| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08446702B2 |
Circuit breaker
A switch is disclosed for power distribution, in particular a circuit breaker and compact switch, which automatically interrupts the electric currents flowing through the switch in a polyphase electrical power supply system when a tripping situation occurs. In at least one embodiment, the switch includes switching contacts which are provided for each phase and can be opened via a switching shaft; an electronic release which automatically initiates the opening of the switching contacts via the switching shaft; electrical power converters, which in each case take the electrical power which is required for the electrical power supply for the release from the currents for the individual phases; instrument transformers which convert the currents in each of the individual phases to a measurement signal; an electronic circuit, in particular in the form of a microprocessor, for assessment of the current values which correspond to the measurement signals, wherein the occurrence of the tripping situation is in each case identified on the basis of the assessment. In order to improve the functional reliability of the switch, in at least one embodiment it is proposed that the currents emitted from the power converters are additionally recorded and that the electronic circuit carries out a plausibility comparison on the basis of the recorded current of the power converters and of the instrument transformers, and generates a warning signal in the event of non-plausibility. |
| US08446694B1 |
Disk drive head suspension assembly with embedded in-plane actuator at flexure tongue
A head gimbal assembly (HGA) for a disk drive includes a mounting plate configured to be attachable to an actuator arm, a load beam extending from the mounting plate, a laminated flexure, first and second piezoelectric elements, and a read head. The laminated flexure includes a fixed portion that is attached to the load beam, and a head mounting tongue that is connected to the fixed portion by first and second compliant members. The read head is bonded to the head mounting tongue. The laminated flexure also includes first and second piezoelectric element receiving windows, each adjacent a respective one of the first and second compliant members. The first and second piezoelectric elements are each disposed within a respective one of the first and second piezoelectric element receiving windows. |
| US08446693B2 |
System and method for a subambient pressure air bearing slider utilizing negative pressure grooves
A system and method are disclosed for a subambient pressure air bearing slider utilizing negative pressure grooves. In one embodiment, a groove extends from a slider's leading edge, splits, and terminates in two locations at the slider's trailing edge. In one embodiment, a groove is provided in a slider's compression pad near the trailing edge of the slider. |
| US08446692B2 |
Perpendicular magnetic recording head laminated with AFM-FM phase change material
A PMR writer is disclosed that minimizes pole erasure during non-writing and maximize write field during writing through an AFM-FM phase change material that is in an anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) state during non-writing and switches to a ferromagnetic (FM) state by heating during writing. The main pole layer including the write pole may be comprised of a laminated structure having a plurality of “n” ferromagnetic layers and “n−1” AFM-FM phase change material layers arranged in an alternating manner. The AFM-FM phase change material is preferably a FeRh, FeRhPt, FeRhPd, or FeRhIr and may also be used as a flux gate to prevent yoke flux from leaking into the write pole tip. Heating for the AFM to FM transition is provided by write coils and/or a coil located near the AFM-FM phase change material to enable faster transition times. |
| US08446689B2 |
High data rate magnetic writer design
A high speed magnetic data writer containing a stitched pole tip that works in conjunction with the main pole is disclosed, together with a process for their manufacture. The material composition of each of these two sub-structures is slightly different; one sub-structure is optimized for high magnetic damping while the other sub-structure is optimized for high saturation magnetization. |
| US08446688B1 |
Drive with circumferential disk limiter
Described herein is a disk drive having a disk receiving surface with an outer diameter. The drive can include a peripheral edge that extends transverse to the disk receiving surface and circumferentially about at least a portion of the outer diameter of the disk receiving surface. The drive can also include a disk limiter that extends between and transverse to the disk receiving surface and the peripheral edge to provide a transition between the disk receiving surface and a surface of the peripheral edge. |
| US08446685B2 |
Servo frame interval correction apparatus, storage apparatus and servo frame interval correction method
One aspect of the embodiment utilizes a servo frame interval correction apparatus which includes a detection unit for detecting a first servo frame formed on said recording medium. The apparatus includes an acquiring unit acquiring a detection time interval between said first servo frame and a second servo frame detected subsequently to the first servo frame from a table storing a detection time interval between a specific servo frame and a servo frame detected subsequently to the specific servo frame. The apparatus includes a differential calculation unit calculating a differential between the detection time interval acquired by said acquiring unit and a reference time interval; and a correction unit correcting an estimated position of said second servo frame based on the differential calculated by said differential calculation unit. |
| US08446683B2 |
Systems and methods for data pre-coding calibration
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for selecting between pre-coding and non-pre-coding. As an example, a data processing circuit is disclosed that includes: a first data detector circuit, a second data detector circuit, a first comparator circuit, a second comparator circuit, and a pre-code selection circuit. The first data detector circuit is selectably configurable to operate in a pre-coded state, and operable to apply a data detection algorithm on a data input to yield a first detected output. The second data detector circuit operable to apply the data detection algorithm to the data input to yield a second detected output without compensating for pre-coding. The first comparator circuit operable to compare the first detected output against a known input to yield a first comparison value, and the second comparator circuit operable to compare the second detected output against the known input to yield a second comparison value. The pre-code selection circuit is operable to determine a selectable configuration of the first data detector circuit based at least in part on the first comparison value and the second comparison value. |
| US08446681B2 |
Optical apparatus
An optical apparatus includes a cam barrel configured to hold an optical member, which is movable back and forth along a first optical axis, on an inner periphery of the cam barrel, a bending member configured to bend a light flux from an object from the first optical axis towards a second optical axis, and a guiding member extending in a direction parallel with the second optical axis and configured to support and hold the bending member to be movable back and forth in the direction parallel with the second optical axis, wherein the guiding member is configured to enter into a notch, which is provided to the cam barrel, when the optical member is stored into a space along the first optical axis into which the bending member has retracted. |
| US08446674B2 |
Method and structure capable of changing color saturation
Various embodiments include an interferometric modulator device configured to provide improved saturation. In some embodiments, saturation is improved by optically matching the impedance of two materials with different refractive indices using a multilayer having a refractive index gradient. In various embodiments, the thickness one or more of the layers in the multilayer are selected to provide increased saturation. Accordingly, in various embodiments the multilayer having a refractive index gradient helps to narrow the resonance of a pixel such that the band of wavelengths that are reflected from the pixel is smaller. In turn, a device including a combination of red, green and blue pixels may expand the spectrum of colors that are reflected by the device in operation. Additionally, there may be better contrast between whites and blacks, as darker blacks with less hue are produced. |
| US08446673B2 |
Anti-reflection film having an antistatic hard coat and low refractive index layers and manufacturing method thereof
An anti-reflection film which has not only sufficient anti-reflection properties and antistatic properties but also excellent optical properties is provided. The anti-reflection film includes an antistatic hard coat layer and a low refractive index layer on a transparent substrate, the antistatic hard coat layer containing conductive particles and a binder matrix, the antistatic hard coat layer including a mixed layer in which the transparent substrate component and the binder matrix blend together with a gradient and a localized layer, the mixed layer being optically indistinguishable and the localized layer being optically distinguishable, and the localized layer having an optical thickness of 50-400 nm. |
| US08446672B2 |
Vibration reduction apparatus with a center of gravity adjusting member to reduce detection errors and optical apparatus
A vibration reduction apparatus to stably control the driving of a vibration reduction optical system. A vibration reduction apparatus 30 has a fixed portion 31, a moving portion 25, 32, 34-1, 35-1 having a vibration reduction optical system 25 and moves in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis, relatively with respect to the fixed portion, a first detection portion 35 detects relative movement in a first direction D1 of the moving portion and the fixed portion, a second detection portion detects relative movement in a second direction D2 of the moving portion and the fixed portion, and a center of gravity adjusting member 36 disposed at the moving portion such that a center of gravity position G1 of the moving portion can be brought close to a crossing point C of each detection direction of the first detection portion and the second detection portion. |
| US08446671B2 |
Display panel and apparatus provided with the same
A display panel is provided with a solar cell, a light transmitting substrate arranged on a side of the solar cell to be seen, and a reflective polarizing plate. An uneven pattern is arranged on at least one surface of the reflective polarizing plate. The pattern desirably has concave and convex shape formed on at least one surface of the reflective polarizing plate. The respective concave and convex patterns may be different from each other. The reflective polarizing plate is provided with a light reflection axis and a light transmission easy axis. |
| US08446670B2 |
Convergence adjustment mechanism
Improvement to an adornable binocular device having a telescope pair including a pivoting coupling between each telescope and arm and a second releasably slidable coupling between each telescope and arm. |
| US08446669B2 |
Apparatus for adjusting a microscope stage
An apparatus for adjusting a microscope stage. The microscope stage of the apparatus defines a plane on which an object to be examined can be placed. The apparatus further includes a first shaft and a second shaft rotationally coupled to the first shaft. The microscope stage is guided between the first and second shafts such that a rotational movement of at least one of the first and second shafts has a direct effect on the microscope stage. |
| US08446668B2 |
Microscope apparatus
A microscope apparatus includes an illumination optical system that illuminates a sample with illumination light from a light source; an imaging optical system that converges light emitted from the sample to form a sample image by an objective lens; an aperture member disposed in the illumination optical system in the vicinity of a conjugate plane of a rear focal plane of the objective lens and having an aperture for limiting illumination light; and a filter member that includes a phase plate disposed in the imaging optical system in the vicinity of the objective lens rear focal plane or in the vicinity of the conjugate plane of the objective lens rear focal plane and having first and second phase areas introducing a 180-degree phase difference into the light from the sample; a phase boundary portion between the first and second phase areas being disposed in a conjugate aperture of the aperture. |
| US08446666B2 |
UV-reflective structural color
The present invention discloses a non-quarter wave multilayer structure having a plurality of alternating low index of refraction material stacks and high index of refraction material stacks. The plurality of alternating stacks can reflect electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet region and a narrow band of electromagnetic radiation in the visible region. The non-quarter wave multilayer structure, i.e. nLdL≠nHdH≠λ0/4, can be expressed as [A 0.5 qH pL(qH pL)N 0.5 qH G], where q and p are multipliers to the quarter-wave thicknesses of high and low refractive index material, respectively, H is the quarter-wave thickness of the high refracting index material; L is the quarter-wave thickness of the low refracting index material; N represents the total number of layers between bounding half layers of high index of refraction material (0.5 qH); G represents a substrate and A represents air. |
| US08446665B2 |
Catadioptric projection objective
Catadioptric projection objective (1) for microlithography for imaging an object field (3) in an object plane (5) onto an image field (7) in an image plane (9). The objective includes a first partial objective (11) imaging the object field onto a first real intermediate image (13), a second partial objective (15) imaging the first intermediate image onto a second real intermediate image (17), and a third partial objective (19) imaging the second intermediate image onto the image field. The second partial objective is a catadioptric objective having exactly one concave mirror and having at least one lens (L21, L22). A first folding mirror (23) deflects the radiation from the object plane toward the concave mirror and a second folding mirror (25) deflects the radiation from the concave mirror toward the image plane. At least one surface of a lens (L21, L22) of the second partial objective has an antireflection coating having a reflectivity of less than 0.2% for an operating wavelength of between 150 nm and 250 nm and for an angle-of-incidence range of between 0° and 30°. As an alternative or in addition, all the surfaces of the lenses of the second partial objective are configured such that the deviation from the marginal ray concentricity is greater than or equal to 20°. |
| US08446660B2 |
Electrochromic display device
Disclosed is an electrochromic display device, including, a first substrate, first electrodes provided on an upper surface of the first substrate, a second substrate provided to be opposed to the first substrate above the first substrate, the second substrate being formed of a transparent material, second electrodes provided on an undersurface of the second substrate, at least a part of the second electrodes being formed of a transparent electrode material, and an electrochromic composition layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate. The electrochromic composition layer contains an electrochromic composition including a supporting electrolyte, a polar solvent, a leuco dye, a hydroquinone derivative and/or a catechol derivative, a ferrocene derivative, and a compound having a carbonyl group. |
| US08446657B2 |
Method and apparatus for modulating light
Embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for producing polarized light, having a modulator crystal, where the modulator crystal incorporates a birefringent electro-optic material. The modulator crystal has an optic axis, a first polarization axis, and a second polarization axis, where the first polarization axis and second polarization axis are each perpendicular to the optic axis and perpendicular to each other. The apparatus can also include an electrode pair, where application of an electric field modulates light passing through the modulator crystal that is polarized along the first polarization axis. Embodiments pertain to a method and apparatus for modulating light. The apparatus incorporates a modulator crystal having an electro-optic material. The device also has at least two electrode pairs, where each electrode pair modulates light passing through the modulator crystal that has a direction of travel that has a component parallel to the optic axis. |
| US08446650B2 |
Document conveying device and document reading apparatus the same
A document conveying device, include a conveyance roller which conveys a document that is attached to a conveyance roller shaft; and a flywheel connected to the conveyance roller shaft. |
| US08446643B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting a size and shape of media on which image data is to be printed in an image production device
A method and apparatus for detecting a size and shape of media on which image data is to be printed in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a request to print a print job, scanning image data for the print job, feeding media on which the image data is to be printed, scanning the fed media to determine the size and shape of the fed media, generating a mask based on the determined size and shape of the fed media, applying the mask to the image data, the mask permitting marking material to be applied to an intermediate member based on the determined size and shape of the fed media, applying the image data to the fed media; and outputting the fed media containing the image data. |
| US08446642B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus in which the reusability of digital image data is improved is disclosed. The apparatus includes an image reading unit reading a draft and obtaining the digitized image data; an image writing unit printing image data on a transfer paper; a recording unit recording image data and attached information of the image data; an external I/F unit transmitting and receiving image data and attached information of the image data; a first and a second image data processing units processing the image data from the image reading unit and the recording unit, respectively; and a bus controlling unit connecting each of the units. The first and the second image data processing units match the characteristics of the image data to prescribed characteristics so that the matched image data can be usable for both the image writing unit and the external device. |
| US08446639B2 |
Information processing method, information processing apparatus, and computer program
Characteristic data representing the metallic luster characteristic of each of a plurality of kinds of printing materials to be used by a printing apparatus is acquired. On the basis of a stimulus value represented by the acquired characteristic data corresponding to each of the plurality of kinds of printing materials, an overlay order is determined to form an image on the printing medium by overlaying a printing material having a smaller stimulus value on a printing material having a large stimulus value. The print data is generated in accordance with the determined overlay order. |
| US08446636B2 |
Variable printing system
Disclosed is a variable printing system, which makes it possible to efficiently implement a variable printing, based on streamed variable print data. The variable printing system includes: the variable print data generating apparatus that creates variable print data in which an identifier, indicating an instruction for deleting a specific reusable object that will not be used in following pages, is embedded into a potion for describing page information including information in regard to the specific reusable object, and streams the above-created variable print data; and the variable printing control apparatus that receives the streamed variable print data to rasterized the concerned object, and synthesizes the rasterized data with each other so as to create image data for every page, and at the same time, conducts such the controlling operation to delete specific rasterized data of the specific reusable object, designated by the identifier, from the cache memory. |
| US08446635B2 |
Return label generation
A method and apparatus sense the replacement of a used component with a new component within the apparatus using sensors within the apparatus. The method/apparatus can then automatically display a message on a graphic user interface of the apparatus in response to the sensing of the replacement. This message provides information for recycling the used component, and the message provides a shipping option for shipping the used component to an appropriate recycling location. If the shipping option is selected, the method/apparatus retrieves a shipping address from memory within the apparatus and prints a shipping label for shipping the used component to the recycling location using a printing engine operatively connected to the apparatus. |
| US08446633B2 |
Print data generating apparatus and method for designating a maximum allowable density of white colorant
A print data generating apparatus to generate print data is provided. The print data generating apparatus includes a maximum density setting unit, through which a maximum allowable density of a white colorant is designated, an image storing unit to store originally inputted image data, a data convertor unit to convert the inputted image data into a colorant-enabled data, which is information concerning pixels composing the image in scale values of the plurality of colors, and a density-adjusted data generating unit to generate white density-adjusted data, in which the scale values of the pixels in the colorant-enabled data are adjusted according to the maximum allowable density of the white colorant. The density-adjusted data generating unit adjusts the scale values of white in the pixels in the colorant-enabled data to be lower than or equal to scale values corresponding to the maximum allowable density. |
| US08446628B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method having improved rendering
An image forming apparatus includes a rendering time calculating unit configured to calculate rendering times for respective pieces of intermediate data, a rendering control unit configured to determine which of a pre-rendering process and a real-time rendering process is to be performed on the respective pieces of intermediate data based on the rendering times, rendering being performed before output of a piece of intermediate data in the pre-rendering process and rendering being performed in parallel with output of another piece of intermediate data in the real-time rendering process, and the rendering control unit further configured to allow a rendering unit to perform either of the pre-rendering process or the real-time rendering process, a reading unit configured to read the pieces of rendered data, and an output unit configured to output to a printer engine the pieces of rendered data read by the reading unit. |
| US08446626B2 |
Monitoring device, image forming device, system including these devices connected and method for monitoring the same
A monitoring device for an image forming device receives from the image forming device usage information indicating a history of manipulations by a user and reduction information indicating that the image forming device is operating in a reduction mode. When having received reduction information, the monitoring device determines the priority of maintenance work on a function the provision of which has been halted indicated by the reduction information, registers the determined priority in a management table in association, and outputs the registered reduction information and associated priority. When the received usage information indicates a manipulation with respect to a function the provision of which has been halted indicated by the received reduction information, the priority corresponding to the reduction information is determined to be relatively higher than when there is no manipulation with respect to the function the provision of which has been halted indicated by the received reduction information. |
| US08446622B2 |
Terminal apparatus to control a printing operation and method thereof
A terminal apparatus to control a printing operation having a user interface to receive a selection of an optimize option when a command to print a XPS file is received, a filter unit to process the XPS file using at least one filter corresponding to the received optimize option, and a controller to transmit the XPS file which has been processed by the filter unit with the at least one filter to an image forming apparatus. Accordingly, the ease of selecting an optimize option for an XPS file is increased. |
| US08446621B2 |
System, method and apparatus using a locked print job ticket
A method, apparatus, and system for outputting a locked print job by a printing device connected to a client device over a network. The method includes transmitting, by the client device, a request to print the locked print job, which includes print data that is prohibited from being printed until authentication information is entered into the printing device. The printing device receives the request to print the locked print job. The locked print job and the authentication information are stored in a memory. A job ticket that provides the client device access to manage the locked print job stored in the memory is generated. The job ticket is transmitted to, and received by, the client device. The locked print job is output when the authentication information is entered into the printing device or the locked print job is remotely released by the client device using the job ticket. |
| US08446617B2 |
Image forming system, image forming apparatus, and job issuing method
An image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses installed in a plurality of areas and in communication with one another via a network includes a management unit configured to manage level information indicating a level related to information management with respect to each of the plurality of areas, and a job issuing unit configured to issue a job, including data for image formation, for causing at least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses to perform image formation. The image forming system identifies at least one image forming apparatus that can be selected as a destination of the job issued by the job issuing unit based on the level information managed by the management unit. |
| US08446616B2 |
Image-forming apparatus, image-processing method, and control program for executing the same
An image-processing method for an image-forming apparatus communicating with a peripheral device is disclosed. The method includes scanning a document; generating data corresponding to the scanned document; obtaining data held by the peripheral device; forming display data for displaying the generated data and the data obtained from the peripheral device in association with each other; and sending the formed display data to an external information-processing apparatus. |
| US08446611B2 |
Image forming apparatus, computer readable recording medium, and method for improving the detection of input image data formats
An image forming apparatus includes data analyzing units configured to respectively interpret image data in accordance with different corresponding data formats, a drawing processing unit configured to execute a drawing process on the basis of a result of the interpretation, a data format determining unit configured to determine the data format of input image data, to cause a particular data analyzing unit corresponding to the data format to interpret the input image data, and to cause another data analyzing unit to interpret the input image data responsive to a format error being generated while the input image data is being processed using the particular data analyzing unit or the drawing processing unit. |
| US08446609B2 |
Image formation system and apparatus capable of queuing and holding print jobs and method for processing capable of queuing print jobs and providing notifications
An image formation apparatus obtains an amount of sheets remaining in its accommodation unit and from that amount determines whether a print job of interest can successfully be processed for printing. If so, then the print job of interest is processed for printing. If not, a print notification dialog box is output to provide notification that the print job cannot successfully be processed for printing and that it is necessary to resupply sheets required to process the print job for printing. |
| US08446608B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming system
There are provided an image forming apparatus which is capable of efficiently performing necessary actions to thereby reduce downtime. At least one job can be registered. Image formation is performed according to the at least one registered job. Action objects are detected on which actions necessary for the image forming apparatus should be taken. |
| US08446607B2 |
Method and system for policy based monitoring and blocking of printing activities on local and network printers
A method and system for data loss prevention controls and protects sensitive data from being printed in an unauthorized manner. A method for controlling printing activities implemented in a computer system comprises intercepting a print job comprising print data intended for a printer driver, delaying performance of the print job, analyzing content of the print data to determine whether to allow or cancel the print job based on a security policy, and resuming or canceling the print job based on the analysis of the content of the print data. |
| US08446606B2 |
Print control with interfaces provided in correspondence with printing methods to show status of member printers
Display control is made so as to obtain an optimum setting picture plane in accordance with a change in designation of an outputting method of a distribution printing, a multiple-address printing, an automatic substitute printing, or the like without allowing the user to be conscious thereof. |
| US08446605B2 |
Division of rendering block in image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus for printing an image of print data includes a generating unit to analyze the print data to generate rendering command data, which includes rendering commands regarding rendering objects for each page, a storing unit to store the rendering command data, and a plurality of rendering processing units to read the rendering command data to execute the rendering commands associated with respective rendering blocks to perform rendering, wherein, upon completing rendering of a first rendering block, a first one of the rendering processing units sends a notice of completion to a second one of the rendering processing units that is performing rendering of a second rendering block, and wherein, in response to the notice, the second one of the rendering processing units divides the second rendering block, and requests the first one of the rendering processing units to perform rendering of part of the second rendering block. |
| US08446602B2 |
Lowering the consumption of ink in computer printing
A method of printing an image comprises sending a data stream representing the image to a printer driver, generating a stream of print instructions at the printer driver, forwarding the stream of print instructions to a printer, and printing the image in accordance with the print instructions. The data stream or stream of print instructions is intercepted and processed so that the printer uses less ink to print the image than it would if the processing was not performed. |
| US08446601B2 |
Control device and image forming apparatus
A disclosed control device includes a first unit configured to generate image data of multiple images to be superposed one on the other to form a single image and transmit the image data. The second control unit transmits to the first control unit a horizontal sync reference signal for achieving synchronization of the images in a horizontal direction. Based on the horizontal sync reference signal, the first control unit transmits to the second control unit a transfer clock signal that indicates transmission timing of the image data and an effective area signal that indicates an effective area of the image data. The first control unit asserts the effective area signal for an effective-area-signal assertion period that occurs between two consecutive reference-signal assertion periods during which the horizontal sync reference signal is asserted. |
| US08446600B2 |
Multi function peripheral and method therfor
A multi function peripheral with a plurality of functions includes a function selecting unit accepting therethrough an input to select a function to be executed from the plurality of functions, a display unit displaying thereon an information screen showing information on the function selected through the function selecting unit, and a display control unit controlling the display unit to, each time a function is selected through the function selecting unit, display thereon a first information screen showing information on the selected function. When a second information screen showing information on a function in execution has been displayed on the display unit, the display control unit controls the display unit to display thereon the first information screen concurrently with the second information screen. |
| US08446595B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting contour data and/or optical characteristics of a three-dimensional semitransparent object
A method for detecting contour data of a three-dimensional object, where a grid of illumination points of a multi-point illumination is projected onto the object using an optical device and the illumination points are then projected back onto a sensor containing pixels. In order to improve signal-noise ratio and reduce background signal, it is proposed that a grid of illumination points of at least two multi-point illuminations are projected onto the object, that the beams of the illuminating points of are modulated in intensity and that a frequency-selective and/or phase-selective detection is performed of mutually associated first and second illumination points back-projected onto the sensor. The first illumination points derive from a first of the multipoint illuminations and the second illumination points derive from a second of the multipoint illuminations. Differences in intensity and/or frequency of the measurement signals of adjacent pixels of the sensor on which the mutually associated first and second image points are depicted are evaluated for the purposes of determining the contour data. |
| US08446591B2 |
Method for evaluating characteristics of optical modulator having Mach-Zehnder interferometers
ProblemsTo provide a method for evaluating characteristics of MZ interferometers in an optical modulator having a plurality of MZ interferometers.Means for Solving ProblemsWhen an optical modulator includes a plurality of MZ interferometers, the 0-degree component contains a signal derived from an MZ interferometer other than the MZ interferometers for evaluating the characteristic. For this, it is impossible to accurately evaluate the characteristic of the MZ interferometers. The present invention does not use the 0-degree component normally having the highest intensity. That is, the characteristic of the MZ interferometers are evaluated by using a side band intensity of the component other than the 0-degree component. |
| US08446589B2 |
Residual intensity modulation (RIM) control loop in a resonator fiber-optic gyroscope (RFOG)
Systems and methods for reducing intensity modulation-induced rotation rate measurement error in a resonator optical gyroscope. The method includes tapping an intensity modulated light beam, directing a portion of the tapped light beam toward a photo detector, outputting from the photo detector a signal proportional to the amplitude variation of the light beam, amplifying the signal, and then providing the signal to the intensity modulator as a control input. Intensity modulation-induced error is reduced by an amount proportional to the gain of the feedback loop. |
| US08446588B2 |
Axial illumination for capillary electrophoresis
System and method for fluorescent light excitation and detection from samples to enhance the numerical aperture and/or reduce the cross-talk of the fluorescent light. |
| US08446587B2 |
Flash photolysis system
A pump-probe LFP system is adapted to a substantially lower energy requirement of a pump light source and a probe light source. The LFP system includes a photonic crystal fiber based probe light source, a pump light source adapted to produce light pulses with nanojoule or higher energy, a main laser source to generate a first beam portion to the probe light source and a second beam portion to the pump light source, a delay generator, computer, an optical modulator, and a detector. |
| US08446582B2 |
System and method for analyzing fluids
A spectrometric sensor for measuring a spectra value of a flowing fluid. The spectrometric sensor comprises a light source for emitting a first light flux toward a sample of the flowing fluid, a light detector for measuring a first intensity of a reflection of the first light flux from the flowing fluid and a second intensity of a second light flux received via the flowing fluid, and a control unit configured for generating at least one spectra value according to at least one of the first and second intensities. |
| US08446580B2 |
System for generating Raman vibrational analysis signals
A system for generating signals for Raman vibrational analysis, particularly for a CARS microscope or spectroscope of an external specimen, the system including a laser source capable of emitting at least one fundamental optical pulse in a first band of fundamental frequencies including at least one first and one second fundamental frequencies; a second-harmonic generating system including at least one nonlinear optical crystal for converting the at least one fundamental optical pulse into a first and a second-harmonic optical pulse; and a Raman vibrational analysis apparatus capable of receiving the first and second second-harmonic pulses and direct them toward the specimen. |
| US08446577B2 |
Scanning polarized RF reference sources for angular orientation measurement for munitions and the like
A method for determining an angular orientation of a sensor relative to a source. The method including: amplitude modulating at least two synchronized polarized Radio Frequency (RF) carrier signals with a predetermined relationship between their amplitude modulation of their electric field components and their polarization states to provide a scanning polarized RF reference source with a desired scanning range, pattern and frequency; detecting the scanning polarized RF reference source at the sensor; and using peak detection or pattern matching analysis on a signal detected at the sensor to determine the angular orientation of the sensor relative to scanning polarized RF reference source. |
| US08446574B2 |
Velocity measuring device and method
The velocity calculating device includes a semiconductor laser for emitting a laser beam at a web that is the subject to be measured; a photodiode for converting into an electric signal the optical power of the semiconductor laser; a lens for focusing and emitting the beam from the semiconductor laser and for focusing the return light from the web and injecting it into the semiconductor laser; a laser driver for driving the semiconductor laser; a current-voltage converting/amplifying portion for converting the output current from the photodiode into a voltage and then amplifying; a filter portion for removing the carrier wave from the output voltage of the current-voltage converting/amplifying portion; a signal extracting portion for counting the number of interference waveforms included in the output voltage of the filter portion; and a calculating portion for calculating the velocity of the web based on the counting result of the signal extracting portion. |
| US08446570B2 |
System and method for using a two part cover and a box for protecting a reticle
Systems and methods to protect a mask from being contaminated by airborne particles are described. The systems and methods include providing a reticle secured in a two-part cover. The two part cover includes a removable protection device used to protect the reticle from contaminants. The cover can be held inside a pod or box that can be used to transport the cover through a lithography system from an atmospheric section to a vacuum section. While in the vacuum section, the removable cover can be moved during an exposure process during which a pattern on the reticle can be formed on a wafer. |
| US08446568B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic projection apparatus includes a support structure configured to hold a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern a beam of radiation according to a desired pattern; a substrate table configured to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate; a liquid supply system configured to provide liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate; and a shutter configured to isolate the space from the substrate or a space to be occupied by a substrate. |
| US08446557B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The liquid crystal display device according to the present invention is a thin liquid crystal display device where it is easy to position the flexible printed circuit on which light emitting diodes are mounted. In the liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display panel and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) that is connected to the liquid crystal display panel and supplies power for driving display pixels, light emitting diodes (LED) are mounted on a portion of the flexible printed circuit, a mold frame MFR is provided to contain the light emitting diodes, and through holes (60, 61) for positioning are created in both the flexible printed circuit and the mold frame. |
| US08446556B2 |
Flexible printed circuit and electric circuit structure
Provided are a flexible printed circuit that reduces the chance of the occurrence of short-circuit failures caused by swarf generated from punching out flexible printed circuit, and an electric circuit structure having this flexible printed circuit and an electric circuit substrate to which the flexible printed circuit is connected. A flexible printed circuit (100) has a wiring pattern (2) formed on the flexible base film (1). The flexible printed circuit (100) is individually punched out to be separated in a condition where the wiring pattern (2) is disposed on the base film (1), and the wiring pattern (2) has a narrowed portion (2c) near the edge of the base film (1). |
| US08446554B2 |
Display device, driving method thereof, terminal device, and display panel
To provide a plural-viewpoint display device having an image separating optical element such as a lenticular lens or a parallax barrier, which is capable of arranging thin film transistors and wirings while achieving substantially trapezoid apertures and high numerical aperture, and to provide a driving method thereof, a terminal device, and a display panel. A neighboring pixel pair arranged with a gate line interposed therebetween is connected to the gate line placed between the pixels, each of the pixels configuring the neighboring pixel pair is connected to the data line different from each other, and each of the neighboring pixel pairs neighboring to each other in an extending direction of the gate lines is connected to the gate line different from each other. |
| US08446551B2 |
Method and apparatus to reduce dielectric discharge in liquid crystal devices driven with high voltages
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to reduce dielectric discharge in liquid crystal cells driven with high voltage. In one embodiment, the present invention is a liquid crystal cell including a substrate with a surface and a tapered conductive film on top of the surface of the substrate including a first end and a second end. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for forming a liquid crystal cell including covering a portion of a surface of a substrate with a shadow mask and then depositing conductive film onto the surface of the substrate such that the conductive film is tapered. |
| US08446548B2 |
Light source device, display device, terminal device, and transparent/scattering state switching element
A light source device has a transparent/scattering state switching element for switching the range of irradiation angles, and liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules are dispersed in a polymer matrix in the PDLC layer of the transparent/scattering state switching element. The range of irradiation angles can thereby be switched, and the color can be prevented from changing when the radiation angle is switched. |
| US08446545B2 |
Back light unit and liquid crystal display device using the same
There is provided a backlight unit including a cover bottom, at least one pairs of metal boards, each being installed on the cover bottom, having a body part and a bent part bent in one end region of the body part, and including an insulated wire on a surface thereof, at least one LED package mounted on the bent part; and a light guide plate installed at the cover bottom. |
| US08446542B2 |
Display module
A display module includes a bottom casing, a panel device, and an upper casing. The bottom casing includes a casing body and a holding structure. The holding structure is integrally formed on the casing body and has a bottom pillar. The panel device is disposed on the bottom casing. The panel device includes at least one film component and a display panel. The film component has at least one positioning lug. The positioning lug is used for disposing around the bottom pillar so as to position the film component onto the holding structure. The display panel is disposed on the holding structure. The upper casing is disposed on the panel device for fixing the panel device cooperatively with the bottom casing. |
| US08446540B2 |
