| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08358752B2 |
User profile based speech to text conversion for visual voice mail
Messages in a message system are converted from one format to another format in accordance with preferred message formats and/or conditions. Message formats can include text messages, multimedia messages, visual voicemail messages, and/or other audio/visual messages. Based on conditions such as recipient device location or velocity and a preferred message format a message can be converted into an appropriate transmission format and transmitted and/or communicated to the recipient in its appropriate format (e.g., text, multimedia, audio, etc. . . . ). |
| US08358750B1 |
Electronic message management system and associated methods
A system and method are provided for managing electronic data, in particular, telephone messages that include a time entry system that can be associated with multiple parties and are sortable in a plurality of fashions. Telephone messages can be logged, which automatically causes a telephone number in the database to be updated, and automatically accesses data related to the caller, including listing all matters associated with the caller. An action message can be attached to a telephone message, or an action message can be sent without the telephone message. If time is to be charged as a result of the message, the time can be logged into the system for one or a multiplicity of users. Instant messages can also be sent to other users of the system, and reports can be generated by date, client, matter, or name. |
| US08358747B2 |
Real time automatic caller speech profiling
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for recognizing a voice input to an interactive voice recognition system is presented. An initial caller voice input is received from a caller. In response to determining that the initial caller voice input is a computer-unintelligible voice input that does not match any entry from a lexicon of known voice inputs, the caller is prompted to transmit a secondary input to clarify the computer-unintelligible voice input. The secondary input is utilized to match the computer-unintelligible voice input with a specific known voice input from the lexicon of known voice inputs. The lexicon of known voice inputs is then updated with the computer-unintelligible voice input. |
| US08358737B2 |
Apparatus and method for X-ray treatment
An X-ray treatment apparatus comprises a low energy X-ray generator for detecting a marker, a marker sensor detecting a position of the marker fixed in the patient to a couch, and both low energy X-ray generator and the marker sensor are installed in the couch, a high energy X-ray generator for treatment, a X-ray sensor for treatment detecting the high energy X-ray for treatment. An X-ray treatment method using the X-ray treatment apparatus comprises the steps of detecting a position of a marker by the marker sensor, irradiating to a lesion the high energy X-ray for treatment, detecting the penetrated high energy X-ray for treatment by the X-ray sensor for treatment, modifying the beam profile, the dosage or/and the radiation direction of the X-ray for treatment according to the latest data of the sensors, performing the next radiation for the lesion. |
| US08358729B2 |
Baseband phase-locked loop
An example method includes receiving a phase correction signal representing a phase difference between a source signal and a reference signal, generating a first control voltage from the phase correction signal using a charge pump circuit, generating a second control voltage from the phase correction signal in response to a digitally filtered version of the phase correction signal, wherein the second control voltage corrects for an offset error present in the first control voltage, calculating a VCO control signal based on a linear combination of the first and the second control voltages; and generating the source signal in response to the VCO control signal. |
| US08358728B2 |
Calibration of synthesizer phase using reference harmonic
Arbitrary phase variations of a shared frequency synthesizer can be calibrated using a reference harmonic each time the shared frequency synthesizer is allocated to a network device to enable one frequency synthesizer to be shared between multiple network devices. On determining that the shared frequency synthesizer has been allocated to the network device, an output frequency of the shared frequency synthesizer can be aligned with a predetermined reference frequency that is associated with an operating frequency band of the network device. A phase correction factor associated with the shared frequency synthesizer can be calculated from a signal calculated based, at least in part, on the output frequency of the shared frequency synthesizer and the predetermined reference frequency. The phase correction factor is applied to a signal received at the network device to correct a phase error associated with the shared frequency synthesizer. |
| US08358726B2 |
Method for source synchronous high-speed signal synchronization
A source synchronous signal synchronization system includes a differential signal receiver; a tunable input delay element coupled to the receiver; an input serializer/deserializer (ISerDes) coupled to the tunable input delay; an alignment unit coupled to the ISerDes; and a delay control unit coupled to the tunable input delay, the ISerDes, and the alignment unit. |
| US08358719B2 |
Method and device for the compensation of signal errors in IQ-modulators
A method and device for the simultaneous compensation of several signal errors that occur in an IQ-modulator, using respective inverse correction signals, wherein the optimized signal magnitude of each correction signal is calculated by the determination of the effective signal error and by the subsequent iterative minimization of the effective signal error. |
| US08358718B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining optimum integer perturbation vector of low complexity in multiple antenna system
An apparatus and a method for determining an optimum integer perturbation vector of a low complexity in a multiple antenna system include a transmitter that transmits data using an optimum integer perturbation vector of a low complexity in a multiple antenna system includes a module pre-processor, a shift pre-processor, and a precoder. The modulo pre-processor adds an integer perturbation vector to a transmission signal vector. The shift pre-processor phase-shifts a pseudo inverse matrix of a channel matrix using a phase angle. The precoder precodes a transmission signal vector perturbed by the integer perturbation vector using the phase-shifted pseudo inverse matrix of the channel matrix. |
| US08358716B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing a wireless communication system
Techniques for synchronizing a receiver and transmitter in a wireless communication system address synchronization within the context of a detection formulation and provide synchronization statistics used to declare a synchronization detection. A signal is received from a channel at multiple receiving antennas. The receiver and transmitter are synchronized based on the received signal and a channel model incorporating the multiple receiving antennas. The channel model may also incorporate a resolvable delay spread of the received signal with respect to each receiving antenna. Synchronization may be based on a known component of a received signal and further on a channel model incorporating multiple receiving antennas and an interference signal. The known component may be a cyclic prefix or a pilot sequence as in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). |
| US08358712B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving reference signal in a communication system
An apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving a reference signal in a communication system are provided, in which a transmitter determines first and second different transmit power values for first and second pilot tones residing in one of the substantially same time resource and the substantially same frequency resource among pilot tones included in a data area in a subframe having time and frequency resources, and transmits the first pilot tone with the first transmit power value and the second pilot tone with the second transmit power value. The first transmit power may be a reference transmit power value and the second transmit power may be a product between a weight and the reference transmit power value. |
| US08358710B2 |
OFDM receiver, interference wave discernment method, window control apparatus and window control method
An OFDM receiver according to the present invention judges whether or not a delay amount (i.e., a first delay amount) of a transmission path detected from scattered pilot information existing in an OFDM signal of a frequency domain by referring to peak position information obtainable from OFDM signals of the preceding and following symbols, calculates another delay amount (i.e., a second delay amount) from the delay amount (i.e., the first delay amount) if the aforementioned delay amount is judged to be inappropriate, and set a position of a time window by using the calculated delay amount. |
| US08358709B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving convolutionally coded data
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving convolutionally coded data in a communication system employing a combination of Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) and Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), wherein the code is selected to have error rate performance that is as good as the best convolutional code used with systems employing only BPSK. |
| US08358704B2 |
Frame level multimedia decoding with frame information table
Apparatus and method to decode video data while maintaining a target video quality using an integrated error control system including error detection, resynchronization and error recovery are described. Robust error control can be provided by a joint encoder-decoder functionality including multiple error resilience designs. In one aspect, error recovery may be an end-to-end integrated multi-layer error detection, resynchronization and recovery mechanism designed to achieve reliable error detection and error localization. The error recovery system may include cross-layer interaction of error detection, resynchronization and error recovery subsystems. In another aspect, error handling of a scalable coded bitstream is coordinated across a base-layer and enhancement layer of scalable compressed video. |
| US08358703B2 |
Modifying a coded bitstream
Implementations may relate to various aspects of modifying, or using, a coded bitstream, or to recovering watermarking information from data. In one implementation, a coded bitstream is modified to allow for the application of a watermark to the coded bitstream without changing the coding of any other syntax elements in the bitstream. This is performed by identifying conditions necessary to change a coded syntax element without disrupting the interpretation of subsequent coded elements. The coded syntax element is replaced with another coded value if the modified value generates the same decoding variables as the original value would have generated. Particular implementations focus on syntax elements coded using entropy coding, including, for example, Context-based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding (CABAC). Regardless of the type of coding or watermarking, various implementations may provide for recovering watermarking information. Particular implementations recover watermarking information using detection data and feature information. |
| US08358701B2 |
Switching decode resolution during video decoding
The decode resolution of a video signal can be varied during decoding by decoding a first portion of a video signal at a first resolution; determining a second resolution, different from the first resolution, at which a second portion of the video signal is to be decoded; adjusting one or more reference pictures associated with the video signal to correspond to the second resolution; and decoding the second portion of the video signal at the second resolution. The second resolution, at which the second portion of the video signal is decoded, can be selected from a plurality of predetermined decoding resolutions in response to the detection of a predetermined condition or in response to an input received from a user. Additionally, one or more reference pictures associated with the video signal can be up-sampled or down-sampled in at least one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. |
| US08358699B2 |
Method and system for selection of reference picture and mode decision
A method, system and computer program product for the selection of reference pictures and mode decision during the motion estimation of a video sequence is disclosed. The video sequence includes a plurality of video frames. Each of the video frames includes a plurality of macroblocks. A full-pixel search is performed for each of the video frames, to calculate one or more full-pel rate distortion costs. Based on the one or more rate-distortion costs, one of the one or more modes is selected. Further, interpolation is performed for each of the video frames. Thereafter, a sub-pixel search is performed for each of the video frames, to calculate the one or more sub-pel rate distortion costs. Finally, a reference video frame is selected, based on the one or more sub-pel rate distortion costs. |
| US08358697B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding an image using a reference picture
A method and apparatus for encoding and decoding an image by performing motion prediction and compensation on pictures in a group of pictures by selectively using a high-quality key picture that is previously encoded and restored, and a second picture that is previously encoded and restored. The method of encoding an image improves the prediction efficiency of an image by storing a key picture, which is encoded and restored to a high quality by reducing a loss caused by a quantization error using a small quantization coefficient, in a first storage unit and storing a previously encoded and restored second picture in a second storage unit, and then performing motion prediction and compensation by selectively using the key picture stored in the first storage unit and the second picture stored in the second storage unit while encoding a next picture in a group of pictures. |
| US08358694B2 |
Effective error concealment in real-world transmission environment
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for concealing errors in video data. It is detected whether a slice group in a picture contains errors. When the slice group contains errors and the picture is not a first intra-picture following a channel change, the slice group in the picture is replaced with a slice group of a most recent intra-coded picture. When the slice group contains errors and the picture is the first intra-picture following the channel change, the slice group is replaced with black pixels. |
| US08358692B2 |
Image-processing apparatus and method thereof
In order to set a quantization step according to a target amount of code with high precision, a coefficient set according to the resolution of a moving picture to be encoded and the encoding method of a frame to be encoded is selected from a plurality of coefficient sets corresponding to the resolutions of moving pictures and encoding methods of frames. A feature amount of the frame to be encoded is extracted, and when the frame to be encoded undergoes inter-frame coding, a function indicating the relationship between a quantization step and amount of generated data is generated based on the selected coefficient set and feature amount. When the function is generated, a quantization step according to a target amount of code is set based on that function in encoding of the frame to be encoded. |
| US08358691B1 |
Methods and apparatus for chatter reduction in video object segmentation using a variable bandwidth search region
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for chatter reduction in video object segmentation using a variable bandwidth search region. A variable bandwidth search region generation method may be applied to a uniform search region to generate a variable bandwidth search region that reduces the search range for segmentation methods such as a graph cut method. The method may identify parts of the contour that are moving slowly, and reduce the search region bandwidth in those places to stabilize the segmentation. This method may determine a bandwidth for each of a plurality of local windows of an image according to an estimate of how much an object in the image has moved from a previous image. The method may blend the bandwidths for the plurality of local windows to generate a blended map. The method may then generate a variable bandwidth search region for an object according to the blended map. |
| US08358689B2 |
System and method for processing videos and images to a determined quality level
System and method for processing videos and images to a determined quality level. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for enhancing video. The method includes providing a first video element that is uncompressed. The method also includes determining motion information associated with the video element. The method further includes providing a second video element by removing at least a defect from the first video element. The second video element includes a color luminance and a luminance. In addition, the method includes de-interlacing the second video element using the motion information. Furthermore, the method includes scaling the second video element. Also, the method includes providing a third video element by enhancing the chrominance and enhancing the luminance of the second video element. The method additionally includes outputting the third video element. |
| US08358688B2 |
Method for transmitting moving image data and communication apparatus
A method for transmitting moving image data that includes a plurality of frames each divided into a plurality of pieces of data includes setting a priority to each of the plurality of pieces of data based on a characteristic thereof, determining a transmission order of the plurality of pieces of data to transmit the plurality of pieces of data according to the set priority, wherein a transmission order of the plurality of pieces of data having a same priority is determined not to transmit data which is displayed at a same position in successive frames in a same transmission order, and transmitting the plurality of pieces of data in the determined transmission order. |
| US08358683B2 |
Channel equalizer
A channel equalizer arranged to receive a data signal encoded by a plurality of amplitude levels, the circuitry including a filter having a plurality of taps, each tap generating an output signal based on a coefficient, an input for receiving an error signal for adapting the coefficients, and an output for outputting a filtered signal; and blind error generation circuitry arranged to generate the error signal, the blind error generation circuitry including: error estimating circuitry arranged to estimate the error of the filtered signal based on maximum likelihood; and adding circuitry coupled to the error estimating circuitry and to the output of the filter and arranged to add at least part of the filtered signal to the error estimated by the error estimating circuitry to generate the error signal. |
| US08358678B2 |
Frequency hopping offsetting for multiple users reusing one slot (MUROS)
First and second groups of mobile terminal communications in a cell are defined. A basic frequency hopping sequence for both groups is identified. An offset from the basic hopping sequence is determined for each mobile terminal communication in the first and second groups and is used along with the basic frequency hopping sequence to generate an assigned frequency hopping sequence for each mobile terminal. Some of the assigned frequency hopping sequences overlap such that a first communication from the first group and a second communication from the second group simultaneously use the same time-frequency radio resource during one hop in their corresponding assigned frequency hopping sequences. The first and second mobile terminal communications use a different time-frequency radio resource during another hop in their respective assigned frequency hopping sequence thereby varying the offset for each mobile terminal communication in the second group to improve interference diversity between the two groups for each hop. |
| US08358676B2 |
Data transmitting/receiving method and apparatus in UWB communication system
A data transmitting/receiving method and apparatus for allocating optimal sub-bands and transmission power levels and transmitting data in a ultra wide band (UWB) communication system. The method includes receiving data through sub-bands of each band group; determining performance ranks of the sub-bands based on error rates and differences of transmitting and receiving power levels of the received data; selecting a predetermined number of sub-bands according to the performance ranks of the sub-bands; generating power level adjustment information based on measured power levels of data of the selected sub-bands; and receiving data according to the selected sub-bands and the power levels. |
| US08358673B2 |
Strain balanced laser diode
According to the concepts of the present disclosure, laser diode waveguide configurations are contemplated where the use of Al in the waveguide layers of the laser is presented in the form of InGaN/Al(In)GaN waveguiding superstructure comprising optical confining wells (InGaN) and strain compensating barriers (Al(In)GaN). The composition of the optical confining wells is chosen such that they provide strong optical confinement, even in the presence of the Al(In)GaN strain compensating barriers, but do not absorb lasing emission. The composition of the strain compensating barriers is chosen such that the Al(In)GaN exhibits tensile strain that compensates for the compressive strain of InGaN optical confinement wells but does not hinder the optical confinement. |
| US08358669B2 |
Ciphering sequence number for an adjacent layer protocol in data packet communications
A data packet communication system employs data encryption in a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) and radio link control (RLC) in Layer 2 of transmission between a transmitter (TX) and a receiver (RX). A single sequence number is used for both the PDCP and RLC to reduce overhead by signaling a TX PDCP first ciphering sequence number to the RX prior to encrypted data packet communication. A sequence number accompanies each RLC PDU, which can encompass concatenated or segmented service data units (SDUs) from the higher layer PDCP. This sequence number is sufficient for the RLC to perform re-ordering, gap detection, retransmission, etc., while also allowing the RX upper layer PDCP to reconstruct a sequenced value used to encrypt content. |
| US08358667B2 |
Method and system for triggering training for ethernet channels to support energy efficient ethernet networks
An Ethernet link may comprise one or more link partners that may be communicatively coupled via one or more silent channels. One or more circuits and/or parameters corresponding to silent channels may be retrained, refreshed and/or updated based on various triggers, for example, fixed times, periodic or aperiodic time intervals, random or pseudorandom timer, events, link statistics, physical conditions such as noise, temperature level, cable type and/or cable length, communication from a corresponding link partner and/or based on programming from, for example, a layer above the physical layer. The retraining, refreshing and/or parameter updating may occur for one or more of an echo canceller, a far-end crosstalk canceller and a near-end crosstalk canceller corresponding to the one or more silent channels. Subsequent to the retraining, refreshing and/or parameter updating, the one or more silent channels may be activated and/or may remain silent. |
| US08358666B2 |
Base station device, base station management device and base station management system
A base station device connected to a base station management device including: a wireless receiving unit receiving transmission data from a wireless terminal; a mode retaining unit stored with a centralized mode for setting a transmission destination of the transmission data in the base station management device, or a distributed mode for setting the transmission destination of the transmission data in none of the base station management device; and a wired transmitting unit transmitting the transmission data, wherein the wired transmitting unit, when the mode set in the mode retaining unit is the centralized mode, transmits the transmission data received from the wireless terminal to the base station management device, and, when the mode set in the mode retaining unit is the distributed mode, transmits the transmission data received from said wireless terminal toward a destination device of the transmission data. |
| US08358663B2 |
System and method for retransmitting packets over a network of communication channels
A system for transmitting packets over a network of communication channels, the system comprising a set of nodes comprising at least first and second nodes and a network access coordinator operative to coordinate the access of the set of nodes to a synchronous network of channels, wherein, if at least one individual packet has been transmitted from the first node to the second node which did not receive at least one packet, the second node is operative to send a retransmission request to the network access coordinator requesting retransmission of at least one individual packet. |
| US08358661B2 |
Remote adapter configuration
Systems and methods to remotely configure adapters are described. A particular method may include generating a management frame at a controlling bridge. The management frame may include instructions to configure an operating parameter of the adapter. The management frame may be communicated to a bridge element of a plurality of interconnected bridge elements in communication with the controlling bridge. The bridge element may be coupled to the adapter, and the operating parameter of the adapter may be configured. |
| US08358660B2 |
Method and system for providing integrated content delivery
An approach is provided for integrated content delivery. A request for content stored on a disk array of a router is received. In response to the request, one or more disks of the disk array are selected to retrieve the content, wherein the disk array is natively coupled to a switch fabric of the router. A path is determined through the switch fabric for transmission of the content. |
| US08358658B2 |
Implementing ordered and reliable transfer of packets while spraying packets over multiple links
A method and circuit for implementing ordered and reliable transfer of packets while spraying packets over multiple links, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. Each source interconnect chip maintains a spray mask including multiple available links for each destination chip for spraying packets across multiple links of a local rack interconnect system. Each packet is assigned an End-to-End (ETE) sequence number in the source interconnect chip that represents the packet position in an ordered packet stream from the source device. The destination interconnect chip uses the ETE sequence numbers to reorder the received sprayed packets into the correct order before sending the packets to the destination device. |
| US08358654B1 |
Method and apparatus for rule testing
Aspects of the disclosure provide an improved method for processing a packet transmitted on a network. The method for processing the packet can include defining a set of non-overlapped intervals on a range field, defining one or more range rules that each range rule is in association with a subset of the non-overlapped intervals, identifying a non-overlapped interval, to which a parameter of the packet belongs, and executing an action on the packet based on a range rule associated with the non-overlapped interval to which the parameter belongs. |
| US08358651B1 |
Switch device having a plurality of processing cores
A switching device comprises a plurality of switch cores, each switch core having a plurality of ports associated with the switch core. Each switch core is configured to perform ingress processing of a data frame using a local source port indicator corresponding to an ingress port selected from a first plurality of ports associated with the switch core. Ingress processing of a data frame includes applying a global target port indicator corresponding to an egress port selected from a second plurality of ports including ports associated with one or more other switch cores among the plurality of switch cores. |
| US08358649B2 |
Methods for handling packet-switched data transmissions by mobile station with subscriber identity cards and systems utilizing the same
A system for handling packet-switched data transmission is provided. The system includes a first RF module, a second RF module, a first subscriber identity card camping on a cell via the first RF module, a second subscriber identity card camping on the same cell or a different cell via the second RF module and a load balancing unit. The load balancing unit receives an uplink IP packet, determines one subscriber identity card from the first and second subscriber identity cards when the uplink IP packet comprises information regarding an unestablished connection of a recognized application, and transmits the uplink IP packet to a destination via the determined subscriber identity card and the RF module corresponding to the determined subscriber identity card. |
| US08358642B1 |
Beacon miss prevention in power save modes using timing synchronization function
A system comprises a receive module that transitions from a power save mode to an active mode based on a first clock to receive a delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) beacon. A beacon sensing module senses a first number of DTIM beacons missed by the receive module during a first predetermined period. A control module selectively adjusts the first clock when the first number is greater than a first threshold. |
| US08358641B2 |
Method for improving peer to peer network communication
The present invention relates to a node for deployment on a peer to peer network. The node is programmed for monitoring the network to receive communication messages therefrom and to forward the communication messages, optionally changing the communications radius parameters to an optimal or near optimal value. The node can forward messages from one network to another or from one network to the same network. The invention also provides a method for monitoring communication messages for selected objects by nodes on a peer to peer network. The method includes interposing the node on the network. The node has at least one stored object corresponding to a communication message object stored the node; and monitors the network to detect communication messages matching at least one of the stored objects and decides whether or not to forward or change communication message radius parameters based on some defined programming or configuration. |
| US08358638B2 |
Dynamically created and expanded wireless network
A system and method for the establishment and maintenance of wireless network, such as wireless network enabling access to the World Wide Web. The network can be created by its users as part of social network activity. The users are using automated resources discovery, verification and mapping as a comprehensive wireless resources search engine. Once few locations are mapped as wireless service “hot spots,” the service area can be expanded as users keep discovering and mapping more resources. These existing wireless Internet access resources could be mined by users to create spontaneous wireless network providing wide area high-speed data service. |
| US08358636B2 |
Methods and devices for scheduling the transmission of multicast messages in wireless local area networks
Real-time broadcast and multicast based packet transmissions/services over a wireless, local area networks (WLAN) may be improved by reducing the interference across neighboring access points (APs) while minimally impacting the performance of unicast transmissions/services. Minimal impact is assured by scheduling the transmission of multicast packet flows such that the duration of the time period required to transmit such flows is also minimized. One type of method provides a constant approximation of an optimal time period/schedule while another provides a logarithmic approximation of an optimal time period/schedule. |
| US08358635B2 |
Methods and apparatus for implementing NAT traversal in mobile IP
Methods and apparatus for establishing communication between a Mobile Node and a Home Agent are disclosed. The Home Agent receives a registration request packet from the Mobile Node, the registration request packet including an IP source address and a Home Agent address. The Home Agent then detects from the registration request packet when network address translation has been performed. When it has been detected that network address translation has been performed, a tunnel is set up between the Home Agent address and the IP source address. |
| US08358633B1 |
Dynamic determination of EV-DO control-channel bit rate based on forward-link timeslot utilization
Methods and systems are provided for dynamic determination of EV-DO control-channel bit rate based on forward-link timeslot utilization. Service is provided to access terminals on a carrier in a wireless coverage area. The carrier comprises timeslots that can be active or idle. Active timeslots comprise a data channel; idle timeslots do not. The data channel is arranged to transmit user-traffic information, and also to transmit control-channel information at a bit rate that can be set to a first or second value, where the second value is greater than the first value. A number of active timeslots on the carrier in the coverage area over a time period is determined. It is further determined whether that number is less than a threshold number. If so, the bit rate is set to the first value; if not, the bit rate is set to the second value. |
| US08358631B2 |
Beamforming systems and method
A downlink multi-user beamforming scheme for a network of coordinated transmission points where the beamforming weights and power allocation are determined to maximize a jointly-achievable SINR margin under per-transmitter power constraints and the constraint that each data stream is transmitted from a single transmission point. |
| US08358629B2 |
Mobile device-initiated measurement gap request
Described herein are mechanisms and methods that facilitate preparation of inter-radio access technology (inter-RAT) and/or inter-frequency handover with respect to a mobile device (user equipment). User equipment can indicate to a network servicing the user equipment that the user equipment desires to perform measurements with respect to a different frequency and/or different technology. Data on the downlink channel can then be scheduled to ensure that data intended for the user equipment is not lost while the user equipment is performing the measurements. |
| US08358626B2 |
Mobile device, content distribution system, and content distribution method
The present invention provides a mobile device that is able to receive content of a server even before a predetermined time interval elapses.The mobile device comprises a first transmission portion, which transmits a content transmission request to a first server, a second transmission portion, which transmits a content transmission request to a second server, a transmission control portion, which outputs transmission instruction information ordering the transmission of a content transmission request to the first transmission portion and second transmission portion, and a notice reception portion, which receives an urgent notice that is transmitted from the first server. The transmission control portion outputs transmission instruction information to the first transmission portion at a predetermined first time interval or when the notice reception portion receives the urgent notice, and outputs transmission instruction information to the second transmission portion at a second predetermined time interval. |
| US08358624B1 |
Bidirectional uplink/downlink handoff
Disclosed herein is a method for selecting coverage areas as candidates for a handoff, and in particular, for a bidirectional handoff. An exemplary method may involve (a) engaging in a communication session via an access network, wherein an uplink connection is provided for uplink traffic in the communication session and a downlink connection is provided for downlink traffic in the communication session; (b) determining uplink-resource demand and downlink-resource demand of the communication session; (c) using the uplink-resource demand of the communication session as a basis for selecting one or more coverage areas in the access network as candidates for an uplink handoff of the uplink connection; and (d) using the downlink-resource demand of the communication session as a basis for selecting one or more coverage areas in the access network as candidates for a downlink handoff of the downlink connection. |
| US08358619B2 |
Mobile station apparatus and method for transmitting signals in wireless communication system
A method for transmitting signal, at a mobile station, in a wireless communication system is provided. Inter-cell interference information may be different for each frequency partition according to using a FFR scheme. Also, a parameter for controlling interference level between base stations may be different for each frequency partition. The present invention is advantageous in that, when uplink transmission is performed, system throughput and cell edge-user throughput are improved and inter-cell interference level control is efficiently performed. |
| US08358618B2 |
Method for resuming services in a wireless communication system
A method for operating a Base Station (BS) in a wireless communication system includes, when a bandwidth request message is received from a Mobile Station (MS), whether a resource allocated to the MS exists is determined. When the resource allocated to the MS does not exist, a resource is temporarily allocated to the MS. A message indicating a network initial entry is transmitted to the MS using the temporarily allocated resource. |
| US08358617B2 |
Enhanced conversion of wideband signals to narrowband signals
Wideband speech signals must be converted to narrowband speech signals if the transmission medium or the destination terminal is constructed with narrowband constraints. A typical wideband-to-narrowband conversion method is the elimination of frequencies above 3400 Hz using a low pass filter and a down sampler. However, this method produces a muffled speech sound since the resulting narrowband signal has a flat frequency response. Methods and apparatus are presented herein to enhance the acoustic quality of a wideband-to-narrowband converted signal. A bandwidth switching filter is used to emphasize a mid-range frequency portion of the wideband signal so that the resulting narrowband signal has a non-flat frequency spectrum. |
| US08358611B2 |
Method for transmitting multiple code words in a multiple antenna system
Provided is a method of sending multiple codewords in a wireless communication system using a plurality of transmitting antennas. The method includes the steps of encoding a plurality of parallel information bit streams to generate a plurality of parallel codewords; modulating the plurality of parallel codewords to generate a plurality of parallel modulated symbol streams; performing a DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform) on the modulated symbol streams to generate a plurality of frequency domain symbol streams; performing a pre-coding process on the plurality of frequency domain symbol streams; mapping the plurality of precoded frequency domain symbol streams to resource elements; performing an IFFT (Inverse Fast Fourier Transform) on the plurality of frequency domain symbol streams to generate SC-FDMA (Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access) symbols; performing shifting, at a predetermined time interval, on layers at which the plurality of parallel codewords, the plurality of parallel modulated symbol streams, or the plurality of frequency domain symbol streams; and transmitting the SC-FDMA symbol. |
| US08358604B2 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating cell detection using additional physical channels in a wireless communication system
The described apparatus and methods may include a receiver configured to receive a signal, the signal being a combination of physical channel signals that each correspond to a different one of a plurality of physical channels, and a controller configured to capture signal energy from at least two of the physical channel signals, and detect a cell based on the captured signal energy. |
| US08358600B2 |
Method of transmitting data in a communication system
A method of transmitting a combined audio signal to at least one of a plurality of participants in a communication event comprising; receiving an audio signal from each of said plurality of participants together with audio activity information associated with each of said received audio signals; analysing a measure of audio activity for each received audio signal based on the audio activity information associated with each of said received signals, wherein said measure of audio activity allows audio signals comprising audio activity to be compared; selecting a set of audio signals from said received audio signals based on the analysed measure of audio activity for each signal; decoding said set of audio signals; and combining said set of audio signals to generate said combined audio signal to be transmitted to said at least one of said plurality of participants. |
| US08358599B2 |
System for providing audio highlighting of conference participant playout
In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a first packet associated with a conference that has a first participant associated therewith. The first participant is identified as a principal participant. The method also includes determining if the first packet is associated with the first participant, and providing an audible indication that the first packet is associated with the first participant if it is determined that the first packet is associated with the first participant. |
| US08358593B2 |
Systems and methods for selecting serving gateways to service user equipment
Some embodiments provide methods for selecting a serving gateway, including: receiving a message from a base transceiver station including a list of tracking areas handled by the base transceiver station; performing a domain name system query for at least one tracking area to retrieve and store in a local memory information identifying a serving gateway serving the at least one tracking area; receiving an attach request from the base transceiver station identifying the user equipment and a tracking area from which the user equipment is connected to the network; searching the information identifying a serving gateway serving the at least one tracking area stored in the local memory to identify a serving gateway to service the user equipment based on the tracking area from which the user equipment is connected to the network; and sending a message identifying the identified serving gateway to the base transceiver station. |
| US08358589B2 |
Buffer module, receiver, device and buffering method using windows
A buffer for managing the order of data packages arriving at the buffer, wherein the buffer includes a first window, having a predetermined size defined by a first and a second extreme, and the first window is included within a second window. The buffer includes a filter for determining the time stamp of an arriving data package to determine if the arriving data package has an expected location included inside or outside the first window based on the time stamp. The buffer also includes a buffer module for locating the arriving data package in the expected location or for moving the first window by a predetermined distance to a position, without changing the size of the first window, to accommodate the expected location. |
| US08358585B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving channel state information periodically or aperiodically
A method for transmitting and receiving channel state information (CSI) periodically and aperiodically is disclosed. The method for aperiodically transmitting channel state information (CSI) by a terminal includes receiving an indicator requesting a channel state information report of a downlink channel from a base station over a downlink control channel, and aperiodically transmitting the channel state information (CSI) to the base station over a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) upon receiving the indicator from the base station. |
| US08358582B2 |
Quality of service support in a media exchange network
