Document Document Title
US09042239B2 Portable diagnostic device for trouble-shooting a wireless network and a method for trouble-shooting a wireless network
A portable diagnostic device (PDD) for diagnosing packet-based wireless networks. the PDD comprises an input device configured to convert user input into electrical signals, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, an antenna, processing logic, a modem, and a display device. The processing logic is configured to execute a diagnostic software module that generates diagnostic commands for diagnosing a packet-based network and that interprets diagnostic information sent from the packet-based network to the PDD. The modem enables the PDD to wirelessly communicate via the RF transceiver and the antenna with a base transceiver station (BTS) that is in communication with the packet-based network. The display device displays diagnostic information received by the RF transceiver and processed by the processing logic. The diagnostic information displayed on the display device describes one or more attributes of the packet-based network.
US09042235B1 Determining peer-to-peer communication paths between service providers
Systems and methods for determining peer to peer communication paths between service providers are presented. In one embodiment the method is carried out in a peer-to-peer interconnect controller. The method may include obtaining default route information associated with a subscriber on a foreign service provider network in response to a request for route information, the default route information comprising identification of a peer access point designated for peer-to-peer interconnection. The method may also include generating a directed query for additional peer-to-peer interconnection routes in response to the default route information. Additionally, the method may include obtaining one or more candidate routes from the foreign service provider network in response to the directed query. In one embodiment, the method may also include selecting one of the candidate routes for establishing a peer-to-peer connection with the subscriber of the foreign service provider network.
US09042234B1 Systems and methods for efficient network traffic forwarding
A network may include a core region having routers and peripheral regions coupled to the core regions. Switches controlled by a controller may be interposed between the routers. The controller may maintain network topology information of the network. A path computation module may identify forwarding paths between the network routers based on the network topology information and other information such as network traffic history, current network traffic conditions, future network traffic forecasts, or other desired network information. The controller may control the switches to implement the identified forwarding paths. The controller may detect network topology changes and update forwarding paths based on the detected network topology changes. The controller may determine weights of path segments of the network topology. A routing module may provide the path segment weights to the routers using a network protocol.
US09042233B2 Method and system for resource coherency and analysis in a network
Systems, methods, and computer programs are presented for managing network traffic. A network switch includes a switch fabric and a resource coherency and analytics engine (RCAE) coupled to the switch fabric. The RCAE includes one or more virtualizable resource groups (VRGs) for managing network traffic flow across a plurality of network switches on the network. Further, the RCAE is operable to add network entities to each VRG, add flows to each VRG, and add other VRGs to each VRG. A virtualizable resource control list (VRCL), associated with each VRG, identifies which network entities in the VRG can communicate with each other, which network entities in the VRG can communicate with network entities in other VRGs, and a guaranteed bandwidth for the VRG associated with the VRCL. Furthermore, the RCAE is operable to exchange messages with other RCAEs in other network switches to implement traffic policies defined by each VRCL.
US09042226B2 Wireless communication system, gateway apparatus, terminal allocation method, and program
A wireless communication system of the present invention includes: terminals; a base station that performs wireless communication with the terminals; a gateway apparatus that manages the terminals and the base station; and a server apparatus that authenticates the terminals. The gateway apparatus includes: at least one C-plane processor that processes C-plane; and N U-plane processors that process U plane. Each of the N U-plane processors notifies the C-plane processor of its own load status. The server apparatus notifies the C-plane processor of service levels of target terminals that try to perform entry to a network in which the base station and the gateway apparatus are located. The C-plane processor allocates, based on the load status of each of the N U-plane processors and the service levels of the target terminals, one of the N U-plane processors as an entry destination to the target terminals.
US09042222B2 Deadlock recovery for distributed devices
A system for deadlock recovery of distributed devices may include a processor and memory. The processor may transmit packets to a device, receive a pause message indicating that the packet transmission should be paused, and initiate a timer and pause the packet transmission in response to receiving the pause message. The processor may enter a deadlock recovery state if the timer reaches a timeout before a resume message is received that indicates that the packet transmission can resume. The processor may, while in the deadlock recovery state, drop packets that have a packet age that is greater than a threshold, and may exit the deadlock recovery state upon dropping a packet that has a packet age less than the threshold, or upon receiving the resume message. The processor may re-initiate the timer if the resume message has not been received, otherwise the processor may resume the packet transmission.
US09042219B2 Method for controlling transmission power, and apparatus for same
A method and communication apparatus for transmitting signals in a wireless communication system supporting a plurality of component carriers are described. A physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) with uplink control information (UCI) and a PUSCH without the UCI are simultaneously transmitted using the plurality of component carriers. If a total transmission power of the PUCCH, the PUSCH with the UCI and the PUSCH without the UCI exceeds a value corresponding to a maximum transmission power, a transmission power determined for the PUSCH without the UCI is reduced while maintaining transmission powers determined for the PUCCH and the PUSCH with the UCI. The PUCCH and the PUSCH with the UCI are transmitted based on the maintained determined transmission powers, and the PUSCH without the UCI is transmitted based on the reduced transmission power.
US09042217B2 Dynamic modem bandwidth checking
Methods, systems, devices, and software are disclosed for providing controlled access to network characteristic data stored at a subscriber premises. In one embodiment, Internet services are provided to a subscriber through a subscriber's modem, connected to the Internet through an access network, and to a number of data terminals on a local network. The modem is adapted to receive and/or generate data from the connected networks and devices for use in generating network characteristic data. This data is stored in an access-controlled data storage module. Content providers may then login to the modem and query network characteristic data. The modem is configured to authenticate the content provider, and, if authorized and available, return the queried data to the content provider. The content provider may then communicate information to the subscriber's data terminal through the modem, according to the network characteristic data returned by the query.
US09042212B2 Method and apparatus for communicating network identifiers in a communication system
Method and apparatus for progressive preamble transmission in a communication system, such as a wireless system, is disclosed. In particular, a first symbol is utilized to communicate first timing information for coarse timing acquisition. A second symbol communicates first information including network identification information concerning a first network for fine timing acquisition of symbols in the first network. If a second network data is desired, a progressive or selectively utilizable third symbol communicates second information including network identification information concerning a second network. The network identification information concerning the second network includes network identification information concerning the first network to minimize processing to determine fine timing acquisition for the second network data.
US09042211B2 Systems and methods of resource allocation for cancellation of crosstalk
A method implemented in a multi-user communication system is described for performing far-end crosstalk (FEXT) cancellation for each victim user. The method comprises performing dynamic programming to allocate resources according to (N−1) normalized disturber coupling values and difference rate function values associated with N total users in the system involved in partial FEXT cancellation. In accordance with some embodiments, dynamic programming comprises selecting a tone and one or more disturbers to be cancelled for the tone.
US09042208B1 Disk drive measuring fly height by applying a bias voltage to an electrically insulated write component of a head
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, and a slider comprising a head, where the head comprises a write component electrically insulated from the slider. A bias voltage is applied to the write component, and a current flowing between the write component and the disk is measured, wherein the current is indicative of a fly height of the head.
US09042207B2 Magnetic recording laser diode control
Controlling a laser diode involves activating a first current source in preparation for writing to a magnetic recording medium. The first current source applies a threshold current to a laser diode that brings the laser diode close to an operating point. Responsive to a write signal, a second current source is activated that applies a write current to the laser diode. A combination of the write current and the threshold current fully energizes the laser diode and is less than a target recording current. Coincident with the activation of the second current source, a photodiode is activated that is optically coupled to the laser diode. The activated photodiode causes a feedback current to be applied to the laser diode.
US09042205B2 Clock with link to the internet
A system and method wherein a personal computer is operable to access content from a networked environment and to stream the content to a device in response to a request from a user. The content accessed via the networked environment may be based on user preferences. The content may also be stored prior to streaming.
US09042200B2 Downhole telemetry system
A downhole telemetry system usable with a subterranean well comprises at least one pressure pulse generator, at least one pressure transmitter located in an internal tube space in the well and at least one pressure transmitter located in a tubing annulus. The system comprises a packer providing hydraulic isolation of the tubing annulus and at least one transmitter located below the packer and responding to at least one physical quantity characterizing a bottom-hole zone. The system also includes a data encoder located below the packer to read out the transmitter located below the packer and to respond to at least one physical quantity characterizing the bottom-hole zone, a pressure pulse modulator to modulate pressure pulses generated by the pressure pulse generator, a surface-mounted data-collection unit to converts the output data of the transmitters and to provide a surface-mounted data decoder with data for analysis.
US09042197B2 Power fail protection and recovery using low power states in a data storage device/system
Systems and methods for early warnings of power loss in solid state storage drives are disclosed. Early warnings of power loss can be used to power the drive to force the drive into a low power states before the energy in backup power sources, such as backup capacitors, is used. The low power states can allow for the reduction of power use by the drive which can provide cost savings and reduction in the risk that the drive will be rendered reconfigurable by a power failure event.
US09042195B2 Control of inputs to a memory device
A memory device includes a command decoder and control interface logic. One or more external inputs, such as row and column address strobes, communicate with the command decoder through the control interface logic. A control signal is also in communication with the control interface logic. During operation of a drowsy mode in the memory device, a self-refresh signal causes the control signal to disable the external inputs. With the external inputs disabled, command hazards are reduced when exiting drowsy mode.
US09042191B2 Self-repairing memory
A memory array has a plurality of rows including a plurality of memory words. Each first bit of a plurality of first bits is associated with a memory word of the each row. A state of the each first bit indicates whether the associated memory word has had an error. Each redundancy row of a plurality of redundancy rows includes a plurality of redundancy words. Each redundancy word is associated with a memory word. A corrected data cache has at least one repair word configured to store corrected data and at least one status bit associated with the at least one repair word, the status bit indicating whether the corrected data stored in the repair word is a pending repair. The corrected data cache is configured to write the corrected data stored in the repair word to at least one of a counterpart memory word or a counterpart redundancy word.
US09042187B2 Using a reference bit line in a memory
Methods, memories and systems may include charging a sense node to a logic high voltage level, and supplying charge to a bit line and to a reference bit line for a precharge period that is based, at least in part, on a time for a voltage of the reference bit line to reach a reference voltage. A memory cell that is coupled to the bit line may be selected after the precharge period, and a clamp voltage may be set based, at least in part, on the voltage of the reference bit line. If a voltage level of the bit line is less than the clamp voltage level during a sense period, charge may be drained from the sense node, and a state of the memory cell may be determined based, at least in part, on a voltage level of the sense node near an end of the sense period.
US09042184B2 Non-volatile memory programming
Some embodiments include a memory device and a method of programming memory cells of the memory device. One such method includes applying voltages to data lines associated with different groups of memory cells during a programming operation. Such a method applies the voltages to the data lines associated with a last group of memory cells being programmed in a different fashion from the other groups of memory cells after the other groups of memory cells have been programmed. Other embodiments including additional memory devices and methods are described.
US09042177B2 Semiconductor device and method of operating the same
A semiconductor device includes first memory blocks arranged in a longitudinal direction, and including a plurality of strings, wherein the strings are formed along a vertical direction, and the strings adjacent to each other share bit lines or source lines with each other, each string including a drain selection transistor coupled to an odd drain selection line or an even drain selection line, memory cells coupled to word lines, and a source selection transistor coupled to an odd source selection line or an even source selection line, page buffers suitable for storing data, a selection switch unit suitable for transferring the data stored in the page buffers or various voltages supplied from an external source to the bit lines and the source lines; and a control circuit suitable for controlling the page buffers and the selection switch unit.
US09042176B2 Semiconductor memory device, system having the same and program method thereof
The present invention relates to a semiconductor memory device and a program method thereof. The program method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: precharging a plurality of cell strings by providing a positive voltage to the plurality of cell strings through a common source line; and performing a program operation on selected memory cells by applying a program pulse to the selected memory cells.
US09042175B2 Non-volatile memory device and read method thereof
Disclosed is a nonvolatile memory device which includes a memory cell connected to a bit line and a word line; a page buffer electrically connected to the bit line and sensing data stored in the memory cell; and a control logic controlling the page buffer to vary a develop time of the bit line or a sensing node connected to the bit line according to a current temperature during a read operation.
US09042174B2 Non-volatile memory cell
A non-volatile memory cell comprises a coupling device, a first and a second select transistor, and a first and a second floating gate transistor is disclosed. The coupling device is formed in a first conductivity region. The first select transistor is serially connected to the first floating gate transistor and the second select transistor. Moreover, the first select transistor, the first floating gate transistor, and the second select transistor are formed in a second conductivity region. The second floating gate transistor is formed in a third conductivity region, wherein the first conductivity region, the second conductivity region, and the third conductivity region are formed in a fourth conductivity region. The first conductivity region, the second conductivity region, and the third conductivity region are wells, and the fourth conductivity region is a deep well. The third conductivity region surrounds the first conductivity region and the second conductivity region.
US09042172B2 Flash memory having dual supply operation
A flash memory device may operate from two supply voltages, one being provided externally, and the other being generated within the flash memory device from the external supply voltage. The flash memory device may be provided with a selectable-level buffer for interfacing with either low supply voltage or high supply voltage integrated circuits. To provide even greater flexibility, the flash memory device may be provided with the capability of receiving a second supply voltage from an external source, which may take precedence over the internally-generated second supply voltage or may be combined with the internally-generated second supply voltage.
US09042161B2 Memory device
In a memory device, memory capacity per unit area is increased while a period in which data is held is ensured. The memory device includes a driver circuit provided over a substrate, and a plurality of memory cell arrays which are provided over the driver circuit and driven by the driver circuit. Each of the plurality of memory cell arrays includes a plurality of memory cells. Each of the plurality of memory cells includes a first transistor including a first gate electrode overlapping with an oxide semiconductor layer, and a capacitor including a source electrode or a drain electrode, a first gate insulating layer, and a conductive layer. The plurality of memory cell arrays is stacked to overlap. Thus, in the memory device, memory capacity per unit area is increased while a period in which data is held is ensured.
US09042160B1 Memory device with resistive random access memory (ReRAM)
A method includes, in a data storage device that includes a non-volatile memory and a resistive random access memory (ReRAM) on the same die, receiving data from a memory controller via a bus. The method also includes routing the data to data latches of the non-volatile memory via a first path and to the ReRAM via a second path distinct from the first path.
US09042154B2 Non-volatile memory including reference signal path
Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having a first memory element and a first select component coupled to the first memory element, a second memory element and a second select component coupled to the second memory element, and an access line shared by the first and second select components. At least one of the embodiments can include a circuit to generate a signal indicating a state of the second memory element based on a first signal developed from a first signal path through the first memory element and a second signal developed from a second signal path through the second memory element.
US09042150B2 Programmable and flexible reference cell selection method for memory devices
An exemplary system includes an array of interconnected cells and a flexible decoder. The array is configured to receive a selection signal as input, select a cell based upon the selection signal, and provide an output based on the selected cell. The flexible decoder is configured to receive an input, generate a selection signal based on the input and one or more characteristics of the array of interconnected cells, and provide the selection signal to the array of interconnected cells.
US09042147B2 Power inverter including a power semiconductor module
A power inverter includes a power semiconductor module that includes a power semiconductor device, a control circuit board that outputs a control signal used for controlling the power semiconductor device, a driver circuit board that outputs a driving signal used for driving the power semiconductor device, a conductive metal base plate arranged in a space between the driver circuit board and the control circuit board in which a fine and long opening portion is formed, wiring that connects the driver circuit board and the control circuit board through the opening portion and delivers the control signal to the driver circuit board, and an AC busbar that is arranged on a side opposite to the metal base plate through the driver circuit board and delivers an AC current output from the power semiconductor module to a drive motor. At least a portion of the AC busbar that faces the opening portion extends in a direction directly running in a longitudinal direction of the fine and long opening portion.
US09042140B2 Bridge-less step-up switching power supply device
A bridge-less step-up switching power supply device includes (i) a first and a second reactor having: a first and a second main winding connected to a first and a second input terminal, respectively; and a first and a second auxiliary winding magnetically coupled to the first main winding and connected to the first and second main windings, the first and second auxiliary windings having a first and a second leakage inductance, respectively; (ii) a first and a second diode connected between the first and second auxiliary windings and a first output terminal, respectively; (iii) a first capacitor connected between the first output terminal and a second output terminal; (iv) a second capacitor connected between a connection point of a third switch and a fourth switch, and the first output terminal; and (v) a controller for controlling turning on/off of first to fourth switches.
US09042139B1 Voltage regulator with inductor banks and control signal
A voltage regulator coupled to an unregulated DC input voltage source by an input terminal, and to a load by an output terminal is disclosed. The voltage regulator converts an input voltage at the input terminal to an output voltage at the output terminal. The voltage regulator includes one or more slaves, and each slave includes a switching circuit which serves as a power switch for alternately coupling and decoupling the input terminal to an intermediate node. The voltage regulator also includes a filter coupled to the slaves, the filter including one or more inductor banks each of which having a predetermined number of inductors.
US09042137B2 Even-level inverter
There is provided an even-level inverter, including: a voltage-dividing circuit dividing input DC power into an even number of voltage levels; a plurality of switching devices connected to individual nodes of the voltage-dividing circuit having the even number of voltage levels; and a bidirectional switching device connected to the individual nodes of the voltage-dividing circuit through at least one of the plurality of switching devices and including at least two transistors. According to the present invention, the bidirectional switching device is implemented without a diode to thereby reduce conduction loss caused due to an anti-parallel diode included in the related art bidirectional switching device, and a neutral point of the voltage-dividing circuit is electrically separated from the switching devices to thereby control reactive power.
US09042130B2 Power conversion system and drive chain comprising the power conversion system
Provided is a power conversion system that includes a first transformer adapted to be connected to an AC network, the first transformer including a first primary winding and two first secondary windings, and two power converters, each being connected to a first respective secondary winding. The system further includes a second transformer and a secondary electrical device, the second transformer including a second primary winding and two second secondary windings, each second secondary winding being connected to a respective first secondary winding, and the secondary device being connected to the second primary winding.
US09042127B2 LED power supply
A method can be used for controlling the switching operation of a switching power converter that includes a semiconductor switch coupled in series to an inductor. The switching power converter consumes an input current from a power supply and provides an output current to a load. In each switching cycle a switch-on time instant is detected for the semiconductor switch. The semiconductor switch is closed thus enabling, at the detected switch-on time instant, the input current passing through the semiconductor switch. The semiconductor switch is opened after a desired on-time, during which the input current rises from zero to a peak value, has passed. A time interval is detected, in which the instantaneous output current is not zero. A first value that represents the peak of the input current is obtained during the on-time.
US09042124B1 Circuits and methods for determining peak current
Embodiments include circuits and methods to determine peak current for current regulation. A control signal circuit monitors a current on the primary side of a transformer based a turn on time of a switch coupled to the primary side. The control signal circuit determines whether the monitored current exceeds an over-current protection threshold, and determines a duration that the monitored current exceeds the over-current protection threshold. The control signal circuit determines a peak primary current in the primary side based on the over-current protection threshold, the duration that the monitored current exceeds the over-current protection threshold, and the turn on time of the switch. The control signal circuit controls the turn on time for the switch based on the determined peak primary current.
US09042122B2 Power converter and method for balancing voltages across input capacitors
A power converter and a method for balancing voltages across input capacitors are disclosed in the present application. The power converter includes: two DC input terminals; a first input capacitor and a second input capacitor; a first bridge arm and a second bridge arm connected in series with one another; and an output circuit configured to generate a signal required by the power converter based on the signals at a midpoint of the first bridge arm and a midpoint of the second bridge arm. The power converter further includes: a first voltage balancing unit and a second balancing unit configured to reduce a voltage difference between the first input capacitor and the second input capacitor. The power converter provided by the present application solves the problem of imbalance in the voltages across the first input voltage and the second input voltage.
US09042121B2 Power converter with preemptive protection
Among many embodiments, a power conversion apparatus and a method for converting power are disclosed. The power conversion apparatus may include switching components configured to create an alternating current; a preemptive detector arranged and configured to provide, in advance of the alternating current reaching a zero-crossing, a control signal responsive to the alternating electrical current approaching the zero-crossing; and a controller configured, at least in part, to change a state of the switching components before the zero crossing, in response to the control signal.
US09042118B2 Television receiver and electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, a television receiver includes: a housing; a circuit board arranged in the housing; an electronic component mounted on the circuit board; a reinforcing member comprising a first surface in contact with the circuit board, and a second surface located on an opposite side of the first surface and exposed to an inside of the housing; a component contained in the housing, the component comprising a first supported area located at a distance from a surface of the circuit board; and a support member configured to support the component, the support member comprising a first end portion fixed to the first supported area of the component, and a second end portion fixed to the second surface of the reinforcing member.
US09042116B2 Printed circuit board with daughterboard
A printed circuit board includes a motherboard and a daughterboard. The motherboard includes at least one first signal pad and defines at least one via under the at least one first signal pad. The daughterboard includes at least one second signal pad and defines at least one via under the at least one second signal pad. The at least one first signal pad and the at least one second signal pad are sucked into the respective vias on the motherboard and the daughterboard according to siphon principle to allow each of the first signal pads and the second signal pads to form uneven top surfaces, the uneven top surfaces of the at least one first signal pads and the at least one second signal pads are connected to each other for electronically connecting the daughterboard to the motherboard.
US09042112B2 Converter power unit and its bus bars
A converter power unit comprises: a heat sink; n power switch modules on the heat sink; a first group of laminated bus bars comprising a first and a second bus bar; a capacitor group comprising m capacitor; a second group of laminated bus bars comprising a third and a fourth bus bar, the first bus bar is connected with the third bus bar, the second bus bar is connected with the fourth bus bar; providing that vertical projection areas projected by an area occupied by the n power switch modules and projected by the capacitor group on a first plane perpendicular to an axial direction of the capacitor group are defined as a first and a second projection areas respectively, the first and the second projection area have an overlapped area. The present application can reduce the stray inductances in the commutating loop of the converter.
US09042110B2 Positioning structure for removable hard drive
A positioning structure for a removable hard drive includes an enclosure and a tray. The enclosure is used for being mounted by the hard drive, and disposed with a plurality of positioning holes. The tray includes a bottom and two side walls vertically extending therefrom. A space being is formed by the bottom and the side walls. The bottom is formed with a plurality of positioning pillars corresponding to the positioning holes. The enclosure is received in the space, and the positioning holes are correspondingly inserted by the positioning pillars.
US09042100B2 System and method for cooling heat generating components
An assembly for cooling heat generating components, such as power electronics, computer processors and other devices. Multiple components may be mounted to a support and cooled by a flow of cooling fluid. A single cooling fluid inlet and outlet may be provided for the support, yet multiple components, including components that have different heat removal requirements may be suitably cooled. One or more manifold elements may provide cooling fluid flow paths that contact a heat transfer surface of a corresponding component to receive heat.
US09042099B2 Air-cooling and vapor-condensing door assembly
A method is provided which includes providing a cooling apparatus which includes a door assembly coupled to the electronics rack at an inlet or air outlet side of the rack. The door assembly includes: an airflow opening configured to facilitate ingress or egress of airflow through the electronics rack with the door assembly mounted to the rack; an air-to-coolant heat exchanger disposed so that airflow through the airflow opening passes across the air-to-coolant heat exchanger, the air-to-coolant heat exchanger being configured to extract heat from the airflow passing thereacross; and a vapor condenser configured to facilitate condensing of dielectric fluid vapor egressing from at least one immersion-cooled electronic component section of the electronics rack. The cooling apparatus, including the door assembly, facilitates air-cooling and immersion-cooling of different electronic components of the electronics rack.
US09042097B2 Two-phase electronic component cooling arrangement
An electronic component assembly includes a housing that provides a cavity filled with a cooling fluid that has a liquid phase and a vapor phase. An electronic element is arranged in the cavity and is configured to generate heat. A wicking material is arranged in the cavity between the housing and the electronic device. The cavity provides a gap adjacent to the wicking material. The wicking material is configured to absorb the liquid phase, and the vapor phase is provided in the gap.
US09042094B2 Insertion and removal assembly for installing and removing data storage drives in an enclosure
An insertion and removal assembly for installing and removing hard drives from an enclosure, such as a computer chassis, is provided. The insertion and removal assembly includes a sliding member configured to receive a hard drive, a lever handle rotatably connected to the sliding member and an attachment wall having a plurality of protrusions defining a plurality of slots, each slot configured to receive one sliding member. A user reveals a slot for accepting the installation of the hard drive in the enclosure by pushing a tab on the attachment wall near a distal portion of the lever handle to release the lever handle and then pulling the lever handle outward exposing the sliding member. A hard drive is inserted into the sliding member and pushed inwardly into the chassis. Conversely, the sliding member can contain a hard drive which is partially ejected by unlatching and subsequently pulling the lever.
US09042091B2 Portable electronic device with hinge structure
portable electronic device includes a host module, a display module and a hinge structure. The hinge structure is pivotally connected to the host module and the display module. The hinge structure includes a support frame, a rotating component and two pivotal components. An end of the rotating component is installed inside the support frame and another end of the rotating component is installed inside the display module, so that the display module is capable of rotating in a first rotating direction relative to the support frame. The two pivotal components are disposed at opposite sides of the support frame and separated from the rotating component. An end of each pivotal component is installed inside the support frame and another end of each pivotal component is installed inside the host module, so that the display module is capable of rotating in a second rotating direction relative to the host module.
US09042087B2 Docking station and electronic apparatus using the same
A docking station and an electronic apparatus using the same are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a portable computer and a docking station. The docking station includes a body, a base and a connecter, and the portable computer is detachably connected to the docking station. The base is movably connected to the body. The connecter disposed on the base is movable with the base relative to the body. The body is electrically connected to the portable computer via the connecter, and thus the portable computer can move relative to the docking station.
US09042083B2 Vacuum capacitor
The invention relates to the field of electrical engineering, in particular to electrotechnical components, and in this specific case to polar capacitors with a fixed capacitance. The technical result of the use of the invention consists in the possibility of producing electrical energy stores with small dimensions and high capacitance and voltages. The vacuum capacitor comprises an anode arranged outside a vacuum chamber, in which a cathode is arranged as well as a dielectric, between said cathode and anode. Said cathode can be designed in such a way that it can be heated by means of an electrically insulated filament disposed in the vacuum chamber, said vacuum chamber being in the form of a dielectric hermetically sealed cylinder, and said anode is arranged on the outer surface of the dielectric hermetically sealed cylinder. The cathode can be a “cold” cathode with a micropeak-type surface, which enables the loss of free electrons from the surface thereof without any heating, and the anode is located on the outer surface of the dielectric cylinder with a high vacuum and a cathode arranged therein.
US09042082B2 Multilayer ceramic capacitor
A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a ceramic main body including an inner layer portion including third ceramic layers and a plurality of inner electrodes arranged at interfaces between the third ceramic layers, and first and second outer layer portions respectively including first and second ceramic layers, the first and second ceramic layers being arranged vertically so as to sandwich the inner layer portion. The third ceramic layers and the first and second outer layer portions contain a perovskite-type compound represented by ABO3 where A contains one or more of Ba, Sr, and Ca, B contains one or more of Ti, Zr, and Hf, and O represents oxygen) as a main component. Where a rare-earth element concentration (CR) in the third ceramic layers is compared to a rare-earth element concentration (Cr) in outermost layer portions including at least outermost surfaces of the first and second outer layer portions, CR>Cr (inclusive of Cr=0).
US09042081B2 Multilayer ceramic capacitor and method of manufacturing the same
There is provided a multilayer ceramic capacitor including: a ceramic body having first and second side surfaces opposite to each other, and third and fourth end surfaces connecting the first and second side surfaces; a plurality of internal electrodes formed in the ceramic body and having one ends thereof exposed to the third or fourth end surface; and first and second side margin parts formed from the first and second side surfaces to respective edges of the internal electrodes, the first and second side margin parts having an average thickness of 18 μm or less, wherein when a boundary surface between a cover layer and the first or second side margin part in the ceramic body is divided into two regions in a thickness direction of the ceramic body, a region adjacent to the internal electrode is S1, and a porosity of S1 is P1, 1≦P1≦20 is satisfied.
US09042079B2 Ceramic electronic component
A ceramic electronic component comprising; including a chip component of approximately rectangular parallelepiped, a first metal terminal portion having a first flat plate portion facing a first end face, at least a pair of first fitting arm portions connected to the first flat plate portion, having a first engagement projection engaging with a first wraparound portion holding the first wraparound portion in between, and a first mounting portion connected to the first flat plate portion and extending approximately parallel to one side face, and a second metal terminal portion having a second flat plate portion facing the second end face, at least a pair of second fitting arm portions connected to the second flat plate portion, having a second engagement projection engaging with a second wraparound portion, holding the second wraparound portion in between, and a second mounting portion extending approximately parallel to one side face.
US09042077B2 Stun gun and method of use
The invention could be a stun glove and a method of operating the same, the stun gun could comprise a glove portion made from a laminate of an inside material and an outside material, the laminate forms a cavity adapted for covering at least a portion of a hand within at least a thumb sleeve; an electronic circuitry when activated by a trigger mechanism generates a pulsed electrical charge to a plurality of electrodes, the electronic circuitry being embedded within the laminate in a manner to expose each said electrode to a glove portion exterior; and the trigger mechanism located within the thumb sleeve so as to be proximate to a leading edge of a tip of the thumb sleeve.
US09042068B2 Protection circuit and protection method thereof
The present invention provides a protection circuit. The protection circuit includes an output stage circuit and a feedback unit that generates a first current. Under a first condition that the first current is one of currents larger than and equal to a rated current and the first condition remains for a first period, the feedback unit controls the output stage circuit to restrict the first current. Under a second condition that the first current is one of currents larger than and equal to a restriction current and the second condition remains for a second period, the feedback unit controls the output stage circuit to terminate the first current.
US09042067B2 Battery tester
A battery tester capable of measuring resistance and voltage of a battery using the same input channel. When measuring battery resistance, a testing signal circuit is electrically coupled to two electrodes of a subject battery to conduct a testing signal used in the battery resistance measurement. A response sensing circuit of the battery tester is also electrically coupled to the two electrodes of the subject battery to measure a response signal across the two electrodes of the subject battery. A resistance measuring module is electrically coupled to the response sensing circuit to measure the battery resistance based on the response signal detected by the response sensing circuit. A circuit breaker is capable of disconnecting the subject battery from the testing signal circuit, and disconnecting the resistance measuring module from the response sensing circuit. Moreover, the battery tester can also provide automatic protection for the battery resistance measuring module.
US09042063B2 Switching arrangement
A switching arrangement is disclosed comprising: a control circuit; a latching relay controlled by the control circuit for connecting an AC source to an AC load; and a relief circuit in parallel with the relay and controlled by the control circuit. The relief circuit has two modes of operation: an inactive mode in which the relief circuit is non-conductive and an active mode in which the relief circuit is at least partially conductive. The relief circuit is partially conductive when spending both a time period in a conductive state and a time period in a non-conductive state during a half-cycle of the AC. The control circuit is configured to switch the relief circuit from inactive mode to active mode, and upon switching to active mode, to set the relief circuit as partially conductive for at least two half-cycles, wherein the proportion of time the relief circuit is conductive compared to non-conductive is increased for successive ones of the at least two half-cycles.
US09042060B2 Magnetic head having a long throat height pinned layer with a short height hard bias layer
In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a lower shield, a magnetoresistive (MR) film positioned above the lower shield, the MR film including a pinned layer, an intermediate layer positioned above the pinned layer, and a free layer positioned above the intermediate layer, the free layer being configured for sensing data on a magnetic medium, wherein a track width of the MR film is defined by a width of the free layer in a cross-track direction, a bias layer positioned on both sides of the MR film in the cross-track direction, a track insulating film positioned on both sides of the MR film in the cross-track direction and between the MR film and the bias layer, and an upper shield positioned above the bias layer and the MR film, wherein a length of the free layer in an element height direction perpendicular to an air bearing surface of the magnetic head is less than a length of the pinned layer in the element height direction.
US09042055B2 Grooved tape guide roller
A tape guide roller, for use with a tape drive that is configured to receive a length of tape, includes a roller body having an outer surface with one or more grooved areas and one or more non-grooved areas. The one or more grooved areas make up seventy-five percent or less of the outer surface, and the one or more non-grooved areas make up at least twenty-five percent of the outer surface. Furthermore, the one or more grooved areas are configured to affect traction between the roller body and the tape as the tape passes over the roller body.
US09042030B2 Zoom lens and imaging apparatus
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens group having a positive refractive power; a second lens group having a negative refractive power; a third lens group having a positive refractive power; a fourth lens group having a negative refractive power; and a fifth lens group having a negative refractive power. During zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, air spacing between the first and second lens groups increases, air spacing between the second and third lens groups decreases, spacing between the third and fourth lens groups changes, and spacing between the fourth and fifth lens groups changes. Thus, all the lens groups are moved in an optical axis direction. The zoom lens satisfies the following Conditional Expression (1). 1.0<β5w≦4.0  (1) Here, β5w is a lateral magnification of the fifth lens group at a wide-angle end.
US09042029B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side, a first unit that does not move, a negative second unit which moves during zooming, a positive third unit which moves during zooming, a positive fourth unit which moves during zooming and focus adjustment, an aperture stop that does not move in an optical axis direction, and a positive fifth unit which does not move, wherein Zinf representing a zooming ratio of the entire zoom lens when focused on infinity, β3winf and β3tinf representing lateral magnifications of the third unit at the wide angle end and a telephoto end, respectively, when focused on infinity, β4tinf and β5tinf representing lateral magnifications of the fourth unit and the fifth unit, respectively, at the telephoto end when focused on infinity, and f3 and f4 representing focal lengths of the third unit and the fourth unit, respectively, satisfy predetermined conditional expressions.