Display device having an enlarged display area
There is provided a display device with an enlarged display area. The display device includes a panel unit for displaying an image, a first fixing member receiving the panel unit, and a second fixing member coupled to the first fixing member. A flange extending from an edge of a body portion of the first fixing member in a direction parallel to the body portion is coupled to a receiving member formed in the second fixing member. |
| US08446535B2 |
Method of manufacturing three dimensional image display device
A method of manufacturing a three dimensional image display device includes bonding a lens plate having a lenticular lens to a display panel configured to display an image, with a partially-discontinuous frame-shaped adhesive member interposed in between while having the lenticular lens facing the display panel. The method also includes depressurizing a hermetic inner space formed by the display panel, the adhesive member, and the lens plate, and sealing an opening section communicating with the inner space. |
| US08446533B2 |
Television apparatus and method for controlling the same
In an AV system in which a television apparatus and a recorder are individually connected to an AV amplifier through an HDMI, in the case where sound is output from the AV amplifier, if insertion of headphones into the television apparatus is detected, control information to switch the destination of the audio data is transmitted from the television apparatus to the AV amplifier. The AV amplifier switches the destination of the audio data that is input from the recorder from a speaker output section to the television apparatus in accordance with the control information. Thus, even if the headphones are inserted into the television apparatus while the AV amplifier is outputting sound reproduced by the recorder, the sound can be output from the headphones. |
| US08446529B2 |
Image display apparatus
The image display apparatus is capable of receiving a first video signal and image data. The apparatus includes a first electronic zoom processing part performing first electronic zoom processing on the first video signal to output a first electronic zoom processed video signal of a predetermined resolution, a video converting part converting the image data into a second video signal, a second electronic zoom processing part performing second electronic zoom processing on the second video signal to output a second electronic zoom processed video signal of the predetermined resolution, and a displaying part displaying an image corresponding to each of the first and second electronic zoom processed video signals. The second electronic zoom processed video signal output from the second electronic zoom processing part is input to the displaying part through the first electronic zoom processing part without being subjected to the first electronic zoom processing. |
| US08446525B2 |
Edge detection
A technique for deinterlacing an interlaced video stream is disclosed. A embodiment of a method includes calculating a pixel using edge detection, calculating a pixel using vertical interpolation, calculating a pixel using weaving, calculating a confidence level, calculating a motion value, blending the edge pixel calculation with the vertical interpolation calculation to generate a first output pixel calculation, the blending being based on the confidence level, and blending the first output pixel calculation with the weaving calculation to generate a second output pixel calculation, the blending being based on the motion value. |
| US08446522B2 |
Photoelectric conversion element unit and image pickup apparatus
A photoelectric conversion element unit includes a package includes a package including a photoelectric conversion element configured to perform a photoelectric conversion for an optical image of an object, a substrate mounted with an electronic component that includes a drive circuit configured to drive the photoelectric conversion element and a signal processing circuit configured to process a signal from the photoelectric conversion element, and a fixing plate having an opening, wherein the package and the electronic component are adjacent to each other in a direction orthogonal to an optical axis in the opening, and the package and the substrate are fixed onto the fixing plate. |
| US08446519B2 |
Focus control apparatus and optical apparatus
A focus control apparatus includes a signal generator for generating a first signal in accordance with a predetermined frequency component of an image signal obtained by photoelectrically converting an image of a subject formed by an image-taking optical system, a detector for detecting a second signal different from the first signal, and a controller for detecting a movement of the subject based on the second signal and for switching driving of the image-taking optical system based on the detection, wherein the controller controls driving of the image-taking optical system based on the first signal. |
| US08446517B2 |
Imaging apparatus and method
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and method capable of improving operability regarding a zooming operation and suppressing the photographing of an unstably focused image. A zoom information acquisition section 201 acquires the information specifying both a zoom direction of zoom-in or zoom-out and a zoom speed. A subject information acquisition section 202 acquires the information, which specifies the coordinate position of the upper left corner of an AF tracking frame and the area of the AF tracking frame, regarding a detected subject. A threshold value setting section 203 sets the value of a predetermined zoom speed as a threshold value for determining whether or not to release a subject tracking AF function. A switching determination section 204 determines whether or not to release the subject tracking AF function on the basis of the zoom speed acquired by the zoom information acquisition section 201 and the threshold value set by the threshold value setting section 203. |
| US08446516B2 |
Generating and outputting video data from refocusable light field video data
Systems and methods are directed to acquiring, generating, manipulating and/or editing refocusable video data/frames. The refocusable video frames may be light field video frames that may be focused and/or refocused after acquisition or recording of such video frames. In one aspect, a method comprises: selecting a first key frame, wherein the first key frame corresponds to one of a plurality of refocusable light field video frames; selecting a second key frame, wherein the second key frame corresponds to one of the plurality of refocusable light field video frames which is temporally spaced apart from the first key frame such that a plurality of refocusable light field video frames are temporally disposed between the first and the second key frames; determining virtual focus parameters for the first key frame and the second key frame; and generating video data. |
| US08446508B2 |
Solid state imaging device with optimized locations of internal electrical components
A solid state imaging device improving and stabilizing imaging characteristic by optimizing a location of a positive hole accumulation layer to an electrode at the periphery of a light receiving portion, and having light receiving portions formed on a substrate and electrodes formed on the substrate at the periphery of the light receiving portion, each electrode including at least a first electrode to which a positive voltage is applied and a second electrode to which only 0 volt or a negative polarity voltage is applied, each light receiving portion having a signal charge accumulation region formed on the substrate and a positive hole accumulation region formed in a surface layer portion of the signal charge accumulation region, each positive hole accumulation region arranged at a distance from the first electrode and arranged so as to overlap the second electrode, and method of producing the same and a camera. |
| US08446507B2 |
Redundancy in column parallel or row architectures
A column circuitry architecture for an imager includes redundant column or row circuits. The column or row circuitry includes a number of redundant column or row circuits. Each column or row circuit include circuitry for controllably coupling the column or row circuit to one of plural signal lines from an array of pixels. A control mechanism is used to select a configuration of plural column or row circuits in the column or row circuitry. In this manner, some column or row circuits are decoupled from the pixel in favor of other column or row circuits. The decoupled column or row circuits may include defective or noisy circuits. |
| US08446504B2 |
Solid-state imaging device including a pixel driving circuit
According to one embodiment, the pixel driving circuit causes the amplifying transistor to form a source follower circuit without applying a bias voltage to the vertical signal line and connects the FD to the power source. Thereafter, the pixel driving circuit separates the current source from the vertical signal line to cancel the source follower circuit, applies a bias voltage to the vertical signal line so that the voltage of the FD is raised when the brightness of the subject is higher than the reference value, and the voltage of the FD is lowered when the brightness of the subject is lower than the reference value, and turns on the read transistor. The pixel driving circuit turns off the read transistor, and then connects the current source to the vertical signal line, and causes the amplifying transistor to form the source follower circuit. |
| US08446502B2 |
Time domain multiplexing for imaging using time delay and integration sensors
A time delay integration (TDI) sensor (22) comprises a sequence of cells (42, 44, 42, 44) numbered 1 to N. The TDI sensor is configured for transferring a charge from the cell numbered 1 via the cells numbered 2 to N−1 to the cell numbered N. Each cell (42; 44) in the sequence of cells is either sensitive or insensitive in the sense that when the TDI sensor (22) is evenly illuminated by light (46) having a first spectrum, the intensity of the light (46) incident on any of the insensitive cells (44) is at most 90% of the intensity of the light (46) incident on any of the sensitive cells (42). The sequence of cells (42, 44, 42, 44) comprises, in this order: a first sensitive cell (42), at least one insensitive cell (44), and a second sensitive cell (42). An imaging system comprising a TDI sensor and a method of imaging an object are also disclosed. |
| US08446499B2 |
Image capturing apparatus, image capturing system, and processing method
An image capturing apparatus includes an infrared cutoff filter, an image capturing device having a plurality of pixels for detecting light transmitted through the infrared cutoff filter, and four optical filters disposed on a light-detecting surface of the image capturing device. The four optical filters include a first filter for transmitting light having a wavelength longer than a first wavelength, a second filter for transmitting light having a wavelength longer than a second wavelength, a third filter for transmitting light having a wavelength longer than a third wavelength, and a fourth filter for transmitting light having a wavelength longer than a fourth wavelength. The infrared cutoff filter transmits light having a wavelength shorter than a fifth wavelength. A processor calculates blue-, green-, red-, and infrared-component pixel signals from pixel signals that are produced by the pixels of the image capturing device. |
| US08446498B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method thereof, and camera with alternately arranged pixel combinations
A solid-state imaging device includes: photodiodes formed for pixels arranged on a light sensing surface of a semiconductor substrate; a signal reading unit formed on the semiconductor substrate to read a signal charge or a voltage; an insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate and including optical waveguides; color filters formed on the insulating film; and on-chip lenses formed on the color filters. The first and second pixel combinations are alternately arranged both in the horizontal and vertical directions, the first pixel combination having a layout in which two green pixels are arranged both in the horizontal and vertical directions and a total of four pixels are arranged, the second pixel combination having a layout in which two pixels are arranged both in the horizontal and vertical directions, a total of four pixels are arranged, and two red pixels and two blue pixels are arranged cater cornered. |
| US08446495B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and image pickup system
In an image pickup apparatus including a plurality of pixels arranged a matrix of rows and columns, a correction unit performs a correction process based on an electric signal output via a first switch element of a particular pixel and a correction electric signal output via a second switch element of the particular pixel. A correction image signal based on the correction electric signal output via the second switch element is acquired in a period that partially overlaps in time a period in which an image signal based on the electric signal output via the first switch element is acquired. When the electric signal associated with the image signal is output for the particular pixel, the second switch element of the particular pixel is controlled to be in an on-state over a period during which the first switch element of the particular pixel is in an off-state. |
| US08446492B2 |
Image capturing device, method of searching for occlusion region, and program
An image capturing device is equipped with an external parameter estimating unit for estimating external parameters using a distance image obtained by a TOF camera and a luminance image obtained by a CCD camera, a corresponding pixel determining unit for determining a correspondence relationship between pixel positions in the distance image and pixel positions in the luminance image, using previously stored internal parameters of the TOF camera and the CCD camera or the CCD camera, and the external parameters, and an occlusion searching unit for searching for an occlusion region in the distance image, using the correspondence relationship between pixel positions in the distance image and pixel positions in the luminance image. |
| US08446489B2 |
Imaging device, drive control method, and program
The present invention relates to an imaging device, a drive control method, and a program configured to be capable of making sensitivity ratios constant and improving a S/N ratio. When a storage period of pixels (G pixels) with a green filter as a reference does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, an adjustment of the sensitivity ratio by gains by color is performed. When the storage period of the pixels with a green filter is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the storage periods of the pixels with a red filter (R pixels) and the pixels with a blue filter (B pixels) are calculated from the set sensitivity ratios, and if the calculated values do not exceed a maximum setting value, the adjustment of the sensitivity ratios by the storage periods by color is performed. In contrast, if the calculated storage period is larger than the maximum setting value, the adjustment of the sensitivity ratio is performed by combining the storage period by color and the gains by color. The present invention can be applied to cameras having a solid imaging device. |
| US08446483B2 |
Binary conversion circuit and method, AD converter, solid-state imaging device, and camera system
A binary conversion circuit includes: a latch circuit that latches phase information of at least one clock signal when the level of a signal is inverted, the level of the signal being inverted based on its state; at least one conversion circuit that converts the latched phase information of the latch circuit to a pulse train in response to a pulse signal; and a ripple counter section that converts phase information of a clock to a binary code by using the pulse obtained by the conversion of the conversion circuit as a count clock. |
| US08446481B1 |
Interleaved capture for high dynamic range image acquisition and synthesis
A computing device may capture a first image using a first exposure length. It may be determined that x pixels in the captured first image are properly-exposed and that y pixels in the captured first image are improperly-exposed. Based on the y improperly-exposed pixels, a second exposure length may be determined. A second image may be captured using the second exposure length. The second image may include y′ pixels that correspond to the y improperly-exposed pixels in the first image. At least some of the x properly-exposed pixels from the first image may be combined with at least some of the y′ pixels from the second image to form a composite image. |
| US08446480B2 |
Exposure control based on image sensor cost function
The present invention relates to a method, a computer-readable medium, a computer program and an apparatus for exposure control. A histogram of the number of image sensor area elements of an image sensor that receive light at specific light reception rates from an image target is determined. At least one exposure time is determined for capture of said image target based on said histogram and on a cost function that expresses a performance of said image sensor as a function of light reception rate per image sensor area element and exposure time. |
| US08446479B2 |
Photographing apparatus
A photographing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: an imaging section converting an object image into image data; a photographing section obtaining the image data from the imaging section in response to release operation and also obtaining the image data of continuous shooting from the imaging section before or after the release operation; a trimming section generating trimming images sequentially for frames in different areas, respectively, using the image data of the continuous shooting; and a control section recording the trimming image generated in the trimming section and the image data obtained in the release operation. |
| US08446477B2 |
Imaging apparatus, aberration correcting method, and program
An imaging apparatus includes: a shift lens driven to be shifted; a uniform aberration correction data storing unit storing uniform aberration correction data for correcting uniform aberration; a shift amount calculating unit calculating an amount of aberration correction shift of the shift lens for correcting uniform aberration using the uniform aberration correction data; a shift lens driving unit driving the shift lens to be shifted according to an amount of driving shift based on the amount of aberration correction shift; a concentric aberration correction amount calculating unit calculating an amount of concentric aberration correction for correcting concentric aberration with respect to a process target pixel of an input image signal; and a pixel value correcting unit correcting a pixel value of the process target pixel on the basis of the calculated amount of concentric aberration correction. |
| US08446476B2 |
Image stabilizer and anti-vibration camera module using same
An image stabilizer includes a circuit board, a stationary member secured on the circuit board and defines a first receiving space and a first central axis, a moveable member received in the first receiving space, a driving assembly including a first magnetic member secured to the stationary member and a second magnetic member secured to the moveable member, a resilient assembly interconnecting the stationary member and the moveable member, and a photo-detector fixed on the circuit board and facing the moveable member. The driving assembly drives the moveable member to rotate about a first axis and a second axis relative to the stationary member through magnetic interaction between the first and second magnetic members. The resilient assembly counter-rotates the moveable member about the first axis and the second axis relative to the stationary member. The photo-detector detects vibration or movement of the moveable member relative to the stationary member. |
| US08446475B2 |
Shape memory alloy actuation apparatus
A miniature camera lens actuation apparatus comprises a support structure, a camera lens element supported on the support structure by a suspension system; and an SMA actuator connected between the support structure and the movable element to drive movement of the camera lens element. The control circuit may include a drive circuit and a sensor circuit which have separate electrical connections to the SMA actuator to reduce the impact of the resistance of the electrical connections on the sensing. The control circuit may vary the drive signal in response to a temperature signal indicative of the ambient temperature. An endstop limits movement to prevent extension of the SMA actuator in its unheated state beyond a maximum length which is at or below the length corresponding the local maximum resistance of the resistance-length curve. Control of position is effected using resistance of the SMA actuator as a measure of position. The control employs a ‘ratcheting’ method to prevent a failure condition and an initial calibration step to derive a range of target resistance values. In manufacture, the position of a lens holder is adjusted relative to a carrier to provide focussing on the image sensor of an image of an object at a distance in the range from infinity to the hyperfocal distance when the SMA actuator is heated to a predetermined temperature greater than ambient temperature. |
| US08446474B2 |
Automatic file transmission system
For automatically transmitting an image file, a system transmits the file automatically through specifically specifying information for file transmission such as an address of a destination. The system includes a memory for storing a data file and an automatic transmission control file for briefly describing information of a file name of the file to be transmitted and a destination address, and a communication unit for transmitting the data file according to the automatic transmission control file. Therefore, the system can transmit the data file automatically only by having a memory storing the data file and automatic transmission control file connected to the communication unit. |
| US08446473B2 |
Tracking system with scattering effect utilization, in particular with star effect and/or cross effect utilization
An image generating device for an optical, in particular medical tracking system, for determining the position of a recorded image point, includes a light scattering effect generating device, in particular a star and/or cross effect generating device. The invention further provides a tracking system including such an image generating device and to a method for determining the position of a recorded image point using an optical, in particular medical tracking system, in which: an image is generated using an image generating device; a light scattering effect, in particular a star and/or cross effect, is generated on the image for predetermined image points; and in which the position of an image point is ascertained on the basis of the light scattering pattern projected on the image, in particular on the basis of the star and/or cross effect lines and/or their intersection points. |
| US08446472B2 |
Mixed optical device for multifocal imaging and IR calibration
The invention relates to an imaging device which includes a matrix IR detector, a multifocal lens with a focal length ranging from a short focal length to a long focal length, including a front group of lenses, a variator, a compensator and means for positioning the variator and the compensator, the positions of the variator and of the compensator being respectively adapted to the focal length. This device includes a calibration system which comprises a control for the means for positioning the variator in the vicinity of its short focal length position and the compensator upstream of its long focal length position so as to conjugate the plane of the detector with a real object plane located upstream of the front group of lenses, this positioning being called calibration positioning. |
| US08446471B2 |
Method and system for generating surrounding seamless bird-view image with distance interface
The present invention provides a method and system for generating a surrounding seamless bird-view image with distance assistance interface, which process a plurality of surrounding images associated with a carrier captured by different image sensing devices. After that, an assistant marking is determined according to the relationship between acquired image space and the real space and thereby is formed on the surrounding seamless bird-view image so as to assist the driver in the carrier for avoiding collision or events affecting the safety being occurred. |
| US08446470B2 |
Combined RGB and IR imaging sensor
An imaging system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having a two-dimensional array of photosensing elements, an image processor for processing image data captured by the imaging sensor, and a display for displaying images responsive to the image processor. The array has a plurality of sub-arrays, with each of the sub-arrays having a first pixel sensing primarily a first color, a second pixel sensing primarily a second color, a third pixel sensing primarily a third color and a fourth pixel sensing primarily infrared radiation. The image processor processes the output of the fourth pixel to determine an infrared component of the imaged scene and subtracts the infrared component from the outputs of the first, second and third pixels to obtain a more accurate or true color response for the pixels and to limit or avoid infrared color wash-out. |
| US08446469B2 |
Wireless microphone for use with an in-car video system
An in-car video system and method is provided where a wireless microphone is configured with bi-directional communications capability. In response to a received RF activation signal, the wireless microphone is automatically switched on to capture (and transmit back to the in-car video system) an audio soundtrack that accompanies the images captured by the car-mounted video camera. A wireless microphone controller mounted in the car transmits the RF activation signal to the wireless microphone. The wireless microphone controller is arranged to transmit the RF activation signal when the VCR starts recording.In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the wireless microphone receives information, including a confirmation that the VCR is recording, from an RF information signal received from the wireless microphone controller mounted in the car. The wireless microphone displays the information to the officer on a display screen. The wireless microphone sounds an audible alert when it receives the RF activation or information signals. |
| US08446467B2 |
Combined speed detection, video and timing apparatus
A combination speed-detection, video-recording, and timing device that can be hand-held. The device contains one or more speed detection means, including, but not limited to, a radar detection or laser detection device. The device includes a camera able to capture video in digital form, and a timing device, similar in function to a stopwatch. The device is pointed at the object whose speed is to be measured, or the events to be recorded, and can be operated by means of a trigger on a handle. The device may further include a display, along with display controls. Storage means is used to store the speed, video and timer data. The device may contain its own power supply, or may be externally powered. |
| US08446461B2 |
Three-dimensional (3D) display method and system
A method is provided for a three-dimensional (3D) display system. The method includes obtaining a plurality of original images of a plurality of viewpoints in a 3D image, detecting a type of a display device for displaying the 3D image, and determining a total number of required images based on the detected type of the display device. The method also includes determining whether the total number of required images is equal to a total number of the plurality of original images, and adjusting the plurality of original images such that the total number of required images are provided, when the total number of required images is not equal to the total number of the plurality of original images. |
| US08446460B2 |
Autostereoscopic display
An autostereoscopic display includes a display panel, a lenticular lens assembly, a driver, a number of camera modules, and a controller. The lenticular lens assembly includes an array of cylindrical lenses and is rotatably hung above the display panel. The driver is configured for driving the lenticular lens assembly to rotate about an axis that is substantially parallel to the lengthwise direction of the cylindrical lenses. The camera modules are arranged beside the display panel and oriented at different angles. The controller is configured for controlling the camera modules to take images in sequence and controlling the driver to rotate the lenticular lens assembly to an orientation at the same angle as a corresponding camera module when the display panel plays an image taken by the camera module. |
| US08446459B2 |
Video communication method, device, and system
A video communication method, device, and system are provided, which relate to the filed of video communications, so as to solve problems that currently scenes of two parties of communication need special arrangement to improve sense of reality and scene contents cannot be displayed in a 3D video mode. Therefore, scenes of two parties of communication do not need special arrangement to improve the sense of reality of users, and the scene contents can be displayed in a 3D video mode. The video communication method, device, and system are applicable to video communication such as common video chat, video telephony, and video conference. |
| US08446457B2 |
System for providing camera views
A camera system having at least one self-contained, universally mountable camera module having a housing and a plurality of cameras disposed within the confines of the housing, each camera having a predetermined field of view to the exterior of the housing that when combined provide at least a 180 degree view about the housing. The system also includes communication elements within the housing to provide electrical communication between the plurality of cameras and a position external to the module and at least one receiver that receives the camera views from the module that is operable by a user to view one or more camera views at a time as individual views as well as a composite view of at least two or more camera views. |
| US08446453B2 |
Efficient and on demand convergence of audio and non-audio portions of a communication session for phones
In one embodiment, source data for a communication session may be split into an audio portion for transmission on a phone channel and a non-audio portion for transmission on a data channel. A server and a phone may accordingly establish an audio portion of a communication session on the phone channel. In response to a trigger, the server may provide a push notification on the data channel to the phone, where the push notification is associated with an application executing on the phone that is configured to participate in the non-audio portion of the communication session on the data channel with the server. Upon obtaining the push notification on the data channel during the audio portion on the phone channel, the application may correspondingly activate on the phone to participate in the non-audio portion of the communication session during the phone's participation in the audio portion (e.g., merging the portions). |
| US08446452B2 |
Video rate adaptation for congestion control
Exchanging of videoconference data between a first endpoint and a second endpoint via a network includes receiving, at the first endpoint, statistical data relating to transmission of first videoconference data. In particular, the first videoconference data is data that is transmitted previously from the first endpoint to the second endpoint via the network, and the statistical data relates to network performance characteristics during transmission of the first videoconference data. An approximately optimized data transmission rate for the network performance characteristics is determined, based on the statistical data. The output bit rate of a video encoder associated with the first endpoint is adjusted, such that second videoconference data, relating to the same videoconference at a time that is later than the first videoconference data, is encoded to provide output data at an adjusted output bit rate for being transmitted via the network at approximately the optimized data transmission rate. |
| US08446451B2 |
Method and system for providing continuous presence video in a cascading conference
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for providing continuous presence video stream in a cascading video conference, i.e., a video conference that is conducted over more than one MCU. A cascading continuous presence composition controller (CCCC) selects which endpoints from among all of the endpoints participating in the conference should be displayed in the layout, regardless of which endpoints are associated with which MCU. The CCCC can be resident on one of the MCUs, resident on a cascading conference server, or can be distributed among all of the MCUs involved in a cascading conference. |
| US08446445B2 |
Exposure device, image forming apparatus and method for operating exposure device
An exposure device for exposing a photoreceptor, includes: data electrodes disposed for each of a plurality of columns parallel to a moving direction of the photoreceptor; selected electrodes disposed for each of a plurality of rows perpendicular to each of the data electrodes; light emitting element arrays including light emitting elements disposed near intersection points between the data electrodes and the selected electrodes in intersections between the data electrodes and the selected electrodes, the light emitting elements being linearly arrayed; a driving signal output circuit for generating a driving signal based on an image signal to supply the driving signal to the light emitting element arrays; and a column selection unit for switching the light emitting element arrays to be selected based on a lighting situation of each of the light emitting elements of each of the light emitting element arrays. |
| US08446444B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
A deflector deflects a light beam emitted from a light source including a plurality of light-emitting units. A scanning optical system focuses the light beam deflected by the deflector on a scanning target surface. A monitoring photoreceiver receives a part of a light beam deflected by the deflector and directed toward an area within a scanning area outside an image area. A detecting unit individually detects emission powers of at least two light-emitting units based on an output signal of the monitoring photoreceiver in a single sweep of scanning. |
| US08446443B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for controlling image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes: an optical-path deflecting unit that deflects optical paths of optical beams in one group out of two groups, the optical beams being provided in a sub-scanning direction at a predetermined pitch; a scanning unit that scans a surface to in a main scanning direction with the one group of which the optical paths have been deflected and another group of which the optical paths are not deflected; and a control unit that controls the optical-path deflecting unit to deflect optical paths of the optical beams in the one group so that irradiation positions of the optical beams in the one group and irradiation positions of the optical beams in the another group are alternately arranged at regular intervals. |
| US08446442B2 |
Thermal print head and method of manufacturing the same
A thermal print head includes a substrate, a glaze layer formed on the substrate and provided with a heating resistor support portion extending in a primary scanning direction and having an arc-like cross-sectional shape when seen in a direction perpendicular to the primary scanning direction, an electrode layer including a plurality of individual electrodes, each provided with a first strip-shaped portion arranged along the primary scanning direction, each of the first strip-shaped portions formed on the heating resistor support portion, and a common electrode provided with a plurality of second strip-shaped portions arranged along the primary scanning direction, each of the second strip-shaped portions formed on the heating resistor support portion; and a resistor layer including heating portions heated by applying an electric current from the electrode layer and electrode covering portions each configured to cover a gap between the first and second strip-shaped portions. |
| US08446440B2 |
Optical printers
One aspect of this invention relates to an illumination device for an optical printer, the illumination device comprising: a first array of light sources comprising a plurality of light source elements that are each operable to emit light within a red band of the visible electromagnetic spectrum; a second array of light sources comprising a plurality of light source elements that are each operable to emit light within a blue band of the visible electromagnetic spectrum; and a third array of light sources comprising a plurality of light source elements that are each operable to emit light within a green band of the visible electromagnetic spectrum; wherein said first, second and third arrays of light sources are generally linearly arranged along respective substantially parallel notional lines on a substrate; and said plurality of light source elements of each said array are arranged such that respective adjacent light source elements of said plurality are offset from one another with respect to the associated notional line. |
| US08446438B2 |
Method, device and system for transmitting image data over serial signals
Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include methods, devices and/or systems to transfer data over serial signals, for example, a method of transferring over serial signals data representing an image to be reproduced, the method including generating a set of one or more data signals including image data received at an image data rate, and generating a transmission clock signal having a clock cycle during which the set of image data signals includes image data of more than one pixel of the image to be reproduced. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08446436B2 |
Overdrive topology structure for transmission of RGB Signal
An overdrive topology structure for transmission of a RGB signal includes a signal sending terminal, a signal receiving terminal, and a transmission line to transmit the RGB signal from the signal sending terminal to the signal receiving terminal. The transmission line is divided into a number of section transmission lines. A node is formed between every two section transmission lines. An impedance of a first section transmission line approaching to the signal sending terminal is less than an impedance of a second section transmission line approaching to the first section transmission line to overdrive the RGB signal at a first node between the first and second section transmission lines. At least one node except the first node is grounded via a resistor. An equivalent resistance of the resistor is equal to a resistance of the first resistor. |
| US08446435B2 |
Display device
A display device has an improved white balance in white display and excellent display quality, and includes a plurality of pixels each including four sub-pixels More specifically, the display device includes a plurality of pixels each including: a sub-pixel pair of a red (R) sub-pixel and a green (G) sub-pixel; and a sub-pixel pair of a blue (B) sub-pixel and a green (G) sub-pixel, wherein in most of the pixels, a product of an aperture area per sub-pixel and a light amount per unit aperture area, in each of the red (R) sub-pixel and the blue (B) sub-pixel, is approximately two times that of the green (G) sub-pixel. |
| US08446434B2 |
Image processor
An image processor enabling a user to quickly select desired images from a large number of images without scrolling repeatedly through the images. The image processor assigns image numbers to segments of a scroll bar and displays image data corresponding to an image number assigned at the position on the scroll bar pressed by the user. The image processor also reduces the number of image numbers assigned per segment of the scroll bar near the image number at the pressed position on the scroll bar to facilitate the user in specifying a desired image through a subsequent input operation. |
| US08446428B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method of controlling the same
An image processing apparatus includes: an image processing unit which processes and displays an image; a recognizing unit which recognizes a pointing operation input from a pointing device; and a control unit which executes during an execution a predetermined function when a first pointing operation which selects the predetermined function and a second pointing operation which confirms whether to execute the selected predetermined function are input from the pointing device, and controls the image processing unit to process the image in response to the execution of the predetermined function. With this configuration, it is possible to more precisely detect a pointing operation input from a pointing device according to user's intention and allow a user to serve the user's intention using the pointing device. |
| US08446427B2 |
Information display apparatus, information displaying method, and computer readable medium
An information display apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives character sequence information arranged in a plurality of lines; an image acquisition unit that acquires a line image in which an end of an nth line and a start of an (n+1)th line of the received character sequence information are connected into a single line, n representing an integer of 1 or more; and a display unit that displays the acquired line image within a predetermined display range of a screen. |
| US08446426B2 |
Technique for visually compositing a group of graphical objects
Embodiments of a method for visually compositing a group of objects in an image are described. During operation, a processor determines a modified opacity for a first object in a first group of objects based on a first group opacity for the first group of objects and an initial opacity for the first object in the first group of objects. Then, the processor determines a modified opacity for a second object in the first group of objects based on the modified opacity for the first object in the first group of objects and an initial opacity for the second object in the first group of objects, where the modified opacity for the first object in the first group of objects and the modified opacity for the second object in the first group of objects are used to composite the first group of objects. |
| US08446424B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus and method converts a moving image signal into an image data format consisting of a luminance signal and a color-difference signal like that of the YUV format at a signal processing circuit 4, compression-encodes the image data at a compression circuit 10 and records it on a recording medium 11, in addition to reducing the same-format image data color-difference signal to generate image data for display, enabling the image processing apparatus for recording a moving image to achieve moving image recording of a quality that is good enough to be used as still images. |
| US08446420B2 |
Memory system and method for improved utilization of read and write bandwidth of a graphics processing system
A system for processing graphics data. The graphics processing system includes an embedded memory array having at least three separate banks of single-ported memory in which graphics data are stored. A memory controller coupled to the banks of memory writes post-processed data to a first bank of memory while reading data from a second bank of memory. A synchronous graphics processing pipeline processes the data read from the second bank of memory and provides the post-processed graphics data to the memory controller to be written back to a bank of memory. The processing pipeline concurrently processes an amount of graphics data at least equal to that included in a page of memory. A third bank of memory is precharged concurrently with writing data to the first bank and reading data from the second bank in preparation for access when reading data from the second bank of memory is completed. |
| US08446413B2 |
Computer implemented methods for generating engraved images for works of art
A method of producing an engraved image on a computer screen includes loading an image to be engraved and converting the image into a high contrast image using at least two colors. The first lighter color is used for the lighter portions of the high contrast image and a darker color is used for the darker portions of the high contrast image. Mixing of the colors is based on the luminance level of the image. A plurality of lines are drawn over the high contrast image with variations in the plurality of lines drawn being a function of the luminance of the underlying image. |
| US08446412B2 |
Static visualization of multiple-dimension data trends
A data trends static visualization system and method including a data trends static visualization diagram for statically visualizing changes in data. The data trends static visualization diagram is a multi-dimensional static diagram including plots of multiple data items, where each data item is a set of related data having associated nodes and links. Each node represents a data point of the data item and links are used to connect at least some of the nodes. The data trends static visualization diagram uses a variety of visualization components to accentuate data changes and indicate a direction (or flow) of data trends. The visualization components include a node opacity visualization component, a link opacity visualization component, and a node size visualization component. The data trends static visualization diagram includes a traces diagram, for plotting trace lines in one diagram, and a small multiples diagram, for plotting individual trace lines in multiple diagrams. |
