| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08913571B2 |
Cell search method for a downlink channel of an OFDMA transmission system
A cell search method in a multiple carrier wireless network includes a step of trying to select, among a list of candidate couples [carrier frequency; bandwidth], at least one candidate associated with at least one cell of the multiple carrier wireless network. The cell search method includes: a step of obtaining and ordering an initial list of possible candidate couples [carrier frequency; bandwidth] according to the multiple carrier wireless network; a step of reducing the initial list, delivering a reduced list, the reduced list including only candidates compatible with a predetermined communication mode of the multiple carrier wireless network, through a differential cross correlation of the candidate couples [carrier frequency; bandwidth] of the initial list; a cell search step in which a cross-correlation is performed by testing all time/frequency hypothesis for at least one candidate of the reduced list of candidates, delivering synchronisation information. |
| US08913567B2 |
System and method for using resources in a communication system
In a method for using resources in a communication system, a communication region is divided into inter-sector boundary regions, sector central regions, and a sector common region, and predetermined resources are allocated to the divided regions. |
| US08913565B2 |
Method and apparatus in a wireless communications system
A method in a user equipment for requesting that a base station schedule the user equipment for an uplink data transmission to the base station is provided. The user equipment comprises a buffer. Directly or indirectly responsive to receiving data into the buffer to be transmitted to the base station, the user equipment generates a scheduling request trigger. The scheduling request trigger is configured to trigger the sending of a scheduling request to the base station if the trigger is pending at the next scheduling request opportunity, and to remain pending until it is cancelled. The user equipment cancels the pending scheduling request trigger when the data is accounted for in a buffer status report, which reports the size of the buffer to the base station, or when the data is included directly in a scheduled uplink data transmission whichever occurs first. |
| US08913564B2 |
Method and system for dynamic bandwidth allocation between networks
A method and system for a communication device having a network interface card (NIC) for communicating with two networks to dynamically allocate bandwidth between or among the networks. |
| US08913559B2 |
System and method for online sign up provider selection
A mobile station selects a provider such as an online sign up (OSU) provider by receiving a pre-association message including OSU selection information from a Wi-Fi network component, such as an access point in communication with the OSU provider, and sending a selection of an OSU provider in accordance with the OSU selection information to the network component. The OSU selection information excludes identification of the OSU network provider or resource, but provides other attributes to the user, such as price or service configuration. The pre-association message may be transmitted as a beacon or using ANQP. |
| US08913558B2 |
Local routing node
Since user data from a mobile station always passes a gateway, even in communication between mobile stations in a cell of the same base station in the same mobile station system, user data is transferred to the gateway and the trombone phenomenon occurs. Traffic is concentrated in the gateway and networks near the gateway. A local routing node includes a unit for passing signaling of communication between a base station and the gateway according to a protocol of the mobile communication system, for extracting and decapsulating bearer data transferred between the base station and the gateway, and for thereby obtaining and transferring user data and a unit for encapsulating and transferring user data. The local routing node extracts bearer data, which is conventionally transferred up to the gateway, and transfers the data to the network. |
| US08913557B2 |
Distributed wireless extenders over home MoCA backbone
A technique to provide distributed wireless extenders over a MoCA specified coaxial cable backbone, in which the extenders function as wireless connection points on a network. The wireless extenders operate with a central access point controller that functions as the access point for the network, in which the extenders provide a plurality of wireless connection points for devices attempting to access the network. In one scheme, the MoCA backbone is used to transfer multimedia data using protocols such as LWAPP and CAPWAP. |
| US08913556B2 |
Reducing packet loss in a mobile data network with data breakout at the edge
A breakout system initiates RLC resets to resynchronize data communication to improve quality of experience for the user. Synchronization of radio traffic is monitored and maintained by the breakout system. When data is broken out, the RLC function is split into two different flows, between the UE and the breakout system and between the breakout system and the RNC. When the sequence numbers of the two flows become out of sync the ciphering context will become out of synchronization resulting in errors. The breakout system can initiate an RLC reset into both of these flows to resynchronize the data communication to improve user's quality of experience. |
| US08913554B2 |
Flexible provisioning of wireless resources based on morphology to support broadcasting/multicasting
A system may receive base station configuration data associated with base stations, classify the base stations into morphologies based on the base station configuration data, identify resource utilization data associated with the base stations, generate resource allocation recommendations for the base stations based on the resource utilization data and the morphologies, and transmit the resource allocation recommendations for the base stations to permit the stations to allocate resources based on the resource allocation recommendations. |
| US08913548B2 |
Method of control information for supporting relay system
A frame structure supporting a relay and a method of transmitting control information for supporting a relay system are disclosed. The method of transmitting control information for supporting a relay system comprises configuring a frame to which the relay system is applied; and transmitting a first message to one or more of a mobile station and relay stations, the first message including offset information indicating a beginning time of the frame and zone allocation information indicating configuration of the frame. In this case, a downlink zone of the frame includes a downlink transmit zone and a downlink access zone. |
| US08913547B2 |
Method for pairing terminals using dummy data
Disclosed is a method for pairing terminals using a dummy terminal, the method including selecting at least one terminal from several, pairing a channel being used by the at least one terminal with data of a dummy terminal, receiving a measurement report message from the at least one terminal, adjusting power of the at least one terminal based upon the measurement report message, and pairing the at least one terminal with another terminal so as to use a channel being used by the at least one terminal together with the another terminal if the at least one terminal is suitable for pairing. |
| US08913544B2 |
Communication control system with ad hoc wireless communication function
In a communication control apparatus wirelessly communicable with a plurality of wireless communication units respectively installed in a plurality of vehicles, a first determiner determines at least one wireless communication unit in a number of wireless communication units in the plurality of wireless communication units as a first enabling unit that enables wireless communications with the communication control apparatus if information transmitted from the at least one wireless communication unit is second type information including a piece of vehicle information that includes at least the identifier of the corresponding vehicle. A second determiner determines a wireless communication unit in the remaining one or more wireless communication units as a second enabling unit, which enables wireless communications with the communication control apparatus, if information transmitted from the wireless communication unit is not included in the information transmitted from the first enabling unit. |
| US08913543B2 |
Cooperative relaying and network coding in a cellular communications system
Cooperative relaying and network coding to implement diversity in a cellular communications system is disclosed. A primary network node diversity combines a first copy of a first packet overheard by the primary network node with a second copy of the first packet received in a network coded packet from a relay network node to form a combined first packet. |
| US08913542B2 |
Radio communication method, system and apparatus for reusing channel resource
A radio communication method includes receiving first data transmitted from a first radio communication apparatus at a second radio communication apparatus and at a third radio communication apparatus 1 being one of third radio communication apparatuses to which the second radio communication apparatus relays data transmitted from the first radio communication apparatus, transmitting second data from the first radio communication apparatus to the third radio communication apparatus 1, and relayed data of the first data from the second radio communication apparatus to a third radio communication apparatus 2 being another one of the third radio communication apparatuses, using a same channel resource, and performing a cancelling process for data in which the second data and the relayed data of the first data are mixed to extract the second data, based on the first data received in the first phase at the third radio communication apparatus 1. |
| US08913540B2 |
Triple-play protocol—a media access control layer protocol for transmissions in network-coded three node bidirectional cooperation
A method and apparatus are described including transmitting a request-to-send signal, determining if a clear-to-send signal and a reverse direction transmission request signal have been received, transmitting first data, a first block acknowledgement request signal and a reverse direction grant signal responsive to the first determination, determining if a first block acknowledgement signal, second data and a second block acknowledgement request signal have been received, transmitting a second block acknowledgement signal responsive to the second determination, determining if a third block acknowledgement signal has been received and transmitting a fourth block acknowledgement signal responsive to the third determination. Further described are a method and apparatus including listening to channels, estimating channel conditions responsive to the listening, determining if a signal has been received, determining if channel conditions are adequate to act as a relay node multicasting a relay node clear to send signal responsive to the first and second determinations and multicasting a block acknowledgement signal and data responsive to the first and second determinations. |
| US08913539B2 |
Method and apparatus for updating multicast and broadcast service system information in a wireless access system
The present description relates to a method for updating E-MBS-related system information in an idle mode state, comprising the following steps: receiving, from a base station, a first system configuration descriptor (SCD) message containing an E-MBS-related parameter; receiving, from the base station, a first message containing an indicator for indicating whether or not to change the E-MBS-related parameter; and, if the indicator indicates that the E-MBS-related parameter is to be changed, shifting from the idle mode state to a connected mode state. |
| US08913531B2 |
Method for transmitting sub-frame designation information to a downlink in a radio communication system
A method of transmitting subframe designating information in downlink in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The present invention includes generating the subframe designating information for designating a subframe of a specific type in a radio frame and transmitting the generated subframe designating information to a user equipment, wherein the subframe designating information includes initial location information indicating an initial location of the subframe of the specific type on the radio frame and period information indicating a period for the subframe of the specific type to be repeated. |
| US08913526B2 |
Signaling in wireless communication systems
A communication device includes an RF receiver that receives a combined signal including a first signal transmitted from a first node and a second signal transmitted from a second node, a channel estimator that estimates first channel information of the first signal and second channel information of the second signal, respectively, a multiuser detector that detects original signal values of the combined signal using the estimated first and second channel information and an RF transmitter that transmits a signal generated based on the values detected by the multiuser detector to the first node and the second node during a predetermined period. |
| US08913524B1 |
Selecting a particular codec list for codec negotiation
A first user device may receive a call instruction associated with a second user device; select a particular codec list from multiple codec lists stored by the first user device based on selection rule and based on receiving the call instruction; provide the particular codec list as part of a call negotiation process; and provide, using a particular codec from the particular codec list, a data flow towards the second user device via a session between the first user device and the second user device. |
| US08913522B1 |
Dynamic head of line allocation
A dynamic HOL allocation module that supports, dynamically configurable classes of service, virtual output queues that support dynamically configurable HOL blocking factors, and dynamically configurable queue assignment schemes, is described. A user may define classes of service assigned to a source port within a network switch and may configure each class of service with a set of virtual output queues, or queue set. Each queue set may be configured to include a user configured number of virtual output queues based on an HOL blocking factor, e.g., 1:1, 1:24, etc., selected by the user for the class of service. Further, the assignment scheme used to assign packets received on a source port to a class of service and the assignment scheme used to assign packets assigned to a class of service to a virtual output queue may be dynamically configurable based on day, day/time, traffic load, alarm events and/or other factors. |
| US08913521B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring the distance between nodes
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for measuring distances between nodes. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, N or more nodes among a plurality of nodes located in a network are randomly selected, n-dimensions (where N>n and n≧1) are formed by using the randomly selected N or more nodes, coordinates of other nodes are determined in the formed n-dimensional spaces by using distances between the randomly selected N or more nodes and other nodes, and distances between the plurality of nodes located in the network are calculated by using the determined coordinates. According to the present invention, the distance between nodes located in a network may be more effectively measured. |
| US08913520B2 |
Call redundancy for a packet-based network
Methods, media gateways, and computer program products are described associated with call redundancy for a packet-based network. The described call redundancy involves a receiver module in communication with the packet-based network adapted to receive or transmit data associated with a plurality of calls from one or more signaling links. The data includes signaling information based on a publicly-switched telephone network (“PSTN”) standard. A first processor module is in communication with the receiver module and is adapted to process the data associated with the plurality of calls. A second processor module is in communication with the receiver module and the first processor module. The second processor module is adapted to receive at least a portion of the data associated with the plurality of calls. At least a portion of data maintained on the second processor module is synchronized with the corresponding data processed by the first processor module. |
| US08913518B2 |
Enhanced node B, user equipment and methods for discontinuous reception in inter-ENB carrier aggregation
Embodiments of user equipment (UE) and methods for enhanced discontinuous reception (DRX) operations for inter eNB carrier aggregation (CA) in an LTE network are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a UE is configured to be served by multiple serving cells. The first set of the serving cells may be associated with a first eNB and a second set of serving cells may be associated with a second eNB. In these embodiments, DRX operations may be performed independently in multiple serving cells belonging to the different eNBs. Other embodiments for enhanced DRX operations are also described. |
| US08913514B2 |
Communication control unit and communication control system
A communication control unit and a communication control system are provided in which control devices can synchronously operate. In a communication control system in which a communication control unit and multiple control devices having an actuator to operate a control target are connected via a network, the communication control unit provides a control command to the control devices, synchronizes times of the communication control unit and the control devices, obtains communication delays relative to the control devices, collects control start times of the control devices, obtains a time by subtracting the control start time from a predetermined time as a start time of the control device, calculates a time obtained by subtracting the communication delay from the start time for each control device, and transmits the control command to the control devices before the earliest time of the calculated times. |
| US08913511B2 |
Interference management to support peer-to-peer communication in a wide area network
Techniques for performing interference management to support peer-to-peer (P2P) communication in a wide area network (WAN) are described. In an aspect, interference management may be performed in a coordinated manner for/by a set of server nodes, which may include a P2P server and at least one neighbor server node of the P2P server. The P2P server may be a UE communicating peer-to-peer with at least one other UE or P2P client. Interference management may be performed for the set of server nodes to reduce interference to the P2P server and/or the at least one P2P client. In one design, active sets may be determined for UEs. The active set of each UE may include nodes received with sufficient strength by that UE. The set of server nodes may be determined based on the active sets of the P2P server, the at least one P2P client, and possibly other UEs. |
| US08913505B2 |
PMIPv6 MAG restoration
A mechanism to permit an LMA to perform some specific handling once MAG restart is detected is disclosed. If a MAG restart is detected by the LMA, the LMA preferably will not release all corresponding binding in its cache. The LMA may select an alternative MAG which is servicing the same. Then the LMA can send a mobility message to the selected MAG. The mobility message can be triggered by the restart detection or by the received downlink data on one or more valid binding. The mobility message can contains all UE identity that has a valid binding in the LMA and the restarted MAG. |
| US08913501B2 |
Efficient urgency-aware rate control scheme for multiple bounded flows
A method for controlling a flow rate of multiple data flows at a network node on a path of the data flows includes the following steps. A private restriction token bucket (RTB) and a private guarantee token bucket (GTB) for each of the data flows and a shared token bucket (STB) common to all of the data flows are provided. n tokens are obtained from the RTBi for the data flow i when a message belonging to the data flow i arrives at the node and needs n tokens. An attempt is made to obtain n tokens from the GTBi for the data flow i and/or the STB. The message is transmitted if n tokens are obtained from the GTBi and/or from the STB, otherwise transmission of the message is delayed until n tokens are available in the GTBi and/or in the STB. |
| US08913499B2 |
Bandwidth monitoring method and its device
A bandwidth monitoring device for use in a network for transferring priority packets in preference to non priority packets as far as the amount of the priority packets is within a contract bandwidth established between a network user and a network operator, comprising a bandwidth check result decision unit for detecting whether the bandwidth of the priority packets is less than the contract bandwidth, and a DSCP decision unit for determining that a non priority packet may be transferred as a priority packet when the bandwidth of the priority packets is less than the contract bandwidth thereby to sufficiently use the contract bandwidth. |
| US08913495B2 |
Flow control for powerline communications
A method of powerline communications in a powerline communications (PLC) network including a first node and at least a second node. The first node transmits a data frame to the second node over a PLC channel. The second node has a data buffer for storing received information. The second node runs a flow control algorithm which determines a current congestion condition or a projected congestion condition of the data buffer based on at least one congestion parameter. The current congestion condition and projected congestion condition include nearly congested and fully congested. When the current or projected congestion condition is either nearly congested or fully congested, the second node transmits a BUSY including frame over the PLC channel to at least the first node. The first node defers transmitting of any frames to the second node for a congestion clearing wait time. |
| US08913488B2 |
Methods and systems for enabling end-user equipment at an end-user premise to effect communications having certain origins when an ability of the end-user equipment to communicate via a communication link connecting the end-user equipment to a communications network is disrupted
A method for effecting communications, such as telephone calls, accesses to data network sites, alarm system communications, and/or other communications, having certain origins over a communications network. The method comprises: receiving a request for a communication originated by first end-user equipment at a first end-user premise when an ability of the first end-user equipment to communicate via a first communication link connecting the first end-user equipment to the communications network is disrupted; determining, based on an origin of the communication, that the communication is to be effected over the communications network; and causing information pertaining to the communication to be exchanged between the first end-user equipment and the communications network via a wireless communication link established between the first end-user equipment and second end-user equipment at a second end-user premise and a second communication link connecting the second end-user equipment to the communications network. Also provided are apparatus and computer-readable media containing a program element executable by a computing system to perform such a method. |
| US08913486B2 |
System, method, computer program for multidirectional pathway selection
The present invention is a system, method and computer program product operable to select a pathway for a communication signal within a network between two end points. The pathway may be selected based on one or more parameters that may be monitored or measured at either, or both, of the two end points. Should one or more of the parameters indicate an imminent network connection failure, the communication signal may be transferred from a primary communication connection to a second communication connection. The present invention may distinguish false from true positive detections and may undertake a transfer of a communication signal within a short response time, so as to support real-time applications. The present invention may manage the pathway to support communication between the two end points at any given time. Such communications may occur in two directions, therefore the management of the pathway can happen in two directions. |
| US08913485B2 |
Open shortest path first (OSPF) nonstop routing (NSR) with link derivation
OSPF NSR with link derivation synchronization is described. When a network element having an active OSPF instance and a standby OSPF instance attempts to create a FULL adjacency with a neighbor network element using a neighbor data structure of the active OSPF instance, and if and when a switch causes the second OSPF instance to act as the active OSPF instance, neighbor information is retrieved from the LSAs of the standby OSPF instance and a link is derived between the network element and the neighbor network element based on the retrieved neighbor information. In one embodiment, the standby OSPF instance retrieves virtual neighbor information from its LSAs and derives a virtual link between the network element and the neighbor network element based on the retrieved virtual neighbor information without having to synchronize the neighbor information between the active and standby OSPF instance. |
| US08913475B2 |
Data detecting device, reproducing device, and data detecting method
A data detecting device includes a multi-input adaptive equalizer, a binarizing unit, and an equalization error calculating unit. The multi-input adaptive equalizer includes a plurality of adaptive equalizers and outputs a reproduction information signal from a target track and a reproduction information signal from a close track close to the target track as equalization signals by calculating outputs of the adaptive equalizers, the reproduction information signals being input to the adaptive equalizers, respectively as reproduction information signals. The binarizing unit obtains binarized data by performing a binarization process on the equalization signals. The equalization error calculating unit obtains an equalization error from an equalization target signal obtained from the binarization result of the binarizing unit and an equalization signal output from the multi-input adaptive equalizer, and supplies the equalization error as a tap coefficient control signal for equalization to the adaptive equalizers. |
| US08913472B2 |
Data capture device and method thereof
A data capture device including a signal processing unit, a frequency locked circuit and a match circuit is provided. The signal processing unit converts a radio frequency signal to a return-to-zero signal. The frequency locked circuit estimates a minimum interval length by the return-to-zero signal in a plurality of detecting periods, and generates an enable signal according to the minimum interval length and the return-to-zero signal. The frequency locked circuit determines whether to calibrate the enable signal according to a distribution of a plurality of enable pulses in the enable signal to generate a sampling signal. The match circuit samples the return-to-zero signal by the sampling signal and generates a synchronization signal according to a sampling result. The match circuit generates a composite synchronization signal by a virtual signal and the synchronization signal, and captures a plurality of row data from the return-to-zero signal according to the composite synchronization signal. |
| US08913467B2 |
Timepiece with mechanical cards
A timepiece is equipped with a novel type of entertainment, that is a mechanical card game. The timepiece includes: a dial (10) provided with a plurality of windows (12); systems (14) for opening and closing at least some of the windows (12), actuated by control bodies; a plurality of display disks (16) carrying representations of cards to be played, to be visible via the windows (12), the disks being pivoted on axes that are perpendicular to the plane of the dial (10); and a system (18) for rotating the disks and stopping them at random. |
| US08913464B2 |
Methods and systems for seismic signal detection
Methods and systems utilizing seismic sensors configured or designed for use in seismic signal detection. The seismic sensors output displacement signals of a displacement sensor superimposed on velocity signals generated by a moving coil of the seismic sensors. |
| US08913461B2 |
Televiewer image wood-grain reduction techniques
Measurements made by a transducer assembly for downhole imaging are affected by reverberations between the transducer and the window on the outside of the assembly. The reverberations result in a stationary noise on the image. Hardware solutions to improve signal-to-noise ratio includes using a composite transducer, adjusting the distance between the transducer and the window. SNR can also be improved by processing techniques that include stacking, fitting a sinusoid to the reverberation, by envelope peak detection, and by applying a notch filter. |
| US08913460B2 |
Methods and apparatus to calculate a distance from a borehole to a boundary of an anisotropic subterranean rock layer
A disclosed example method includes providing, in a borehole, a transmitter (Tx) and receivers (Rxs) spaced linearly from Tx at known distances, measuring linear propagation times (LPts) for a signal to propagate from Tx to each of Rxs, determining an inline velocity (VINL) based on LPts, measuring reflection times (Rts) for a signal to propagate from Tx to each of the Rxs via a boundary, for each of Rts, providing a time-distance anisotropic velocity (TDAV) relationship depending on an effective signal velocity (ESV) in an anisotropic formation adjacent the boundary as a function of reflection angle for the reflection time signal to the boundary, VINL and orthogonal velocity, performing semblance processing to combine the TDAV relationships with VINL for a best-fit calculation of the ESVs for the different reflection angles of the reflection time signals, and calculating a distance for the corresponding receiver to the boundary on the calculation. |
| US08913458B2 |
Integrity check of measured signal trace data
A method of monitoring signals is disclosed, wherein a plurality of command signals and address signals are consecutively expressed, as a measurement target. The method includes setting a strobe timing that has a predetermined initial value; calculating an error rate by monitoring the plurality of command signals, in accordance with the strobe timing; monitoring the plurality of address signals, and calculating a burst rate from a difference between the consecutive plurality of address signals, in accordance with the strobe timing; identifying timing where the calculated error rate and calculated burst rate are both optimized; and in the event the timing where both the calculated error rate and calculated burst rate are optimized cannot be identified, altering a predetermined value of the set strobe timing, and repeating the calculating, monitoring, and identifying. |
| US08913456B2 |
SRAM with improved write operation
A memory including an array of memory cells, word lines, and voltage supply lines. Each voltage supply line of the plurality of voltage supply lines is coupled to a first voltage supply terminal of a subset of memory cells of subsets of memory cells of the array. Each memory cell of the array is coupled to a word line. The memory includes a row decoder that controls a voltage on each of the word lines and controls a voltage on each of the voltage supply lines. The row decoder provides a low voltage state voltage on one of the voltage supply lines during a write operation to a subset of memory cells coupled to the voltage supply line and the row decoder provides a high voltage state voltage to the voltage supply line during a read operation of the subset of the memory cells. |
| US08913445B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting drain bias of a memory cell with addressed and neighbor bits
The storage layer such as a nitride layer of a nonvolatile memory cell has two storage parts storing separately addressable data, typically respectively proximate to the source terminal and the drain terminal. The applied drain voltage while sensing the data of one of the storage parts depends on the data stored at the other storage part. If the data stored at the other storage part is represented by a threshold voltage exceeding a minimum threshold voltage, then the applied drain voltage is raised. This technology is useful in read operations and program verify operations to widen the threshold voltage window. |
| US08913443B2 |
Voltage regulation for 3D packages and method of manufacturing same
Structures and related processes for effectively regulating power among slave chips in a 3D memory multichip package that employs TSVs for interlevel chip connections. Individual voltage regulators are employed on one or more of the slave chips for accurate level control of internal voltages, for example, word line driver voltage (VPP), back bias voltage (VBB), data line voltage (VDL), and bit line pre-charge voltage/cell plate voltage (VBLP/VPL). Employing regulators on one or more of the slave chips not only allows for precise regulation of power levels during typical memory stack operation, but also provides tolerance in small variations in power levels caused, for example, by manufacturing process variations. Moreover, less chip real estate is used as compared to techniques that provide complete power generators on each chip of a multichip stack. |
| US08913441B2 |
Enhanced glitch filter
A glitch circuit includes an SR flip-flop where a received input clock is operatively coupled to set and reset inputs of the flip-flop, respectively. A configurable delay circuit receives an input signal, and an output of the delay circuit provides a delayed signal. The configurable delay circuit includes a plurality of switchable taps, each providing an increment of delay to the input signal. The delay circuit input is operatively coupled to an output of the flip flop, and an output of the delay circuit is operatively coupled to the inputs of the flip-flop. The glitch circuit captures a first signal transition of the input clock and blocks all other transitions from propagating through the flip-flop during a selected delay period so as to provide on an output of the flip-flop, the glitch-free output clock. |
| US08913438B2 |
Adaptive architecture in a channel detector for NAND flash channels
An apparatus comprising a memory configured to store data and a controller. The controller may be configured to process a plurality of input/output requests to read/write to/from the memory. The controller is configured to (i) set a value of a threshold voltage based on an estimate, (ii) determine whether the read is successful, (iii) if the read is not successful, perform a plurality of reads with a varying value of the threshold voltage, (iv) read a calibration value from a look-up table based on the plurality of reads and (v) set the threshold value in response to the calibration value. |
| US08913435B2 |
Method and device for programming data into non-volatile memories
A device includes a non-volatile memory and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to change over programming of data of the non-volatile memory from a first programming mode to a second, different programming mode based on the occurrence of a control signal. |
| US08913434B2 |
Non-volatile memory device and method for driving the same
A non-volatile memory device and a method for driving the same are disclosed. During a precharge operation, the bit line is precharged on the basis of a voltage applied to a common source line. The bit line is precharged or not precharged based on whether or not a selected memory cell is in an erased state or a program state. |
| US08913432B2 |
Programming select gate transistors and memory cells using dynamic verify level
Programming accuracy is increased for select gate transistors and memory cells by using a dynamic verify voltage which increases from an initial level to a final level during a programming operation. Faster-programming transistors are locked out from programming before slower-programming transistors, but experience program disturb which increases their threshold voltage to a common level with the slower-programming transistors at the conclusion of the programming operation. For programming of memory cells to different target data states, an offset between the initial and final verify levels can be different for each data state. In one approach, the offset is greater for lower target data states. The increases in the dynamic verify voltage can be progressively smaller with each subsequent program-verify iteration of the programming operation. The start of the increase can be adapted to the programming progress or can be at a predetermined program-verify iteration. |
| US08913423B2 |
Reducing source loading effect in spin torque transfer magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-MRAM)
An apparatus includes a memory cell including a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure coupled between a bit line and a source line. The MTJ structure includes a free layer coupled to the bit line and a pinned layer. A magnetic moment of the free layer is substantially parallel to a magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a first state and substantially antiparallel to the magnetic moment of the pinned layer in a second state. A physical dimension of the pinned layer produces an unbalanced offset magnetic field which corresponds to a first switching current of the MTJ structure that enables switching from the first state to the second state when a first voltage is applied to the bit line and corresponds to a second switching current that enables switching from the second state to the first state when the first voltage is applied to the source line. |
| US08913421B2 |
Writing to a memory cell
In a method, various operations are performed based on a voltage line coupled with a plurality of memory cells. Storage nodes of the plurality of memory cells are caused to change to a first logical value. Another first logical value is applied to a plurality of data lines. Each data line of the plurality of data lines carries data for each memory cell of the plurality of memory cells. A control line of the plurality of memory cells is activated. A first voltage value is applied to the voltage line. The first voltage value causes the another first logical value on the plurality of data lines to be transferred to the storage nodes of the plurality of memory cells. |
| US08913415B2 |
Circuit and system for using junction diode as program selector for one-time programmable devices
Junction diodes fabricated in standard CMOS logic processes can be used as program selectors for One-Time Programmable (OTP) devices, such as electrical fuse, contact/via fuse, contact/via anti-fuse, or gate-oxide breakdown anti-fuse, etc. The OTP device has at least one OTP element coupled to at least one diode in a memory cell. The diode can be constructed by P+ and N+ active regions in a CMOS N well, or on an isolated active region as the P and N terminals of the diode. The isolation between P+ and the N+ active regions of the diode in a cell or between cells can be provided by dummy MOS gate, SBL, or STI/LOCOS isolations. The OTP element can be polysilicon, silicided polysilicon, silicide, metal, metal alloy, local interconnect, thermally isolated active region, CMOS gate, or combination thereof. |
| US08913411B2 |
Method for modifying data more than once in a multi-level cell memory location within a memory array
A method and apparatus for marking a block of multi-level memory cells for performance of a block management function by programming at least one bit in a lower page of the memory cell block such that a first logic state is stored in the at least one bit in the lower page; programming at least one bit in an upper page of the memory cell block such that the first logic state is stored in the at least one bit in the upper page; reprogramming the at least one bit in the upper page such that the at least one bit transitions from the first logic state to a second logic state; identifying the first logic state in the at least one bit of a lower page and the transition of at least one corresponding bit in the upper page from the first logic state to the second logic state; and in response, marking the corresponding memory cell block for performance of a block management function. |
| US08913409B2 |
Self-driven AC-DC synchronous rectifier for power applications
Systems, methods, and devices that employ self-driven gate-drive circuitry to facilitate controlling power switches to emulate a diode bridge to synchronously rectify a power signal are presented. A single-phase or multi-phase synchronous rectifier can comprise at least a first pair of switches of a first conducting path and a second pair of switches of a second conducting path that can form or emulate a diode bridge. To facilitate emulating turn-on and turn-off conditions of a diode, a switch can be turned on when voltage across the switch is forward-biased and turned off when switch current is reversed; also, there can be at least one current-controlled switch in each conducting path. Self-driven gate-drive circuitry employs low power components that can facilitate controlling respective switching of the at least first pair and second pair of switches, wherein switching of the switches is also controlled at start-up to emulate a diode bridge. |
| US08913407B2 |
Method and apparatus to regulate an output voltage of a power converter at light/no load conditions
An example controller for a primary side control power converter includes a feedback circuit, a driver circuit, and an adjustable voltage reference circuit. The feedback circuit compares a feedback signal representative of a bias winding voltage of the power converter with a voltage reference. The driver circuit outputs a switching signal having a switching period to control a switch to regulate an output of the power converter in response to the feedback signal and enables or disables a switching period based on the output of the feedback circuit. The adjustable voltage reference circuit adjusts the voltage reference by a first amount in response to a first number of disabled switching periods indicating a first load condition at the output of the power converter and by a second amount in response to a second number of disabled switching periods indicating a second load condition at the output of the power converter. |
| US08913405B2 |
Power converting apparatus generating a carrier having a waveform in which an absolute value of a slope is constant with respect to time, based on a value for internally dividing amplitude of the waveform into first and second values
A power converting apparatus generates a carrier having a waveform in which an absolute value of a slope is constant with respect to time, based on a value for internally dividing amplitude of the waveform into first and second values. Commutation of a converter is performed when the carrier takes a reference. Adoption is allowed of a zero voltage vector as a switching mode of an inverter in a period in which the carrier takes a first command value to a second command value. A value for internally dividing a value from the reference to a maximum value of the carrier at a ratio between a third value and a fourth value is the first command value. A value for internally dividing a value from a minimum value of the carrier to the reference at a ratio between the third value and the fourth value is the second command value. |
| US08913403B2 |
Power converter
A power converter is described which is comprised of a filter circuit component including a reactor and capacitor wherein the reactor includes a core which consists of a magnetic substance which is disposed around a conductive wiring member, a noise generating component which radiates noise wherein the noise generating components are disposed adjacently to the filter circuit component and a shielding plate which shields out the radiating noise. The shielding plate is disposed between the filter circuit component and the noise generating component. The conductive wiring member and the shielding plate are composed as one body electrically insulated from each other. |
| US08913399B2 |
Printed circuit board and probe therewith
Disclosed herein are a printed circuit board (PCB) and a probe including the same. The probe includes a transducer, a PCB having a pattern part contacting the transducer via face-to-face contact, and a bonding member bonding the transducer to the pattern part of the PCB. The bonding part of the PCB is provided with the pattern part to increase a bonding area of the bonding part and to allow the bonding member to contact not only a metal layer of the bonding part but also an electrical insulation part thereof, thereby improving a bonding force between the transducer and the PCB. As a result, the transducer can be reliably bonded to the PCB, so that performance of the transducer can be prevented from being deteriorated due to defective connection between the PCB and the transducer. |
| US08913398B2 |
Mount board and electronic device