US09042028B2 Electrowetting prism device and multi-view 3D image display apparatus including the same
Provided are an electrowetting prism device which has increased an aperture ratio by simplifying an electrode and wiring structure, and a 3D image display apparatus capable of providing a super multi-view 3D image using the electrowetting prism device. The electrowetting prism device includes lower and upper transparent substrates disposed against each other, a vertical wall mounted on the lower transparent substrate so as to form a diamond-shaped space, a first electrode arranged along two adjacent sidewalls of the vertical wall, a second electrode arranged along the other remaining two adjacent sidewalls of the vertical wall to be disposed against the first electrode, and a non-polarized liquid and a polarized liquid arranged within a space surrounded by the vertical wall.
US09042021B2 Optical element, head-up display and light source unit
An optical element includes a first microlens array unit and a second microlens array unit in each of which a plurality of microlenses are arranged. The first and second microlens array units are arranged opposite to each other with a distance which is longer than a focal length of the microlenses arranged in the first microlens array unit. The first microlens unit is arranged on a light-incident side with respect to the second microlens array unit. The interval between the microlenses arranged in the second microlens array unit is narrower than the interval between the microlenses arranged in the first microlens array unit. The optical element can appropriately suppress the occurrence of excessive pixel bright spot.
US09042019B2 Anti-reflective lenses and methods for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a method of applying an anti-reflective coating to an optical surface of a mold. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a lens mold having an optical surface; forming a layer of a super hydrophobic material with a thickness of about 30 to 40 nm over the optical surface, wherein the super hydrophobic material contains dipodal silane; forming an anti-reflective coating layered structure over the layer of the super hydrophobic material; and forming a layer of a cyclic azasilane coupling agent that is deposited with a monolayer thickness to the anti-reflective coating layered structure using vapor deposition or by dip coating using a solution of cyclic azasilane coupling agent in an aprotic solvent.
US09042017B1 Apparatus and method for producing an annular composite far-field patterned beam(s)
Method and apparatus to generate a composite far field beam having a central null and discrete cylindrical symmetry. A phased array of Gaussian beams was used to form an annular far-field pattern as opposed to the normal peaked pattern in most phased arrays. This annular pattern arises from the radial symmetry of the polarization in each beam. Beams opposite one another in the annulus are polarized in the same direction but are 180° out of phase. This causes the center portion of the beam to be a null rather than a peak.
US09042015B2 Method and apparatus for displaying image
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for displaying a stereoscopic image, and there is provided an image display method, and the method may include acquiring information on a user's face; determining whether to allow a stereoscopic image based on the face information; and displaying an image based on a result of the determination as to whether to allow a stereoscopic image. Hence, according to the present invention, a person disqualified for viewing a stereoscopic image may be prevented from viewing TV in a stereoscopic image mode.
US09042012B2 Illuminating arrangement for a microscope
Illuminating arrangement for a microscope (200) having a first LED (10) for providing light with a first intensity spectrum (K1) with at least two intensity maxima and an intensity minimum located between the intensity maxima, and at least one further LED (20) for providing light with a further intensity spectrum (K2) respectively, each further intensity spectrum (K2) having an intensity maximum in the region of the intensity minimum of the first intensity spectrum (K1), and a device (30) for merging the light of the first LED (10) and the light of the at least one further LED (20), by means of which illuminating light can be produced with a combined intensity spectrum (K3) composed of light with the first intensity spectrum and light with each of the further intensity spectra.
US09042007B1 Optical amplifier
Methods, systems, and apparatus for optical communications. In one aspect, an optical amplifier includes a feed-forward first amplification stage including a rare-earth doped fiber receiving an optical signal and an injected pump light; and a plurality of subsequent amplification stages each including a corresponding rare-earth doped fiber, wherein each of the subsequent amplification stages receives a separately injected portion of the remnant pump light from the first amplification stage, the remnant pump light being split into portions directed to each respective subsequent amplification stage.
US09042004B2 All-fiber chirped pulse amplification systems
By compensating polarization mode-dispersion as well chromatic dispersion in photonic crystal fiber pulse compressors, high pulse energies can be obtained from all-fiber chirped pulse amplification systems. By inducing third-order dispersion in fiber amplifiers via self-phase modulation, the third-order chromatic dispersion from bulk grating pulse compressors can be compensated and the pulse quality of hybrid fiber/bulk chirped pulse amplification systems can be improved. Finally, by amplifying positively chirped pulses in negative dispersion fiber amplifiers, a low noise wavelength tunable seed source via anti-Stokes frequency shifting can be obtained.
US09042000B2 Flexible liquid crystal display and flexible fluid display
A flexible liquid crystal display and a flexible fluid display are provided. The flexible liquid crystal display includes a first module, a second module, at least two supporting structures and a liquid crystal layer. The second module is disposed correspondingly to the first module. The supporting structures are separately disposed between the first module and the second module and used for abutting the first module and the second module, so that a space between the first module and the second module is divided into a flexible area and two non-flexible areas. The flexible area is located between the two non-flexible areas. The liquid crystal layer is disposed in the flexible area and the two non-flexible areas.
US09041998B2 Vehicular rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating these elements
The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same.
US09041997B2 Electro-chromic display element, display apparatus, and driving method
An electro-chromic display element includes a display electrode 1 provided on a display substrate 1b an electro-chromic layer 3 provided on the display electrode 1; multiple opposing electrodes 2 which are provided on an opposing substrate 2b and which are arranged to oppose the display electrode 1; an electrolytic layer 4 provided between the display electrode 1 and the multiple opposing electrodes 2; and an erasing electrode 5 placed between the display electrode 1 and the multiple opposing electrodes 2 and which is arranged such that the electro-chromic layer 3 is placed between the third electrode and the display electrode 1.
US09041995B2 Display device
A fixed aperture includes a first fixed slit and a second fixed slit which are arranged respectively in regions positioned on both sides with a moving line sandwiched therebetween. A drive aperture includes a first drive slit and a second drive slit which are arranged on both sides with the moving line sandwiched therebetween. The first fixed slit and the first drive slit are formed in an extending manner along a first line, and are arranged such that these slits communicate with each other when a shutter is at a position where the transmission of light is allowed. The second fixed slit and the second drive slit are formed in an extending manner along a second line which intersects with the first line, and are arranged such that these slits communicate with each other when the shutter is at a position where the transmission of light is allowed.
US09041992B2 Fiber stabilization of optical path differences (OPD) over a wide bandwidth frequency range for extended periods of time
The disclosed method for fiber stabilization of optical path differences involves splitting a laser produced optical beam into a first and second optical beam. Further, the method involves circulating the first optical beam to an adjustable optical telescope, and circulating the second optical beam to a reference optical telescope. Also, the method involves splitting the first circulated beam into the first optical beam and the adjustable optical telescope beam, and splitting the second circulated beam into the second optical beam and the reference optical telescope beam. Additionally, the method involves inputting, into an interferometer, the first and second optical beams; and outputting, from the interferometer, a sinusoidal signal. Also, the method comprises filtering the sinusoidal signal to form a high frequency and low frequency signal. Further, the method involves controlling a translation stage by using the low frequency signal, and controlling a fiber stretcher by using the high frequency signal.
US09041988B1 Exposure correction for scanners
A method and apparatus for exposure correction in scanners are disclosed. In the method, exposure is corrected for pixels received in an image sensor array. Exposure time is tracked for the incoming pixel data and a calibration factor is determined for correcting the gain, and the calibration factor is adjusted based on the tracked exposure time. In the apparatus, a scanner includes an illumination source and a sensor for receiving pixel data. Using values stored in a memory, circuitry is provided for determining a calibration factor, for tracking exposure time for the pixel data and for adjusting the pixel data based on the calibration factor and exposure time.
US09041981B2 Printing structure of medium surface on which dot pattern is formed by printing, printing method, and its reading method
With the aim of realizing an easy and inexpensive method of realizing a “stealth” dot pattern, whose presence on a medium surface is not visually recognizable, merely through minor improvements in the existing printing technology, the present invention provides dots which form a dot pattern by printing these dots using an ink of any color reactive in the infrared or ultraviolet wavelength range on a medium surface on which a dot pattern is to be formed, for use with a dot pattern reading system that irradiates infrared or ultraviolet light on a medium surface having a dot pattern provided thereon, recognizes the dot pattern by reading the reflections of the light with an optical reading means, converts the dot pattern into the corresponding data, and outputs the text, voice, images and so forth contained in the data.
US09041977B2 Image processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program setting a threshold value as a reference of a previously stored ground color and removing the ground color
In an image processing apparatus, a ground color detecting unit is provided that detects ground color information indicating a ground color from input first image data. A storage unit stores a history of the ground color information detected by the ground color detecting unit, and a setting unit is also provided that sets a first threshold value that is a reference of the ground color based on a representative value of first ground color information indicating a first ground color included in the history stored in the storage unit. A ground color removing unit removes a ground color for input second image data based on the first threshold value which was set by the setting unit. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program is also provided, the program causing a processor to perform steps similar to those performed by the image forming apparatus.
US09041970B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program product for determining a direction of transparent color material pattern based on acquired grain direction
An image processing apparatus includes: a protected area determining unit that determines a protected area to be protected by forming a transparent color material pattern made of a transparent color material on recording paper; a grain-direction acquiring unit that acquires a grain direction of the recording paper; a pattern determining unit that determines a direction of the transparent color material pattern based on the acquired grain direction; a pattern generating unit that generates the transparent color material pattern in the determined direction; and a color material forming unit that forms the transparent color material pattern in the determined direction on the protected area of the recording paper.
US09041968B2 Print system, print server, control method thereof, and program
A client terminal transmits a request to a printing apparatus for a registration web page for registering, in a print server, a printing apparatus used in a print service provided by the print server. The printing apparatus collects configuration information of the printing apparatus in response to reception of the request, and creates link information which contains the collected configuration information and is used to access the print server. The printing apparatus then generates a registration web page containing the created link information, and transmits it to the client terminal. The print server receives the configuration information of the printing apparatus transmitted from the client terminal via the registration web page transmitted to the client terminal. The print server creates printing apparatus information which associates the configuration information with user information of the user of the client terminal, and manages it in a storage medium.
US09041965B2 Information processing related to wireless setting for wireless communication using first type interface section with first communication protocol and using second type interface section with second communication protocol
An information processing apparatus may communicate with a communication-target device, which is a device with which the information processing apparatus is to communicate, via a first type interface section. The information processing apparatus may store, in a first storage area, target identification information for identifying the communication-target device as default identification information, in a case where a first network to which the communication-target device belongs is identical to a second network to which the information processing apparatus belongs via the second type interface section. The target identification information may be stored in association with at least one of a plurality of attributes. The information processing apparatus may cause the target identification information not to be stored in the first storage area as the default identification information in a case where the first network is not identical to the second network.
US09041964B2 Image forming apparatus, computer-readable non-transitory storage medium with uploading program stored thereon, and uploading system
An image forming apparatus includes a communication unit, a scanning unit, an issuing unit, a storage unit, an information receiving unit, an identification unit, an authentication unit, and a communication control unit. The image data number issuing unit issues a unique image data number for image data. A user inputs the image data number of the image data, cloud information, a login ID, and a password into an external terminal. The external terminal transmits the input content to the image forming apparatus. The login authentication unit performs authentication on a cloud identified by the target cloud identification unit using the transmitted login ID and password. When login is successful, the upload control unit transmits the image data of the image data number to the cloud.
US09041961B2 System, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium including an improved function for adding information used to sort scanned data
An information processing apparatus sets a sorting information list and a sorting method used for a sort operation, and transmits the sorting information list set to an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus displays a selection screen on which a user can select sorting information from the sorting information list, and transmits the sorting information selected on the selection screen to the information processing apparatus, and transmits scanned data to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus sorts the scanned data using the sorting information based on the sorting method set.
US09041960B2 Scheduling for digital commercial print workflows
Systems and methods are provided for scheduling print jobs in a print service provider (PSP). In particular, embodiments include accessing a first set of data relating to processing times for a plurality of machines of a print service provider (PSP). The processing times relate to specific print jobs or types of print jobs sharing print job characteristics. In addition, embodiments include accessing a second set of data relating to setup times for the plurality of machines of the PSP. The setup times relate to specific sets of two print jobs or sets of two types of print jobs sharing print job characteristics. Further, embodiments include determining an order of processing for a plurality of print jobs based on the first and second sets of data.
US09041957B2 Facsimile apparatus, facsimile system, and home gateway
According to one embodiment, there is provided a facsimile apparatus connected to a home gateway, which is connected to an IP telephone network, via a communication line, the facsimile apparatus including a facsimile-signal detecting section configured to detect a facsimile identification signal in an incoming signal and a controller configured to instruct, when the facsimile identification signal is not detected in the incoming signal, using an SIP, the home gateway to perform a transfer operation for connecting a telephone set connected to the home gateway and a telephone set on an outgoing call side connected to the IP telephone network.
US09041956B2 Image forming apparatus supporting plurality of network interfaces and method of editing routing table thereof
An image forming apparatus and a method of editing a routing table are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a user interface to receive a user request for a change in network settings between a plurality of network interfaces defined in a routing table and networks, a routing table management unit to edit the defined network settings based on the received user request, and a storage to store the routing table.
US09041949B2 Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium
An image forming apparatus configured to enter in a first power state and a second power state, a reception unit configured to receive a power down command, an operation unit configured to receive an operation of a user, and a control unit configured, if the reception unit receives the power down command, in a case where an elapse time without operating the operation unit is less than a preset time, to execute shift processing for shifting the power state of the image forming apparatus from the second power state to the first power state after elapse of a predetermined time after receiving the data, and in a case where the elapse time without operating the operation unit is equal to or more than the preset time, to execute the shift processing before the elapse of the predetermined time after receiving the power down command.
US09041946B2 Image forming apparatus capable of executing non-plain text authentication processing, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus that is capable of executing authentication processing improved in security of a command including authentication information, which is received over a network from an external apparatus. A CPU receives a command including authentication information via a network. The CPU determines whether or not authentication information included in the received command is a hash value or an encrypted value. The CPU causes processing in accordance with the received command to be executed depending on authentication performed based on the authentication information when it is determined that the authentication information is a hash value or an encrypted value, and causes the processing not to be executed when it is determined that the authentication information is not a hash value or an encrypted value.
US09041940B2 Three-dimensional shape measuring apparatus
According to one embodiment, a three-dimensional shape measuring apparatus includes at least an aperture plate that is provided with a plurality of confocal apertures which are two-dimensionally arranged to have a predetermined arrangement period, and an aperture plate displacement portion that displaces the aperture plate at a constant speed in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the optical axis direction. Further, the aperture plate is provided with a cover member which is moved integrally with the aperture plate and which includes a transparent body allowing the light beams from the light source to pass therethrough and to be irradiated to the plurality of confocal apertures, and protects the plurality of confocal apertures from dust. Further, an imaging optical system, by which each of reflected light beams is guided to a photo-detector, is designed in consideration of optical properties of the whole optical system including the transparent body of the cover member.
US09041932B2 Conformal filter and method for use thereof
A system and method for detecting analytes using a conformal filter. A conformal filter, which may comprise a tunable filter, is configured to filter interacted photons conforming to a spectral shape correlated with an analyte of interest. Conformal filter configurations may be selected by consulting a modified look-up table associated with an analyte. An iterative methodology may be used to calibrate a conformal design for an analyte of interest, refine a previous conformal filter design for an analyte of interest, and/or generate a new conformal filter design for an analyte of interest.
US09041930B1 Digital pathology system
The present invention may include an illumination source; a TDI sensor having a plurality of rows of TDI pixels, wherein each of the TDI pixels have a 1:1 aspect ratio; a multicolor filter contacted to the surface of the TDI sensor, wherein the multicolor filter has alternating sections of a first color filter, a second color filter, and at least a third color, wherein adjacent rows of TDI pixels are grouped in order to form a plurality of rows of integrated multicolor pixels; an objective having a first end positioned proximate to the specimen; a second lens configured to focus light from the image path onto the TDI sensor; and an anamorphic optics element configured to magnify an image of the one or more specimens such that the image is magnified by a factor of three along a direction orthogonal to an integrating direction of the TDI sensor.
US09041928B2 Feature value estimation device and corresponding method, and spectral image processing device and corresponding method
An estimation device is configured to estimate a feature value of a specific component contained in a sample and includes: a spectral estimation parameter storage module; a calibration parameter storage module; a multiband image acquirer; an optical spectrum operator configured to compute an optical spectrum from a multiband image using a spectral estimation parameter; and a calibration processor configured to compute the feature value from the optical spectrum using a calibration parameter.
US09041927B1 Terahertz-infrared ellipsometer system, and method of use
A dual scanning and FTIR system for application in the Terahertz and broadband blackbody frequency range including sources for providing Thz and broadband blackbody range and electromagnetic radiation, at least one detector of electromagnetic radiation in the THZ and broadband blackbody ranges, and at least one rotating element between the source and detector.
US09041925B2 Laser diffraction with inhaler enclosed in positive pressure chamber
The present disclosure relates to an improved device and methods for adapting to a laser diffraction apparatus used for measuring particle size distribution and density of the plume of a powder composition emitted from a dry powder inhaler.
US09041920B2 Device for evaluation of fluids using electromagnetic energy
A portable, tabletop fluid sampling device simplifies spectral analysis to produce an accurate but inexpensive chromatic fingerprint for fluid samples. In one embodiment, the sampling device uses an array of variable wavelength LED emitters and photodiode detectors to measure Rayleigh scattering of electromagnetic energy from the fluid sample contained in a cuvette. Either the fluid itself, or particles suspended in the fluid can then be identified by performing spectral pattern matching to compare results of a spectral scan against a library of known spectra. A wide range of applications include substance identification, security screening, authentication, quality control, and medical diagnostics.
US09041919B2 Infrared-based metrology for detection of stress and defects around through silicon vias
An approach for IR-based metrology for detecting stress and/or defects around TSVs of semiconductor devices is provided. Specifically, in a typical embodiment, a beam of IR light will be emitted from an IR light source through the material around the TSV. Once the beam of IR light has passed through the material around the TSV, the beam will be analyzed using one or more algorithms to determine information about TSV stress and/or defects such as imbedded cracking, etc. In one embodiment, the beam of IR light may be split into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion will be passed through the material around the TSV while the second portion is routed around the TSV. After the first portion has passed through the material around the TSV, the two portions may then be recombined, and the resulting beam may be analyzed as indicated above.
US09041910B2 Multi facet mirror of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus with a tilting actuator
A multi facet mirror of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes a plurality of mirror facet units. Each unit includes a mirror member with a body, a reflective coating provided at one end of the body and an actuating surface provided at an opposite end. The unit further includes a rest member on which the actuating surface rests while the mirror member is not moving, and an actuator that tilts the mirror member about a tilting axis. The actuator has a contact surface and a lifting member which moves the actuating surface along a lifting direction. In a first operating state of the lifting member the actuating surface rests on the rest member and in a second operating state on the contact surface. A displacement member displaces the contact surface along a lateral direction only while the lifting member is in the second operating state.
US09041907B2 Drawing device and drawing method
A drawing device draws a pattern on a substrate by radiating light from an optical head part on a target object (for example, substrate) which relatively moves with respect to the optical head part. Here, the optical head part has a spatial modulating unit which spatially modulates light from a light source, based on pattern data, and an optical path corrector which shifts the route of light spatially modulated in the spatial modulating unit at precision subdivided more than units of spatial modulation in the spatial modulating unit (more specifically, for example, units of pixels of spatial light modulator).
US09041905B2 Optical arrangement, in particular in a projection exposure apparatus for EUV lithography
An optical arrangement, in particular in a projection exposure apparatus for EUV lithography. In an aspect an optical arrangement has a housing (100, 200, 550, 780) in which at least one optical element is arranged, and at least one subhousing (140, 240, 560, 790, 811, 823, 824, 831, 841) which is arranged within the housing and which surrounds at least one beam incident on the optical element in operation of the optical system, wherein the internal space of the subhousing is in communication with the external space of the subhousing by way of at least one opening, wherein provided in the region of the opening is at least one flow guide portion which deflects a flushing gas flow passing through the opening from the internal space to the external space of the subhousing, at least once in its direction.
US09041904B2 High heat load optics with a liquid metal interface for use in an extreme ultraviolet lithography system
Methods and apparatus for cooling mirrors in an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system using a liquid metal interface are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes a heat exchanger, a mirror assembly, and a first liquid metal interface. The heat exchanger includes at least one well defined therein. The mirror assembly includes a mirror block having a mirrored surface. The mirror assembly also has at least one surface. Finally, the first liquid metal interface includes liquid metal which is contained in the first well. The at least one surface is in contact with the liquid metal to transfer heat from the mirror block to the heat exchanger.
US09041902B2 Exposure apparatus, exposure method, and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate with exposure light via a liquid. The exposure apparatus includes an optical system including an emission surface from which the exposure light is emitted; a liquid supply port that supplies the liquid in order to fill an optical path of the exposure light emitted from the emission surface with the liquid; and a fluid supply port that supplies a fluid including a material capable of changing the specific resistance of the liquid to at least a part of a space around a liquid immersion space that is formed by the liquid.
US09041899B2 Digital, virtual director apparatus and method
In a computerized film (digital camera action) production system, a virtual director module takes responsibility for creating sets, and enabling cinematography by creating a synthetic parallax matching of a “set” image to what would have existed before a camera in real motion about the physical location represented. This overcomes failures typical of “green screen” technology in dealing with such conditions as shallow depth of field and low light. Computer generated, synthetic sets from a 3D animator may be projected behind real actors during or after filming. Sythetic sets are seen through a virtual camera as photo-realistic because they are skinned with textures, and structured geometrically, to match reality represented by actual still photography of a physical environment, such as buildings, walls, streets, landscapes, props, and the like.
US09041898B1 Apparatus and method for simultaneous plural-view image sequences from a single image sensor
Simultaneous movies of plural portions of a scene are acquired and shown, using one imager with electrooptical directing device to acquire, stepwise, an interleaved (e. g. alternating) sequence of subscene images. Apparatus is ideally in a vehicle: airborne or unmanned, or both. The invention records and transmits (via one data link, with no needed parallel path) the sequence as one image series; best sorts the received sequence into noninterleaved sequences, a separate sequence for each subscene; and shows these as movies. Alternatively, scene portions form a mosaic. Including gyro operation and pointing, the device best gets a new image roughly each 5 to 40 msec or less; or excluding gyros and pointing, 5 to 40 msec by FSM, 1 to 5 by MEMS, 1 to 5 (or 10) by LC, 1 by 2-axis nongimbal scanner and 0.1 to 0.2 by digigimbal. Subscene direction and focal changes best synchronize with frame reception. FSMs best have refractory bearings and electromagnetic pointing.
US09041897B2 High extinction ratio liquid crystal optical switch
An optical switch for performing high extinction ratio switching of an optical signal includes a beam polarizing element and one or more optical elements. The optical elements are configured to direct an optical signal along a first or second optical path based on the polarization state of the optical signal as it passes through the optical elements. The optical switch performs high extinction ratio switching of the optical signal by preventing unwanted optical energy from entering an output port by using an absorptive or reflective optical element or by directing the unwanted optical energy along a different optical path.
US09041893B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a TFT substrate having a display region with first and second electrodes, TFTs, scanning signal lines connected to the TFTs, a counter substrate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the TFT and counter substrates, and sealed by a sealant, scanning line leads connected to the scanning signal lines and formed outside of the display region, video signal line leads connected to the video signal lines and formed outside of the display region and a shield electrode formed on the TFT substrate covering the scanning line leads but not the video signal line leads. The second electrode is connected to one of the TFTs, and liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are driven by an electric field, which is generated between the first and second electrodes. The shield electrode is electrically connected to the first electrode and overlapped with the sealant in plan view.
US09041886B2 Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method of liquid crystal display device
Disclosed herein is a liquid crystal display device including a plurality of pixels each having a reflecting section and a transmitting section, the pixels each including a plurality of sub-pixels resulting from alignment division, the liquid crystal display device including: an element layer formed on a substrate; an insulating film formed on the substrate so as to cover the element layer; a pixel electrode formed on the insulating film so as to be connected to the element layer; a gap adjusting layer formed on the insulating film on the element layer including a region of connection between the element layer and the pixel electrode; and a dielectric formed on a connecting part for making an electric connection between the sub-pixels.
US09041885B2 Display device and method of LC panel protection
A display device uses a multilayer film (104), which reflects (red) light having wavelengths between about 600 and 800 nm at a 60 degree angle of incidence (114), to protect a liquid crystal panel (102) from heat and sun damage. The film (104) transmits light of the visible band with a wavelength between about 420 and 650 nm at normal incidence (116). The outermost surface (106) of the film (104) may be a hard coat (124). A metal oxide layer (120) and a metal layer (130) may be included to reflect IR light greater in wavelength than about 850 nm.
US09041881B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display being capable of improving the contrast ratio in the front direction thereof is provided. A liquid crystal display 100 of the present invention includes, in sequence: a light source device 14 that emits a parallel light beam; a back surface-side polarizer 16; a liquid crystal cell 13; a display surface-side polarizer 11; and a light diffusion layer 15. The liquid crystal display 100 further includes: a selective light-shielding layer 12 between the display surface-side polarizer 11 and the light diffusion layer 15 so that the selective light-shielding layer 12 shields light that is generated by being depolarized and scattered in the liquid crystal cell 13 and travels in a direction that is different from a direction in which the parallel light beam travels.
US09041880B2 Optical compensated bending mode liquid crystal display panel and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides an optical compensated bending (OCB) mode liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and a method for manufacturing the same. The method comprises the following steps: forming alignment layers on substrate, respectively; forming a liquid crystal layer between the alignment layers to form a liquid crystal cell; applying an electrical signal across the liquid crystal cell; and irradiating light rays to or heating the liquid crystal cell, so as to form a first polymer alignment layer and a second polymer alignment layer, respectively. The present invention can reduce a phase transition time of liquid crystal molecules from a splay state to a bent state.
US09041878B2 Backlight module and LCD device
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device and a backlight module. The backlight module includes a lightbar, a lightbar heat sink, and a light guide panel (LGP). A light coupling distance is set between the lightbar and the LGP. The backlight module further includes a control structure controlling the light coupling distance. The lightbar is configured with a through hole, the control structure penetrating through the through hole is arranged on the lightbar heat sink, and the lightbar heat sink provides a fixing force that controls a position the LGP.
US09041874B2 Liquid crystal display having shielding conductor
Provided is a liquid crystal display including, on an insulation substrate having a polygonal display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area a first signal line, a second signal line crossing the first signal line, a plurality of switching elements connected to the first signal line and the second signal line and disposed in the display area, a plurality of pixel electrodes each connected to the switching element and disposed in the display area, and a shielding conductor disposed in the peripheral area and extending along at least one side of the polygonal display area.
US09041868B2 Projection image display device comprising a plurality of illumination optical systems
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a projection image display device in which all of the multiple light sources to be used are positioned optimally, regardless of the mode of installation of the device. This projection image display device has two illumination optical systems (1, 2) that are each provided with a light source (111, 211), a color separator for separating into three colors of light, a liquid crystal panel (150, 250) for forming an optical image, and a color synthesis prism (160, 260) for color-synthesizing. A polarization beam splitter (3) for synthesis synthesizes an optical image formed by the illumination optical system (1, 2), and projects the same from a projection lens (4). The optical axis (101, 201) of each light source (111, 211) is positioned within the same plane as the optical axis (401) of the projection lens (4), and so as to orthogonally intersect the optical axis (401) of the projection lens.
US09041866B2 Receiving apparatus, method, and storage medium
A receiving apparatus including a first communication unit that receives first image data from a transmission apparatus, a second communication unit that receives second image data from the transmission apparatus, a power supply unit that supplies power to at least one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit, and a control unit that causes a display device to display an image generated based on the first image data and the second image data, where the control unit controls the power supply unit so as to limit power supply to one of the first communication unit and the second communication unit in response to completion of the display of the image by the display device.
US09041865B2 Video switch
A video switch system providing a collaborative environment for one or more users to share information. In the current embodiment, the video switch system enables users to quickly connect to the system, present information, have a video conference, or have a multi-user wireless video session, or a combination thereof, in a collaborative manner.
US09041863B2 Electronic device and method for displaying resources
An electronic device, including: one or more hardware interfaces each for connecting to a signal source to receive at least one type of application resources; a control chip electrically connected to the one or more hardware interfaces, the control chip being configured to classify and integrate one or more types of application resources received through the one or more hardware interfaces, and generate a display signal for a main interface including a number of areas arranged according to a predetermined layout, wherein each area is configured to display information regarding a same type of the classified and integrated application resources, and different areas are configured to display information regarding different types of the classified and integrated application resources; and a display screen electrically connected to the control chip to display the main interface according to the display signal.
US09041862B2 Display apparatus and method for controlling the display apparatus
A multifunctional display device includes a processor to control display of information during booting of an operating system. The operating system is booted in response to a predetermined signal and displayed the information includes first information corresponding to visual information, and second information indicating that the operating system is currently booting. The operating system is one which controls display of multimedia content.
US09041861B2 Peripheral information display system, display device, and peripheral
A peripheral information display with enhanced expandability by enabling the customization and display of peripheral related data such as status information for each peripheral. The peripheral information display system is configured from a TV (20) and a recorder (10) connected with a HDMI connection. The TV (20) is equipped with a memory portion (29) that stores display region information comprising region identification information used to identify a display region for arranging the peripheral related data of the recorder (10). The recorder (10) is equipped with a LAN I/F18 which transmits the peripheral related data of the recorder (10) in association with the region identification information to the TV (20) in response to the display region information acquired from the TV (20). The TV (20) displays the peripheral related data transmitted from the recorder (10) in the display region identified using the region identification information.
US09041860B2 Simultaneously presenting an enhanced and primary stream associated with a digital television broadcast
An enhanced stream associated with a primary stream can be selected. The enhanced stream can be time-synchronized to the primary stream. The enhanced stream can be associated with a secondary viewpoint linked to a primary viewpoint of the primary stream. The primary stream can be a broadcast signal of a digital television broadcast. The enhanced stream can be simultaneously presented on a secondary device and the primary stream on a primary device. The primary device can be a computing device and the secondary device can be a computing device.
US09041856B2 Exposure control methods and apparatus for capturing an image with a moving subject region
A moving subject detection map is generated by performing moving subject region determination based on input image information from an image capture portion, and is used to set an exposure pattern for a moving subject detected pixel region. The exposure pattern is cyclically arranged with multiple different exposure times. The exposure time for a stationary subject region is set according to the brightness of the subject. Regarding an image captured based on the exposure time control, an output image is generated by computing pixel values for a moving subject region, using pixel value combination processing that utilizes the pixel values of pixels with a plurality of different exposure times being set, and by computing pixel values for the stationary subject region by multiplying a gain according to the exposure time. This achieves the acquisition of a dynamic range image while keeping deterioration of the resolution to a minimum.
US09041852B2 Imaging apparatus having optical system and lens control unit for focus adjustment
An imaging apparatus comprises an optical system that includes a plurality of lens groups, each lens group including one or more lenses, at least one of the lens groups being independently movable with respect to the other lens groups and including a focus lens group for focusing the subject and a lens control unit that controls movement of the plurality of lens groups to bring into focus based on a feeding position of the focus lens group.
US09041850B2 Camera module for tilt balance of lens
The present invention relates to a camera module including: a lens unit mounted with at least one or more lenses; an image sensor mounted with an image pickup device for converting a light converged through the lenses to an electric signal; a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) mounted with the image sensor; and a holder accommodated inside the lens unit for supporting the lens unit, wherein the lens unit is bonded and fixed at an inner surface of the holder, whereby the lens unit mounted with a plurality of lenses is bonded to a lateral surface of a holder to prevent generation of vertical tilting phenomenon at the lens unit caused by a conventional improper coating of epoxy, and particularly, the coating of epoxy on the lateral surface of the holder advantageously enhances adhesive power to increase a bonded area.
US09041848B2 Imaging optical system, and projection-type image display apparatus and image pickup apparatus using the same
An imaging optical system includes a first optical unit having positive refractive power making an image at an image plane at an enlargement-side of the imaging optical system and an intermediate image at an intermediate image position in the imaging optical system conjugate to each other, and a second optical unit having positive refractive power making the intermediate image and an image at an image plane at a reduction-side of the imaging optical system conjugate to each other, wherein, when a focal length of the first optical unit is denoted by fF and a focal length of the second optical unit is denoted by fR, the following condition is satisfied: 0
US09041844B2 Camera device with a dynamic touch screen shutter and dynamic focal control area
A camera device with a dynamic touch screen shutter, and method therefor, are provided. The camera device comprises: a sensor for providing an electronic signal corresponding to an image; a memory for storing the image; a touchscreen having a region for displaying the image and receiving touch input, the region having at least one subregion; and a processor enabled to: display the image in the region; execute a shutter command to store the image in the memory when touch input is received in the region when the at least one subregion contains neither an icon and a graphical control for controlling the camera device; and, execute the shutter command to store the image in the memory when the touch input is received in the region but not in the at least one subregion when the at least one subregion contains at least one of the icon and the graphical control.