| US08446406B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is disclosed. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel including data lines and gate lines crossing one another and a pixel array including liquid crystal cells arranged in a matrix format according to a crossing structure of the data lines and the gate lines, a source drive circuit supplying a data voltage to the data lines through a plurality of output channels, a gate drive circuit sequentially supplying a gate pulse to the gate lines. The liquid crystal display panel includes link lines that respectively connect the data lines to the output channels of the source drive circuit. The source drive circuit includes a plurality of output channel resistors connected between the output channels and the link lines. Each of the output channel resistors includes a variable resistance circuit. |
| US08446405B2 |
Method and apparatus for DC level redistribution
A DC level redistribution method includes the steps of: receiving all positive signals and one negative signal of a plurality of pairs of differential signals; fixing a DC level of a positive signal of a designated pair of differential signals among a plurality of pairs of differential signals as a reference in order to adjust a DC level of a negative signal of the designated pair of differential signals for generating an adjusted negative signal; and taking the adjusted negative signal of the designated pair of differential signals as a reference in order to adjust DC levels of the positive signals of the other pairs of differential signals excluding the designated pair of differential signals. The DC redistribution method may be used in a display system. |
| US08446403B2 |
Decoder and data driver for display device using the same
Disclosed is a decoder, receiving the first and the second reference voltage groups and selecting a reference voltage in accordance with a received digital signal, including a first sub-decoder receiving the first reference voltage group, a second sub-decoder receiving the second reference voltage group 20B, and a third sub-decoder receiving a reference voltage selected by the second sub-decoder and outputting the selected reference voltage to the first sub-decoder or an output terminal of the decoder. The first sub-decoder includes a transistor of a first conductivity type having a back gate supplied with a first power supply voltage, the second sub-decoder includes a transistor of the first conductivity type having a back gate supplied with a second power supply voltage, and the third sub-decoder includes a transistor of the first conductivity type having a back gate supplied with a first power supply voltage. |
| US08446401B2 |
Display apparatus and display-apparatus driving method
Disclosed herein is a driving method and display apparatus, the display apparatus including light emitting units, scan lines, data lines, a driving circuit provided for each of the light emitting units to serve as a circuit having a signal writing transistor, a device driving transistor, a capacitor and a first switch circuit, and a light emitting device. |
| US08446399B2 |
Driving device and driving method of plasma display panel, and plasma display apparatus
In a two-phase driving operation that is performed in at least a sub-field having a largest luminance weight, a first ramp waveform that drops from a first potential to a second potential is applied to a plurality of first scan electrodes, a second ramp waveform that drops from a third potential that is higher than the first potential to a fourth potential that is higher than the second potential is applied to a plurality of second scan electrodes in a setup period, and a scan pulse is sequentially applied to the plurality of first scan electrodes, and then a scan pulse is sequentially applied to the plurality of second scan electrodes in a write period. The two-phase driving operation is employed to prevent a discharge failure during a write discharge. |
| US08446398B2 |
Power conservation for mobile device displays
Power conservation for mobile device displays. An embodiment of a method includes generating display images for a display screen of a mobile device, and transitioning the mobile device to a reduced power consumption state. The reduced power consumption state includes reducing one or more illumination factors for the display screen; and reducing one or more animation factors for the display screen. |
| US08446396B2 |
Bi-stable display, frame updating method and timing control method thereof
A bi-stable display, frame updating method and timing sequence controlling method thereof are disclosed. The frame updating method of the bi-stable display includes the steps of comparing a difference of source driver output voltages of adjacent frames of image updating period with a preset threshold, and determining parameter value of each transitional state of the adjacent frames when the difference equal or greater than the preset threshold for controlling level of source driver output voltage. Accordingly, the effects such as signal interference, reduction of image quality resulted from switching between high voltage levels directly and rapidly and excessive power consumption may be eliminated. |
| US08446395B2 |
Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel including a plurality of data lines to which a data voltage is supplied, a plurality of gate lines to which a gate pulse is supplied, and a plurality of liquid crystal cells, a data drive circuit to invert a polarity of the data voltage in response to a polarity control signal and to output the data voltage to the data lines in response to a source output enable signal, a gate drive circuit to supply the gate pulse to the gate lines, and a POL/SOE logic circuit to invert the polarity control signal for every frame period except at Nth-multiple frame period (where N is a positive integer), wherein the POL/SOE logic circuit controls the polarity control signal at every Nth-multiple frame period such that the polarity of the data voltage is the same as the previous frame period and controls a pulse width of the source output enable signal at every Nth-multiple frame period to be longer than for the other frame periods. |
| US08446394B2 |
Pixel circuits and methods for driving pixels
A display driver according to one embodiment includes a digital to analog converter producing a current at a selected level an output of the digital to analog converter being coupleable to a data line of a display; and a voltage source being coupleable to the data line for precharging the data line. A method for precharging a data line of a display according to another embodiment includes determining a voltage level on a data line during a frame period; storing the voltage level; and prior to or during a subsequent frame period, precharging the data line voltage to a derivative of the stored voltage level. Additional systems and methods are claimed. |
| US08446390B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical device includes a plurality of pixel portions formed in a display region on a substrate, a first light-receiving element which is formed in the display region and shows light-receiving sensitivity with respect to an incident visible ray which enters a display surface, a second light-receiving element which is formed in the display region and shows light-receiving sensitivity with respect to an incident infrared ray which enters the display surface, and a detecting unit which detects a pointing unit which points the display surface on the basis of the light-receiving sensitivity with respect to the incident visible ray and the light-receiving sensitivity with respect to the incident infrared ray. |
| US08446388B2 |
Resistive touch screen
Disclosed herein is a resistive touch screen. The resistive touch screen includes a resistive touch panel configured to include a lower substrate formed with a lower electrode pattern in an active region through which images pass, an upper substrate formed with an upper electrode pattern to be opposite to the lower electrode pattern, and a spacer spacing the upper substrate from the lower substrate in order to contact the upper electrode pattern to the lower electrode pattern by external pressure; and a window bonded to the upper portion of the resistive touch panel by an optical clear adhesive, and including a covering film formed in the outer side region on the lower surface thereof and an elastic suppressing layer formed in the inner side region of the covering film. |
| US08446380B2 |
Method and device for resistive multi-point touch
A resistive multi-point touch device and method is disclosed. A plurality of wires intersect each other to form a plurality of intersecting regions. The intersecting wires are separated from each other by a plurality of insulating particles. First, suppressed intersecting regions are sensed, and then contact points on the suppressed intersecting regions are sensed based on the suppressed intersecting regions. Sensing of the suppressed intersecting regions is performed by first sensing suppressed wires, and then determining possibly suppressed intersecting regions based on the suppressed wires, and sensing suppressed intersecting regions based on these possibly suppressed intersecting regions. |
| US08446378B2 |
Athletic performance user interface for mobile device
Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location or on a mobile device so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location or on a mobile device, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others. |
| US08446376B2 |
Visual response to touch inputs
The provision of visual responses to touch inputs is disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a computing device comprising a touch-sensitive display, a processor in operative communication with the touch-sensitive display, and memory comprising instructions stored thereon that are executable by the processor to detect a touch input made via the touch-sensitive display, display on the touch-sensitive display a first visual response to the touch input indicating that the touch input was detected by the computing device, and if the touch input is made in a touch-interactive area on the touch-sensitive display, then to display a second visual response to the touch input indicating that the touch was made in the touch-interactive area of the display. |
| US08446375B2 |
Communication apparatus, input control method and input control program
A communication apparatus includes a touch panel for inputting a command by touching a surface thereof having an oblong profile short in one direction relative to the other direction orthogonal thereto, the touch panel outputting a touch position detection data in response to a touch given to a spot on the surface thereof for locating the touch position but not outputting touch position detection data when some other spot is touched while the spot is being touched, a speaker arranged outside and near one of the edges of the touch panel running in the one direction and a microphone arranged outside and near the other edge of the touch panel running in the one direction. The touch panel provides a command input region inputting a command in at least a part of the surface thereof arranged along the other direction and close to the other edge in a talk mode. |
| US08446372B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for automated touchpad adjustments
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for automated touchpad adjustments. A Touchpad Corrective Action (TCA) detection module detects a TCA within a specified input limit after a touchpad input. An adjustment module decreases a touchpad sensitivity in response to detecting the TCA. |
| US08446369B2 |
Method for allocating characters and input device using the same
When characters are allocated to a keyboard, a plurality of consonants are divided into a plurality of groups according to pronunciation position in the oral cavity, and the groups are allocated to corresponding columns on the keyboard of (3) rows and (10) columns. A plurality of vowels are allocated to the corresponding columns according to the pronunciation position in the oral cavity. In this instance, the consonants and the vowels of which the pronunciation position are near the lips are allocated to the middle area of the area of (3) rows and (10) columns, and the consonants and the vowels of which the pronunciation position are near the vocal chords are allocated to the outer part of the area of (3) rows and (10) columns. The consonants and the vowels are allocated to the corresponding rows of the area of (3) rows and (10) columns according to usage frequency. |
| US08446361B2 |
Control method, circuit, and electronic system utilizing the same
A control circuit for a touch panel including a capacitor module coupled to a node. The control circuit includes a power supply, a discharging unit, and a compared unit. The power supply provides a voltage to the node. The discharging unit discharges the node. The compared unit generates an output signal according to the voltage of the node. |
| US08446359B2 |
Instrument-activated sub-surface computer buttons and system and method incorporating same
The present technique provides a system and method for providing instrument-activated buttons having a sub-surface mechanism for triggering a desired function upon interaction with an above-surface electronic/digital user device, such as a digitizing pointing device. The instrument-activated buttons may be disposed in a display device, a tablet computing device, or any other suitable electronic device. A user navigates a housing surface of the electronic device until a signal identifies the sub-surface button, which may then be activated by performing an instrument-based activation event. The activation event may be a button click, a tip movement, or any other suitable trigger on the electronic/digital user device. A wireless communication is then transmitted between the sub-surface mechanism and the electronic/digital user device to initiate the function associated with the instrument-activated button. |
| US08446358B2 |
Image display device having memory property, driving control device and driving method to be used for same
There is provided an image display device capable of obtaining a renewed screen giving normal feelings by simple LUT (Look Up Table) adjustment even at a time of displaying with multiple gray levels. A screen of the electronic paper section making up the display device is renewed by driving for a period of time corresponding to a plurality of frames according to input gray level data of a renewed screen. The renewed screen is displayed with a coarse gray level during a first displaying period in a renewing period corresponding to a plurality of frames at an output voltage specified by a high-order bit of its gray level data and, thereafter, is displayed with a fine gray level during a second displaying period in the renewing period at an output voltage specified by a low-order bit of its gray level data. |
| US08446355B2 |
Display device, terminal device, display panel, and display device driving method
To provide a plural-viewpoint display device having an image separating optical element such as a lenticular lens or a parallax barrier, which is capable of achieving a high image quality by suppressing deterioration in the display image quality caused when a block division driving method is employed, and to provide a terminal device, a display panel, and a driving method thereof, which can be preferably used for those devices. A pixel group configured with pixels for displaying a right-eye image includes a pixel connected to a data line phase-deployed in the first phase of a block division driving method, and a pixel connected to a data line phase-deployed in the third phase, and a pixel connected to a data line phase-deployed in the second phase. In this manner, it is designed to have no deviation in the phase deployment orders in the pixel groups for each viewpoint. |
| US08446353B2 |
Image display device and driving method thereof
A novel driving method is provided in which source line inverting drive or dot inverting drive is performed for a case of driving a plurality of source lines by one D/A converter circuit in a source signal line driver circuit of an active matrix image display drive that corresponds to digital image signal input. In a first driving method of the present invention, two systems of grey-scale electric power supply lines are supplied to a source signal line driver circuit in order to obtain output having differing polarities from a D/A converter circuit, switches for connecting to the two systems of grey-scale electric power supply lines are prepared in each D/A converter circuit, the grey-scale electric power supply lines connected to each D/A converter circuit are switched in accordance with a control signal input to the switches, and source line inverting drive or dot inverting drive are performed. |
| US08446352B2 |
Apparatus and method of converting data, apparatus and method of driving image display device using the same
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of converting data to display smooth and vivid images and to improve the gray scale use efficiency. The apparatus of converting data includes a gray scale detector that that generates a gray scale detection signal and a gray scale change signal by detecting a same gray scale, from an M bit input data, in a plurality of pixels adjacent to one another. The apparatus of converting data further includes a gray scale corrector that generates an N bit data by correcting one of the same gray scale according to the gray scale detection signal and the gray scale change signal output from the gray scale detector, wherein N and M are integers, N being larger than M. |
| US08446350B2 |
Liquid crystal panel, liquid crystal panel device, display device, and projector
A liquid crystal panel includes: a liquid crystal containing liquid crystal molecules; a plurality of pixel electrodes that is capable of applying electric fields to the liquid crystal; a common electrode opposite to the plurality of the pixel electrodes through the liquid crystal; a first rubbing member that aligns the liquid crystal molecules in a first direction at an interface of the liquid crystal on a side of the pixel electrode; and a second rubbing member that aligns the liquid crystal molecules in a second direction at an interface of the liquid crystal on a side of the common electrode, wherein a transparent insulator layer is formed on an area on a side in a direction orthogonal to the first direction in the pixel electrode. |
| US08446346B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes: a first substrate; an organic light emitting diode that is positioned on the first substrate and that emits light; a second substrate that is opposite to the first substrate with the organic light emitting diode interposed therebetween; a sealant that is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate to cohere and seal the first substrate and the second substrate; and a refractive index change portion that is positioned on the second substrate to be opposite to the organic light emitting diode and that has a refractive index that sequentially reduces from the second substrate to the organic light emitting diode. |
| US08446338B2 |
Image display apparatus, image signal processing method, program for implementing the method, and storage medium storing the program
An image display apparatus which is capable of optimizing the image quality of a plurality of display devices having different optical characteristics when carrying out processing of an image signal supplied to the display devices, without providing a dedicated display driving circuit for each display device. The image display apparatus comprises a plurality of liquid crystal display panels (10, 11) having different optical characteristics. A liquid crystal driving circuit (2) processes an image signal outputted to the liquid crystal display panels (10, 11). Operative states of the liquid crystal display panels (10, 11) are detected. At least one processing characteristic of the liquid crystal driving circuit (2) is changed according to the detected operative states. |
| US08446331B2 |
Balanced microstrip folded dipole antennas and matching networks
Balanced microstrip folded dipole antennas and matching networks are disclosed. In some examples, an antenna system includes a folded dipole having first and second portions, a first transmission line located on a first side of a printed circuit board, a second transmission line located on a second side of the printed circuit board opposite the first transmission line, the first and second transmission lines being coupled to respective folded dipole portions, and a balanced microstrip matching network comprising first and second portions, the first and second matching network portions coupled to respective ones of the first and second transmission lines. |
| US08446330B1 |
Antenna fabrication
In one embodiment a method to form a load bearing antenna aperture comprises forming a honeycomb core structure having a plurality of wall sections, the wall sections including electromagnetic radiating elements, and wherein lower surfaces of the wall sections defines a first surface and upper surfaces of the wall sections define a second surface, positioning a back skin to the first surface of the honeycomb core structure with an adhesive layer which comprises a layer of adhesive film and a paste adhesive disposed on the layer of adhesive film. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08446328B2 |
Antenna
A high gain, phased array antenna includes a conducting sheet having a number of one or more slots defined therein. For each slot, an electrical microstrip feed line is electronically coupled with a corresponding slot to form a magnetically-coupled LC resonance element. A main feed line couples with the one or more microstrip feed lines. At least one slot and/or microstrip feed line includes at least one segment with greater width than other segments. |
| US08446325B1 |
Hybrid cable antenna for high frequency band
A hybrid cable antenna includes a first cable antenna that is buoyant and unloaded for operation in a lower portion of the high frequency band. At least one second cable antenna is serially and electrically coupled to the first cable antenna. Each second cable antenna is buoyant and loaded for operation in a portion of the high frequency band that is above the lower portion of the high frequency band. |
| US08446321B2 |
Deployable intelligence and tracking system for homeland security and search and rescue
This invention builds on previous industry techniques to correlate data from a variety of sources for the purposes of tracking and identifying aircraft, vehicles, and marine vessels in real time over a variety of different areas including oceans and mountainous terrain. Passive broadband tracking of aircraft emitters, and electronic fingerprinting of emitters, correlated with audio, video, infrared, primary radar and other information is employed to provide a comprehensive assessment of an aircraft's position, track and identification for a variety of applications including homeland security and search and rescue. |
| US08446319B2 |
Electronic tracking system
An ordnance usable against a living body, the ordnance having a tracking module with a transmitter that can use at least a portion of the body as an antenna. In preferred embodiments, the tracking module is releasably coupled to a carrier, and a pointed tip is disposed on at least one of the tracking module and the carrier. The module preferably includes a circuit that provides location information to the transmitter, and optionally provides additional information, including at least one of motion, compass, pressure, oxygen, and heart beat information. Transmission can occur at any suitable interval, including for example, at least three times during a ten minute period. The transmitter can optionally transmit a no heart beat signal, failure signal, and/or low battery signal. Preferred systems include a receiver that can send an interrogation signal, and the ordnance can include an interrogation receiving circuit for receiving interrogation signals. |
| US08446317B1 |
Beamforming scheme for phased-array antennas
In a method for beamforming in communication a system, a plurality of different antenna weight vectors are generated. Each of the plurality of antenna weight vectors is a respective base vector of a unitary matrix. At least one training signal is transmitted a plurality of times via a plurality of antennas. A respective antenna weight vector from the plurality of different antenna weight vectors is applied each time the at least one training signal is transmitted. Feedback signals are received, where the feedback signals correspond to the at least one training signal transmitted the plurality of times and received at a receiver. A transmitter antenna weight vector is generated based on a mathematical combination of at least (i) the at least one training signal and (ii) the feedback signals. |
| US08446303B2 |
System and method of analog-to-digital converters
An analog-to-digital converter system that includes a pipeline including N successively-cascaded signal converters, each converting, according to a first clock signal, a respective portion of an input signal of the pipeline into digital codes, a code aligner for receiving and aligning the digital codes from the signal converters in the pipeline into a digital output of the system, an error extractor coupled to an amplifier input node of a selected one signal converter via a first switch for extracting an error signal, and a load system coupled to the amplifier input node of the selected one signal converter via a second switch. |
| US08446300B2 |
Technique for rate matching in a data transmission system
A technique for rate matching a bit stream (c(0-2)(k)) output from a channel encoder (102) to a data transmission rate on a physical transmission channel is described. A method embodiment of the technique comprises the steps of determining, at a beginning of a transmission time interval for a transmission of one or more code blocks on the transmission channel, bit positions of interleaver padding bits (dummy and/or filler bits) in an output buffer for buffering the output bits before transmission on the physical transmission channel; storing the determined padding bit positions (114); and determining, based on the stored padding bit positions, positions (d(0-2)(k)) of the output bits from the channel encoding stage (102) in the output buffer, wherein the stored padding bit positions are re-used for each of the one or more code blocks. |
| US08446296B2 |
Method and apparatus for providng and using public transportation information
Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for providing traffic information of public transportation means, such as a bus, and utilizing the provided information. A method of encoding public traffic information according to the present invention creates, for an arbitrary bus stop, a first component including the number of buses to arrive at the bus stop and as many pieces of bus information as the created number of buses, and incorporates the first component along with an identifier allocated to the bus stop into a second component. The second component is then incorporated into a transfer message. A sequence of messages, each being constructed as described above, is wirelessly transmitted. |
| US08446293B2 |
Traffic sign system that uses the national transportation communications for intelligent systems protocol
The invention is directed to a traffic sign system that has a number of information centers. A communication network provides a communication path between the information centers. The communication network is National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems Protocol (NTCIP) compliant. A sign controller is in communication with the information centers through the communication network. A first sign has a first address with a local control link to the sign controller. The local control link is not National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems Protocol compliant. A second sign has a second address with a second local control link to the sign controller. The second local control link is not National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems Protocol compliant. |
| US08446292B2 |
Systems and methods for downhole instrument communication via power cable
Systems and methods for reliably communicating data between surface and downhole equipment over a power cable, regardless of the length of the power cable, wherein a transmitter modulates a common data stream onto multiple high frequency carrier signals, each of which has a different frequency. Each of the different frequencies is best suited to communication over a different length of cable. The resulting modulated high frequency data signals are impressed on the power cable and are recovered from the cable by a receiver. The receiver is configured to recover signals at each of the different carrier frequencies, at least one of which should be transmitted with little enough attenuation and interference that the data stream can be accurately recovered from the corresponding modulated high frequency data signal. |
| US08446291B2 |
Methods and systems for borehole telemetry
Methods and systems for borehole telemetry utilizing a tool configured or designed for deployment in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation. The tool includes a downhole telemetry module; a surface telemetry module; and a datalink between the downhole and surface modules configured or designed for transferring data over two or more data communication channels, wherein the transferred data comprises coding at a transmitter to increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the data. |
| US08446287B2 |
Loose part monitoring method and system
A loose part monitoring method and system for preventing the generation of a false alarm as much as possible, including analyzing a group of detection signals that have been output from a plurality of sensors placed on a wall defining a fluid flow path, wherein the group of detection signals are analyzed for a rising gradient that is related to change in intensity of impulsive sound, a damping time that is related to change of intensity of the impulsive sound, and a frequency spectrum that is related to pitch of the impulsive sound in order to determine whether the group of detection signals are false or true. |
| US08446285B2 |
Methods and apparatus for controlling and testing a notification appliance circuit
An arrangement for use in a safety notification system includes a source of negative voltage, a first resistor arrangement, and a circuit arrangement. The first resistor arrangement is coupled between the source of negative voltage and the signal output of the safety notification system. The circuit arrangement is configured to detect a first voltage at the signal output of the safety notification system, and to generate a trouble signal output if the first voltage at the signal output is above a first threshold or below a second threshold. |
| US08446281B2 |
Virtual receptionist method and system
A method of reception includes detecting that an object has entered a first region of a space at a first time. A time period is measured around the first time. A determination is made whether any object has entered a second region of the space within the time period. Thereafter, a determination is made that the object needs attention when no object is detected entering the second region within the time period. |
| US08446278B2 |
Security monitor for doors
A method and apparatus for monitoring the security of closures of the type used on large trucks, and shipping or other containers wherein one or more doors are provided on an end and/or the sides of the container and are secured by vertical rods having cam-like latches at their ends that are rotatable from a first disposition in which they engage keepers to lock the doors in a closed position, and a second disposition in which they disengage the keepers to unlock the doors and allow them to swing into an open position. More specifically, the present invention relates to a monitoring assembly that attaches between the locking rod handles of the containers, senses any movement of the locking handles or the opening of the doors, and provides visual signals and/or transmitted signals as an indication of tampering. |
| US08446276B2 |
Monitoring apparatus and system
A monitoring system for response to incidents sensed by at least one sensor of an individual signal unit; said response comprising in a first instance, transmission to a central control facility by a said individual signal unit, of at least a unique identifying code for that individual signal unit, over a communication network; said response comprising in a second instance, transmission of data from said central control facility to one or more recipients nominated by a registered owner of said individual signal unit; and wherein registration of a said individual signal unit and configuration of sensing and of said response is via a web-based interface.The monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said response in said first instance includes digital or analogue data input to said individual signal unit.In a further form there is disclosed a method of monitoring the status of an item of interest; said method including the steps of: (i) purchase by an owner of an individual signal unit and at least one user selectable sensor for connection to said device, (j) registering said individual signal unit and said at least one sensor with a central control facility, (k) configuring a response executable by said central control facility on receipt by said facility of a signal transmitted by said individual signal unit. |
| US08446273B2 |
Environmental risk management system and method
A system and method for directing and monitoring the whereabouts of persons within an environmentally hazardous area includes equipping each person with devices for monitoring personal physiological conditions (56), equipment conditions (64), topographical locations (34), environmental conditions (57) and other pertinent data. The data are individually encoded and uploaded to a processing center (36) where they are analyzed (58,60,61) in order to ensure compliance with health or environmental norms and safety regulations, generate hot-spot mapping (53) and to issue real-time risk avoidance behavior directives (62), worker, mechanism and material traffic directions, warnings (59), permissions or interdictions. |
| US08446272B2 |
Location mechanism for mobile device
Methods and apparatus remotely determine mobile communication device location using a remote device. A predetermined designated user interface is configured to enable selection of a predesignated code corresponding to an operation for determining mobile communication device location using the remote device. A processor is configured to: participate in an authorization operation to determine whether the remote device and the predetermined designated user interface are authorized to select the predesignated code corresponding to the operation for determining mobile communication device location; generate a request including the selected predesignated code, upon determining that the remote device and the predetermined designated user interface are authorized to select the predesignated code; and transmit the request to the mobile communication device to enable the operation for determining mobile communication device location to be performed once the mobile communication device receives the request. |
| US08446271B2 |
Unique header format for TPMS and SMART entry system
A vehicle entry/tire pressure management system includes an ECU, tire sensors mounted in, on or adjacent respective tires of the vehicle, a portable transmission/reception unit configured to be carried by an operator of the vehicle, and an antenna mounted on the vehicle and in communication with the ECU. Each tire sensor is configured to transmit an RF signal. The portable transmission/reception unit can transmit RF signals for controlling operations of the vehicle including unlocking doors of the vehicle. The antenna is configured to transmit an LF tire sensor wake up field to wake up the tire sensors. The tire sensor wake up field includes a unique header format. The tire sensors only fully wake up upon receiving the unique header format. |
| US08446269B2 |
Object detection system
An object detection system for a vehicle comprising an infrared camera for gathering an image of at least a part of the surroundings of the vehicle; and a processor for applying an algorithm to at least a part of the image gathered by the camera, the algorithm identifying non-relevant hot or warm objects (5, 6, 7) detected by the camera and reducing the brightness and/or distinctiveness of the non-relevant objects (5, 6, 7) in the image; and a display for displaying the image to a driver of the vehicle, characterized in that the infrared camera forms an image in the far infrared; and the algorithm identifies non-relevant hot or warm objects (5, 6, 7) detected by the camera. |
| US08446266B2 |
Antitheft system and method thereof
An antitheft system and method capable of being more easily mounted than was conventionally done, with a detecting capability, necessary and sufficient to determine the occurrence of a theft. An RSS value r is calculated as a square-root of sum of squares by putting together each of variations in X-, Y- and Z-axes in a sensor unit 38. Then, a moving average value av obtained by averaging a predetermined number of consecutive RSS values r taken in chronological order is utilized to determine whether a theft is in process or not. Hence, even if an X-axis detector 41, a Y-axis detector 42 and a Z-axis detector 43 are not matched to longitudinal, lateral and vertical directions FR, LR and UD of a two-wheeled motor vehicle, it is possible to determine whether a theft is in process or not. Thus, the antitheft system 1 can be mounted in a desired position without taking into account a detection direction of the sensor unit 38 in relation to the two-wheeled motor vehicles 3a, 3b, thereby providing the antitheft system 1 capable of being more easily mounted than was conventionally done with a detecting capability, necessary and sufficient to determine the occurrence of a theft. |
| US08446265B2 |
Integrated vehicle control system and apparatus
The present invention provides a system which integrates motor vehicle component operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The two actuators of the system of the present invention are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch or controls associated with an on board computer and only operate a motor vehicle component when activated and subsequently depressed. The integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention further provides for vehicle component operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel. |
| US08446258B2 |
Causing RFID tag to change how many remaining commands it will comply with
RFID reader systems, readers, components, software and methods for causing a custom RFID tag to change how many remaining commands they will comply with. In a number of embodiments, this is achieved by causing a custom limiting command to be transmitted to the tag. |
| US08446254B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for RFID tag range determination
Apparatus and methods are described which are useful for determining a location characteristic between an RFID tag and an RFID tag reader or a second RFID tag. In various embodiments, signals backscattered from a singulated tag over a range of frequencies are evaluated for in-phase I and in-quadrature Q signal components. The I-Q data is processed to determine phase delay angles associated with each signal frequency. The phase delay data can be processed by a sum of squared errors method or Fourier transform method to determine a distance to the singulated tag. The methods can also be used to determine any of a location, a radial velocity, a directional velocity of the singulated tag, and proximity of the singulated tag to a second tag. |
| US08446252B2 |
Interactive product package that forms a node of a product-centric communications network
A communications-enabled packaged product allows a consumer to partake of communications within a product-centric network. The packaged product performs the functions of a communications node in the network. The packaged product may include two portions, one portion being a reactive label which may be affixed to the packaging and a second part being a “smart communications card” that is separate from the packaging and portable. Each part includes a communications element and an information storage and retrieval element and may include various means for downloading and uploading information into the storage and retrieval elements. In one aspect of its use, the invention allows the consumer to transmit and receive information about the product. In another aspect of its use, the invention allows the consumer to carry information about other similarly enabled products in their possession for use in shopping trips. |
| US08446245B2 |
Over-current protection device
An over-current protection device includes two metal foils and a PTC material layer laminated therebetween. The PTC material layer has a volume resistivity between 0.07 Ω-cm and 0.32 Ω-cm. The PTC material layer includes a crystalline polymer, a conductive ceramic carbide filler of a particle size between 0.1 μm and 50 μm and a volume resistivity less than 0.1 Ω-cm, and a carbon black filler. The weight ratio of the carbon black filler to the conductive ceramic carbide filler is between 1:90 and 1:4. The conductive ceramic carbide filler and the carbon black filler are dispersed in the crystalline polymer. The resistance ratio R100/Ri is between 3 and 20. |
| US08446239B2 |
Electromagnetic switch
An electromagnetic switch operative to close and open an electrical contact arrangement to thereby turn on and off an electrical current flowing through an electrical circuit. A movable iron core includes a shaft insertion hole that extends in an axial direction of the movable iron core and has an opening in an end face of the movable iron core axially opposing a movable contact of the electrical contact arrangement. The hole includes a step disposed at a position along the depth, a shaft fixture section on a bottom side of the step, and a shaft guide section on an opening side of the step. An inside diameter of the shaft fixture section is smaller than an inside diameter of the shaft guide section. One axial end side portion of the shaft is press fit in the shaft fixture section. |
| US08446231B2 |
High-frequency filter
One embodiment of a high-frequency filter includes a band-rejection filter including a plurality of reflection-type resonance elements and a filter circuit element provided between the reflection-type resonance elements, wherein an electrical length between the reflection-type resonance elements between which the filter circuit element is provided is an odd multiple of 90 degrees in a rejection band of the band-rejection filter. |
| US08446228B2 |
Oscillator circuit
An oscillator circuit comprises a push-push oscillator and a differential output, comprising a first and a second output circuit. The push-push oscillator has a first and a second branch. Each of the first and second branch comprises an own voltage divider branch of a common bridge circuit. Each of the first and second voltage divider branches comprises an own pair of micro-strip lines connected in series. Each of the first and second voltage divider branches has an own tap. Both taps are connected to each other by at least one of a first capacity and a micro-strip line. The differential output comprises a first and a second output terminal. The first output terminal is connected via the first output circuit to a first node. The second output terminal is connected via the second output circuit to a second node. Each of the first and second nodes of the push-push oscillator is a common node of both of the first and the second branches. |
| US08446226B2 |
Oven controlled crystal oscillator
An oven controlled crystal oscillator includes a thermostatic bath, an inner circuit board, an outer circuit board, a heating element, and a temperature sensor. The inner circuit board comprising a crystal oscillation circuit is positioned inside the thermostatic bath and electrically connected with the outer circuit board via a pin. The outer circuit board has a temperature control circuit and a power supply circuit. The heating element and the temperature sensor electrically connect with the outer circuit board. A through slot is formed through the outer circuit board, and the thermostatic bath is inserted into the through slot. By inserting the thermostatic bath into the through slot of the outer circuit board, the height and the weight of the oven controlled crystal oscillator are reduced, the electric connection performance is enhanced, and thus the stability of the output frequency of the oven controlled crystal oscillator is improved. |
| US08446221B2 |
Electronic circuit with a linear amplifier assisted by a switch-mode amplifier
An electronic circuit includes a linear amplifier unit having a first current feedback loop, assisted by a switched-mode amplification unit having a second current feedback loop. The inputs of the two units are connected so that they receive, at the same time, a current setpoint in an operating mode in order to generate a fixed current across a load connected to the output of the units. The first feedback loop includes a first sensor to measure the current in the load, a first subtractor element to subtract the first measured current from the current setpoint, a first controller connected to the output of the first subtractor element and controlling a linear amplifier, which supplies the first output current to the load. The second feedback loop includes a second current sensor to measure a second current supplied to the load, between a connecting node of two switches connected in series to a supply voltage source and an inductor whose output is connected to the load. The second loop further includes a second subtractor element to subtract the second measured current from the current setpoint, a second controller connected to the output of the second subtractor element and controlling a pulse-width modulator that controls the activation of the switches to alternately connect the inductor either to the high potential or to the low potential of the supply voltage source. |
| US08446219B2 |
Class-G line driver control signal