An object of the present invention is to allow stress that may be applied to a semiconductor package to be suppressed, when the semiconductor package is mounted on a curved board. In a mount board 1, a semiconductor package 20 is mounted on a curved board 10 including a curved surface on at least a portion thereof. The curved board 10 includes a pedestal portion 13a disposed on a region of the curved surface portion where the semiconductor package 20 is mounted and having an upper surface thereof formed flat, and a plurality of pad portions 15a disposed on the flat surface of the pedestal portion 13a. The pedestal portion 13a is formed of an insulating material. The semiconductor package 20 is mounted on the pad portions 15a. |
| US08913397B2 |
Power source control circuit module
In a power source control circuit module, switching regulator devices and a linear regulator device are mounted on a surface of a laminated body so as to be spaced from each other. In an interface between dielectric layers of the laminated body, first to fifth internal ground electrodes separated by an electrode non-formation portion are provided. The first, second, fourth, and fifth internal ground electrode are connected to the respective switching regulator devices. The third internal ground electrode is connected to the linear regulator device. The first to fifth internal ground electrodes are connected to respective different external ground terminals. |
| US08913394B2 |
Electrical components coupled to circuit boards
The present invention can facilitate the coupling between electrical components and a circuit board after the circuit board is inserted into a housing of an electronic device. An electrical component can be integrated with a flexible circuit of another electrical component. The flexible circuit can be electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit board after the circuit board is inserted into the housing. Alternatively, electrical contacts can be disposed on a body of the electrical component and a complementary set of electrical contacts can be disposed on the circuit board. When the circuit board is disposed within a receptacle of the electrical component, the electrical contacts on the electrical component are coupled directly to the electrical contacts on the circuit board. |
| US08913392B1 |
Locking / indication system
A lockable infrastructure includes a frame assembly, including a first portion of an electrical connector, configured for use within an IT infrastructure. A module assembly, including a second portion of the electrical connector, is configured to be removably positionable within the frame assembly. An indication system is configured to visually indicate the position of the module assembly within the frame assembly. |
| US08913391B2 |
Board-level heat transfer apparatus for communication platforms
An apparatus, comprising a rack and a cooler. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of electronic circuit boards located in corresponding slots of the rack, each of the electronic circuit boards being held against a portion of the cooler by a corresponding force, some of the electronic circuit boards having a localized heat source thereon The apparatus also comprises a plurality of heat spreaders, each heat spreader configured to form a heat conducting path over and adjacent to one of the electronic circuit boards from one or more of the localized heat sources thereon to the portion of the cooler. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of compliant thermal interface pads, each of the pads being compressed between end of one of the heat spreaders and the portion of the cooler to form a heat conduction path therebetween. |
| US08913389B2 |
Heat radiation device and electronic equipment using the same
Disclosed is a heat radiation device, which is in contact with a first heat-producing component having a higher value of guaranteed temperature and a second heat-producing component having a lower value of guaranteed temperature, and the heat radiation device comprises a metal member provided with a slit. The metal member is divided by the slit to have two heat radiation regions, a first heat radiation region and a second heat radiation region that are loosely coupled with each other in terms of heat conduction. The first heat-producing component is placed in contact with the first heat radiation region, and the second heat-producing component is placed in contact with the second heat radiation region. |
| US08913388B2 |
Thermally conductive flexible member for heat transfer
An example embodiment includes a thermal conduction system for dissipating thermal energy generated by operation of an optical subassembly that disposed within a shell of a communication module. The thermal conduction system can include a thermally conductive flexible member that contacts the optical subassembly and to contact the shell of the communication module. By contacting the optical subassembly and the shell, the thermal energy generated by operation of the optical subassembly can transfer from the optical subassembly to the shell. The thermally conductive flexible member defines thermally conductive flexible member holes that correspond to pins extending from the optical subassembly. The pins pass through the thermally conductive flexible member holes enabling the thermally conductive flexible member to contact the optical subassembly. |
| US08913384B2 |
Thermal transfer structures coupling electronics card(s) to coolant-cooled structure(s)
Cooling apparatuses and coolant-cooled electronic systems are provided which include thermal transfer structures configured to engage with a spring force one or more electronics cards with docking of the electronics card(s) within a respective socket(s) of the electronic system. A thermal transfer structure of the cooling apparatus includes a thermal spreader having a first thermal conduction surface, and a thermally conductive spring assembly coupled to the conduction surface of the thermal spreader and positioned and configured to reside between and physically couple a first surface of an electronics card to the first surface of the thermal spreader with docking of the electronics card within a socket of the electronic system. The thermal transfer structure is, in one embodiment, metallurgically bonded to a coolant-cooled structure and facilitates transfer of heat from the electronics card to coolant flowing through the coolant-cooled structure. |
| US08913382B2 |
Server
A server includes a rack, at least one server unit, at least one communication exchange unit, at least one rack control unit and an electric power transmission unit. The rack has a plurality of shelving spaces. The server unit, the communication exchange unit, and the rack control unit are moved into or moved out of a corresponding shelving space along a horizontal axis, respectively. The server unit is communicatively connected to the communication exchange unit, and communicates with the rack control unit through the communication exchange unit. The electric power transmission unit is disposed in the rack and runs adjacent to the shelving spaces along a vertical axis. After the server unit, the communication exchange unit and the rack control unit are moved into corresponding shelving spaces, the server unit, the communication exchange unit and the rack control unit are electrically connected to the electric power transmission unit. |
| US08913381B2 |
Cold row encapsulation for server farm cooling system
A server cooling device is described that includes an enclosure defining an interior space and at least one server rack port configured to engage a rack such that one or more rack mounted units installed in the rack interface with the interior space. The server cooling device also includes a mixing chamber including one or more cooling coils that is connected to the interior space defined by the enclosure. |
| US08913374B2 |
Protective cover and electronic device therewith
A protective cover includes a base, a first member, and a second member. The base includes a sliding portion in an axis direction of the base. The first member includes a first sliding slot and a first fixing portion. The first fixing portion is fixed on a casing of an electronic device. The first sliding slot cooperates with the sliding portion to make the first member slide on the base in the axis direction between a position the first member overlapping the base and a position the first member being stretched out from the base, so as to adjust a length of the protecting cover. The second member is disposed on the base and includes a second fixing portion. The second fixing portion is used for being fixed on the casing. |
| US08913373B2 |
Housing and electronic device
Provided are a housing and an electronic device that ensure sufficient strength even when reduced in thickness. A carbon fiber layer included in the housing is disposed such that the orientation direction of carbon fibers is perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the long sides of a back face panel, thus enabling improving the flexural strength of the back face panel. This enables increases in the number of carbon fibers per unit of area of the back face panel, and enables the length of each carbon fiber to be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to cause the carbon fibers to flex less readily, thus enabling improving the strength in the flexing direction of the back face panel. |
| US08913372B2 |
Power switch receiving module
A receiving module is disclosed for building into a switching cabinet, with a primary circuit mating contact element. To improve the coupling of a power switch, especially a low-voltage power switch, to a receiving module, it is proposed in at least one embodiment that the receiving module also has a communication mating contact element, wherein the receiving module can directly receive a power switch, so that a primary circuit contact element of the power switch is directly electrically-conductively connected to the primary circuit mating contact element and a communication contact element of the power switch is directly electrically-conductively connected to the communication mating contact element, wherein the communication mating contact element is arranged in relation to the primary circuit mating contact element such that, in a first receiving position of the power switch in the receiving module the communication contact element is electrically-conductively connected to the communication mating contact element and the primary circuit mating contact element is not electrically-conductively connected to the primary circuit contact element and in a second receiving position of the power switch in the receiving module the primary circuit mating contact element is directly electrically-conductively connected to the primary circuit contact element and the communication mating contact element is directly electrically-conductively connected to the communication contact element. |
| US08913369B2 |
Electrolytic solution for aluminum electrolytic capacitor, and aluminum electrolytic capacitor
Disclosed are an aluminum electrolytic capacitor having low impedance properties and a long service life, and an electrolytic solution which enables to give such capacitor. The electrolytic solution contains a solvent containing water, a phosphorus oxoacid ion-generating compound which can generate a phosphorus oxoacid ion in an aqueous solution, and a chelating agent which can coordinate with aluminum to form an aqueous aluminum chelate complex. The electrolytic solution further contains a compound selected from the group consisting of azelaic acid and an azelaic acid salt, and a compound selected from the group consisting of formic acid, a formic acid salt, adipic acid, an adipic acid salt, glutaric acid and a glutaric acid salt. The content of azelaic acid and/or the azelaic acid salt is at least 0.03 moles per kg of the solvent. When the electrolytic solution is used in an electrolytic capacitor which utilizes an anode having an aluminum oxide film containing phosphorus in an amount of 30 to 150 mg per unit CV product in terms of phosphoric acid, the service life of the capacitor is remarkably prolonged. |
| US08913368B2 |
Three-dimensional network aluminum porous body, electrode using the aluminum porous body, and nonaqueous electrolyte battery, capacitor using nonaqueous electrolytic solution and lithium-ion capacitor using nonaqueous electrolytic solution, each using the electrode
A three-dimensional network aluminum porous body in which the amount of aluminum forming a skeleton of the three-dimensional network aluminum porous body is uneven in the thickness direction, and a current collector and an electrode each using the aluminum porous body, and a manufacturing method thereof. In such a sheet-shaped three-dimensional network aluminum porous body for a current collector, the amount of aluminum forming a skeleton of the three-dimensional network aluminum porous body is uneven in the thickness direction. For example, in the case where a cross section in the thickness direction of the three-dimensional network aluminum porous body is divided into three regions of a region 1, a region 2 and a region 3 in this order, each region is configured so that the average of the amounts of aluminum in the region 1 and the region 3 differs from the amount of aluminum in the region 2. |
| US08913367B2 |
Multilayered ceramic capacitor and method of manufacturing the same
There is provided a multilayered ceramic capacitor including: a ceramic body; a plurality of first and second internal electrodes having first and second lead-out portions overlapped with each other, respectively, and exposed to one surface of the ceramic body; first and second external electrodes formed on one surface of the ceramic body and electrically connected to the first and second lead-out portions, respectively; and an insulating layer formed on one surface of the ceramic body to cover exposed portions of the first and second lead-out portions, wherein the first lead-out portion has a first overlap increase part of which a forward edge has an inclined surface, and the second lead-out portion has a second overlap increase part of which a forward edge has an inclined surface. |
| US08913366B1 |
Virtual photon power converter
A Virtual Photon Energy Amplification circuit for harnessing force or electrical energy from virtual photons existing in a quantum state by means of a discrete electric field circuit and a discrete magnetic field circuit having a capacitor transformer circuitry arrangement therein. |
| US08913363B2 |
Overcurrent protection circuit and overcurrent protection method
An overcurrent protection circuit includes: a determiner configured to determine whether or not the switch current exceeds a predetermined threshold, that is, the switch current is an overcurrent state when the switching element is turned ON; an OFF period setting counter configured to increase or decrease a counter output depending on a determination result of the determiner; and a drive signal generator configured to generate a drive signal of the switching element such that a length of an ON timing interval of the switching element corresponds to the counter output of the OFF period setting counter. |
| US08913362B2 |
Diode protection of cascoded mixed-voltage transistors
A mixed-voltage circuit employs a higher-voltage transistor in series connection with a lower-voltage transistor. To protect the lower-voltage transistor from transient overvoltage events, a series of one or more diodes is connected between the current terminals (i.e., the source and drain terminals) of the lower-voltage transistor so as to limit the voltage across the lower-voltage transistor. This diode protection mechanism also may be provided between the gate terminal and a current terminal of the lower-voltage transistor so as to protect against an overvoltage event at the gate of the lower-voltage transistor. In this manner, the mixed-voltage circuit can provide the performance benefits of mixed use of lower-voltage and higher-voltage transistors while reducing the risk of damaging the lower-voltage transistors due to the use of the higher-voltage power supply needed for operation of the mixed-voltage circuit. |
| US08913360B2 |
Controllers, power supplies and control methods
Power supplies together with related over voltage protection methods and apparatuses. A power supply has a transformer including a primary winding and an auxiliary winding. A power switch is coupled to the primary winding and a sensing resistor coupled between the power switch and a grounding line. A multi-function terminal of a controller is coupled to the sensing resistor. A diode and a first resistor is coupled between the auxiliary winding and the multi-function terminal. |
| US08913358B2 |
Latch-up immune ESD protection
An ESD module is presented. The ESD module includes an ESD circuit and a latch-up (LU) control circuit. The ESD circuit has a pad terminal and a low power source terminal. The LU control circuit includes a first LU terminal coupled to a high power source and an LU output terminal coupled to the ESD circuit. The ESD module has first and second operating modes. In the first operating mode, the LU control circuit is deactivated and the ESD circuit has a first triggering current It1 which is less than 100 mA. In the second operating mode, the LU control circuit is activated and the ESD circuit has a second triggering current It2 which is greater than 100 mA. |
| US08913355B2 |
Totally insulated switched mode power supply
A totally insulated switched mode power supply for producing a supply voltage for an electrical device, wherein the switched mode power supply includes a first and a second electrical conductor, of which one electrical conductor is for connection to a phase conductor and the other electrical conductor is for connection to a neutral conductor of a grounded AC or three-phase power supply system, and includes Y capacitors for asymmetrical interference suppression of the switched mode power supply such that measures are provided for reducing fault currents or leakage currents. |
| US08913353B2 |
Method and system for detecting fault of serial coil type permanent magnet motor
A method and system for detecting a fault of a serial coil type permanent magnet motor includes driving the motor based on a predefined current reference value, detecting a phase current vector of the motor, and calculating a current compensation value for removing a negative sequence component of the motor based on the phase current vector. The current compensation value is provided to a negative sequence current controller for calculating a faulty phase and a degree of a fault of the motor using the output of the negative sequence current controller and a fault model to which induced magnetic flux variations in a specific slot of a specific faulty phase of the motor and other slots of the same phase as the specific phase are applied, and applying a current reference value to which the calculated faulty phase and degree of fault are applied. |
| US08913352B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting a desaturation fault in an inverter module
A method for monitoring an inverter module for a multi-phase electric motor/generator includes deactivating operation of the inverter module, monitoring voltage on a high-voltage bus configured to supply electric power to the inverter module, detecting occurrence of a true fault when a change in the voltage on the high-voltage bus is greater than a predetermined threshold, and detecting occurrence of a false fault when the change in the voltage on the high-voltage bus is less than the predetermined threshold. |
| US08913351B2 |
Magnetoresistance effect element, magnetic head, magnetic head assembly, and magnetic recording and reproducing device
According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistance effect element includes first and second shields, a stacked body and a hard bias unit. The stacked body includes first and second magnetic layers, an intermediate layer and a first Ru layer. A magnetization of the first magnetic layer is changeable. A magnetization of the second magnetic layer is changeable. The intermediate layer is nonmagnetic. The first Ru layer is provided between the first shield and the first magnetic layer. A thickness of the first Ru layer is not less than 1.5 nanometers and not more than 2.5 nanometers. The hard bias unit is provided between the first shield and the second shield. A first direction from the first shield toward the second shield intersects a second direction from the stacked body toward the hard bias unit. |
| US08913350B2 |
Method and system for providing magnetic tunneling junction elements having improved performance through capping layer induced perpendicular anisotropy and memories using such magnetic elements
A method and system for providing a magnetic element and a magnetic memory utilizing the magnetic element are described. The magnetic element is used in a magnetic device that includes a contact electrically coupled to the magnetic element. The method and system include providing pinned, nonmagnetic spacer, and free layers. The free layer has an out-of-plane demagnetization energy and a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy corresponding to a perpendicular anisotropy energy that is less than the out-of-plane demagnetization energy. The nonmagnetic spacer layer is between the pinned and free layers. The method and system also include providing a perpendicular capping layer adjoining the free layer and the contact. The perpendicular capping layer induces at least part of the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in the free layer. The magnetic element is configured to allow the free layer to be switched between magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic element. |
| US08913349B2 |
CPP-type magnetoresistance effect element and magnetic disk device using side shield layers
An MR element includes an MR part and upper and lower shield layers in a CPP structure. The MR element has side shield layers so as to interpose the MR part between the side shield layers in a track width direction. The MR part comprises a nonmagnetic intermediate layer and first and second ferromagnetic layers so as to interpose the nonmagnetic intermediate layer between the ferromagnetic layers. Each of the upper and lower shield layers has an inclined magnetization structure such that its magnetization is inclined relative to the track width direction. The side shield layers are magnetically coupled with the upper shield layer, respectively. The second ferromagnetic layer is indirectly magnetically coupled with the lower shield layer via an exchange-coupling functional gap layer. The side shield layer applies a bias magnetic field to the first ferromagnetic layer; and magnetizations of the first and second ferromagnetic layers are substantially orthogonal. |
| US08913347B2 |
Disk drive suspension in which a pivot center of a slider can be matched with a position of a supporting protrusion when a microactuator element is driven
A gimbal portion of a flexure is provided with first supporting portions to which first end portions of microactuator elements are secured and second supporting portions to which second end portions are secured. A first tongue portion is formed between the pair of first supporting portions. A leading-side portion of a slider is movably disposed on the first tongue portion. A second tongue portion is formed between the pair of second supporting portions. A trailing-side portion of the slider is secured to the second tongue portion. A narrow hinge portion is formed between the first and second tongue portions. The tongue portions are pivotably connected by the hinge portion. The distal end of a dimple contacts the hinge portion at a point of contact. |
| US08913346B2 |
Suspension for a disk drive including a load beam having a recess containing a damper, and method for manufacturing suspension
A suspension for supporting a magnetic head is provided with a load beam formed of a thin-plate spring. A recess for accommodating a damper is formed in the load beam. The damper is affixed to a bottom surface of the recess. |
| US08913343B2 |
Rotating device using a fluid dynamic bearing with magnet and suction plate
A disk drive device comprises: a hub; a base rotatably supporting the hub via a bearing; a core fixed to the base; a cylindrical magnet fixed to the hub; and a suction plate fixed to the base, the suction plate being arranged to face the cylindrical magnet in a direction along the rotational axis and made of magnetic material. The suction plate is arranged so that the minimum distance between the suction plate and the rotational axis is greater than the minimum distance between the cylindrical magnet and the rotational axis. A projection area created by projecting the cylindrical magnet onto a plane that is perpendicular to the rotational axis partially overlaps a projection area created by projecting the suction plate onto the plane. |
| US08913340B2 |
Systems and methods for writing servo patterns
A method for writing a servo track according to one embodiment comprises monitoring a lateral position of a magnetic tape passing over a servo writing head during a servo track writing operation; and writing servo marks to the magnetic tape, a timing of the writing of each mark being based on the monitored position of the magnetic tape. A system for writing a servo track according to one embodiment comprises a servo writing head for writing servo marks onto a magnetic tape; a device for optically monitoring a position of the magnetic tape during a servo track writing operation; and a controller for controlling a timing of the writing of the servo marks to the magnetic tape based on the monitored position of the magnetic tape. Additional systems and methods are also presented. |
| US08913339B2 |
Systems and methods for adaptive gain control
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, a data processing system is discussed that includes: an analog to digital converter circuit, a data detector circuit, a filter circuit, an error generation circuit, and a target parameter adaptation circuit. The analog to digital converter circuit converts an analog input into corresponding digital samples. The data detector circuit applies a data detection algorithm to a data set derived from the digital samples to yield a detected output. The filter circuit convolves the detected output with a target parameter to yield a target output. The error generation circuit calculates an error value based on the digital samples and the target output. The target parameter adaptation circuit updates the target parameter based at least in part on the error value. |
| US08913337B2 |
Controlling transportation of tape medium
High performance is obtained without preventing achievement of a target read data rate.In a controller 16 of a tape drive, a command processing unit 41 receives a synchronization command, and a buffer management unit 42 passes data in a buffer to a channel input-output unit 43. Then, upon completion of writing the data to the tape, a backhitch determination unit 44 determines whether or not to execute backhitch. If it is determined that backhitch should be skipped, the speed determination unit 46 determines a tape speed that minimizes a sum of a time required to write data without backhitch within a range where a data amount of a monitor target is to be written in order to achieve a target read data rate, and a time required to write data with backhitch within the range. Then, an operation signal output unit 49 issues an instruction to change the tape speed to the determined tape speed after execution of backhitch. |
| US08913336B2 |
Constrained on-the-fly interleaver address generator circuits, systems, and methods
An interleave address generation circuit includes a plurality of linear feedback shift registers operable to generate addresses for permuting a data block in a first domain to a data block in a second domain on a subword basis. The interleave address generation circuit is operable to generate the lane addresses for each subword and the linear feedback registers configured to generate circulant addresses and sub-circulant address to map bits in each subword in the data block in the first domain to a corresponding subword in the second domain. |
| US08913335B2 |
Storage device with shingled data and unshingled cache regions
Shingled magnetic recording (SMR) devices according to embodiments of the invention include unshingled cache regions that can be used for storage of data. The unshingled cache regions can be used in a variety of flexible ways including in an implementation of write-twice caching or for opportunistic temporary storage to improve performance. The cache regions can be offset between top and bottom surfaces of the disk and staggered between disks to provide shorter seek times to the nearest cache region. Embodiments of the invention are adapted for use with symmetric or asymmetric heads. |
| US08913333B2 |
Lens barrel and imaging device
The lens barrel includes a first lens unit, a second lens unit, and a drive unit. The first lens unit includes a first lens element and a first lens support frame supporting the first lens element. The second lens unit includes a second lens element and a second lens support frame supporting the second lens element. The second lens unit is supported by the first lens unit to be movable in the optical axis direction of the first lens element with respect to the first lens unit. The drive unit is arranged to be used to drive the second lens unit with respect to the first lens unit, and is fixed to the first lens unit. When viewed in the optical axis direction, the drive unit is fixed to the first lens unit so that a first profile line formed by the first lens unit and the drive unit is substantially circular. |
| US08913326B2 |
Zoom lens assembly and mobile terminal that includes a zoom lens assembly
A zoom lens assembly may enlarge/reduce an image without shifting a position of a lens set. A housing, a zoom lens unit and a drive unit may be provided. The zoom lens unit may include a plurality of lenses stationarily arranged within the housing by being spaced apart in prescribed distance from each other along an optic axis. The plurality of the lenses respectively have variable refractive indexes without a position shift. The drive unit may pressurize a prescribed one of the lenses to vary the refractive index of the prescribed lens. The controller may control the drive unit to change a focal distance of the zoom lens unit to enlarge or reduce an image. |
| US08913325B2 |
Decentration optical system, and image display apparatus and imaging apparatus incorporating the same
The invention provides a decentration optical system comprising at least five optical surfaces. The optical surfaces are each decentered with respect to an axial chief ray in the Y-Z plane in the XYZ coordinate space, and at least one surface is decentered in the X-Z plane orthogonal to the Y-Z plane. At least two of the multiple optical surfaces are rotationally asymmetric surfaces, and at least one of the at least two rotationally asymmetric surfaces is a rotationally asymmetric surface having an X odd-numbered degree term. |
| US08913322B2 |
Micromechanical tunable Fabry-Perot interferometer and a method for producing the same
Electrically tunable Fabry-Perot interferometers produced with micro-optical electromechanical (MOEMS) technology. Micromechanical interferometers of the prior art require high control voltage, their production includes complicated production phases, and the forms of the movable mirrors are restricted to circular geometries. In the inventive solution, there is a gap in the movable mirror, whereby mirror layers opposite to the gap are connected with anchoring. The anchoring is such that the stiffness of the mirror is higher at the optical area than at the surrounding area. This way it is possible keep the optical area of the mirror flat even if the control electrodes extend to the optical area. Due to large electrodes, lower control voltages are required. |
| US08913320B2 |
Wire grid polarizer with bordered sections
A wire grid polarizer comprising a transparent substrate having a first surface. Multiple separate and discrete sections of wire grids can be disposed over the first surface and attached to the substrate, with a border between the sections including an opaque mask material. The mask material can be disposed over the first surface of the substrate. The mask material can be a material different than the wire grid material. The mask material can extend over or under a portion of an edge of the wire grid. |
| US08913318B2 |
Low profile optical mounting assembly
In an ocular support assembly material present in the forward-looking cross-section of the outwardly extending support arms is removed, thereby reducing visual obscuration and enhancing peripheral vision. In the preferred embodiment, the top of each outwardly extending support arm is at or below the middle of the height of the housing, thereby resulting in a low-profile design. At the same time, the support arms are received by the housing with sliding engagement on all sides, thereby eliminating the need for ball bearings or spacers to counteract twisting. The result is a lightweight yet highly stable ocular mounting assembly. |
| US08913317B2 |
Method and device for illuminating a sample in a laser microscope
The invention relates to a method and a device for illuminating or irradiating an object, a sample (8), or the like, for the purpose of imaging or analysis, particularly for use in a laser microscope (1), preferably in a confocal microscope having a laser light source (2) emitting the illuminating light, the laser light being coupled directly or by means of a glass fiber into an illumination light path (4), characterized in that the laser light source (2) is switched on rapidly upon a trigger signal directly prior to the actual need, for example, directly prior to imaging. |
| US08913316B2 |
Catadioptric projection objective with intermediate images
A catadioptric projection objective has a first objective part, defining a first part of the optical axis and imaging an object field to form a first real intermediate image. It also has a second, catadioptric objective part forming a second real intermediate image using the radiation from the first objective part. The second objective part has a concave mirror and defines a second part of the optical axis. A third objective part images the second real intermediate image into the image plane and defines a third part of the optical axis. Folding mirrors deflect the radiation from the object plane towards the concave mirror; and deflect the radiation from the concave mirror towards the image plane. The first part of the optical axis defined by the first objective part is laterally offset from and aligned parallel with the third part of the optical axis. |
| US08913314B2 |
Scanning device, image display device, and method for controlling image display device
A scanning device that scans a beam emitted from a light source, includes: a beam condensing unit that condenses the beam emitted from the light source; a beam diverging unit that is arranged on an output side of the beam condensing unit, and diverges the beam condensed by the beam condensing unit; a first scanning unit that is arranged between the beam condensing unit and the beam diverging unit, and scans the beam condensed by the beam condensing unit; and a moving unit that moves at least one of the beam condensing unit and the beam diverging unit along respective optical axis directions thereof, in accordance with a scan angle of the first scanning unit. |
| US08913312B2 |
Image processing method and apparatus using virtual color gamut information in association with color standards and processed statistically to offset a difference in color reproducibility of an output apparatus
An image processing system includes a color standard storage unit that stores multiple color standards that output apparatuses having a shared output method specify range of color reproduction, a virtual color gamut information unit stored associated with the color standard, associated with the color standard, and processed statistically, a color space converter that converts image data input from a network into image data in color space of the color standard, and a preview image generator that color-compresses the image data in the color standard within range of color reproduction of the output apparatus and generates a preview image from the image data generated after color-compression. |
| US08913309B2 |
Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus
An image reading apparatus that includes an image reading portion, a tray, a first regulation member movable in a width direction on the tray, a second regulation member movable in association with the first regulation member, a first rotating portion and a second rotating portion that are each capable of being rotated by a sheet on the tray, and a sensor portion configured to generate a signal based on rotations of the first and second rotating portions. The first rotating portion is located between the first regulation member and the second regulation member that regulate both edges of a sheet having a minimum width, and the second rotating portion is located between the other edge of a sheet having a smaller width and the first regulation member, when sheets having different widths are supported on the tray with each having one edge aligned with the first regulation member. |
| US08913308B2 |
Light collecting member, and optical module and image reading device having the light collecting member
A light collecting member includes a lens to make incident light be collected on a light receiving member, a lens barrel to house the lens, an end portion into which a light enters of the lens barrel being arranged near the light receiving member and a fence member to cover the end portion into which a light enters of the lens barrel and the light receiving member, the fence member having an exhaust port formed in a manner extending in a vertical direction. |
| US08913301B2 |
Imaging product layout method
A computer implemented method for making a single rendered printable image corresponding to a picture frame. Two or more digital images are arranged on a print sheet according to machine decodable frame-specification information that specifies where two or more image openings in a picture frame are situated. The two or more acquired images are rendered into a single printed page of images having the two or more acquired images located in positions corresponding to the image openings. |
| US08913300B2 |
Occlusion of vector image data
Systems and methods for rendering an image related to a target area is provided. Image data and an associated depthmap of the target area are received. Vector image data corresponding to the image data of the target area are further received. A height value for each of a plurality of pixels of the image data is determined based on the associated depthmap. A mask for the image data is created based on the determined height value for each of the plurality of pixels of the image data, and applied to the vector image data. An image of the target area comprising the received image data and the masked vector image data is rendered for display. |
| US08913299B2 |
Document securization method and a document securization device using printing a distribution of dots on said document
An analogical mark printed on a document that includes a distribution of dots defined by a digital file, having, as a result of unanticipated unknowns in printing, an unpredictable variation, dot by dot, of at least one geometric characteristic of the printed dots where dots of the distribution of dots have, in the digital file, at least one geometric characteristic that digitally varies among dots, the geometric amplitude of the digital variation having the order of magnitude of said unpredictable variation and being less than an average dimension of the dots of the distribution of dots. |
| US08913296B2 |
Dither matrix creating device
A dither matrix creating device acquires a basic dither matrix and modifies the basic dither matrix to provide a modified dither matrix including a plurality of sets of threshold value. Each threshold value set includes N threshold values (N≧2. An image processing device can perform both dither method and error diffusion method for converting an input image into an output image. Each pixel of the output image has an (N+1)-level output value. The modifying unit modifies the basic dither matrix by adjusting at least one of N threshold values such that the image processing device can produce a first output image by using the modified dither matrix according to the dither method. The first output image is more similar to an output image produced based on the input image according to the error diffusion method than an output image to be produced by using the basic dither matrix. |
| US08913294B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing system
An image processing apparatus receives print data including text attribute information, and performs specific image processing defined in the print data in advance. The image processing apparatus includes a specific level detection unit for detecting a specific level defined in advance from the text attribute information; and an image processing unit for performing image processing defined in advance on the print data in the specific level detected by the specific level detection unit. |
| US08913290B2 |
System and methods for determining color characteristics of an image
Disclosed embodiments relate to a method implementable on a computing device for determining color characteristics of an image. The method includes identifying one or more regions in the image based on a luminance value associated with pixels in the image. Each region comprises a set of pixels having a predefined range of luminance values. The set of pixels associated with the one or more regions are categorized into one or more predefined color categories corresponding to each of the one or more regions, based on a chroma value associated with each pixel in the set of pixels. The color characteristics of the image are determined based on a count of the categorized pixels in each of the one or more predefined color categories. |
| US08913289B2 |
Control device, image forming system and program for controlling total toner amount
A control device according to the present invention is a control device that controls a print device that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data in which density values of multiple colors are defined every pixel, including: a stored color setting unit that sets a stored color indicating a color of which a toner amount is not restricted in each object indicating an area in which a predetermined type of image in the image data is drawn, in response to designation from a user; and a determination unit that determines density values of each of colors, in the each object, other than the stored color, such that a total sum of the density values of the colors is within a value subtracting a density value of the stored color from a reference value. |
| US08913283B2 |
Method for displaying events in printing material processing machines and video-monitored printing machine
A method for displaying events in printing material processing machines, includes capturing the events with at least one camera and storing the captured events on a computer. Sensors for detecting machine states are provided in the printing material processing machine. Records of the events recorded by the camera as a video sequence are electronically marked in dependence on the detected machine states. A printing machine for carrying out the method is also provided. |
| US08913281B2 |
Selective performance of document processing functions on electronic documents stored in a portable data storage device
There is disclosed a multifunction peripheral device, a method, and apparatus for processing a document from a portable data storage device. The multifunction peripheral device may have a port for receiving a portable data storage device and an input unit to receive user input of a selected function for an electronic document on the portable data storage device. The multifunction peripheral device further comprises a control unit to determine whether the selected function may be performed on each of the plurality of electronic documents and the input unit to receive user input as to a selected electronic document. The multifunction peripheral device is further to perform the selected function on the selected electronic document. |
| US08913280B2 |
Communication apparatus, method for controlling the same, storage medium, and printing apparatus
A communication apparatus includes a first communication unit for executing direct wireless communication between an external apparatus and the communication apparatus in which one of the external apparatus and the communication apparatus serves as an access point, and a second communication unit for executing communication between the external apparatus and the communication apparatus in a different way from the communication by the first communication unit. If it is determined that the communication which the communication apparatus is executing is the communication by the second communication unit, a selection screen is displayed so as to enable a user to select a desired service, and if it is determined that the communication which the communication apparatus is executing is the communication by the first communication unit, the selection screen is displayed so as to prevent the user from selecting the specific service. |
| US08913277B2 |
Document data management system, management method and program
In a case in which a document stored based on a sort setting from a multifunction peripheral is operated at a temporary work area, a piece of information thereof is stored as temporary work area setting. A piece of operation information at a preceding time is set as an index in the temporary work area by copying the document to the temporary work area based on the sort setting when the document is stored from the multifunction peripheral at a next time by being reflected also to the sort setting. |
| US08913275B2 |
Image forming system
