted laminate web
A laminate web comprising a first and second precursor webs, at least the first precursor web being a nonwoven web, the laminate web having a first side, the first side comprising the second precursor web and at least one discrete tuft, each of the discrete tufts having a linear orientation defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of tufted fibers being integral extensions of the first precursor web and extending through the second precursor web; and a second side, the second side comprising the first precursor web. |
| US08075975B2 |
Optical recording medium and method for manufacturing the same
An optical recording medium is an optical recording medium having an inorganic recording film and has a transparent conductive film on the inorganic recording film. The inorganic recording film has a first recording film containing titanium (Ti) and a second recording film containing an oxide of germanium (Ge). The transparent conductive film is provided on the side of the second recording film. The transparent conductive film contains an oxide of tin (Sn). |
| US08075974B2 |
Optical recording medium
An optical recording medium having first protective layer, recording layer, second protective layer, and reflective layer, wherein the recording layer contains a phase-change material represented by Formula (1″1), Formula (1-2), or Formula (1-3); the second protective layer contains one selected from zinc oxides, indium oxides, tin oxides, mixtures thereof, and materials Formula (2), and materials Formula (3). Formula (1″1): InαiSbβiX1γi(X1: Ge, Te, Zn, Mn, or mixture thereof, 0.10≦α1≦0.25, 0.65≦β1≦0.80, and 0.04≦γ1≦0.15) Formula (1-2): Gaα2Sbβ2SnY2Ges2X2∈2 (X2: Te, Zn, Mn, In, or mixture thereof, 0.04≦α2≦0.09, 0.56≦62≦0.79, 0.05≦γ2<0.30, 0.03≦δ2≦0.19, and 0≦∈2≦0.09) Formula (1-3): Mnα3Sbβ3SnY3Geδ3X3∈3 (X3: Te, In, Zn, Bi, or mixture thereof, 0.04≦α3≦0.09, 0.56≦63≦0.79, 0.05≦γ3≦0.29, 0.03≦δ3≦0.23, and 0≦∈3≦0.09) Formula (2): ZnO—Al—Y [(100−α4−64):α4:β4] (Y: Mn, Ge, Ti, or mixture thereof, 0.5≦α4≦10.0, and 0≦B4≦25.0) Formula (3): ZnO—Al2O3—Z [(100−α5−65):α5:β5] (Z: Mn oxide, Ge oxide, Ti oxide, or mixture thereof, 0.5≦α5≦10.0, and 0≦65≦30.0). |
| US08075973B2 |
Information recording medium and method for manufacturing the same
An information recording medium, 15 capable of recording information by irradiation of light or applying electrical energy, wherein at least one of first and second dielectric layers 102, 106, first interface layer and counter-incident side interface layer 103, 105 is formed from a Si—In—Zr/Hf—O-based material containing at least Si, In, M1 (M1 represents at least one element selected from among Zr and Hf) and oxygen (O), with Si content being 1 atomic % or more. This medium has high recording sensitivity when information is recorded thereon, high overwrite cycle-ability and high signal intensity. |
| US08075967B2 |
Gas permeable membrane
Disclosed is a blended composition comprising a humidity-dependent composition having a ratio of wet cup permeance to dry cup permeance greater than 10 and a crystallizable polymer sufficiently permeable to oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor, exhibiting an increase in permeability to at least one of oxygen and carbon dioxide by a factor of at least 2.5 over a temperature range of 10° C. between 0° C. and 40° C. Also disclosed are packaging materials comprising the blended composition and methods for storing respiring materials using the packaging materials. |
| US08075965B2 |
Elastomeric gloves and methods of making
Elastomeric film-like products such as natural latex gloves are coated with novel lubricity compositions and compositions which protect the skin of the wearer from certain undesirable medical conditions. In powder-coated gloves, the coating composition comprises rice starch, and optionally USP-grade colloidal oatmeal in pharmaceutically accepted concentration. In powder-free gloves, the coating composition comprises colloidal oatmeal enhanced water or beta glucan solution, optionally in combination with one or more other starch components. Colloidal oatmeal enhanced water, and methods of making the colloidal oatmeal enhanced water are also disclosed. In addition, beta glucan solution, and methods of making the beta glucan solution are also disclosed. A liquid referred to herein as Polycoat may also be made by mixing colloidal oatmeal enhanced water with beta glucan solution, and the resulting liquid may be applied to elastomeric articles such as gloves. |
| US08075958B2 |
Methods for providing thin hydrogen separation membranes and associated uses
The present disclosure is generally related to providing thin hydrogen separation membranes coated on porous substrates that are useful in membrane steam reformers and methods for making same. These reformers can be integrated with protein exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells to form power systems. |