An apparatus comprising an input, a control signal generator coupled to the input and having a control signal generator output, and an amplifier coupled to the control signal generator output, wherein a voltage supplied to the amplifier is switched based on the control signal generator output, and wherein the control signal generator output is based on a data signal in the input. Also included is an apparatus comprising circuitry configured to implement a method comprising detecting an incoming signal, calculating a derivative of the incoming signal, estimating a future incoming signal based on the derivative of the incoming signal and a time step, and providing the estimated future incoming signal to switch between a first supply voltage and a second supply voltage prior to or concurrent with an arrival of the future incoming signal at the switch, wherein the incoming signal and the future incoming signal are analog signals. |
| US08446218B2 |
Power amplifier and transmitter
A power amplifier is provided, which includes a power dividing unit, a first power amplification tributary, a second power amplification tributary, and an impedance conversion unit. Input ends of the first power amplification tributary and the second power amplification tributary are coupled to two output ends of the power dividing unit respectively. An output end of the first power amplification tributary is coupled to an output end of the second power amplification tributary through the impedance conversion unit. Rated power of a peak power amplifier in the second power amplification tributary is greater than that of a main power amplifier in the first power amplification tributary. The beneficial effects of the present invention lie in that larger back-off exists at the peak of an efficiency curve of the power amplifier, and in the case that power is back-off, efficiency of the power amplifier is improved. |
| US08446215B2 |
Constant voltage circuit
A constant voltage circuit is disclosed that includes an output control transistor and an overcurrent protection circuit. The overcurrent protection circuit includes a proportional current generation circuit part, a current division circuit part, a division ratio control circuit part, a current-voltage conversion circuit part, and an output current control circuit part. When the output voltage of the current-voltage conversion circuit part reaches a predetermined voltage, the output current control circuit part prevents an increase in the output current of the output control transistor so as to reduce a voltage output from an output terminal. When the voltage output from the output terminal is reduced to a predetermined limit voltage, the division ratio control circuit part changes the division ratio of the current division circuit part so that a current supplied to the current-voltage conversion circuit part increases so as to reduce the output current of the output control transistor. |
| US08446212B2 |
Pulse generator having an efficient fractional voltage converter and method of use
Disclosed are systems and methods which provide voltage conversion in increments less than integer multiples of a power supply (e.g., battery) voltage. A representative embodiment provides power supply voltage multipliers in a binary ladder distribution to provide a desired number of output voltage steps using a relatively uncomplicated circuit design. By using different sources in various combinations and/or by “stacking” different sources in various ways, the voltage multiplier circuit may be used to provide desired voltages. In order to minimize the number of components used in a voltage converter of an embodiment, a capacitive voltage converter circuit uses one or more storage capacitors in place of pump capacitors in a voltage generation cycle. Also, certain embodiments do not operate to generate an output voltage until the time that voltage is needed. |
| US08446210B2 |
Electronic fuse system
An electronic fuse system includes: a pad, an electronic fuse circuit, a first switch circuit, and a control circuit. The pad is used for receiving a reference voltage. The electronic fuse circuit is used for changing a voltage level when a current signal passes. The first switch circuit is coupled between the pad and the electronic fuse circuit, for controlling the first switch circuit to be disabled or enabled according to a switch control signal. The control circuit, coupled to the first switch circuit is for transferring the switch control signal according a control signal and a lock signal. |
| US08446208B2 |
Circuit arrangement with temperature compensation
A circuit arrangement having at least one analog switch, which is operated by a supply voltage and which comprises a switching signal contact and a pair of switch contacts, whereby applied to the switching signal contact is an electrical switching signal depending on which an electrical connection can be switched between the switch contacts whose internal on-resistance is temperature dependent, whereby the circuit arrangement has in the vicinity of the at least one analog switch at least one additional similar reference analog switch, which is operated with the same common supply voltage and which is controlled such that the switch contacts thereof are/can be connected continuously via the internal temperature-dependent on-resistance thereof, whereby at least one comparison circuit is provided by means of which depending on the comparison of the internal on-resistance of the at least one reference analog switch with at least one external reference resistance or an otherwise setpoint setting of the reference analog switch(es), at least one control signal can be/is generated, by means of which the internal on-resistance of the at least one reference analog switch can be kept constant by changing the common supply voltage of all analog switches depending on the control signal, particularly can be adjusted to the at least one reference resistance, or the otherwise formed setpoint setting of the reference analog switch(es). |
| US08446206B2 |
Current balancing of parallel connected semiconductor components
A method and an arrangement are provided for balancing the switching transient behavior of parallel connected power semiconductor components. The method includes providing a switch signal to the parallel connected power semiconductor components for changing the state of the components, forming control signals for each of the parallel connected components from the switch signal, and determining, during the change of state of the power semiconductor component, the voltage induced to an inductance in the main current path of the component in each of the parallel connected components. The method also includes comparing each of the induced voltages with a predetermined threshold voltage, measuring time differences between the time instants at which the induced voltages crosses the threshold voltage, and modifying one or more of the control signals on the basis of the measured time differences in the respective following state change for balancing the switching transient behavior. |
| US08446203B1 |
Current controlled fast low-side clamp
A low side clamp circuit has a control portion, a sense portion, and a clamp portion. When the sense portion detects that the input voltage of an output stage of a buffer has gone below a threshold voltage, it triggers the control portion to quickly turn on a clamp transistor (in the clamp portion) to clamp the output voltage to the clamp voltage. The control portion and sense portion have cross-coupled transistors that create increased speed and a sharp response with little or no voltage offset with a wide range of load currents. A clamp current source draws current through a resistor coupled in series between the base of the output transistor in the control portion and the collector of the output transistor in the sense portion. The clamp current is set to ClLo/R, where ClLo is the clamp voltage. A high side clamp is also described. |
| US08446202B2 |
Power limiting circuit
A power limiting circuit includes: a maximum value prediction filter section (MVPFS) interpolating data of one branched digital input signal; a maximum value detection section detecting maximum value of an output of the MVPFS and a time detection position thereof every constant period; a threshold subtraction section subtracting a threshold from detected maximum value and outputting a peak signal (zero when the subtraction result is negative); a coefficient selection section weighting the peak signal according to time detection position; a complex filter section limiting the weighted peak signal within a band of the input signal; a filter coefficient calculation section calculating filter coefficients of the complex filter section; a delay adjustment section delaying another of the branched input signals by a time period required for calculating the band-limited peak signal; and a subtraction section subtracting the band-limited peak signal from the other of the branched input signals subjected to delay. |
| US08446196B2 |
Input interface circuit
An input interface circuit according to the present invention includes an input first stage circuit that is connected to a signal terminal, where the signal terminal receives external data, and a phase adjustment circuit that adjusts an external input clock and a latch timing signal to be in phase, where the latch timing signal is output to latch circuits included in the input first stage circuit. The phase adjustment circuit adjusts delay time of the latch timing signal that passes through the clock tree circuit and is supplied to the latch circuit in response to a comparison result between the clock and an output from a replica delay circuit which is replicated from the clock. |
| US08446195B2 |
Strobe signal management to clock data into a system
A method of communicating with a source synchronous device can include determining an expected number of pulses of a strobe signal to be received in response to a first read request directed to the source synchronous device and receiving the strobe signal from the source synchronous device. Pulses in the strobe signal can be counted. Responsive to detecting a last pulse of the expected number of pulses of the strobe signal, the strobe signal can be replaced with a reference signal that is phase and frequency aligned with the strobe signal. |
| US08446193B2 |
Apparatus and method to hold PLL output frequency when input clock is lost
A clock conditioning circuit including a phase detector circuit configured to provide an analog tuning signal indicative of a phase relationship between a reference clock to be conditioned and a generated clock. The controlled oscillator is configured to produce the generated clock, with the generated clock having an output frequency adjustable in response to an analog tuning signal applied to a control signal input of the controlled oscillator. Converter circuitry is provided to produce a digital representation of the analog tuning signal when the mode control circuitry is in a tracking mode. In the event the reference clock is lost, the mode control circuitry switches to a holdover mode so as to provide an analog holdover signal to the control signal input based upon the digital representations produced just prior to the loss of the reference clock. |
| US08446189B2 |
Power-on reset circuit
A power-on reset circuit includes a clamping signal generator and a determining device. The clamping signal generator is adapted to receive a trigger signal, and generates a clamping signal with reference to the trigger signal. The clamping signal generator includes an output unit for generating the clamping signal according to a feedback signal, and a feedback unit for generating the feedback signal according to first and second intermediate signals. The first intermediate signal is generated with reference to the clamping signal. The second intermediate signal is generated according to the trigger signal. The determining device is adapted to receive the trigger signal, is coupled to the clamping signal generator for receiving the clamping signal therefrom, and is operable to generate a reset signal according to the trigger signal and the clamping signal. |
| US08446186B2 |
Time-shared latency locked loop circuit for driving a buffer circuit
In an embodiment, a device includes a buffer circuit with first and second buffer outputs and a latency locked loop (LLL) circuit. The LLL circuit includes first and second LLL inputs for receiving first and second input signals and includes at least one shared component that is time shared. The at least one shared component is configured to measure edge timing errors in output signals on the first and second buffer outputs relative to the first and second inputs signals and to generate delay adjustment signals to adjust timing of edge transitions within the first and second input signals provided to the buffer circuit to control a total propagation delay from the first and second LLL inputs to the first and second buffer outputs. |
| US08446184B2 |
Mode dependent driving of the center tap in ethernet communications
An output stage comprising a current mode line driver, a voltage mode line driver, and a center-tapped transformer for coupling data provided by the line drivers to a transmission line is provided herein. The output stage is configured to operate in a backwards compatible Ethernet communication device. For example, the Ethernet communication device is configured to support 10G Ethernet and legacy Ethernet modes of 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T, and 1000BASE-T. The current mode line driver can be utilized while operating in the 10G Ethernet mode to provide high linearity. The voltage mode line driver can be utilized while operating in legacy mode to conserve power. In order to accommodate the use of two different line drivers, a switch and/or a voltage regulator is used to couple/decouple a dc voltage to a center-tap of the transformer based on which of the two different line drivers is currently active. |
| US08446183B2 |
High current emitter drive unit cell
A unit cell for a Read-In Integrated Circuit employs a signal sampling circuit with a voltage input controlled by a first switch, a capacitor charged by the voltage input and a linear amplifier connected to the capacitor. An output through a second switch samples the capacitor as the input signal for a transistor cascade for emitter current supply incorporating a first transistor receiving the input signal and a second transistor serially connected to the first transistor with a parallel resistor. The second transistor is maintained in saturation for a first portion of the input signal range with the first transistor acting as a source follower for that range. Linear current flow through the resistor results allowing high resolution control in the low current range. The second transistor departs saturation in a second portion of the range for the input signal resulting in saturation mode square-law behavior dominating the first transistor which, in turn, causes a rapid increase in current through its channel in response to higher input signal level thereby allowing a lower resolution but higher current for emitter drive at higher temperatures. |
| US08446179B2 |
Start signal detector circuit
A non-linear effect of a rectifier element is enhanced, an input amplitude is increased by further taking advantage of a resonance circuit, and a rectification efficiency of a rectifier circuit for detection is improved, so that the gain of an amplifier circuit at a latter stage can be set low. RF input terminals 101, 102 are applied with signals at phases opposite to each other. A signal at terminal 102 is applied to a gate of transistor M1 through capacitor C3, and a signal at terminal 101 is applied to node N1 connected with a source of transistor M1 and a gate and a drain of transistor M2 through capacitor C1. 301, 302 designate terminals applied with DC biases, and L1, C15 and L2, C16 are series resonance circuits. Half-wave double voltage rectifier circuits comprised of M1, M2, C1-C3, R1 are connected in cascade at a plurality of stages. |
| US08446175B2 |
Logic-cell-compatible decoupling capacitor
An integrated circuit containing CMOS logic gates and a logic-cell-compatible decoupling capacitor adjacent to the logic gates, in which the decoupling capacitor includes p+/n and n+/p capacitors, resistors between 1 and 1000 ohms connecting the capacitors to Vdd and Vss buses, and gate elements which have widths and spacings similar to the adjacent logic gates. A process of forming an integrated circuit containing CMOS logic gates and a logic-cell-compatible decoupling capacitor adjacent to the logic gates, in which the decoupling capacitor includes p+/n and n+/p capacitors, resistors between 1 and 1000 ohms connecting the capacitors to Vdd and Vss buses, and gate elements which have widths and spacings similar to the adjacent logic gates. |
| US08446170B2 |
FPGA RAM blocks optimized for use as register files
A random access memory circuit adapted for use in a field programmable gate array integrated circuit device is disclosed. The FPGA has a programmable array with logic modules and routing interconnects programmably coupleable to the logic modules and the RAM circuit. The RAM circuit has three ports: a first readable port, a second readable port, and a writeable port. The read ports may be programmably synchronous or asynchronous and have a programmably bypassable output pipeline register. The RAM circuit is especially well adapted for implementing register files. A novel interconnect method is also described. |
| US08446169B1 |
Impedance tuning for termination
An embodiment of an impedance adjustment apparatus is disclosed. For this embodiment of an impedance adjustment apparatus, a differential driver circuit has an input port, a first output port, a second output port, a first bias node, and a second bias node. A first impedance-voltage device is coupled to provide a first bias voltage to the first bias node. A second impedance-voltage device is coupled to provide a second bias voltage to the second bias node. A first analog voltage source is coupled to provide a first analog voltage to the first impedance-voltage device, and a second analog voltage source is coupled to provide a second analog voltage to the second impedance-voltage device. |
| US08446166B2 |
Resilient integrated circuit architecture
The exemplary embodiments provide a resilient integrated circuit. An exemplary IC comprises a plurality of composite circuit elements, a state machine element (SME), and a plurality of communication elements. Each composite circuit element comprises an element interface and a selected circuit element which may vary by element type, and which may be configurable. The state machine element assigns various functions based on element type, such as assigning a first configuration to a first element type, assigning a second configuration to a second element type, and providing a first data link for the corresponding assignments. In response to detection of a fault or failure, the state machine element re-assigns the first configuration to another composite circuit element and creates a second data link for performance of the same function. The assignment, routing, fault detection, and re-assignment and data re-routing can occur in real time for a wide variety of programs and algorithms, providing for the IC to continue the same functioning despite defects which may arise during operation. |
| US08446165B2 |
Link analysis compliance and calibration verification for automated printed wiring board test systems
A transmission line on a printed wiring board is tested and printed wiring board manufacturing variability is assessed. A response of the transmission line to a signal test pattern is measured. A network including a plurality of components connected by the transmission line is then simulated. The simulated network is based on the measured scattering parameters and virtual models representative of each of the components in the network. A system-level output response of the simulated network to a simulated input signal is analyzed, and the printed wiring board is characterized based on a comparison of the system-level output response to a printed wiring board performance metric threshold. |
| US08446164B2 |
Semiconductor device test system having high fidelity tester access fixture (HIFIX) board
A semiconductor device test system is disclosed. The semiconductor device test system extends driver- and comparator-functions acting as important functions of a test header to an external part (e.g., a HIFIX board) of the test header, such that it can double the productivity of a test without upgrading the test header. The semiconductor device test system includes a test header for testing a semiconductor device by a test controller, and a HIFIX board for establishing an electrical connection between the semiconductor device and the test header, and including a Device Under Test (DUT) test unit which processes a read signal generated from the semiconductor device by making one pair with a driver of the test header and transmits the processed read signal to the test header. |
| US08446162B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device with test circuit and test method therefor
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes: a normal output signal counter that counts number of times a normal output signal is output by the circuit under test in response to a preset one of the input signals of the input signal set, in case where a circuit under test repeats processing on each of one or more input signals of an input signal set sequentially, a plural number of times. |
| US08446160B2 |
Probe card maintenance method which adjusts position/posture of probes
An improved probe card maintenance method is capable of accurately, rapidly, and easily performing the maintenance of a probe card. The probe card is a jig adapted to test the electrical properties of semiconductor integrated circuits. The electrical properties of the semiconductor integrated circuits are tested at a predetermined test temperature. The probe card has a plurality of probes thereon. The probe card maintenance method includes heating the probe card and the probes on the probe card to the same temperature as the test temperature. The method also includes adjusting positions and postures of the defective probes while maintaining the temperature of the probe card and the probes at the test temperature. |
| US08446157B2 |
Capacitance meter, method, computer program and computer program product for improved capacitance measurement
A capacitance meter including an AC source providing a measurement voltage with a measurement frequency to a capacitor. A current sensor is arranged to measure a current going to or from the capacitance meter. A voltage sensor is arranged to measure a voltage over the capacitor. A capacitance calculation unit is arranged to calculate, using a controller, a capacitance of the capacitor using a measured current from the current sensor, a measured voltage from the voltage sensor and the measurement frequency. The capacitance meter is arranged to obtain measurements using the current sensor and the voltage sensor during a measurement duration. The measurement frequency and the measurement duration are selected such that the measurement duration equals a multiple of the period of the measurement frequency, and the measurement duration equals a multiple of the period of a mains electricity. |
| US08446151B2 |
Protective device
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes at least one user accessible input mechanism and a test assembly configured to initiate a self-test in response to stimulus signal. The self test determines whether a sensor, a fault detection circuit or a circuit interrupter assembly are in an operational mode or are in a failure mode, the reset stimulus being provided in the operational mode and a reset lockout stimulus being provided in the failure mode. The device also including a reset lockout mechanism coupled to the circuit interrupter assembly and the test assembly. The reset lockout mechanism is configured to disable the reset stimulus in response to the reset lockout stimulus if any one of the at least one sensor, at least one fault detection circuit, or circuit interrupter assembly is determined to be in the failure mode after a predetermined time elapses. |
| US08446149B2 |
System for improved MR image reconstruction
A system for parallel image processing in MR imaging uses multiple MR imaging RF coils to individually receive MR imaging data representing a slice of patient anatomy. An MR imaging system uses the multiple RF coils to acquire corresponding multiple image data sets of the slice. A coil selection processor determines a prioritized ranking of the multiple RF coils by ranking individual coils of the multiple RF coils based on correlation with remaining coils of the multiple RF coils. The correlation being determined by determining degree of correlation of image data sets acquired by respective coils of the multiple RF coils. The coil selection processor selects a subset of the multiple RF coils using the ranking. An image generator generates a composite MR image using image data sets provided by the selected subset of the multiple RF coils excluding image data sets provide by remaining coils of the multiple RF coils. |
| US08446146B2 |
Motion sensor, method, and computer-readable storage medium providing a motion sensor with a validated output signal from the motion sensor
A motion sensor has an output protocol processor configured to provide a validated output signal after a determined time period, wherein the determined time period is extended if a vibration is detected. |
| US08446143B2 |
Self-calibration circuit with gyrated output impedance
Various embodiments of a self-calibration circuit may solve the problem that arises in high performance oscilloscopes and in particular, RF oscilloscopes, of internally providing a precision calibration signal without degrading the bandwidth, flatness of the frequency response, and input return loss of the oscilloscope. The self-calibration circuit may be configured to implement an impedance transformation technique where active and passive circuit elements with carefully chosen values are configured in an impedance converter. During self-calibration, switching elements comprised in the self-calibration circuit may be toggled to create a servo loop comprising an amplifier within the circuit, with an attenuator and resistive component acting as feedback elements. The circuit may hence become an impedance gyrator and behave as a precision source with an impedance matching the input impedance of the load circuit. |
| US08446142B2 |
Capacity detector for detecting capacity of an energy storage unit
A capacity detector for detecting capacity of an energy storage unit includes a first and a second buffers and a voltage divider. The first buffer is used for generating a first threshold reference according to a first adjustable reference which is predetermined based upon chemistry of the energy storage unit. The second buffer is used for generating a second threshold reference according to a second adjustable reference which is predetermined based upon chemistry of the energy storage unit. The voltage divider coupled to the first buffer and the second buffer is used for dividing a voltage across the first threshold reference and the second threshold reference and for generating capacity references indicating capacity percentages of the energy storage unit according to a voltage versus capacity characteristic of the energy storage unit. |
| US08446141B1 |
Bandgap curvature correction circuit for compensating temperature dependent bandgap reference signal
A temperature compensated bandgap reference circuit includes a bandgap voltage generator having a temperature dependent signal output and a correction circuit coupled to the output of the bandgap voltage generator and generating a second order quadratic signal which is complementary to the signal output. |
| US08446138B2 |
Stability compensation circuit and DC-DC converter including the same
A stability compensation circuit and a DC-DC converter including the same are provided. When an output voltage of the DC-DC converter decreases more than a predetermined value, the stability compensation circuit quickly charges an integral capacitor by using an additional converter or by reducing an effective resistance of a charging circuit which charges the capacitor. Since an output voltage of an integrator in the stability compensation circuit is enabled to quickly reach a control voltage, the instant decrease of the output voltage of the DC-DC converter can be quickly compensated for. |
| US08446137B2 |
Switching voltage regulator and related feed-forward control method
A method of controlling a pulse width modulated (PWM) voltage regulator including a control circuit of a power stage, and a circuit configured to determine a duration of charge phases and further configured to receive a charge signal and to generate a logic command may include controlling, using the control circuit, switches of the power stage as a function of the logic command at an end of a charge phase and at a start of a discharge phase of an output capacitance. The method may also include generating the charge signal to be one of enabled and disabled during charge phases and another of enabled and disabled during discharge phases, and delaying, at each PWM cycle, the logic command with respect to a previous PWM cycle to compensate at least one of a phase and a frequency difference between each PWM cycle and a reference clock signal. |
| US08446134B2 |
High efficiency AC/DC power supply
A power supply for converting AC to a regulated DC output current, utilizing two serial switched mode power supplies, the first providing an intermediate DC output voltage with only moderate ripple properties, this output being input to the second, which operates as a DC/DC converter to provide the desired output with low ripple and good regulation. The diode rectifier assembly has no reservoir/smoothing capacitor, or one of much smaller capacitance than in prior art power supplies. The large resulting rectifier output ripple is overcome by use of the two power supply units, at least the first having a smoothing capacitor at its output. A majority of the energy stored in this capacitor is utilized during each AC half cycle. Such power supplies also provide improved hold-up times. The power supply is also constructed to have low standby power consumption, by use of a double burst configuration. |
| US08446132B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for electrical pulse energy capture
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for power conversion for fuzes and other electrical power consumers. A current monitor coupled to a power source signal generates a source current indicator. A controller generates a control signal responsive to the source current indicator. A filter well is coupled to the power source signal. An inductive switch circuit switchably grounds a rectified inductive load coupled to an output side of the filter well in response to the control signal, developing a pulsed power signal. A resonance rectifier presents substantially lossless resistive impedance for the pulsed power signal and rectifies the pulsed power signal to charge a charge storage device and generate a power output signal. The filter well, the inductive switch circuit, and the controller maintain the source current indicator within a predetermined current range by filtering the pulsed power signal and adjusting the control signal's frequency responsive to the source current indicator. |
| US08446122B2 |
Electronic device and chargeable keyboard with solar cells located on a keyboard
An electronic device includes a keyboard including a component, a light energy collection module disposed on a surface of the component of the keyboard for collecting light energy from an external light source, and a photoelectric module coupled to the light energy collection module for receiving the light energy from the light energy collection module and converting the light energy into electrical energy. |
| US08446119B2 |
Controlling an electric motor by dynamic switching
An apparatus for controlling an electric motor is provided. A plurality of switches is provided for controlling a direction of current through motor coils of the electric motor. A brushless motor control circuit is connected to each of the plurality of switches. Responsive to a request to adjust one of an angular velocity and an angular acceleration of the electric motor, the plurality of switches are activated to place the motor coils in a predetermined configuration to maximize torque or reduce a total back electromotive force (BEMF) from the motor coils. |
| US08446118B2 |
Rotary electric machine control device
A rotary electric machine control device includes a positive/negative determination section that determines whether an output torque of the rotary electric machine is positive or negative; a correction parameter setting section that sets as a correction parameter a phase difference of a sinusoidal ripple correction wave for reducing torque ripple of the rotary electric machine with respect to a magnetic pole position of the rotary electric machine depending on whether the output torque is positive or negative; and a correction wave generation section that generates the ripple correction wave on the basis of the correction parameter. |
| US08446110B2 |
Illumination system
An illumination system includes illumination devices, an imaging device and a control device. Each of the illumination devices includes a light source, a lighting circuit unit and a transmission control unit. The control device includes a storage unit, a transmission processing unit and a main control unit for selecting a control-target illumination area, reading out the identification code corresponding to the selected illumination area from the storage unit and causing the transmission processing unit to transmit a signal containing a control command on the illumination device. The main control unit is operable in an initial setting mode in which the correlations between the identification codes of the illumination devices and the illumination areas are set by causing the imaging device to take an image of the illumination space while turning on the illumination devices and detecting the illumination area of each of the illumination devices from the image thus taken. |
| US08446109B2 |
LED light source with direct AC drive
A light source and method for operating a light source are disclosed. The present invention includes a light source and method for using the same. The light source includes a power coupler, a reconfigurable two-dimensional LED array and a controller. The power coupler is configured to receive a power potential that varies as a function of time. The LED array has a plurality of configurations of LEDs, each configuration being characterized by a minimum bias potential and a maximum bias potential. The LED array generates light when a potential between first and second power terminals is greater than the minimum bias potential. The controller varies the configuration of the array such that the power potential remains between the minimum and maximum bias potentials as the power potential varies. |
| US08446108B2 |
LED controller with compensation for die-to-die variation and temperature drift
A system including a calibration module, a selection module, and a control module. The calibration module is configured to generate calibration data for a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The calibration data include current through the LEDs and corresponding luminosities of the LEDs. The selection module is configured to select one of a plurality of templates corresponding to the LEDs. The selected template includes at least one of temperature, current, and voltage characteristics of the LEDs. The control module is configured to determine a temperature of the LEDs and adjust current through the LEDs based on the temperature, the selected template, and the calibration data to maintain a luminosity of the LEDs at a predetermined luminosity. |
| US08446104B2 |
Power supply device having current control circuit capable of correcting power factor
Disclosed herein is a power supply device capable of correcting power factor. The power supply device includes a rectification circuit, a first constant current circuit, a capacitor, and a second constant current circuit. The rectification circuit rectifies input Alternating Current (AC) voltage. The first constant current circuit is connected in series to a load. The capacitor is connected in parallel to the first constant current circuit and the load that are connected in series to each other. The second constant current circuit is disposed between the output of the rectification circuit and the capacitor. |
| US08446102B2 |
Lighting control failsafe circuit
A system may include a switch arranged to control a lighting load, a processor arranged to control the switch, and a failsafe circuit arranged to monitor the processor and actuate the switch if the processor fails. The failsafe circuit may have a time constant, and may be arranged to actuate the switch if the monitor signal does not include a pulse during a period of time equal to the time constant. |
| US08446101B2 |
Control switch
A method and apparatus are provided for operating a control switch. In one embodiment, the control switch includes an input terminal coupled to an alternating current (AC) power supply, a load terminal coupled to a load, a triac circuit coupled to the input terminal and the load terminal, a microcontroller and a power supply. The triac circuit may be configured to receive a triggering voltage and provide an activation pulse to the load based on one or more triggering voltage signals supplied by the microcontroller. In another embodiment, the power supply may be configured to step down AC power received from the input terminal and supply line voltage to the microcontroller. |
| US08446095B2 |
LED lamp for producing biologically-corrected light
A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp for producing a biologically-corrected light. In one embodiment, the LED lamp includes a color filter, which modifies the light produced by the lamp's LED chips, to increase spectral opponency and minimize melatonin suppression. In doing so, the lamp minimizes the biological effects that the lamp may have on a user. The LED lamp is appropriately designed to produce such biologically-correct light, while still maintaining a commercially acceptable color temperature and commercially acceptable color rending properties. Methods of manufacturing such a lamp are provided, as well as equivalent lamps and equivalent methods of manufacture. |
| US08446093B2 |
Organic electro-luminescent display device and manufacturing method thereof
An OLED device and a manufacturing method thereof, which can secure the life span and reliability and can improve light efficiency, is disclosed.To this end, the device and method disposes organic light emission diode elements on a substrate. On the substrate with the organic light emission diode elements, a sealant layer having a micro-lens portion is disposed, thereby shielding the organic light emission diode elements from external moisture and/or oxygen. |
| US08446092B2 |
Self-light emitting display unit and electronic device
A self-light emitting display unit capable of improving manufacturing yield is provided. Sizes of color pixel circuits corresponding to pixels for R, G, and B are respectively set unevenly within a pixel circuit according to a magnitude ratio of drive currents which allow color self-light emitting elements in the pixel to emit with a same light emission luminance. Thereby, the pattern densities of color pixel circuits respectively corresponding to the pixels for R, G, and B become even to each other, and the pattern defect rate as the whole pixel circuit is decreased. |
| US08446091B2 |
Color conversion filter and manufacturing method of the organic EL display
A process for producing a color conversion filter uses an ink jet recording method, which can form a color conversion layer at a desired position without the need to separately form partition walls, and a process for producing an organic EL display. The process for producing a color conversion filter includes forming a black matrix having a plurality of opening parts on a transparent substrate, forming at least two types of color filter layers independently of each other on a black matrix to which dissimilar color filter layers are adjacent, to form a partition wall, at least two of the color filter layers being superimposed on top of each other, and forming a color conversion layer by ink jet recording onto at least one of the color filter layers. |
| US08446088B2 |
Field emission device for emitting white light
A field emission device for emitting white light is provided. The device includes a cathode plate assembly (1), an anode plate assembly (2) which is opposite to and spaced from the cathode plate assembly (1), and a supporting body (3) for tight coupling the cathode plate assembly (1) with the anode plate assembly (2). The anode plate assembly (2) includes a transparent substrate (203) which can emit yellow light when excited by blue light. An anode (202) and a blue cathode ray luminescent material layer (201) are provided on the surface of the transparent substrate (203). The blue cathode ray luminescent material layer (201) contains blue cathode ray luminescent material. |
| US08446087B2 |
Field emission cathode structure and field emission display using the same
A field emission cathode structure includes an insulating substrate, a number of strip cathode electrodes, a number of insulators, a number of strip gate electrodes, a number of electron emission units, and a number of fixing layers. The number of insulators is located among and spaced apart from the number of strip cathode electrodes. The field emission cathode structure further satisfies the following conditions: D1≦D2/10, wherein, D1 is defined as a width of each of the number of insulators, and D2 is defined as a distance between centerlines of each two adjacent field emission units of the number of field emission units. |
| US08446086B2 |
Fluorescent lamp electrode, method for producing same, and a fluorescent lamp
Provided is a fluorescent lamp electrode, having excellent sputtering resistance and able to retain excellent dark-start characteristics over a long period of time when used as an electrode in a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, and which can be produced inexpensively. A fluorescent lamp of this invention has a prolonged life resulting from the use of said electrode. Said electrode is made by dispersing in a nickel or nickel alloy base one or more rare earth metals selected from among lanthanum, cerium, yttrium, samarium, praseodymium, niobium, europium and gadolinium in the form of a precipitated boride phase. |
| US08446085B2 |
Fluorescent lamp with zinc silicate phosphor and protective phosphor layer
A fluorescent lamp comprises a glass envelope that is light transmitting. Also included is means for providing a discharge inside the envelope. A discharge-sustaining fill includes mercury and an inert gas sealed inside the envelope. An underlying phosphor-containing layer is disposed inside the envelope. The underlying layer includes zinc silicate phosphor. A protective phosphor-containing layer is disposed over the underlying layer at a location that is more distal from the glass than the underlying layer. A ratio of a surface density of the protective layer to a surface density of the underlying layer is at least 0.4:1. |
| US08446084B2 |
Vehicle headlamp and illuminating device
A headlamp 1 includes a laser diode 3 that emits a laser beam, a light emitting part 7 that emits light upon receiving the laser beam emitted from the laser diode 3, and a reflection mirror 8 that reflects the light emitted from the light emitting part 7. According to the headlamp 1, the light emitting part 7 has a luminance greater than 25 cd/mm2, and an area size of an aperture plane 8a perpendicular to a direction in which an incoherent light travels outward from the headlamp 1 is less than 2000 mm2. |
| US08446083B2 |
Light emitting apparatus
In a light emitting apparatus including a plane-shape light emitting area, a power supply area extending along the light emitting area, and a power supply voltage feeding part configured to feed a power supply voltage to the power supply area. The power supply area supplies a current to the light emitting area across an edge of the power supply area facing the light emitting area. The power supply voltage feeding part is connected to a power supply port provided on another edge of the power supply area opposite to the light emitting area. The power supply area includes a first non-conductive area surrounded by a conductive area located on a shortest path from the power supply port to the edge of the power supply area facing the light emitting area. |
| US08446080B2 |
Ferroeletret multilayer composite and method for producing a ferroelectret multilayer composite with parallel tubular channels
The present invention relates to a ferroelectret multi-layer composite (1) comprising at least two polymer films arranged one on top of the other and bonded together, wherein voids are formed between the polymer films, said voids being tubular channels, particularly running parallel to one another. The invention further provides a process for the production of a ferroelectret multi-layer composite with parallel tubular channels, and a device for carrying out the process for the production of the ferroelectret multi-layer composite according to the invention. In addition, the invention relates to a piezoelectric element containing a ferroelectret multi-layer composite according to the invention. |
| US08446079B2 |
Piezoelectric resonator with vibration isolation
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a piezoelectric resonator. The resonator can have a base defining at least a first base portion and a second base portion and two or more vibrating arms projecting from the first base portion, the first vibrating arm being substantially parallel to the second vibrating arm. The resonator can define a generally planar first main surface and a generally planar second main surface defined by the base and the first and second vibrating arms wherein the first main surface is generally parallel to the second main surface. At least one groove can be formed in at least one of the first and second main surfaces of each of the first and second vibrating arms. The resonator can further have at least one vibration isolation arm projecting from the base, the vibration isolation arm being approximately perpendicular to the two or more vibrating arms. |
| US08446073B2 |