An image forming system includes plural server devices, a transmission device, and an image forming device. The transmission device includes a first memory, a selection unit, and a transmission unit. The first memory stores priorities assigned to the server devices. The selection unit selects an available server device having the highest priority. The transmission unit transmits user identification information and associated image data to the selected server device. Each server device includes a storage location for storing the transmitted identification information and image data. The image forming device includes a second memory, an acquisition unit, and an image forming unit. The second memory stores server information. Upon receipt of user identification information, the acquisition unit acquires image data associated with the user identification information from the storage location in the server device identified by the server information. The image forming unit forms an image corresponding to the acquired image data. |
| US08913266B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method of an image forming apparatus having an ordinary reading mode and a quiet reading mode
An image forming apparatus has a printing section and a document reading section. The printing section prints on paper while transporting it. The document reading section includes a document transport portion which automatically transports, sheet by sheet, a document placed thereon. The document reading section generates image data by reading the document. The document reading section is operable in an ordinary reading mode in which it reads the document at a previously determined ordinary speed and in a quiet reading mode in which it reads the document at a quiet speed lower than the ordinary speed. The document reading section reads the document in the quiet reading mode when the printing section is not printing and in the ordinary reading mode when the printing section is printing. |
| US08913263B2 |
Page level recovery graphical user interface
A print server includes a graphical user interface (GUI) having a dialog screen to enable the user to specify a page range of a current copy and a number of additional copies of a print job to be re-printed upon occurrence of an unrecoverable error during printing of the print job. |
| US08913261B2 |
Method for controlling advertisement-attached copying
An image forming apparatus includes following components. A printing device prints on a recording medium. A reading device reads an image from an original document. An advertisement storage unit stores an advertisement. An advertisement-printed medium holding unit holds an advertisement-printed medium. An advertisement-printable medium holding unit holds an advertisement-printable medium. A copy control unit controls copying and enables the printing device to print the image on the recording medium. The copy control unit performs, in response to an instruction for advertisement-attached copying, one of the following: i) advertisement-printable medium copying in which the stored advertisement is printed on the advertisement-printable medium, and ii) advertisement-printed medium copying in which the advertisement-printed medium is used if a specific condition is satisfied. |
| US08913257B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method and program of managing the image forming apparatus by reserving area for identified counter
When an application is installed in an image forming apparatus, a counter used for the application is identified by using identification information indicating counters used in relation to a function of the application from among a plurality of counter types specified according to a type of the image forming apparatus, and an area for the identified counter is reserved in a storage area in the image forming apparatus. |
| US08913254B1 |
Measuring device
An optical wall-thickness measuring device for transparent articles. This invention may be practiced with any transparent material, amorphous or crystalline, which has two surfaces in close proximity to each other, and has flat or positively curved shape. As used herein, transparent means clear, translucent or partially transmitting such that a discernible image of the second surface reflection can be formed and detected at some wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. |
| US08913250B2 |
Grazing incidence interferometer
A grazing incidence interferometer includes a light source, a light beam divider configured to divide original light coming from the light source, an illuminator configured to apply measurement light to a measurement subject, a light beam combining module configured to combine the measurement light reflected from the measurement subject with reference light, and a photodetector configure to detect a combined light beam. The grazing incidence interferometer includes an interferometer main body, a stage configured to hold the measurement subject, a moving mechanism capable of moving the interferometer main body along the measurement subject, and an auxiliary reflector disposed on an extension of an axis of movement of the interferometer main body, an auxiliary light beam separator configured to separate auxiliary light from the original light and to apply the auxiliary light to the auxiliary reflector, and an auxiliary photodetector configured to detect the auxiliary light reflected by the auxiliary reflector. |
| US08913247B2 |
Device and method for interferometric vibration measurement of an object
A device for interferometric vibration measurement, having a radiation source for generating an original beam, a first beam splitter for dividing it into measuring and reference beams, a detector and a focusing device. The measuring beam at least partly reflected by the object and the reference beam are superimposed on a detection area of the detector, and the focusing device in the beam path of the measuring beam between the image unit and object focuses it onto a measuring point. Here, a measuring beam having a wavelength greater than 1100 nm is generated and the device has an image unit for two-dimensional imaging of the object surrounding the measuring point. The measuring beam focus lies in the focal plane of the image unit and, by use of the focusing device, the focal point of the measuring beam and the focal plane of the imaging unit are displaceable simultaneously. |
| US08913246B2 |
All-fiber interferometric fiber optic gyroscope having a minimum reciprocal configuration
An all-fiber interferometric fiber optic gyroscope having a minimum reciprocal configuration is described. The gyroscope comprises a polarized light source, a light detector, a light source coupler, a fiber optic loop coupler, and a polarization maintaining fiber optic loop. A first port of the light source coupler is counter-axially coupled to an output end of the polarized light source, and a second port of the light source coupler on the same side as the first port is coupled to the light detector. A third port on the other side of the light source coupler is counter-axially coupled to the fiber optic loop coupler, and the fiber optic loop coupler is counter-axially coupled to the polarization maintaining fiber optic loop. The light source splits the input polarized light and polarizes the optical signal propagated along a transmission arm alone, where the first and third ports are on the same transmission arm. |
| US08913242B2 |
Fine particle measurement device
A fine particle measurement device includes a 4f optical system in an optical path that causes a beam spot of a laser output from a light source to form an image with respect to fine particles. |
| US08913236B2 |
Method and device for measuring freeform surfaces
An optical measuring instrument for measuring aspheric surfaces includes an optical measuring arm and a multi-axis drive platform. The optical measuring arm provides for illuminating and imaging the aspheric surfaces. The multi-axis drive platform relatively moves the optical measuring arm with respect to the aspheric surfaces through a plurality of subaperture measurement positions. A focus of adjustable focusing optic is maintained at a nominal center of curvature of the aspheric surfaces. A variable optical aberrator adds aberration to an illumination wavefront to match the illumination wavefront to the intended local shape of the aspheric surface. Fitted low-frequency shape information is distinguished from a remainder of the local shape information yielding mid-frequency topographic measurements of the subapertures, which can be assembled to construct a profile measurement of the aspheric surface. |
| US08913235B2 |
Fiber measurement device
A fiber measurement device includes: a light detector adapted to detect feedback light of laser light output to a fiber; a band limiting circuit adapted to extract, from a signal depending on the feedback light, a signal having a component corresponding to a frequency of the laser light, wherein the signal extracted by the band limiting circuit is a first differentiation target signal; and a waveform equalizing circuit having a differentiating and adding circuit adapted to differentiate the first differentiation target signal to generate a first differentiation result signal and to add the first differentiation target signal and the first differentiation result signal. |
| US08913233B2 |
Imaging zoom for wide field-of-view imaging spectrometer
An imaging system comprises a wide field of view (FOV) telescope, a narrow FOV telescope, a spectrometer, an imaging detector, an image slicer, and a selection mechanism. The wide FOV telescope is configured to produce a one-dimensional optical image of a broad field of view (FOV) F. The narrow FOV telescope is configured to produce a two-dimensional optical image of a narrow FOV f. The spectrometer is configured to produce a spectrum of a one-dimensional image, and the imaging detector is configured to capture that spectrum. The image slicer is configured to break the two-dimensional optical image into a series of one-dimensional segments. The selection mechanism operable in either of two modes: a wide FOV mode transmitting the one-dimensional optical image to the spectrometer, and a zoom mode transmitting a one-dimensional concatenation of the series of one-dimensional segments to the spectrometer. |
| US08913231B2 |
Determination of a sensor device location in a sensor network
Determination of a sensor device location in a sensor network is described. A system can include rotating optical beams having a known location. Detectors can be located with each of the rotating optical beams. The system can include a sensor device placeable as part of the sensor network. A reflector can be near the sensor device and can reflect at least two optical beams back to the detectors associated with each of the respective optical beams. A triangulation module can triangulate a position of the reflector, and thus the sensor, based on the reflected optical beams. |
| US08913229B2 |
Multi-stage system, a control method therefor, and a lithographic apparatus
A method for controlling a multi-stage system includes a stator extending parallel to a first direction; a first and second stage that are moveable relative to the stator; the stages being provided with a magnet system to generate a magnetic field, and the stator being provided with coils to interact with the magnetic fields to position the stages relative to the stator, the method including: determining the position of the stages; selecting a first and a second subset of coils that are capable of having a non-negligible interaction with the magnetic field of respectively the first and the second stage; activating the coils of both subsets, wherein activating the coils includes determining the coils that are part of both subsets; and excluding a coil that is part of both subsets from activating. |
| US08913218B2 |
Method for forming reflector and reflective liquid crystal display manufactured with same
The present invention provides a method for forming a reflector and a reflective LCD manufactured with the method. The method for forming reflector includes (1) providing metal powder and gold varnish, the metal powder being one or more than one selected from aluminum powder, copper powder, zinc powder; (2) mixing the metal powder and the gold varnish to form slurry; (3) providing a substrate and coating or printing the slurry on the substrate; and (4) baking the substrate on which the slurry coated or printed at a temperature of 60-80° C. for a period of 3-5 minutes to have the slurry forming a reflector on the substrate. The present invention forms a reflector on a substrate by mixing metal powder and gold varnish together to form slurry so as to improve homogeneity of scattered reflection of light by the reflector so formed. |
| US08913216B2 |
Striped diffuser, method of manufacturing the same, and liquid crystal display device with adjustable viewing angle employing the striped diffuser
Provided are diffuser, method of manufacturing same, and liquid crystal display device employing the diffuser. Liquid crystal display device includes: backlight unit; liquid crystal panel on which image is formed by using light emitted by backlight unit, and comprising: color filter comprising plurality of pixels each of which comprises plurality of subpixels that are alternately arranged and transmit light in different wavelength bands; and liquid crystal layer whose transmittance is adjusted under electrical control; and diffuser disposed on a top surface or a bottom surface of the liquid crystal panel and comprising diffusing areas and transparent areas which alternate with each other at intervals corresponding to the width of the subpixels, wherein the liquid crystal layer comprises liquid crystal areas corresponding to the diffusing areas and liquid crystal areas corresponding to the transparent areas and the transmittances of the liquid crystal areas are adjusted according to the subpixels. |
| US08913214B2 |
Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display device having the same
A backlight assembly includes at least one lamp including a lamp electrode, at least one lamp socket holding the lamp, an inverter applying electric power to the lamp, and a receiving container including a socket receiving portion corresponding to an end portion of the lamp to receive the lamp socket and an inverter receiving portion for receiving the inverter. Therefore, a manufacturing process may be simplified, and manufacturing costs is decreased. |
| US08913213B2 |
Light emitting apparatus and display apparatus using the same
A light emitting apparatus including a first light emitting device including a first light emitting diode chip configured to emit light of a first rank included in a first color gamut, and a second light emitting device including a second light emitting diode chip configured to emit light of a second rank included in the first color gamut, in which the first rank is different than the second rank. In addition, the first and second light emitting devices are arranged in relation to each other such that the light emitted by the first emitting device mixes with light emitted by the second light emitting device to form light of a third rank different than the first and second ranks. |
| US08913208B2 |
Liquid crystal module capable of preventing display device from being darkly displayed
A liquid crystal module includes a display panel having an active area; a case top configured to surrounds an edge of an upper surface and edges of a display panel, and having first through holes; a cover bottom configured to support a light guide plate disposed under the display panel; a supporter main configured to support the display panel and the cover bottom; a light source circuit board on which light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting light to at least one of both sides of the light guide plate are mounted, wherein the light source circuit board is disposed on the supporter main; and fasteners configured to pass through the first through hole of the case top and to couple the case top with the supporter main, wherein at least two of the LEDs are disposed between the fasteners. |
| US08913204B2 |
Bi-stable chiral splay nematic mode liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A method of driving a bi-stable chiral splay nematic mode liquid crystal display device including first and second substrates, a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, first and second reset electrodes on one of inner surfaces of the first and second substrates, a pixel electrode on the inner surface of the first substrate and a common electrode on the inner surface of the second substrate includes: applying a data voltage and a common voltage to the pixel electrode and the common electrode, respectively, such that a vertical electric field is generated and the liquid crystal layer transitions from a splay state to a π-twist state during a writing period; and floating the pixel electrode and the common electrode such that the liquid crystal layer keeps the π-twist state and displays a present image during a memory period. |
| US08913200B2 |
Encoding apparatus, encoding method, and program
An encoding apparatus for inputting a first image signal and a second image signal from an input source different from an input source of the first image signal adaptively decides a first bit rate and a second bit rate which are respectively assigned to a first encoding unit for encoding the input first image signal and a second encoding unit for encoding the input second image signal on the basis of the first image signal, on the basis of photographing mode information or distortion ratios of encoding by the encoding units. |
| US08913199B2 |
System and method of displaying content
A method includes receiving, at a computing device, a first selection of first video content. The method also includes sending the first video content to a display device. The method further includes adding a first element corresponding to the first video content to a list. The list includes multiple elements and each element of the list corresponds to respective previously displayed video content. The method includes sending the list to the display device. The elements of the list are ordered based on display times of the corresponding video content. |
| US08913195B2 |
Information processing device, information processing method and program
An information processing device includes a change point detection unit which detects change points of a moving image, a transition detection unit which detects transition of a subject, a composition similarity degree information generation unit which generates composition similarity degree information, based on feature amounts of the compositions of the images configuring the moving image included between the change points, a voice similarity degree information generation unit which generates voice similarity degree information, based on a feature amount of the voice data associated with the moving image included between the change points, and a determination unit which determines whether or not the moving image included between the change points is a moving image corresponding to the specific scene, based on the detected transition, the generated composition similarity degree information and the generated voice similarity degree information. |
| US08913191B2 |
Communication apparatus and control method
A communication apparatus includes a first determination unit that determines whether an external apparatus can transmit device information of the external apparatus to the communication apparatus, a device information acquisition unit that acquires the device information from the external apparatus even when the first determination unit determines that the external apparatus cannot transmit device information of the external apparatus to the communication apparatus, a second determination unit that determines whether the device information acquired from the external apparatus is correct, and a communication unit that transmits video data corresponding to the device information to the external apparatus if the second determination unit determines that the device information is correct even when the first determination unit determines that the external apparatus cannot transmit device information of the external apparatus to the communication apparatus. |
| US08913189B1 |
Audio and video processing associated with visual events
Audio data and video data are processed to determine one or more audible events and visual events, respectively. Contemporaneous presentation of the video data with audio data may be synchronized based at least in part on the audible events and the visual events. Audio processing functions, such as filtering, may be initiated for audio data based at least in part on the visual events. |
| US08913186B2 |
Motion adaptive filter and deinterlacer and methods for use therewith
A device for use in conjunction with a video processing device includes an adaptive filter for processing input pictures into selectively filtered pictures, based on a filter motion data. A deinterlacer selectively interpolates the selectively filtered pictures into selectively deinterlaced pictures, based on deinterlace motion data. A motion detector generates the filter motion data and the deinterlace motion data, based on detecting motion in the input pictures. |
| US08913185B2 |
Multi-level bidirectional motion estimation method and device
The present invention provides a multi-level bidirectional motion estimation method and device searching for matched blocks in a current frame and a previous frame respectively by using M1×M1 blocks of a to-be-interpolated frame as a mirror center, where the first to-be-determined matched block pair is a pair of matched blocks with a minimum sum of binary absolute difference SHAD value among all pairs of matched blocks searched out in the current frame and the previous frame; and if determined that the SHAD value of the first to-be-determined matched block pair is greater than or equal to an SHAD threshold, splitting the M1×M1 blocks into M2×M2 blocks, and searching for matched blocks again in the current frame and the previous frame respectively by using the M2×M2 blocks of the to-be-interpolated frame as a mirror center. Therefore, accuracy of motion estimation can be improved effectively, and image quality can be improved. |
| US08913177B2 |
Focus adjustment apparatus having a sensor with a plurality of modes
In a focus detection apparatus, a sensor includes a first mode for outputting via the signal line when respective stored charges corresponding to the first and the second AF areas have reached the predetermined charge amount, and a second mode for outputting via the signal line when respective stored charges corresponding to the first or the second AF areas have reached the predetermined charge amount. |
| US08913172B2 |
Information processing apparatus and computer-readable storage medium recording information processing program
An information processing apparatus capable of being opened and closed includes storage means, display means, and taken image display control means. The storage means stores a taken image therein. The display means has a display screen provided in a surface which is located inside when the information processing apparatus is closed and which is located outside when the information processing apparatus is opened. The taken image display control means displays a taken image on the display screen, and changes a taken image to be displayed between before and after closing and opening the information processing apparatus when the information processing apparatus is closed and opened again. |
| US08913171B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamically presenting enhanced content during a presentation of a media content instance
Exemplary methods and systems for dynamically presenting enhanced content during a presentation of a media content instance are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes an enhanced content presentation system detecting, within a view acquired by a camera, a display device presenting a media content instance, displaying the view acquired by the camera on a display screen of a mobile device associated with the camera, and dynamically presenting, within the displayed view, one or more display elements representative of one or more enhanced content instances associated with the media content. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08913164B2 |
Image processor, electronic device including image processor, and image processing method for performing stepped tone correction on images
An image processor includes a first correction circuit that outputs a first correction value, which corresponds to a pixel value of an input image, based on a first correction characteristic. A second correction circuit outputs a second correction value, which corresponds to the pixel value of the input image, based on a second correction characteristic. A control circuit controls a ratio for mixing the first correction value and the second correction value. A mixing circuit that mixes the first correction value and the second correction value based on the ratio. A corrected pixel value, which corresponds to the pixel value of the input image, is generated in accordance with an output value of the mixing circuit. |
| US08913163B2 |
Method for detecting/correcting bad pixel in image sensor
Provided is a method for correcting a bad pixel in an image sensor. The method includes a first step of creating and storing a plurality of image frames of an object; a second step of scanning pixels in the image frames; a third step of storing, when a bad pixel is detected in the image frames, the location of the bad pixel as a bad block location in a memory; and a fourth step of correcting the luminance value of the bad block by calling the bad block location stored in the memory in an image capture operation. |
| US08913162B2 |
Image processing method, image processing apparatus and image capturing apparatus
An image processing method, an image processing apparatus and an image capturing apparatus are provided, which are capable of obtaining an output image exhibiting high visual recognizability while reducing the processing time with a circuit on a comparatively small scale. Datum plane system coordinates xdydzd with a datum plane DP serving as a basis and having a fixed positional relationship with a virtual projection plane VP are set, and there is provided a two-dimensional LUT stored with zd coordinates in a direction perpendicular to the datum plane with respect to xd- and yd-coordinates on the datum plane DP and based on a shape of the virtual projection plane VP, and image data is calculated, by calculating the coordinates of the pixels on the virtual projection plane VP in the world coordinate system on the basis of the two-dimensional LUT and converting the calculated coordinates of the pixels on the virtual projection plane in the world coordinate system into a camera coordinate system by using a distortion correction coefficient of an optical system. |
| US08913161B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and control method thereof
An image capturing apparatus comprises an image sensing element including an effective pixel portion, and a shading pixel portion; a setting unit which variably sets, in at least one of row and column directions, an effective pixel signal readout region and shading pixel signal readout region; a readout unit which reads out the effective pixel signals and reads out the shading pixel signals; a correction data generation unit which generates correction data for each column or each row; a correction unit which corrects luminance levels of the effective pixel signals, for each column or each row; and a control unit which controls the setting unit so that the shading pixel signal readout region becomes wider than the effective pixel signal readout region. |
| US08913150B2 |
Dynamic image capture utilizing prior capture settings and user behaviors
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for dynamically capturing images according to prior capture settings and user behaviors. A first image is captured with a plurality of capture settings selected by a user. A user gesture to accept or delete the first image is detected. The parameters describing the preferred capture settings for the user are subsequently determined based on the first image she accepts or deletes. Upon receiving an indication from the user to capture a second image, the settings of the imaging device are adjusted according to the determined parameters and the second image is captured using the preferred parameters. |
| US08913147B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for digital image capture
A method including initiating video functionality of an optical image capture device, using the video functionality to capture a plurality of still images at video speed, saving the plurality of still images as a cached timeline from which a user may select a desired still image, and providing a user interface on a display screen to allow the user to select a desired still image. |
| US08913145B2 |
Dual sensor camera
A dual sensor camera that uses two aligned sensors each having a separate lens of different focal length but the same f-number. The wider FOV image from one sensor is combined with the narrower FOV image from the other sensor to form a combined image. Up-sampling of the wide FOV image and down-sampling of the narrow FOV image is performed. The longer focal length lens may have certain aberrations introduced so that Extended Depth of Field (EDoF) processing can be used to give the narrow FOV image approximately the same depth of field as the wide FOV image so that a noticeable difference in depth of field is not see in the combined image. |
| US08913142B2 |
Context aware input system for focus control
The invention is directed to systems, methods and computer program products for controlling a focus operation for an image-capturing device. An exemplary method includes receiving a focus instruction, wherein the focus instruction describes an object of focus; sending first context data to an external system; in response to sending first context data to the external system, receiving second context data from the external system, wherein the second context data comprises data associated with the object of focus; and identifying the object of focus based on the received second context data; and determining a focus distance based on the identified object. |
| US08913141B2 |
Edge-based electronic image stabilization
An image stabilization system applies a “pinned-edge” or “soft pinned edge” image stabilization technique to digital video to compensate for unwanted camera motion in a captured video. In these stabilization techniques, a warping function is applied to an image frame to achieve a non-uniform shifting of depicted points in the image frame such that a reference point is stabilized with respect to a reference frame. In pinned-edge image stabilization, the final stabilized output video has the same dimensions as the pre-stabilized input video captured by the image sensor. In soft pinned-edge image stabilization, the pre-stabilized input video has slightly larger dimensions than the stabilized output video but these larger dimensions are still reduced compared to traditional electronic image stabilization. |
| US08913140B2 |
Rolling shutter reduction based on motion sensors
This disclosure pertains to devices, methods, and computer readable media for reducing rolling shutter distortion effects in captured video frames based on timestamped positional information obtained from positional sensors in communication with an image capture device. In general, rolling shutter reduction techniques are described for generating and applying image segment-specific perspective transforms to already-captured segments of a single image or images in a video sequence, to compensate for unwanted distortions that occurred during the read out of the image sensor. Such distortions may be due to, for example, the use of CMOS sensors combined with the movement of the image capture device. In contrast to the prior art, rolling shutter reduction techniques described herein may be applied to captured images or videos in real-time or near real-time using positional sensor information and without intensive image processing that would require an analysis of the content of the underlying image data. |
| US08913138B2 |
Handheld magnification device with a two-camera module
A handheld magnification device for displaying a magnified representation of an object in a see-through manner is provided. The handheld magnification device includes a casing and a first and a second camera both adapted to acquire an image of the object, and having respectively a first working range proximate the handheld magnification device and a second working range different from and extending beyond the first working range. The handheld magnification device also includes a distance-sensitive sensor for measuring a distance parameter representative of a distance between the object and the handheld magnification device, as well as a processing unit for automatically selecting, based on the distance parameter and the first and second working ranges, one of the first and second cameras as a selected camera. The handheld magnification device further includes a display for displaying the magnified representation of the object based on the image acquired by the selected camera. |
| US08913136B2 |
Image display device, mobile terminal, non-transitory computer readable medium, and image display method
An image display device includes: an imaging unit; an apparatus specifying unit that specifies an object apparatus imaged by the imaging unit; a state acquisition unit that acquires an operating state of the apparatus; an image generating unit that generates an image corresponding to the specified apparatus and the acquired operating state; a positioning unit that determines a reference position of the image acquired by the imaging unit; a combining unit that combines the generated image with the image acquired by the imaging unit using the reference position; and a display that displays the combined image. |
| US08913130B2 |
Adjustment securing means for monitoring cameras
The invention relates to a monitoring camera arrangement, having at least one setting axis for setting a monitoring region and a detection means in order to be able to capture and signal changes of the monitoring region. According to the invention, the detection means comprises at least one monitoring image-independent tilt detector in order to signal a monitoring region change in response to detected tilt changes. |
| US08913129B2 |
Method and system of progressive analysis for assessment of occluded data and redundant analysis for confidence efficacy of non-occluded data
A method of progressive analysis for assessment of occluded data is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes capturing sensor data from at least one sensor, identifying a target of interest using the sensor data, and determining a location and orientation of the target of interest using a last computed direction of travel of the target. The method also includes segmenting the sensor data of the target of interest into segments for analysis and determining whether a particular segment of the segments is occluded. In addition, the method includes determining whether additional sensor data from the at least one sensor confirms that the particular occluded segment is no longer occluded allowing unresolved analysis to be supplemented with progressive analysis to provide incremental resolution to the analysis. |
| US08913126B2 |
Portable self powered line mounted high speed camera system for overhead electric power lines
A device for attaching to an electric power line conductor includes an electrically conductive housing having an opening for accepting the power line conductor and configured to be grounded to the electric power line conductor. At least one magnetic core is configured to surround the power line conductor and power a power supply electronics module. At least one camera assembly is connected to the housing and configured to capture fault and lightning stroke images along the electric power line conductor. |
| US08913124B2 |
Lock-in imaging system for detecting disturbances in fluid
A lock-in imaging system is configured for detecting a disturbance in air. The system includes an airplane, an interferometer, and a telescopic imaging camera. The airplane includes a fuselage and a pair of wings. The airplane is configured for flight in air. The interferometer is operatively disposed on the airplane and configured for producing an interference pattern by splitting a beam of light into two beams along two paths and recombining the two beams at a junction point in a front flight path of the airplane during flight. The telescopic imaging camera is configured for capturing an image of the beams at the junction point. The telescopic imaging camera is configured for detecting the disturbance in air in an optical path, based on an index of refraction of the image, as detected at the junction point. |
| US08913121B2 |
System for image rendering or spectral recognition
Embodiments of a method or a system for rendering images or spectral recognition are described. |
| US08913115B2 |
Irradiation time control imaging device and irradiation time control endoscope device
An imaging device includes: an imaging module configured to have a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements corresponding to a frame composed of a plurality of lines, with start of an accumulation period of electric charge by the plural photoelectric conversion elements being different depending on each of the lines, and reading the accumulated electric charge to repeatedly output the read electric charge as an image signal; a light source configured to irradiate an imaging range of the imaging module; and a controller configured to control an irradiation time of the light source according to a motion of an image captured by the imaging module. |
| US08913114B2 |
Calibration tool for scanning endoscope
A calibration tool for a scanning endoscope includes: an abutment portion that is in contact with and abuts an illumination window provided in a distal end face of an insertion portion of a scanning endoscope and is configured to be in contact with a region of the illumination window other than a region in which an illuminating light beam applied from the illumination window is scanned; and a chart with a calibration pattern drawn thereon, the calibration pattern being provided for calibrating a scan pattern of the illuminating light, the chart being arranged parallel to the distal end face with a predetermined distance from a surface of the illumination window positioned as a result of the illumination window coming into contact with the abutment portion, according to a size of the calibration pattern, whereby image calibration of the scanning endoscope can accurately be performed with a simple configuration. |
| US08913113B2 |
Image processing apparatus
In an embodiments, an apparatus includes: a polarized light source which sequentially illuminates an object with three or more plane polarized light rays; and an image sensor which sequentially captures an image of the object that is being illuminated with each plane polarized light ray and which obtains polarization images by sequentially changing the direction of the polarized light transmission axis at each pixel while the object is being illuminated with each polarized light rays. The apparatus further includes: a processing section for generating an intensity maximizing angle image YPH and a degree of intensity modulation image YD; and a distribution estimating section which estimates, based on YPH and YD, the distribution in a single pixel of the azimuth angles of V-grooves on the object's surface. |
| US08913110B2 |
Endoscope apparatus and measurement method
An endoscope apparatus, includes: an imaging unit that captures a subject to acquire an image of the subject; a base point setting section that sets a first base point and a second base point on the image based on an instruction input via an input device; a base line setting section that sets a base line on the image based on the first base point and the second base point; a point setting section that sets at least three points on the image based on the base line; a base plane setting section that sets a base plane in a space based on the at least three points; a distance calculation section that calculates a distance between the base plane and a point corresponding to the first base point; and a display that displays the image. |
| US08913109B2 |
Stereoscopic image display apparatus
A stereoscopic image display apparatus is described. The stereoscopic image display apparatus includes a display panel, a film-type patterned retarder (FPR) and a barrier layer. The display panel comprises a plurality of scan lines, first data lines, second data lines and pixel units. Each of pixel units comprises a major pixel, a first minor pixel and a second minor pixel wherein the major pixel is coupled to one of the scan lines and one of the first data lines via a first thin-film-transistor, and the first minor pixel and the second minor pixel are coupled to the one of the scan lines and one of the second data lines via a second thin-film-transistor. The FPR is disposed between the display panel and the polarized glasses for receiving the light from the display panel to allow the light to form left-handed circularly polarized light and right-handed circularly polarized light. |
| US08913108B2 |
Method of processing parallax information comprised in a signal
This invention relates to a method and a device of processing parallax information comprised in a signal. A signal comprising parallax map associated with further image information is received. A first data is obtained from the signal indicative of first parallax map constraints. A second data is obtained from the signal indicative of second parallax map constraints. Third data matching third parallax map constraints of a target device is determined by means of processing the at least the first data and the second data. This third data is used to generate an updated signal matching the parallax map information constraints of the target device. |
| US08913107B2 |
Systems and methods for converting a 2D image to a 3D image
Systems and methods are provided for converting a two dimensional (2D) image for three dimensional (3D) display. In one embodiment, a minimum depth for the 3D image is set to pixels in a bottom portion of the received 2D image. If the 2D image includes an object limiting the maximum image depth, then the maximum depth of the 3D image is set based on a location of the object in the 2D image. If the 2D image does not include an object limiting the maximum image depth, then the maximum depth of the 3D image is set to pixels in a top portion of the 2D image. A continuous depth function is generated from the minimum depth to the maximum depth and is used to generate a stereoscopic image from the 2D image. |
| US08913106B2 |
3D display apparatus and 3D display method thereof
A three-dimensional (3D) display apparatus and method controlling thereof are provided. The 3D display apparatus includes: a reception unit which receives a 3D image signal from another 3D display apparatus; a conversion unit which converts a disparity of the 3D image signal based on transmitter information of the other 3D display apparatus and receiver information of the 3D display apparatus, and generates an output 3D image signal having depth information which is proportional to depth information of the 3D image signal; and a display unit which outputs the output 3D image signal. |
| US08913105B2 |
Joint depth estimation
Various implementations are described. Several implementations relate to joint depth estimation for multiple depth maps. In one implementation, a first-view depth indicator for a location in a first view is estimated, and a second-view depth indicator for a corresponding location in a second view is estimated. The estimating of one or more of the first-view depth indicator and the second-view depth indicator is based on a constraint. The constraint provides a relationship between the first-view depth indicator and the second-view depth indicator for corresponding locations. |
| US08913101B2 |
Method, system, terminal, and server for transferring video call between access networks
The present invention discloses a method, a system, a terminal, an MSC server, and an SCC application server for transferring a video call between access networks. The method includes: pre-negotiating, in a PS domain and through IMS signaling, a CS video call parameter; and, after a video call of a terminal is transferred from the PS domain to a CS domain, establishing a CS video call according to the pre-negotiated CS video call parameter. By using the technical solutions of the present invention, the CS video call parameter is pre-negotiated before the video call of the terminal is transferred from the PS domain to the CS domain, and after transfer to the CS domain, the CS video call is established by directly using the pre-negotiated CS video call parameter. |
| US08913090B2 |
Pixel circuit, organic electro-luminescent display apparatus, and method of driving the same
A pixel circuit includes a light emitting device, an N-type driving transistor for outputting a driving current according to a voltage applied to the gate electrode, a first capacitor coupled to a gate electrode of the driving transistor, a second capacitor including a first terminal coupled to the gate electrode of the driving transistor and a second terminal coupled to the first electrode of the light emitting device, and second through sixth N-type transistors. An initialization period is reduced for a driving operation and the threshold voltage compensation time of a driving transistor is controlled. |
| US08913085B2 |
Object mapping techniques for mobile augmented reality applications
Techniques are disclosed that involve mobile augmented reality (MAR) applications in which users (e.g., players) may experience augmented reality (e.g., altered video or audio based on a real environment). Such augmented reality may include various alterations. For example, particular objects may be altered to appear differently. Such alterations may be based on stored profiles and/or user selections. Further features may also be employed. For example, in embodiments, characters and/or other objects may be sent (or caused to appear) to other users in other locations. Also, a user may leave a character at another location and receive an alert when another user/player encounters this character. Also, characteristics of output audio may be affected based on events of the MAR application. |
