最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08279852B2 Method and system for measuring market share for voice over internet protocol carriers
Methods and apparatus to measure market share for voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) carriers is disclosed. An example method includes querying a plurality of VoIP carrier servers to determine the VoIP carrier server that owns the telephone subscriber number and, in response to the querying, receiving a plurality of messages operable to determine whether the telephone subscriber number is found within any one of the plurality of VoIP carrier servers. The example method also includes, when the received plurality of messages is at least one of inconclusive or when the telephone subscriber number is not found within any one of the plurality of VoIP carrier servers, placing a first partial call to the telephone subscriber number from a first VoIP number within a first VoIP carrier network. Further, the example method includes, in response to placing the first partial call, receiving a first signal from the first VoIP carrier network, and based on the first received signal, determining whether the telephone subscriber number belongs to the first VoIP carrier network.
US08279850B2 Methods and apparatus to implement voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phones
Methods and apparatus to implement voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phones are disclosed. A disclosed example VoIP phone comprises a phone housing, a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) processor located in the phone housing, and a bay defined in the phone housing and dimensioned to receive a user-replaceable network interface.
US08279848B1 Determining characteristics of a mobile user of a network
Systems and methods are provided for determining characteristics of a mobile user of a network. The system includes a provider and a mobile device communicating with the provider. A communication with the provider includes a header having user characteristics. The provider is configured to determine a content to provide to the mobile device based on the user characteristics in the header.
US08279843B2 Application-enablement data switch for enhancing legacy NFC services with web services
An Application-Enablement data switch enables web-enhanced services to be provided to legacy near-field communication (NFC) systems. The data switch receives IP packets from a legacy network and identifies select IP packets that contain NFC data indicating a reader ID of an NFC reader and a tag ID of an NFC tag in communication with the NFC reader. The switch further extracts the NFC data from the select IP packets and inserts the NFC data into a request message that is transmitted to a web application server that provides the web-enhanced services based on the NFC data.
US08279841B2 Mobile station and data transmission method
In a mobile station UE1, a service-type information detection unit 41 for detecting service-type information contained in the header of a packet in which transmit data is carried is provided at a radio link control layer 37 or a packet data convergence protocol sublayer 38.
US08279839B2 Transmission method in a wireless telecommunication system including at least a base station intended to communicate with terminals
A transmission method in a wireless telecommunication system including at least a base station intended to communicate with terminals over bidirectional communication channels, wherein one or more supplementary symbols that are formed of a set of pilot sequence elements are transmitted between the base station and the terminal during a time delay. The method includes the steps of: obtaining the multiplexing resources of the wireless telecommunication system, assigning to at least one obtained multiplexing resource, pilot sequence elements, and transferring at least one supplementary symbol that includes pilot sequence elements.
US08279835B2 Method to facilitate user equipment handoff within a packet data communication system
A method to facilitate user equipment (UE) handoff within a packet data communication system includes receiving at the Evolved NodeB (eNB) via a serving relay node an indication that the UE will undergo a handoff from the serving relay node to a target node; receiving at the eNB first packet data having a first payload and a first Internet protocol (IP) header identifying an address of the eNB; extracting, at the eNB, the first payload from the first packet data to form a first packet data unit (PDU) including the extracted first payload and a second IP header identifying the address of the eNB and an address of the target node; and transmitting, from the eNB to the target node, the first PDU to permit the target node to transmit the first payload of the first PDU to the UE, the target node being identified using the second IP header.
US08279834B2 Method and an arrangement for legacy fallback between communication network systems
A method for handling Circuit Switched Fallback includes receiving an indication that Circuit Switched Fallback is supported and registering to a Circuit Switched domain by tunneling Circuit Switched Registration information to the Circuit Switched domain. The method also includes receiving information that includes a Circuit Switched specific parameter setting. The method further includes preparing for using Circuit Switched Fallback by applying the received Circuit Switched specific parameter setting and switching from a Packet Switched domain to the Circuit Switched domain.
US08279830B2 Method of performing handover for a dual transfer mode in a wireless mobile communication system
A method of performing Dual Transfer Mode (DTM) handover by a mobile station (MS) in a wireless mobile communication system is disclosed. More specifically, the MS receives information of neighbor cells, wherein the information is a list of neighbor cells whose signal strengths the MS should measure and transmits a message including results of the measured neighbor cells. Furthermore, the MS receives a message from a network, wherein the message is a DTM Handover Command message which instructs the MS to perform a DTM handover procedure with one of the neighbor cells. Lastly, the MS performs the DTM handover procedure.
US08279822B2 Method and apparatus for scheduling an acknowledgement in a wireless communication system
A communication system is provided that facilitates an expedited exchange of a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) acknowledgment by scheduling the TCP acknowledgment at a higher priority than Best Effort and/or by arranging for a scheduling of the TCP acknowledgment based on a predicted transmission of a request to schedule the TCP acknowledgment.
US08279820B2 Apparatus and method for allocating ID cell to avoid preamble pseudo noise code duplication in broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus is configured to allocate an IDentification (ID) cell to avoid duplication of a preamble Pseudo Noise (PN) code in a broadband wireless communication system. The apparatus selects one sector inside the system. A temporary ID cell for the selected sector is selected. Whether an ID cell of a sector to which an ID cell has been already allocated inside a minimum unit group for ID cell allocation is the same as the temporary ID cell is determined. Whether PN codes of sectors inside a neighbor list of the selected sector are the same as temporary PN codes determined using the temporary ID cell are determined. When the temporary ID cell is not duplicated and the temporary PN codes are not duplicated, the selected temporary ID cell is allocated as an ID cell of the selected sector.
US08279814B2 Method and apparatus for allocating channel time in wireless personal area network
Provided is a method of allocating a channel time in a wireless personal area network (WPAN). In a WPAN where a parent piconet and at least one child piconet coexist, the method includes receiving a request frame transmitted from at least one of a plurality of child piconnet coordinators (PNCs) in order to request channel time allocation for data transmission, according to a common mode that is a PHY transmission mode commonly supported by a parent PNC and the child PNCs; and transmitting a beacon frame including channel time allocation information corresponding to the request frame to all the child PNCs of the WPAN.
US08279809B2 Transmission power control for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals
Wireless communication with a communicating apparatus that is a limited band terminal capable of receiving only part of frequencies. A frequency channel allocating section allocates frequency channels, a terminal reception quality information processing section calculates an optimal modulation rate and required transmit power for each subcarrier, a subcarrier power control section controls a level of transmit power for each subcarrier, and a determining section checks a reception bandwidth of a communicating apparatus, while determining whether the communicating apparatus is a full band terminal capable of receiving all the frequency channels in the system band or a limited band terminal capable of receiving only part of frequencies. When the communicating apparatus is the limited band terminal, the transmit power of all or part of subcarriers is decreased in a frequency channel that is adjacent to a reception band allocated to the communicating apparatus and that is allocated to another communicating apparatus.
US08279807B2 Communication control method, network node, and mobile terminal
A technology is disclosed with which a mobile terminal moving in a PMIP domain receives various types of prefixes and selects a type of an address to be configured, and route optimization is performed without adding a signaling load on the PMIP domain. According to the technique, when connecting with a home domain, a MN (310) requests a plurality of prefixes. When a MAG (320) makes an AAA server (340) authorize the MN and receives a notification instruction of the plurality of prefixes from the AAA server, the MAG 320 makes a notification of the plurality of prefixes with a RA message (364), for example. The MN configures a plurality of addresses (for example, a PMIP address including a PMIP domain prefix or a global address including an on-link prefix) from the plurality of prefixes received and notifies the MAG of the same. The MAG registers a plurality of bindings relating to the plurality of addresses with a LMA (330).
US08279805B2 Residential gateway
A particular residential gateway includes a connector interface to receive a composite signal including voice data, video data, and network data via one or more communication lines and a power coupling device to receive power via the one or more communication lines. The residential gateway includes a voice module to route the voice data to a voice-enabled device coupled to a network interface, a video module to route the video data to a video-enabled device coupled to the network interface, and a network module to route the network data to a computing device coupled to the network interface. The residential gateway further includes a testing module to communicate test results to an external device via a data communication interface. At least one of the voice module, the video module, the network module, and the testing module is powered using the power received by the power coupling device.
US08279801B2 Radio base station apparatus and radio terminal apparatus
A radio base station apparatus of the invention includes a scramble code-generating part that generates a different scramble code for each sector, at least for adjacent sectors, and a scrambling part that uses a scramble code generated by said scramble code-generating part to scramble a scrambling-target portion in said downlink sub-frame. This contributes to increasing extraction precision when extracting a desired signal from a signal that was affected by interference between/among sectors.
US08279793B2 Multi-stage setup for long-term evolution multimedia broadcast multicast service transmissions
A system for providing a service is provided. The system includes a central control to promote a plurality of cells to use a first counting method to determine whether user equipment within the plurality of cells are interested in the service. Based on responses from at least one of the cells having interested user equipment, the central control promotes the at least one of the cells to either provide the service via point-to-multipoint broadcast, or use a second counting method to determine whether to provide the service via point-to-multipoint broadcast or point-to-point communication.
US08279788B2 Method and system for stateful negotiation of energy efficient parameters in layer 2
A method and system for stateful negotiation of energy efficient parameters in Layer 2 are provided. In this regard, energy efficiency of communications between a first network device and a second network device may be managed via an exchange of information between the network devices and a verification of whether the information is up-to-date prior to utilizing the information. In various embodiments of the invention, the second network device may generate a decision pertaining to implementing one or more energy efficient techniques and the second network device may send a message to the first network device requesting that the first network device implement the decision. The message sent to the first network device may comprise the decision as well as parameter values utilized to generate the decision. The first network device may receive the decision and the parameter values and may determine whether the received parameter values are up-to-date.
US08279784B2 Wireless HD AV packet format
An audio/video (AV) processor is coupled to a media access controller (MAC) to generate a composite packet having an optimized format for carrying audio, video, and data traffic with fields in a header of the composite packet specifying video-specific information. A physical device interface (PHY) is coupled to the MAC. The PHY encodes and decodes between a digital signal and a modulated analog signal. The PHY comprises a high rate physical layer circuit (HRP) and a low rate physical layer circuit (LRP). A radio frequency (RF) transmitter is coupled to the PHY to transmit data.
US08279783B1 Linear-equivalent echo and next cancellers for Tomlinson-Harashima Precoding (THP) systems
In one implementation, a transceiver is provided that includes a precoder to pre-equalize a data signal transmitted from the transceiver. The transceiver further includes an interference cancellation system to substantially cancel interference from a data signal received by the transceiver. The precoder and the interference cancellation system share at least one common input signal.
US08279782B2 Systems and methods for the assignment of a plurality of processors to a plurality of data servers
The present invention provides systems and methods for the assignment of a plurality of processors to a plurality of data servers. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods for addressing the problem of transmitter/receiver assignment for softer handoff in CDMA systems as well as any other system that requires variable size allocation of processors in a resource sharing environment. An exemplary embodiment of a system for processing data received from data servers according to the present invention comprises a shared medium, a plurality of processors and a smaller plurality of intermediate nodes partitioned into K sets, wherein at the kth set, every “k” processors are associated with one intermediate node. The shared medium couples the data servers to the intermediate nodes. Additionally, the system may include a system controller for controlling the operation of the system and the assignment of processors to the intermediate nodes and to the data servers at the beginning of each service request and thereafter upon each modification request to the service.
US08279774B2 Description method for optimizing exchanges of information on acknowledgement in asynchronous communication between terminal and network
In a method for optimizing exchanges of acknowledgement signals between a mobile equipment in asynchronous communication with a plurality of base stations of a cellular telecommunication network, the terminal sends data to the base stations and each base station is likely to return to the terminal a positive acknowledgement ACK or negative acknowledgement NACK. The method includes the steps of: synchronizing the mobile equipment with the network; and estimating quality of downlink communication between each base station and the mobile equipment on at least one standardized channel, such that if at least one base station returns an acknowledgement to the mobile equipment, the mobile equipment only requests a NACK from the base stations while the data is continuously being transmitted, and if all the base stations return a NACK to the mobile equipment, the mobile equipment only requests an ACK from the base stations during the current communication.
US08279771B2 Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to monitor communication paths in communication systems
Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to monitor communication paths in communication systems are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes identifying first and second inter-network communication links of a communication system, identifying a first plurality of router pairs associated with the first inter-network communication link, identifying a second plurality of router pairs associated with the second inter-network communication link, partitioning the first plurality of router pairs into a first subset of router pairs and a second subset of router pairs, partitioning the second plurality of router pairs into a third subset of router pairs and a fourth subset of router pairs, during a first time interval, performing first reachability tests for respective ones of the first and third subsets of router pairs, and during a second time interval, performing second reachability tests for respective ones of the second and fourth subsets of router pairs.
US08279770B2 Uplink transmit diversity enhancement
A method for uplink transmit diversity enhancement is described. Two or more potential uplink transmission configurations are determined. Each potential uplink transmission configuration is evaluated. An uplink transmission configuration is selected based on the evaluation. Metrics of the selected uplink transmission configuration are determined. Cycle adaptation parameters are adjusted. The selected uplink transmission configuration is applied for an extended use period.
US08279769B2 Mode switching of a data communications link
A method and apparatus for determining a time-out period used for switching between a first operational mode and a second operational mode of a data communications link, comprising detecting a signal used to request switching from the first operational mode to the second operational mode; measuring the duration of the signal; and determining the time-out period in dependence on the measured duration of the signal.
US08279767B2 Method of frequency channel assignment using effective spectrum sensing in multiple frequency assignment system
Provided is a method of assigning a frequency channel using efficient spectrum sensing in a multiple Frequency Assignment (FA) system. The method includes a channel sensing process, wherein a base station (BS) of a secondary user classifies multiple frequency channels licensed to a primary user into a plurality of channel states by changing a sensing period according to the types of classified channel state sets, and manages the sensed channel states as frequency channel state set information; a channel state set broadcasting process, wherein the BS transmits the frequency channel state set information managed in the channel sensing process to secondary user terminals using a broadcast message; and a channel assigning process, wherein if the BS receives a channel assignment request message from a new secondary user terminal which has received the broadcast message, the BS assigns an unused frequency channel from among frequency channels licensed to the primary user to the new secondary user terminal using the frequency channel state set information. Accordingly, a frequency channel can be assigned to a secondary user requesting channel assignment using frequency channel state set information without a primary user experiencing interference noise.
US08279764B2 Method and apparatus for selecting a network element for testing a network
A network element is identified from among a plurality of network elements to be used to test parameters of a network. The use of one network element to test the network provides more reliable results than using random communications from a plurality of network elements. The test network element is identified using testing pool definitions which may be provided by a network operator. The testing procedure using the single network element may use multiple pings to reduce the affect of transient responses on the network.
US08279762B2 Interface switching method and device
In a redundant system where multiple network interfaces can be switched, an interface switching device includes: a transformer for transforming automatic switch information between a predetermined type used for a predetermined network interface and each of other types used for network interfaces other than the predetermined network interface; a switch controller for performing switch control for automatic switch information of the predetermined type; and a control interface for connecting a first network interface to the switch controller via the transformer when first automatic switch information received from the first network interface is not of the predetermined type.
US08279759B1 Protocol inter-worked ping mechanism
In one embodiment, a system includes a first network device configured to communicate on a first communication layer, and a second network device configured to communicate on a second communication layer. The system further includes a router communicatively coupled to the first and second network devices through at least one network path. The at least one router includes a ping inter-working unit configured to support the transmission of a message between the first and second network devices through the at least one network path.
US08279756B2 Communication terminal, communication control method, and communication control program
Transmission of excess segments to a network can be effectively inhibited. A received byte calculation section 14 calculates, at a sending side, the number of bytes of segments which arrive at a receiving side within a period of a minimum value of RTT measured by a minimum time measurement section 13, a target calculation section 15 calculates a target used for controlling segment transmission based on the number of bytes of the received segments calculated by the received byte calculation section 14, and a send segment control section 16 which controls segment transmission based on the target calculated by the target calculation section 15.
US08279755B2 FEC architecture for streaming services including symbol based operations and packet tagging
In a packet communications system stream data is transported over a channel over which packet loss or corruption is possible, with forward error correction (“FEC”) information. A transmitter receives source packets comprising source data, generates FEC source packets formatted to allow for identification of lost or corrupted source packets at a receiver, arranges source data from the source packets into a plurality of source symbols wherein at least one source packet is arranged into more than one source symbol, associates a plurality of source symbols with a source block, generates a plurality of repair symbols from the source block according to a predetermined FEC encoding process and groups the plurality of repair symbols into one or more FEC repair packets associated with the source block. A receiver can use the FEC repair symbols from the FEC repair packets to recover source symbols, as needed.
US08279754B1 RSVP-passive interfaces for traffic engineering peering links in MPLS networks
Constraint information associated with peering links is taken into account when establishing label switched paths (LSPs) to exit points of a network. Devices within the network, such as routers, designate interfaces associated with peering links as “passive interfaces” to indicate that the interfaces should be included for bandwidth accounting purposes and internal path computation. Other devices within the network utilize the constraint information, e.g., bandwidth availability, when computing and establishing LSPs to the exit points of the network to avoid congested peering links.
US08279752B1 Activating tunnels using control packets
Packet switch operating methods and packet switches detect, at a packet switch, a change in a first tunnel's ability to relay packets between the packet switch and another packet switch and, in response, send a control packet to the other packet switch. The control packet indicates a particular one of the tunnels is active on the packet switch. The packet switches are coupled together by the first tunnel and a second tunnel. A packet switch network includes a first packet switch and a second packet switch both configured to recognize disagreement regarding which one of a first tunnel and a second tunnel is active and which one is inactive in response to receiving control packets from each other and resolve the disagreement so that a particular one of the first tunnel and the second tunnel is active according to both the first packet switch and the second packet switch.
US08279751B2 System and method for signal failure detection in a ring bus system
A communication system, network node, and communication port architecture are provided for transporting data across a ring network. If a network node detects a signal failure, the communication port of the network node configures itself as timing master and communicates a shutdown command to the other network nodes. In addition, the communication port sets an internal flag signaling this “signal off” event. All other network nodes, which receive the shutdown flag, do not set this internal status, and instead, save a status of “no fault saved.” Accordingly, it can be easily determined where the loss of signal occurred.
US08279747B2 Information processing apparatus and signal transmission method
There is provided an information processing apparatus includes, an encoding section for encoding a bit string to generate a data signal having an amplitude of a1 and a transmission speed of b; a signal generation section for synchronously adding a clock having a frequency of b/K (K is a predetermined natural number), an amplitude of a2 (>a1), and a small duty ratio to the data signal generated by the encoding section to generate a transmission signal; and a signal transmission section for transmitting the transmission signal generated by the signal generation section.
US08279746B2 Apparatus and method for performing a scan procedure and mobile station comprising the same
An apparatus for performing a scan procedure according to an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) signal and a mobile station comprising the same are provided. The characteristic of the apparatus is that it comprises two FIT input buffers. In a first period of a downlink subframe, the first FFT input buffer is used for data transmission. In a second period of the downlink subframe, the second FFT input buffer is used for storing more than one OFDMA sample in advance for further processing. In a third period of an uplink subframe, the stored OFDMA samples can be used to generate a refined frame boundary and calculates a CINR value of each of a plurality of neighboring base stations. Therefore, the apparatus and the MS can perform the scan procedure without downgrading the network efficiency.
US08279745B2 Orthogonal vector DSL
A wire-based infrastructure capable of delivering high data rates is described herein. A transmission system, reception system, and/or repeater uses wire-mapping code matrices to reduce interference in multi-wire cables to increase the data rate provided by such multi-wire cables. More particularly, code mapping matrices are applied to transmission and/or received input signals to generate a mapped signal for each output wire or corresponding to each input wire such that each mapped signal comprises a different combination of all of the input signals. Different ones of the wire-mapped signals are ultimately transmitted on different wires. In so doing, the present invention facilitates crosstalk reduction, and therefore, provides a technique that increases the data rate available on multi-wire cables.
US08279743B2 Method for interference estimation for orthogonal pilot patterns
In an OFDM communications system receiver, channel estimates are processed to remove or reduce noise, exploiting the orthogonality of pilot patterns. The de-noised channel estimates are then used to compute inter-cell interference. The noise effects of orthogonal pilot patterns are selectively removed from channel samples in estimating inter-cell interference, depending on whether data subcarriers are subject to the same interference as pilot subcarriers, and whether data subcarriers are subject to interference from sectors with pilot patterns orthogonal to those in the transmitting sector. A further calculation removes noise from cells not identified by an orthogonal pilot sequence, which may be particularly applicable when large variations exist in the frequency domain of the propagation channel across a pilot pattern.
US08279736B2 Multilevel recording method and system thereof
The present invention discloses a multilevel recording method and system thereof. The multilevel recording method applied to a recording media comprises the following steps. At First, a plurality of beams are provided to a recording layer of the recording media, and the recording layer has a first structure and a second structure. Then, a first polarized reflected light of the first structure and a second polarized reflected light of the second structure are detected by a detecting unit. Then, a corresponding table is stored by a storing unit. The corresponding table comprises a relationship between the different angle of the polarized reflected light and a level of multilevel recording. Finally, the processing unit looks up the corresponding table to process multilevel recording.
US08279735B1 Reproducing system for mediums and method for identifying digital data of the mediums and reproducing the same
A method for identifying digital data and reproducing the same by executing a software program stored in a memory of a computer is disclosed. The method includes: reading a plurality of source mediums; identifying digital data of the plurality of source mediums; saving the digital data as a temporary file; receiving a request for selecting a target medium, wherein the target medium is used for storing the digital data of the plurality of source mediums; determining a quantity of the target medium to be used for writing according to the size of the digital data and the size of the target medium; and writing the digital data of the plurality of source mediums into the target medium.
US08279730B2 Optical disc apparatus and data writing method
An optical disc apparatus for performing both the operation of writing data on an optical disc and the operation of reading data that is stored on the optical disc includes a motor for rotating the optical disc, an optical pickup, which irradiates the optical disc with a light beam and detects the light that has been reflected from the optical disc, an evaluation section for obtaining an indicative parameter of the distortion of a signal waveform representing the light reflected from a data stored part on the optical disc while the optical disc is being rotated by the motor, and a control section for changing the number of revolutions of the optical disc Per unit time if a variation in the indicative parameter of the distortion per rotation of the optical disc exceeds a threshold value while the optical disc is being rotated by the motor.
US08279717B2 Calendar mechanism and analog timepiece equipped with same mechanism
To provide a calendar mechanism which can easily and reliably cause first and second date indicators to coincide in rotation phase, and an analog timepiece equipped therewith. A calendar mechanism of an analog timepiece includes a first date indicator including a first date character indication portion which indicates the ones column of the date, a first date indicator gear portion, and a drive cam portion which defines an endless ring-shaped cam face; a drive cam lever which includes a driven lever portion whose one end portion abuts against the drive cam portion, and an operating lever portion which includes a first fan-shaped gear portion at the leading end portion, the operating lever portion being pivoted in accordance with the driven lever portion; and a second date indicator which, being rotatable, includes a second date character indication portion which indicates the tens column of the date, and a second fan-shaped gear portion meshing with the first fan-shaped gear portion. The first fan-shaped gear portion and second fan-shaped gear portion have specified teeth which are brought into selective meshing engagement in a condition in which the first date indicator and second date indicator coincide in rotation phase.
US08279711B2 Digital air gun
A marine air gun generates an acoustic signal in water, for example, during a marine seismic survey. The marine air gun includes digital electronic circuitry. The digital electronic circuitry may control an actuator of the marine air gun, digitize and store data from sensors located on or near the marine air gun, send and/or receive digital communications, store and/or output electrical energy, and/or perform other functions. A marine seismic source system that includes multiple air gun clusters may have a separate digital communication link between a command center and each air gun cluster. Each communication link may provide power and digital communication between the command center and one of the air gun clusters.
US08279709B2 Loudspeaker position estimation
The invention relates to an automated estimation of the position (co-ordinates) of a set of loudspeakers in a ioom Based on measured impulse responses the distances between each pair of loudspeakers are estimated, thereby forming a distance matrix, and the resultant distance matrix is used by a multidimensional scaling (MDS) algorithm to estimate the co-ordinates of each individual loudspeaker An improved co-ordinate estimation can, if desired, be derived by utilizing the stress values provided by the MDS algorithm.
US08279707B2 Fusing geophysical data representing a geophysical space
Geophysical data representing at least first and second overlapping geophysical spaces may be aggregated. A first set of geophysical data representing the first geophysical space and a second set of geophysical data representing the second geophysical space may be obtained. The second set of geophysical data may be separate and discrete from the first set of geophysical data. The first set of geophysical data may be transformed from a first parametric domain to a third parametric domain, while the second set of geophysical data may be transformed from a second parametric domain to the third parametric domain. The first set of geophysical data may be fused with the second set of geophysical data in the third parametric domain to create a fused set of geophysical data. The fused set of geophysical data may be transformed from the third parametric domain to a fourth parametric domain.
US08279701B2 Semiconductor storage device and control methods thereof
A semiconductor storage device and control method are provided. The semiconductor storage device includes a storage unit including a plurality of storage elements specified by addresses and divided into a plurality of blocks each corresponding to a plurality of the addresses, a write address decoding circuit that decodes a write address specifying a block to write data, a write buffer provided in a write signal path to input write data including write address to the block specified by the write address and a write buffer control unit that disables a write buffer provided in the write signal path for inputting the write data to blocks other than a block including a write address decoded by the write address decoding circuit.
US08279700B2 Semiconductor electrically programmable fuse (eFuse) having a polysilicon layer not doped with an impurity ion and a programming method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a fuse link that connects between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first terminal and the fuse link have a polysilicon layer doped with an impurity ion and a layer containing a metal element laminated on the polysilicon layer. The second terminal has a polysilicon layer not doped with an impurity ion and a layer containing a metal element laminated on the polysilicon layer, in at least a part of an end side connected to the fuse link.
US08279697B2 Circuits and methods for reducing noise in the power supply of circuits coupled to a bidirectional bus
Circuits and methods for reducing noise in the power supply of circuits coupled to a bidirectional bus are presented. The circuits and methods are responsive to an idle condition on the bidirectional bus. The control signal is applied to and changes an electrical characteristic within the receiver to generate a voltage offset. The voltage offset prevents unintended voltage transitions in the power supply of circuits coupled to the bidirectional bus from generating a signal transition on an output signal connection of the receiver.
US08279695B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device has: memory blocks; and a local bus connected to the memory blocks. Each memory block has: switches respectively provided between bit line pairs and the local bus and each of which is turned ON in response to a selection signal; a dummy local bus; first and second control circuits. The local bus and the dummy local bus are precharged to a first potential before a read operation. In the read operation, the first control circuit outputs the selection signal to a selected switch to electrically connect a selected bit line pair and the local bus, while the second control circuit supplies a second potential lower than the first potential to the dummy local bus. The first control circuit stops outputting the selection signal when a potential of the dummy local bus is decreased to a predetermined set potential that is between the first and second potentials.
US08279682B2 Determining memory page status
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, modules, and systems for operating semiconductor memory. One method embodiment includes determining a status of a page of memory cells without using input/output (I/O) circuitry, and outputting the status through the I/O circuitry.
US08279681B2 Method of using a nonvolatile memory cell
An electronic device can include a nonvolatile memory cell. In a particular embodiment, during an erase pulse, all unselected lines are at substantially the same voltage, and a row or segment of a row, such as a word, is erased during the erase pulse. In another embodiment, selected control gate and erase lines are at substantially the same voltage during a programming pulse. In a further embodiment, charge carriers tunnel through a dielectric layer of a component during a program pulse, and charge carriers tunnel through a different dielectric layer of a different component during an erase pulse.
US08279679B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device, method of reading data therefrom, and semiconductor device
A control circuit is configured to perform, in a write operation to a memory cell and a verify operation for verifying a threshold voltage of the memory cell, a voltage control to provide the memory cell with threshold voltage distributions. The circuit is configured to apply, in a read operation from the memory cell, to a selected memory cell a read voltage between the lower and upper limits of the threshold voltage distributions, and apply to an unselected memory cell a first read-pass voltage higher than the upper limit of a first threshold voltage distribution that is the maximum distribution of the threshold voltage distributions. The circuit is configured to apply, at least during a verify operation in a first write operation conducted before a second write operation that completes writing to the first threshold voltage distribution, a second read-pass voltage lower than the first read-pass voltage to the unselected memory cell, and apply to the semiconductor layer and the source-line a positive voltage.
US08279678B2 Method of performing program verification operation using page buffer of nonvolatile memory device
A method of performing a program verification operation in a nonvolatile memory device includes storing program data, programmed into a selected memory cell of a memory cell block, in a page buffer which is coupled to a bit line of the memory cell block via a sense node, controlling a voltage level of the sense node in response to a value of the program data, changing the voltage level of the sense node in response to a program state of the selected memory cell coupled to the bit line, and performing a program verification operation on the selected memory cell by sensing the voltage level of the sense node.
US08279677B1 Power supply tracking single ended sensing scheme for SONOS memories
A SONOS memory sensing scheme includes a reference current circuit that tracks the changes in the power supply (Vcc). An equalizer of the current sense amplifier is coupled between the read out current line and the reference current line. The current sense amplifier includes data and datab (data bar) outputs which have a common mode noise due to variations in the power supply voltage. The data output is a current generated from the memory cell, and the datab output is generated by the current reference circuit.
US08279675B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method of programming the same
A nonvolatile memory device including a bit line voltage supply unit configured to supply a power source voltage, a second voltage in which a second reference voltage has been subtracted from a third reference voltage, or a third voltage in which a first reference voltage has been subtracted from the third reference voltage according to data stored in a first latch unit, a second latch unit, and a third latch unit included in a page buffer, and a bit line voltage setting unit configured to transfer a voltage of 0 V or an output voltage of the bit line voltage supply unit to a bit line according to the data stored in the first, second, and third latch units.
US08279673B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device is provided so that chip size may not increase and occurrence of misreading induced by capacitance of adjacent global bit lines GBL may be prevented, and includes: a non-volatile memory cell array for recording data by setting a threshold voltage for each memory cell transistor serially connected between selection transistors on terminals of a selected bit line; and a control circuit 11 for reading a bit line and data from the memory cell transistor through a global bit line commonly connected to the bit lines. A ground transistor 23 for connecting the global bit line with a predetermined power line is disposed at a position of the global bit line. The ground transistor 23 activated by the control circuit 11 is adjacent to the global bit line where the data is readout and connected to the global bit line where the data is not readout.
US08279668B2 Apparatus and method of memory programming
A memory programming apparatuses and/or methods are provided. The memory programming apparatus may include a data storage unit, a first counting unit, an index storage unit and/or a programming unit. The data storage unit may be configured to store a data page. The first counting unit may be configured to generate index information by counting a number of cells included in at least one reference threshold voltage state based on the data page. The index storage unit may be configured to store, the generated index information. The programming unit may be configured to store the data page in the data storage unit and store the generated index information in the index storage unit. The first counting unit may send the generated index information to the programming unit. The memory programming apparatus can monitor distribution states of threshold voltages in memory cells.
US08279666B2 Spin polarised magnetic device
A magnetic device includes a magnetic reference layer with a fixed magnetization direction located either in the plane of the layer or perpendicular to the plane of the layer, a magnetic storage layer with a variable magnetization direction, a non-magnetic spacer separating the reference layer and the storage layer and a magnetic spin polarizing layer with a magnetization perpendicular to that of the reference layer, and located out of the plane of the spin polarizing layer if the magnetization of the reference layer is directed in the plane of the reference layer or in the plane of the spin polarizing layer if the magnetization of the reference layer is directed perpendicular to the plane of the reference layer. The spin transfer coefficient between the reference layer and the storage layer is higher than the spin transfer coefficient between the spin polarizing layer and the storage layer.
US08279662B2 Multi-bit magnetic memory with independently programmable free layer domains
An apparatus and associated method for a non-volatile memory cell, such as a multi-bit magnetic random access memory cell. In accordance with various embodiments, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) has a ferromagnetic free layer with multiple magnetic domains that are each independently programmable to predetermined magnetizations. Those magnetizations can then be read as different logical states of the MTJ.
US08279656B2 Nonvolatile stacked nand memory
A memory cell is arranged to enhance the electrical field of the memory element. The memory cell has a metal-oxide memory element, a nonconductive element, and a conductive element. The metal-oxide memory element is in a current path between a first electrode at a first voltage and a second electrode at a second voltage. The nonconductive element is adjacent to the metal-oxide memory element.
US08279655B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and method of controlling non-volatile semiconductor memory device
According to an embodiment, there are provided a non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes: a memory cell array; a control circuit performing a series of operations to each memory cell and determining, as a defective memory cell, a memory cell whose data retention property does not satisfy a criteria, the series of operations including an operation applying a first bias to the memory cell in a forward direction, and including an operation thereafter applying a second bias to the memory cell in a reverse direction; a storage unit storing an address of the defective memory cell; and an address control unit performing a control to avoid storing data in the defective memory cell whose address is stored in the storage unit.
US08279653B2 Magnetic shift register memory in stack structure
A magnetic shift register memory in stack structure includes magnetic shift registering layers for forming an unit of stack structure. Each registering layer has multiple magnetic domains and each domain has a magnetization direction corresponding to a stored data. The two adjacent magnetic shift registering layers respectively have an upper magnetic domain and a lower magnetic domain forming a coupling region. By a coupling structure, the lower magnetic domain and the upper magnetic domain have the same stored data. A driving current unit is coupled to the magnetic shift registering layers for respectively providing a driving current in a predetermined direction to the magnetic shift registering layers. As a result, the stored data in the magnetic domains of the magnetic shift registering layers is shifted in a direction from a foremost registering layer to a last registering layer of the magnetic shift registering layers via the coupling structure.