Spring sleeve for fuel injector
The invention relates to a fuel injector with a holding body and a nozzle body which are joined together and which accommodate a coupler module which has a coupler body enclosed by a spring sleeve. The spring sleeve is open in a circumferential direction at a seam thereof which extends in the longitudinal direction. Either the wall thickness of the spring sleeve varies in the longitudinal direction, or a width of at least one hole geometry in the sheathing of the spring sleeve varies in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08446071B2 |
Thermally enhanced ultrasound transducer system
A system and method for removing unwanted heat generated by a piezoelectric element of an ultrasound transducer. Some implementations have high thermal conductivity (HTC) material placed adjacent to the piezoelectric element. The HTC material can be thermally coupled to one or more heat sinks. Use of HTC material in conjunction with these piezoelectric element surfaces is managed to avoid degradation of propagating acoustic energy. Use of the HTC material in conjunction with heat sinks allows for creation of thermal paths away from the piezoelectric element. Active cooling of the heat sinks with water or air can further draw heat from the piezoelectric element. Further implementations form a composite matrix of thermally conductive material or interleave thermally conductive layers with piezoelectric material. |
| US08446069B2 |
Switch device
The invention relates to a switch device (10), for switching a user on and off, in particular, a motor or similar in a vehicle, comprising a housing (20), an operating element (30), a switch element (40) and a display (50), wherein the display (50) is arranged on the operating element (30), the switch element (40) may be activated by the operating element (30) and at least one switch signal (117) for a control unit (15,15′) may be generated by means of the switch element (40). According to the invention, the switch element (40) is a piezo switch and the piezo switch is arranged such as to generate the switch signal (17) on pushing (31) the operating element (30) into the housing (20). |
| US08446068B2 |
Ultrasonic motor
An ultrasonic motor for driving a driven object with a multi-degree of freedom includes a vibrator configured to simultaneously excite two vibration modes to generate an elliptic vibration on an output surface thereof, a driven object configured to be driven by the elliptic vibration generated on the output surface, and a driving element interposed between the output surface and the driven object. The driven object includes a spherical portion to be brought into contact with at least the output surface via the driving element. The elliptic vibration exhibits different vibration amplitudes at different positions on the output surface. The output surface includes a plurality of regions which exhibit greater vibration amplitudes than other regions on the output surface. The driving element includes a contact portion with at least two regions exhibiting greater vibration amplitudes than other regions of the contact portion, and is provided on the output surface. |
| US08446065B2 |
Tubular actuators utilizing active material activation
A tubular actuator including a flexible tube or roll, operable to shift between first and second configurations so as to define a stroke, and utilizing active material activation to produce, modify, and/or retain the stroke. |
| US08446056B2 |
Electric machine cooling system and method
Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module comprising an electric machine with a stator and housing at least partially circumscribing the electric machine. The housing includes at least two housing members coupled together and substantially securing the electric machine within the housing. The electric machine module also includes a coolant jacket at least partially defined by an outer diameter of the stator and an inner diameter portion of the housing. |
| US08446052B2 |
Heat dissipating device with delay function and electronic apparatus using same
A heat dissipating device is used in an electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes a standby unit and a power supply. The heat dissipating device includes a delay unit connected to the standby unit, a switch connected to the delay unit and the power supply, and a heat sink connected to the switch. The delay unit turns on the switch when the electronic apparatus operates in a working mode, and the delay unit turns off the switch after a predetermined delay time when the electronic apparatus enters a standby mode. |
| US08446051B2 |
Power supply unit having a voltage converter
The present invention concerns an electrical installation or device equipped with a power supply unit comprising a voltage converter having primary and secondary parts respectively defining a primary side and a secondary side of this electrical installation or device. This power supply unit comprises a power management unit arranged on the primary side, the primary part of the converter being associated with a control circuit also arranged on the primary side and controlling the electrical energy flowing in the primary power path of the primary part. The control circuit receives from the power management unit at least a first control signal for switching OFF the electrical energy in the primary power path, the power supply unit entering a very low power mode (“Power-down” mode) when the first control signal is set to OFF so that the converter is not supplied anymore. The power management unit is arranged such that, in the very low power mode, it can receive or generate at least a wake-up signal and set to ON the first control signal in response to the wake-up signal for supplying again the primary and secondary parts of the converter. |
| US08446045B2 |
Flat, asymmetric, and E-field confined wireless power transfer apparatus and method thereof
In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a method and apparatus is disclosed that includes feature of a transmitter and receiver having a substantially two-dimensional resonator structure including a flat coil; and an impedance-matching structure operably connected to the resonator structure, the transmitter configured to transmit power wirelessly. |
| US08446038B2 |
Energy harvesting resistor
The harvesting Resistor consists of single or dual supply DC to DC converter, which has a current sense resistor in series with its output port. The sensed current magnitude is coupled back to modulate the duty cycle in a way such that a voltage to current together with the power absorbing relationship of a resistor is appearing at the DC to DC converter's output port. Such an emulated resistor, when connected to an external power source, can efficiently transfer the absorbed energy from an external power source to the single or dual supplies of the DC to DC converter. |
| US08446033B1 |
Savonius rotor wind power generator system and method
A Savonius rotor wind power generator system and method utilizes a large diameter rotor increased in sized to produce a proportional decrease of the rotation rate while the peripheral speed remains constant. The large diameter rotor operating at low rotation rates (less than 10 rpm) produces high torque, and electrical power is generated by means of a multiplicity of generators positioned around its periphery that are sized and have gear ratios matched to selectable ranges of wind speed to allow efficient automated electrical power generation over a range of wind speeds from about three meters per second to more than 40 meters per second. The arrangement, sizing, and control of these generators enable production of synchronous AC power generation over a much larger range of wind speeds than can be achieved with conventional horizontal axis turbines. |
| US08446030B2 |
Offshore floating ocean energy system
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the general art of energy storage and power generation, and in particular to systems for capturing and storing energy, for instance, offshore floating ocean energy systems. In various embodiments, such systems may include a pneumatically stabilized platform base coupled to a power generator and a potential energy storage device. |
| US08446024B2 |
Electrical machines with integrated power and control and including a current source inverter
A machine has a housing that includes a plurality of stator coils to be positioned adjacent to a rotor. A switching network includes a plurality of transistors and diodes connected to the coils. A current source inverter is provided by a switching network, a pair of inductors positioned on power rails, and commutating capacitors. The current source inverter and the coils are all positioned within the housing. Power architecture for a vehicle has a source of DC power, which communicates with machines through integrated motor drives. The motor drives include at least three coils positioned adjacent to the rotors for a motor associated with the integrated motor drive. A storage switching network is positioned downstream of the coils, with the storage switching network to be closed to allow power from the coils to drive the rotor, or to be opened to allow power to pass to a local storage component. |
| US08446021B2 |
Microfluidic component and method for manufacturing same
A microfluidic component having at least one first polymer layer, which is provided with a microstructure for at least one fluid, and having at least one second polymer layer. It is provided that at least one semiconductor component is situated on the first and/or the second polymer layer. Furthermore, a manufacturing method for such a microfluidic component is described. |
| US08446017B2 |
Stackable wafer level package and fabricating method thereof
A stackable wafer level package and a fabricating method thereof are disclosed. In the stackable wafer level package, bond pads (or redistribution layers) are arranged on a bottom semiconductor die, and metal pillars are formed on some of the bond pads positioned around the edges of the bottom semiconductor die. A top semiconductor die is electrically connected to the other bond pads, on which the metal pillars are not formed, positioned around the center of the bottom semiconductor die through conductive bumps. The metal pillars and the top semiconductor die are encapsulated by an encapsulant. A plurality of interconnection patterns electrically connected to the metal pillars are formed on the surface of the encapsulant. Solder balls are attached to the interconnection patterns. Due to this stack structure, the wafer level package is reduced in thickness and footprint. Therefore, the wafer level package is highly suitable for mobile applications. |
| US08446010B2 |
Multilayer wiring, semiconductor device, substrate for display device, and display device
The present invention provides a multilayer wiring capable of reducing the area of the wiring layer while preventing the property deterioration due to the parasitic capacitance, a semiconductor device, a substrate for display device, and a display device. The multilayer wiring of the present invention includes: a first conductor; a second conductor; and a third conductor. The first conductor is positioned in a (n+1)th conductive layer. The second conductor is positioned in a (n+2)th conductive layer, is electrically connected to a conductor in a layer below the (n+1)th conductive layer through at least a first connection hole in a (n+1)th insulating layer directly below the (n+2)th conductive layer, and is positioned so as not to overlap with the first conductor in a plan view of the main face of the substrate. The third conductor is positioned in a (n+3)th conductive layer, is electrically connected to a second conductor through a second connection hole in a (n+2)th insulating layer directly below the (n+3)th conductive layer, and is positioned on the second connection hole toward the first conductor. The second connection hole overlaps with the first connection hole in a plan view of the main face of the substrate. |
| US08446008B2 |
Semiconductor device bonding with stress relief connection pads
An inventive semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor chip; an internal pad provided on a surface of the semiconductor chip for electrical connection; a surface protective film covering the surface of the semiconductor chip and having a pad opening from which the internal pad is exposed; a stress relief layer provided on the surface protective film and having an opening portion through which the internal pad exposed from the pad opening is exposed; a connection pad including an anchor buried in the pad opening and the opening portion and connected to the internal pad, and a projection provided integrally with the anchor as projecting on the stress relief layer, the projection having a width greater than an opening width of the opening portion; and a metal ball provided for external electrical connection as covering the projection of the connection pad. |
| US08446005B2 |
Semiconductor device having a bus configuration which reduces electromigration
A semiconductor device includes: a first transistor; a second transistor; an interlayer insulating film covering the transistors; a rectangular-shaped first bus formed on the interlayer insulating film and connected to first source/drain regions; a rectangular-shaped second bus formed on the interlayer insulating film with spacing from the first bus and connected to third source/drain regions; an inter-bus interconnect formed between the first and second buses for connecting these buses; a first contact pad provided on the first bus, to which a wire is connected; and a second contact pad provided on the second bus, to which a wire is connected. The inter-bus interconnect is in contact with part of the side of the first bus facing the second bus and part of the side of the second bus facing the first bus. The first and second contact pads are respectively in contact with part of the first and second buses. |
| US08446003B2 |
Semiconductor device including double-sided multi-electrode chip embedded in multilayer wiring substrate
A semiconductor device includes a multilayer wiring substrate and a double-sided multi-electrode chip. The double-sided multi-electrode chip includes a semiconductor chip and has multiple electrodes on both sides of the semiconductor chip. The double-sided multi-electrode chip is embedded in the multilayer wiring substrate in such a manner that the double-sided multi-electrode chip is not exposed outside the multilayer wiring substrate. The electrodes of the double-sided multi-electrode chip are connected to wiring layers of the multilayer wiring substrate. |
| US08446000B2 |
Package structure and package process
A package process includes following steps. A circuit mother board comprising a plurality of circuit boards is disposed on a carrier. Semiconductor devices are provided, wherein each of the semiconductor devices has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite thereto. Each of the semiconductor devices has conductive vias each having a first end surface and a second end surface exposed by the bottom surface of the semiconductor device. The semiconductor devices are connected to the corresponding circuit boards through their conductive vias with their bottom surface facing the circuit mother board. An insulating paste is formed between each of the semiconductor devices and its corresponding circuit board. A protection layer is formed on the circuit mother board to cover the semiconductor devices. Then, the protection layer and the semiconductor devices are thinned to expose the first end surface of each of the conductive vias. |
| US08445999B2 |
Direct contact leadless package
Some exemplary embodiments of a direct contact leadless package and related structure and method, especially suitable for packaging high current semiconductor devices, have been disclosed. One exemplary structure comprises a first contact lead frame portion, a paddle portion, and an extended contact lead frame portion held together by a mold compound. A first semiconductor device is attached to a top side of the paddle portion and is enclosed by said mold compound, while a second semiconductor device is attached to a bottom side of said paddle portion and is in electrical contact with said the first semiconductor device. The extended contact lead frame portion is in direct electrical contact with the second semiconductor device without using a bond wire. Alternative exemplary embodiments may include additional extended lead frame portions, paddle portions, and semiconductor devices in various configurations. |
| US08445998B1 |
Leadframe structures for semiconductor packages
A semiconductor package includes a lead structure upon which a semiconductor die is mounted with at least some portion of at least some of the leads extending to, at, or across an axis or axis of the package to militate against thermally induced growth of the package and the reduce or minimize strain within the package and reliability issue associated therewith. |
| US08445997B2 |
Stacked packaged integrated circuit devices
A device is disclosed which includes a first packaged integrated circuit device, a second packaged integrated circuit device positioned above the first packaged integrated circuit device and a plurality of planar conductive members conductively coupling the first and second packaged integrated circuit devices to one another. A method is also disclosed which includes conductively coupling a plurality of extensions on a leadframe to each of a pair of stacked packaged integrated circuit devices and cutting the leadframe to singulate the extensions from one another. |
| US08445990B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming an inductor within interconnect layer vertically separated from semiconductor die
A semiconductor device has an adhesive layer formed over a carrier. A semiconductor die has bumps formed over an active surface of the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die is mounted to the carrier with the bumps partially disposed in the adhesive layer to form a gap between the semiconductor die and adhesive layer. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die and within the gap between the semiconductor die and adhesive layer. The carrier and adhesive layer are removed to expose the bumps from the encapsulant. An insulating layer is formed over the encapsulant. A conductive layer is formed over the insulating layer in a wound configuration to exhibit inductive properties and electrically connected to the bumps. The conductive layer is partially disposed within a footprint of the semiconductor die. The conductive layer has a separation from the semiconductor die as determined by the gap and insulating layer. |
| US08445989B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first metal wiring which is formed over substructure; a first contact plug which is coupled to the first metal wiring and passes through a first interlayer insulating film provided over the substructure; a second metal wiring which is provided over the first interlayer insulating film and is coupled to the first contact plug; a second contact plug which is coupled to the second metal wiring and passes through a second interlayer insulating film which is provided over the first interlayer insulating film; and a fuse pattern and a data read fuse pattern which are coupled to the second contact plug and provided over the second interlayer insulating film. |
| US08445986B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, radiation image pickup apparatus and radiation image pickup system
An image pickup apparatus is provided with plural light receiving areas arranged two-dimensionally, and a vertical scanning circuit comprising plural unit circuit stages arranged in the vertical direction and a horizontal scanning circuit comprising plural unit circuit stages arranged in the horizontal direction, for selecting and reading the plural light receiving areas in succession. The vertical and horizontal scanning circuits are arranged in spaces between the light receiving areas. A crossing area of the vertical and horizontal scanning circuits, in a space between the light receiving areas, is divided into two areas. A unit circuit of the horizontal scanning circuit is provided in one of the two areas. A unit circuit of the vertical scanning circuit is provided in the other of the two areas. In one embodiment, the unit circuits of the vertical scanning circuit and/or of the horizontal scanning circuit are arranged at a constant pitch. |
| US08445985B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, method of manufacturing the same, and electronic equipment
A solid state imaging device including a semiconductor layer comprising a plurality of photodiodes, a first antireflection film located over a first surface of the semiconductor layer, a second antireflection film located over the first antireflection film, a light shielding layer having side surfaces which are adjacent to at least one of first and the second antireflection film. |
| US08445982B2 |
Method of forming a semiconductor device
A polysilicon structure and method of forming the polysilicon structure are disclosed, where the method includes a two-step deposition and planarization process. The disclosed process reduces the likelihood of defects such as voids, particularly where polysilicon is deposited in a trench having a high aspect ratio. A first polysilicon structure is deposited that includes a trench liner portion and a first upper portion. The trench liner portion only partially fills the trench, while the first upper portion extends over the adjacent field isolation structures. Next, at least a portion of the first upper portion of the first polysilicon structure is removed. A second polysilicon structure is then deposited that includes a trench plug portion and a second upper portion. The trench is filled by the plug portion, while the second upper portion extends over the adjacent field isolation structures. The second upper portion is then removed. |
| US08445981B2 |
Magnetic memory devices, electronic systems and memory cards including the same, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of forming a perpendicular magnetic film of the same
Magnetic memory devices, electronic systems and memory cards including the same, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of forming perpendicular magnetic films are provided. The magnetic memory device may include a seed pattern on a substrate having a first crystal structure, a perpendicular magnetic pattern on the seed pattern having a second crystal structure, and an interlayer pattern between the seed pattern and the perpendicular magnetic pattern. The interlayer pattern may reduce a stress caused by a difference between horizontal lattice constants of the first and the second crystal structures. |
| US08445978B2 |
Electromechanical transducer device and method of forming a electromechanical transducer device
A micro or nano electromechanical transducer device formed on a semiconductor substrate comprises a movable structure which is arranged to be movable in response to actuation of an actuating structure. The movable structure comprises a mechanical structure comprising at least one mechanical layer having a first thermal response characteristic and a first mechanical stress response characteristic, at least one layer of the actuating structure, the at least one layer having a second thermal response characteristic different to the first thermal response characteristic and a second mechanical stress response characteristic different to the first mechanical stress response characteristic, a first compensation layer having a third thermal response characteristic and a third mechanical stress characteristic, and a second compensation layer having a fourth thermal response characteristic and a fourth mechanical stress response characteristic. The first and second compensation layers are arranged to compensate a thermal effect produced by the different first and second thermal response characteristics of the mechanical structure and the at least one layer of the actuating structure such that movement of the movable structure is substantially independent of variations in temperature and to adjust a stress effect produced by the different first and second stress response characteristics of the mechanical structure and the at least one layer of the actuating structure such that the movable structure is deflected a predetermined amount relative to the substrate when the electromechanical transducer device is in an inactive state. |
| US08445974B2 |
Asymmetric FET including sloped threshold voltage adjusting material layer and method of fabricating same
A semiconductor structure is provided that includes at least one asymmetric gate stack located on a surface of a semiconductor structure. The at least one asymmetric gate stack includes, from bottom to top, a high k gate dielectric, a sloped threshold voltage adjusting material layer and a gate conductor. A method of forming such a semiconductor structure is also provided in which a line of sight deposition process is used in forming the sloped threshold voltage adjusting material layer in which the deposition is tilted within respect to a horizontal surface of a semiconductor structure. |
| US08445973B2 |
Fin transistor structure and method of fabricating the same
There is provided a fin transistor structure and a method of fabricating the same. The fin transistor structure comprises a fin formed on a semiconductor substrate, wherein an insulation material is formed between a portion of the fin serving as the channel region of the transistor structure and the substrate, and a bulk semiconductor material is formed between remaining portions of the fin and the substrate. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the current leakage while maintaining the advantages such as low cost and high heat transfer. |
| US08445972B2 |
Semiconductor device with reconfigurable logic
A semiconductor device includes multiple transistors (70, 75, 80, 85), each of the transistors (70, 75, 80, 85) including a gate electrode (18) formed above a semiconductor substrate (30), source/drain regions (10, 12, 14, 16) formed on both sides of the gate electrode (18), and a charge storage layer (38) interposed between the gate electrode (18) and the semiconductor substrate (30). One of the source/drain regions (10, 12, 14, 16) of adjacent transistors (70, 75, 80, 85) is respectively connected in series, so the above-mentioned multiple transistors (70, 75, 80, 85) form a closed loop in the semiconductor device. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a semiconductor device (60) in which the circuit function of the logic circuit (64) can be reconfigured in a non-volatile manner, thereby enabling wide selectivity and excellent design facility in terms of the circuit design and making it possible to readily fabricate the logic circuit (64) and a non-volatile memory (62) on a single chip (60). |
| US08445970B2 |
Bipolar device compatible with CMOS process technology
The present invention discloses a bipolar device. An emitter is formed in a semiconductor substrate. A collector is laterally spaced from the emitter in the substrate. A gate terminal is formed on the substrate, defining a space between the emitter and the collector. An extrinsic base is formed on the substrate with a predetermined distance from either the emitter or the collector, wherein the base, the emitter, the collector and the gate terminal are located in an active area defined by a hole in a surrounding isolation structure in the substrate. |
| US08445969B2 |
High pressure deuterium treatment for semiconductor/high-K insulator interface
An integrated circuit structure comprises at least one pair of complementary transistors on a substrate. The pair of complementary transistors includes a first transistor and a second transistor. In addition, only one stress-producing layer is on the first transistor and the second transistor and applies tensile strain force on the first transistor and the second transistor. The first transistor has a first channel region, a gate insulator on the first channel region, and a deuterium region between the first channel region and the gate insulator. The second transistor has a germanium doped channel region, as well as the same gate insulator on the germanium doped channel region, and the same deuterium region between the germanium doped channel region and the gate insulator. |
| US08445968B2 |
Semiconductor device having analog transistor with improved operating and flicker noise characteristics and method of making same
A semiconductor device with improved transistor operating and flicker noise characteristics includes a substrate, an analog NMOS transistor and a compressively-strained-channel analog PMOS transistor disposed on the substrate. The device also includes a first etch stop liner (ESL) and a second ESL which respectively cover the NMOS transistor and the PMOS transistor. The relative measurement of flicker noise power of the NMOS and PMOS transistors to flicker noise power of reference unstrained-channel analog NMOS and PMOS transistors at a frequency of 500 Hz is less than 1. |
| US08445967B2 |
Semiconductor switching device employing a quantum dot structure
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor island having at least one electrical dopant atom and encapsulated by dielectric materials including at least one dielectric material layer. At least two portions of the at least one dielectric material layer have a thickness less than 2 nm to enable quantum tunneling effects. A source-side conductive material portion and a drain-side conductive material portion abuts the two portions of the at least one dielectric material layer. A gate conductor is located on the at least one dielectric material layer between the source-side conductive material portion and the drain-side conductive material portion. The potential of the semiconductor island responds to the voltage at the gate conductor to enable or disable tunneling current through the two portions of the at least one dielectric material layer. Design structures for the semiconductor device are also provided. |
| US08445958B2 |
Power semiconductor device with trench bottom polysilicon and fabrication method thereof
A power semiconductor device comprising a base, a trench, a heavily doped polysilicon structure, a polysilicon gate, a gate dielectric layer, and a heavily doped region is provided. The trench is formed in the base. The heavily doped polysilicon structure is formed in the lower portion of the trench. At least a side surface of the heavily doped polysilicon structure touches the naked base. The polysilicon gate is located in the upper portion of the trench. The gate dielectric layer is interposed between the polysilicon gate and the heavily doped polysilicon structure. The dopants in the heavily doped polysilicon structure are diffused outward to form a heavily doped region. |
| US08445957B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A gate formed in a peripheral region is buried in a semiconductor device such that bit line contact plugs respectively coupled to an active region and the gate are simultaneously formed and a short-circuit between the gate and the bit line contact plug is prevented, thereby improving the characteristics of the device. The method of manufacturing the semiconductor device includes forming a gate buried in a semiconductor substrate, and forming a first bit line contact plug coupled to the gate and a second bit line contact plug coupled to the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08445953B2 |
Structure for flash memory cells
A flash memory cell structure is provided. A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a floating gate overlying the semiconductor substrate, a word-line adjacent to the floating gate, an erase gate adjacent to a side of the floating gate opposite the word-line, a first sidewall disposed between the floating gate and the word-line, and a second sidewall disposed between the floating gate and the erase gate. The first sidewall has a first characteristic and the second sidewall has a second characteristic. The first characteristic is different from the second characteristic. |
| US08445951B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device including a fin-type field effect transistor and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor integrated circuit device, includes a first electrode including a first semiconductor layer formed on a substrate, a side surface insulating film formed on at least a part of a side surface of the first electrode, an upper surface insulating film formed on the first electrode and the side surface insulating film, a second electrode which covers the side surface insulating film and the upper surface insulating film, and a fin-type field effect transistor. The first electrode, the side surface insulating film, and the second electrode constitute a capacitor element. A thickness of the upper surface insulating film between the first electrode and the second electrode is larger than a thickness of the side surface insulating film between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the fin-type field effect transistor includes a second semiconductor layer which protrudes with respect to the plane of the substrate. |
| US08445950B2 |
Solid-state imaging device
Certain embodiments provide a solid-state imaging device including: a plurality of pixels provided on a semiconductor substrate, each of the pixels having a semiconductor region that converts incident light from a side of a first face of the semiconductor substrate into signal charges and stores the signal charges; a readout circuit provided on a side of a second face that is the opposite side from the first face, and reading out the signal charges stored in the pixels; and a pixel separation structure provided between adjacent ones of the pixels in the semiconductor substrate, the pixel separation structure including a stack film buried in a trench extending from the first face, the stack film including a first insulating film provided along side faces and a bottom face of the trench, and a fixed charge film provided in the trench to cover the first insulating film and retaining fixed charges that are non-signal charges. |
| US08445946B2 |
Gated diode memory cells
A gated diode memory cell is provided, including one or more transistors, such as field effect transistors (“FETs”), and a gated diode in signal communication with the FETs such that the gate of the gated diode is in signal communication with the source of a first FET, wherein the gate of the gated diode forms one terminal of the storage cell and the source of the gated diode forms another terminal of the storage cell, the drain of the first FET being in signal communication with a bitline (“BL”) and the gate of the first FET being in signal communication with a write wordline (“WLw”), and the source of the gated diode being in signal communication with a read wordline (“WLr”). |
| US08445940B2 |
Source and drain feature profile for improving device performance
An integrated circuit device is disclosed. The disclosed device provides improved control over a surface proximity and tip depth of integrated circuit devices. An exemplary integrated circuit device disclosed herein has a surface proximity of about 1 nm to about 3 nm and a tip depth of about 5 nm to about 10 nm. The integrated circuit device having such surface proximity and tip depth includes an epi source feature and an epi drain feature defined by a first facet and a second facet of a substrate in a first direction, such as a {111} crystallographic plane of the substrate, and a third facet of the substrate in a second direction, such as a {100} crystallographic plane of the substrate. |
| US08445931B2 |
Wavelength converting member, light-emitting device, and method for manufacturing wavelength converting member
A polycrystalline sintered ceramic including (A) a garnet phase and (B) a perovskite, monoclinic or silicate phase wherein fine grains of phase (B) are included and dispersed in phase (A) is used as a wavelength converting member. Since the light transmitting through the wavelength converting member is scattered at the interface between the garnet phase and the perovskite, monoclinic or silicate phase, a light emitting device including the wavelength converting member produces light of more uniform color with a minimized loss thereof. |
| US08445928B2 |
Light-emitting diode light source module
A light-emitting diode (LED) light source module is described, comprising: a heat conduction substrate, wherein a surface of the heat conduction substrate includes a plurality of recesses; a plurality of light-emitting diode chips respectively disposed in the recesses; an insulation layer disposed on the surface of the heat conduction substrate outside of the recesses; an electric conduction layer disposed on the insulation layer, wherein the light-emitting diode chips are electrically connected to the electric conduction layer; and an encapsulation layer covering the light-emitting diode chips, the electric conduction layer and the insulation layer. |
| US08445926B2 |
LED package, method of fabricating the same, and backlight unit having the same
Disclosed are a LED package, a method of fabricating the same, and a backlight unit having the same. The light emitting diode package comprises a light emitting diode, a printed circuit board provided with a circuit pattern used for driving the light emitting diode and a through hole formed in an area where the light emitting diode is mounted, and a heat sink provided in the through hole and contacted with a bottom surface of the light emitting diode. |
| US08445913B2 |
Metal-insulator-metal (MIM) device and method of formation thereof
In a method of fabricating a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) device, initially, a first electrode is provided. An oxide layer is provided on the first electrode, and a protective layer is provided on the oxide layer. An opening through the protective layer is provided to expose a portion of the oxide layer, and a portion of the first electrode underlying the exposed portion of the oxide layer is oxidized. A second electrode is provided in contact with the exposed portion of the oxide layer. In alternative embodiments, the initially provided oxide layer may be eliminated, and spacers of insulating material may be provided in the opening. |
| US08445909B2 |
Sensor array substrate and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a sensor array substrate and a method of fabricating the same. The sensor array substrate includes: a substrate in which a switching element region and a sensor region that senses light are defined; a first semiconductor layer which is formed in the sensor region; a first gate electrode which is formed on the first semiconductor layer and overlaps the first semiconductor layer; a second gate electrode which is formed in the switching element region; a second semiconductor layer which is formed on the second gate electrode and overlaps the second gate electrode; and a light-blocking pattern which is formed on the second semiconductor layer and overlaps the second semiconductor layer, wherein the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are disposed on different layers, and the second gate electrode and the light-blocking pattern are electrically connected to each other. |
| US08445898B2 |
Organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer for blocking moisture/oxygen transmission and improving gas barrier property
The present invention relates to an organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer comprising an organic polymer passivation layer prepared by a UV/ozone curing process and an inorganic thin film passivation layer for blocking moisture and oxygen transmission of an organic electronic device fabricated on a substrate and improving gas barrier property of a plastic substrate; and a fabrication method thereof. Since the organic/inorganic hybrid thin film passivation layer of the present invention converts the surface polarity of an organic polymer passivation layer into hydrophilic by using the UV/ozone curing process, it can improve the adhesion strength between the passivation layer interfaces, increase the light transmission rate due to surface planarization of the organic polymer passivation layer, and enhance gas barrier property by effectively blocking moisture and oxygen transmission. |
| US08445896B2 |
Organic light-emitting diode device with high color rendering
The present invention discloses an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device with high color rendering comprising a base plate, a first conductive layer, a plurality of white light emitting layers, and a second conductive layer, wherein the spectra of the white light emitting layers possess characteristics of complementarities so as to enhance the color rendering of the emitted white light, and at least one carrier regulating layer is selectively disposed between every two white light emitting layers so as to increase the emitting efficiency and color rendering. |
| US08445885B2 |
Nonvolatile memory element having a thin platinum containing electrode
A nonvolatile memory element includes first and second electrodes, and a resistance variable layer disposed therebetween. At least one of the first and second electrodes includes a platinum-containing layer. The resistance variable layer includes a first oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide layer which is not physically in contact with the platinum-containing layer and a second oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide layer which is disposed between the first oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide layer and the platinum-containing layer and is physically in contact with the platinum-containing layer. When oxygen-deficient transition metal oxides included in the first and second oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide layers are expressed as MOx, and MOy, respectively, x |
| US08445884B2 |
Memristor with nanostructure electrodes
A memristor having an active region includes a first electrode. The first electrode comprises a nanostructure formed of at least one metallic single walled nanotube. The memristor also includes a second electrode formed of at least one metallic single walled nanotube. The second electrode is positioned in a crossed relationship with respect to the first electrode. The memristor further includes a switching material positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, in which the active region is configured to form in the switching material at a cross point of the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US08445883B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method thereof
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device which can achieve miniaturization and a larger capacity in a cross-point structure in which memory cells are formed inside contact holes at cross points of word lines and bit lines, respectively, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device comprises a substrate; a plurality of stripe-shaped lower copper wires (70) formed on the substrate; an interlayer insulating layer (76) formed on the substrate provided with the lower copper wires (70), a plurality of contact holes penetrating interlayer insulating layer (76) to surfaces of the lower copper wires (70), respectively; electrode seed layers (77) and precious metal electrode layers (78) formed only at bottoms of the contact holes, respectively; resistance variable layers (73) filled into the contact holes such that the resistance variable layers are connected to the precious metal electrode layers (73), respectively; a plurality of stripe-shaped upper copper wires (74) connected to the resistance variable layers (73), respectively, and cross the lower copper wires (70), respectively, and the electrode seed layers (77) and the precious metal electrode layers (78) are formed by selective growth plating. |
| US08445882B2 |
Non-volatile memory element and memory device including the same
Example embodiments, relate to a non-volatile memory element and a memory device including the same. The non-volatile memory element may include a memory layer having a multi-layered structure between two electrodes. The memory layer may include first and second material layers and may show a resistance change characteristic due to movement of ionic species therebetween. The first material layer may be an oxygen-supplying layer. The second material layer may be an oxide layer having a multi-trap level. |
| US08445879B2 |
Compositions for protection against electromagnetic radiation exposure
The present invention provides compositions for the protection against electromagnetic radiation. The compositions include a polymeric material including a polyamide such as nylon 6 or nylon 6, 6, barium sulfate and magnesium sulfate. The polymeric material upon exposure to incident electromagnetic radiation emits subtle electromagnetic oscillations at probiotic frequencies that counter adverse effects of incident electromagnetic radiation. The polymeric material may be formed into a protective housing for electronic devices and may be formed into protective fabrics. |
| US08445877B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus and target supply device
A nozzle protection device capable of protecting a target nozzle from heat of plasma without disturbing formation of a stable flow of a target material in an LPP type EUV light source apparatus. This nozzle protection device includes a cooling unit which is formed with an opening for passing the target material therethrough, and which is formed with a flow path for circulating a cooling medium inside, and an actuator which changes a position or a shape of the cooling unit between a first state of evacuating the cooling unit from a trajectory of the target material and a second state of blocking heat radiation from the plasma to the nozzle by the cooling unit while securing a path of the target material in the cooling unit. |
| US08445876B2 |
Extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus
An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source apparatus in which a location or posture shift of an EUV collector mirror can be detected. The apparatus includes: a chamber; a target supply mechanism for supplying a target material into the chamber; a driver laser for irradiating the target material with a laser beam to generate plasma; a collector mirror having a first focal point and a second focal point, for reflecting light, which is generated at the first focal point, toward the second focal point; a splitter optical element provided in an optical path of the light reflected by the collector mirror, for splitting a part of the light reflected by the collector mirror; and an image sensor provided in an optical path of the light split by the splitter optical element, for detecting a profile of the light split by the splitter optical element. |