| US08075957B2 |
Method of preventing corrosion degradation using Ni or Ni-alloy plating
Disclosed herein is a method of preventing corrosion degradation in a defective region including an expansion transition region and/or an expansion region of a heat transfer tube of a steam generator in a nuclear power plant by using nickel (Ni) plating or nickel (Ni) alloy plating. The method can prevent various types of corrosion damage, such as pitting corrosion, abrasion, stress corrosion cracking, lead-induced stress corrosion cracking and the like, occurring during the operation of the steam generator, and particularly, pitting corrosion or primary and secondary stress corrosion cracking, so that the life span of the steam generator is increased, maintenance costs are reduced, and the operation rate of a nuclear power plant is increased, with the result that the unit cost of the production of electric power can be decreased, thereby improving economic efficiency. Further, the method can be usefully used to prevent the corrosion damage of parts and equipment of nuclear, hydroelectric or thermoelectric power plants or of petrochemical plants, and that of industrial and machine parts and equipment, and parts and equipment in a defense industry. |
| US08075956B2 |
Metal-enhanced fluorescence from plastic substrates
The present invention relates to methods for functionally modifying a polymeric surface for subsequent deposition of metallic particles and/or films, wherein the polymeric surface is modified by increasing hydroxyl and/or amine functional groups thereby providing an activated polymeric surface for deposition of metallic particles to form a fluorescence sensing device. The device can be used for metal-enhanced fluorescence of fluorophores positioned above the metallic particles that can be readily applied to diagnostic or sensing applications of metal-enhanced fluorescence. |
| US08075945B2 |
Manufacturing method of wiring and storage element
In a coating method, such as a droplet discharge method which requires baking, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the baking temperature at the time of forming a wiring and a conductive film. As a feature of the present invention, a composition, in which nanoparticles of a conductive material are dispersed in a solvent, is discharged using a droplet discharge method, and then dried to vaporize the solvent. Then, pretreatment using active oxygen is performed. After which, baking is then performed, whereby a wiring and a conductive film are formed. By performance of the pretreatment by active oxygen before the baking, a baking temperature at the time of forming the wiring and conductive film can be reduced. |
| US08075944B2 |
Film forming method and producing method for electron source substrate
In case of forming films in plural positions with an ink jet head having plural nozzles, to provide a method of efficiently correcting an aberration in the liquid droplet applying position resulting for example from a distortion of a substrate, thereby producing an electron source with a high production yield. Positions of device electrodes 2, 3 on the electron source substrate 1 are detected by fetching in advance a surface image of the substrate 1, then a position of an electroconductive film 4 is calculated as a liquid droplet applying position, and an inclination angle θ of the ink jet head 11 is so regulated that a pitch of the nozzles 12 matches a pitch d of the obtained liquid droplet applying positions. |
| US08075942B1 |
Microengineered optical filters that closely match predefined transmission curves and systems and methods of manufacture
Disclosed are methods for producing optical filters on a substrate. In particular, methods for producing microengineered optical filters for the ultraviolet/visible/infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum are disclosed, as well as a computer-based system and method for precisely matching predefined target transmission spectra using various coating materials whose spectra can be combined and weighted for the matching. In addition, methods for producing printed optical filters comprising multiple coating components to produce composite optical filters whose transmission spectra match predefined target filter spectrum specifications are disclosed, where the thickness and fill factor of each component coating is tailored, based on the weighting of each component coating transmission spectrum. |
| US08075941B2 |
Method and arrangement in coating line