A method for controlling communication of media content by a network device in a communication network includes providing, by the network device, a plurality of quality of service options corresponding to at least one media file selected for communication to a remote user via a communication channel; receiving a quality of service selection specifying at least one of the plurality of quality of service options; and communicating the at least one media file to the remote user utilizing the received quality of service selection. The providing may include displaying, by the network device, the plurality of quality of service options. At least a portion of specified parameters may be transferred to a first communication device coupled to the communication network. At least a portion of the communication channel may be configured by a second device utilizing the transferred at least a portion of the specified parameters. |
| US08358581B2 |
Method for adjusting signal delivery bandwidth, media gateway and media gateway controller
A method for adjusting a signal delivery bandwidth is provided. The method includes the following steps: A media gateway (MG) receives a command request carrying signal delivery bandwidth adjusting information, and the MG adjusts the signal delivery bandwidth according to the signal delivery bandwidth adjusting information. An MG and a media gateway controller (MGC) are also provided. By extending the media gateway control protocol (H.248 or MGCP), the delivery bandwidth adjusting information of a signal is transferred while the signal is transferred, the signal is adjusted according to the signal delivery bandwidth adjusting information, a signal and/or signal list corresponding to the signal delivery bandwidth adjusting information is transferred simultaneously, and the executing process of the signal remains uninterrupted. |
| US08358578B2 |
Redundant communication system
A redundant communication system includes a first control device which calculates a control command value of an electric power device, and outputs first and second command signals; a second control device which controls the electric power device on the basis of one of the first and second control command values; and primary and secondary communication lines for respectively transmitting the first and second command signals to the second control device. The second control device comprises: a primary communication line abnormality determining unit which determines that the primary communication line is abnormal when a non-reception state or an abnormality state of the first command signal continues during a predetermined period; and a control command value switching unit which selects one of the first and second control command values in a switching manner and switches the selection from the first to the second control command value within the predetermined period. |
| US08358577B1 |
Using wireless links to offload backhaul communications
What is disclosed is a method of operating a communication system. The communication system includes wireless access nodes and a network control system, where user devices and the wireless access nodes communicate over wireless links, and the wireless access nodes and the network control system communicate over individually associated backhaul links. The method includes transferring forward communications in a forward direction from the network control system to a first one of the wireless access nodes over a forward link portion of a first backhaul link associated with the first wireless access node, and transferring reverse communications in a reverse direction from the first wireless access node to the network control system over a reverse link portion of the first backhaul link. The method also includes monitoring forward performance of the forward link portion and monitoring reverse performance of the reverse link portion, and identifying a second of the wireless access nodes to assist the first wireless access node. If the forward performance of the forward link portion exceeds a forward threshold, then the method includes instructing the first wireless access node to initiate a backup wireless link between the first wireless access node and the second wireless access node, and if the reverse performance of the reverse link portion exceeds a reverse threshold, then the method includes instructing the second wireless access node to initiate the backup wireless link between the first wireless access node and the second wireless access node. The method also includes using the backup wireless link to offload communications of the first backhaul link. |
| US08358574B2 |
Interference suppressing OFDM system for wireless communications
An IS-OFDM system for point-to-point wireless communications that suppresses narrow-band interference comprises an IS-OFDM transmitter and an IS-OFDM receiver, wherein a transmitted signal comprises a plurality of subcarriers, and further wherein each subcarrier contains more than one and potentially all symbols transmitted in a given frame. The IS-OFDM transmitted signal is at a data rate that is equal to the data rate of the input data stream via the use of P/S converters. |
| US08358573B2 |
Area and power efficient architectures of time deinterleaver for ISDB-T receivers
A method and apparatus for de-interleaving interleaved data in a deinterleaver memory in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) based Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial (ISDB-T) receiver. In different embodiments, the apparatus comprises of a OFDM symbol counter along with a divider or a buffer pointer RAM with circular pointer logic, a first lookup table to obtain delay buffer size and interleaving lengths for a given OFDM transmission layer, and a second lookup table to obtain buffer base address and interleaving lengths for a given OFDM transmission layer. |
| US08358562B2 |
Measuring and modifying directionality of seismic interferometry data
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for replacing the individual receivers used with a seismic interferometry process with an array of seismic receivers and then manipulating the array data in order to measure and modify the typical non-uniform directionality function of the background seismic energy. The non-uniform directionality function is a significant cause of noise with seismic interferometry. Furthermore, the array of receivers may be used to significantly enhance the preferred reflection energy and damp undesirable near surface energy. The directionality function may be modified by using an array of receivers for the virtual source location of seismic interferometry to measure the non-uniform directionality function, generating multiplication factors, and applying the multiplication factors to convert the measured directionality function into a desired directionality function. |
| US08358560B2 |
Marine seismic acquisition system
A marine cable for seismic surveys is described with a plurality of ceramic pressure sensors (901-904) arranged in groups of at least two pressure sensors with a group output being representative of the vertical pressure gradient at the group location, and an inclinometric system including one or more transducers for determining the orientation of the sensors of the group in order to determine their true vertical separation. |
| US08358554B2 |
Semiconductor memory device performing partial self refresh and memory system including same
A semiconductor memory device capable of performing a partial self refresh and semiconductor memory system including same is provided. The semiconductor memory device includes: a memory circuit including a memory array; a skip address storage unit storing an address of an excluded region not requiring refresh in the memory array as a skip address; a refresh address generator providing an address of a region of the memory array requiring refresh as a refresh address; and an address comparator receiving and comparing the skip address and refresh address, and providing a refresh control signal to the memory circuit based on the comparison. |
| US08358548B2 |
Methods for efficiently repairing embedded dynamic random-access memory having marginally failing cells
A test system and a method for efficiently repairing marginally failing memory cells in an embedded dynamic random access memory on an integrated circuit identify marginally failing cells in the embedded memory and when two or more marginally failing cells are located in the same column, indicating a partial column failure due to a weak sense amplifier associated with the column, the system and method apply a spare column preferentially to repair the failing cells in the column. The test system can be arranged in a built-in self test engine on the integrated circuit. In an alternative embodiment, the test system can be implemented in test equipment coupled to the integrated circuit that houses the embedded dynamic random-access memory. |
| US08358546B2 |
Semiconductor device having additive latency
A semiconductor device receives a command corresponding to a memory access operation and performs the memory access operation after an additive latency period. The additive latency period begins when the command is received. The semiconductor device comprises a phase controller for controlling a phase of a clock signal and outputting a phase-controlled clock signal, and a controller for generating and outputting a control signal for enabling the phase controller that is disabled, at a predetermined time in the additive latency period. |
| US08358545B2 |
Semiconductor memory
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells, a sense amplifier circuit holding a verification result for the memory cells and including sense units, the sense units of each column block being connected in common to a first signal line, and a detecting circuit including a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a first latch circuit which holds failure information in the memory cell arrays, and a second latch circuit which includes a first input terminal connected to the first signal line, a second input terminal connected to the first latch circuit, and a first output terminal connected to a second signal line. |
| US08358542B2 |
Methods, devices, and systems for adjusting sensing voltages in devices
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for adjusting sensing voltages in devices. One or more embodiments include memory cells, and a controller configured to perform a sense operation on the memory cells using a sensing voltage to determine a quantity of the memory cells having a threshold voltage (Vt) greater than the sensing voltage and adjust a sensing voltage used to determine a state of the memory cells based, at least partially, on the determined quantity of memory cells. |
| US08358540B2 |
Access line dependent biasing schemes
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for access line biasing. One embodiment includes selecting, using a controller external to the memory device, a particular access line dependent biasing scheme and corresponding bias conditions for use in performing an access operation on an array of memory cells of the memory device, and performing the access operation using the selected particular access line dependent biasing scheme and corresponding bias conditions. In one or more embodiments, the selected particular access line dependent biasing scheme and corresponding bias conditions is selected by the controller external to the memory device based, at least partially, on a target access line of the array. |
| US08358530B2 |
Semiconductor device
One object is to provide a novel semiconductor device which can hold stored data even when not powered and which has an unlimited number of writing operations. Another object is to reduce a circuit size and to improve reliability of writing and reading of data. When a memory cell using a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer is subjected to the verification operation and reading of data, a dual-gate transistor showing different threshold voltages is used as a resistor; thus, stable verification operation and reading operation can be performed by only a reference potential circuit. |
| US08358525B2 |
Low cost high density rectifier matrix memory
A high density memory device is fabricated three dimensionally in layers. To keep points of failure low, address decoding circuits are included within each layer so that, in addition to power and data lines, only the address signal lines need be interconnected between the layers. |
| US08358522B2 |
Synchronous rectifier gate drive timing to compensate for transformer leakage inductance
An apparatus for providing synchronous rectifier gate drive timing is described. The apparatus includes circuitry to receive a first signal. The apparatus also includes circuitry to generate a second signal by modifying the first signal to delay a transition from high to low for a non-zero overlap duration. An output to apply an inverse of the first signal as a gate drive timing of at least a first transistor and to apply the second signal as a gate drive timing of at least a second transistor, where the first transistor is a part of a primary side of a full-bridge synchronous rectifier and the second transistor is a part of a secondary side of the full-bridge synchronous rectifier is also included. The second signal and the inverse of the first signal are high during the overlap duration. Methods and program storage devices are also disclosed. |
| US08358521B2 |
Intrinsically safe systems and methods for generating bi-polar high voltage
Systems and methods presented herein generally provide for the controlled voltage of bipolar electrical energy through the selected operation of power stages. In one embodiment, a system that provides electrical energy includes a power supply and at least two power stages coupled to the power supply. The power stages are operable to selectively output electrical energy. By selecting the number of power stages which are turned on at a given time the total voltage of the electrical energy is controlled at that time. The system may further include one or more controllers coupled to the power stages to control selection of the power stages and thereby vary the output voltage. |
| US08358518B2 |
Switching regulator having terminal for feedback signal inputting and peak switching current programming
A switching regulator of a power converter is provided and includes a feedback-input circuit, a programming circuit, and a peak-current-threshold circuit. The feedback-input circuit is coupled to a terminal of the switching regulator for receiving a feedback signal. The feedback-input circuit is operated in a first range of a terminal signal. The programming circuit is coupled to the terminal for generating a programming signal. The programming signal is operated in a second range of the feedback signal. The peak-current-threshold circuit generates a threshold signal in accordance with the programming signal. The feedback signal is coupled to regulate the output of the power converter, and the threshold signal is coupled to limit a peak switching current of the power converter. |
| US08358515B2 |
Low noise block converter
A low noise block converter includes a first printed circuit board, a second printed circuit board, and a housing. The first printed circuit board includes a metal layer disposed on a surface of the first printed circuit board. The second printed circuit board includes at least one chip. The housing includes a support surface configured to support the first printed circuit board, and a cavity formed on the support surface and configured to receive the second printed circuit board, wherein the first printed circuit board is placed on the support surface with the metal layer facing the cavity for shielding the electromagnetic fields radiated from the at least one chip. |
| US08358513B2 |
Expansion module for mobile device and mobile device having the same
Disclosed is an expansion module for a mobile device including, a first section at which the mobile device is mounted, the first section obscured by one surface of the mobile device, a second section having a function unit configured to provide functions relating to the mobile device, the second section rotatably connected to the first section, a magnet mounted at the first section and configured to apply a magnetic force to a magnetic member coupled to the mobile device, and an alignment mechanism configured to align the first section, having the mobile device mounted thereat, in a direction intersecting with the second section in a first state. |
| US08358511B2 |
Electronic board arrangement and electronic interconnect board of an electronic board arrangement
The invention relates to an electronic-board arrangement, comprising at least two electronic boards, particularly integrated circuit boards, which are attached to a backplane which provides electrical interconnection between the at least two electronic boards. An electronic interconnect board providing electrical interconnect between the at least two electronic boards is arranged in a space in between the at least two electronic boards and the backplane. |
| US08358509B2 |
Reduced wiring requirements with signal slope manipulation
An information handling system device includes a plurality of electronic components; an electric circuit including at least one trace for connecting two or more of the plurality of electronic components and transmitting data between the plurality of electronic components via at least one electric signal; and a substrate including an insulating material for serving as a base for the electric circuit and the plurality of electronic components, wherein the at least one electric signal transmitted between the plurality of electronic components is transmitted utilizing slope manipulation to provide a slope directly proportional to a data value. |
| US08358506B2 |
Mechanical arrangement for use within galvanically-isolated, low-profile micro-inverters for solar power installations
A mechanical arrangement for use in implementing a galvanically-isolated, low-profile micro-inverter primarily, though not exclusively, intended for use with solar panels. The micro-inverter contains a circuitry assembly having a planar transformer formed of two abutting E-shaped core halves, and a chopper device assembly with all chopper devices mounted to a common thermally-conductive plate. To provide passive cooling, heat conduction paths are established, via separate compressive thermally-conductive pads, from a top surface of a top core half of the transformer and from a bottom surface of the conductive plate to large-area portions of opposing internal surfaces of top and base portions, respectively, of an enclosure. The enclosure portions, once secured together to house the circuitry and chopper device assemblies, exert a physical force through the compressive pads to effectively clamp the core halves together and eliminate air gaps that might otherwise form between abutting portions of the core halves. |
| US08358505B2 |
Integrated liquid cooling system
A liquid cooling system includes a monolith that is configured to be coupled to a motherboard of the computer. The monolith may be monolithic planar body having a first surface and an opposite second surface, and may include a heat absorption region and a heat dissipation region. The heat absorption region may be at least one location on the monolith that is configured to be in thermal contact with a heat generating component of the motherboard, and the heat dissipation region may be at least one location on the monolith where a liquid-to-air heat exchanger is attached to the monolith. The liquid cooling system may also include a channel extending on the second surface of the monolith and a pump that is configured to circulate the liquid coolant through the channel. The channel may be a trench on the second surface of the monolith that is configured to circulate a liquid coolant between the heat absorption region and the heat dissipation region. |
| US08358504B2 |
Direct cooling system and method for transceivers
Systems and methods for direct cooling of transceivers, including transceivers used in electrical and optical communications systems. An electrical system includes a transceiver module with a housing that contains a plurality of apertures to allow air flow into and out of the transceiver module. The transceiver includes an internal heat sink located within the housing of the transceiver module, where the internal heat sink is thermally coupled to at least one internal component of the transceiver module. The electrical system also includes a cage for receiving and electrically connecting to the transceiver module. The cage contains a second set of apertures such that when the transceiver module is inserted into the cage, air may flow into the cage through the second set of apertures, then flow into the transceiver module through one of the plurality of apertures in the transceiver module housing such that the air dissipates heat from the at least one internal component thermally coupled to the internal heat sink. The air may then flow out of the transceiver module through another of the plurality of apertures in the housing. |
| US08358498B2 |
Electrical unit mounting
A mounting assembly and method of mounting an electrical unit to an automotive dashboard includes providing an electrical unit and operatively engaging the electrical unit to a cover, either an undercover of the instrument panel, or a cowl lining area. Alignment pins provided in the cover cooperate with openings in mounting tabs of the electrical unit for positioning the electrical unit while fastener screws are subsequently installed to secure the unit to the cover. |
| US08358496B2 |
Electric double-layer capacitor
A high reliable electric double layer capacitor is provided by increasing a sealing ability and strength of given portions of collecting terminals. In an electric double layer capacitor including a capacitor proper 1a produced by a plurality of stacked cells and an aluminum laminate film covering the exterior of the capacitor proper, a pair of collecting terminals 12 and 13 are provided at opposed portions of the capacitor proper 1a. Each collecting terminal 12 or 13 includes a first bent portion 12b or 13b that is bent to extend along a side surface 1b of the capacitor proper 1a and a second bent portion 12c or 13c that is bent to extend outward from a vertically middle position of the side surface 1b of the capacitor proper 1a. The second bent portions 12c and 13c of the pair of collecting terminals 12 and 13 are arranged to constitute a common plane and covered with the aluminum laminate film in such a manner that leading end portions of the pair of collecting terminals 12 and 13 protrude to the outside from the aluminum laminate film. |
| US08358492B2 |
Surge protection systems and methods for ethernet communication equipment in outside plant environments
The present disclosure generally pertains to surge protection systems that protect outside plant equipment from high-energy surges. In one exemplary embodiment, a protection system is used for protecting Ethernet equipment that is coupled to an outside Ethernet cable. The protection system provides protection and remains capable of coupling signal energy between an Ethernet cable and Ethernet equipment without significantly degrading Ethernet performance. However, the protection system, while allowing the desirable Ethernet signals to pass between the cable and the equipment, prevents the electrical voltages and currents of high-energy surges, such as surges from lightning or AC power faults, from damaging the Ethernet equipment. |
| US08358490B2 |
Transistor with EOS protection and ESD protection circuit including the same
A transistor with an electrical overstress (EOS) protection may include an active region, a plurality of impurity regions and a conduction pattern. The active region may be formed in a substrate. The impurity regions may be formed in the active region and arranged at a predetermined or given distance with respect to each other. The conduction pattern may be arranged between each of the impurity regions in a meandering shape, and the conduction pattern may include a center portion connected to a ground terminal. Therefore, a transistor with EOS protection, a clamp device, and an ESD protection circuit including the same may increase an on-time of a clamp device and may sufficiently discharge a charge due to the EOS by including a conduction pattern configured with gates that are connected with respect to each other in a meandering shape. |
| US08358488B2 |
Micro-electromechanical system based switching
A current control device is disclosed. The current control device includes control circuitry integrally arranged with a current path and at least one micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed in the current path. The current control device further includes a hybrid arcless limiting technology (HALT) circuit connected in parallel with the at least one MEMS switch facilitating arcless opening of the at least one MEMS switch, and a pulse assisted turn on (PATO) circuit connected in parallel with the at least one MEMS switch facilitating arcless closing of the at least one MEMS switch. |
| US08358480B1 |
Non-linear transition shift identification and compensation
A system for identifying and compensating for non-linear transition shift in a magnetic medium data storage device is disclosed. The non-linear transition shift compensation system includes a non-linear transition shift estimation module adapted to generate non-linear transition shift estimates for specific bit patterns. The system further includes a pre-compensation module adapted to adjust the temporal spacing of binary transitions written to the magnetic medium based on the non-linear transition shift estimates generated by the non-linear transition shift estimation module for specific bit patterns corresponding to bit patterns appearing in the data being written to the magnetic medium. |
| US08358479B1 |
Method and apparatus to limit DC-level in coded data
In a perpendicular magnetic recording system, the data that is being written by the write channel is fed back into the read channel. The read channel processes the data and decides if the written sequence is likely to have very poor DC characteristics. If that is the case, the write channel changes a scrambler seed and rewrites the data using the new scrambler seed. The data may also be inspected for patterns that might cause large baseline wander before being written to disk, i.e., in the write channel. A data sequence may be repeatedly scrambled and encoded until an acceptable level of estimated DC-wander has been achieved. The data sequence may then be written to disk. |
| US08358476B2 |
Condensing lens for high concentration photovoltaic module and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention discloses a manufacturing method of a condensing lens for a high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) module. A buffer layer made of silicone is added between a glass and the condensing lens for adhering the glass to the condensing lens. Because the buffer layer can be formed on the glass before adhering to the condensing lens, a higher temperature for increasing adhesion between the glass and the buffer layer can be applied. It also allows the follow-up processes to have sufficient treatment time, thereby increasing the flexibility of processing schedule. |
| US08358475B2 |
Photographing optical lens assembly
A photographing optical lens assembly includes, in order from an object side to an image side: the first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, the second lens element with positive refractive power, the third lens element with positive refractive power, and the fourth lens element with positive refractive power. By such arrangement, the total track length of the photographing optical lens assembly would be suitable for compact electronics. |
| US08358464B1 |
Tensioned projection screen apparatus
A projection screen apparatus is disclosed for displaying an image projected by a projector. The projection screen apparatus includes a frame and a screen. The frame includes a plurality of frame members and corner members. |
| US08358463B2 |
Micro particle image velocimetry, and particle image-capturing method thereof
A particle image-capturing method includes controlling a light-emitting diode unit to emit light so as to illuminate a fluid through an annular condenser, particles in which scattering the light, and controlling an image-capturing unit to capture images of the scattered light through a microscope. A micro particle image velocimetry that performs the method is also disclosed. |
| US08358460B2 |
Quasi-phase matched optical waveguide for preventing back conversion
A QPM waveguide includes an optical substrate having periodic domain-inverted regions and non-inverted regions which are arranged alternately, and a waveguide part passing through the domain-inverted regions and non-inverted regions. The substrate is divided into at least two sections each of which has a wave input facet and a wave output facet. At least one band-pass filter layer is disposed on the wave input facet of one section to filter out a signal wave for preventing back conversion so that the energy of the conversion wave can increase. A method for preventing the back conversion is also disclosed. |
| US08358459B2 |
Display
An ornamental display device having an interferometric modulator for displaying an ornamental image. The ornamental device may also have a signal receiver configured to receive an external signal. The ornamental device may further have a processor configured to control an image on the display based on the external signal. The external signal is emitted from a controller configured to control a plurality of ornamental devices to display coordinated images. The ornamental device may have a patterned diffuser formed on a transparent substrate to provide an ornamental image or information. The ornamental device may be a piece of jewelry or an article that may be worn. The image displayed may have an iridescent appearance. A controller may also be used to control images displayed on multiple ornamental device to provide coordinated images based on externals received or pre-programmed images. |
| US08358458B2 |
Low temperature amorphous silicon sacrificial layer for controlled adhesion in MEMS devices
Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that mitigate permanent adhesion, or stiction, of the moveable components of the device are provided. The methods provide an amorphous silicon sacrificial layer with improved and reproducible surface roughness. The amorphous silicon sacrificial layers further exhibit excellent adhesion to common materials used in electromechanical systems devices. |
| US08358457B2 |
Miniature rotating transmissive optical drum scanner
A miniature rotating transmissive optical scanner system employs a drum of small size having an interior defined by a circumferential wall rotatable on a drum axis, an optical element positioned within the interior of the drum, and a light-transmissive lens aperture provided at an angular position in the circumferential wall of the drum for scanning a light beam to or from the optical element in the drum along a beam azimuth angle as the drum is rotated. The miniature optical drum scanner configuration obtains a wide scanning field-of-view (FOV) and large effective aperture is achieved within a physically small size. |
| US08358456B2 |
Scanning image projection apparatus
The image projection apparatus includes a laser light source, and a scanning device scanning a light flux from the laser light source in horizontal and vertical directions at mutually different frequencies on a projection surface. A condition of ( B + C ) X 2000 ≤ A ≤ 7 L L - X is satisfied. A represents a diameter of an exit pupil when viewed from a projection surface side, L represents a distance from the exit pupil to an image formation position of the light flux, X represents a distance from the exit pupil to an output measurement position, B and C respectively represent vertical and horizontally scanning angular subtenses of a scan pulse formed by the light flux, the scan pulse having a pulse length equal to or shorter than 18 microseconds and passing through a measurement aperture placed at the output measurement position. |
| US08358455B2 |
Data integrity methods for quantum computational plasmonic information representation and processing systems
Data integrity methods are disclosed for quantum computational plasmonic information representation and processing systems. Also disclosed are methods of saving energy in such applications. Also disclosed are methods of monitoring such applications. |
| US08358453B2 |
Control based iterative profiling methods
A method and system of color management for an image marking device. A sensor measures printed hardcopy colors. A first gain, computed by a linear controller based on a linear model, is scheduled for each color node of a sampled color space. For each node where a convergence error exceeds a threshold, a second gain is scheduled by a nonlinear controller. The second gain scheduling includes initializing operational parameters, and performing an iterative procedure. The iterative procedure includes computing gain matrices over a defined projection horizon, evaluating a cost function for each gain matrix, determining the cost function, scheduling a new gain based on selecting a gain matrix having the minimum value of the cost function, and computing new CMYK values based on the new gain. A multidimensional LUT based on the scheduled gain matrices is generated and stored in memory, and a hardcopy output image is generated based on the stored multidimensional LUT. |
| US08358451B2 |
Image reading apparatus and image reading system
A conveying device, comprising: a linear conveyance route on which a sheet-like medium is linearly conveyable; a bent conveyance route that is branched from the linear conveyance route and on which the medium is conveyable in a bent manner; a switching member provided at the branched portion and movable into a bent conveyance position for guiding the medium to the bent conveyance route and into a linear conveyance position for guiding the medium to the linear conveyance route, according to a force acting from the medium at a time of coming in contact with the medium; and a variable pressurizing unit configured to make a force acting on the medium from the switching member in the linear conveyance position smaller than a force acting on the medium from the switching member in the bent conveyance position. |
| US08358441B2 |
Methods and systems for sampling and modeling of colorant-limited, multi-colorant color spaces
Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for determining output responses and device targets for multi-colorant output devices. Some aspects relate to methods and systems for multi-dimensional rectilinear sampling, transformation of samples from an unlimited colorant space to a colorant-limited space, obtaining additional samples within a colorant-limitation hyperplane and interpolation of values in a colorant-limited space. |
| US08358440B2 |
Color printer calibration for multiple mediums
Methods and systems herein provide for calibrating for a plurality of different paper types. In one embodiment, a system for calibrating a printer includes a measurement module operable to detect colors printed on a first tangible medium by the printer and convert the detected colors to a detected color characterization. The system also includes a storage module operable to store a calibration file. The calibration file includes color characterizations of a plurality of different tangible mediums and each color characterization includes color measurements for one of the plurality of different tangible mediums obtained from the printer via the measurement module when the printer is calibrated. The system also includes a calibration module operable to compare the detected color characterization to at least two color characterizations of the calibration file and determine an adjustment to an output color scheme of the printer based on the comparison to calibrate the printer. |
| US08358437B2 |
Method for compensating for color variations across a printed page using multiple color profiles
A method for compensating for color variations introduced by printer hardware limitations and other factors is described. First, the extent of color variation throughout a printed page is determined. Based on this determination, each page is partitioned into a plurality of image areas. A color profile is generated for each image area. The partition and the multiple color profiles are stored in the printer. In an actual printing process, the page of image to be printed is divided into a plurality of image areas based on the paper size and the stored partition, and the respective stored color profiles for the image areas are retrieved and used to process the digital image for printing. |
| US08358432B2 |
Method of playing and controlling audio using handheld display device
A method of controlling audio playback using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing printed content associated with audio; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving audio data associated with said printed content; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information identifying the audio together with a static element for controlling audio playback; and controlling audio playback by interacting with the static element via the touch-sensitive screen. |
| US08358428B2 |
Image processing method
An image processing method controls a computer and an image processing device connected to the computer to perform an image processing. The computer includes a plurality of drivers that controls the image processing device. The image processing method includes (a) controlling the image processing device by using one of the plurality of drivers, (b) storing, in a storing unit, error information indicating which one of the plurality of drivers is used when an error is occurred in the controlling step (a), (c) accessing to the error information stored in the storing step (b), (d) selecting a subject driver from the plurality of drivers based on the error information accessed in the accessing step (c), and (e) controlling the image processing device via the subject driver selected in the selecting step (d). |
| US08358427B2 |
Confidential documents management system
An image forming apparatus management system of an embodiment of the invention includes a first storage unit to store a document, an input unit to input print document data as use setting of the document after printing, a second storage unit to store the print document data inputted by the input unit, a print unit to print the document, and a control unit to manage the print document based on the print document data stored in the second storage unit. |
| US08358424B2 |
Distance measuring apparatus, distance measuring method, distance measurement program and computer readable recording medium
A distance measuring apparatus comprises: an edge specifying part 101 for specifying the edge of a probe 6 in a secondary portrait appearing on the surface of a work 9 and an image of the probe 6; a straight line inserting part 102 for inserting a straight line along the outer edge of the secondary portrait onto an image, and an overlap determining part 103 for determining an overlap of the edge and the straight line, wherein one or more LED lamps 7, and calculating part for calculating the distance wherein the imaging device and the probe 6 are movably held integrally for the surface of the work 9. |
| US08358420B1 |
Spectrometer for identifying analyte materials
A spectrometer for identifying an analyte material. One embodiment of the spectrometer includes a single ultrashort pulsed laser (USPL) source, a fiber interferometer, a frequency converter and a transceiver. The USPL source is configured to generate a laser beam. The interferometer is operatively coupled to the USPL source, and is configured to split the laser beam into a first laser beam and a second laser beam, providing a variable difference in lengths between the paths of the first laser beam and the second laser beam. The spectrometer then electronically scans the variable-path second laser beam over the first laser beam to generate interferogram patterns. The frequency converter is configured to receive the interferogram patterns from the interferometer, and perform a frequency conversion of the interferogram patterns to form an output beam. The transceiver is configured to transmit the output beam and to receive radiation from the analyte material. The radiation is thereafter used to identify the analyte material. |
| US08358418B2 |
Optical analysis system for dynamic real-time detection and measurement
A method of real-time processing and monitoring comprises the steps of blending a material of interest (e.g., an active pharmaceutical material), with a secondary material, (e.g., an excipient), illuminating the blended materials with light, reflecting light carrying information about the blended materials through at least one multivariate optical element (148) and detecting said light with a first detector (152), detecting a deflected portion of the information carrying light with a second detector (156), and determining in real-time at least one selected property of the blended materials based on the detector outputs. |
| US08358416B2 |
Methods and apparatus for normalizing optical emission spectra
A processing system having a chamber for in-situ optical interrogation of plasma emission to quantitatively measure normalized optical emission spectra is provided. The processing chamber includes a confinement ring assembly, a flash lamp, and a set of quartz windows. The processing chamber also includes a plurality of collimated optical assemblies, the plurality of collimated optical assemblies are optically coupled to the set of quartz windows. The processing chamber also includes a plurality of fiber optic bundles. The processing chamber also includes a multi-channel spectrometer, the multi-channel spectrometer is configured with at least a signal channel and a reference channel, the signal channel is optically coupled to at least the flash lamp, the set of quartz windows, the set of collimated optical assemblies, the illuminated fiber optic bundle, and the collection fiber optic bundle to measure a first signal. |
| US08358415B2 |
Apparatus and system for a quasi longitudinal mode electro optic sensor for high power microwave testing
An apparatus, for measuring an applied electrical field and for reducing perturbation to the electrical field being measured, includes a laser integrated into an electro optic crystal sensor head prior to the output fiber. A probe beam is passed along the crystal direction of low birefringence of nearly circular optical indicatrix, rather than one of high EO modulation. The EO crystal is placed between two crossed polarizers and oriented such that a small tilt angle is subtended between its optic axis and the path of the probe beam. Improved optical coupling is achieved by using a large core multimode fiber at the output, to reduce optical insertion losses. A collimating lens emits the intensity modulated laser beam back to a photodetector, where the intensity modulated laser beam is converted to an electrical signal representing both field strength and phase of the electrical field applied to the sensor head. |
| US08358413B1 |
Auto polarized light removal
A system and method for automatically removing polarized light in an environment having polarized light and unpolarized light. Light is processed by a polarizer and measured by a sensor. Multiple measurements of a light characteristic are taken, each measurement corresponding to a polarity setting of the polarizer. The polarizer is automatically adjusted to enable the multiple measurements. The measurements may be of average light intensity, contrast, saturation, or another characteristic. Based on the multiple measurements and the corresponding polarity settings, an optimal polarity setting is determined, such that the amount of polarized light is minimized. A curve fitting calculation may be used to make the determination. The polarizer is adjusted to the determined polarity setting. |
| US08358412B2 |
System and process for sorting biological particles in liquid flow
The embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system for sorting biological particles in a liquid flow, such as a cell sorter, which comprises an optical mechanism emitting laser beam onto each of the biological particles to detect light therefrom, a controller determining a moving speed of each of the biological particles in the liquid flow in accordance with the light detected therefrom, and an electric charger charging each of the biological particles based upon the moving speed thereof. Therefore, the cell sorter according to the embodiment of the present invention can improve recovery rate and purity of the desired cell particles. |
| US08358407B2 |
Enhancing signals in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