| US08445874B2 |
Ion beam sample preparation apparatus and methods
Disclosed are embodiments of an ion beam sample preparation apparatus and methods for using the embodiments. The apparatus comprises an ion beam irradiating means in a vacuum chamber that may direct ions toward a sample, a shield blocking a portion of the ions directed toward the sample, and a shield retention stage with shield retention means that replaceably and removably holds the shield in a position. The shield has datum features which abut complementary datum features on the shield retention stage when the shield is held in the shield retention stage. The shield has features which enable the durable adhering of the sample to the shield for processing the sample with the ion beam. The complementary datum features on both shield and shield retention stage enable accurate and repeatable positioning of the sample in the apparatus for sample processing and reprocessing. A retention stage lifting means allows the creation of a loading chamber that is isolated from the main vacuum chamber where sample ion beam milling takes place. A heat sink means is configured to conduct heat away from the sample undergoing sample preparation in the ion beam. |
| US08445873B2 |
System and method for detecting at least one contamination species in a lithographic apparatus
A system for detecting at least one contamination species in an interior space of a lithographic apparatus, including: at least one monitoring surface configured to be in contact with the interior space, a thermal controller configured to control the temperature of the monitoring surface to at least one detection temperature, and at least one detector configured to detect condensation of the at least one contamination species onto the monitoring surface. |
| US08445869B2 |
Projection lens arrangement
The invention relates to a charged particle multi-beamlet system for exposing a target using a plurality of beamlets. The system has a charged particle source, an aperture array, a beamlet manipulator, a beamlet blanker, and an array of projection lens systems. The charged particle source is configured to generate a charged particle beam. The aperture array is configured to define separate beamlets from the generated beam. The beamlet manipulator is configured to converge groups of the beamlets towards a common point of convergence for each group. The beamlet blanker is configured to controllably blank beamlets in the groups of beamlets. Finally, the array of projection lens systems is configured to project unblanked beamlets of the groups of beamlets on to the surface of the target. The beamlet manipulator is further adapted to converge each of the groups of beamlets towards a point corresponding to one of the projection lens systems. |
| US08445867B2 |
Photobleaching and intermittency localization microscopy
A method of image analysis creates super-resolution images from images with high densities of fluorophores by processing a movie in which the fluorescent molecules or particles are photobleaching or blinking. The method looks for the individual photobleaching events that can be located with high resolution (nm to tens of nanometers scale). The positions of the photobleaching or blinking events are then drawn in a composite image that is at a much higher resolution than the original fluorescence movie. |
| US08445865B2 |
Scanning microscope device
A scanning microscope device includes a light source that emits laser light; an X-Y galvanometer mirror that scans the laser light on a sample; an objective lens that irradiates the sample with the scanned laser light and collects fluorescence generated at an irradiated position; a non-descan-detection excitation DM that is disposed between the X-Y galvanometer mirror and the objective lens and separates the laser light and the fluorescence from each other; a fiber that receives the separated fluorescence through an entrance end thereof and emits the fluorescence from an exit end thereof that is formed in a substantially linear shape; a diffraction grating that disperses the fluorescence emitted from the exit end of the fiber in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the exit end; and a multi-anode PMT having plural cells arrayed in the dispersing direction of the dispersed fluorescence. |
| US08445864B2 |
Method and apparatus for anti-biofouling of a protected surface in liquid environments
A system includes a UV light source and an optical medium coupled to receive UV light from the UV light source. The optical medium is configured to emit UV light proximate to a surface to be protected from biofouling. A method corresponds to the system. |
| US08445863B2 |
Ion generation method, ion generation apparatus, and electric equipment using the same
An air cleaner includes a negative ion generation portion generating negative ions, a positive ion generation portion generating positive ions, a drive portion adjusting a distance between the ion generation portions, a wind velocity sensor detecting wind velocity at positions where the ion generation portions are installed, and a microcomputer controlling the drive portion based on a detection result of the wind velocity sensor and setting distance D between the ion generation portions to an optimal value. Therefore, since the distance between the ion generation portions is set to the optimal value, a large amount of ion generation can be obtained. |
| US08445862B2 |
Apparatus of plural charged particle beams with multi-axis magnetic lens
An apparatus basically uses a simple and compact multi-axis magnetic lens to focus each of a plurality of charged particle beams on sample surface at the same time. In each sub-lens module of the multi-axis magnetic lens, two magnetic rings are respectively inserted into upper and lower holes with non-magnetic radial gap. Each gap size is small enough to keep a sufficient magnetic coupling and large enough to get a sufficient axial symmetry of magnetic scale potential distribution in the space near to its optical axis. This method eliminates the non-axisymmetric transverse field in each sub-lens and the round lens field difference among all sub-lenses at the same time; both exist inherently in a conventional multi-axis magnetic lens. In the apparatus, some additional magnetic shielding measures such as magnetic shielding tubes, plates and house are used to eliminate the non-axisymmetric transverse field on the charged particle path from each charged particle source to the entrance of each sub-lens and from the exit of each sub-lens to the sample surface. |
| US08445854B2 |
X-ray radiation detector for use in a CT system
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to an X-ray radiation detector, in particular for use in a CT system. In at least one embodiment, the X-ray radiation detector includes a semiconductor material used for detection, at least two ohmic contacts between the semiconductor material and a contact material, the semiconductor material and contact material each having a specific excitation energy of the charge carriers, with the excitation energy of the contact material corresponding to the excitation energy of the semiconductor material. At least one embodiment of the invention furthermore relates to a CT system in which an X-ray radiation detector is used, the X-ray radiation detector advantageously having at least two ideal ohmic contacts according to at least one embodiment of the invention. |
| US08445852B2 |
Signal light detection device and method of detecting signal light
An electric signal produced by a photo-electric conversion element (104) is input to a comparator (120). The comparator (120) judges whether the electric signal output from the amplifier (110) exceeds a reference voltage or not, and outputs a HIGH signal if “exceeds”. A reference voltage modifier unit (130) elevates the reference voltage, after a predetermined time period elapses since the comparator (120) judged that the electric signal reached or exceeded the reference voltage. The signal processor calculates an incidence time which represents a time when the signal light starts to enter the photo-electric converter unit (100), by correcting a rise-up time of the electric signal when it reaches or exceeds the reference voltage, based on a pulse width which represents a time period from when the electric signal exceeds the reference voltage, up to when the electric signal falls below the reference voltage. |
| US08445847B2 |
Abnormal measurement detection device and method for infrared radiation thermometer
A technique for an infrared radiation thermometer used for thermography detects measurement abnormality of the infrared radiation thermometer and estimates the causes of the measurement abnormality such as contamination of an objective lens and a malfunction in a mechanism section of the infrared radiation thermometer. The measurement abnormality detector has a dummy lens 21 placed in the periphery of the objective lens 11 of the thermometer 10 so as to be at a position and in an attitude that are more susceptible to contamination than the objective lens 11, a laser displacement meter 22 for projecting light to the dummy lens 21 at each predetermined time or at a predetermined timing, receiving the light reflected by the dummy lens 21, and measuring the quantity of the received light, and determination means 50 for calculating the attenuation rate of the projected light on the basis of the quantity of the received light measured by the laser displacement meter 22, estimating the degree of contamination of the dummy lens 21 on the basis of the calculated attenuation rate, and judging, on the basis of the degree of contamination of the dummy lens 21, the necessity of warning for contamination of the objective lens 11 and measurement abnormality of the thermometer 10. |
| US08445845B2 |
Ion population control device for a mass spectrometer
A mass spectrometer is disclosed wherein an ion beam attenuator is arranged upstream of an ion trap mass analyser. An ion tunnel ion trap comprising an upstream ion accumulation section and a downstream ion accumulation section is arranged upstream of the ion beam attenuator. Ions are released from the ion tunnel ion trap and the intensity of the ion beam which is transmitted to the ion trap analyser is controlled by the ion beam attenuator. The fill time during which ions are admitted into the ion trap mass analyser remains substantially constant and is substantially independent of the intensity of the ion beam. |
| US08445844B2 |
Quadrupole mass spectrometer
A table (21) for relating an appropriate DC bias voltage to each of a plurality of selectable scan speeds is stored beforehand in an auto-tuning data memory section (20). In an auto-tuning operation, a controller (10) determines the DC bias voltage corresponding to each scan speed by referring to the table (21) and fixes the output of an ion-drawing voltage generator (13) at that voltage. Subsequently, while changing the voltages applied to relevant sections such as an ion optical system (2), the controller (10) finds voltage conditions under which the detection signal is maximized. The conditions thus found are stored in an auto-tuning result data (22). In an analysis of a target sample, a DC bias voltage corresponding to a scan speed specified by an operator is obtained from the DC bias voltage table (21), and the optimal conditions for this voltage are obtained from the auto-tuning result data (22). Based on these items of information, conditions for the scan measurement are determined. This method prevents the deterioration in detection sensitivity, which will otherwise take place if the scan measurement is performed at a high scan speed. |
| US08445843B2 |
Mass spectrometer arranged to perform MS/MS/MS
A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion trap and a fragmentation device. Ions are fragmented in the ion trap to form first generation fragment ions. The ion trap has a relatively high mass cut-off. The first generation fragment ions are then transferred to a fragmentation device which is arranged to have a substantially lower low mass cut-off. The first generation fragment ions are fragmented within the fragmentation device any may optionally be stored in an ion accumulation region prior to being passed to a mass analyser for subsequent mass analysis. |
| US08445841B2 |
Method and apparatus for a mid-infrared (MIR) system for real time detection of petroleum in colloidal suspensions of sediments and drilling muds during drilling operations, logging and production operations
A first waveguide has a top face positioned in an oil well borehole for wetting by returning drilling mud from a drill bit as drilling progresses. A second waveguide is positioned in the borehole for wetting by new drilling mud being pumped to the drill bit. MIR light rays are fed from an MIR light source into the first and second waveguides for causing evanescent waves to be generated by each waveguide for reacting with the molecules of the associated drilling mud, respectfully, whereby a modulated optical signal representative of spectra of components and particles in the associated drilling mud, respectively, are emitted from each waveguide. The modulated optical signals are converted to electrical signals, subtracted from one another to remove common mode signals, and passed into a processor programmed for extracting the spectra hydrocarbon components contained in the returning drilling mud as the result of the drilling activity. |
| US08445840B2 |
Imaging target for testing quality of multiple-magnification focus and image co-registration
An imaging target, suited for use in multi-modal imaging systems, includes test patterns for testing quality of focus and co-registration for multiple magnifications and multiple modalities of operation of a multimodal imaging system. |
| US08445839B2 |
Self-calibrating, highly accurate, long-lived, dual rhodium vanadium emitter nuclear in-core detector
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for calibrating a first self-powered neutron detector for long term use in a nuclear reactor core with a second self-powered neutron detector, where the emitter material of the second self-powered neutron detector has a neutron absorption cross-section that is greater than the neutron absorption cross-section of the first emitter material for the first self-powered neutron detector. |
| US08445836B2 |
System for maintaining an even temperature distribution across a laser detector
Embodiments of a system to maintain an even temperature distribution across a laser detector are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the system includes a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) assembly that includes a first layer comprising a thermally-conductive ring provided circumferentially around a thermally-conductive detector region for mounting the laser detector, a second layer comprising a plurality of resistive elements aligned with the thermally-conductive detector region to generate heat, and a fourth layer comprising a thermally-conductive heat-distribution region aligned with the thermally-conductive detector region. A plurality of thermally-conductive vias is provided to couple the thermally-conductive ring of the first layer to the thermally-conductive heat-distribution region of the fourth layer. The thermally-conductive vias transfer heat between the thermally-conductive heat-distribution region and the thermally-conductive ring to provide an even distribution of heat across the laser detector. |
| US08445827B2 |
Multi-wiring layer solid-state imaging device with increased sensitivity, electronic apparatus, and method for manufacturing same
A solid state imaging device is described that includes a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of photodiodes thereon. The solid state imaging device further includes a first wiring portion, a second wiring portion and a third wiring portion. The device further includes a first wiring layer over the semiconductor substrate and which includes a plurality of metal films and extends across all the wiring portions. Additionally, a second wiring layer is disposed over the first wiring layer and which extends across the first wiring portion and the second wiring portion. |
| US08445822B2 |
One-piece Nano/Nano class Nanocomposite Optical Ceramic (NNOC) extended dome having seamless non-complementary geometries for electro-optic sensors
A one-piece extended dome having a spanning angle greater than 180 degrees. The dome is integrally formed of a Nano/Nano class Nanocomposite Optical Ceramic (NNOC) material. The extended dome comprises seamless first and second non-complementary geometric shapes, such as a first spherical geometry and a second conical or ogive geometry. The Nano/Nano class NNOC material comprises two or more different chemical phases (nanograins) dispersed in one another, each type having a sub-micron grain dimension in at least the direction of light transmission. The material is a true NNOC material in that all of the constituent elements have sub-micron grain dimensions, there is no host matrix. |
| US08445820B2 |
Cooking appliance for food product
This appliance comprises a pair of plates made of a material that conducts heat well which are heated electrically and are hinged to each other, each of these plates having a cooking surface, which two cooking surfaces can be brought toward each other by pivoting one plate onto the other in order to cook a food product which is clamped between them, the rear or non-cooking surface of each of these plates having a depression with a flat base whose area is large; in accordance with disclosure, a heating module whose shape is complementary to that of said depression is fitted into and fixed removably inside the latter, this module being provided with a shielded electric resistor capable of heating said plate and is supplied with electric current. |
| US08445815B2 |
Laser machine monitoring
A laser processing machine head, a laser processing machine head monitoring system, and a method of monitoring an optical element of a laser processing machine feature a light-transmissive optical element and an optical element holder defining a cavity in which the optical element is retained against rotation. A light source mounted to the holder directs a beam of light into the optical element through a peripheral surface of the optical element. A light receiver is responsive to light from the light source reflected through the optical element. Monitoring a signal from the light receiver allows a status of the optical element to be assessed. |
| US08445814B2 |
Substrate cutting apparatus and method of cutting substrate using the same
A substrate cutting apparatus includes a stage configured to support a substrate to be cut along a virtual cutting line, a laser generator configured to emit an ultraviolet (UV)-based laser beam for cutting the substrate by removing part of the substrate along the cutting line, and a beam oscillator disposed on a beam path of the laser beam and configured to perform a beam swing on the laser beam in a direction parallel to the length direction of the cutting line by oscillating a tilt angle of the laser beam toward the cutting line. |
| US08445808B2 |
Method for arc welding with consumable electrode
Methods for arc welding unalloyed or low-alloy steels with consumable electrode under protective gas are suggested, in which the protective gas is a mixture comprising at least helium and an active gas as well as a further inert gas. In the general case, the proportion of the active gas in the total volume of the protective gas is to be in the range from more than 0.5% to approximately 1.5% and the proportion of helium in the total volume of the protective gas is to be more than 30%. In case an electrode having a lowered or medium Si content of approximately 0.2% to approximately 0.4% is used, the proportion of the active gas in the total volume of the protective gas is to be approximately 1% to approximately 5%. If an electrode with a low Si content of approximately 0.05% to approximately 0.1% is used, the proportion of the active gas in the total volume of the protective gas is to be approximately 3% to approximately 10%. |
| US08445805B2 |
Vacuum switch with pre-insertion contact
A vacuum switching device with pre-insertion contact arrangement is disclosed. The vacuum switch includes first and second contact systems. The first contact system includes an annular stationary contact and an annular moving contact retained on a moving contact drive rod. A second contact system includes a moving contact retained on an end of the moving contact drive rod and a floating contact retained along the same axis as the second moving contact. Both contact systems are enclosed in a vacuum envelope. A mechanical adjustment system is provided for the floating contact, which allows it to be positioned so that the secondary moving contact and floating moving contact may engage at a set interval before the annular moving contact engages the annular stationary contact. A resistor or inductor is connected between the second contact system and a load to prevent a current in-rush into the load. |
| US08445803B1 |
High power electrical switching device
An electrical switching device and method are disclosed. The electrical switching device can include two movable contacts. During opening of the switching device, the two movable contacts move in a first direction until one of the movable contacts engages a blocking member. The other movable contact continues in the first direction, effecting opening of the switching device. In a particular implementation, the movable contact that engages the blocking member “bounces” in a second direction after contacting the blocking member. This causes the contacts of the switching device to be separated very quickly, reducing electrical arcing during opening of the switching device. |
| US08445799B2 |
Wiper control switch
A control switch for an associated vehicle has a control configured to selectively adjust operation of a predetermined vehicle function. The control is configured to rotate in a first direction a first rotational displacement to a first position. The predetermined vehicle function has a first operation through the first rotational displacement. The control is configured to rotate in the first direction a second rotational displacement larger than the first rotational displacement from the first position to a second position. The predetermined vehicle function has a second operation through the second rotational displacement. |
| US08445798B2 |
USB connector cover and electronic device using the same
A cover for mounting to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) electronic device, the USB electronic device includes a shell defining an opening and a USB connector exposed at the opening. The USB connector includes a GND pin and an ID pin. The cover includes a main body and an elastomeric push button; the main body engagably attaches to the shell and covers the opening; the elastomeric push button is formed on the main body and is configured for powering on or off the USB electronic device; the elastomeric push button includes two metal pins connected with each other and configured for short-circuiting the GND pin to the ID pin when the elastomeric push button is depressed. |
| US08445797B2 |
Safety interlocking device for a switch
A safety interlocking device for a switch includes a supporting member, an annular member, a locking lever, a limiting rod and a resilient member. A driving shaft of the switch is arranged through the supporting member and the annular member, the annular member rotates synchronously with the driving shaft, and the annular member is coupled to a wing block. The locking lever is hooked onto the safety device, the limiting rod is rotated when pushed by the safety device, and the rotation of the limiting rod rotates the locking lever. When the safety device is closed, the switch is turned on and the locking lever hooks onto the safety device so that the latter cannot be opened; and when the switch is turned off, the locking lever releases the safety device, while one end of the limiting rod limits the rotation of the annular member, thus limiting the switch's turn-on operation. |
| US08445796B2 |
Electronic device having misoperation prevention button
An electronic device proofed against unintended consequences when a button is depressed is provided. The electronic device includes a case, a movable pad rotatably received in the case, and a button body movably attached to the case and above the movable pad. The movable pad includes at least one switch arranged thereon. The button body includes at least one protruding post corresponding to the at least one switch and facing to the movable pad. The electronic device further includes a driving member slidably connected to the case and connected to the movable pad, sliding the driving member in one direction effectively isolates the movable pad from the button body, and sliding it in the reverse direction restores the connection. |
| US08445794B2 |
Stylus
A stylus comprises a housing, a tip body, a slide enabling member and a cap assembly. The housing has a receptacle defined therethrough. The tip body is slidably accommodated in the receptacle of the housing. The slide enabling member slidably couples the tip body to the housing so the tip body can slide relative to the housing from a retracted position to an extended position. The cap assembly is releasably latched to the tip body. The tip body includes a tapered surface formed thereon; the cap assembly includes a resisting portion which is complemented in shape and size to resist the tapered surface of the tip body; when an external force is exerted on the cap assembly toward the housing, the resisting portion push the tapered surface so the tip body slides relative to the housing from the extended position to the retracted position. |
| US08445789B2 |
Cable having ESD dissipative adhesive electrically connecting leads thereof
A cable in one embodiment comprises a plurality of leads; and an electrostatically dissipative adhesive operatively electrically coupling the leads together, the adhesive comprising a mixture of an adhesive material and electrically conductive particles intermixed with the adhesive material. A method in one embodiment comprises applying an electrostatically dissipative adhesive to exposed leads of a cable for operatively electrically coupling the leads together, the adhesive comprising a mixture of an adhesive material and electrically conductive particles intermixed with the adhesive material. Additional embodiments are presented. |
| US08445786B2 |
Crosslinkable blends of polyolefin elastomers and silane copolymers for increased flexibility cable insulation
Compositions having at least 60 weight percent, based on the total weight of polymers, have at least one silane crosslinkable polyolefin resin and up to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of polymers, of at least one polyolefin elastomer resin, wherein the polyolefin polymer elastomer resin has density of less than or equal to about 0.89 g/cm3 and a melt index, I2, of less than about 50 g/10 mm. and which has been prepared using at least one metallocene catalyst provide improved flexibility, especially low temperature flexibility, while maintaining suitable cure performance and strength compared to the silane crosslinkable polymer resin alone. This composition may be used in cables for low temperature service applications. |
| US08445784B2 |
Protective device, particularly for connection element
A protective device includes a mechanical protective sheath (20) and a thermal protective nozzle (30) mounted at one end (21) of the mechanical protective sheath (20), the mechanical protective sheath (20) including a tubular textile structure that is deformable by compression in the longitudinal direction of the mechanical protective sheath (20), the textile structure having, in a longitudinal compression area, an expanded sheath portion (25) adapted to interact by the reversion of one end (32) of the thermal protective nozzle (30). The device can be used in particular for protecting an element (11) connecting to a sensor (12) of an engine (13). |
| US08445782B2 |
Flexible conduit coupling connector
A connector is provided for coupling a first conduit to a second conduit. The connector includes a first hub configured to connect to the first conduit and a second hub configured to connect to the second conduit. A flexible body is configured to sealingly connect to the first hub and the second hub. At least one clamp is provided for securing the flexible body to the first hub or the second hub. The flexible body includes an end having an annular groove therein to form an inner portion of the end and an outer portion of the end, wherein the annular groove is configured to eliminate radial deflection of the inner portion of the end when flexible body undergoes pressure from the at least one clamp. |
| US08445775B2 |
Solar cell module
A solar cell module includes a first isolation groove for separating the first electrode layer; a second isolation groove for separating each of the first semiconductor layer, the transparent conductive layer, and the second semiconductor layer; and a third isolation groove formed in a position opposite from the first isolation groove across the second isolation groove and for separating each of the second electrode layer, the second semiconductor layer, the transparent conductive layer, and the first semiconductor layer. The second electrode layer includes: a first conductive layer formed on the first semiconductor layer constituting a bottom surface of the second isolation groove, on an inner wall of the second isolation groove, and on the second semiconductor layer; and a second conductive layer formed on the first conductive layer. A resistivity of the first conductive layer is higher than a resistivity of the second conductive layer, and the first conductive layer is filled on the first electrode layer constituting the bottom surface of the second isolation groove, up to at least a position of an interface between the transparent conductive layer and the second conductive layer. |
| US08445773B2 |
Thermoelectric generator
A thermoelectric generator has a hot side heat exchanger having a silicon carbide (SiC) honeycomb support with a plurality of passages. The passage walls are coated with a pyrophoric solid fuel such as red oxide (Fe2O3) in combination with a silicon (Si) binder. A quantum well thermoelectric device is positioned between the hot side heat exchanger and heat sink. The performance of the thermoelectric generator is comparable to fuel cells. The thermoelectric generator is small and portable. |
| US08445771B2 |
Performance apparatus and electronic musical instrument
A performance apparatus 11 extends in its longitudinal direction to be held by a player with his or her hand. The performance apparatus 11 is provided with a geomagnetic sensor 22 and an acceleration sensor 23. At the time when the geomagnetic sensor and acceleration sensor determine that the performance apparatus 11 is kept within a sound generation space and has been moved by the player, CPU 21 gives an electronic musical instrument 19 an instruction to generate a musical tone of a tone color corresponding to the sound generation space. The sound generation spaces and corresponding tone colors are stored in a space/tone color table in RAM 26. Upon receipt of the instruction, the electronic musical instrument generates a musical tone of a tone color corresponding to the sound generation space. |
| US08445768B1 |
Method and apparatus for audio mixing
A method, apparatus and computer program product for mixing audio is presented. A plurality of tracks is displayed in a user interface, each track of the plurality of tracks including at least one audio clip. Each audio clip is designated as either a foreground clip or a background clip. The foreground clips are analyzed and loudness corrected. The background clips are analyzed and a distance value between the loudness corrected foreground clips and the background clips is defined. Keyframes are added to some of the audio clips, the keyframes providing a fade between levels of the background clips to take into account the loudness corrected foreground clips and a sequenced audio file is produced from the corrected foreground clips, the background clips and the keyframes. |
| US08445764B1 |
Maize variety hybrid 10872490
A novel maize variety designated 10872490 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 10872490 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10872490 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10872490, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10872490. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10872490. |
| US08445763B1 |
Inbred maize variety PH184C
A novel maize variety designated PH184C and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH184C with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH184C through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH184C or a locus conversion of PH184C with another maize variety. |
| US08445761B2 |
Soybean variety XB31B11
A novel soybean variety, designated XB31B11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB31B11, cells from soybean variety XB31B11, plants of soybean XB31B11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB31B11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB31B11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB31B11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB31B11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB31B11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB31B11 are further provided. |
| US08445760B1 |
Soybean variety XBP34006
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP34006 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP34006, cells from soybean variety XBP34006, plants of soybean XBP34006, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP34006. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP34006 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP34006, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP34006, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP34006. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP34006 are further provided. |
| US08445755B1 |
Soybean variety XBP50001
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP50001 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP50001, cells from soybean variety XBP50001, plants of soybean XBP50001, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP50001. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP50001 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP50001, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP50001, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP50001. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP50001 are further provided. |
| US08445751B2 |
Chives hybrid Jeilo
A chives hybrid designated Jeilo is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of chives hybrid Jeilo, to the plants of chives hybrid Jeilo, and to methods for producing a hybrid plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the chives hybrid Jeilo with itself or another chives plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a chives plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other chives lines, cultivars or hybrids derived from the chives hybrid Jeilo. |
| US08445750B2 |
Chives cultivar biggy
A chives cultivar, designated Biggy, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of chives cultivar Biggy, to the plants of chives cultivar Biggy and to methods for producing a chives plant by crossing the cultivar Biggy with itself or another chives cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a chives plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic chives plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to chives cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from chives cultivar Biggy, to methods for producing other chives cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from chives cultivar Biggy and to the chives plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid chives seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar Biggy with another chives cultivar. |
| US08445748B2 |
Flavonoid 3′,5′ hydroxylase gene sequences and uses therefor
The present invention relates generally to a genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H) activity and to the use of the genetic sequence and/or its corresponding polypeptide thereof inter alia to manipulate color in flowers or parts thereof or in other plant tissue. More particularly, the F3′5′H has the ability to modulate dihydrokaempferol (DHK) metabolism as well as the metabolism of other substrates such as dihydroquercetin (DHQ), naringenin and eriodictyol. Even more particularly, the present invention provides a genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide having F3′5′H activity when expressed in rose or gerbera or botanically related plants. The instant invention further relates to antisense and sense molecules or RNAi-inducing molecules corresponding to all or part of the subject genetic sequence or a transcript thereof. The present invention further relates to promoters which operate efficiently in plants such as rose, gerbera or botanically related plants. |
| US08445746B2 |
Compositions and methods for identifying genetic sequences with toxin resistance in plants
This invention relates generally to useful compositions and methods related to plant site-directed recombination. In particular, the invention relates to novel nucleic acid sequences unique to a portion of the sorghum NBS-LRR region, as well as vectors, seeds, plant parts and plants comprising these sequences. Methods to investigate recombination co-factors, and methods to investigate potential herbicides are within the scope. This invention also relates to fungal pathogens of sorghum, particularly Periconia circinata. |
| US08445743B2 |
Wearable article enhancing awareness of urination
An absorbent article for wearing about the torso and including a member that supports the movement of urine in an x-y plane to enhance the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred by increasing the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin. The member has a permeable body-facing layer and an impermeable layer disposed in a face-to-face arrangement with the permeable layer and preferably is held in close contact with the wearer's skin during use. |
| US08445741B2 |
Process for the production of hydrocarbons
Process for the production of a hydrocarbon by reacting, in a reactor, a reactant selected from methanol, dimethyl ether, methyl acetate and mixtures thereof, with an olefin. The process is performed in the presence of methyl halide and/or hydrogen halide and at least one compound selected from ruthenium carbonyl halides, osmium carbonyl halides and mixtures thereof. |
| US08445738B2 |
Process for producing cumene
A process is described for producing cumene comprising contacting a feed stream comprising benzene and a further feed stream comprising isopropanol or a mixture of isopropanol and propylene in the presence of an alkylation catalyst comprising at least a molecular sieve of the MCM-22, family in an alkylation zone under alkylation conditions of at least partial liquid phase and with a water concentration in the liquid phase of at least 50 ppm to react at least part of said isopropanol and benzene to produce an effluent stream containing cumene. |
| US08445736B2 |
Catalytic gas phase fluorination of 1230xa to 1234yf
A one reactor, gas phase catalyzed process for the fluorination of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene (1230xa) to produce 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf) is disclosed. The process of the present invention is a catalytic, gas phase fluorination using a high pressure activated catalyst which is supported or unsupported. Fluorination products of the formula CF3R, where R is selected from —CCl═CH2, —CF═CH2, —CF2—CH3, —CFCl—CH3 and mixtures thereof are produced. Co-produced materials are separated from the desired product and recycled to the same reactor. |
| US08445727B2 |
Bicyclo-ketones as perfuming ingredients
A compound and a method to confer, enhance, improve or modify the odor properties of a perfuming composition or of a perfumed article, to confer a green allylic, glycolate and fruity-pineapple odor, by adding the compound thereto. The compound has formula (I): wherein the dotted line represents a carbon-carbon single bond or a carbon-carbon double bond; one R1 represents a hydrogen atom and the other represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group; X representing a C═CH2 or C═CHCH3 group or a CHR2 group, each R2 representing a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group; and R3 represents a a group of formula CR4═C(R4)2, or a group of formula each R4 representing a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group. The compound is in the form of a pure enantiomer or a mixture thereof. |
| US08445721B2 |
Radiofluorinated compounds and their preparation
The present invention provides a process for [18F]-fluorination of biomolecules containing a primary amino group such as proteins and peptides and in particular of peptides. The invention further provides reagents for this process, in particular 18F-labelled prosthetic groups for use in the preparation as well as non-labelled intermediates useful in the preparation of the [18F]-labelled prosthetic groups. [18F]-labelled compounds useful as radiopharmaceuticals, specifically for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are also provided. |
| US08445720B2 |
Unsaturated dicarboxylic acids from unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbons and acrylic acid by way of metathesis, the use thereof as monomers for polyamides, polyesters and polyurethanes, and subsequent reaction to diols and diamines
The invention relates to a method for producing α,β-unsaturated dicarboxylic acids and the corresponding saturated dicarboxylic acids, whereby the corresponding cycloalkene and acrylic acid are reacted with a ruthenium catalyst by way of a metathesis reaction at high substrate concentrations until the reaction takes place in substance, the resulting dicarboxylic acid being precipitated. |
| US08445716B2 |
Method for preparing fesoterodine and/or fesoterodine fumarate
A process is described for preparing fesoterodine and/or fesoterodine fumarate comprising the esterification of (R)-feso deacyl with isobutyric acid or a precursor thereof, such as an isobutyryl halide or the isobutyric acid anhydride to give fesoterodine, in a mixture of water at alkaline pH and/or at least one organic solvent. This process allows obtaining products with high yields and purities, and in particular a product having a content of (R)-2-[3-(diisopropylamino)-1-phenylpropyl]-4-isobutyroyloxymethyl-phenyl isobutyrate less than 1% by mole and a content of (R)-2-[3-(diisopropylamino)-1-phenylpropyl]-4-(hydroxymethyl)phenol less than 0.05% by mole. |
| US08445711B2 |
Metal complexes
The invention concerns metal complexes and their preparation, in particular a metal complex MLnXm, where M is a metal of group 8, 9 or 10 and X is a halide, HCO3-, NO3-, CO32- or carboxylate. n is a number equal to or less than the coordination number of the metal and m is 1 or 2 and is equal to the oxidation state of the metal. The ligand L may be a bidentate phosphine of formula (I), (II), (III) or (IV) as set out herein. The process of production comprises reacting an ammine compound of metal M with a complexing compound, which is preferably a phosphine. |
| US08445709B2 |
Systems and methods for refining alkyl ester compositions
The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing and/or refining alkyl ester compositions. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of producing a refined fatty acid alkyl ester composition. The method can include contacting a fatty acid feedstock and an alcohol with a first metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than 200 degrees Celsius and a pressure of greater than 500 psi to form an unrefined fatty acid alkyl ester composition. The method can further include combining the unrefined fatty acid alkyl ester composition with dimethyl carbonate to form a refining mixture. The method can also include contacting the refining mixture with a second metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than 100 degrees Celsius to form a refined fatty acid alkyl ester composition. Other embodiments are also described herein. |
| US08445707B1 |
Compound, composition and uses thereof
The disclosure herein provides the compounds of Formulas 1, 2 and 3 and their pharmaceutical acceptable salts, as well as polymorphs, solvates, and hydrates thereof. These salts may be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions. The pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated for oral administration, transdermal administration, and/or injection. Such compositions may be used for the treatment of metabolic conditions, cystinosis, non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis, hypertriglyceridemia, and/or neurodegenerative disorders, and/or their associated complications. |
| US08445704B2 |
Process for converting polysaccharides in an inorganic molten salt hydrate
A process is disclosed for converting polysaccharides to platform chemicals. The process comprises dissolving the polysaccharides in a inorganic molten salt hydrate, converting the polysaccharides to monosaccharides, and converting the monosaccharides to platform chemicals that are easily separable from the inorganic molten salt hydrate.Preferably the polysaccharides are provided in the form of a biomass, more preferably a ligno-cellulosic biomass. |
| US08445703B2 |
Process for beta-lactone production
The present application provides a method for producing an beta-lactone product. The method includes the steps of: reacting an epoxide, a solvent with a carbonylation catalyst and carbon monoxide to produce a reaction stream comprising a beta-lactone then separating a portion of the beta-lactone in the reaction stream from the solvent and carbonylation catalyst to produce: i) a beta-lactone stream with the beta-lactone, and ii) a catalyst recycling stream including the carbonylation catalyst and the high boiling solvent; and adding the catalyst recycling stream to the feed stream. |
| US08445698B2 |
Process for the preparation of an intermediate of tadalafil