US09041828B2 Imaging apparatus, imaging method, image processing apparatus, and image processing method for a set execution condition
The present invention facilitates the setting of a condition for the execution of predetermined processing and enables the execution of processing conforming to a user's intention. In an image processing apparatus, a predetermined object is detected in an image selected based on an instruction from a user, a determination is made regarding an attribute of the detected object, and the determined attribute is set as an execution condition used when executing predetermined processing on an image.
US09041826B2 Capturing selected image objects
Exemplary embodiments provide a technique that processes captured images derived from selected targeted objects in a field of view. The captured images may be transferred via a communication link to a storage location for future availability. A possible aspect may provide a cross-reference association between saved multiple exposures having different quality characteristics. In some instances an identifier record is provided to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames derived from related fields of view. Stored versions of the captured images may be provided in original or altered form to be incorporated in a composite visual work.
US09041821B2 Image composing apparatus for continuously shooting plural images and combining the plural images
An image obtaining unit continuously obtains plural images each showing a moving subject and motionless subject. Dark current noise is removed from the plural images. Image portions of the moving subject are extracted from the plural images with noise removed, which image portions occupy different positions in the plural images, respectively. Image portions of the motionless subject are extracted from the plural images with noised removed, which image portions occupy the fixed positions in the plural images, respectively. The extracted image portions of the moving subject are moved in the plural images with noise removed based on the corresponding positions in the respective images. The moved image portions of the moving subject are combined with the mage portions of the motionless subject held at the fixed positions in the plural images with noise removed, whereby a shooting image is composed.
US09041820B2 Camera module
A camera module includes a lens part, an auto focusing (AF) module, an optical image stabilizer (OIS) module, a case and a flexible circuit board. The AF module moves the lens unit in the direction of an optical axis. The OIS module is mounted around a circumference of the AF module and moves the AF module in a horizontal direction. The case accommodates the lens unit, the AF module and the OIS module. The flexible circuit board is connected to a bottom surface of the AF module and applies an electrical signal to the AF module.
US09041817B2 Method and apparatus for raster output of rotated interpolated pixels optimized for digital image stabilization
A Digital Image Stabilization apparatus and method applies a Principal transform including a rotational motion component to a source frame and interpolates and outputs the image data of each pixel of an entire row of the destination frame in raster order. A first step identification the diagonally oriented meta-rows of source frame data that correspond to the pixels of an entire row of the destination frame, based on the principal transform coefficients. A second step is to horizontalize the source frame data of the meta-rows that correspond to the pixels of an entire row of the destination frame, by storing each meta-row of source frame data into one row of a memory buffer, such as a multi-line buffer. Then, a moving-window interpolation step sequentially interpolates based on the principal transform coefficients and outputs the image data of an entire row of the destination frame in raster order.
US09041816B2 Optical unit with shake correcting function
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an optical unit with a shake correction function such that even when a photo reflector is provided by using a gap between a side surface of a movable body and a side surface of a fixed body, an appropriate relationship between an output from the photo reflector and the rock angle of the movable body can be obtained. In an optical unit (100) with a shake correction function, a movable body (3) is rocked about a rock fulcrum (180) by a driving mechanism (500) for shake correction, and thereby shaking is corrected. At that point, the movement of the movable body (3) is monitored by providing a first photo reflector (580a) and a second photo reflector (580b) on side surfaces of a fixed body (200). Here, a smooth layer (590) such as a resin tape, a metal sheet, a coating layer, plate glass or a reflective board is laminated onto side surfaces of the movable body (3) at a region facing the first photo reflector (580a) and a region facing the second photo reflector (580b).
US09041813B1 Multiple camera synchronization system
A system for at least substantially plesiochronously operating a receiver in communication with a plurality of cameras (e.g., at least two plesiochronously operational cameras) is described. In one or more implementations, the system includes a plurality of cameras. Each camera is configured to generate a signal for transmission via a communications link, and the signal comprises data packets encoded in a forward channel. The system also includes a receiver communicatively coupled to the plurality of cameras via the single-ended communications link. The receiver is configured to generate a synchronization data based upon at least one of the data packets. The receiver is also configured to modulate the signal to encode the synchronization data in a reverse channel so that the signal comprises the forward channel data and the reverse channel data simultaneously.
US09041810B2 System and method for predicting patient falls
A patient fall prediction system receives video image frames from a surveillance camera positioned in a patient's room and analyses the video image frames for movement that may be a precursor to a patient fall. In set up phase, the viewpoint of the camera is directed at a risk area associated with patient falls, beds, chairs, wheelchairs, etc. A risk area is defined graphically in the viewport. The patient fall prediction system generates a plurality of concurrent motion detection zones that are situated proximate to the graphic markings of the risk areas. These motion detection zones are monitored for changes between video image frames that indicate a movement. The pattern of detections is recorded and compared to a fall movement detection signature.
US09041808B2 Headlight controller, optical unit and vehicle headlight
A headlight controller, an optical unit and a vehicle headlight can include a headlight controller and an optical unit. The headlight controller can include a system controller and a camera photographing vehicles located in a forward direction thereof, and the system controller can be configured to output a control signal to provide various favorable light distribution patterns by using image data output from the camera in accordance with traffic conditions. The optical unit can be configured to emit beam lights each having a light-emitting angle using lights emitted from first and second white LEDs via a projector lens so that the beam lights can be used as a high and low beam without movable parts. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can include providing vehicle headlights that can form various favorable light distribution patterns by utilizing the characteristics of the controller and the optical unit in accordance with the traffic conditions.
US09041806B2 Imaging and display system for vehicle
A vehicular imaging and display system includes a rear backup camera at a rear portion of a vehicle, a video processor for processing image data captured by the rear camera, and a video display screen responsive to the video processor to display video images. During a reversing maneuver of the equipped vehicle, the video display screen displays video images captured by the rear camera. During forward travel of the equipped vehicle, the video display screen is operable to display images representative of a portion of the field of view of the rear camera to display images representative of an area sideward of the equipped vehicle responsive to at least one of (a) actuation of a turn signal indicator of the vehicle, (b) detection of a vehicle in a side lane adjacent to the equipped vehicle and (c) a lane departure warning system of the vehicle.
US09041803B2 Method for video/audio recording using multiple resolutions
Aspects of the present invention include method and apparatuses that may be utilized to more efficiently use available storage space for a digital video recording system in a law enforcement vehicle and final “backend storage systems.” In one embodiment of the present invention, video and audio data is recorded in one or more buffers when a triggering event is activated, while a digital video recording device accounts for specified pre-event time, a time period before a first triggering event has been activated, and a post-event time, a time period after a second triggering event has been activated. The system will tag the actual start and stop points of events in one or more buffers based on a first and a second triggering event and will then include the pre-event and post-event data along with specified data. The system will then extract the event from one or more buffer files and write the event into final video files to be stored in a hard disk drive. By recording the pre-event and post-event data in multiple buffer files and extracting the final result from selected buffer files based on the nature of the event type, the system ensures that storage device is effectively used and, in this way, useful information is recorded.
US09041801B2 Mine operation monitoring system
A mine operation monitoring system a plurality of mine equipment interfaces each being located at a mine operation and being associated with at least one item of mine equipment, each mine equipment interface being arranged to monitor operation of the at least one associated item of mine equipment. A plurality of monitoring stations is located remotely to the mine operations and is arranged to communicate with at least one equipment interface associated with a different mine operation so as to monitor operation of at least one item of mine equipment associated with said at least one equipment interface from the remote locations. A plurality of local monitoring stations located at respective mine operations monitors operation of the one time of equipment associated with the one interface. A communications network is arranged to facilitate communications between the equipment interfaces, the local monitoring stations and the remote monitoring stations.
US09041800B2 Confined motion detection for pan-tilt cameras employing motion detection and autonomous motion tracking
A method of operating a surveillance system includes capturing a sequence of images of a field-of-view. A source of localized motion is disposed within at least one of a plurality of segments of the field-of-view. Provided to an operator is means to enable or disable, for at least one of the segments of the field-of-view, a localized motion identification and notification function wherein localized motion in the segment is automatically identified and distinguished from transient motion, and the operator is automatically notified about the presence of the localized motion.
US09041797B2 Video controlled virtual talk groups
In one particular embodiment, surveillance information is determined from a surveillance system. The surveillance information provides information on an event being monitored by the surveillance system. It is determined if a virtual talk group should be created for the event. If so, the virtual talk group is created such that a plurality of users in the virtual talk group can communicate with each other in the virtual talk group.
US09041794B1 Pipe mapping system and methods
In one embodiment, a pipe inspection system includes a push-cable, a sonde coupled to the push-cable, a locator configured to receive signals from the sonde and generate positional information associated with the pipe based at least in part on the received sonde signals, a processing element configured to generate mapping information from the position information, and a non-transitory memory for storing the generated mapping information.
US09041793B2 Scanning microscope having an adaptive scan
A method of using a scanning microscope to rapidly form a digital image of an area. The method includes performing an initial set of scans to form a guide pixel set for the area and using the guide pixel set to identify regions representing structures of interest in the area. Then, performing additional scans of the regions representing structures of interest, to gather further data to further evaluate pixels in the regions, and not scanning elsewhere in the area.
US09041791B2 Fast auto-focus in imaging
The disclosure relates to methods and systems for automatically focusing multiple images of one or more objects on a substrate. The methods include obtaining, by a processor, a representative focal distance for a first location on the substrate based on a set of focal distances at known locations on the substrate. The methods also include acquiring, by an image acquisition device, a set of at least two images of the first location. The images are each acquired using a different focal distance at an offset from the representative focal distance. The methods further include estimating, by a processor, an ideal focal distance corresponding to the first location based on comparing a quality of focus for each of the images, and storing the estimated ideal focal distance and the first location in the set of focal distances at known locations.
US09041786B2 Monitoring system and monitoring terminal
A monitoring system has a plurality of monitoring terminals communicably connected to each other. Each monitoring terminal has an imaging portion for imaging a monitoring area allocated to an own-terminal, a tracing portion for processing an imaged image of the imaging portion and tracing a target person traveling in the monitoring area, a tracing information creation portion for creating tracing information associating the target person traced by the tracing portion with tracing start time, tracing stop time, and characteristic information of the target person, a tracing information storage portion for storing the tracing information created by the tracing information creation portion, and a tracing information notification portion for notifying the tracing information created by the tracing information creation portion to the other monitoring terminals.
US09041784B2 Digital jukebox device with karaoke and/or photo booth features, and associated methods
Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photo booth features. A combined karaoke/photo booth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.
US09041783B2 Shutter glasses, display apparatus and control method thereof
The shutter glasses for the display apparatus include a shutter-glasses communication unit which receives a first sync signal from the display apparatus displaying a three-dimensional (3D) image; and a shutter-glasses controller which generates an ON/OFF driving signal for a left-eye lens unit and a right-eye lens unit of the shutter glasses based on the first sync signal, the first sync signal including a pattern, based on which at least one sync pulse is periodically omitted in a second sync signal used in displaying the 3D image according to a frame driving frequency of the 3D image. The shutter-glasses controller generates an ON/OFF driving signal in sync with the first sync signal, so that the ON/OFF driving signal includes the sync pulse in a section corresponding to the omitted sync pulse of the second sync signal according to a time period of the first sync signal.
US09041779B2 Electronic device and recording medium
An electronic device comprises a display unit, determination unit, parameter acquiring unit, and display control unit, and is configured as follows: the display unit can provide a three-dimensional display that makes an image stereoscopically viewable; the determination unit determines a posture of the display unit; the parameter acquiring unit acquires a control parameter that is related to the posture and intended to control a display operation of the display unit; the display control unit controls, on the basis of the control parameter acquired by the parameter acquiring unit, the display operation of the display unit, which is associated with the three-dimensional display.
US09041777B2 Stereo camera system and method for controlling convergence
Disclosed herein are a stereo camera system and a method for controlling convergence, including: a camera unit photographing both-eyes images; a filter unit filtering signal values of pixels for each line for any one of the both-eyes images along a line direction to detect a reference line of any one image; a line memory unit storing data for the reference line and a reference line of the other one image corresponding to the reference line; and a convergence control unit calculating the image control amount so as to align convergences of the both-eyes images by performing a comparison operation on the data for the reference lines and generating an optimal synthesis image of the both-eyes images by applying the image control amount.
US09041774B2 Dynamic adjustment of predetermined three-dimensional video settings based on scene content
Predetermined three-dimensional video parameter settings may be dynamically adjusted based on scene content. One or more three-dimensional characteristics associated with a given scene may be determined. One or more scale factors may be determined from the three-dimensional characteristics. The predetermined three-dimensional video parameter settings can be adjusted by applying the scale factors to the predetermined three-dimensional video parameter settings. The scene may be displayed on a three-dimensional display using the resulting adjusted set of predetermined three-dimensional video parameters.
US09041772B2 Broadcast transmitter, broadcast receiver, and 3D video data processing method thereof
A three dimensional (3D) video data processing method in a broadcast transmitter includes encoding, by an encoder, 3D video data which carries a first image and a second image in separate video streams; generating, by a system information processor, system information comprising 3D video composition information about the 3D video data; multiplexing, by a multiplexer, the system information and the 3D video data; and transmitting, by a transmitting unit, a broadcast signal carrying the 3D video data and the system information. The 3D video composition information includes first information on resolution of the 3D video data.
US09041771B2 Automatic switching of a multi-mode display for displaying three-dimensional and two-dimensional images
Systems, methods, and devices that control switching of a multi-mode barrier component for efficiently displaying various types of 2-D content and 3-D content are presented. A barrier control component detects an optical signal in a control region of a display screen that is providing visual content to the barrier component, and identifies the type of visual content, such as 2-D content, 3-D stereoscopic content, or 3-D autostereoscopic content, based at least in part on the optical signal. The barrier control component identifies a specified control signal based at least in part on the identified content type, and transmits the specified control signal to the barrier component via a wireline or wireless connection. The barrier component is controlled to automatically switch to a specified mode, such as 2-D mode, 3-D stereoscopic mode, or 3-D autostereoscopic mode, and employ a specified barrier pattern, in response to the received specified control signal.
US09041769B2 System and method for controlling media projectors
A method of controlling media projectors includes providing at least one electromagnetic detector having a field of view directed toward a three dimensional space, and photogrammetrically characterizing at least a portion of the field of view. There is provided at least one media projector that projects at least an electromagnetic signal and a projection controller that moves one or more media projectors in at least two dimensions. At least three measurement locations are obtained within the at least a portion of the field of view by moving the media projector in at least two dimensions. The at least one electromagnetic detector is used to detect the measurement locations within the three dimensional space using the electromagnetic detector to obtain photogrammetric data. The projection controller is calibrated based on the photogrammetric data.
US09041761B2 Image forming device with smoothing correction for plural light emitting segments
An image forming device includes a photoreceptor drum including a target surface that is scanned in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction, an exposure head including a plurality of light emitting segments aligned in parallel to the main scanning direction, an exposure driving unit which selectively drives the plural light emitting segments, a storing unit which stores a profile where the respective positions of the plural light emitting segments correspond to a correction amount from the main scanning direction toward the sub-scanning direction at every position, and a correcting unit which smoothes a local change of the correction amount in the profile.
US09041760B2 Optical print head and image forming apparatus
An optical print head, including: a light emitting substrate which includes a light emitting element on a base; a rod lens array which focuses light emitted from the light emitting element onto an image carrier, the rod lens array having a larger linear expansion coefficient than the base of the light emitting substrate; and expansion suppressing members which are attached to both lateral surfaces of the rod lens array in a direction that is perpendicular to an optical axis direction and is a shorter direction, each of the expansion suppressing members having a smaller linear expansion coefficient than the rod lens array.
US09041754B2 Duplex printer apparatus
In accordance with one embodiment, a duplex printer apparatus comprises a first printing section configured to use an inkjet mechanism for carrying out printing on a first surface of a paper wound in a roll shape; a second printing section configured to be arranged at the downstream side of the first printing section in a paper conveyance direction and use a thermal printing mechanism for carrying out printing on a second surface serving as the back side of the first surface of the paper; and a heat amount changing section configured to change, according to the difference of printing by the first printing section, a driving condition of the thermal printing mechanism when the second printing section applies heat to a paper.
US09041752B2 Printer
The disclosure discloses a printer performing printing processing that forms desired print on a print-receiving medium. The printer includes a cartridge holder, a drive device, a thermal head, an energization device, an attribute detecting device, a first determination portion, and a processing portion. The cartridge holder removably mounts a cartridge. The drive device drives a feeding roller to feed the print-receiving medium. The thermal head performs printing on the print-receiving medium fed. The energization device controls energization of the thermal head. The attribute detecting device detects an attribute of the print-receiving medium. The first determination portion determines whether or not a tube cartridge capable of supplying a tubular print-receiving medium is mounted. The processing portion performs predetermined processing that is for suppressing expansion of the tubular print-receiving medium and is triggered by the determination that the tube cartridge has been mounted by the first determination portion.
US09041750B2 Driving circuit of LCD panel, LCD device, and method for driving the liquid crystal panel
A method for driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel includes: A: setting an M*M over drive (OD) table, the M*M OD table includes a grey scale value XN*a of a previous-frame image, a grey scale value XN*b of a current-frame image, and an OD value (XN*a, XN*b) corresponding to the grey scale value XN*a and the grey scale value XN*b, where a and bε[0, M], N and M are integers, and N>=2. B: regarding x′ as the grey scale value of the previous-frame image and y′ as the grey scale value of the current-frame image when the LCD panel is driven, the OD value (x′, y′) is fitted to a continuous two-dimensional surface by reference to an OD value (XN*a, XN*b) in the OD table, and the OD value (x′, y′) is correspondingly calculated according to function of the two-dimensional surface fitted and is output to the LCD panel.
US09041749B2 Method for driving electrophoretic display device, electrophoretic display device, electronic apparatus, and electronic timepiece
A method includes: causing a first image to be displayed in a first color by a partial drive format; causing a background of the first image to be displayed in the first color; causing a background of a second image to be displayed in a second color; and causing the second image to be displayed in the second color. In a case where a temperature detection unit detects a predetermined change in temperature after causing a background of a second image to be displayed in a second color and before causing the second image to be displayed in the second color, then causing a predetermined image to be displayed and causing the predetermined image to be complementarily displayed using a drive pulse signal adjusted for the temperature after the change.
US09041747B2 Display control apparatus
When illuminance E by external light is lower than a high threshold Th, a backlight controller performs a duty cycle control that adjusts an amount of light of the backlight by changing a duty cycle of the control signal in accordance with the illuminance amount by the external light while maintaining the control signal at a constant level. When the illuminance E by the external light is higher than the high threshold Th, the backlight controller performs a pulse control that causes the backlight to periodically emit a pulsed light by making the level of the control signal higher than the level of the control signal in the duty cycle control while fixing the duty cycle of the control signal at a predetermined value or lower.
US09041746B2 Organic light emitting diode display and driving method thereof
A driving method of an OLED display device having a plurality of pixels each including an OLED which emits light in response to pixel data, includes applying black data to the pixels during a predetermined period directly after system power is applied, supplying driving voltages to the OLEDs during initial driving where the black data is applied to the pixels, detecting a driving current flowing through the OLEDs by the black data at a first non-emission period after at least one frame has elapsed from a time point where the driving voltages are supplied to the OLEDs, and applying pixel data to the pixels for normal driving subsequent to the initial driving.
US09041743B2 System and method for presenting virtual and augmented reality scenes to a user
A method of presenting a scene to a user according to a preferred embodiment includes determining a real orientation of a device relative to a projection matrix and determining a user orientation of the device relative to a nodal point. The method of the preferred embodiment can further include orienting a scene displayable on the device to the user in response to the real orientation and the user orientation; and displaying the scene on the device. Variations of the method can include a three-dimensional aspect of the scene with which the user can interact through manipulation of the real orientation and/or the user orientation of the device. The method of the preferred embodiment can be performed by an apparatus and/or embodied in computer program product including machine-readable code.
US09041736B2 Method, system and apparatus for rendering a map according to a stylesheet
Methods, systems and apparatus are described to render a map according to a style sheet. Several embodiments of map rendering are described that may be suitable for rendering individual portions of a map, known as map tiles, which may include one or more features. Embodiments may obtain one or more a map tiles with features that may have one or more style identifiers. Embodiments may identify a style from a stylesheet for each feature in the map tile according to style identifiers in the feature and the style in the stylesheet. Some embodiments may render the one or more map tiles according to the identified styles and may display the rendered map tiles. In some embodiments, a map service generates one or more map tiles with features including style identifiers and sends the one or more map tiles to a client rendering device.
US09041734B2 Simulating three-dimensional features
Image information displayed on an electronic device can be modified based at least in part upon a relative position of a user with respect to a device. Mapping, topological or other types of positional data can be used to render image content from a perspective that is consistent with a viewing angle for the current relative position of the user. As that viewing angle changes, as a result of movement of the user and/or the device, the content can be re-rendered or otherwise updated to display the image content from a perspective that reflects the change in viewing angle. Simulations of effects such as parallax and occlusions can be used with the change in perspective to provide a consistent user experience that provides a sense of three-dimensional content even when that content is rendered on a two-dimensional display. Lighting, shading and/or other effects can be used to enhance the experience.
US09041731B2 Method and a user interaction system for controlling a lighting system, a portable electronic device and a computer program product
The invention provides a user interaction system (100) and a method of controlling a lighting system. The user interaction system (100) comprises a display (106), a means for receiving a location indication (102), a location identification means (104) and an overlay image creator (108). The display (106) displays a subarea image and an overlay image. The subarea image is an image of a specific subarea of the environment. The location identification means (104) detects which specific location in the environment is indicated by the location indication. The overlay image creator (108) generates the overlay image. The overlay image comprises information related to a lighting effect which is obtainable by the lighting system at the specific location. The obtainable effect is an effect of at least two controllable light sources of the lighting system. The information which is related to the obtainable lighting effect is based on a lighting system model (110) which represents effects that are obtainable in the environment by controllable light sources of the lighting system.
US09041730B2 Receivers for analyzing and displaying sensor data
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for processing, transmitting and displaying data received from an analyte sensor, such as a glucose sensor. The system may include a display device with at least one input device. In response to movement of or along the input device, the display device may change a glucose data output parameter and update an output of the display device using the changed output parameter.
US09041728B2 Image dithering module
An image dithering module is provided. The image dithering module includes a plurality of data processing channels. The data processing channels respectively process image data of each pixel or sub-pixel in an image frame. Each of the data processing channels includes a bit processing unit and a bit truncator unit. The bit processing unit mixes first pixel data with random data to generate second pixel data. The bit truncator unit truncates partial bits of the second pixel data to generate third pixel data.
US09041721B2 System, method, and computer program product for evaluating an integral utilizing a low discrepancy sequence and a block size
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for evaluating an integral utilizing a low discrepancy sequence and a block size. In use, a low discrepancy sequence and a block size are determined. Additionally, an integral is evaluated, utilizing the low discrepancy sequence and the block size.
US09041719B2 Method and system for transparently directing graphics processing to a graphical processing unit (GPU) of a multi-GPU system
A method for transparently directing data in a multi-GPU system. A driver application receives a first plurality of graphics commands from a first graphics application and selects a first GPU from the multi-GPU system to exclusively process the first plurality of graphics commands. The first plurality of graphics commands is transmitted to the first GPU for processing and producing a first plurality of renderable data. The first plurality of renderable data is stored in a first frame buffer associated with the first GPU. A second plurality of graphics commands is received from a second graphics application and a second GPU is selected to exclusively process the second plurality of graphics commands. The second GPU processing the second plurality of graphics commands produces a second plurality of renderable data. The second plurality of renderable data is stored in a second frame buffer associated with the second GPU.
US09041717B2 Techniques for processing image data generated from three-dimensional graphic models
Techniques are disclosed for creating animated video frames which include both computer generated elements and hand drawn elements. For example, a software tool may allows an artist to draw line work (or supply other 2D image data) to composite with an animation frame rendered from a three dimensional (3D) graphical model of an object. The software tool may be configured to determine how to animate such 2D image data provided for one frame in order to appear in subsequent (or prior) frames in a manner consistent with changes in rendering the underlying 3D geometry.
US09041714B2 Apparatus and method for compass intelligent lighting for user interfaces
An apparatus and method for depicting one or more objects are provided. The method includes determining a geolocation of one or more objects, determining a vector from the objects to a light source, applying shading to the objects according to the vector, determining shadows cast by the objects according to the vector, and depicting the objects in the geolocation with one or more of the applied shading and the cast shadows.
US09041708B2 Multiple viewshed analysis
Viewshed intersection analysis and usage is disclosed. A plurality of object positions is obtained. Each object position is associated with a range. A relevant area is determined. Elevation data is obtained for a plurality of points in the relevant area. Lines of sight are evaluated between the plurality of points and the object positions within the associated ranges based on the elevation data. An interest zone comprising a subset of the plurality of points within the relevant area is determined.
US09041706B2 Thin film transistor circuit, light emitting display apparatus, and driving method thereof
In order to suppress an influence of an electrical stress on a TFT characteristic in use of a TFT, a light emitting display apparatus according to the present invention comprises organic EL devices and driving circuits for driving the organic EL devices. The driving circuit includes plural pixels each having a thin film transistor of which a threshold voltage reversibly changes due to the electrical stress applied between a gate terminal and a source terminal, and a voltage applying unit which sets gate potential of the thin film transistor higher than source potential. The voltage applying unit applies the electrical stress between the gate terminal and the source terminal at a time when the thin film transistor is not driven, so as to drive the thin film transistor in a region that the threshold voltage is saturated to the electrical stress.
US09041700B2 Stereoscopic display device
The stereoscopic display device has a display panel, a barrier liquid crystal panel disposed on the display panel, and a driving circuit for driving the display panel and the barrier liquid crystal panel, in which the frame frequency of the display panel and the alternating frequency of the barrier liquid crystal panel are different, the barrier liquid crystal panel is driven by a driving voltage input from the driving circuit, the driving circuit has an inverter circuit for outputting the driving voltage, independently controls a p-type transistor and an n-type transistor in the inverter circuit, and has time periods in which both the p-type transistor and the n-type transistor are turned off when the driving voltage is switched from a high level to a low level or a low level to a high level.
US09041699B2 Display device with touch sensor including signal processing circuit with photosensor
Provided is a display device that has a photodetection element in a pixel and can automatically correct a photosensor signal during operation, while resolving offset error with respect to the true black level or white level. As operation modes, a sensor row driver (5) has: (a) a sensor drive mode in which a sensor drive signal of a first pattern is supplied, and a photosensor signal that corresponds to the amount of light received by the photosensor is output to a signal processing circuit (8), and (b) a correction data acquisition mode in which a sensor drive signal of a second pattern that is different from the first pattern is supplied, and a correction photosensor signal level that corresponds to the case where the photosensor detected a black level or a white level is acquired. The photosensor signal levels obtained in the two modes while the ambient environment is controlled to a predetermined condition are stored in a memory. The signal processing circuit (8) corrects the photosensor signal in the sensor drive mode using the correction photosensor signal level that was corrected using the data for resolving offset.
US09041695B2 Projector and method of controlling projector
A projector can control a function in accordance with an operation of indicating a position if the operation is performed in a state in which an image is displayed. The projector projects an image on a screen based on a supply image supplied by an image source. The projector detects a position indicated on the screen using a position detection unit, and if the indication position detected is located within the operation area set previously, the projector controls the projection configuration of the image using a control section.
US09041692B2 Display device
A photosensor-equipped display device is provided having a combination of visible and non-visible light sources where a voltage drop is minimized when the non-visible light source is turned on. The display device includes: an active matrix substrate; photosensors (9) provided in a pixel region (4) of the active matrix substrate; white LEDs (3a) configured to cause an image to be displayed in the pixel region (4); infrared LEDs (3b) configured to emit light to be reflected and sensed by the photosensors; and a light source control circuit (13) configured to control on and off of the white LEDs (3a) and the infrared LEDs (3b). The light source control circuit (13) reduces an amount of drive current supplied to the white LEDs (3a) while the infrared LEDs (3b) are on to below an amount of drive current supplied to the white LEDs (3a) when the infrared LEDs (3b) are off.
US09041690B2 Channel waveguide system for sensing touch and/or gesture
This disclosure relates to a channel waveguide, at least a portion of which is disposed within a viewing area of an interactive display, proximate to and substantially parallel to a user interface surface of the interactive display. A source of a first electromagnetic or acoustic signal is input to the channel waveguide. At least one detector is configured to receive, from the channel waveguide, a second signal corresponding to the first signal and to output a third signal indicative of a position of an object proximate to the channel waveguide.
US09041687B2 Communication method for capacitive touch panel
A communication system is provided. A first device includes a first capacitive touch panel module. A second device includes a second capacitive touch panel module. A first overlapping area is formed when the second capacitive touch panel module of the second device is near to or contacts with the first capacitive touch panel module of the first device. The second device obtains data from the first device according to an electric field variation of the first overlapping area.
US09041677B2 Mobile terminal and method of controlling the same
A mobile terminal includes a touch screen display and a controller configured to perform a first operation in response to a first touch input received at the display from a first object; perform a second operation in response to a second touch input received at the display from a second object; distinguish between the first touch input and the second touch input when both the first object and the second object are in contact with the display; and perform a third operation that is different from both the first operation and the second operation based on a gesture of the first object when both the first object and the second object are in contact with the display.
US09041675B2 Smart watch for generating tactile feedback and method of controlling the same
A method of controlling a smart watch including a case and a band connected to the case is disclosed. The method includes displaying digital content on a display unit provided on a front surface of the case, detecting a length of a non-displayed portion of the digital content on the display unit, and generating first tactile feedback corresponding to the length of the non-displayed portion of the digital content on the display unit on a back surface of the band.
US09041671B2 Adaptive touch sensor control based on identification of attached accessory
A rechargeable touch sensor equipped device (102) is adapted to identify (1008) each of multiple external charging devices (118, 120, 122, 602) by an ID or other information received through an interface (230, 630) or to infer the identity (1020) based on location information derived from received wireless signals, the time and/or day. The rechargeable touch sensor equipped device (102) determines (1026) and records (1028) a touch screen operating frequency to be used when coupled to each external charging device (118, 120, 122, 602) at each battery charge state (or other indication of power draw) and in this way mitigates the adverse effect of variable charger generated noise on the operation of the touch screen.
US09041669B1 Input/output device
Interactive applications such as board games, puzzles, and so forth may utilize an input/output (“I/O”) device described herein. The physical I/O device may be configured to accept input via one or more sensors including touch and proximity sensors. In some implementations the surface of the I/O device may present data of the interactive application. Physical input tokens may be used in conjunction with the I/O device to receive input from a user.
US09041666B2 Touch panel and touch information determining method of touch panel
A touch panel and a contact information determining method of the touch panel. A touch panel includes a plurality of transmitting members arranged with a predetermined interval therebetween, and a first sensor and a second sensor positioned respectively at a first terminal and a second terminal of a transmitting member, wherein a transmission signal is transmitted to the first sensor and the second sensor, in response to a contact on the transmitting member.
US09041663B2 Selective rejection of touch contacts in an edge region of a touch surface
The selective rejection of touch contacts in an edge region of a touch sensor panel is disclosed. In addition, by providing certain exceptions to the rejection of edge contacts, the functionality of the touch sensor panel can be maximized. Contacts in edge bands around the perimeter of a touch sensor panel can be ignored. However, if a contact in the edge band moves beyond a threshold distance or speed, it can be recognized as part of a gesture. To accommodate different finger sizes, the size of the edge band can be modified based on the identification of the finger or thumb. Furthermore, if contacts in the center region of a touch sensor panel track the movement of contacts in the edge band, the contacts in the edge band can be recognized as part of a gesture.
US09041662B2 Touch sensitive device
A touch sensitive device comprising a panel capable of supporting bending waves, a user-accessible touch sensitive screen on or forming part of a face of the panel, the touch sensitive screen having a plurality of different sensing areas, a plurality of vibration exciters coupled to the panel to apply bending waves to the panel to provide tactile feedback at the plurality of sensing areas in response to the user touching a sensing area, and signal processing means arranged to apply signals to the vibration exciters so as to steer bending waves applied to the panel by the plurality of vibration exciters whereby the amplitude of the applied bending waves is maximized at the sensing area touched by the user and reduced or minimized at each other sensing area.
US09041660B2 Soft keyboard control
This document describes tools associated with soft keyboard control functions. In some implementations, the tools recognize a keyboard launch gesture on a touch sensitive screen and present a preview of a keyboard on the touch sensitive screen responsive to the launch gesture. The tools can also display the keyboard on the touch sensitive screen responsive to cessation of the launch gesture.
US09041656B2 Keyboard device for small size tablet personal computer
A keyboard device for a small size tablet personal computer is provided. The keyboard device includes a first casing, a connecting plate, and a second casing. The first casing includes a first keyboard plate and a first recess. The second casing includes a second keyboard plate and a second recess. The connecting plate is connected with the first casing and the second casing. Consequently, the second casing is rotatable relative to the first casing. The first keyboard plate and the second keyboard plate are collectively defined as a whole keyboard to be operated by both hands of the user. Moreover, the small size tablet personal computer is accommodated within the first recess and the second recess collaboratively.