An integrated device for enhancing signals in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The integrated device comprising an array of nanostructures comprising a material, wherein the material is configured to allow light to pass through. The integrated device also comprising SERS active nanoparticles disposed on at least portion of the array of nanostructures and a mirror integrated below a base of the array of nanostructures. The mirror is configured to reflect light passing through the material into the array of nanostructures. |
| US08358406B2 |
Defect inspection method and defect inspection system
An object of the invention is to provide a defect inspection method which can prevent the failure in detecting a defect, caused by saturation of a pattern signal obtained by inspecting an inspected object, so that the investigation of the cause for defect occurrence can be done earlier. To achieve this object, according to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a defect inspection that irradiates laser light on an inspected object having a pattern formed thereon, detects a signal from the inspected object and thereby detects a defect, the inspection including: inputting pattern information contained in layout data on the inspected object; determining based on the inputted pattern information, at least one of arrangement, repetitiveness and density for each of a plurality of inspected areas of the inspected object; estimating a saturation level of the detected signal based on the determination result; and determining a transmittance condition so that the signal does not saturate. |
| US08358400B2 |
Methods of fabricating liquid crystal polarization gratings on substrates and related devices
A method of fabricating a switchable liquid crystal polarization grating includes creating a degenerate planar anchoring condition on a surface of a reflective substrate. An alignment layer may be formed on a transmissive substrate and may be patterned to create a periodic alignment condition therein. The transmissive substrate including the patterned alignment layer thereon may be assembled adjacent to the surface of the reflective substrate including the degenerate planar anchoring condition thereon to define a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer is formed on the surface of the reflective substrate including the degenerate planar alignment condition. The liquid crystal layer may be formed in the gap directly on the alignment layer such that molecules of the liquid crystal layer are aligned based on the periodic alignment condition in the alignment layer. Related fabrication methods and polarization gratings are also discussed. |
| US08358399B2 |
Electrically-driven liquid crystal lens and stereoscopic display device using the same
An electrically-driven liquid crystal lens wherein electric connection between finely split electrodes and signal lines used to apply signals to the split electrodes can be accomplished using a minimal number of masks and signals can be applied to the finely split electrodes without line resistance, and a stereoscopic display device using the same are disclosed. The liquid crystal lens includes first and second substrates arranged opposite each other and each defining a plurality of lens regions, a plurality of metal lines formed on the first substrate, a first insulating film formed on the first substrate, a plurality of first electrodes formed on the first insulating film in the respective lens regions to intersect the plurality of metal lines, a second insulating film formed on the first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes formed on the second insulating film at positions alternating with the first electrodes, a first contact structure between the first electrodes and the metal lines using a transparent electrode pattern of the same layer as the second electrodes, a second contact structure between the second electrodes and the plurality of metal lines, a common electrode formed over the entire surface of the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer filled between the first substrate and the second substrate. |
| US08358398B2 |
Single control liquid crystal optical switch and attenuator
An optical device is configured to perform both switching and attenuation of an optical beam in response to a single control signal. The optical device includes a liquid-crystal-based beam-polarizing element having polarization-conditioning regions that are controlled using a common electrode. The first polarization-conditioning region conditions the polarization of the input beam in order to separate the input beam into a primary component and a residual component. The second and third polarization-conditioning regions change the polarization of the primary component and the residual component, respectively. The primary component is directed to an output port after it has been attenuated based on its polarization state. The residual component, after passing through the third polarization-conditioning region, has its intensity further reduced based on its polarization state. |
| US08358397B2 |
System for cooling an electronic display
A system for cooling an electronic display where an isolating structure may be used to allow ambient air to cool power modules. The isolating structure substantially prohibits containments which may be present within the ambient air from contacting sensitive electrical components on the power modules or otherwise. A gasket may be used to seal the interface between the power modules and the isolating structure. Heat sinks may be placed in thermal communication with the power supplies and fans may draw air through a narrow channel in which the heat sinks are located. In some embodiments the narrow channel may have the opposing surface of the channel defined by the rear portion of an LED assembly. Exemplary embodiments may use the ambient air to cool both the power modules and a closed loop of isolated gas within the electronic display. |
| US08358393B2 |
Thin film transistor array for a liquid crystal display device and related manufacturing and operation methods
In one embodiment of an invention concerning liquid crystal display devices, a first pixel electrode of a thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate may overlap a slit of a second pixel electrode of the TFT array substrate but not overlap another slit of the second pixel electrode. This may help induce a multi-domain electric field without having to precisely position a common electrode of a color filter substrate and the TFT array substrate. This may prevent position errors, enhance display quality, produce a wider viewing angle, and lower color shift sometimes associated with conventional liquid crystal display devices and methods. |
| US08358388B2 |
Planar light source, display device and method for manufacturing same
Light-emitting elements are divided into chromaticity groups on the basis of their chromaticity. In a planar light source, light-emitting elements selected from two of the chromaticity groups are alternately provided in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction, respectively. The two chromaticity groups are substantially equally away from a target chromaticity in directions reverse to each other. Further, pairs of two of the light-emitting elements belonging to the two chromaticity groups which are separated from each other, are provided so that distances d2 at which two of the light-emitting elements in each of the pairs are provided are less than distances d1 at which the pairs are provided. |
| US08358386B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display panel, and a backlight disposed on the rear surface of the liquid crystal display panel, the backlight is provided with a plurality of white light-emitting diodes arranged in a plane opposing the liquid crystal display panel. Based on a chromaticity coordinate value representing a color of emission identified for each of the white light-emitting diodes, the white light-emitting diodes are selectively combined for arrangement in proximity in such a manner that the color of emission as a result of averaging over the white light-emitting diodes (1a, 1b) to be arranged in proximity takes a predetermined value of chromaticity coordinates. Accordingly, the resulting liquid crystal display device can offer, although using the white light-emitting diodes having the problem of impairing the uniformity of the color of emission, higher-quality display images using a backlight with less non-uniformity of color and light emission as a whole, and prevents the increase of the manufacturing cost. |
| US08358384B2 |
Reduced rainbow artifacts in digital light projection systems
A projection system can include a color wheel and at least one digital micromirror device. The color wheel can produce different colors of light from a light source. Each color can be produced in sequential order for a predetermined color phase. Each of the digital micromirror device(s) can have a plurality of micromirrors. At least one of the plurality of micromirrors can be activated at different respective portions of each of two consecutive color phases responsive to a control signal. The projection system also can include a lens configured to project light reflected from the at least one digital micromirror device onto a projection surface. |
| US08358380B2 |
Efficient spatial and temporal transform-based video preprocessing
In one method embodiment, receiving a first temporal sequence of video frames, the first temporal sequence corrupted with noise; frame matching the video frames according to a first stage of processing; denoising the matched frames according to a second stage of processing, the second stage of processing commencing responsive to completion of the first stage of processing for all of the video frames, the second stage of processing comprising overlapped block processing; and wherein denoising further comprises accumulating denoised pixels for each iteration of the overlapped block processing in a two-dimensional (2D)+c accumulation buffer, the 2D accumulation buffer corresponding to the denoised pixels corresponding to a reference frame of the video frames, where c comprises an integer number of non-reference frame buffers greater than or equal to zero. |
| US08358378B2 |
System and method for parallel channel scanning
A system and method are disclosed for receiving a group of video channels at a client device, selecting a display set from the group of channels, and sending a communication to a display for displaying each channel in the display set in parallel wherein each one of the channels in the display set is displayed in one of a plurality of picture in picture (PIP) displays for a predetermined time. |
| US08358373B2 |
Image displaying device and method, and image processing device and method
In an image displaying device provided with a frame rate conversion (FRC) portion, the image quality deterioration in a moving image likely to include a plurality of the same consecutive images due to a FRC processing is prevented. The FRC portion (100) of the image displaying device includes a motion vector detecting portion (101) that detects motion vector information from an input image signal, an interpolation frame generating portion (106) that generates interpolation frames based on the motion vector information obtained by the motion vector detecting portion (101) and a same image detecting portion (105) that detects a case where the same images continue in the input image signal. In the case where the image of the (n−1)-th frame in the input image signal is substantially the same as the image of the n-th frame, interpolation image generating processing with the motion compensation processing made ineffective is performed between n-th frame and (n+1)-th frame to prevent that the interpolation image including a lot of errors is output. |
| US08358372B2 |
Digital camera curved flat cable
A curved flat cable (32) for electrically connecting a cards cage (18) and a charged coupled device (CCD) (12) can be freely rotated coaxially in respect to the cards cage, and includes a curved shaped insulating film and a set of separate plated conductor strips (23, 44) disposed on the curved shaped insulating film. |
| US08358365B2 |
Photo detecting device and image pickup device and method thereon
A photo detecting device and method thereon capable of obtaining a color image without significant deterioration even in an optical system having a lens array. The photo detecting device includes a lens array having a plurality of lenses; and a photoelectric converter having a plurality of photoelectric conversion areas, each area comprising a plurality of pixels which generate electrical signals from light passing through a corresponding lens of the lens array and striking at least one of the plurality of pixels; wherein each of the areas has a first zone and a second zone, wherein the second zone has a spectrum sensitivity characteristic different from a spectrum sensitivity characteristic of the first zone. |
| US08358363B2 |
Video-processing apparatus, method and system
A video-processing apparatus contains a region-setting-processing unit that sets a plurality of zoom regions each enlarging a part of an input video image and displaying the enlarged part of the input video image and creates viewpoint information indicating the set zoom regions. The input video image has a higher resolution than a display resolution. The video-processing apparatus also contains a video-data-extracting unit that extracts video data from video data of the input video image for every set zoom region, a video-data-converting unit that downconverts the extracted video data to video data of the display resolution, and an output unit that outputs the downconverted video data and the viewpoint information with the viewpoint information corresponding to the downconverted video data. |
| US08358359B2 |
Reducing motion-related artifacts in rolling shutter video information
A system is described for reducing artifacts produced by a rolling shutter capture technique in the presence of high-frequency motion, e.g., produced by large accelerations or jitter. The system operates by computing low-frequency information based on the motion of points from one frame to the next. The system then uses the low-frequency information to infer the high-frequency motion, e.g., by treating the low-frequency information as known integrals of the unknown underlying high-frequency information. The system then uses the high-frequency information to reduce the presence of artifacts. In effect, the correction aims to re-render video information as though all the pixels in each frame were imaged at the same time using a global shutter technique. An auto-calibration module can estimate the value of a capture parameter, which relates to a time interval between the capture of two subsequent rows of video information. |
| US08358358B2 |
Identifying collection images with special events
A method for associating event times or time periods with digital images in a collection for determining if a digital image is of interest, includes storing a collection of digital images each having an associated capture time; comparing the associated capture time in the collection with a special event time to determine if a digital image in the collection is of interest, wherein the comparing step includes calculation of a special event time associated with a special event based on the calendar time associated with the special event and using such information to perform the comparison step; and associating digital images of interest with the special event. |
| US08358354B2 |
Correction of optical abberations
Digital images are computed using an approach for correcting lens aberration. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a digital imaging arrangement implements microlenses to direct light to photosensors that detect the light and generate data corresponding to the detected light. The generated data is used to compute an output image, where each output image pixel value corresponds to a selective weighting and summation of a subset of the detected photosensor values. The weighting is a function of characteristics of the imaging arrangement. In some applications, the weighting reduces the contribution of data from photosensors that contribute higher amounts of optical aberration to the corresponding output image pixel. |
| US08358353B2 |
Image input apparatus, image verification apparatus, and control methods therefor
The invention enables a verifier to easily confirm that the image data was captured in the multiple exposure mode, and also to easily confirm which area in the image captured in the multiple exposure mode was greatly affected by multiple exposure. An image generating unit generates exposure image data pieces by exposing an image sensor a plurality of times. An image composition unit combines exposure image data pieces to generate a single piece of composite image data. A reference image generating unit generates reference image data composed of data pieces for distinguishing pixel positions at which the exposure amount exceeds a threshold from the other pixel positions. A verification data generating unit generates verification data for determining whether alteration has been made from the composite image data and the reference image data to output a single file. |
| US08358350B2 |
Imaging device and subject detection method
An imaging device includes a first detection part which detects one or more subjects in an image captured by the image capturing part capturing an image continuously; a second detection part which follows the one or more subjects detected; and a system control part which includes a setting part setting a part of the image as a limited region, and causes, after the first detection part detects the one or more subjects in the captured image, the second detection part to follow and detect a subject in an image captured subsequently to the captured image, and causes the first detection part to detect a subject in the limited region. |
| US08358349B2 |
A/D converter, solid-state imaging device and camera system
An A/D converter includes: plural comparators to which reference voltages as ramp waves different from each other are supplied, which are configured to compare the supplied reference voltages with an analog input signal; and plural latches arranged so as to correspond to the plural comparators, which are configured to count comparison time of the corresponding comparators, to stop counting when an outputs of the comparator is inverted and to store the count value, wherein the plural reference voltages are offset by an arbitrary voltage at the same time point. |
| US08358348B2 |
Method and system for automatic or manual evaluation to provide targeted and individualized delivery of cosmetic actives in a mask or patch form
A system and method are provided for targeted and individualized delivery of multiple skin benefit agents to the skin of a user. The image of a predetermined treatment area of the user's skin is first captured by an imaging device. Selective data input from analysis tools and the end user is then analyzed by a computing device to generate a unique skin profile for the user, which is indicative of the skin conditions at the predetermined treatment area. Based on such skin profile, a printing device prints out one or more cosmetic delivery sheets that can be applied to the predetermined treatment area. Each of the cosmetic delivery sheets contains a substrate with multiple isolate, discrete regions, while at least two of the regions are imprinted with different skin benefit agents for treating different skin conditions of the predetermined treatment area according to the unique skin profile of the user. |
| US08358347B2 |
Frame rate measurement
A method and system of measuring a frame rate with an imaging device may include, capturing images of a number of frames of at least a portion of a series of frames output on a display device, determining if consecutive images of the captured images are different. |
| US08358344B2 |
Photographing apparatus and method
A photographing apparatus includes a photographing lens; an image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a subject; a recording device for recording the image acquired in accordance with an instruction of actual photographing in a recording medium; a visual line guiding device for guiding a visual line of the subject to the photographing lens; and an activation control device for activating the visual line guiding device according to a photographing situation which is determined based on the image acquired by the image acquisition device. |
| US08358342B2 |
Video processing systems and methods
A system for processing video information obtained by a video camera based on a representative view from the camera. The system includes a processor a memory communicably connected to the processor. The memory includes computer code for determining a relative depth for at least two different regions of the representative view. The memory further includes computer code for estimating a scale factor for the different regions of the representative view. The memory yet further includes computer code for determining a unit size for the different regions, the unit size based on the estimated scale factor and the determined relative depth of the different regions. |
| US08358341B2 |
Method for intelligent scanning using a total station
System and method for scanning an object using a surveying instrument is provided. The method includes designating an area associated with an object to be scanned. Defining one or more sections within the area associated with the object. Scanning a portion of the area associated with the object corresponding to a first section of the area associated with the object and designating one or more sections adjacent to the first section if scan results indicate presence of an object. Designating one or more sections adjacent to the first section for not scanning if the scan results of the portion of the area associated with the object corresponding to the first section do not indicate presence of an object. A remote control device is provided that can control the surveying instrument, receive the scan results, and analyze the scan results for subsequent use. |
| US08358338B2 |
Image data processing apparatus, its storage medium and its method
An image data processing includes: obtaining first image data; outputting the first image data to the image display devices; obtaining an attention area composed of one or more arbitrarily specified pixels from the first image outputted to the image display devices ; displaying a color chart whose hue and chroma are gradually changed toward around the color corresponding to the image data of the attention area; obtaining arbitrarily selected color information from the displayed color chart; obtaining a plurality of combinations of the attention area and the color information corresponding to the attention area and calculating a color parameter on the basis of the obtained plurality of combinations; converting the color of the obtained image data on the basis of the color parameter; and outputting the image data whose color is converted, to the image display devices as a second image. |
| US08358337B2 |
Pupil detection device and pupil detection method
A pupil detection device includes a camera, a light source disposed at the camera, an optical system, and an image processing system, which are disposed so that the examinee's face is irradiated with the light from the light source from the camera, and a face image including a pupil is formed in the camera. The light source includes a first light source, having a first wavelength that makes a bright pupil image by reflection in the examinee's pupil, and a second light source having a second wavelength that makes a dark pupil image by reflection in the examinee's pupil, but otherwise exhibiting the same illumination effect as the first light source. The camera includes a first image data acquisition system using the first illumination light source, and a second image data acquisition system using the second illumination light source. |
| US08358332B2 |
Generation of three-dimensional movies with improved depth control
Techniques for creating 3-D movies allow improved control over camera positioning parameters and editing of depth in post-process to provide for a smoother variation in the viewer's convergence distance and a more pleasant viewing experience. A director can define reference parameters related to a desired viewing experience, and camera positioning parameters are derived therefrom. A depth script specifying piecewise continuous variations in reference parameters can be applied in post-process to generate 3-D shots, scenes, or movies. These techniques can be applied in both computer-generated and live-action 3-D movies. |
| US08358331B2 |
3D caption display method and 3D display apparatus for implementing the same
A 3D caption display method for harmoniously merging and displaying closed caption with 3D image in a 3D display apparatus, and a 3D display apparatus suitable for implementing the method. The 3D display apparatus receives a broadcast signal containing caption data, and obtains caption control commands including a 3D parameter setting command from the caption data. Afterwards, the 3D display apparatus displays a plurality of 3D caption images according to the caption control commands. |
| US08358330B2 |
Stereoscopic electronic microscope workstation
A stereoscopic microscope workstation providing high-resolution, real-time video signals to a display device. A stereoscopic microscope workstation providing high-resolution, real-time data to a display means. Various embodiments are disclosed including desktop and free-standing workstations. An image processing unit can be implemented, providing for natural orientation of the magnified image of the viewed object, also allowing rotation, cropping, filtering and other image manipulation features. Methods of performing a procedure utilizing the stereoscopic microscope workstation are disclosed, including a method of performing a procedure of simultaneously utilizing both foveal vision and peripheral vision. |
| US08358328B2 |
Multiple video camera processing for teleconferencing
A method, an apparatus, and a storage medium with executable code to execute a method including accepting camera views of at least some participants of a teleconference, each view from a corresponding video camera, with the camera views together including at least one view of each participant. The method includes accepting audio from a plurality of microphones, and processing the audio from the plurality of microphones to generate audio data and direction information indicative of the direction of sound received at the microphones. The method further includes generating one or more candidate people views, with each people view being of an area enclosing a head and shoulders view of at least one participant. The method also includes making a selection, according to the direction information, of which at least one of the candidate people views are to be transmitted to one or more remote endpoints. |
| US08358327B2 |
CODEC-driven touch screen video conferencing control system
A CODEC-driven touch screen video conferencing control system provides a touch screen entry and display device that interfaces with the CODEC of the existing video conferencing system so that remote operation is compatible with the pre-programming of the video conferencing system. A computer with video capture device captures the output video of the video conferencing CODEC and transmits it to the touch screen so that what is displayed on the touch screen is all of the controls for the video conferencing system as pre-programmed by the video conferencing system manufacturer. There is no requirement to employ a cursor on the video conferencing monitor screen. In fact, through use of the present invention, none of the control functions of the video conferencing system appear on its monitor screens. Rather, those functions are solely displayed on the touch screen of the remote control device. |
| US08358325B2 |
Image processing method, and image processing apparatus
The present invention provides an image processing method which includes recording an image by irradiating a recording medium with laser beams which are arrayed in parallel at predetermined intervals to heat the recording medium, so that the image is composed of a plurality of lines written with the laser beams on the recording medium, and wherein in the image recording, the plurality of lines written with the laser beams include a line written first and an overwritten line, a part of which is overlapped with the line written first; and the irradiation energy for the overwritten line is smaller than the irradiation energy for the line written first. |
| US08358324B2 |
Thermal printer
A thermal printer in which a thermal head can be attached easily to a print unit without requiring a tool such as a screw driver.The thermal printer has a printing unit (40) having a left ribbon frame (43) and a right ribbon frame (42) facing each other. A head housing (60) is attached between the frames (42, 43) while supporting a thermal head (12). A supporting-recess in the surface of the left ribbon frame (43) faces the right ribbon frame (42) and supporting the left side face (64) of the head housing (60). A frame cover (70) is fitted on and removed from a fitting portion provided on the outer surface of the right ribbon frame which is at the back side of the surface facing the left ribbon frame (43) and the cover supporting a right side face (62) of the head housing (60) through a through-hole (50a) formed on the right ribbon frame (42). |
| US08358321B1 |
Change screen orientation
A method, computer program product, and system are provided for orienting content on a display. The method may include identifying one or more features of a user in a captured image. A user orientation axis is determined in the captured image. A content orientation axis corresponding to an orientation direction of a screen content is defined. A determination is made as to whether the content orientation axis and the user orientation axis are parallel or perpendicular. The orientation direction of the screen content is changed to be substantially along the user orientation axis based on the determination of whether the content orientation axis and the user orientation axis are parallel or perpendicular. The screen content is then displayed. |
| US08358319B2 |
System and method for processing image data using an image processing pipeline of an image signal processor
Various techniques are provided herein for processing raw image data acquired using a digital image sensor in an image processing pipeline of an image signal processing system. In one embodiment, the image processing pipeline may first process the raw image data (e.g., Bayer image data) for the detection and correction of defective pixels. Next, the image processing pipeline may process the raw image data to reduce noise. Thereafter, the image processing pipeline may correct lens shading distortion in the raw image data and, subsequently, apply a demosaicing algorithm to convert the raw image data into full color image data (e.g., RGB image data). The color image data may be further processed by the image processing pipeline to correct color and gamma properties prior to being converted into a luma and chroma color space (e.g., YCbCr color space). |
| US08358314B2 |
Method for reducing framebuffer memory accesses
A method and electronic device employing a method of reducing memory accesses during the readout of a scanline of a frame buffer is provided, which includes reading out a series of bits on the scanline corresponding to a series of regions of pixels of the scanline, entering a default pixel value for each pixel of a region if a corresponding bit is set, and entering a pixel value obtained from accessing the scanline for each pixel of the region if the corresponding bit is not set. |
| US08358311B1 |
Interpolation between model poses using inverse kinematics
The pose of the model at an evaluation time is determined by interpolating pose attributes of the unconstrained pose degrees of freedom from previously defined poses. A neutral value of an attractor function at the evaluation time is based at least on the pose attributes of the unconstrained pose degrees of freedom. Because of this, the attractor function is time coherent. Similarly, pose constraints are determined by interpolating from previously defined pose constraints. Inverse kinematics or error minimization techniques modify the pose attributes of the unconstrained pose degrees of freedom to minimize the difference between the attractor function value for the pose attributes and the neutral value of the attractor function. The final pose of the model at the evaluation time is specified by the pose attributes corresponding with this minimization. |
| US08358307B2 |
Image processing device, display device, image processing method, program, and storage medium
Upscaling circuits include a difference circuit which calculates a gradation value of a target pixel with use of differentiation or difference of gradation values in vicinity to the target pixel, so that an edge of an article pictured in an image can be extracted; an averaging circuit which calculates a gradation value of a target pixel by averaging gradation values in vicinity to the target pixel; and a correlation operation circuit which calculates a correlation value indicating a correlation between difference image data and averaged image data, the difference image data being produced by carrying out the difference operation process on the divided image data, and the averaged image data being produced by carrying out the difference operation process and the averaging process on the divided image data. Further, an interpolation process is carried out on the divided image data with an interpolation method using the calculated correlation value. |
| US08358299B2 |
Low power circuit and driving method for emissive displays
A display system, a driver for driving the display array, method of operating the display system and a pixel circuit in the display system are provided. The driver includes: a bidirectional current source having a convertor coupling to a time-variant voltage, for converting the time-variant voltage to the current. The pixel circuit includes: a transistor for providing a pixel current to a light emitting device; and a storage capacitor electrically coupling to the transistor, the capacitor coupling to a time-variant voltage in a predetermined timing for providing a current based on the time-variant voltage. The method includes: in a first cycle in a programming operation, changing a time-variant voltage provided to a storage capacitor in a pixel circuit, from a reference voltage to a programming voltage, the storage capacitor electrically coupling to a driving transistor for driving a light emitting device; and in a second cycle in the programming operation, maintaining the time-variant voltage at the programming voltage. The method includes: in a programming operation, providing programming data to a pixel circuit from a data line, the pixel circuit including a transistor coupling to the data line and a storage capacitor; and in a driving operation, providing, to the storage capacitor in the pixel circuit via a power supply line, a time-variant voltage for turning on a light emitting device. The pixel circuit, which includes: an organic light emitting diode (OLED) device having an electrode and an OLED layer; and an inter-digitated capacitor having a plurality of layers. |
| US08358296B2 |
Temperature compensated MEMS device
A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) includes a flexure, a voltage generator, and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the MEMS, wherein the voltage generator is configured to produce a temperature compensated voltage in response to a thermal measurement performed by the temperature sensor. |
| US08358294B2 |
Display device and method for driving same
A display device configured to correct gamma characteristics in a simplified and expeditious manner upon renewal of a display portion and a method for driving the same. The display device has a source driver supplied with tentative gradation reference voltages generated by a voltage dividing circuit having a plurality of resistances connected in series. The source driver generates a tentative gradation voltage group based on the tentative gradation reference voltages. Upon a power supply circuit start up, gradation voltage data supplied from a display control circuit is subjected to D/A conversion by a D/A converter, so that normal gradation reference voltages are generated. The normal gradation reference voltages are supplied to the source driver in place of the tentative gradation reference voltages. Thereafter, the source driver generates normal gradation voltages based on the normal gradation reference voltages in place of the tentative gradation voltages. |
| US08358291B2 |
Stylus
An exemplary stylus includes a barrel, two slide mechanisms, two housings and a head. The two housings are slidably coupled to the barrel by the two slide mechanisms. The head is attached to an outer end of one of the housings, and configured to contact a touch screen of an electronic device. The two housings cooperatively surround the barrel when the stylus is in a retracted position, and are slidable along two opposite directions to elongate the stylus. |
| US08358290B2 |
User interface systems and methods for manipulating and viewing digital documents
Systems, including handheld computing devices that include system code stored within the memory and adapted to be executed by the processor. The system code can process an input byte stream that is representative of contents to be displayed on the touch sensitive display and can generate a content document file representative of an internal representation of the content.A tool document file may also be stored in the memory and may provide an internal representation of a document providing an image that is representative of a graphical tool. Associated with a tool document can be tool code that is capable of processing the content document file to create an internal representation of the contents that presents the content in a manner that achieves a display effect associated with the tool. The device will also include parsing code that processes the content document file, the tool document file, and the processed internal representation to generate a screen document for display on the touch sensitive display in a manner that portrays the display effect. |
| US08358289B2 |
Controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen with an infrared data association (IRDA) interface
A controller arrangement for an optical sensing pen having a nib, the controller arrangement configured to operatively sense location data by sensing location tags on a page of printed media, and to calculate a nib-to-tag distance indicative of the location data. The controller arrangement includes an infrared (IR) illumination LED and image sensor assembly configured to transmit IR light onto, and receive IR light reflected from, respectively, the page of printed media. The arrangement also includes a force sensing infrared LED and photodiode assembly configured to detect when the nib contacts the page so that the sensor assembly is only activated when the nib is in contact with said page. The arrangement further has an infrared data association (IrDA) interface for short-range communication with a computing system, and a processor arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control, the sensor assembly, the photodiode assembly, and IrDA interface to operatively calculate the nib-to-tag distance and to transmit related location data to the computing system. |
| US08358287B2 |
Sensing structure and displayer comprising the same
A sensing structure and a displayer comprising the same are provided. The displayer further comprises a substrate and a panel disposed opposite to the substrate. The sensing structure comprises a plurality of sensing elements, a conductive assembly, and a process module. Each of the sensing elements has a position data corresponding to the panel. Every several adjacent ones of the sensing elements form a plurality of sensing areas. The process module is electrically connected to the sensing elements via the conductive assembly. Each of the sensing elements generates a touch voltage in response to a touch on the sensing areas. The process module receives the touch voltages, and calculates a touch position of the one touch corresponding to the panel according to the position data and the touch voltages. |
| US08358284B2 |
Touch screen panel
The touch screen panel according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of coupling patterns arranged on a transparent substrate in an island shape, an insulating film formed on the coupling patterns and having contact holes arranged corresponding to end portions of the coupling patterns, and first and second sensing patterns formed on the insulating film. The second sensing pattern includes second sensing cells, and each of the second sensing cells are formed in a region of the insulating film having a pair of adjacent contact holes to be electrically coupled to coupling patterns exposed through the contact holes. |
| US08358282B2 |
Object detection device
A device for detecting the presence of an object is provided. The device includes a light source, a current controller coupled to the light source, a sensor and a pattern detection engine. The current controller sets to provide the light source with a drive current having a pattern. The sensor is operable to receive light, notably light reflected from an object at the detection area and subsequently generates a signal in response to the light received. The pattern detection engine receives the signal from the sensor and subsequently reports the presence of the object upon determining the presence of the pattern in the signal. The object detection system is further configured to provide a navigation operation when an object is detected at the detection area. |
| US08358277B2 |
Virtual keyboard based activation and dismissal
A virtual keyboard apparatus and method for forming the virtual keyboard apparatus are provided. The virtual keyboard apparatus may include a touch-sensitive display surface configured to detect a touch signal including at least a finger touch and a palm touch by a hand of a user, and a controller configured to generate a virtual keyboard having a layout determined based at least in part on a distance between the detected palm touch and the detected finger touch. The method for generating a virtual keyboard may include detecting with a touch-sensitive display surface a touch signal including at least a finger touch and a palm touch formed by a hand of a user, and generating a virtual keyboard having a layout based at least in part on a distance between the detected palm touch and the detected finger touch. |
| US08358269B2 |
Human interface device (HID)
A user may wear the radio frequency human interface device on a body portion and move the body portion over any even and un-even surface that is not touch sensitive to provide inputs. The radio frequency human interface device may sense, encode, and provide the radio frequency signals to a computing system. The computing system may be provisioned with a radio frequency reader that may receive the radio frequency signal and decode the radio frequency signal before responding to the input. Also, a plurality of users may use radio frequency human interface devices to provide inputs to the computing system concurrently. |
| US08358267B2 |
Conjoined input keys adjacent a navigation tool on a handheld electronic device
A handheld electronic device configured to receive text messages has a body with a front face and top and bottom portions relative to text entry use orientation of the handheld device. A display screen is located on the front face of the body. The display screen presents information to the operator of the handheld device. A microprocessor located within the device is configured to receive operator commands from user inputs located on the device and instruct commensurate changes to the display screen. A navigation row of user inputs is located on the front face of the body below the display. The navigation row of user inputs includes a multi-directional navigation tool assembly laterally flanked by a pair of conjoined, depressibly actuable input keys. Each of the inputs keys is located substantially opposite the other across the navigation tool assembly and positioned adjacent to lateral sides of the navigation tool assembly. |
| US08358265B2 |
Image display apparatus
There is provided an image display apparatus that corrects the gradation of an input video signal in accordance with an ambient illuminance, in which the adaptation amount of the eye and a surface reflection amount are calculated based on an illuminance signal acquired through a sensor, and the screen luminance of the screen and the gamma conversion for the video signal are controlled based on the adaptation amount of the eye and the surface reflection amount. |
| US08358263B2 |
Color control of a backlighting system
In an embodiment, the invention provides a method of color control in a backlighting system comprising a plurality of light sources, a plurality of color sensors, a plurality of PWM controllers, and a video input for receiving video data. The plurality of light sources is activated during a first operative mode to produce white light. The plurality of light sources is controlled during a second operative mode to produce white light. |