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in a coating line, in which a fibre (2) is uncoiled from a fibre start (1) by means of a pulling device (5) to an extrusion head (3) that comprises a die part (7) and a torpedo part, by means of which on the surface of a primary coated fibre there is arranged a buffer layer which is in tight contact with the primary coated fibre, and in which method the tightly coated fibre is cooled downstream of the extrusion head (3) in a predetermined manner. First there is determined a target value for line tension by means of the correlation between a line tension and a force required for stripping a buffer layer and the line tension between the extrusion head (3) and the pulling device (5) is measured. The obtained measurement data is compared with the target value to be obtained by means of the correlation between the line tension and the force required for stripping the buffer layer and the position of the die part (7) and/or the torpedo part of the extrusion head (3) is adjusted in the axial direction of the fibre such that the measurement value to be obtained from the line tension measurement attains the target value. |
| US08075939B2 |
Decontamination of animal feed containing prion (eg. BSE agent)
A method of producing an animal feed that is free from transmittable degenerative encephalopathies is provided. Central to the method is alkali treatment of animal material at a pH of at least 8.5 under temperature conditions below 100 C at atmospheric pressure. This method provides a decontaminated animal feed produced under relatively low temperature and pressure conditions that are achievable in standard animal carcass rendering facilities. |
| US08075937B2 |
Alkyldienamides exhibiting taste and sensory effect in flavor compositions
Alkyldienamides compounds suitable for use as flavoring agents are disclosed. The compounds are used as flavors since they possess umami characteristics or other desirable organoleptic properties. The disclosed compounds are defined by the structure set forth below: wherein R is ethyl or cyclopropyl; and wherein R′ is methyl or butyl, with the proviso that when R is ethyl, R′ is not methyl. |
| US08075935B2 |
Methods and systems for brewing variable amounts of coffee
A method brewing a beverage or coffee, and an associated system, include a water reservoir having a fixed capacity, an electric pump, a steel vessel with an inlet and an outlet for water and with a heater for heating the water, a container for holding coffee grounds having a removable insert for selectively optimizing coffee strength including but not limited to optimizing for amount of coffee brewed, and an optional heater to keep brewed coffee at a desired temperature until dispensed. |
| US08075929B2 |
Grape extract, dietary supplement thereof, and processes therefor
The present invention relates to a novel grape extract, and processes for making such, that is useful for, inter alia, treating pre-hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome and/or the conditions that comprise Metabolic Syndrome. The processes of the present invention produce a highly concentrated polyphenol product by maximizing extraction of monomeric and oligomeric procyanidins and minimizing extraction of polymeric procyanidins. The grape extract of the present invention comprises between about 5-15% monomers, about 5-20% dimers, about 3-10% trimers, about 2-10% tetramers, and about 2-10% pentamers by weight. The grape extract of the present invention can be formulated into dietary supplements, including capsules, tablets, powders, solutions, gels, suspensions, creams, gels, and the like. These dietary supplements in, for instance, powder or solution form, may be added to nutraceuticals, foods and/or beverages to form functional nutraceutical, food, and/or beverage products. |
| US08075928B2 |
Method for fermentation and cultivation, fermented plant extract, fermented plant extract powder, and composition containing the extract of fermented plant
For the purpose of providing a method of safely and inexpensively producing a fermented plant extract containing an immunopotentiator at a high concentration, the method for fermentation and culture of the present invention ferments a plant component such as wheat flour using Pantoea agglomerans which is a gram negative bacterium which lives in a symbiotic relationship with a plant such as wheat and apple. It becomes possible to remarkably augment an immunopotentiation action which the plant has. In addition, these are not contaminated with impurities derived from animal components, and thus these are highly safe. |
| US08075925B2 |
Production of canola protein