US09041655B2 Display method for distinguishing multiple linking targets
A display method for distinguishing multiple linking target aims to switch data transmission link between an input device and at least two information processing systems through a plurality of transmission channels in a wireless transmission fashion. The input device includes a display module with a first display zone and a second display zone. The display method comprises steps of: detecting linkable information processing systems, setting transmission channels, determining a linking target and displaying information of linked transmission channel. Through the steps of detecting linkable information processing systems, setting transmission channels and determining a linking target, a data transmission link can be established with one of the information processing systems. Users can further display the device identification code through the step of displaying information of linked transmission channel to be informed of the information processing system currently linked to the input device.
US09041647B2 User interface device provided with surface haptic sensations
A user interface device includes a housing, a user input element supported by the housing, and a haptic output device supported by the housing. The haptic output device is configured to generate a haptic effect at a surface of the user interface device. The surface is part of the housing and/or the user input element. A processor disposed within the housing. The processor is configured to receive an input command from the user input element, communicate the input command to a host computer, receive an output command from the host computer, and output a haptic signal based on the output command to the haptic output device to generate the haptic effect at the surface.
US09041624B2 Method and apparatus for three-dimensional display of images
A method and device for three-dimensionally depicting images, in which a sequence of two-dimensional individual images are produced by means of a two-dimensional array, which consists of individually controllable light-emitting diodes (LED's) and which focuses light emitted by the LED's of the array onto a projection device. The light striking the projection device is focused onto a diffusing screen. While coupled to one another, the projection device and the diffusing screen are moved in a periodically reversing manner in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the screen plane, and the sequence of two-dimensional individual images are synchronized with the spatial position of the diffusing screen.
US09041622B2 Controlling a virtual object with a real controller device
Technology is described for controlling a virtual object displayed by a near-eye, augmented reality display with a real controller device. User input data is received from a real controller device requesting an action to be performed by the virtual object. A user perspective of the virtual object being displayed by the near-eye, augmented reality display is determined. The user input data requesting the action to be performed by the virtual object is applied based on the user perspective, and the action is displayed from the user perspective. The virtual object to be controlled by the real controller device may be identified based on user input data which may be from a natural user interface (NUI). A user selected force feedback object may also be identified, and the identification may also be based on NUI input data.
US09041620B2 Display device, display system, display control method for same, electronic device, program, computer-readable recording medium, and light guide element
An interface (303) between adjacent ones of light guide sections (310) is inclined with respect to an incident surface (301) and an emission surface (302) of the light guide element (300A) so that an incident surface (311) of at least a part of the light guide sections (310) overlaps a part of a display region (202) in a liquid crystal panel (200A) and an emission surface (312) of said at least a part of the light guide sections (310) overlaps at least a part of a frame region (203) above which an image on the display region (202) is to be displayed. Furthermore, a relation 5°<θ<85° is met, where θ indicates an angle between a direction of a borderline between adjacent light guide sections (310) on a plan view and a direction in which pixels (201) adjacent to the frame region (203) are aligned.
US09041619B2 Antenna with variable distributed capacitance
Electronic devices may be provided with antennas. An antenna may be formed from conductive antenna structures that include a frequency-dependent distributed capacitor. The antenna may include an antenna ground and an antenna resonating element that are separated by a gap. A low pass filter circuit may bridge the gap. The antenna resonating element may have antenna resonating element conductive structures that serve as first and second electrodes for the distributed capacitor. The second electrode may have first and second conductive elements coupled by a filter. The filter may be a low pass filter implemented using an inductor. The inductor may have a first terminal coupled to the first conductive element and a second terminal coupled to the second conductive element. A first antenna feed terminal may be coupled to the first conductive element and a second antenna feed terminal may be coupled to the antenna ground.
US09041618B2 Three-dimensional multiple spiral antenna and applications thereof
A three-dimensional multiple spiral antenna includes a substrate, a plurality of spiral antenna sections, and a feed point module. The substrate has a three-dimensional shaped region and each spiral antenna section is supported by a corresponding section of the three-dimensional shaped region and conforms to the corresponding section of the three-dimensional shaped region such that, collectively, the spiral antenna sections have an overall shape approximating a three-dimensional shape. The feed point module is coupled to a connection point of at least one of the spiral antenna sections.
US09041617B2 Methods and apparatus for controlling tunable antenna systems
An electronic device may include an adjustable power supply, at least one antenna, and associated antenna tuning circuitry. The antenna tuning circuitry may be an integral part of the antenna and may include a control circuit and at least one tunable element. The tunable element may include radio-frequency switches, continuously/semi-continuously adjustable components such as tunable resistors, inductors, and capacitors, and other load circuits that provide desired impedance characteristics. The power supply may provide power supply voltage signals to the antenna tuning circuitry via inductive coupling. The power supply voltage signals may be modulated according to a predetermined lookup table during device startup so that the control circuit is configured to generate desired control signals. These control signals adjust the tunable element so that the antenna can support wireless operation in desired frequency bands.
US09041616B2 High-strength microwave antenna assemblies
Various high-strength microwave antenna assemblies are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. Antenna rigidity comes from placing distal and proximal radiating portions in a pre-stressed state, assembling them via threaded or overlapping joints, or fixedly attaching an inner conductor to the distal portion. The inner conductor is affixed to the distal portion by, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, or by adhesives. A junction member made from a hard dielectric material, e.g., ceramic, can be placed between the two portions and can have uniform or non-uniform shapes to accommodate varying antenna designs. Electrical chokes may also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antenna.
US09041614B2 RF aperture coldplate
An RF aperture coldplate for positioning in heat transfer proximity to heat-generating elements of an RF antenna system is presented. The RF aperture coldplate has a front side and a rear side. The RF aperture coldplate includes waveguides each forming an opening therethrough from the front side to the rear side, and passages substantially around the waveguides. The passages are configured to conduct cooling medium around the waveguides and between the front side and the rear side of the RF aperture coldplate.
US09041611B2 Impedance matching method for a multiband antenna, and transmission or receiver channel having automatic matching
An automatic antenna impedance matching method for a radiofrequency transmission circuit. An impedance matching network is inserted between an amplifier and an antenna. The output current and voltage of the amplifier and their phase difference are measured by a variable measurement impedance, and the complex load impedance of the amplifier is deduced from this; the impedance of the antenna is calculated as a function of this complex impedance and as a function of the known current values of the impedances of the matching network. Starting from the value found for the impedance of the antenna, new values of the matching network are calculated that allow the load to be matched to the nominal impedance of the amplifier. The measurement impedance has a value controllable by the calculation processor according to the application and notably as a function of the operating frequency and of the nominal impedance of the amplifier.
US09041610B1 Dynamic antenna pattern measurement method
A dynamic antenna pattern measurement method. Embodiments of the invention provide for nanosecond or better time resolution and milliradian angular resolution of the dynamic radiation pattern of an antenna under test over the predetermined solid angle scan (up to 4 π steradians) of the dynamic radiation pattern.
US09041609B2 Thin-film antenna with power-limiting fuse
An antenna has a radiator formed entirely of thin film and adapted to receive and transmit radio-frequency signals, a connector also formed of thin film and adapted for connection to a transmitter, and a fuse formed of the same thin film as the radiator and connector and connected therebetween. The fuse is of a narrower width than the antenna and connector parts and so dimensioned as to melt if a radio-frequency signal greater than a predetermined magnitude is transmitted through it from the connector part to the radiator part.
US09041606B2 Uninterrupted bezel antenna
A bezel forms a continuous, uninterrupted outer perimeter around the outside of a handheld radio device. The bezel is made of an electrically conductive material and is used as an antenna element. The bezel can be operated in either a common excitation mode or a differential excitation mode, depending on whether a user is presently holding the device, and making contact with the bezel.
US09041604B2 Apparatus and method for producing a multi-pattern wireless frame
Multi-pattern transmission of frames. The method of operations comprises transmitting a first portion of a frame using a first radiation pattern. The frame comprises one or more preambles and a single data portion associated with the one or more preambles. Thereafter, an operation is conducted to switch the radiation pattern from the first radiation pattern, used to produce the first portion of the frame, to a second radiation pattern. A second portion of the same frame is produced using the second radiation pattern.
US09041603B2 Method and apparatus for doubling the capacity of a lens-based switched beam antenna system
A lens-based switched beam antenna system including a beam-forming lens, and a beam port router coupled to the beam-forming lens, including a plurality of beam ports, and configured to transmit beams via corresponding ones of the beam ports, wherein a first group of the beam ports corresponds to a first signal, and wherein a second group of the beam ports corresponds to a second signal.
US09041601B2 GNSS state machine searching received signal, moving bits, updating registers
Enhancing search capacity of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. A method for searching satellite signals in a receiver includes performing a plurality of searches sequentially. The method also includes storing a result from each search of the plurality of searches in a consecutive section of a memory. Further, the method includes detecting free sections in the memory. The method also includes concatenating the free sections in the memory to yield a concatenated free section. Moreover, the method includes allocating the concatenated free section for performing an additional search.
US09041600B2 Use of GPS to detect repetitive motion
A system mounted to an object for detecting repetitive motion of the object. The system includes a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals while being maneuvered in a repetitive motion by the object, and a processor for detecting repetitive phase shifts in the received GPS signals. In general, the system computes the repetitive motion of the GPS receiver based on the repetitive phase shifts.
US09041596B2 Multibeam radar apparatus for vehicle, multibeam radar method and multibeam radar program
An on-board multibeam radar apparatus includes a plurality of beam elements that constitute an antenna transmitting a transmission wave and receiving an incoming wave reflected by and arriving from a target in response to the transmission wave, and a processing unit configured to apply a Fourier transformation to beam element data which are data of a received wave received through the plurality of beam elements based on the number of elements and the element interval of a desired virtual array antenna so as to create virtual array data, and to perform a predetermined process based on the created virtual array data.
US09041592B2 Radar sensor and method of detecting object using the same
A radar sensor and a method of detecting an object by using the same are provided. The method includes: receiving at least one radar signal reflected from the object; converting the received at least one radar signal to at least one signal in a frequency domain; accumulating the converted at least one signal for a predetermined time and extracting at least one feature from the accumulated at least one signal; and identifying the object by comparing the extracted at least one feature with at least one reference value stored in a database.
US09041588B2 Object detection device and object detection method
Disclosed is an object detection device capable of improving object detection accuracy by preventing erroneous combination detection. In this device, a detection object region correction unit (103) corrects a detection object region set by a detection object region set unit (102) on the basis of moving speed map information associated with a coordinate group in a reference image plane and the detected moving speed on each coordinate, which is detected by a radar. Thus, the detection object region can be amended by the use of the moving speed map information even when the detection object region is obtained as a result of erroneous combination. As a result, the object detection accuracy can be improved.
US09041580B2 Solid-state imaging apparatus and semiconductor device
The present invention provides a small-sized inexpensive solid-state imaging apparatus. A D/A converter included in a successive comparison type A/D converter of the solid-state imaging apparatus includes a multiplexer which selects any of reference voltages VR0 to VR16 and sets it as an analog reference signal when coarse A/D conversion is performed, and which selects reference voltages VR (n−1) to VR (n+2) of the reference voltages VR0 to VR16 when fine A/C conversion is performed, and a capacitor array which generates an analog reference signal, based on the reference voltages VR (n−1) to VR (n+2) when the fine A/D conversion is performed. It is thus possible to reduce settling errors in reference voltage without using redundant capacitors.
US09041579B2 Analog-to-digital conversion in pixel arrays
An analog-to-digital converter for generating an output digital value equivalent to the difference between a first analog signal level (Vres) and a second analog signal level (Vsig) comprises at least one input for receiving the first analog signal level and the second analog signal level, an input for receiving a ramp signal and an input for receiving at least one clock signal. A set of N counters, where N≧2, are arranged to use N clock signals which are offset in phase from one another. A control stage is arranged to enable the N counters based on a comparison of the ramp signal with the first analog signal level (Vres) and the second analog signal level (Vsig). An output stage is arranged to output the digital value which is a function of values accumulated by the N counters during a period when they are enabled.
US09041576B2 Circuit and method
Embodiments of the present invention create a circuit having a digital-to-time converter with a high-frequency input for receiving a high-frequency signal, a digital input for receiving a first digital signal, and a high-frequency output for the provision of a chronologically delayed version of the HF signal. In addition, the circuit has an oscillator arrangement for the provision of the high-frequency signal, having a phase-locked loop for adjusting a frequency of the high-frequency signal. The digital-to-time converter is designed to chronologically delay the received high-frequency signal based on the first digital signal received at its digital input.
US09041572B1 Testing a digital-to-analog converter
Testing a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), where the test is carried out iteratively for a plurality of digital test signal values, includes: providing the digital test signal to a DAC under test and to a servo; providing, by the DAC under test to a summer, an analog test signal, including converting the digital test signal to the analog test signal; providing, by the summer to an observation latch, a summed signal, including summing the analog test signal and an analog offset signal, the analog offset signal received from a second DAC; providing, by the observation latch to the servo, a sample of the summed signal; providing, by the servo to the second DAC in dependence upon the sample and the digital test signal, a digital offset signal, where the second DAC converts the digital offset signal to the analog offset signal; and storing, as a digital observation, the digital offset signal.
US09041571B2 Flexible ADC calibration technique using ADC capture memory
Systems and methods are provided for calibrating an analog to digital converter (ADC) using one or more feedback mechanisms. In an embodiment, a capture memory module captures a portion of ADC data and post-processes the captured data using a microprocessor to perform calibration. Using the microprocessor, the capture memory module calibrates the ADC until the output of the ADC is within a desired range. In an embodiment, the capture memory module also captures a portion of data output from a digital correction module and post-processes this captured data using the microprocessor. Using the microprocessor, the capture memory module calibrates the digital correction module until the output of the digital correction module is within a desired range.
US09041556B2 Method for locating a vehicle
A portable computing device can be used to locate a vehicle in a parking structure. In particular, the portable computing device can communicate with a parking system that manages the parking structure and/or with a vehicle in order to locate the vehicle. Communications between the portable computing device, parking system and vehicle can be based on one or more wireless connections, such as Bluetooth and/or Bluetooth LE connections.
US09041554B2 Method and system for improved traffic signage
An improved traffic sign is discussed. The traffic sign includes road reflectors, which reflect available light towards a driver indicating road lane divisions. A sensor module coupled with a vehicle can convert the reflected light to a binary word. The sensor module can further convert the binary word into traffic information, wherein a vehicle-mounted display displays information selected from received traffic information based on priority, time of receipt, and relevance. The improved traffic sign can also include an RFID tag configured to transmit traffic information to a vehicle-mounted receiver.
US09041553B2 Information processing device, terminal device, information processing method, and status display method
There is provided an information processing device including a difference information acquiring unit that acquires, for one or a plurality of first vehicles that travel according to a content of reference information including a predetermined traveling speed or arrival time, difference information representing a difference between an actual traveling speed or arrival time in each of the first vehicles and the content of the reference information, and a road status analyzing unit that analyzes a road status in a predetermined region using difference information related to the first vehicles present in the predetermined region.
US09041552B2 Automobile blind spot detection system and method
A system is provided for detecting a blind spot for a driver of a vehicle. The system includes a side mirror. The side mirror is arranged on a body of the vehicle and includes a side mirror body, a mirror, and a supporting structure. The system also includes a detection system. The detection system is physically coupled with the side mirror to detect an object in a detection zone of the detection system. The detection zone covers the blind spot, and the detection system includes a detection module, an alert indicator, and a control module. The detection module includes at least one of a transmitter and a receiver, and the alert indicator is configured to send an alert light to the driver at a predetermined angle such that the alert light does not interfere with drivers of other vehicles close to the vehicle.
US09041549B2 Remotely readable valve position indicators
Remotely readable valve position indicators and related methods are described. An example apparatus in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure includes a valve body, a valve stem and a fluid flow control apparatus coupled to the valve stem. The fluid flow control apparatus is longitudinally displaceable between a first position and a second position to control fluid flow through a flow aperture of the valve body. The apparatus also includes a valve position indicator including an identifier device coupled to the valve stem. In the first position, the wireless identifier device associated with a first value indicative of the first position of the fluid flow control apparatus. In the second position, the wireless identifier device associated with a second value indicative of the second position of the fluid flow control apparatus.
US09041545B2 Audio awareness apparatus, system, and method of using the same
The present invention relates to an apparatus that senses the intensity of sounds and the velocity of objects. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that may prevent an audio signal from reaching a user, make a warning noise, or otherwise alert the user when a object is noisy and/or approaching the user at a threatening rate. More specifically, the present invention takes data from the surrounding area and compares it to one or more thresholds to determine an object's threat level. The present invention relates to one or more speakers, and includes, generally, one or more microphones to receive and measure the intensity of surrounding noises and one or more range sensors to detect distance, velocity, and acceleration.
US09041543B2 Inattentive state determination apparatus and method of determining inattentive state
An inattentive state determination apparatus being placed in a vehicle includes an image taking section, an orientation detection section, a determination section, a warning section, a shape detection section, and a setting section. The image taking section successively takes images of a face of a determination target. Based on the images, the orientation detection section and the shape detection section detect a determination target orientation and a hand shape, respectively. The determination section determines whether the determination target is in an inattentive state based on the determination target orientation by determining an inattentive state determination condition. The warning section notifies the inattentive state by outputting an audio warning corresponding to a parameter of the audio warning. The setting section sets at least one of the inattentive state determination condition and the parameter of the audio warning based on the hand shape and the determination target orientation.
US09041542B2 System and method for detecting and preventing drowsiness
A system for preventing drowsiness in a driver by employing a thermal grill. The system includes a detection module and an intervention module. The detection module monitors a driver's parameters to determine whether the driver is drowsy. If the driver is determined to be drowsy, the intervention module activates a thermal grill with interlaced hot and cold regions. This activation causes the hot regions to approach one temperature and the cold regions to approach another. Additionally, this activation leads to an uncomfortable sensation for the driver, alerts the driver, and prevents the driver from getting drowsy.
US09041535B2 Signal blocking detection in offender monitoring systems
An electronic monitoring device for monitoring an individual and detecting signal blocking. The electronic monitoring device may be equipped with GPS and/or RF communication technology that may be interrupted intentionally or unintentionally. The device compares sampled incident energy with a reference level to identify an occurrence of blocking the transmitter signal. The device may also base determination of a signal blocking occurrence on input from a status detection module. Status information is also leveraged to intelligently calibrate the device to more robustly determine a tampering event.
US09041532B1 Methods and systems for managing wireless devices
Systems and methods for managing patient monitoring devices are disclosed. Patient information is transmitted from a patient sensor operatively coupled to a patient to a patient monitor. The patient sensor and the patient monitor are communicatively coupled over a communications network available in a designated monitoring area. Further, loss of the patient sensor from the designated monitoring area is detected by one or more of the patient sensor, the patient monitor and a user. One or more loss prevention indicators are initiated at the patient sensor upon detecting the loss of the patient sensor. Additionally, the loss prevention indicators are communicated to indicate location of the lost patient sensor.
US09041531B1 Identifying the presence of an individual near medical radiation emitting equipment
Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a radiation safety system comprising radiation emitting medical equipment; a radiation safety system controller connected to the radiation emitting medical equipment through a first communication means configured to determine a number of people within a radiation room housing the radiation emitting medical equipment and prevent the radiation emitting medical equipment from performing radiation emitting functions if the radiation safety system controller determines that more people than a maximum allowed number of people are presently in the radiation room; and a scanner connected to the radiation safety controller through a second communication means configured to detect people in the radiation room and communicate to the radiation safety system controller that a person has been detected.
US09041530B2 Biometric attribute anomaly detection system with adjusting notifications
A system, methods and server for monitoring health and safety of individuals in a population and sending alert notifications when exceptions are detected include comparing biometric data obtained from the individuals to a biometric model generated for the individual through computer-learning methods. Biometric data may be gathered by wireless biometric sensor devices which transmit biometric data to receiver devices, which relay the biometric data to a server. The biometric model may be maintained in the server and include nominal and threshold biometric parameters for each individual based on biometric sensor data gathered or analyzed over a period of time. An alert may be issued by the server when an individual's biometric data is outside a threshold in the biometric model. The transmitted alert may depend upon the nature of the exception, user settings and past notification experience. Alerts may be escalated when not answered within defined durations.
US09041528B2 Bridge device for use in a system for monitoring protective headgear
A bridge device includes a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver that receives event data via an incoming RF signal from protective headgear in response to an impact event at the protective headgear, wherein the incoming RF signal is formatted in accordance with a first wireless protocol. A second RF transceiver transmits the event data in accordance with a second wireless protocol to a first monitoring device.
US09041526B2 Directional indicator for a vehicle
A directional indicator includes a momentary type turn signal lever supported to undergo a swing operation and automatically returning to a neutral position after the swing operation, a turn switch operated by the swing operation of the turn signal lever in a first zone for generating a turn signal for informing a driving direction of a vehicle and for setting an auto turn cancel mode for automatically canceling the turn signal, a manual switch operated by the swing operation of the turn signal lever in a second zone for setting a manual mode for manually canceling the turn signal, and a turn signal control section for controlling cancellation of the turn signal based on an operating state of the turn switch and the manual switch.
US09041520B2 Haptic information presentation system and method
A system and method are disclosed in which in a conventional non-grounding man-machine interface having no reaction base on the human body and for giving the existence of a virtual object and the impact force of a collision to a person, a haptic sensation of a torque, a force and the like can be continuously presented in the same direction, which can not be presented by only the physical characteristic of a haptic sensation presentation device. In a haptic presentation device, the rotation velocity of at least one rotator in the haptic presentation device is controlled by a control device, and a vibration, a force or a torque as the physical characteristic is controlled, so that the user is made to conceive various haptic information of the vibration, force, torque or the like.
US09041518B2 Portable RFID reading terminal with visual indication of scan trace
A portable radio-frequency identifier (RFID) reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an RFID reading device, and a display. The portable RFID reading terminal can be configured to display a scan trace provided by a line comprising a plurality of time varying points. Each point can be defined by a projection of a radio frequency (RF) signal coverage shape of the RFID reading device onto a chosen plane at a given moment in time.
US09041512B2 Electronic key
Provided is an electronic key in which a waterproof rubber can be prevented from getting damaged at the time of assembling various parts into an upper case. This electronic key includes: upper case (10) and lower case (20) that fit together and seal the interior thereof; inner case (30) covered by upper case (10) and lower case (20) and having, on the lower-surface side thereof, battery (39) that drives an electronic circuit performing communication with the exterior; waterproof rubber (40) covering the upper-surface side of inner case (30); upper-case projection (18) that projects from the inner wall of upper case (10); and waterproof-rubber outer-wall recess (45) that is recessed in the outer wall surface of waterproof rubber (40) and receives upper-case projection (18). A space is provided between upper-case projection (18) and waterproof-rubber outer-wall recess (45).
US09041510B2 Capacitive data transfer in an electronic lock and key assembly
An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry.
US09041507B2 Surface mountable over-current protection device
A surface mountable over-current protection device comprises one PTC material layer, first and second conductive layers, first and second electrodes, and an insulating layer. The PTC material layer comprises crystalline polymer and conductive filler dispersed therein. The first and second conductive layers are disposed on first and second planar surfaces of the PTC material layer, respectively. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second conductive layers. The insulating layer is disposed between the first and the second electrodes for insulation. At the melting point of the crystalline polymer, the CTE of the crystalline polymer is greater than 100 times the CTE of the first or second conductive layer, and the first and/or second conductive layers has a thickness which is large enough to obtain a resistance jump value R3/Ri less than 1.4.
US09041506B2 Multilayer inductor and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein are a multilayer power inductor and a method of manufacturing the same. The multilayer power inductor includes a multilayer body formed by multi-layering a plurality of body sheets; a coil portion including internal electrode patterns that are respectively formed on the plurality of body sheets; and external electrodes that are disposed on lateral surfaces of the multilayer body and are electrically connected to both ends of the coil portion, wherein a space portion is formed in the internal electrode pattern to correspond to contraction of the plurality of body sheet. The multilayer power inductor relieves internal stress generated in a product through the space portion so as to prevent the body sheet from being magnetized due to the internal stress, thereby preventing a reduction in inductance. The multilayer inductor may also be manufactured by using conventional manufacturing processes themselves without any influence on the productivity of a product.
US09041505B2 System and method for a coreless transformer
In accordance with an embodiment, a transformer includes a first coil disposed in a first conductive layer on a first side of a first dielectric layer, and a second coil disposed in a second conductive layer on a second side of the first dielectric layer. Each coil has a first end disposed inside its respective coil and a second end disposed at an outer perimeter of its respective coil. A first crossover disposed in the second conductive layer is directly connected to the first end of the first coil and extends past the outer perimeter of the first coil. In addition, a second crossover disposed in the first conductive layer is directly connected to the first end of the second coil and extends past the outer perimeter of the second coil.
US09041504B2 Polyphase converter with magnetically coupled phases
Polyphase converter, comprising a plurality of electrical phases (11 to 16), which can each be driven by switching means (21 to 26), wherein at least one coupling means (31 to 39) is provided, which magnetically couples at least one first phase (11) to at least one further phase (12, 14, 16), wherein at least two phases (11, 12) to be coupled are surrounded at least partially by the coupling means (31), wherein at least one insulating body (72) is provided, which on the upper or lower side thereof accommodates the phases (11 to 16) to be coupled and on which at least one fastening means (74, 76, 90) is provided, which interacts with at least one of the phases (11 to 16) for fastening purposes.
US09041491B2 Capacitive device and resonance circuit
To provide a capacitive device capable of accurately securing a capacitance value, a variable capacitive device capable of sufficiently securing a capacity variability rate, and a resonance circuit that uses the capacitive devices. A capacitive device includes a capacitive device body constituted of a dielectric layer and at least a pair of capacitive device electrodes that sandwich the dielectric layer and cause a desired electric field in the dielectric layer; and stress adjustment portions to adjust a stress caused in the dielectric layer of the capacitive device body.
US09041489B2 Signal transmission cable and flexible printed board
A signal transmission cable includes a multi-layer parallel transmission path, a single-layer parallel transmission path, and a single-layer/multi-layer conversion section. The multi-layer parallel transmission path includes two or more dielectric waveguides stacked in upper and lower directions. Each dielectric waveguide includes a dielectric layer formed of a dielectric substance, two conductive layers formed to sandwich the dielectric layer, and two quasi-conductive walls. The two quasi-conductive walls include a plurality of via-holes electrically connected to the two conductive layers. The dielectric waveguides are arranged sharing the conductive layers in contact in the upper and lower directions. The single-layer parallel transmission path includes the two or more dielectric waveguides arranged in left- and right-hand directions on the same dielectric layer and conductive layer. The single-layer/multi-layer conversion section transmits a signal transmitted by each dielectric waveguide in the single-layer parallel transmission path to each dielectric waveguide in the multi-layer parallel transmission path.
US09041488B2 Adjustable waveguide busbar
A waveguide busbar for conducting microwaves includes a group input for coupling in a group microwave signal, a plurality of filter inputs for coupling in a plurality of microwave signals, a dual waveguide that comprises a first single waveguide and a second single waveguide. The plurality of filter inputs are disposed along the dual waveguide, as well as at least one adjustable coupling member that provides a connection between the first single waveguide and the second single waveguide and that is configured such that it adjusts a phase length of the connection.
US09041485B2 High frequency electronic component
An electronic component includes: a first circuit connected to a first common terminal for inputting/outputting a first signal set, a second common terminal for inputting/outputting a second signal set having a frequency higher than the first signal set, and a third common terminal for being connected to an antenna; and a second circuit connected in parallel to the first circuit between the first and second common terminals, wherein the first circuit includes a first filter transmitting the first signal set and reflecting the second signal set, and a second filter transmitting the second signal set and reflecting the first signal set, the third common terminal is located between the first and second filters, and the second circuit reflects a first transmission signal and a second transmission signal, transmits parts of the first and second transmission signals, and inverts phases of the parts of the first and second transmission signals.
US09041481B2 Artificial microstructure and artificial electromagnetic material using the same
The present invention provides an artificial microstructure employed in an artificial electromagnetic material. The artificial microstructure includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The first segment is parallel to the second segment, and the third segment is connected between the first segment and the second segment. The artificial electromagnetic material has a special electromagnetic effect. The artificial electromagnetic material can be applied to various electromagnetic application systems instead of the typical electromagnetic material.
US09041474B2 Phase locked loop with bandwidth control
A phase locked loop (PLL) includes a first loop, a second loop, and a lock detector. The first loop locks a feedback signal having a frequency equal to a fraction of a frequency of an output signal to a reference signal in phase. The first loop has a first bandwidth. The second loop locks the feedback signal to the reference signal in frequency and has a second bandwidth. The first bandwidth is higher than the second bandwidth. The lock detector is coupled to the second loop and increases the second bandwidth in response to detecting that the feedback signal is not locked to the reference signal.
US09041471B2 Power distortion-based servo control systems for frequency tuning RF power sources
A radio frequency system includes a power amplifier that outputs a radio frequency signal to a matching network via a transmission line between the power amplifier and the matching network. A sensor monitors the radio frequency signal and generates first sensor signals based on the radio frequency signal. A distortion module determines a first distortion value according to at least one of (i) a sinusoidal function of the first sensor signals and (ii) a cross-correlation function of the first sensor signals. A first correction circuit (i) generates a first impedance tuning value based on the first distortion value and a first predetermined value, and (ii) provides feedforward control of impedance matching performed within the matching network including outputting the first impedance tuning value to one of the power amplifier and the matching network.
US09041466B2 Multimode differential amplifier biasing system
Differential power amplifier circuitry includes a differential transistor pair, an input transformer, and biasing circuitry. The base contact of each transistor in the differential transistor pair may be coupled to the input transformer through a coupling capacitor. The coupling capacitors may be designed to resonate with the input transformer about a desired frequency range, thereby passing desirable signals to the differential transistor pair while blocking undesirable signals. The biasing circuitry may include a pair of emitter follower transistors, each coupled at the emitter to the base contact of each one of the transistors in the differential transistor pair and adapted to bias the differential transistor pair to maximize efficiency and stability.
US09041459B2 Partial adiabatic conversion
Operation of a charge pump is controlled to optimize power conversion efficiency by using an adiabatic mode with some operating characteristics and a non-adiabatic mode with other characteristics. The control is implemented by controlling a configurable circuit at the output of the charge pump.
US09041457B2 Electronic apparatus having a diode connected to a control terminal of a switching element
An electronic apparatus includes a switching element which has a control terminal and is driven by controlling voltage of the control terminal, a driving power supply circuit which supplies voltage required for driving the switching element, an on-driving circuit which is connected to the driving power supply circuit and the control terminal of the switching element and is supplied with voltage from the driving power supply circuit, and which applies a constant current to the control terminal of the switching element to charge the control terminal, thereby turning on the switching element, and at least one diode which is connected between the on-driving circuit and the control terminal of the switching element. The on-driving circuit applies a constant current to the control terminal of the switching element through the diode.
US09041451B2 Resonant clock distribution network architecture for tracking parameter variations in conventional clock distribution networks
A resonant clock distribution network architecture is proposed that enables a resonant clock network to track the impact of parameter variations on the insertion delay of a conventional clock distribution network, thus limiting clock skew between the two networks and yielding increased performance. Such a network is generally applicable to semiconductor devices with various clock frequencies, and high-performance and low-power clocking requirements such as microprocessors, ASICs, and SOCs.
US09041450B2 Low-power dual-edge-triggered storage cell with scan test support and clock gating circuit therefore
A storage cell having a pulse generator and a storage element is proposed. The storage element input is connected to receive a data input signal. The storage element output is connected to provide a data output signal. The storage element is operable in one of a data retention state and a data transfer state in response to a storage control signal received from the pulse generator. The pulse generator is connected to receive a clock signal with rising and falling clock signal edges and is adapted to provide control pulses in the storage control signal. Each control pulse has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The control pulses have a polarity suited to invoke the data transfer state on their leading edges. The novel feature is that the pulse generator is adapted to initiate a rising-edge control pulse when receiving a rising clock signal edge and to initiate a falling-edge control pulse when receiving a falling clock signal edge. In this way, a dual-edge-triggered flip-flop may be made using only combinatorial logic circuitry and one level- or single-edge-triggered storage element. The storage cell has low power consumption, facilitates scan testing and can be used by existing design tools and test equipment.
US09041446B2 Power savings mode for memory systems
A system and method are disclosed to accomplish power savings in an electronic device, such as a memory chip, by performing selective frequency locking and subsequent instantaneous frequency switching in the DLL (delay locked loop) used for clock synchronization in the electronic device. By locking the DLL at a slow clock frequency, the operational frequency may be substantially instantaneously switched to an integer-multiplied frequency of the initial locking frequency without losing the DLL lock point. This DLL locking methodology allows for faster frequency changes from higher (during normal operation) to lower (during a power saving mode) clock frequencies without resorting to gradual frequency slewing to conserve power and maintain DLL locking. Hence, a large power reduction may be accomplished substantially instantaneously without adding complexity to the system clock generator. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used in construing the claims.
US09041445B1 Feedback for delay lock loop
The present invention is directed to signal processing system and electrical circuits. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a DLL system that provides phase correction by determining a system offset based on phase differences among the delay lines. The offset is used as a part of a feedback loop to provide phase corrections for the delay lines. There are other embodiments as well.