| US08358256B2 |
Compensated drive signal for electroluminescent display
Compensation is performed for initial nonuniformity or aging of drive transistors and electroluminescent (EL) emitters in 3T1C EL subpixels of an EL display, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. A readout transistor connected to the EL emitter is used to readout the voltage of the emitter and compensation for ΔVth, ΔVEL, and OLED efficiency loss is performed using a model. Measurements are taken during a frame by driving a target subpixel at a higher luminance for a shorter time, then using the remaining time in the frame to measure. Measurements can be taken with an A/D converter or with a ramp generator and comparator. Compensation is performed for each subpixel individually. |
| US08358251B2 |
Antenna for a backscatter-based RFID transponder
An antenna for a backscatter-based RFID transponder is provided that has an integrated receive circuit having a capacitive input impedance for receiving a radio signal spectrally located in an operating frequency range. The antenna includes two antenna branches that extend outward from a connecting region in which the antenna branches can be connected to the integrated receive circuit, and a yoke-shaped first trace segment that is designed to connect the two antenna branches together. Each antenna branch can have a U-shaped second trace segment connected to the connecting region, and a U-shaped third trace segment connected to the second trace segment and extending parallel to the second trace segment. The invention further relates to a backscatter-based RFID transponder with such an antenna. |
| US08358250B2 |
Antenna coil
An antenna coil includes a wound body including a magnetic core, a bobbin surrounding the magnetic core, and a coil wound around the bobbin, a case in which the wound body is placed, and a foam disposed in a gap between the wound body and the case. The foam is compressed at a rate of about 45% to about 65% on the basis of a thickness of the foam in a non-load state. The antenna coil prevents breakage of the magnetic core and is suitable for use in a short-distance communication system in an LF-band. |
| US08358240B2 |
Generating a time deterministic, spectrally noncoherent signal
According to one embodiment, a system for generating a signal includes a monocycle generator, one or more temporal modulators, and a pulse shaper. The monocycle generator generates monocycles that form a signal comprising pulses, where a pulse corresponds to one or more monocycles. The temporal modulators provide instructions the monocycle generator to create a specific spectral response in the signal. A pulse shaper individually modulates at least one monocycle of the monocycles corresponding to a pulse to shape the pulse. |
| US08358237B2 |
Wireless sensor apparatus
A wireless sensor apparatus controls, in a case where wireless waves are radiated by feeding pulse signals generated by a signal generation circuit to antennas, an operation timing of the signal generation circuit and a path from the signal generation circuit to the antennas in such a manner that after a prior pulse signal is fed to the antenna and simultaneously supplied to a mixer circuit, at a proximate timing which does not overlap with a pulse width of the prior pulse signal supplied to the antenna and the mixer circuit, a next pulse signal is fed to the antenna and simultaneously supplied to a mixer circuit. |
| US08358236B2 |
Wireless sensor apparatus
A wireless sensor apparatus includes first and second polarization antennas whose polarization surfaces of radiation waves are mutually orthogonal, a first mixer circuit connected to the first polarization antenna and configured to input a first reception signal received by the first polarization antenna, a second mixer circuit connected to the second polarization antenna and configured to input a second reception signal received by the second polarization antenna, a signal generation circuit configured to generate pulse signals fed to the first and second polarization antennas and also supplied to the first and second mixer circuits, and a differential amplification circuit configured to perform a differential amplification on a mixed output obtained by mixing the first reception signal and the pulse signal by the first mixer circuit and a mixed output obtained by mixing the second reception signal and the pulse signal by the second mixer circuit. |
| US08358235B2 |
Wireless sensor device
A wireless sensor device includes a transmission signal generation unit that generates a frequency-spread high frequency transmission signal such that a transmission frequency is continuously increased and decreased with a predetermined period, a transmitter antenna that radiates the high frequency transmission signal, a receiver antenna that receives a reflected wave from an object having received the high frequency transmission signal, and outputs a frequency-spread high frequency reception signal, a mixer circuit that receives a part of the high frequency transmission signal as a first frequency-spread high frequency signal, receives the high frequency reception signal as a second frequency-spread high frequency signal, and outputs a DC beat signal by operating as a phase detector when frequencies of the first and second signals coincide with each other, and a DC component extraction circuit that extracts the DC beat signal from an output signal of the mixer circuit. |
| US08358232B2 |
Device for actuating an actuator
An apparatus for actuating an actuator having an energy storage for supplying the actuator, an integrated circuit for controlling the energy supply from the energy storage to the actuator and an antenna device. Additionally, an interface module that is configured as a separate unit relative to the integrated circuit is connected to the antenna device for the contactless transmission of energy for the energy storage and of data for a communication with the integrated circuit. |
| US08358225B2 |
Method for automatically preferring a diacritical version of a linguistic element on a handheld electronic device based on linguistic source and associated apparatus
A method for automatically preferring a diacritical version of a linguistic element on a handheld electronic device by utilizing a linguistic source. |
| US08358218B2 |
Point of sale terminal having enhanced security
A data entry device including a housing formed of at least two portions, data entry circuitry located within the housing, at least one case-open switch assembly operative to sense when the housing is opened and tamper indication circuitry operative to receive an input from the at least one case-open switch assembly and to provide an output indication of possible tampering with the data entry circuitry located within the housing. The at least one case-open switch assembly includes an arrangement of electrical contacts arranged on a base surface and a resiliently deformable conductive element, which defines a short circuit between at least some of the arrangement of electrical contacts only when the housing is closed. |
| US08358217B2 |
Stationary induction apparatus and monitoring device thereof
A stationary induction apparatus has: a winding to which AC current is supplied; an electrostatic shield which includes an electrostatic shield member having a hollow and an electrically conductive film wound around the electrostatic shield member, and which is configured to suppress the electric field of the winding; a housing which contains the winding, the electrostatic shield and the insulating fluid; an IC tag which has a sensor arranged in the hollow of the electrostatic shield member and configured to detect position of the electrostatic shield member, and a transmitter unit configured to transmit, by radio, information acquired by the sensor as a high-frequency signal having a frequency much higher than the frequency of the AC current; and a receiver unit which is arranged in the housing, receives the high-frequency signal transmitted by radio from the IC tag and transmits, by wire, the signal outside the housing. |
| US08358215B2 |
Attention assistance and monitoring
An attention assistance device configured to help maintain a user's focus on a given task. In one embodiment, text is presenting to a user on a touchscreen. The user tracking the text using a finger is monitored. The user is stimulated when the finger stops tracking the text for a predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, an electronic device presents an output configured to be tracked by a user. A monitoring device observes the user tracking the output. A sensory stimulating device stimulates the user when the “tracking” falls below an attention threshold. |
| US08358214B2 |
Systems and methods for sensor-enhanced health evaluation
Systems and methods are discussed for providing sensor enhanced safety, recovery, and activity evaluation systems. Sensors that monitor user activity and behavior are worn by a user and/or placed in the user environment. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety, recovery, and/or activity evaluation. Based on the evaluation, recommendations or adjustments to the terms of an insurance policy covering the user, the user's employer, or a facility providing health care to the user to accurately reflect the risks associated with the user, employer, and/or facility. |
| US08358206B2 |
Device for acquiring signals from sensors installed in a motor vehicle
The invention pertains to a device for acquiring signals from sensors (1) installed in a motor vehicle, where at least two sensors, which are connected by electrical conductors to a source of electrical voltage (2) and to an evaluation unit (3), are mounted in different positions in the vehicle. To simplify the installation of the device, the sensors (1) are attached a certain distance apart to a common ribbon cable (4) with parallel electrical conductors, which cable has at least one conductor which can be connected to the voltage source (2) to supply power to the sensors (1) and several signal conductors, which can be connected to the evaluation unit (3) and possibly also to the voltage source (2), the number of which corresponds to the number of sensors to be connected. All of the sensors (1) are connected to the power-supply conductor, and each one is connected individually to one of the signal conductors. |
| US08358203B1 |
Children's toothbrush reminder set
A toothbrush alarm consists of an alarm box located in the bedroom. It has an alarm such as a noisemaker, radio, light and/or voice chip saying “please brush your teeth.” In intermittent periods it is controlled ON and OFF by a battery powered alarm clock circuit built into a toothbrush. A wireless transmitter in the toothbrush sends the ON or OFF command to the alarm box.The alarm box will repeatedly remind the child to brush their teeth until it is turned off from the toothbrush. Thus, a child sets his alarm time on his toothbrush in the bathroom and leaves the toothbrush there. At wakeup time (or brushing time) the child must go to the bathroom, pick up the toothbrush, turn off the alarm, and (hopefully) brush his/her teeth. |
| US08358202B2 |
Semiconductor device
It is an object to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device which operates normally even when a communication distance is extremely short. A semiconductor device which transmits/receives data by wireless communication includes a comparison circuit which compares electric power supplied form outside with electric power serving as a reference; a bias circuit portion which outputs a protection signal and a modulation signal in accordance with output of the comparison circuit; and a protection/modulation circuit which performs protection to prevent degradation and breakdown of elements of the semiconductor device and modulation to transmit data, with one circuit. |
| US08358199B2 |
Delivery container
A lockable container (1) for receiving items includes elements for generating a random code when the container is locked, elements for transferring the code to a person locking the container, and a memory for storing the code. The container further includes elements (2) for unlocking the container to a first stage, in which the contents of the container can be viewed by a user but not removed from the container, and elements for transferring the code to the user when the container is unlocked at the first stage. The container can then be unlocked to a second stage (3), in which the user can remove the contents of the container and the code is removed from the memory. |
| US08358198B2 |
Portal system for a controlled space
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for monitoring and tracking an item in a controlled space. In one embodiment, a portal system that monitors the controlled space includes a radio frequency tag that is attached to inventory and a portal device, which includes a computing device, a receiver and a locking door. The receiver is configured to receive a signal from radio frequency tag, and send the signal to the computing device. The locking door is coupled to the computing device. The computing device is configured to verify whether the user is authorized to be taking inventory in and out of the controlled space through the locking door based on the received signal, and to unlock the locking door based on the received signal. The computing device has a database that includes the total value of the inventory that the user has taken out of the controlled space. The computing device determines whether the user have exceeded a threshold value of inventory based on the total value of inventory that the user has taken out of the controlled space, and provides a notification signal to an administrator based on the total value of inventory. |
| US08358197B2 |
Mesh network door lock
Systems and methods are disclosed for sending a code from a mesh network key and wirelessly communicating the code with one or more mesh network appliances over a mesh network such as ZigBee; receiving the code over the mesh network by a mesh network lock controller; and providing access to the secured area upon authenticating the code. |
| US08358196B2 |
Security system and method for granting access
A method for granting access with a touch sensitive display is provided. The method includes displaying a security access interface on a touch sensitive display, wherein the security access interface has at least one polyhedron object; changing the at least one polyhedron object from a first state to a second state according to detections of inputs/contacts with the touch sensitive display; recording parameters of the at least one polyhedron object in the second state; determining if the recorded parameters satisfy the predetermined values; granting access when the record parameters satisfy the predetermined values. A security system using the method is also provided. |
| US08358194B2 |
Remote control system
A remote control system (1) is described, in particular for regulating and controlling industrial drives, comprising at least one transmitting remote control (10) and at least one receiver (20) cooperating with the drive, such transmitting remote control (10) containing at least one inclination sensor (5). |
| US08358193B2 |
Planar inductor devices
A planar inductor device includes a ferrite body and a conductive pathway, The ferrite body extends around an opening in the ferrite body. The conductive pathway includes an input section, a current-splitting section, a coil section, a current-combining section, and an output section connected with each other, the input section extending toward the opening in the ferrite body. The current-splitting section includes a plurality of conductive coils joined with the conductive pathway and electrically disposed parallel to each other. The coil section includes the conductive coils helically wrapped around the ferrite body. The current-combining section includes the conductive coils joined with each other. The output section includes the joined conductive coils extending out of the ferrite body. |
| US08358192B2 |
Multiple-loop symmetrical inductor
A symmetrical inductor includes an integrated circuit having a plurality of conductive layers. A first loop is disposed in an upper layer of the conductive layers, and at least two strapped loops are disposed in at least two layers of the conductive layers, respectively. The strapped loops are coupled in series to the first loop, and the at least two layers are below the upper layer. A second loop is disposed in the upper layer and is coupled in series to the at least two strapped loops. A first terminal electrode is coupled to the first loop, and a second terminal electrode is coupled to the second loop. A center-tap electrode is coupled to the at least two strapped loops. |
| US08358189B2 |
Method and apparatus for activating an electric machine, and electric machine
A method of activating an electric machine having a stator, and a rotor which rotates about an axis with respect to the stator; the stator having a plurality of stator segments arranged about the axis; the rotor having modules made of magnetizable material and arranged about the axis; and the method including the steps of connecting the rotor to the stator by means of a bearing; and magnetizing the modules of magnetizable material when the rotor is connected to the stator. |
| US08358188B2 |
Electronic trip device case for a circuit breaker, electronic trip device and assembly method thereof
An electronic module for a trip device has been optimised so as to integrate the known functionalities, in particular threshold parameter setting, current measurements, voltage taps, read-out display and communication. An electromagnetic actuator is further present in the electronic module to optimise breaking of the associated circuit breaker. The space occupation constraints inherent to location of the trip device in existing switchgear units have been respected. |
| US08358177B2 |
Surface acoustic wave resonator, surface acoustic wave oscillator, and surface acoustic wave module unit
It is possible to reduce the size of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator by enhancing a Q value. In a SAW resonator in which an IDT having electrode fingers for exciting SAW is disposed on a crystal substrate, the IDT includes a first region disposed at the center of the IDT and a second region and a third region disposed on both sides of the first region. A frequency is fixed in the first region and a portion in which a frequency gradually decreases as it approaches an edge of the IDT is disposed in the second region and the third region. When the frequency of the first region is Fa, the frequency at an edge of the second region is FbM, and the frequency at an edge of the third region is FcN, the variations in frequency are in the ranges of 0.9815 |
| US08358176B2 |
Microwave generator
A microwave generator has a resonator with two mutually spaced resonator electrodes. The resonator electrodes provide a spark gap device which breaks down upon the application of a firing voltage between them. The spark gap device has at least two parallel-connected spark gaps. |
| US08358173B2 |
CMOS power amplifier
A CMOS power amplifier includes: a first MOS transistor connected between a first power terminal and a first output stage and having a gate connected to an input stage; a second MOS transistor connected between the first output stage and a ground and having a gate connected to the input stage; a switching circuit unit connecting or separating a feedback line between the input stage and the first output stage to select a linear amplifying operation or a non-linear amplifying operation; and a resistor formed at the feedback line between the input stage and the first output stage to determine a linear amplification gain when the feedback line is turned on. |
| US08358172B2 |
Peaking circuit, method for adjusting peaking circuit, differential amplifier installing peaking circuit, laser diode driving circuit installing peaking circuit, and data processing unit installing peaking circuit
A peaking circuit for adjusting peaking of a high-frequency signal, comprises: a first inductor; a second inductor which is electromagnetically coupled with the first inductor; a signal input section which receives an input signal; a transistor which adjusts electric current passing through the second inductor according to the input signal inputted via the signal input section; and a signal output section which outputs a signal whose peaking has been adjusted by the first inductor. Mutual inductance of the electromagnetically coupled first and second inductors is changed by the adjustment of the electric current passing through the second inductor, according to the input signal inputted via the signal input section, with the use of the transistor, thereby adjusting the peaking of signal waveform of electric current passing through the first inductor, and the signal subjected to the peaking adjustment is outputted from the signal output section. |
| US08358169B2 |
Systems and methods for distortion measurement using distortion-to-amplitude transformations
The presently invention is directed to ways to measure distortion effects while allowing for the possibility of significant reduction in test cost. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for amplifier distortion measurement including comparing a first amplitude response of an output signal from a power amplifier to a second amplitude response of a reference input signal to determine a set of Amplitude-to-Amplitude (“AM-AM”) distortion values. Additionally, the method for amplifier distortion measurement includes equalizing the first amplitude response of the output signal to match the second amplitude response of the reference input signal based on the set of AM-AM distortion values and creating a difference signal based on a comparison of the equalized output signal to the reference input signal. Furthermore, the method for amplifier distortion measurement includes calculating a set of Amplitude-to-Phase (“AM-PM”) distortion values based on a third amplitude response of the difference signal. |
| US08358164B2 |
Square wave signal component cancellation
Some embodiments of the invention a circuit configured to apply a time domain processing sequence to a modulated input signal to estimate a mean value of the modulated input signal and to subtract the estimated mean value from the modulated input signal, thereby removing the DC offset from the input signal. In one particular embodiment, the time domain processing sequence is based on integration and differentiation of a demodulated output signal. In such an embodiment, a circuit is configured to integrate a demodulated signal to generate an integrated signal having a triangular shaped output signal. The circuit then measures the slopes of the integrated signal, by differentiation of the triangular shaped integrated signal, and generates an appropriate DC offset correction signal based upon the measured slopes. The DC offset correction signal may be added on top of the actual input signal to cancel the unwanted DC offset component. |
| US08358162B2 |
Buffer circuit and duty cycle correction method using same
A buffer circuit includes an amplifier circuit amplifying a difference between an input signal and a reference signal, providing a branch current that varies with a duty cycle of the input signal, and outputting a preliminary output signal on the basis of the amplified difference. The buffer circuit also includes a charge pump circuit charging/discharging a control node in response to the branch current to provide a control signal. The buffer circuit also includes a driver circuit configured to control pull-up strength and pull-down strength for the preliminary output signal based on control signal to thereby correct the duty cycle of the preliminary output signal in relation to a target duty cycle. |
| US08358161B2 |
Buffer enable signal generating circuit and input circuit using the same
An input circuit comprises a buffer enable signal generating circuit for generating a buffer enable signal having an predetermined enable period in response to an external command, and a buffer circuit for buffering and outputting the external command and an external address signal in response to the buffer enable signal. |
| US08358158B2 |
Method and apparatus for phase selection acceleration
A method and apparatus for generating a clock that can be switched in phase within a reduced interval of dead time are disclosed. |
| US08358154B2 |
Magnetic logic gate
This disclosure is directed to a magnetic logic gate for implementing a combinational logic function. The magnetic logic gate may include a write circuit configured to apply a spin-polarized current to the magnetoresistive device such that a resulting programmed magnetization state of the magnetoresistive device corresponds to a logic input value of a combinational logic function implemented by the magnetic logic device. The magnetic logic gate may further include a read circuit configured to generate a logic output value for the combinational logic function based on the programmed magnetization state in response to the write circuit applying the spin-polarized current to the magnetoresistive device. |
| US08358153B2 |
Magnetic logic circuits formed with tapered magnetic wires
A magnetic circuit in one aspect comprises a plurality of tapered magnetic wires each having a relatively wide input end and a relatively narrow output end, with the output end of a first one of the tapered magnetic wires being coupled to the input end of a second one of the tapered magnetic wires. Each of the tapered magnetic wires is configured to propagate a magnetic domain wall along a length of the wire in a direction of decreasing width from its input end to its output end. In an illustrative embodiment, the magnetic circuit comprises a logic buffer that includes at least one heating element. The heating element may be controlled to facilitate transfer of a magnetic moment from the output end of the first tapered magnetic wire to the input end of the second tapered magnetic wire. |
| US08358152B2 |
Integrated circuit including pulse control logic having shared gating control
An integrated circuit with a pulse clock unit having shared gating control includes one or more logic blocks, each including a clock distribution network configured to distribute a clock signal. The integrated circuit also includes a clock unit coupled to the one or more logic blocks and configured to generate a pulse clock signal formed using a chain of inverting logic gates. The clock unit may be further configured to provide the pulse clock signal to the clock distribution network. The clock unit may also include an enable input that is coupled to one input of one of the inverting logic gates. In addition, the clock unit may be configured to selectively enable and disable the pulse clock signal in response to an enable signal on the enable input. |
| US08358151B2 |
Receiver circuitry for receiving reduced swing signals from a channel
A receiver for receiving a reduced swing signal from a transmission channel is disclosed, in which the swing of the reduced swing signal is less than the power supply of the receiver and possibly is less than the power supply of the transmitter. The receiver comprises a level shifter for offsetting the reduced swing signal, and an amplifier which receives both the reduced swing signal and its offset to produce a full swing signal output referenced to the power supply of the receiver. The full swing signal can thereafter be buffered, and eventually can be captured by a clock. Optionally, the disclosed reduced swing receiver also contains calibration circuitry for improving the integrity of the full swing signal output, and in particular for countering the effects of process, and in some embodiments temperature, variations, which alter the characteristics of the transistors which make up the receiver circuitry. More particularly, the calibration circuitry compensates for the unbalanced way in which process and temperature variations impact transistors of differing polarities (e.g., n-type and p-type). |
| US08358150B1 |
Programmable microcontroller architecture(mixed analog/digital)
A circuit formed in an integrated circuit (chip) is disclosed. The circuit can include a plurality of analog circuit blocks each configured to provide at least one analog function; at least one digital circuit block that provides a digital function; and a programmable interconnect coupled to the analog circuit blocks and configurable to interconnect combinations of the analog circuit blocks to one another. The programmable interconnect can include a plurality of multiplexer (MUX) circuits including port MUX circuits coupled between the analog circuit blocks and ports that provide signal connections for the chip. |
| US08358148B1 |
Programmable integrated circuit and method of asynchronously routing data in an integrated circuit
A programmable integrated circuit is disclosed. The programmable integrated circuit comprises a matrix of circuit blocks, each circuit block of the matrix of circuit blocks comprising configurable blocks; and a routing network coupled to the matrix of circuit blocks, the routing network having a plurality of programmable interconnect points comprising buffers enabling asynchronous communication. A method of asynchronously routing data in an integrated circuit is also disclosed. |
| US08358147B2 |
Testing integrated circuits
A method of testing integrated circuits is provided. The method includes establishing at least one first physical communication channel between a test equipment and a respective group of integrated circuits under test by having probes of the test equipment contacting at least one corresponding physical contact terminal of each integrated circuit of the respective group. The method further includes having the test equipment exchanging, over the at least one first physical communication channel, the same test stimuli with each integrated circuit of the group. The method still further includes having each integrated circuit of the group establishing a corresponding second physical communication channel with the test equipment by having at least one physical contact terminal of the integrated circuit contacted by a corresponding probe of the test equipment. The method further includes having each integrated circuit of the group exchanging, over the second physical communication channel, a corresponding test response signal based on the received test stimuli with the test equipment. The test stimuli are exchanged by modulating at least one first carrier wave based on the test stimuli; the at least one first carrier wave has at least one first frequency. The test response signals of each integrated circuit of the group are exchanged by modulating at least one respective second carrier wave based on the test response signals; each second carrier wave have at least one respective second frequency. |
| US08358143B2 |
Internal self-check resistance bridge and method
One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge measurement circuit configured to perform an internal self-check. The resistance bridge measurement circuit may include two or more internal resistors. In one embodiment, the resistance bridge measurement circuit may be configured to measure a first voltage across one of the resistors and a second voltage across a combination of the two resistors. The measured voltages may be converted to a resistance ratio and compared to an expected value. In another embodiment, the resistance bridge measurement circuit may be configured to measure a third voltage across the other of the two resistors and a fourth voltage across a combination of the two resistors. The measured voltages may be converted to corresponding resistance ratios, summed and compared to an expected value. |
| US08358142B2 |
Methods and circuits for measuring mutual and self capacitance
A capacitance measurement circuit for measuring self and mutual capacitances may include a first electrode capacitively coupled with a second electrode, a first plurality of switches coupled with the first electrode, and a second plurality of switches coupled with the second electrode, wherein, during a first operation stage, the first plurality of switches is configured to apply a first initial voltage to the first electrode and the second plurality of switches is configured to apply a second initial voltage to the second electrode, and wherein, during a second operation stage, the first plurality of switches is configured to connect the first electrode with a measurement circuit, and the second plurality of switches is configured to connect the second electrode with a constant voltage. |
| US08358138B2 |
Method of discrimination of a device as powerable through a LAN line and device for estimating electric parameters of a LAN line
PDs that can be supplied through the LAN line are discriminated from PDs that cannot be so supplied as a function of the resistance of the supply line and of the voltage drop caused by nonlinear elements in series therewith. The values of these two parameters are estimated by applying two distinct voltages to the supply terminals of the LAN line and sensing the relative steady-state currents absorbed by the power supply line, and by processing voltage and current values for estimating the resistance of the line and the voltage drop caused by nonlinear elements connected in series therewith. |
| US08358135B2 |
Multiple receiver coil system for geophysical prospecting
A receiver coil tow assembly for geophysical prospecting, comprising: multiple receiver coils, each receiver coil being housed within a respective tubular outer frame section that defines a continuous passageway in which the receiver coil extends, the tubular outer frame sections being connected together to provide a skeletal frame maintaining the receiver coils in a substantially constant position relative to each other; and a tow cable connected to the skeletal frame for towing the frame to conduct a geophysical survey. |
| US08358134B1 |
Marker for pipeline apparatus and method
Defects in a pipeline may be detected by an in-line inspection tool passing therethrough. However, as the tool travels through the pipeline, errors associated with certain onboard components may accumulate. These errors may reduce the accuracy with which the locations of detected defects can be determined. Accordingly, markers may be positioned at various locations along the pipeline. Each marker may include a radio receiver to receive signal transmitted by an in-line tool passing thereby and one or more magnetic flux detection systems that may detect a magnetic field emanating from the in-line tool. The radio receiver may include an antenna comprising two or more coils connected in series and positioned side-by-side. The flux detection system may include one or more flux concentrators to amplify the strength of the magnetic field. Signals received through the antenna or flux detection system may be used to correct any errors associated with the onboard components charting the progression of the in-line tool through the pipeline. |
| US08358125B2 |
Method for determining geometric characteristics of an anomaly in a test object and measuring apparatus for carrying out the method
In a method for determining geometrical characteristics (d) of an anomaly (12) which changes the electrical conductivity in the region near the surface of an electrically conducting, in particular a metallic test object (10), a considerable simplification is achieved in that, in the region of the anomaly (12) in the test object (10), eddy currents (13, 14) of different frequencies are excited, and the magnetic field (By,0), which is produced by the excited eddy currents, is scanned in the vicinity of the anomaly (12) and the geometric characteristics of the anomaly are exclusively deduced from the distribution of the magnetic field (By,0). |
| US08358124B2 |
Magnetic absolute encoder
A magnetic absolute encoder with enhanced resolution is provided. A first cycle determining section 27 utilizes data stored in a fourth angle data storing section 23 to determine in which cycle of m cycles of the fourth angle data, fifth angle data, which has been newly computed in response to rotation of a rotary shaft 1, occurs. A second cycle determining section 29 determines in which cycle of n cycles of first angle data that occur in first determined cycle, the newly computed fifth angle data occurs. A third cycle determining section 31 determines in which cycle of N1 cycles of the first angle data, the current first angle data occurs, based on the first determined cycle and second determined cycle. An absolute position determining section 33 determines the absolute position based on third determined cycle and the digital value of the current first angle data. |
| US08358123B2 |
Method of quantifying an analyte in a liquid medium having magnetic particles by application of a magnetic field to the liquid medium
Method of quantifying an analyte in a liquid medium by means of magnetic particles functionalized by specific ligands of the analyte being quantified, consisting in applying a magnetic field to a liquid medium for a time period several times shorter than that of the reaction between the analyte being quantified and the ligands of the magnetic particles, in measuring the optical density of the liquid medium after applying the magnetic field, in repeating this cycle of applying the magnetic field and of measuring the optical density several times over the duration of the reaction between the analyte and the ligands, in calculating, by extrapolation, a limiting value for the optical density for an infinite magnetic field application time and in deducing therefrom the concentration of the analyte in the liquid medium. |
| US08358121B2 |
Digital multimeter having remote display with automatic communication mode switching
A multimeter comprising a base unit having at least one test lead terminal. A remote display unit separate from the base unit is also provided. The remote display unit has a display operative to show measured parameters. The multimeter further comprises communication circuitry operative to provide electrical communication between the base unit and the remote display unit. The communication circuitry provides electrical communication in a plurality of alternative communication modes. At least two of the alternative communication modes are preferably wireless communication modes. |
| US08358120B2 |
Non-intrusive detection of live electrical lines
A method for determining a presence of live 3-phase electrical lines inside a buried pipe or conduit from outside the pipe or conduit and preferably from an above ground location. A sensor suitable for detecting vibratory signals is placed on the ground proximate the location of the buried pipe. The sensor is then used to determine the presence of a current frequency signal and a current harmonic frequency signal, whereby presence of the current frequency signal and/or the current harmonic frequency signal corresponds to a presence of a live 3-phase electrical line within the buried pipe or conduit. Although intended primarily for use in connection with buried pipes, the method may also be employed on exposed pipes and conduits. |
| US08358109B2 |
Reliable extended use of a capacitor for backup power
A capacitor device and associated method having a housing made of a material that is folded to form a cavity sized to contain an electrolyte and electrode package. The material has a substrate and a film attached to the substrate. Respective portions of the film that are folded against each other are fused together to form a first seal that in cooperation with a folded edge of the material seals the cavity. The capacitor also has a second seal attached to the housing and to the first seal that seals the cavity. |
| US08358106B2 |
AC and DC dual input charger
An AC and DC dual input charger includes a charger receptacle and a plug connector assembly. The charger receptacle includes a cover, a printed circuit board assembly, at least two AC input components, at least two DC input components and an output member. The cover defines an accommodating chamber and a receiving cavity. The printed circuit board assembly is received in the accommodating chamber and defines an AC charging circuit and a DC charging circuit. The AC input components and the DC input components are mounted to the charger receptacle and electrically connected with the AC charging circuit and the DC charging circuit, respectively. The output member is mounted on the printed circuit board assembly. The plug connector assembly includes an AC plug and a DC plug which can be alternately inserted in the receiving cavity so as to provide corresponding AC and DC charging power for the charger receptacle. |
| US08358105B2 |
Rechargeable gas-measuring system
The transmission of energy from the base station (3) to the mobile gas-measuring device (2) is carried out reliably and with a high level of safety, even in the presence of explosive gases with a gas-measuring system (1) including a mobile gas-measuring device (2) with a battery unit (6) and with at least one sensor (8, 9, 10, 11) for detecting a gas concentration. A base station (3) for the mobile gas-measuring device (2) is provided as well as an interface (7) for transmitting electric energy from the base station (3) to the battery unit (6) of the mobile gas-measuring device (2). The interface (7) for transmitting electric energy from the base station (3) to the battery unit (6) of the mobile gas-measuring device (2) is designed such that the electric energy is transmitted at least partly in a wireless manner. |
| US08358104B2 |
Contactless battery charging device and process
To recharge the battery of a portable object communicating with a reader establishing communication over a modulated electromagneticfield, a recharging process is proposed. The portable object sends at least one waiting message to the reader. The said waiting message tells the reader a waiting time WTXM before the next message. The portable object uses energy from the electromagnetic field to recharge its battery during the waiting period. |
| US08358100B2 |
USB dedicated charger identification circuit
In an embodiment, set forth by way of example and not limitation, a USB dedicated charger identification circuit includes a USB D+ port, a USB D− port, a first circuit conforming to a first identification protocol, a second circuit conforming to a second identification protocol, and logic selectively coupling one of the first circuit and the second circuit to the USB D+ port and the USB D− port. In an alternate embodiment set forth by way of example and not limitation, a method to provide USB charger identification includes providing a first USB charger identification at a USB D+ port and a D− port. Next, it is detected if the first USB charger identification was inappropriate. Then, if the first USB charger identification was inappropriate, a second USB charger identification is provided at the USB D+ port and the D− port. |
| US08358095B2 |
Method and system for testing electric motors
Method and systems for testing an electric motor are provided. A switching circuit coupled to the motor is operated in a first mode causing current to flow through the motor such that the motor is actuated with near zero torque. A magnitude of the current is repeatedly adjusted between first and second values. The current flow through the motor is monitored. |
| US08358093B1 |
Sample and hold time stamp for sensing zero crossing of back elecromotive force in 3-phase brushless DC motors
A microcontroller determines the position of the rotor of a brushless, direct-current motor by determining the time of zero crossing of back electromotive force (EMF) emanating from the non-driven phase winding. The zero crossing point is determined by interpolating voltage differentials that are time stamped. Each voltage differential is the difference between the phase voltage of the phase winding and the motor neutral point voltage. The time of zero crossing is determined without using a comparator and without interrupting the processor at each zero crossing point. The processor interpolates the time of zero crossing independently of when the zero crossing point occurs. A hold signal conductor is connected both to a sample and hold circuit and to the load input lead of a time stamp register. The microcontroller simultaneously captures a phase voltage in the sample and hold circuit and a timer count in the time stamp register. |
| US08358087B2 |
Alternating turn off timing of a fluorescent lamp starter unit
A starter unit (for example, an RF-enabled and replaceable starter unit) has an ability both to turn on and to turn off a fluorescent lamp. The starter unit detects whether a ballast in the circuit with the fluorescent lamp is of a first type (for example, an L-type ballast) or is of a second type (for example, a C-type ballast). If the determination is that the ballast is of the first type, then the starter unit turns off the lamp in a first way (for example, using C-type timing and then using L-type timing alternatingly). If the determination is that the ballast is of the second type, then the starter unit turns off the lamp in a second way (for example, using only C-type timing). The same starter unit design is usable both in single-lamp fixtures and in multi-lamp fixtures where a mix of ballast types may be used. |