US08279651B2 Memory chip package with efficient data I/O control
A memory chip includes a memory circuit unit configured to include memory cells for storing data, a data input and output (I/O) buffer unit configured to include a plurality of data I/O buffer circuits, wherein one of the data I/O buffer circuits is operated by default in order to input and output data to and from the memory chip, a plurality of driver control units configured to generate a plurality of driver addition signals to enable corresponding ones of the data I/O buffer circuits depending on whether a power supply voltage has been received, and a controller configured to generate I/O enable signals for controlling an operation of the data I/O buffer unit.
US08279645B2 Synchronizing frequency and phase of multiple variable frequency power converters
In an embodiment, a power converter system includes a plurality of variable frequency power converters and a plurality of synchronization circuits. Each variable frequency power converter has a switching frequency. Each synchronization circuit is associated with a respective one of the plurality of variable frequency power converters. A control circuit is coupled to and coordinates the plurality of synchronization circuits. The plurality of synchronization circuits and the control circuit are operable to synchronize the switching frequencies of the variable frequency power converters to each other. Each synchronization circuit is operable to: receive a first input signal indicative of the beginning of a switching period for the associated variable frequency power converter; receive a second input signal indicative of the end of the switching period for the associated variable frequency power converter; generate a first output signal for directing a pulse width modulation of the associated variable frequency power converter; and generate a second output signal for coordinating a phase relationship with another variable frequency power converter in the system.
US08279641B2 Electric power conversion apparatus having frequency fixing unit to control beat phenomenon
An electric power conversion apparatus includes a converter 1 for rectifying ac electric power, a series-connected set, of capacitors 2A and 2B, connected to the dc side of the converter, an inverter 3 for, by setting one end of the series-connected capacitor set to a high-potential level, the other end of the set to a low-potential level, and a connection point between the capacitors to a medium-potential level, selecting any one of the levels and outputting three-phase ac, an inverter control unit 4 for controlling the inverter 3, and a voltage measurement device 8 for measuring a capacitor voltage Vdc as a voltage between both ends of the series-connected set, of the capacitors 2A and 2B; and the inverter control unit 4 further includes a beatless control unit 21 for controlling a modulation factor γ in response to the capacitor voltage Vdc, and a frequency fixing unit 22 for fixing to a command value the frequency of an ac voltage outputted from the inverter 3.
US08279636B2 Flyback converter with forward converter reset clamp
A power supply includes a first power converter, a second power converter, and a clamp reset circuit. The clamp reset circuit is electrically coupled to other components within the first power converter and the second power converter. A clamp standby connection can be provided to electrically couple the clamp reset circuit to components comprising the second power converter. The clamp reset circuit is coupled to reduce magnetizing energy of a transformer of the first power converter and limit voltage in a component of the second power converter. The clamp reset circuit may include a Zener diode and a resistor that are adapted to reduce magnetizing energy of the first power converter and voltage through the second power converter. The clamp reset circuit normally includes a capacitor that is adapted to store energy from the first power converter and the second power converter.
US08279632B2 Apparatus for transfer of electrical energy
An apparatus for transfer of electrical energy between a primary side and a secondary side. The apparatus includes: at least one voltage input on the primary side; at least one transformer, wherein the transformer has on the primary side at least a first winding area and a second winding area; and at least one voltage monitoring unit, wherein the voltage monitoring unit is embodied in such a manner, that it connects the voltage input with the first winding area or the second winding area as a function of a primary voltage present at the voltage input.
US08279626B2 Add-on power meter assembly for electrical power raceway
A power meter assembly for enclosure within an electrical wiring raceway comprises a power meter affixed to a mounting plate. The mounting plate is of an arbitrary width down the length of the raceway. The mounting plate includes tabs for attachment to the raceway, facing away from the user, towards the raceway opening. The power meter provides typical electrical power information for viewing by a user, and may include buttons or other mechanisms to enable the user to select a desired data presentation.
US08279625B2 Printed circuit board radio-frequency shielding structures
Electrical components such as integrated circuits may be mounted on a printed circuit board. To prevent the electrical components from being subjected to electromagnetic interference, a radio-frequency shielding structure may be mounted over the electrical components. The radio-frequency shielding structure may be formed from a printed circuit that includes a ground plane such as a flex circuit or rigid printed circuit board that includes at least one blanket layer of metal. The printed circuit board to which the electrical components are mounted may include a recess in which the electrical components are mounted. Additional components may be mounted to the interior and exterior surface of the radio-frequency shielding structure. The radio-frequency shielding structure may be formed from a flex circuit that has slits at its corners to accommodate folding.
US08279621B2 AC—LED system in single chip with three metal contacts
A plurality of AC_LED units are coupled and disposed on a single chip to form an AC_LED system in single chip. Alternatively, an AC LED system in single chip with four metal contacts is also disclosed.
US08279614B2 Modem, in particular for subsea power line communication
A modem, in particular for subsea power line communication, has electronic components on a circuit board, and a metal encapsulation, wherein the encapsulation forms at least two chambers separated by at least one wall, wherein each of the chambers surrounds at least one of the electronic components.
US08279606B2 Processor loading system including a heat dissipater
A component loading system includes a board having a socket. A first base member is secured to the board through a plurality of first heat dissipater coupling posts. A first securing member is moveably coupled to the first base member. A second base member is secured to the board through a plurality of second heat dissipater coupling posts. A second securing member is moveably coupled to the second base member. A loading member is moveably coupled to the first base member and includes a pair of opposing side edges that define a width of the loading member. A heat dissipater is operable to be coupled to the plurality of first heat dissipater coupling posts and the plurality of second heat dissipater coupling posts. The loading member is operable to be secured to the board by moving the loading member adjacent the second base member, moving the first securing member into engagement with the second base member and a top surface of the loading member that extends between the side edges, and moving the second securing member into engagement with the first base member and the top surface of the loading member that extends between the side surfaces.
US08279604B2 Cooling system for cylindrical antenna
According to one embodiment, an antenna cooling system, comprises a first cylinder and a second cylinder substantially concentric to the first cylinder. The first and second cylinders form a chamber between the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The chamber is configured to receive a fluid flow. A plurality of fins are disposed within the chamber and rigidly coupled to the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The plurality of fins are configured to transmit thermal energy to the fluid flow. A plurality of ports are coupled to the second cylinder. Each port is configured to receive an antenna unit.
US08279602B2 Communications cabinet with projectile resistant vents
A communications cabinet includes a housing defining a location for mounting communications equipment, the housing having a wall formed of a first material with a first penetration resistance, a vent opening in the wall, and a door. At least one plate of material having a second penetration resistance greater than or about equal to the first penetration resistance is mounted between the vent opening and the location for mounting the communications equipment, and the plate is positioned to stop projectiles larger than a given size from traveling in a straight line from the at least one vent opening to the location for mounting communication equipment while leaving an airflow path from the vent opening to the location for mounting the communications equipment that passes around at least one edge of the plate of material through a gap between the at least one plate and the wall.
US08279599B2 Composite casing structure
A composite casing structure is applied to a housing of an electronic device. The composite casing structure includes a plastic frame and a metal plate. The plastic frame has a plurality of side walls surrounding four side edges thereof, and at least one open portion is formed by the side walls. The metal plate is combined with the plastic frame, and at least one reinforcing rib is formed on a surface of the metal plate, such that a position of the reinforcing rib is corresponding to a position of the open portion. With such a structural design, the composite casing has a lightweight and high-strength structure.
US08279598B2 Electronic device and semi-auto sliding mechanism thereof
A semi-auto sliding mechanism is provided, including a first member, a second member, a first rack, a second rack, a pinion gear pivotally connected to the second member, and a clockwork spring connecting the pinion gear to the second member. The first and second racks are disposed on the first member. When the first member is moved relative to the second member to a first position by an external force, the pinion gear rolls along the first rack, and an elastic potential energy is stored in the clockwork spring. When the external force is released, the clockwork spring impels the pinion gear to rotate along the second rack, such that the first member moves relative to the second member from the first position to a second position.
US08279597B2 Heatsink allowing in-situ maintenance in a stackable module
A modular processing module allowing in-situ maintenance is provided. The modular processing module comprises a set of processing module sides. Each processing module side comprises a circuit board, a plurality of connectors, and a plurality of processing nodes. Each processing module side couples to another processing module side using at least one connector in the plurality of connectors such that, when all of the set of processing module sides are coupled together, the modular processing module is formed. The modular processing module comprises an exterior connection to a power source and a communication system and at least one heatsink that couples to at least a portion of the plurality of processing nodes on one of the processing module sides and is designed such that, when a set of heatsinks in the modular processing module are installed, an empty space is left in a center of the modular processing module.
US08279594B2 Data transmission base and portable electronic apparatus
A data transmission base is used to transmit data for a data transmission device. The data transmission device has a data transmission body and a cover. The data transmission body has a first transmission interface. The data transmission base includes a transmission connection body and a cover connection body. The transmission connection body has a second transmission interface for connecting the first transmission interface. The cover connection body, which is connected to the transmission connection body, is used for connecting the cover.
US08279591B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a first pivot, an audio module, a second pivot, a cam, a follower, a latch, and an elastic element. The first pivot pivotally connects the first body with the second body. The second pivot pivotally connects the audio module with the second body. The cam is coupled with the first pivot. The follower contacts the cam. The latch is fastened to the audio module and connected with the follower. The elastic element includes two ends, one is against the second body, and the other one is against the audio module.
US08279585B2 Cathode for use in a wet capacitor
A cathode containing a metal substrate that possesses a micro-roughened surface imparted by spark anodization is provided. The surface is formed by contacting the substrate with an electrolytic solution and applying a voltage to form a dielectric sub-oxide layer. The voltage is raised to a sufficiently high level to initiate “sparking” at the surface of the substrate, which is believed to create high local surface temperatures sufficient to etch away the substrate. This results in the formation of a “micro-roughened” surface having a plurality elevated regions. These elevated regions can increase the effective surface area and thus allow for the formation of capacitors with increased cathode capacitance for a given size and/or capacitors with a reduced size for a given capacitance. The elevated regions may also exhibit excellent adhesion to additional electrochemically-active materials and provide enhanced stability in certain liquid electrolytes.
US08279578B2 Helical capacitor and manufacturing method thereof
[Problem to be Solved] To provide a helical capacitor for controlling a high-frequency power which flows in power lines, and a manufacturing method of the helical capacitor.[Solution] A helical capacitor is constituted by helically spiraling a belt shape capacitor line 1001 which includes an internal metal body to be a helically spiraled belt-shape internal electrical conductor, a dielectric film covering the internal electrical conductor, and an electrically conductive layer covering the dielectric film. The capacitor line of belt shape 1001 can be wrapped around the internal support body 1200. Internal metal body lead terminals 1311, 1321 are respectively formed at both ends of the internal metal body, and electrically conductive layer lead terminals 1312, 1322 can be respectively formed at both ends of the electrically conductive layer.
US08279574B2 Emergency lighting system
An emergency lighting system comprising an electrical panel board comprising a two-pole switched breaker with one pole controlled using an Emergency Remote Operated Relay. Each of the poles of the circuit breaker is fed by a single phase. The controlled pole feeds normal power to the lighting ballast operating under normal conditions. The non-controlled pole feeds constant power to at least one battery which provides back-up power to the light(s) in an emergency/power failed condition. The Emergency Remote Operated Relay further comprises a two pole circuit breaker (BQD 2P) with one of the poles connected to a Remote Operated Relay that is remotely controllable.
US08279573B2 Circuit protection device and system
A circuit protection device for protection of circuitry is provided. The circuit protection device comprises a housing defining a chamber and a plurality of conductors. The conductors are configured to connect to the circuitry and extending into the chamber, and comprise at least a first conductor and a second conductor spatially separated from the first conductor. The circuit protection device further comprises an ignition component disposed in the chamber and configured to electrically connect the first and second conductors. A circuit protection system is also presented.
US08279570B2 ESD protection for RF circuits
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit, adaptive to a radio frequency (RF) device, which includes a RF circuit coupled between a VDD power rail and a VSS power rail and having a RF I/O pad, includes an ESD clamp circuit coupled between a VDD power rail node and the VSS power rail node and a LC-tank structure coupled between the VDD power rail node and the VSS power rail node and to the RF I/O pad. The LC-tank structure includes a first ESD block between the VDD power rail node and the RF I/O pad, and a second ESD block between the VSS power rail node and the RF I/O pad. At least one of the first and second ESD blocks includes a pair of diodes coupled in parallel with each other and an inductor coupled in series with one of the pair of diodes.
US08279565B2 Methods and systems relating to overcurrent circuit protection
Systems and methods for providing overcurrent circuit protection are disclosed. A method of providing overcurrent circuit protection may include setting a threshold current value according to an operational state of a motor and sensing an amount of current being supplied to the motor. The method may further include electrically isolating the motor from a current source if the sensed current amount is greater than the threshold current value.
US08279549B2 System and method for setting bias for MR head
A device for setting a bias for a magneto-resistive (MR) head can include a counter configured to provide a count value that varies incrementally from a first count value to a maximum count value. Logic is configured to determine at least one of whether the bias for the MR head has reached a predetermined threshold and whether the counter has reached the maximum count value. The logic provides a bias output signal corresponding to the count value for setting the bias of the MR head according to the determination by the logic.
US08279548B2 Microwave oscillating element and thin film magnetic head therewith
A microwave oscillation element of the present invention includes a lamination main part in which an oscillating layer that is a magnetization free layer and that generates a high frequency electromagnetic field by an excitation of a spin wave, a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, a polarizer layer, and a reference layer that is to be a base magnetic layer of a spin transfer due to application of current are layered in this order. The oscillating layer is made of CoIr, the polarizer layer is configured of CoCr or CoRu; and the nonmagnetic intermediate layer is configured of Cr or Ru. As a result, the efficiency of the spin injection is improved and the microwave oscillation element where the oscillation efficiency is excellent can be realized.
US08279547B2 Method of setting zone layout of recording medium, and apparatus using method
A data storage device determines a zone layout based on a quality evaluation factor. The zone layout is designed such that a measurement value of the quality evaluation factor for each track in each zone is within a range between a predetermined upper limit and a predetermined lower limit and a maximum amount of variation of the measurement value within each zone is substantially equal to a difference between the upper limit and the lower limit.
US08279545B2 High bandwidth data transfer to and from rotating data storage devices
A method of transferring data of one or more rotatable data storage devices includes but is not limited to rotating the at least one rotatable data storage device; transferring the data between a plurality of stationary data transfer heads and the one or more rotatable data storage devices; and using one or more computer programs to determine which of the plurality of stationary data transfer heads are to be used to transfer a first portion of the data between the plurality of stationary data transfer heads and the one or more rotatable data storage devices and the direction in which the first portion of the data is to be transferred. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application. Other methods and apparatuses are also disclosed.
US08279543B2 Lens drive unit, lens barrel and imaging apparatus
A lens drive unit includes a movable member with lenses; and a guide portion configured to movably guide the movable member back and forth along a predetermined direction and rotatably guide the movable member about a predetermined rotational axis in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens. A distance r between the gravity center of the movable member and the rotational axis satisfies the following expression (A): r≦√{square root over (0.2J/M)}  (A).
US08279542B2 Optical device and lens assembly
An optical device (1) includes: a first capillary tube assembly (2) and a second capillary tube assembly (3), in which capillary tubes (6, 10) into which optical fibers (5, 8 (9)) are inserted and fixed, are retained, respectively, by retaining sleeves (7, 11); and a lens assembly (4) including a first lens (12) and a second lens (13), which are opposed to leading ends (5a, 8a (9a)) of the optical fibers (5, 8 (9)), respectively, through a space; a band pass filter (14) interposed between both lenses (12, 13); and an accommodation member (15) for accommodating those components. At least one of the lens (12) is formed of a spherical portion (12b) and a flat surface portion (12a), the flat surface portion (12a) is formed into an inclined surface, and a center of curvature of the spherical portion (12b) is offset from the optical axis of the optical fiber (5).
US08279541B2 Lens actuator module
A lens actuator module includes a lens assembly with an optical centerline and a clear aperture, a bearing guide integrated adjacent to the clear aperture with the centerline of motion substantially parallel to the optical centerline, a linear actuator with a preloaded frictional contact point that moves the lens along the centerline. The preload force is perpendicular to the optical centerline, constant and generated in-line with the contact point such that the preload force produces substantially zero additional friction in the bearing guide irrespective of the location along the optical centerline.
US08279537B2 Imaging lens, camera module, and imaging apparatus
An imaging lens includes, sequentially from an object side, a positive first lens; a negative second lens; a positive third lens having a convex surface on an image plane side; a fourth lens that is a meniscus lens having a convex surface on the image plane side; and a fifth lens having a refractive power that gradually changes from negative at the lens center to positive at the lens periphery, where the first lens and the second lens are disposed having an interval therebetween.
US08279534B2 Lens driving device and electronic equipment
A lens driving device has a motor mounted to a plate, a lead screw connected to the motor for undergoing rotation about an axial line thereof, a nut threadingly engaged with the lead screw, and a casing mounted to the plate for housing the lead screw and the nut. The nut has a convex protruding portion protruding outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the nut. The casing has a fitting groove linearly formed in the casing in a direction of the axial line for receiving the protruding portion in a state in which the protruding portion is fitted in the fitting groove so as to regulate rotation of the nut, and for movably guiding the protruding portion in the fitted state in the direction of the axial line to move the nut back and forth along the lead screw. At least one of the casing and the protruding portion of the nut has a tapered surface formed so as to forcibly guide the protruding portion toward the fitting groove to gradually fit the protruding portion into the fitting groove when the casing and the plate are mounted together.
US08279532B2 Zoom lens system and imaging apparatus including the same
A zoom lens system includes a first lens group having a negative refractive power, a second lens group having a positive refractive power, and a third lens group having a positive refractive power, wherein the first through third lens groups are arranged sequentially from an object side. When the zoom lens system is zoomed from a wide angle position to a telephoto position, an interval between the first lens group and the second lens group decreases and an interval between the second lens group and the third lens group increases. The first lens group comprises three lenses. An imaging apparatus includes the zoom lens system.
US08279527B2 Wide-angle projection optical system
A wide-angle projection optical system includes a first lens set with positive power, an aperture stop, a second lens set with positive power, a third lens set with negative power, and a negative power reflecting mirror. The first lens set provides optical characteristics to match with a light beam coming from the object side. The second lens set is arranged behind the aperture stop to converge the light beam. The third lens set is configured to diverge the light to enlarge a full field angle. The negative power reflecting mirror is configured to further enlarge the full field angle and correct image distortion. The first lens set, the second lens set, the third lens set and the reflecting mirror have a common optical axis. The optical axis is shifted with respect to a center of a micro display.
US08279526B2 Optical system and image pickup apparatus having same
An optical system includes an optical element formed of resin. On at least one of optical surfaces on the light incidence side of the optical element formed of resin, a plurality of depressions or protrusions of a size not larger than the wavelengths of visible light is formed without a periodic structure or in a random arrangement.
US08279525B2 Three-dimensional diffractive structure, method for making, and applications thereof
Three-dimensional grating device includes two (crossed) diffraction gratings, exhibits diffraction efficiency substantially independent of the incident polarization inside an optical communication spectral window from 1.5-1.6 μm. The gratings are characterized by different periods in two directions, chosen to support only one dispersive diffraction order in addition to the zero-(specular) order. Gratings may be orthogonal. Exemplary grating profiles include but are not limited to sinusoidal and truncated pyramidal (trapezoidal) profiles. A method for diffracting polarization independent light with 90% or higher efficiency. Applications include various wavelength control devices particularly useful in telecommunications.
US08279524B2 Polarization-modulating optical element
A polarization-modulating optical element formed of an optically active crystal material has a thickness profile where the thickness, as measured in the direction of the optical axis, varies over the area of the optical element. The polarization-modulating optical element has the effect that the plane of oscillation of a first linearly polarized light ray and the plane of oscillation of a second linearly polarized light ray are rotated, respectively, by a first angle of rotation and a second angle of rotation, with the first angle of rotation and the second angle of rotation being different from each other.
US08279520B2 Wide field of view LWIR high speed imager
Various embodiments provide an optical system including a first lens group having a plurality of lenses, the first lens group being configured to correct for an axial chromatic aberration; a second lens group having a least one lens, the second lens group being disposed adjacent the first lens group; and a third lens group having a plurality of lenses, the third lens group being configured to correct for a lateral chromatic aberration and field curvature, the third lens group being disposed adjacent the second lens group. The first, second and third lens groups are configured to provide a wide field of view greater than approximately 20 deg., and an f-number of less than approximately F/2 in a wavelength range between approximately 8 μm and approximately 12 μm.
US08279513B2 Electrochromic materials and electrochromic devices using the same
Disclosed herein are novel electrochromic materials. The electrochromic materials are viologens into which an imidazole derivative is asymmetrically introduced. The electrochromic materials can be used in a variety of electrochromic displays, including electrochromic windows and smart windows. Also disclosed herein are electrochromic devices that use the electrochromic materials.
US08279512B2 Multi-purpose periscope with display and overlay capabilities
A periscope that is switchable between the normal optical view of the outside, a display view, and an overlay view in which the outside view and display view are combined. The switching element is an electronically switchable mirror with primarily reflective, primarily transparent, and intermediate states, depending on the application of electrical potentials.
US08279506B2 Reflection type collinear holographic storage system
A reflection type collinear holographic storage system is described, in which an improved overlap between an object beam and a reference beam is achieved. The collinear holographic storage system has a spatial light modulator for imprinting a data page on an object beam, which is located in the beam path of a portion of a reference beam transmitted through a holographic storage medium, whereby the object beam is generated by imprinting a data page onto the transmitted reference beam. The diameter of the reference beam inside the holographic storage medium is matched to the diameter of the object beam.
US08279505B2 Print controller configured to suppress bleed
A print controller controlling a print process in which black ink having permeability to a recording medium and a plurality of kinds of chromatic color ink having permeability to the recording medium different from the permeability of the black ink are used to form an image on the recording medium. The subject pixel setting unit sets, as a subject pixel, one pixel that satisfies conditions that the pixel is a black pixel and that peripheral pixels that are located adjacent to the pixel and that surround the pixel include at least one chromatic pixel. The reducing unit reduces a black component value of the subject pixel to a reduced black component value. The increasing unit increases chromatic component values of the subject pixel to increased chromatic component values. The print executing unit executes the print based on the reduced black component value and the increased chromatic component values of the subject pixel.
US08279504B2 Image reading apparatus capable of reading both sides of a document
Pieces of reading frequency information representing the use frequencies of first and second reading units are acquired. Read color information of a color on a document that is read by the first or second reading unit is acquired. Based on the acquired pieces of reading frequency information and the acquired read color information, one of the first and second reading units is decided as a reference reading unit serving as a reference when performing correction to make the reading characteristics of the first and second reading units relatively coincide with each other.
US08279503B2 Sheet media reading control method and sheet media reading device
A sheet media reading control method includes conveying a sheet medium on which magnetic ink characters are printed through a transportation path, reading the magnetic ink characters and an image of the sheet medium using a magnetic head and an image sensor head positioned along the transportation path, extracting partial scanned image data containing at least an outside edge part of the sheet medium from the scanned image data captured by the image sensor head, executing a skew evaluation based on the partial scanned image data to detect if the sheet medium is conveyed skewed at a skew angle exceeding an allowable skew angle, and invalidating at least the magnetic ink character data captured by the magnetic head from sheet media that are determined by the skew evaluation to be skewed.
US08279502B2 Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image reading apparatus has a plurality of emitters that emit light onto a manuscript surface in a light quantity that is the synthesized light quantity of light emitted from the plurality of emitters. In the image reading apparatus, determination on the abnormality of a reference white data level value at the time of turning on a power supply is carried out through comparison between the reference white data level value with a predetermined absolute value. A normal reference white data level value is stored in a first storing unit, while a comparison white data level value detected at the time of manuscript reading operation is stored in a second storing unit. Then, a differential between the level values stored in the first and second storing units is calculated, and an abnormality determining unit compares the differential with a predetermined threshold to detect the abnormality of an emitter.
US08279501B2 Scanning apparatus
A scanning apparatus includes a scanning module. The scanning module includes plural light emitting diodes, a porous reflective plate with plural openings, and a reflective element. When the scanning apparatus starts scanning a document, the light beams emitted by the light emitting diodes are directed to the porous reflective plate. A portion of light beams reflected by the porous reflective plate are defined as reflected light beams. The light beams penetrating through the openings are diffracted to be diffractive penetrated light beams. The reflected light beams reflected by the reflective element and the diffractive penetrated light beams are projected on the document, so that enhanced uniform illumination efficacy is achieved.
US08279499B2 Single LED dual light guide
Various embodiments provide illuminators and related scanner illuminating systems, wherein the illuminators can include a light source having one or more LEDs coupled to a plurality of light guides through one or more light splitters such that light emitted from the light source can be split into each of the plurality of light guides.
US08279496B2 Method of optimal focusing for document scanner
A method of optimal focusing for a document scanner is disclosed. The scanner includes an optic module movable in a given scanning direction to perform scanning operation over an area of a document in a scan line by scan line manner by being driven by an optic module moving mechanism under control of a control unit. The control unit includes a best focus value memory for storage of the best focus value for each scan line. The method includes the steps of moving the optic module to one of scan lines of the document and retrieving the best focus value corresponding to the selected scan line. A focus adjusting mechanism is controlled by the control unit to move the optic module in a second direction to adjust the focus position of the optic module in accordance with the best focus value of the scan line. Once the optic module reaches the scan line, the operation of the optic module is temporarily suspended in order to have the vibration of the optic module damped out. Thereafter, a scanning operation is performed over the scan line.
US08279495B2 Image forming apparatus having cover lock device
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus casing installing an image formation section, an upper cover member that swingably covers and uncovers the apparatus casing, and an image reading unit supported by the apparatus casing via the upper cover member. A lock device is provided to maintain the upper cover member in a closed state. An unlock device is provided to unlock the lock device. An unlock operation section is displaced by an operator and activates the unlock device to operate when the lock device is unlocked. An unlock operation invalidating mechanism is provided to invalidate an unlock operation executed through the operation section by interrupting transmission of the displacement of the operation section to the lock device when unlock is prohibited.
US08279492B2 Image processing devices and computer program products for processing image data
An image processing device includes an image quality determining unit that determines whether data of an original image meets a particular criterion of a particular image quality category, a thumbnail list image data generating unit that generates image data of a thumbnail list, and a mark adding unit that adds particular indicator mark image data to the thumbnail list image data when it is determined that the original image data does not meet the particular criterion. The particular indicator mark image data corresponds to a particular indicator mark positioned in the thumbnail list at a position corresponding to the thumbnail of the original image. The particular indicator mark indicates a result of the determination made by the image quality determining unit. An output unit outputs the thumbnail list based on the thumbnail list image data.
US08279490B2 Threshold matrix generating method, image data generating method, image data generating apparatus, image recording apparatus and recording medium
In a matrix area, a plurality of linear areas each of which extends in a tilt direction tilted relatively to row and column directions are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the tilt direction without spaces, and the plurality of linear areas are alternatively assigned to first and second element groups along an arrangement direction. One element is specified in each element group and subsequently process of specifying an element farthest from specified elements, is repeated to acquire a turn-on order of dots with increase in gray level in one grayscale range and a turn-off order of dots with decrease in gray level in the remaining grayscale range, and a threshold value of each element is determined according to these orders. Thus, generated is a threshold matrix capable of reducing graininess in a halftone image with directionality in the tilt direction, and improving the reproduction of thin lines and characters.
US08279487B2 Color detection during document analysis prior to printing
In a print shop system including a plurality of printers and a print shop management server which manages print jobs, an improved method is described for detecting color components in a document page for purposes of assigning the document to appropriate printers for printing. First, each page element is analyzed without rasterizing the page. If a raster image is colored, its location and size are added to an image information list. If a non-raster graphical element overlaps a raster image previously stored in the image information list, the overlapped raster image is removed from the list. After analyzing all page elements of the page, if any raster image remains in the image information list, the page is marked as colored. Otherwise, the page is rasterized to detect colored using a conventional method. The resolution used for page rasterization may be controlled by a user.
US08279486B2 Information processing apparatus
A PC is provided with a display control portion for displaying, in a setting dialogue box in which setting items corresponding to each function are provided in order to perform an operation setting for each function of a plurality of connected devices, illustrations of the plurality of devices, a device information storage portion for storing a mounted function for each of the devices, a detecting portion for detecting that a pointer indicates the setting item, and a device determination portion for determining the device mounted with a function corresponding to the detected setting item. The display control portion performs a display of an illustration of a function mounted device specified by the device determination portion of the plurality of devices in a different form from illustrations of other devices.
US08279480B2 Image forming apparatus and method of controlling the same
This invention provides an image forming apparatus for accurately specifying the type of the apparatus without increasing cost, and a method of controlling the same. To accomplish this, an image forming apparatus of the embodiment executes a continuous image formation test to specify the model of the self apparatus when a system control unit is connected to an engine control unit. In the continuous image formation, the image forming apparatus measures the period from synchronization signal output by the engine control unit to output of the next print start request by the system control unit, and specifies the model of the self apparatus in accordance with the measured period.
US08279474B2 Printing system, image forming apparatus, pull printing method, pull printing program embodied on computer readable medium
In order to reduce the number of times of authentication when printing data stored in a server is printed, an MFP includes: a printing data receiving portion to receive printing data from a server; a job executing portion to execute a job; a user authenticating portion; a job generating portion to generate a reserved job to form an image of printing data associated with the authenticated user; a suspending portion to temporarily prohibit the reserved job from being executed; a job identification information issuing portion to issue job identification information; a transmission demanding portion to transmit to the printing server a printing data transmission demand that demands transmission of the printing data and contains the job identification information; and a releasing portion to release the prohibition of execution of the reserved job when the printing data received in response to transmission of the printing data transmission demand is received together with the same job identification information as the reserved job.
US08279472B2 Image processing apparatus and control method therefor
An image processing apparatus capable of executing a plurality of types of jobs includes a storage unit configured to store an integrated document including image data and a plurality of types of accompanying information related to the image data, a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction for executing a job for the integrated document stored in the storage unit, a deletion unit configured to delete at least a part of the accompanying information of the integrated document for which the instruction for executing the job is received by the receiving unit if the job for which the instruction for execution is received by the receiving unit is a predetermined type of job, and an execution unit configured to execute the job for which the instruction for execution is received by the receiving unit.
US08279471B2 Virtual USB over NFC printing method and system
A VUSB over NFC mobile printing method and system. In an exemplary arrangement, an imaging device has a network connection with an application server and an NFC interface for connecting with a client device. When a mobile user places his or her client device in proximity with the NFC interface, an NFC connection is established between the client device and the imaging device and the imaging device intermediates between the client device and the application server using a VUSB protocol to enable the user to select and upload from the client device to the imaging device a document file that the user wishes to print, after which the imaging device facilitates printing the document file in accordance with user preferences.
US08279470B2 Image forming apparatus configuration image simulating an overall configuration of a combination of a main body and an attachment
To reduce a load required for data transfer and data processing to improve processing speed of those. A display data memory stores as display data a configuration image simulating an overall configuration of a combination of a main body and an attachment. An image display device provided on either one of the main body and the attachment includes a display screen having a display area divided into a plurality of divisional areas for displaying the configuration image. A CPU determines displaying and non-displaying on each of the plurality of divisional areas, and controls the image display device to allow a part of the configuration image to be displayed on a divisional area which is determined to be displayed in accordance with display data, and to allow an other part of the configuration image not to be displayed to on a divisional area which is determined not to be displayed.
US08279466B2 Document processing method and document processing apparatus
A document processing system comprises a document management apparatus, which executes processing tasks on a document according to a job flow that defines the sequence by which the tasks are to be executed, and a document property management apparatus, which manages properties of the document. The document management apparatus executes processes within the processing tasks on a document that is inputted into the document management apparatus, and performs output processing on the document, according to the job flow that the user has directed for execution. The document management apparatus obtains the properties of the document from the document property management apparatus when the document is inputted, and changes the content of either the process or the output according to the properties in question.
US08279451B2 Probing apparatus with on-probe device-mapping function
One aspect of the present disclosure provides a probing apparatus with on-probe device-mapping function. A probing apparatus according to this aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, at least one probe stage positioned on the housing and configured to retain at least one probe, a device holder positioned in the housing and configured to receive at least one semiconductor device under test, and an inspection module having a predetermined field of view configured to capture an image showing at least the semiconductor device, wherein the probe stage includes a driving unit configured to move the probe out of focus of the inspection module in a mapping phase while keeping the device under test in the field of view of the optical inspection module.
US08279448B2 Shape measurement apparatus and method
A shape measurement apparatus and method using a laser interferometer are disclosed. The shape measurement apparatus includes a plurality of laser devices, which generate beams, emit a beam of a specific frequency from among the generated beams, and output interference signals for detecting wavelengths of the generated beams, and a controller for detecting the wavelengths of the generated beams from the outputted interference signals, and controlling the laser devices on the basis of the detected wavelengths. The optical unit projects the beam of the laser device on a target object, and generates an interference pattern of the object. Several shutters are closed and opened. If the shutters are closed, they prevent the beam of each laser device to be projected on the optical unit. An image pickup unit captures the interference pattern.