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of cis-intermediate of Formula II, which is useful synthetic intermediates in the preparation of tadalafil. |
| US08445697B2 |
Squarylium dyes including an anchoring group
The present invention relates to squarylium dyes including an anchoring group, to a method of synthesis of such dye, to an electronic device comprising such dye, and to uses of such dye. |
| US08445691B2 |
Heterocyclic thiosubstituted alkanol derivatives
The present invention relates to novel heterocyclic thiosubstituted alkanol derivatives, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds and to their use as biologically active compounds, in particular for controlling harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials and as plant growth regulators. |
| US08445688B2 |
Process for producing enantiomer of amlodipine in high optical purity
The present invention relates to a process for preparation of optically pure (S)-amlodipine-L-hemitartrate DMF solvate comprising the steps of treating (R,S) amlodipine base with L-tartaric acid in the presence of dimethyl formamide and a co-solvent. The invention also relates to a process for converting (R) or (S)-amlopidine-L-hemitartrate DMF solvate into their besylates without isolating free chiral amlopidine base after solution. |
| US08445686B2 |
4-(4-pyridinyl)-benzamides and their use as rock activity modulators
The present invention relates to novel 4-(4-pyridyl)-benzamides of the formula (I). The compounds I possess valuable therapeutic properties and are suitable, in particular, for treating diseases that respond to modulation of Rho kinases (ROCKs). R1 and R2 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, hydroxy, cyano, C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-haloalkyl, C1-C8-alkoxy or C1-C8-haloalkoxy; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are, independently of each other, hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, cyano, C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-haloalkyl, C1-C8-alkoxy, C1-C8-haloalkoxy, amino, C1-C8-alkylamino or di-(C1-C8-alkyl)-amino; R7 is hydrogen, C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-haloalkyl, aryl or aryl-C1-C8-alkyl; R8 is a group of the formula —X—W, where X is a single bond, C1-C4-alkylene or C1-C4-alkylene-O—, where the alkylene group in the three last-mentioned radicals may be linear or branched and may be partly or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by a hydroxyl group and/or may be interrupted by an oxygen atom; and W is a cyclic radical selected from phenyl and a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partly unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring which contains as ring members 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from O, S and N and optionally 1 or 2 carbonyl groups; R9 is a group of the formula —Y—Z, where Z is hydrogen, halogen, OR11, NR12R13, S(O)m—R14, phenyl which may carry 1, 2, 3 or 4 substituents R15 or a 5- or 6-membered saturated, partly unsaturated or aromatic heterocyclic ring; and Y is linear or branched C1C4-alkylene which may be partly or fully halogenated and/or may be substituted by a hydroxyl group and/or a phenyl ring; or, in case Z is phenyl or the 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring as defined above, Y can also be a single bond. |
| US08445685B2 |
Process to prepare pioglitazone via several novel intermediates
A novel process for preparing thiazolidinediones, preferably Pioglitazone, as described. Also described are novel intermediates involved in its synthesis and process for their preparation and use in medicine. |
| US08445684B2 |
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligands and the uses thereof
The invention relates to pyridinyl nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligands, compositions comprising an effective amount of a pyridinyl nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligand and methods to treat or prevent a condition, such as depression and nicotine dependence, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a pyridinyl nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligand. |
| US08445681B2 |
Azaindazoles useful as inhibitors of kinases
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the inventions. |
| US08445673B2 |
Process for the preparation of sterile doripenem
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of sterile doripenem. |
| US08445666B2 |
Ribonucleic acid interference molecules
Ribonucleic acid interference molecules are provided. In one aspect of the invention, a method for regulating gene expression comprises the following step. At least one nucleic acid molecule comprising at least one of one or more precursor sequences having SEQ ID NO: 1 through SEQ ID NO: 103,948, each one of the precursor sequences containing one or more mature sequences having SEQ ID NO: 103,949 through SEQ ID NO: 230,447, is used to regulate the expression of one or more genes. |
| US08445663B2 |
Compositions and methods that enhance an immune response
Disclosed herein are isolated nucleic acids, compositions of isolated nucleic acids, and compositions of polypeptides that are useful for the generation, enhancement, or improvement of an immune response to a target antigen. Some embodiments of the compositions include hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) protein and a heterologous protein antigen. In some embodiments, an isolated nucleic acid encoding hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) protein and a heterologous protein antigen is disclosed. Also disclosed herein are methods of administering the composition or isolated nucleic acid to generate an immune response, where HBcAg acts as adjuvant to improve the immune response to the heterologous protein. In certain embodiments, the HBcAg is as a stork or heron hepatitis antigen. |
| US08445662B2 |
Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion protein and uses thereof
The present invention is related to a M. tuberculosis fusion protein, polynucleotide coding for said protein, and a vector and host cell that contain said polynucleotide. The present invention also involves the preparation of said fusion protein, and the use thereof in preventions and treatment of tuberculosis. |
| US08445661B2 |
Isolated Staphylococcus pseudolugdunensis polynucleotides
Disclosed is an isolated strain of a previously unknown Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus pseudolugdunensis. Also disclosed are the sequences of the S. pseudolugdunensis tuf gene and 16s rRNA and methods for distinguishing S. pseudolugdunensis from other staphylococcal species. |
| US08445660B2 |
Chimeric vaccines
The invention provides chimeric proteins and nucleic acids encoding these which can be used to generate vaccines against selected antigens. In one aspect, a chimeric protein comprises an antigen sequence and a domain for trafficking the protein to an endosomal compartment, irrespective of whether the antigen is derived from a membrane or non-membrane protein. In one preferred aspect, the trafficking domain comprises a lumenal domain of a LAMP polypeptide. Alternatively, or additionally, the chimeric protein comprises a trafficking domain of an endocytic receptor (e.g., such as DEC-205 or gp200-MR6). The vaccines (DNA, RNA or protein) can be used to modulate or enhance an immune response against any kind of antigen. In one preferred aspect, the invention provides a method for treating a patient with cancer by providing a chimeric protein comprising a cancer-specific antigen or a nucleic acid encoding the protein to the patient. |
| US08445650B2 |
Mutant botulinum neurotoxin serotype A polypeptide and uses thereof
Modified polypeptides based on the botulinum neurotoxin A heavy chain containing the double mutation Trp-Tyr->Leu-Ser in the ganglioside binding motif Ser-X-Trp-Tyr do not bind polysialogangliosides and nerve endings. The polypeptides are useful in the preparation of nontoxic vaccines against the effects of C. botulinum infection. The modified polypeptides are also useful as vehicles for the transepithelial delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic entities, through formation of conjugates between the polypeptides and the diagnostic or therapeutic entities. |
| US08445648B2 |
Methods and products relating to GSK3β regulation
The invention relates to methods and compositions for regulation of GSK3β activity. The invention provides phosphorylated GSK3β polypeptides and antibodies that recognize such polypeptides. The invention further includes methods for treating disorders that are associated with elevated or reduced GSK3β activity. |
| US08445646B2 |
Therapeutic use of anti-CS1 antibodies
The present invention is directed to antagonists of CS1 that bind to and neutralize at least one biological activity of CS1. The invention also includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising such antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. The present invention also provides for a method of preventing or treating disease states, including autoimmune disorders and cancer, in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering into said subject an effective amount of such antagonists. |
| US08445645B2 |
Identification and engineering of antibodies with variant Fc regions and methods of using same
The present invention relates to molecules, particularly polypeptides, more particularly immunoglobulins (e.g., antibodies), comprising a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification relative to a wild-type Fc region, which variant Fc region binds FcγRIIIA and/or FcγRIIA with a greater affinity, relative to a comparable molecule comprising the wild-type Fc region. The molecules of the invention are particularly useful in preventing, treating, or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with a disease, disorder, or infection. The molecules of the invention are particularly useful for the treatment or prevention of a disease or disorder where an enhanced efficacy of effector cell function (e.g., ADCC) mediated by FcγR is desired, e.g., cancer, infectious disease, and in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of therapeutic antibodies the effect of which is mediated by ADCC. |
| US08445640B2 |
Bacillus thuringiensis gene with lepidopteran activity
The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests, including Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, DNA constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests. |
| US08445639B2 |
Recombinant bacteriophage and methods for their use
Recombinant P4 bacteriophage containing modified tail fibers having a base plate attachment region (BPAR) from a P2 bacteriophage gene H product and a heterologous receptor binding domain (RBD) are disclosed. Methods for the use of the recombinant P4 bacteriophage, such as to detect the presence of a target bacterium in a sample, are also described. |
| US08445638B2 |
Use of a truncated eIF-5A1 polynucleotide to induce apoptosis in cancer cells
The present invention relates to the combinatorial use of an siRNA targeted against an endogenous gene to knock out or knock down expression of the endogenous gene in a host and a delivery of a polynucleotide encoding the gene in a delivery vehicle/expression vector to the host to provide expression in the host of the protein encoded by the polynucleotide.The present invention also relates to a truncated form of eIF-5A1 that is useful for inducing apoptosis and killing of cells, especially cancer cells in a mammal. |
| US08445633B2 |
Peptide having bindability with adiponectin, analysis method utilizing same peptide, and analysis device utilizing same peptide
Developed is an adiponectin-recognition material which is inexpensive and excellent in: productivity; stability of quality and a structure; and convenience. The present invention provides a peptide consisting of not more than 50 amino acids and having bindability with adiponectin. |
| US08445626B2 |
Biaxially oriented nylon film and process for production of biaxially oriented nylon film
Biaxially-oriented nylon film according to the present invention is biaxially-oriented nylon film made from nylon. In the biaxially-oriented nylon film, an elongation ratio of the film in each of four directions (an MD direction, a TD direction, a 45 degree direction and a 135 degree direction) until a film rupture is 70 percent or more, the elongation ratio being measured in a tensile test (testing conditions: a sample width is 15 mm; a distance between gauge points is 50 mm; and a tensile speed is 100 mm/min), and a stress ratio A (σ1/σ2) between a tensile stress σ1 and a tensile stress σ2 in a stress-strain curve obtained in the tensile test of the film is 2 or more in each of the four directions, the tensile stress σ1 being a value at a point where the elongation ratio becomes 50 percent while the tensile stress σ2 being a value at an yield point. |
| US08445618B2 |
Highly crystalline higher α-olefin polymer and process for production thereof
A highly crystalline higher α-olefin polymer that is excellent in compatibility with a thermoplastic resin, particularly a polyolefin, compatibility with a lubricant oil, a fuel oil and wax, mixing property with an inorganic filler, and secondary working property, and a process for production thereof are provided. The highly crystalline higher α-olefin polymer is obtained by polymerizing a monomer containing 80% by mol or more of a higher α-olefin having from 22 to 40 carbon atoms, and satisfies the following items (1) and (2). (1) The melting point (Tm), which is observed, by using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), from a melting endothermic curve obtained by maintaining a specimen at 190° C. for 5 minutes under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooling the specimen to −10° C. at a rate of 5° C./min, maintaining at −10° C. for 5 minutes, and then elevating a temperature thereof to 190° C. at a rate of 10° C./min, is from 55 to 100° C. (2) Standards weight average molecular weight (Mw) measured by a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) based on polystyrene is from 1,000 to 5,000,000, and the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) measured thereby is 5.0 or less. |
| US08445617B2 |
Superabsorbent polymers and methods of making the same
The invention relates to producing a superabsorbent polymer comprising (I) producing a (meth)acrylic acid comprising the steps of (a) synthesizing a crude (meth)acrylic acid phase; (b) distillatively working-up the crude (meth)acrylic acid phase to obtain a (meth)acrylic acid phase and a dimer phase comprising (meth)acrylic acid dimers and/or (meth)acrylic acid oligomers; (c) splitting at least a part of the (meth)acrylic acid dimers or of the (meth)acrylic acid oligomers or both from the dimer phase to obtain a (meth)acrylic acid-comprising a low boiling phase and a high boiling phase comprising less (meth)acrylic acid than the low boiling phase; (d) separating at least a part of the (meth)acrylic acid from the low boiling phase by forming crystals to obtain a pure (meth)acrylic acid, and a residue; (II) polymerizing a monomer phase comprising the pure (meth)acrylic acid to obtain a polymer phase; and (III) working-up the polymer phase to obtain the polymer. |
| US08445615B2 |
Two-component adhesive suitable for construction purposes, its use and the cured structural bonds obtained thereby
A two-component adhesive composition suitable for structural bonding of concrete/concrete, steel/concrete, or steel/steel, as well as for structural strengthening and reinforcing applications with fiber reinforced polymers, is disclosed. The composition includes a resin component A with a peroxide containing at least one norbornene group and at least one methacrylate containing compound and a hardener component B comprising a peroxide and at least one thiol. The resin component A and the hardener component B are spatially separated from one another to inhibit any reaction before mixing of the components. |
| US08445612B2 |
Conjugation reactions
An initiator for the terminal group of the polymer product of an atom or group radical transfer polymerisation has an activated carboxyl or an amine group which is reacted with an amine or carboxyl (respectively) group containing biologically active compound. The initiator is preferably 4-(3-(2-bromo, 2-methyl-propionate)phenyl)-propionic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester or 2-bromo, 2-methyl-propionic acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester. The monomers preferably comprise a zwitterionic monomer such as 2-methacryloxyethyl-2′-trimethyl ammoniumethyl phosphate inner salt. |
| US08445611B2 |
Antimicrobial polymers
The invention generally relates to novel polymers (SMAMPs) and their syntheses and use. The polymers exhibit promising properties of AMPs. In particularly, for example, a ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) platform was developed that allows syntheses of SMAMPs that employ a minimum number of norbornene-based building blocks and/or enable easy and independent variation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups in the monomer units and/or along the polymeric backbone to finetune and select desirable properties of the polymers. |
| US08445608B2 |
Preparation of long-chain branched isotactic polypropylene
The present invention discloses a method for preparing long-chain-branched isotactic polypropylene by first oligomerizing propylene with a suitable oligomerization catalyst system and then copolymerizing propylene and the oligomer obtained in situ with a mono-aryl-substituted methylene bridged catalyst system. |
| US08445607B2 |
Process for the preparation of a particulate bimodal polyethylene product
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a particulate bimodal polyethylene product having a median particle diameter of less than 300 μm in a serially connected double loop reactor, wherein said polymerization catalyst applied in the polymerization process comprises a particulate metallocene-alumoxane catalyst immobilized on a porous silica support, wherein said polymerization catalyst has a median particle diameter of less than 50 μm; and whereby the ratio of the median particle diameter of the obtained bimodal polyethylene product to the median particle diameter of the applied polymerization catalyst is less than 30. |
| US08445606B2 |
High pressure polymerization process
The invention relates to high pressure tubular reactor olefin polymerization plants having improved specific energy consumption. The plants may be newly constructed or made by de-bottlenecking an existing plant. The tube of the tubular reactor may have improved arrangements for cooling to increase conversion and optimized polymer-recycle gas separation arrangements using a jet pump for recycling unreacted monomer while permitting haze to be maintained. The improved cooling arrangements include a reduced pressure cooling zone forming the tail end of the tube and/or a shortened heating zone for the front feed and allowing more monomer to be fed as a side feed. |
| US08445605B2 |
Halogen-free flame retardant resin composition, and, prepreg, laminate, and laminate for printed circuit made therefrom
The present invention provides a halogen-free flame retardant resin composition, and, a prepreg, a laminate, and a laminate for printed circuit that are made from the halogen-free flame retardant resin composition. The halogen-free flame retardant resin composition comprises: (A) 40-80 parts by weight of the mixture of a phenoxyphosphazene compound (A1) and a dihydrobenzoxazine ring-containing compound (A2), and, the weight ratio between the phenoxyphosphazene compound (A1) and the dihydrobenzoxazine ring-containing compound (A2) being between 1:10 and 1:2; (B) 15-45 parts by weight of a polyepoxy compound; (C) 5-25 parts by weight of a phenolic resin type hardener; and (D) 0.1-1 parts by weight of an imidazole type compound as the curing accelerator. The prepreg, the laminate, and the laminate for printed circuit that are made from the halogen-free flame retardant resin composition provided by the present invention, have excellent flame retardancy, as well as has high glass transition temperature (Tg), high thermal resistance, high flexural strength, high reliability, low dielectric dissipation factor, low moisture, low C.T.E, good chemical resistance, and good processability. |
| US08445603B2 |
Linear polyesteramides from aminophenolic esters
The present invention is directed to linear, biodegradable polyesteramide (PEA) polymers synthesized with repeating units derived from aminophenol esters and diacids. These PEAs have a monomer repeat represented by as well as a variety of uses to coat, form or comprise medical devices, combination medical devices and pharmaceutical compositions, including sustained release formulations. |
| US08445602B2 |
Poly lactic acid resin, resin composition, and resin molding
The present invention provides a poly lactic acid resin including an L-lactic acid block and a D-lactic acid block, which blocks are bonded by a carbonate bonding. |
| US08445600B2 |
Crosslinking agent, and crosslinking polymer composition and molded product formed of the same
The present invention provides a crosslinking agent which is excellent in processing characteristics and crosslinking performance, and is capable of preventing staining of a molded product upon molding in a metal mold which tends to be induced when using the crosslinking agent together with a triallyl isocyanurate. The crosslinking agent of the present invention comprises an isocyanurate derivative represented by the following general formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a methyl group or an ethyl group; R4 to R13 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R3 is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms which may have a substituent group; and n is an integer of 1 or 2. |
| US08445594B2 |
High-density polyethylene compositions, method of making the same, articles made therefrom, and method of making such articles
The instant invention is a high-density polyethylene composition, method of producing the same, articles made therefrom, and method of making such articles. The high-density polyethylene composition of the instant invention includes a first component, and a second component. The first component is a high molecular weight ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a density in the range of 0.915 to 0.940 g/cm3, and a melt index (I21.6) in the range of 0.5 to 10 g/10 minutes. The second component is a low molecular weight ethylene polymer having a density in the range of 0.965 to 0.980 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) in the range of 50 to 1500 g/10 minutes. The high-density polyethylene composition has a melt index (I2) of at least 1, a density in the range of 0.950 to 0.960 g/cm3, and g′ of 1. |
| US08445591B2 |
Spin-on protective coatings for wet-etch processing of microelectronic substrates
New protective coating layers for use in wet etch processes during the production of semiconductor and MEMS devices are provided. The layers include a primer layer, a first protective layer, and an optional second protective layer. The primer layer preferably comprises an organo silane compound in a solvent system. The first protective layer includes thermoplastic copolymers prepared from styrene, acrylonitrile, and compatible compounds such as monomers, oligomers, and polymers comprising epoxy groups; poly(styrene-co-allyl alcohol); and mixtures thereof. The second protective layer comprises a highly halogenated polymer such as a chlorinated polymer to which may or may not be crosslinked upon heating. |
| US08445586B2 |
Process for producing N-vinylamide polymer
The present invention provides a process for producing an N-vinylamide polymer in an efficient manner by an aqueous solution polymerization method in which a gel-like polymer having an excellent handling property can be produced, and a polymerization time can be shortened. The process for producing an N-vinylamide polymer by subjecting a monomer component comprising N-vinylamide to aqueous solution polymerization according to the present invention comprises the step of polymerizing the monomer component comprising N-vinylamide in the presence of an inorganic salt, which inorganic salt is present in an amount of not less than 7% by mass based on water in a uniform aqueous solution comprising the monomer component at a concentration not more than a saturated solution concentration thereof as measured at a polymerization initiation temperature. |
| US08445582B2 |
Adhesive and multilayer structure having the same
It is an object of the invention to provide polypropylene adhesives which have excellent adhesion to polar materials and exhibit particularly excellent adhesion after high-speed cast film processing, stretching or extrusion coating, and are excellent in blushing resistance, and multilayer structures having the adhesives. The adhesive resin composition is a grafted resin composition comprising a polypropylene component (A), an ethylene/propylene/α-olefin copolymer component (B), an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer component (C), and an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a derivative thereof (D), and which contains the component (A) at 5 to 80 parts by mass, the component (B) at 5 to 70 parts by mass and the component (C) at 1 to 40 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the components (A), (B) and (C) combined and has an ethylene/propylene/α-olefin ratio in n-decane-soluble components of 5-95/5-95/1-50 mol % and a graft ratio of 0.01 to 5 wt %. |
| US08445581B2 |
Biocompatible polymer compositions
The present invention provides a biocompatible prepolymer comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, wherein the hydrophobic segments have at least one ethylenically unsaturated functional group and at least 5% of the segments have two or more ethylenically unsaturated functional groups and water. The invention further provides a biocompatible prepolymer composition comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic prepolymers, wherein at least one of the hydrophobic prepolymers has at least one ethylenically unsaturated functional group and at least 5% of the prepolymers have two or more ethylenically unsaturated functional groups and water. The invention further provides use of the prepolymer or prepolymer compositions of the invention in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, as bone substitutes or scaffolds, and in wound treatment. |
| US08445580B2 |
Tire with tread of polybutadiene rubber
Pneumatic rubber tire intended for heavy duty service having a cap/base configured tread with a silica-containing specialized cis 1,4-polybutadiene rubber-rich tread cap rubber layer. |
| US08445579B2 |
Use in a paint of a dry-ground calcium carbonate with a copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid with an alkoxy or hydroxy polyalkyleneglycol group
Provided is a method of producing a paint involving dry-grinding a calcium carbonate in the presence of a grinding aid agent which is a copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid with a monomer containing an alkoxy or hydroxy polyalkyleneglycol group. |
| US08445568B2 |
Flame retardant thermoplastic composition and articles formed therefrom
A thermoplastic composition can comprise: polycarbonate, aromatic sulphone sulphonate, aromatic sulphonate, and brominated polycarbonate. In an embodiment, when the composition is formed into a 3 mm thick extruded sheet, the sheet can have a smoke density of less than 200 at an exposure period of 240 seconds in accordance with the smoke density test as set forth in ASTM E662-06, and a burn length of less than 150 mm, a drip flame time of less than 3 seconds, and an overall flame time of less than 15 seconds in accordance with the flammability test as set forth in 14 C.F.R. 25.853, Appendix F, Part I(a)(1)(ii). |
| US08445567B2 |
Method for reducing plate-out of solid phosphites in polymers
A process is described which reduces the amount of bloom and/or plate-out of phosphite antioxidants during polymer processing by the addition of at least one polyethylene glycol (or blends thereof) or polycaprolactones (or blends thereof) having an average molecular weight of approximately 1,000 to 20,000, most preferably between 4,000 to 10,000. |
| US08445564B2 |
Soy composite materials comprising an amino resin and methods of making the same
The present invention provides composite materials derived from aqueous binder compositions comprising defatted soy flour of no greater than 43 micron mesh particle size, polymer particles of at least one emulsion (co)polymer, one or more amino resin, and, optionally, one or more reducing sugar. Also provided are methods of making and using composite materials containing the binder compositions. |
| US08445561B2 |
Use in a hydraulic binder composition of a dry-ground calcium carbonate with a copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid and an alkoxy or hydroxy polyalkyleneglycol group
Provided are a method of dry-grinding calcium carbonate in the presence of a grinding aid agent which is a copolymer of (meth)acrylic acid with a monomer containing an alkoxy or hydroxy polyalkyleneglycol group, and a method of producing a hydraulic binder base including dry grinding a calcium carbonate in the presence of the grinding aid. |
| US08445557B2 |
Scratch- and weather-resistant varnish curable by means of actinic radiation or curable by heat and by means of actinic radiation
A coating composition curable with actinic radiation, or thermally and with actinic radiation, comprising (A) at least one unsaturated urethane (meth)acrylate and (B) at least one unsaturated melamine (meth)acrylate, wherein the ratio of the weight fractions of components (A) and (B) is between (A):(B)=1:1 and (A):(B)=1:5. |
| US08445555B2 |
Stabilized carbanions as trimerization catalysts
The present invention provides trimerization catalyst compositions having at least one carbanion compound and methods to produce a polyisocyanurate/polyurethane foam using such trimerization catalyst compositions. |
| US08445554B2 |
Compressed porous materials suitable for implant
A high strength porous polymeric material manufactured by a compression process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants. |
| US08445553B2 |
Devulcanized rubber and methods
Vulcanized rubber is devulcanized by contacting the vulcanized rubber with a terpentine liquid in a reaction mixture in the absence of an alkali metal. |
| US08445548B2 |
Process for the preparation of syngas and methanol from organic wastes
The invention is related to the preparation of low-tar syngas from organic wastes and optionally to the preparation of methanol from the syngas or from the separated carbon dioxide. The process is characterized by introducing the secondary raw material comprising preferably solid communal waste, sludge and/or biomass waste into a double-flow one-body generator, comprising an inner pyrolysing, oxidizing and reducing zone and converting the obtained pyrolysis coke, pyrolysis water and tar formed by the aid of the heat content of the gas flowing upwards in the outer gas space by blowing oxygen into the fix-bed, to a raw syngas comprising carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, on the fix bed of the pyrolysis coke and optionally a liquid containing liquid hydrocarbons or a powder of high carbon content are added in order to control the temperature and hydrohalides are removed from the obtained raw syngas on a calcium carbonate bed at 200-700° C., the heat content of the raw syngas is utilized, carbon dioxide is removed by a method known per se, and carbon dioxide is converted to methanol by using an external hydrogen source and optionally the obtained syngas is also converted to methanol by a method known per se. |
| US08445547B2 |
Means of processing fuel grade petroleum coke for use in internal combustion engines
Liquefied petroleum coke (LPC) comprises diesel engine fuel grade petroleum coke that is produced by subjecting crude oil refinery feedstock to de-salting, coking, micronization, de-ashing, and slurrification processes to reduce impurities such as metallic components and make the LPC suitable for use in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engine systems. |
| US08445544B2 |
Hydrolysable polymeric FMOC-linker
The invention relates to Fmoc (9-fluorenyl-methoxycarbonyl)-based polymeric conjugates. These conjugates are useful for extending the in-vivo circulation of protein and peptide drugs. |
| US08445541B2 |
Methods for concomitant administration of colchicine and a second active agent
Methods for concomitant administration of colchicine together with one or more second active agents, e.g., verapamil, are disclosed. Such methods reduce the dangers commonly associated with such concomitant administration and provide additional benefits. Methods of notifying health care practitioners and patients regarding appropriate dosing for concomitant administration of colchicine together with second active agents are also provided. |
| US08445538B2 |
Glucagon receptor antagonist compounds
Glucagon receptor antagonist compounds are disclosed. The compounds are useful for treating type 2 diabetes and related conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are also included. |
| US08445537B2 |
Compounds that inhibit human DNA ligases and methods of treating cancer
Methods for treating cancer using compounds that inhibit human DNA ligases. Methods for using compounds that inhibit human DNA ligases to provide insights into the reaction mechanisms of human DNA ligases, for example to identify the human DNA ligase involved in different DNA repair pathways. Screening methods for compounds that inhibit human DNA ligases. |
| US08445528B2 |
Dendrimer conjugates
The present invention relates to novel therapeutic and diagnostic dendrimers. In particular, the present invention is directed to dendrimer-linker conjugates, methods of synthesizing the same, compositions comprising the conjugates, as well as systems and methods utilizing the conjugates (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutics, imaging, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in disease (e.g., cancer) diagnosis and/or therapy, pain therapy, etc.)). Accordingly, dendrimer-linker conjugates of the present invention may further comprise one or more components for targeting, imaging, sensing, and/or providing a therapeutic or diagnostic material and/or monitoring response to therapy. |
| US08445519B2 |
1-aryl-5-alkyl pyrazole derivative compounds, processes of making and methods of using thereof
Provided are 1-aryl-5-alkyl pyrazole compounds, of formula (I): wherein: R1 is hydrogen, cyano, halogen, R8, formyl, —C(O)R8, —C(O)OR8, —C(O)NR9R10, or —C(S)NH2; R2 is R8 or —S(O)mR11; R3 is methyl, ethyl or C1-C4 haloalkyl; R4, R5 and R7 are independently hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, cyano or nitro; R6 is halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkyloxy, cyano, nitro, —C(O)R12, —S(O)nR12 or SF5; Z is a nitrogen atom or C—R13; R8 is alkyl, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl or halocycloalkyl; R9 is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl or alkoxy; R10 is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl or alkoxy; R11 is alkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkynyl or cycloalkyl; R12 is alkyl or haloalkyl; R13 is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy or haloalkoxy; m is 0, 1 or 2; and n is 0, 1 or 2; or a salt thereof, the method of making compounds of formula (I) and the use of these compounds against ectoparasites, endoparasites and pests. |
| US08445516B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for promoting angiogenesis
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for promoting angiogenesis, which has an angiogenesis promoting action even in a vascular culturing system without effect of microcirculation. A pharmaceutical composition for promoting angiogenesis of the present invention comprises at least one compound selected from a group consisting of a piperidine compound represented by the general formula (1) or salts thereof: (wherein R represents a benzoyl group which may have, as substituents on the phenyl ring, 1 to 3 groups selected from a group consisting of an amino group, which may have a lower alkanoyl group, and a lower alkyl group; R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; and R2 represents a phenyl lower alkyl group). |
| US08445510B2 |
Fused bicyclic kinase inhibitors
Compounds of Formula I, as shown below and defined herein: pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, synthesis, intermediates, formulations, and methods of disease treatment therewith, including treatment of cancers, such as tumors driven at least in part by at least one of RON, MET or ALK. This Abstract is not limiting of the invention. |
| US08445508B2 |
Method of restoring the incretin effect
The present invention relates to methods of treating metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherogenic dyslipidemia and/or obesity. The present invention also relates to methods of restoring the incretin effect, to restoring physiologic control of glucagon levels, to restoring first-phase insulin secretion, and to restoring the physiologic glucose-dependent insulin secretion. The methods of the present invention comprise administration of a selective κ-receptor antagonist, such as guanidinylated naltrindole (GNTI), or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof to a subject in need thereof. |
| US08445507B2 |
Androgen receptor modulator for the treatment of prostate cancer and androgen receptor-associated diseases
A hydantoin compound useful for the prevention or treatment of hyperproliferative diseases or disorders. |
| US08445502B2 |
Pharmaceutical formulations comprising salts of a protein kinase inhibitor and methods of using same
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising the protein kinase inhibitor, MP470, and methods of using same in treating conditions involving undesirable cell proliferation, such as cancer. |
| US08445499B2 |
Bipiperidinyl compounds, compositions, containing such compounds and methods of treatment
Bipiperidinyl compounds of the formula: are disclosed as useful for treating or preventing type 2 diabetes and similar conditions. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates are included as well. The compounds are useful as agonists of the g-protein coupled receptor GPR-119. |
| US08445496B2 |
Crystalline forms of 4-[(2,4-dichloro-5-methoxyphenyl)amino]-6-methoxy-7-[3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)propoxy]-3-quinolinecarbonitrile and methods of preparing the same
This invention is directed to a crystalline 4-[(2,4-dichloro-5-methoxyphenyl)amino]-6-methoxy-7-[3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)propoxy]-3-quinolinecarbonitrile monohydrate having an x-ray diffraction pattern wherein 2θ angles (°) of significant peaks are at about: 9.19, 11.48, 14.32, 19.16, 19.45, 20.46, 21.29, 22.33, 23.96, 24.95, 25.29, 25.84, 26.55, 27.61, and 29.51, and a transition temperature of about 109° C. to about 115° C. |
| US08445491B2 |
Wnt protein signalling inhibitors
The present invention generally relates to protein signalling. In particular, compounds that inhibit the Wnt protein signalling pathway are disclosed. Such compounds may be used in the treatment of Wnt protein signalling-related diseases and conditions such as cancer, degenerative diseases, type II diabetes and osteopetrosis. |
| US08445486B2 |
Triazine compounds as PI3 kinase and mTOR inhibitors
Compounds of formula I wherein: R1 is and R2, R4, and R6-9 are defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. These compounds inhibit PI3 kinase and mTOR, and may be used to treat diseases mediated by PI3 kinase and mTOR, such as a variety of cancers. Methods for making and using the compounds of this invention are disclosed. Various compositions containing the compounds of this invention are also disclosed. |
| US08445485B2 |
Prodrugs of 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds and their uses
The present disclosure provides prodrugs of biologically active 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds, salts and hydrates of the prodrugs, compositions comprising the prodrugs, intermediates and methods for synthesizing the prodrugs and methods of using the prodrugs in a variety of applications. |
| US08445483B1 |
Anti-infective agents against intracellular pathogens
A new class of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1) inhibitors of Formula I: wherein X wherein X is —CF3, Ar is selected from and R is selected from where R′ is L-Lys, D-Lys, β-Ala, L-Lue, L-Ile, Phe, SO2CH2CH2NH2, SO2NH2, Asn, Glu or Gyl, and R″ is methyl, ethyl, allyl, CH2CH2OH, CH2CN, CH2CH2CN, CH2CONH2, |
| US08445478B2 |
Azetidine derivatives, their preparation and their application in therapy
The invention relates to azetidine derivatives having the formula (I): Wherein R′, R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, R, Y, A and B are as defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the same and therapeutic use thereof. |
| US08445477B2 |
Azetidinyl diamides as monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein Y, Z, R1, and s are defined herein. |
| US08445469B2 |
18-methyl-19-nor-17-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactones, as well as pharmaceutical preparations that contain the latter
A 18-Methyl-19-nor-17-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactone of general formula I in which Z, R4, R6, R7 are as defined below with the proviso that the compound is not 18-Methyl-15β,16β-methylene-3-oxo-19-nor-17-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactone. |
| US08445466B2 |
Stable aqueous compositions comprising amide-protected bioactive creatine species and uses thereof
The present invention provides amide-protected creatine molecules and compositions, containing one or more bioactive forms of creatine in aqueous compositions, wherein bioactive forms of creatine do not appreciably degrade into creatinine. Also provided are various beneficial effects of administering aqueous compositions having at least one amide-protected creatine molecule. |
| US08445461B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for meniere's disease
The present invention provides pharmaceutical composition for treating Meniere's disease, comprising saccharides or sugar alcohols as an active ingredient and polysaccharides, wherein the ratio by weight of the saccharides or sugar alcohols to the polysaccharides is about 100:2 to 100:50. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may eliminate the cathartic effect caused by saccharides or sugar alcohols to ensure the endolymphatic hydrops decompression effect. Therefore the effect of the therapeutic composition of the present invention is improved. The pharmaceutical composition may provide in gel, powder, granule form or the like. |
| US08445460B2 |
Soluble, highly branched glucose polymers for enteral and parenteral nutrition and for peritoneal dialysis
The invention relates to soluble, highly branched glucose polymers which are obtained by enzymatic treatment of starch, having a reducing sugars content of less than 3.5%, exhibiting a proportion of α-1,6-glucosidic linkages of between 20% and 30%, a Mw, determined by light scattering, of between 20·103 and 30·103 daltons, and an osmolality of less than 25 mOsm/kg. The invention likewise relates to a method of obtaining these polymers and to their use in the pharmaceutical and food industries, more particularly in the field of enteral and parenteral nutrition, and in the field of peritoneal dialysis. |
| US08445458B2 |
Food composition for prodromal dementia patients
A composition comprising (a) one or more ω-3 fatty acids selected from DHA, DPA and EPA, (b) uridine or its equivalent, and (c) a methyl donor, useful in the treatment of a person having characteristics of a prodromal dementia patient. The characteristics include e.g. a level of more than 350 ng Total-tau per liter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and a weight ratio of abeta-42/Phospho-tau-181 of less than 6.5 in CSF. |
| US08445456B2 |
Use of RNA interference for treating or reducing pain
A use of a nucleic acid molecule mediating RNA interference for treating or reducing pain is disclosed. The nucleic acid molecule has a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:4, and is used for effectively inhibiting expression of bradykinin B2 receptor, treating or reducing pain and preparing a pharmaceutical composition for reducing neuropathic pain. |
| US08445455B2 |
Stress-responsive induction of a therapeutic agent and methods of use
This invention relates to compositions and methods for selective expression of a heterologous nucleic acid sequence in a targeted tissue, and more particularly to the glucose regulated protein 78 (grp78) stress-responsive promoter and its use in gene therapy and the production of transgenic animals. |
| US08445451B2 |
Macrolides and uses of macrolides
Macrolides of Formula (I) or (I-A): and wherein the residues R1, R2, R3, R4, R12, R13 and R14 have certain meanings defined in this application are useful for treating or preventing inflammatory or allergic diseases or, cancer in animals and humans. |
| US08445450B2 |
Antithrombotic dual inhibitors comprising a biotin residue
The present invention relates compounds of the formula (I) oligosaccharide-spacer-A (I), wherein the oligosaccharide is a negatively charged oligosaccharide residue comprising two to twenty five monosaccharide units, the charge being compensated by positively charged counterions, and wherein the oligosaccharide residue is derived from an oligosaccharide which has (AT-III mediated) anti-Xa activity per se; the spacer is an essentially pharmacologically inactive flexible linking residue having a chain length of 10 to 70 atoms; A is the residue —CH[NH—SO2—R1][CO—NR2—CH(4-benzamidine)-CO—NR3R4]. |
| US08445443B2 |
Cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins, polynucleotides encoding the same, and anticancer composition comprising the same
The present invention discloses cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins where a macromolecule transduction domain (MTD) is fused to a tumor suppressor p18. Also disclosed are polynucleotides encoding the cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins, an expression vector containing the cell permeable p18 recombinant protein, and a pharmaceutical composition for treating p18 deficiency or failure which contains the cell permeable p18 recombinant protein as an effective ingredient. The cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins of the present invention are capable of efficiently introducing a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor p18 into a cell, and thus, can activate cell signaling mechanisms involved in the activation of ATM and p53 that induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to DNA damage or oncogenic signals. Therefore, the cell permeable p18 recombinant proteins of the present invention can be effectively used as an anticancer agent. |