A canola protein isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N×6.25), preferably at least about 100 wt %, and consisting predominantly of the 2S protein and substantially free from the 7S and 12S proteins is prepared. In one aspect, canola oil seed meal is extracted with aqueous protein solution at an elevated temperature to preferentially extract 2S protein from the meal to produce a canola protein solution containing predominantly 2S protein. The 2S canola protein is recovered as an isolate. In another aspect, canola oil seed meal is initially extracted with water to preferentially extract 7S and 12S canola proteins followed by extraction of the canola oil seed meal with aqueous saline solution to extract 2S protein from the meal. 2S canola protein isolate is recovered from the saline extract. In another aspect, the canola oil seed meal is extracted with aqueous saline solution to extract 2S, 7S and 12S proteins from the meal. The aqueous protein extract solution is heat treated at an elevated temperature to precipitate 7S and 12S proteins and leave a 2S protein solution from which the isolate may be recovered. In a further aspect, the aqueous protein solution is concentrated prior to the heat treatment. |
| US08075923B2 |
Use of hederagenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-(β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)-α-L-arabinopyranoside or an extract from pulsatillae radix containing the same as a therapeutic agent for solid tumors
This invention relates to a use of hederagenin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl((1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)]-α-L-arabinopyranoside or a Pulsatillae radix extract containing the same as a therapeutic agent for solid tumors. Also, this invention relates to a method of preparing a therapeutic agent for solid tumors by using hederagenin 3-0-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)]-α-L-arabinopyranoside, or a method of treating a subject suffering from solid tumors, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective dose of hederagenin 3-0-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→4)]-α-L-arabinopyranoside. |
| US08075922B2 |
Method of co-infusing a deoxygenated hemoglobin containing blood substitute and inorganic nitrite
Contrary to current opinion that nitrite in general oxidizes hemoglobin with elimination of active nitric oxide, deoxygenated hemoglobin reacts with low concentration inorganic nitrite to produce very stable iron nitrosyl hemoglobin which on delivery into the body is converted to a hemoglobin capable of nitric oxide delivery and provides vasodilator and antiplatelet activity. This provides basis for ameliorated risk blood product transfusions. |
| US08075920B2 |
Administration of cells and cellular extracts for rejuvenation
The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. In some embodiments, the invention relates to compositions of cells, eggs, cell extracts, egg extracts, and extract components such as purified nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, carbohydrates or other natural products. |
| US08075919B2 |
Methods for fabrication, uses and compositions of small spherical particles prepared by controlled phase separation
The present invention is related to a method for preparing small spherical particles of an active agent by providing a solution in a single liquid phase. The single liquid phase comprises an active agent, a phase separation enhancing agent, and a first solvent. A phase change is induced at a controlled rate in the solution to cause a liquid-solid phase separation of the active agent and to form a solid phase and a liquid phase. The solid phase comprises solid small spherical particles of the active agent. The liquid phase comprises the phase separation enhancing agent and the solvent. The small spherical particles are substantially spherical and having a size from about 0.01 μm to about 200 μm. |
| US08075918B2 |
Carbon nanocapsule thin film and preparation method thereof
A carbon nanocapsule thin film and the preparation method thereof. A plurality of carbon nanocapsules are electroplated on a substrate, and the carbon nanocapsule thin film is thereby formed. By electroplating purified carbon nanocapsules on the substrate, the carbon nanocapsule thin film, electric- and heat-conductive, chemical-resistive, and anti-oxidizing, is formed. |
| US08075913B2 |
Method of producing a cationic liposomal preparation comprising a lipophilic compound
A method for producing a cationic liposomal preparation comprising a lipophilic active compound with physical and chemical stability during manufacturing, storing and reconstituting, and further a cationic liposomal preparation obtainable by this method as well as specific cationic liposomal preparations as well as pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. |
| US08075912B2 |
Autodestructive transdermal therapeutic system
The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS), preferably in the form of a transdermal plaster, that contains an active substance and an agent which can destroy the active substance. The TTS further includes a means of bringing the active substance, e.g. buprenorphine, and the agent, e.g. potassium permanganate, into contact when the TTS is removed from the skin of the patient, thereby causing the active substance to be destroyed. |