| US08913083B1 |
System and method of generating a view for a point of interest
Systems and methods are provided for manually finding a view for a geographic object in a street level image and associating the view with the geographic object. Information related to a geographic object and a first image related to the geographic object is displayed. User inputs indicating a presence of the geographic object in the image and user input indicating a viewpoint within the image are received and processed. An association of the viewpoint, the image and the geographic object is made and the association is stored in a database. A second image is determined, based on the association, as a default initial image to be displayed for the geographic object in a mapping application. |
| US08913080B2 |
Partitioning high resolution images into sub-images for display
Various embodiments provide techniques for partitioning high resolution images into sub-images for display. In at least some embodiments, the techniques can enable a device to display an image in its native resolution (e.g., the image capture resolution) even when the image exceeds a threshold image size for the device. In example implementations, techniques determine that a size of an image exceeds a threshold image size for a system. Further to some embodiments, the techniques can determine that the image is to be partitioned into multiple sub-images that can each be processed and reassembled to display the image. The sub-images can each be rendered by a graphics processing functionality (e.g., a graphics processing unit) and displayed on a display device to present a version of the image in its native resolution. |
| US08913078B2 |
Diagnosis assisting system, computer readable recording medium having diagnosis assisting program recorded thereon, and diagnosis assisting method
A plurality of images for observation in different observation formats and thumbnail images corresponding to each image for observation are generated from volume data obtained for the same subject on different imaging dates/times. A plurality of image windows, which can be switched between an active state and an inactive state, are arranged on a diagnosis screen, and images for observation generated from volume data obtained on specified imaging dates are displayed in each image window. In one embodiment, thumbnail images having the same observation format as an image for observation are displayed in the vicinity of the image for observation within an image window in the active state. |
| US08913076B1 |
Method and apparatus to improve the usability of thumbnails
A method and apparatus to improve the usability of thumbnails. In an embodiment, a computer implemented method for creating a thumbnail comprises generating a snapshot representing at least a portion of a view containing a plurality of windows, where each window has a window attribute, scaling the snapshot to a reduced size to form a thumbnail, and enhancing a representation of each window represented in the thumbnail based upon the window attribute of each window in the plurality of windows. |
| US08913073B2 |
Interpolation according to a function represented using unevenly spaced samples of the function
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to identifying function samples for use in interpolation. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: obtaining a set of unevenly spaced sample points, x, and corresponding sample outputs, y, of a function y=f(x) within a domain; generating a data structure including first locations corresponding to a set of evenly spaced sample points within the domain, wherein the first locations store index values corresponding to second locations storing the sample outputs, y; receiving an input value of image data; identifying one of the first locations corresponding to the input value; finding two index values stored in the first locations using the one of the first locations as a starting point; and generating an image data output value corresponding to the input value by interpolation using two sample outputs, y, obtained from the second locations using the two index values. |
| US08913072B2 |
Method and terminal for implementing display cache
The embodiment of the disclosure discloses a method and terminal for implementing display cache, which comprise storing, in memory, texts to be displayed as text component objects; creating a cache image object with a same size as a stored text component when displaying the text component on a screen. In the solution of display cache according to the embodiment of the disclosure, cache images are only created for text regions. Memory that would be occupied by creating cache images for non-text regions, can be saved, which offers the cache images a smaller area and a less memory occupation. By means of the solution according to the embodiment of the disclosure, a lot of running memory can be saved for programs and memory requirements of a lot of product characteristics can be met, without affecting fast display. |
| US08913071B2 |
Liquid crystal display, and device and method of modifying image signal for liquid crystal display
An image signal modifying device includes a pixel, a memory which stores compressed information in which a three-dimensional (“3-D”) lookup table is coded, an image signal modifying unit which decodes the compressed information to generate a restored 3-D lookup table and generates a modified signal based on a first image signal of a first frame, a second image signal of a second frame, a third image signal of a third frame and the restored 3-D lookup table, and a data driver which converts the modified signal into the data voltage and supplies the data voltage to the pixel. |
| US08913070B2 |
Server, screen transfer system, and screen transfer method
There is provided a server in which a screen update generating unit generates screen update information representing an image of an update area in a screen; a distributing unit distributes the screen update information to a transmitting unit selected from first to N-th transmitting units; a storage stores a generation history of the screen update information; and a precedence possibility determining unit specifies, based on the generation history of the screen update information, screen update information X and Y such that the screen update information X is more previously generated than the screen update information Y and that the image of the screen update information Y is permitted to be displayed prior to the screen update information X, wherein the distributing unit distributes the screen update information Y to the transmitting unit different from that of distributing the screen update information X. |
| US08913068B1 |
Displaying video on a browser
A system, method and computer-readable medium for a rendering a video on a browser. The system comprises a layout engine, a video decoder, a compositor, a GPU processing module, and a GPU. The layout engine identifies a video layer. The video decoder generates a plurality of bitmaps for updating a plurality of textures included in the layer. The compositor generates a set of rendering instructions for updating the plurality of textures that make up a quad. A shared memory stores plurality of bitmaps in the plurality of textures and the set of rendering instructions outside of the sandbox environment. The GPU processing module retrieves the plurality of textures and the rendering instructions and causes the GPU to render the video on a webpage using the rendering instructions and the plurality of the textures. |
| US08913065B2 |
Computer system for animating 3D models using offset transforms
The present invention relates to a novel 3D animation system for animating models. The system uses offset transforms to make it possible to make animation components that can be added individually to the animation system. The animation components simplify the process of animating 3D models performed conventionally. For example, the user can apply various animation components to the 3D object to make it move for a specific time, rather than the conventional process of specifying the precise position of a 3D object at specific frames. |
| US08913055B2 |
Online environment mapping
A system and method are disclosed for online mapping of large-scale environments using a hybrid representation of a metric Euclidean environment map and a topological map. The system includes a scene module, a location recognition module, a local adjustment module and a global adjustment module. The scene flow module is for detecting and tracking video features of the frames of an input video sequence. The scene flow module is also configured to identify multiple keyframes of the input video sequence and add the identified keyframes into an initial environment map of the input video sequence. The location recognition module is for detecting loop closures in the environment map. The local adjustment module enforces local metric properties of the keyframes in the environment map, and the global adjustment module is for optimizing the entire environment map subject to global metric properties of the keyframes in the keyframe pose graph. |
| US08913054B2 |
Scanning drive circuit and display device including the same
A display device includes display elements two-dimensionally disposed in a matrix; scanning lines, initialization control lines, and display control lines extending in a first direction; data lines extending in a second direction different from the first direction; and a scanning drive circuit. The scanning drive circuit generates signals based on an input pulse, at least some of the generated signals controlling the display state of the display elements via the display control lines. The duration of the display state of the display elements may be variably changed by changing the width of the input pulse. |
| US08913052B2 |
Display device having security function
A display device includes a display panel, a module frame having first and second contact pins, and a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) having first and second pads connectable with the first and second contact pins of the module frame, respectively, in a contacting state and disconnectable therewith in a non-contacting state. The first and second contact pins are electrically connected to each other. The PCB includes a circuit block in a non-operational state when the first and second pads are in the non-contacting state with the first and second contact pins of the module frame, respectively. |
| US08913051B2 |
LCD controller with oscillator prebias control
An LCD controller includes a charge pump circuit for generating a charge voltage responsive to an external voltage and a clock signal. An oscillator generates the clock signal responsive to at least one bias voltage. The oscillator has a high power mode of operation and a low power mode of operation. Bias circuitry for applies the at least one bias voltage to the oscillator. The at least one bias voltage is applied to the oscillator from an external source in the high power mode of operation and the at least one bias voltage is applied to the oscillator from a source within the oscillator in the low power mode of operation. An LCD driver voltage circuit generates a plurality of LCD driver voltages for driving segments of an LCD display responsive to the charge voltage. |
| US08913050B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device and electronic device having the same
A plurality of transistors in which ratios of a channel length L to a channel width W, α=W/L, are different from each other is provided in parallel as output side transistors 105a to 105c in a current mirror circuit 101 which amplifies a photocurrent of a photoelectric conversion device and an internal resistor is connected to each of the output side transistors 105a to 105c in series. The sum of currents which flow through the plurality of transistors and the internal resistor is output, whereby a transistor with large amount of α can be driven in a linear range with low illuminance, and a transistor with small amount of α can be driven in a linear range with high illuminance, so that applicable illuminance range of the photoelectric conversion device can be widened. |
| US08913045B2 |
Gate drive circuit for display device
A gate drive circuit for a display device is disclosed, by which output states of scan pulses are identically maintained in a manner of minimizing load deviation between connecting units. The present disclosure includes at least two clock transmission lines transmitting at least two clock pulses having a phase difference in-between, a shift register outputting scan pulses sequentially based on the clock pulses transmitted from the clock transmission lines, and a plurality of connecting units connecting the clock transmission lines to the shift register, respectively, wherein at least one of the connecting units is zigzagged in part, the at least one connecting unit comprising: a pad connected to the corresponding clock transmission line via a pad connecting unit; a zigzagged line connected to one side of the pad; and a connecting line that has one side connected to the zigzagged line and the other side connected to the shift register. |
| US08913044B2 |
Electronic circuit, method of driving the same, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
At a writing time, a first transistor 412 is turned on so that a data signal Xj is supplied to one end of a capacitor 420. At this time, since a second transistor 414 is turned off, driving current does not flow to an organic light emitting diode (OLED) device 430. A power supply voltage Vdd is supplied to the other end of a capacitor through a power supply line L. However, since the driving current does not flow at the writing time, the power supply voltage Vdd is not reduced by the wiring line resistance of the power supply line L. On the other hand, at an emission time, the first transistor 412 is turned off and the second transistor 414 is turned on. Therefore, the driving current is supplied to the OLED device 430. |
| US08913041B2 |
Position pointer, variable capacitor and inputting apparatus
A position pointer is disclosed, including a housing, a substantially bar-like rod accommodated in the housing such that one end thereof projects to the outer side of the housing, and a variable capacitor having a capacitance value which varies in response to external force applied thereto through the rod. The variable capacitor includes a dielectric member having a first face portion and a second face portion opposite from the first face portion, a terminal member configured to engage with the first face portion of the dielectric member, an electrode section disposed in an opposing relationship to the second face portion of the dielectric member and including a conductive member having a contact area with the second face portion that varies in response to the external force, and an elastic member configured to bias the conductive member in a direction in which the conductive member is spaced away from the second face portion. |
| US08913038B2 |
Electronic device and electronic reader device with a proximity sensing button
An electronic reader device with a physical control disposed on a surface of the device housing. The physical control is operable to initiate a first function. A display disposed on the surface of the housing is operable to show a virtual control that initiates a second function. A sensor detects a drag operation moving the virtual control to a position on a border of the display adjacent to the physical control. A processor associates the second function with the physical control in response to the drag operation and performs the second function upon activation of the physical control. |
| US08913037B1 |
Gesture recognition from depth and distortion analysis
Systems and techniques for detecting gestures of a user based on analysis of acquired depth maps as well as identified distortion within one or more acquired color images. For instance, a system may project content onto a display surface within an environment. A user may then interact with the content via gestures, which may include hand gestures, gestures with a stylus or the like. In some instances, the content includes multiple selection portions, such as soft buttons, icons, and the like, that a user may select by pointing or touching with a finger or other type of selection tool. For instance, the projected content may include one or more projected icons and the user may select one of the icons by touching the display surface onto which the respective display icon is being projected. |
| US08913034B2 |
Connector of connecting light sensor and substrate and method of fabricating light sensor
A connector of connecting a light sensor and a substrate is utilized for rotating the light sensor so that the light-receiving direction of the light sensor is parallel with the substrate. When the connector is utilized in an optical touch system, the light sensor can be disposed on the substrate of the optical touch system by means of general manufacturing facilities of flat display panels. Meanwhile, the light-receiving direction of the light sensor is parallel with the substrate of the optical touch system. |
| US08913030B2 |
Pointer display device, pointer display/detection method, pointer display/detection program and information apparatus
Disclosed herein is a pointer display device, including, a touch panel provided on a display screen of a display section, a pointer display section configured to detect a contact point in a touch operation on the touch panel and to display a pointer in an area containing the contact point, and a hotspot detection section configured to detect as a hotspot a position corresponding to one part of the pointer exclusive of the contact point. |
| US08913028B2 |
Mobile device authentication through touch-based gestures
A method, system, and apparatus of a touch-based authentication of a mobile device through user generated pattern creation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a mobile device includes recognizing a tactile force on a touch screen without a visual aid as an unlocking gesture, storing the unlocking gesture to a memory of the mobile device, associating another tactile force on the touch screen with the unlocking gesture, and transforming the mobile device from an initial state to an unlocked state based on the association between the another tactile force and the unlocking gesture. The method may include transforming the mobile device to operate as a telephonic communication device in the unlocked state. |
| US08913027B2 |
Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback at multiple resonance frequencies
Systems and methods for providing haptic feedback at multiple resonance frequencies are disclosed. For example, one disclosed apparatus includes a resonator with a base and a plurality of projections, a first projection of the plurality of projections having a first resonance frequency and a second projection of the plurality of projections having a second resonance frequency, and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the resonator and operable to output a haptic feedback effect at the first resonance frequency and at the second resonance frequency. |
| US08913025B2 |
Touch screen, touch panel, and display device including the same
In a touch screen, the number of dummy column block region patterns is made smaller than the number of plurality of detection block region patterns. The plurality of detection block region pattern are obtained as a result of dividing a crossing region where a column direction wire bunch and a row direction wire bunch cross each other. The dummy column block region patterns are obtained as a result of dividing a crossing region where a dummy column direction wire bunch and a row direction wire bunch cross each other. |
| US08913024B2 |
Contact detecting device and display device having detection lines of different lengths
A contact detecting device including: a contact responding section configured to produce an electric change in response to an object to be detected coming into contact with or proximity to a detecting surface; and a contact driving scanning section configured to scan application of driving voltage to the contact responding section in one direction within the detecting surface, and control output of the electric change in time series, wherein the contact driving scanning section performs a plurality of scans of different regions of the contact responding section in parallel with each other, and outputs a plurality of the electric changes in parallel with each other. |
| US08913023B2 |
Electronic device and touch control method thereof
A touch control method used for an electronic device storing a relationship table recording a mapping relationship between handwritten touch input and a number of commands includes the following steps. Display an electronic file. Sense a touch trace of a user on the displayed electronic file and generating a trigger signal if the touch trace forms a closed loop having an enclosed region. Sense handwritten touch input by the user within the enclosed region and generate associated signals. Recognize a circled path having an enclosed region as input by the user according to the generated signals. Determine a command associated with the sensed handwritten touch input according to the relationship table in response to the trigger signal. Retrieve content of the displayed electronic file displayed within the enclosed region. And execute the retrieved command to the retrieved content. An electronic device using the method is also provided. |
| US08913022B2 |
Character input device, image forming apparatus including the same, and method for controlling the character input device
Provided is a character input device that can improve user's convenience (can reduce operations to be performed by the user). In this character input device, an operation display portion displays a keyboard screen corresponding to a character type of the first character of the registered user information as an initial screen for accepting re-input, when accepting the re-input of the same user information as the registered user information. |
| US08913021B2 |
Capacitance touch near-field—far field switching
A touch sensor panel configured to switch between a mutual capacitance near field sensing architecture and a self-capacitance far field sensing architecture. The touch sensor panel includes circuitry that can switch the configuration of touch electrodes to act as either drive lines in a mutual capacitance configuration or as sense electrodes in a self-capacitance configuration. The touch sensor panel also includes circuitry that can switch the configuration of touch electrodes to act as either sense lines in a mutual capacitance configuration or a sense electrode in a self-capacitance configuration. |
| US08913018B2 |
System and method for finger resolution in touch screens
System and methods for determining multiple interactions with a digitizer sensor are provided. Entries in a matrix may be provided based on measured and reference values associated with junctions in a digitizer sensor. An entry associated with at least two extreme values related to respective at least to dimensions of the digitizer sensor may be located. A junction associated with the located entry may be designated as an interaction point. In some embodiments, one or more interactions may be determined using a topographical-like evaluation of interactions. |
| US08913012B2 |
Optical mouse and operating method thereof
There is provided an operating method of an optical mouse including a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the optical mouse detects a finger displacement, a contact status and a physiological characteristic according to a plurality of image frames associated with a finger surface. In the second mode, the optical mouse calculates a mouse displacement according to a plurality of image frames associated with a work surface. There is further provided an optical mouse. |
| US08913010B2 |
Pointing system, information processing system, method for setting coordinate system, etc., information processing device, and storage medium storing information processing program
An example pointing system includes an attitude calculation unit, a coordinate system setting unit, and a coordinate calculation unit. The attitude calculation unit calculates an attitude of a controller device in a predetermined space. The coordinate system setting unit sets a predetermined coordinate system in the predetermined space. The coordinate calculation unit calculates pointing coordinates in the coordinate system based on a relationship of the attitude with respect to the coordinate system. The coordinate system setting unit can set a direction of a predetermined axis of the coordinate system with respect to a vertical direction in the predetermined space, and can set the direction of the predetermined axis of the coordinate system with respect to a direction of the controller device in the predetermined space. |
| US08913009B2 |
Spatially-correlated multi-display human-machine interface
A human-machine interface involves plural spatially-coherent visual presentation surfaces at least some of which are movable by a person. Plural windows or portholes into a virtual space, at least some of which are handheld and movable, are provided by using handheld and other display devices. Aspects of multi-dimensional spatiality of the moveable window (e.g., relative to another window) are determined and used to generate images. As one example, the moveable window can present a first person perspective “porthole” view into the virtual space, this porthole view changing based on aspects of the moveable window's spatiality in multi-dimensional space relative to a stationary window. A display can present an image of a virtual space, and an additional, moveable display can present an additional image of the same virtual space. Technology is used to determine aspects of the spatiality of the display devices in the physical world, and use the determined spatiality to affect the images displayed on the displays. For example, determined spatiality of the movable display relative to another display can be used to provide relative spatiality of images the two displays present to enhance the user's immersive perception. The movable display can context-switch between pointer functionality and spatial functionality depending on whether it is pointing toward a stationary display. |
| US08913005B2 |
Methods and systems for ergonomic feedback using an image analysis module
A display device can be used with an ergonomic sensor comprising an imaging device interfaced to processing hardware to obtain and analyze image data depicting a user of the display device. The ergonomic sensor can be preconfigured with data indicating ergonomic uses of the display device so that the image of the user can be analyzed with minimal or no user calibration or setup. Instead, the ergonomic sensor can analyze the image data to provide real-time feedback, such as warnings or suggestions when the user's behavior falls outside an ergonomic use range for the display device. In some implementations, the ergonomic sensor is integrated with the display device, though in other implementations a separate element or preexisting imaging device can be used. |
| US08913003B2 |
Free-space multi-dimensional absolute pointer using a projection marker system
Methods and apparatuses for a free-space multi-dimensional absolute pointer using a projection marker system are described herein. In one embodiment, a presentation system includes, but is not limited to, a projection-based marker apparatus to project one or more optical spots on a display surface for displaying machine generated content capable of being manipulated via a cursor of a pointing device, a handheld device to wirelessly capture the projected optical spots from the display surface, and a control unit communicatively coupled to the projection-based marker apparatus and the handheld device to determine coordinates of the cursor based on characteristics of the captured light spots. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08912997B2 |
Displaying useful information on a display element
For displaying useful information (25) on a display element (21) of a terminal device (20), display data comprising useful information (25) are displayed (S2) on the display element (21), and light signals (18) are emitted (S3) to the display element (21) by a light signal unit (12) of a portable data carrier (10), wherein the display data are so displayed (S2) on the display element (21), and the light signals (18) so emitted (S3) to the terminal device (20), that a viewer of the display element (21) can recognize (S5) the useful information (25). |
| US08912991B2 |
Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display includes: a first gate line; a first data line crossing the first gate line; a first switching element connected with the first gate line and the first data line; a second switching element connected with the first gate line and the first data line; a first liquid crystal capacitor connected with the first switching element; a second liquid crystal capacitor connected with the second switching element; a boost switching element which is turned on during a time period not overlapping a time period during which the first switching element is turned on; and a boost capacitor including a first terminal connected with the boost switching element and a second terminal connected with the first liquid crystal capacitor. |
| US08912989B2 |
Pixel and organic light emitting display device using the same
An organic light emitting display device includes: a scan driver for supplying partially overlapping scan signals having at least 2H width and for supplying emission control signals; a data driver; and pixels, each including: an OLED having a cathode coupled to second power; a first transistor having a first electrode coupled to first power; a second transistor between a gate electrode and a second electrode of the first transistor and turned on when the scan signal is supplied to a current scan line; a third transistor between the data line and a second node and turned on when the scan signal is supplied to a subsequent scan line; a first capacitor coupled between the first transistor gate electrode and the second node; and a fourth transistor turned on when the scan signal is supplied to a previous scan line to supply a first voltage to the first transistor gate electrode. |
| US08912987B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and driving method thereof
An organic light emitting display device capable of stably compensating for a threshold voltage of a driving transistor is provided. The organic light emitting display device includes pixels each having a driving transistor and being configured to initialize a voltage of the driving transistor by an initialization power, a gray level determining unit for generating a gray level value using externally supplied data, and an initialization power generator for controlling a voltage level of the initialization power to correspond to the gray level value. |
| US08912986B2 |
Display control device, display control method, and computer program
A display control device includes: a display control unit that controls display of a reflective first display member and a self-emitting second display member that is provided in superimposition on a display surface of the first display member, has higher rewriting responsiveness than that of the first display member, and may transmit display of the first display member, wherein, when predetermined information is displayed on the first display member and the second display member, the display control unit performs predetermined display control on the first display member in an area corresponding to an area in which the second display member displays information or on the second display member in an area corresponding to an area in which the first display member displays information. |
| US08912985B2 |
Method for driving display device
In a display device using a light-emitting element or the like, the power consumption is reduced without reducing the display quality. A first operation and a second operation are carried out. In the first operation, a threshold voltage of a transistor is held in a capacitor. In the second operation, a signal potential corresponding to an image signal and the threshold voltage are added with the use of a capacitive coupling by the capacitor and are input to a gate of the transistor, so that a drain current of the transistor flows into a load element. The first operation is carried out once in a plurality of frames. A switch that determines whether the capacitor is electrically connected to a wiring to which a power supply potential is input is provided. A transistor in which a channel is formed in an oxide semiconductor layer is used as the switch. |
| US08912978B2 |
Dynamic vehicle system information on full windshield head-up display
A substantially transparent windscreen head up display includes one of light emitting particles or microstructures over a predefined region of the windscreen permitting luminescent display while permitting vision through the windscreen. A method to display a graphic head up instrument display upon a substantially transparent windscreen head up display of a vehicle includes monitoring operation of the vehicle, monitoring an operator-defined configuration of the graphic head up instrument display, determining the graphic head up instrument display based upon the operation of the vehicle and the operator-defined configuration of the graphic head up instrument display, and displaying the graphic head up instrument display upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display. |
| US08912977B2 |
Projector, projector system, and image correcting method
A projector that can solve a problem in which a projection image is disturbed due to deviation of incident positions of projection light to a screen is provided. Projection section 11 includes LD light emission section 111 and scanning section 112 that scans light emitted by LD light emission section 111 and projects the scanned light to the rear plane side of the screen. Control section 12 controls an amount of light emission of the light and a scanning angle of scanning section 112 based on an image signal so as to cause projection section 11 to project an image corresponding to the image signal to the screen. Control section 12 corrects an orientation of projection light corresponding to each pixel of the image projected from projection section 11 based on a refractive index of the light transmission member and a scanning angle of scanning section 112 so as to correct an incident position of the projection light on the screen. |
| US08912976B2 |
Internal RF antenna with dielectric insulation
Disclosed is a radio frequency (RF) antenna for plasma ion sources. The RF antenna includes a low-resistance metal tube having an inner and outer diameter. A low friction polymer tube also having an inner and outer diameter surrounds the low-resistance metal tube. The inner diameter of the polymer tube is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the low-resistance metal tube. A pre-formed quartz glass tube encases the low friction polymer tube and low-resistance metal tube. The quartz glass tube is pre-formed in a desired shape. A guide wire is attached inside one end of the low-resistance hollow metal tube. The flexible low friction polymer tube containing the low-resistance metal tubed may then be threaded through the quartz glass tube. |
| US08912975B1 |
Reworking array structures
A method and apparatus for reworking an antenna aperture. A plurality of antenna cells comprise walls and antenna elements on the walls. Replacement antenna cells are placed adjacent to the plurality of antenna cells. The replacement antenna cells comprise a replacement wall and a replacement antenna element on the replacement wall. A conductive splice is attached to the replacement antenna element and to a one of the antenna elements on a one of the walls. |
| US08912971B2 |
Filter, duplexer and electronic device
A ladder type filter includes series resonators S1˜S4 connected in series between an input terminal In and an output terminal Out, parallel resonators P1˜P3 connected in parallel between the input terminal In and the output terminal Out, a resonator RP connected in series with the series resonators S1˜S4 between the input terminal and the output terminal, the resonator RP having a resonance frequency lower than resonance frequencies of the series resonators S1˜S4, and an inductor Lp connected in parallel with the resonator. According to the present ladder filter, signals having frequencies away from the pass band can be suppressed by an attenuation pole formed by the inductor. It is further possible to suppress the insertion loss in the pass band by the resonator. |
| US08912968B2 |
True omni-directional antenna
An antenna and a method for using the antenna in a wireless appliance are provided. The antenna includes a conducting surface having a length and a width; a dielectric slit having a slit length portion oriented along either the length or the width, the slit forming two lips on the conducting surface; the slit having an opening on one of the length and the width, the opening having a flare size; a feed-point element connecting the two lips; wherein the dimensions of the length, the width, the slit length portion, and the flare size are smaller than an effective propagation wavelength of the RF radiation in the antenna. An antenna including a conducting surface having a conductive plate with a plate area defined by a plate perimeter overlaying a portion of a conducting surface is also provided. A method to provide an antenna as above is also disclosed. |
| US08912962B2 |
Data card with universal serial bus plug
A data card with a USB plug (207) includes a housing (201) and a cap (203). A data card antenna (205) is disposed in the cap. The cap further has at least one cap wing (209) extending from an opening of the cap. A cap antenna contact (211) is provided on the cap wing. The cap antenna contact is electrically connected with the antenna in the cap. A housing antenna contact (213) is provided on an end portion of the housing. The housing antenna contact is electrically connected with a circuit in the housing. When the cap is relatively fixed to a bottom end of the housing, the cap antenna contact is electrically connected with the housing antenna contact. The disposition of the antenna in the cap reduces a body size of the data card, and therefore reduces a size of the entire data card. |
| US08912960B1 |
Antenna apparatus
An antenna apparatus includes a first dielectric layer, a ground plane, a conductive line, a second dielectric layer, and a first conductive element and a second conductive element configured to be disposed on the second dielectric layer so that the first and the second conductive elements intersect the conductive line at first and second positions corresponding to first and second nodes of a standing wave of current flowing through the conductive line, respectively, wherein the first and the second conductive elements are bent or rounded toward a feeding point with respect to the first and the second positions in plan view, respectively, and wherein a first bent degree, a first rounded degree or a first length of the first conductive element is different from a second bent degree, a second rounded degree or a second length of the second conductive element. |
| US08912959B2 |
Packaging structure and method of fabricating the same
A packaging structure and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The packaging structure includes a substrate, first packaging element disposed on the substrate, a second packaging element disposed on the substrate and spaced apart from the first packaging element, a first antenna disposed on the first packaging element, and a metal layer formed on the second packaging element. The installation of the metal layer and the antenna enhances the electromagnetic shielding effect. |
| US08912952B2 |
Global positioning system device and ionosphere error estimation method thereof
A global positioning system device and an ionosphere error estimation method thereof are provided. The global positioning system device is connected to a plurality of dual-band base stations, and receives a plurality of ionosphere pierce point coordinates and a plurality of ionosphere errors from the dual-band base stations. The global positioning system device calculates a user ionosphere error by an interpolation method based on the ionosphere pierce point coordinates and the ionosphere errors of the dual-band base stations and a user ionosphere pierce point coordinate of the global positioning system device. |
| US08912948B1 |
System and method for cued acquisition azimuth and elevation extent calculation using perspective projection
Methods are disclosed for obtaining a cued radar acquisition volume. The method employs uncertainties (i.e., errors) represented by a covariance, and a method of finding the minimum volume defined by range, azimuth, and elevation limits that enclose the covariance, and uses a perspective projection of the errors to provide an accurate calculation of the cued acquisition volume. The three-dimensional problem is first reduced to two dimensions by parallel projection onto the range-transverse and range-elevation planes. Then perspective projection of the two dimensional parallel projections is performed. The disclosed method reduces the complexity of three dimensional perspective projection by preceding perspective projection with parallel projection, which greatly simplifies the problem and allows a simple and easily calculated solution. |
| US08912942B2 |
Successive-approximation-register analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC) and method thereof
A SAR ADC and a method thereof are provided. Particularly, in each bit determining duration of last several bit determining durations, a comparer is used to consecutively compare a first potential with a second potential on a sampling and digital-to-analog converting circuit a plurality of times to obtain a plurality of comparison results, and then an SAR control circuit generates a corresponding output bit according to the obtained plurality of comparison results. |
| US08912936B1 |
Electric signal conversion
In one aspect, an electrical signal converter is disclosed. The exemplary electrical signal converter may include a plurality of ordered converter elements. Element selection logic may be provided to pseudorandomly select a pointer to a switch matrix, wherein the switch matrix maps converter elements according to a stepwise “delta-two-maximum pattern.” Advantageously, pseudorandom stepwise delta-two-maximum patterns may be applied both to a first order converter, and to a feedback converter for error correction. |
| US08912933B1 |
Serializer with multiple stages
In certain embodiments of the invention, a serializer has a transfer stage that transfers N-bit parallel data from a relatively slow timing domain to a relatively fast timing domain and a serializing stage that converts the parallel data into serialized data. Between the transfer stage and the serializing stage is an update stage that buffers the data and can be used to toggle the serializer between an N−1 operating mode and an N+1 operating mode. |
| US08912923B2 |
Method and device for parking assistance for a vehicle
The invention relates to a method and a device for assisting a parking process of a vehicle (1) into a parking space (P) which is arranged transversely with respect to a carriageway (F) and which is bounded on at least one side by a lateral boundary (10, 11), wherein the parking space (P) is measured by means of a measuring device, a parked position (G) of the vehicle (1) inside the parking space (P) is defined by means of an evaluation device, and a parking path (B) of the vehicle (1) into the parked position (G) is determined by means of the evaluation device.In order to assist the parking process in very wide parking spaces (P), the parked position (G) is defined at a lateral distance (d) from the center longitudinal axis (L) of the parking space (P) by the evaluation device at least when a predefined minimum width (b-min) of the parking space (P) is exceeded. |
| US08912921B2 |
Off-road motor vehicle warning system
A warning system for vehicles that comprises a transmitter and a receiver for respectively transmitting a signal to an approaching vehicle or receiving a signal from an approaching vehicle. A light actuated upon receiving a signal from another vehicle and visible to the other vehicle indicates to the other vehicle that it is approaching a vehicle. |
| US08912916B2 |
Non-uniform echo train decimation
Method and apparatus using at least one process to reduce a data set using a data adaptive down-sampling scheme comprising a plurality of non-uniform down-sampling factors. The method may include separating the data set into a plurality of data windows, where each of the plurality of data windows corresponds to one of the plurality of non-uniform data-sampling factors; applying the down-sampling factors, and transmitting the reduced data set from a downhole location to the surface. The data set may include an NMR echo train. The apparatus may include an NMR tool configured to acquire NMR data and at least one processor configured to perform the method. |
| US08912915B2 |
Borehole array for ranging and crosswell telemetry