US08279444B2 Chips for surface plasmon (SPR) detection
The Invention relates to a method for producing a solid support coated by a metal Layer to which an SiOx layer provided with a uniform and stable thickness is applied, wherein said solid support makes it possible to determine the pretense of a compound on the surface thereof by means of Surface Plasmon Resonance (≦SPR ≧).
US08279443B2 Bioinstrumentation apparatus
A bioinstrumentation apparatus irradiates light onto a measured region of a subject, detects diffused light to acquire internal information on the measured region, and includes: a container holding a light transmitting medium; a light irradiation unit including a plurality of light emitting ends fixed to the container and irradiating a first light and a second light that mutually differ in wavelength onto the measured region that is immersed in the medium; a light detection unit including a plurality of light detecting ends fixed to the container and detecting the diffused light from the measured region; and a computing unit computing the internal information based on an output signal from the light detection unit; the wavelength of the first light being a wavelength at which an absorption coefficient of the measured region and a mean value of absorption coefficient of the medium are substantially equal, the wavelength of the second light being a wavelength at which the absorption coefficient of the measured region is greater than the mean value of the absorption coefficient of the medium, and the computing unit computing the internal information based on an output signal related to diffused light of the first light and computing boundary information between the measured region and the medium based on an output signal related to diffused light of the second light.
US08279441B2 Spectrophotometer and method
A spectrophotometer includes a plurality of LEDs arranged in a circular array, each having a calibrated power input determined by the use of pulse width modulation and each having a unique wavelength band determined by the utilization of a unique fluorescent phosphor coating or lens. At least one of the LEDs comprising a phosphor-free high energy UV LED. Light reflected to the spectrophotometer is divided into predetermined wavelength ranges through the utilization of a linear variable filter and photo detectors wherein the analog signal from a photo detector is converted to a digital value through the use of auto-ranging gain technique.
US08279436B2 Trace detection device of biological and chemical analytes and detection method applying the same
Disclosed is a trace detection device of a biological and chemical analyte, including a metal substrate, a periodic metal nanostructure on the metallic substrate, a dielectric layer on the periodic metal nanostructure, and a continuous metal film on the dielectric layer. Tuning the thickness of the dielectric layer and/or the continuous metal film to meet the laser wavelength can shift the absorption peak wavelength of the sensor, thereby further enhancing the Raman signals of the analyte molecules.
US08279434B2 Arrangement and method for analysis of biological samples
The invention lies in the technical field of cell biology and transplantation medicine. It concerns devices and methods for rapid and noninvasive analysis or checking of biological samples, especially for sterility control, for characterization of infectious particles and microorganisms contained in the biological sample and for characterization of tissue cells and transplants. The main areas of application of the invention are biotechnological production of pharmacological active ingredients and therapeutic agents as well as transplantation medicine.
US08279430B2 Tracking method and measuring system comprising a laser tracker
A measuring system includes a laser tracker (10), a target point marked by a reflector (12), a surveying apparatus (13), and an arithmetic and control unit (14). The laser tracker emits a measuring beam (M) which is reflected by the reflector, a process that is used for determining the distance between the laser tracker (10) and the reflector (12). The surveying apparatus has a known position and orientation relative to the measuring beam (M) while preferably being embodied as a survey camera. The inventive measuring system is designed so as to track the reflector (12) via the measuring beam (M). In a normal tracking mode (A), a measured value for controlling the orientation of the measuring beam (M) is derived from the detection of the measuring beam reflected by the reflector (12).
US08279429B2 Distributed jammer system
According to some embodiments of the invention a laser directed infrared countermeasures system (hereinafter: “LDIRCM system”) is mountable on a platform. According to some embodiments of the invention, a LDIRCM system may include a plurality of sector units. Each sector unit may include at least one laser unit and a laser guidance module. The laser unit may be adapted to generate a laser beam or laser energy that is intended for jamming a guidance system of a threat. The laser unit may be coupled to the laser guidance module. The laser guidance module may be adapted to steer at least a laser beam generated by the laser unit towards a threat.
US08279426B2 Testing device for lens module
An testing device for lens module includes an image sensor, a light source assembly, a testing tray, a detecting device, and a processor. The light source assembly is aligned with the image sensor. The testing tray is disposed between the light source assembly and the image sensor, and defines a plurality of through holes for receiving lens modules. The detecting device is configured for detecting whether the lens module to be tested is tilted. The processor controls the moving of the image sensor and the testing tray. The processor is capable of stopping the moving of the image sensor and the testing tray when the detecting device detected the lens module to be tested is tilted.
US08279423B2 Computation of wind velocity
A system for computation of wind velocity including a laser adapted to transmit a beam to a target, a collecting lens for receiving a beam returning from the target, and receiver optics comprising a multi-element detector array at a focal plane of the collecting lens, wherein for each element of the multi-element detector array there is a specific optical path in the atmosphere leading from the laser to the target and back from the target to the element; and processor apparatus operative to measure signal fluctuations of an element of the multi-element detector array, and compute therefrom crosswind velocity of wind in the atmosphere, wherein said processor apparatus is operative to calculate turbulence strength changes and wind profiles.
US08279420B2 Phase sensing and scanning time of flight LADAR using atmospheric absorption bands
A phase-sensing and scanning time-of-flight LADAR method and device are disclosed that take advantage of an atmospheric absorption bands within the solar IR spectrum.In the phase-sensing LADAR embodiment, an object is illuminated with electromagnetic energy such as a laser beam having a wavelength substantially equal to a predetermined atmospheric absorption band such as 1.39 microns. The transmitted laser beam is modulated at a predetermined frequency and has a first phase. The phase of the reflected and returned laser beam is altered proportional to the distance of the object and has a second phase. The first phase of the transmitted signal and the second phase of the received signal are compared and used to determine the distance of the object from the device. The system may comprise a modified laser that is tuned to operate in an atmospheric absorption band. A method to identify range ambiguity is disclosed by periodically altering the modulation frequency from a first modulation frequency to a second modulation frequency.In the scanning LADAR embodiment, an object is scanned or illuminated with electromagnetic energy having a wavelength substantially equal to a predetermined atmospheric absorption band at a first time and detects the reflection of the beam at a second time. The difference in time from the transmission of the scanning beam and the detection of the reflection of the beam from the object is used to calculate the range of the object.
US08279407B2 Stage system and lithographic apparatus comprising such stage system
A stage system includes a movable stage, at least two encoder heads each constructed to provide an encoder signal representative of a position of the movable stage with respect to an encoder target structure, and a controller to control a position of the stage. The controller is provided with the encoder signals of each of the encoder heads. The controller is arranged to apply a weighting function to the encoder signals and to derive a position of the stage from the weighted encoder signals.
US08279406B2 Article loading/unloading method and article loading/unloading device, exposure method and exposure apparatus, and method of manufacturing device
A loading/unloading method to perform quickly exchanging an article to be loaded on a placing table. The method comprises: positioning the placing table, where article to be unloaded is placed, to a second position that is different from a first position; unloading the article that exists on the placing table; moving the placing table from the second position to the first position while the vertically moving member is positioned at a position lower than a lower surface of a loading member holding a next article and higher than the placing surface of the placing table; allowing a loading member holding the next article to wait over the first position before the placing table is positioned at the first position; and loading the next article onto the place table positioned at the first position after the placing table is moved to the first position.
US08279405B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus includes a radiation system having reflective optical elements constructed and arranged to condition a beam of radiation. The reflective optical elements include a first faceted mirror constructed and arranged to generate a plurality of source images on a second mirror. The lithographic apparatus also includes a facet mask constructed and arranged to selectively mask one or more of the facets of the first faceted mirror. The facet mask includes a masking blade selectively interposable into the beam.
US08279403B2 Exposure apparatus and image forming apparatus
An exposure apparatus has a first board on which a light-emitting element is mounted and a second board on which is mounted a driving IC for causing the light-emitting element to emit light. A second current path is extended from the driving IC, which is mounted on the second board, to the first board. The second current path is arranged so as to be adjacent to a first current path.
US08279398B2 Deforming mechanism, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A deforming mechanism for deforming a transmissive optical element comprises a rotation member configured to hold the optical element and to rotate around an axis parallel to a tangential line of a circumference of the optical element at a portion where the rotation member holds the optical element, so as to deform the optical element by the rotation, a torque generating unit configured to generate a torque to rotate the rotation member around the axis, a holding base, and an elastic member connecting the holding base to the torque generating unit.
US08279396B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
An immersion lithographic apparatus is provided with an electrode set to remove unwanted droplets of an immersion fluid from a particular surface. Unwanted droplets of immersion fluid may form on any number of different surfaces of the immersion apparatus, such as on a liquid barrier member. If allowed to evaporate and/or dry, these droplets may cause a problem such as uncontrolled heat loading of the apparatus and/or staining of the surface. An electrode set is provided on a surface where the droplets are likely to be formed. A controlled voltage is applied to the electrodes within the electrode set in order to electrostatically remove the droplets from the surface.
US08279395B2 System and eyewear for viewing stereoscopic imagery
A super-twist nematic (STN) liquid crystal (LC) light shutter with improved contrast performance, lower power requirements and enhanced off-axis performance. Compensator components may be disposed in front of and, in some cases, behind the liquid crystal cell. In some embodiments, a STN LC cell with a twist angle of 270 degrees may be used. In other embodiments, a STN LC cell with a twist angle ranging between just greater than 270 degrees and 285 degrees may be used. Also disclosed is a system incorporating the various disclosed STN LC shutters.
US08279394B2 Discrimination medium comprising a liquid crystal layer acting as a half-wave plate wherein a gradation of gradual or continuous color changes are displayed according to an area
An object of the present invention is to provide a discrimination medium which has high discrimination ability, and which is more difficult to counterfeit than conventional discrimination mediums. A discrimination medium comprises: a cholesteric liquid crystal layer; and a liquid crystal layer acting as a half-wave plate and provided on the cholesteric liquid crystal layer in a predetermined pattern.
US08279390B2 Display device with connector board on back of lower frame connecting to circuit board at back of lower substrate
In a display device forming a board for mounting a connector which allows inputting of video data thereon and a board for mounting a display control circuit to be connected to the connector thereon on a surface of a display module opposite to an observation side, the board for mounting the connector thereon and the board for mounting the display control circuit thereon are physically separated from each other and, further, an area of the board for mounting the display control circuit thereon is set smaller than an area of the board for mounting the connector thereon.
US08279389B2 Liquid crystal display device having storage lines overlapping active layers formed of polysilicon material
A poly-silicon type thin film transistor substrate includes: a plurality of gate lines and data lines defining a pixel; a pixel electrode in the pixel; a thin film transistor having a gate electrode connected to one of the gate lines, a source electrode connected to one of the data lines, a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode, and a first active layer of poly-silicon defining a channel between the source electrode and the drain electrode; and at least two storage lines positioned on different sides of the pixel electrode.
US08279386B2 Liquid crystal display device having particular orienting structures
This object aims to provide a liquid crystal display panel with good in viewing angle characteristic, and capable of carrying out a high brightness display. The liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate having at least one pixel unit and at least one first orienting structure, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sealed between the first and second substrates and having negative dielectric anisotropy. The pixel unit includes a pixel electrode that is located in the display area, while the first orienting structure is located outside the display area. In addition, the liquid crystal layer contains an optical rotation material, and some of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are inclined toward the internal part or the external part of the pixel unit by the first orienting structure.
US08279384B2 Substrate for display panel, liquid crystal display panel having the substrate, and method of manufacturing the same
A substrate for a display panel includes a transparent electrode layer and an alignment layer. The transparent electrode layer is disposed on an insulating substrate, the transparent electrode layer being electrically floated. The alignment layer is disposed on the insulating substrate on which the transparent electrode layer is formed, and the alignment layer having a pre-tilt angle tilted about 85° to about 90° form the insulating substrate.
US08279382B2 Display device
The present invention provides a display device which can provide bright display by both of reflective display and transmissive display without having a multi-gap structure and which can reduce a difference in response time between the reflective region and the transmissive region. The display device of the present invention is a display device including: a pair of substrates; a display medium interposed between the pair of substrates; and a pixel having a reflective region for performing reflective display and a transmissive region for performing transmissive display, wherein the display device includes a pixel electrode and a common electrode on one of the pair of substrates, a voltage is applied to the display medium through the pixel electrode and the common electrode, the pixel electrode is provided with a plurality of slits, the plurality of slits include a pair of line-symmetric slits, and a slit arranged between the pair of line-symmetric slits, of inner contours facing each other of the pair of line-symmetric slits, one forms an angle with the other, and an axis of symmetry of the pair of line-symmetric slits is positioned in the reflective region.
US08279376B2 Liquid crystal display panel and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display panel including a first substrate, a liquid crystal layer, an alignment layer, a polymer layer, scan lines, data lines, pixel structures, first capacitor bottom electrodes and second capacitor bottom electrodes, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. Each pixel structure has a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode. Each first capacitor bottom electrode is disposed between the first pixel electrode and the first substrate. Each second capacitor bottom electrode disposed between the second pixel electrode and the first substrate includes a first pattern and a plurality of second patterns. The first pattern extends from a first side to an opposite second side of the second pixel electrode. The second patterns connected to the first pattern are disposed on the first side and the second side. The second pattern at least partly overlaps a region between the second pixel electrode and the data line.
US08279374B2 Fluorescent microscope having stage, objective lens, light source, image sensor, display unit, controller, and wireless transceiver provided in one body, and remote control system thereof
The present invention relates to a fluorescent microscope and a remote control system thereof. The present invention reduces the size of the fluorescent microscope to facilitate transportation and management and be disposed in a narrow place such as the inside of the incubator or the clean bench, etc. and observes the samples through a remote control, thereby making it possible to improve the user convenience.
US08279373B2 Liquid crystal module and electronic device
A liquid crystal module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel, a transparent panel member configured to include a display section constituting a display image plane while overlapping the liquid crystal panel, and a step section connected to the display section and lower than an image plane position by one step, at least one light source disposed in the step section of the transparent panel member, and a diffusion mechanism provided in a part other than the display image plane of the display section and a face opposite thereto, and diffusing light from the light source.
US08279369B2 Polarized light emitting light guide plate, method of manufacturing the same and illuminator for flat panel display device using polarized light emitting light guide plate
A polarized light emitting light guide plate includes: a transparent substrate of optically isotropic material, in which the light incident through a lateral side thereof travels; an anisotropic liquid crystal polymer layer formed on an upper surface of the substrate and having first and second refractive indices with respect to first and second perpendicular polarization components; and a polarization separation microstructure formed at an interface between the transparent substrate and the liquid crystal polymer layer, which refracts or reflects the first polarization component and transmits the second polarization component. The refractive index of the polarization separation microstructure is substantially equal to the refractive index of the substrate; the first refractive index of the liquid crystal polymer layer is greater than the refractive index of the substrate, and the second refractive index of the liquid crystal polymer layer light is substantially equal to the refractive index of the substrate.
US08279360B2 Projection type liquid crystal display apparatus
A projection type liquid crystal display apparatus includes: a light source; a liquid crystal display device; and a projection lens projecting light modulated by the liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal layer, a pixel electrode section having two-dimensionally disposed pixel apertures through which light can pass, and first and second microlens arrays formed on a light entering side and a light exiting side of the device with respect to the liquid crystal layer, respectively, and being a two-dimensional array of first and second microlenses provided in association with the pixel apertures, respectively. The F-number of the first microlenses is set at a value equal to or greater than that of the projection lens. The first and second microlenses are disposed such that the groups of microlenses are located in the focus position of each other.
US08279358B2 Complex image display device
A complex image display device comprises a light source, an illumination optical module, a micro display module, at least one optical projection module, at least one image-light-path switch module, an image-light-path control unit, and at least one image display screen, wherein the light source provides a light beam, the illumination optical module receives and shapes the light beam, continuously the light beam is projected by the illumination optical module. The micro display module provides an image-to-be-displayed and the light beam is then modulated by the image to become at least an image-modulated light beam for displaying. Then, the optical projection module receives and magnifies the image-modulated light beam. Continuously, the image-light-path switch module receives the magnified image-modulated light beam and switches the light path of the light beam. The image display screen, thus, receives and displays the magnified image-modulated light beam, which is switched by the image-light-path switch module.
US08279357B2 System and methods for television with integrated sound projection system
Systems and methods that facilitate the use and operation of a television with an integrated sound projection system. The sound projector preferably comprises an array of speakers configurable to project beams that reflect off the walls and ceiling to create surround sound. In one embodiment, sound can be projected and/or the television can be oriented automatically as a function of the location of the television remote control unit.
US08279355B2 Method and apparatus to support multi-channel reception
In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a method and apparatus for receiving multiple channels from a broadcast source and interfacing to multiple demodulators within a common silicon implementation is disclosed. A receiver apparatus is disclosed that may aggregate multiple channels output by multiple tuners into at least one composite signal. The at least one composite signal may be passed to a single ADC. The channels may then be extracted from the at least one composite signal in the digital domain prior to demodulation in separate demodulators.
US08279353B2 Image processing device
An image processing device is provided with a picture quality mode which is used to collectively set a plurality of the picture qualities by one operation, a user can select the picture quality mode depending on his preference or content of programs to be viewed. A recording portion stores an association table. The association table is a table in which the picture quality mode and sound quality setting values to direct sound quality setting for a sound quality setting portion, are correlated with each other and stored. When a control portion receives a picture quality setting command by a designation of the picture quality mode, the picture quality setting portion performs setting of the respective picture qualities depending on the picture quality mode. Further, the setting direction portion reads out the association table and obtains the sound quality setting values which are correlated with the designated picture quality mode. Then, sound quality setting is performed by giving the obtained sound quality setting values for the sound quality setting portion.
US08279349B2 Automatic control of visual parameters in video processing
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for controlling visual parameters of a capturing device to minimize clipping and saturation according to predefined parameters. The method may include processing pixel values of a current input frame of a received video signal captured by a capturing device; accumulating processing results of the current input frame to processing results of one or more previous input frames and calculating a desired dynamic range based on pre-determined user parameters. The processing may further include checking if the accumulated results are within the desired dynamic range and determining if adjustment is desired. If the accumulated results are not within the desired dynamic range, adjusting visual parameters for a subsequent input frame, by controlling the capturing device and if the accumulated results are within the desired dynamic range maintaining current visual parameters of the current input frame for the subsequent input frame.
US08279344B2 Synchronization of video presentation by video cadence modification
A system synchronizes a video presentation to a master time reference (e.g., a corresponding audio presentation) by modifying a video cadence. The system detects when a displayed video leads or lags a master time reference by a programmable level or more. The system minimizes the synchronization error by inserting or removing source video frames to or from a frame cadence pattern.
US08279336B2 Solid-state image pickup device
A cover member fixed to a pickup element has a non-vertical surface and an upright surface and satisfies H2 tan(θA−2θC)≦L1+L1′ at any point on the upright surface, and H tan(θA−2θB)+(H1)tan θB≦L1 and θB>θC at any point on the non-vertical surface, where θA is the inclination of incident light, θB is the inclination at a point on the non-vertical surface, θC is the inclination at a point on the upright surface, H1 is the height of the non-vertical surface, H2 is the height of the upright surface, H is the height of the frame portion, L1 is the distance from the edge of a pixel region to the upper edge of the upright surface, and L1′ is the distance from the upper edge to the lower edge of the upright surface in the planar direction.
US08279331B2 Electronic apparatus and fuel cell control method for electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus is provided that includes a fuel cell device, an image pickup device, a temperature sensor, and a system controller. The electronic apparatus is mobile and may be held in a user's hand while being operated. The fuel cell device controls generation of electrical power. The image pickup device is position relative to the fuel cell device and converts an image into an image pickup signal. The temperature sensor obtains a temperature from the image pickup device. The system controller configured to control operation of the fuel cell device based on the temperature from the image pickup device.
US08279317B2 Methods for capturing and reading out images from an image sensor
Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.
US08279315B2 CCD sensor and method for expanding dynamic range of CCD sensor
A read-out arrangement for reading a CCD-sensor (1-1), detector (1-2) which has an active area including pixels that receives charges and a read-out register (1-4) in functional connection with the active area. Charges are transferred from the active area into a read-out register (1-4) and to at least one read-out well (106, 108) arranged in connection with at least output (1-4a1-4b) of the read-out register (1-4). The dynamics of the CCD-sensor can be changed by changing binning of the charges at least partly in response to a control signal.
US08279313B2 Active pixel sensor with a diagonal active area
An imaging device formed as a CMOS semiconductor integrated circuit having two adjacent pixels in a row connected to a common column line. By having adjacent pixels of a row share column lines, the CMOS imager circuit eliminates half the column lines of a traditional imager allowing the fabrication of a smaller imager. The imaging device also may be fabricated to have a diagonal active area to facilitate contact of two adjacent pixels with the single column line and allow linear row select lines, reset lines and column lines.
US08279311B2 Ramp generators and image sensors including the same
A ramp generator includes a row decoder, a column decoder, a current cell matrix and a current-voltage converter. The row decoder generates row selection signals, and the column decoder generates column selection signals. Each of current cells included in the current cell matrix is turned on to provide a unit current if a corresponding row selection signal and a corresponding column selection signal are activated. Each of the current cells is maintained to be turned on even if the corresponding row selection signal or the corresponding column selection signal is deactivated. The current cell matrix outputs an output current by summing unit currents provided from the current cells that are turned on. The current-voltage converter converts the output current of the current cell matrix into a ramp voltage. Therefore, the ramp generator may have a small size and prevent a glitch.
US08279304B2 Photography apparatus that selects optimal photography methods and obtains dynamic range expanded images based on images obtained by photography
A plurality of photography operations are performed with respect to a single subject with different photography conditions, to obtain a plurality of image data sets. The obtained image data are processed to obtain a single dynamic range expanded image data set. A photography method is selected from among: a first method, in which photography is performed at least twice at different exposures; a second method, in which photography is performed with an underexposure at a step number based on a set dynamic range; and a third method, in which photography is performed at least twice with different underexposures at step numbers based on a set dynamic range, based on whether photography operations are possible at exposure ratios corresponding to the expansion ratio of the dynamic range and whether flash is emitted. Photography is performed according to the selected method, thereby preventing limitations of dynamic range due to hardware specifications.
US08279293B2 Image stabilizing apparatus and image pickup apparatus
The image stabilizing apparatus includes a base member, a first member shiftable with respect to the base member in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis direction, a first actuator shifting the first member with respect to the base member, an image-pickup element constituted by a photoelectrical conversion element, a second member holding the image-pickup element. The second member is shiftable together with the first member in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis direction and rotatable with respect to the first member in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis direction. The apparatus further includes a second actuator rotating the second member with respect to the first member.
US08279290B2 Blur correcting image pickup apparatus and control method
In an image pickup apparatus in which image stabilization is performed based on shake sensor and movement-vector-obtaining method which can perform accurate blur correction since shake components difficult to be detected by shake sensor can be detected by the movement-vector-obtaining method, the image blur due to high frequency vibration such as vehicle vibration cannot be corrected by the movement vector in low-frame-rate shooting since the detectable frequency band narrows in high frequency. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the combination of blur information from the angular velocity sensor and from the movement vector, according to the frequency band detectable by the movement vector depending on change in frame rate. The combination ratio of blur correction based on blur information from angular velocity sensor, acceleration sensor and blur correction based on movement vector is determined depending on frequency detectable by the movement vector which inevitably changes depending on frame rate.
US08279289B2 Optical unit with shake correcting function
An optical unit with shake correcting function may include a movable module having a lens, a fixed body supporting the movable module, a shake detection sensor for detecting shake of the movable module, and at least one pair of magnetic drive mechanism for shake correction which is structured on both sides of the movable module so that the movable module is swung with respect to the fixed body on the basis of detection result of the shake detection sensor to correct the shake of the movable module. The magnetic drive mechanism for shake correction is disposed so that a shake correction magnet is held by the fixed body and a shake correction coil is held by the movable module. Further, a shake correction coil may be disposed in a first region, where magnetic lines of force generated by a shake correction magnet are directed in directions generally going away from a supporting point part and/or a second region where magnetic lines of force generated by the shake correction magnet are directed in directions generally going toward the supporting point part.
US08279288B2 Method for automatically photographing panoramic picture
A method for photographing a panoramic picture, and for identifying motion of a photographing apparatus to automatically photograph respective images of a panoramic picture. The method steps include: (a) obtaining a first image in response to a request for a panoramic picture photography; (b) identifying motion of a photographing apparatus having obtained the first image, by applying a motion estimation technique to currently input images; (c) automatically determining a photographing direction based on the identified motion of the photographing apparatus; (d) selectively applying a motion estimation technique for estimating motion in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction, according to the determined photographing direction, and identifying motion of the photographing apparatus; (e) judging photographing time points of respective images by identifying that the identified motion of the photographing apparatus has reached a preset threshold value for decision of the photographing time point; and (f) photographing images at the photographing time point of the respective images.
US08279285B2 Hybrid imaging with visible and quantum entanglement images
A hybrid image of a scene is formed by obtaining a visible light image and a quantum entanglement image of the scene. Light intensity channel information is extracted from the visible light image of the scene, and a ghost image of the scene is constructed by cross-correlating the extracted light intensity channel information with the quantum entanglement image. The visible light image is thereafter fused with the ghost image so as to form a hybrid image of the scene.
US08279284B2 Video display apparatus
A video display apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive a plurality of sequence of video signals output from a plurality of cameras, a storage unit configured to store the plurality of sequence of video signals received by the reception unit, a display unit configured to include the first and second display areas, and a control unit. The control unit selectively and time-divisionally displays the plurality of sequence of video signals received by the reception unit on the first display area, and along with the display operation, selectively reads out from the storage unit a non-displayed section of the plurality of sequence of video signals which have been received by the reception unit, and displays the readout section on the second display area.
US08279282B2 Display control apparatus, display control method, and program
A display control apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives a television broadcast signal containing at least remote broadcast image information, a display unit that displays image information contained in the television broadcast signal, a player information acquiring unit that acquires, from the remote broadcast image information, information regarding players in a sports game included in a broadcast image signal, a field information acquiring unit that acquires field information from the remote broadcast image information, a player position information acquiring unit that acquires player position information from the image signal using the player information and the field information, a player information providing unit that provides the acquired player information by displaying the player information on the display unit, and a cursor control function unit that sets, using the player position information, a cursor on one of the players selected using the provided player information and displayed on the display unit.
US08279279B2 Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus permits a user to readily recognize a current state of an angle of view. When an angle of view is switched from a wide-angle to a narrow-angle, range display is performed for a predetermined time prior to the switching. Range display includes a narrow-angle image frame formed with lines indicating a border of an image displayed for a predetermined time prior to the switching. After the predetermined time, a narrow-angle image is displayed and the range display is no longer displayed. The range display allows a user to readily recognize that the wide-angle image has been switched to the narrow-angle image by recognizing to what area in a pre-switching wide angle of view image the post-switching narrow-angle image corresponds.
US08279278B2 Apparatus for photographing pipe without suspension of water supply and system for controlling the same
An apparatus for photographing a pipe without suspension of water supply and a system for controlling the same are disclosed. According to present invention, the interior of the pipe can be photographed by inserting the camera into the pipe and moving and rotating the camera without halting water supply, and information about the movement and rotation of the camera can be produced. A problem of discontinuance of using the whole pipe due to photographing of the interior of the pipe can be prevented. The camera can accurately photograph respective portions in the pipe by precisely moving forward/backward and rotating left/right or up/down. Since information about a practical position in the pipe with respect to the photographed image is provided, a user can accurately grasp a defect-position in the pipe, and can easily control the camera.
US08279272B2 Autostereoscopic display with planar pass-through
A method and system for presenting both autostereoscopic images and planar images in a single display is disclosed. The design comprises processing the planar images received in the form of planar image data. The processing comprises at least one from a group comprising selectively employing bleed-through processing to enhance the planar image data when viewed through a lens sheet comprising slanted lenticules, selectively introducing blurring into the planar image data, and selectively employing anti-alias processing to the planar image data. Certain super pixels may be computed that differ from standard pixels, and lenticules in the data sheet may be slanted at desired angles. The physical lenticules may cause bleed-through that may be processed. Resolution may be computed after processing, and the resolution implemented for display. Mode switching between planar and autostereoscopic imaging may be provided in the form of Metadata or visible flags.
US08279267B2 Apparatus and method for capturing images of a scene
An image capture apparatus includes an image sensor, a lens, an adjusting mechanism, and a controller. The image sensor is configured for detecting incident light to generate a corresponding captured image. The lens is configured for guiding light of a scene toward the image sensor. The adjusting mechanism is configured for adjusting a relative position relationship between the image sensor and the lens when the image capture apparatus is capturing the scene. The controller is configured for controlling the image sensor to generate a plurality of captured images of the scene in response to different relative position relationships between the image sensor and the lens.
US08279263B2 Mapping psycho-visual characteristics in measuring sharpness feature and blurring artifacts in video streams
A block-based, no-reference sharpness metric is provided taking advantage of Human Visual System (HVS) characteristics. Texture and smooth region blocks are excluded in computing the metric since sharpness is perceived mostly around edges. Overall sharpness metric is computed by pooling simulated combination of information in human brain employing a logistic function to replicate the behavior of HVS.
US08279260B2 System and method for a conference server architecture for low delay and distributed conferencing applications
Systems and methods for conducting a multi-endpoint video signal conference are provided. Conferencing endpoints are linked by pairs of a reliable and a less reliable communication channel. Conference video signals are scaleable coded in base layer and enhancement layers format. Video signal base layers, which correspond to a minimum picture quality, are communicated over reliable channels. The video signal enhancements layers may be communicated over the less reliable channels. A conference server mediates the switching of video layer information from transmitting endpoints to receiving endpoints without any intermediate coding or re-coding operations. The video conference can be integrated with an audio conference using either scalable coded audio signals or non-scaleable coded audio signals.
US08279258B2 Image display device, image display system, and network connection method
An image display device for displaying an image based on an image signal input from a plurality of image supply devices via a network includes a storage section storing connection information used for the image supply device being connected to the image display device via the network, an encoding section encoding the connection information to generate a connection information code which can be recognized by the image supply device, a display section displaying the connection information code and the image based on the image signal input from the image supply device, and an image control section dividing an image display area of the display section into a plurality of divisional areas, and displaying the image based on the image signal input from respective one of the image supply devices in each of the divisional areas.
US08279256B2 Mobile communication terminal and method for providing substitute images for video call
A mobile communication terminal and method for proving a substitute image are provided, which automatically searches a substitute image suitable to a video call and transmits the substitute image to the opposite party. A user's image is automatically recorded during a video call, and tagged with information related to the time and situation of the recording, such as location information and time information. The tagged image is stored as a substitute image. When transmission of a substitute image is set while a video call is performed, a substitute image having situation information consistent with or similar to a corresponding situation is searched and then transmitted to the opposite party. Therefore, when a mobile communication terminal performs a video call in various situations, a substitute image suitable to a corresponding situation can be provided to an opposite terminal.
US08279254B2 Method and system for video conferencing in a virtual environment
According to some embodiments, a method and a system are provided to receive a first video signal at a first client and to receive a second video signal at a second client. The first video signal comprises an image of a first person and the second video signal comprises an image of a second person. The received first video signal and an image of a conference room are combined at the first client to create a first modified video signal comprising the image of the first person in the conference room. The received second video signal and the image of the conference room are combined at the second client to create a second modified video signal comprising the image of the second person in the conference room.
US08279250B2 Scanning optical device and image forming apparatus
A scanning optical device, comprises a light source to emit a light beam; a deflecting section to deflect the emitted light beam so as to scan; an optical element to make the scanning light beam to converge; and a correcting mechanism to correct an attitude of the optical element so as to adjust a convergence position of the scanning light beam; wherein at least a part of the correcting mechanism is arranged between the deflecting section and the optical element.
US08279247B2 Image forming apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
An image forming apparatus can include exposure units having light emitting elements, a forming unit which has a photoreceptor exposed by the exposure unit and forms an image on a body to be transferred, an acquisition unit for acquiring a tilt angle error between an approximated line of a first pattern formed by the forming unit based on exposure of one exposure unit and an approximated line of a second pattern formed by the forming unit based on exposure of another exposure unit, and an adjustment unit for adjusting at least one of a light emitting time lag of the light emitting elements and an angular error of the exposure units between the one exposure unit and the other exposure unit to restrain the tilt angle error.
US08279246B2 Display control apparatus for enhancing the visibility of displayed information
A display control apparatus which improves the visibility of a display unit (for example, wristwatch) having a normal display section and a normal non-display section provided outside the normal display section along its at least one side. When it is not sensed that the display unit is inclined at a predetermined angle to a horizontal surface, time information is displayed in a normal size on the normal display section. When it is sensed that the display unit is inclined at the predetermined angle to the horizontal surface, the time information is displayed in an enlarged size on a whole of the normal display and non-display sections for a predetermined time.
US08279243B2 Driving circuit and a pixel circuit incorporating the same
A driving circuit includes: a switch unit operable according to a scan signal, and adapted for permitting transfer of a data signal when operating in an on state; a capacitor having a first end that is coupled to the switch unit, and a second end; a first transistor having a first terminal that is adapted for coupling to a voltage source, a second terminal that is coupled to the second end of the capacitor and that is adapted to be coupled to a load, and a control terminal that is coupled to the first end of the capacitor; and a second transistor having a first terminal that is adapted for coupling to the voltage source, a second terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first transistor, and a control terminal that is adapted for receiving a bias voltage. Each of the first and second transistors operates in the linear region.
US08279240B2 Video scaling techniques
A video scaler is disclosed. A polyphase filter can be used to generate interpolated pixels. The values of pixels adjacent an interpolated pixel are examined to determine variation in values among the adjacent pixels to determine minimum and maximum value variations. The value of the interpolated pixel is limited based on the minimum and maximum value variations. Ringing artifacts can be reduced by limiting the color range of an interpolated pixel.