US09041444B1 Time-to-digital convertor-assisted phase-locked loop spur mitigation
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for compensating for an undesired fractional spur due to a PLL in a communication system. The communication system includes a time-to-digital converter (TDC) that is configured to execute in parallel to the PLL. The TDC is configured to determine a phase difference between a reference frequency and an output oscillation signal provided by the PLL. The phase difference is received by a processor to estimate particular characteristics of the undesired fractional spur, and the estimate of the characteristics is used to construct an estimate of the undesired fractional spur.
US09041442B2 Semiconductor device and method for driving the same
A semiconductor device including an integrator circuit, in which electric discharge from a capacitor can be reduced to shorten time required for charging the capacitor in the case where supply of power supply voltage is stopped and restarted, and a method for driving the semiconductor device are provided. One embodiment has a structure in which a transistor with small off-state current is electrically connected in series to a capacitor in an integrator circuit. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, a transistor with small off-state current is electrically connected in series to a capacitor in an integrator circuit; the transistor is on in a period during which power supply voltage is supplied; and the transistor is off in a period during which supply of the power supply voltage is stopped.
US09041433B2 System and method for driving transistors
In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor having a reference node coupled to an output node of the first transistor, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to couple a second reference node to a control terminal of the second transistor during a first mode of operation, couple a floating reference voltage between the control terminal of the second transistor and the reference terminal of the second transistor during a second mode of operation and during a third mode of operation, and couple a third reference node to the reference terminal of the second transistor during the third mode of operation. The second reference node is configured to have a voltage potential operable to turn-on the second transistor, and the floating reference voltage is operable to turn on the second transistor.
US09041432B2 Clock multiplexing and repeater network
A system on chip (SOC) includes a clock generator to provide one or more on-chip reference clocks to a number of physical medium attachments (PMAs) across a common clock bus. The clock generator receives one or more external, off-chip clock lines, from which it generates the on-chip reference clocks. Each of the PMAs may operate data input/output (I/O) channels under a variety of different communications protocols, which can have common or distinct reference clock frequencies. Accordingly, the on-chip reference clocks are generated to provide the required reference clocks to each of the PMAs.
US09041431B1 Partial reconfiguration and in-system debugging
Embedded logic is implemented in a partially reconfigurable programmable logic device (PLD), thus allowing debugging of implemented instantiations of logic after partial reconfiguration. Several instantiations of logic are received at the PLD. One instantiation of logic is implemented in a reconfigurable region of logic within the PLD. The instantiation of logic includes a port that provides a constant interface between the reconfigurable region of logic and a fixed region of logic within the PLD. The port may receive signals from probe points implemented within the reconfigurable region of logic. The port may provide the signals to a signal interface implemented within a fixed region of logic. Furthermore, an embedded logic analyzer may be implemented in either the reconfigurable region of logic or the fixed region of logic. The embedded logic analyzer receives signals from the probe points and provides signal visibility to an external computing system.
US09041430B2 Operational time extension
An integrated circuit (IC) with a novel configurable routing fabric is provided. The configurable routing fabric has signal paths that propagate signals between user registers on user clock cycles. Each signal path includes a set of configurable storage elements and a set of configurable logic elements. Each configurable storage element in the path is reconfigurable on every sub-cycle of the user clock cycle to either store an incoming signal or to pass the incoming signal transparently.
US09041425B2 Detecting circuit for pixel electrode voltage of flat panel display device
A detecting circuit for pixel electrode voltage of a flat panel display device, the flat panel display device having a plurality of scanning lines and a plurality of data lines crossing with the plurality of scanning lines, the plurality of scanning lines and data lines define a plurality of pixel units, and each of the pixel units including a pixel switching element and a pixel electrode. The detecting circuit for pixel electrode voltage includes at least one detecting sub-circuit for pixel electrode voltage. The detecting sub-circuit for pixel electrode voltage includes: a signal amplifying unit connected with the pixel electrode in the pixel unit, for amplifying a voltage signal of the pixel electrode; and a signal detecting unit connected with the signal amplifying unit, for detecting the voltage signal of the pixel electrode that has been amplified by the signal amplifying unit, and outputting a variation in the voltage signal of the pixel electrode with time. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has advantages of simple detecting circuit structure and accurate detection result.
US09041424B2 Interface and apparatus for inspecting electrical characteristics of wafer
The wafer inspection interface 18 includes a probe card 20 having a multiple number of probes 25; a fixing ring 21 configured to hold the probe card 20; a chuck top 23 disposed to face the probe card 20 with a wafer W therebetween; an outer seal ring 24 provided to hermetically seal an outer space 27 surrounded by the fixing ring 21, the probe card 20 and the chuck top 23; an outer depressurization path 29 through which the outer space 27 is depressurized; an inner seal ring 26 provided to hermetically seal an inner space 28 surrounded by the probe card 20 and the wafer W; and an inner depressurization path 30 through which the inner space 28 is depressurized. Further, the inner space 28 may be surrounded by the outer space 27, and the wafer W is disposed within the inner space 28.
US09041423B2 Semiconductor apparatus and testing method thereof
A semiconductor apparatus includes a through via and a comparison unit. The through via is electrically connected with another chip. The comparison unit includes a reference capacitor, and compares a capacitance value of the through via and a capacitance value of the reference capacitor in response to a test start signal and a reset signal and generates a comparison result.
US09041421B2 IC, circuitry, and RF BIST system
An IC, a circuitry, and an RF BIST system are provided. The RF BIST system includes a test equipment, a module circuitry, and an IC. The IC is arranged to communicate with the module circuitry by an RF signal in response to a command signal from the test equipment, determine a test result by the RF signal, and report the test result to the test equipment, wherein the module circuitry is external to the IC and the test equipment.
US09041420B2 Systems and methods for characterizing a molecule
Techniques for characterizing a molecule are described herein. In one example, a portion of the molecule is trapped in a nanopore, a variable voltage is applied across the nanopore until the trapped portion of molecule is moved within the nanopore, and the molecule is characterized based on the electrical stimulus required to affect movement of at least a portion of the trapped portion of the molecule within the nanopore.
US09041418B2 Input device with force sensing
Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first substrate with proximity sensor electrodes and at least a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate. A second substrate is physically coupled to the first substrate, where the second substrate comprises a spring feature and an electrode component. The electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component. The spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance. A measure of the variable capacitance may be calculated and used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the input device.
US09041410B2 Wind turbine blade with lightning protection system
A wind turbine blade with a lightning protection for a blade with a shell body has at least one lightning receptor arranged freely accessible in or on a surface of the shell body surface, and a lightning down conductor electrically connected to the lightning receptor and comprising an inner conductor made of electrically conductive material imbedded in a bedding insulation made of an electrically non-conductive material. The lightning down conductor further includes a first conductive layer having a resistance in the range of 10 to 10,000 Mega Ohm per meter (MΩ/m). The first conductive layer is located in a transverse distance from the inner conductor and being electrically isolated from the inner conductor.
US09041408B2 Removable surface-wave networks for in-situ material health monitoring
A system for measuring properties of a surface under test with surface waves includes a surface wave network including a dielectric substrate, a reactive grid of a plurality of metallic patches on a first surface of the dielectric substrate, a plurality of electronic nodes on the first surface of the dielectric substrate, and a ground plane on a second surface of the dielectric substrate permeable to RF fields of the surface waves, and a controller configured for causing a respective one of the electronic nodes to transmit at least one surface wave and configured for collecting data for signals received by at least one other of the plurality of electronic nodes.
US09041405B2 Condition estimation device and method of generating open circuit voltage characteristic
A condition estimation device includes a voltage measurement circuit, memory, and a controller. The voltage measurement circuit measures an open circuit voltage (OCV) of an electric storage device. The memory is configured to store first information on a correlation between a positive electrode potential and an electric storage capacity and second information on a correlation between a negative electrode potential and an electric storage capacity. The controller is configured to: measure an OCV under charge or discharge; calculate an electric storage capacity of the electric storage device having the OCV equal to a reference voltage; correct at least one of the first information and the second information such that a potential difference at the calculated capacity is equal to the reference voltage; and generate an OCV characteristic based on the first and the second information after the at least one of the first and the second information is corrected.
US09041402B2 Detecting an abnormality of a switch in a high voltage electrical substation
There is provided a method for determining an abnormality during operation of a high voltage disconnect switch, the method comprising: determining a current position of an arm of the high voltage disconnect switch operatively connected to a motor, the motor being operated for driving the arm of the high voltage disconnect switch; determining a torque of the motor corresponding to the current position of the arm; comparing the torque of the motor to a torque threshold for the current position of the arm; and outputting an abnormality signal based on the comparison.
US09041401B2 Detector with a telescopic anti-twist carrier/guide rod
A detector with a telescopic carrier/guide rod on which at one end a measuring probe is disposed, whereby the carrier/guide rod comprises at least two anti-twist tubes longitudinally movable and lockable in one another, which form an outer tube and an inner tube, whereby the tubes comprise a linear sliding guide as an anti-twist lock relative to one another. The linear sliding guide comprises at least one longitudinal rib extending inside over the entire length of the outer tube and at least one rib guide extending outside over a partial length of the inner tube on the insertion side of tube end with a recess with which the longitudinal rib engages. The rib guide is formed by a guide sleeve, which is divided in a circumferential direction.
US09041400B2 Compact 3D direction finder
An apparatus that includes two non-coinciding arrangements disposed in an two axes Cartesian coordinate system such that each arrangement having a non-zero projection on a respective axis from among the two axes. Each one of the arrangements includes a pair of oppositely directed, spaced apart, co-axial radiating-capable elements, each of the elements being hollow with internal space, and being slotted throughout its entire extent. A first circuitry coupled to the arrangement and being configured to sense an electric field projection along the axis and to convey it to a first feeding terminal. A second circuitry coupled to a slot of the arrangement and being configured to sense a magnetic field's projection along said axis and to convey it to a first feeding terminal.
US09041389B2 Hall measurement system with rotary magnet
One or more embodiments are directed to a motor configured to rotate at least one magnet at a first frequency, a sensor configured to generate a reference signal of the at least one magnet's rotation, and a lock-in detection system configured to receive the reference signal, supply an excitation current at a second frequency to a device under test, measure a voltage from the device under test and demodulate the second frequency, and demodulate the first frequency from the measured voltage using the reference signal to obtain a Hall voltage associated with the device under test.
US09041385B2 Position detecting device and method for producing a marking arrangement for a position detecting device
A position detecting device for detecting a positional relationship between a first component and a second component includes a marking arrangement which is provided on the first component and has an absolute track and an incremental track. The absolute track has a plurality of absolute markings from which a binary absolute code sequence can be read, and the incremental track has a plurality of incremental markings which are associated with the absolute markings and from which an alternating incremental sequence can be read. A sensor arrangement provided on the second component and is configured to scan the absolute markings and the incremental markings. The absolute code sequence is formed from a first and a second De Bruijn sequence of order N which follow one another.
US09041384B2 Sensors for high-temperature environments and method for assembling same
A sensor assembly includes an outer housing and at least one high-impedance sensing device positioned within the outer housing. The sensor assembly also includes a buffering circuit having at least one wide bandgap semiconductor device positioned within the outer housing. The buffering circuit is operatively coupled to the at least one high-impedance sensing device.
US09041382B2 Power-supply circuit for DC appliance
A power-supply circuit for a DC appliance includes an input unit including a first terminal and a second terminal so as to receive a DC current, an output unit including a third terminal to output the DC current entered by the input unit and a fourth terminal, a connection unit including a first conductive line and a second conductive line so as to interconnect the input unit and the output unit, a rectifier unit including first to fourth diodes coupled as a bridge diode format so as to rectify the input DC current in a predetermined direction, an inductor unit that is connected in series to the rectifier unit in such a manner that the input DC current is gradually increased from an abrupt change time point of the DC current, and a condenser unit that is connected in series to the inductor unit.
US09041377B2 Pseudo constant on time control circuit and step-down regulator
A step-down regulator comprising a pseudo constant on time control circuit is disclosed, comprising an on-time generator configured to receive a switching signal provided by the step-down regulator and a control signal provided by the pseudo constant on time control circuit, and generates an on-time signal; a feedback control circuit configured to receive a feedback signal representative of the output voltage of the step-down regulator and generate an output signal; and a logic control circuit coupled to the on-time generator and the feedback control circuit to receive the on-time signal and the output signal and generating the control signal, and a power stage configured to receive an input voltage and the control signal and generate the switching signal.
US09041373B2 Constant on-time switching converters with sleep mode and control methods thereof
A constant on-time switching converter includes a switching circuit, an on-time control circuit, a comparing circuit and a logic circuit. The switching circuit has a first switch and is configured to provide an output voltage to a load. The on-time control circuit generates an on-time control signal to control the on-time of the first switch. The comparing circuit compares the output voltage of the switching circuit with a reference signal and generates a comparison signal. The logic circuit generates a control signal to control the first switch based on the on-time control signal and the comparison signal. When the switching frequency of the switching circuit approaches an audible range, the switching converter enters into a sleep mode, the on-time control signal is reduced to increase the switching frequency of the switching circuit.
US09041371B2 Switching regulator
A disclosed switching regulator includes a speed-up circuit for speeding up an operation of an error amplifier circuit during the time starting from when a switching element is turned OFF based on an output of an abnormality detection circuit, or starting from a fixed period of time after the switching element is turned OFF based on the output of the abnormality detection circuit, until the next time the switching element is again turned OFF based on an output of a PWM comparison circuit.
US09041365B2 Multiple mode RF power converter
This disclosure relates to radio frequency (RF) power converters and methods of operating the same. In one embodiment, an RF power converter includes an RF switching converter, a low-drop out (LDO) regulation circuit, and an RF filter. The RF filter is coupled to receive a pulsed output voltage from the RF switching converter and a supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit. The RF filter is operable to alternate between a first RF filter topology and a second RF filter topology. In the first RF filter topology, the RF filter is configured to convert the pulsed output voltage from a switching circuit into the supply voltage. The RF filter in the second RF filter topology is configured to filter the supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit to reduce a ripple variation in a supply voltage level of the supply voltage. As such, the RF filter provides greater versatility.
US09041364B2 RF power converter
This disclosure relates to radio frequency (RF) power converters and methods of operating the same. In one embodiment, an RF power converter includes an RF switching converter, a low-drop out (LDO) regulation circuit, and an RF filter. The RF filter is coupled to receive a pulsed output voltage from the RF switching converter and a supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit. The RF filter is operable to alternate between a first RF filter topology and a second RF filter topology. In the first RF filter topology, the RF filter is configured to convert the pulsed output voltage from a switching circuit into the supply voltage. The RF filter in the second RF filter topology is configured to filter the supply voltage from the LDO regulation circuit to reduce a ripple variation in a supply voltage level of the supply voltage. As such, the RF filter provides greater versatility.
US09041362B2 System for eliminating current surges in electronic systems and equipment having intermittent current consumption
The invention relates to a system for eliminating current surges that includes a first voltage regulator (7) having a current limit programmable to a value (I(limit)) that depends on the value of the intermittent current surges (IO(surge)) required by the intermittent load (3) and the relationship thereof to the work cycle, a second voltage regulator (9), a condenser (4) connected between the first and second regulators (7, 9), that loads when the current is no longer required and that unloads when there is a need for output current to provide current to the second regulator (9) which absorbs the changes in voltage produced by the loading/unloading of the condenser and provides a constant voltage for any value of the required output current surge, independently of voltage changes in the condenser (4), and a control loop between a sensor for the output current provided to the load and an input limit (15) for the input current (II) in the first regulator (7).Thus, the input current (I(limit)) (1) and the output voltage (VLoad) are constant for any value of the output current surge (IO(surge)).
US09041360B2 Wireless self-sufficient monitoring system for a door lock mechanism
The invention relates to a monitoring system for monitoring a state of a door lock mechanism of a door or of a closure of a storage space of a means of transportation, comprising a generator and a sensor/actuator. The generator produces electrical energy from vibration energy, and the sensor detects the state of the door lock mechanism. The sensor uses the kinetic energy that is produced by the actuation of the door lock to generate an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to a microcontroller.
US09041357B2 Apparatus for minimizing self-discharge of a smart battery pack
An apparatus for minimizing self-discharge of a smart battery pack is provided. During initial storage of the smart battery pack (100), prior to be being charged, a self-discharge protection circuit (110) disables smart battery circuitry (130). A minimal current drain is maintained while the smart battery circuitry (130) is disabled. Upon coupling of the smart battery pack (100) to a charger, the protections circuit (110) enables the smart battery circuitry (130). Battery packs having to be shipped with partially drained cells as part of shipping precaution requirements are no longer faced with the additional drainage problem previously caused by the smart battery circuitry (130) during storage.
US09041356B2 Battery charge management using a scheduling application
According to some embodiments, battery charge management using a scheduling application is disclosed. A first parameter may be received from a scheduling application running on a mobile computing device having a battery pack. Based on at least the first parameter and battery pack data, a required charge percentage for the battery pack may be determined and the remaining capacity of the battery pack may be determined. If the remaining capacity of the battery pack is less than the required charge percentage, a charge termination voltage may be determined and the battery pack may be charged to the charge termination voltage.
US09041354B2 Energy storage system and method of controlling the same
An energy storage system and a method of controlling the same is provided. The energy storage system may directly provide generated DC power or DC power stored in a battery to a DC load without performing a DC/AC conversion or an AC/DC conversion. Furthermore, in the case where a grid operates abnormally (e.g. power interruption) and the energy storage system functions as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), power stored in a battery may be selectively provided to loads according to power remaining in a battery, and thus stored power may be used stably.
US09041352B2 Belt battery charger
A belt battery charger includes a belt having a first end, a second end and an elongated central portion extending between the first and second ends. A plurality of electrically connected rechargeable batteries are carried by the central portion of the belt. A belt buckle located at the first end of the belt includes a frame that is secured to the central portion of the belt. The buckle further includes a prong in the form of an electrical connector electrically connected to the batteries and pivotally secured to the frame. The second end of the belt includes a number of spaced apart eyelets passing therethrough. The prong is shaped so as to be able to enter one of the eyelets to secure the second end of the belt to the buckle in the conventional manner. A second electrical connector is located adjacent the second end of the belt and is also connected to the batteries. One of said connectors is adapted to be connected to a cell phone for charging the same.
US09041345B2 Battery system and energy storage system including same
A battery system is disclosed. The battery system includes a plurality of battery cells, and a battery cell balancing unit, configured to adjust voltages across each of the battery cells to reduce variation among the voltages across the battery cells. The battery cell balancing unit includes a controller configured to receive a DC reference current and to generate an AC current based on the DC reference current, a transformer, a rectifier circuit including a rectifier connected to the output coil, and a switching unit including a plurality of switches, each configured to selectively connect the rectifier to one of the battery cells.
US09041333B2 Motor driving control apparatus, motor driving control method, and motor using the same
There are provided a motor driving control apparatus, a motor driving control method, and a motor using the same. The motor driving control apparatus includes a controller, a duty ratio calculation unit, and a driving signal generation unit. The controller generates a speed control signal by using at least one of a speed signal of a motor device and a speed command signal input from the outside. The duty ratio calculation unit calculates a duty ratio of the speed control signal. The driving signal generation unit generates a driving control signal for controlling driving of the motor device by using the duty ratio.
US09041328B2 Controller for improving control and operation of AC motors
An electrical controller for electric motors is provided. A control system for an electric motor comprises a supply for supplying excitation current to different windings of the motor at any given time. Furthermore, the amplitude of the excitation current is independently variable of the timing and duration of the application of the excitation current to the windings. This allows increased control of the motor and facilitates the operation of the motor at high mechanical and/or electrical speeds.
US09041327B2 Method and apparatus for overvoltage protection and reverse motor speed control for motor drive power loss events
Apparatus and methods are presented for mitigating overvoltages and limiting reverse motor speeds for motor drive power loss events, in which a first power dissipation circuit is enabled at the motor drive output to limit reverse rotation of a driven motor load when motor drive power is lost, and a second power dissipation circuit in a DC bus circuit is used to mitigate over voltages following restoration of motor drive power.
US09041325B2 Control device for alternating current motor
A control device for an alternating current motor according to embodiments includes a current distributor and a phase estimator. The current distributor divides a torque command by using a control phase and outputs a component that contributes to a mechanical output of the motor as a δ-axis current command and a component that does not contribute to the mechanical output as a γ-axis current command. The phase estimator computes a phase at which a γ-axis component of an addition amount of the output of the current controller and a voltage drop amount of inductance of the motor becomes zero and outputs the computed phase as the control phase.
US09041323B2 Apparatus and method for asymmetrical coast control of an endodontic motor
An apparatus for controlling asymmetrical coasting of an endodontic reciprocating motor includes a controller operatively connected to the endodontic motor. The controller may include a processing unit that is configured to direct the rotation of the endodontic motor in the forward direction for a coast time and configured to direct the rotation of the endodontic motor in the reverse direction for a coast time. The forward coast time is separately calculated from the reverse coast time. A method for asymmetrically coasting a reciprocating endodontic motor includes rotating an endodontic motor in a forward direction and calculating a forward coast time for the forward direction and coasting the endodontic motor in the forward direction for the calculated forward coast time. After coasting the endodontic motor in the forward direction, the endodontic motor is rotated in a reverse direction. The reverse coast time is different than the forward coast time.
US09041322B2 Electric power tool
An electric power tool is included in a plurality of types of electric power tools. The plurality of types of electric power tools comprise a plurality of types of battery packs having different rated output voltages and a plurality of types of tool bodies, the housings of which are equipped with an attached part on which each of the battery packs is mounted in a freely removable manner. The attached part possessed by the plurality of types of tool bodies equipped with motors having different voltage characteristics is formed so as to be able to mount an arbitrary one of the plurality of types of battery packs having different rated output voltages. This makes it possible to widen the range of available battery packs and enhance convenience.
US09041321B1 PWM control of vibration motors for mobile electronic devices
An improved vibration motor controller and method maintains a substantially consistent vibration over time, despite decreasing battery voltage over time, with the controller used in a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device powered by a battery having a maximum charge voltage and a minimum charge voltage, the controller being operative for monitoring the available voltage at the battery; driving the vibration motor using pulse width modulation with a motor voltage which is less than the minimum charge voltage of the battery; and controlling the pulse width modulation used to drive the vibration motor in a manner to provide a substantially consistent power level despite fluctuations in voltage of the battery.
US09041318B2 Cyclotron
A cyclotron that accelerates an ion using a magnetic field includes a hollow yoke and an ion source that is provided in the yoke and generates an ion. The ion source includes a conductive cylindrical body and a filament disposed in the cylindrical body. A current is supplied from a power supply to the filament, and a direction of the current supplied to the filament is changed.
US09041315B2 Lighting apparatus
Provided is a lighting apparatus that may form and control a multi-zone of a plurality of lighting devices connected to a wireless network. The lighting apparatus may include a plurality of devices including a plurality of lighting devices included in a network set in advance, a coordinator to manage the network, a remote controller to control a multi-zone that is included in the network and that performs grouping of the plurality of lighting devices into a plurality of groups.
US09041314B2 Semiconductor device and power supply device
A power supply topology is used in which a transistor is provided on the side of an output node of a rectifying circuit. An inductor is provided on the side of a reference node, a resistor is inserted between the transistor and the inductor, and one end of the resistor is coupled to a ground power supply voltage of a PFC circuit. The PFC circuit includes a square circuit which squares a result of multiplication of an input voltage detection signal and feedback information (output voltage of an error amplifier circuit). The PFC circuit drives on the transistor when a detection voltage developed at the resistor reaches zero, and drives off the transistor when the detection signal reaches an output signal of the square circuit.
US09041312B2 Lighting control device
A lighting control device can include a control module and a processing module. The control module can provide a driving signal. The driving signal can modify a control voltage on a control interface. The control voltage can control a controllable ballast or driver. The processing module can determine a duty cycle of the driving signal. The control module and the processing module can receive power via the control interface and a power supply on the control device.
US09041311B2 Dynamic loading of power supplies
A circuit for altering a level of impedance presented to a power supply including a power supply line includes an energy dissipating circuit, a detection circuit configured to generate a control signal indicative of a power consumption level in a load circuit coupled to the power supply line, and an activation circuit configured to controllably couple the energy dissipating circuit to the power supply line in response to the control signal. Methods of operating a solid state lighting apparatus including a power supply and a solid state lighting device coupled to the power supply include detecting a level of power consumption by the solid state lighting device, and coupling an energy dissipating circuit to the power supply in response to the level of power consumption by the solid state lighting device falling below a threshold level.
US09041303B2 AC LED lighting apparatus
Embodiments of the invention provide AC LED lighting apparatuses. The AC LED lighting apparatuses may increase luminous flux and provide optimal efficiency through novel arrangement of a plurality of light emitting blocks on a circuit board and a plurality of LEDs and drive ICs included in each of the light emitting blocks to be sequentially driven, and/or through efficient series-parallel connection between a limited number of LEDs.
US09041302B2 Solid-state lighting apparatus and methods using energy storage
Some embodiments provide a lighting apparatus including a plurality of lighting circuits coupled in series. Each lighting circuit includes a control circuit configured to selectively provide current to at least one LED and at least one charge storage device coupled to the at least one LED. The control circuit may be configured to cause the at least one charge storage device to be selectively charged from a current source and to be discharged via the at least one LED responsive to a varying input. For example, the control circuit may be configured to limit current through the at least one LED to thereby divert current to the at least one charge storage device.
US09041301B2 LED fluorescent lamp
A light emitting diode (LED) fluorescent lamp includes an external connection pin including a first connection pin and a second connection pin, an LED array including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected in series, a current stabilizing capacitor connected in parallel to the LED array, and a capacitive element unit connected between the LED array and the external connection pin and configured to vary an impedance of a fluorescent lamp ballast connected to the capacitive element unit through the external connection pin.
US09041300B2 Driving circuit and method for pixel unit, pixel unit and display apparatus
A driving circuit and method for a pixel unit, the pixel unit and a display apparatus. The driving circuit for the pixel unit includes a switching unit, a storage capacitor (Cst), a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2) and a sixth transistor (T6). The switching unit includes a third transistor (T3), a fourth transistor (T4) and a fifth transistor (T5) for controlling a data signal current (Idata) to charge the storage capacitor (Cst). The driving circuit for the pixel unit expedites the speed for charging the storage capacitor (Cst); further, it has an excellent negative feedback function for the leak current of the storage capacitor (Cst), and ensures the stable operation of the circuit.
US09041295B2 Integrated LED and sensor device
A retrofit light emitting diode (LED) module may include a carrier with at least one LED, a retrofit connection for mechanical and electrical contact-connection to conventional lamp holders, and an electronic system for driving the at least one LED. At least one part of the electronic system is integrated into the carrier, and the electronic system comprises a sensor system. A retrofit LED module system may include at least two retrofit LED modules and at least one control unit which regulates the retrofit LED modules in an adaptive and synchronized manner.
US09041294B2 Semiconductor component and method
A semiconductor component and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor component, wherein the semiconductor component includes one or more transient voltage suppression structures. In an embodiment, the semiconductor component may include an over-voltage detection circuit, an over-current detection circuit, an over-temperature detection circuit, an ESD protection circuit, or combinations of these circuits.
US09041293B2 Lamp control system, lamp power-saving system and method therefor
A power-saving method for a lamp power-saving system is provided. The method includes the following steps. A lamp control unit is provided to control a fluorescent lamp. The lamp control unit includes a power conversion circuit and a preheat and lighting circuit. The preheat and lighting circuit, coupled to the power conversion circuit and two terminals of the fluorescent lamp, preheats and activates the fluorescent lamp, and outputs a feedback signal indicating a current passing through the fluorescent lamp. When the feedback signal indicates the fluorescent lamp is in a preheat mode, a resonant circuit of the preheat and lighting circuit is enabled to preheat the fluorescent lamp via a current path provided by a diode bridge of the preheat and lighting circuit. When the feedback signal indicates the fluorescent lamp is lighted, the current path of the preheat and lighting circuit is disconnected to stop preheating.
US09041290B2 Plasma light source
A High Frequency light source has a central body of fused quartz, with a central void, filled with a fill in the void of material excitable by High Frequency energy to form a light emitting plasma. An inner sleeve of perforate metal shim extends along the length of the central body to provide a launching gap. The sleeve has a transverse end portion extending across the other, inner end of the central body. An outer cylinder of fused quartz with an internal bore such as to be a sliding fit with the inner sleeve, itself a sliding fit on the central body. An outer sleeve of perforate metal, enclosing the outer cylinder and having an end portion extending across the flush, void ends of the quartz body and cylinder and having a skirt extending past the flush over an aluminum carrier, clamped and holding the quartz elements against the carrier.
US09041289B2 Terahertz interaction structure including a folded waveguide with a ridge structure and having an electron beam tunnel passing through the ridge structure
A terahertz interaction circuit is provided. The terahertz interaction circuit includes a waveguide and an electron beam tunnel. The waveguide has a folded shape and in which an electromagnetic wave propagates. The electron beam tunnel is formed to penetrate through the waveguide. An electron beam passes through the electron beam tunnel. The waveguide includes a ridge portion in which a portion of a surface of the waveguide protrudes into the waveguide.
US09041288B2 Stabilized high-voltage power supply
A stabilized high-voltage power supply is disclosed, having a general setup similar to a pulse-step modulator. The power supply comprises a plurality of DC power modules (40) having their outputs connected in a series configuration. Each power module comprises a DC voltage source (41), a DC-DC converter (42), and an output switching circuit (43). The total output voltage of the power supply is regulated by regulating the DC link voltage at the output of each power module. This is achieved by an appropriate feedback control circuit driving the DC-DC converter of each power module. In this manlier, low output ripple and a rapid response to changes in output current can be achieved. The power supply may be used, e.g., as the cathode power supply of a gyrotron.
US09041284B2 Display device utilizing a flexible substrate configured to be folded
A flexible display device including: a flexible substrate having a display area and a moisture absorption area at a surface; a display unit at the display area; a moisture absorption layer at the moisture absorption area; and a sealant along an edge of the display area and configured to seal the moisture absorption layer and the display unit. The flexible substrate is configured to be folded at least one time, and the display area and the moisture absorption area are opposite to each other.
US09041283B2 Light-emitting device package
A light-emitting device package is provided including: a package substrate and a light-emitting device mounted on the package substrate. The package substrate includes first and second conductive regions each having a portion overlapping the light-emitting device. An electrode separator extends across the package substrate while penetrating the package substrate between the first and second conductive regions to electrically separate the first and second conductive regions from each other. A stress release portion surrounds at least a portion of each of the first and second conductive regions at an edge part of the package substrate. The stress release portion has different widths on both sides of the electrode separator interposed therebetween.
US09041282B2 Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device including first and second light-emitting units
The light-emitting element of the present invention includes a light-emitting layer and a layer for controlling movement of carriers between a pair of electrodes. The layer for controlling movement of carriers includes a first organic compound having a carrier transporting property and a second organic compound for reducing the carrier transporting property of the first organic compound, and the second organic compound is dispersed in the first organic compound. The layer for controlling movement of carriers is provided in such a manner, whereby change in carrier balance with time can be suppressed. Therefore, a light-emitting element having a long lifetime can be obtained.
US09041280B2 Double-side light emitting display panel
A double-side light emitting display panel includes a substrate, a plurality of top emission pixel structures and a plurality of bottom emission pixel structures. The top emission pixel structures are disposed on the substrate, and the bottom emission pixel structures are disposed on the substrate. The top emission pixel structures and the bottom emission pixel structures are arranged alternatively on the substrate.
US09041277B2 Lighting device
A lighting device includes an LED light source that emits light having a first peak wavelength at 430 to 460 nm and a second peak wavelength at 530 to 570 nm.
US09041276B2 Reflective anode structure for a field emission lighting arrangement
The present invention relates to a field emission lighting arrangement, comprising a first field emission cathode, an anode structure comprising a phosphor layer, and an evacuated envelope inside of which the anode structure and the first field emission cathode are arranged, wherein the anode structure is configured to receive electrons emitted by the first field emission cathode when a voltage is applied between the anode structure and the first field emission cathode and to reflect light generated by the phosphor layer out from the evacuated chamber.Advantages of the invention include lower power consumption as well as an increase in light output of the field emission lighting arrangement.
US09041273B2 Corona igniter having shaped insulator
A corona igniter (20) for emitting a radio frequency electric field and providing a corona discharge (24) includes a central electrode (22) at a positive voltage, a grounded metal shell (30), and an insulator (28) with an abruption (34) extending radially outward relative to the central electrode (22). The abruption (34) is typically an increase of at least 15% of a local thickness (t) of the insulator (28) over less than 25% of a nose length (el) of an insulator nose region (74). The abruption (34) is typically one flank (82) of a protrusion or a notch, and the flank (82) faces the shell (30). The abruption (34) reverses the electric field and voltage potential gradient along the insulator outer surface (32), repels charged ions away from the insulator (28), and thus prevents the formation of a conductive path between the central electrode (22) and the shell (22).
US09041272B2 Control of lumen loss in a liquid-filled LED bulb
A liquid-filled light emitting diode (LED) bulb including a base, a shell connected to the base forming an enclosed volume, a thermally conductive liquid held within the enclosed volume, a support structure connected to the base, and several LEDs attached to the support structure. The thermally conductive liquid has an oxygen content of at least 5 cubic centimeters of oxygen per liter of the thermally conductive fluid.