A borehole array for ranging and crosswell telemetry is disclosed along with certain methods for employing such a borehole array. Some embodiments of the borehole array include electrically coupled reference nodes distributed along the length of a reference well. Each reference node includes a solenoid operated by a control unit. The control unit employs the solenoid to generate a magnetic field for guiding a bottomhole assembly in a nearby well. The control unit further serves as a communications intermediary between the bottomhole assembly and a surface facility. The bottomhole assembly can be guided in turn by subsequent reference nodes of the array and employ the closest reference node as a communications link to the surface. Moreover, the use of multiple reference nodes offers greater precision in determining the bottomhole assembly's position relative to the reference well. The borehole array can be used to guide multiple drilling operations concurrently. |
| US08912909B2 |
Noninvasive multi-parameter patient monitor
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a handheld multi-parameter patient monitor capable of determining multiple physiological parameters from the output of a light sensitive detector capable of detecting light attenuated by body tissue. For example, in an embodiment, the monitor is capable of advantageously and accurately displaying one or more of pulse rate, plethysmograph data, perfusion quality, signal confidence, and values of blood constituents in body tissue, including for example, arterial carbon monoxide saturation (“HbCO”), methemoglobin saturation (“HbMet”), total hemoglobin (“Hbt”), arterial oxygen saturation (“SpO2”), fractional arterial oxygen saturation (“SpaO2”), or the like. In an embodiment, the monitor displays a line associated with a patient wellness level. |
| US08912907B2 |
RFID tags and processes for producing RFID tags
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag comprises a flexible substrate and an integrated circuit embedded within the flexible substrate. The top surface of the integrated circuit is coplanar with the flexible substrate. At least one conductive element is formed on the flexible substrate. The conductive element is electrically connected to the integrated circuit. The conductive element serves as an antenna for the RFID tag. |
| US08912905B2 |
LED lighting system
A lighting system includes at least one lighting apparatus having a light emitting element capable of emitting a controllably variable light output in a region. A position determination subsystem is capable of determining a position in three dimensions of at least one mobile entity within the region. A control subsystem is capable of variably controlling a light output of the at least one lighting apparatus according to the position of the mobile entity. The system may determine position by radio ranging with mobile electronic elements. The system may include multiple lighting elements and may determine light levels according to positions of multiple mobile entities. The system may include a database of information about lighting elements, mobile entities, and lighting plans that may be selected from mobile electronic elements. |
| US08912902B1 |
Lookdown enable/disable for detectors
An intrusion detector comprises a housing including a cover and baseplate mounting a circuit board. The cover and baseplate are removably mountable to a base. A motion sensor and bracket are mounted to the circuit board. The cover has a lower lookdown window. A lookdown enable/disable actuator extends from a rear side of the circuit board and is accessible through the baseplate. The actuator is operable to move a door pivotally mounted to the bracket between an on position to enable a lookdown function and an off position to disable the lookdown function. The detector is normally mounted on a wall by securing the base to the wall. The cover and baseplate can be removed from the base. A screwdriver can be used to turn the actuator. The cover and baseplate can then be remounted to the base. |
| US08912895B2 |
Medical device having a reminder function
There is provided a medical device having a reminder function, the medical device comprising a reminder generator for issuing a reminder to a user to perform a predetermined action with the medical device; and a controller for selecting the reminder from a plurality of available reminders and for controlling the reminder generator to issue the selected reminder in accordance with a reminding schedule; wherein the controller is configured to maintain a measure of the effectiveness of each of said available reminders and to select the reminder from the plurality of available reminders based on said measures. |
| US08912893B2 |
Circuit monitoring device
The circuit monitoring device is disclosed. The device is for monitoring circuit resistance. At configurable thresholds digital flags are triggered, the device can be used as a Security/Building management system. The device uses open technology is fully scaleable and allows programmable logic controllers to be used as security management systems. Using a soft logic option a PC could take the place of the PLC. |
| US08912886B2 |
Power management system for electronic shelf labels and the like
A power management system is disclosed in which ESL labels communicate with a server through a base station. The frequency and times at which each ESL label communicates with the server is optimized for the minimum communication necessary to provide up to date pricing and related information, and to simultaneously minimize consumed battery power for the ESL labels. The base stations and servers for the system are preferably operated from hard wired power. |
| US08912882B2 |
Methods, systems, devices, and products for authenticating users
Enhanced biometric authentication is achieved by combining a user's inherent biometric data with the user's knowledge of a secret glyph. In one embodiment, a touchpad is provided on which the user may use a finger to indicate a plurality of strokes that form a distinct glyph. Image stabilization may be used to extract a readable fingerprint from the strokes, and the glyph and finger print are matched to a stored profile. The glyph may be one or more alphanumeric characters that represent a password. The user can then enter the password on the touch pad with his finger. If the fingerprint and password both match, the user is authenticated. |
| US08912880B2 |
Method for checking the authorization of users
In order to check the authorization of passengers, the following steps are performed: storing of authorization data, for example of tickets, in an electronic storage area of a portable personal identification module (40) of the user, for example in a chip-card, storing of identification data that are specific to the user's outer appearance in an electronic storage area of the personal identification module (40), contactless transmission of said identification and authorization data in a portable authorization-checking device (90), visual reproduction of said identification and authorization data with a VRD (Virtual Retina Display). |
| US08912879B2 |
Security system providing temporary personnel access based upon near-field communication and related methods
A security system may include a plurality of electronic devices, each having a unique identification (ID) associated therewith and configured to generate a temporary security code based upon the unique ID. The system may further include at least one mobile wireless communications device including a first Near-Field Communication (NFC) circuit, and a mobile controller configured to receive the temporary security code from a given electronic device from among the plurality of electronic devices. The system may also include an access control device associated with a personnel access position and including a second NFC sensor and a security controller. The security controller may be configured to receive the temporary security code from the first NFC sensor via NFC communications, selectively grant personnel access based upon the received temporary security code, and determine the unique ID associated with the given electronic device. |
| US08912870B2 |
Switchgear and switchgear operating mechanism
According to an embodiment, when a switchgear operating state is shifted from a close state to a cutoff state, a solenoid lever is pushed and rotated by a plunger of an electromagnetic solenoid for cutoff so that the solenoid lever rotates in a direction opposite from the direction of the urging of a solenoid-lever return spring. A trigger roller pin and the solenoid lever become disengaged from each other, an eccentric pin and a trigger lever are rotated by the urging force from a latch leading end become disengaged from each other, whereby a latch lever is rotated by the released energy of a cutoff spring. |
| US08912868B1 |
Fixed and varactor-tuned bandstop filters with spurious suppression
A bandstop filter configured to suppress a spurious resonance frequency includes a resonator and a transmission line that is coupled to the resonator at a first junction and at a second junction with a length θ of transmission line running between the two couplings. The configuration provides two signal paths so that constructive interference occurs at the spurious resonance, and destructive interference occurs at a fundamental bandstop frequency. This provides spurious suppression by effectively cancelling out resonator couplings via the constructive interference, extending the upper passband of the bandstop filter to any degree required by the application. |
| US08912867B2 |
Waveguide filter having coupling screws
A waveguide filter, comprising a housing defining a passage through which electromagnetic waves can travel and a plurality of adjustable projections extending through the housing into the passage. The passage is absent any fixed protrusions. The plurality of adjustable projection s comprises a set of coupling projections, wherein each pair of adjacent coupling projections in the set of coupling projections defines there between a resonant cavity. Each coupling projection in the set of coupling projections acts as a coupling element for at least one resonant cavity and is adjustable for trimming the coupling of that at least one resonant cavity. The plurality of adjustable projections further comprises a set of tuning projections, wherein a tuning projection from the set of tuning projections is positioned between each pair of adjacent coupling projections and is adjustable for trimming a resonance frequency of an associated resonant cavity. |
| US08912864B2 |
High-frequency signal combiner
A high-frequency signal combiner includes a first input terminal for the connection of a first high-frequency signal, a second input terminal for the connection of a second high-frequency signal, an output terminal for the output of the third high-frequency signal combined from the first and the second high-frequency signal. A first coaxial line extends between the first input terminal and the output terminal. A second coaxial line extends between the second input terminal and the output terminal. Furthermore, an annular core is provided, through the recess of which the first and second coaxial line are guided each in a different direction. The annular core is manufactured from an axially wound strip which includes a first layer made of a magnetizable material and a second layer made of an insulating material. |
| US08912863B2 |
CATV face plate device and method with extended frequency range
A face plate for cable-TV networks, the face plate adapted to operate in frequencies as high as 1.8 GHz. The face plate comprising terminals, electronic circuitry, impedance matching units and a disturbances suppressor. The disturbances suppressor is designed to suppress the parasitic resonance of the transmission line that appears inside the extended operational frequency band of 1000 to 1800 MHz. The impedance matching units are adapted to match the impedance of the terminal with that of electronic circuitry. |
| US08912862B2 |
Impedance matching between a bare-die integrated circuit and a transmission line on a laminated PCB
A system for matching impedances of a bare-die Integrated Circuit and bonding wires. A bare-die Integrated Circuit is configured to output or input, at an impedance of Z3, a millimeter-wave signal from three electrically conductive contacts. Three electrically conductive pads, printed on one of the laminas of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) are connected to the three electrically conductive contacts via three bonding wires respectively, the bonding wires have a characteristic impedance of Z1, wherein Z1>Z3. One of the electrically conductive pads extends to form a transmission line signal trace of length L, the transmission line signal trace having a first width resulting in characteristic impedance of Z2, wherein Z2>Z3. The transmission line signal trace widens to a second width, higher than the first width, after the length of L, decreasing the characteristic impedance of the transmission line signal trace to substantially Z3 after the length L and onwards. |
| US08912861B1 |
Mechanically controlled variable capacitors for impedance tuners
An improved grounding technique for mechanically adjustable rotary capacitors uses a directly grounded bronze sliding contact to effectively and continuously ground the rotating comb-like blades of the capacitor. RF measurements of the continuity and repeatability of the capacitance settings prove the suitability of the modified capacitors for using in pre-calibrated multi-capacitor MHz range impedance tuners. |
| US08912852B2 |
Quartz pressure and temperature transducer assembly with dynamic correction
A quartz transducer having four or more crystal-controlled oscillators intended for measurement of applied pressure and temperature. All four oscillators are controlled by crystal quartz resonators operating in the thickness-shear mode. Two crystals measure the pressure and temperature respectively. A third crystal is a reference, and the fourth crystal may be another reference crystal or a second temperature crystal. The output of the latter is either phase leading or phase lagging the thermal response of the main temperature sensor. |
| US08912844B2 |
Semiconductor structure and method for reducing noise therein
The present invention provides a semiconductor structure, including a substrate, a first TSV, an inductor and a capacitor. The first TSV is disposed in the substrate and has a first signal. The inductor is disposed in the substrate. The capacitor is electrically connected to the inductor to form an LC circuit to bypass the noise from the first signal. The present invention further provides a method of reducing the signal noise in a semiconductor structure. |
| US08912841B1 |
Semiconductor devices and semiconductor systems including the same
Semiconductor systems are provided. The semiconductor system includes a controller and a semiconductor device. The controller generates a power voltage signal. The semiconductor device generates a power-up signal in response to the power voltage signal, generates a first selection pulse, a second selection pulse and an initialization pulse signal, generates a first fuse signal for controlling an internal operation according to a cut state of a first fuse, and generates a second fuse signal for controlling the internal operation according to a cut state of a second fuse. |
| US08912840B2 |
Switching device with a JFET series arrangement
A switching device for switching a current between a first connection and a second connection including a series circuit of at least two JFETs (J1-Jn), with further JFETs (J2-Jn), which are connected in series to a lowest JFET (J1), and wherein a wiring network for stabilizing the gate voltages of the JFETs (J1-Jn) is connected between the second connection and the first termination. One additional circuit is connected between each gate connection (GJ2, GJ3 . . . GjN) of the further JFETs (J2-Jn) and associated cathode connections of diodes (DAV) of the wiring network. During switch-on and in the switched-on state, said additional circuit keeps the potential of the respective gate connection higher than the potential of the associated source connection. |
| US08912839B2 |
Bridge circuits and their components
A half bridge is described with at least one transistor having a channel that is capable in a first mode of operation of blocking a substantial voltage in at least one direction, in a second mode of operation of conducting substantial current in one direction through the channel and in a third mode of operation of conducting substantial current in an opposite direction through the channel. The half bridge can have two circuits with such a transistor. |
| US08912834B2 |
Integrated circuits with dual-edge clocking
Integrated circuits that support dual-edge clocking are provided. Integrated circuits may include phase-locked loops that generate square-wave clock signals. The clock signals may be provided from off-chip equipment through input-output pins. The clock signals may be routed through a clock distribution network to provide local clock signals to pulse generators that generate clock pulses on rising and falling clock edges. The pulse generators may generate clock pulses that are triggered by the rising and falling clock edges with a common pulse width for optimum performance. Duty cycle distortion introduced by the clock network may be minimized for optimum performance. Adaptive duty cycle distortion circuitry may be used to control the pull-up/pull-down drive strengths of the clock buffer so that the high clock phase of the local clock signals is approximately a half clock cycle. |
| US08912832B2 |
Signal transmission/reception system
A signal transmission/reception system includes a transmission line, a signal transmission circuit configured to generate a transfer signal and transfer the transfer signal through the transmission line, wherein a logic value of the transfer signal is changed whenever a pulse signal is input to the signal transmission circuit, and a signal reception circuit configured to receive the transfer signal through the transmission line and generate a restoration signal using the transfer signal and a delayed transfer signal obtained by delaying the transfer signal. |
| US08912828B2 |
Driving circuit of flat display
A driving circuit of flat display including a charging circuit path, a discharging circuit path, and a detecting circuit is provided. The charging circuit path has first and second impedance states, wherein an impedance value of the first impedance state is smaller than that of the second impedance state. The discharging circuit path has third and fourth impedance states, wherein an impedance value of the third impedance state is smaller than that of the fourth impedance state. The detecting circuit detects whether the charging circuit path or the discharging circuit path is in an unstable first state or stable second state, controls the charging circuit path to the first impedance state or the discharging circuit path to the third impedance state in the first state, and controls the charging circuit path to the second impedance state or the discharging circuit path to the fourth impedance state in the second state. |
| US08912824B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting rising and falling transitions of internal signals of an integrated circuit
A method and apparatus for detecting rising and falling transitions of internal signals of an array or integrated circuit. The apparatus comprises a delay line with a plurality of first to Nth delay elements, latches, and first to Nth groups of logic gates. Each of the first to Nth groups of the logical gates includes an AND gate and a NOR gate. The method and apparatus determines rising and falling signals based on output signals of the logic gates; in odd numbered groups of the logic gates, the AND gate detects the rising transition and the NOR gate detects the falling transition; in even numbered groups of the logic gates, the AND gate detects the falling transition and the NOR gate detects the rising transition. |
| US08912823B2 |
Voltage compensated level-shifter
Described herein is a voltage compensated level-shifter with nearly constant duty cycle and matching rise and fall slopes of the output of the level-shifter, no meta-stability, and nearly constant propagation delay across power supply levels. The voltage compensated level-shifter comprises a first inverter to receive an input signal for level shifting from a first power supply level to a second power supply level, and to generate a first inverted signal, the first inverter operating on the first power supply level; a second inverter to receive the input signal and to generate a second inverted signal, the second inverter operating on the second power supply level; and a NOR logical gate to receive the first and second inverted signals and to generate an output signal, the NOR logical gate operating on the second power supply level, wherein the output signal is level shifted to the second power supply level. |
| US08912817B2 |
Reconfigurable multi-port physical unclonable functions circuit
A reconfigurable multi-port physical unclonable functions (RM-PUFs) circuit, including: an input signal interface, a first control circuit module, at least two RM-PUFs circuit units, and an output signal interface. Each RM-PUFs circuit unit includes a second control circuit module, an input module, an output module, and a deviation generation module. The input signal interface is connected to the first control circuit module, the first control circuit module is connected to the RM-PUFs circuit units, and the RM-PUFs circuit units are connected to the output signal interface. |
| US08912812B2 |
Compliant printed circuit wafer probe diagnostic tool
Diagnostic tools for testing wafer-level IC devices, and a method of making the same. The first diagnostic tool can include a first compliant printed circuit with a plurality of contact pads configured to form an electrical interconnect at a first interface between distal ends of probe members in the wafer probe and contact pads on a wafer-level IC device. A plurality of printed conductive traces electrically couple to a plurality of the contact pads on the first compliant printed circuit. A plurality of electrical devices are printed on the first compliant printed circuit at a location away from the first interface. The electrical devices are electrically coupled to the conductive traces and are configured to provide one or more of continuity testing or functionality of the wafer-level IC devices. A second diagnostic tool includes a second compliant printed circuit electrically coupled to a dedicated IC testing device. A plurality of electrical devices are printed on the second compliant printed circuit and electrically coupled to the dedicated IC device. |
| US08912805B2 |
Device and method for processing and measuring properties of a moving rod of material
Device for processing and measuring properties of a moving rod of material of the tobacco processing industry includes a microwave resonator structured and arranged so that the rod of material is conveyable through the microwave resonator. Includes microwave generator with output frequency f0, and frequency stabilized oscillator to generate intermediate frequency fIM that is less than f0. Single sideband modulator supplies microwave resonator with a sideband signal having a sideband frequency shifted with respect to output frequency f0 by intermediate frequency fIM, and at least one analysis arrangement includes single sideband demodulator, low-pass filter, and analog to digital converter arranged in series. Single sideband demodulator receives a measurement signal of the sideband frequency transmitted or reflected from the microwave resonator, and receives output frequency f0. Low-pass filter passes an output signal of single sideband demodulator with intermediate frequency fIM, and filters out higher frequency signal portions. |
| US08912804B2 |
Method for identifying self-generated spurious signals
A local oscillator (LO) of a test system is set to an initial frequency whereupon a device under test (DUT) transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal to the test system. Characteristics of the RF signal are measured with the test system and used to identify magnitudes and frequencies of spurious signal products. The LO of the test system is reset to one or more subsequent frequencies that are offset from the initial frequency. One or more subsequent RF signals are transmitted from the DUT to the test system, with the DUT maintaining its original signal settings. Characteristics of the subsequent RF signals are measured with the test system and used to identify magnitudes and frequencies of spurious signal products for each of the subsequent LO frequencies. The spurious signal products that have shifted in frequency for each of the subsequent LO frequencies as self-generated signal products can then be identified. |
| US08912803B2 |
Electrostatic shielding technique on high voltage diodes
A DC high potential testing meter comprises first and second probes. The first probe comprises an insulated shield supporting an electrode extending from a distal end of the shield. A high voltage resistor and a high voltage diode in the shield are connected in series with the electrode. A capacitance formed by a metallic collar across the high voltage diode provides uniform voltage distribution along the high voltage diode. The second probe comprises an insulated shield supporting an electrode. A high voltage resistor in the shield is connected in series with the electrode. A meter comprises a housing enclosing an electrical circuit for measuring voltage across the electrodes and provides an output representing measured voltage. |
| US08912799B2 |
Accurate measurement of excess carrier lifetime using carrier decay method
A method is described for accurate measuring of the excess carrier lifetime on a semiconductor sample from the carrier decay after termination of the excitation pulse imposed on the steady-state carrier excitation. The method includes determining a quality of decay parameter using progressing segments in each carrier decay; establishing an accurate lifetime measurement multiparameter domain for experimental variables whereby the quality of decay parameter falls within prescribed limits from the ideal exponential decay value of QD=1; and determining an excess carrier lifetime for the semiconductor sample based on experimental measurement conditions within the domain and the quality of decay value within the predetermined range indicative of an accurate excess carrier lifetime measurement. |
| US08912798B2 |
Circuit for controlling current to light-emitting diode (LED)
A current controlling circuit comprises a DC power source, an inductor, a N-channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS), one or more LEDs connected in series, a first resistor and a switching arrangement. The positive terminal of the DC power source is connected to the inductor in series. The series of LED is connected in series with the inductor and the first resistor. According to an embodiment the switching arrangement comprises a second resistor, a first switch and a second switch. The second resistor is connected in series with the second switch and connected in parallel with the first switch. The switching arrangement is connected in series with the first resistor and the negative terminal of the DC supply. |
| US08912792B2 |
Systems and methods for rotor angle measurement in an electrical generator
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for rotor angle measurement in an electrical generator. According to one embodiment, an intelligent electronic device may comprise control logic configured to generate a reference signal and to generate a rotational position signal based upon an indicator of a rotational position of a rotor in an electrical generator. The control logic may further be configured to detect a relative shift between the reference signal and the rotational position signal and to determine the rotational position of the rotor based upon the relative shift. A power angle of the electrical generator may be calculated based upon the rotational position of the rotor. According to certain embodiments, the control logic may further be configured to generate a control instruction to reduce the power angle in response to determining that the power angle exceeds a threshold. |
| US08912789B2 |
Magnetic force microscope and magnetic field observation method using same
A magnetic force microscope capable of measuring the absolute value of a magnetic field with high resolution without causing a change in magnetization state of the probe. The magnetic force microscope includes a cantilever, a probe, a displacement detector that detects a displacement of the probe, a specimen carrier, and various transfer units. The magnetic force microscope that measures an undulation distribution as well as a magnetic field distribution on the surface of a specimen placed on the specimen carrier is further provided with a magnetic-field impress-unit that impresses a magnetic field to the probe, and an output of the magnetic-field impress-unit is controlled such that a magnetic force impressed onto the probe 5 is turned zero to thereby measure a magnetic field distribution on the surface of the specimen. |
| US08912788B2 |
Low power stimulated emission nuclear quadrupole resonance detection at multiple reference power levels
System and methods for detecting substances such as explosives via the nuclear quadrupole resonance effect. We observe that the nuclear quadrupole resonances of explosives located within a cavity portal involve continuous Rabi transitions which are nonlinear processes since stimulated emission occurs. In other words, where there are no resonances caused by the presence of an explosive, high average power and low average power measurements should be identical. However, when resonances are stimulated by the system, the difference between these two conditions can be compared to determine a correction to measurements made when a person located in the cavity has explosive material on their person, without the need for separate empty portal or elaborate calibration procedures. |
| US08912787B2 |
System and method to provide talking feature and interactive voice menu in phasing meters
A high voltage detection device comprises a probe comprising an electrode for sensing a high voltage electrical line. The electrode is connected in series with a resistor. A meter comprises a housing enclosing a control for measuring parameters of line voltage. The control comprises an input module for connection to the probe to develop a voltage signal. A signal processing module receives the voltage signal and determines parameters of line voltage and drives an audio module. The audio module provides an audio output representing the determined parameters of line voltage. |
| US08912785B2 |
Low-power RF peak detector
Techniques are disclosed relating to radio frequency (RF) power detection. In one embodiment, a power detection circuit includes a multiplier circuit configured to multiply a first voltage signal by a second voltage signal. The multiplier circuit receives the first voltage signal at gates of a first transistor pair and receives the second voltage signal at gates of second and third transistor pairs. In some embodiments, a drain of a first transistor in the first transistor pair is coupled to sources of the second transistor pair, and drain of a second transistor in the first transistor pair is coupled to sources of the third transistor pair. In some embodiments, the power detection circuit includes a comparison circuit that compares the first pair of currents and a second pair of currents associated with a threshold voltage signal. |
| US08912781B2 |
Integrated circuit switching power supply controller with selectable buck mode operation
An integrated circuit (IC) controller for a switching power supply has a selectable operating mode for supporting multiple switching power supply topologies. The IC controls current by controlling a cycle rate of the switching power supply to provide a constant or variable output current, which may be provided to lighting devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The selectable operating mode includes at least a buck converter operating mode and another operating mode, which may be a flyback converter operating mode. |
| US08912777B2 |
Control circuit and control method for switching power supply, and switching power supply and electronic apparatus using control circuit and control method
The present invention improves the efficiency of a switching power supply in a light load. A control circuit is configured to repeat a driving duration enabling the switching element to be switched and a stop duration stopping the switching in a light load state. A pulse signal generating portion generates a driving pulse signal, in which the driving pulse signal at least includes a pulse in the driving duration, and the lighter a load is, the less the number of pulses in the driving duration is. A first driver drives a first switching transistor according to the at least one pulse in the driving pulse signal other than predetermined K pulses (K is a natural number). The K pulses are in the driving pulse signal when the number of the pulses is reduced to K. |
| US08912776B2 |
Control circuit of a DC/DC converter and the method thereof
A control circuit of a DC/DC converter, wherein the DC/DC converter further comprises a high-side switch and a low-side switch, and wherein the DC/DC converter provides an output signal to a load. The control circuit comprises: an amplifier configured to receive a feedback signal and a reference signal to provide an error signal; a ramp generator configured to provide a ramp signal; a comparator configured to receive the ramp signal and the error signal to provide a comparison signal; and a COT generator configured to receive the comparison signal, to provide a COT signal to control the high-side switch and the low-side switch. |
| US08912775B2 |
Power factor correction circuit having multiple switched-mode converter circuits
A power factor correction circuit is provided which may include a first switched-mode converter circuit comprising a first inductor, at least one second switched-mode converter circuit having a second inductor, a control circuit coupled to the first and second switched-mode converter circuits, wherein the control circuit is configured to start a switching pulse for the second switched-mode converter circuit when the following conditions are fulfilled: the second inductor of the second switched-mode converter circuit has a predefined magnetization state and a predefined time period has elapsed since the start of a switching pulse for the first switched-mode converter circuit, wherein the predefined time period is a predefined fraction of the time period from the start of a previous switching pulse for the second switched-mode converter circuit to a time when the second inductor of the second switched-mode converter circuit has the predefined magnetization state. |
| US08912774B2 |
Soft-switching control device and method of manufacturing the same
Soft-switching is performed to switch a switching state to an ON state by controlling a delay time of a timing at which a main switch switches to an ON state relative to a timing at which a sub-switch switches to an ON state. Controllability of soft-switching decreases as a result of variations in time difference of a command for switching the main switch to the ON state and the actual switching of the switching state. To set a delay time suitable for performing soft-switching based on the variations in time difference, an EEPROM is provided that stores therein correction data for the delay time. The delay time of the timing of the command for switching the main switch to the ON state relative to the timing of the command for switching the sub-switch to the ON state is set based on the correction data. |
| US08912771B2 |
Power rail regulator to regulate DC rail voltage and output current
A power regulators system and method is disclosed. In one embodiment, a power regulator system (10) is provided and includes at least one power supply (16) each configured to convert a DC rail voltage to a DC load voltage. The DC load voltage can be less than the DC rail voltage and can be provided to power at least one electronic component. The system (10) also includes a power rail regulator (12) configured to generate the DC rail voltage based on an input voltage and to regulate a magnitude of the DC rail voltage to vary between a minimum voltage magnitude and a maximum voltage magnitude and to regulate a variable magnitude of an output current. The DC rail voltage and the output current can be regulated based on load requirements associated with the at least one electronic component (18). |
| US08912770B2 |
Power conversion feedback control circuit for reaching a goal voltage
A power conversion circuit of two feedback loops is disclosed that includes a feedback control circuit for ramping up or down a commanded voltage to a load (e.g., LEDs). The second feedback loop feeds into the first feedback loop, and the second feedback loop operates at a slower bandwidth than the first feedback loop. When ramping up or down the commanded voltage, a voltage overshoot results because of delay in the system. The overshoot can be compensated for by a final adjustment to the commanded voltage. |
| US08912766B2 |
System and method for determining pole shift
A generator airgap monitoring system includes a first proximity sensor disposed in a first location of a stator and configured to transmit a first signal representative of a first distance between the first proximity sensor and a plurality of rotor poles of a rotor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the first proximity sensor. The controller is configured to derive a first plurality of instantaneous airgaps based on the first signal and to determine a difference between a first instantaneous airgap of the first plurality of instantaneous airgaps and a second instantaneous airgap of the first plurality of instantaneous airgaps. The first plurality of instantaneous airgaps includes a first plurality of measurements of airgaps between the stator and the plurality of rotor poles when the rotor is rotating. The first instantaneous airgap and the second instantaneous airgaps include measurements for respective rotor poles. |
| US08912763B2 |
Charger device
A charger device includes a switch, a voltage converter, a constant current circuit, and an automatic disconnecting circuit. The switch is connected to an alternating current (AC) power supply which triggers the charger device to work. The automatic disconnecting circuit is connected to the battery, the voltage converter and the constant current circuit automatically disconnect the voltage converter from the AC power supply when the battery is fully charged. The automatic disconnecting circuit comprises a first resistor, a voltage follower, a second resistor, a first zener diode, a variable resistor, a comparator, a third resistor, a first switch element, a diode and a relay. The relay comprises a coil and a normally-open switch connected between the AC power supply and voltage converter. The normally-open switch turns on or turns off to control a connection between the charger device and the AC power supply. |
| US08912760B2 |
Method of activating a battery
A method of activating a battery is applied to an electronic device having a controller that keeps counting system time to acquire a system date. The method includes: (1) acquiring data of the battery, including states, an activation number and a last activation date; (2) performing an activation process and setting the battery in an activation state when determining, based on the data, that the battery is in an inactivation state, the activation number is smaller than a predetermined activation number, and an interval between the last activation date and the system date is greater than a predetermined activation interval; (3) discharging the battery, and charging the battery when determining that a battery power level is less than a predetermined power level; and (4) setting the battery in the inactivation state after the activation process is finished. Therefore, a curing problem of the battery is overcome. |
| US08912756B2 |
Multi-series battery control system
A multi-series battery control system comprises a plurality of unit battery cell of which unit consists of multiple battery cells connected in series; a plurality of control IC comprising a control circuit for controlling the unit battery cell; a main controller that sends and receives signal to/from the control ICs via an insulation; means for sending an abnormality signal, which represents the existence or the absence of abnormality of the control ICs or the battery cells, to the main controller from the control ICs, responding to the first signal outputted from the main controller via the insulation; and means for searching contents of the abnormality in the control ICs or the battery cells and sending the abnormality contents signal based on the search, to the main controller from the control ICs, responding to the second signal outputted from the main controller via the insulation. |
| US08912752B2 |
Wireless mobile communication device utilizing antenna for power charging and wireless charging system having the same
A wireless charging mobile communication device includes a wireless communication module, an electricity storage module, a converting module, an antenna module and a switching module. The antenna module receives and transmits wireless signal or electromagnetically induces a current. The switching module is electrically coupled to the antenna module, the wireless communication module, and the converting module. The switching module is for connecting the antenna module with the wireless communication module or connecting the antenna module with the converting module. The converting module is electrically coupled to the electricity storage module and converts the electromagnetically induced current for facilitating a charging of the electricity storage module. The converting module, the antenna module, and the switching module are integrated as an antenna device. |
| US08912746B2 |
Surgical instrument motor pack latch
A latch mechanism selectively retains a first assembly to a second assembly. The first and second assemblies are configured for sliding engagement along an engagement axis. The latch mechanism includes a latch shaft mounted to the first assembly to rotate about a latch shaft axis, a torsion spring to bias the latch shaft relative to the first assembly, and a transverse latch member coupled with the second assembly. The latch mechanism is configured to automatically latch in response to the first assembly being pushed toward the second assembly. The transverse latch member interacts with the latch shaft to rotate the latch shaft in a first direction in response to movement of the first assembly toward the second assembly. Further motion of the first assembly toward the second assembly results in rotation of the latch shaft opposite to the first direction into a retention configuration that retains the transverse latch member. |
| US08912734B2 |
Color mixing of electronic light sources with correlation between phase-cut dimmer angle and predetermined black body radiation function
A lighting system includes methods and systems to mix colors of light emitted from at least two LED emitters. In at least one embodiment, the lighting system includes a controller that responds to phase-cut angles of the dimming signal and correlates the phase-cut angles with a predetermined black body radiation function to dynamically adjust a color spectra of the mixed light in response to changes in phase cut angles of the phase-cut dimming level signal. In at least one embodiment, the controller utilizes the predetermined black body radiation function to dynamically adjust the color spectra of the mixed, emitted light in response to changes in phase cut angles of a phase-cut dimming level signal. In at least one embodiment, the predetermined black body radiation function specifies correlated color temperatures (CCTs) that model the CCTs of an actual non-LED based lamp, such as an incandescent lamp. |
| US08912726B2 |
Light emitting device
Light emitting devices. A light emitting device including a power source; and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) arrays coupled to the power source unit; and at least one delay unit. Each delay unit is coupled to a corresponding light emitting diode array of the light emitting diode arrays. |
| US08912725B2 |
Photoswitch
A photoswitch includes a DC power supply, a luminance controlling circuit and a lightening apparatus. The luminance controlling circuit includes a relay RL1, a trigger circuit module, a delay discharge circuit module, a photosensitive element and an adjusting circuit module. The trigger circuit module includes a NPN triode Q1, a NPN triode Q2, NPN triode Q3, a resistor R3 and a resistor R6; the adjusting circuit module includes a resistor R4 and a resistor R5 and a resistor R7, one end of which is in connection with the current output end of the resistor R4 and the other of is in connection with the current input end of the relay RL1; a current value of a subcircuit with the resistor R7 and the relay RL1 is smaller than a pull-in current value or a release current value of the relay RL1. |
| US08912724B2 |
LED emitting device and driving method thereof
The present invention relates to an LED emitting device and a driving method thereof. The LED emitting device receives an input voltage and supplies a power supply voltage needed for operating an LED channel according to a switching operation of a power switch. The LED emitting device controls the power supply and also controls a load switch between the LED channel and an output voltage. The LED emitting device determines the LED channel to be short circuited when the output voltage is reduced to a predetermined threshold voltage during a predetermined short circuit sense period starting from the time when the output voltage reaches a regulated voltage before the LED channel is dimmed. During the short circuit sense period, the power supply is stopped and the load switch is turned on. |
| US08912722B2 |
Sub headlight unit and sub headlight system for use in vehicle that leans into turns, and vehicle that leans into turns