US08279239B1 Graphical user interface for performing deformations
A method allowing for quick manipulation of weight values associated with points on a polygonal mesh that is to be deformed. A point on the polygonal mesh may be selected by the user. Then, a solution space of possible positions for the selected point may be calculated by solving a deformation model for a range of weight values. A graphical representation of the solution space may be provided, such as a locus of possible positions for the selected point, where each point on the locus corresponds to a particular weight value. Manipulation of these weight values, and hence, the deformation of the polygonal mesh, may be achieved simply by selecting a position on the locus. The mesh may be updated to reflect the weight corresponding to the selected position.
US08279236B2 Methods and apparatus for calibrating a color display
Improved methods are provided for calibrating color on a color display coupled to a computer, which are useful for obtaining calibrated data in a virtual proof network for enabling different color devices to render consistent color. Methods involve user interactions with screens on the display to set color display parameters. An apparatus is also provided for calibrating a sensor which may be used for measuring color of a display in one or more of these methods.
US08279233B2 System for response speed compensation in liquid crystal display using embedded memory device and method of controlling frame data of image
Provided are a system for compensating response speed and a method of controlling frame data of an image. The system includes: a circuit for compensating response speed; an internal frame memory that comprises N sub frame memories formed in a single chip with the circuit for compensating response speed, wherein N is a natural number; a frame memory controller that comprises N sub frame memory controllers corresponding to each sub frame memory; and a data flow controller that comprises N write first-in-first-out (FIFO) circuits and N read FIFO circuits corresponding to each sub frame memory.
US08279232B2 Full framebuffer for electronic paper displays
A system and a method are disclosed for updating a bi-stable display includes a framebuffer for storing waveforms for each pixel individually. The system includes determining a current state of a pixel of the bi-stable display; determining a desired state of the pixel of the bi-stable display; and updating the pixel by applying a determined control signal to the pixel to drive the pixel from the current state to the final state. Updating each pixel occurs independently of the other pixels of the bi-stable display.
US08279230B2 Integrated circuit design method for improved testability
A display device is provided with a display panel; and a display panel driver driving the display panel in response to externally-provided image data. The display panel driver includes a display memory for storing the image data, and is configured to perform overdrive processing on the image data read from the display memory. The display panel driver includes an overdrive processing control circuit detecting writing of the image data into the display memory to control operation and halt of a circuit used for the overdrive processing.
US08279226B2 Visualization of a parameter which is measured on the human body
In a method for visualization of a parameter which is measured continuously on or in a human body, in particular a glucose concentration, the following steps are carried out. First, a measured value range for a measured parameter is subdivided into two or more sub-ranges. Trend information is then calculated relating to the future expected profile of the measured parameter on the basis of two or more measured values. A time period after which it is predicted that the measured parameter will have left its current sub-range is calculated based on current value of the measured parameter and the calculated trend information and finally the time period is displayed. On the basis of the calculation and display of a time period after which the measured parameter will have departed from one sub-range to another, it is possible for a patient to assess, even without detailed knowledge of the medical relationships, the effects of his action at a time which he can comprehend on the basis of the prognoses available to him, and if appropriate to take corrective actions. An apparatus for carrying out a method such as this comprises a measurement apparatus, a system controller with a computer having a memory unit and a display. A computer program product for carrying out a method such as this on an appropriate apparatus is likewise disclosed.
US08279218B1 Selecting and verifying textures in image-based three-dimensional modeling, and applications thereof
Embodiments relate to selecting and verifying textures in image-based three-dimensional modeling. In a first embodiment, a computer-implemented method for texturing a three-dimensional model. In the method, a polygon orientation of a polygon defining a face of a three-dimensional model is determined. A first camera orientation corresponding to a camera that took a first photographic image in a set of photographic images is also determined. The first photographic image is unconstrained to the three-dimensional model. The polygon orientation is compared with the first camera orientation to determine whether the first photographic image is directed toward the face of the three-dimensional model. If the first photographic image is directed toward the face of the three-dimensional model, a notification is provided for display to a user indicating that the first photographic image could be texture mapped to the three-dimensional model if the first photographic image is constrained to the three-dimensional model.
US08279211B2 Light emitting device and a drive control method for driving a light emitting device
A light emitting device has a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a drive transistor, a light emitting element and signal lines, a property parameter acquisition circuit which acquires property parameter, a signal correction circuit that generates a corrected gradation signal by correcting the image data based on the property parameter, and a drive signal impressing circuit that impresses a drive signal, generated based on the corrected gradation signal, on the pixel to drive it. The property parameter is constituted of a threshold voltage, a current amplification factor and its irregularity of the drive transistor, and is acquired based on measured voltages of the signal lines after each of a plurality of predetermined settling times elapses from the time when the light emitting device cuts off a voltage subsequent to impressing the voltage on each pixel for a predetermined length of time.
US08279209B2 Circuit for driving light-emitting element, and cellular phone
A light-emitting element driving circuit is installed on a second substrate, which is connected via a signal line to a first substrate, on which is mounted a CPU configured to generate an LED drive control signal. The light-emitting element driving circuit includes a pulse generation unit configured to start and stop an operation based on the LED drive control signal and output an LED drive signal when the pulse generation unit is in an active state, an LED oscillator configured to supply a reference pulse signal to the pulse generation unit, and an LED driver unit configured to cause a light-emitting element to perform a flickering operation based on the LED drive signal.
US08279207B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an image display apparatus includes an acquiring unit and a transmitting unit. The acquiring unit is configured to acquire a first image. The transmitting unit is configured to transmit the first image, first additional information that indicates a process by which a second image is to be displayed simultaneously while the first image is displayed, and second additional information that indicates a frame at which displaying of the second image by the process is to be started, to the image display apparatus.
US08279206B2 Differential signaling system and flat panel display with the same
A differential signaling system and a flat panel display using the system, where a first wiring and a second wiring are connected between a sending end and a receiving end as a differential signal line. A termination resistor is connected between the first wiring and the second wiring in the receiving end side. A programmable compensation circuit is connected to the termination resistor in parallel. The programmable compensation circuits includes: n switches M1, M2, M3, . . . , Mn connected between a first power line and a second power line; first n resistors R11, R12, R13, . . . , R1n connected between a source electrode of each of the switches and the first wiring; and second n resistors R21, R22, R23, . . . , R2n connected between a drain electrode of each of the switches and the second wiring.
US08279204B1 Viewer for multi-dimensional data from a test environment
A viewer tool for viewing data in a software environment provides features for viewing and exploring a data set. The data set may be a multi-dimensional data set. The viewer tool may be coupled to a test environment that generates data from the tests of a unit under test (UUT). The data may be generated from one or more sequences of tests that can be divided into batches. The viewer tool may receive the data from the test environment and analyze the data to provide a user with useful information on the data. The viewer tool may display the data with the information so that the user can obtain the information on the data. In particular, the viewer tool identifies the relationship between the measured test data and the various test conditions under which the test data has been measured.
US08279203B2 Image display device
An image display device capable of controlling in a differentiated manner the signal-brightness characteristics of natural pictures and those of different image sources, such as texts, in the screen frame is to be provided. The image display device is provided with a display area in which are arrayed a plurality of pixels each having a light-emitting device whose brightness is controlled with an image signal output voltage supplied from a signal voltage output circuit. The display area comprises first and second pixel groups of pixels connected to different drive voltage lines. The display area has a display characteristic that the first pixel group and the second pixel group are substantially equal in emission spectrum and differ in light emission brightness relative to the same image signal voltage supplied from the signal voltage output circuit.
US08279200B2 Light-induced shape-memory polymer display screen
A light-induced shape-memory polymer display screen is provided herein. One example display device includes a display screen having a topography-changing layer including a light-induced shape-memory polymer. The display device further includes an imaging engine configured to project visible light onto the display screen, where the visible light may be modulated at a pixel level to form a display image thereon. The display device further includes a topography-changing engine configured to project agitation light of an ultraviolet band towards the display screen, where the agitation light is modulated at a pixel level to selectively change a topography of the topography-changing layer.
US08279196B2 Power-down display device using a surface capacitive touch panel and related method
A display device using a surface capacitive touch panel is proposed. Upon a normal mode, an external clock generator supports a clock source; meanwhile, an external clock generator, a signal generator, a current detector, a current-to-voltage converter, an analog-to-digital converter, a filter, an interface controller, a microprocessor, and the touch-position calculators are turned on. But under a power-down mode, the external clock generator, the analog-to-digital converter, filter, the interface controller, the microprocessor, and the touch-position calculators are turned off in order to reduce power consumption. Furthermore, the external clock generator is also turned off to minimize the power consumption.
US08279194B2 Electrode configurations for projected capacitive touch screen
A projected capacitive touch screen is provided that comprises a substrate and electrodes. The substrate defines an active touch zone surrounded by edges. The active touch zone includes a central active zone and an acceleration zone that is located proximate to, and extends along, at least one of the edges. The electrodes are provided on the substrate and are organized into first and second sets of electrodes that are contained within a common plane on the substrate. The first set of electrodes is interlaced with the second set of electrodes in a non-overlapping pattern on the substrate. At least a subset of the electrodes each has an apex and a base and a non-uniform triangular shape that extends along a longitudinal axis between the apex and the base.
US08279191B2 Automatic tool dock
There is disclosed an interactive display system comprising an interactive surface for displaying an image and for receiving inputs from remote devices, the system being adapted to detect the presence of at least two remote devices proximate the interactive surface.
US08279187B2 Touch sensitive devices with composite electrodes
A matrix touch panel having upper and lower electrodes, the upper electrodes being composite electrodes made of a plurality of spaced micro-wires, and allowing, for example, an electric field from lower electrodes to pass between the micro-wires and thereby capacitively couple with a touching object, such as a finger.
US08279182B2 User input device and method using fingerprint recognition sensor
Disclosed are a user input device and a method for rapidly selecting an operation mode in a mobile terminal having a touch screen input panel and a fingerprint recognition sensor. The user input method includes setting operation modes for at least one fingerprint data and input pattern, each comprised of keys necessary to implement a corresponding operation mode; detecting fingerprint data inputted from the fingerprint recognition sensor, and confirming an operation mode set for the inputted fingerprint data; and displaying an input pattern corresponding to the confirmed operation mode on the touch screen input panel.
US08279170B2 Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes an input unit which has a display on which an image is displayed, a flexible sheet typed substrate, and a bending detection section which is arranged on a surface of the substrate to detect a bending deformation of the substrate, and a display control section which controls to change an image to be displayed on the display, based on the bending deformation of the substrate detected by the bending detection section. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an image display apparatus which is capable of changing easily an image to be displayed on the display even when a user is not good at operating an equipment.
US08279169B2 Universal input device and system
The present invention relates to input devices and particularly to input devices for use with computer and telecommunications systems and/or other object systems and/or devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a universal input device for inputting data.
US08279165B2 Apparatus and method to improve quality of moving image displayed on liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a panel having pixel electrodes arranged at intersections of a plurality of signal lines via switching elements for transmitting display data and a plurality of scanning lines for transmitting control signals, and a control circuit for controlling the panel. The liquid crystal panel is divided into first pixel regions and second pixel regions adjacent to the first pixel regions. The control circuit carries out impulse driving in which the control signals transmitted to each of the scanning lines are activated two times in one frame period for displaying an image. The control circuit writes the display data in either one of the pixel regions and writes reset data in the other pixel regions when the control signals are activated once of the two times. By writing the reset data in the pixel regions, the display data written in an immediately preceding frame are reset. In consecutive frames, the display data written in the pixel regions are always reset in one frame period. Therefore, blurring in a moving image can be alleviated. Since writing the display data and the reset data is carried out separately in the first pixel regions and in the second pixel regions, flicker is prevented from occurring in a display screen.
US08279163B2 Image display apparatus and method
An image display apparatus and method. At least one of a left eye image and a right eye image may be formed on a pixel representation unit at a predetermined frame rate. A light, emitted from a backlight module, may be converted into a directional light having at least one direction through synchronization with the predetermined frame rate. The directional light may be guided to the pixel representation unit.
US08279162B2 Discharge lamp for dielectrically impeded discharge using a flat discharge vessel
The invention relates to a discharge lamp with a floor plate and a roof plate designed for dielectrically impeded discharge, in which the minimum discharge distances are at least 10 mm.
US08279161B2 Backlight driving method
A backlight driving method, which provides three kinds of light sources comprising a red light source, a blue light source, and a green light source. The driving method includes dividing a frame into four sub-frames, and lighting the green light sources twice during two sub-frames respectively, dividing the first frame and the second frame into four sub-frames respectively, lighting the four light sources in the four sub-frames in a first lighting order during the first frame, and lighting the four light sources in the four sub-frames using a second lighting order during the second frame, wherein the first order is different from the second order.
US08279156B2 Output amplifier of source driver with high impedance and inverted high impedance control signals
An output amplifier includes an amplifier circuit, an output stage circuit, a first switch transistor, and a second switch transistor. The amplifier circuit is used for amplifying an input pixel signal to generate the inverted signal and the non-inverted signal. The output stage circuit has a first output terminal for passing a supply voltage from a supply terminal or passing a ground voltage from a ground terminal to the pixel circuit according to the inverted signal and the non-inverted signal. The first switch transistor passes or blocks the supply voltage according to a high impedance signal, and the second switch transistor passes or blocks the ground voltage according to the inverted high impedance signal.
US08279155B2 Source driver and display utilizing the source driver
A source driver includes a receiver for receiving a digital signal at an input node to generate a received signal at an output node, and the receiver includes a first switch, a second switch, a voltage-limiting circuit and a channel. The first switch is utilized for selectively connecting the output node of the receiver to a first reference voltage based on the digital signal. The second switch is utilized for selectively connecting the output node of the receiver to a second reference voltage based on the digital signal. The voltage-limiting circuit is coupled between the input node and the output node of the receiver, and is utilized for limiting a voltage level of the input node of the receiver. The channel is utilized for generating a driving voltage based on the received signal.
US08279153B2 Liquid crystal display to increase display quality by preventing DC image sticking, flicker and stains
A liquid crystal display and a method for driving the same are disclosed. The liquid crystal display includes a timing controller generating a polarity control signal. A logic inverting period of the polarity control signal during frame periods ranging from an Nth frame period among M frame periods to 2 to 4 frame periods following the Nth frame period is longer than a logic inverting period of the polarity control signal in the other frame periods, where N is an integer equal to or larger than 4 and M is larger than N. The liquid crystal cells in one frame period of the M frame periods are charged to the data voltage whose a polarity is opposite to a polarity of the data voltage in a previous frame period of one frame period.
US08279152B2 Electro-optical device and circuit for driving electro-optical device to represent gray scale levels
An electro-optical device drives a plurality of pixels to represent gray scale levels based on effective voltages by dividing one frame into a plurality of fields, and includes a calculating unit that receives image data specifying gray scale values in each frame for each pixel. A voltage pattern determining unit that determines to supply a first effective voltage shifted in a variation direction, rather than a voltage according to a gray scale value specified in the image data of a later frame of the adjacent frames, in a previous field of the plurality of fields in the later frame, while determining to supply a second effective voltage shifted in a direction opposite the variation direction, rather than the voltage according to the gray scale value specified in the image data of the later frame, in a later field of the plurality of fields in the later frame, for the pixel.
US08279150B2 Method and apparatus for processing data of liquid crystal display
A method of driving and a liquid crystal display that are adaptive for preventing a motion blur phenomenon inserting a black data without reducing a data charging time are disclosed.In the liquid crystal display, a first gate line supplies a first scanning signal. A second gate line supplies a second scanning signal. A data line supplies a data signal. A common line supplies a common voltage. A first thin film transistor supplies the data signal in response to the first scanning signal. In a liquid crystal cell, a pixel electrode is connected to the first thin film transistor and a common electrode is connected to the common line. A second thin film transistor supplies the common voltage to the pixel electrode in response to the second scanning signal.
US08279148B2 LCD and drive method thereof
This invention relates to a liquid crystal display device and its driving method for improving a visual picture quality. A liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment includes a liquid crystal display panel where plural pixels composed of sub-pixels arranged in a fixed pattern are arranged by the unit of one horizontal line; a timing controller for controlling the gray level realization of digital data inputted from a system; and a data drive circuit that differently realigns a data pattern of the digital data by the unit of one horizontal line for each k horizontal period, that converts the digital data of the realigned data pattern into analog data voltages, and that makes the analog data voltages, which are buffered in accord with the realigned data pattern, in accord with an arrangement pattern of the sub-pixels constituting each pixel to supply the analog data voltages to each pixel.
US08279145B2 Chiplet driver pairs for two-dimensional display
A display device, including a substrate; a first layer having an array of row electrodes formed in rows across the substrate in a first direction and a second layer having an array of column electrodes formed in columns across the substrate in a second direction different from the first direction wherein the row and column electrodes overlap to form pixel locations; one or more layers of light-emitting material formed between the row and column electrodes to form a two-dimensional array of pixels, the pixels being located in the pixel locations; and a plurality of row driver chiplets and a separate plurality of column driver chiplets distributed relative to the two-dimensional array of pixels, each row driver chiplet exclusively connected to and controlling an independent set of row electrodes and each column driver chiplet exclusively connected to and controlling an independent set of column electrodes.
US08279132B2 Multi-mode antenna and method of controlling mode of the antenna
Provided is an antenna for a base station and a repeater capable of electrically or mechanically controlling the individual operation of an element antenna constituting an array antenna or a sub-array antenna so as to adaptively cope with the change in the communication environment, and having an economic and high performance transmitting and receiving function, and a method of controlling a mode of the antenna. The multi-mode antenna includes a radiation portion having one or more array antenna and capable of selectively changing an antenna effective opening surface and changing a resistance direction of an antenna beam pattern, an active channel portion connected to the array antennas and including switches, transmission and receiving channels, and a signal combiner and splitter, and a modem and control portion connected to the active channel portion and having a control portion and a modem.
US08279128B2 Tapered slot antenna
Methods, antennas and other embodiments associated with impedance matching an antenna feed slot are based on a fractal shape. A slot antenna includes a planar metal sheet. A feed slot opening is formed in the metal sheet. The feed slot has a first end and a second end. A tapered opening is formed in the metal sheet. Adjacent sides of the tapered opening touch the first end of the feed slot. An impedance matching fractal shaped opening is formed in the metal. The impedance matching fractal shaped opening touches the second end of the feed slot.
US08279125B2 Compact circular polarized monopole and slot UHF RFID antenna systems and methods
The present disclosure relates to a combined and compact monopole and slot antenna providing circular polarization for various applications, such as ultra high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID). The antenna of the present invention combines a slot antenna with a monopole antenna using a single feed to drive both, effectively resulting in a circular polarized antenna. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna may be integrated internally to a mobile device and printed on a flex or a printed circuit board (PCB), made from sheet metal, etc. Advantageously, the design of the antenna provides performance similar to circular polarized patch antennas while avoiding the size, weight, and cost.
US08279120B2 Interconnected nanosystems
Communication to or from a nanodevice is provided with a nanostructure-based antenna, preferably formed from, but not limited to, a single wall nanotube (SWNT). Other nanostructure-based antennas include double walled nanotubes, semiconducting nanowires, metal nanowires and the like. The use of a nanostructure-based antenna eliminates the need to provide a physical communicative connection to the nanodevice, while at the same time allowing communication between the nanodevice and other nanodevices or outside systems, i.e., systems larger than nanoscale such as those formed from semiconductor fabrication processes such as CMOS, GaAs, bipolar processes and the like.
US08279118B2 Aperiodic antenna array
An exemplary aperiodic antenna array comprises a plurality of first elements radiating electromagnetic energy over a first bandwidth including a first frequency. Each of the first elements is spaced apart from a pattern center by an element distance and from the nearest first element by an element spacing in a regulated pattern. In the regulated pattern, the element spacing increases as the element distance increases. The plurality of first elements are configured to generate a first radiation pattern. The antenna array also comprises a second element positioned within a group of first elements from the plurality of first elements. Each element distance between the first elements in the group of first elements is greater than one-half of a first wavelength corresponding to the first frequency. The second element is configured to generate a second radiation pattern. The second radiation pattern combines with the first radiation pattern to form a composite radiation pattern.
US08279117B2 Burst optimized tracking algorithm
A system and method for providing a spectrally compact modulation of a tracking signal for directional beam scanning systems is presented. The system and method scans a tracking signal to produce a modulation of the tracking signal. When an impairment is anticipated, the system and method modifies the scan path to avoid the impairment and maintains the spectral compactness of the modulation of the tracking signal.
US08279115B2 Method for providing satellite orbit ephemeris, server, and positioning system
A method for providing satellite orbit ephemeris includes: determining a positioning satellite in view of a reference position; and providing to a positioning device a satellite orbit ephemeris of the positioning satellite in view of the reference position, the satellite orbit ephemeris being valid for at least one day.
US08279111B2 Distance measuring system
A high-precision distance measuring with a reduced error in a distance measuring system which calculates a distance from an arrival time of each pulse signal constituting a pulse sequence is provided. For an oscillator which generates pulse signals by counting the number of pulse signals constituting a received pulse sequence, a relative time difference between a transmitting device and a return device is acquired, a distance from the transmitting device to the return device is calculated, and the calculated distance is corrected based on the calculated relative time difference.
US08279109B1 Aircraft bird strike avoidance method and apparatus using transponder
An aircraft avian radar is implemented using an existing aircraft transponder, Mode S, or TCAS installation as the radar transmitter. To eliminate self jamming of low level avian target signals by high level transmitter signals, the ending period of the transmission signal is digitized and cross correlated with the ending period of reflected avian target signals received after the transmission signal has ended. In a first implementation, the current transponder antenna is used for both transmission and reception. In a second implementation, an external receive only antenna is mounted in a position that maximizes the transmit antenna to receive antenna isolation. In a third implementation, a signal canceller and sample of the transmit signal are used to cancel or null out as much transmit signal as possible that couples directly to the receive antenna.
US08279108B2 Viewing device for an aircraft comprising means for displaying aircraft exhibiting a risk of collision
The general field of the invention is that of viewing systems of the synthetic vision type SVS, for a first aircraft, the said system comprising at least one cartographic database of a terrain, position sensors, for the said aircraft, an air traffic detection system calculating the position and the danger rating of at least one second aircraft exhibiting a risk of collision with the said first aircraft on the basis of data originating from sensors or systems such as TCAS or ADS-B, an electronic computer, a man-machine interface means and a display screen, the computer comprising means for processing the various items of information originating from the database, sensors and interface means, the said processing means arranged so as to provide the display screen with a synthetic image of the terrain comprising a representation of the said second aircraft. The said representation comprises a first symbol representing in a stylized manner the said second aircraft and a second symbol, situated to the right of the first symbol when the second aircraft is facing towards the first aircraft and situated to the left of the first symbol when the second aircraft is facing away from the first aircraft.
US08279098B2 Compression rate control system and method with variable subband processing
A system, method and computer program product provide finer rate control in data compression by processing a data stream through a plurality of parallel subbands, wherein a first subband processes the data differently than a second subband. Separate shift quantization parameters for each separate run-of-zeros compressed storage area or pile can be provided, instead of a single common shift parameter for every coefficient as in the prior art. The parameter value for each such area or pile can be recorded in the compressed output file. The separate shift quantization parameters can also be adjusted dynamically as data is being compressed.
US08279096B2 Parallel compression for dictionary-based sequential coders
Dictionary-based sequential compression is performed in parallel on input data using multiple cores of a computer system. The compression can be performed by first determining a dictionary size for data compression, followed by determining a block size for partitioning the input data. The block size is greater than the dictionary size. The multiple cores of the computer system then execute multiple threads in parallel, with each thread compressing one block of the input data according to a dictionary-based sequential compression scheme.
US08279095B2 Method for storing node information of Huffman tree and corresponding decoding method
A method for storing node information of a Huffman tree. The method creates an index of each node in the Huffman tree using a breadth first search (BFS) algorithm. The method further reads each node of the Huffman tree beginning from a root node according to a sequence of the index of each node, and stores node information of each node into an array of the Huffman tree.
US08279094B2 Encoding and decoding techniques with improved timing margin
Embodiments of an encoder and a decoder are described. The encoder encodes data into a series of parallel codewords. Each codeword is expressed two sets of logic values (e.g., a set of logic 0s and a set of logic 1s) on two corresponding sets of output nodes, a first set and a second set. The encoder selects a current codeword such that it differs from the immediately preceding codeword by a fixed number of zero-to-one transitions on the first set of nodes and a fixed number of one-to-zero transitions on the second set of nodes. A decoder receives and decodes the codewords by comparing symbols on node pairs for which the symbols expressed in the prior code word were alike and decoding the results of those comparisons.
US08279093B2 Apparatus for detecting bus connection
An apparatus for detecting bus connection is provided for determining whether an electrical connector of a peripheral device is connected to an electrical connection port. In the apparatus, a detection capacitor is electrically coupled to a detection pin in the electrical connection port, and a controller is provided to transmit a detection signal to the detection pin. According to the signal fed back by the detection capacitor, the occurrences of the charge and discharge phenomena in the detection capacitor are determined, and then the controller is able to determine whether the detection pin of the electrical connector is electrically coupled to the electrical connector, so as to initiate a system event. The detection pin is not electrically charged when the detection pin is not electrically coupled to the electrical connector, so as to prevent the detection pin from being electrolyzed in the water or in a humid circumstance.
US08279091B1 RFID system for gesture recognition, information coding, and processing
A system includes a controller and an RFID sensor, an RFID sensor reader having a detection region, and a transceiver connected to the controller. The system may be secured to or contained within a wearable glove. The RFID sensor is configured to transmit an RFID sensor signal to the RFID sensor reader when the RFID sensor is within the detection region. The RFID sensor reader is configured to transmit an RFID sensor reader signal to the controller after receiving the RFID sensor signal. The controller is configured to transmit a signal to the transceiver after receiving the RFID sensor reader signal. The signal may include input from a motion sensor and/or an orientation sensor connected to the controller. The transceiver may transmit the signal to a remote processor via an antenna. The signal may be used for gesture recognition, information coding, and/or information processing.
US08279089B2 Method and device for monitoring the function of a safety unit
A method for monitoring a function of a safety unit, in particular of a bilge blower of a boat with a combustion engine, connected via a manually operated switch to a voltage supply. The current flowing through the safety unit is measured and an acoustic alarm is triggered, if a sensor voltage derived from the measured current falls below a reference voltage.
US08279088B2 System for parking management
The present invention relates to a parking management system. The parking management system includes an entrance camera (100) installed at an entrance of a parking lot to photograph a vehicle that enters the parking lot. An exit camera (200) photographs a vehicle that departs from the parking lot. A plurality of region cameras (300) is installed in respective parking regions to photograph a vehicle. A management server (400) includes a vehicle license number recognition unit (450) for recognizing a vehicle license number, a registration unit (460) for registering a last photographed parking region on a parking ticket, a control unit (440) for calculating a number of available parking spaces for each parking region, and determining a total number of available parking spaces, and a guidance unit (470) for guiding an entering vehicle to an available parking region. A display unit (350) displays the number of available parking spaces.
US08279087B2 Method for determining a parking spot
A method for determining a parking spot including at least the following steps: measuring a parking spot and outputting a measured length of the parking spot; comparing the determined length to at least one limiting value and determining an indicator signal; outputting the indicator signal to the driver; recording vehicle dynamics signals, during a parking operation; evaluating the parking operation on the basis of the recorded vehicle dynamics signals and outputting an evaluation signal, and changing the at least one limiting value as a function of the evaluation signal and the indicator signal. An adaptive parking spot measurement is created in which an evaluation of the parking spot length is automatically adapted to the driving behavior and the driving skills of the respective driver, resulting in a particularly high degree of acceptance of the PSM system by the driver.
US08279086B2 Traffic flow monitoring for intersections with signal controls
A method and system are provided for determining travel time through intersections by assigning an initial position for a virtual probe in the intersection and updating the position and velocity for the virtual probe such that the position and velocity of the virtual probe are determined multiple times from a time when the virtual probe is at an initial position until the time when the updated position of the virtual probe is past a stop line at the intersection. Updating the position and velocity of the virtual probe involves retrieving vehicle detection data and traffic control signal data to determine a distance from the virtual probe to the closer of a stop line and a vehicle in a queue in front of the virtual probe. The length of the queue is determined using the intersection of two shockwaves.
US08279076B2 Motion or opening detector
An activity monitor which can be pre-programmed at the factory, the doctors office or the pharmacist, or that can be programmed by the user. The activity monitor is affixed to a medicine bottle or container and activity associated with the bottle or container, such as movement, opening, volume changes, etc. are monitored in view to the schedule. If the schedule indicates that a dose of medicine should be taken at a particular time, but the monitored activity does not determine that the medicine has been taken, an alert signal will be issued to alert the user that it is time to take the medicine. In addition, if the monitored activity indicates that the medicine bottle has been opened prior to a scheduled time, then a tamper alert can be triggered.
US08279075B2 Card slot anti-tamper protection system
A secure insert comprises a shell including a lid and a container configured to receive and encase one or more circuit cards, wherein the shell is further configured to be inserted into and engage a card slot area of a chassis. A bridge connector is disposed inside the shell and configured to couple the one or more circuit cards to a chassis connector. A tamper sensor is disposed inside the shell and configured to detect unauthorized tamper events.
US08279072B2 System to monitor a consumable part and method to monitor performance life and predict maintenance thereof
A method for determining a maintenance interval for a consumable part and/or for equipment containing a consumable part obtains a plurality of measurements of temperature of the consumable part, receives each of the measurements at a totalizing unit, correlates each of the measurements to one of a plurality of temperature subranges, accumulates for each of the subranges an amount of time the measurements of temperature were correlated to each of the subranges, determines a total time by aggregating the accumulated time for each subrange with a weighting function, and generates a signal to prompt a maintenance event when the total time equals or passes a runtime setpoint. In supplement to or in alternative to the above, the method also correlates a subrange of two sequential measurements, indexes a breakpoint register if the correlated subranges are different, and generates a signal to prompt a maintenance event when a value of the breakpoint register equals or passes a breakpoint setpoint. A system for collecting, storing, and displaying runtime data of a resistive heating element in a semiconductor processing unit is also disclosed.
US08279065B2 Methods and systems of a multiple radio frequency network node RFID tag
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that may include memory storage for the RFID tag, the memory storage may include one time programmable (OTP) memory and many time programmable (MTP) memory and the storage of the information may be within the OTP and MTP memory.
US08279061B2 Telemedicine application for remote monitoring, viewing and updating of patient records
Systems and methods of providing telemedicine services are provided. A system can include a medical device that obtains diagnostic information, a gateway device coupled to the medical device, an application server coupled to the gateway device via wired and wireless networks, a database coupled to the application server, the database storing the diagnostic information, and an analyzing device coupled to the database, the analyzing device analyzes records in the database to identify diagnostic information that exceeds predefined thresholds.
US08279060B2 Wireless monitoring system and method
A wireless monitoring system and method carries out wireless communication is carried out according to the ZigBee standard. The ZigBee standard allows for low-cost, low-power and high-density implementation of the wireless monitoring system and method, so that wireless monitoring system and method may be rolled out on a large scale to provide patient monitoring and other types of monitoring.
US08279056B2 Apparatus, method and computer for detecting decrease in tire air pressure by calculating a gain corresponding to an arbitrary frequency
The invention includes: a rotation velocity information detection means for regularly detecting tire rotation velocity information regarding the respective wheels of a vehicle; a frequency characteristic estimation means for estimating a frequency characteristic of the rotation velocity information based on the rotation velocity information obtained from the rotation velocity information detection means; and a determination means for determining a decrease in the air pressure of the tire based on the estimated frequency characteristic. The frequency characteristic estimation means is configured to extract a resonance peak of the rotation velocity information by calculating a gain corresponding to an arbitrary frequency.
US08279055B2 Tire pressure monitoring system and pressure monitoring unit
After the running wheels 12FR, 12FL, 12RR and 12RL are replaced from the summer wheel set to the winter wheel set (non-mounted wheels 12), when the vehicle 10 is running at a speed more than a predetermined speed, and if all ID numbers contained in the data received within a predetermined time are entirely identical to the sensor IDs corresponding to the non-mounted wheels 12, the sensor IDs identified in the sensor ID identification portion 54 are automatically switched from the sensor IDs corresponding to the summer wheel set to the sensor IDs of the winter wheel set.
US08279048B2 RFID tag with piezoelectric sensor for power and input data
An RFID tag having a non-volatile memory and a piezoelectric sensor. The piezoelectric sensor produces an electrical charge that momentarily supplies electrical power to the RFID tag when subjected to a mechanical force and the electrical power is sufficient to record data in the non-volatile memory. The piezoelectric sensor is affixed to an article such that an attempt to tamper with the article produces sufficient mechanical force on the piezoelectric sensor to record data evidencing the tampering in the non-volatile memory.
US08279047B2 Methods and apparatus for anti-collision for radio frequency communication
An identification system includes a reader and one or more tags. The reader identifies tags such as radio frequency (RF) tags. The system divides a number space into n bins, wherein each bin is associated with m unique bits of the number space, and the number space contains the identification codes of the tags. A command is issued to test v bits of the number space. A response is received from a tag, wherein the response occurs when a first portion of an identification code of the tag matches the v bits of the number space, a timing of the response corresponds to a particular bin and m unique bits associated with the particular bin correspond to a second portion of the identification code.