| US08358085B2 |
Method and device for remote sensing and control of LED lights
A control system is disclosed for determining an actual temperature of a light emitting diode. The control system uses conductor that supply power to the light emitting diode to supply a pulse to the light emitting diode. The pulse is determined along with a reaction caused by the pulse and the information gained is used in determination of the light emitting diode die temperature which can then be used in controlling current to the light emitting diode to control the temperature of the light emitting diode. |
| US08358081B2 |
Lamp assembly
A lamp assembly including one or more light emitting diode (LED) arrays and a controller circuit to output a current to the one or more LED arrays. Each LED array includes at least one LED and defines a spatial radiation pattern having a first central axis. The lamp assembly also includes a lens array to redirect light received from the one or more LED arrays, a base and a light-transmissive cover. For each one of the one or more LED arrays, the lens array includes a total internal reflection (TIR) lens defining a second central axis aligned with the first central axis of the corresponding LED array. The TIR lens is configured to distribute light received from the LED array from an output face of the TIR lens such that the distributed light defines optical paths that are convergent, divergent or collimated with respect to the second central axis. The base includes a first surface to receive the one or more LED arrays, the controller circuit and the lens array. The base also includes a second surface structured to be removably received by a lamp holder. The light-transmissive cover is attached to the base and disposed over the first surface thereof such that the one or more LED arrays, the controller circuit and the lens array are contained between the cover and the base. |
| US08358080B2 |
Light emitting element driving circuit
A light emitting element driving circuit for driving a light emitting element in accordance with a differential data signal for causing the light emitting element to turn on or turn off is provided. The circuit includes a first transistor, a first constant current source connected to a drain and gate of the first transistor and configured to supply a constant current through the drain and source of the first transistor, a second transistor configured to supply a certain current, and a control circuit configured to electrically connect or disconnect the gate of the first transistor to or from a gate of the second transistor via a first resistor. The control circuit may supply, to the gate of the second transistor, an intermediate potential in accordance with the other of the differential data signals, while the gate of the first transistor is electrically disconnected from the gate of the second transistor. |
| US08358076B2 |
Driver for plasma display panel having separated board structure
There is provided a driver for a plasma display panel having a separated board structure that can reduce parasitic resonance by shortening the length of a cable used for power transmission by separating a board having a Y electrode switch thereon from a board having an X electrode switch thereon. A driver for a plasma display panel having a separated board structure according to an aspect of the invention may include: a first board having a predetermined mounting area, and mounted with a power supply section having predetermined inductance and converting commercial AC power into predetermined driving power using the inductance, and a first electrode switch section, switching the driving power from a power conversion section and supplying the switched driving power to a first electrode of a plasma display panel; and a second board having a predetermined mounting area, physically separated from the first board, and mounted with a second electrode switch section receiving the driving power from the power supply section through a cable and switching the driving power to supply the switched driving power to a second electrode of the plasma display panel. |
| US08358075B2 |
Device and a method for controlling light emission
The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling the light emission (i) of at least three light sources (21, 22, 23), wherein the light emitted by the light sources (21, 22, 23) is detected in a sequence of measuring periods during a calibration phase, and calculated on the basis of the information on the brightness of each individual light source (21, 22, 23) obtained during the measuring periods. In at least one of the measuring periods, the detected light comes from a plurality of the light sources (21, 22, 23). |
| US08358072B2 |
Circuit arrangement, and method for the operation of a fluorescent lamp
A circuit arrangement is provided for operating a fluorescent lamp with a first and a second filament, the circuit arrangement including a heater for the first and the second filament, wherein the circuit arrangement furthermore includes: an apparatus for storing at least one threshold value for at least one operational parameter of the fluorescent lamp; an apparatus for determining the value of the at least one operational parameter; and a control apparatus, which is configured to activate the heater for the first and the second filament for a predeterminable period of time in the event of the at least one threshold value for the at least one operational parameter being exceeded by the determined value of the at least one operational parameter. |
| US08358071B2 |
OLED lighting device
The invention relates to a lighting device (10) adapted to fit into a corresponding socket (1). The lighting device (10) has a base or housing (12) that at least partially embeds an OLED (11) and an electronic circuit (13a, 13b) which affects the flow of electrical power from an external terminal (15a, 15b) to the OLED. The electronic circuit may comprise a memory module, a communication module, a sensor etc. for allowing an intelligent control of the OLED and for making the lighting device (10) adaptable to possible changes in driving standards. |
| US08358068B2 |
Electrode for a discharge lamp and a discharge lamp and method for producing an electrode
In various embodiments, an electrode for a discharge lamp is provided. The electrode may include a metal pin that has a section around which a coil made of metal wire is wound, wherein the metal wire is flattened. |
| US08358065B2 |
Display panel package structure and fabricating method thereof
A display panel package structure is disclosed, which includes a first substrate, a metal wire layer formed on the first substrate, an insulating layer formed on the metal wire layer, a second substrate, a frit formed on an edge of the second substrate for sealing the first substrate and the second substrate, and a conductive layer formed between the frit and the insulating layer corresponding to the frit for conducting a heat when the frit is heated. |
| US08358063B2 |
EL display device and manufacturing method thereof
Reducing the manufacturing cost of an EL display device and an electronic device furnished with the EL display device is taken as an objective. A textured structure in which projecting portions are formed on the surface of a cathode is used. External stray light is diffusely (irregularly) reflected by the action of the projecting portions when reflected by the surface of the cathode, and therefore a defect in which the face of an observer or the surrounding scenery is reflected in the surface of the cathode can be prevented. This can be completed without using a conventionally necessary high price circular polarizing film, and therefore it is possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing the EL display device. |
| US08358054B2 |
Light emitting device package
Provided is a light emitting device package. The light emitting device package comprises a substrate, a light emitting device on the substrate, a first heatsink between the substrate and the light emitting device, the first heatsink being at least partially disposed within the substrate to transfer heat generated from the light emitting device, first and second electrodes electrically separated from each other, the first and second electrodes being electrically connected to the light emitting device. |
| US08358050B2 |
Apparatus for use with an acoustic drum to produce electrical signals while muting the sound of the acoustic drum
An electronic percussion apparatus for use with an acoustic drum. The apparatus has a base layer of material having a first side for contacting a drum head of an acoustic drum, and an opposite, second side. The apparatus has a top layer of material joined to the base layer of material. A percussion detector is between the top and base layers. The percussion detector generates electrical signals in response to percussion impacts on the top layer. The top and bottom layers each have a thickness that acoustically isolates the drum head from percussion impacts on the top layer, wherein when the electronic percussion apparatus is placed on a drumhead of an acoustic drum and percussion impacts occur on the top layer, the drumhead is acoustically isolated from the percussion impacts and the percussion detector generates electrical signals in response to the percussion impacts on the top layer. |
| US08358045B2 |
Winding arrangement for an electrical machine
Presented is a winding arrangement for an electric machine that includes a laminated core that includes a yoke that includes a plurality of teeth each having flanks that form first wedge surfaces and a winding support area that has a trapezoidal cross-section. The arrangement further includes a coil winding, and a winding body configured to arrange the coil winding on one of the plurality of teeth. The coil winding has an inner area arranged opposite the first wedge surfaces and represents second wedge surfaces. The arrangement further includes a stop means disposed on the winding body and/or one of the plurality of teeth. The stop means is configured to limit movement of the winding body in a direction toward the yoke. The arrangement further includes a centering means configured to center the winding body on one of the plurality of teeth. |
| US08358038B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a cabinet having an outer surface and an inner surface, a plurality of operation button display portions formed on the outer surface of the cabinet, a touchpad which is provided on the inner surface of the cabinet in confrontation with the operation button display portions and configured to detect an input operation of the operation button display portions, a plurality of light sources which are disposed on the inner surface side of the cabinet in confrontation with the operation button display portions and illuminate the respective operation button display portions, a light source controller which is configured to change an illumination state of the light sources for a predetermined time in response to the input operation and thereafter returns the illumination state to an original illumination state. |
| US08358036B2 |
Generator set control system
A control system is provided for use with a plurality of generator sets. The control system may have a bus, an arbitration relay, a switching device, a control module, and first, second, and third discrete signal cables. The control module may be configured to receive a group start signal and initiate startup of a first of the plurality of generator sets, and to generate a signal on the first discrete signal cable based on an operational status of the first of the plurality of generator sets. The control module may also be configured to determine if the second discrete signal cable is active, to activate the second discrete signal cable and the arbitration relay based on the determination, and to activate the switching device to connect the first of the plurality of generator sets to the bus based on a status of the third discrete signal cable. |
| US08358032B2 |
Electric power supply system
In an electric power supply system, a plurality of batteries (405, 406) are connected in series by a switch group (402 to 404, 407 to 409), and a higher voltage and a lower voltage are output through a terminal and a VOL terminal, respectively, and are respectively converted in the voltage thereof by two step-down DC-DC inverters (105, 106). During a discharge operation upon a serial connection, remaining content of the batteries is measured in a period other than the period of discharge from the batteries (105, 106), and the connection mode of the serial connection is controlled based on the remaining content, to control the discharge of the respective batteries up to the discharge capacity. |
| US08358031B2 |
System and method for a single stage power conversion system
A power conversion system includes a photovoltaic source to generate direct current (DC) power; a direct current (DC) to an alternating current (AC) single stage inverter to convert the direct current (DC) power from the photovoltaic source to alternating current (AC) power for delivery to a power grid, and a load balancing unit coupled to the single stage inverter. The power conversion system also includes a controller configured to determine a maximum power point for the power conversion system, regulate an output voltage of the single stage inverter, compute a power balance difference between a power demand from the power grid and an output power of the single stage inverter obtainable at the maximum power point and control in real-time the load balancing unit based on the power balance difference. |
| US08358028B2 |
Wind turbine
A wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a direct drive generator with a stator arrangement, a rotor arrangement substantially arranged around the stator arrangement and a longitudinal center axis. The stator arrangement includes a stator support structure, which includes at least one substantially radial extending stator support element. The stator support element is attached to a substantially parallel to the center axis extending stationary shaft, is substantially rigid in the radial direction and is at least partially in a certain extent flexible in the directions of the center axis of the generator. |
| US08358023B2 |
Driving turbine blade assembly comprising a passage through which a fluid may pass
A turbine unit (11) comprising a passage (23) through which a fluid may pass. Located within the passage (23) is a driving turbine blade set (25) upstream from a pumping turbine blade set (27) wherein the diameter of the pumping turbine blade is larger than the diameter of the driving turbine blade set. The driving turbine blade set and pumping turbine blade set are mounted in opposed relation whereby the turbine blade sets are in reversed orientation with respect to each other such that in simultaneous operation a region between the two turbine blade sets has a lower pressure than the fluid pressure at an opening of the passage. This induces a greater mass flow rate through the turbine unit than would otherwise be created by a pumping turbine blade set equal to or smaller in diameter than the driving turbine blade set. |
| US08358022B2 |
Hydroelectric power generator
A hydroelectric power generator system having a plurality of water wheels affixed to a support structure in a stair step formation. At the top of the support structure is a upper water reservoir with a plurality of spouts each having a shut off valve. At the bottom of the support structure is a water basin. When the valves on the spouts are open, water is flowing downward on the water wheels, which causes the water wheels to rotate. The rotational energy from the water wheels are transferred to rotary shafts via a pulley system. The rotational energy from the rotary shafts are transferred to generators using a ring and pinion gear system. The generators convert the rotational energy into electrical energy that is stored. |
| US08358021B2 |
Cyclic gravitation power generation system
The present invention proposes a cyclic gravitation power generation system, which comprises a vertical water tank, a propulsive device, a guiding device, a carrying device and a power generation device, wherein potential energy is converted into kinetic energy to drive a generator to generate electric power when float balls are moved downward from a high position to a low position by gravity, and the vertical water tank can make the float balls to be moved back to the high position to perform a cyclic operation, whereby is achieved a low-cost cyclic power generation system. |
| US08358019B2 |
Electrical generator and method of generating electricity
An environmentally friendly and efficient electrical generator and system for and method of generating electricity comprises a source of power having one or more batteries, an electric motor powered by the batteries, a hydraulic pump operated by the motor to pressurize a fluid, a first hydraulic motor powered by the pump, a rotating shaft attached to the first hydraulic motor, an air pressurized hydraulic system and an output alternator connected to the shaft to generate electricity. In the preferred embodiment, the air pressurized hydraulic system comprises a compressor operatively connected to the shaft to pressurize air, an air amplifying mechanism to increase the flow rate of the pressurized air, a pressurizing tank to increase the pressure of the pressurized air, a hydraulic power unit to pressurize fluid with the pressurized air, a second hydraulic motor powered by the pressurized fluid and a recharging alternator to recharge the batteries. |
| US08358016B2 |
Semiconductor package having an internal cooling system
A semiconductor package having an internal cooling system is presented which includes a semiconductor chip and a through-electrode. The semiconductor chip has a circuit section. The through-electrode passes through an upper surface and a lower surface the semiconductor chip. The through-electrode is electrically connected with the circuit section of the semiconductor chip. The through-electrode also has a through-hole for allowing cooling fluid to flow therethrough. |
| US08358012B2 |
Metal semiconductor alloy structure for low contact resistance
Contact via holes are etched in a dielectric material layer overlying a semiconductor layer to expose the topmost surface of the semiconductor layer. The contact via holes are extended into the semiconductor material layer by continuing to etch the semiconductor layer so that a trench having semiconductor sidewalls is formed in the semiconductor material layer. A metal layer is deposited over the dielectric material layer and the sidewalls and bottom surface of the trench. Upon an anneal at an elevated temperature, a metal semiconductor alloy region is formed, which includes a top metal semiconductor alloy portion that includes a cavity therein and a bottom metal semiconductor alloy portion that underlies the cavity and including a horizontal portion. A metal contact via is formed within the cavity so that the top metal semiconductor alloy portion laterally surrounds a bottom portion of a bottom portion of the metal contact via. |
| US08358011B1 |
Interconnect structures with engineered dielectrics with nanocolumnar porosity
A method for forming an interconnect structure with nanocolumnar intermetal dielectric is described involving the construction of an interconnect structure using a solid dielectric, and introducing a regular array of vertically aligned nanoscale pores through stencil formation and etching to form a hole array and subsequently pinching off the tops of the hole array with a cap dielectric. Variations of the method and means to construct a multilevel nanocolumnar interconnect structure are also described. |
| US08358007B2 |
Integrated circuit system employing low-k dielectrics and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit system includes: fabricating a substrate having an integrated circuit; applying a low-K dielectric layer over the integrated circuit; forming a via and a trench, in the low-K dielectric layer, over the integrated circuit; forming a structure surface by a chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) process; and applying a direct implant to the structure surface for forming an implant layer and a metal passivation layer including repairing damage, to the low-K dielectric layer, caused by the CMP process. |
| US08358006B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device having a via chain circuit including a plurality of fine interconnections and an extension interconnection wider than the fine interconnections, having a first end connected to one or more of the fine interconnections and a second end located in an area of the semiconductor device external to the via chain circuit. One or more of the fine interconnections becomes wider gradually towards the connection to the extension interconnection. The extension interconnection is formed in a same layer as the one or more of the fine interconnections connected to the extension interconnection. The one or more of the fine interconnections connected to the extension interconnection is connected to the extension interconnections at a position where the fine interconnections become wider. |
| US08357998B2 |
Wirebonded semiconductor package
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor package including a wire binding process, a first end of the bonding wire is bonded to a first pad so as to form a first bond portion. A second end of the bonding wire is bonded to a second pad, wherein an interface surface between the bonding wire and the second pad has a first connecting area. The bonded second end of the bonding wire is scrubbed so as to form a second bond portion, wherein a new interface surface between the bonding wire and the second pad has a second connecting area larger than the first connecting area. A remainder of the bonding wire is separated from the second bond portion. |
| US08357996B2 |
Devices with crack stops
An apparatus that comprises a device on a substrate and a crack stop in the substrate. Methods of forming a device are also disclosed. The methods may include providing a device, such as a semiconductor device, on a substrate having a first thickness, reducing the thickness of the substrate to a second thickness, and providing a crack stop in the substrate. Reducing the thickness of the substrate may include mounting the substrate to a carrier substrate for support and then removing the carrier substrate. The crack stop may prevent a crack from reaching the device. |
| US08357995B2 |
Semiconductor element
A semiconductor element including a substrate and at least one shallow junction formed in the substrate wherein doping atoms are disposed in the shallow junction. A plurality of carbide precipitates and micro-cavities is disposed in the substrate below the at least one shallow junction. |
| US08357994B1 |
Antifuse with a single silicon-rich silicon nitride insulating layer
An antifuse is disclosed which has an electrically-insulating region sandwiched between two electrodes. The electrically-insulating region has a single layer of a non-hydrogenated silicon-rich (i.e. non-stoichiometric) silicon nitride SiNX with a nitrogen content X which is generally in the range of 0 |
| US08357992B2 |
Non-volatile memory device and method of manufacturing the same
The non-volatile memory device may include a substrate, a plurality of first signal lines on the substrate in a vertical direction, a plurality of memory cells having ends connected to the plurality of first signal lines, a plurality of second signal lines perpendicular to the plurality of first signal lines on the substrate and each connected to other ends of the plurality of memory cells, and a plurality of selection elements on the substrate and connected to at least two of the plurality of first signal lines. |
| US08357990B2 |
Semiconductor device
A width of a region where each of the N wells is in contact with the buried P well is not more than 2 μm. A ground voltage and a power supply voltage are applied to the P well and the N well, respectively. A decoupling capacitor is formed between the N well and the buried P well. |
| US08357987B2 |
Chip package and fabrication method thereof
The invention is related to a chip package including: a semiconductor substrate having at least one bonding pad region and at least one device region, wherein the semiconductor substrate includes a plurality of heavily doped regions in the bonding pad region, and two of the heavily doped regions are insulatively isolated; a plurality of conductive pad structures disposed over the bonding pad region; at least one opening disposed at a sidewall of the chip package to expose the heavily doped regions; and a conductive pattern disposed in the opening to electrically contact with the heavily doped region. |
| US08357984B2 |
Image sensor with low electrical cross-talk
An array of pixels is formed using a substrate, where each pixel has a substrate having a backside and a frontside that includes metalization layers, a photodiode formed in the substrate, frontside P-wells formed using frontside processing that are adjacent to the photosensitive region, and an N-type region formed in the substrate below the photodiode. The N-type region is formed in a region of the substrate below the photodiode and is formed at least in part in a region of the substrate that is deeper than the depth of the frontside P-wells. |
| US08357981B2 |
Transducer devices having different frequencies based on layer thicknesses and method of fabricating the same
A transducer array on a common substrate includes a membrane and first and second transducer devices. The membrane is formed on the common substrate, and includes a lower layer and an upper layer. The first transducer device includes a first resonator stack formed on at least the lower layer in a first portion of the membrane, the upper layer having a first thickness in the first portion of the membrane. The second transducer device includes a second resonator stack formed on at least the lower layer in a second portion of the membrane, the upper layer having a second thickness in the second portion of the membrane, where the second thickness is different from the first thickness, such that a first resonant frequency of the first transducer device is different from a second resonant frequency of the second transducer device. |
| US08357980B2 |
Plasmonic high-speed devices for enhancing the performance of microelectronic devices
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to photonic devices that can be used to collect and convert incident ER into surface plasmons that can be used to enhance the operation of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photonic device comprises a dielectric layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a planar nanowire network covering at least a portion of the top surface of the dielectric layer. The bottom surface of the dielectric layer is positioned on the top surface of a substrate, and the planar nanowire network is configured to convert incident electromagnetic radiation into surface plasmons that penetrate through the dielectric layer and into at least a portion of the substrate. |
| US08357969B2 |
Semiconductor device having vertical channel transistor and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device having a vertical channel transistor and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. In the semiconductor device, a metal bit line is formed between vertical channel transistors, and the metal bit line is connected to only one of the vertical channel transistors through an asymmetric bit line contact. Through such a structure, the resistance of the bit line can be improved and the process margin for formation of the bit line can be secured. |
| US08357963B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a material with which off-state current of a transistor can be sufficiently small; for example, an oxide semiconductor material is used. Further, transistors of memory cells of the semiconductor device, which include an oxide semiconductor material, are connected in series. Further, the same wiring (the j-th word line (j is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to m)) is used as a wiring electrically connected to one of terminals of a capacitor of the j-th memory cell and a wiring electrically connected to a gate terminal of a transistor, in which a channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor layer, of the (j−1)-th memory cell. Therefore, the number of wirings per memory cell and the area occupied by one memory cell are reduced. |
| US08357962B2 |
Spin transistor and method of manufacturing the same
A spin transistor includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate electrode on a semiconductor substrate. At least one of the source electrode and the drain electrode includes a semiconductor region and a magnetic layer. The semiconductor region is formed in the semiconductor substrate. The magnetic layer is formed on the semiconductor region, and contains a crystalline Heusler alloy containing at least one of cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe). The semiconductor region and the magnetic layer contain the same impurity element. |
| US08357959B2 |
Image sensor module and method of manufacturing the same
An image sensor module includes a transparent substrate having recesses defined in a lower face thereof. A light concentration member includes transparent light concentration parts each of which are disposed in a corresponding one of the recesses. Color filters are disposed over each of the light concentration parts and photo diode units having photo diodes are disposed over each of the color filters. An insulation member covers the photo diode units and input/output terminals disposed over the insulation member are each electrically connected to a corresponding photo diode unit. |
| US08357956B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus
A solid-state imaging apparatus, controlling a potential on a semiconductor substrate for an electronic shutter operation, includes: a first semiconductor region of the first conductivity type for forming a photoelectric conversion region; a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type, formed separately from the photoelectric conversion region, for accumulating carriers; a third semiconductor region of a second conductivity type arranged under the second semiconductor region, for operating as a potential barrier; a fourth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type extending between the first semiconductor region and the semiconductor substrate, and between the third semiconductor region and the semiconductor substrate; and a first voltage supply portion for supplying a voltage to the third semiconductor region; wherein the first voltage supply portion includes a fifth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type arranged in the pixel region, and a first electrode connected to the fifth semiconductor region. |
| US08357955B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor integrated circuit, wherein a desired circuit is formed by combining and laying out a plurality of standard cells and connecting the cells together, of which the cell length, i.e., the gap between a pair of opposed sides, is standardized, the plurality of standard cells forming the desired circuit include complementary in-phase driven standard cells, each of which includes a plurality of complementary transistor pairs that are complementary in conductivity type to each other and have their gate electrodes connected together, and N (≧2) pairs of all the complementary transistor pairs are driven in phase, and the size of the standardized cell length of the complementary in-phase driven standard cell is defined as an M-fold cell length which is M (N≧M≧2) times the basic cell length which is appropriate to the single complementary transistor pair. |
| US08357953B2 |
Bipolar transistor with low resistance base contact
Embodiments of the present invention provide a bipolar transistor with low resistance base contact and method of manufacturing the same. The bipolar transistor includes an emitter, a collector, and an intrinsic base between the emitter and the collector. The intrinsic base extends laterally to an extrinsic base. The extrinsic base further includes a first semiconductor material with a first bandgap and a second semiconductor material with a second bandgap that is smaller than the first bandgap. |
| US08357922B2 |
Nanodevice, transistor comprising the nanodevice, method for manufacturing the nanodevice, and method for manufacturing the transistor
A nanodevice, a transistor including the nanodevice, a method of manufacturing the nanodevice, and a method of manufacturing the transistor including the nanodevice are provided. The nanodevice includes a substrate, a mask layer located on the substrate and having at least one opening, and a nanotube formed on the substrate through the opening along an edge of the opening. The nanotube extends through the opening in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. |
| US08357909B2 |
Light or radiation detector and method of manufacturing the same
In the light or radiation detector of this invention, each of the molding structure, the first member, and the second member is formed such that the molding structure to protect the conversion layer and voltage application electrode has the resistance higher than the first member composed of the planar conductive buffer that is laminated on the (light or radiation) incident surface side of the molding structure, and that the first member mentioned above has the resistance higher than the second member composed of the planar conductive member that is laminated on the incident surface side of the first member. Consequently, occurrence of the noise from the static electricity may be suppressed. |
| US08357908B2 |
Radiation detecting cassette and radiation image picking-up system
A wireless communication control unit controls a transmitting and receiving apparatus so as to prohibit transmission of radiation image information to the outside by wireless communication or power supply from the outside to an electric power source by wireless communication in accordance with an exposure detecting signal from an exposure detecting unit or a conversion detecting signal from a conversion detecting unit. Thus, this can control the transmitting and receiving apparatus not to carry out, at the same period of time, the irradiation of a radiation (X) to a radiation detector, a conversion operation of the radiation image information in the radiation detector, and wireless communication by the transmitting and receiving apparatus. |
| US08357905B2 |
Method and apparatus for radiation imaging
This invention relates to a method and an apparatus, primarily a radiation imaging apparatus and an array of coded aperture masks, for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine. The coded aperture masks are fitted with radiation attenuation tubes, each of which extends from each side of the mask in the direction of the mask apertures. The tubes are made from lead and have parallel sides. The masks are configured for gamma ray usage and are made from tungsten having a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm. |
| US08357902B2 |
Apparatus for detecting and imaging explosives on a suicide bomber
An apparatus designed for generating and detecting reflected Terahertz waves using a single pixel Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) or Charge Couple Device (CCD) camera is described. Optical alignment between the components is not necessary since the Terahertz waves can propagate from the source to a collimating lens using a metal wire that can be bent obviating the need to have a clear line of sight from the lens to the source or to the camera. The present invention is well-suited for high traffic physical locations currently under surveillance such as security check points and also venues demanding significantly less obtrusive surveillance such as revolving entry doors, moving walkways, and entry gates for airplanes. |
| US08357899B2 |
Color correction circuitry and methods for dual-band imaging systems
An imaging system may include a dual-band image sensor that captures visible and near-infrared light and image processing circuitry that performs color corrections on images captured by the dual-band image sensor. The image processing circuitry may analyze each captured image in two different color spaces to determine what type of light source lit each image. The image processing circuitry may determine whether an image was lit by a light source having a relatively high proportion of near-infrared emissions such as an incandescent light, a light source having a relatively low proportion of near-infrared emissions such as a fluorescent light, or a light source having an intermediate proportion of near-infrared emissions such as sunlight or other blackbody radiator. After determining what type of light source lit an image, the image processing circuitry may adjust color balances in that image using a color correction matrix associated with that type of light source. |
| US08357893B2 |
Ion mobility sensor system
An ion mobility sensor system including an ion mobility spectrometer and a differential mobility spectrometer coupled to the ion mobility spectrometer. The ion mobility spectrometer has a first chamber having first end and a second end extending along a first direction, and a first electrode system that generates a constant electric field parallel to the first direction. The differential mobility spectrometer includes a second chamber having a third end and a fourth end configured such that a fluid may flow in a second direction from the third end to the fourth end, and a second electrode system that generates an asymmetric electric field within an interior of the second chamber. Additionally, the ion mobility spectrometer and the differential mobility spectrometer form an interface region. Also, the first end and the third end are positioned facing one another so that the constant electric field enters the third end and overlaps the fluid flowing in the second direction. |
| US08357889B2 |
Circuits, systems and methods for vertical and horizontal light beam alignment
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to circuits, systems and methods that can be used to detect light beam misalignment, so that compensation for such misalignment can be performed. In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes a photo-detector (PD) having a plurality of electrically isolated PD segments. Additionally, the circuit has circuitry, including switches, configured to control how currents indicative of light detected by the plurality of electrically isolated PD segments are arithmetically combined. When the switches are in a first configuration, a signal produced by the circuitry is indicative of vertical light beam alignment. When the switches are in a second configuration, the signal produced by the circuitry is indicative of horizontal light beam alignment. The signals indicative of vertical light beam alignment and horizontal light beam alignment can be used detect light beam misalignment, so that compensation for such misalignment can be performed. |
| US08357885B2 |
Microwave furnace
A system for melting a substance may be provided. The system may comprise at least one burner probe. The at least one burner probe may comprise an absorber and a first wave guide configured to transmit microwaves. The absorber may be configured to receive the microwaves from the first wave guide and to convert energy from the microwaves into heat. The system may further comprise a second wave guide and a rotating wave guide. The rotating wave guide may be positioned between the first wave guide and the second wave guide. The rotating wave guide may comprise a plurality of sections configured to rotate about a central axis. The rotating wave guide may be configured to rotate approximately 90 degrees. For example, the rotating wave guide may comprise three sections wherein each one of the three sections may be configured to rotate approximately 30 degrees. |
| US08357882B2 |
Induction heated server
An induction heatable server comprises a base element having top and bottom elements, said bottom element having a peripheral wall defining an upwardly opening cavity in which are disposed a heat retentive disc and a ring member which is bonded to the peripheral wall. A top element extends over the ring member and seals the cavity. The top element and ring member are bonded to the peripheral wall of the bottom element to preclude moisture penetration into the cavity. |
| US08357880B2 |
Far infrared ray ceramic plate heating module
A far infrared ray ceramic flat plate heating module is provided. The far infrared ray ceramic flat plate heating module includes a ceramic heat-generating flat plate, an integrated terminal block for electrical distribution, a metal plate and a metal frame. The ceramic heat-generating flat plate includes a ceramic flat plate, a heat-generating film coated on a surface of the ceramic flat plate, silver paste electrodes configured on and coupled to two opposite sides of the heat-generating film, a first insulating layer coated on the heat-generating film and the silver paste electrodes, a temperature sensor configured by forming a temperature sensing paint layer on the first insulating layer, and a second insulating layer formed on the temperature sensor. The integrated terminal block is secured on the metal plate. The metal frame is disposed surrounding the periphery of the metal plate and the ceramic heat-generating flat plate. |
| US08357875B2 |
Laser sealing of packages
A device for welding a plurality of foils to one another by means of a laser, for use in a packaging machine, comprises a clamping unit configured for applying pressure to a plurality of foils in a predetermined area as well as for conducting the laser radiation used for the purpose of welding to this area. A method for welding a plurality of foils to one another by means of a laser in a sealing station comprises welding the foils to one another along a sealing seam by means of the radiation of the laser while pressing them together in the area of the sealing seam. |
| US08357872B2 |
Pipe-processing, in particular a pipe-cutting apparatus
A pipe processing apparatus containing a gripping mechanism with bracing rollers, further a drive wheel which is rotationally supported on the pipe processing apparatus and axially parallel to the bracing rollers and is positioned/positionable by its tread at such a site where said tread can make contact with the pipe held by the bracing rollers and can rotate said pipe by static friction; and a drive system to actuate the drive wheel. |
| US08357870B1 |
Intelligent stepper welding system and method
An intelligent stepper system and method for controlling weld current in a welding operation includes a welder welding a plurality of spot welds in succession and a controller incrementally increasing the weld current by a first fixed amount or percentage at each of the plurality of spot welds. Weld spatter is sensed at each of the plurality of spot welds and weld current is decreased by a second fixed amount or percentage when weld spatter is sensed. |
| US08357869B2 |
Switch assembly with a capacitor, and capacitor for a switch assembly
The invention relates to a switch assembly including a switch component, a switch housing, an electrical contact region, one or more user control elements, and a receiving region for a capacitor element. The capacitor element can be plugged by its contact elements into a receiving region of the switch housing. The invention also relates to a switch assembly with a plug-in capacitor element. |
| US08357867B2 |
Controller unit for switching device
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a controller unit for a switching device. The controller unit includes a body part and an operating axle, which is turnable between a closed position and an open position in relation to the body part and is functionally connectable to contacts of the switching device to change respective states of the contacts between the closed position and the open position. The controller also includes a control axle that is turned by a user between an off-position and an on-position in relation to the body part and is functionally connected to turn the operating axle. A tripping assembly is functionally connected to the operating axle such that the tripping event of the tripping assembly turns the operating axle from the closed position to the open position. Connecting means selectably connect the control axle to the tripping assembly. |
| US08357866B1 |
Toggle switch cover adapter