US09041267B2 Preload control device of magnetic bearing
The present invention provides a preload control device of a magnetic bearing, which includes a main shaft, a housing, a first magnetic bearing mechanism, a second magnetic bearing mechanism, a pressing mechanism, and a sliding member. The main shaft is rotatably formed in the shape of a rod that is longitudinally long. The housing covers and is fixed outside the main shaft. The first magnetic bearing mechanism is disposed between the housing and the main shaft. The second magnetic bearing mechanism is spaced from the first magnetic bearing mechanism in the axial direction of the main shaft, between the housing and the main shaft. The pressing mechanism is disposed between the second magnetic bearing mechanism and the frusto-conical member. The sliding member is disposed between the pressing mechanism and the second magnetic bearing mechanism.
US09041263B2 AC generator
Provided is a vehicle AC generator which enables the common use of components and the use of the same molding die for molded bodies to enable a significant reduction in fabrication cost. The vehicle AC generator includes a molded body (45) having the same outer shape. On one surface side of the molded body, a capacitor body including a capacitor element built therein is electrically connected to an insert conductor, and a resistor (44) is electrically connected to the insert conductor only when a device main body is provided outside of the AC generator. On another surface side of the molded body, the device main body is electrically connected to the insert conductor only when the device main body is provided in the AC generator.
US09041255B2 High capacity electronic switch
Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic switch for commodity use. Specifically, embodiments of this invention provide a high capacity intelligent electronic switch for commodity use. A flexible film substrate is used along with a field-effect transistor (FET) to produce a commodity switch. Multiple printed flexible electronics PFE substrates are stacked to and integrated into an electronic switch system. Various methods are used to measure power consumption within the switch. The modular cell design allows for horizontal and vertical scaling.
US09041252B2 Advanced renewable energy harvesting
The power of DC electrical sources is combined onto a DC buss, such that each source behaves independently from any other source attached to the buss. In one embodiment, a converter module is attached to each of a plurality of solar photovoltaic panels and its output is attached in a parallel manner to a common buss that forms the input to a DC AC inverter. The converter module includes a Maximum Power Point Tracking component that matches the output impedance of the panels to the input impedance of the converter module. The converter also includes a communication component that provides parametric data and identification to a central inverter. Data generated by each converter module is transmitted over the power line or by wireless means and is collected at the inverter and forwarded to a data collection and reporting system.
US09041249B2 Asymmetric series power packs with efficient dc-dc conversion
Systems and methods to operate a power supply. A power supply has an inductor and a capacitor coupled in a substantially series connection. The power supply has a first selectably conductive path that selectably couples a first power pack to the series reactive circuit and a second selectably conductive path that selectably couples the series reactive circuit to a substantially series combination of the first power pack and a second power pack. When the first power pack output voltage is above the threshold, the first selectably conductive path couples electrical current between the first power pack to the series reactive circuit. Otherwise, the second selectably conductive path couples electrical current between the series combination and the series reactive circuit. The controller further transfers charge from the second power pack to the first power pack.
US09041239B2 Vertical axis wind turbine with cambered airfoil blades
A wind turbine having blades that rotate in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis. A single output shaft is directly connected by one-way bearings to the driven shaft of a permanent magnet generator. This eliminates the need for a gearbox and also eliminates the need for inverters. Friction losses are further reduced by suspending the vertical shaft with magnetic bearings. Airfoils are positioned in a specific vertical design so that they cup the wind on a lower concave portion of the airfoil for self-starting capability. Stealth radar-absorbing mesh and faceted mounting structures reduce scrambling of radar returns.
US09041238B2 Variable wing venturi generator
A variable wing venturi generator and a housing for the same are presented. The wings are variable in that their relative position may be changed and optimized to maximize airflow through a turbine and generator contained between the wings. The invention allows for improved efficiency in wind generation. The device accelerates wind speed between a pair of adjustable venturi wings and is especially suited for low wind conditions.
US09041236B2 Wind turbine having power electronics in the nacelle
A wind turbine includes a nacelle which accommodates at least a generator and power electronics electrically interconnected between the generator and a power grid. At least one power electronic component is removably arranged in the nacelle in a region positioned between a floor level of the nacelle and a lower limiting surface, e.g. a bottom wall, of the nacelle. The space available in the interior parts of the nacelle is thereby utilized to a greater extent than in prior art wind turbines, and replacement of a power electronic component can be performed using ordinary lifting equipment. Furthermore, the risk of injury to maintenance personnel is reduced.
US09041234B2 Double fed induction generator (DFIG) converter and method for improved grid fault ridethrough
A double fed induction generator (DFIG) converter method are presented in which rotor side current spikes are attenuated using series-connected damping resistance in response to grid fault occurrences or grid fault clearances.
US09041232B2 Electric generator system
An electric generator system includes a rotatable shaft that is configured to rotate about a central longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a pilot permanent magnet generator (PMG) mounted to the shaft such that the pilot PMG is configured to rotate about the central longitudinal axis with the rotatable shaft. The system includes a wound field flux-switching electric machine having a rotor and a stator. The rotor is mounted to the shaft such that the rotor is configured to rotate about the central longitudinal axis with the shaft. The stator includes both a direct current (DC) field coil and an alternating current (AC) armature coil. The DC field coil is operatively connected to the pilot PMG for exciting the DC field coil.
US09041230B2 Method and apparatus for motional/vibrational energy harvesting via electromagnetic induction using a magnet array
Embodiments of the subject invention pertain to a method and apparatus for vibrational energy harvesting via electromagnetic induction using a magnet array. Specific embodiments of the subject invention incorporate at least one conductive coil and at least one magnet array. Magnets used in such magnet arrays can be permanent magnets of various shapes, such as arc-shaped, square, rectangular, wedge, or trapezoidal. These magnet arrays can then be, for example, circular, hexagonal, rectangular, or square in external shape and create various types of internal magnetic fields, such as dipole, quadrupole, hexapole, or octapole magnetic fields. Through use of a magnet array, embodiments of the invention can increase the strength of magnetic fields by approximately 10 times compared to typical vibrational energy harvesters. The 10 time increase in the strength of the magnetic fields can result in up to a 100-fold increase in power. Preferably, the magnetic fields created by the subject device are substantially, if not completely, enclosed within the device.
US09041225B2 Integrated circuit structure having dies with connectors
An embodiment is an integrated circuit structure including a first die attached to a second die by a first connector. The first connector includes a solder joint portion between a first nickel-containing layer and a second nickel-containing layer, a first copper-containing layer between the first nickel-containing layer and the solder joint portion, and a second copper-containing layer between the second nickel-containing layer and the solder joint portion.
US09041224B2 Method for producing a solder joint
A method for producing a solder joint between at least one base part (2) and at least one first component (3) includes the following steps: providing the base part (2); partially blasting a surface of the base part (2) using a SACO blasting agent, the blasting material (50) of which has a silicate coating (52), in such a way that a SACO-blasted region (20) and a non-blasted positioning region (40) are present; and soldering the at least first component (3) onto the non-blasted positioning region (40), wherein the SACO-blasted region (20) acts as a solder resist.
US09041223B2 Bump-on-trace (BOT) structures
A bump-on-trace (BOT) structure is described. The BOT structure includes a first work piece with a metal trace on a surface of the first work piece, wherein the metal trace has a first axis. The BOT structure further includes a second work piece with an elongated metal bump, wherein the elongated metal bump has a second axis, wherein the second axis is at a non-zero angle from the first axis. The BOT structure further includes a metal bump, wherein the metal bump electrically connects the metal trace and the elongated metal bump. A package having a BOT structure and a method of forming the BOT structure are also described.
US09041215B2 Single mask package apparatus and method
Disclosed herein is a single mask package apparatus on a device comprising a first substrate having a land disposed on a first surface, a stud disposed on the land and a protective layer disposed over the first surface of the first substrate and around the stud. The protective layer may optionally have a thickness of at least 3 μm. A PPI may be disposed over the protective layer and in electrical contact with the stud, with a first portion of the PPI extending laterally from the stud. An interconnect may be disposed on and in electrical contact with the first portion of the PPI, and a second substrate mounted on the interconnect. A molding compound may be disposed over the PPI and around the interconnect. The stud may be a substantially solid material having a cylindrical cross section and may optionally be wirebonded to the land.
US09041208B2 Laminate interconnect having a coaxial via structure
A laminate interconnect structure includes a core material and at least one additional layer adjacent the core material, a first electrically conductive via formed in the core material, and a second electrically conductive via formed in the core material, coaxial with the first electrically conductive via and separated from the first electrically conductive via by a non-conductive material.
US09041206B2 Interconnect structure and method
A semiconductor device comprises a first semiconductor chip including a first substrate and a plurality of first metal lines formed over the first substrate and a second semiconductor chip bonded on the first semiconductor chip, wherein the second semiconductor chip comprises a second substrate and a plurality of second metal lines formed over the second substrate. The semiconductor device further comprises a conductive plug coupled between the first metal lines and the second metal lines, wherein the conductive plug comprises a first portion formed over a first side of a hard mask layer, wherein the first portion is of a first width and a second portion formed over a second side of the hard mask layer, wherein the second portion is of a second width greater than or equal to the first width.
US09041205B2 Reliable microstrip routing for electronics components
A semiconductor apparatus includes a semiconductor die having a surface with an integrated circuit thereon coupled to contact pads of an uppermost metallization layer of a semiconductor package substrate by a plurality of conductive contacts. A plurality of discrete metal planes is disposed at the uppermost metallization layer of the semiconductor package substrate, each metal plane located, from a plan view perspective, at a corner of a perimeter of the semiconductor die. Microstrip routing is disposed at the uppermost metallization layer of the semiconductor package substrate, from the plan view perspective, outside of the perimeter of the semiconductor die.
US09041204B2 Bonding pad structure with dense via array
A bonding pad structure includes a substrate and a first conductive island formed in a first dielectric layer and disposed over the substrate. A first via array having a plurality of vias is formed in a second dielectric layer and disposed over the first conductive island. A second conductive island is formed in a third dielectric layer and disposed over the first via array. A bonding pad is disposed over the second conductive island. The first conductive island, the first via array, and the second conductive island are electrically connected to the bonding pad. The first via array is connected to no other conductive island in the first dielectric layer except the first conductive island. No other conductive island in the third dielectric layer is connected to the first via array except the second conductive island.
US09041203B2 System and method for multi-layer global bitlines
A system and method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including multi-layer bitlines. The location of the bitlines in multiple layers provides for increased spacing and increased width thereby overcoming the limitations of the pitch dictated by the semiconductor fabrication process used. The bitlines locations in multiple layers thus allows the customization of the spacing and width according to the use of a semiconductor device.
US09041195B2 Phase changing on-chip thermal heat sink
A method of forming an on-chip heat sink includes forming a device on a substrate. The method also includes forming a plurality of insulator layers over the device. The method further includes forming a heat sink in at least one of the plurality of insulator layers and proximate to the device. The heat sink includes a reservoir of phase change material having a melting point temperature that is less than an upper limit of a design operating temperature of the chip.
US09041194B2 Pressure unit
The pressure unit includes a spring member that is formed into a coil form obtained by winding a wire rod and that has a periodically changing pitch angle and a housing member to which end portions of the spring member are attached, and the pressure unit pressurizes a semiconductor stacked unit obtained by alternately stacking a semiconductor element module and a cooling tube that makes contact with the semiconductor element module and cools the semiconductor element module.
US09041188B2 Axial semiconductor package
An axially-mountable device includes a semiconductor chip comprising lower and upper electrical contacts. A lower die pad is electrically and mechanically connected to the lower electrical contact of the chip. An upper die pad is electrically and mechanically connected to the upper electrical contact of the chip. A first axially extending electrical lead is electrically and mechanically connected to the upper die pad and extends in a first axial direction. A second axially extending electrical lead is electrically and mechanically connected to the lower die pad and extends in a second axial direction that is opposite to the first axial direction. Packaging material encapsulates the semiconductor chip, the upper and lower die pads and a portion of the first and second axially extending leads. The first and second leads extend from the packaging material and are adapted to allow the device to be axially-mounted with another electrical component.
US09041187B2 Power semiconductor package with multiple dies
A semiconductor package that includes a substrate having a metallic back plate, an insulation body and a plurality of conductive pads on the insulation body, and a semiconductor die coupled to said conductive pads, the conductive pads including regions readied for direct connection to pads external to the package using a conductive adhesive.
US09041186B2 Encapsulated semiconductor chips with wiring including controlling chip and method of making the same
Disclosed is a semiconductor device including first and second semiconductor elements, first and second external connection terminals and a sealing member. The first external connection terminal is provided at a first surface of the first semiconductor element. The second semiconductor element is provided at a second surface side, that is at a side opposite to the first surface, of the first semiconductor element. The second external connection terminal is connected to the second semiconductor element, and the second external connection terminal is configured to be, together with the first external connection terminal, connected to a wiring board. The sealing member seals the first and second semiconductor elements and exposes a portion, that is configured to be connected to the wiring board, of the first external connection terminal and a portion, that is configured to be connected to the wiring board, of the second external connection terminal.
US09041176B2 Hybrid semiconductor module structure
Some implementations provide a structure that includes a first package substrate, a first component, a second package substrate, a second component, and a third component. The first package substrate has a first area. The first component has a first height and is positioned on the first area. The second package substrate is coupled to the first package substrate. The second package substrate has second and third areas. The second area of the second package substrate vertically overlaps with the first area of the first package substrate The third area of the second package substrate is non-overlapping with the first area of the first package substrate. The second component has a second height and is positioned on the second area. The third component is positioned on the third area. The third component has a third height that is greater than each of the first and second heights.
US09041174B2 Getter having two activation temperatures and structure comprising this getter
The structure comprises a closed cavity under a controlled atmosphere in which a monoblock getter with a first getter layer is arranged. The first getter layer presents at least first and second getter areas which have different activation temperatures. The second getter area is formed on an adjustment sub-layer of the getter material activation temperature.
US09041173B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first conduction type semiconductor substrate, a first conduction type semiconductor deposition layer, a trench, second conduction type wells, a JFET region, a first conduction type first source region, a first source region, a trench-type source electrode, a gate insulator film, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode. The trench is formed substantially perpendicularly to the semiconductor deposition layer so that the semiconductor deposition layer exposes to a bottom of the trench. The second conduction type second source region are formed in the first conduction type first source region. The trench-type source electrode is in contact with the first source region, the second source region, and the first conduction type semiconductor deposition layer to configure a Schottky junction.
US09041166B2 Manufacturing method of circuit structure
A manufacturing method of a circuit structure is provided. A metal layer having an upper surface is provided. A surface passivation layer is formed on the metal layer. The surface passivation layer exposes a portion of the upper surface of the metal layer, and a material of the metal layer is different from a material of the surface passivation layer. A covering layer is formed on the surface passivation layer, and the covering layer covers the surface passivation layer.
US09041160B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes: a rectangular shaped semiconductor substrate; a metal wiring layer formed on or over the semiconductor substrate; and a passivation layer covering the metal wiring layer. A corner non-wiring region where no portion of the metal wiring layer is formed is disposed in a corner of the semiconductor substrate. A slit is formed in a portion of the metal wiring layer which is close to the corner of the semiconductor substrate. The passivation layer includes a first passivation layer which is formed on the metal wiring layer and a second passivation layer which is formed on the first passivation layer. The first passivation layer is formed of a material that is softer than a material of the second passivation layer.
US09041152B2 Inductor with magnetic material
In accordance with an embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor die, an interposer, and conductive bumps bonding the semiconductor die to the interposer. The semiconductor die comprises a first metallization layer, and the first metallization layer comprises a first conductive pattern. The interposer comprises a second metallization layer, and the second metallization layer comprises a second conductive pattern. Some of the conductive bumps electrically couple the first conductive pattern to the second conductive pattern to form a coil. A magnetic layer is positioned within the coil. In another embodiment, a coil is formed on a single substrate, wherein a magnetic layer is positioned within the coil. Other embodiments contemplate other configurations of coils, inductors, and/or transformers, and contemplate methods of manufacture.
US09041149B2 Gringo heterojunction bipolar transistor with a metal extrinsic base region
The invention relates to a semiconductor device (30) comprising a substrate (1), a semiconductor body (25) comprising a bipolar transistor that comprises a collector region (3), a base region (4), and an emitter region (15), wherein at least a portion of the collector region (3) is surrounded by a first isolation region (2, 8), the semiconductor body (25) further comprises an extrinsic base region (35) arranged in contacting manner to the base region (4). In this way, a fast semiconductor device with reduced impact of parasitic components is obtained.
US09041148B2 Metal-insulator-metal capacitor structures
Capacitor structures capable of providing both low-voltage capacitors and high-voltage capacitors are described herein. In one embodiment, a capacitor structure comprises a low-voltage capacitor and a high-voltage capacitor. The low-voltage capacitor comprises a first electrode formed from a first metal layer, a second electrode formed from a second metal layer, a third electrode formed from a third metal layer, a first dielectric layer between the first and second electrodes, and a second dielectric layer between the second and third electrodes. The high-voltage capacitor comprises a fourth electrode formed from the first metal layer, a fifth electrode formed from the third metal layer, and a third dielectric layer between the fourth and fifth electrodes, wherein the third dielectric layer is thicker than either the first dielectric layer or the second dielectric layer.
US09041146B2 Logic chip including embedded magnetic tunnel junctions
An embodiment integrates memory, such as spin-torque transfer magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-MRAM) within a logic chip. The STT-MRAM includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with an upper MTJ layer, lower MTJ layer, and tunnel barrier directly contacting the upper MTJ layer and the lower MTJ layer; wherein the upper MTJ layer includes an upper MTJ layer sidewall and the lower MTJ layer includes a lower MTJ sidewall horizontally offset from the upper MTJ layer. Another embodiment includes a memory area, comprising a MTJ, and a logic area located on a substrate; wherein a horizontal plane intersects the MTJ, a first Inter-Layer Dielectric (ILD) material adjacent the MTJ, and a second ILD material included in the logic area, the first and second ILD materials being unequal to one another. In an embodiment the first and second ILDs directly contact one another. Other embodiments are described herein.
US09041145B2 Semiconductor device
The performances of a semiconductor device are improved. Between a memory gate electrode and a p type well, and between a control gate electrode and the memory gate electrode of a split gate type nonvolatile memory, an insulation film having a charge accumulation layer therein is formed. The insulation film includes a lamination film of a silicon oxide film, a silicon nitride film formed thereover, another silicon oxide film formed thereover, and an insulation film formed thereover, and thinner than the upper silicon oxide film. The insulation film is in contact with the memory gate electrode including polysilicon. The insulation film is formed of a metal compound containing at least one of Hf, Zr, Al, Ta, and La, and hence can cause Fermi pinning, and has a high dielectric constant.
US09041142B2 Semiconductor device and operating method for the same
A semiconductor device and an operating method for the same are provided. The semiconductor structure comprises a first doped region, a second doped region, a third doped region, a fourth doped region and a first gate structure. The first doped region has a first type conductivity. The second doped region has a second type conductivity opposite to the first type conductivity. The first doped region is surrounded by the second doped region. The third doped region has the first type conductivity. The fourth doped region has the second type conductivity. The first gate structure is on the second doped region. The third doped region and the fourth doped region are in the second doped region and the first doped region on opposing sides of the first gate structure respectively.
US09041137B2 Light emitting diode
A light emitting diode includes a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, a second semiconductor layer, a first electrode, a second electrode. The second electrode includes a treated patterned carbon nanotube film. The treated patterned carbon nanotube film includes at least two carbon nanotube linear units spaced from each other; and carbon nanotube groups spaced from each other. The carbon nanotube groups are located between the at least two carbon nanotube linear units, and combined with the at least two carbon nanotube linear units.
US09041134B2 Solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel chip, a logic chip and one or more shielding layers. The one or more shielding layers are arranged between or within the pixel chip and/or the logic chip to shield or reduce the effect of electromagnetic interference, radiation generated noise, or electromagnetic waves generated in one portion of the solid-state imaging device from affecting another portion of the solid-state imaging device.
US09041132B2 Solid-state image pickup device
A solid-state image pickup device includes a plurality of pixels, each of the pixels including a photoelectric conversion portion, a charge holding portion, a floating diffusion, and a transfer portion. The pixel also includes a beneath-holding-portion isolation layer and a pixel isolation layer. An end portion on a photoelectric conversion portion side of the pixel isolation layer is away from the photoelectric conversion portion compared to an end portion on a photoelectric conversion portion side of the beneath-holding-portion isolation layer, and an N-type semiconductor region constituting part of the photoelectric conversion portion is disposed under at least part of the beneath-holding-portion isolation layer.
US09041127B2 FinFET device technology with LDMOS structures for high voltage operations
The present invention is a finFET type semiconductor device using LDMOS features. The device includes a first portion of a substrate doped with a second doping type and has a first trench, second trench, and first fin. The second portion of the substrate with a first doping type includes a third trench and second fin. The second fin between the second and third trench covers a part the first portion and a part of the second portion of the substrate. A first segment of the second fin is between the second segment and second trench. A second segment covers a part of the second portion of the substrate and is between the first segment and third trench. A gate covering at least a part of the first segment and a part of the first portion and a part of the second portion of the substrate.
US09041125B2 Fin shape for fin field-effect transistors and method of forming
A fin field-effect transistor (finFET) and a method of forming are provided. A gate electrode is formed over one or more fins. Notches are formed in the ends of the gate electrode along a base of the gate electrode. Optionally, an underlying dielectric layer, such as a shallow trench isolation, may be recessed under the notch, thereby reducing gap fill issues.
US09041120B2 Power MOS transistor with integrated gate-resistor
A transistor device comprises: at least one individual transistor cell arranged in a transistor cell field on a semiconductor body, each individual transistor cell comprising a gate electrode; a gate contact, electrically coupled to the gate electrodes of the transistor cells and configured to switch on the at least one transistor cell by providing a gate current in a first direction and configured to switch off the at least one transistor cell by providing a gate current in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; at least one gate-resistor structure monolithically integrated in the transistor device, the gate-resistor structure providing a first resistance for the gate current when the gate current flows in the first direction, and providing a second resistance for the gate current, which is different from the first resistance, when the gate current flows in the second direction.
US09041119B2 Forming CMOS with close proximity stressors
A method of forming transistors with close proximity stressors to channel regions of the transistors is provided. The method includes forming a first transistor, in a first region of a substrate, having a gate stack on top of the first region of the substrate and a set of spacers adjacent to sidewalls of the gate stack, the first region including a source and drain region of the first transistor; forming a second transistor, in a second region of the substrate, having a gate stack on top of the second region of the substrate and a set of spacers adjacent to sidewalls of the gate stack, the second region including a source and drain region of the second transistor; covering the first transistor with a photo-resist mask without covering the second transistor; creating recesses in the source and drain regions of the second transistor; and forming stressors in the recesses.
US09041118B2 Replacement metal gate structure for CMOS device
A CMOS device that includes an nFET portion, a pFET portion and an interlayer dielectric between the nFET portion and pFET portion. The nFET portion has a gate structure having a recess filled with a conformal high-k dielectric, a first titanium nitride layer on the high-k dielectric, a barrier layer on the first titanium nitride layer, a second titanium nitride layer in direct physical contact with the barrier layer and a gate metal filling the remainder of the recess. The pFET portion has a gate structure having a recess filled with a conformal high-k dielectric, a first titanium nitride layer on the high-k dielectric, a barrier layer on the first titanium nitride layer, a second titanium nitride layer on the barrier layer, a third titanium nitride layer in direct physical contact with the second titanium nitride layer and a gate metal filling the remainder of the recess.
US09041113B2 Semiconductor integrated device
A semiconductor integrated device in which electrostatic discharge damage can be reliably prevented, includes a semiconductor substrate in which an electrostatic protection circuit including a second diffusion region surrounding a first diffusion region as a local region is formed in a main surface; a metal pad opposed to the main surface; and a conductive bump formed so as to face a top surface of the metal pad, wherein in a surface opposed to the metal pad of the conductive bump, a projection which is in contact with the metal pad is provided in a range opposed to the first diffusion region.
US09041107B2 Devices with gate-to-gate isolation structures and methods of manufacture
Devices having gate-to-gate isolation structures and methods of manufacture are provided. The method includes forming a plurality of isolation structures in pad films and an underlying substrate. The method further includes forming a plurality of fins including the isolation structures and a second plurality of fins including the two pad films and a portion of the underlying substrate, each of which are separated by a trench. The method further includes removing portions of the second plurality of fins resulting in a height lower than a height of the plurality of fins including the isolation structures. The method further includes forming gate electrodes within each trench, burying the second plurality of fins and abutting sides of the plurality of fins including the isolation structures. The plurality of fins including the isolation structures electrically and physically isolate adjacent gate electrode of the gate electrodes.
US09041105B2 Integrated circuit including transistor structure on depleted silicon-on-insulator, related method and design structure
An Integrated Circuit (IC) and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the IC includes: a substrate; a first semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate; a shallow trench isolation (STI) extending through the first semiconductor layer to within a portion of the substrate, the STI substantially separating a first n+ region and a second n+ region; and a gate disposed on a portion of the first semiconductor layer and connected to the STI, the gate including: a buried metal oxide (BOX) layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer and connected to the STI; a cap layer disposed on the BOX layer; and a p-type well component disposed within the first semiconductor layer and the substrate, the p-type well component connected to the second n+ region.
US09041104B2 Semiconductor device
A memory includes a semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film on the semiconductor layer, and a gate electrode on the gate insulating film. A first channel region of a first conductivity type is provided on a surface of the semiconductor layer below the gate insulating film. A diffusion layer of a second conductivity type is provided below the first channel region in the semiconductor layer. The diffusion layer contacts a bottom of the first channel region in a direction substantially vertical to a surface of the semiconductor layer. The diffusion layer forms a PN junction with the bottom of the first channel region. A drain of a first conductivity type and a source of a second conductivity type are provided on a side and another side of the first channel region. A sidewall film covers a side surface of the first channel region on a side of the diffusion layer.
US09041103B2 RESURF semiconductor device charge balancing
Breakdown voltage BVdss is enhanced and ON-resistance reduced in RESURF devices, e.g., LDMOS transistors, by careful charge balancing, even when body and drift region charge balance is not ideal, by: (i) providing a plug or sinker near the drain and of the same conductivity type extending through the drift region at least into the underlying body region, and/or (ii) applying bias Viso to a surrounding lateral doped isolation wall coupled to the device buried layer, and/or (iii) providing a variable resistance bridge between the isolation wall and the drift region. The bridge may be a FET whose source-drain couple the isolation wall and drift region and whose gate receives control voltage Vc, or a resistor whose cross-section (X, Y, Z) affects its resistance and pinch-off, to set the percentage of drain voltage coupled to the buried layer via the isolation wall.
US09041098B2 Semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, the semiconductor device is provided with a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, a third semiconductor layer, a pair of first conductors, a pair of second conductors, first wiring layers, and second wiring layers. Each pair of first and second conductors is formed in first and second trenches via the first and second insulating films and is opposite to the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The first wiring layers have main body parts and plural convex parts. Plural convex parts extend from the main body parts and are electrically connected with the first conductors via a first opening part of a first interlayer insulating film. The second wiring layers are electrically connected with the second conductors via a second opening part of the first interlayer insulating film.
US09041096B2 Superjunction semiconductor device and manufacturing method therefor
A semiconductor device that includes the following is manufactured: an n− base layer; a p-type base layer formed on the surface of the n− base layer; an n+ source layer formed in the inner area of the p-type base layer; a gate electrode formed so as to face a channel region across a gate insulating film; a plurality of p-type columnar regions that are formed in the n− base layer so as to continue from the p-type base layer and that are arranged at a first pitch; and a plurality of p+ collector layers that are selectively formed on the rear surface of the n− base layer and that are arranged at a second pitch larger than the first pitch.
US09041092B2 Semiconductor device and method for producing the same
A semiconductor device includes a pillar-shaped silicon layer including a first diffusion layer, a channel region, and a second diffusion layer formed in that order from the silicon substrate side, floating gates respectively disposed in two symmetrical directions so as to sandwich the pillar-shaped silicon layer, and a control gate line disposed in two symmetrical directions other than the two directions so as to sandwich the pillar-shaped silicon layer. A tunnel insulating film is formed between the pillar-shaped silicon layer and each of the floating gates. The control gate line is disposed so as to surround the floating gates and the pillar-shaped silicon layer with an inter-polysilicon insulating film interposed therebetween.
US09041086B2 Methods of forming vertical field effect transistors, vertical field effect transistors, and DRAM cells
A method of forming a vertical field effect transistor includes etching an opening into semiconductor material. Sidewalls and radially outermost portions of the opening base are lined with masking material. A semiconductive material pillar is epitaxially grown to within the opening adjacent the masking material from the semiconductor material at the opening base. At least some of the masking material is removed from the opening. A gate dielectric is formed radially about the pillar. Conductive gate material is formed radially about the gate dielectric. An upper portion of the pillar is formed to comprise one source/drain region of the vertical transistor. Semiconductive material of the pillar received below the upper portion is formed to comprise a channel region of the vertical transistor. Semiconductor material adjacent the opening is formed to comprise another source/drain region of the vertical transistor. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US09041084B2 Memory device and method for making same
Embodiments relate to a method of forming a memory array, comprising: forming a collector layer; forming a plurality of collector regions in the collector layer; forming a plurality of base regions over the collector region; forming a plurality of emitter regions over the base regions; forming a plurality of memory elements over the emitter regions, wherein the collector regions, base regions and emitter regions form heterojunction bipolar transistors.
US09041079B1 Optical latch and synaptic switch
An optoelectronic device may include an insulating substrate, a semiconductor channel region located on the insulating substrate, and a source region and a drain region in contact with the semiconductor channel region. A photoswitchable material may be located on the semiconductor channel region between the source region and the drain region, such that the photoswitchable material includes a first structural state based on being exposed to a first optical wavelength, and includes a second structural state based on being exposed to a second optical wavelength. The first structural state causes a first electrical current to flow between the source region and the drain region, while the second structural state causes a second electrical current to flow between the source region and the drain region.
US09041077B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method of the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and a stacked structure vertically formed on the substrate. The stacked structure includes a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of insulating layers, and the conductive layers and the insulating layers are interlaced. At least one of the conductive layers has a first doping segment having a first doping property and a second doping segment having a second doping property, the second doping property being different from the first doping property. The interface between the first doping segment and the second doping segment has a grain boundary.
US09041075B2 Full bridge rectifier module
A full bridge rectifier includes four bipolar transistors, each of which has an associated parallel diode. A first pair of inductors provides inductive current splitting and thereby provides base current to/from one pair of the bipolar transistors so that the collector-to-emitter voltages of the bipolar transistors are low. A second pair of inductors similarly provides inductive current splitting to provide base current to/from the other pair of bipolar transistors. In one embodiment, all components are provided in a four terminal full bridge rectifier module. The module can be used as a drop-in replacement for a conventional four terminal full bridge diode rectifier. When current flows through the rectifier module, however, the voltage drop across the module is less than one volt. Due to the reduced low voltage drop, power loss in the rectifier module is reduced as compared to power loss in a conventional full bridge diode rectifier.
US09041072B2 Image sensor pixel cell with global shutter having narrow spacing between gates
A pixel cell includes a photodiode, a storage transistor, a transfer transistor and an output transistor disposed in a semiconductor substrate. The transfer transistor selectively transfers image charge accumulated in the photodiode from the photodiode to the storage transistor. The output transistor selectively transfers the image charge from the storage transistor to a readout node. A first isolation fence is disposed over the semiconductor substrate separating a transfer gate of the transfer transistor from a storage gate of the storage transistor. A second isolation fence is disposed over the semiconductor substrate separating the storage gate from an output gate of the output transistor. Thicknesses of the first and second isolation fences are substantially equal to spacing distances between the transfer gate and the storage gate, and between the storage gate and the output gate, respectively.
US09041071B2 Unit pixel of image sensor and image sensor including the same
A unit pixel of an image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion region, an isolation region, a floating diffusion region and a transfer gate. The photoelectric conversion region is formed in a semiconductor substrate. The isolation region surrounds the photoelectric conversion region, extends substantially vertically with respect to a first surface of the semiconductor substrate, and crosses the incident side of the photoelectric conversion region so as to block leakage light and diffusion carriers. The floating diffusion region is disposed in the semiconductor substrate above the photoelectric conversion region. The transfer gate is disposed adjacent to the photoelectric conversion region and the floating diffusion region, extends substantially vertically with respect to the first surface of the semiconductor substrate, and transmits the photo-charges from the photoelectric conversion region to the floating diffusion region.
US09041065B2 Semiconductor heterostructure diodes
Planar Schottky diodes for which the semiconductor material includes a heterojunction which induces a 2DEG in at least one of the semiconductor layers. A metal anode contact is on top of the upper semiconductor layer and forms a Schottky contact with that layer. A metal cathode contact is connected to the 2DEG, forming an ohmic contact with the layer containing the 2DEG.
US09041063B2 High electron mobility transistors and methods of manufacturing the same
High electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and methods of manufacturing the same. A HEMT may include a source electrode, a gate electrode, a drain electrode, a channel formation layer including at least a 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) channel, a channel supplying layer for forming the 2DEG channel in the channel formation layer, a portion of the channel supplying layer including a first oxygen treated region. The channel supplying layer may include a second oxygen treated region that extends from the first oxygen treated region towards the drain electrode, and the depth and concentration of oxygen of the second oxygen treated region may be less than those of the first oxygen treated region.