US08279046B2 Radio communication apparatus, radio communication method, and radio communication system
A radio communication apparatus stores, in a pattern storing unit, channel pattern data indicating radio channel switching order for searching for a free channel and stores switching condition data for the radio channel in a condition storing unit. A control unit of the radio communication apparatus switches, when the switching condition data stored in the condition storing unit is satisfied, the radio channel according to the switching order indicated by the channel pattern data stored in the pattern storing unit.
US08279038B2 Method for operating a field device in automation engineering with special functionalities
A method for operating a field device of automation technology capable of special-functionalities, an enabling code set having a plurality of enabling code is managed in a superordinated, key-management unit. With the assistance of the enabling codes, special-functionalities can be enabled in field devices. Associated with individual enabling codes of the enabling code set is, in each case, an attribute, “free” or “blocked”. If a special-functionality is needed, then an enabling code is transmitted to the field device, in case an enabling code with attribute “free” is present. Following transmission, the attribute of the transmitted enabling code is changed from free to blocked. The method permits enabling code to be used very flexably.
US08279036B2 Multilayer coil device
A multilayer coil device is formed by alternately stacking a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of substantially spiral coil patterns. In the multilayer coil device, the number of turns of each of the substantially spiral coil patterns is more than one. Each of the substantially spiral coil patterns has a protrusion protruding toward a center of the substantially spiral coil pattern. The protrusion is located in a specific region where the number of coil pattern portions that cross a virtual line extending radially outward from the center of the coil pattern is smaller than that in another region of the substantially spiral coil pattern. The protrusion is provided as an additional part of a coil pattern portion that is closest to the center of the substantially spiral coil pattern in the specific region.
US08279032B1 System for detachment of correlated magnetic structures
A system for detachment of correlated magnetic structures includes first and second correlated magnetic structure having complementary coded magnetic sources; and a tool that applies a bias magnet field to cause a transition of the first and second magnetic structures from a closed state in which the first and second magnetic structures are attached to an open state in which the first and second magnetic structures are detached.
US08279028B2 Electromagnetic relay
An electromagnetic relay including a body, a plurality of first surface-mount terminals projecting from the body, and at least one second terminal projecting from the body. Each first terminal includes a distal end portion adapted to be mounted on a surface of a circuit board. The second terminal includes a distal end portion adapted to be inserted into a through-hole of a circuit board. The distal end portion of the second terminal is positioned farther away from the body than the distal end portion of the first terminal.
US08279025B2 Slow-wave coaxial transmission line having metal shield strips and dielectric strips with minimum dimensions
An integrated circuit structure includes an interconnect structure over a semiconductor substrate and a coaxial transmission line. The coaxial transmission line includes a signal line, a top plate over the signal line and electrically insulated from the signal line, and a bottom plate under the signal line and electrically insulated from the signal line. At least one of the top plate and the bottom plate includes metal strip shields and dielectric strips, with each of the dielectric strips being between two of the metal strip shields. The integrated circuit structure further includes a ground conductor electrically connecting the top plate and the bottom plate. The ground conductor is insulated from the signal line by a dielectric material.
US08279024B2 Resonator operating in plural resonant modes with switching circuitry for controlling the coupling between resonant modes
A resonator system contains one or more resonator, and has a plurality of degenerate resonant modes. Switching circuitry can be operated for controlling a degree of coupling between the resonant modes, such that resonant properties of the resonator system can be controlled. Where the resonator system includes one resonator, the size of a notch in a conductive patch can be controlled to vary the coupling between the resonant modes within that resonator. Where the resonator system includes multiple resonators, the coupling between the resonant modes in the resonators can be varied. A single device can be tuned as required, in order to provide the desired frequency response properties.
US08279020B2 Units for analog signal processing
The invention discloses the variable attenuator with characteristics, comprising wide attenuation ranges; syntheses on group delays, and low variation of the group delay. The building blocks, which construct the variable attenuator, comprise internal matching networks, external matching networks, delay networks, protecting networks, biasing network, a power combining network, and variable impedance networks. The elements, which realize the internal matching networks, external matching networks, signal combining networks, comprise resistor, inductor, capacitor, and transmission lines. The elements, which realize the variable impedance networks, comprise n-channel field-effect transistor (FET), p-channel FET, n-type bipolar junction transistor (BJT), and p-type BJT. The elements of the variable attenuator can be either integrated on a semiconductor chip by using system-on-chip (SOC) technologies. The building blocks of the variable attenuator can be realized on different substrates and integrated in a module by using multi-chip module (MCM) technologies.
US08279016B2 Quantum interference device, atomic oscillator and magnetic sensor
A quantum interference device causing electromagnetically induced transparency in an alkali metal atom includes: a light source generating first and second resonant lights with frequency differences Δω; a magnetic field generator applying a magnetic field to the atom; a light detector detecting intensities of the first and second resonant lights passing through the atom; and a controller causing a frequency difference between specified first and second resonant lights to equal a frequency difference corresponding to an energy difference between two ground levels of the atom based on the detected light. The controller causes the frequency Δω or magnetic field intensity to satisfy 2×δ×n=Δω or Δω×n=2×δ. The frequency δ corresponds to an energy difference between two Zeeman split levels differentiated by one magnetic quantum number and generated in the two ground levels of the atom by energy splitting.
US08279012B2 Amplifier circuit and methods of operation thereof
A signal amplifying circuit and associated methods and apparatuses, the circuit comprising: a signal path extending from an input terminal to an output terminal, a gain controller arranged to control the gain applied along the signal path in response to a control signal; an output stage within the signal path for generating the output signal, the output stage having a gain that is substantially independent of its supply voltage, and a variable voltage power supply comprising a charge pump for providing positive and negative output voltages, the charge pump comprising a network of switches that is operable in a number of different states and a controller for operating the switches in a sequence of the states so as to generate positive and negative output voltages together spanning a voltage approximately equal to the input voltage.
US08279011B2 Amplifier circuit and method of signal amplification
An amplifier circuit and a method of signal amplification are provided. The amplifier circuit includes a first amplifier and a charge pump. The first amplifier includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The first terminal is coupled to a first external voltage. The second terminal is coupled to a negative voltage. The third terminal is coupled to a ground reference voltage. The charge pump is coupled to the first amplifier for providing the negative voltage transformed from a second external voltage.
US08279002B2 Variable gain amplifier circuit
A variable gain amplifier circuit includes: an operational amplifier having a non-inverting input terminal applied with a predetermined voltage; a feedback resistor having one end connected to an inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier and the other end connected to an output terminal of the operational amplifier; and a variable resistor having one end applied with an input voltage and the other end connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier.
US08278999B2 Output buffer circuit capable of enhancing stability
An output buffer circuit capable of enhancing stability includes an operational amplifier, a capacitive load and an output control unit. The operational amplifier has a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal and an output terminal, and generates an output voltage to the output terminal according to an input voltage received by the positive input terminal. The output control unit is coupled between the output terminal of the operational amplifier and the capacitive load, and is utilized for controlling electrical connection between the output terminal of the operational amplifier and the capacitive load to form a signal output path and for adjusting impedance of the signal output path when the signal output path is formed.
US08278998B2 Power supply noise reduction circuit and power supply noise reduction method
A power supply noise reduction circuit and a power supply noise reduction method for reducing power supply noise at any frequency, includes forcing a power supply noise to resonate to the resonance frequency of a parallel resonance circuit, including an inductor and a capacitor to set the frequency of the noise equal or close to the resonance frequency of the parallel resonance circuit and, attenuating the noise, set equal or close to the resonance frequency of the parallel resonance circuit, using a low-pass filter including a resistor and a capacitor.
US08278997B1 Apparatus and methodology for controlling hot swap MOSFETs
Systems and methods for reliable and efficient hot swap control are disclosed herein. The system includes a feedback circuit that senses a load voltage and enables a gate driver, in response to a difference between input and output voltages falling below a predefined threshold value. Once enabled, the gate driver instantaneously, or almost instantaneously, turns on a set of paralleled metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) in a hot swap control circuit and/or enables a load. Since the MOSFETs are switched instantaneously, or almost instantaneously, they do not operate in a linear mode and thus reliable sharing of load current is achieved. In addition, on detecting an overcurrent condition, the gate driver is disabled, which in turn switches off the MOSFETs. Accordingly, both inrush current limiting and overcurrent protection can be provided.
US08278996B2 Reference current generating circuit
A reference current generating circuit includes an operational amplifier having one input terminal to receive a reference voltage and a field effect transistor having a gate to receive an output voltage of the operational amplifier. k resistors (k is an integer not less than 2) are connected in series to a drain of the field effect transistor, and a voltage at one of connection points of the resistors is feed backed to the other input terminal of the operational amplifier. A switch selects one of the connection points of the resistors and applies the voltage of the selected connection point as a reference voltage to a gate of a reference transistor to generate a reference current.
US08278991B2 Power supply circuit and method for controlling the same
A power supply circuit includes a charge pump circuit configured to raise a voltage inputted from an input terminal and supply the raised voltage from an output terminal to a given load and a control circuit unit. The charge pump circuit includes a fly-back capacitor configured to store a charge of the voltage inputted from the input terminal and an output transistor connected between one terminal of the fly-back capacitor and the output terminal of the charge pump circuit. The control circuit unit receives a reference voltage and the voltage outputted from the charge pump circuit and is configured to generate a proportional voltage proportional to the voltage outputted from the charge pump circuit and output a voltage to control the output transistor depending on a difference between the proportional voltage and the reference voltage so that the proportional voltage has the same voltage level as the reference voltage.
US08278990B2 Electric fuse cutoff control circuit renewing cutoff information and semiconductor device
An electric fuse cutoff control circuit controlling cutoff of a plurality of electric fuses including: a cutoff information storage circuit adapted to store cutoff information about whether or not each of the plurality of electric fuses is cut off; a cutoff information control circuit controlling the cutoff of the plurality of electric fuses based on an output signal of the cutoff information storage circuit; and a cutoff information renewal circuit receiving an output signal of the cutoff information control circuit and renewing the cutoff information set for the cutoff information storage circuit.
US08278989B2 Semiconductor device including analog circuit and digital circuit
A semiconductor device includes an analog circuit with a first delay variation in response to a variation in a power supply potential, and a digital circuit with a second delay variation smaller than the first delay variation. The analog circuit is connected to a first power supply potential. The digital circuit includes a detecting circuit detecting a first delay caused by a first circuit connected to the first power supply potential, and a second circuit generating a control signal to control the analog circuit, the second circuit being connected to a second power supply potential whose potential variation is smaller than the first power supply potential. A second delay caused by the second circuit is controlled in correlation to the first delay.
US08278988B2 Method and apparatus for generating a modulated waveform signal
A semiconductor device comprising timer logic for generating a first modulated waveform signal, and delay logic, operably coupled to the timer logic and arranged to provide a first delay in a rising edge of the first modulated waveform signal generated by the timer logic; and provide a second delay in a falling edge of the first modulated waveform generated by the timer logic. The first delay and second delay of the first modulated waveform forms a second, refined modulated waveform signal that comprises a higher frequency resolution than a frequency resolution of the first modulated waveform signal.
US08278985B2 Synchronization circuit
A synchronization circuit includes a first loop circuit configured to set an initial delay time by using first initial delay information and generate a first delay signal by changing a delay time of a first input signal, a second loop circuit configured to set the initial delay time by using second initial delay information and generate a second delay signal by changing a delay time of a second input signal, a duty cycle correction unit configured to correct a duty cycle of the first delay signal by using the second delay signal, and an initial delay monitoring circuit configured to generate the first initial delay information and the second initial delay information in response to an internal delay signal of the first loop circuit and the first input signal.
US08278979B2 Digital circuits with adaptive resistance to single event upset
A digital circuit with adaptive resistance to single event upset. A novel transient filter is placed within the feedback loop of each latch in the digital circuit to reject pulses having a width less than T, where T is the longest anticipated duration of transients. The transient filter includes a first logic element having a controllable inertial delay and a second logic element coupled to an output of the first logic element. A first controller provides a control voltage VcR to each first logic element to control a rise time of the first logic element to be equal to T. A second controller provides a control voltage VcF to each first logic element to control a fall time of the first logic element to be equal to T.
US08278975B2 Sinusoidal waveform generation circuit
A sinusoidal waveform generation circuit is configured to continuously control a voltage applied to a gate of a MOSFET to change an output current in the form of a sinusoidal wave by utilizing, as an electric characteristic specific to the MOSFET, a characteristic between a voltage applied to a gate of a MOSFET and an output current. The waveform of the sinusoidal wave generated by the sinusoidal waveform generation circuit is not a combination of a plurality of linear lines but is continuous and smooth. As a result, noises generated by the sinusoidal waveform generation circuit can be reduced.
US08278974B2 Divider circuit
A divider circuit includes a shift register which generates 2X (X is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) pulse signals in accordance with a first clock signal or a second clock signal and outputs them, and a divided signal output circuit which generates a signal to be a third clock signal with a cycle X times longer than a cycle of the first clock signal in accordance with the 2X pulse signals and outputs it. The divided signal output circuit includes X first transistors which control whether voltage of the signal to be the third clock signal is set to first voltage; and X second transistors which control whether voltage of the signal to be the third clock signal is set to second voltage.
US08278973B2 Impedance control circuit and semiconductor device including the same
To include two counter circuits that change impedances of two replica circuits, respectively, and an impedance adjustment control circuit that controls the counter circuits to update count values of the counter circuits. The impedance adjustment control circuit controls one of the counter circuits to finish updating the count value of the counter circuit in response to a change of the impedance of the corresponding replica circuit from a state of being lower than an impedance of an external resistor to a state of being higher than the impedance of the external resistor, and controls the other counter circuit to finish updating the count value of the other counter circuit in response to a change of the impedance of the other replica circuit from a state of being higher than the impedance of the former replica circuit to a state of being lower than the impedance of the former replica circuit. With this configuration, the adjust errors generated in the replica circuits are canceled.
US08278971B2 Detection circuit
A detection circuit is disclosed in specification and drawing, where the detection circuit includes a current source, a voltage-current converter and a current comparator. The voltage-current converter is configured to acquire a receiving current from the current source by comparing a reference voltage with an input voltage of a detecting terminal. The current comparator is configured to output an output voltage by comparing a steady current with an output current based on the receiving current.
US08278969B2 Method and apparatus for voltage level shifting with concurrent synchronization
Methods and apparatus provide for voltage level shifting with concurrent synchronization. The apparatus includes level shifting logic that in response to a non-level shifted clock signal from a first voltage domain, provides level shifted concurrently synchronous differential data signals in a second voltage domain based on pre-level shifted differential data signals from the first voltage domain. The first voltage domain may be, for example, a core logic voltage domain in which core logic operates. The second voltage domain may be, for example, an input/output (I/O) voltage domain in which an I/O buffer operates. The voltage level of the level shifted concurrently synchronous differential data signals is shifted from the pre-level shifted differential data signals, and the timing of the level shifted concurrently synchronous differential data signals is concurrently referenced to the non-level shifted clock signal.
US08278967B2 Data driving impedance auto-calibration circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit using the same
A data driving impedance auto-calibration circuit includes: a detection block configured to calibrate a characteristic voltage generated by detecting an operation characteristic variation of an element, according to a code signal, and generate a calibrated characteristic voltage; a comparison block configured to compare the calibrated characteristic voltage with a reference voltage and output a comparison result signal; and a code calibration block configured to calibrate the code signal according to the comparison result signal.
US08278965B2 Inspection apparatus
The inspection apparatus includes a probe having a contact for contacting an electrode of an inspected object and having a built-in heater for correcting dislocation of the contact to the electrode caused by temperature difference between the probe and the inspected object; a tester for testing the probe and supplying electric power to the heater; an electric power supply, provided on the tester, for supplying electric power to the heater; and a temperature control unit for controlling electric power to the heater of the probe through the electric power supply, wherein the electric power supply includes at least one open/close switch for switching power to the heater on and off. A connector has a male connector and a female connector on opposing ends. A continuity-checking device checks supply of electric power to the heater from the electric power supply.
US08278963B2 Power detector and method for detecting power
A circuit and method are provided for detecting a power of a signal amplified in a power amplifier. A diode and a voltage bias source are used to shift a voltage of the signal taken at a base of an amplifying transistor of the power amplifier, to generate a positive signal. The positive signal is provided to a base input of an emitter follower exhibiting high input impedance to generate a power detector output which follows the positive signal.
US08278958B2 Semiconductor test system and method
A method of testing semiconductor devices, the method includes the steps of making a first set of electrical connections to a first set of devices to allow a first set of tests to be performed on that set of devices and concurrently making a second set of electrical connections to a second set of devices to allow a second set of tests to be performed on the second set of devices, wherein the first and second sets of tests are different, and concurrently performing the first set of tests on the first set of devices and the second set of tests on the second set of devices.
US08278957B2 Circuit board unit and testing apparatus
Provided is a circuit board unit for connecting a connecting terminal of a testing apparatus to a connected terminal of a device under test, including: a circuit board having, on one surface, a contact corresponding to the connected terminal; and a connector guide provided on the one surface of the circuit board, the connector guide guiding a connector having the connecting terminal to the circuit board, and pulling the connector towards the circuit board. In this circuit board unit, the connector guide may bias the connector on a side of the connecting terminal, towards the circuit board. Moreover in the circuit board unit, the circuit board may further have a substrate frame that is coupled to the connector guide and biases the connector guide towards the circuit board.
US08278955B2 Test interconnect
According to an example embodiment, a contact cell includes a first element that is flexible and electrically conductive, and that is structured to have at least one bend along an entire length of the first element. The contact cell further includes a second element that is flexible and electrically conductive, and that is structured to have at least one bend along an entire length of the second element. The contact cell further includes a tie that is electrically non-conductive, and that is affixed to the first element and affixed to the second element such that the first element and second element are physically and electrically separated from each other.
US08278949B2 Method and sensor for determining the passivating properties of a mixture containing at least two components, which are cement and water
A method for determining the passivating properties of a mixture containing cement and water. Taking three elements that are referred to as first-third electrodes. Fixing at least one electrode on a support such that the electrodes are electrically insulated reciprocally and the mixture is able to come in contact with a face on each electrode. Applying between the first and third electrodes a direct current, referred to as first direct current, of predetermined intensity value and predetermined polarity, resulting in electrolytic reactions on the third electrode for a first duration, and then measuring voltage between the second and third electrodes. Storing the measurement for the variation of said voltage, comparing the variations in the voltage with predetermined data defining at least whether or not a mixture has passivating properties, and determining at least whether or not the mixture has such passivating properties.
US08278947B2 Capacitive divider device, voltage sensor, trip device module and electrical protection apparatus provided with such a device
A multilayer capacitive divider having first and second main electrodes on the same level to apply an input voltage, and a common electrode on another level to supply an attenuated voltage, at least a first auxiliary electrode on yet another level, the electrodes arranged to form capacitive units, with the auxiliary electrode extending towards a side of the device towards which the second main electrode is arranged for connecting the auxiliary electrode to the second main electrode by a linear conductor. One such device also includes a voltage sensor, a trip device module and an electrical protection apparatus.
US08278944B1 Vector network analyzer having multiplexed reflectometers for improved directivity
A vector network analyzer (VNA) in accordance with the present invention for measuring a frequency response of a device under test (DUT) includes a signal source, a port, a signal path connecting the port and the signal source, and a reflectometer receiver that when activated taps onto the signal path within a primary frequency range. The port is adapted to be electrically connected with the DUT while disconnected from a frequency-extension module or electrically connected to the DUT with the frequency-extension module serially connected between the port and the DUT. When the port is electrically connected with the DUT and electrically disconnected from the frequency-extension module, the reflectometer receiver is active so that the frequency response of the DUT is measureable within the primary frequency range using the reflectometer receiver and the signal source. When the port is electrically connected with the DUT in series with the frequency-extension module, the reflectometer receiver is deactivated so that the frequency response of the DUT is measureable within a extension frequency range wider than and substantially overlapping the primary frequency range using the frequency-extension module and the signal source.
US08278942B2 Self-checking analyzer method and system using reflected power/insertion loss
A self-checking analyzer system is provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The analyzer system includes a pipeline for receiving a multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system also includes a first measuring device configured to provide a first reflected power/insertion loss measurement corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow, and a second measuring device differing in frequency response from the first measuring device and configured to provide a second reflected power/insertion loss measurement corresponding to the multi-phase fluid flow. The analyzer system is configured to validate the first reflected power/insertion loss measurement using the second reflected power/insertion loss measurement.
US08278941B2 Strain monitoring system and apparatus
This application relates to an apparatus and system for sensing strain on a portion of an implant positioned in a living being. In one aspect, the apparatus has at least one sensor assembly that can be mountable thereon a portion of the implant and that has a passive electrical resonant circuit that can be configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy. Each sensor assembly, in response to the electromagnetic coupling, can be configured to generate an output signal characterized by a frequency that is dependent upon urged movement of a portion of the passive electrical resonant circuit and is indicative of strain applied thereon a portion of the respective sensor assembly.
US08278940B2 Signal acquisition system having a compensation digital filter
A signal acquisition system has a signal acquisition probe having probe tip circuitry coupled to a resistive center conductor signal cable. The resistive center conductor signal cable is coupled to a compensation system in a signal processing instrument via an input node and input circuitry in the signal processing instrument. The signal acquisition probe and the signal processing instrument have mismatched time constants at the input node with the compensation system having an input amplifier with feedback loop circuitry and a compensation digital filter providing pole-zero pairs for maintaining flatness over the signal acquisition system frequency bandwidth.
US08278939B2 Diagnostic method for determining deformations in a transformer winding
A diagnostic method for determining deformations in a transformer winding including the steps of representing the winding as a lumped parameter circuit and dividing the winding into at least two sections; generating a first set of fingerprint values based on capacitive values of the winding; the first set of finger print values indicating the location and extent of radial deformation in the winding; generating a second set of fingerprint values based on capacitive values of the winding; the second set of finger prints indicating the location and extent of axial deformation in the winding and determining the location and extent of radial or axial deformation or combination of both radial and axial deformation in the winding by comparing the measured values with the first set and second set of finger print values.
US08278937B2 High speed detection of shunt defects in photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices
The current invention provides a shunt defect detection device that includes a device under test (DUT) that is fixedly held by a thermally isolating mount, a power source disposed to provide a directional bias condition to the DUT, a probe disposed to provide a localized power to the DUT from the power source, an emission detector disposed to measure a temporal emission from the DUT when in the directional bias condition, where the measured temporal emission is output as temporal data from the emission detector to a suitably programmed computer that uses the temporal data to determine a heating rate of the DUT and is disposed to estimate an overheat risk level of the DUT, where an output from the computer designates the DUT a pass status, an uncertain status, a fail status or a process to bin status according to the overheat risk level.
US08278936B2 Test circuits and current pulse generator for simulating an electrostatic discharge
This invention is an electrostatic discharge testing circuit that can deliver current pulses to a component under test (CUT) with a custom amplitude versus time profile shape. Pulse generation with customized shapes is accomplished by discharging an energy storage network comprised of capacitor(s), transmission line(s) and other passive components. Current pulses compliant to the European International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 61000-4-2 standard can be so produced. These current pulses are delivered to the CUT with low distortion through a constant impedance electrical path, such as a combination of cables and controlled impedance conductors of printed wiring boards compatible with packaged IC devices, assemblies, and wafer probes. The current pulses can be delivered with various impedances, and measurements made that allow the CUT currents and voltages to be calculated.
US08278933B2 Method and system for monitoring power electronics controllers in automotive electrical systems
Methods and systems are provided for monitoring an automotive electrical system including an inverter having at least one switch. First and second voltage commands corresponding to respective first and second components of a commanded voltage vector on a synchronous frame of reference coordinate system are received. A plurality of duty cycles for operating the at least one switch are calculated based on the first and second voltage commands. First and second actual voltages are calculated based on the plurality of duty cycles. The first and second actual voltages correspond to respective first and second components of an actual voltage vector on the synchronous frame of reference coordinate system. An indication of a fault is generated based on the difference between the first components of the commanded voltage vector and the actual voltage vector and the difference between the second components of the commanded voltage vector and the actual voltage vector.
US08278928B2 Apparatus and method for detection of position of a component in an earth formation
An apparatus for detecting a position of a component in an earth formation is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a transmitter configured to emit a first magnetic field into the earth formation and induce an electric current in the component, the transmitter having a first magnetic dipole extending in a first direction; and a receiver for detecting a second magnetic field generated by the component in response to the first magnetic field, the receiver having a second magnetic dipole extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A method and computer program product for detecting a position of a component in an earth formation is also disclosed.
US08278922B2 Continuous wettability logging based on NMR measurements
A method for utilizing received formation data to determine one or more fluid instance such as reservoir wettability while in one of a subterranean environment or a surface environment. The method comprising: (a) obtaining at least one set of formation data wherein the set of formation data includes magnetic resonance data from two or more samples within an approximate common characteristic region in the reservoir; (b) computing from the at least one set of received formation data a first fluid instance of the one or more fluid instance using at least two mathematical variables from the group consisting of one of oil saturation, water saturation, T1, T2, diffusion coefficient, tortuosity from long time diffusion coefficient or some combination thereof; and (c) interpreting the computed first fluid instance as at least one wettability property between the fluids in a formation located in the subterranean environment and the formation.
US08278921B2 Apparatus and method for detecting metallic objects in shoes
An inspection system positions a balancing shim to asymmetrically balance a magnetic field generated by an inductive sensor, which forms part of the inspection system. Additionally, relays and capacitors used to tune the inductive sensor to a desired resonance frequency are geometrically arranged to minimize electrical interference generated by operation of the relays and capacitors. A shielding device, which may be formed on a printed circuit board, protects a magnetic field generated by the inductive sensor from external electromagnetic interference. A slot positioned in the inductive sensor may be used to tune a resonant mode of the inductive sensor to accurately and particularly detect metallic shanks and/or other metallic objects in shoes, socks, and/or clothing.
US08278915B2 Minimizing magnetic interference in a variable reluctance resolver
A resolver apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus comprises a source generation unit for generating a uni-phase source signal to excite a resolver, wherein said source generation unit comprises a low distortion oscillator, a variable phase shifter, and a capacitive resolver driving network; and a signal output unit for generating a two-phase output signal, wherein said signal output unit comprises the resolver, a signal detector and level adjuster, an angular position measurement unit, and an angular position compensation unit. The method comprises generating a source signal to excite a resolver; transmitting the source signal through a variable phase shifter; transmitting the source signal through at least one capacitive passive element serially connected to each coil winding of the resolver; outputting a displacement signal generated by the resolver to a resolver-to-digital converter; and converting said displacement signal into a digital position using the resolver-to-digital converter.
US08278914B2 Rotation angle detector
A rotation angle detector for detecting a rotation angle of a detectable rotation body, comprises: a primary rotation body to be attached to the detectable rotation body and to rotate as integral with the detectable rotation body; a secondary rotation body to rotate as a predetermined rotation ratio for the primary rotation body; a primary rotation detection mechanism to output a signal to be varied periodically as corresponding to a rotation of the primary rotation body; a secondary rotation detection mechanism to output a signal to be varied periodically as corresponding to a rotation of the secondary rotation body; a signal processing unit to calculate the rotation angles of the primary and the secondary rotation bodies using the signals that the primary and the secondary rotation detection mechanisms output; and an operation processing unit to calculate the rotation angle of the detectable rotation body.
US08278911B2 Inductive angle-of-rotation sensor and method for operating an inductive angle-of-rotation sensor
An inductive angle-of-rotation sensor includes a printed circuit board, on which one excitation conductor path, and a first, second as well as third receiving conductor path are applied. The angle-of-rotation sensor further includes a graduation element having a first and second graduation track. The first and second graduation tracks, and the first and second receiving conductor paths are arranged such that signals having a first period number are able to be generated by the first receiving conductor path, and signals having a second period number are able to be generated by the second receiving conductor path. The graduation element further has a third graduation track, so that signals having the first period number are able to be generated by the third receiving conductor path. In addition, a method is provided for operating an angle-of-rotation sensor.
US08278908B2 Method for measuring electric potential distribution on a surface of a sample, and charged particle beam system
A charged particle beam system for measuring a sample such as a photomask is provided. The system is capable of adjusting its condition with high accuracy to measure the sample even when a back surface of the sample is charged. The charged particle beam system measures an electric potential distribution on the back surface of the sample during a process for transporting the sample. The system controls the degree of charge neutralization of the sample based on the result of the measurement, or estimates or calculates an electric potential distribution appearing on a front surface of the sample and obtained when the sample is placed on the sample holder or the like. The system is capable of measuring or inspecting the sample such as a photomask at high speed and with high accuracy even when the sample has a large amount of charges accumulated on its surface different from its pattern surface.
US08278900B2 Switched mode power supply with burst mode controller
A power supply includes a PFC stage 6 and an SMPS stage 8. The power supply can operate in a normal mode in which the PFC stage supplies a voltage to the SMPS stage. In a standby mode, the PFC stage is operated in bursts to supply a lower voltage to the SMPS stage that is high enough that the SMPS stage can rapidly respond when it needs to supply a load.
US08278898B2 Auto-tuning power supply
An apparatus for and method of automatically tuning a voltage regulation control loop for a digitally controlled switch mode power supply is provided. The method includes determining a frequency response of the power stage and calculating an open loop transfer function from the frequency response. A correlated metric is defined based at least in part on the open loop transfer function, wherein the correlated metric is correlated to an expected disturbance in regulated output voltage from the digitally controlled switch mode power supply due to a change in load. New values for the open loop transfer function are calculated for a range of controller compensation parameters to minimize the correlated metric. These values are then applied to the digital controller for use in controlling the power supply.
US08278897B2 Power supply converter and method
A power supply converter and a method for adjusting a threshold voltage in the power supply converter. The circuit includes first and second switches having current conducting terminals commonly connected together to form a node. An energy storage element may be connected to the node and a zero current detection comparator may be connected to the node. A first voltage may be provided at the control terminal of the first switch that turns it off. After the first switch is off, determining whether the first switch turned off before or after the current in the energy storage element has reached zero. This may be accomplished by determining whether the voltage at the first node is positive or negative. If the voltage at the first node is negative, the threshold voltage is increased and if the voltage at the first node is positive the threshold voltage is decreased.
US08278889B2 Adaptive rectifier architecture and method for switching regulators
An adjustable compensation offset voltage is applied to a comparator to vary turn-off timing of a synchronous rectifier. A comparator output indicates when current through an inductor coupled to the synchronous rectifier should be approaching zero. If the synchronous rectifier is turned off before the current through the inductor reaches zero, the compensation offset voltage is adjusted to delay the synchronous rectifier turn-off for the next switching cycle. If the synchronous rectifier is turned off after the current through the inductor reaches zero, the compensation offset voltage is adjusted to advance the synchronous rectifier turn-off for the next switching cycle. An up/down counter, in conjunction with a digital to analog converter, may be used to provide the adjustment to the compensation offset voltage. The adjustable compensation offset voltage improves the accuracy of synchronous rectifier turn-off in relation to a zero inductor current, thereby improving power converter efficiency.
US08278888B2 Multiple branch alternative element power regulation
A power regulation scheme includes a first voltage regulation portion connected in parallel with a second voltage regulation portion that regulates a voltage if an open condition occurs within the first voltage regulation portion. Each voltage regulation portion may include a first voltage regulator connected in series with a second voltage regulator that regulates the voltage if a short condition occurs within the first voltage regulator. Each voltage regulation portion may utilize a switching element to route an output voltage of the first voltage regulator past the second voltage regulator if the output voltage has been regulated and/or to force the output voltage to be regulated by the second voltage regulator if the output voltage has not been regulated.
US08278884B2 DC-DC converter
A DC-DC converter including a power supply supplying direct current (DC) to an inductor, a switching device controlling the supply of DC from the power supply to the inductor by switching between a conductive state and a disconnected state according to a modulation signal, a signal output device generating the modulation signal for increasing or decreasing a period of the conductive state of the switching device, wherein the signal output device increases or decreases a duty ratio of the modulation signal to increase or decrease the period of the conductive state of the switching device, and a delay device controlling an increase of a duty ratio of the modulation signal, wherein the signal output device outputs the modulation signal with the controlled duty ratio to the switching device, thereby delaying the switching device from reaching a conductive state in which the duty ratio is a value of 1.
US08278881B2 Power grid load management for plug-in vehicles
Methods and systems are provided for controlling the charging of an onboard energy storage system of a plug-in vehicle using a remote command center, such as a vehicle telematics service. An embodiment of such a method involves the transmission of a charge request for the onboard energy storage system to a remote command center associated with the plug-in vehicle. In response to the charge request, a charge command is received from the remote command center. The charging of the onboard energy storage system is regulated in accordance with the received charge command, which may be a charge enable command or a charge disable command.
US08278879B2 System and method for providing hybrid energy on a marine vessel
A system for providing rechargeable energy onboard a marine vessel, the system including an energy storage device aboard a marine vessel, an interface device connected to the energy storage device configured to provide power to charge the energy storage device and/or provide power from the energy storage device to the marine vessel, a converter device connected to the interface device configured to convert power to alternating current and/or direct current, depending on an intended purpose of the system, and a conditioning device connected to the converter device, interface device, and/or energy storage device, and configured to establish an acceptable power level and/or an acceptable power waveform. The energy storage device is configured to provide power to the marine vessel to reduce fuel used, emission output, and/or mechanical noise output. A method for providing rechargeable energy onboard a marine vessel is further disclosed.
US08278877B2 Battery pack including a shock absorbing device
One aspect according to the present invention includes a battery pack and a shock absorbing device interposed between a battery cell holder and a case body and capable of keeping the battery cell holder and the battery cells not to directly contact with an inner surface of the case body.