A sub headlight unit for use in a vehicle that leans into turns includes a plurality of sub headlight light sources that illuminate, at one side with respect to a width direction of the vehicle, an area ahead and outward of the vehicle with respect to the width direction of the vehicle. The brightness of the sub headlight light source changes in accordance with a lean angle of the vehicle. When the lean angle of the vehicle reaches a reference value that is individually set for each of the sub headlight light sources, the sub headlight light source exhibits a predetermined brightness. As the reference value set for the sub headlight light source is greater, an outer edge of an illumination range of the sub headlight light source having a predetermined illuminance is located increasingly farther outward with respect to the width direction of the vehicle in a plan view. |
| US08912717B2 |
Illumination device including phosphor element and optical system
An illumination device with an exit surface for pump light propagation with a main propagation direction and a phosphor element for converting the pump light into converted light is disclosed. Further, an optical system with a reflection surface is provided for deflecting the pump light, where the reflection surface reflects the pump light with a directional component opposite to the main propagation direction and onto the phosphor element. |
| US08912710B2 |
Energy harvesting from input impulse with motion doubling mechanism for generating power from mortar tube firing impulses and other inputs
A method for harvesting energy from an input deflection. The method including: storing mechanical potential energy in at least one spring element resulting from an acceleration of a mass connected to the at least one spring element; transferring the stored potential energy to a flexible element to deflect the flexible element; and converting the deflection of the flexible element to electrical energy by compressing at least one piezoelectric element due to the deflection. |
| US08912709B2 |
Flexi-PCB mounting of ultrasonic transducers for enhanced dermal and transdermal applications
An ultrasound transducer patch (100) comprises an array of ultrasound transducers (20) mounted to a flexi-PCB (10) containing multiple tracks (12). Each transducer (20), or a sub-group of the transducers is electrically connected to first and second of the multiple tracks. The flexi-PCB (10) is configured, such as by virtue of cut-out portions (114, 414) or by inherent elasticity, to be bendable a out non-parallel axes. The enables the patch (100) to readily conform to a complex 3D surface such as a portion of a patient's face to ensure efficient transmission of ultrasound energy to a desired area of treatment. |
| US08912708B2 |
Electromechanical motor
An electromechanical motor includes an actuator assembly and a body to be driven in a driving direction. The actuator assembly has an actuator backing, a first actuator and a second actuator. The actuators are mechanically attached by a respective single attachment to the actuator backing at a first end of the actuators. The actuators have a respective interaction portion constituting a second end opposite to the first end in an actuator direction transverse to the driving direction. The interaction portions are arranged for interaction with an interaction surface of the body by a respective contact area. The actuators include a respective unimorph member arranged for causing a movement of the respective contact area as a response of a respective electrical signal. The respective movements are transverse to the actuator direction, to the driving direction, and to each other. |
| US08912702B2 |
Process and mold for producing ferromagnetic cores of electric motors
A process and a blanking mold are described for the production of a ferromagnetic core for electric motors formed by a plurality of segments. The laminations are blanked from a sheet of ferromagnetic material and stacked in an accumulation chamber of the blanking mold, along which they advance until a segment constituted by a stack having a preset number of laminations is formed, which is mechanically connected to an adjacent segment, thereby forming a rectilinear sequence of segments. The segments are hinged to each other with the possibility of mutual rotation to allow the sequence of segments to be brought from the rectilinear condition to a closed circular configuration. |
| US08912701B2 |
Induction motor, compressor and refrigerating cycle apparatus
The efficiency of an induction motor is improved while suppressing the generation of magnetic flux saturation of a rotor core. In an induction motor, “a magnetic path width of a rotor” which is the product of a circumferential width of a rotor tooth formed in the rotor and the number of rotor teeth is equal to or larger than “a magnetic path width of a stator” which is the product of a circumferential width of a stator tooth formed in the stator and the number of stator teeth. |
| US08912700B2 |
Rotor for reluctance motor
A rotor described herein includes a plurality of flux barriers that include at least one magnetic path formed between a plurality of slits. The flux barriers are arranged in a circumferential direction at a predetermined interval. Adjacent flux barriers are concatenated on an inner circumferential side by an annular connector provided on the inner circumferential side, and are separated on an outer circumferential side by openings provided on the outer circumferential side. The rotor also includes a permanent magnet at least partially embedded within the annular connector. |
| US08912695B2 |
Induction motor auxiliary cooling system
A totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) induction motor or other type of induction motor auxiliary cooling system has a buffet thermal shroud that is oriented in opposed spaced relationship over existing motor housing cooling fins. An airflow channel is defined between the motor cooling fins and the shroud, for direction and passage of a cooling airflow. Tabs are oriented in the airflow channel between opposed cooling fins where they are in thermal and fluid communication with the cooling air flow. In some embodiments the tabs are shroud fingers that project inwardly from the shroud. The tabs or shroud fingers create turbulence in the cooling air flow that increases convective heat transfer efficiency and contact time between the cooling air and motor cooling fins. Tabs or shroud fingers also absorb heat from the cooling air flow. Shroud fingers also transfer that absorbed heat conductively to the shroud. |
| US08912688B2 |
Power supply switch circuit
A power supply switch circuit according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first switch element that is connected between a first power supply line and a second power supply line and switches connection and disconnection between the first power supply line and the second power supply line according to a first enable signal; a second switch element that is connected between the first power supply line and the second power supply line and switches connection and disconnection between the first power supply line and the second power supply line; and a switch control circuit that includes at least one logic gate supplied with power from the second power supply line and controls the second switch element. The switch control circuit controls the second switch element based on a second enable signal supplied to the switch control circuit and on a voltage of the second power supply line. |
| US08912687B2 |
Secure wireless energy transfer for vehicle applications
A vehicle powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply includes a load configured to power the drive system of a vehicle using electrical power, a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed upon the vehicle and configured to be coupled to the load, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator; and an authorization facility to confirm compatibility of the resonators and provide authorization for initiation of transfer of power. |
| US08912685B2 |
Noncontact electric power feeding apparatus, noncontact electric power receiving apparatus, noncontact electric power feeding method, noncontact electric power receiving method, and noncontact electric power feeding system
Disclosed herein is a noncontact electric power feeding apparatus, including: a resonance element for supplying an alternative current electric power in a noncontact style in accordance with a resonance; an alternative current power source portion configured to generate an alternative current electric power to be supplied to said resonance element; and impedance adjusting portion provided between said alternative current power source portion and said resonance element and configured to variably control an impedance in accordance with a coupling coefficient between said noncontact electric power feeding apparatus and an electric power feeding destination of the alternative current electric power. |
| US08912684B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08912683B2 |
Smart responsive electrical load
A smart responsive electrical load (10) is operatively connectable to an electricity supply network (20). The smart responsive electrical load (10) comprises an electrical power-consuming device (30) and a control arrangement (40) for controlling a supply of electrical power from the network (20) to the device (30). The control arrangement (60, 110, 150, 160, 170) is operable to impose a variable time delay (tp) before supplying electrical power to the device (30) after a request for power to be provided to the device (30). The variable time delay (tp) is a function of a state of the network (20), for example its frequency (f) and/or its voltage amplitude (V). Optionally, the device (30) is a battery charger, for example for use with a rechargeable electric vehicle. Beneficially, the smart responsive load (10) is supplied with electrical power from a population of micro-generation devices (500) operable to provide supply network response. |
| US08912682B2 |
Power management and distribution center for constant power loads
An electrical power system includes an electrical power generating system (EPGS); one or more constant power loads powered by the EPGS; and a power management and distribution (PMAD) center located between the EPGS and the one or more constant power loads, the PMAD center comprising a plurality of load management channels, each of the plurality of load management channels corresponding to a respective constant power load, wherein each of the plurality of load management channels comprises a load management function and a decoupling filter. |
| US08912681B1 |
Staged cluster winder generator system
A staged cluster wind generator system generates electrical power from wind. The system includes a base and a housing coupled to a top end of the base. A primary generator is coupled to and positioned in the housing. A drive shaft is mechanically coupled to and extends from the primary generator through the housing. A propeller is coupled to the drive shaft and configured for being rotated by wind wherein the drive shaft drives the primary generator. An annular main gear is coupled to the drive shaft and rotated by rotation of the drive shaft. Each of a plurality of secondary generators is coupled to the housing. Each secondary generator has a drive gear operationally coupled to the annular main gear wherein rotation of the drive shaft drives each secondary generator. |
| US08912680B2 |
Wind power turbine rotary electric machine
A rotary electric machine for a wind power turbine for generating electric power has a tubular stator having a plurality of stator segments; a tubular rotor which has a plurality of rotor segments, is located inside the tubular stator, and rotates about an axis of rotation with respect to the tubular stator; a sleeve located at least partly inside the tubular rotor and connectable to a supporting frame of the wind power turbine; and a bearing located inside and fixed to the sleeve, and which supports the tubular rotor rotating with respect to the sleeve. |
| US08912676B2 |
Wind energy installation and method for operating a wind energy installation with temperature monitoring for the transformer
A wind turbine having a generator for generating electrical energy and a transformer is disclosed. The transformer is designed to receive electrical energy from the generator on a secondary side and to discharge said electrical energy again on a primary side at a higher voltage. The wind turbine also comprises a temperature monitoring means for the transformer. The voltage supply to the temperature monitoring means is fed from the primary side of the transformer. The temperature monitoring means is thereby independent of the control system of the wind turbine. The temperature monitoring means reduces the risk of the transformer overheating. A method for operating such a wind turbine is also disclosed. |
| US08912673B2 |
Apparatus and method for recovering exhaust kinetic energy
An apparatus and method for recovering exhaust kinetic energy. The apparatus includes a valve assembly, a motor generator and a controller. The valve assembly includes a rotary shaft which is disposed in an exhaust gas pipe and a flap which is disposed on the rotary shaft. The flap is rotated by an exhaust gas that is ejected. The motor generator is connected to the rotary shaft of the valve assembly, and in a first instance generates electricity using a rotational force transmitted from the rotary shaft and in a second instance applies a torque to the rotary shaft. The controller fixes the rotary shaft of the valve assembly at a predetermined angle in the first instance and adjusts the speed of rotation of the rotary shaft by controlling the motor generator in the second instance. |
| US08912672B2 |
Control of an engine-driven generator to address transients of an electrical power grid connected thereto
A technique for providing electric power to an electric power utility grid includes driving an electric power alternator coupled to the grid with a spark-ignited or direct injection internal combustion engine; detecting a change in electrical loading of the alternator; in response to the change, adjusting parameters of the engine and/or generator to adjust power provided by the engine. In one further forms of this technique, the adjusting of parameters for the engine includes retarding spark timing and/or interrupting the spark ignition; reducing or retarding direct injection timing or fuel amount and/or interrupting the direct injection; and/or the adjusting of parameters for the generator including increasing the field of the alternator or adding an electrical load. |
| US08912671B2 |
Semiconductor device having alignment mark
A semiconductor device including a substrate and at least one alignment mark disposed on the substrate and having at least one hollow pattern. Therefore, the identification rate of the alignment mark can be high by the hollow pattern. |
| US08912667B2 |
Packaged integrated circuit using wire bonds
A semiconductor device includes an integrated circuit die on a substrate. A first subset of wire bonds is between the substrate and the die. A second subset of wire bonds is between the substrate and the die. A dielectric material coats the first subset of the wire bonds along a majority of length of the first subset of the wire bonds. A medium is in contact with the second subset of the wire bonds along a majority of length of the second subset of the wire bonds. |
| US08912661B2 |
Stacked die assembly having reduced stress electrical interconnects
Methods are disclosed for improving electrical interconnection in stacked die assemblies, and stacked die assemblies are disclosed having structural features formed by the methods. The resulting stacked die assemblies are characterized by having reduced electrical interconnect failure. |
| US08912660B2 |
ESD protection device
An ESD protection device includes a semiconductor substrate including input/output electrodes and a rewiring layer located on the top surface of the semiconductor substrate. An ESD protection circuit is provided in the top layer of the semiconductor substrate, and the input/output electrodes are connected to the ESD protection circuit. The rewiring layer includes interlayer wiring lines, in-plane wiring lines, and post-shaped electrodes. First ends of the interlayer wiring lines provided in the thickness direction are connected to the input/output electrodes provided on the top surface of the semiconductor substrate and the second ends are connected to first ends of the in-plane wiring lines extending in the plane direction. The distance between the centers of the first and second post-shaped electrodes is larger than the distance between the centers of the first and second input/output electrodes. |
| US08912653B2 |
Plasma treatment on semiconductor wafers
A semiconductor wafer has integrated circuits formed thereon and a top passivation layer applied. The passivation layer is patterned and selectively etched to expose contact pads on each semiconductor die. The wafer is exposed to ionized gas causing the upper surface of passivation layer to roughen and to slightly roughen the upper surface of the contact pads. The wafer is cut to form a plurality of semiconductor dies each with a roughened passivation layer. The plurality of semiconductor dies are placed on an adhesive layer and a reconstituted wafer formed. Redistribution layers are formed to complete the semiconductor package having electrical contacts for establishing electrical connections external to the semiconductor package, after which the wafer is singulated to separate the dice. |
| US08912647B2 |
Semiconductor device for smoothing the voltage of the end face of a drain of a high frequency semiconductor chip
According to one embodiment, provided is a semiconductor device includes: a high frequency semiconductor chip; an input matching circuit disposed at the input side of the high frequency semiconductor chip; an output matching circuit disposed at the output side of the high frequency semiconductor chip; a high frequency input terminal connected to the input matching circuit; a high frequency output terminal connected to the output matching circuit, and a smoothing capacitor terminal connected to the high frequency semiconductor chip. The high frequency semiconductor chip, the input matching circuit and the output matching circuit are housed by one package. |
| US08912646B2 |
Integrated circuit assembly and method of making
An integrated circuit assembly includes an insulating layer having a having a first surface and a second surface. A first active layer contacts the first surface of the insulating layer. A metal bond pad is electrically connected to the first active layer and formed on the second surface of the insulating layer. A substrate having a first surface and a second surface, with a second active layer formed in the first surface, is provided such that the first active layer is coupled to the second surface of the substrate. |
| US08912643B2 |
Electronic device cooling with microjet impingement and method of assembly
An integrated circuit device including a die with a substrate with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface is provided. The die includes at least one circuit element positioned on the first surface. Formed on the second surface, is a wetting feature that includes an array of spaced-apart nanoscale structures and/or an array of spaced-apart microscale structures. The wetting feature also includes a wettability coating applied to at least a portion of the second surface. The integrated circuit device includes a spacer coupled to the die adjacent to the second surface. In addition, an injector plate is coupled to the spacer. The injector plate includes at least one microjet and at least one exit hole defined through the injector plate. The at least one exit hole is positioned adjacent to the at least one microjet. |
| US08912636B2 |
Semiconductor device
A lead frame includes an inner lead area overlapping with a chip mounting area, an outer lead portion having outer leads disposed outside the inner lead area, and an inner lead portion having inner leads disposed in the inner lead area. A semiconductor chip is mounted on the chip mounting area of the lead frame. Electrode pads of the semiconductor chip are electrically connected to inner leads via metal wires. Portions of the inner leads located on an area in the inner lead area except the chip mounting area are depressed. |
| US08912633B2 |
In-situ photoresist strip during plasma etching of active hard mask
A method for etching features in a silicon layer is provided. A hard mask layer is formed over the silicon layer. A photoresist layer is formed over the hard mask layer. The hard mask layer is opened. The photoresist layer is stripped by providing a stripping gas; forming a plasma with the stripping gas by providing a high frequency RF power and a low frequency RF power, wherein the low frequency RF power has a power less than 50 watts; and stopping the stripping gas when the photoresist layer is stripped. The opening the hard mask layer and the stripping the photoresist layer are performed in a same chamber. |
| US08912628B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device comprises a conductor film and a capacitor comprising a lower electrode provided on the conductor film. The conductor film includes a first conductive film containing a first metal, a second conductive film containing a second metal on the first conductive film, and an oxide film of the second metal on the second conductive film. The oxide film of the second metal has a lower electric resistivity than an oxide film of the first metal. |
| US08912627B2 |
Electrical fuse structure and method of fabricating same
A high programming efficiency electrical fuse is provided utilizing a dual damascene structure located atop a metal layer. The dual damascene structure includes a patterned dielectric material having a line opening located above and connected to an underlying via opening. The via opening is located atop and is connected to the metal layer. The dual damascene structure also includes a conductive feature within the line opening and the via opening. Dielectric spacers are also present within the line opening and the via opening. The dielectric spacers are present on vertical sidewalls of the patterned dielectric material and separate the conductive feature from the patterned dielectric material. The presence of the dielectric spacers within the line opening and the via opening reduces the area in which the conductive feature is formed. As such, a high programming efficiency electrical fuse is provided in which space is saved. |
| US08912626B2 |
eFuse and method of fabrication
An improved eFuse and method of fabrication is disclosed. A cavity is formed in a substrate, which results in a polysilicon line having an increased depth in the area of the fuse, while having a reduced depth in areas outside of the fuse. The increased depth reduces the chance of the polysilicon line entering the fully silicided state. The cavity may be formed with a wet or dry etch. |
| US08912618B2 |
Deposition of photovoltaic thin films by plasma spray deposition
In particular embodiments, a method is described for depositing thin films, such as those used in forming a photovoltaic cell or device. In a particular embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate suitable for use in a photovoltaic device and plasma spraying one or more layers over the substrate, the grain size of the grains in each of the one or more layers being at least approximately two times greater than the thickness of the respective layer. |
| US08912616B2 |
Device for detecting electromagnetic radiation comprising a diffusion junction and a resonant grating in a single layer
A photodiode device including a photosensitive diffusion junction within a single layer. The photodiode device further includes a resonant grating located within the single layer. The photosensitive diffusion junction is located within the resonant grating. |
| US08912612B2 |
Silicon nitride gate encapsulation by implantation
A FinFET structure which includes: silicon fins on a semiconductor substrate, each silicon fin having two sides and a horizontal surface; a gate wrapping around at least one of the silicon fins, the gate having a first surface and an opposing second surface facing the at least one of the silicon fins; a hard mask on a top surface of the gate; a silicon nitride layer formed in each of the first and second surfaces so as to be below and in direct contact with the hard mask on the top surface of the gate; spacers on the gate and in contact with the silicon nitride layer; and epitaxially deposited silicon on the at least one of the silicon fins so as to form a raised source/drain. |
| US08912608B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabrication method thereof
A semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device are disclosed. A gate stack is formed over a substrate. A spacer is formed adjoining a sidewall of the gate stack. A recess is formed between the spacer and the substrate. Then, a strained feature is formed in the recess. The disclosed method provides an improved method by providing a space between the spacer and the substrate for forming the strained feature, therefor, to enhance carrier mobility and upgrade the device performance. |
| US08912606B2 |
Integrated circuits having protruding source and drain regions and methods for forming integrated circuits
Methods for forming integrated circuits and integrated circuits are disclosed. The integrated circuits comprise gate structures overlying and transverse to one or more fins that are delineated by trenches formed in a semiconductor substrate. Protruding portions are formed in the trenches in between the gate electrode structure on exposed sidewall surfaces of the one or more fins. The trenches are filled with an insulating material between the protruding portions and the gate structures. |
| US08912603B2 |
Semiconductor device with stressed fin sections
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method forms a fin arrangement on a semiconductor substrate, the fin arrangement comprising one or more semiconductor fin structures. The method continues by forming a gate arrangement overlying the fin arrangement, where the gate arrangement includes one or more adjacent gate structures. The method proceeds by forming an outer spacer around sidewalls of each gate structure. The fin arrangement is then selectively etched, using the gate structure and the outer spacer(s) as an etch mask, resulting in one or more semiconductor fin sections underlying the gate structure(s). The method continues by forming a stress/strain inducing material adjacent sidewalls of the one or more semiconductor fin sections. |
| US08912601B2 |
Double diffused drain metal oxide semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention discloses a double diffused drain metal oxide semiconductor (DDDMOS) device and a manufacturing method thereof. The DDDMOS device is formed in a substrate, and includes a first well, a gate, a diffusion region, a source, and a drain. A low voltage device is also formed in the substrate, which includes a second well and a lightly doped drain (LDD) region, wherein the first well and the diffusion region are formed by process steps which also form the second well and the LDD region in the low voltage device, respectively. |
| US08912600B2 |
Lateral double-diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistors
Methods of making, structures, devices, and/or applications for lateral double-diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistors are disclosed. In one embodiment, an LDMOS transistor can include: (i) an n-doped deep n-well (DNW) region on a substrate; (ii) a gate oxide and a drain oxide between a source region and a drain region of the LDMOS transistor, the gate oxide being adjacent to the source region, the drain oxide being adjacent to the drain region; (iii) a conductive gate over the gate oxide and a portion of the drain oxide; (iv) a p-doped p-body region in the source region; (v) an n-doped drain region in the drain region; (vi) a first n-doped n+ region and a p-doped p+ region adjacent thereto in the p-doped p-body region of the source region; and (vii) a second n-doped n+ region in the drain region. |
| US08912597B2 |
Semiconductor device including asymmetric lightly doped drain (LDD) region, related method and design structure
A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a first source drain region, a second source drain region, and an intrinsic region therebetween; an asymmetric lightly doped drain (LDD) region within the substrate, wherein the asymmetric LDD region extends from the first source drain region into the intrinsic region between the first source drain region and the second source drain region; and a gate positioned atop the semiconductor substrate, wherein an outer edge of the gate overlaps the second source drain region. A related method and design structure are also disclosed. |
| US08912593B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a second stacked body on the planarized interlayer insulating film and on the uppermost stair. The second stacked body includes a second conductive film thicker than the first conductive film and a second insulating film stacked on the second conductive film. The method includes dividing the second stacked body into a select gate on the uppermost stair and a plurality of wall portions in a staircase region below the uppermost stair. The method includes forming a plurality of vias piercing the interlayer insulating film under a region between the wall portions and reaching the first conductive film of each of the stairs. |
| US08912591B2 |
Three-dimensional non-volatile memory device, memory system including the same and method of manufacturing the same
A three-dimensional (3-D) non-volatile memory device includes a plurality of vertical channel layers protruding from a substrate, a plurality of interlayer insulating layers and a plurality of memory cells stacked alternately along the plurality of vertical channel layers, and an air gap formed in the plurality of interlayer insulating layers disposed between the plurality of memory cells, so that capacitance between word lines is reduced to thus improve a program speed. |
| US08912589B2 |
Methods and apparatuses including strings of memory cells formed along levels of semiconductor material
Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses including strings of memory cells formed along levels of semiconductor material. One such apparatus includes a stack comprised of a number of levels of single crystal silicon and a number of levels of dielectric material. Each of the levels of silicon is separated from an adjacent level of silicon by a level of the dielectric material. Strings of memory cells are formed along the levels of silicon. Additional apparatuses and methods are disclosed. |
| US08912584B2 |
PFET polysilicon layer with N-type end cap for electrical shunt
A semiconductor device includes a PFET transistor (a PMOS FET) having a poly(silicon) layer with a p-type doped portion and an n-type doped portion. The p-type doped portion is located above a channel region of the transistor and the n-type doped portion is located in an end portion of the poly layer outside the channel region. The poly layer may be formed by doping portions of an amorphous silicon layer with either the p-type dopant or the n-type dopant and then annealing the amorphous silicon layer to diffuse the dopants and crystallize the amorphous silicon to form polysilicon. The n-type doped portion of the poly layer may provide an electrical shunt in the end portion of the poly layer to reduce any effects of insufficient diffusion of the p-type dopant in the poly layer. |
| US08912580B2 |
Active chemically-sensitive sensors with in-sensor current sources
Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions. |
| US08912577B2 |
Distributed heating transistor devices providing reduced self-heating
According to various embodiments, a distributed heating transistor includes: a plurality of active regions where transistor action occurs including a heat source; and at least one inactive region where transistor action does not occur and no heat source is present, wherein adjacent active regions are separated by the at least one inactive region. The distributed heating transistor may be configured as field effect transistors (FETs), and bipolar junction transistors (BJTs). Methods for forming the distributed heating transistors are also provided. |
| US08912575B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of fabricating the same
The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first active area defined by a first isolation layer; a gate insulating layer formed on the semiconductor substrate; a first conductive layer formed on the gate insulating layer; a dielectric layer formed on the first conductive layer; at least one first contact hole passing through the dielectric layer; a second conductive layer, formed on the dielectric layer, the second conductive layer filling the at least one first contact hole to contact the first conductive layer; and at least one first contact plug connected to the second conductive layer in the first active area, wherein the at least one first contact plug is offset from the at least one first contact hole to overlap the dielectric layer. |
| US08912572B2 |
High electron mobility transistor and method of manufacturing the same
According to example embodiments, a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) includes a first semiconductor layer on a substrate and a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer. The first and second semiconductor layers define a recessed region. A semiconductor doped layer is in the recessed region of first and second semiconductor layers. A 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) region is at a portion of the first semiconductor layer adjacent to both sides of the semiconductor doped layer. |
| US08912570B2 |
High electron mobility transistor and method of forming the same
A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) includes a first III-V compound layer. A second III-V compound layer is disposed on the first III-V compound layer and is different from the first III-V compound layer in composition. A source feature and a drain feature are in contact with the second III-V compound layer. A n-type doped region underlies each source feature and drain feature in the second III-V compound layer. A p-type doped region underlies each n-type doped region in the first III-V compound layer. A gate electrode is disposed over a portion of the second III-V compound layer between the source feature and the drain feature. |
| US08912568B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device and manufacturing method therefor includes a Σ-shaped embedded source or drain regions. A U-shaped recess is formed in a Si substrate using dry etching and a SiGe layer is grown epitaxially on the bottom of the U-shaped recess. Using an orientation selective etchant having a higher etching rate with respect to Si than SiGe, wet etching is performed on the Si substrate sidewalls of the U-shaped recess, to form a Σ-shaped recess. |
| US08912567B2 |
Strained channel transistor and method of fabrication thereof
The present invention relates to semiconductor integrated circuits. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to strained channel complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistor structures and fabrication methods thereof. A strained channel CMOS transistor structure comprises a source stressor region comprising a source extension stressor region; and a drain stressor region comprising a drain extension stressor region; wherein a strained channel region is formed between the source extension stressor region and the drain extension stressor region, a width of said channel region being defined by adjacent ends of said extension stressor regions. |
| US08912566B2 |
Gate amplification triac
A gate amplification triac including in a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type a vertical triac and a lateral bipolar transistor having its emitter connected to the triac gate, its base connected to a control terminal, and its collector connected to a terminal intended to be connected to a first reference voltage, the main terminal of the triac on the side of the transistor being intended to be connected to a second reference voltage, the transistor being formed in a first well of the second conductivity type and the triac comprising on the transistor side a second well of the second conductivity type, the first and second wells being formed so that the substrate-well breakdown voltage of the transistor is greater than the substrate-well breakdown voltage of the triac by at least the difference between the first and second reference voltages. |
| US08912561B2 |
Phosphor composition and light emitting diode device using the same
A phosphor composition is provided. The phosphor composition comprises a phosphor nucleus and a hydrophobic layer. The hydrophobic layer is bonded on a surface of the phosphor nucleus and consists of an organic compound with a hydrophobic functional group. |
| US08912558B2 |
Light emitting diode package
An LED package includes a substrate, an LED chip arranged on the substrate, and a light transmission layer arranged on a light output path of the LED chip. The substrate includes a first electrode and a second electrode separated and electrically insulated from the first electrode. The LED chip is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode of the substrate. The light transmission layer comprises two parallel transparent plates and a fluorescent layer sandwiched between the two transparent plates. The LED package further includes an encapsulation layer sealing the LED chip therein. The light transmission layer is directly located on a top surface of each LED chip, and the encapsulation layer seals the light transmission layer therein. |
| US08912553B2 |
Sulfur-containing phosphor coated with ZnO compound
Provided is a novel coated phosphor capable of effectively suppressing the adverse effects of hydrogen sulfide gas generated by the reaction between a sulfur-containing phosphor and moisture in the air. Provided is a sulfur-containing phosphor having a configuration in which ZnO compound containing Zn and O is present on the surface of a sulfur-containing phosphor having a host material which includes sulfur. |
| US08912552B2 |
Display substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A display substrate includes a base substrate; a first metal pattern disposed on the base substrate and comprising a first signal line and a first electrode electrically connected to the first signal line; and a buffer pattern disposed at a corner between a sidewall surface of the first metal pattern and the base substrate. |
| US08912545B2 |
Nanowires, nanowire fielde-effect transistors and fabrication method
A method is provided for fabricating a nanowire-based semiconductor structure. The method includes forming a first nanowire with a first polygon-shaped cross-section having a first number of sides. The method also includes forming a semiconductor layer on surface of the first nanowire to form a second nanowire with a second polygon-shaped cross-section having a second number of sides, the second number being greater than the first number. Further, the method includes annealing the second nanowire to remove a substantial number of vertexes of the second polygon-shaped cross-section to form the nanowire with a non-polygon-shaped cross-section corresponding to the second polygon-shaped cross-section. |
| US08912544B2 |
Light-emitting display device and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is a method to manufacture a light-emitting display device in which a contact hole for the electrical connection of the pixel electrode and one of the source and drain electrode of a transistor and a contact hole for the processing of a semiconductor layer are formed simultaneously. The method contributes to the reduction of a photography step. The transistor includes an oxide semiconductor layer where a channel formation region is formed. |
| US08912543B2 |
Display device
The display device includes a substrate and a capacitor positioned on the substrate, the capacitor including a first capacitor electrode having a mesh shape and a second capacitor electrode having a mesh shape and positioned on the first capacitor electrode with an insulation layer therebetween. |
| US08912533B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device which includes a base member; an organic light emitting display unit disposed on the base member and configured to generate an image; a sealing layer configured to seal the organic light emitting display unit; a capping substrate disposed on the sealing layer and having a plurality of metal layers, one of the metal layers being in contact with the sealing layer and having at least one groove; and a moisture absorbent provided in the groove. |
| US08912531B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device including an emitting layer, an electron-injecting controlling layer and an electron-transporting layer between an anode and a cathode in sequential order from the anode, bonding one to another, the emitting layer including a host material and a dopant, the ionization potential (Ips) of the main material forming the electron-injecting controlling layer and the ionization potential (Iph) of the host material of the emitting layer satisfying the following relationship (i), the electron mobility of the electron-transporting material forming the electron-transporting layer being 10−5 cm2/Vs or more at the electric field intensity of 400 to 500 (V/cm)1/2, and the affinity level (Af1) of the host material of the emitting layer, the affinity level (Af2) of the main material forming the electron-injecting controlling layer, and the affinity level (Af3) of the electron-transporting material forming the electron-transporting layer satisfying the following relationships (ii) and (iii). 0.5 eV>Ips−Iph≧0 eV (i) Af2−Af1>0 eV (ii) Af3−Af2>0.2 eV (iii). |
| US08912522B2 |
Nanodevice arrays for electrical energy storage, capture and management and method for their formation
An apparatus, system, and method are provided for a vertical two-terminal nanotube device configured to capture and generate energy, to store electrical energy, and to integrate these functions with power management circuitry. The vertical nanotube device can include a column disposed in an anodic oxide material extending from a first distal end of the anodic oxide material to a second distal end of the anodic oxide material. Further, the vertical nanotube device can include a first material disposed within the column, a second material disposed within the column, and a third material disposed between the first material and the second material. The first material fills the first distal end of the column and extends to the second distal end of the column along inner walls of the column. The second material fills the first distal end of the column and extends to the second distal end of the column within the first material. Both the first material and the second material are exposed at the first distal end of the column. |
| US08912519B2 |
Variable resistive memory device and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a variable resistive memory device and a method of fabricating the same. The variable resistive memory device includes an interlayer insulating film having an opening therein, the opening exposing a surface of a first electrode which is disposed at a bottom of the opening. A variable resistive layer is formed in the opening and a second electrode is formed on the variable resistive layer. The variable resistive layer has a sidewall that is separated from an inner side surface of the opening to define a gap between the sidewall of the variable resistive layer and the inner side surface of the opening. |
| US08912516B2 |
Memory element with ion source layer and memory device
A memory element, including: a first electrode, a memory layer, and a second electrode in this order. The memory layer includes a resistance change layer containing an oxide, and the resistance change layer being provided on the first electrode side, and an ion source layer in a stacking structure of two or more of a unit ion source layer, the unit ion source layer including a first layer and a second layer, the first layer containing one or more of chalcogen elements of tellurium (Te), sulfur (S), and selenium (Se) and an easy-to-move element that is easy to move in the memory layer, and having a density distribution of the easy-to-move element from the first electrode to the second electrode, and the second layer containing a difficult-to-move element that is difficult to move in the memory layer. |
| US08912511B2 |
Device and method for multi-photon fluorescence microscopy for obtaining information from biological tissue
A device for multi-photon fluorescence microscopy for obtaining information from biological tissue is provided. The device comprising a laser unit for generating an excitation radiation, an optical unit which is formed to focus the excitation radiation for generating an optical signal at different locations in or on an object to be examined, and a detector module for detecting the optical signal from the region of the object. The optical unit for generating the optical signal at different locations in or on the object is movable in at least one direction relative to the object. |
| US08912508B2 |
Multiphoton-excited measuring device