A weatherproof toggle switch cover adapter assembly comprises a cover plate adapted for placement over a toggle switch and coupling with an electrical junction box. A lever rotationally pivotably coupled with the cover plate is in mechanical communication with the toggle switch through a yoke. When the lever is moved to an on position, the toggle switch also moves to an on position. The yoke comprises two opposing tines defining a yoke spanning gap having a perimeter edge, the yoke spanning gap sized to straddle the toggle switch. An adapter ring comprising an external perimeter edge and an internal perimeter edge is interposed between the yoke and the toggle switch. The external perimeter edge is in communication with the perimeter edge of the yoke. The internal perimeter edge is inside two opposing tines and is disposed about an adapter spanning gap sized to straddle the toggle switch. |
| US08357865B2 |
Keypad illumination apparatus
A keypad illumination apparatus having a key plate member, a flexible light guide film, a reflective layer, a plurality of metal domes, a light source and a substrate. The key plate member may have a plurality of keys formed thereon. The flexible light guide film is configured to transmit light from the light source and has a plurality of plunging structures and apertures to accommodate the plurality of metal domes, which may be configured to actuate a plurality of electrical switches on the substrate. |
| US08357864B2 |
Handlebar switch assembly
A handlebar switch assembly for enhancing operability of a shift-up switch and a shift-down switch separately provided on a switch case. Viewing a switch case from an axis line direction of a handlebar, four zones are defined with the axis line, a rear upper zone and a rear lower zone, both located opposite to an occupant, and a front upper zone and a front lower zone, both located on the vehicle front side. A first shift switch and a second shift switch are swing-type switches in which operating elements swing when a pushing force is applied. The shift-up switch is located in the front lower zone so as to orient one end of its operating element outward in the vehicle transverse direction and the shift-down switch is located in the rear lower zone so as to orient one end of its operating element outward in the vehicle transverse direction. |
| US08357862B2 |
Pressurized rotary machine with hermetically sealed connections
Pressurized rotary machine comprising a canned or sleeved assembly of which the electrical connections are connected to the outside of the machine by an electric supply duct, the electrical connections passing from the canned or sleeved assembly to the outside via the electric supply duct by passing in succession through first, second and third hermetically sealed bushings, none of these hermetically sealed bushings through which the electrical connections pass being exposed to a pressurized gas. |
| US08357860B2 |
Wiring board having a connecting pad area which is smaller than a surface plating layer area
A wiring board has predetermined numbers of wiring layers and insulating layers among the respective wiring layers. The wiring board has an external connecting pad and a surface plating layer for connecting to an external circuit is arranged on the external connecting pad. An area of an external connecting pad is smaller than an area of a surface plating layer thereof. |
| US08357857B2 |
Cable holding device
An exemplary cable holding device includes a supporting member and sliding bars. The supporting member includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced from the first sidewall, and a bottom connecting the first sidewall to the second sidewall. Each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall defines through holes. Each bar slidably extends through a corresponding one of the through holes. The cables pass over ends of the sliding bars between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. |
| US08357855B2 |
Communication cable of high capacity
In communication cable of high capacity, conductor of diameter d is coated by insulation material to form wire of diameter D, plural number of the wire are twisted by pitch p to form pairs, plural number of the pairs are twisted by collective pitch P. The communication cable of high capacity has sheath wrapping the pairs, and impedance (Z) of the wire is from 90 to 110, and, diameter (d) of the conductor is from 0.48 mm to 0.65 mm, and diameter (D) of wire is from 0.8 mm to 1.15 mm, and the pitch (p) is from 7 mm to 30 mm, and the collective pitch (P) is from 40 mm to 150 mm, and relative ratio of diameter of wires to diameter of conductor D/d is from 1.625 to 1.835. |
| US08357854B2 |
Push plug system and method
A push plug designed to interact with and seal an open end of a length of conduit containing a cable. The plug is comprised of a cap, a neck, and a body. The body contains a number of saw-toothed annular ridges. The plug is manufactured from an elastomeric material which allows the plug to be inserted into a conduit opening of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the saw toothed ridges which creates a frictional seal which resists removal of the plug. The plug body further contains passages running longitudinally through the center of the plug. These passages allow cable run through the conduit to be drawn through the plug and inserted through a thin, flexible membrane covering the plug cap. |
| US08357853B1 |
Rapid mount electrical cable entry device with flexible slotted insert
A rapid mount electrical cable entry device including a rigid low voltage frame and a flexible slotted insert for routing low voltage cables through walls. The low voltage frame includes a plate with an opening therein defining an inner periphery on the plate at the opening. The low voltage frame includes mounting fasteners with attached clamp arms for securing the frame to a wall. The slotted insert includes a flexible panel with a hole therein and a plurality of open slots extending radially from the hole. The slots enable the cable entry device to accommodate passage of low voltage cables there. The slots define flaps that close around the cables after they are inserted therein, thus closing the area around the periphery of the inserted cables. Wall preparation requires only a hole saw, which minimizes installation time. |
| US08357852B2 |
Latching floor box cover
An electrical box cover includes a frame securable to an electrical box. The frame defines an opening to permit access to the electrical box. A lid is pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between an open and closed position. A lid biasing device is disposed between the lid and the frame, the lid biasing device urging the lid away from the closed position. A latch is disposed on the frame and movable between a latched and unlatched position. The latch, when in the latched position, engages the lid and retaining the lid in the closed position. When the latch is in the unlatched position, the lid biasing device lifts at least a portion of the lid at least partially above the frame. |
| US08357851B2 |
Fiber distribution hub with dual swing frames
The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications distribution cabinet having a cabinet housing in which a first swing frame and a second swing frame are pivotably mounted. |
| US08357846B2 |
Novelty food and beverage vessel and coin bank
A vessel for containing substances includes a body adapted to containing beverages or snacks, a light source, a sound module, activation switches, and a power source. The body may be provided in the shape of a guitar or other musical instrument, and may optionally include a threaded opening for receiving the substances and apertures adapted to receive ends of a strap so the vessel may be worn or otherwise supported. The vessel may further include a closure having an opening adapted to receive a straw or coins. A removable insert may be provided to slide into the opening formed in the body and rest therein. |
| US08357845B2 |
Nanotubes as mitochondrial uncouplers
A method of uncoupling mitochondria in a subject including administering nanotubes to the subject in a therapeutically effective amount, wherein the nanotubes are self-rectifying is provided. A method of decreasing reactive oxygen species and decreasing detrimental loading of Ca2+ into mitochondria is provided, including administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of nanotubes into the subject. A method of reducing weight, treating cancer, reducing the effects of traumatic brain injury, or reducing the effects of ageing, in a subject including administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of nanotubes into the subject is also provided. |
| US08357839B1 |
Maize variety X4F694
A novel maize variety designated X4F694 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 X4F694 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X4F694 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X4F694, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X4F694. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X4F694 and to the maize varieties derived by the use of those methods. |
| US08357837B2 |
Fertility restoration for ogura cytoplasmic male sterile Brassica and method
A Brassica plant comprising a unique recombination event resulting from a break at a position along a nucleic acid segment derived from Ogura Raphanus sativus between the restorer locus and the glucosinolate locus and subsequent rejoining to produce a new recombination event, BLR1. The BLR1 recombination event expresses fertility restoring resulting from expression of the restorer gene derived from Raphanus sativus and a GSL content no higher than normal double low open pollinated varieties. The Brassica inbred line BLR-038, Deposit Number NCIMB-41193, is one example of a plant that contains the BLR1 recombination event. The BLR1 recombination event is introgressed into different Brassica genetic backgrounds using breeding techniques known to those skilled in the art. For example, the Brassica inbred line BLR-038 or another Brassica plant containing the BLR1 recombination event may be crossed with male sterile inbreds to produce hybrids expressing low GSL content and superior agronomic traits. |
| US08357831B2 |
Surgical packing devices
Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving hemostasis in patients who have received skin-penetrating wounds to the body in regions such as the shoulder, pelvis, neck, or groin, where standard bandages are difficult to apply and where large blood vessels exist which can hemorrhage severely. Such haemostatic packing devices and methods are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery, or military setting. The devices utilize packing pillows that are held in place by rigid structures that can cause the packing pillows to be brought into the wounds and be held in place while the packing pillows are inflated to fill the wounds, prevent bleeding, and tamponade hemorrhaging large blood vessels exposed therein. |
| US08357830B2 |
Monoalkylated aromatic compound production
A process for producing a monoalkylated aromatic compound in an alkylation reaction zone, comprising providing upstream of said alkylation reaction zone a reactive guard bed having a catalyst of *BEA, MWW, or FAU framework structure and an alkylation feed wherein at least a portion of any reactive impurities are removed from the alkylation feed to form an effluent; and providing the effluent and a first catalytic particulate material which comprises MCM-56 and an alumina binder sized 50-60 mesh and having a ratio of surface area over volume ratio in the range of 241 to 2867 cm-1 and optionally additional alkylating agent to said alkylation reaction zone; and contacting said alkylatable aromatic compound and said alkylating agent with said catalytic particulate material in said alkylation reaction zone maintained under alkylation conditions, to form a product comprised of said monoalkylated aromatic compound. |
| US08357829B2 |
α-olefin/isobutene diblock copolymers
The present invention relates to diblock copolymers of the formula A-B which are formed from a polymer block A which is formed essentially from α-olefin units having from 6 to 22 carbon atoms, and a polymer block B which is formed essentially from isobutene units, to a process for their preparation, to their use in lubricant compositions and to lubricant compositions which comprise such diblock copolymers. |
| US08357827B2 |
Process for the continuous preparation of nitrobenzene
Nitrobenzene is continuously produced by nitration of benzene with mixed acid under adiabatic conditions. In this process, the pressure upstream of the nitration reactor is from 14 bar to 40 bar above the pressure in the gas phase of the phase separation apparatus used to separate crude nitrobenzene and waste acid. |
| US08357826B2 |
Methods and apparatus for synthesis of alcohols from syngas
This invention provides a method for producing ethanol and 2-propanol from syngas, the method comprising: (a) converting syngas into methanol using a methanol-synthesis catalyst; (b) converting methanol into ethylene and propylene using a methanol-to-olefins catalyst; and (c) hydrating ethylene into ethanol and propylene into 2-propanol. As taught herein, the combined yield of the ethanol and the 2-propanol from biomass can be at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In certain embodiments, the yield of ethanol is at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In some embodiments, the yield of 2-propanol is at least 50 gallons per dry ton biomass. |
| US08357825B2 |
Process for the production of a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, or an alkanolamine
A process for preparing a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether or an alkanolamine comprising converting an olefin oxide, wherein the olefin oxide has been obtained by a process for the epoxidation of an olefin, said process comprising using a catalyst comprising a carrier and silver deposited thereon, wherein the carrier comprises at least 85 weight percent α-alumina and has a surface area of at least 1.3 m2/g, a median pore diameter of more than 0.8 μm, and a pore size distribution wherein at least 80% of the total pore is contained in pores with diameters in the range of from 0.1 to 10 μm, and at least 80% of the pore volume contained in the pores with diameters in the range of from 0.1 to 10 μm is contained in pores with diameters in the range of from 0.3 to 10 μm. |
| US08357822B2 |
Process for producing high-purity chlorophosphite
There is provided a process capable of preventing the adhesion of a catalyst to an evaporator in a step of separating a chlorophosphite as a target substance from a reaction liquid by evaporation. The process includes a first step of allowing phosphorus trichloride and a phosphorous acid triester represented by (RO)3P to react in the presence of a catalyst having a viscosity at 80° C. of 100 mPa·s or lower to produce a chlorophosphite represented by RO(R′)PCl, and a second step of vaporizing a reaction liquid containing the chlorophosphite obtained in the first step, in a short time, to separate the catalyst. |
| US08357817B2 |
Sulfone hybrid precursor, method of synthesizing same, and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a novel sulfone hybrid precursor, to the synthesis method thereof, and to the uses thereof, particularly for preparing proton-exchanging electrolyte membranes as the functional hybrid charge in a host structure; for the manufacture of functional hybrid nanoparticles by sol-gel polymerization; for the use as a fluidifying agent; for the production of surface coverings through chemical grafting by means of sol-gel polymerization; for the use as a hygroscopic agent; and for the use as a bonding or structuring agent. |
| US08357814B2 |
Method of purifying interesterified oils
[Problems] To provide a method of purifying interesterified oils, which is capable of efficiently purifying the interesterified oil through a series of steps effectively solving a problem of decreased oxidation stability of the interesterified oil that is purified and a problem of color tone.[Means for Solution] Water is added and mixed into an interesterified oil of animal/vegetable fat and oil in an amount of 0.30 to 5.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the interesterified oil, followed by dehydration. Thereafter, a decolorizing treatment is conducted by adding an adsorbent thereto, and filtration is conducted to remove soaps, an alkali catalyst and the adsorbent contained in the interesterified oil. |
| US08357813B2 |
Process for the production of an olefin oxide
The invention provides a process for the epoxidation of an olefin, which process comprises reacting a feed comprising an olefin and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a carrier and silver deposited on the carrier, which carrier comprises at least 85 weight percent α-alumina and has a surface area of at least 1.3 m2/g, a median pore diameter of more than 0.8 μm, and a pore size distribution wherein at least 80% of the total pore volume is contained in pores with diameters in the range of from 0.1 to 10 μm and at least 80% of the pore volume contained in the pores with diameters in the range of from 0.1 to 10 μm is contained in pores with diameters in the range of from 0.3 to 10 μm. |
| US08357812B2 |
Process for preparing a rejuvenated epoxidation catalyst
A process for preparing a rejuvenated epoxidation catalyst, for the epoxidation of one or more olefins using the rejuvenated epoxidation catalyst to produce olefin oxide, and for the production of a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, or an alkanol amine from the olefin oxide, the process comprising: providing a quantity of spent epoxidation catalyst having a cumulative alkylene oxide production of 0.16 kT/m3 of the spent epoxidation catalyst or more; and, depositing additional silver on the spent epoxidation catalyst in an amount of 0.2% w or more, based on the weight of the spent epoxidation catalyst. |
| US08357809B2 |
Acyclic IKur inhibitors
A compound of formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are described herein. |
| US08357802B2 |
Process for preparing oxymorphone
Methods are provided which include converting oripavine to other opiates, including converting oripavine to naltrexone, buprenorphine, 14-hydroxymorphinone and/or converting 14-hydroxymorphinone to oxymorphone. Purification and salt formation are optionally included. |
| US08357796B2 |
PGG separation and purification
A simple, inexpensive, and efficient method for separation and purification of the α-and β-forms of penta-O-galloyl-D-glucose (PGG) without the need for HPLC. The methods provided herein are useful for separation α-PGG or β-PGG from a mixture containing α-PGG and β-PGG and other chemicals. The method for separation of α-PGG from a mixture of α-PGG and β-PGG comprises the steps of: adding water to a sample containing 50% or more α-PGG and 50% or less β-PGG; mixing the PGG and water to dissolve the PGG; filtering out any undissolved particles; and allowing the filtered solution to stand undisturbed until crystals form. |
| US08357791B2 |
DNA and proteins or peptides specific of bacteria of the Neisseria meningitidis species, methods for obtaining them and biological applications thereof
The DNA of the invention are characterized in that they concern the whole or part of genes, with their reading frame, to be found in Neisseria meningitidis, but not in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or in Neisseria lactamica except the genes involved in the biosynthesis of the polysaccharide capsule, frp A, frp C, opc, por A, rotamase the sequence IC1106, IgA protease, pilline, pilC, transferrin binding proteins and opacity proteins. The invention also concerns the polypeptides corresponding to these DNA and the antibodies directed against these polypeptides. It is applicable in the prevention and the detection of meningococcus induced infections and meningitis. |
| US08357782B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies specific for human interferon-alpha subtype alpha 8
The present invention has the first object to provide a monoclonal antibody specific to interferon α subtype α8 (IFNα8) and its mutant proteins, the second object to provide a hybridoma capable of producing the monoclonal antibody, the third object to provide a method for detecting the IFNα8 and its mutant proteins by the monoclonal antibody, the fourth object to provide a method for purifying the IFNα8 and its mutant proteins by the monoclonal antibody, and the fifth object to provide a therapeutic agent for treating diseases whose onsets or exacerbation are related with IFNα8. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a monoclonal antibody specific to IFNα8 and its mutant proteins, a hybridoma capable of producing the monoclonal antibody, a method for detecting the IFNα8 and its mutant proteins by immunoreaction using the monoclonal antibody, a method for purifying the IFNα8 and its mutant proteins using the monoclonal antibody, and a therapeutic agent for treating diseases whose onsets or exacerbation are related with IFNα8, which contains the monoclonal antibody as an effective ingredient. |
| US08357780B2 |
Polypeptides, antibody variable domains and antagonists methods for
The invention relates to anti-IL-1R1 polypeptides and antibody single variable domains (dAbs) that are resistant to degradation by a protease, as well as antagonists comprising these. The polypeptides, dAbs and antagonists are useful for as therapeutics and/or prophylactics that are likely to encounter proteases when administered to a patient, for example for pulmonary administration, oral administration, delivery to the lung and delivery to the GI tract of a patient, as well as for treating inflammatory disease, such as arthritis or COPD. |
| US08357771B2 |
Production of ophthalmic devices based on photo-induced step growth polymerization
The invention provide a new lens curing method for making hydrogel contact lenses. The new lens curing method is based on actinically-induced step-growth polymerization. The invention also provides hydrogel contact lenses prepared from the method of the invention and fluid compositions for making hydrogel contact lenses based on the new lens curing method. In addition, the invention provide prepolymers capable of undergoing actinically-induced step-growth polymerization to form hydrogel contact lenses. |
| US08357770B2 |
Oligoaniline compound and use thereof
Disclosed is an oligoaniline compound represented by the formula (1), (2), (3) or (4) below, which exhibits high solubility in a low-polarity solvent. This oligoaniline compound is suitable as a charge-transporting material which enables to realize excellent device characteristics such as low driving voltage when applied to an OLED device. (In the formulae, R1-R20 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an amino group, a silanol group, a thiol group, a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphate group, a phosphoric acid ester group, an ester group, a thioester group, an amide group, a nitro group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, an organoxy group, an organoamino group, an organosilyl group, an organothio group, an acyl group or a sulfonic group; m, n, l and k independently represent an integer respectively satisfying 1≦m≦20, 1≦n≦20, 1≦l≦20 and 1≦k≦20; and X represents a fluorinated aryl group). |
| US08357764B2 |
Fast curable epoxy compositions containing imidazole- and 1-(aminoalkyl) imidazole-isocyanate adducts
Epoxy curing agents comprising imidazole-isocyanate adducts, including 1-(aminoalkyl)imidazole-isocyanate adducts and especially 1-(3-aminopropyl)imidazole-isocyanate adducts, and their use as curing agents in heat curable one-component epoxy resin compositions. Epoxy curing agents comprising imidazole-isocyanate adducts comprising the reaction product of at least one imidazole, at least one polyisocyanate and at least one diamine. |
| US08357761B2 |
Polymer composition, transferring belt for electrophotography, image-forming apparatus and method for producing polymer composition
A polymer composition containing two kinds of polymers and having a difference in its glass transition temperature of 3° C. or lower between before and after heat-treatment by getting it through a space between two parallel faces in a molten state. |
| US08357759B2 |
Reactive block copolymers
A process for making a block copolymer compatibilizer, comprising reacting an acrylic monomer that has functional groups with one or more vinyl monomers in the presence of a free radical initiator and a stable free radical to form a reaction product that includes residual unreacted acrylic monomer, and reacting one or more vinyl monomers with the reaction product to form a second block that incorporates the residual unreacted acrylic monomer. A blend composition comprising a first thermoplastic polymer, which has functional groups, a reactive block copolymer that has functional groups in two or more blocks, and a second thermoplastic polymer that is compatible with one block of the block copolymer, where the functional groups in the first thermoplastic react with the functional groups in the block copolymer. |
| US08357758B2 |
Modified natural rubber particle, production method thereof, and modified natural rubber latex
A modified natural rubber particle having carbon-carbon double bonds assigned to multifunctional vinyl monomers graft-copolymerized onto the surface of the modified natural rubber particle, which is prepared by graft-copolymerization of multifunctional vinyl monomers having two or more carbon-carbon double bonds onto natural rubber particles or deproteinized natural rubber particles. One of the methods for producing a modified natural rubber particle includes the steps of: forming inclusion complex of the multifunctional vinyl monomers having two or more carbon-carbon double bonds with a guest-protecting agent to protect at least one of the double bonds of the multifunctional vinyl monomers; graft-copolymerizing the resulting inclusion complex onto natural rubber particles or deproteinized natural rubber particles; and deprotecting the protected double bonds by removing the guest-protecting agent from the obtained graft-copolymer. |
| US08357752B2 |
Tinted spray buff and tiecoat
A tinted coating for a hard-surfaced floor, such as a hardwood floor, includes a base component and at least one colorant. The base component comprises an acrylic polymer and water, and the colorant is selected from the group consisting of a tint, a dye, and a pigment. The tinted coating is either a tinted tiecoat or a tinted spray buff. The tinted coating is used to improve the appearance of the hard-surfaced floor. |
| US08357750B2 |
Adhesive composition and film adhesive
The adhesive composition according to the present invention includes a resin containing a polymer having an alkoxystyrene structure as a repeating unit, and an acid generator. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a novel adhesive composition which is excellent in heat resistance and which is easily stripped. |
| US08357748B2 |
Peroxide curable fluoroelastomer compositions and articles made therefrom
Peroxide curable fluoroelastomer compositions and articles made therefrom are disclosed. The compositions contain 5 to 45 weight percent, based on total weight of all fluoroelastomers present in the composition, of a blend of dynamically cured fluoroelastomer particles in an uncured fluoroelastomer. The compositions are unfilled, but have tensile properties adequate for many end use applications and are particularly useful as seals in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. |
| US08357747B2 |
Polymer compositions comprising fluoro elastomers and expanded perlite
The present invention describes polymer compositions comprising fluoroelastomer and expanded perlite and uses thereof. |
| US08357742B2 |
Vibration damping material
A resin composition for a vibration damping material, comprising a polyester resin mainly formed of a dicarboxylic acid constitutional unit and a diol constitutional unit; and a filler, in which the polyester resin contains: a dicarboxylic acid constitutional unit (A) mainly derived from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, in particular, isophthalic acid; a diol constitutional unit (B) mainly derived from ethylene glycol; and a constitutional unit (C) formed of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, an aliphatic diol, and/or an aliphatic hydroxycarboxylic acid each having 5 or more carbon atoms, and the resin composition contains, as the filler, a flake-like or plate-like filler (D) and a filler (E) made of a particulate metal oxide. |
| US08357741B2 |
Polymer composition having heat-absorbing properties and improved colour properties
The present invention relates to a polymer composition which absorbs infrared (IR) radiation, containing a transparent thermoplastic plastic, an inorganic infrared absorber and at least one inorganic nano-scale pigment, and to the preparation and use of the polymer compositions according to the invention, and to products produced therefrom. In particular, the present invention relates to polymer compositions comprising a. at least one transparent thermoplastic material; b. at least one inorganic IR absorber which comprises a tungsten compound and wherein the IR absorber is present in an amount of from 0.0075 wt. % to 0.0750 wt. %, calculated as solids content of tungstate in the total composition; and c. at least one inorganic, nano-scale pigment present in an amount of from 0.0005 wt. % to 0.0035 wt. %, based on the total composition; and d. optionally further additives. |
| US08357740B2 |
Co-curable, conductive surfacing films for lightning strike and electromagnetic interference shielding of thermoset composite materials
Embodiments of the present disclosure present electrically conductive, thermosetting compositions for use in surfacing films and adhesives. The surfacing films possess enhanced electrical conductivity, comparable to metals, without the use of embedded metal screens or foils. Such surfacing films may be incorporated into composite structures (e.g., prepregs, tapes, and fabrics), for example, by co-curing, as an outermost surface layer. In particular, compositions formed using silver flakes as conductive fillers are found to exhibit very high electrical conductivity. For example, compositions including greater than 45 wt. % silver flake exhibit resistivities less than about 55 mΩ/sq. In this manner, the surfacing films as an outermost conductive layer may provide lighting strike protection (LSP) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding when used in applications such as aircraft components. |
| US08357735B2 |
Block copolymer and polymer modified bituminous binder composition for use in base course asphalt paving application
The present invention provides a polymeric composition that includes a coupled block copolymer having a plurality of arms comprising at least two blocks of a monovinylaromatic hydrocarbon that are located on at least two of the plurality of arms, and at least one block of a conjugated diene located on at least one of the plurality of arms, and optionally one or more block copolymers comprising at least one block of monovinylaromatic hydrocarbon and at least one block of a conjugated diene, the block copolymer may be selected from linear copolymers, linear triblock copolymers, multiarm coupled block copolymers, and mixtures thereof. The molecular weight of the polymeric composition is in the range from about 100 kg/mol to about 400 kg/mol. |
| US08357727B2 |
Durable foam of olefin polymers, methods of making foam and articles prepared from same
Olefin polymer-based, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature. |
| US08357724B2 |
Method for controlling the stability or the droplets size of simple water-in-oil emulsions, and stabilized simple water-in-oil emulsions
The invention concerns a process for controlling the stability or the droplets sized of simple water-in-oil emulsions, wherein a di-block or tri-block copolymer is used. A block is a hydrophilic block, the other block is a hydrophobic block. The invention concerns also a stabilized water-in-oil emulsion. |
| US08357723B2 |
Prodrugs containing novel bio-cleavable linkers
The invention provides the compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of formula I or intermediates thereof and one more of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, vehicles or diluents. The invention further provides methods of preparation and methods of use of prodrugs including NO-releasing prodrugs, double prodrugs and mutual prodrugs comprising the compounds of formula I. |
| US08357718B2 |
Compounds and methods for the treatment or prevention of flavivirus infections
Compounds represented by formula: wherein X, Y and Z are as defined herein, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and related compounds, are suitable for use in treating or preventing a Flaviviridae viral infection in a host. |
| US08357717B2 |
Spiro group-containing amide compounds having bradykinin 1 receptor (B1R) activity
Substituted spiroamide compounds corresponding to formula (I): wherein A, B, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, R1, R8, R9a, R9b, R12, R13, R200 and R210 have defined meanings, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and the use of such compounds for treating or inhibiting pain or other conditions mediated at least in part by the bradykinin 1 receptor (B1R). |
| US08357716B2 |
Pyrazole derivatives used as CCR4 receptor antagonists
Indazole compounds, processes for their preparation, intermediates usable in these processes, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and their use in therapy. |
| US08357714B2 |
Compositions and methods for non-surgical treatment of ptosis
Provided are pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use of the compositions, for the non-surgical treatment of ptosis (eyelid droop). In one embodiment the composition includes oxymetazoline 0.1% formulated for topical administration to an eye. In one embodiment the composition includes a synergistic combination of oxymetazoline and phenylephrine, formulated for topical administration to an eye. Oxymetazoline alone causes no pupillary dilation (mydriasis), and a synergistic combination of oxymetazoline and phenylephrine induces no clinically significant mydriasis. In addition to providing desirable cosmetic effects, the compositions and methods of the invention can improve visual fields otherwise compromised by ptosis. |
| US08357709B2 |
2,4-disubstituted pyrrolidine orexin receptor antagonists
The present invention is directed to 2,4-disubstituted pyrrolidine amide compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors, and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. |
| US08357707B2 |
2-carboxamide cycloamino ureas
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I and salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as defined in the description, to compositions and use of the compounds in the treatment of diseases ameliorated by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. |
| US08357706B2 |
Sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor modulators and methods of chiral synthesis
Compounds that selectively modulate the sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor are provided including compounds which modulate subtype 1 of the S1P receptor. Methods of chiral synthesis of such compounds is provided. Uses, methods of treatment or prevention and methods of preparing inventive compositions including inventive compounds are provided in connection with the treatment or prevention of diseases, malconditions, and disorders for which modulation of the sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor is medically indicated. |
| US08357705B2 |
Substituted cyclohexyldiamines
The invention relates to compounds that have an affinity to the μ-opioid receptor and the ORL 1-receptor, methods for their production, medications containing these compounds and the use of these compounds for the treatment of pain or other conditions. |
| US08357704B2 |
Fused heterocyclic compounds as inhibitors of potassium channel function
A compound of formula I wherein m, n, A, B, D, E, G, H, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R8, are described herein. |
| US08357703B2 |
Pyridines
The present invention is concerned with novel isoxazoles of formula I wherein X, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as described herein, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. The active compounds of the present invention have affinity and selectivity for GABA A α5 receptor. Further the present invention is concerned with the manufacture of the active compounds of formula I, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutics. |
| US08357702B2 |
Bicyclic derivatives as modulators of voltage gated ion channels
Bicyclic derivatives useful as ion channel antagonists are disclosed herein. The compositions thereof are useful for treating or relieving pain-related conditions. |
| US08357699B2 |
6-aminoisoquinoline compounds
6-Amino isoquinoline compounds are provided that influence, inhibit or reduce the action of a kinase. Pharmaceutical compositions including therapeutically effective amounts of the 6-aminoisoquinoline compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are also provided. Various methods using the compounds and/or compositions to affect disease states or conditions such as cancer, obesity and glaucoma are also provided. |
| US08357697B2 |
Substituted 3-isobutyl-9,10-dimethoxy-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-A]isoquinolin-2-ol compounds and methods relating thereto
Substituted 3-isobutyl-9,10-dimethoxy-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-2-ol compounds are disclosed that are inhibitors of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). The compounds of this invention have the structure: wherein R1 is as defined herein, including stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound of this invention in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods relating to the use in a subject in need thereof. |
| US08357695B2 |
Hydrates of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-(2H)-pyrimidinyl]-4-fluoro-N-[[methyl(1-methylethyl)amino]sulfonyl]benzamide
The present invention relates to hydrates of 2-chloro-5-[3,6-dihydro-3-methyl-2,6-dioxo-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1-(2H)pyrimidinyl]-4-fluoro-N-[[methyl(1-methylethyl)amino]-sulfonyl]benzamide. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of these hydrates and to plant protection formulations which comprise hydrates of the phenyluracil I. |
| US08357693B2 |
Pharmacokinetically improved compounds
The present invention relates to inhibitors of ROCK1 and ROCK2 and methods of modulating the pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic properties of such compounds. Also provided are methods of inhibiting ROCK1 and or ROCK2 that are useful for the treatment of disease. |
| US08357692B2 |
Methods of treatment of bone degenerative diseases
Methods of reducing bone loss and treating degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis are disclosed. The methods comprise administration of an agent that inhibits signaling through the IL-17 pathway, such as an antibody or a quinazolinone analogue such as halofuginone. |
| US08357691B2 |
Synthesis and anti-proliferative effect of benzimidazole derivatives
This invention provides for compounds, compositions, and methods that involve anti-proliferative and anti-neoplastic activity in cancer cells. In particular, a series of benzimidazole, purine, imidazopyridine, and imidazopyrizine compounds having selected substitution patterns are disclosed, and the activity of various subject compounds is demonstrated. In particular, the disclosure provides for substituted purine compounds having the general formula their salts, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment using the subject compounds and compositions. |
| US08357690B2 |
Methods of treatment using combination therapy
Provided herein are methods of treating a proliferative disease in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of AC220 and a nucleoside analog, a topoisomerase inhibitor or an anthracycline, or a combination thereof. |
| US08357688B2 |
Substituted imidazo[1,5-a]quinoxalin-4(5H)-ones as PDE9 inhibitors
Substituted imidazo[1,5-a]quinoxalin-4(5H)-ones are useful as PDE9 inhibitors. |
| US08357684B2 |
Thyazolopyridin-2-yloxy-phenyl and thiazolopyrazin-2-yloxy-phenyl amines as modulators of leukotriene A4 hydrolase
Thiazolopyridin-2-yloxy-phenyl and thiazolopyrazin-2-yloxy-phenyl amine compounds are described, which are useful as LTA4 hydrolase (LTA4H) modulators. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for modulation of LTA4H and for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by LTA4 hydrolase activity. |
| US08357683B2 |
Compounds for enzyme inhibition
One aspect of the invention relates to inhibitors that preferentially inhibit immunoproteasome activity over constitutive proteasome activity. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of immune related diseases, comprising administering a compound of the invention. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of cancer, comprising administering a compound of the invention. |
| US08357679B2 |
Hexafluoroisopropanol derivatives
The present invention relates to hexafluoroisopropanol derivatives having the general formula I to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and to the use of these hexafluoroisopropanol derivatives in the treatment of atherosclerosis. |
| US08357676B2 |
Ansamycin formulations and methods of use thereof
Provided herein, inter alia, are solid forms of geldanamycin analogs, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a geldanamycin analog and a crystallization inhibitor, methods of making and using such compositions. Additionally, provided are methods for the treatment of cancer, a neoplastic disease state and/or a hyperproliferative disorder, and methods of inhibiting Heat Shock Protein 90 (“Hsp90”). |
| US08357674B2 |
Analogues of cilostazol
This invention relates to novel compounds which are derivatives of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, cilostazol and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention also provides pyrogen-free compositions comprising one or more compounds of the invention and the use of the disclosed compounds and compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are treated by administration of an phosphodiesterase inhibitor, such as cilostazol. The invention also relates to the use of the disclosed compounds and compositions as reagents in analytical studies involving cilostazol. |
| US08357673B2 |
4-arylazo-3,5-diamino-pyrazole compounds and use thereof
A series of mono- and binuclear 4-arylazo-3,5-diamino-pyrazoles which are useful for inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (preferably CDK9). Hence they can be used as antimitotic-, pro-apoptotic and antiinflammatory drugs, in particular, in chemotherapy of cancer and asthma, therapy of psoriasis and parasitoses as those caused by fungi or protists, treatment of Alzheimer's disease or as antineurodegenerative drugs, or to suppress immunostimulation. These compounds are useful in a variety of utilities, including as intermediates in the preparation of flame-retardants, diagnostic reagents and therapeutics, including antivirals and immunosuppressors. |
| US08357672B2 |
Cell lysis reagent for isolation of RNA
RNA is extracted from cellular material with a reagent that includes heparin, a reducing agent to reduce disulfide bonds, a chelating agent, a buffer, and an alkali metal halide. The reagent does not require the use of organic solvents, and the reagent allows extraction to be performed in a relatively short period of time in comparison to the prior art. |
| US08357671B2 |
High affinity Siglec ligands
The invention relates to high affinity Siglec ligands that are useful for isolating cells that express Siglecs and for delivering agents to cells that express Siglecs. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for treating cancer in a mammal that involves administering a Siglec ligand of the invention to the mammal, where the Siglec ligand is linked to a therapeutic agent. |
| US08357669B2 |
Method of treatment for lymphedema comprising administering a polynucleotide encoding VEGF-D
The present invention provides materials and methods for screening for and treating hereditary lymphedema in human subjects. |
| US08357667B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating pancreatic cancer
The present invention provides a method of treating pancreatic cancer by inhibiting the activity cyclin D1 activity in tumor cells. The invention is based on the finding that cyclin D1 shRNA molecules are capable of attenuating tumor growth and interfering with tumor angiogenesis. |
| US08357665B2 |
Immune regulatory oligonucleotide (IRO) compounds to modulate toll-like receptor based immune response
The invention provides novel immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit or suppress TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen. |
| US08357658B2 |
Medicament for treating Parkinson'S disease
The invention relates to the manufacture of a unit dose of a medicament for relieving the symptoms and/or restoring and/or protecting the neurons of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. According to the invention, apamine is used in an amount of between 1 and 10 micrograms inclusive, for the manufacture of a unit dose for subcutaneous injection, every one to six weeks, of a medicament for relieving the symptoms and/or restoring and/or protecting the neurons of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. The invention finds use in particular in the field of pharmacy. |