US08278876B2 Battery pack current monitoring
A battery pack may include at least one battery cell, a switch having an ON resistance dependent on a temperature of the switch, a thermistor having a resistance varying with changes in the temperature, and battery state monitoring circuitry. The battery state monitoring circuitry may be configured to monitor a voltage drop across the switch caused by a current flowing through the switch and the resistance of the thermistor to correlate the voltage drop to the current level. A cordless electrical device including the battery pack, and an associated method are also provided.
US08278872B2 Charging device
A charging device comprises a rotating unit, an axle unit assembled to the rotating unit and engaging the rotating unit, and two charging units assembled to the axle unit. Each charging unit includes a magnet retainer assembled to the axle unit and engaging the axle unit, a plurality of magnets received in the magnet retainer, and a case rotatably assembled to the axle unit and including a plurality of windings. Rotation of the rotating unit drives the axle unit and the magnet retainers to rotate, the rotating magnet retainers and magnets further rotate relative to the cases due to the inertia of the cases, and the magnets move relative to the windings and generate induction currents in the windings, for charging a battery.
US08278871B2 Open-loop recharge for an implantable medical device
Techniques for recharging a rechargeable power source coupled to a secondary coil implanted within a living body are described. In one embodiment, a recharging device external to the living body induces a sequence of pulses in a primary coil that is coupled to the secondary coil. The sequence includes high-amplitude pulses alternating with low-amplitude pulses, each high-amplitude pulse having an amplitude selected to transfer charge to the rechargeable power source during times of poor coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil, each low-amplitude pulse having an amplitude selected to transfer charge to the rechargeable power source during times of good coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil, and wherein the sequence of pulses is selected to prevent a violation of a limiting condition such as heating that is associated with recharging the rechargeable power source when recharging occurs in an open-loop manner.
US08278868B2 Environmental power generation device and associated methods
An environmental power generation device may include a base, a turbine mounting structure carried by the base and a wind turbine carried by the turbine mounting structure. The environmental power generation device may also include a power generator in communication with the wind turbine. The power generator may include a rotor in communication with the wind turbine, and a stator in rotational communication with the rotor. The environmental power generation device may further include a solar cell mounting structure connected to the base, and a solar cell connected to the solar cell mounting structure and positioned to overlie the wind turbine.
US08278865B2 Control device
A control device that controls a plurality of inverters respectively provided corresponding to a plurality of alternating-current electric motors so as to control the plurality of alternating-current electric motors by current feedback. The control device comprises a carrier frequency setting unit that individually selects and sets one of a plurality of carrier frequencies, each of which is a frequency of a carrier for generating switching control signals for the inverter based on a pulse width modulation method, for each of the plurality of inverters, and a switching timing table that specifies a switching timing serving as a permissible timing of switching to a different carrier frequency pair from each of a plurality of carrier frequency pairs each of which is composed of a combination of the carrier frequencies set for each of the plurality of inverters.
US08278864B2 Compressor control
The invention relates to improvements in compressors and, in particular, to an improvement in a method of controlling variable speed dynamic compressors to avoid ‘motor overload as a result of choking.1 The invention therefore comprises a method of controlling a compressor to provide compressed gas at a target delivery pressure (Pt) and prevent excessive motor power consumption, the compressor being driven by a variable speed motor which has motor windings, wherein the gas inlet temperature (Tin), gas output delivery pressure (Pd), motor speed (Vm) and the motor winding temperature (Tmw) are continuously measured during operation of the compressor. The gas inlet temperature (Tin) is used to determine a predetermined maximum motor winding temperature (Tmwmax) limit. The maximum motor winding temperature (Tmwmax) is used (to set a maximum motor speed (Vmmax) limit. The maximum motor speed (Vmmax), target (Pt) and gas output delivery (Pd) pressures are used to control the actual motor speed (Vm) below the maximum motor speed limit (Vmmax).
US08278861B2 External disturbance detection system and method for two-phase motor control systems
A system includes a power control module, a period determination module, and a control module. The power control module controls current through stator coils of a motor to rotate a rotor. The period determination module determines a first length of time between a first set of induced stator coil voltages and determines a second length of time between a second set of induced stator coil voltages. The control module determines whether an external disturbance disturbs rotation of the rotor based on a difference between the first and second lengths of time.
US08278858B2 Flux cancellation in a permanent magnet generator
A permanent magnet comprises a primary winding, a secondary winding, a permanent magnet, an output terminal for connection to an external load, and a switching mechanism with two modes. In a first mode of the switching mechanism, the primary winding is connected between neutral and the output terminal, and the varying magnetic flux from the permanent magnet induces a nonzero voltage at the output terminal. In the second mode, the secondary winding provides a return path to neutral for the primary winding, thereby providing negligible voltage and current at the output terminal and substantially canceling change in magnetic flux from the permanent magnet.
US08278855B2 Controller of motor preventing an increase in inverter loss
In configuring a power conversion device to drive an alternating-current motor for an electric vehicle, the device is configured in a small size, light weight, and at a low cost, while avoiding size increase of a cooler. A current-command generating unit provided in a controller to control the alternating-current motor is adjusted not to increase a loss of an inverter in a state that the inverter as a main circuit within the power conversion device is outputting a maximum voltage that can be generated at an output voltage of a direct-current power source and when a torque command is reduced, and outputs a current command to cause the alternating-current motor to generate a torque based on the torque command.
US08278851B2 Drive apparatus having a stepping motor
A drive apparatus includes a magnet rotor having a plurality of magnetic poles that are magnetized, a stator having a magnetic pole portion that opposes each pole of the magnet rotor, a coil configured to excite the magnetic pole portion, a position detector configured to detect a position of the magnet rotor, a first driver configured to switch an electrification state of the coil in accordance with a preset time interval, a second driver configured to switch an electrification state of the coil in accordance with an output of the position detector, and a controller configured to select the first driver when the output of the position detector is less than a first threshold, and to select the second driver when the output of the position detector is equal to or larger than the first threshold.
US08278849B2 Controller for calculating electric power consumption of industrial machine
A controller of an industrial machine provided with an electric motor, a peripheral apparatus and an amplifier includes a motor power-consumption calculation section, a power loss calculation section, a fixed power-consumption calculation section, and a total power-consumption calculation section. The motor power-consumption calculation section calculates motor power consumption by decomposing a motor current into a Q-phase current value and a D-phase current value, and multiplying the Q-phase current value with a motor rotation speed and a motor torque constant. The power loss calculation section calculates sum power loss of the motor and amplifier. The fixed power-consumption calculation section calculates fixed power consumption of the peripheral apparatus. The total power-consumption calculation section determines total power consumption of the industrial machine in a predetermined time period by integrating, for the time period, the calculated motor power consumption, sum power loss and fixed power consumption.
US08278844B2 Energy-saving lamp with remote control and button dimming feature
This invention relates to a kind of dimmable energy-saving lamp with remote control and buttons dimming feature comprising: a power supply module (1), one end of which being connected to municipal power supply via the button-dimming switch (K), another end of which being connected to different parts of the whole circuit including the SCM control module (2), an SCM control module (2), the output end of which being connected to the dimming control module (3), the signal output end of said dimming control module (3) being connected to the signal input end of the energy-saving lamp tube as well as the energy-saving lamp tube as the illuminating component; the invention further features: a remote-control transmitting module (5) for transmitting wireless signals at least including dimming signals; a remote-control receiving module (6) for receiving wireless signals at least including dimming signals, the output end of said remote-control receiving module (6) being connected to an input end of said SCM control module (2); adopting remote control and button operation, this invention can achieve smooth dimming of energy-saving lamp tube within a large scope, making it a remote control energy-saving lamp capable of stepless dimming.
US08278841B2 Light emitting diode light engine
An LED light engine system that incorporates light emitting diodes (LEDs) with one or more distinct colors, including broad band white light obtained from phosphors or a combination of LED die colors and LED die coated phosphors. The LED die or die arrays are mounted to a high thermal conductivity circuit board comprising COB technology which can include both the LED die and electronic drive components resulting in a compact and reliable design with improved thermal and optical performance. High efficiency non-imaging collection optics are coupled to the LEDs to efficiently capture substantially all of the light which they emit and reformat it as an output with substantially the same éntendue as that of the LED to provide high brightness sources. Feedback from the output back to a photosensor on the circuit board is provided to assure that the output of the collection optic remains constant.
US08278838B2 Dimmer device with feedback function
A dimmer device enables wireless control of intensity of light output of an electric light source and includes a light dimmer for coupling electrically with the light source. The light dimmer includes a power supply module for outputting a supply power, a dimmer module operable to vary the supply power to result in drive power that is supplied to the light source, a feedback module for generating a feedback signal in accordance with the drive power, the feedback signal corresponding to a current intensity of the light output of the light source, a wireless receiver unit for receiving a control signal from a remote controller and providing the control signal to the dimmer module for controlling the dimmer module to vary the supply power in accordance with the control signal, and a wireless transmitter unit for transmitting the feedback signal from the feedback module.
US08278835B1 Modular electronic ballast
A modular electronic ballast is provided for powering a fluorescent lamp. A motherboard is configured to receive an AC input signal, one or more supplemental input signals and a feedback signal from the lamp. A ballast control circuit generates an output signal for an oscillating inverter driving the lamps. A daughter card is coupled to the motherboard and selected from a plurality of daughter cards, each configured to provide a dimming control signal having predetermined characteristics and readable by the control circuit. The daughter cards are collectively configured to provide dimming control signals in response to each of a line-coupled demand response interface, one or more digitally addressable interfaces, analog dimming signals received via said supplemental communications bus, and three-wire phase control signals received via said AC line and said supplemental communications bus. The motherboard is configured to interchangeably receive any one of the daughter cards. The ballast control circuit is effective to generate output signals in response to the feedback signal, dimming control signal and a predetermined lamp output value.
US08278833B2 Method of ignition regulation of discharge lamp and the corresponding electronic ballast circuit
A method and corresponding electronic ballast circuit for regulating the ignition voltage of a discharge lamp is described. The circuit includes a discharge lamp with an AC operating voltage supplied by a half-bridge inverter circuit comprising two transistors. The method includes detecting the current flowing through one transistor of the two transistors, and comparing the detected current with a predetermined reference value. When the detected current exceeds a predetermined reference value, a driving period of the one transistor is terminated and the driving period of the other transistor of said two transistors is started, and the driving period of said other transistor is made to be the same as the terminated driving period of the one transistor.
US08278829B1 Method and apparatus for reducing radiation from a light fixture
A method and apparatus for reducing unwanted radiation from a light fixture have been disclosed.
US08278828B1 Large area organic LED display
An active matrix organic LED display having a matrix of multiple light emitting pixels and electronic drive circuitry for selectively addressing the pixels, each pixel containing an organic LED. The electronic drive circuitry includes row scan electrodes and column data electrodes that interconnect the matrix of pixels. The circuitry also includes a MEMS switching device and a memory capacitor for each pixel, the MEMS switching device connecting the memory capacitor to a column data electrode during addressing of a pixel and connecting the memory capacitor to the organic LED of each pixel during light emission.
US08278822B2 Light-emitting element
A light-emitting element comprising a substrate; a light-emitting layer disposed above the substrate and emitting a primary light; and, a reflective film disposed between the substrate and the light-emitting layer and formed by at least one layer that reflects the primary light, in which the light-emitting element further comprises a light dispersing multilayered film disposed between the substrate and the reflective film and formed by two or more types of light dispersing layers, and the light dispersing multilayered film multiple-disperses a secondary light into plural wavelengths and discharges the secondary light, which is excited by the primary light passing through the reflective film.
US08278821B2 Light emitting device
A light emitting device according to one embodiment includes a light emitting element that emits light having a wavelength of 250 nm to 500 nm; plural red fluorescent layers that are formed above the light emitting element to include a red fluorescent material, the red fluorescent layers being disposed at predetermined intervals; and plural green fluorescent layers that are formed above the light emitting element to include a green fluorescent material, a distance between the light emitting element and the green fluorescent layers being larger than a distance between the light emitting element and the red fluorescent layers.
US08278819B2 Organic electroluminescence device and display
In an organic electroluminescence device including a cathode and an anode, at least an emitting layer and an electron transporting layer are provided between the cathode and the anode. The emitting layer contains a host material formed of a naphthacene derivative represented by the following formula (1) and a dopant material formed of a compound having a pyrromethene skeleton represented by the following formula (2) or a metal complex of the compound. The electron transporting layer is preferably a benzoimidazole derivative.
US08278818B2 Electroluminescent display device and method of fabricating the same
An electroluminescent (EL) display device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The device includes a substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed on the substrate; a pixel defining layer disposed on the pixel electrodes and having an opening part exposing a predetermined part of each of the pixel electrodes; and at least one barrier layer comprised in and/or on the pixel defining layer. In this device, the pixel defining layer includes at least one barrier layer in order to reduce the amount of outgas from the pixel defining layer and prevent degradation of an emission portion due to the outgas. Also, the pixel defining layer is formed to a sufficiently small thickness to facilitate a subsequent process using a laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) process.
US08278816B2 High CRI electroluminescent lamp
An electroluminescent lamp having a high color rendering index (CRI) can be made using a phosphor blend comprising a mixture of an electroluminescent phosphor and an europium-activated alkaline earth silicon nitride phosphor, wherein the electroluminescent phosphor is selected from a blue-emitting electroluminescent phosphor, a blue-green-emitting electroluminescent phosphor, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the lamp exhibits a CRI of at least about 75, and, more preferably, at least about 80. A preferred blend contains from about 10% to about 20% by weight of the europium-activated alkaline earth silicon nitride phosphor.
US08278811B2 Device and method for circuit protection
A device for diverting energy away from an electrical arc flash is provided. The device comprises an arc source configured to create a second arc flash, a plasma gun configured to inject plasma in proximity of the arc source in response to the arc flash, an arc containment device to house the arc source and the plasma gun, an exhaust port configured to route exhaust gases out of the device in a first direction, and an exhaust duct coupled in flow communication with the exhaust port, the exhaust duct comprising a substantially hollow tube including a first tube portion and a second tube portion, the first tube portion coupled in flow communication with the exhaust port, the second tube portion defining an exhaust vent and coupled in flow communication with the first tube portion to route the exhaust gases out of the device in a second direction.
US08278807B2 Radiofrequency plasma generation device
A device including two plasma generation electrodes, a series resonator having a resonant frequency above 1 MHz and including a capacitor with two terminals, and an induction coil surrounded by a screen, the capacitor and the coil being placed in series, the electrodes being connected to the respective terminals of the capacitor. The ratio of the spark plug to the radius of the screen is equal to 0.56. The device can optimize the Q-factor of such a device by adjusting the radius of the coil to that of the screen.
US08278806B1 LED reflector lamp
An LED reflector lamp is provided wherein the lamp has a concave reflector substantially symmetrically arrayed about an axis, the reflector further having a focus and a bottom. A subassembly is coaxially aligned with said axis and comprises a light guide having a proximal end positioned outside of said reflector and a distal end positioned within said reflector at said focus. A first light source comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) is positioned at said proximal end and operable to emit a first radiation when energized. A second light source comprising at least one phosphor is positioned at said distal end and operable to emit a second radiation having a different wavelength than said first radiation when energized by said first radiation from said first light source.
US08278805B2 Lamp assembly with lamp and reflector
The present invention relates to a lamp assembly comprising a lamp (10) having a lamp vessel (101) with a longitudinal axis (CC). The lamp assembly comprises a support member (11) comprising a bottom surface (111) extending substantially along the longitudinal axis. Between the bottom surface and the lamp vessel, a reflective member (12) is supported by the support member and has a surface comprising a material with a melting temperature higher than 600° C.
US08278803B2 Motor end cap positioning element for maintaining rotor-stator concentricity
A motor is provided with a set of end cap guides on the ends of a stator winding assembly to pilot the placement of end caps into the correct placement relative to the stator winding assembly so that the rotor assembly is maintained concentric with the stator. The end cap guides may be rings fitting within the winding insulators on the ends of the stator stack or may be integrated as guide segments with the winding insulators to outline an interrupted cylindrical inner surface coinciding with the inner diameter of the stator winding assembly. The guides allow proper positioning of the rotor assembly without increasing the stator stack length.
US08278800B2 Multi-layer piezoelectric generator
A multilayer piezoelectric generator is disclosed comprising a round, rectangular or other shaped box having a cover. In the box are top and bottom electrodes and a plurality of electricity generating layers. Each Layer comprises a plurality of piezoelectric rods held in place by a matrix layer that fits snugly in the box and configured to accept shear strains developed in the rods when pressure is applied to the cover. The layers are separated by central electrode layers. The structure is configures such that pressure is evenly spreads among all the rods and causes the rods to make contacts with the electrodes. Rods in adjacent layers are oppositely poled, and the electrodes are configured and wired such that all the rods are connected parallel such that their generated charge is summed. Adaptation of the generator to its application is done by changing the number and thickness of the layers.
US08278796B2 Stator structure, and motor and fan assembly using same
A fan assembly includes a stator and a rotor. The stator is located in a fan frame and includes a base, at least one magnetizing winding provided on the base at a first relative position relative to a center of the base, and at least one magnetic conductive element provided on the base at a second relative position relative to the center of the base. The rotor is fixedly mounted in a fan hub, and has at least one positive pole and at least one negative pole, which are alternately arranged to constitute a magnetic induction face. The fan hub is rotatably connected to the fan frame via a shaft with the magnetic induction face facing toward the magnetizing winding and the magnetic conductive element on the base. With the above arrangements, the fan can have a largely reduced axial height for use in a limited space.
US08278794B2 Axial gap type motor and method of manufacturing rotor of motor
The rotor 11 of an axial gap type motor 10 is provided with a plurality of main magnets 41 respectively magnetized in an axial direction of a rotational axis and disposed at predetermined intervals in a peripheral direction, a plurality of yokes 42 structured by a laminated member 71 produced by winding a tape-shaped electromagnetic steel plate 60 and respectively disposed on both sides of the main magnets 41 in the axial direction, and a rotor frame 30 made of a die-cast alloy and including a plurality of ribs 31 respectively interposed between the main magnets 41 adjoining each other in the peripheral direction and extending in the radial direction, and an inner cylindrical portion 32 and an outer cylindrical portion 33 respectively formed on the radially inner side of the ribs 31 and on the radially outer side of the ribs 31. According to this structure, the yokes structured by the wound laminated member and the rotor frame can be firmly unified with each other, thereby being able to secure such rigidity that can withstand a centrifugal force generated due to the rotation of the rotor and a magnetic suction force given from the stator.
US08278787B2 Radial solenoid array
A motor includes a base plate and an armature having two or more arms mounted to the base plate for rotation about an axis. At least two powerstroke solenoids are positioned on each arm for applying force effecting first rotational motion of the armature. At least one reset solenoid is positioned on each arm for applying force effecting second rotational motion of the armature opposite the first rotational motion. Means are provided for sequentially applying current to the powerstroke solenoids and then to the reset solenoids to effect an oscillating motion of the armature. Further means are provided for transferring the first rotational motion to a disk cylinder rotatably mounted to the base plate for rotation about the axis, but for restraining the transfer of the second rotational motion to the disk cylinder.
US08278785B2 Electromagnetic linear motor with stator having cylindrical body of magnetically soft material and rotor having axially-magnetized permanent magnet
An electromagnetic linear motor is proposed that features a longitudinal stator, a hollow body of the stator made of a magnetically soft material, a magnetic coil of the stator, a rotor in the stator that is movable linearly relative to the magnetic coil, an axially magnetized permanent magnet of the rotor and an axially variable shape or variable magnetic material properties of the stator.
US08278778B2 HVAC/R battery back-up power supply system having a variable frequency drive (VFD) power supply
A power supply for an HVAC/R system is configured to provide back-up power functionality for situations when the main source of power fails. The power supply includes a DC power bus which receives power from the main source of power as well as a back up source. When the main source fails the back up source provides power to the DC power bus. Connected to the DC power bus is a variable frequency drive power supply (VFD). The VFD is configured to provide power to the components of the HVAC/R system based on power received from the DC power bus.
US08278776B1 Reciprocating wind-powered transducer employing interleaved airfoil arrays
A reciprocating transducer to convert windpower to electrical energy includes an odd sub-array of blades and an even sub-array of blades, wherein two odd thrust rods are pivotably coupled to the ends of each of the odd numbered blades, two even thrust rods are pivotably coupled to the ends of each of the even numbered blades, an odd tilt rod is pivotably coupled to the trailing edge of each of the odd numbered blades, an even tilt rod is pivotably coupled to the trailing edge of each of the even numbered blades. The tilt rods are moved up and down, thereby changing the attitude of the blades, a crank shaft converts the linear motion of the thrust rods into rotational motion, and a generator converts the rotational motion into electrical power.
US08278775B2 Swirly fluid sprinkler
The present invention provides a swirly fluid sprinkler comprising a sprinkling body, a fluid guide, and an electrical generator. The fluid guide disposed inside the fluid inlet of the sprinkling body includes a plurality of swirl channels for dividing a fluid flow into a plurality of swirly fluid flows. The electrical generator disposed inside the sprinkling body and opposite to the fluid guide has a plurality of blades disposed on the top thereof. Each of the blades has an inclining angle wherein the blade surface opposite to the fluid guide has an angle in relation to the corresponding swirly fluid for receiving the propelling force from the swirly fluid so as to rotate the electrical generator and thereby generate electrical power. In another embodiment, the swirly fluid sprinkler further has a lighting module for providing illumination while the water spray is discharged.
US08278773B2 Wind turbine generator and surplus energy control method for wind turbine generator
A wind turbine generator includes a synchronous generator that generates electric power via rotation of a rotor provided with blades that receive wind and that supplies the generated electric power to a utility grid, and a sea water resistor in which sea water serves as a resistive element. When the output power of the synchronous generator drops suddenly because of a momentary power interruption caused by a fault occurring on the utility grid, thus producing surplus energy, the sea water resistor consumes, in the form of electric power, the surplus energy that cannot be supplied to the utility grid from among the electric power generated at the synchronous generator. Because the sea water resistor uses sea water as the resistive element, the problem of heat generation hardly ever arises, and because the sea water can be easily exchanged, it is not affected by lifetime or on-time limitations.
US08278771B2 Kinetic energy collection device
A kinetic energy collection device is mounted on a vehicle body. The vehicle body includes drive disks rotated synchronously with wheels of the vehicle body. The kinetic energy collection device includes transmission units, a lift out unit, electrical generators, and an electrical storage. The transmission units are slidably mounted on the vehicle body and include friction disks. The lift out unit includes a braking controller, a pull rod connected with the braking controller, and connection rods rotatably connect the pull rod to the transmission units. The braking controller drives the pull rod to move in response to user's operations, so as to drive the connect rods to rotate, and thus to drive the friction disks of the transmission units to engage or disengage with the drive disks correspondingly. The transmission units drive the electrical generators to generate power. The electrical storage unit stores power generated by the electrical generators.
US08278769B2 Compound semiconductor device and connectors
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate formed from compound semiconductor material and multiple conductive connecting pads. The connecting pads are symmetrically arranged on a first surface of the semiconductor substrate in an interweaving pattern. Each cleavage plane extending across the first surface of the semiconductor substrate intersects a portion of at least one connecting pad of the plurality of connecting pads.
US08278766B2 Wafer level stack structure for system-in-package and method thereof
A system-in-package, comprising a wafer level stack structure, including at least one first device chip including a first device region having a plurality of input/output(I/O) pads, and at least one second device chip including a second device region having a plurality of input/output(I/O) pads and a second peripheral region surrounding the second device region, wherein the size of the second device region is different from the size of the first device region, wherein the at least one first device chip and the at least one second device chip have approximately equal size; and a common circuit board to which the wafer level stack structure is connected.
US08278765B2 Test-key for checking interconnect
A test key for checking an interconnect structure is described, including a contiguous metal line and multiple conductive plugs on the contiguous metal line, wherein one end of each plug contacts with the contiguous metal line. The other end of at least one plug is not connected to any conductor. In addition, the two ends of the contiguous metal line are connected to different voltages.
US08278764B1 Stub minimization for multi-die wirebond assemblies with orthogonal windows
A microelectronic package can include a substrate having first, second, and third apertures extending between first and second surfaces thereof, first, second, and third microelectronic elements each having a surface facing the first surface, and a plurality of terminals exposed at a central region of the second surface. The apertures can have first, second, and third axes extending in directions of the lengths of the respective apertures. The first and second axes can be parallel to one another. The third axis can be transverse to the first axis. The central region of the second surface of the substrate can be disposed between the first and second axes. The terminals can be configured to carry sufficient address information usable by circuitry within the package to determine an addressable memory location from among all the available addressable memory locations of a memory storage array within at least one of the microelectronic elements.
US08278755B2 Heat dissipation structure for electronic device and fabrication method thereof
A heat dissipation structure for an electronic device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A silicon-containing insulating layer is disposed on the first surface of the body. An ultrananocrystalline diamond film is disposed on the silicon-containing insulating layer. A first conductive pattern layer is disposed on the silicon-containing insulating layer and enclosed by the ultrananocrystalline diamond film, wherein the ultrananocrystalline diamond film and the first conductive pattern layer do not overlap with each other as viewed from a top-view perspective. A method for fabricating a heat dissipation structure for an electronic device and an electronic package having the heat dissipation structure are also disclosed.
US08278747B2 Semiconductor apparatus having a two-side heat radiation structure
A semiconductor apparatus having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface includes: a semiconductor chip having a front side and a backside; a first heat radiation member electrically and thermally coupled with the backside of the chip; a second heat radiation member electrically and thermally coupled with the front side of the chip; and a resin mold sealing the first and second heat radiation members together with the chip. At least one of the first and second heat radiation members is exposed on both of the first and second surfaces.
US08278746B2 Semiconductor device packages including connecting elements
Described herein are wafer-level semiconductor device packages with stacking functionality and related stacked package assemblies and methods. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device package includes a set of connecting elements disposed adjacent to a periphery of a set of stacked semiconductor devices. At least one of the connecting elements is wire-bonded to an active surface of an upper one of the stacked semiconductor devices.
US08278744B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor chip mounting substrate, a control circuit board, a power terminal holder and a semi-fixing member. The semiconductor chip mounting substrate includes a substrate, a semiconductor chip provided on a first major surface of the substrate, and a first and second semiconductor chip connection electrodes. The control circuit board is provided generally in parallel to the first major surface and includes a control circuit, a control signal terminal connected to the control circuit, and a through hole extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first major surface. The power terminal holder is provided on opposite side of the control circuit board from the semiconductor chip mounting substrate and includes a power terminal. The semi-fixing member includes a shank portion and an end portion. The shank portion is fixed to the power terminal holder and penetrates through the through hole. A cross section of the shank portion in a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the through hole is smaller than a size of the through hole. The end portion is connected to a tip of the shank portion. A cross section of the end portion in the plane is larger than the size of the through hole. The first semiconductor chip connection electrode is connected to a first terminal of the semiconductor chip and the control signal terminal. The second semiconductor chip connection electrode is connected to a second terminal of the semiconductor chip and the power terminal.
US08278743B2 Semiconductor device with heat spreader
A BGA type semiconductor device includes: a substrate having wirings and electrodes; a semiconductor element disposed on the substrate, having a rectangular plan shape, and a plurality of electrodes disposed along each side of the semiconductor element; a plurality of wires connecting the electrodes on the semiconductor element with the electrodes on the substrate; a heat dissipation member disposed on the substrate, covering the semiconductor element, and having openings formed in areas facing apex portions of the plurality of wires connected to the electrodes formed along each side of the semiconductor element; and a sealing resin member for covering and sealing the semiconductor element and heat dissipation member.
US08278740B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device, semiconductor device, and electronic appliance
An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device including an insulating layer with a high dielectric strength voltage, a low dielectric constant, and low hygroscopicity. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic appliance with high performance and high reliability, which uses the semiconductor device. An insulator containing nitrogen, such as silicon oxynitride or silicon nitride oxide, and an insulator containing nitrogen and fluorine, such as silicon oxynitride added with fluorine or silicon nitride oxide added with fluorine, are alternately deposited so that an insulating layer is formed. By sandwiching an insulator containing nitrogen and fluorine between insulators containing nitrogen, the insulator containing nitrogen and fluorine can be prevented from absorbing moisture and thus a dielectric strength voltage can be increased. Further, an insulator contains fluorine so that a dielectric constant can be reduced.
US08278738B2 Method of producing semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A method of producing a semiconductor device which can reliably perform conductor filling to form a through hole electrode by a simple method is provided. A method of producing a semiconductor device of the present invention includes the steps of thinning a substrate from its back side in a state in which a first supporting body is attached to the front side of the substrate, removing the first supporting body from the substrate and attaching a second supporting body having an opening to the back side of the substrate, forming a through hole communicating with the opening of the second supporting body in the substrate before or after attaching the second supporting body, forming an insulating film within the through hole, and filling a conductor into the through hole of the substrate.
US08278737B2 Structure for improving die saw quality
A semiconductor device is provided that includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of dies formed on the semiconductor substrate, the plurality of dies being separated from one another by a first region extending along a first direction and a second region extending along a second direction different from the first direction, a dummy metal structure formed within a third region that includes a region defined by an intersection of the first region and the second region, a plurality of metal interconnection layers formed over the substrate, and a plurality of dielectric layers formed over the substrate. Each of the metal interconnection layers is disposed within each of the dielectric layers and a dielectric constant of at least one of the dielectric layers is less than about 2.6.
US08278736B2 Electrostatic discharge protection device
An electrostatic discharge protection device coupled between a first power line and a second power line is provided. A first N-type doped region is formed in a P-type well. A first P-type doped region is formed in the first N-type doped region. A second P-type doped region includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the second P-type doped region is formed in the first N-type doped region. The second portion of the second P-type doped region is formed outside of the first N-type doped region. A second N-type doped region is formed in the first portion of the second P-type doped region. The first P-type doped region, the first N-type doped region, the second P-type doped region and the second N-type doped region constitute an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT).
US08278735B2 Yttrium and titanium high-k dielectric films
This disclosure provides (a) methods of making an oxide layer (e.g., a dielectric layer) based on yttrium and titanium, to have a high dielectric constant and low leakage characteristic and (b) related devices and structures. An oxide layer having both yttrium and titanium may be fabricated either as an amorphous oxide or as an alternating series of monolayers. In several embodiments, the oxide is characterized by a yttrium contribution to total metal that is specifically controlled. The oxide layer can be produced as the result of a reactive process, if desired, via either a PVD process or, alternatively, via an atomic layer deposition process that employs specific precursor materials to allow for a common process temperature window for both titanium and yttrium reactions.
US08278728B2 Array of concentric CMOS photodiodes for detection and de-multiplexing of spatially modulated optical channels
An octagonal structure of photodiodes using standard CMOS technology has been developed to serve as a de-multiplexer for spatially multiplexed fiber optic communication systems.
US08278724B2 Methods of fabricating a micromechanical structure
Methods of fabricating a microelectromechanical structure are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a method of fabricating a microelectromechanical structure comprises providing a substrate. A first patterned sacrificial layer is formed on portions of the substrate, the first patterned sacrificial layer comprises a bulk portion and a protrusion portion. A second patterned sacrificial layer is formed over the first sacrificial layer, covering the protrusion portion and portions of the bulk portion of the first patterned sacrificial layer, wherein the second patterned sacrificial layer does not cover sidewalls of the first patterned sacrificial layer. An element layer is formed over the substrate, covering portions of the substrate, the first patterned sacrificial layer and second patterned sacrificial layer. The first and second patterned sacrificial layers are removed, leaving a microstructure on the substrate.
US08278723B2 Thin film transistor substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A thin film transistor substrate capable of appropriately maintaining driving performance even when there is a difference between manufacturing processes and a method of manufacturing the same. The thin film transistor substrate includes: a gate electrode formed on an insulating substrate; a semiconductor layer formed on the gate electrode; and a plurality of thin film transistors each having a source electrode and a drain electrode that are formed on the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer so as to be spaced apart from each other. At least one of the plurality of thin film transistors is a dummy thin film transistor that does not have the semiconductor layer between the source electrode and the drain electrode.
US08278721B2 Contact hole, semiconductor device and method for forming the same
The invention provides a method for forming a contact plug, comprising: forming a gate, a sidewall spacer, a sacrificial sidewall spacer, a source region and a drain region on a substrate, wherein the sidewall spacer is formed around the gate, the sacrificial sidewall spacer is formed over the sidewall spacer, and the source region and the drain region are formed within the substrate and on respective sides of the gate; forming an interlayer dielectric layer, with the gate, the sidewall spacer and the sacrificial sidewall spacer being exposed; removing the sacrificial sidewall spacer to form a contact space, the sacrificial sidewall spacer material being different from that of the gate, the sidewall spacer and the interlayer dielectric layer; forming a conducting layer to fill the contact space; and cutting off the conducting layer, to form at least two conductors connected to the source region and the drain region respectively.
US08278718B2 Stressed barrier plug slot contact structure for transistor performance enhancement
A method for forming a slot contact structure for transistor performance enhancement. A contact opening is formed to expose a contact region, and a slot contact is disposed within the contact opening in order to induce a stress on an adjacent channel region. In an embodiment, a stress inducing barrier plug is disposed within a portion of the contact opening and the remainder of the contact opening is filled with a lower resistivity contact metal. By selecting the proper materials and deposition parameters, the slot contact can be tuned to induce a tensile or compressive stress on the adjacent channel region, thus being applicable for both p-type and n-type devices.