A multiphoton-excited measuring device measuring a sample with the use of a multiphoton absorption phenomenon by optical pulses having high intensity, comprising a short pulse light source 2 emitting optical pulses; an irradiation optical system 17, 18, 19 irradiating a sample 20 with optical pulses emitted from the short pulse light source 2; a detector 24 detecting signal light generated, in association with multiphoton excitation, from the sample 20 by the irradiation with optical pulses; and an optical pulse compression means 4, 13 compressing a pulse width, with the use of intensity-dependent nonlinear effects of the optical fiber 4, so that a pulse width of optical pulses with which the sample 20 is to be irradiated is shorten to equal to or narrower than that of optical pulses emitted from the short pulse light source 2 and so that a spectral width of optical pulses with which the sample 20 is to be irradiated is wider than that of optical pulses emitted from the short pulse light source 2, which makes it possible to stably irradiate, with the use of easy-to-use short pulse light source, a sample with optical pulses having higher peak intensity and a shorter temporal width and measure the sample easily with high accuracy without requiring sophisticated laser techniques and skills. |
| US08912507B2 |
Light irradiation device for dental implants
A light irradiation device for dental implants, which is capable of reliably performing a required ultraviolet ray irradiation treatment to screw type dental implants, is provided. The light irradiation device for dental implants irradiates screw type dental implants with ultraviolet rays wherein each of the screw type implants has a screw part comprising a spiral protrusion. The light irradiation device comprises a casing, a stage that is provided within the casing, in which the plurality of dental implants are disposed and held so as to be aligned in one direction, and an ultraviolet ray irradiation lamp that is disposed within the casing, wherein the entire surface of the protrusion that forms the screw part of each of the plurality of dental implants held on the stage is irradiated with the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet ray irradiation lamp. |
| US08912499B2 |
Radioactive ray detecting apparatus, method of manufacturing the same, and imaging system
According to one embodiment, a radioactive ray detecting apparatus includes: a scintillator that produces visible light from a radioactive ray; a light detecting portion including a light receiving element that generates an electrical signal on a basis of intensity of visible light; a first board; a first electrical connection unit that electrically connects the light detecting portion and a first surface of the first board to each other; a second board disposed to face the first board; a second electrical connection that electrically connects a first surface of the second board and a second surface of the first board being opposite from the first surface of the first board to each other; and a data acquisition device that processes an electrical signal transmitted from the light detecting portion through the first electrical connection unit, the first board, the second electrical connection unit, and the second board. |
| US08912498B2 |
Halide scintillator for radiation detection
A halide scintillator material is disclosed. The material is single-crystalline and has a composition of the formula A3MBr6(1-x)Cl6x (such as Cs3CeBr6(1-x)Cl6x) or AM2Br7(1-x)Cl7x (such as CsCe2Br7(1-x)Cl7x), 0≦x≦1, wherein A consists essentially of Li, Na K, Rb, Cs or any combination thereof, and M consists essentially of Ce, Sc, Y, La, Lu, Gd, Pr, Tb, Yb, Nd or any combination thereof. Furthermore, a method of making halide scintillator materials of the above-mentioned compositions is disclosed. In one example, high-purity starting halides (such as CsBr, CeBr3, CsCl and CeCl3) are mixed and melted to synthesize a compound of the desired composition of the scintillator material. A single crystal of the scintillator material is then grown from the synthesized compound by the Bridgman method. The disclosed scintillator materials are suitable for making scintillation detectors used in applications such as medical imaging and homeland security. |
| US08912496B2 |
Apparatus with optical functionality and power management and associated methods
In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor integrated circuit (IC) that is adapted for ambient light sensing (ALS) and/or proximity detection. The sensor integrated circuit (IC) includes an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that is adapted to convert at least one signal related to ambient light sensing (ALS) and/or proximity detection to at least one digital signal, and an integrated light emitting diode (LED) driver that is adapted to drive at least one LED. The sensor IC also includes an integrated power management unit (PMU) that is adapted to reduce power dissipation of the sensor IC by running at a low duty cycle the integrated LED driver and the integrated ADC. |
| US08912493B2 |
High resolution thermography
A thermographic imaging device includes a focal array portion including a planar arrangement of a plurality of light sensitive devices, and an aperture portion including a facing planar surface, an opposing planar surface, and an arrangement of a plurality of orifices that are communicative with the facing planar surface and the opposing planar surface, each infrared sensitive device of the plurality of infrared arranged in alignment with a corresponding orifice of the plurality of orifices. |
| US08912492B2 |
Thermal marking systems and methods of control
A target marking system includes a light source configured to emit a beam of thermal radiation and to impinge the beam onto a target. The system also includes a detector configured to collect radiation passing from the target to the detector along a path. The radiation passing from the target in response to impingement of the beam onto the target. The system further includes an optics assembly disposed optically upstream of the detector along the path. The optics assembly includes at least one of an afocal power changer, a camera objective, a catadioptric lens, and a zoom system configured to condition the radiation passing from the target to the detector. |
| US08912491B2 |
Method of performing tomographic imaging of a sample in a charged-particle microscope
The invention relates to a method of performing tomographic imaging of a sample comprising providing a beam of charged particles; providing the sample on a sample holder that can be tilted; in an imaging step, directing the beam through the sample to image the sample; repeating this procedure at each of a series of sample tilts to acquire a set of images; in a reconstruction step, mathematically processing images from said set to construct a composite image, whereby in said imaging step, for a given sample tilt, a sequence of component images is captured at a corresponding sequence of focus settings; and in said reconstruction step, for at least one member of said series of sample tilts, multiple members of said sequence of component images are used in said mathematical image processing. This renders a 3D imaging cube rather than a 2D imaging sheet at a given sample tilt. |
| US08912490B2 |
Method for preparing samples for imaging
A method and apparatus is provided for preparing samples for observation in a charged particle beam system in a manner that reduces or prevents artifacts. Material is deposited onto the sample using charged particle beam deposition just before or during the final milling, which results in an artifact-free surface. Embodiments are useful for preparing cross sections for SEM observation of samples having layers of materials of different hardnesses. Embodiments are useful for preparation of thin TEM samples. |
| US08912485B2 |
Acquisition technique for MALDI time-of-flight mass spectra
The invention relates to acquisition techniques for time-of-flight mass spectra with ionization of the analyte substances by matrix assisted laser desorption. Generally speaking, these acquisition techniques involve adding together a large number of individual time-of-flight spectra, each with restricted dynamic measuring range, to form a sum spectrum. The invention provides a method that improves, in particular, the reproducibility, the concentration accuracy and therefore the ability to quantify the mass spectra. Particular embodiments also increase the dynamic range of measurement. For this purpose, multiple series of mass spectra are acquired, whereby the energy density in the laser spot is increased in discrete steps. As a result, many ion signals saturate the detector and can therefore no longer be evaluated. However, it is possible to employ a technique in which the ion beam is increasingly defocused, or, secondly, to replace parts of the spectrum that are subject to saturation by intensity extrapolations from mass spectra acquired with lower energy density. In the first case, hundreds or thousands of individual mass spectra must be added together in order to increase the dynamic measuring range. In the second case, the finally acquired mass spectrum, with its replacements, forms a mass spectrum with a high dynamic measuring range, improved reproducibility and better concentration accuracy. The gradient of the increasing intensities of the ion signals, as a function of the energy density, supplies additional information about the proton affinity of the analyte ions. The concentration accuracy is enhanced because the increase in the number of proton donors in the ionization plasma leads to an increase in the ionization of those analyte substances that have a lower proton affinity. |
| US08912484B2 |
Photomultipler-based neutron detector
A neutron detector is provided which may include a neutron converting layer, and a scintillator layer adjacent the neutron converting layer. The neutron detector may further include a photomultiplier adjacent the scintillator layer. By way of example, the neutron detector may be used in a well logging apparatus to determine a neutron flux incident upon the neutron converting layer, and thereby determine the neutron porosity of a geological formation around a wellbore. |
| US08912476B2 |
Automatic vehicle exterior light control system assemblies
The present invention relates to various improvements relating to automatic vehicle equipment control systems. |
| US08912474B2 |
Food tray
A food tray is provided with an upper tray and a lower tray containing food products, in which the upper tray rests snugly in the lower tray and a lid seals the upper tray. Vent holes in the lower tray allow steam released from the food product in the lower tray to escape out of the lower tray. Each of the upper tray and lower tray may have flanges to allow the upper tray to be lifted out of the lower tray without difficulty. |
| US08912472B1 |
Induction heating of springs
An apparatus for hardening a spring having a helical or beehive shape. The apparatus has a rotation support system and an induction heating system. The rotation support system is designed to support the spring while the spring is heated by the induction heating system. The induction heating system has an induction coil system having a coil system. The coil system has a spaced region designed to receive the spring and to heat the spring while the spring is supported on the rotation support system. |
| US08912471B2 |
Heating cooker
A heating cooker of the present invention includes a plurality of light emitting indicator units. The light emitting indicator units each have a temperature sensing unit that senses an ambient temperature of a light emission source. Therefore, deterioration of the light emission source of each of the light emitting indicator units can be suppressed to realize a further reduction in thickness, and to improve visibility of the indicator sheet. |
| US08912470B2 |
Method and device for controlling a glow plug
A method and a device for controlling a glow plug in a combustion engine, where a state of aging A of the glow plug is ascertained, and the control of the glow plug is influenced as a function of the state of aging A of the plug. |
| US08912468B2 |
Zero-crossing detector circuit and image forming apparatus having the same
A zero-crossing detector circuit includes: a first capacitor including a first electrode configured to connect to one end of an AC power supply and a second electrode; a second capacitor including a first electrode configured to connect to the other end of the AC power supply and a second electrode; a current path, which is connected in series between the second electrode of the first capacitor and the second electrode of the second capacitor, and which is connected to a reference potential, and which generates a second-electrode-side voltage when the AC current passes through the current path; a signal converting circuit, which is connected to the AC power supply to receive the second-electrode-side voltage and then converts the second-electrode-side voltage into a pulse signal; and a detecting unit, which detects a pulse period of the pulse signal, which and detects zero-crossing points by using the pulse period. |
| US08912466B2 |
Electrode management device for electrical discharge machining machine tools
Device for managing the electrodes for electrical discharge machining EDM machine tools comprises at least one magazine (1) that has a series of individual housings (33) designed to accept and hold exchangeable elements (5) consisting of electrodes (6, 22) mounted on an electrode holder (11a, 11b), and a changer device (2) equipped with a gripper (2) intended to move the exchangeable elements (5) from the individual housings (33) towards the machine and vice versa. A first adapter piece (21) is associated with each of the exchangeable elements (5). This adapter piece (21) surrounds the electrode holder (11a, 11b) and is gripped around its periphery by the gripper (9) of the changer (2) so as to guarantee that the exchangeable element (5) is held precisely. The device further comprises a second adapter piece (32) associated with each of the individual housings (33) of the magazine (1) that are likely to be used. |
| US08912464B2 |
Hole forming method and laser processing apparatus
A laser processed hole is formed in a workpiece. The workpiece has a first member formed of a first material bonded to a second member formed of a second material. A value is set representing the minimum number of shots of a pulsed laser beam when the spectral wavelength of plasma has changed from the spectral wavelength inherent in the first material to that of the second material. A maximum shot number is set representing a maximum value of the number of beam shots when the spectral wavelength of the plasma has completely changed. The beam is stopped if the number of shots has reached the minimum value and the spectral wavelength of the plasma has changed whereas the beam is continued until the number of shots reaches the maximum value if the spectral wavelength of the plasma has not changed even after the number of shots has reached the minimum value. |
| US08912463B2 |
Plasma arc torch positioning apparatus
The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting a position of a plasma arc torch. The apparatus includes an elevation apparatus configured to raise and lower the plasma arc torch with respect to molten silicon, a rotary apparatus configured to circumferentially rotate the plasma arc torch with respect to the molten silicon, and an angle adjustment apparatus configured to adjust an angle of the plasma arc torch with respect to the molten silicon. In addition, a plurality of plasma arc torches is provided and radially disposed at predetermined intervals. Therefore, time consumed to melt solid silicon to form the initial molten silicon is reduced, and casting speed is increased. In addition, fusibility of a source material can be improved, the source material can be stably melted, and economic continuous casting and a high quality silicon ingot for a solar cell can be manufactured. |
| US08912462B2 |
Method of manufacturing electric resistance welding pipes having excellent characterization of welded seams
A method of efficiently manufacturing electric resistance welding pipes having excellent characterization of welded seams is provided, by which each lateral edge of a rounded strip immediately before electric resistance welding is securely shaped with desired tapering flexibly in response to change in strip thickness, so that welding quality may be kept to be excellent. A method of manufacturing electric resistance welding pipes, in which a strip is subjected to forming, then edges thereof are formed to substantially face each other, and then the edges are subjected to electric resistance welding to form a pipe, wherein an edge and an edge opposed thereto at one of an upper-surface side and a lower-surface side of the strip are shaped with tapering before the forming by means of cutting or shaving, or finpass forming. |
| US08912460B2 |
Dielectric loaded fluids for high voltage switching
This disclosure relates to methods and systems to reduce high voltage breakdown jitters in liquid dielectric switches. In particular, dielectric liquids have been produced that contain a suspension of nanoparticles and a surfactant to reduce the breakdown jitter. In one embodiment, the suspended nanoparticles are Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) nanoparticles. |
| US08912458B2 |
Touchsurface with level and planar translational travel responsiveness
Described herein are one or more techniques related to a touchsurface with level and planar translational travel responsiveness. One or more of the described implementations include an input device having a rigid body including a touchsurface configured to travel along a depression path in response to being depressed by a user. The input device also includes a leveling mechanism that operates in manner to keep the touchsurface substantially level as the touchsurface travels along the depression path in response to being depressed by the user. Furthermore, the input device has a planar-translation-effecting mechanism that defines a planar translation component of the depression path, such that the touchsurface exhibits planar translation as the touchsurface travels along the depression path. |
| US08912453B2 |
Electronic component package
An electronic component package includes a circuit board which has a mounting surface that does not show wettability for fluxless solder and on which a semiconductor element is mounted, a soldering pattern that shows wettability for the fluxless solder and is formed to surround an area on which the semiconductor element is mounted, a lid that has a shape such that a cavity is formed between the lid and the circuit board, a bonding surface to the soldering pattern is formed in a ring shape, and does not show wettability for the fluxless solder, a solder bonded part that is formed by heating a solder precoat formed of the fluxless solder on a bonding surface of the lid, and a ventilation hole that is formed by providing a bonding surface of the lid exposed in a discontinuous part of the solder precoat after the solder bonded part is formed. |
| US08912451B2 |
Multilayered printed circuit board and method for manufacturing the same
A multilayered printed circuit board or a substrate for mounting a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor device, a first resin insulating layer accommodating the semiconductor device, a second resin insulating layer provided on the first resin insulating layer, a conductor circuit provided on the second resin insulating layer, and via holes for electrically connecting the semiconductor device to the conductor circuit, wherein the semiconductor device is accommodated in a recess provided in the first resin insulating layer, and a metal layer for placing the semiconductor device is provided on the bottom face of the recess. A multilayered printed circuit board in which the installed semiconductor device establishes electrical connection through the via holes is provided. |
| US08912450B2 |
Method for attaching a metal surface to a carrier, a method for attaching a chip to a chip carrier, a chip-packaging module and a packaging module
A method for attaching a metal surface to a carrier is provided, the method including: forming a first polymer layer over the metal surface; forming a second polymer layer over a surface of the carrier; and bringing the first polymer layer into physical contact with the second polymer layer such that at least one of an interpenetrating polymer structure and an inter-diffusing polymer structure is formed between the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer. |
| US08912449B2 |
Thermal warp compensation IC package
An apparatus and method for temperature induced warpage compensation in an integrated circuit package is disclosed. The apparatus consists of bonded layers of material having different thermal coefficients of expansion. The bonded layers are bonded to the top of the integrated circuit package. By appropriate choice of temperature coefficients the layers of material can compensate for either convex or concave warpage. In some embodiments, the layers of material have apertures therein allowing compensation for more complex warpages. As well, in some embodiments the top layer of material does not have a planar cross-section. A method is also disclosed for manufacturing an integrated circuit package assembly. The apparatus and method provide an alternative to methods of dealing with IC package warpage known in the art. |
| US08912447B2 |
Method of moulding
A method includes patterning one or more electrical layers on a substrate; shaping the patterned substrate into a 3-dimensional contour, wherein the contour including a significant change in gradient in or adjacent to one or more sensing areas of the electrical layer, and over-molding the shaped substrate. Degradation of a trace in the electrical layer at or adjacent to the one or more sensing areas during shaping and/or over-molding is substantially minimized based on the width of the trace, the thickness or number of layers of the trace, the bending radius of the trace, the material of the trace, and/or a primer over layer on the trace. |
| US08912445B2 |
Cable assembly
A cable assembly includes: a plurality of cables; a cable fixing member that fixes the cables together; and conductor layers, wherein the cable assembly is formed with a connecting end surface that includes thereon connecting ends of the cables, and the conductor layers are provided to cover surfaces of the connecting ends that are on the connecting end surface. |
| US08912442B2 |
Active cover plate
One example embodiment includes a cover plate for an electrical receptacle. The cover plate includes a first conducting strip. The first conducting strip protrudes rearward from the cover plate and is configured to contact a first terminal of a receptacle, where the first terminal connects the receptacle to a power source. The cover plate also includes a first insulating means, where the first insulating means prevents the first conducting strip from contacting other conducting materials. The cover plate further includes a second conducting strip. The second conducting strip protrudes rearward from the cover plate and is configured to contact a second terminal of the receptacle, where the second terminal completes the connection of the receptacle to the power source. The cover plate additionally includes a second insulating means, where the second insulating means prevents the second conducting strip from contacting other conducting materials. The cover plate also includes a load. |
| US08912438B2 |
Metal retaining features for handheld electronic device casing
This invention is directed to mechanical and electromagnetic shielding features of an electronic device case. An electronic device case is formed of two housings, each housing having integrated snaps, channels, or other retaining features used to secure the housings together. The housings additionally include integrated retaining features used to secure electronic components within the device case. The housings and retaining features are formed of amorphous metals or other materials with high elasticities. Because the retaining features necessary to assemble the case and secure the electronic components to the case form integral parts of the housings, no external retaining features are required to assemble the electronic device in the case. |
| US08912436B2 |
Method to reduce signal distortion caused by dielectric materials in transmission wires and cables
A method and apparatus for reducing dielectric polarization and dielectric relaxation within a signal wire by partially neutralizing the electric charge differential within the dielectric material between the signal conductor and the surrounding insulating dielectric material. |
| US08912432B2 |
Photovoltaic device including an intermediate layer
Methods and apparatus are provided for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells. In one embodiment of a photovoltaic (PV) device, the PV device generally includes an n-doped layer and a p+-doped layer adjacent to the n-doped layer to form a p-n layer such that electric energy is created when electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the p-n layer. The n-doped layer and the p+-doped layer may compose an absorber layer having a thickness less than 500 nm. Such a thin absorber layer may allow for greater efficiency and flexibility in PV devices when compared to conventional solar cells. |
| US08912429B2 |
Interconnect assembly
An interconnect assembly. The interconnect assembly includes a trace that includes a plurality of electrically conductive portions. The plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured both to collect current from a first solar cell and to interconnect electrically to a second solar cell. In addition, the plurality of electrically conductive portions is configured such that solar-cell efficiency is substantially undiminished in an event that any one of the plurality of electrically conductive portions is conductively impaired. |
| US08912428B2 |
High efficiency multijunction II-VI photovoltaic solar cells
A Group II-VI photovoltaic solar cell comprising at least two and as many as five subcells stacked upon one another. Each subcell has an emitter layer and a base layer, with the base of the first subcell being made of silicon, germanium, or silicon-germanium. The remaining subcells are stacked on top of the first subcell and are ordered such that the band gap gets progressively smaller with each successive subcell. Moreover, the thicknesses of each subcell are optimized so that the current from each subcell is substantially equal to the other subcells in the stack. Examples of suitable Group II-VI semiconductors include CdTe, CdSe, CdSeTe, CdZnTe, CdMgTe, and CdHgTe. |
| US08912422B2 |
Electronic stringed instrument, musical sound generation method and storage medium
A CPU 41 determines whether or not the detected level of string picking strength exceeds a predetermined first level, and in a case of determining that the predetermined first level is exceeded, determines whether or not a condition is satisfied that the number of the frets 23 in contact with the string 22 detected as a picked string is a predetermined number or more (10 or more) while the frets in contact therewith as above are located within a predetermined area from the bridge 16 (the fret number 18 or higher). In a case where it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the CPU 41 instructs the connected sound source 45 to generate a predefined slap sound. |
| US08912421B2 |
Chord-playing instruction device, chord-playing instruction method, and recording medium
A chord-information storage stores chord-type information and information on relationship between constituent notes including a tonic of the chord as chord information. Upon specification of a tonic, a first instruction display reads out chord information, and then causes a display to show relationship information for a constituent note other than the tonic, chord-type information, and an indicator indicating positional relationship between the tonic and each constituent note on music-playing operators. Every time another note is specified after the tonic, a second instruction display extracts chord information including relationship information that matches with relationship between the specified tonic and all notes specified after the tonic, and causes the display to show relationship information of a constituent note other than the specified notes, chord-type information, and an indicator indicating positional relationship between the tonic and each constituent note on music-playing operators. |
| US08912420B2 |
Enhancing music
Embodiments generally relate to enhancing music. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a sound input, extracting a primary melody from the sound input, and converting the primary melody into a graphical representation. The method also includes generating a plurality of derivative melodies, where each derivative melody is derived from the primary melody. The method also includes enabling a user to select one or more of the derivative melodies to be played with the primary melody. |
| US08912417B2 |
Mutable high-hat tambourine
Systems, methods, and apparatuses that allow for a high-hat mounted tambourine musical instrument to be muted are disclosed. In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a mutable tambourine jingle assembly that can be permanently engaged with the press of a button or otherwise. As such, the need for a user to physically hold the tambourine or an attached lever (e.g., a foot pedal) to mute the jingle assembly is obviated. In another aspect of the present disclosure, apparatuses are provided that facilitate a user simultaneously muting all of the jingles of a hi-hat mounted tambourine. |
| US08912412B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH559337
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH559337. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH559337, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH559337 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH559337. |
| US08912407B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH722527
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH722527. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH722527, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH722527 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH722527. |
| US08912405B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH868887
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH868887. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH868887, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH868887 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH868887. |
| US08912401B2 |
Bean variety RX 08091541
The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated RX 08091541. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line RX 08091541, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line RX 08091541 with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line RX 08091541, including the pods and gametes of such plants. |
| US08912400B2 |
Soybean cultivar AR0902031
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AR0902031, its seed, its progeny and their cell, and methods of making AR0902031. |
| US08912397B1 |
Soybean variety 75408-57N
Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated 75408-57N, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-121159. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the 75408-57N variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program. |
| US08912393B2 |
Activation tagging platform for maize, and resultant tagged populations and plants
Disclosed herein is an activation tagging construct for maize, resulting tagged populations and plants. In one example, an activation tagging DNA construct includes a coding sequence for a transposase, a detectable reporter (such as anthocyanin regulatory genes B-Peru and C1) and a non-autonomous transposable T-DNA cassette. For example, the transposable T-DNA cassette is inserted into the detectable reporter encoding region such that the B-Peru and C1 genes express anthocyanins in a cell containing the maize activation tagging DNA construct only upon excision of the transposable cassette. Methods of generating a tagged population of maize plants include transforming a maize plant cell or tissue with the disclosed constructs. |
| US08912384B2 |
Absorbent article and manufacturing apparatus for absorbent article
A compressed portion is formed in the absorbent article by compressing the absorber through a compression process. The compressed portion has a top-surface groove formed on the skin-contact-surface side, and a back-surface groove formed on the clothing-contact-surface side. A bottom portion of the top-surface groove is flat. Since the recessed portions are formed in the bottom portion of the back-surface groove through the compression process, a compression part where the density of the absorber is increased more than in an uncompressed portion and high compression parts where the density of the absorber is increased more than in the compression part are formed in the bottom portion. Thus, the absorbent article can be permeate into by a thick liquid, and is more likely to absorb liquid. |
| US08912383B2 |
Dual mode absorbent tampon
A dual mode absorbent tampon comprising a mass of absorbent material compressed into a generally cylindrical shape, in a first mode of the tampon. The mass of absorbent material comprising a homogeneous mixture of a plurality of fibers which comprise at least a first type of fiber and a second type of fiber, where the first type of fiber is bondable to fibers of the plurality of fibers. At least a portion of the first type of fibers are bonded in a pre-determined pattern to adjacent fibers of the plurality of fibers wherein absorption by the tampon causes at least a portion of the mass of absorbent material to expand into a non-cylindrical shape which is dependent upon the pre-determined pattern, in a second mode of the tampon. |
| US08912379B2 |
Method of preparing alkene compound
Disclosed is a method of preparing an alkene compound including introducing an acidic catalyst and a solvent into a reactor, increasing a temperature the reactor, and continuously removing water from the reactor while continuously supplying an alcohol into the reactor and continuously collecting an alkene compound. |
| US08912378B2 |
Dehydrocyclodimerization using UZM-39 aluminosilicate zeolite
A new family of coherently grown composites of TUN and IMF zeotypes has been synthesized and shown to be effective catalysts for dehydrocyclodimerization reactions. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. NanMmn+RrQqAl1-xExSiyOz where M represents zinc or a metal or metals from Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 or the lanthanide series of the periodic table, R is an A,Ω-dihalosubstituted paraffin such as 1,4-dibromobutane, Q is a neutral amine containing 5 or fewer carbon atoms such as 1-methylpyrrolidine and E is a framework element such as gallium. The process involves contacting at least one aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms per molecule with the coherently grown composites of TUN and IMF zeotypes to produce at least one aromatic hydrocarbon. |
| US08912376B2 |
Process for upgrading a pyrolysis oil, in particular in a refinery
The invention relates to a process for upgrading a pyrolysis oil comprising the following steps: —hydrodeoxygenation treatment (10) of the pyrolysis oil (12) and separation of the effluent (16) obtained into a light aqueous fraction (18) and a heavy organic fraction (20), or separation of the pyrolysis oil into an aqueous fraction and a lignin-rich fraction, —pre-reforming (22) of said aqueous fraction (18) and treatment of the effluent (26) obtained in an SMR unit (28) in order to produce hydrogen (34), —hydrotreatment (40) and/or catalytic cracking and/or visbreaking of said heavy organic fraction (20). |
| US08912375B2 |
Hydroconversion process and catalyst
A process and hydrodeoxygenation catalyst for producing high-quality diesel and naphtha fuels from a feedstock that contains oxygen containing components derived from renewable organic material in which the hydrodeoxygenation catalyst is a supported Mo catalyst and in which the support has a bimodal porous structure. The hydrodeoxygenation catalyst has a Mo content of 0.1 to 20 wt %. The support is alumina, silica, titania or combinations thereof, and the support has a bimodal porous structure with pores with a diameter larger than 50 nm that constitute at least 2 vol % of the total pore volume. |
| US08912372B2 |
Methods of making chlorinated hydrocarbons
Methods for the manufacture of 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane from 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane and chlorine are disclosed. Improved methods are provided for the manufacture of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene from 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane. Methods are also disclosed for the manufacture of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene from 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane and chlorine and for the manufacture of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene from carbon tetrachloride, ethylene, and chlorine. |
| US08912368B2 |
Method for producing 2-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoropropene (HCFC-1233xf)
The present invention relates to an improved method for manufacturing 2-chloro-3,3,3,-trifluoropropene (HCFC-1233xf) by reacting 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene, 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane, and/or 2,3,3,3-tetrachloropropene with hydrogen fluoride, in a vapor phase reaction vessel in the presence of a vapor phase fluorination catalyst and stabilizer. HCFC-1233xf is an intermediate in the production of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) which is a refrigerant with low global warming potential. |
| US08912366B2 |
Process for preparing adamantane polyol
The present invention provides a process for preparing an adamantane polyol by reacting an adamantane with a ruthenium compound and a hypochlorite in a biphasic water/organic solvent system. The process includes the steps of adding an inorganic adsorbent to a reaction system; and adding an alkali to a reaction mixture to separate the ruthenium compound together with the inorganic adsorbent, and reusing the separated ruthenium compound and inorganic adsorbent in a subsequent reaction. |
| US08912364B2 |
Continuous loop flow process for polyether polyol production
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to compositions, apparatus, methods, and systems that may be used to produce polyols, for example, polyether polyols with a narrow range of molecular weights, with little if any unsaturated byproducts, in a sustained and/or continuous reaction, with efficient heat transfer, and/or at high production rates. For example, in some embodiments, teachings of the disclosure may be used to produce polyether polyols in a continuous loop flow process. A continuous loop flow process may be practiced such that heat is effectively transferred and/or product properties (e.g., range of molecular weights) are controllable. For example, a continuous loop flow process may use one or more continuous flow loops comprising a heat exchanger, a means to move material around each loop, inlets for catalyst, monomer, initiator or starter, and an outlet for polyol product. |
| US08912361B2 |
Process for preparing di-, tri- and polyamines by homogeneously catalyzed alcohol amination
Process for preparing primary amines which have at least one functional group of the formula (—CH2—NH2) and at least one further primary amino group by alcohol amination of starting materials having at least one functional group of the formula (—CH2—OH) and at least one further functional group (—X), where (—X) is selected from among hydroxyl groups and primary amino groups, by means of ammonia with elimination of water, wherein the reaction is carried out homogeneously catalyzed in the presence of at least one complex catalyst comprising at least one element selected from groups 8, 9 and 10 of the Periodic Table and also at least one donor ligand. |
| US08912360B2 |
Methods for preparing ritodrine hydrochloride
Methods for preparing Ritodrine hydrochloride are provided. Also provided is non-hygroscopic, crystalline, polymorphic Ritodrine hydrochloride of Form I. |
| US08912359B2 |
Bisbenzamidines for the treatment of pneumonia
A method of combating infectious agents, such as Pneumocystis pneumonia, and a method of treating a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject a bis-benzamidoxime of formula I wherein the linker is a di-substituted cyclic moiety of any ring size and may contain at least one heteroatom; the aromatic group is 1,2-; 1,3-; or 1,4-disubstituted; R is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, a linear or branched alkyl group, containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R′ is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, a linear or branched alkyl group containing from one to twenty carbon atoms, an aromatic ring, a cycloalkyl group containing three to eight carbon atoms, or a hydroxyl group; alternatively, R and R′ may form a cyclic structure that can be fused to another cyclic system; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Pharmaceutical formulations and active compounds useful in the practice of the present invention are also disclosed. |
| US08912357B2 |
Method for the extraction of shikimic acid
This invention is directed to the production of shikimic acid from Illicium griffithii fruits. The method according to the invention is particularly applicable to the isolation of shikimic acid from Illicium griffithii fruits (seeds and pericarps). Yield is 12-18% w/w. Shikimic acid is useful as raw material for the production of oseltavir (Tamiflu) used against Avian Flu. It is also reported that its triacyl derivatives can inhibit blood platelet assembling and Thrombosis by affecting the metabolism of Arachidonic acid. Hitherto known commercial methods of production of shikimic acid from the fruits of star anise (Illicium verum) and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) gives only 3-7% and 1.5% respectively. The price of shikimic acid in the international market varies from US$ 45.00 to 1000.00 per Kg depending on demand. Further as per report published at the website www.livemint.com, China Government has imposed restriction on export of shikimic acid. |
| US08912356B2 |
DCC mediated coupling for halofenate manufacture
The present application discloses a process for the preparation of a halofenate compound of the formula (III) or a salt thereof: wherein R, X and X′ are as defined herein, the process comprising contacting a compound of formula (Ia) with a compound of formula (Ib) and N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide under conditions sufficient to form the compound of formula (III). |
| US08912354B2 |
Organopolysiloxane and cosmetic containing the same
There is disclosed an organopolysiloxane represented by the following general formula (1). (each R1 independently represents a group selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a fluorine-substituted alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, and an aralkyl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms; Y represents a polyvalent alcohol compound residue; M represents any of a hydrogen atom, an alkaline metal atom, an ammonium ion, and an alkylammonium ion; and reference character m represents an integer of 0 to 300.) There can be an organopolysiloxane capable of providing a cosmetic having excellent emulsion stability, excellent powder-dispersion stability if powders are contained therein, and excellent skin affinity and cosmetic durability, due to a novel organopolysiloxane having a specific structure containing a nonionic hydrophilic group and an anionic hydrophilic group of a carboxylic acid structure; and a cosmetic containing it. |
| US08912350B2 |
Perfume systems
The present application relates to perfume raw materials, perfume delivery systems and consumer products comprising such perfume raw materials and/or such perfume delivery systems, as well as processes for making and using such perfume raw materials, perfume delivery systems and consumer products. Such perfume raw materials and compositions, including the delivery systems, disclosed herein expand the perfume communities' options as such perfume raw materials can provide variations on character and such compositions can provide desired odor profiles. |
| US08912339B2 |
Methods of forming 4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenylboronic acid pinacol esters and methods of using the same
Methods include formation of 4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenylboronic acid pinacol esters. The method comprises contacting a 1-chloro-3-fluoro-2-substituted benzene with an alkyl lithium to form a lithiated 1-chloro-3-fluoro-2-substituted benzene. The lithiated 1-chloro-3-fluoro-2-substituted benzene is contacted with an electrophilic boronic acid derivative to form a 4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenylboronate. The 4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenylboronate is reacted with an aqueous base to form a (4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenyl)trihydroxyborate. The (4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenyl)trihydroxyborate is reacted with an acid to form a 4 chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenylboronic acid. The 4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenylboronic acid is reacted with 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol to form 4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenylboronic acid pinacol esters. Methods of using 4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenylboronic acid pinacol esters to produce 6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-substituted-phenyl)-4-aminopicolinates are also disclosed. |
| US08912338B2 |
Pesticidal compositions
Molecules according to Formula One: wherein R10 is selected from the following are provided. Furthermore, pesticidal compositions that comprise these molecules, and processes related to their uses as pesticides are disclose. |
| US08912335B2 |
PPAR-sparing thiazolidinedione salts for the treatment of metabolic diseases
The present invention relates to novel salts of thiazolidinediones and other pharmaceutical agents that are useful for treating and/or preventing metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes, or neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's Disease). |