| US08445442B2 |
CCL18 and CCL3 methods and compositions for detecting and treating cancer
The invention relates to methods of treating cancer by administering one or more chemokines that are downregulated in cancerous cells. More specifically, the invention provides methods for treating or preventing cancers such as malignant melanoma by administering a chemokine such as CCL18 and/or CCL3. The invention further provides methods for diagnosing cancer such as melanoma. |
| US08445439B2 |
Itch suppressant
The present invention provides an itch suppressant containing cholecystokinin 2 receptor agonist such as a peptide having an amino acid sequence homologous with a partial amino acid sequence of at least seven C-terminal amino acids of the peptide having the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ:ID No. 1 as an active ingredient as a rapid-acting itch suppressant effective in treating skin illnesses associated with strong itch such as atopic dermatitis having few side effects. [SEQ: ID No. 1] Val-Ser-Gln-Arg-Thr-Asp-Gly-Glu-Ser-Arg-Ala-His- Leu-Gly-Ala-Leu-Leu-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Gln-Ala- Arg-Lys-Ala-Pro-Ser-Gly-Arg-Met-Ser-Ile-Val-Lys- Asn-Leu-Gln-Asn-Leu-Asp-Pro-Ser-His-Arg-Ile-Ser- Asp-Arg-Asp-Tyr(SO3H)-Met-Gly-Trp-Met-Asp-Phe-NH2 |
| US08445434B2 |
IGF-1 fusion polypeptides and therapeutic uses thereof
A fusion protein comprising at least one IGF1 variant component and a fusion component (F), and, optionally, a signal sequence, exhibits improved stability relative to the native IGF1 or IGF2 polypeptide. The fusion component (F) may be a multimerizing component, such as an immunoglobulin domain, in particular, the Fc domain of IgG or a heavy chain of IgG. IGF1 variants were shown to have improved ability to increase muscle mass in a subject suffering from muscle atrophy caused by cachexia, immobilization, aging, chronic disease, cancer, hereditary condition, an atrophy-causing agent, and the like. IGF1 variants are also effective in decreasing blood glucose in a subject suffering from diabetes or hyperglycemia. |
| US08445424B2 |
Fragrance
A method of providing to a fragrance application a musky odor, comprising the addition thereto of at least one compound according to the formula I in which R1 is selected from H and CH3; R2, R3 are selected from the possibilities that (a) both are CH3; and (b) R2 and R3 together form a single bond (as indicated by the broken line); and n is an integer selected from 1, 2, 3, and 4. The compounds are useful in the complete range of fine and functional fragrance applications. |
| US08445420B2 |
Cleaning and purifying compositions and associated method for purifying process water from the refinement of petroleum
A cleaning and purifying composition including at least one solvent, an alkaline agent, a deflocculant, at least one surfactant selected from the group comprising an alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, an alkylamino-polyethoxy-sulfate surfactant, a polyether-phosphate ester surfactant, a surfactant that is a phosphate ester of an ethoxylated alcohol, and a surfactant that is a polyethyleneglycol monoalkyl ether, and a bonding agent. |
| US08445416B2 |
Solid stick compositions comprising vinyl ester
A solid stick composition for use on steel surfaces that are in sliding or rolling-sliding contact. The solid stick composition comprises a vinyl ester resin, for example, from about 20 to about 80 weight percent vinyl ester resin, a solid lubricant, for example from about 0 to about 80 weight percent lubricant, and optionally a friction modifier, for example from about 0 to about 40% weight percent friction modifier, or a combination of a solid lubricant and a friction modifier. The solid stick comprises at least one of the lubricant or the friction modifier. A method of controlling friction between a metal surface and a second metal surface by applying the solid stick composition to one or more than one of the metal surfaces is also disclosed as well as a method of reducing lateral force in a rail system comprising applying the solid stick composition onto a wheel or rail surface. |
| US08445415B2 |
Grease composition
There is provided a grease composition, including: a base oil; a metal soap thickener formed of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, calcium, magnesium and aluminum and a fatty acid containing at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group and a carboxylic acid metal salt group in each molecular structure; and nanoparticles formed of at least one selected from the group consisting of oxides, carbides and diamond materials. |
| US08445412B2 |
Separation of pyrophosphate release and pyrophosphate detection
The present technology relates to methods and systems for detection of pyrophosphate. As such, disclosed herein are methods and systems that permit improved pyrophosphate detection. Also disclosed herein are methods and systems which utilize improved pyrophosphate detection for nucleotide sequencing. |
| US08445409B2 |
Use of 5-benzyloxymethyl-1,2-isoxazoline derivatives as a herbicide
A method of selectively controlling annual bluegrass and/or goosegrass in turf grass, the method includes applying 5-benzyloxymethyl-1,2-isoxazoline derivative compounds, pre-emergence or post-emergence, to goosegrass and/or annual bluegrass in turf grass. |
| US08445406B2 |
Stable, concentrated herbicidal compositions
A liquid herbicidal composition is provided, comprising: a. 20 to 35 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a water-soluble herbicidal ingredient; b. a C12-C16 alkyl ether sulfate; c. an organic solvent; and d. an alkyl polyglucoside. The composition is stable; i.e., it occurs in a substantially continuous, single phase at temperatures as low as −20° C. It also has a viscosity of no more than 2000 cps at temperatures as low as 0° C. |
| US08445402B2 |
Preferential oxidation catalyst containing platinum, copper and iron
An improved catalyst suitable as a preferential oxidation catalyst is obtained by adding platinum, copper, and iron to a support. |
| US08445399B2 |
Hydrocarbon-soluble molybdenum catalyst precursors and methods for making same
Hydrocarbon-soluble molybdenum catalyst precursors include a plurality of molybdenum cations that are each bonded with a plurality of organic anions to form an oil soluble molybdenum salt. A portion of the molybdenum atoms are in the 3+ oxidation state such that the plurality of molybdenum atoms has an average oxidation state of less than 4+, e.g., less than about 3.8+, especially less than about 3.5+. The catalyst precursors can form a hydroprocessing molybdenum sulfide catalyst in heavy oil feedstocks. The oil soluble molybdenum salts are manufactured in the presence of a reducing agent, such as hydrogen gas, to obtain the molybdenum in the desired oxidation state. Preferably the reaction is performed with hydrogen or an organic reducing agent and at a temperature such that the molybdenum atoms are reduced to eliminate substantially all molybdenum oxide species. |
| US08445396B2 |
Dielectric ceramic and laminated ceramic capacitor
A laminated ceramic capacitor suitable for intermediate to high voltage applications uses a dielectric ceramic represented by {100(BaTiO3+aBaZrO3)+bR+cMg+dMn+eSi} where R is a rare earth element; 0≦a≦0.2, 8.0≦b≦12.0, 1.0≦c≦10.0, 0.1≦d≦3.0, and 1.0≦e≦10.0, and includes first grains of 0.7 μm or more in grain size and an average first grain size (Aave) and area ratio of the ceramic (SA), and second grains of 0.6 μm or less in grain size and an average second grain size (Bave) and area ratio (SB), 0.8 μm≦Aave≦2.0 μm, 0.1 μm≦Bave≦0.5 μm, Aave/Bave≧3.0, 0.3≦SA≦0.9, 0.1≦SB≦0.7, and 0.8≦SA+SB≦1.0. |
| US08445392B2 |
Knitted structure designed to be incorporated in a sheet material
The invention concerns a sheet material, characterized in that it incorporates at least one knitted structure. The invention also concerns a document and a base fabric comprising said sheet material, as well as a method for making said material. The invention further concerns a knitted structure comprising at least one authenticating and/or identifying element, as well as a method for authenticating and/or identifying a document or a knitted structure. |
| US08445391B2 |
Leather-like sheet and method of manufacturing the same
A leather-like sheet composed of a microfine-fiber entangled body made of bundles of microfine fibers and an elastic polymer impregnated therein. The bundles of microfine fibers are composed of microfine monofibers having an average cross-sectional area of 0.1 to 30 μm2 and have an average cross-sectional area of 40 to 400 μm2. The bundles of microfine fibers exist in a density of 600 to 4000/mm2 on a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the microfine-fiber entangled body. The elastic polymer contains 30 to 100% by mass of a polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer is composed of a soft component having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than −5° C., a crosslinkable component, and optionally a hard component having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of higher than 50° C. and another component. The polymer of ethylenically unsaturated monomer is bonded to the microfine fibers in the bundles of microfine fibers. The leather-like sheet has a flexibility and hand such as dense feeling each resembling natural leathers and a high quality appearance. The leather-like sheet is highly stable in quality such as fastness and surface abrasion resistance and excellent in practical performance. |
| US08445389B2 |
Etchant treatment processes for substrate surfaces and chamber surfaces
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods for treating a silicon-containing material on a substrate surface and performing a chamber clean process. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a substrate containing a silicon material having a contaminant thereon within a process chamber and exposing the substrate to an etching gas containing chlorine gas and a silicon source gas while removing the contaminant and maintaining a temperature of the substrate within a range from about 500° C. to less than about 800° C. during an etching process. The method further includes exposing the substrate to a deposition gas after the etching process during a deposition process and exposing the process chamber to a chamber clean gas containing chlorine gas and the silicon source gas after the deposition process during a chamber clean process. The chamber clean process limits the etching of quartz and metal surfaces within the process chamber. |
| US08445388B2 |
Methods of forming semiconductor devices and devices formed using such methods
Single source precursors are subjected to carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The carbon dioxide may be in a supercritical state. Single source precursors also may be subjected to supercritical fluids other than supercritical carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The methods may be used to form nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form chalcopyrite materials. Devices such as, for example, semiconductor devices may be fabricated that include such particles. Methods of forming semiconductor devices include subjecting single source precursors to carbon dioxide to form particles of semiconductor material, and establishing electrical contact between the particles and an electrode. |
| US08445386B2 |
Smoothing method for semiconductor material and wafers produced by same
A smoothing method for semiconductor material and semiconductor wafers produced by the method are disclosed. Semiconductor wafers with reduced atomic steps, as well with reduced scratches and subsurface defects can be produced. Such wafers feature an improved growth surface that can provide for the growth of an epilayer with reduced macroscopic defects and defect densities. A method of smoothing the surface of a wafer according to example embodiments of the invention includes planarizing the surface of a semiconductor wafer, and then oxidizing the wafer to achieve a specified thickness of oxide on the surface of the wafer. The oxide can then be stripped from the surface of the semiconductor wafer. |
| US08445382B2 |
Side wall pore sealing for low-k dielectrics
A dual damascene process for forming conductive interconnects on an integrated circuit die. The process includes providing a layer (16) of porous, ultra low-k (ULK) dielectric material in which a via opening (30) is subsequently formed. A thermally degradable polymeric (“porogen”) material (42) is applied to the side wall sidewalls of the opening (30) such that the porogen material penetrates deeply into the porous ULK dielectric material (thereby sealing the pores and increasing the density thereof). Once a conductive material (36) has been provided with the opening (30) and polished back by means of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), the complete structure is subjected to a curing step to cause the porogen material (44) with the ULK dielectric layer (16) to decompose and evaporate, thereby restoring the porosity (and low-k value) of the dielectric layer (16).Attached are a marked-up copy of the originally filed specification and a clean substitute specification in accordance with 37 C.F.R. §§1.121(b)(3) and 1.125(c). Applicant respectfully submits that the substitute specification contains no new matter. |
| US08445381B2 |
Oxide-nitride stack gate dielectric
A method of making a semiconductor structure comprises forming an oxide layer on a substrate; forming a silicon nitride layer on the oxide layer; annealing the layers in NO; and annealing the layers in ammonia. The equivalent oxide thickness of the oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer together is at most 25 Angstroms. |
| US08445380B2 |
Semiconductor having a high aspect ratio via
The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a via structure and method of manufacturing same. In an example, a method for forming a via structure includes forming a via in a semiconductor substrate, wherein via sidewalls of the via are defined by the semiconductor substrate; forming a dielectric layer on the via sidewalls; removing the dielectric layer from a portion of the via sidewalls; and forming a conductive layer to fill the via, wherein the conductive layer is disposed over the dielectric layer and the portion of the via sidewalls. In an example, the dielectric layer is an oxide layer. |
| US08445379B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a plurality of hole patterns is disclosed. The method includes: forming a plurality of first line patterns and a plurality of first space patterns extending in a first direction; forming a plurality of second line patterns and a plurality of second space patterns extending in a second direction, on the plurality of first line patterns and the plurality of first space patterns; forming a plurality of first hole patterns where the plurality of first space patterns and the plurality of second space patterns cross each other; and forming a plurality of second hole patterns where the plurality of first line patterns and the plurality of second line patterns cross each other. |
| US08445374B2 |
Soft error rate mitigation by interconnect structure
A method creates a structure that comprises a carrier connected to an integrated circuit chip by pillars and openings. Thus, in this structure, at least one conductive pillar extends a distance or height from the surface of the integrated circuit chip and a barrier surrounds the lower portion of the conductive pillar such that the barrier covers at least some portion of the height of the pillar that is closest to the chip surface. There is at least one opening in the carrier that is large enough to accommodate the conductive pillar and the barrier, and the conductive pillar and the barrier are positioned in opening. A solder is used in the bottom of the opening to connect the conductive pillar to the bottom of the opening. The barrier prevents the solder from contacting the portion of the conductive pillar protected by the barrier. |
| US08445373B2 |
Method of enhancing the conductive and optical properties of deposited indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a method of activating an indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film deposited, directly or indirectly, on a substrate. The ITO thin film is baked in a low oxygen environment at a temperature of at least 450 degrees C. for at least 10 minutes so as to provide for (1) a post-baked resistivity of the ITO thin film that is below a resistivity of a corresponding air-baked ITO thin film, (2) a post-baked visible spectrum absorption and transmission of the ITO thin film that respectively are below and above the absorption and transmission of the corresponding air-baked ITO thin film, and (3) a post-baked infrared reflectivity of the ITO thin film that is above the reflectivity of the corresponding air-baked ITO thin film. The substrate with the activated ITO thin film may be used in a photovoltaic device, for example. |
| US08445370B2 |
Trench junction barrier controlled Schottky
A method for manufacturing a Schottky diode comprising steps of 1) providing a region with a dopant of a second conductivity type opposite to a first conductivity type to form a top doped region in a semiconductor substrate of said first conductivity type; 2) providing a trench through the top doped region to a predetermined depth and providing a dopant of the second conductivity type to form a bottom dopant region of the second conductivity type; and 3) lining a Schottky barrier metal layer on a sidewall of the trench at least extending from a bottom of the top doped region to a top of the bottom doped region. |
| US08445368B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes a trench MOS barrier Schottky diode having an integrated PN diode and a method is for manufacturing same. |
| US08445362B2 |
Apparatus and method for programming an electronically programmable semiconductor fuse
An apparatus and method for programming an electronically programmable semiconductor fuse applies a programming current to a fuse link as a series of multiple pulses. Application of the programming current as a series of multiple short pulses provides a level of programming current sufficiently high to ensure reliable and effective electromigration while avoiding exceeding temperature limits of the fuse link. |
| US08445361B1 |
Method of dividing a semiconductor wafer having semiconductor and metal layers into separate devices
A method of dividing a semiconductor wafer having a metal layer includes removing all or substantially all of the semiconductor material in scribe streets while the wafer is supported by a support, turning over the wafer and while using a second support to support the wafer, introducing a heat energy flux into the metal layer to remove metal of the metal layer from the scribe streets. |
| US08445356B1 |
Integrated circuit having back gating, improved isolation and reduced well resistance and method to fabricate same
Disclosed is a method of forming a structure and a resulting structure. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a first opening to a first depth in the semiconductor substrate; amorphizing semiconductor sidewalls of an upper portion of the first opening leaving unamorphized semiconductor sidewalls in a lower portion of the first opening; enlarging only the lower portion of the first opening using an etch process that is selective to the unamorphized semiconductor sidewalls; filling the first opening with an insulator material to form a deep trench isolation (DTI) structure and implanting a first well region and a second well region into the semiconductor substrate. The first well and the second well are separated from one another by the enlarged lower portion of the first opening. In the structure sidewalls of a top portion of a DTI and sidewalls of an STI are formed of doped, re-crystallized silicon. |
| US08445354B2 |
Methods for manufacturing a phase-change memory device
A method of manufacturing a phase-change memory device comprises forming a contact region on a substrate, forming a lower electrode electrically connected to the contact region, forming a phase-change material layer on the lower electrode using a chalcogenide compound target including carbon and metal, or carbon, nitrogen and metal, and forming an upper electrode on the phase-change material layer. |
| US08445353B1 |
Method for integrating MIM capacitor and thin film resistor in modular two layer metal process and corresponding device
A method for integrating a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor and a thin film resistor in an integrated circuit is provided that includes depositing a first metal layer outwardly of a semiconductor wafer substrate. A portion of the first metal layer forms a bottom plate for a MIM capacitor. A second metal layer is deposited outwardly of the first metal layer. A first portion of the second metal layer forms a top plate for the MIM capacitor and a second portion of the second metal layer forms contact pads for a thin film resistor. |
| US08445351B2 |
Floating-gate nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method of making
The present invention provides a floating-gate non-volatile semiconductor memory device and a method of making the same. The floating-gate non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprises a semiconductor substrate, a source, a drain, a first insulator layer, a first polysilicon layer, a second insulator layer, a second polysilicon layer, a protective layer and sidewalls. The source and drain are disposed on the semiconductor substrate. The first insulator layer is disposed over a region of the semiconductor substrate other than regions corresponding to the source and drain. The first polysilicon layer is disposed over the first insulator layer, forming a floating gate. The second insulator layer is disposed over the first polysilicon layer. The second polysilicon layer is disposed over the second insulator layer, forming a control gate and a wordline. The sidewalls are disposed on two sides of the wordline, and the protective layer is disposed over the second polysilicon layer. A semiconductor junction at a drain region is a P-N junction, while a semiconductor junction at a source region is a metal-semiconductor junction. |
| US08445349B2 |
Method of manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes forming a plurality of memory cell transistors and a plurality of selection transistors on a substrate. The method further includes burying first and second insulators successively between memory cell transistors and between a memory cell transistor and a selection transistor, and forming the first and second insulators successively on side surfaces of selection transistors, the side surfaces facing a space between the selection transistors. The method further includes burying third to fifth insulators successively between the selection transistors via the first and second insulators. The method further includes removing the second and fourth insulators by a first etching so that the second and fourth insulators partially remain between the selection transistors. The method further includes removing the second and fourth insulators remaining between the selection transistors by a second etching performed after the first etching. |
| US08445345B2 |
CMOS structure having multiple threshold voltage devices
A method of forming a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) structure having multiple threshold voltage devices includes forming a first transistor device and a second transistor device on a semiconductor substrate. The first transistor device and second transistor device initially have sacrificial dummy gate structures. The sacrificial dummy gate structures are removed and a set of vertical oxide spacers are selectively formed for the first transistor device. The set of vertical oxide spacers are in direct contact with a gate dielectric layer of the first transistor device such that the first transistor device has a shifted threshold voltage with respect to the second transistor device. |
| US08445343B2 |
Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices including semiconductor layers formed in stacked insulating layers
Methods of fabricating a semiconductor device include alternatingly and repeatedly stacking sacrificial layers and first insulating layers on a substrate, forming an opening penetrating the sacrificial layers and the first insulating layers, and forming a spacer on a sidewall of the opening, wherein a bottom surface of the opening is free of the spacer. A semiconductor layer is formed in the opening. Related devices are also disclosed. |
| US08445339B2 |
Conductor structure, pixel structure, and methods of forming the same
A method for forming a conductor structure is provided. The method comprises: (1) providing a substrate; (2) forming a patterned dielectric layer with a first opening which exposes a portion of the substrate; forming a patterned organic material layer on the dielectric layer with a second opening which corresponds to the first opening and expose the exposed portion of the substrate; (3) forming a first barrier layer on the organic material layer and the exposed portion of the substrate; (4) forming a metal layer on the first barrier layer; and (5) removing the organic material layer, the first barrier layer thereon and the metal layer thereon. |
| US08445333B2 |
Method of forming polysilicon, thin film transistor using the polysilicon, and method of fabricating the thin film transistor
A method of forming polysilicon, a thin film transistor (TFT) using the polysilicon, and a method of fabricating the TFT are disclosed. The method of forming the polysilicon comprises: forming an insulating layer on a substrate; forming a first electrode and a second electrode on the insulating layer; forming at least one heater layer on the insulating layer so as to connect the first electrode and the second electrode; forming an amorphous material layer containing silicon on the heater layer(s); forming a through-hole under the heater layer(s) by etching the insulating layer; and crystallizing the amorphous material layer into a polysilicon layer by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode so as to heat the heater layer(s). |
| US08445331B2 |
Multichip electronic packages and methods of manufacture
A multi-chip electronic package and methods of manufacture are provided. The multi-chip package includes a plurality of chips mounted on a chip carrier. The multi-chip package further includes a lid mounted on the chip carrier using a bonding material or compression seal, and at least one single piston extending from the lid. Each piston covers an entirety of multiple chips of the plurality of chips. |
| US08445327B2 |
Light-emitting diode package and wafer-level packaging process of light-emitting diode
A wafer-level packaging process of a light-emitting diode is provided. First, a semiconductor stacked layer is formed on a growth substrate. A plurality of barrier patterns and a plurality of reflective layers are then formed on the semiconductor stacked layer, wherein each reflective layer is surrounded by one of the barrier patterns. A first bonding layer is then formed on the semiconductor stacked layer to cover the barrier patterns and the reflective layers. Thereafter, a carrying substrate having a plurality of second bonding layers and a plurality of conductive plugs electrically insulated from each other is provided, and the first bonding layer is bonded with the second bonding layer. The semiconductor stacked layer is then separated from the growth substrate. Next, the semiconductor stacked layer is patterned to form a plurality of semiconductor stacked patterns. Next, each semiconductor stacked pattern is electrically connected to the conductive plug. |
| US08445326B2 |
Method and system for template assisted wafer bonding
A method of fabricating a composite semiconductor structure includes providing a substrate including a plurality of devices and providing a compound semiconductor substrate including a plurality of photonic devices. The method also includes dicing the compound semiconductor substrate to provide a plurality of photonic dies. Each die includes one or more of the plurality of photonics devices. The method further includes providing an assembly substrate, mounting the plurality of photonic dies on predetermined portions of the assembly substrate, aligning the substrate and the assembly substrate, joining the substrate and the assembly substrate to form a composite substrate structure, and removing at least a portion of the assembly substrate from the composite substrate structure. |
| US08445323B2 |
Semiconductor package with semiconductor core structure and method of forming same
A semiconductor device includes an IPD structure, a first semiconductor die mounted to the IPD structure with a flipchip interconnect, and a plurality of first conductive posts that are disposed adjacent to the first semiconductor die. The semiconductor device further includes a first molding compound that is disposed over the first conductive posts and first semiconductor die, a core structure bonded to the first conductive posts over the first semiconductor die, and a plurality of conductive TSVs disposed in the core structure. The semiconductor device further includes a plurality of second conductive posts that are disposed over the core structure, a second semiconductor die mounted over the core structure, and a second molding compound disposed over the second conductive posts and the second semiconductor die. The second semiconductor die is electrically connected to the core structure. |
| US08445322B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor package
A stacked semiconductor package having a unit package, cover substrates, adhesive members and connection electrodes is presented. The unit package includes a substrate, a first circuit pattern and a second circuit pattern. The first circuit pattern is disposed over an upper face of the substrate. The second circuit pattern is disposed over a lower face of the substrate. The lower and upper faces of the substrate oppose each other. The first and second semiconductor chips are respectively electrically connected to the first and second circuit patterns. The cover substrates are opposed to the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip. The adhesive members are respectively interposed between the unit package and the cover substrates. The connection electrodes pass through the unit package, the cover substrates and the adhesive members and are electrically connected to the first and second circuit patterns. |
| US08445321B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes forming a cured film of an insulation resin on a surface of a first semiconductor chip and flip-chip bonding a second semiconductor via a bump on the first semiconductor chip on which the cured film of the insulation resin is formed. The insulation resin can be cured at temperature range from (A−50)° C. to (A+50)° C., wherein “A” is a solidification point of the bump. |
| US08445316B2 |
Non-lithographic method of patterning contacts for a photovoltaic device
A dielectric material layer is formed on a front surface of a photovoltaic device. A patterned PMMA-type-material-including layer is formed on the dielectric material layer, and the pattern is transferred into the top portion of the photovoltaic device to form trenches in which contact structures can be formed. In one embodiment, a blanket PMMA-type-material-including layer is deposited on the dielectric material layer, and is patterned by laser ablation that removes ablated portions of PMMA-type-material. The PMMA-type-material-including layer may also include a dye to enhance absorption of the laser beam. In another embodiment, a blanket PMMA-type-material-including layer may be deposited on the dielectric material layer and mechanically patterned to form channels therein. In yet another embodiment, a patterned PMMA-type-material-including layer is stamped on top of the dielectric material layer. |
| US08445312B2 |
Method of manufacturing crystalline silicon solar cells using co diffusion of Boron and Phosphorus
A method of manufacturing a crystalline silicon solar cell, subsequently including: providing a crystalline silicon substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; pre-diffusing Phosphorus into a first side of the substrate to render a Phosphorus diffused layer having an initial depth; blocking the first side of the substrate; exposing a second side of the substrate to a Boron diffusion source; heating the substrate for a certain period of time and to a certain temperature so as to diffuse Boron into the second side of the substrate and to simultaneously diffuse the Phosphorus further into the substrate. |
| US08445311B2 |
Method of fabricating a differential doped solar cell
A method of fabricating a differential doped solar cell is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a light doped semiconductor substrate; (b) forming a heavy doped layer having the same type of dopant used in step (a) on a front surface of the semiconductor substrate; and (c) forming an emitter layer having a different type of dopant used in step (a) on a surface of the heavy doped layer to constitute a p-n junction with the heavy doped layer. |
| US08445310B2 |
Thin film solar cell and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a stacked-layered thin film solar cell and manufacturing method thereof The manufacturing method includes the steps of: providing a substrate, a first electrode layer and a first light-absorbing layer; providing a mask with a plurality of patterns above the first light-absorbing layer; forming an interlayer made of an opaque, highly reflective material by providing the mask on the first light-absorbing layer, wherein the interlayer has a plurality of light transmissive regions corresponding to the patterns, and the light transmissive regions are provided to divide the interlayer into a plurality of units; and then depositing a second light-absorbing layer on the units and a second electrode layer on the second light-absorbing layer. |
| US08445307B2 |
Monolithic IC and MEMS microfabrication process
Monolithic IC/MEMS processes are disclosed in which high-stress silicon nitride is used as a mechanical material while amorphous silicon serves as a sacrificial layer. Electronic circuits and micro-electromechanical devices are built on separate areas of a single wafer. The sequence of IC and MEMS process steps is designed to prevent alteration of partially completed circuits and devices by subsequent high process temperatures. |
| US08445306B2 |
Hybrid MEMS RF switch and method of fabricating same
Structures having a hybrid MEMS RF switch and method of fabricating such structures using existing wiring layers of a device is provided. The method of manufacturing a MEMS switch includes forming a forcing electrode from a lower wiring layer of a device and forming a lower electrode from an upper wiring layer of the device. The method further includes forming a flexible cantilever arm over the forcing electrode and the lower electrode such that upon application of a voltage to the forcing electrode, the flexible cantilever arm will contact the lower electrode to close the MEMS switch. |
| US08445298B2 |
Process of producing liquid discharge head base material
A process includes preparing a base material having a first surface provided with an element generating energy that is used for discharging a liquid and an electrode layer that is connected to the element; forming a hollow on a second surface, which is the surface on the opposite side of the first surface, of the base material, wherein part of the electrode layer serves as the bottom face of the hollow; covering the surface of the base material and the bottom face forming the inner face of the hollow with an insulating film; and partially exposing the electrode layer by removing part of the insulating film covering the bottom face using laser light. |
| US08445294B2 |
Resonant magnetic disks for bioanalyte detection
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to ferromagnetic microdisks, methods of detecting target bioanalyte using ferromagnetic microdisks, and kits (such as for using in the laboratory setting) containing the reagents necessary to make, and/or use ferromagnetic microdisks for bioanalyte detection, depending on the user's planned application. The methods and products allow the fabrication of ferromagnetic microdisks, and their use in the detection of biological molecules with high sensitivity, little or no signal decay, improved safety, convenience, and lowered cost for use and disposal. |
| US08445292B2 |
Compounds and methods for rapid labeling of N-glycans
The present invention provides compounds and methods for rapid labeling of N-glycans, for example, rapid fluorescent labeling of N-glycans. In one aspect, the present invention provides fluorescent carbamate or thiocarbamate compounds. Upon contacting with N-glycans, the compounds undergo facile reactions with N-glycans to form fluorescent-labeled N-glycans. |
| US08445289B2 |
System and method for alkylation process analysis
A method and apparatus is provided for determining concentration of components in a liquid hydrocarbon mixture including hydrocarbons and water flowing through an alkylation process. A fluid flow path conveys the liquid continuously from the alkylation process through a first instrument configured for measuring a property of the liquid mixture, and having responsivities to concentration of the components, which are independent of the concentration of the water. A temperature detector generates temperature data for the liquid, and a second instrument measures another property of the liquid mixture. The instruments have mutually distinct responsivities to concentrations of the components. A processor captures data from the temperature detector and instruments, using the data with a model of responsivities of various concentrations of the components at various temperatures, to determine a temperature compensated concentration of the components while the liquid mixture flows continuously through the fluid flow path. |
| US08445283B2 |
Methods for producing biological substances in enzyme-deficient mutants of Aspergillus niger
The present invention relates to methods of producing a heterologous biological substance, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent Aspergillus niger strain in a medium suitable for the production of the heterologous biological substance, wherein (i) the mutant strain comprises a first nucleotide sequence encoding the heterologous biological substance and one or more second nucleotide sequences comprising a modification of glaA and at least one of the genes selected from the group consisting of asa, amyA, amyB, prtT, and oah, and (ii) the mutant strain is deficient in the production of glucoamylase and at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of acid stable alpha-amylase, neutral alpha-amylase A, and neutral alpha-amylase B, protease, and oxalic acid hydrolase compared to the parent Aspergillus niger strain when cultivated under identical conditions; and (b) recovering the heterologous biological substance from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to enzyme-deficient mutants of Aspergillus niger strains and methods for producing such mutants. |
| US08445279B2 |
Cultured cell construction containing spheroids of mesenchymal stem cells and utilization thereof
Facing no ethical obstacle and easily to be isolated, multipotent concretely mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most powerful tools in reconstructive medicine. Here the inventors introduced 3D multicelluar spheroids culture construction based on photolithography and micropatterning techniques to improve multipotent differentiation efficiency of MSCs to adult cells. This invention, the 3D spheroid cultured construction for MSCs, leads to great improve of the differentiation efficiency. This invention relates to a cultured cell construct comprising a support; at least one island on the support; a hydrophilic and cytophobic substance applied on the surface of said support so as to encircle the island; and a spheroid which is derived from MSCs, said spheroid being in contact with the island. |
| US08445278B2 |
Process for producing decellularized biological tissues
The present invention provides an electrophoretic system, apparatus, and method of use thereof for the preparation of a tissue-derived bioprosthesis. |
| US08445275B2 |
Induction of dendritic cell development with macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF)
A method of inducing dendritic cell (DC) development by administering Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (M-CSF) is provided. M-CSF induces DCs to differentiate into Subtypes, for example plasmacytoid DCs and conventional DCs. Said differentiation is independent of Fms-like-Tyrosine-Kinase 3-Ligand (FL) and/or Granulocyte-Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF). Induction with M-CSF can be achieved in vitro from hematopoietic precursors, such as bone marrow cells, or in vivo. In vitro, M-CSF-derived DCs can be used to produce cytokines and to stimulate other immune response cells. M-CSF can also be used to induce precursor cells removed from an animal to develop into DCs. In addition, these isolated DCs can be exposed to antigens to stimulate a specific immune response when reintroduced into the animal. Treatments for Cancers, such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, are also provided in the invention. |
| US08445271B2 |
Processes and kits for determining multi-drug resistance of cells
This invention relates to multi-drug resistance (MDR) in cells, and the use of certain xanthene compounds for determining drug resistance in cells and the effect of test compounds on cell membrane transport by the membrane transporters MDR1, MRP and BCRP. Processes and kits for making these determinations and measuring these effects are described and provided. |
| US08445270B2 |
Immortalized avian cell lines and use thereof
The present invention relates to specific immortalized avian cell lines expressing telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and exhibiting distinct biologics production patterns. More particularly, the present invention relates to immortalized avian cell line capable of either amplifying Flaviviridae but not capable of amplifying Vaccinia virus strain Copenhagen (VV-COP) nor Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), or capable of amplifying both Flaviviridae and Poxviridae. The invention further relates to the use of said immortalized avian cell lines and related methods for producing biologics, including viruses and proteins. |
| US08445269B2 |
Method for generating pluripotent stem cells
The present invention relates to a method for generating pluripotent stem cells and to pluripotent stem cells generated from human testis. |
| US08445268B2 |
Her-2/neu DNA vaccine having anti-cancer activity
The present invention relates to human Her-2/neu expressing plasmid constructs having anti-cancer activity and a DNA vaccine comprising same for preventing and/or treating cancer. The Her-2/neu DNA vaccines of the present invention can be effectively used as a therapeutic vaccine in reducing metastasis after tumor surgery or as a prophylactic vaccine for people with genetic high risk. |
| US08445262B2 |
Method for evaluating analyte
In an analyte evaluation method for evaluating an analyte, AC voltage is applied between a substrate electrode on a substrate and a counter electrode, and signals obtained from a marker provided on an analyte bound to the substrate electrode are observed, wherein the frequency of the AC voltage is changed and the behavior of the average value of the marker signals is observed. A novel, highly-selective, low-noise method of evaluating a object of evaluation is thus achieved. |
| US08445256B2 |
Liquid mycorrhiza compositions
The present invention relates to liquid mycorrhiza compositions and to methods for colonizing a plant, grass, tree or shrub with one or more mycorrhizas. |
| US08445254B2 |
Regulated expression of antigen and/or regulated attentuation to enhance vaccine immunogenicity and/or safety
The invention relates to compositions and methods for making and using recombinant bacteria that are capable of regulated attenuation and/or regulated expression of one or more antigens of interest. |
| US08445248B2 |
Hydrocarbon-forming oxidative decarbonylase enzyme, hydrocarbons produced thereby, and method of use
The present disclosure relates to oxidative decarbonylase enzymes, methods of making hydrocarbons with such enzymes, hydrocarbons produced therefrom and uses thereof. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to isolated polypeptide sequences that are cytochrome P450 enzymes with oxidative decarbonylase activity and methods of their use to generate hydrocarbon products, such as biofuels. |
| US08445247B2 |
Stabilization of perhydrolases
Disclosed herein are enzyme powders comprising a spray-dried formulation of at least one CE-7 esterase, at least one oligosaccharide excipient, and optionally at least one surfactant. Also disclosed herein is a process for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters using the aforementioned enzyme powders. Further, disinfectant and laundry care formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided. |
| US08445245B2 |
Mutant MT-SP1 proteases with altered substrate specificity or activity
MT-SP1 mutein proteases with altered specificity for the target molecules they cleave can be used to treat human diseases, such as cancer. Cleaving VEGF or VEGFR at certain substrate sequences with wild-type and mutein MT-SP1 proteases can be used to treat pathologies associated with angiogenesis. |
| US08445242B2 |
Perhydrolase providing improved specific activity
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications. |
| US08445234B2 |
Methods of making VEGF-D polypeptides
Disclosed herein are methods of making a VEGF-D polypeptide comprising the steps of culturing a host cell transformed or transfected with a vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the VEGF-D polypeptide operably associated with a promoter sequence such that the nucleic acid sequence encoding the VEGF-D polypeptide is expressed; and isolating the VEGF-D polypeptide from the host cell or from the growth medium in which said host cell is cultured. |