US08278717B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
In one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, and isolation layers formed in a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and separating the semiconductor substrate into active areas, the isolation layers and the active areas being alternately arranged along a predetermined direction parallel to the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a height of upper surfaces of the isolation layers being lower than a height of an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate. The device further includes diffusion layers formed on surfaces of the active areas, and a stress liner formed on upper surfaces and side surfaces of the diffusion layers, and formed of a material having a lattice constant smaller than a lattice constant of a material formed of the semiconductor substrate.
US08278712B2 Power MOSFET integration
A cellular transistor includes an N-type heavily doped (N+) buried layer (NBL), an N-well connected to the NBL, an N+ layer connected to the N-well and multiple drains. The N-well is formed after formation of the NBL. The N+ layer is formed after formation of the N-well. The multiple drains are connected to the NBL via the N-well and the N+ layer.
US08278711B2 Semiconductor device and method of making the same
A substrate having semiconductor material and a surface that supports a gate electrode and defines a surface normal direction is provided. The substrate can include a drift region including a first dopant type. A well region can be disposed adjacent to the drift region and proximal to the surface, and can include a second dopant type. A termination extension region can be disposed adjacent to the well region and extend away from the gate electrode, and can have an effective concentration of second dopant type that is generally less than that in the well region. An adjust region can be disposed between the surface and at least part of the termination extension region. An effective concentration of second dopant type may generally decrease when moving from the termination extension region into the adjust region along the surface normal direction.
US08278708B2 Insulated gate type semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
In an insulated-gate type semiconductor device in which a gate-purpose conductive layer is embedded into a trench which is formed in a semiconductor substrate, and a source-purpose conductive layer is provided on a major surface of the semiconductor substrate, a portion of a gate pillar which is constituted by both the gate-purpose conductive layer and a cap insulating film for capping an upper surface of the gate-purpose conductive layer is projected from the major surface of the semiconductor substrate; a side wall spacer is provided on a side wall of the projected portion of the gate pillar; and the source-purpose conductive layer is connected to a contact region of the major surface of the semiconductor substrate, which is defined by the side wall spacer.
US08278703B2 Cross-hair cell based floating body device
A non-planar transistor having floating body structures and methods for fabricating the same are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the transistor includes a fin having upper and lower doped regions. The upper doped regions may form a source and drain separated by a shallow trench formed in the fin. During formation of the fin, a hollow region may be formed underneath the shallow trench, isolating the source and drain. An oxide may be formed in the hollow region to form a floating body structure, wherein the source and drain are isolated from each other and the substrate formed below the fin. In some embodiments, independently bias gates may be formed adjacent to walls of the fin. In other embodiments, electrically coupled gates may be formed adjacent to the walls of the fin.
US08278700B2 Semiconductor device
For providing a cheap semiconductor memory device with improving reliability by level of a cell, in the place of escaping from defects on memory cells electrically, through such as ECC, and further for providing a cell structure enabling scaling-down in the vertical direction with maintaining the reliability, in a semiconductor memory device, upon which high-speeded read-out operation is required, a charge storage region is constructed with particles made from a large number of semiconductor charge storage small regions, each being independent, thereby increasing the reliability by the cell level.
US08278699B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory unit and a non-memory unit. The memory unit includes a stacked structure including electrode films stacked in a first direction, and a interelectrode insulating film provided between the electrode films, a select gate electrode stacked with the stacked structure along the first direction, a semiconductor pillar piercing the stacked structure and the select gate electrode along the first direction and a pillar portion memory layer provided between the electrode films and the semiconductor pillar. The non-memory unit includes a dummy conductive film including a portion in a layer being identical to at least one of the electrode films, a dummy select gate electrode in a layer being identical to the select gate electrode, a first non-memory unit contact electrode electrically connected to the dummy conductive and a second non-memory unit contact electrode electrically connected to the dummy select gate.
US08278698B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method of forming the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a device isolation pattern, a charge trap layer, and a plurality of word lines. The device isolation pattern defines an active region in a semiconductor substrate and extends in a first direction. The charge trap layer covers the active region and the device isolation pattern. The word lines on the charge trap layer cross the active region and extend in a second direction. The charge trap layer disposed in a first region where the word line and the active region cross each other has a different nitrogen content ratio from the charge trap layer disposed in a second region surrounding the first region.
US08278696B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a tunnel insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, a charge storage insulating film formed on the tunnel insulating film and including at least two separated low oxygen concentration portions and a high oxygen concentration portion positioned between the adjacent low oxygen concentration portions and having a higher oxygen concentration than the low oxygen concentration portions, a charge block insulating film formed on the charge storage insulating film, and control gate electrodes formed on the charge block insulating film and above the low oxygen concentration portions.
US08278695B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method thereof
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a substrate, and a plurality of memory strings, the memory string including a first selection transistor including a first pillar shaped semiconductor formed perpendicular to the substrate, a first gate insulating film formed around the first pillar shaped semiconductor, and a first gate electrode formed around the first gate insulating film, and a plurality of memory cells including a second pillar shaped semiconductor formed on the first pillar shaped semiconductor, the diameter of the first pillar shaped semiconductor being larger than the diameter of the second pillar shaped semiconductor at the part where the second pillar shaped semiconductor is connected to the first pillar shaped semiconductor, a first insulating film formed around the second pillar shaped semiconductor, a charge storage layer formed around the first insulating film, a second insulating film formed around the charge storage layer, and first to nth electrodes formed around the second insulating film (n is a natural number not less than 2), the first to nth electrodes being plate shaped, the first to nth electrodes being first to nth conductor layers spread in two dimensions, and a second selection transistor including a third pillar shaped semiconductor formed on the second pillar shaped semiconductor, a second gate insulating film formed around the third pillar shaped semiconductor and a second gate electrode formed around the second gate insulating film.
US08278692B2 Soft error reduction circuit and method
In some embodiments, complementary charge-collecting diffusions (transistor diffusions, e.g., drain or source areas) are disposed close to each other. In some embodiments, dummy (“off”) transistors are incorporated to bring complementary diffusions (diffusions of the same charge type and having complementary digital logic levels) closer to each other than otherwise might be possible and thus, to enhance common-mode charge collection for the complementary diffusion areas.
US08278690B2 Laser anneal for image sensors
A technique for fabricating an image sensor including a pixel circuitry region and a peripheral circuitry region includes fabricating front side components on a front side of the image sensor. A dopant layer is implanted on a backside of the image sensor. A anti-reflection layer is formed on the backside and covers a first portion of the dopant layer under the pixel circuitry region while exposing a second portion of the dopant layer under the peripheral circuitry region. The first portion of the dopant layer is laser annealed from the backside of the image sensor through the anti-reflection layer. The anti-reflection layer increases a temperature of the first portion of the dopant layer during the laser annealing.
US08278688B2 Compound semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A compound semiconductor device includes a carrier transit layer including GaN formed over a substrate; a carrier supply layer including GaN formed over the carrier transit layer; a source electrode and a drain electrode formed over the carrier supply layer; a first compound semiconductor layer including N in which a first opening is formed and that is located between the source electrode and the drain electrode over the carrier supply layer; a gate electrode extending from within the first opening to above the first compound semiconductor layer; and an insulator layer having a second opening that is smaller than the first opening, and insulating the gate electrode and the first compound semiconductor layer within the first opening. The gate electrode extends from within the second opening to above the first compound semiconductor layer.
US08278686B2 Structure and method for forming planar gate field effect transistor with low resistance channel region
A vertically-conducting planar-gate field effect transistor includes a silicon region of a first conductivity type, a silicon-germanium layer extending over the silicon region, a gate electrode laterally extending over but being insulated from the silicon-germanium layer, a body region of the second conductivity type extending in the silicon-germanium layer and the silicon region, and source region of the first conductivity type extending in the silicon-germanium layer. The gate electrode laterally overlaps both the source and body regions such that a portion of the silicon germanium layer extending directly under the gate electrode between the source region and an outer boundary of the body region forms a channel region.
US08278685B2 Semiconductor device used with high frequency band
A semiconductor device, which reduces the earth inductance, and a fabrication method for the same is provided.The semiconductor device and the fabrication method for the same including: a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode which are placed on a first surface of a semi-insulating substrate 11, and have a plurality of fingers; an earth conductor 26 placed on a second surface of an opposite side with the first surface; a gate terminal electrode 14, a source terminal electrode 18, and a drain terminal electrode 12 which are connecting a plurality of fingers, respectively, and formed for every the gate electrode, the source electrode, and the drain electrode; an active layer formed on the semi-insulating substrate 11 under the gate electrode, the source electrode, and the drain electrode; a multi stage VIA hole composed of a small caliber VIA hole 30 near the first surface and a large caliber VIA hole 20 near the second surface; and an earth electrode 23 which is formed in an internal wall surface of the multi stage VIA hole and the second surface, and is connected from an earth conductor placed at the second surface side for the source terminal electrode 18.
US08278684B1 Voltage protection device
A voltage protection device and method is provided to prevent accidental triggering of an silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) unless the electrostatic discharge (ESD) is at a predefined threshold above the normal power supply operating voltage or below the ground supply operating voltage. The holding voltage upon the SCR is maintained above the threshold voltage to prevent accidental triggering. The present SCR avoids use of an additional field effect transistor (FET), and avoids relying upon the breakdown of the drain terminal of the FET, but instead programs the amount of holding voltage needed above the power supply voltage using mask-programmability, fuses, or other means for maintaining the holding voltage to a desired range above the power supply voltage. The programmed holding voltage is implemented using a barrier region between the PNP and the NPN of the PNPN junctions of the SCR. In addition to or as an alternative to the barrier region, hole sink junctions can be implemented close to the anode to reduce the substrate resistance in the vicinity of the anode and, therefore, extract holes from their normal target destination.
US08278673B2 Light emitting diode and method for making same
A light emitting diode comprises a heat conductive layer, a semiconductor layer disposed above the heat conductive substrate and consisting of a p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer and an n-type semiconductor layer, a transparent electrode layer, a current blocking layer and an electrode contact pad. The p-type semiconductor layer has first concaves located on its surface distant from the active layer. The n-type semiconductor layer has second concaves located on its surface distant from the active layer. The transparent electrode layer is located on the surface of the n-type semiconductor layer except the second concaves. The current blocking layer is located in the first concaves of the p-type semiconductor layer. The electrode contact pad is located on the surface of the transparent electrode layer. The density of the second concaves decrease with distance from the electrode contact pad.
US08278672B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor light-emitting device is disclosed. The semiconductor light-emitting device comprises a multilayer epitaxial structure disposed on a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a predetermined lattice direction perpendicular to an upper surface thereof, wherein the predetermined lattice direction is angled toward [0 11] or [01 1] from [100], or toward [011] or [0 11] from [ 100] so that the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate comprises at least two lattice planes with different lattice plane directions. The multilayer epitaxial structure has a roughened upper surface perpendicular to the predetermined lattice direction. The invention also discloses a method for fabricating a semiconductor light-emitting device.
US08278670B2 Light emitting apparatus and display apparatus having the same
Disclosed are a light emitting apparatus and a display apparatus having the same. The light emitting apparatus comprises a first light emitting device which emits a light of a target color tinged with a first color, and a second light emitting device which emits a light of the target color tinged with a second color complementary to the first color with respect to the target color.
US08278669B2 Light emitting device and fabricating method thereof
In a light emitting device and a fabricating method thereof are provide, wherein the light emitting device includes a light converting element, and a light emitting element positioned on the light converting element and including a first electrode, a light emitting structure and a second electrode, the first electrode formed on the light emitting element and having a first opening, the light emitting structure having a first conductive pattern of a first conductivity type, a light emitting pattern, and a second conductive pattern of a second conductivity type, which are sequentially stacked, and the second electrode formed on the second conductive pattern, wherein the light generated from the light emitting structure reaches the light converting element through the first opening.
US08278661B2 Thin film transistor, display device including the same, and method for manufacturing the same
A display device and a manufacturing method thereof, include a first thin film transistor including a first control electrode, a first semiconductor disposed on the first control electrode, and a first input electrode and a first output electrode opposite to each other on the first semiconductor; and a second thin film transistor including a second control electrode, a second semiconductor disposed on the second control electrode, and a second input electrode and a second output electrode opposite to each other on the second semiconductor, wherein the first semiconductor includes a first lower semiconductor including polysilicon, and a first upper semiconductor disposed on the first lower semiconductor, the first upper semiconductor including amorphous silicon.
US08278658B2 Electrically connected graphene-metal electrode device, and electronic device, electronic integrated circuit and electro-optical integrated circuit using same
An device according to the present invention comprises: graphene; and a metal electrode, the metal electrode and the graphene being electrically connected, the following relationship of Eq. (1) being satisfied: coth ⁡ ( r GP r C ⁢ S ) < 1.3 , Eq . ⁢ ( 1 ) where rGP (in units of Ω/μm2) denotes the electrical resistance of a graphene layer per unit area, rC (in units of Ωμm2) denotes the contact resistance per unit area between the graphene layer and a metal electrode, and S denotes the contact area (in units of μm2) between the graphene layer and the metal electrode.
US08278656B2 Substrate for the epitaxial growth of gallium nitride
The subject of the invention is a substrate that can be used as a substrate for the epitaxial growth of layers based on gallium nitride and comprising a support material (11, 21) coated on at least one of its faces with at least one multilayered stack comprising at least one zinc-oxide-based layer (13, 24). The substrate is coated with a semiconductor structure of III-N or II-VI type, and it is characterized in that placed between the support material (11, 21) and said at least one zinc-oxide-based layer (13, 24) is at least one intermediate layer (12, 23) comprising oxides with at least two elements chosen from tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), indium (In), gallium (Ga) and antimony (Sb).
US08278655B2 Organic compound, anthracene derivative, and light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device using anthracene derivative
Objects of the present invention are to provide novel anthracene derivatives and novel organic compounds; a light-emitting element that has high emission efficiency; a light-emitting element that is capable of emitting blue light with high luminous efficiency; a light-emitting element that is capable of operation for a long time; and a light-emitting device and an electronic device that have lower power consumption. An anthracene derivative represented by a general formula (1) and an organic compound represented by a general formula (17) are provided. A light-emitting element that has high emission efficiency can be obtained by use of the anthracene derivative represented by the general formula (1). Further, a light-emitting element that has a long life can be obtained by use of the anthracene derivative represented by the general formula (1).
US08278649B2 Light-emitting element, light-emitting device and electronic device
A light-emitting element with improved emission efficiency is provided. The light-emitting element includes a light-emitting layer in which a first light-emitting layer and a second light-emitting layer are stacked in contact with each other over an anode, and a first substance serving as an emission center substance in the second light-emitting layer constitutes the first light-emitting layer. A second substance serving as a host material to disperse the first substance serving as an emission center substance is included in the second light-emitting layer. In the light-emitting element, the second substance is a substance having an energy gap (or triplet energy) larger than the first substance.
US08278647B2 Quantum dot transistor
One or more quantum dots are used to control current flow in a transistor. Instead of being disposed in a channel between source and drain, the quantum dot (or dots) are vertically separated from the source and drain by an insulating layer. Current can tunnel between the source/drain electrodes and the quantum dot (or dots) by tunneling through the insulating layer. Quantum dot energy levels can be controlled with one or more gate electrodes capacitively coupled to some or all of the quantum dot(s). Current can flow between source and drain if a quantum dot energy level is aligned with the energy of incident tunneling electrons. Current flow between source and drain is inhibited if no quantum dot energy level is aligned with the energy of incident tunneling electrons. Here energy level alignment is understood to have a margin of about the thermal energy (e.g., 26 meV at room temperature).
US08278646B2 Nitride semiconductor light emitting device and fabrication method thereof
Provided is a nitride semiconductor light emitting device including: a first nitride semiconductor layer; an active layer formed above the first nitride semiconductor layer; and a delta doped second nitride semiconductor layer formed above the active layer. According to the present invention, the optical power of the nitride semiconductor light emitting device is enhanced, optical power down phenomenon is improved and reliability against ESD (electro static discharge) is enhanced.
US08278644B2 Switching device and nonvolatile memory device
A switching device includes: a first layer including a carbon material having a six-member ring network structure; a first electrode electrically connected to a first portion of the first layer; a second electrode electrically connected to a second portion of the first layer and provided apart from the first electrode; a third electrode including a fourth portion provided opposing a third portion between the first portion and the second portion of the first layer; and a second layer provided between the third portion of the first layer and the fourth portion of the third electrode. The second layer includes: a base portion; and a functional group portion. The functional group portion is provided between the base portion and the first layer. The functional group portion is bonded to the base portion. A ratio of sp2-bonded carbon and sp3-bonded carbon of the first layer is changeable by a voltage applied between the first layer and the third electrode.
US08278642B2 Resistive random access memory device and method of same
Disclosed are a resistive random access memory device (ReRAM) and a method for manufacturing the same. The ReRAM includes a cell array including a metal oxide nanowire formed inside a micropore array of a porous template, a first electrode electrically connected to an upper protrusion of the metal oxide nanowire, the upper protrusion being exposed to an upper portion of the porous template, and located in an upper portion of the cell array, and a second electrode electrically connected to a lower protrusion of the metal oxide nanowire, the lower protrusion being exposed to a lower portion of the porous template, and located in a lower portion of the cell array.
US08278638B2 Device for storing data with optical addressing
A data storage device including a stack of layers is provided. The stack of layers includes at least one memory layer able to effect a storage of data in a plurality of portions of the memory layer by a modification of at least one physico-chemical property of the material of the portions of the memory layer under the effect of an electric current passing through the portions of the memory layer. A plurality of photoconductive columns disposed in the stack of layers passes through each layer in this stack. Each of the portions of the memory layer surrounds one of the photoconductive columns.
US08278637B2 Process and apparatus for reading out and erasing X-ray information stored in storage phosphor layers
A process, and to a corresponding apparatus for reading out and erasing X-ray information stored in storage phosphor layers, comprising the following: irradiating the storage phosphor layer (1) with stimulation light (3) by means of which the storage phosphor layer (1) is stimulated to emit emission light, collecting the emission light emitted at different locations (x, y) of the storage phosphor layer (1) with a detector (7), detector signal values (D(x, y)) being obtained for different locations (x, y) of the storage phosphor layer (1), and irradiating the storage phosphor layer (1) with erasing light (21), the quantity of erasing light (21) being determined by means of the detector signal values (D(x, y)). When determining the quantity of erasing light (21), detector signal values (D(x, y)) obtained for different locations (x, y) in a first and second dimension (x or y) of the storage phosphor layer (1) are compared with comparison signal values (H(x), H′(x)) specified for different locations (x) in just one dimension (x) of the storage phosphor layer (1).
US08278636B2 Radiation sources and methods of generating radiation
A radiation source is configured to generate radiation. The radiation source includes a fuel droplet generator constructed and arranged to generate a stream of droplets of fuel that are directed to a plasma generation site; a laser constructed and arranged to generate a laser beam that is directed to the plasma generation site, an angle between the direction of movement of the stream of droplets and the direction of the laser beam being less than about 90°; and a collector constructed and arranged to collect radiation generated by a plasma formed at the plasma formation site when the beam of radiation and a droplet collide. The collector is configured to reflect the radiation substantially along an optical axis of the radiation source. The laser beam is directed to the plasma generation site through an aperture provided in the collector.
US08278629B2 Observation chamber for studying temperature-dependent events and method thereof
Live-cell imaging chambers are used in a wide range of cell biology research. Recently, chambers capable of taking high-resolution and time-lapse images of live cells have been developed and become commercially available. However, since most of these chambers are designed to maintain a thermally stable environment for the cells under study, it is usually very difficult to use them to study temperature-dependent cellular events. The present invention provides a live-cell observation equipment for a non light-transmitting microscope to study temperature-dependent events and method thereof.
US08278627B2 Sample feeding device for trace detector and trace detector with sample feeding device
A sample feeding device for a trace detector is disclosed. The sample feeding device comprises: a sample feeding chamber disposed in the sample feeding device to desorb a sample from a sample feeding member; and a valve assembly configured to fluidly communicate the sample feeding chamber with a drift tube of the trace detector during feeding sample. With the above configuration of the present invention, for example, the sensitivity of the detector can be increased by improving the permeation ratio of the sample. In addition, interior environment of the drift tube is isolated from exterior environment to avoid a drift region of the drift tube from being polluted. The important parameters, such as sensitivity, a position of a peak of a substance, a resolution, of the detector can be kept constant. As a result, operation reliability and consistency of the detector can be achieved.
US08278626B2 Device for mass spectrometry, and mass spectrometry apparatus and method
In a device for mass spectrometry, an analyte contained in a sample is desorbed from a surface of the device by irradiating the sample in contact with the surface with measurement light. The device includes a micro-structure having a plurality of metal bodies on a surface of a substrate, and the plurality of metal bodies have sizes that can excite localized plasmons by irradiation with the measurement light. Further, the device includes an initiator fixed at least to a part of a surface of the micro-structure.
US08278621B2 Portable quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer
A portable quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer includes an electron emission source, an ion trap including a ring electrode and first and second end cap electrodes arranged opposite sides of the ring electrode, and an ion detector for detecting an amount of ions discharged from the ion trap. The first end cap electrode includes a first aperture through which the electrons emitted by the electron source enter the ion trap, and the second end cap electrode includes a second aperture through which ions are discharged the ion trap. A first electron multiplier is disposed in the first aperture of the first end cap electrode and multiplies an amount of the electrons and input to the ion trap. An ion detector detects an amount of the ions discharged from the ion trap.
US08278616B2 Position detector and exposure apparatus
A position detector includes a first planar encoder including a first encoder head unit mounted on a test object that is a movable member, and a first grating unit mounted on a fixed member, the first planar encoder being configured to detect a position of the test object in two directions by measuring a position of the first grating unit using the first encoder head unit, and a second planar encoder including a second encoder head unit mounted on the fixed member, and a second grating unit mounted on the movable member, the second planar encoder being used to generate data for calibrating the position of the first grating unit measured by the first encoder head unit.
US08278613B2 Image sensing apparatus and image sensing system
An image sensing apparatus having a pixel array with a plurality of pixels, comprises an amplification unit, wherein the amplification unit amplifies a difference-voltage between a voltage level input corresponding to signals output from the pixel array and a reference voltage level, outputs a non-inverted output signal to a first output signal line, and outputs an inverted output signal to a second output signal line and a switch short-circuiting the first output signal line and the second output signal line in response to a reset signal.
US08278611B2 Airborne guided shell
A kit for upgrading a non-guided shell to an airborne guided shell includes a device to couple the kit to the body of the non-guided shell. A fastener provides for fastening the resulting airborne shell to an aircraft and for detaching it there from. The kit also provides for causing the trajectory of the shell to change once detached from the aircraft according to instructions received in the kit; for determining the position of the shell; and for transferring data from the carrying platform to the guidance kit.
US08278610B2 Resonance chamber, especially for an apparatus for pasteurization of liquid products
The resonance chamber (1) has the form of an elongated closed shape. Microwave generators are fastened to the walls (1.1,1.2) of the chamber (1), their antennae (3,4) directed to the inside of the chamber (1). The microwave generators with antennae (3) are fastened to the chamber wall (1.1), while the microwave generators with antennae (4) are fastened to the wall (1.2) of the resonance chamber. The microwave generators on the wall (1.1) of the chamber are fastened so that in an orthogonal projection into the opposite wall of the chamber the antennae of two neighboring magnetrons are situated on the opposite sides of the product flow conduit (2). The antennae (3) of the successive magnetrons of the first series are situated alternately on the left and on the right side of the product flow conduit (2). Similarly distributed are the antennae (4) of the successive magnetrons of the second row.
US08278606B2 Pocketable body warmer
A pocketable body warmer includes: a metallic exterior casing with a metal plate being formed in the shape of a tube having a closed bottom end and an open opposite end; and a plastic interior casing with an outer contour being formed to be inserted in the metallic exterior casing. The interior casing is provided with a battery storage portion and a battery is loaded in the battery storage portion. Also, a heater is thermally connected to the metallic exterior casing for heating the metallic exterior casing.
US08278604B2 Carbon nanotube heater-equipped electric oven
An electric oven includes an oven body defining a chamber. The heater is located in the chamber of the oven body. The heater includes a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes joined end to end by van der Waals attractive force.
US08278603B2 Apparatus for heating plastic preforms
An apparatus for heating at least one plastic preform for manufacturing containers may include a reflection body, a source of energy for emitting thermal radiation for heating the plastic preform, and a holding member for holding the plastic preform. The holding member may be moved relative to the reflection body, wherein the reflection body has a first surface allocated to the plastic preform and the source of energy is disposed in such a way that the radiation thereof reaches the reflection body. The reflection body may be constructed of at least two components, wherein a first component has the first surface which is at least partially transparent to the radiation emitted by the source of energy and which has a second structured surface on the side facing away from the first surface. At least a portion of the second component is capable of reflecting the radiation, and this second component abuts against the first component at least in sections.
US08278602B2 Heating element for steering wheel
A heating element includes a base material and a heater disposed on the base material, which can be deformed to accommodate a part of the heater. A steering wheel equipped with the heating element is free from surface protrusions caused by the heater. Employment of a linear heater reduces connections between the heater and power supply lines, and a high connecting reliability is obtained. The steering wheel includes the heating element and the power lines, and connections between the heating element and the power lines are disposed in the boss portion of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is further provided with a temperature detector, a temperature detector heater and a temperature controller, and the detector and the detector heater are disposed in the boss portion. Thus, a steering wheel with a good grip and a good appearance can be provided at a low cost.
US08278599B2 Belt drive for feeding welding wire
A welding wire feed drive system is provided including belts mounted on wire drive rollers. One or both belts may be poly-V belts mounted on the rollers and positioned such that grooves of the belts are outward facing. Opposing grooves and projections of the belts may form an interfacing or interlocking arrangement suitable for the securement of a welding wire therein. The grooves and projections of the belts may be utilized to facilitate the movement of the welding wire towards a welding application.
US08278598B2 Methods and systems for resistance spot welding using direct current micro pulses
Methods and systems for resistance spot welding using direct current micro pulses are described. One described method comprises comprising forming a weld joint by applying a plurality of direct current micro pulses to at least two pieces of materials through a first electrode and a second electrode.
US08278597B2 Hybrid welding systems and devices
A hybrid welding device including a fuel cell and an energy storage device that cooperate to power a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation are provided. In some embodiments, the hybrid welding device may also include an engine coupled to a generator that is configured to supplement the power provided by the fuel cell and/or the energy storage device. The hybrid welding device may be adapted to provide power for a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation when operated as a standalone unit and/or when connected to a primary source of utility power.
US08278596B2 Apparatus for forming pattern using laser
An apparatus for forming a pattern using a laser is provided. The apparatus includes a pattern storing unit, a controller, a laser oscillating unit, an X-Y driver, a header unit, and a stage. The pattern storing unit stores data on light guide patterns of a discontinuous straight line shape. The controller transmits position signal of the light guide patterns to the X-Y driver and simultaneously, transmits a switching signal to the laser oscillating unit. The laser oscillating unit outputs a laser beam synchronized with a movement of the header unit. The X-Y driver moves the header unit and the stage. The header unit moves along a first guide rail. The stage moves along a fixed second guide rail in the front and rear direction of the light guide panel.
US08278595B2 Use of predictive pulse triggering to improve accuracy in link processing
A predictive pulse triggering (PPT) method enables precise triggering of a laser beam in a link-processing system. The PPT method entails triggering the laser beam based on estimated relative motion parameters of the target and laser beam axis. The PPT method allows for a six-fold improvement in laser positioning accuracy over the conventional, entirely measurement-based method.
US08278594B2 Method and apparatus for perforating printed circuit board
A method and an apparatus for perforating a printed circuit board are provided so that the processing efficiency and the board densification can be improved. In test processing, a conductor layer 50i is irradiated with a pulsed laser beam 4a whose energy density is set at a value high enough to process the conductor layer 50i while emission 23a from a processed portion is monitored. Thus, the number of pulses of irradiation required for processing a window in the conductor layer 50i is obtained. An insulating layer 51i is irradiated with a pulsed laser beam 5a whose energy density is set at a value high enough to process the insulating layer 51i but low enough not to process a conductor layer 50i+1 under the insulating layer 51i. Thus, the number of pulses of irradiation required for processing a window in the insulating layer 51i is obtained. The conductor layer 50i is irradiated with the laser beam 4a the obtained number of pulses of irradiation, and the insulating layer 51i is irradiated with the laser beam 5a the obtained number of pulses of irradiation. Thus, a hole is processed in the printed circuit board.
US08278591B2 Cutting method using a laser having at least one ytterbium-based fiber, in which at least the power of the laser source, the diameter of the focused beam and the beam quality factor are controlled
The invention relates to method for cutting a part using a laser beam, involving the use of laser beam generation means comprising at least one ytterbium-based fibre having a wavelength of between 1 and 4 μm in order to generate the laser beam. The laser beam is selected to have a power of less than 100 kW, a power density of at least 1 MW/cm2, a focused beam diameter of at least 0.1 mm and a quality factor (BPP) of less than 10 mm·mrad.
US08278590B2 Apparatus for minimizing a heat affected zone during laser micro-machining
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for laser micro-machining, which may include dividing a long line illumination field into a plurality of individual fields, wherein each of the plurality of fields includes an aspect ratio of about 4:1 or greater, directing the plurality of individual fields onto at least one mask, wherein each individual field illuminates a corresponding area on the mask and translating the mask and/or workpiece relative to one another along a scan axis.
US08278587B2 Systems and methods to modify gas metal arc welding and its variants
A welding system and method includes a main torch including a main electrode configured to form a first arc with a base metal; a first bypass torch including a first bypass electrode configured to form a second arc with the main electrode; and a second bypass torch including a second bypass electrode configured to form a third arc with the main electrode.
US08278585B2 Hot-wire cutter
A hot-wire cutter includes a frame, a tank supported on the frame, a first working head located on a floor of the tank, a second working head movably supported on the frame, a supporting unit supported on the frame and used to support an annular work piece, a restraining unit supported on the frame and used to clamp the annular work piece, and a rotating unit supported on the frame and used to rotate the annular work piece. Thus, a line between the first and second working heads is directed through the centers of initial apertures in the annular work piece, one after another, to facilitate precise processing of sections of the annular work piece corresponding to the initial apertures.
US08278584B2 Advanced flushing for workpiece erosion
The hand-held electro-discharge device to remove boluses of material from a workpiece. In some implementations a conductive electrode and its supporting ground pin are immersed in a dielectric fluid contained in a hood or cavity near or at the electrode's distal tip an removably sealed to a conductive workpiece. A flushing inlet and outlet in fluid communication with said hood provide a flushing fluid, which may also be a dielectric fluid to remove FOD and cool.
US08278583B2 Method and welding device for the evaluation of the welding current intensity during the welding of container bodies
In order to evaluate the welding current for the resistance seam welding of an overlap seam of container bodies, a welding with changing welding current intensity is carried out for a container body of the production series, resulting in a changing welding of the seam, ranging from the welding with a too high temperature to the welding with a too low temperature. The electric energy for this welding is determined several times during this welding and/or the temperature of the weld seam is determined several times and the welding current intensity is determined at which the welding of the individual container body is too cold and the welding current intensity at which the welding is too hot. This determination is based on the determined electric energy values and/or on the determined temperature values and based on this determination a preferred range for the welding current intensity within these limits of too hot and too cold is determined. By this, an evaluation if the welding current intensity is correct may take place in a simple way during the production. After the welding of the individual container bodies a changed welding current intensity lying between the welding current intensity of the too hot and of the too cold welding may optionally be set and used for the following series of container bodies of the production series.
US08278582B2 Heat dissipating means for circuit-breaker and circuit-breaker with such a heat dissipating means
The present invention discloses a circuit breaker comprising: a vacuum chamber; a fixed contact and a movable contact disposed in a vacuum chamber; a fixed contact stem supporting said fixed contact in said vacuum chamber and extending outwards from a first end of said vacuum chamber; a movable contact stem supporting said movable contact in said vacuum chamber for reciprocal movement between contact with and separated from said fixed contact, and extending outwards from a second end of said vacuum chamber; a first electrical conductor coupled to said fixed contact stem; a second electrical conductor coupled to said movable contact stem; at least one heat dissipating means disposed for at least one of said fixed contact and movable contact; wherein, the heat dissipating means is hollow and has an external surface and internal surface; a plurality of fins provided on said internal surface constitute a passage through which air is convected in a direction parallel to that of reciprocal movement of movable contact stem.
US08278581B2 Transporting and packaging device and method of use
A system and method designed to transport and package sequenced product. The system includes a first transport system for receiving and transporting, in a closed position, holders each of which contain product. A second transport system transports, in the closed position, the holders until each of the holders are aligned within a respective release position, at which operational stage the second transport system is capable of opening the holders to discharge the product in a sequenced order. A packager receives the discharged product and packages the product in the sequenced order.
US08278577B2 Switch
A switch includes a blade-type moving contact that extends in a radial direction from a turning center and reciprocates such that its free end draws a turning locus, and a fixed contact that moves toward and away from the moving contact in a turning range of the moving contact. The blade-type moving contact and the fixed contact are accommodate in a tank. The moving contact is supported by the movable-side support conductor. The fixed contact is supported by the fixed-side support conductor. An opening through which the moving contact enters is arranged to be opposed to a turning center of the moving contact. The movable-side support conductor and the fixed-side support conductor are arranged substantially on a same straight line extending along a center axis of the tank.