| US08912326B2 |
Process of making gyrase and topoisomerase inhibitors
The present application is directed to compounds, intermediates and methods for preparing compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R is H or F, and each of R3, R4, and R5 are as defined herein. The compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and salts inhibit bacterial gyrase and/or Topo IV and are useful in treating bacterial infections. |
| US08912322B2 |
Aza-dibenzocyclooctynes and methods of making and using same
Convenient methods of preparing aza-dibenzocyclooctynes are disclosed herein. Aza-dibenzocyclooctynes attached to a surface are also disclosed herein. Aza-dibenzocyclooctynes can be reacted with azides to form heterocyclic compounds. Such reactions can be useful in a wide variety of applications including, for example, labeling surfaces. |
| US08912318B2 |
Nucleobase-functionalized conformationally restricted nucleotides and oligonucleotides for targeting nucleic acids
Embodiments are disclosed herein that involve C5-functionalized nucleic acids, which can be used for detecting a target in a nucleic acid. Particular embodiments disclose methods for making these compounds, wherein the compounds can be formed by coupling of an intermediate with a linker. Certain embodiments disclose the use of these compounds for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms, and for increasing the thermal affinity of nucleic acid complements as compared to unmodified nucleic acid complements. In addition, the disclosed compounds can decrease enzymatic degradation of nucleic acids. |
| US08912317B2 |
Ribonucleic acid interference molecules of Arabidopsis thaliana
Sequences of ribonucleic acid interference molecules are provided. For example, in one aspect, 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: 3,197 and one or more corresponding mature sequences having SEQ_ID NO: 3,198 through SEQ_ID NO: 6,565 is provided. Techniques are also provided for regulating gene expression. |
| US08912313B2 |
Variants of the promoter of the gap gene coding for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide having promoter activity, a variant of the promoter of the gap gene coding for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; and to a microorganism which produces and/or secretes a fine chemical, the microorganism including the isolated polynucleotide having promoter activity, which enables various genes to be overexpressed in comparison with the particular starting strain; and to a process for preparing fine chemicals using the microorganism. |
| US08912304B2 |
Polyol-based polymers
The present invention provides inventive polyol-based polymers, materials, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of making and using the inventive polymers and materials. In certain aspects of the invention, an inventive polymer corresponds to a polymer depicted below. Exemplary inventive polymers includes those prepared using polyol units (e.g., xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, or maltitol) condensed with polycarboxylic acid units (e.g., citric acid, glutaric acid, or sebacic acid). The inventive polymers may be further derivatized or modified. For example, the polymer may be made photocrosslinkable by adding methacrylate moieties to the polymer. |
| US08912303B1 |
Poly(hydroxyl urethane) compositions and methods of making and using the same
Methods and compositions relating to poly(hydroxyl urethane) compounds are described herein that are useful as, among other things, binders and adhesives. The cross-linked composition is achieved through the reaction of a cyclic carbonate, a compound having two or more thiol groups, and a compound having two or more amine functional groups. In addition, a method of adhesively binding two or more substrates using the cross-linked composition is provided. |
| US08912302B2 |
Curable silicone composition for sealing an optical semiconductor element, method of producing a resin-sealed optical semiconductor element, and resin-sealed optical semiconductor element
A curable silicone composition for sealing an optical semiconductor element, comprising: (A) an organopolysiloxane that has at least two silicon-bonded vinyl groups in one molecule, that has C1-10 alkyl for the other silicon-bonded organic groups therein, and that lacks a siloxane unit represented by the following formula: SiO4/2; (B) an organopolysiloxane represented by an average unit formula; (C) an organopolysiloxane that has at least three silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in one molecule, that has C1-10 alkyl for the silicon-bonded organic groups therein, and that contains from 0.7 to 1.6 mass % of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms; and (D) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst, wherein a viscosity at 25° C. and a viscosity at 100° C. of this composition lacking component (D) reside in a specific relationship, can efficiently perform resin sealing by transfer molding or compression molding while exhibiting an excellent moldability and can provide a cured product that has a low surface tack. |
| US08912299B2 |
Preparation method of high-performance star-shaped polycarboxylate superplasticizer
This invention relates to a method for preparing a star-shaped polycarboxylate superplasticizer by the first esterification step with polyol and (meth)acrylic acid as main reactants and the second polymerization step. In the first step, the star-shaped polymerizable active ends were synthesized by esterification between polyol and (meth)acrylic acid in the presence of catalyst. In the second step, the final star-shaped polycarboxylate superplasticizer was prepared by radical polymerization among the product obtained in first step, unsaturated polyoxyethylene ethers, molecular weight regulator and unsaturated carboxylic acid in the presence of initiator. The production process of this invention exhibits some characteristics including simple, easily controllable, high polymerization degree, low cost and pollution free. The star-shaped molecular structure of polycarboxylate superplasticizer can be achieved through synthesizing active “core” by esterification and “arm” by radical polymerization. It showed better cement paste fluidity and fluidity retention, which manifested as better adaptability to cement and application performance in concrete, than both traditional linear and comb-shaped polycarboxylate superplasticizer at common or lower dosage. |
| US08912295B2 |
Long chain alkylene group-containing epoxy compound
It is an object to provide a liquid thermosetting composition that yields an epoxy resin having physical properties of the cured product such as high flexural strength along with adequate handleability as liquid, to be used in transparent sealants for optical semiconductors, such as transparent sealants for LEDs (light-emitting devices) and the like. There is provided a thermosetting composition containing an epoxy compound that a side chain between a triazinetrione ring and an epoxy group substituted on the triazinetrione ring is long (elongated). |
| US08912293B2 |
Resin composition, and prepeg and laminate prepared using the same
A resin composition is provided. The resin composition comprises: an epoxy resin; a hardener, which comprises a melamine compound of Formula I: wherein, R is the same with or different from each other and has the formula of R1 and R2 are individually selected from a group consisting of H, a halogen, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C15 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C15 aloxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted C3-C15 cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C20 aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C20 aryloxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C15 unsaturated hydrocarbyl group, a naphthol group, a phenanthrenol group, and a dicyclopentadiene group, with a proviso that R2 is not H; and m is 1 or 2, wherein the amount of the hardener is about 20 parts by weight to about 150 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the epoxy resin. |
| US08912290B2 |
Process for producing functional siloxanes of controlled structure
Disclosed herein is a process for preparing a linear hydroxyaryloxy-functional polydiorganosiloxanes having controlled structures. The process includes the step of reacting a linear α,ω-bisacyloxypolydiorganosiloxane with at least one bisphenolic compound, or hydroxy-functional oligomer thereof, in such a molar ratio that the phenolic groups in the bisphenolic compound or the hydroxy-functional oligomer thereof to the acyloxy groups in the α,ω-bisacyloxypolydiorganosiloxane is less than 2.0. Also disclosed are hydroxyaryloxy-functional polydiorganosiloxanes produced from the process and the polysiloxane/polyorgano block copolymers made using the hydroxyaryloxy-functional siloxanes. |
| US08912288B2 |
Separation process using a polyimide membrane
The present invention discloses a new type of polyimide membrane with high permeances and high selectivities for gas separations and particularly for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations. The polyimide membranes have CO2 permeability of 50 Barrers or higher and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 of 15 or higher at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation. The polyimide membranes have UV cross-linkable functional groups and can be used for the preparation of UV cross-linked polyimide membranes having CO2 permeability of 20 Barrers or higher and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 of 35 or higher at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation. |
| US08912284B2 |
Polymer composition having improved wet ageing properties
The present invention relates to a crosslinkable polymer composition, comprising (i) an unsaturated polyolefin having a total amount of carbon-carbon double bonds/1000 carbon atoms of more than 0.37, and (ii) a polar copolymer. |
| US08912280B2 |
Aqueous polyurethane resin dispersion and process for preparing the same
An aqueous polyurethane resin dispersion containing a polyurethane resin obtained by reacting (A) a polyurethane prepolymer obtained by reacting (a) a polyisocyanate compound, (b) at least one polyol compound containing a polycarbonate polyol having a number average molecular weight of 400 to 3000, (c) an acidic group-containing polyol compound, (d) a blocking agent for an isocyanate group, which dissociates at 80 to 180° C., and (B) a chain elongating agent having reactivity with the isocyanate group, being dispersed in an aqueous medium, a sum of a content of urethane and urea bondings is 15 to 30% by weight in terms of solid components, a content of carbonate bondings is 8% to <15% by weight in terms of solid components, and a content of isocyanate group to which the above-mentioned blocking agent has bound is 0.2 to 3% by weight in terms of solid components as calculated on isocyanate group. |
| US08912277B2 |
Siloxane compositions
The invention relates to siloxane compositions containing a mixing component that is based on cashew nut shell liquid—CNSL. |
| US08912275B2 |
Continuous solution of polymer in liquid
Apparatus for continuously preparing a homogeneous solution (28) of powder in liquid including a mixing chamber (16) into which a liquid solvent (14) is introduced via an inlet pipe, and into which a solid solute (12) is fed via a dosing unit, an agitator (26) operative to mix the solid solute with the liquid solvent so that the solid solute dissolves in the liquid solvent to form a homogeneous solution, and a fluid dynamic separator (34) placed within a flow of the solute (12) and the solvent (14) in the chamber (16), the fluid dynamic separator (34) operative to create a region (38) isolated from the rest of the flow in the chamber and to cause solid particles of the solute that have not yet dissolved in the solvent to flow away from the region so that the region contains the homogeneous solution of the solute dissolved in the solvent. |
| US08912268B2 |
Silicone resin film, method of preparing same, and nanomaterial-filled silicone composition
A method of preparing a silicone resin film, the method comprising coating a release liner with a nanomaterial-filled silicone composition comprising a hydrosilylation-curable silicone composition and a carbon nanomaterial, and heating the coated release liner at a temperature sufficient to cure the silicone resin; a silicone resin film prepared according to the preceding method; and a nanomaterial-filled silicone composition. |
| US08912267B2 |
Process for producing polymer-functionalized filler particles
A process for producing polymer-functionalized filler particles and polymer-functionalized filler particles obtained by this process. The polymer-functionalized filler particles are used as additives for rubber mixtures. The polymers for functionalizing the filler particles are obtained in-situ starting from filler particles having a surface-bound RAFT agent. The binding of silyl-bearing RAFT agents and of Diels-Alder RAFT agents occurs via the R-group and the subsequent RAFT polymerization proceeds via a reactive site of the RAFT agent. |
| US08912266B2 |
Thermoplastic elastomers exhibiting superior barrier properties
A blend of styrene-isobutylene-styrene based thermoplastic elastomer and organoclay-filled polyamide is disclosed which has good processability and more effective barrier properties for oxygen than the blend using amorphous or crystalline polyamide without organoclay. |
| US08912255B2 |
Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) mixture having a compressive strength of at least 25 MPa at 28 days of age
The present disclosure describes a self-consolidating concrete (SCC) mixture having a compressive strength of at least 25 MPa at 28 days of age. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided an SCC mixture, comprising: a mixture of coarse aggregate (CA), fine aggregate (FA), very fine aggregate (VFA), cementitious materials including Portland cement or Portland limestone cement, an ASTM C494 Type F polycarboxylate ether high range water reducer, and water, wherein the VFA has a particle size distribution in which 95% to 100% passes a 2.5 mm sieve and in which 20% to 100% passes a 75 μm sieve. |
| US08912251B2 |
Process of heat treating structured polymer particles
A process comprising heating an aqueous dispersion of first structured polymer particles at a temperature of at least about 155° C., optionally in the presence of a base and/or a swelling agent, to produce an aqueous dispersion of heat treated structured polymer particles. |
| US08912249B2 |
Method of preparing encapsulated pigment dispersions which include polyurethane dispersions
A process for encapsulating pigment dispersions is provided where a pigment is dispersed with a polymeric dispersant in an aqueous solvent system. An acrylate monomer and a polyurethane dispersion are added and the resultant mixture is polymerized. Optionally, the acrylate monomer/polyurethane mixture may be emulsified in water with an added surfactant or polymeric dispersant and up to 20% acrylic or other vinyl monomers based on the acrylate may be added to the acrylate monomer/polyurethane mixture before polymerization. Such encapsulated pigment dispersions may be used in inkjet inks and are stable to heat, aging test conditions, and solvent challenges. Prints from these inks have better durability. |
| US08912248B2 |
Pigment dispersion and ink composition, curable composition and curable ink composition making use of the same
The present invention provides a pigment dispersion, containing (a) a pigment; and (b) a polymer having a polyurethane bond in a main chain, having at least one polymer chain selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a polyacrylate, a polymethacrylate and a polyalkylene oxide at a side chain of the polymer, and having a partial skeleton that is different from a partial skeleton included in a chemical structure of the pigment, as a pendant of the main chain. |
| US08912247B2 |
Hydrophilic/hydrophobic polymer networks based on poly(caprolactone fumarate), poly(ethylene glycol fumarate), and copolymers thereof
Improved methods for preparing polyethylene glycol fumarate) are disclosed. Methods for chemically crosslinking or photocross-linking hydrophilic polyethylene glycol fumarate) with hydrophobic polymers such as poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and poly(caprolactone fumarate) (PCLF) to form various hydrogels (FIG. 1) with controllable hydrophilicity are also disclosed. The hydrogels are useful in the fabrication of injectable and in-situ hardening scaffolds for application in skeletal reconstruction. An injectable material including the hydrogels may be useful in controlled drug release. |
| US08912240B2 |
Production of methanol and ethanol from CO or CO2
This invention relates to a process for making methanol and ethanol from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The process includes contacting a mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen with a catalyst system containing a ruthenium compound—and optionally, a chloride or bromide-containing compound—dispersed in a low-melting tetraorganophosphonium chloride or bromide salt under conditions effective to produce methanol and ethanol. The invention also relates to a process for making methanol and ethanol from carbon monoxide and water using the same catalyst system. |
| US08912236B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for delivery of receptor tyrosine kinase inhibiting (RTKi) compounds to the eye
The present invention relates to development of efficacious pharmaceutical implant compositions comprising an active agent in a therapeutically effective amount and a polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of at least 2000. |
| US08912229B2 |
Taxane and abeo-taxane analogs
The present application discloses new taxane analogs, intermediates and methods for producing them. The present application is also directed to pharmaceutical formulations comprising abeo-taxanes and methods of treating cancer with the abeo-taxanes. |
| US08912223B2 |
Compositions and processes for preparing 5-amino or substituted amino 1,2,3-triazoles and triazoles orotate formulations
New polymorphs of 5-amino or substituted amino 1,2,3-triazole and substituted derivatives thereof, of orotates of the carboxyamidotriazoles, of formulations of the triazoles and orotic acid in the ratio of 1:1 to 1:4 (base:acid) and of safer processes of the preparation of the same are disclosed. The compounds are useful in the control and treatment of diseases including, but not limited to solid cancers, macular degeneration, retinopathy, chronic myeloid leukemia, AIDS and diseases which rely on aberrant signal transduction. The improved processes to prepare the orotate formulations use stable, efficient and safer starting azide intermediate materials in the synthesis of new polymorphs of carboxyamidotriazole. |
| US08912221B2 |
Biaryl amide derivatives
The invention provides novel compounds having the general formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 and A are as described herein, compositions including the compounds and methods of using the compounds. |
| US08912220B2 |
Compounds and methods of use thereof
Indole compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using the compounds to treat human and animal disease, pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds, and kits including the compounds. |
| US08912215B2 |
Rapamycin composition
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a dry, flowable and compressible rapamycin composition comprising a specific mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide)-polypropylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers. In other aspects, the present invention is directed to a method of making the composition. |
| US08912213B2 |
Synthesis and use of dual tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (TDP1)- topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitors
The invention described herein pertains to the synthesis and use of certain N-substituted indenoisoquinoline compounds which inhibit the activity Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1) or Topoisomerase I (Top1) or both, or otherwise demonstrate anticancer activity. Also disclosed are novel N-substituted indenoisoquinoline compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel N-substituted indenoisoquinoline compounds. |
| US08912212B2 |
Therapeutic polymeric nanoparticle compositions with high glass transition temperature or high molecular weight copolymers
The present disclosure relates in part to pharmaceutical compositions comprising polymeric nanoparticles having certain glass transition temperatures. Other aspects of the invention include methods of making such nanoparticles. |
| US08912208B2 |
(4-{4-[5-(benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid useful for treating or preventing conditions or disorders associated with DGAT1 activity
The present invention provides (4-{4-[5-(Benzooxazol-2-ylamino)-pyridin-2-yl]-phenyl}-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid which is useful for treating or preventing conditions or disorders associated with DGAT1 activity in animals, particularly humans. |
| US08912205B2 |
Bicyclic heteroaromatic compounds as protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors
A pharmaceutical formulation comprising the compound of formula |
| US08912203B2 |
6-(sulfonylaryl)pyrido[2,3-D]pyrimidin-7(8H)-ones for the treatment of CNS disorders
Provided herein are PAK inhibitors and methods of utilizing PAK inhibitors for the treatment of CNS disorders such as neuropsychiatric disorders. |
| US08912201B2 |
6-cycloalkyl-pyrazolopyrimidinones for the treatment of CNS disorders
The invention relates to novel 6-cycloalkyl-pyrazolopyrimidinones according to formula (I) wherein R1, R2, D, m and n are as defined herein. The invention also relates to medicaments comprising these compounds and methods of using these compounds in the treatment of diseases and conditions, particularly diseases or conditions concerning deficits in perception, concentration, learning or memory. |
| US08912200B2 |
Alkynyl substituted pyrimidinyl-pyrroles active as kinases inhibitors
The present invention relates to alkynyl substituted pyrimidinyl-pyrrole compounds which modulate the activity of protein kinases and are therefore useful in treating diseases caused by dysregulated protein kinase activity, in particular Jak and/or Src family kinases. The present invention also provides methods for preparing these compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of treating diseases utilizing such compounds or the pharmaceutical compositions containing them. |
| US08912197B2 |
Crystalline form of carbamoyl-cyclohexane derivatives
The present invention relates to novel crystalline forms of carbamoyl-cyclohexane derivatives and, more particularly, to novel co-crystalline forms of trans-1{4-[2-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl-piperazin-1-yl]-ethyl]-cyclohexyl}-3,3-dimethyl urea hydrochloride and an acid such as fumaric acid. Processes for preparing these forms, compositions containing these forms, and methods of use thereof are also described. |
| US08912195B2 |
Alkyl amides as HIV attachment inhibitors
Compounds of Formula (I), including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein A is selected from the group (II), are useful as HIV attachment inhibitors. |
| US08912189B2 |
Pyridopyrazine derivatives and their use
The present invention provides new pyridopyrazine compounds of Formula (I) which are suitable for the treatment or prevention of physiological and/or pathophysiological states mediated and/or modulated by signal transduction pathways and/or enzymes in mammals and in particular in humans. |
| US08912188B2 |
Substituted quinoxaline carboxylic acids for the inhibition of PASK
Disclosed herein are substituted quinoxaline carboxylic acids of Formula (I): and compositions thereof, which may be useful as inhibitors of PAS Kinase (PASK) activity in a human or animal for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes mellitus. |
| US08912182B2 |
Viral polymerase inhibitors
Compounds of formula I: wherein X, R2, R3, R3a, R3b, R5 and R6 are defined herein, are useful as inhibitors of the hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase. |
| US08912177B2 |
Method of treating polycystic kidney diseases with ceramide derivatives
A method of treating polycystic kidney disease in a subject comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (1): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08912174B2 |
Formulations and methods for treating rhinosinusitis
The invention involves methods and formulations for treating or preventing rhinosinusitis, including fungus-induced rhinosinusitis in mammals. In one embodiment, the formulation of the present invention comprises a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent having a specific particle size distribution profile. The formulation may also comprise an antifungal agent, antibiotic or antiviral agent. |
| US08912173B2 |
Substituted quinolines and their use as medicaments
Disclosed are substituted quinolines of formula 1 wherein R1 and R2 are defined herein, the processing of making and using the same. |
| US08912171B2 |
Methods of use for 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compounds for the treatment of cancer, rosacea and psoriasis
The invention describes compositions and methods of use for 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention provides methods for (a) treating skin cancer; (b) treating cancer of the organs; (c) treating leukemia; (d) improving the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or cancer immunotherapy; (e) treating rosacea; and (f) treating psoriasis by administration of a composition comprising at least one 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and, optionally at least one therapeutic agent. Also disclosed are compositions comprising administration of at least one 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and, at least one therapeutic agent. In the invention the 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof are 2,5-dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid, calcium 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate, potassium 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate, magnesium 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate and diethylamine 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate. |
| US08912166B2 |
Eye drops for treatment of conjunctivochalasis
An ophthalmic preparation and method, usable to treat conjunctivochalasis. The ophthalmic preparation comprises an aqueous solution of glycerol. The preparation may also include additional components including high molecular weight polymers for viscosity control and pharmacologically active substances. The method includes administering an ophthalmic preparation including an aqueous solution of glycerol to a patient. |
| US08912165B2 |
Methods of skin treatment and use of water-soluble β-(1,3) glucans as active agents for producing therapeutic skin treatment agents
A method of treating an ulcer comprising applying to the ulcer a preparation comprising a water-soluble β-(1,3) glucan with β-(1,6) linked side-chains, where the side-chains comprise β-(1,3) linkages or up to four consecutive β-(1,6) linkages a active ingredients. |
| US08912161B2 |
MicroRNA compounds and methods for modulating miR-21 activity
Described herein are compositions and methods for the inhibition of miR-21 activity. The compositions have certain nucleoside modification patterns that yield potent inhibitors of miR-21 activity. The compositions may be used to inhibit miR-21, and also to treat diseases associated with abnormal expression of miR-21, such as fibrosis and cancer. |
| US08912160B2 |
Methods for treating hypercholesterolemia
Disclosed herein are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing LDL-C in an individual having elevated LDL-C. Additionally disclosed are antisense compounds and methods for treating, preventing, or ameliorating hypercholesterolemia and/or atherosclerosis. Further disclosed are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing coronary heart disease risk. Such methods include administering to an individual in need of treatment an antisense compound targeted to a PCSK9 nucleic acid. The antisense compounds administered include gapmer antisense oligonucleotides. |
| US08912158B2 |
Method for treating myocardial infarct
The invention relates to a method for influencing the miR-92 expression in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a cell; and (b1) reducing the miR-92 expression in the cell in order to promote the vascularization or vessel repair by introducing an antisense molecule against miR-92 into the cell, or (b2) increasing the miR-92 expression in the cell for an inhibition of the tumor angiogenesis by introducing a construct into the cell, wherein said construct includes an expressible miR-92 sequence. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising an agent for reducing the miR-92 activity or expression in a cell in the form of an antisense molecule against miR-92, or an agent for increasing the miR-92 expression in a cell in the form of a construct for expressing miR-92. |
| US08912156B1 |
Markers for and methods of targeting tumor stem cells
The invention provides methods of targeting tumor stem cells that comprise inhibiting the level and/or activity of HDAC1, HDAC7 and phosphorylated HDAC7. The invention further provides methods for identifying tumor stem cells comprising detecting increased levels and/or activity of HDAC1, HDAC7 and phosphorylated HDAC7. Further provided are kits and articles of manufacture comprising inhibitors of the level and/or activity of HDAC1, HDAC7 and phosphorylated HDAC7. Methods for screening for inhibitors of the level and/or activity of HDAC1, HDAC7 and phosphorylated HDAC7 are also provided. |
| US08912155B2 |
Method for analyzing secretome, biomarker for lung cancer metastasis, and siRNA compound for inhibiting lung cancer metastasis
A method for analyzing secretome, a biomarker for lung cancer metastasis, and a siRNA compound for inhibiting lung cancer metastasis are disclosed. The method for analyzing secretome of the present invention comprises the following steps: (A) collecting proteome secreted from a cell; (B) providing a purification gel, wherein the purification gel comprises a low-density layer, and a high-density layer, and the low-density layer is stacked on the high-density layer; (C) adding the proteome on the low-density layer, and separating the proteome through the low-density layer and the high-density layer of the purification gel; (D) collecting the separated proteome on the interface between the low-density layer and high-density layer, and tagging the separated proteome with a reagent after digestion; and (E) analyzing the separated proteome tagged with the reagent, and comparing an analysis result with a proteomic database. |
| US08912150B2 |
Ribosome structure and protein synthesis inhibitors
The invention provides methods for producing high resolution crystals of ribosomes and ribosomal subunits as well as crystals produced by such methods. The invention also provides high resolution structures of ribosomal subunits either alone or in combination with protein synthesis inhibitors. The invention provides methods for identifying ribosome-related ligands and methods for designing ligands with specific ribosome-binding properties as well as ligands that may act as protein synthesis inhibitors. Thus, the methods and compositions of the invention may be used to produce ligands that are designed to specifically kill or inhibit the growth of any target organism. |
| US08912149B1 |
Glycosaminoglycan mimetics
The present invention provides composition comprising one or more glycosaminoglycan mimetics and uses thereof. The subject glycosaminoglycan mimetics are particularly useful for treatment of neuronal injuries including without limitation spinal cord injuries. |
| US08912148B2 |
Methods of treating a disease or condition associated with abnormal angiogenesis
The present invention provides methods of treating (including preventing) a disease or condition associated with abnormal angiogenesis in a subject include administering a therapeutically effective amount of an AA targeting compound of the invention to the subject. The AA targeting compounds comprise AA targeting agent-linker conjugates which are linked to a combining site of an antibody. |
| US08912146B2 |
Derivatives of APF and methods of use
Derivatives of bladder epithelial antiproliferative factor and methods of using them are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the glycopeptide compositions are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of medical conditions, including cancer. In other embodiments, there are compositions and methods related to treatment of bladder conditions. In particular embodiments, the glycopeptide comprises D-pipecolic acid or L-pipecolic acid. |
| US08912144B2 |
Method for treating stroke via administration of NEP1-40 and inosine
Disclosed herein is a method for stimulating axonal outgrowth of central nervous system (CNS) neurons comprising contacting the CNS neurons with an effective amount of NEP1-40 and inosine, to thereby stimulate axonal outgrowth. The method may further comprise contacting the CNS neurons with a cAMP modulator that increases the concentration of intracellular cAMP. Also disclosed is a method for treating a neurological disorder selected from the group consisting of traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, optic neuropathy, retinal nerve damage and optic nerve damage, in a patient in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of NEP1-40 and inosine to the patient. |
| US08912136B2 |
Methods and compositions related to clot-binding compounds
Disclosed are compositions and methods related to clot-binding compounds. For example, disclosed are compositions comprising a surface molecule and at least one modified clot-binding compound. The modified clot-binding compound can selectively bind to clotted plasma protein, wherein the composition causes clotting and amplifies the accumulation of the composition in tumors. The modified clot-binding compound can enhance the clotting in tumors compared to its unmodified derivative. The disclosed targeting is useful for treatment of cancer and other diseases and disorders. |
| US08912134B2 |
Method of cleaning copper material surfaces in ultra large scale integrated circuits after polishing the same
A method of cleaning copper material surfaces in ultra large scale integrated circuits after polishing, the method including: a) mixing and stirring between 1 and 4 wt. % of a surfactant, between 0.5 and 3 wt. % of a chelating agent, between 0.1 and 5 wt. % of a corrosion inhibitor, and deionized water, to yield a water soluble cleaning solution with pH value of between 7.4 and 8.2; and b) washing the copper material surfaces using the cleaning solution after alkaline chemical-mechanical polishing under following conditions: between 2000 and 3000 Pa of pressure; between 1000 and 5000 mL/min of flow rate; and at least between 0.5 and 2 min of washing time. |
| US08912126B2 |
Substrate, method of producing substrate, superconducting wire, and method of producing superconducting wire
A substrate of the present invention includes a copper layer, an alloy layer containing copper and nickel, formed on the copper layer, a nickel layer formed on the alloy layer, and an intermediate layer formed on the nickel layer. The concentration of nickel in the alloy layer at the interface between the alloy layer and the nickel layer is greater than the concentration of nickel in the alloy layer at the interface between the alloy layer and the copper layer. According to the present invention, there can be provided a substrate that allows the AC loss of a superconducting wire to be reduced, a method of producing a substrate, a superconducting wire, and a method of producing a superconducting wire. |
| US08912124B2 |
Use of derivatives of (1-cyanocyclopropyl)phenylphosphinic acid, esters thereof and/or salts thereof for enhancing tolerance in plants to abiotic stress
The invention relates to derivatives of (1-cyanocyclopropyl)phenylphosphinic acid of the formula (I) and to salts thereof, of the formula (II), for enhancing stress tolerance in plants to abiotic stress, preferably to drought stress, especially for enhancing plant growth and/or for increasing plant yield. |
| US08912123B2 |
Safened herbicidal compositions including 4-amino-3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and methods for their use
A safened herbicidal composition for use, for example, in wheat or barley, comprising a herbicidally effective amount of (a) a compound of formula (I): or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof and (b) a safener, for example, from the quinolinyloxyacetate family of chemicals, including, but not limited to, cloquintocet mexyl, provide weed control of undesirable vegetation. |
| US08912117B2 |
Cellulose gel for purification of immunoglobulin
The present invention provides a chromatography packing material having improved flow rate characteristics and adsorption characteristics. In particular, the present invention provides a chromatography packing material suitable for separation and purification of immunoglobulin in the manufacture of antibody preparations. A porous cellulose gel, which is made by adding polysaccharides having a limiting viscosity of 0.21 to 0.90 dL/g to porous cellulose particles, the dry weight per unit volume of the porous cellulose gel being 1.06 to 1.40 times the dry weight per unit volume of the porous cellulose particles, is used. By adding a predetermined amount of polysaccharides having a predetermined limiting viscosity to porous cellulose particles, flow rate characteristics and adsorption characteristics can be improved. |
| US08912113B2 |
Compositions of a metal amidine complex and second compound, coating compositions comprising same
Described herein are metal amidine complexes in combination with a second compound useful as catalysts in a number of polymerization reactions, including polyurethane and epoxy polymerization reactions. Also described herein are various coating compositions and methods of using same for coating substrates using the metal amidine complexes in combination with a second compound. |
| US08912112B2 |
Metal catalyst composition modified by nitrogen-containing compound
The present invention relates to a metal catalyst composition modified by a nitrogen-containing compound, which effectively reduces cathode catalyst poisoning. The catalyst composition applied on the anode also lowers the over-potential. The catalyst coupled with the nitrogen-containing compound has increased three-dimensional hindrance, which improves the distribution of the catalyst particles and improves the reaction activity. |
| US08912111B2 |
Process for catalyst recovery and optional recycle in a slurry hydrocracking process
A process for slurry hydrocracking catalyst recovery is described. In one embodiment, the process includes separating effluent from a slurry hydrocracking zone into a first portion comprising solvent and clarified pitch and a second portion comprising pitch and catalyst. The second portion is contacted with an acid to leach the catalyst out of the pitch forming an aqueous solution and pitch residue. The aqueous solution is contacted with an anion to form an insoluble salt which is the catalyst. |
| US08912108B2 |
Methods of regenerating aromatization catalysts
Methods for treating or rejuvenating a spent catalyst are described. These methods can employ a step of halogenating the spent catalyst, followed by decoking the halogenated spent catalyst. The halogenation step can utilize fluorine and chlorine together, or fluorine and chlorine can be applied sequentially. |
| US08912101B2 |
Method for forming Si-containing film using two precursors by ALD
A method for forming a silicon-containing dielectric film on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) includes: providing two precursors, one precursor containing a halogen in its molecule, another precursor containing a silicon but no halogen in its molecule, adsorbing a first precursor, which is one of the two precursors onto a substrate to deposit a monolayer of the first precursor; adsorbing a second precursor, which is the other of the two precursors onto the monolayer of the first precursor to deposit a monolayer of the second precursor; and exposing the monolayer of the second precursor to radicals of a reactant to cause surface reaction with the radicals to form a compound monolayer of a silicon-containing film. |
| US08912099B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first layer on a semiconductor layer, forming a second layer on the first layer, forming a patterned mask on the second layer, etching and removing a portion of the second layer that is not covered by the patterned mask, wet etching the first layer to a width which is less than the width of the patterned mask, after the wet etching, forming an insulating layer on the semiconductor layer, removing the first layer and the second layer to form an opening in the insulating layer, and forming a gate electrode on a surface of the semiconductor layer exposed through the opening. |
| US08912093B2 |
Die seal layout for VFTL dual damascene in a semiconductor device
A semiconductor may include several vias located in an active region and a die seal region. In the active region, a photoresist can be patterned with openings corresponding to the vias. In the die seal area, however, the photoresist can be patterned to overlap the vias. With this configuration, an underlayer etch will not affect an underlayer resist in the die seal area, allowing the die seal area to be disregarded for purposes of calculating a process window. |
| US08912091B2 |
Backside metal ground plane with improved metal adhesion and design structures
A backside metal ground plane with improved metal adhesion and methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. The method includes forming at least one through silicon via (TSV) in a substrate. The method further includes forming an oxide layer on a backside of the substrate. The method further includes forming a metalized ground plane on the oxide layer and in electrical contact with an exposed portion of the at least one TSV. |
| US08912079B2 |
Compound semiconductor deposition method and apparatus
Provided is a compound semiconductor deposition method of adjusting the luminous wavelength of a compound semiconductor of a ternary or higher system in a nanometer order in depositing the compound semiconductor on a substrate. In the compound semiconductor deposition method of depositing a compound semiconductor of a ternary or higher system on a substrate, propagation light of a smaller energy than a desired ideal excitation energy for the compound semiconductor is irradiated onto the substrate 13 while depositing the compound semiconductor on the substrate 13, near-field light is generated based on the irradiated propagation light from fine particles of the compound semiconductor deposited on the substrate 13, new vibrational levels for the compound semiconductor are formed in multiple stages based on the generated near-field light, and a component in the compound semiconductor corresponding to the excitation energy is excited with the propagation light through a vibrational level, among the new vibrational levels, which has an excitation energy equal to or smaller than the energy of the propagation light is excited to desorb the component. |
| US08912077B2 |
Hybrid laser and plasma etch wafer dicing using substrate carrier
Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. A method includes forming a mask above the semiconductor wafer, the mask composed of a layer covering and protecting the integrated circuits. The semiconductor wafer is supported by a substrate carrier. The mask is then patterned with a laser scribing process to provide a patterned mask with gaps, exposing regions of the semiconductor wafer between the integrated circuits. The semiconductor wafer is then etched through the gaps in the patterned mask to singulate the integrated circuits while supported by the substrate carrier. |
| US08912076B2 |
Crack deflector structure for improving semiconductor device robustness against saw-induced damage
An integrated circuit containing a crack deflecting scribe seal which separates an interior region of the integrated circuit from a scribeline immediately outside the integrated circuit and a method of forming the same. The crack deflecting scribe seal includes continuous metal layers and continuous contacts and continuous vias between the continuous metal layers. The continuous metal layers do not extend past the continuous contacts and continuous vias. The continuous contacts and continuous vias are recessed from edges of the underlying continuous metal layers on the scribeline side of the scribe seal, providing an angled outer surface on the scribe seal which may desirably terminate crack propagation or deflect crack propagation upward to a top surface of the scribeline or the crack deflecting scribe seal. |
| US08912065B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is described. A substrate having first and second areas is provided. A first patterned mask layer having at least one first opening in the first area and at least one second opening in the second area is formed over the substrate, wherein the first opening is smaller than the second opening. A portion of the substrate is removed with the first patterned mask layer as a mask to form first and second trenches respectively in the substrate in the first and second areas, wherein the width and the depth of the first trench are less than those of the second trench. A first dielectric layer is formed at least in the first and second trenches. A conductive structure is formed on the first dielectric layer on at least a portion of the sidewall of each of the first and second trenches. |