| US08357655B2 |
Wound healing peptides and methods of use thereof
Methods and compositions for the treatment of wounds in a mammalian subject are provided. Particularly, novel polypeptides and encoding nucleic acids that stimulate keratinocyte and endothelial cell motility and/or proliferation are provided. |
| US08357654B2 |
Multimeric CD40 ligands, method for preparing same and use thereof for preparing drugs
A compound of formula (I) is described, wherein Y represents a macrocycle, the ring of which has 9 to 36 atoms, and is functionalized by three amine or COOH functions; Rc represents a group of formula H—Xa—Xb—Xc—Xd—Xe—(Xf)i—, i represents 0 or 1, Xa is in particular lysine, arginine, or ornithine residues, Xb is in particular glycine, asparagine, L-proline or D-proline residues, Xc and Xd are in particular tyrosine, phenylalanine or 3-nitrotyrosine residues, Xe and Xf are in particular amino acid residues: NH2—(CH2)n—COOH, n ranging from 1 to 10, or NH2—(CH2—CH2—O)m—CH2CH2COOH, m ranging from 3 to 6, provided that at least one of the amino acid residues Xa, Xb, Xc and Xd is different from the corresponding amino acid in the sequence of the natural CD40 143Lys-Gly-Tyr-Tyr146 fragment(SEQ ID NO: 1). |
| US08357651B2 |
Aminoplast microcapsules containing fragrance
Aminoplast microcapsules comprising a core of fragrance and a shell of aminoplast polymer, the composition of the shell being from 75-100% of a thermoset resin comprising 50-90% of a terpolymer and from 10-50% of a polymeric stabilizer; the terpolymer comprising: (a) from 20-60% of moieties derived from at least one polyamine; (b) from 3-50% of moieties derived from at least one polyol; and (c) from 20-70% of substituted methylene moieties, the microcapsules additionally optionally comprising up to 25% of a cationic polymer. The capsules are competitive with known aminoplast capsules and have the major advantage that they are formaldehyde-free. |
| US08357650B2 |
Aminocarboxylic builder particle
A particle comprising an aminocarboxylic builder and sulphate or citrate wherein the aminocarboxylic builder and the sulphate or citrate are present in a weight ratio of from about 6:1 to about 1:1. |
| US08357648B2 |
Liquid treatment unitized dose composition
According to the present invention there is provided a pearlescent unitary dose composition comprising a water-soluble film encapsulating a liquid treatment composition suitable for use as a laundry or hard surface cleaning composition having turbidity of greater than 5 and less than 3000 NTU, the composition comprising a pearlescent agent and from 2% to 15% by weight of the composition of water. |
| US08357646B2 |
Stripper for dry film removal
The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, is a photoresist stripper formulation, comprising: Hydroxylamine ; Water; a solvent selected from the group consisting of dimethylsulfoxide; N-methylpyrrrolidine; dimethylacetamide; dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether; monoethanolamine and mixtures thereof; a base selected from the group consisting of choline hydroxide, monoethanolamine, tetramethylammonium hydroxide; aminoethylethanolamine and mixtures thereof; a metal corrosion inhibitor selected from the group consisting of catechol, gallic acid, lactic acid, benzotriazole and mixtures thereof; and a bath life extending agent selected from the group consisting of glycerine, propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. The present invention is also a method for using formulations as exemplified in the preferred embodiment. |
| US08357645B2 |
Semi-rigid gel cleansing article and uses thereof
The present invention relates to semi-rigid gels, methods of manufacture and uses thereof. |
| US08357642B2 |
Functional fluid
Provided is a functional fluid including a tetrazole compound (A) and a base oil (B), which may further include a triazole compound (C). |
| US08357641B2 |
Food grade compressor/vacuum pump cleaner
Embodiments of the invention provide a food grade cleaning oil, such as one of synthetic or mineral oil origin, which can be used for the cleaning, flushing, and lubrication of compressors and vacuum pumps. The cleaner composition can include alkylated aromatics, such as naphthalenes. The cleaner composition can be compounded with additives including one or more of antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, antiwear additives, metal passivators, and anti foam agents that are cleared for incidental food contact. |
| US08357640B2 |
Method of inhibiting corrosion with an alkyl sarcosinate
An acid treatment composition is provided including an alkyl sarcosinate as corrosion inhibitor and an optional corrosion inhibitor intensifier in an acidic solution. Methods for treating wells with these acid treatment compositions are also provided that help control corrosion of the alloy surfaces used in the wells during the acid treatment. |
| US08357634B2 |
N-alkoxycarboxamides and their use as microbiocides
Compounds of formula (I) in which the substituents are as defined in claim 1, are suitable for use as microbiocides. |
| US08357628B2 |
Inorganic/organic hybrid totally porous metal oxide particles, methods for making them and separation devices using them
The present invention is a process for making an inorganic/organic hybrid totally porous spherical silica particles by self assembly of surfactants that serve as organic templates via pseudomorphic transformation. |
| US08357625B2 |
Catalyst and method for producing carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic anhydride in the presence of the catalyst
An object of the present invention is to provide a catalyst exhibiting excellent performance particularly in partial oxidation reaction. Another object is to provide a method for efficiently producing carboxylic acid or carboxylic anhydride through vapor-phase partial oxidation of an organic compound by use of an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst. The catalyst contains (1) diamond; (2) at least one species selected from among Group 5 transition element oxides, collectively called oxide A; and (3) at least one species selected from among Group 4 transition element oxides, collectively called oxide B. The method for producing a carboxylic acid or a carboxylic anhydride includes subjecting an organic compound to vapor phase partial oxidation by use of an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst, wherein the organic compound is an aromatic compound having one or more substituents in a molecule thereof, the substituents each including a carbon atom bonded to an aromatic ring. |
| US08357622B2 |
Plastic glide layer and sliding element with such
A sliding layer and a sliding element with such a sliding layer includes a fiber reinforced plastic with a plastic matrix and a plastic thread as a reinforcing element. The plastic thread has polyester filaments into which are worked PTFE particles by process engineering. |
| US08357620B2 |
Laser annealing method and laser annealing apparatus
An embodiment of the invention provides a laser annealing method, including the steps of radiating a laser beam to an amorphous film on a substrate while scanning the laser beam for the amorphous film, crystallizing the amorphous film, detecting a light quantity of laser beam reflected from the substrate and a scanning speed of the laser beam while the radiation and the scanning of the laser beam are carried out for the amorphous film, and controlling a radiation level and the scanning speed of the laser beam based on results of comparison of the light quantity of laser beam reflected from the substrate, and the scanning speed of the laser beam with respective preset references. |
| US08357619B2 |
Film formation method for forming silicon-containing insulating film
A silicon-containing insulating film is formed on a target substrate by CVD, in a process field to be selectively supplied with a first process gas including di-iso-propylaminosilane gas and a second process gas including an oxidizing gas or nitriding gas. The film is formed by performing a plurality of times a cycle alternately including first and second steps. The first step performs supply of the first process gas, thereby forming an adsorption layer containing silicon on a surface of the target substrate. The second performs supply of the second process gas, thereby oxidizing or nitriding the adsorption layer on the surface of the target substrate. The second step includes an excitation period of supplying the second process gas to the process field while exciting the second process gas by an exciting mechanism. |
| US08357618B2 |
Frequency doubling using a photo-resist template mask
A method for doubling the frequency of a lithographic process using a photo-resist template mask is described. A device layer having a photo-resist layer formed thereon is first provided. The photo-resist layer is patterned to form a photo-resist template mask. A spacer-forming material layer is deposited over the photo-resist template mask. The spacer-forming material layer is etched to form a spacer mask and to expose the photo-resist template mask. The photo-resist template mask is then removed and an image of the spacer mask is finally transferred to the device layer. |
| US08357617B2 |
Method of patterning a metal gate of semiconductor device
Provided are methods of patterning metal gate structures including a high-k gate dielectric. In an embodiment, a soluble hard mask layer may be used to provide a masking element to pattern a metal gate. The soluble hard mask layer may be removed from the substrate by water or a photoresist developer. In an embodiment, a hard mask including a high-k dielectric is formed. In a further embodiment, a protection layer is formed underlying a photoresist pattern. The protection layer may protect one or more layers formed on the substrate from a photoresist stripping process. |
| US08357615B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: a process vessel including a stage on which a substrate is placed, the substrate having a low dielectric constant film with a resist pattern being formed in an upper layer of the low dielectric constant film; an etching-gas supply unit that supplies an etching gas into the process vessel so as to etch the low dielectric constant film; an ashing-gas unit means that supplies an ashing gas into the process vessel so as to ash the resist pattern formed in the upper layer of the low dielectric constant film after the low dielectric constant film has been subjected to an etching process; a plasma generating means that generates a plasma by supplying an energy to the etching gas and the ashing gas in the process vessel; a unit that supplies a dipivaloylmethane gas into the process vessel, after the low dielectric constant film has been subjected to an ashing process, in order to recover a damage layer of the low dielectric constant film which has been damaged by the plasma; and a heating unit that enables the dipivaloylmethane gas to come into contact with a surface of the substrate under a heated condition. |
| US08357609B2 |
Dual damascene-like subtractive metal etch scheme
Metal interconnects are formed with larger grain size and improved uniformity. Embodiments include patterning metal layers into metal interconnects and vias prior to depositing a dielectric layer. An embodiment includes forming metal layers on a substrate, patterning the metal layers to form metal interconnect lines and vias, and forming a dielectric layer on the substrate, metal interconnect lines, and vias, thereby filling gaps between the metal interconnect lines and between the vias. The metal layers may be annealed prior to patterning. A liner may be formed on the sidewalls of the metal interconnect lines and vias prior to forming the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer may be formed of a porous material with a dielectric constant less than 2.4. |
| US08357608B2 |
Multi component dielectric layer
An in-situ process is described incorporating plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition comprising flowing at least one of a Si, Si+C, B, Si+B, Si+B+C, and B+C containing precursor, and a N containing precursors at first times and removing the N precursor at second times and starting the flow of an oxidant gas and a porogen gas into the chamber. A dielectric layer is described comprising a network having inorganic random three dimensional covalent bonding throughout the network which contains at least one SiCN, SiCNH, SiN, SiNH, BN, BNH, CBN, CBNH, BSiN, BSiNH, SiCBN and SiCBNH as a first component and a low k dielectric as a second component adjacent thereto. |
| US08357602B2 |
Compound semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An intermediate layer composed of i-AlN is formed between a channel layer and an electron donor layer, a first opening is formed in an electron donor layer, at a position where a gate electrode will be formed later, while using an intermediate layer as an etching stopper, a second opening is formed in the intermediate layer so as to be positionally aligned with the first opening, by wet etching using a hot phosphoric acid solution, and a gate electrode is formed so that the lower portion thereof fill the first and second openings while placing a gate insulating film in between, and so that the head portion thereof projects above the cap structure. |
| US08357598B2 |
Method for manufacturing antenna and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
The present invention provides an antenna with low resistance and a semiconductor device having an antenna whose communication distance is improved. A fluid containing conductive particles is applied over an object. After curing the fluid containing the conductive particles, the fluid is irradiated with a laser to form an antenna. As a method for applying the fluid containing the conductive particles, screen printing, spin coating, dipping, or a droplet discharging method is used. Further, a solid laser having a wavelength of 1 nm or more and 380 nm or less is used as the laser. |
| US08357596B2 |
Method of forming a polycrystalline silicon layer and method of manufacturing thin film transistor
A method of crystallizing a silicon layer and a method of manufacturing a TFT, the method of crystallizing a silicon layer including forming a catalyst metal layer on a substrate; forming a catalyst metal capping pattern on the catalyst metal layer; forming a second amorphous silicon layer on the catalyst metal capping pattern; and heat-treating the second amorphous silicon layer to form a polycrystalline silicon layer. |
| US08357594B2 |
Methods of growing nitride semiconductors and methods of manufacturing nitride semiconductor substrates
Methods of growing nitride semiconductor layers including forming nitride semiconductor dots on a substrate and growing a nitride semiconductor layer on the nitride semiconductor dots. The nitride semiconductor layer may be separated from the substrate to be used as a nitride semiconductor substrate. |
| US08357589B2 |
Method of thinning a structure
A method for thinning a structure of at least two assembled wafers, where one of the wafers includes channels on its surface facing the other wafer. In order to cause thinning of the structure, a fluid is introduced into the channels in a supercritical state and the fluid is passed from the supercritical state into the gaseous state. The channels do not open to the outside of the structure, such that the method further includes forming at least one access opening to the channels from the outer surface of the structure and before introducing the fluid in the supercritical state. |
| US08357580B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate; a first gate insulation film formed on the semiconductor substrate; a second gate insulation film formed on the semiconductor substrate; a first gate electrode formed on the first gate insulation film and fully silicided; and a second gate electrode formed on the second gate insulation film and fully silicided, a gate length or a gate width of the second gate electrode being larger than that of the first gate electrode, and a thickness of the second gate electrode being smaller than that of the first gate electrode. |
| US08357574B2 |
Method of fabricating epitaxial structures
A method for fabricating an integrated device is disclosed. The disclosed method provides improved formation selectivity of epitaxial films over a pre-determined region designed for forming an epi film and a protective layer preferred not to form an epi, polycrystalline, or amorphous film thereon during an epi film formation process. In an embodiment, the improved formation selectivity is achieved by providing a nitrogen-rich protective layer to decrease the amount of growth epi, polycrystalline, or amorphous film thereon. |
| US08357572B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device with recess and Fin structure
The semiconductor device includes an active region, a recess, a Fin channel region, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode. The active region is defined by a device isolation structure formed in a semiconductor substrate. The recess is formed by etching the active region and its neighboring device isolation structure using an island shaped recess gate mask as an etching mask. The Fin channel region is formed on the semiconductor substrate at a lower part of the recess. The gate insulating film is formed over the active region including the Fin channel region and the recess. The gate electrode is formed over the gate insulating film to fill up the Fin channel region and the recess. |
| US08357567B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device where a semiconductor element is prevented from being damaged and throughput speed thereof is improved, even in a case of thinning or removing a supporting substrate after forming the semiconductor element over the supporting substrate. According to one feature of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a plurality of element groups over an upper surface of a substrate; forming an insulating film so as to cover the plurality of element groups; selectively forming an opening to the insulating film which is located in a region between neighboring two element groups in the plurality of element groups to expose the substrate; forming a first film so as to cover the insulating film and the opening; exposing the element groups by removing the substrate; forming a second film so as to cover the surface of the exposed element groups; and cutting off between the plurality of element groups so as not to expose the insulating film. |
| US08357566B2 |
Pre-encapsulated lead frames for microelectronic device packages, and associated methods
Pre-encapsulated lead frames suitable for use in microelectronic device packages are disclosed. Individual lead frames can include a set of multiple lead fingers arranged side by side with neighboring lead fingers spaced apart from each other by a corresponding gap. An encapsulating compound at least partially encapsulates the set of lead fingers without encapsulating a microelectronic device. The encapsulating compound can generally fill the plurality of gaps between two adjacent lead fingers. |
| US08357565B2 |
Integrated circuit package and a method for forming an integrated circuit package
A method of forming an integrated circuit package, such as a Flip Chip package, in which a void is provided in the underfill material in the central region of the package between the chip or die and the substrate on which the chip or die is mounted. This reduces delamination of the package as a result of moisture. |
| US08357559B2 |
Method of making sensor platform using a non-horizontally oriented nanotube element
Sensor platforms and methods of making them are described. A platform having a non-horizontally oriented sensor element comprising one or more nanostructures such as nanotubes is described. Under certain embodiments, a sensor element has or is made to have an affinity for an analyte. Under certain embodiments, such a sensor element comprises one or more pristine nanotubes. Under certain embodiments, the sensor element comprises derivatized or functionalized nanotubes. Under certain embodiments, a sensor is made by providing a support structure; providing one or more nanotubes on the structure to provide material for a sensor element; and providing circuitry to electrically sense the sensor element's electrical characterization. Under certain embodiments, the sensor element comprises pre-derivatized or pre-functionalized nanotubes. Under other embodiments, sensor material is derivatized or functionalized after provision on the structure or after patterning. Under certain embodiments, a large-scale array of sensor platforms includes a plurality of sensor elements. |
| US08357557B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device and process for production thereof
One aspect of the present invention provides a semiconductor light-emitting device improved in luminance, and also provides a process for production thereof. The process comprises a procedure of forming a relief structure on the light-extraction surface of the device by use of a self-assembled film. In that procedure, the light-extraction surface is partly covered with a protective film so as to protect an area for an electrode to be formed therein. The electrode is then finally formed there after the procedure. The process thus reduces the area incapable, due to thickness of the electrode, of being provided with the relief structure. Between the electrode and the light-extraction surface, a contact layer is formed so as to establish ohmic contact between them. |
| US08357556B2 |
Method of protecting semiconductor chips from mechanical and ESD damage during handling
A method and apparatus are provided for protecting a semiconductor device from damage. The method may include the steps of providing an active semiconductor device on a surface of a semiconductor substrate where the active device is surrounded by an inactive semiconductor area, and providing a soft metallic guard element in the inactive semiconductor area around at least a portion of the periphery of the active device wherein the metallic guard element is connected to ground potential and not to the active device. |
| US08357553B2 |
Light source with hybrid coating, device including light source with hybrid coating, and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for improving the performance of Lambertian and non-Lambertian light sources. In certain example embodiments, this is accomplished by (1) providing an organic-inorganic hybrid material on LEDs (which in certain example embodiments may be a high index of refraction material), (2) enhancing the light scattering ability of the LEDs (e.g., by fractal embossing, patterning, or the like, and/or by providing randomly dispersed elements thereon), and/or (3) improving performance through advanced cooling techniques. In certain example instances, performance enhancements may include, for example, better color production (e.g., in terms of a high CRI), better light production (e.g., in terms of lumens and non-Lambertian lighting), higher internal and/or external efficiency, etc. |
| US08357550B2 |
Occupancy sensor
A method for manufacturing a sensor device (100; 200; 300; 400) comprising a thermal sensor (23), a battery (33), an antenna (34), an electronic circuitry (22) and a solar cell (43) together integrally in one semiconductor carrier (10), the method comprising the steps of:—providing a silicon wafer (10) with two main surfaces (11, 12); a first functional layer (20) is manufactured in one main surface (11), comprising a thermal sensor portion (21) and comprising electronic circuitry (22) arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the thermal sensor portion; a second functional layer (30) containing a battery (33) and an antenna (34) is arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the thermal sensor portion; a third functional layer (40) containing one or more solar cells (43) is arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the thermal sensor portion; the portion of the wafer underneath the thermal sensor portion (21) is removed. |
| US08357547B2 |
Semiconductor bio-sensors and methods of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor bio-sensor comprises providing a substrate, forming a first dielectric layer on the substrate, forming a patterned first conductive layer on the first dielectric layer, the patterned first conductive layer including a first portion and a pair of second portions, forming a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer and a fourth dielectric layer in sequence over the patterned first conductive layer, forming cavities into the fourth dielectric layer, forming vias through the cavities, exposing the second portions of the patterned first conductive layer, forming a patterned second conductive layer on the fourth dielectric layer, forming a passivation layer on the patterned second conductive layer, forming an opening to expose a portion of the third dielectric layer over the first portion of the patterned first conductive layer, and forming a chamber through the opening. |
| US08357544B2 |
Method for selecting pipetting parameters for a liquid
The present invention relates to a method for classifying a liquid (1) in a known pipetting system for this liquid (1), the method being characterized in that the changes of a selected, measurable, and physically founded virtual parameter are detected as a data set typical for this liquid (1); this typical data set of the selected virtual parameter is compared to corresponding data sets of known liquids, and the liquid (1) is classified on the basis of this comparison. An especially preferred method and a device for classifying a liquid (1) relate to a device which comprises a fluid chamber (2), to which a measuring chamber (3) is connected, whose internal pressure is monitored using a pressure transducer (4). At least a first part (5) of this fluid chamber (2) may be brought into fluid connection with a sample (6) of this liquid (1). |
| US08357542B2 |
Suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus and suspended particulate matter measurement method using the same
Provided are a suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus capable of automatically measuring a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the atmosphere, and a suspended particulate matter measurement method using the same. The suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus includes a filter, suction part, extraction part, measurement part, and a recording part. The suction part suctions air in the atmosphere at a constant flow rate to cause particulate matter contained therein to be adsorbed onto the filter. The extraction part extracts components of the particulate matter adsorbed onto the filter, by dissolving the particulate matter into a solvent, and collects a resultant solution. The measurement part measures at least one of a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the solution collected by the extraction part, and outputs the measurement result. The recording part records the measurement result outputted from the measurement part. |
| US08357539B2 |
Activated partial thromboplastin time measuring reagent, activated partial thromboplastin time measuring method, and determination method for determining presence or absence of blood coagulation inhibitor
An activated partial thromboplastin time measuring reagent, including a first reagent containing a phospholipid and an activator and a second reagent containing a herparin neutralizer and a calcium salt is disclosed. An activated partial thromboplastin time measuring method, and a determination method for determining a presence or absence of a blood coagulation inhibitor are also disclosed. |
| US08357536B2 |
Inspection method and apparatus
In an embodiment, there is disclosed an inspection method for detecting the presence of imprintable medium on an imprint lithography template. The method includes contacting the imprint lithography template with a marker, the marker being attachable to imprintable medium that may be on the imprint lithography template, the marker being configured to interact with incident radiation when attached to the imprintable medium, directing radiation at the imprint lithography template, and measuring radiation re-directed by the imprint lithography template to attempt to detect presence of a marker that has attached to the imprintable medium, from the interaction of the marker with the incident radiation, and thus detect the presence of imprintable medium to which the marker is attached. |
| US08357533B2 |
Preparation of inactivated artificial antigen presenting cells and their use in cell therapies
Methods of processing inactivated artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) and artificial antigen presenting cells with specificity for selected antigenic peptides are described, including their generation and use in cell therapy compositions comprising activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Inactivated aAPCs are advantageously generated through crosslinking, such as via a photoreaction involving a psoralen derivative and UVA irradiation. |
| US08357530B2 |
Microfluidic device for trapping single cell
The instant invention is directed to a microfluidic device which separates and captures with high efficiency a large amount of cells in a sample at one-cell level without damaging the cells by utilizing a microfabrication technology. |
| US08357527B2 |
Method for generating a genetically modified microbe
Provided herein are methods of generating genetically modified microorganisms, e.g., genetically modified yeast strains, which comprise functional disruptions in one or more pheromone response genes and one or more sporulation genes, and genetically modified yeast cells, e.g., genetically modified diploid and haploid yeast cells, that lack sporulation capability and endogenous mating capability, produced thereby. |
| US08357525B2 |
Thermal inactivation of rotavirus
Methods of thermally inactivating a rotavirus are provided according to the present invention which include exposing the rotavirus to a temperature in the range of about 50° C.-80° C., inclusive, for an incubation time sufficient to render the rotavirus incapable of replication or infection. The thermally inactivated rotavirus is antigenic and retains a substantially intact rotavirus particle structure. Vaccine compositions and methods of vaccinating a subject against rotavirus are provided which include generation and use of thermally inactivated rotavirus. |
| US08357523B2 |
Beta-glucosidase variant enzymes and related polynucleotides
The invention provides variants of the Azospirillum irakense CelA β-glucosidase that have improve β-glucosidase activity, particularly improved thermoactivity, compared to the wild type enzyme. The invention further provides related polynucleotides, vectors, host cell, and methods for making and using the variants. |
| US08357521B2 |
Method for producing a biobutanol using a thiolase with improved activity
The present invention relates to a modified thiolase protein with an improved activity, a polynucleotide encoding the modified protein, an expression vector including the polynucleotide, and a transformant, to a composition for producing a biobutanol including the thiolase with an improved activity or a cell expressing the thiolase, and to a method of producing the biobutanol. |
| US08357515B2 |
Latency associated protein construct with aggrecanase sensitive cleavage site
The present provides a fusion protein comprising a latency associated peptide (LAP) and a pharmaceutically active agent in which the LAP and the pharmaceutically active agent are connected by an amino acid sequence comprising an aggrecanase proteolytic cleavage site. |
| US08357505B2 |
Environmentally stable sensors and methods of using the same
Environmentally stable biosensors are disclosed, which comprise a ligand binding domain from a thermophilic organism conjugated to donor and fluorescent moieties that permit detection and measurement of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer upon ligand binding. Such biosensors demonstrate enhanced acid-, thermal- and chemical stability as compared to sensors constructed using protein domains from mesophilic organisms. |
| US08357504B2 |
Method and kit for the microbiological determination of vitamins in substance mixtures
Method for the quantitative determination of vitamins, amino acids, or other substances necessary for life, in a substance mixture, whereby in the culture container, the cavities of a microtitration plate, in each case a predetermined number of vital cells of a suitable microorganism are prepared in a permanent manner. For this purpose, the cells are shock frozen at −80° C. and then freeze dried in a freezing solution containing 200 to 500 mM trehalose/sucrose. The freezing solution is preferably the test medium. The culture containers are preferably the wells of a microtitration plate. |
| US08357502B2 |
Method for measuring low density lipoprotein cholesterol
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for measuring low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in a body fluid, which is able to selectively measure low density lipoprotein cholesterol in a body fluid without using a low density lipoprotein cholesterol-selective surfactant having a risk of generating endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The present invention provides a method for measuring low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in a body fluid, which comprises measuring low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by using (a) cholesterol esterase and (b) cholesterol oxidase or cholesterol dehydrogenase, in the presence of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer and a polyglyceryl ether. |
| US08357500B2 |
Methods of diagnosing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Non-invasive methods for detecting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and identifying the presence or absence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in a subject utilize one or more biomarkers. The methods can differentiate between subjects with NASH and those with simple steatosis. Kits containing one or more agents for measuring the level of the biomarkers can be utilized to perform the described methods. |
| US08357497B2 |
Systems and methods for developing diagnostic tests based on biomarker information from legacy clinical sample sets
Disclosed are systems and methods for developing diagnostic tests (e.g., detection, screening, monitoring, and prognostic tests) based on biomarker information from legacy clinical sample sets, for which only small sample volumes (e.g., about 0.05 to about 1.0 mL or less per sample) are typically available. For example, biomarkers (e.g., about 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, or more) may be detected in the clinical samples through the use of single molecule detection and each biomarker may be detected in an assay that includes about 1 μL or less of a legacy clinical sample. |
| US08357496B2 |
Method for the diagnosis or the screening of an arbovirus infection, reagents useful in said method and their applications
Method for the diagnosis or the screening of an arbovirus infection and preferably a flaviviridae infection and more preferably a flavivirus infection, reagents useful in said method and their applications. Said method comprises: (i) contacting a sample from the subject or animal with a solid support sensitized with an Ig binding protein which is directed against a specific class of Ig molecules of the subject or animal species under consideration and (ii) incubating the immunocomplex formed in (i) with a detector molecule consisting of a hybrid protein comprising at least an arboviral ED3 domain and an alkaline phosphatase (PhoA), the detection of said immunocomplex being the sign of the presence of an arbovirus in said sample. |
| US08357495B2 |
Immunoassay of analytes in samples containing endogenous anti-analyte antibodies
The disclosure provides among other things an assay method that compensates for the presence of endogenous antibodies, e.g., autoantibodies, which might otherwise compromise the measurement of an analyte in a biological sample. In one embodiment, this method entails the use of a two labeled entities: a labeled detection agent and a labeled species-specific antibody, wherein the labeled species-specific antibody is specific for the species from which the biological sample was obtained. Sample analyte is bound by the detection agent and any anti-analyte autoantibodies present in the sample. Analyte bound by autoantibodies is detected via the species-specific antibody, optionally labeled. |
| US08357489B2 |
Methods for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma
A method for evaluating hepatocellular carcinoma in a subject is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) obtaining a hepatocellular carcinoma protein marker profile for a sample obtained from the subject; and b) comparing the protein marker profile to a control profile. |
| US08357488B2 |
Primers and probes for the detection of streptococcus pneumoniae
Methods of detecting Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), are disclosed. A sample suspected of containing a nucleic acid of S. pneumoniae is screened for the presence or absence of that nucleic acid. The presence of the S. pneumoniae nucleic acid indicates the presence of S. pneumoniae. Determining whether the S. pneumoniae nucleic acid is present in the sample can be accomplished by detecting hybridization between a S. pneumoniae probe, such as a S. pneumoniae lytA probe, a S. pneumoniae psaA probe, or a S. pneumoniae ply probe. Probes and primers for the detection of S. pneumoniae are also disclosed. Kits and arrays that contain the disclosed probes and/or primers also are disclosed. |
| US08357486B2 |
Methods and compositions for detection of bacteria and treatment of diseases and disorders
Described herein are methods for detecting a bacteria in a subject and methods for detecting, imaging or diagnosing a site, disease, disorder or condition in a subject using bacteria. The methods can be used in conjunction with methods for treating a disease, disorder or condition. Such sites, diseases and disorders include sites of cellular proliferation, such as tumors, tumor tissues, metastases, areas of inflammation, immunoprivileged sites or tissues, wounds and infections. Further described are bacteria for use in the methods and compositions, combinations and kits, including diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions, containing a bacterium. Bacteria described herein include those that bind, sequester or accumulate radiolabeled compounds by expression of an endogenous gene product that binds to the radiolabeled compound. Additional imaging and therapeutic agents and methods also are described. |
| US08357485B2 |
Color motion picture print films
A multi-color photographic silver halide element has a total gelatin level on the imaging side of the support is less than 9000 mg/m2, and bulk gelatin-to-junk weight ratio for all of the light sensitive layers on the imaging side of the support is greater than 1.5. This weight ratio is defined by: Bulk gelatin-to-junk ratio=[(Bgel×Bgel/junk)+(Rgel×Rgel/junk)+(Ggel+Ggel/junk)]÷(Bgel+Rgel+Ggel) wherein Bgel is the total gelatin level for blue light sensitive layers, Bgel/junk is the gelatin-to-junk ratio for blue light sensitive layers, Rgel is the total gelatin level for red light sensitive layers, Rgel/junk is the gelatin-to-junk ratio for red light sensitive layers, Ggel is the total gelatin level for green light sensitive layers, and Ggel/junk is the gelatin-to-junk ratio for green light sensitive layers. The imaging layers can be thinned without undesirable loss in sensitometric properties and in increase in dust and dirt generation while providing reduced material costs and improving development properties. |
| US08357482B2 |
Organic anti-reflective layer composition containing ring-opened phthalic anhydride and method for preparation thereof
A light absorbent for forming an organic anti-reflective layer, represented by the following formula 1 or formula 2, is provided: wherein A represents a substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, saturated tetravalent hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, saturated hydrocarbon group and containing one or more heteroatoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaromatic group, a substituted or unsubstituted alicyclic group, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalicyclic group, a substituted or unsubstituted diaryl ether, a substituted or unsubstituted diaryl sulfide, a substituted or unsubstituted diaryl sulfoxide, a substituted or unsubstituted diaryl ketone, or a substituted or unsubstituted diaryl bisphenol A; R1, R2, and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted acetal group, or a substituted or unsubstituted hydroxyl group; and n is an integer from 2 to 500. |
| US08357477B2 |
Color filter substrate, electronic apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a color filter substrate is provided. The color filter substrate includes a substrate, a light-shielding layer, and a plurality of color filter patterns. The substrate has a plurality of annular trough areas, a plurality of central areas, and a light-shielding area positioned among the annular trough areas. Each of the annular trough areas has an inner edge connected to the central area and an outer edge connected to the light-shielding area. The light-shielding layer is disposed on the light-shielding area and extends from the outer edges of the annular trough areas to the top of the annular trough areas. The color filter patterns are disposed on the annular trough areas and the central areas, and the color filter patterns are in contact with a side surface and a part of the bottom surface of the light-shielding layer. |
| US08357476B2 |
Method for producing a base material for screen printing, and base material of this type
The invention describes a base material for screen printing, which comprises a protective film, a screen and an intermediate resist layer comprising photosensitive material. |
| US08357475B2 |
Nanowire-based membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells
The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires. |
| US08357472B2 |
Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of power generation cells, and an ejector for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel cell stack. A flow rectifier member is provided at a portion connecting an end plate of the fuel cell stack and the ejector. The flow rectifier member is a cylindrical member. A plurality of openings are formed between partition walls formed in the flow rectifier member. |
| US08357471B2 |
Secondary battery using an electrolyte solution
There is provided a lithium secondary battery which has excellent characteristics such as energy density and electromotive force and is excellent in cycle life and storage stability. An electrolyte solution for secondary battery comprising at least an aprotic solvent having an electrolyte dissolved therein and a compound represented by the general formula (1). |
| US08357470B2 |
Organic solid electrolyte and secondary battery
An organic solid electrolyte comprises a polymer obtained by (co)polymerization of cyanoethyl acrylate and/or cyanoethyl methacrylate, the polymer being doped with an inorganic ion salt. The electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity and is based on a hydroxyl-free polymer so that it may be used to construct a secondary battery which eliminates the risk of gas evolution. |
| US08357468B2 |
Carbon coated lithium manganese phosphate cathode material
The present invention concerns a carbon coated lithium metal phosphate material containing a manganese oxide layer between the LiMnPO4 material or the C/LiMn1-x ZxPO4 material, where Z=Fe, Co, Ni, Mg, Ca, Al, Zr, V, Ti and x=0.01-0.3, and the carbon layer. |
| US08357463B2 |
Polymer battery and related method
A polymer battery is provided with a positive electrode active material layer, a negative electrode active material layer placed in opposition to the positive electrode active material layer, a polymer electrolyte layer disposed between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, and a distance defining member included in the polymer electrolyte layer to define a distance between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer. |
| US08357455B2 |
Transparent moulding compound
The invention relates to the use of a molding composition which comprises at least 50% by weight of a copolyamide, which is composed of the following monomer combination: a) from 65 to 99 mol % of a substantially equimolar mixture composed of an unbranched aliphatic diamine having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms and of an unbranched aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, where the mixture composed of diamine and dicarboxylic acid comprises an average of from 8 to 12 carbon atoms, b) from 1 to 35 mol % of a substantially equimolar mixture composed of a cycloaliphatic diamine having from 8 to 20 carbon atoms and of a dicarboxylic acid having from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, for production of a printable or printed item, such as a ski topcoat. |