US09041059B2 Semiconductor structure for antenna switching circuit
A manufacturing method for antenna switching circuit includes the following steps of: providing a GaAs wafer, which includes a capping layer; disposing an isolation layer to the GaAs wafer for forming a device area; and disposing a gate metal on the capping layer within the device area, wherein an interface between the gate metal and the capping layer forms a Schottky contact, and the Schottky contact is parallel connected with an impedance. The present invention also discloses a semiconductor structure for antenna switching circuit.
US09041056B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device including: a substrate; a gate electrode formed above the substrate; a gate insulating film formed under the gate electrode; a channel layer formed under the gate insulating film by using a channel layer material; a source region and a drain region formed in the substrate so as to interpose the channel layer therebetween in a channel direction; and a source extension layer formed in the substrate between the channel layer and the source region so as to overlap a source-side end portion of the channel layer. The source extension layer forms a heterointerface with the channel layer. The heterointerface is a tunnel channel for carries.
US09041053B2 Semiconductor device
When a semiconductor substrate of a semiconductor device is viewed from above, an isolation region, an IGBT region, and a diode region are all formed adjacent to each other. A deep region that is connected to a body region and an anode region is formed in the isolation region. A drift region is formed extending across the isolation region, the IGBT region, and the diode region, inside the semiconductor substrate. A collector region that extends across the isolation region, the IGBT region and the diode region, and a cathode region positioned in the diode region, are formed in a region exposed on a lower surface of the semiconductor substrate. A boundary between the collector region and the cathode region is in the diode region, in a cross-section that cuts across a boundary between the isolation region and the diode region, and divides the isolation region and the diode region. The collector region formed in the isolation region has a higher dopant impurity concentration than the collector region in the IGBT region.
US09041052B2 Semiconductor device, semiconductor unit, and power semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: an insulating substrate; a first electrode pattern and a second electrode pattern provided apart from each other on a major surface of the insulating substrate; a semiconductor element connected to the first electrode pattern; an electrode terminal connected to the second electrode pattern; and a connection wiring. The connection wiring electrically connects the first electrode pattern and the second electrode pattern with each other and has a thermal resistance larger than that of the first electrode pattern.
US09041048B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
The semiconductor light emitting device according to embodiments has a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an un-doped semiconductor layer under the first conductive type semiconductor layer, and a plurality of semiconductor structures in the un-doped semiconductor layer.
US09041043B2 Light emitting device package
A light emitting device package is provided that comprises first and second light emitting devices including light emitting diodes, a body a body having a first cavity in which the first light emitting device is positioned and a second cavity in which the second light emitting device is positioned and a resin material formed in the cavity, wherein the resin material includes, a first resin material formed in the first cavity, a second resin material formed in the second cavity, and a third resin material formed an upper surface of the first and second resin materials, wherein at least one of the first resin material and the second resin material includes a light diffusing material.
US09041040B2 LED lamp
A LED lamp is disclosed which has a plurality of light unit, each of the light unit has at least one flat metal lead for heat dissipation and the lower part of the metal lead is mounted on a heat sink for a further heat dissipation.
US09041039B2 Semiconductor light emitting element
A semiconductor light emitting element includes: an insulating substrate having a plurality of convex portions on a surface thereof; a plurality of light emitting element components having semiconductor laminated bodies that are laminated on the insulating substrate and are separated from one another by a groove that exposes the convex portions; and a connector connecting between the light emitting element components. The light emitting element components include a first light emitting element component and a second light emitting element component. The first light emitting element component is separated from the second light emitting element component with the groove in between, and has a first protrusion that protrudes toward the second light emitting element component. The connector includes a first connector having a shape that straddles the groove and that follows the convex portions, and has a straight section.
US09041037B2 Ultraviolet light emitting diode package
An ultraviolet light emitting diode package for emitting ultraviolet light is disclosed. The ultraviolet light emitting diode package comprises an LED chip emitting light with a peak wavelength of 350 nm or less, and a protective member provided so that surroundings of the LED chip is covered to protect the LED chip, the protective member having a non-yellowing property to energy from the LED chip.
US09041036B2 Semiconductor light emitting device wherein a linear expansion coefficient of an intermediate layer is larger than a linear expansion coefficient of a first semiconductor layer and smaller than a linear expansion coefficient of a wavelength conversion layer
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes first and second columnar units, a wavelength conversion layer, a light emitting unit, a resin unit and an intermediate layer. The first columnar unit extends in a first direction. The second columnar unit is provided apart from the first columnar unit, and extends in the first direction. The wavelength conversion layer is provided apart from the first and second columnar units in the first direction. The light emitting unit includes first and second semiconductor layers, and a light emitting layer configured to emit a first light. The resin unit covers side surfaces along the first direction of the first and second columnar units and the light emitting unit, and a surface of the light emitting unit. The intermediate layer includes first and second portions, and has a thickness thinner than a peak wavelength of the first light.
US09041026B2 Light-emitting unit, light-emitting device, lighting device, and method for manufacturing light-emitting unit
A light-emitting unit with small energy loss is provided. Further, a light-emitting unit with high reliability is provided. A light-emitting unit is provided in the following manner: a separation layer including a leg portion and a stage portion, which protrudes over an electrode is formed so that a projected area of the stage portion is larger than that of the leg portion; a layer containing a light-emitting organic compound, an upper electrode of the first light-emitting element, and an upper electrode of the second light-emitting element are formed; and the upper electrode of the first light-emitting element is electrically connected to a lower electrode of the second light-emitting element in a region overlapping with the stage portion of the separation layer.
US09041025B2 Monolithic full-color LED micro-display on an Active Matrix panel manufactured using flip-chip technology
A high-resolution, Active Matrix (AM) programmed monolithic Light Emitting Diode (LED) micro-array is fabricated using flip-chip technology. The fabrication process includes fabrications of an LED micro-array and an AM panel, and combining the resulting LED micro-array and AM panel using the flip-chip technology. The LED micro-array is grown and fabricated on a sapphire substrate and the AM panel can be fabricated using PMOS process, NMOS process, or CMOS process. LED pixels in a same row share a common N-bus line that is connected to the ground of AM panel while p-electrodes of the LED pixels are electrically separated such that each p-electrode is independently connected to an output of drive circuits mounted on the AM panel. The LED micro-array is flip-chip bonded to the AM panel so that the AM panel controls the LED pixels individually and the LED pixels exhibit excellent emission uniformity. According to this constitution, incompatibility between the LED process and the PMOS/NMOS/CMOS process can be eliminated.
US09041021B2 LED light assembly
An LED assembly includes a rail device, an LED carrier with multiple LEDs securely mounted on the LED carrier and a wire extended out of the LED carrier from providing electricity to the LEDs and a plug device provided to two distal ends of the LED carrier and sandwiched in the rail device. The plug device has a passage defined in one distal end thereof to allow the wire to extend out of the plug device and a positioning seat is sandwiched in the rail device and provided to two sides of the plug device and has a receiving space to respectively and securely accommodate therein sides of the plug device.
US09041019B2 Method of and device for manufacturing LED assembly using liquid molding technologies
A method of and a system for making LED comprising concurrently forming multiple dam structures on a whole silicon wafer using a liquid transfer mold, attaching dies to the silicon wafer inside each of the dam structure, performing flux reflow, cleaning flux, performing wire bonding, dispensing phosphor, curing the phosphor, concurrently forming dome structures by using a liquid transfer mold on all of the dam structures, mounting wafer, and using a saw for single or multiple LED(s) singulation.
US09041017B2 Organic light-emitting display device with modified electrode surface
An organic light-emitting display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate; an organic light-emitting device disposed between the first and second substrates and includes a pixel electrode separately formed in each pixel, a common electrode, and an organic light-emitting layer disposed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode; and an electrode unit and at least one wiring unit that are disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the electrode unit including at least one thin-film transistor for transmitting a light-emitting signal to the pixel electrode and at least one capacitor, wherein an optical property modification layer obtained by modifying an optical property of at least one of the electrode unit and the wiring unit is formed on a surface of the at least one of the electrode unit and the wiring unit.
US09041015B2 Package structure and methods of forming same
A semiconductor device, a package structure, and methods of forming the same are disclosed. An embodiment is a semiconductor device comprising a first optical device over a first substrate, a vertical waveguide on a top surface of the first optical device, and a second substrate over the vertical waveguide. The semiconductor device further comprises a lens capping layer on a top surface of the second substrate, wherein the lens capping layer is aligned with the vertical waveguide, and a second optical device over the lens capping layer.
US09041014B2 Method for producing an optoelectronic component and component produced in such manner
A method of producing an optoelectronic component includes providing a semiconductor chip having an active layer that generates radiation and is arranged on a carrier, applying a dispersed material including a matrix material and particles embedded therein to the semiconductor chip and/or the carrier at least in regions, wherein before the dispersed material is applied, at least one chip edge of the semiconductor chip facing away from the carrier is modified such that the dispersed material at least partly separates into its constituents during application at the chip edge.
US09041001B2 Thin film transistor array panel and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a thin film transistor array panel and a manufacturing method thereof that prevent disconnection of wiring due to misalignment of a mask, and simplify a process and reduce cost by reducing the number of masks. The thin film transistor array panel according to the disclosure includes a source electrode enclosing an outer part of the first contact hole and formed on the second insulating layer; a drain electrode enclosing an outer part of the second contact hole and formed on the second insulating layer; a first connection electrode connecting the source region of the semiconductor layer and the source electrode through the first contact hole; and a second connection electrode connecting the drain region of the semiconductor layer and the drain electrode through the second contact hole.
US09041000B2 Thin film transistor array substrate having non linear active layer and organic light emitting display apparatus including the same
A thin film transistor array substrate includes: a driving thin film transistor including an active layer having a bent shape, where the active layer includes: a first active pattern extending substantially in a first direction; and a second active pattern extending substantially in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and connected to the first active pattern, and a gate electrode disposed on the active layer, where gate electrode overlaps the first active pattern and exposes the second active pattern; and a capacitor including a first electrode defined by the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor, and a second electrode disposed on the first electrode, where the second electrode overlaps substantially an entire surface of the first electrode.
US09040999B2 Organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device includes an active layer of a transistor disposed on a substrate, a gate electrode disposed on the active layer and on a first insulation layer, a second insulation layer which is disposed on the gate electrode and exposes a source area and a drain area of the active layer, a drain electrode which is disposed on the second insulation layer and is connected to an exposed area of the drain area, a third insulation layer on the drain electrode, and a cathode electrode on the third insulation layer, where the cathode electrode penetrates the first insulation layer, the second insulation layer and the third insulation layer, and the cathode electrode is connected to an exposed area of the source area.
US09040998B2 Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device in which reduction in performance due to moisture is suppressed is provided. The light-emitting device has a structure in which a partition having a porous structure surrounds each of light-emitting elements. The partition having a porous structure physically adsorbs moisture; therefore, in the light-emitting device, the partition functions as a hygroscopic film at a portion extremely close to the light-emitting element, so that moisture or water vapor remaining in the light-emitting device or entering from the outside can be effectively adsorbed. Thus, reduction in performance of the light-emitting device due to moisture or water vapor can be effectively suppressed.
US09040988B2 Thin film transistor and manufacturing method thereof, and array substrate
The disclosure discloses a thin film transistor and a manufacturing method thereof, an array substrate, and a display device, which can manufacture a thin film transistor with lower contents of impurity at a low temperature. The thin film transistor comprises: a substrate, and an active layer disposed on the substrate, the active layer comprising a source region, a drain region and a channel region, wherein the active layer is formed by depositing an inducing metal on an amorphous silicon layer on the substrate by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method and then conducting heat treatment on the amorphous silicon layer deposited with the inducing metal so that metal induction crystallization and metal induction lateral crystallization take place in the amorphous silicon layer.
US09040979B2 Organic electroluminescent display device
An organic electroluminescent display device is disclosed which includes a lower substrate including a first substrate defined into red, green and blue sub-pixel regions, first and second switching elements formed in the red and green sub-pixel regions, first and second anodes each connected to the first and second switching elements, and a first organic light emission layer entirely formed on the first substrate provided with the first and second anodes; and an upper substrate including a second substrate, red and green color filter layers formed on the second substrate corresponding to the red and green sub-pixel regions, a third switching element formed on the second substrate corresponding to the blue sub-pixel region, a third anode connected to the third switching element, and a second organic light emission layer entirely formed on the second substrate provided with the red and green color filter layers and the third anode.
US09040976B2 Organic light emitting display panel and organic light emitting display device having the same
An organic light emitting display panel includes a substrate, an organic light emitting diode disposed on a first side of the substrate, and a first light scattering layer disposed on a second side of the substrate opposite to the first side of the substrate, where the first light scattering layer includes a transparent thin layer including an indium, and a plurality of first micro-lenses is disposed on a plasma-treated side of the first light scattering layer.
US09040968B2 Method for manufacturing organic electroluminescence device and organic electroluminescence device
A method for manufacturing an organic electroluminescence device includes: preparing the organic electroluminescence device that includes a lower electrode, an organic layer including a light-emitting layer and formed on the lower electrode, an upper electrode formed on the organic layer, and an encapsulating layer formed on the upper electrode, and has a part in which the lower electrode and the upper electrode are shorted; and forming a mixed layer in which a constituent material of the upper electrode and at least one of constituent materials of the organic layer and the thin-film encapsulating layer which are adjacent to the upper electrode are mixed, by irradiating at least one of the shorted part and a region around the shorted part with an ultrashort pulse laser.
US09040967B2 Method for manufacturing organic electroluminescence device and organic electroluminescence device
A method for manufacturing an organic electroluminescence device includes: preparing an organic electroluminescence device including a lower electrode, an organic layer including a light-emitting layer, and an upper electrode and having a part in which the lower electrode and the upper electrode are shorted, at least one of the lower electrode and the upper electrode being made of a transparent conductive material; and irradiating the transparent conductive material in at least one of the part where the lower electrode and the upper electrode are shorted and a part around the shorted part with a femtosecond laser, and increasing resistance by changing a structure of the transparent conductive material.
US09040966B2 Method for producing organic transistor, organic transistor, method for producing semiconductor device, semiconductor device, and electronic apparatus
Provided is a method of producing an organic transistor, including collectively forming a gate insulating film and an organic semiconductor film by applying, onto a gate electrode, a solution including a polymer and at least one of compounds represented by General Formulas 1 to 4 and 5 to 7, a compound having a structure represented by General Formula 4, a compound having a structure represented by General Formula 5 or 6, and forming a source electrode and a drain electrode on the organic semiconductor film. (where R is a linear or branched alkyl group) (where R is an alkyl group) (where R is an alkyl group) (where A1 and A2 are represented by Formula 8) (where R is an alkyl group or another substituent).
US09040965B2 Donor substrate, method of fabricating organic light-emitting display device, and organic light-emitting display device fabricated using the method
A donor substrate includes a base layer having a first surface and a second surface, a complementary hardness layer on the first surface of the base layer, and a transfer layer on the complementary hardness layer. A hardness of the complementary hardness layer is greater than that of the base layer.
US09040961B2 Organic light emitting diode display and method for manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes a substrate main body, a plurality of organic light emitting elements on the substrate main body, a column spacer on the substrate main body and between two or more of the plurality of organic light emitting elements, and an encapsulation thin film covering at least one of the organic light emitting elements and having regions divided by the column spacer.
US09040959B2 Multi-band topological nanowires
A topological qubit wire hosts Majorana zero-energy modes and includes a superconductor, which may be an s-wave superconductor, and a quasi-1D nanowire, which may be a semi-conductor. The Majorana zero-energy modes are localized at ends of the quasi-1D nanowire, which may be sized and shaped to provide occupancy of a few transverse modes in a first direction and occupancy of a few transverse modes in a second direction. In some instances, the occupancy in the first direction may be greater than or equal to 3, and the occupancy in the second direction may be 1.
US09040958B2 Transistors and methods of manufacturing the same
Transistors, and methods of manufacturing the transistors, include graphene and a material converted from graphene. The transistor may include a channel layer including graphene and a gate insulating layer including a material converted from graphene. The material converted from the graphene may be fluorinated graphene. The channel layer may include a patterned graphene region. The patterned graphene region may be defined by a region converted from graphene. A gate of the transistor may include graphene.
US09040956B2 Unipolar heterojunction depletion-layer transistor
A depletion-layer transistor comprising a base, an emitter and a collector, in which the emitter contains a tunnel diode which permits a tunnel current of charge carriers from the emitter in the direction of the collector when an emitter-base voltage above a first threshold voltage is applied in the direction of current flow, and in which the base contains a graphene layer.
US09040950B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method for manufacturing same
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile memory device includes a first interconnect, an insulating layer, a needle-like metal oxide, and a second interconnect. The insulating layer is provided on the first interconnect. The needle-like metal oxide pierces the insulating layer in a vertical direction. The second interconnect is provided on the insulating layer.
US09040948B2 Nanoscale switching device
A nanoscale switching device comprises a first electrode of a nanoscale width; a second electrode of a nanoscale width; an active region disposed between the first and second electrodes, the active region containing a switching material; an area within the active region that constrains current flow between the first electrode and the second electrode to a central portion of the active region; and an interlayer dielectric layer formed of a dielectric material and disposed between the first and second electrodes outside the active region. A nanoscale crossbar array and method of forming the nanoscale switching device are also disclosed.
US09040947B2 Contactless coupling and method for use with an electrical appliance
A coupling and various methods of use of the coupling. In one embodiment a coupling is provided for use with an appliance operated by a power supply, which coupling allows mounting/dismounting of the appliance without electrical isolation from the supply, said coupling comprising: a) a mounting member having a first encapsulated transformer element and suitable controls connectable to the power supply, said member being suitable for fixing to a structure; and b) a holder member engageable with said mounting member and suitable for holding or for connecting thereto an appliance, said holder member including a second encapsulated transformer element able to conduct power to an appliance.
US09040946B2 Thermal-conduction element for improving the manufacture of a package for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials
The invention relates to a thermal conduction element (20) for a package for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials, comprising: an internal part (30) intended to be in contact with a lateral body (14) of the package; an external part (34) intended to form a portion of an external envelope (24) of said package, holding radiological protection means (22); an intermediate part (32) arranged between the internal and external parts, the internal, external and intermediate parts being produced from copper and one of the alloys thereof. According to the invention, the external part (34) is equipped, at each of its two opposite ends, with an area (36) for connection by welding to another thermal conduction element (20), each connection area (36) being produced from steel.
US09040941B2 Cassette for containing accumulative fluorescent sheet
There is provided a cassette having: a flexible accommodating body that accommodates an accumulative fluorescent sheet in a light shielded state; an entrance/exit portion that is provided at one end portion of the flexible accommodating body, and through which the accumulative fluorescent sheet can be inserted and removed into and from the flexible accommodating body due to mounting to a radiographic image reading device; and opening/closing means for opening the flexible accommodating body such that a push-out member, that pushes the accumulative fluorescent sheet out toward the entrance/exit portion, can be inserted, or closing the flexible accommodating body in a light shielded state.
US09040933B2 Controlling electromagnetic radiation in a data center
Controlling electromagnetic (‘EM’) radiation in a data center having a number EM sections, including: receiving, by an EM controller, a specification of preferred EM radiation characteristics for the data center; and setting, by the EM controller, a state of each EM section in accordance with the specification, where the state of each EM section may be one of: an absorption state in which the EM section absorbs EM radiation or a reflection state in which the EM section reflects EM radiation.
US09040931B1 Method and apparatus for identifying CVD diamond
Method for identifying CVD diamond comprises (1) placing a clean diamond on a fixed platform; (2) illuminating the diamond with light having various wavelengths; (3) receiving reflected light from the diamond; (4) calculating a reflectance value at each wavelength based on a light intensity at each wavelength of the reflected light, generating a spectral reflectance curve; (5) determining whether the spectral reflectance curve has a sharp trough, then storing the diamond if the spectral reflectance curve thereof does not have the sharp trough, while selecting the diamond for a further identification if the spectral reflectance curve thereof has the sharp trough; and (6) determining whether the sharp trough of the diamond selected from the step (5) is at a wavelength between 227 nm and 233 nm, and identifying the diamond to be the CVD diamond if the sharp trough is at the wavelength between 227 nm and 233 nm.
US09040930B2 Beam sensing
A particle beam sensor comprising: scattering means providing a surface for intercepting obliquely a path of a particle beam thereby to permit a scattering of particles from the particle beam by the scattering means; sensor means responsive to receipt of one or more said scattered particles to generate a sensor signal; aperture mask means arranged between the scattering means and the sensor means to present to the scattering means a screen opaque to said scattered particles and having at least one aperture through which an unobstructed view of the scattering means is provided to the sensor means, the aperture (s) thereby permitting selection of all of those particles scattered by the scattering means which may be used to form at the sensor means an image representative of at least a part of a foot print cast by the particle beam upon the scattering means. By scattering particles from a sectional area of a particle beam, scattered beam particles can be used more efficiently compared to existing techniques.
US09040929B2 Charge sensors using inverted lateral bipolar junction transistors
A sensor includes a collector, an emitter and a base-region barrier formed as an inverted bipolar junction transistor having a base substrate forming a base electrode to activate the inverted bipolar junction transistor. A level surface is formed by the collector, the emitter and the base-region barrier opposite the base substrate such that when the level surface is exposed to charge, the charge is measured during operation of the bipolar junction transistor.
US09040927B2 Radiation detection apparatus
A radiation detection apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a scintillator including a fluorescent material to convert radiation to visible radiation photon; a photon detection device array having a plurality of cells each of which includes a photon detection device to detect visible radiation photon emitted from a fluorescent material in the scintillator and convert the visible radiation photon to an electric signal; and a plurality of lenses provided on cells respectively in association with the cells to cause the visible radiation photon to be incident on the photon detection device in an associated cell.
US09040926B2 Rugged scintillation crystal assembly
A rugged scintillation crystal assembly includes several scintillator crystals, which are optically coupled to each other by resilient optical-coupling material such as silicone pads and/or grease. The scintillator crystals are configured to collectively emit optical signals. Such a stack may combine the advantages of both a long form-factor for the overall assembly with the ruggedness of the assembly's component short crystals.
US09040921B2 Analytical methods
Aspects of the disclosure provide techniques for detecting differences and/or changes in biological and non-biological material using infrared imaging. Aspects of the disclosure are useful for monitoring and evaluating synthetic scaffolds and engineered tissue and organs for tissue engineering and transplantation.
US09040916B2 Visible and near-infrared radiation detector
The visible and near-infrared radiation detector includes a near-infrared photosensitive element, a readout circuit for reading the near-infrared photosensitive element, four visible photosensitive elements, one of which being placed facing the near-infrared photosensitive element, and three interference filters to define a pixel quadruplet. A first pixel, including the near-infrared photosensitive element and one of the visible photosensitive elements, has no filter. The three other pixels, respectively including the three other visible photosensitive elements, are respectively provided with filters associated with the three primary colors. Each interference filter includes an alternation of metal layers and of dielectric layers.
US09040907B2 Method and apparatus for tuning an electrostatic ion trap
An apparatus includes an electrostatic ion trap and electronics configured to measure parameters of the ion trap and configured to adjust ion trap settings based on the measured parameters. A method of tuning the electrostatic ion trap includes, under automatic electronic control, measuring parameters of the ion trap and adjusting ion trap settings based on the measured parameters.
US09040906B2 Droplet manipulation using gas-phase standing-wave ultrasound fields in MS sources
An ion source for a mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ionization device which emits a stream of droplets and one or more ultrasonic transmitters which create one or more acoustic standing waves. The acoustic standing waves may be used to further nebulize the stream of droplets and induce internal mixing of the droplets.
US09040902B2 Atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer
In an atmospheric pressure ionization source using an ESI or the like having a desolvation pipe with one end opening serving as an ion-drawing port, a drying-gas supplying port for supplying a drying gas against the ion-drawing direction is provided below the ion-drawing port, i.e. at a position opposite to the side where a nozzle for spraying a liquid sample into an atmospheric pressure atmosphere is located, as viewed from the ion-drawing port. When the drying gas is supplied from the drying-gas supplying port, the gas pressure becomes higher in a region above the ion-drawing port becomes higher than in a region below the same port and produces a downward air stream. This stream helps ions in the spray flow from the nozzle to easily come close to the ion-drawing port and be efficiently drawn into the desolvation pipe.
US09040898B2 Device having a plurality of photosensitive microcells arranged in row or matrix form
The invention provides a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM). The SiPM includes a plurality of microcells, a nonlinear element integrated in each one of the plurality of microcells, and a trigger line for outputting a summated current of the plurality of microcells, wherein the nonlinear element provides for a separated timing and energy signal.
US09040896B2 Optoelectronic-device wafer probe and method therefor
A probe card for wafer-level testing a plurality of optoelectronic devices on a wafer is provided. The probe card has both electrical and optical functionality. The probe card comprises a plurality of lenslets aligned with the plurality of optoelectronic devices to improve the optical coupling efficiency between each of the plurality of optoelectronic devices and a plurality of optical waveguides located on a probe head.
US09040895B2 Photoelectric conversion apparatus and imaging system using the same
A photoelectric conversion apparatus of the present invention includes a first semiconductor region functioning as a barrier against signal charges between a first and a second photoelectric conversion element, and a second semiconductor region that has a width narrower than that of the first semiconductor region and functions as a barrier against signal charges between a first and the third photoelectric conversion element. A region with a low barrier is provided at least a part between the first and the second photoelectric conversion element.
US09040889B2 Analog-to-digital converter with programmable ramp generator
An analog-to-digital (ADC) converter is disclosed that uses aspects of a single-slope ramp ADC, but with jump steps in the ramp voltage to increase speed. A programmable ramp generator can be used to dynamically modify a voltage level associated with the jump step. By programming a voltage level of the jump, a user can dynamically modify the speed of the ADC during operation.
US09040886B1 Adaptive aerodynamic control system for projectile maneuvering
A projectile control system includes a plurality of fins, a drive mechanism coupled to each of the plurality of fins to enable the plurality of fins to be independently retracted or deployed, and a control mechanism in communication with the drive mechanisms to independently control the deployment or retraction of the plurality of fins. A projectile having the projectile control system and a method of operating a projectile are also described herein.
US09040885B2 Trajectory modification of a spinning projectile
The invention is a projectile, device and system having a roll control device which may be fixed or deployable, for providing torque counter to the spin of the projectile and providing drag on the projectile. The roll control device includes a guidance collar rotatably attached to the projectile located near a front end of the projectile wherein the guidance collar includes one or more guidance collar aero-surfaces shaped to provide torque counter to the spin on the projectile. The guidance collar aero-surfaces may be controlled by a brake and guidance electronics on the projectile. The invention also includes a body collar fixedly attached to the projectile aft of the guidance collar, wherein the body collar includes one or more body collar aero-surfaces and fixed or deployable drag devices. Another embodiment use only a guidance collar aero-surfaces to orient a fixed drag device relative to an Earth inertial reference frame to create asymmetrical drag on the projectile and thereby altering its trajectory.
US09040883B2 Electromagnetic heating
An electromagnetic heater for heating an irregularly shaped object, including: a cavity within which an object is to be placed; at least one feed which feeds UHF or microwave energy into the cavity; and a controller that controls one or more characteristics of the cavity or energy to assure that the UHF or microwave energy is deposited uniformly in the object within ±30% over at least 80% of the volume of the object.
US09040881B2 Cooking methods
The present invention relates to a cooking control method performed by a cooking apparatus for a food item. The method comprises obtaining a unique identifier and cooking data for the food item, and checking for a record of the unique identifier in a memory of the cooking apparatus. If a record of the unique identifier is located in the memory, then the cooking apparatus will not cook the food item. Otherwise a cooking process based on the cooking data to cook the food item is performed. Accordingly, cooking data for a given instance of a food item can only be used once in order to activate a cooking process performed by the cooking apparatus. The present invention also features product recall as well as the ability to track food item sales via a cooking data communications system.
US09040880B2 Circuit arrangement for sustaining water in contact with a heating element at a set temperature or range within an instantaneous hot water heater unit
An electronic circuit control arrangement to sustain water discharging from an instantaneous hot water heater at a set temperature or range having a proportional water temperature signal derived from a sensing arrangement in communication with water inlet and outlet ports so as to sense the respective temperatures at each port to provide a comparatively measurable proportional difference between the inlet and outlet temperatures set against referenced parameters, including a comparator that acts as an operable control of a switch adapted to couple and de-couple an alternating current power source to the heating element through a duty cycle of highs and lows to provide a rate to generate and maintain the appropriate coupling and/or de-coupling of the alternating current power source to and from the heating element to achieve the desired referenced temperature and/or range.
US09040879B2 RF heating at selected power supply protocols
Disclosed is an apparatus for applying RF energy to an object in an energy application zone via one or more radiating elements at a plurality of modulation space elements (MSEs). The apparatus may include at least one processor configured to cause supply of RF energy to one or more of the radiating elements in a first subset of the plurality of MSEs, at a first power level common to the MSEs in the first subset and for varying time durations, and cause supply of RF energy to one or more of the radiating elements in a second subset of the plurality of MSEs, at power levels lower than the first power level and for a time duration common to the MSEs of the second subset.
US09040871B2 Process for producing a hole using different laser positions
Methods for producing a continuous hole in a substrate are provided. A laser is used for producing an inner proportion and a diffuser of the continuous hole, wherein an angular position of the laser with respect to the substrate is changed at least three times.
US09040868B2 Plasma torch and retaining cap with fast securing threads
A retaining cap for a plasma torch is provided that includes fast securing threads. The retaining cap includes internal threads that couple to external threads of a torch body of the plasma torch. The internal and external threads may be multiple start threads having a thread angle greater than 60°. Plasma torches and plasma cutting systems are also provided.
US09040867B2 Manufacturing machine with magnetic field beam steering
According to an example embodiment, a machine includes, among other things, a housing and a support situated for supporting a work piece in a selected position relative to the housing. A radiation source is situated for emitting a beam of radiation in the housing. A magnetic field generator is situated for generating a magnetic field in the housing near the support. The magnetic field has a selectively variable strength at a plurality of locations in the housing for selectively steering the beam of radiation toward the support.
US09040861B2 Arc extinguishing apparatus for ring main unit
An arc extinguishing apparatus for a ring main unit includes: a housing; a plurality of fixed contactor assemblies fixed to be protruded toward the center in the housing and formed by inserting a permanent magnet for arc extinguishing by a magnetic force between a pair of main circuit fixed contacts; a plurality of earthing fixed contactors fixed to be protruded toward the center in the housing and installed to be spaced apart from the fixed contactor assemblies at a predetermined angle; a 3-phases common rotational shaft installed to be rotatable at the center of the housing; and a rotatable movable contactor assembly having a plurality of puffer guide plate sections having openings with a narrow opening width to accelerate the velocity of flow of insulating gas to extinguish arc by blowing it, and rotatable to a circuit closing position, an earthing position, and a circuit opening position.
US09040860B2 Machine for sorting flats
A sorting machine at least for flat postal items comprises a stacking module having a plurality of stacking stations, which define respective channels along which the postal products are carried and a first plurality of rollers for handling the postal products along the stacking stations, a first carrying assembly defining a second channel configured for carrying the postal products towards the stacking module and comprising a second plurality of rollers for carrying the postal products, a plurality of deviating assemblies, each of which comprises a first device selectively mobile for deviating a flat into the channel of the desired stacking station, and a second carrying assembly delimiting an outlet channel communicating with the plurality of stacking stations, wherein at least one of the first and second rollers is mobile transversely with respect to the direction of conveyance of the postal products on the machine.
US09040858B2 Layout method and layout structure of touch panel electrode
A layout method of a touch panel electrode includes the steps of: providing a substrate; forming a first electro-conductive layer, having pattern blocks disposed adjacently to one another, on one side of the substrate, wherein the first electro-conductive layer is transparent; forming an alignment film on the one side of the substrate; forming an second electro-conductive layer, having wires to be connected to at least one of the pattern blocks, on the one side of the substrate; and forming a protection layer on the second electro-conductive layer to protect the second electro-conductive layer. The present invention can reduce the processes of manufacturing the conventional electrode, especially do not needs to form another electro-conductive layer and another protection layer on the other side of the substrate, and can effectively prevent the electrostatic charge effect and increase the capacitance and sensitivity.
US09040856B2 Luminous keyboard device
A luminous keyboard device includes plural keys, a supporting plate, a light-emitting element, a membrane switch circuit module, and a light guide plate. The light guide plate is thicker than the light guide plate. The supporting plate has an opening corresponding to the light-emitting element. The light-emitting element is inserted into the opening. The light-emitting element is used for emitting plural light beams. A portion of the plural light beams are traveled along the path under the supporting plate and introduced into the light guide plate. Consequently, the portion of the plural light beams will be directed to the plural keys to illuminate the plural keys. Another portion of the plural light beams are traveled along the path over the supporting plate and introduced into the membrane switch circuit module. Consequently, the luminous efficiency of the slim-type luminous keyboard device is enhanced.
US09040855B2 3-dimensional seal for a button
Button assemblies including water tight seals and methods for making the same are provided. The button assembly can include a button made from a rigid material having a cosmetic portion and a post. The post may extend from a bottom surface of the button and activate a switch of the electronic device when the button is actuated. Additionally, the button assembly can include a sealing member made from a compliant material having a post receiving hole. The sealing member may be secured to the button and an interior surface of a housing of the electronic device. The post receiving hole may fit around and engage the post. In some embodiments, the button may include a cavity and the sealing member may include a protruding member. In these embodiments, the cavity can receive the protruding member to provide for better registration of the sealing member to the button during assembly.