US08278575B2 Triggering device for a horn system of a motor vehicle
A triggering device for a horn system of a motor vehicle is integrated in a steering wheel (2) of the motor vehicle. In order to prevent a relative movement of components associated with the steering wheel in relation to each other, but still enable a secure and reliable actuation of the triggering device of the horn system while at the same time allowing an optically compact and appealing design of the steering wheel (2), the invention proposes for the triggering device to comprise a first triggering unit (7), with which a parameter inherent in intended activation of the horn is detected. When such a parameter is detected, a first triggering signal can be emitted. The invention comprises a second triggering unit (11), with which a further parameter inherent in an intended activation of the horn is detected and a second triggering signal can be emitted. By means of the triggering device (7, 11), the horn system of the motor vehicle can be put into operation when the first triggering signal is emitted by the first triggering unit (7) and the second triggering signal is emitted by the second triggering unit (11).
US08278570B2 Intellectual scale with a plurality of chemical management modes and method of using the same
In an intellectual scale and a method of using same, a plurality of chemical management modes is provided. The intellectual scale can be switched to operate under any one of these chemical management modes to detect and measure a chemical to obtain the type and the weight of the chemical under the current chemical management mode, and record the obtained type and weight of the chemical, so that a user is able to know the use state of the chemical.
US08278566B2 Device mounting board and manufacturing method therefor, and semiconductor module
A device mounting board includes: an insulating resin layer; a wiring layer disposed on one main surface of the insulating resin layer; and a bump electrode connected electrically to the wiring layer and protruding on a side of the insulating resin layer from the wiring layer. A side surface of the bump electrode is curved inwardly toward the center axis of the bump electrode as viewed in a cross section including the center axis of the bump electrode, and the radius of curvature of the side surface changes continuously from a wiring layer end to a head end of the bump electrode.
US08278565B2 Three-dimensional wiring board
A three-dimensional circuit board includes a lower substrate, a connection layer provided on an upper surface of the lower substrate, and an upper substrate provided on an upper surface of the connection layer. The connection layer exposes a portion of the upper surface of the lower substrate. The connection layer includes an insulating layer having a through-hole, and a via-conductor made of conductive material filling the through-hole. A recess is provided directly above the portion of the upper surface of the lower substrate and is surrounded by a side surface of the upper substrate and a side surface of the connection layer. A portion of the upper surface of the connection layer connected to the side surface of the connection layer inclines in a direction toward the portion of the upper surface of the lower substrate. The portion of the upper surface of the connection layer is provided from the side surface of the connection layer to the via-conductor. A portion of an upper substrate of the upper substrate connected to the side surface of the upper substrate inclines in a direction toward the portion of the upper surface of the lower substrate. The circuit board allows a component to be mounted in the recess efficiently.
US08278558B2 Printed circuit board and method of producing the same
The portion of a board corresponding to the surrounding portion of a hole 4 formed through the board is arranged to include a patternless section 6 where a conductive film 5 is not provided.
US08278556B2 Stabilization of dielectric used in transmission line structures
Stabilization of dielectrics used in transmission lines is described. In one implementation, the transmission line includes an outer conductor, a center conductor, and a dielectric material. The dielectric material separates the outer conductor from the center conductor. The center conductor has a conductive surface with a pattern distributed thereon. The pattern is configured to prevent the dielectric material from moving when the transmission line is exposed to an extreme temperature fluctuation. The pattern increases a coefficient of friction between the center conductor and dielectric material sufficient enough to prevent undesired motion of the dielectric material. In one implementation, the pattern includes indentations that are generally, but not necessarily limited to between 0.001 and 0.004 of an inch deep.
US08278554B2 Indicia-coded electrical cable
An electrical cable includes a sheath that envelops at least two internal conductors, and an indicia visible on the sheath is representative of the internal conductor.
US08278550B2 Ruthenium complex and photoelectric component using the same
The present invention relates to a ruthenium complex and a photoelectric component using the same, and the ruthenium complex is represented by the following formula (I): RuL1L2(NCS)2Am  (I) wherein L1, L2, A and X are defined the same as the specification. The ruthenium complex of the present invention is suitable for a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSC). Hence, the photoelectric characteristics of the DSC manufactured with the ruthenium complex of the present invention are an improvement.
US08278547B2 Solar array support methods and systems
Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for supporting a solar panel array includes the use of support columns and cables suspended between the support columns, with the solar panels received by solar panel receivers that are adapted to couple to the cables. The solar panel array may then be used to provide power as well as shelter. Cooling, lighting, security, or other devices may be added to the solar panel array.
US08278544B2 Method of learning an isolated instrument audio track from an original, multi-track work
A system, method, and apparatus for learning music through an educational audio track embodied on a computer readable medium are presented. The system can have components including a processor, an input device, a database, a transformation module, an emulation recording module, an integration engine, an output module, and an output device, wherein each component is operable in itself to perform it's function in the system and operable with other system components to provide a system to a user for learning music.
US08278538B1 Resonating guitar with resonator conductor
A guitar comprising a sound box that comprises an upper sound board having a sound hole, a lower sound board, a resonator plate comprising a relatively thin sturdy material exhibiting a vibrational springy characteristic, with the resonator plate supporting a bridge, and a resonator conductor positioned between the upper and lower sound boards for transmitting vibrations directly from the resonator plate to the lower sound board and to create additional air vibrations within the sound box.
US08278537B1 Maize variety hybrid 10163930
A novel maize variety designated 10163930 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 10163930 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10163930 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10163930, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10163930. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10163930.
US08278536B1 Maize variety inbred PHI3HK
A novel maize variety designated PH13HK and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH13HK with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH13HK through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH13HK or a locus conversion of PH13HK with another maize variety.
US08278535B1 Maize variety hybrid X8P468
A novel maize variety designated X8P468 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8P468 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8P468 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8P468, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8P468. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8P468.
US08278533B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH663941
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH663941. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH663941, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH663941 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 CH663941.
US08278531B1 Soybean cultivar 01166158
A soybean cultivar designated 01166158 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 01166158, to the plants of soybean cultivar 01166158, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 01166158, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 01166158. 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 01166158. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 01166158, 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 01166158 with another soybean cultivar.
US08278527B1 Soybean variety XBP42002
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP42002 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP42002, cells from soybean variety XBP42002, plants of soybean XBP42002, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP42002. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP42002 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP42002, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP42002. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP42002 are further provided.
US08278525B1 Soybean variety XR31H10
A novel soybean variety, designated XR31H10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XR31H10, cells from soybean variety XR31H10, plants of soybean XR31H10, and plant parts of soybean variety XR31H10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XR31H10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XR31H10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XR31H10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XR31H10 are further provided.
US08278524B1 Soybean variety XB31AQ10
A novel soybean variety, designated XB31AQ10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB31AQ10, cells from soybean variety XB31AQ10, plants of soybean XB31AQ10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB31AQ10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB31AQ10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB31AQ10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB31AQ10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB31AQ10 are further provided.
US08278516B1 Soybean variety XB48S10
A novel soybean variety, designated XB48S10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB48S10, cells from soybean variety XB48S10, plants of soybean XB48S10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB48S10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB48S10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB48S10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB48S10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB48S10 are further provided.
US08278515B1 Soybean variety XB12Q08
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB12Q08. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB12Q08, to the plants of soybean XB12Q08 to plant parts of soybean variety XB12Q08 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB12Q08 with another soybean plant, using XB12Q08 as either the male or the female parent.
US08278514B2 Soybean variety A1016515
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016515. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016515. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016515 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016515 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08278513B2 Soybean variety A1016281
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016281. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016281. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016281 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016281 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08278512B2 Soybean variety A1015631
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1015631. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1015631. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1015631 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1015631 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08278509B2 Fiji, mundaka, zuma lettuce varieties
A new lettuce variety designated FIJI, MUNDAKA, ZUMA is described. FIJI, MUNDAKA, ZUMA are romaine lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.
US08278504B1 Maize variety hybrid X8K863
A novel maize variety designated X8K863 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8K863 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8K863 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8K863, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8K863. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8K863.
US08278503B1 Maize variety hybrid X08A106
A novel maize variety designated X08A106 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08A106 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A106 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A106, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A106. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A106.
US08278500B2 Switchgrass cultivar
A new cultivar of switchgrass ‘Cimarron’ (SL93 2001-1) having increased biomass yield is provided. The switchgrass comprises all the morphological and physiological properties of the cultivar grown from a seed deposited under American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) No. PTA-10116. The invention also provides seeds, progeny, parts and methods of use of Cimarron, such as for the production of biofuels.
US08278497B2 Disposable absorbent articles having a pocketed temperature sensor
A disposable absorbent article suitable for receiving and containing bodily exudates that comprises a first waist region, a second waist region and a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions, each region having two opposing longitudinal edges; wherein said article further comprises a pocket for a non-electronic temperature sensor wherein said pocket is disposed on any one of said regions and wherein said pocket has two opposing sides.
US08278493B2 Hydrocarbon synthesis
A method of synthesizing hydrocarbons from smaller hydrocarbons includes the steps of hydrocarbon halogenation, simultaneous oligomerization and hydrogen halide neutralization, and product recovery, with a metal-oxygen cataloreactant used to facilitate carbon-carbon coupling. Treatment with air or oxygen liberates halogen and regenerates the cataloreactant.
US08278492B2 Process for the manufacture of diesel range hydrocarbons
The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of diesel range hydrocarbons wherein a feed comprising fresh feed is hydrotreated in a hydrotreating step and isomerized in an isomerization step and the fresh feed contains at least 20% by weight triglyceride C12-C16 fatty acids or C12-C16 fatty acid esters or C12-C16 fatty acids or combinations of thereof and feed contains 50-20000 w-ppm sulphur calculated as elemental sulphur.
US08278491B2 Process for the co-production of fatty alcohols showing different carbon chain lengths
A process for the co-production of a stream of a fatty alcohol having first carbon chain lengths and a stream of a fatty alcohol having second carbon chain lengths, said second carbon chain lengths being longer than said first carbon chain lengths.
US08278488B2 Process for producing nitrogen-containing compounds
The present invention relates to a process for producing a tertiary amine in the presence of a catalyst containing copper and at least one element selected from the group consisting of elements belonging to Groups 2, 3, 7 and 12 of the Periodic Table (long form of the periodic table), said process including the steps of (a) reducing an amide compound in a hydrogen atmosphere; and (b) introducing a dialkyl amine containing a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms into a reaction product obtained in the step (a), and treating the reaction product with the dialkyl amine. The present invention provides a process for producing high-purity aliphatic tertiary amines containing a less amount of by-products by reducing aliphatic acid amides under moderate conditions using a chromium-free catalyst, as well as a process for producing amine derivatives such as amine oxide by using the aliphatic tertiary amines, with a good productivity in an economical manner.
US08278485B2 Process for the production of 2-[4-(3- and 2-fluorobenzyloxy) benzylamino] propanamides
A process for obtaining therapeutically active 2-[4-(3- and 2-(fluorobenzyloxy)benzylamino]propanamides and their salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids with high purity degree, in particular, with a content of dibenzyl derivatives impurities lower than 0.03%, preferably lower than 0.01% by weight.The process is carried out by submitting the Schiff bases intermediates 2-[4-(3- and 2-fluorobenzyloxy)benzylideneamino]propanamides to catalytic hydrogenation in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst in a protic organic solvent.
US08278480B2 Salts, aqueous liquid compositions containing salts of S-(+)-abscisic acid and methods of their preparation
The present invention generally relates to salts of S-(+)-abscisic acid having enhanced performance, aqueous liquid compositions containing these enhanced performance salts of S-(+)-abscisic acid and methods of their preparation for agricultural use.
US08278470B2 Method for producing trialkyl gallium
The present invention provides a method for producing a trialkyl gallium comprising the steps of reacting gallium, magnesium, and an alkyl halide in an ether, and diluting during the reaction the reaction system with an ether; a method for producing a trialkyl gallium comprising the steps of heating in a vacuum a mixture of magnesium and molten gallium, and reacting the mixture with an alkyl halide in a solvent; and a method for producing a trialkyl gallium comprising the step of reacting an alkyl metal with an alkylgallium halide compound represented by the formula Ga2RmX6−m wherein R is a methyl or ethyl group, X is a halogen atom, and m is an integer from 1 to 5.
US08278460B2 Substituted benzimidazoles
This invention relates to novel substituted benzimidazoles and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering a compound that modulates the GABAA receptor. This invention also provides novel intermediates for the preparation of the compounds of the invention, and salts thereof.
US08278458B2 Desferrithiocin polyether analogues
Compounds represented by structural formulas described herein, such as Structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are useful in treating conditions such as metal overload, oxidative stress, and neoplastic and preneoplastic conditions.
US08278455B2 5- or 6-substituted benzimidazole derivatives as inhibitors of respiratory syncytial virus replication
The present invention concerns 5- or 6-substituted-benzimidazole derivatives having inhibitory activity on the replication of the respiratory syncytial virus and having the formula a prodrug, N-oxide, addition salt, quaternary amine, metal complex or stereochemically isomeric form thereof wherein Q is Ar2, R6, pyrrolidinyl substituted with R6, piperidinyl substituted with R6 or homopiperidinyl substituted with R6, G is a direct bond or optionally substituted C1-10alkanediyl; R1 is Ar1 or a monocyclic or bicyclic heterocycle; one of R2a and R2b is cyanoC1-6alkyl, cyanoC2-6alkenyl, Ar3C1-6alkyl, Het1C1-6alkyl, N(R8aR8b)C1-6alkyl, Ar3C2-6alkenyl, Het1C2-6alkenyl, Ar3aminoC1-6alkyl, Het1aminoC1-6alkyl, Ar3thioC1-6alkyl, Het1thioC1-6alkyl, Ar3sulfonylC1-6alkyl, Het1sulfonylC1-6alkyl, Ar3aminocarbonyl, Het1aminocarbonyl, Ar3(CH2)namino-carbonyl, Het1(CH2)naminocarbonyl, Ar3carbonylamino, Het1carbonylamino, Ar3(CH2)ncarbonylamino, Het1(CH2)ncarbonylamino, and the other one of R2a and R2b is hydrogen; in case R2a is hydrogen, then R3 is hydrogen; in case R2b is hydrogen, the R3 is hydrogen or C1-6alkyl. It further concerns their preparation and compositions comprising them, as well as their use as a medicine.
US08278454B2 Process for preparing tetrahydroquinoline derivatives
The invention relates to a novel process for preparing enantiomerically enriched or pure tetrahydroquinoline derivatives by reacting a chiral dihydropyran-methylamine C with a aldehyde B and an aniline A in a multicomponent one pot synthesis in the presence of a protonic acid or lewis acid with a suitable solvent. A, B, C have the meaning as described in the specification.
US08278452B2 Heterocyclic compounds and compositions as c-kit and PDGFR kinase inhibitors
The invention provides a novel class of compounds of Formula I: (I) pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with abnormal or deregulated kinase activity, particularly diseases or disorders that involve abnormal activation of c-kit, PDGFRα and PDGFRβ kinases.
US08278450B2 Kinase inhibitors
Compounds are provided for use with kinases that comprise a compound selected from the group consisting of: wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds; methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds; and methods of using said compounds.
US08278449B2 Thermally switchable ruthenium initiators
This invention relates to ruthenium initiators for the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cyclic olefins that are inactive at room temperature but activatable at elevated temperature (referred to as (“thermally switchable”). In general, these are compounds of ruthenium metal to which are bonded four or five ligands, in which one ligand is a pyridine ring in which the nitrogen is chelated to the ruthenium, or a five or six membered ring incorporating nitrogen and the ruthenium in which the nitrogen is chelated to the ruthenium.
US08278440B2 Process for the synthesis of ivabradine and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid
Process for the synthesis of ivabradine of formula (I): and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid.
US08278438B2 High viscosity diutan gums
The production of a diutan polysaccharide exhibiting increased viscosity properties as compared with previously produced polysaccharide of the same type of repeating units. Such an improved diutan polysaccharide is produced through the generation of a derivative of Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 53159 that harbors a multicopy broad-host-range plasmid into which genes for biosynthesis of diutan polysaccharide have been cloned. The plasmid provides the capability within the host Sphingomonas strain to produce multiple copies of genes for such polysaccharide synthesis. In such a manner, a method of not just increased production of the target diutan polysaccharide, but also production of a diutan polysaccharide of improved physical properties (of the aforementioned higher viscosity) thereof is provided. Such a diutan polysaccharide has proven particularly useful as a possible viscosifier in oilfield applications and within cement materials. The inventive methods of production of such an improved diutan polysaccharide, as well as the novel cloned genes required to produce the improved diutan within such a method, are also encompassed within this invention. Additionally, the novel engineered Sphingomonas strain including the needed DNA sequence is encompassed within this invention.
US08278437B2 Hydroxypropyl-sulfobutyl-beta-cyclodextrin, the preparation method, the analytical method, and the pharmacutical application thereof
Hydroxypropyl-sulfobutyl-&bgr;-cyclodextrin, the preparation method, analytical method, and the pharmaceutical application thereof. The hydroxypropyl-sulfobutyl-&bgr;-cyclodextrin is a derivate of cyclodextrin which is substituted by hydroxypropyl group and sulfobutyl group: n-(2,3,6-O-2-hydroxypropyl)-m-(2,3,6-O-sulfobutyl)-&bgr;-cyclodextrin. The number of substituent groups per mole cyclodextrin is n hydroxypropyl groups and m sulfobutyl groups. “n” represents the average substituent degree of hydroxypropyl groups; “m” represents the average substituent degree of sulfobutyl groups; “n+m=z” is the gross average substituent degree, in which n is a random integer chosen from 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9; m is a random integer chosen from 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9; and the gross average substituent degree z is a random integer chosen from 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. The present invention shows low haemolysis and low toxicity.
US08278432B2 HBV drug resistance methods
New polymorphisms in the nucleic acid sequences of the DNA polymerase/reverse transcriptase open reading frame and viral surface antigen open reading frame of the hepatitis B virus are reported. In particular, the present invention relates to the mutation YMDD→YSDD in the HBV reverse transcriptase domain and to the W196V mutation in the small HBV viral surface antigen. Said polymorphisms are affecting the detection of drug resistance mutations by genotypic methods and diagnostic kits based thereon. The present invention relates to methods and diagnostic kits for detection of a HBV virus comprising said nucleic acid polymorphisms. In particular, those methods utilizing oligonucleotides capable of hybridizing to said HBV nucleic acid polymorphisms are envisaged.
US08278427B2 Molecule for assigning genotype to phenotype and components thereof as well as method for constructing assigning molecule and method for utilizing assigning molecule
An assigning molecule obtained by ligating a genotype molecule to a phenotype molecule by transpeptidation, wherein the genotype molecule is constructed by bonding (a) a spacer molecule comprising a donor region which can be bonded to a 3′-terminal end of nucleic acid, a PEG region bonded to the donor region and a peptide acceptor region which is bonded to the PEG region, to (b) a 3′ end of a nucleic acid comprising a 5′ untranslated region comprising a transcription promoter and a translation enhancer; an ORF region which comprises a polyA sequence and which is bonded to the 3′-terminal side of the 5′ untranslated region; and a 3′-terminal region that is bonded to the 3′-terminal side of the ORF region.
US08278413B2 Cell-permeable peptide inhibitors of the JNK signal transduction pathway
The invention provides cell-permeable peptides that bind to JNK proteins and inhibit JNK-mediated effects in JNK-expressed cells.
US08278408B2 Resin composition
Disclosed is a resin composition having an excellent balance between shortness of curing time and longness of pot life. The resin composition contains (A) an organopolysiloxane having an alkenyl group, (B) an organopolysiloxane having a silicon atom-bonded hydrogen atom, (C) a hydrosilylation catalyst, (D) a silane coupling agent and (E) an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid ester. The component (B) contains (B-1) an organopolysiloxane having a molecular weight of not less than 5,000 but not more than 50,000 and (B-2) an organopolysiloxane having a molecular weight of not less than 100 but not more than 5,000, and the ratio of (B-2) to (B-1) is preferably not less than 0.01% by mass but not more than 20% by mass.
US08278405B2 Vinylphenoxy polymers
There is provided a vinylphenoxy polymer having at least one monomeric unit selected from the group consisting of Formula Ia, Formula Ib and Formula Ic: In the formulae: Y is —OR1SO3Z; R1 is an alkylene group having 1-10 carbon atoms; R2 is an alkyl group or alkoxy group; Z is H or a Group 1 metal; a is an integer from 0 to 4; b is an integer from 0 to 3; and c is an integer from 0 to 2.
US08278402B2 Reactor system and process for the catalytic polymerization of olefins, and the use of such reactor system in catalytic polymerization of olefins
The invention relates to a reactor system for the catalytic polymerization of olefin monomer and optionally comonomer(s), having one or more inlets for olefin monomer, catalyst, optionally for comonomer, chain growth controllers or chain transfer agents, and/or inert gas, an outlet for gas and an outlet for polymerized particles. The reactor system has at least one fluidized bed unit and at least one moving bed unit, wherein the fluidized bed unit has means for maintaining a fluidized bed in the fluidized bed unit and wherein the moving bed unit is provided with an inlet and an outlet which are directly connected to the fluidized bed unit, wherein the outlet of the moving bed unit is provided with means for pneumatically displacing polymer particles from the moving bed unit into the fluidized bed unit.
US08278399B2 Polysiloxane-modified polyisocyanates, processes for preparing the same, and polyurethanes containing the same
Processes for preparing siloxane-modified polyisocyanates, the processes comprising: providing a polyisocyanate reactant; and reacting the polyisocyanate reactant with a hydroxyl-containing siloxane having a number-average molecular weight of 200 to 3000 g/mol and an average OH functionality of greater than or equal to 1.8, and corresponding to the general formula (I): wherein X represents an aliphatic, unbranched or branched C1 to C20 radical optionally containing ether groups; R represents a hydroxyl-functional radical; R1 represents a hydrogen or an optionally heteroatom-containing C1 to C20 hydrocarbon radical; and n is 1 to 40; siloxane-modified polyisocyanates prepared thereby, and uses therefor.
US08278383B2 Methods of preparing polymer-organoclay composites and articles derived therefrom
A method for preparing a polymer-organoclay composite composition comprises combining a solvent and an unexfoliated organoclay to provide a first mixture, wherein the unexfoliated organoclay comprises alternating inorganic silicate layers and organic layers, and has an initial spacing between the silicate layers; exposing the first mixture to an energized condition of a sufficient intensity and duration to increase the initial spacing of the inorganic silicate layers, to provide a second mixture; contacting the second mixture with a polymer composition so that the polymer composition fills at least one region located between at least one pair of silicate layers, wherein the polymer composition is at least partially soluble in the solvent; and removing at least a portion of the solvent from the second mixture, wherein the inorganic silicate layers remain separated by the polymer after removal of the solvent.
US08278382B2 Method for preparing a transparent polymer material including mineral nanoparticles with a shape factor strictly higher than 1.0
The present invention provides a method of preparing a transparent polymer material, the method comprising steps i) and ii) in any order, the steps consisting in: i) mixing: mineral nanoparticles having a form factor strictly greater than 1.0; and a polymer matrix comprising a quantity of at least 80% by weight of a polycarbonate (PC) first thermoplastic polymer and of a second transparent thermoplastic polymer other than the first thermoplastic polymer, in order to obtain a mixture; and ii) heating the polymer matrix to the molten state, on its own or in the mixture; to obtain the transparent, polymer material, the mixture of step i) comprising a quantity of mineral nanoparticles having a form factor strictly greater than 1.0 that is strictly less than 5% by weight.
US08278380B2 Polymer-assisted deposition of films and preparation of carbon nanotube arrays using the films
Carbon nanotubes were prepared by coating a substrate with a coating solution including a suitable solvent, a soluble polymer, a metal precursor having a first metal selected from iron, nickel, cobalt, and molybdenum, and optionally a second metal selected from aluminum and magnesium, and also a binding agent that forms a complex with the first metal and a complex with the second metal. The coated substrate was exposed to a reducing atmosphere at elevated temperature, and then to a hydrocarbon in the reducing atmosphere. The result was decomposition of the polymer and formation of carbon nanotubes on the substrate. The carbon nanotubes were often in the form of an array on the substrate.
US08278379B2 Interlayer film for laminated glass and laminated glass
The invention provides an interlayer film for a laminated glass and a laminated glass, which are protected against a slump in TL value through attenuation of said coincidence effect and adapted to display an outstanding sound insulation performance over a broad temperature range. An interlayer film for a laminated glass comprising a plasticizer and a polyacetal resin, which is a blend of a polyacetal resin having an average polymerization degree of 1,000 to 3,000 and a polyacetal resin having an average polymerization degree of 3,000 to 5,000, and which has an acetalization degree of 60 to 85 mol % and an acetyl group content of 8 to 30 mol %. An interlayer film for a laminated glass which shows a temperature dependence of loss tangent in which the lowest-temperature side maximum of loss tangent appears at 30° C. or lower when examined for dynamic viscoelasticity.
US08278377B2 Flame retardant polycarbonate resin composition
A resin composition which is excellent in appearance, impact strength, hydrolysis resistance and drip prevention properties. The resin composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of an aromatic polycarbonate resin (component A), (B) 0.01 to 6 parts by weight of a polymer mixture (component B) obtained by suspension polymerizing a styrene monomer, a maleic anhydride monomer and an acrylic monomer in the presence of polytetrafluoroethylene particles, and (C) 0.01 to 30 parts by weight of a flame retardant (component C).
US08278373B2 Thermoset nanocomposite particles, processing for their production, and their use in oil and natural gas drilling applications
Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of such particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles. Optional further improvement of the heat resistance and environmental resistance of said particles via post-polymerization heat treatment; processes for the manufacture of said particles; and use of said particles in the construction, drilling, completion and/or fracture stimulation of oil and natural gas wells are described.
US08278372B2 Treated alumina hydrate material and uses thereof
In a particular embodiment, a particulate material includes alumina hydrate. The particulate material has a 500 psi Compaction Volume Ratio of at least about 4.0 cc/cc.
US08278370B1 Friction surface for wet clutch
A friction lining made of a fibrous mixture with fillers and resin for a wet clutch. In order to design the friction lining able to withstand the higher torque to be transmitted, it is proposed to admix further filler with a Mohs hardness greater or equal to 9.0 and smaller or equal to 9.5 in addition to the ingredients of aramid fibers, cellulose fibers, phenol resin and amorphous silicon dioxide and first filler.
US08278362B2 Method of combining existing chemical processes to produce hydrocarbon fuels
A method for producing hydrocarbon fuels from environmentally friendly non-petroleum based sources using existing chemical reactions is disclosed. In this method, air is passed through a reactor containing amine and carbon dioxide mixture to produce carbon dioxide. The reactor containing amine and carbon dioxide mixture, a Sabatier reactor, a partial oxidation reactor and a Fischer-Tropsch reactor are in thermal contact with each other. Heat derived from the exothermic reactions is used to release carbon dioxide from the amine-carbon dioxide mixture. The resulting hydrocarbon fuel products are separated from the Fischer-Tropsch reactor and sold.
US08278361B2 Fluoroalkyl alcohol mixture and method for producing the same
Disclosed is a mixture of fluoroalkyl alcohols represented by the general formulae: CF3(CF2)n(CH═CF)a(CF2CF2)b(CH2CH2)cOH [Ia] and CF3(CF2)n-1(CF═CH)aCF2(CF2CF2)b(CH2CH2)cOH [Ib], wherein n is an integer of 1 to 5, a is an integer of 1 to 4, b is an integer of 0 to 3, and c is an integer of 1 to 3. This fluoroalkyl alcohol mixture is produced by the reaction of a fluoroalkyl iodide represented by the general formula: CF3(CF2)n(CH2CF2)a(CF2CF2)b(CH2CH2)cI [II], with N-methylformamide, followed by hydrolysis in the presence of a basic compound.
US08278358B2 Lipoic acid derivatives
The invention describes alpha lipoic acid complexes, that can be oligomeric, polymeric, monomeric and mixtures thereof. The complexes can be salts, chelates, etc. of the oligomers, polymers, or monomeric alpha lipoic acid.
US08278357B2 Derivatives of N-phenylanthranilic acid and 2-benzimidazolone as potassium channel and/or neuron activity modulators
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided which are useful in the treatment of conditions such as central or peripheral nervous system disorders through the modulation of potassium ion flux through voltage-dependent potassium channels and/or depressing cortical and/or peripheral neuron activity are disclosed. Novel derivatives of N-phenylanthranilic acid are also disclosed.
US08278355B2 Isovaline for treatment of pain
The invention provides for the use of isovaline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the treatment of Pain in a mammalian subject in some preferred embodiments, the invention provides for the treatment of acute and chronic Pain syndromes where other drug therapies have limited efficacy or unacceptable toxicity in said subject.
US08278352B2 Pesticide compositions and methods
New pesticide compositions comprising an alkyl formate and an isothiocyanic ester are described, as are methods of delivering fumigants and methods of pest control using a combination of fumigants.
US08278350B2 Agent for skin external use containing salt of ascorbic acid derivative, method for stabilizing the agent for skin external use, and stabilizer
An agent for skin external use of the invention contains a salt of higher fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid-2-phosphoric acid ester and a polyhydric alcohol. According to the present invention, occurrence of turbidity or precipitation with time can be prevented to enhance stability even when the agent for skin external use is prepared using a specific salt of higher fatty acid ester of ascorbic acid-2-phosphoric acid ester. Therefore, the present invention is useful for all agents for skin external use, particularly cosmetics.
US08278347B2 Therapeutic compounds
A compound having a structure is disclosed herein. Compositions, medicaments, and therapeutic methods related thereto are also disclosed.
US08278342B2 Therapeutic compounds for blocking DNA synthesis of pox viruses
This invention provides methods of inhibiting replication of a poxvirus by contacting a poxvirus with a compound having formula XVII which in turn reduce, inhibit, or abrogate poxvirus DNA polymerase activity and/or its interaction with its processivity factor. Formula XVII can be utilized to treat humans and animals suffering from a poxvirus infection. Pharmaceutical compositions for treating poxvirus infected subjects are also provided.
US08278338B2 Saturated and unsaturated 3-pyridyl-benzocycloalkylmethyl-amines for use in treating pain, depression and/or anxiety
Saturated and unsaturated 3-pyridyl-benzocycloalkylmethyl-amines=compounds corresponding to formula (I), wherein the various substituents have the meaning provided in the description, and pharmaceutical formulations containing these compounds and methods for producing these compounds and related pharmaceutical formulation, and to methods for treating or inhibiting pain, depression and/or anxiety states.
US08278335B2 Inhibitors of Janus kinases
The instant invention provides for compounds that inhibit the four known mammalian JAK kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2) and PDK1. The invention also provides for compositions comprising such inhibitory compounds and methods of inhibiting the activity of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2 and PDK1 by administering the compound to a patient in need of treatment for myeloproliferative disorders or cancer.
US08278334B2 Cyclic amine BACE-1 inhibitors having a benzamide substituent
Disclosed are compounds of the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein R1 is R is —C(O)—N(R27)(R28) or and the remaining variables are as defined in the specification. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula I.Also disclosed are methods of treating cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases comprising the compounds of formula I in combination with a β-secretase inhibitor other than those of formula I, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, a gamma-secretase inhibitor, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, a cholinesterase inhibitor or an anti-amyloid antibody.
US08278333B2 Crystals of benzoxadiazole derivative
ObjectProvided are β-form crystal, γ-form crystal, and α-form crystal of a benzoxadiazole derivative, wherein a uniform crystal having sufficient qualities can be obtained with high reproducibility, and they can be anytime supplied as crystals of drug substance for use in producing pharmaceuticals, are particularly suitable for mass synthesis in industrial production, hardly exhibit hygroscopicity and have particularly excellent photo-resistance.Means for ResolutionA solving means includes β-form crystal of 4-[3-isopropyl-5-(6-phenyl-3-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole, which shows an endothermic peak at 145 to 150° C. according to a differential scanning calorimeter analysis (DSC analysis) and shows X-ray powder diffraction peaks at 9.8, 11.1, 12.8, 13.3, 17.1, 20.2, 21.2 and 22.3 in 2θ(°), and the like.
US08278331B2 N-acyl ureas exhibiting anti-cancer and anti-proliferative activities
Compounds of the present invention find utility in the treatment of mammalian cancers and especially human cancers including, but not limited to, malignant melanomas, solid tumors, glioblastomas, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancers, breast cancers, kidney cancers, hepatic cancers, cervical carcinomas, metastasis of primary tumor sites, myeloproliferative diseases, chronic myelogenous leukemia, leukemias, papillary thyroid carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, hypereosinophilic syndrome, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, colonic cancers, ocular diseases characterized by hyperproliferation leading to blindness including various retinopathies, diabetic retinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mastocytosis, mast cell leukemia, and diseases caused by PDGFR-α kinase, PDGFR-β kinase, c-KIT kinase, cFMS kinase, c-MET kinase, and oncogenic forms, aberrant fusion proteins and polymorphs of any of the foregoing kinases.
US08278330B2 Short duration depot formulations
Methods and compositions for systemically or locally administering by implantation a beneficial agent to a subject are described, and include, for example, depot gel compositions that can be injected into a desired location and which can provide controlled release of a beneficial agent over a short duration of time. The compositions include a low molecular weight biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent having low water miscibility that forms a viscous gel with the polymer and limits water uptake by the implant, and a beneficial agent.
US08278325B2 Nitrogen-containing heteroaryl compounds and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to compounds suitable for use in mediating hypoxia inducible factor and for treating erythropoietin-associated conditions by increasing endogenous erythropoietin in vitro and in vivo.
US08278318B2 Spirocycles as inhibitors of 11-beta hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1
The present invention relates to certain spirocyclic compounds that are inhibitors of 11-β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1), compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and other diseases.
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