| US08357454B2 |
Segmented thermal barrier coating
A ceramic thermal barrier coating (TBC) (18) having first and second layers (20, 22), the second layer (22) having a lower thermal conductivity than the first layer for a given density. The second layer may be formed of a material with anisotropic crystal lattice structure. Voids (24) in at least the first layer (20) make the first layer less dense than the second layer. Grooves (28) are formed in the TBC (18) for thermal strain relief. The grooves may align with fluid streamlines over the TBC. Multiple layers (84, 86, 88) may have respective sets of grooves (90), Preferred failure planes parallel to the coating surface (30) may be formed at different depths (A1, A2, A3) in the thickness of the TBC to stimulate generation of a fresh surface when a portion of the coating fails by spalling. A dense top layer (92) may provide environmental and erosion resistance. |
| US08357452B2 |
Article and method for manufacturing same
An article includes a substrate; and a color layer deposited on the substrate, wherein the color layer is a chromium oxide-carbon layer; the color layer has an L* value between about 28 to about 32, an a* value between about −1 to about 1, and a b* value between about −1 to about 1 in the CIE L*a*b* color space. |
| US08357451B2 |
Laminated glass, and method for producing same
The present invention relates to a laminated glass including a first glass substrate, a first adhesive layer, a heat reflective film, a second adhesive layer and a second glass substrate, laminated in this order, in which the heat reflective film includes a resin film having specific thermal shrinkages in a direction that a thermal shrinkage becomes maximum and in a direction orthogonal to the direction, and a heat reflective coating formed on the resin film; the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer include a polyvinyl butyral film having thermal shrinkages in a direction that a thermal shrinkage becomes maximum and in a direction orthogonal to the direction; and the direction that a thermal shrinkage becomes maximum, of the resin film and the direction that a thermal shrinkage becomes maximum, of the polyvinyl butyral film are orthogonal to each other. |
| US08357448B2 |
Identification device and method
An identification device for marking an article, the identification device having a low emmissivity at thermal infrared wavelengths and comprising a plurality of layers including a first layer arranged to be substantially transmissive at thermal infrared wavelengths and substantially absorbing at at least one visible wavelength so as to impart a visible coloration thereto, and a second layer arranged as a specular reflector at thermal infrared wavelengths. A method for marking article, in particular a vehicle with said identification device. |
| US08357445B2 |
Absorbent article with lotion-containing topsheet
A sanitary napkin comprising a topsheet having a body-facing side and comprising a plurality of discrete tufts of fibrous material. The topsheet has a lotion composition applied to at least a portion of the body-facing side thereof. An absorbent core is in fluid communication with the topsheet, the absorbent core having an average thickness of less than about 10 mm, and a free absorbent capacity of from about 4 to about 125 grams per gram. |
| US08357444B2 |
Visual effects screen
There is provided a special effects greenscreen having a plurality of marks dispersed thereon in a selected pattern, wherein each of the marks is embedded in the greenscreen by weaving, knitting, felting, crocheting, screening, stamping, embossing or similar method to integrate the mark into the greenscreen material. The pattern may be a single repeated mark evenly spaced along horizontal lines, along vertical lines, or along both horizontal and vertical lines. The pattern may comprise a familiar ordered series of unique marks dispersed in a selected pattern on the greenscreen, for example, letters of the alphabet. The pattern may comprise a first mark embedded at a selected point on the greenscreen, a plurality of second marks each embedded a first distance away from the first mark, and a plurality of third marks each embedded a second distance from the first mark, wherein the second distance is greater than first distance. |
| US08357443B2 |
Laminate including water soluble release layer for producing circuit board and method of producing circuit board
Producing a circuit board, by laminating, on a substrate, an adhesive film with a metal film, which comprises a water-soluble polymer release layer, a metal film layer and a curable resin composition layer, which are formed in this order on a support layer, and has a release property enabling detachment of said water-soluble polymer release layer from the support layer after curing of the curable resin composition layer, such that the curable resin composition layer contacts the substrate; curing the curable resin composition layer; detaching the support layer, and removing the water-soluble polymer release layer present on the metal film layer by dissolving the release layer in an aqueous solution, efficiently forms an insulating layer and a metal film layer superior in adhesiveness to the insulating layer and in uniformity. |
| US08357438B2 |
Recording medium
A recording medium includes a substrate and at least two ink receiving layers formed on the substrate. In the recording medium, an uppermost ink receiving layer of the at least two ink receiving layers has a dry coated amount of 5 g/m2 or more and 20 g/m2 or less and contains hydrated alumina which a divalent metal compound adheres to. The ratio of an element content of the divalent metal to an element content of aluminum (element content of divalent metal/element content of aluminum) in the uppermost ink receiving layer is 0.001 or more and 0.03 or less. |
| US08357435B2 |
Flowable dielectric equipment and processes
Methods of depositing and curing a dielectric material on a substrate are described. The methods may include the steps of providing a processing chamber partitioned into a first plasma region and a second plasma region, and delivering the substrate to the processing chamber, where the substrate occupies a portion of the second plasma region. The methods may further include forming a first plasma in the first plasma region, where the first plasma does not directly contact with the substrate, and depositing the dielectric material on the substrate to form a dielectric layer. One or more reactants excited by the first plasma are used in the deposition of the dielectric material. The methods may additional include curing the dielectric layer by forming a second plasma in the second plasma region, where one or more carbon-containing species is removed from the dielectric layer. |
| US08357434B1 |
Apparatus for the deposition of a conformal film on a substrate and methods therefor
A method for depositing a conformal film on a substrate in a plasma processing chamber of a plasma processing system, the substrate being disposed on a chuck, the chuck being coupled to a cooling apparatus, is disclosed. The method includes flowing a first gas mixture into the plasma processing chamber at a first pressure, wherein the first gas mixture includes at least carbon, and wherein the first gas mixture has a condensation temperature. The method also includes cooling the chuck below the condensation temperature using the cooling apparatus thereby allowing at least some of the first gas mixture to condense on a surface of the substrate. The method further includes venting the first gas mixture from the processing chamber; flowing a second gas mixture into the plasma processing chamber, the second gas mixture being different in composition from the first gas mixture; and striking a plasma to form the conformal film. |
| US08357430B2 |
Method for producing silicon nitride films
(Problem) To provide a method for producing silicon nitride films by vapor deposition that, while employing trisilylamine as precursor, can produce silicon nitride films that exhibit excellent film properties and can do so at relatively low temperatures and relatively high growth rates. (Solution) Method for producing silicon nitride film, said method being characterized by feeding gaseous trisilylamine and gaseous nitrogen source comprising at least two amine-type compounds selected from amine-type compounds with formula (1) NR1R2R3 (R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from hydrogen and C1-6 hydrocarbyl) into a reaction chamber that holds at least one substrate and forming silicon nitride film on said at least one substrate by reacting the trisilylamine and said nitrogen source. |
| US08357427B2 |
Preparation method for a partially coated monolith
Processes are provided for making partially coated monolith catalysts that are useful, for example, as pre-combustor catalysts for diesel exhaust aftertreatment. Monolith substrates are provided with interconnectivity and/or temporary barriers that allow from about 10 to about 90% of the monolith channels to be coated after the monolith substrate is assembled without having to carefully pick out among a large number of openings which ones to inject into or which ones to plug. The invention includes options of injecting into a multipath monolith substrate and of emplacing blocking material during monolith construction. Either catalyst coating material or coat-blocking material can be injected. Blocking materials allow the use of machinery for ordinarily non-selective processes, such as machinery for dip coating. Both multipath injections and pre-placed barriers can be used in a single partial coating process. |
| US08357423B2 |
Method for making a refractory carbide layer on a part made of C/C composite material
The invention relates to a method of making a refractory carbide layer on the accessible surface of a C/C composite material, the method including a step consisting in placing the composite material in contact with a reactive composition in solid form that contains an atomic proportion greater than or equal to one-third and less than or equal to 95% of a metal that is a precursor of a determined carbide having a melting temperature greater than 2000° C., and an atomic proportion of silicon that is greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to two-thirds. The method further includes a step consisting in impregnating the accessible surface of the C/C composite material with the reactive composition melted at a temperature that is greater than or equal to the melting temperature of the metal that is a precursor of a determined carbide. |
| US08357419B2 |
Method for enhancing post-processing content of beneficial compounds in beverages naturally containing same
A process for enhancing polyphenolics content of beverages brewed from polyphenolic containing, processed beverage substrate by pre-soaking substrate (coffee beans, for example) before roasting and then quenching the substrate after processing with the liquid in which the substrate was first “pre-soaked.” Beverages produced from the treated substrate exhibit substantially increased polyphenolics content, when compared to conventionally processed beverage substrate of the same nature and processing. |
| US08357418B2 |
Method for preparing chocolates and/or chocolate-/cocoa-flavored compositions
The invention relates to a computer-aided method for preparing chocolates and/or chocolate-/cocoa-flavored compositions from a bank of ingredients Pj using tools such as a valuation system E which can be used to assign a numerical value vij to the taste descriptor Gi of each ingredient Pj and a function f designating the set of rules that can be used to calculate the values vic characterising the taste of a combination C of chocolates. The invention also relates to a device for performing the inventive method. |
| US08357412B2 |
Storage and packaging of bulk food items and method
A semi-automated food processing station, system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, stored and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container for serving to a customer. In one embodiment, the system includes an automated salting device, and may include a pivotable food receiving tray that automatically transfers the food items to one or more storage bins, where an infrared heater maintains the temperature of the food items by directing infrared radiation thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the infrared radiation passes through a filter that filters out the wavelengths of infrared radiation that may be irritating to an operator. |
| US08357411B2 |
Multi-perforated collagen film
A multi-perforated collagen film is provided on rolls or in the form of sheets for use as a food wrapping. The perforations and made by laser of substantially circular shape with an average ellipticity of less than 0.17 and the holes are spaced with respect to their nearest neighbors by 3 to 14 mm, thus allowing the escape of air or steam trapped between the film and the food wrapped in the film. The film still has sufficient mechanical strength and extensibility to be able to stand the food processing steps in the manufacture of cooked ham or in comparable operations under industrial conditions. |
| US08357408B2 |
Proteases
Proteases derived from Nocardiopsis dassonvillei subsp. dassonvillei DSM 43235, Nocardiopsis prasina DSM 15649, Nocardiopsis prasina (previously alba) DSM 14010 Nocardiopsis sp. DSM 16424, Nocardiopsis alkaliphila DSM 44657 and Nocardiopsis lucentensis DSM 44048, as well as homologous proteases; their recombinant production in various hosts, including transgenic plants and non-human animals, and their use in animal feed and detergents. The proteases are acid-stable, alkali-stable, and/or thermostable. |
| US08357405B2 |
Nut skin products and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to a method of treating or preventing a nitric oxide (NO)-responsive disease or disorder by administering to a subject in need thereof a composition, including foods such as confectionary and pet foods, comprising nut skins and/or a procyanidin-containing nut skins extract. Said composition may further comprise cocoa polyphenol(s) and/or L-arginine. |
| US08357403B2 |
Placental tissue grafts
Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of at least one layer of amnion tissue where the epithelium layer has been substantially removed in order to expose the basement layer to host cells. By removing the epithelium layer, cells from the host can more readily interact with the cell-adhesion bio-active factors located onto top and within of the basement membrane. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. The laminin structure of amnion tissue is nearly identical to that of native human tissue such as, for example, oral mucosa tissue. This includes high level of laminin-5, a cell adhesion bio-active factor show to bind gingival epithelia-cells, found throughout upper portions of the basement membrane. |
| US08357399B2 |
Tamper-resistant oral opioid agonist formulations
Disclosed is an oral dosage form comprising: (i) an opioid agonist in releasable form and (ii) a sequestered opioid antagonist which is not released when the dosage form is administered orally intact. |
| US08357383B2 |
Personal care implement containing a stable reactive skin care and cleansing composition
Skin care or cleansing implements are described containing a liquid, semi-solid or solid cleansing or skin treatment composition that is releasably associated with the implement. The composition is substantially nonaqueous and has a continuous and a discontinuous phase. Components of the discontinuous phase can react with each other or with water when water is blended with the nonaqueous cleansing or skin treatment composition during consumer use. Methods for treating the skin with the inventive implements are also described. |
| US08357376B2 |
Method of purifying influenza virus and removing MDCK cell DNA contaminants
The present invention relates to novel MDCK cells which can be to grow viruses, e.g., influenza viruses, in cell culture to higher titer than previously possible. The MDCK cells can be adapted to serum-free culture medium. The present invention further relates to cell culture compositions comprising the MDCK cells and cultivation methods for growing the MDCK cells. The present invention further relates to methods for producing influenza viruses in cell culture using the MDCK cells of the invention. |
| US08357371B2 |
Methods for treating hypercholesterolemia using antibodies to PCSK9
The present invention provides methods for treating hypercholesterolemia. The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutic composition comprising an anti-PCSK9 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. |
| US08357364B2 |
Bone substitute compositions, methods of preparation and clinical applications
The present invention relates to bone substitute compositions and methods of their preparation, and their use in a wide variety of clinical applications. The compositions include calcium phosphate, acidic calcium salt, basic calcium salt, sodium hydrogen phosphate and porogen. The compositions further include a mixing liquid. The compositions can optionally include biological signaling molecules and/or a growth compound. Further, the compositions can optionally include a plasticizer. |
| US08357358B2 |
3.2.1-bicyclo-octane compounds
The present invention relates to novel compounds and their use in fragrance compositions. Novel 3.2.1-bicyclo-octane compounds of the present invention are represented by formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of carbonyl and [1,3]dioxolane; R′ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and allyl; or R and R′ taken together represent |
| US08357352B2 |
Aerosol suspension formulations containing TG 227 ea or TG 134 a as propellant
Disclosed are propellant gas formulations containing at least one suspended active substance which contains chemically bound water, water and the propellant TG 227 or TG 134 a. |
| US08357346B2 |
Enhanced carbon nanotube wire
Techniques for manufacturing an enhanced carbon nanotube (CNT) wire are provided. In one embodiment, an enhanced CNT wire may be manufactured by immersing a metal tip into a CNT colloidal solution, withdrawing the metal tip from the CNT colloidal solution, and then coating the CNT wire with a polymer. |
| US08357343B2 |
Star-shaped zinc oxide particles and method for producing the same
A method for producing star-shaped zinc oxide particles, the method including heating a solution containing tetrahydroxozincate(II) ion [Zn(OH)4]2−, and diluting the solution containing tetrahydroxozincate(II) ion [Zn(OH)4]2− with a solvent in the course of reaction so that the concentration of zinc ion (Zn2+) after the dilution is adjusted to 0.008 M or lower. |
| US08357336B2 |
Sample entry device
A sample entry device is provided comprising a single plug-in site for automated input of medical samples, typically samples of body fluids, or quality control media, from diverse sample vessels. Sample transport containers are provided in the entry device, each having a cannula that can be inserted both through an opening into an open sample vessel and through a penetrable lid element into a closed sample vessel, and the entry device is provided with guiding elements, which will grip the cannula of the sample transport container to guide and center the cannula before it is inserted into the sample vessel or punctures it. |
| US08357334B2 |
Methods and devices for the production of cyanopyridines
Subject of the invention is a method for the production of a cyanopyridine, comprising the steps of (a) providing a column comprising an absorber section and a stripping section, the absorber section being positioned above the stripping section, such that liquid which passed the absorber section enters the stripping section, (b) feeding a gaseous phase comprising the cyanopyridine into the column, (c) contacting the gaseous phase with an aqueous solution in the absorber section, such that at least a portion of the cyanopyridine is dissolved in the aqueous solution, (d) stripping the aqueous solution obtained from the absorber section in step (c) with a stripping gas in the stripping section, and (e) eluting an aqueous solution comprising the cyanopyridine from the bottom of the column. Another subject of the invention is a device for carrying out the invention. |
| US08357332B2 |
Device and method for evaporating a reactant
A device for evaporating at least one of the following reactants: a reducing agent precursor solution and a reducing agent precursor, includes at least one electrically heatable heating zone having at least one electrically operable heating element with a heating resistor that is self-regulated about a significant temperature. A method and the device for evaporating a reactant allow a simple control of an evaporation process, especially of a urea/water solution, to provide a reducing agent, especially in an SCR process. The heating resistors have a significant temperature that corresponds to a control temperature of the heating resistor. The need for additional control electronics can be removed by adjusting a correspondingly steep curve within a range. |
| US08357331B2 |
Feed back and dose control of distributed decontamination systems
A sterilization system includes a plurality of vaporizers that are controlled by a network of interconnected controllers. The network includes a plurality of control units with each control unit controlling an associated vaporizer to adjust independently the rate at which the associated vaporizer injects vaporized sterilant into the different regions of an enclosure. The network also includes a master control unit configured to control each control unit over the network to coordinate the aggregate injection of sterilant vapor. |
| US08357327B2 |
Heating device for preheating a liquid-metal transfer container
A heating device for preheating a container (3), such as a transfer ladle, transferring liquid metal in melting operations, which is lined with refractory material, wherein the container is heated in a heating stand (1) having a container closure lid (2), is characterized by the use of porous burners (7) for heating the container (3) and keeping it warm. |
| US08357326B2 |
Method and device for producing a tubular object from thermoplastic material
A device for producing a tubular object from thermoplastic material includes a die, a plunger, and a withdrawal unit. The movements of the withdrawal unit, plunger and die body are controlled such that the movement of the withdrawal unit is carried out according to a freely adjustable velocity profile over the path of the withdrawal unit. Movement of the plunger is carried out according to a freely adjustable velocity profile over the plunger path and movement of the die body is carried out according to a freely adjustable position profile over the path of the withdrawal unit or plunger. In this manner, the wall thickness of the tubular object may be adjusted with high accuracy over its length. |
| US08357323B2 |
Ceramic matrix composite wall with post laminate stitching
A stitching geometry and method for selective interlaminar reinforcement of a CMC wall (20A). The CMC wall is formed of ceramic fiber layers (22) individually infused with a ceramic matrix, stacked, and at least partially cured. A row of holes is formed in the wall, and a ceramic fiber thread (25) is infused with a wet ceramic matrix and passed through the holes to form stitches (28, 30, 31). The stitches are then cured, causing them to shrink more than any remaining wall shrinkage, thus tensioning the stitches and compressing the wall laminae together. The stitches may have through-wall portions (30, 31) that are angled differently in different wall areas as a function of interlaminar shear over interlaminar tension, optimizing wall reinforcement locally depending on magnitude and direction of shear. Alternate rows of stitches (54, 56) may have offsets in a stitch direction (34) and/or different through-wall angles (A1, A2). |
| US08357319B2 |
Foaming methods for making cellular thermoplastic materials
Methods for reducing the density of thermoplastic materials and the articles made therefrom having similar or improved mechanical properties to the solid or noncellular material. Also disclosed are improvements to foaming methods and the cellular structures of the foams made therefrom, and methods for altering the impact strength of solid or noncellular thermoplastic materials and the shaping of the materials into useful articles. |
| US08357318B2 |
Wax encapsulation
A process of preparation of microcapsules having a shell and a core that includes a waxy solid, includes (a) dispersing particles of waxy solid material in a water-immiscible liquid in which the waxy solid material is insoluble; (b) emulsifying the resulting dispersion into an aqueous solution of a capsule wall-forming material to form an emulsion of droplets; (c) forming a coating of the capsule wall-forming material on the emulsified droplets containing the dispersed waxy solid particles to provide capsules; (d) heating the capsules to a temperature above the melting point of the waxy solid material; and (e) cooling the capsules to a temperature below the melting point of the waxy solid material. |
| US08357316B2 |
Gamma radiation source
One gamma radiation source comprises 75Selenium or a precursor thereof, wherein the 75Selenium is provided in the form of one or more thermally stable compounds, alloys or mixtures with one or more nonmetals which upon irradiation do not produce products capable of sustained emission of radiation which would unacceptably interfere with the gamma radiation of 75Selenium. A further gamma radiation source comprises 75Selenium or a precursor thereof, wherein the 75Selenium is provided in the form of one or more thermally stable compounds, alloys or mixtures with one or more metals or nonmetals, the neutron irradiation of which does produce products capable of sustained emission of radiation which would acceptably complement the gamma radiation of 75Selenium. Further, the gamma radiation source may have components that are separately irradiated before being combined and the components may be of natural isotopic composition or of isotopically modified composition so that the subsequent radiation peaks may also be adjusted in relative frequency. |
| US08357314B2 |
Dielectric elastomer composition and high-frequency electronic component material
It is an object of the present invention to provide a dielectric elastomer composition which has a sufficient dielectric property as a high-frequency electronic component material and to which an excellent flame retardance can be imparted as necessary in consideration of an influence on environment and the high-frequency electronic component material formed by molding the dielectric elastomer composition. The dielectric elastomer composition of the present invention comprises an elastomer to which (A) carbon black and (B) at least one powder selected from among magnesium hydroxide powder and dielectric ceramic powder is added. An average particle diameter of the carbon black is 50 to 200 nm, and 5 to 40 parts by weight thereof is added to 100 parts by weight of the elastomer. In the magnesium hydroxide powder, a content of ferric oxide is not more than 0.02 wt %. In at least one measuring condition selected from among a measuring condition (1) in which a frequency is 400 MHz and a temperature is 30° C. and a measuring condition (2) in which a frequency is 5 GHz and a temperature is 25° C., a dielectric constant is not less than three, and a dielectric dissipation factor is not more than 0.01. |
| US08357312B2 |
Electrically controlled medium for modulating light
An electrically controlled medium for modulating light includes two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2), and a mixture layer (3) is arranged between the two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2). The mixture layer (3) is consisted of smectic liquid crystals (31), polymer materials (33) and dopants (32). Electrode layers (4) are coated on one side of each of the two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2) facing to the mixture layer (3), and the electrode layers (4) are connected to a device of electrical driving system (5). The liquid crystal molecules are allowed to exhibit different molecule alignments by controlling the amplitude, frequency and driving time of the electric power applied to the electrode layers (4), so that the electrically controlled medium for modulating light can be switched between a blurredly scattering state and a fully transparent state, even may be switched among a plurality of gradual translucent states of different gray levels. The medium is power saving, hard to be broken and eco friendly and it can maintain its state after power is off (memory effect). It has fast switching speed and can be broadly used for the fields of architectural decoration, privacy control areas, automotive electronics and glass, etc. |
| US08357311B2 |
Polishing liquid composition
A polishing liquid composition includes composite oxide particles containing cerium and zirconium, a dispersing agent, and an aqueous medium. A powder X-ray diffraction spectrum of the composite oxide particles obtained by CuKα1 ray (λ=0.154050 nm) irradiation includes a peak (first peak) having a peak top in a diffraction angle 2θ (θ is a Bragg angle) range of 28.61 to 29.67°, a peak (second peak) having a peak top in a diffraction angle 2θ range of 33.14 to 34.53°, a peak (third peak) having a peak top in a diffraction angle 2θ range of 47.57 to 49.63°, and a peak (fourth peak) having a peak top in a diffraction angle 2θ range of 56.45 to 58.91°. A half-width of the first peak is 0.8° or less. |
| US08357308B1 |
Ion etching of growing InP nanocrystals using microwave
High quantum yield InP nanocrystals are used in the bio-technology, bio-medical, and photovoltaic, specifically IV, III-V and III-VI nanocrystal technological applications. InP nanocrystals typically require post-generation HF treatment. Combining microwave methodologies with the presence of a fluorinated ionic liquid allows Fluorine ion etching without the hazards accompanying HF. Growing the InP nanocrystals in the presence of the ionic liquid allows in-situ etching to be achieved. The optimization of the PL QY is achieved by balancing growth and etching rates in the reaction. |
| US08357304B2 |
Hazardous material storage and leak mitigation system
A self-contained storage system for hazardous materials includes a containment envelope enclosing a storage tank containing hazardous materials and forming a containment space between the storage tank and containment envelope. Leaked material is detected by one or more sensors in the containment space and, depending on the concentration or time rate of change in concentration of the leaked material, alarms and corresponding mitigation measures are reversibly activated to remove leaked material from the containment space. |
| US08357303B2 |
Method for removing metal contaminants from a metal containing solution
A method for removing a metal from a metal-containing solution comprising contacting the metal-containing solution with a metal-removing composition comprising a substrate, an organic ion, and a metal binding agent, and recovering a solution having a lowered metal concentration when compared to the metal-containing solution. A composition comprising a substrate, an organic ion, and a metal binding agent, wherein the substrate comprises a natural clay, a synthetic clay, a natural zeolite, a synthetic zeolite, a polymer resin, lignite, kaolinite, serpentine, illite, chlorite, smectite, montmorillonite, saponite, sepiolite, nontronite, beidellite, hectorite, fuller's earth, attapulgite, bentonite, analcime, chabazite, heulandite, natrolite, phillipsite, stilbite, diethyl aminoethyl, quaternary aminoethyl, or combinations thereof, wherein the organic ion comprises quaternary amines, imidazolium salts, phosphonium salts, tetra alkyl ammonium, bis-(hydrogenated tallow)-dimethyl-ammonium chloride, bis-(hydrogenated tallow)-benzyl-methyl-ammonium chloride, 4,5-dihydro-1-methyl-2-nortallow-alkyl-1-(2-tallow-amidoethyl)-imidazolium methyl sulfate, 1-ethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(8-heptadecenyl)-imidazolium ethyl sulfate, or combinations thereof, and wherein the metal-binding agent comprises mercaptan, carboxylic acid, chelating agents, amines, esters, carboxylic acids, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, alkenes, alkynes, mercaptans, thiols, tert-dodecanethiol, nonanethiol, octanethiol, n-stearic acid, iso-stearic acid, palmitic acid, or combinations thereof. |
| US08357302B2 |
Reaction systems with incorporated chromatography units for enhanced product recovery
Product yields in chemical reactions that produce a solid product from a liquid reaction mixture are improved by chromatographically separating certain key impurities from the product mixture prior to crystallization, or from the filtrate after crystallization in which case further product is crystallized from the filtrate. The removal of key impurities either before the first crystallization or between the first and second crystallizations facilitates the crystallization of product to produce a higher yield of product. |
| US08357301B2 |
Chromatography equipment characterization
Herein is reported a method for determining whether a re-useable chromatography column packing, which is used at least for the second time in a purification step of a purification of a polypeptide, has reduced separation efficacy in said purification step of said purification of said polypeptide, comprising the following steps: a) identifying and determining the experimental data of an inert change of at least one physicochemical parameter of a mobile phase passing through said re-useable chromatography column packing, b) determining the parameters of a function of formula I by fitting the experimental data of the inert change of the physicochemical parameter of the at least second use, c) determining the difference between the experimental data of the inert change of the physicochemical parameter of the at least second use and the function of formula I with the parameters determined in step b), d) calculating the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the difference determined in step c) and normalizing said difference, e) determining reduced separation efficacy of said re-useable chromatography column packing when the absolute value of the difference calculated in step d) is more than 0.1. |
| US08357300B2 |
Methods and materials for selective boron adsorption from aqueous solution
A method for reducing a boron concentration in a boron-containing aqueous liquid involves administering micelle(s) for selective boron adsorption to the boron-containing aqueous liquid to produce boron-bonded micelle(s), wherein the micelle(s) comprise a reaction product of an N-substituted-glucamine and a glycidyl ether; passing the micelle-containing aqueous liquid through a membrane to separate the boron-bonded micelle(s) from the aqueous liquid; and recovering a permeate having a reduced boron concentration from the membrane. A material capable of selectively adsorbing boron from a boron-containing aqueous liquid contains at least one micelle having a hydrophobic tail and a head comprising a hydrophilic functional group having formula (I): R1—O-A (I) R1 represents a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted aromatic, linear aliphatic, and branched aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and mixtures thereof, and A contains hydroxyl and amine groups. |
| US08357292B2 |
Water treatment system for surface cleaning apparatus
The present invention relates generally to an environmentally sensitive mobile cleaning system, and more specifically relates to a closed loop water recirculation system for high or ultra-high pressure mobile cleaning apparatus. The system includes a water tank sized to contain an established volume of fluid sufficient to circulate through the system, a pump to pressure the fluid to a cleaning head, a vacuum system to return the contaminated fluid to the system, and a filter means to remove the contaminants from the fluid so that clean fluid can be reintroduced to the cleaning head. The method comprises the steps of increasing the pressure of a fixed volume of fluid in a closed-loop system, jetting or blasting the surface with the pressurized fluid, vacuuming the blasted fluid into the system, and removing the contaminants from the fluid. |
| US08357291B2 |
Upgrading bitumen in a paraffinic froth treatment process
The invention relates to an improved bitumen recovery process. The process includes adding water to a bitumen-froth/solvent system containing asphaltenes and mineral solids. The addition of water in droplets increases the settling rate of asphaltenes and mineral solids to more effectively treat the bitumen for pipeline transport, further enhancement, refining, or any other application of reduced-solids bitumen. |
| US08357290B2 |
Removing amines from hydrocarbon streams
Corrosive amine salts in hydrocarbon streams such as desalted crude oil streams can be prevented or avoided by adding certain amine scavenging chemicals to the streams to remove the amines therefrom. Suitable amine scavengers include, but are not necessarily limited to, carboxylic anhydrides and copolymers of carboxylic anhydrides, aromatic anhydrides, isocyanates, polyisocyanates, and epoxides. The non-corrosive reaction products of the amines and/or ammonia with these scavengers are preferably oil-soluble, non-basic and thermally stable. The amine scavengers bind up and react with the amines and/or ammonia to keep them from reacting with materials such as acids (e.g. HCl) to form corrosive amine salts. |
| US08357289B2 |
Method and system for removing contaminants from a fluid
A method and system for removing contaminants from a fluid are provided. The method can generally include providing microstructures in the fluid. At least some of the contaminants in the fluid are attracted to the microstructures and adhered to the microstructures. With the contaminants attached to the microstructures, the microstructures can be separated from the fluid so that the contaminants are thereby removed from the fluid. |
| US08357287B2 |
Electrolyte solution and electropolishing methods
An aqueous electrolyte solution including a concentration of citric acid in the range of about 1.6 g/L to about 982 g/L and an effective concentration of ammonium bifluoride (ABF), and being substantially free of a strong acid. Methods of micropolishing a surface of a non-ferrous metal workpiece including exposing the surface to a bath of an aqueous electrolyte solution including a concentration of citric acid in the range of about 1.6 g/L to about 780 g/L and a concentration of ammonium bifluoride in the range of about 2 g/L to about 120 g/L and having no more than about 3.35 g/L of a strong acid, controlling the temperature of the bath to be between the freezing point and the boiling point of the solution, connecting the workpiece to an anodic electrode of a DC power supply and immersing a cathodic electrode of the DC power supply in the bath, and applying a current across the bath. |
| US08357283B2 |
Electric separating apparatus
An electric separating apparatus has a separating tank and an electrical control. The separating tank has at least one first electrode panel, a second electrode panel, an upper separating region and a lower separating region. The electrode panels are vertically mounted in the separating tank to form the separating regions. The electrical control is electrically connected to the separating tank and has a transformer, a high-power resistor, a first A/C transformer, a second A/C transformer and a control unit. The transformer is electrically connected to an A/C source and the electrode panels. The high-power resistor is electrically connected to the transformer and the at least one first electrode panel in series. The A/C transformers are respectively connected to the high-power resistor and the electrode panels. The control unit is electrically connected to the A/C transformers to determine an electrical impedance of a liquid mixture in the tank. |
| US08357281B2 |
Multi-wavelength fluorescence detection system for multiplexed capillary electrophoresis
Using multiple dichroics mirrors to split and redirect different wavelength regions of light in a multi-wavelength fluorescence detection system. |
| US08357279B2 |
Methods, apparatus and systems for concentration, separation and removal of particles at/from the surface of drops
Methods are provided for concentrating particles on the surface of a drop or bubble in a continuous phase, for separating different types of particles, and for removing particles from the surface of the drop or bubble. The methods also facilitate separation of two types of particles on a drop or bubble, optionally followed by solidification of the drop or bubble, to produce a particle for which the surface properties vary, such as a Janus particle. The methods can be also used to destabilize emulsions and foams by re-distributing or removing particles on the surface of the drop or bubble, facilitating coalescence of the particle-free drops or bubbles. |
| US08357267B2 |
Film producing method using atmospheric pressure hydrogen plasma, and method and apparatus for producing refined film
The present invention has been achieved to provide a method and apparatus for speedily and homogeneously fabricating polycrystalline silicon films or similar devices at low cost. A silicon target is attached to a water-cooled electrode, while a substrate made of a desired material is set on the other, heated electrode. When atmospheric pressure hydrogen plasma is generated between the two electrodes, silicon atoms will be released from the low-temperature target on the side and deposited on the high-temperature substrate. A doped silicon film can be created by using a target containing a doping element. Since there is no need to handle expensive and harmful gases (e.g. SiH4, B2H6 and PH3), the apparatus can be installed and operated at lower costs. In an application of the film producing method according to the present invention, an objective substance can be selectively purified from a target containing a plurality of substances. |
| US08357266B2 |
Method and system for controlling a vapor deposition process
A method and system for conditioning a vapor deposition target is described. In one illustrative embodiment, a vapor deposition system is operated in which a vapor deposition target is used, the occurrence of electrical arcs in the vapor deposition system is detected, and the vapor deposition target is conditioned by adjusting an output current of a power supply that powers the vapor deposition system and adjusting an interval during which energy is delivered to each arc to deliver substantially the same energy to each arc. In some embodiments, the energy delivered to each arc is approximately equal to the maximum energy that the vapor deposition target can withstand without being damaged. The described method and system significantly reduces the time required to remove impurities from a target and does not require the venting of the vacuum chamber or the removal of the target from the chamber. |
| US08357264B2 |
Plasma reactor with plasma load impedance tuning for engineered transients by synchronized modulation of a source power or bias power RF generator
In a plasma reactor employing source and bias RF power generators, plasma is stabilized against an engineered transient in the output of either the source or bias power generator by a compensating modulation in the other generator. |
| US08357263B2 |
Apparatus and methods for electrical measurements in a plasma etcher
Apparatus and methods for plasma etching are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for etching a plurality of features on a wafer comprises a chamber, a feature plate disposed in the chamber for holding the wafer, a gas channel configured to receive a plasma source gas, an anode disposed above the feature plate, a cathode disposed below the feature plate, a radio frequency power source configured to provide a radio frequency voltage between the anode and the cathode so as to generate plasma ions from the plasma source gas, a pump configured to remove gases and etch particulates from the chamber, and a clamp configured to clamp the wafer against the feature plate. The clamp includes at least one measurement hole for passing a portion of the plasma ions to measure a DC bias of the feature plate. |
| US08357259B2 |
Method for assembling at least two plates and use of the method for preparing an ion beam sputtering assembly
According to the method, drops of an adhesive material are deposited on one of the plates, with the drops being spaced from one another. A grid having a predefined thickness lower than that of the drops is applied to the plate receiving the drops. A perpendicular and uniform pressure is applied to at least one of the plates, so that the drops spread and come into contact with the opposing sides of the two plates. The spacing of the drops is defined so that after spreading under the pressure applied, air is not trapped between the drops. |