US09040851B2 Keycap assembly with an interactive spring mechanism
A touchsurface assembly comprises a base, a pressable touchsurface, and a deflectable spring. The pressable touchsurface is configured to move between an unpressed position and a pressed position relative to the base. The deflectable spring comprises a fixed portion and a contact portion. The contact portion is configured to contact a spring guiding profile. As the touchsurface moves from the unpressed position to the pressed position, the contact portion physically interacts with different sections of the spring guiding profile. This interaction causes different deflections of the deflectable spring and produces reaction forces that resist keycap motion toward the pressed position and bias the keycap toward the unpressed position.
US09040844B2 Electronic component mounting board having a plurality of terminals and method of manufacture
A mounting board having a plurality of terminals. The ends of each of the plurality of terminals are inserted into and soldered to through-holes positioned in a printed board, and the terminals are mounted on the printed board. A plurality of pedestals are disposed on one side of the printed board. The pedestals support the terminals. The pedestals are integrally coupled to one another through deformable coupling portions. Mutual displacements among the pedestals are allowed by the coupling portions.
US09040843B2 Multilayer printed wiring board
A multilayered printed circuit board including a substrate, a multilayered structure formed on the substrate and including multiple conductor circuits and multiple interlaminar resin insulating layers, and a stack-via structure having multiple via-holes and formed in the multilayered structure such that the via-holes are piled through the interlaminar resin insulating layers in the multilayered structure. The interlaminar resin insulating layers include an outermost interlaminar resin insulating layer forming an outermost layer of the interlaminar resin insulating layers and having a coefficient of linear expansion which is equal to or smaller than coefficients of linear expansion of the interlaminar resin insulating layers other than the outermost interlaminar resin insulating layer.
US09040830B2 Wiring substrate with spring terminal and mounting structure for the same, and socket
A wiring substrate with spring terminal, includes a wiring substrate including a first face and a second face on an opposite side to the first face, and a spring terminal mounted on the first face of the wiring substrate, wherein a wiring layer provided on the first face of the wiring substrate includes a first wiring pattern connected electrically to the spring terminal, and a first ground pattern grounded to a ground potential, and the first ground pattern is insulated from the first wiring pattern, and is formed on the first face to surround the first wiring pattern.
US09040818B2 Dust-proof mechanism and electronic device using the same
An electronic device with an inbuilt mechanism sealing unused interface holes, or gaps, against dust is disclosed. The dust-proof mechanism includes two blocking members and two elastic members. The two blocking members are movably mounted on a bottom wall of a housing and close an interface hole in the manner of drawn curtains. The two blocking members are urged together by the elastic members. When an object is inserted into the interface hole, the guiding surfaces guide and ride over the inserted object, moving the two blocking members away from each other. When the object is pulled out of the interface hole, the two blocking members are moved back toward each other by the elastic members.
US09040808B2 Light-guide solar panel and method of fabrication thereof
The present invention is that of a solar energy system that uses a light-guide solar panel (LGSP) to trap light inside a dielectric or other transparent panel and propagates the light to one of the panel edges for harvesting by a solar energy collector such as a photovoltaic cell. This allows for very thin modules whose thickness is comparable to the height of the solar energy collector. This eliminates eliminating the depth requirements inherent in traditional concentrated photovoltaic solar energy systems. A light guide solar panel has a deflecting layer, a light guide layer and a solar cell in optical communication with the light guide layer. The deflecting layer receives light at a first surface and inputs the light into the light guide layer. The light guide layer propagates the light to the solar cell, which is aligned generally parallel to the input surface.
US09040806B1 Multi-channel noise reduction system with direct instrument tracking
A multi-channel noise reduction system provides improved noise reduction with direct instrument tracking of all channels. In a two channel noise reduction system, both channels detect and track the input level and dynamic range of the guitar directly with one channel of dynamic noise reduction between the guitar and the input of a guitar amplifier to eliminate the noise of the instrument and another channel of noise reduction connected in the effects loop of the guitar amplifier. Multiple channels of noise reduction can be implemented with separated threshold controls and with low level expansion and dynamic filtering being combined so as to detect and track the input level and dynamic range of the guitar directly. A buffer amplifier can be used to feed the direct guitar signal to the detectors of the noise reduction system and the input of a stereo guitar system.
US09040805B2 Information processing apparatus, sound material capturing method, and program
An information processing apparatus is provided which includes a music analysis unit for analyzing an audio signal serving as a capture source for a sound material and for detecting beat positions of the audio signal and a presence probability of each instrument sound in the audio signal, and a capture range determination unit for determining a capture range for the sound material by using the beat positions and the presence probability of each instrument sound detected by the music analysis unit.
US09040803B2 Music and sound that varies from one playback to another playback
A method and apparatus for the creation and playback of music and/or sound, so that sound sequences are generated that vary from one playback to another playback. In one embodiment, during composition creation, artist(s) may define how the composition may vary from playback to playback using visually interactive display(s). The artist's definition may be embedded into a composition dataset. During playback, a composition data set may be processed by a playback device and/or a playback program, so that each time the composition is played-back a unique version may be generated. Variability during playback may include: the variable selection of alternative sound segment(s); variable editing of sound segment(s) during playback processing; variable placement of sound segment(s) during playback processing; the spawning of group(s) of alternative sound segments from initiating sound segment(s); and the combining and/or mixing of alternative sound segments in one or more sound channels. MIDI-like variable compositions and the variable use of sound segments comprised of a timed sequence of MIDI-like commands are also disclosed.
US09040799B2 Techniques for analyzing parameters of a musical performance
Techniques for analyzing a musical performance of a sequence of events. The events have parameters, such as timing, pitch and dynamics. A processor inputs (1-2) the performance; accesses (1-4) a standard performance of the musical piece; identifies (1-6) and compares (1-8) mutually corresponding events and determines (1-10) one of a set of classes: correct”, “low” or “high”. A current marker is displayed on an area of a display. The marker's position depends on the classification and the position of the previous marker, whereby trends and changes in performance accuracy are easily detected during performance.
US09040791B1 Wheat variety W030377L1
A wheat variety designated W030377L1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W030377L1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W030377L1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W030377L1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W030377L1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W030377L1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US09040790B2 Variety corn line FF7354
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated FF7354, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line FF7354 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line FF7354, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line FF7354, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09040784B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH715413
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH715413. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH715413, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH715413 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 CH715413.
US09040783B2 Barley cultivar BG-161
A barley cultivar, designated BG-161, is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, and hybrids of barley cultivar BG-161, and methods for producing a barley plant produced by crossing plants from barley cultivar BG-161 with themselves or plants from another barley variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a barley plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic barley plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to barley varieties derived from barley cultivar BG-161, to methods for producing other barley varieties, lines or plant parts derived from barley cultivar BG-161, and to the barley plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid barley seeds and plants produced by crossing barley cultivar BG-161 with another barley cultivar.
US09040781B1 Soybean variety XB52J13
A novel soybean variety, designated XB52J13 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB52J13, cells from soybean variety XB52J13, plants of soybean XB52J13, and plant parts of soybean variety XB52J13. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB52J13 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB52J13, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB52J13, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB52J13. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB52J13 are further provided.
US09040778B2 Soybean cultivar 131TD735
A soybean cultivar designated 131TD735 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 131TD735, to the plants of soybean 131TD735, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 131TD735 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 131TD735 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 131TD735, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 131TD735 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 131TD735 with another soybean cultivar.
US09040775B2 Method for modifying plant architecture and enhancing plant biomass and/or sucrose yield
The present invention relates to methodology and constructs for modifying plant architecture and enhancing plant biomass and/or sucrose yield.
US09040774B2 Recombinant DNA constructs encoding ribonuclease cleavage blockers and methods for modulating expression of a target gene
This invention provides recombinant DNA constructs and methods for manipulating expression of a target gene that is regulated by a small RNA, by interfering with the binding of the small RNA to its target gene. More specifically, this invention discloses recombinant DNA constructs encoding cleavage blockers, 5-modified cleavage blockers, and translational inhibitors useful for modulating expression of a target gene and methods for their use. Further disclosed are miRNA targets useful for designing recombinant DNA constructs including miRNA-unresponsive transgenes, miRNA decoys, cleavage blockers, 5-modified cleavage blockers, and translational inhibitors, as well as methods for their use, and transgenic eukaryotic cells and organisms containing such constructs.
US09040769B2 Absorbent article
An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin and the like, constituted of an absorbing body between permeable (skin contact surface) and impermeable (skin non-contact surface) sheets, is provided with intermittent recess grooves formed in a longitudinal direction on the absorbent article on the skin non-contact surface side of the absorbing body, a plurality of laterally elongated peripheral embosses formed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article on absorbent body areas located peripherally to the recess grooves, and an absorbing body deficit portion formed at least between the recess grooves. Thus achieved are close contact with buttock cleavage and prevention of leakage to the rear.
US09040768B2 Method for limiting the degassing of tritiated waste issued from the nuclear industry
A method and device for limiting the degassing of tritiated waste issued from the nuclear industry are provided. The method reduces an amount of generated tritiated hydrogen (T2 or HT) and/or tritiated water (HTO or T2O) including at least one piece of tritiated waste from the nuclear industry. The method includes placing the package in contact with a mixture including manganese dioxide (MnO2) combined with a component that includes silver; and placing the package in contact with a molecular sieve.
US09040767B2 Resin volume reduction processing system and resin volume reduction processing method
The cost relating to a reduction in volume and storage of a waste resin including a radioactive nuclide is reduced. In an aspect of the invention, a volume reduction processing system 1000 is provided. The volume reduction processing system 1000 includes a radioactivity meter 102 that measures the radioactivity of a processing target resin, a volume reduction processing device 110 that carries out a heating process, and an oxidation process using oxygen plasma P on the processing target resin, and a process stopping point computation unit 180 that determines a process stopping point for carrying out a volume reduction process on the processing target resin with the volume reduction processing device as far as a volume reduction target value. The volume reduction processing device 110 stops at least one process of the heating process and oxidation process on the process stopping point being reached.
US09040766B2 Method for the manufacture of branched saturated hydrocarbons
The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of branched saturated hydrocarbons, said method comprising the steps where a feed comprising olefins having at least 10 carbons is simultaneously hydrogenated and isomerized in the presence of hydrogen at a temperature of 100-400° C., under hydrogen partial pressure of 0.01-10 MPa, in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal selected from the metals of Group VIIIb of the Periodic Table of Elements, a molecular sieve selected from ten member ring molecular sieves, twelve member ring molecular sieves and mesoporous molecular sieves embedded with zeolite, and a carrier, to yield branched saturated hydrocarbons.
US09040765B2 Methods and apparatuses for isomerization of paraffins
Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for isomerization of paraffins are provided. In one example, a method comprises the steps of separating an isomerization effluent into a product stream that comprises branched paraffins and a stabilizer vapor stream that comprises HCl, H2, and C6-hydrocarbons. C6-hydrocarbons are removed from the stabilizer overhead vapor stream to form a HCl and H2-rich stream. An isomerization catalyst is activated using at least a portion of the HCl and H2-rich stream to form a chloride-promoted isomerization catalyst. A paraffin feed stream is contacted with the chloride-promoted isomerization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen for isomerization of the paraffins.
US09040763B2 Method for quenching paraffin dehydrogenation reaction in counter-current reactor
A process is presented for quenching a process stream in a paraffin dehydrogenation process. The process comprises cooling a propane dehydrogenation stream during the hot residence time after the process stream leaves the catalytic bed reactor section. The process includes cooling and compressing the product stream, taking a portion of the product stream and passing the portion of the product stream to the mix with the process stream as it leaves the catalytic bed reactor section.
US09040761B2 Co-processing of biomass and synthetic polymer based materials in a pyrolysis conversion process
Disclosed is a process for biomass conversion which includes co-processing the biomass with thermoplastic and non-thermoplastic polymer based materials in a catalytic pyrolysis reactor to convert such to liquid hydrocarbons; wherein hydrogen atoms originating with the polymer materials can remove oxygen from oxygenated hydrocarbons produced in the conversion of the biomass in the reactor.
US09040760B2 Process for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
This invention provides a process for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, the process comprising: (1) a first reaction step of reacting hydrogen fluoride with at least one chlorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a chloropropane represented by Formula (1): CClX2CHClCH2Cl, wherein each X is the same or different and is CI or F, a chloropropene represented by Formula (2): CClY2CCl═CH2, wherein each Y is the same or different and is CI or F, and a chloropropene represented by Formula (3): CZ2═CClCH2Cl, wherein each Z is the same or different and is CI or F in a gas phase in the absence of a catalyst while heating; and (2) a second reaction step of reacting hydrogen fluoride with a reaction product obtained in the first reaction step in a gas phase in the presence of a fluorination catalyst while heating. According to the process of this invention, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) can be obtained with high selectivity, and catalyst deterioration can be suppressed.
US09040756B2 Process for producing 1,4-butanediol by hydrogenating dialkyl maleate in mixed liquid/vapor phase
A process for the production of 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran by catalytic hydrogenation of dialkyl maleates includes the following steps: a) hydrogenating a stream of dialkyl maleate in a first stage of reaction over suitable catalysts to produce dialkyl succinate; b) further hydrogenating the dialkyl succinate in a second stage of reaction, by using a different suitable catalyst, for producing mainly 1,4-butanediol, together with gamma-butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran as co-products. In both stages of reaction the conditions, as hydrogen/organic feed ratio, pressure and temperature, are such to maintain the reactors in mixed liquid/vapor phase.
US09040752B2 Process for producing ketones from fatty acids
The invention relates to a process for producing ketones or hydrocarbon base oil from fatty acids preferably derived from a biological origin or other renewable source. The process is directed at making an aliphatic ketone or a mixture of aliphatic ketones having 14 to 52 carbon atoms, comprising a ketonization reaction of a fatty acid in a vapor phase with a decarboxylation-coupling catalyst to provide ketones, which can be deoxygenated to give saturated hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof. Base oils and transportation fuels may be produced from the process herein.
US09040745B2 Process for producing fluorosulfuric acid aromatic-ring esters
A production process of a fluorosulfuric acid aromatic-ring ester according to the present invention includes reaction of an aromatic-ring hydroxyl compound with sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) in the presence of a tertiary amine except pyridine and methylpyridine. The sulfuryl fluoride, used as the reactant in the production process according to the present invention, is widely adapted as a fumigant and is easily available on a large scale. Further, the target compound can be obtained rapidly with a high yield under moderate reaction conditions in the production process according to the present invention. In this way, all of the prior art problems can be solved in the production process according to the present invention. The production process according to the present invention is thus particularly useful for industrial production of the fluorosulfuric acid aromatic-ring ester.
US09040744B2 Polycyclic organic compound, optically anisotropic film and method of production thereof
The polycyclic organic compounds which are substantially transparent for an electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectral range, an anisotropic optical film comprising at least one polycyclic organic compound and a method of producing thereof are disclosed. The polycyclic organic compounds have a general formula (I) wherein A and B are acid groups, n is the number of phenyl rings in the range from 3 to 10; m is 0, 1, 2 or 3; l is 1, 2, or 3, p is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, C is a counterion from a list comprising H+, NH+4, Na+, K+, Li+, Cs+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, La3+, Zn2+, Zr4+, Ce3+, Y3+, Yb3+, Gd3+, and any combination thereof; k is the number of counterions necessary for compensation of the negative electric charge equal to (−p).
US09040741B2 Catalytic dehydration of alcohols using non-volatile acid catalysts
A catalytic process for dehydration of an aliphatic C2-C6 alcohol to its corresponding olefin is disclosed. The process continuously flows through a reaction zone a liquid phase containing an aliphatic C2-C6 alcohol to contact a non-volatile acid catalyst at a reaction temperature and pressure to at least partially convert the aliphatic C2-C6 alcohol in the liquid phase to its corresponding olefin. The reaction pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure and the reaction temperature is above the boiling point of the olefin at reaction pressure, but below the critical temperature of the alcohol, and the olefin product is substantially in the gaseous phase. After the contacting step, the olefin containing gaseous phase is separated from the liquid phase. The invention also relates to catalytic processes such as a hydrolysis of an olefin to an alcohol, an esterification, a transesterification, a polymerization, an aldol condensation or an ester hydrolysis.
US09040737B2 Norbornene-ester-based derivative, method for preparing same, and uses thereof
The present invention relates to norbornene-ester-based derivatives, to a method for preparing same, and to the uses thereof. This compound may be used as a plasticizer which can replace a phthalate-based plasticizer.
US09040735B2 Process for making nitriles
The present invention relates to a process for hydrocyanating 3-pentenenitrile. The process can include feeding 3-pentenenitrile and HCN to a hydrocyanation reaction zone that includes a Lewis acid promoter, nickel, and a phosphorus-containing ligand. In various embodiments, the process can also include controlling water concentration within the hydrocyanation reaction zone sufficient to maintain a high activity of the ligand catalyst complex while recycling at least a portion of the ligand catalyst complex.
US09040731B2 Method for preparation of platinum-carbonyl-siloxane compounds
The invention relates to a method for preparation of platinum siloxane compounds containing at least one CO ligand molecule (Pt carbonyl siloxanes). The method comprises reacting gaseous carbon monoxide (CO) with a platinum siloxane compound, preferably a platinum vinyl-cyclosiloxane compound, in solution with an organic solvent. The method is straightforward and applicable to industrial scale. With this method, specific isomers of platinum carbonyl vinylcyclosiloxanes are prepared, in which the two η-2-ethenyl groups coordinated to the Pt atom are bonded in trans-configuration relative to the cyclosiloxane backbone. The Pt compounds obtained by the method are used as catalysts for hydrosilylation and for crosslinking and curing of siloxanes and silanes.
US09040730B2 Purification of triglyceride oil from microbial sources using short path distillation
Disclosed is a process for reducing the amount of sterol in a sterol-containing microbial oil composition, including distilling, under short path distillation conditions, a sterol-containing microbial oil wherein said distillation produces a distillate fraction containing the sterol and a triacylglycerol-containing fraction having a reduced amount of the sterol when compared to the amount of sterol in the sterol-containing microbial oil composition that has not been subjected to short path distillation.
US09040729B2 Processes of preparing estolide compounds that include removing sulfonate residues
Provided herein are processes of preparing sulfonated estolide compounds, and the removal of sulfonate residues from those compounds to provide desulfonated estolide base oils. Exemplary sulfonated estolide compounds include those selected from the formula: wherein z is an integer selected from 0 to 15; q is an integer selected from 0 to 15; x is, independently for each occurrence, an integer selected from 0 to 20; y is, independently for each occurrence, an integer selected 0 to 20; n is equal to or greater than 0; R6 is selected from —OH, optionally substituted alkyl, and optionally substituted aryl; and R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched, wherein each fatty acid chain residue of said compounds is independently optionally substituted.
US09040725B2 Benzocycloheptane and benzoxepine derivatives
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I) including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification and the claims; a N-oxide thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof; provided that the compound is other than or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The claimed compounds are useful for the treatment of a disease, the treatment of which is affected, mediated or facilitated by activating the GHS1A-r receptor. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions thereof and processes for the preparation thereof.
US09040723B2 Method of synthesizing a substantially monodispersed mixture of oligomers
The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing oligomeric compounds, and more particularly, to methods of synthesizing oligomer compounds comprising polyethylene glycol moieties. The present invention provides improved methods for synthesizing oligomers comprising polyethylene glycol moieties. Methods according to embodiments of the present invention may utilize reaction conditions that are milder, efficacious than those taught by conventional methods.
US09040720B2 Organic compound, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
A novel substance with which an increase in life and emission efficiency of a light-emitting element can be achieved is provided. A carbazole compound having a structure represented by General Formula (G1) is provided. Note that a substituent which makes the HOMO level and the LUMO level of a compound in which a bond of the substituent is substituted with hydrogen deep and shallow, respectively is used as each of substituents in General Formula (G1) (R1, R2, Ar3, and α3). Further, a substituent which makes the band gap (Bg) and the T1 level of a compound in which a bond of the substituent is substituted with hydrogen wide and high is used as each of the substituents in General Formula (G1) (R1, R2, Ar3, and α3).
US09040717B2 Pyrazole-amide compounds and pharmaceutical use thereof
A compound represented by the following formula: wherein n is 1 or 2, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutical use thereof.
US09040712B2 Thiadiazole analogs thereof and methods for treating SMN-deficiency-related-conditions
The present invention provides a compound of Formula (X) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US09040711B2 Processes for the preparation of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles
Provided herein are processes for the preparation of 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles and salts thereof comprising reacting a N-hydroxyamidine with an acyl chloride in a reaction mixture comprising a water-immiscible organic solvent and an aqueous base at relatively low reaction temperatures.
US09040709B2 Method for producing pyridazinone compounds and intermediate thereof
The present invention relates to a novel method for producing a pyridazinone compound and an intermediate thereof as shown in the following scheme: wherein the symbols are as defined in the specification.
US09040705B2 Preparation of saturated ketone morphinan compounds
The present invention provides processes for the preparation of saturated ketone morphinan compounds. In particular, the invention provides processes for the conversion of a morphinan comprising an allyl alcohol ring moiety into a morphinan comprising a saturated ketone ring moiety by an isomerization reaction catalyzed by an inorganic salt of a late transition metal.
US09040704B2 Fluorescent dyes with large stokes shifts
Herein are disclosed fluorescent dyes based around a framework for a ligand comprising a pyridyl group linked to a diaryl anilido unit. A variety of ligands based on this framework are disclosed. The ligands chelate to a BF2 center to produce the fluorescent dye. The disclosed dyes combine longer Stokes shifts (approximately 100 nm) with increased quantum yields. They are also photostable in aqueous and organic solutions for several hours. These dyes may be used in the labeling of biomolecules for bioimaging and assays. Also disclosed are methods for the synthesis of these dyes.
US09040702B1 Luminescent platinum(II) complexes with biazolate chelates
A platinum complex of a formula (I): where R1 and R2 are each fluoroalkyl, X is C—H or nitrogen, and L1 is a bidentate, nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic ligand.
US09040701B2 Apaf-1 inhibitor compounds
Derivatives of 2,5-piperazinedione of formula (I) are apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (Apaf-1) inhibitors, therefore they are useful as active pharmaceutical ingredients for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a pathological and/or physiological condition associated with an increase of apoptosis.
US09040699B2 Method for preparing cyclopropane derivatives
The present invention relates to the preparation of cyclopropane derivatives, in particular 2-amino-9-[[(1S,2R)-1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]-4,8-dihydro-1H-purin-6-one, especially via the [(1S,7R)-4-phenyl-3,5-dioxabicyclo[5.1.0]octan-1-yl]methanol intermediate.
US09040696B2 Method for preparing rosuvastatin salts
The present invention is related to methods for the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of (+)-7-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-(methanesulfonyl-methyl-amino)-pyrimidin-5-yl]-(3R,5S,6E)-dihydroxy-hept-6-enoic acid, intermediates thereof and methods for producing said intermediates.
US09040695B2 Acid addition salts of risperidone and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
The present invention relates to a novel acid addition salt of risperidone, wherein acid counterion is selected from the group consisting of pamoic acid, caproic acid, cypionic acid, decanoic acid, camphor sulfonic acid, enanthic acid, palmitic acid, fusidic acid, gluceptic acid, gluconic acid, lactobionic acid, lauric acid, levulinic acid and valeric acid, a process for the preparation and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. Further, the invention relates to the use of said pharmaceutical composition comprising the acid addition salt of risperidone in the treatment of patient suffering from psychotic disorders.
US09040693B2 Fused heterocyclic derivative, medicinal composition containing the same, and medicinal use thereof
The present invention provides a compound useful as an agent for the prevention or treatment of a sex hormone-dependent disease or the like. That is, the present invention provides a fused heterocyclic derivative represented by the following general formula (I), a pharmaceutical composition containing the same, a medicinal use thereof and the like. In the formula (I), ring A represents 5-membered cyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon or 5-membered heteroaryl; RA represents halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carboxy, alkoxy, carbamoyl, alkylcarbamoyl or the like ; ring B represents aryl or heteroaryl; RB represents halogen, alkyl, carboxy, alkoxy, carbamoyl, alkylcarbamoyl or the like; E1 and E2 represent an oxygen atom or the like; U represents a single bond or alkylene; X represents a group represented by Y, —SO2—Y, —O—(alkylene)—Y, —O—Z in which Y represents Z, amino or the like; Z represents cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or the like; or the like.
US09040692B2 Substituted pyridine and pyrazine compounds as PDE4 inhibitors
The invention provides a chemical entity of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Y and Z have any of the values described herein, and compositions comprising such chemical entities; methods of making them; and their use in a wide range of methods, including metabolic and reaction kinetic studies, detection and imaging techniques, and radioactive treatments; and therapies, including inhibiting PDE4, enhancing neuronal plasticity, treating neurological disorders, providing neuroprotection, treating a cognitive impairment associated with a CNS disorder, enhancing the efficiency of cognitive and motor training, providing neurorecovery and neurorehabilitation, enhancing the efficiency of non-human animal training protocols, and treating peripheral disorders, including inflammatory and renal disorders.
US09040690B2 2,3,5-trisubstituted thiophene compounds and uses thereof
The present invention provides a compound of formula I: a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US09040689B2 Compounds useful as ligands and particularly as organic chromophores for complexing lanthanides and applications thereof
The invention relates to the use of compounds comprising at least one 2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine unit, of formula (I) below: as ligands for lanthanides and, more especially, as organic chromophores for complexing these elements. It also relates to lanthanide complexes using these compounds as complexing organic chromophores, and to new compounds containing one or more 2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)pyridine units, which are useful as ligands for lanthanides and, in particular, as organic chromophores for complexing these elements.Applications: photonics and optoelectronics, especially for forming light-emitting devices such as electroluminescent diodes; biology, as for example for the preparation of luminescent probes.
US09040687B2 Process for the preparaton of novel porphyrin derivatives and their use as PDT agents and fluorescence probes
The present invention provides novel porphyrin derivatives represented by the general formula 1 and/or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof as NIR sensitizers for photodynamic therapeutic and diagnostic, biological and industrial applications. These porphyrin derivatives possess absorption (400-700 nm) and emission (600-750 nm) in the regions where biological chromophores do not absorb and hence are ideal candidates for application as NIR PDT agents and fluorescence sensors for medicinal applications in biology. The substituents like hydroxyl and glycolic units on these dyes render them amphiphilicity thereby improving their solubility in the aqueous media and cellular uptake and localization. These dyes show no toxicity in the dark and are highly selective towards tumor cells and stain nucleus very rapidly. Accordingly, these porphyrin derivatives are extremely useful as NIR PDT fluorescence sensors in photodynamic therapeutic and diagnostic, biological and industrial applications.
US09040686B2 Coating agent comprising hydroxyalkyl cellulose
A coating agent containing a hydroxyalkyl cellulose in which a content of hydroxyalkoxy groups within the hydroxyalkyl cellulose is within a range of 40 to 50% by mass, preferably a coating agent containing a hydroxyalkyl cellulose in which the content of hydroxyalkoxy groups is within a range of 40 to 50% by mass and also a viscosity of 2% aqueous solution at 20° C. is within a range of 3.0 to 5.9 mPa·s; and a solid preparation coated with the coating agent.
US09040685B2 Cellulose interpolymers and method of oxidation
This invention provides cellulose ester interpolymers, and methods of oxidizing cellulose interpolymers and cellulose ester interpolymers. The invention also provides routes to access carboxylated cellulose ester derivatives with high acid numbers wherein the carboxyl group is attached directly to the cellulose backbone by a carbon-carbon bond. Through functionalization of an intermediate aldehyde, the corresponding cationic or zwitterionic cellulose ester derivatives can also be accessed. The interpolymers of the present invention have a number of end-use applications, for example, as binder resins in various types of coating compositions and as drug delivery agents.
US09040682B2 Flame retardant cellulose
Flame retardant cellulose is prepared comprising cellulose fibers and an organophosphate compound bonded to the cellulose fibers. Accordingly, the bonded phosphate-functional group provides the cellulose fibers with pendant phosphate ester functionality. Numerous phosphate derivatives can be envisaged that will accomplish the intended task.
US09040681B2 Method for producing cationized cellulose and method for producing cationized hydroxyalkyl cellulose
A production method of a cationized cellulose or a cationized hydroxyalkylcellulose, including step 1 for adding a cationizing agent to cellulose and mechanically decrystallizing the cellulose and step 2 for adding a basic compound to the mixture obtained in step 1 and mechanically decrystallizing the cellulose, or a production method of a cationized cellulose or a cationized hydroxyalkylcellulose, including a step 3 for adding a basic compound to cellulose and mechanically decrystallizing the cellulose and step 4 for adding a cationizing agent to the mixture obtained in step 3 and mechanically decrystallizing the cellulose. The cellulose and the cationizing agent are allowed to react with each other in step 2 or step 4.
US09040680B2 Cellulose ethers having reactive anchor group, modified cellulose ethers obtainable therefrom and methods for the preparation thereof
Non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ethers modified with 3-azido-2-hydroxypropyl groups bound via an ether link are provided having a molar degree of substitution MSAHP in the range from 0.001 to 0.50. Exemplary cellulose ethers are alkyl celluloses, including methyl, hydroxyalkyl (e.g. hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl) or alkylhydroxyalkyl cellulose (e.g. methylhydroxyethyl). Reaction products with alkyne compounds are also provided, resulting in a terminal alkyne group. The reaction of azide with the alkyne proceeds as a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, advantageously with Cu(I) or ruthenium catalysts. A multiplicity of cellulose ethers can be obtained from the conversion reaction. Variations in the macroscopic properties can be achieved by controlled modification, ranging from increased or reduced viscosity. The reaction, taking place within a few seconds, requires only minimal catalyst. Gel formation is reversible by adjustment of the pH such that a monophasic system (high-viscous fluid) arises again from a biphasic system (gel+low-viscous water phase).
US09040671B2 Methods for cancer management targeting Co-029
The present disclosure relates to a Co-029 inhibitor for inhibiting the migration of cancer cells which express Co-029. The disclosure relates to a Co-029 inhibitor for the treatment of cancer and/or the prevention of cancer metastasis and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said inhibitor and provides Co-029 antibodies. The disclosure provides a method for predicting the response of a patient afflicted with or susceptible to be afflicted with cancer to a medical treatment with a Co-029 inhibitor, a method for diagnosing a cancer in a patient and a method for predicting the survival in a cancer patient.
US09040670B2 Monoclonal thyroid stimulating or blocking antibodies, peptide sequences corresponding to their variable regions, and their uses in diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic medicine
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) having thyroid stimulating activity (TSAb), especially full or considerably agonistic activity, or thyroid blocking activity (TBAb), which are obtainable by genetic immunization of mice, or fragments (F(ab′)2, Fab or Fv) or humanized forms of such monoclonal antibodies or single chain forms (SCA; scFv) of such fragments, which antibodies, or their fragments, compete with bovine TSH for epitopes of the human TSHr, compete with autoantibodies from sera from Graves' patients as well as with autoantibodies from sera from patients harboring blocking autoantibodies for epitopes of the human TSHr, bind to conformational epitopes of the human TSHr located in the first 281 amino acids of the human TSHr, and usually also bind to TSFR receptors (TSHr) from different animals. Various uses of such antibodies, or of peptides corresponding to variable regions of such antibodies, are also described and claimed.
US09040669B2 HLA-restricted, peptide-specific antigen binding proteins
Antigen binding proteins with T cell receptor-like paratopes, that is, with an antigen binding region specific for an human leukocyte antigen-A2 restricted peptide are disclosed. The antigen binding proteins encompass antibodies in a variety of forms, including full-length antibodies, substantially intact antibodies, Fab fragments, F(ab′)2 fragments, and single chain Fv fragments. Fusion proteins, such as scFv fusions with immunoglobulin or T-cell receptor domains, incorporating the specificity of the antigen binding region for each peptide are also contemplated by the invention. Furthermore, immunoconjugates may include antibodies to which is linked a radioisotope, fluorescent or other detectable marker, cytotoxin, or other molecule are also encompassed by the invention. Among other things, immunoconjugates can be used for delivery of an agent to elicit a therapeutic effect or to facilitate an immune effector function.
US09040664B2 Materials and methods for preparing protein-polymer conjugates
The invention is directed to a single-step method for rapidly and efficiently preparing protein-polymer conjugates, including an insulin-polymer conjugate. According to the method of the present invention, a protein and hydrophilic polymer are contacted in the presence of at least one organic solvent and at least one metal chelator, under conditions that promote the formation of a conjugate of the protein and polymer. Thus, the invention is directed to the site-specific modification of selected proteins, such as insulin, with poly(ethylene glycol) at residue PheB1. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical formulation for encapsulating the conjugate in a biodegradable polymer.
US09040658B2 Thiol-selective water-soluble polymer derivatives
The present invention provides water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus suitable for selective coupling to thiol groups, such as those contained in the cysteine residues of proteins, as well as methods for preparing the water-soluble, polymer derivatives having a thiol-selective terminus.
US09040649B2 Coatings repairable by introduction of energy
The present invention relates to coating compositions repairable by introduction of energy and comprising defined fatty acid esters, to coatings obtained therewith and repairable by introduction of energy, to methods of producing them, and to their use.